Ono Enraged. 39

The sound of someone screaming woke Shayn up from his cold sleep. He sat up and realized he was sitting in a puddle of water and he was all wet. He looked around his eyes getting use to the darkness and knew he wasn't in the cave where he had fallen asleep. He reached up to rub his eyes and felt something heavy and cold around his wrist. He held them out to look and found he had been chained. Shayn pulled the chained and found them attached to the wall. Where was he? What had happened he wondered?

Suddenly another scream rang though the darkness. Shayn turned and backed himself against the wall. Looking around he noticed he was in some kind of small cell. There was straw on the floor in the corner and a bucket of stale water for him to drink. The cell smelled of waste and garbage and there were bones littering the floor. He looked to his left and saw there was a window where fresh air flowed in and on the other side a door of bars where a faint light glowed for beyond. He walked to the window and looked out. The moon was bright tonight and he could see pretty far out across the fields. He was high up in some sort of tower or something, he knew just where he was. This had to be that stack he had seen the day before. Lilia had said it was Lord Magu's home and for him to stay clear of it. As he moved to the door for a look out he felt something strange around his neck. He reached up and felt more cold metal. He was wearing some kind of strange collar.
Someone had locked him away in chains. He knew he was in trouble. Somehow the Savonti must have found them and taken him away. Then a thought hit him. Ono, Where was he? Shayn closed his eyes and reached out for the link to his mate. He searched deep in his mind but there was nothing there. He couldn't feel him at all. In all the days since they became mates Shayn had never gone a second without the feel of Ono in his mind, now there was nothing. Does this mean he's dead? No, he couldn't be, he wouldn't accept that. Not now, not ever. He had to get out of there and go find him. He walked to the window and tried the bars. They were tight. If he shifted to his dragon form he could use Blink's shadow powers and slip out of the chains and away into the shadows and go back to the cave where he left Ono. He had to be there looking for him.
Shayn closed his eyes and concentrated on the change. He felt the tingling that he usually felt and the shift began then pain exploded it his head. He screamed clutching his head and fell to his knees. With his head throbbing he lay there in the cool darkness and let the pain subside. He couldn't shift. He knew his dragon was still with him but for some reason he couldn't shift forms. But what of all the other magic he knew. Could he use any of his magic? He tried simple gesture magic and nothing happened. Next he tried a spell to bring a light orb into existence and again, nothing happened. Shayn sat down depressed as he realized he was helpless. He had nothing now but his natural dragon strentgh. None of his magic worked and he was trapped here by some strange Savonti lord. He knew he was really in trouble, but he wouldn't give up. He'd been in trouble before and this was not that different. He would find a way. Drobi had taught him as a child that magic was a tool just like a shovel or a pencil. You use it as best you can but it's not the most important tool he had. His mind was. As long as he was calm and thought clearly, there was nothing he couldn't do.

Deep down in the bowels Of Magu's stack, Mar woke up. He looked around and knew he wasn't in the cave anymore with the others. From the smell of the air he had to be in a Savonti lair in some cell. He sat up and saw Xan over in the corner lying there still asleep. On all fours he crawled over and shook his brother awake. With a start Xan's eyes opened.
"Shh!!" He held his hands over Xan's mouth. "We're in trouble."
Looking around Xan knew he was right. Mar released him and helped him to sit up.
"Where are we?"
"Magu's stack I think." Mar stood and helped his brother up. "They must have come while we were sleeping."
"What about the others?" Xan asked. "Drella? Shayn and Ono?"
"I don't know." He answered. "They're either still in the cave dead or here somewhere."
"What do you think he's going to do with us?"
"I'm going to ransom you both back to your father." Mar and Xan turned and there Magu stood outside the barred cell door smiling at them with his wings wrapped around him like a cloak. "He misses his two favorite sons and wants them back. He wants you so bad I think I can get anything I want of him."
"Father won’t pay you." Mar walked to the door snarling at the Sky lord. "He'll come in mass and rip this stack down around your damned ears"
"I don't think so." Magu laughed. "I've taken steps."
"Where are our friends?" Xan shouted.
"The humans?" Magu asked. "What do I care about petty humans. They're nothing to me but a meal and I have plenty of food here. But the light haired one, he's more interesting. Daru will pay handsomely for the katala. I have sent a messenger to Darul for him to come at once"
Rage filled Mar as he listened to Magu's boasting. He had gone from one evil tyrants hands to another and he was tired of them all. Shayn and Ono were right, it was time for the Savonti lords to fall and Mar wanted to do all he could to help bring them down.
"Magu." He said boldly. "You are the most cowardly of all the lords. I spit in your face and challenge you for lord of these lands. Face me coward!"
"You challenge me?" Magu laughed."You who are armauk to all Savonti and friend to humans think you can challenge the lord of this house? Neither of you have that right anymore. Now you’re both as low as the humans you so love. But fear not. Your father will be here soon enough to take you back to his happy home. So rest comfortably and enjoy your last days of so called freedom."
Laughing Magu turned and walked away. Mar stepped to the door and shook the bars screaming out his rage. Xan sat down and slumped defeated. He knew Lord Lesu would be here in less than two turns, he didn't see any hope.
"What now Mar?"
"I'm not going back to Lesul." Mar told him. "I'll see them both dead first."
"Then we have to get passed that door." Mar came over and sat with his brother. "What then?"
"Then we find Shayn and get out of here." Mar said. "I think we have work to do him and I."
"And the locked door" Xan asked.
"Let me worry about that." Mar smiled." I have a way with locks."

After Lilia explained everything that happened and Cutter told them all about the Academy being on Pentanthin Ono paced the cave trying to think of what they should do.
"There's only one answer." He said. "We have to go after them tonight."
"We could get help from the Academy." Cutter said. "It wouldn't take Blink long to get here through shadow."
"You forget." Ono said. "Blink has to have been here to come in shadow. He can't just pop into places he's never been even if we guide him. He'll still have to fly here before he can bring others through and we don't have time for him to fly here."
"Then it's just the two of us." Cutter stood and faced Ono.
"Four of us." A voice sounded from the cave entrance. Cutter and Ono turned to see who it was that had joined them.
"Ozmun!"
In the door way Ozmun stood along with Magda Rangar looking like they had been riding a long distance.
"It's about time you found us." Ono rushed to the entrance and hugged his friend.
"I came as soon as I got Lilia's message." He smiled greeting Ono. "What happened?"
"We were raided by Lord Magu." Lilia stood and walked over to greet him."Nazun, Ozmun. I guess your mission was a success."
"Yes" He turned to Magda beside him. "My I introduce Magda Rangar, Leader of the Rangar Clan in Lesu."
"Nazun." She nodded to them all as they introduced themselves.
"And who is this?" Ozmun gestured to Cutter. "Another stranger to Pentanthin?"
"Yes." He said shaking Ozmun's hand. "I'm Cutter one of Shayn and Ono's clan. I heard his call and came immediately."
"Would you be a wolf like Ono or a dragon like Shayn?"
"Dragon." Cutter bowed smiling.
"So we fight Lord Magu." Ozmun said. "The winged one. This won't be an easy fight. He'll have his warriors and baebats in the air protecting his stack. It won't be easy getting there without them seeing us coming."
"Ozmun they have Shayn." Rage filled Ono making his whole body shake strangely. He'd never felt such anger before. "I don't care how many are out there. Nothing will stop me from ripping my way in to get him out."
Cutter looked at Ono. There was something strange about him. His anger was doing something to him. Changing him somehow. He had a feeling he knew just what was happening to him and it was about time.
"I can hear all your minds." Lilia told them “I’ll stay close and direct you through the stack. We have three to get out not just Shayn."
"Three?" Ozmun looked at them confused. "Who else is in there?"
Silence filled the room as Ozmun looked at each of them. Ono knew how much Ozmun hated the Savonti. How were they supposed to tell him he had to go risk his life to free two of the very people he hated so much?
"We need to talk." Lilia reached for Ozmun's arm and guided him out of the cave where she would explain the rest of what he needed to know. Ono didn't envy her. He knew Ozmun wouldn't like it. But there was someone here that might help.
"Drella, Juelz. Go help Lilia. She's going to need your help."
Drella took Juelz hand and led him out of the cave. If anyone could make him understand, two humans that cared for a Savonti would do it.

With Lilia on his arm Ozmun stepped out of the cave. It was a clear cool night with a bright moon glowing high in the sky. Once outside Ozmun turned to see Drella and Juelz following them. He wondered what was going on.
"Two others were taken with Shayn." Lilia told him. "Two very important warriors to Pentanthin's future."
"If they're as important as you say." He said. "Don't worry. I'll get them free. Who are they? What's the mystery here?"
"There's no other way to tell you Ozmun." Ozmun for once wished he could look into Lilia's eyes, but he couldn't. They were covered with her blindfold.
"They are the son's of Lord Lesu." Drella told him. "Two Savonti warriors."
"WHAT!!" Ozmun's eyes flared with anger. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You want me to bring back two of those man eaters?"
"No." Drella said. "I want you to save my mate. The most important person in my life. The one that kept me from being tortured, worked to death, raped and eaten. They're not all raving killers Ozmun. There are some that treat us with respect."
"Mar fed me when I was starving." Juelz said tearfully. "He fought for me. No one's ever done that before. He's my friend."
"He's a Savonti! They eat us!"
"Not Mar and Xan!" Drella shouted at him. "They're different!"
"Mar only eats vegetables" Juelz started crying. Drella hugged him to her side soothing him.
"Ozmun, Savonti are like humans." Lilia reminded him. "And like human not all of them are evil. Some have hearts and souls and know compassion."
Cutter walked out and joined them. He had heard what was going on and wanted to add his own opinion.
"On my world in some parts Ono would be killed on sight for being a werewolf. " He said. "We dragons have been hunted in some parts. I have friends that live on blood, but that doesn't make them evil. It's your deeds that make you what you are and if what I'm hearing about this Mar and Xan is true, then they deserve a chance. Don't you think so?"
"Please help my friend." Juelz looked up at him with tears streaking down his cheeks.
Ozmun looked at the four in front of him. It was hard to believe what they were saying but he knew they could be right. There were humans that had done things in the past that made them just as bad as the Savonti. He remembered some while he was a captive of Daru that killed others and even fed on them. Maybe, just maybe he was wrong. But he would keep a watch on them.
"I trust you Lilia." Ozmun said. He reached down and picked up Juelz. "I'll bring him back for you, I promise. Then we all need to have a long talk.”

Tabor Larin hated everything about the Academy now. None of his friends were here. He didn't even have Zarin and his creepy buddies to pick on. Worst of all he had to act nice, he couldn't be the bully he loved being. He had made a few new so called friends, well not really friends. He hated these do gooders he had to room with. But he did have Rush under his spell. With the right encouragement he just might have someone useful to carry out his orders. He wished Craven was here. That weak minded fool would do anything he asked. And Elan with his hatred for his mother. He was so easy to manipulate into things. He wondered what he and Aron were doing without him telling them what to do. They were probably stuck somewhere in Darkshade under arrest after his mother had caught them in bed somewhere. Yeah he knew their secret. Tabor was holding that card just in case he needed it for some future use. With a little luck, he still might be able to use it sometime in the future when he finally got back home.
But his mind was wandering. He had more important things to do here. Like finding that damned ring and causing as much trouble for the Dragons that were here running the academy. Tabor knew his compulsion spell would work on a few cadets, but not on any of the professors. They were far to powerful for that. But if he found the ring, he'd have all the power he needed to rip control of this place right from under their feet. All he really needed was a few more cadets under his power to search and to keep anyone from catching him.
Thank the gods his disguise worked so well and no one recognized him. Unfortunately there was one here that might see through his disguise. That damned Jovan had been the only one to survive the battle during the move to Pentanthin. He hadn't seen him since he had used the disguise spell. But still there was a chance Jovan might be able to recognize him. Tabor would just have to be careful. He had far too much planned to fail now.

High on a hill in Lesul, Paesh sat on his tracker with Lesu and more than twenty five of his warriors. Behind them were the cages they would use to collect the clansmen Lesu would be taking with him. The plan was that after Lesu's raid, Paesh would return and bring back a few of the clan that would claim he had saved them form the cages. He would've fought successfully and killed a few Savonti and now he was back to take control after Magda's unsuccessful leadership. He figured being the hero no one would deny him and he could make Magda his if he wanted. But things would not go his way tonight or ever again.
From the top of the bluff Paseh could see the camp. there were tents there and fires burning but he didn't see anyone out wake. Strange that everyone would be asleep he thought.
"Go." Lesu ordered.
Quietly his warriors charged down and entered the camp. One by one the tents were torn down to reveal nothing but an empty camp. Not a soul could be found there asleep or awake.
"What is this?" Lesu thundered to Paesh. "Where are they?"
"I don't understand." Paesh stammered. "They were here where I left to meet you. They have to be there somewhere!"
"You think me a fool human?" Lesu lashed out striking Paesh and knocking him from his tracker. "DO I LOOK THE FOOL TO YOU?"
"No my lord!!" He cried. "We can find them. We just have to search."
"If I have to search for my prey." He leaned down to stare at Paesh. "Then I only need you now for one thing. Dinner! Take him to the cages!"
"No please Lord Lesu." Paesh cried as he was dragged away. "I can find them. Mercy please!"
"I have none human. None for your kind." Lesu turned his tracker and gave orders to send a few warriors out to search and for the rest to return home. As he watched his warriors turn the cages to leave, a baebats came flying out of the night to land in a tree above him. Lesu looked up at the curious animal and it hopped from the tree and came down to land on his shoulder. Lesu knew many lords kept baebats as messengers, and it seemed this one had something tied to its leg. He grabbed the animal and ripped off the leg with the message then fed the thing to his tracker. He opened the message and read it.

Nazun Lord Lesu.
I have something in my possession I think you may be looking for. Your armauk sons. I'm sure that we as lords can agree on a payment adequate enough for their return. Come to Magul if you wish your sons back. Bring no more than ten of your warriors with you. Anymore and there will be war.
The Sky Lord.
Magu.

"Clo. Rev!" He called to his two chief lieutenants. “It looks like we're going to Magul."

The light of the twin sun’s of Pentanthin woke Shayn as he lay on the straw in his cell. He sat up and looked around remembering where he was. It seemed last night wasn't a dream, he really was a captive of the Savonti. He stood up and walked to the window to feel the sunlight on his face. It felt so good. Not many knew it but sunlight gave dragons strength. He could already feel it radiating through his body making him stronger. Shayn wondered if the sunlight could help power his magic too. Maybe with enough time in the sun's light he could become strong enough to break out of these chains. He reached out with his magic and tried moving the water bucket. As he watched and strained it trembled for a second. He released his hold and smiled. It had worked. Maybe by nightfall he would be strong enough to try and escape this hell.
Quietly he sat down in the sun and concentrated on his next task. Finding out if Ono was alright. Calming himself he relaxed like Rage had taught him to slip into his dragon sleep and use his dreams to contact Ono. It didn't take long before he found himself as Gabriel flying through the skies with Ono on his back. Thank Rimnar in his dreams he could feel his love again.
[Your alive!] He said sending Ono his love. [I was so worried.]
[I failed you Shayn.] Ono hugged his neck. [It's my fault you were captured. I'm so sorry.]
[Don't be love. I know your coming for me. Now with this connection you'll be able to find me.]
[Yes we're coming.] Ono sent. [But tell me. Why haven't you shifted and broke out of there?]
[My magic's blocked.] He answered. [It's the sun that's giving me the power to dream. Hurry Ono. I don't know how long I have before something happens.]
[Cutter's here. We'll be there as soon as the sun sets. Just hold on.]
[I love you Ono.] The dream began to fade.
[I love you to too.] And he was gone.
Shayn opened his eyes to find he was being watched. He looked up at the Savonti staring at him.
"Who would you be?" Shayn asked.
"I would be your captor for now katala." The reptilian answered. "The Lord Magu."
"Why have you taken me Savonti?" Shayn asked. "I've done nothing to you."
"Your worth something to someone who will pay me a heavy ransom for you." Magu bragged. "Besides, as I hear it you’re a threat to my way of life and I can not have that now can I?"
"Oh I'm a threat alright." He said not moving an inch out of the sun beam he sat in. "The Savonti's days are done and there's nothing you can do about it."
"Is that so?" Magu frowned at him. "What if I kill you now?"
"You can try. You'll fail but go on and try. I'll just get stronger. Soon I'll be so strong that I'll be able to kill you with the wave of my hand. So please kill me now. I want you to."
Magu looked at him unsure of what his next move should be. He didn't know if the human was lying or could actually do what he said. Being the coward that he was, he couldn't take the chance that he was telling the truth.
"I will let Daru deal with you as soon as he gets here." Magu turned to walk off. "But we will see how powerful you are."
"Yes we will." Shayn called after. "Be assured we will!"

Deep in the dungeons two Magul warriors stood talking. They were discussing Magu's new acquisitions and the steps he had taken in the ransom of each of them. From his cell Mar listened quietly to the conversation.
"The master was lucky to find the sons of Lesu." He heard. "I hear they were hiding in a cave close to our border."
"Yes." The other warrior said. "In a few more frames they would have been gone and into Ramul and Magu would have lost his chance to catch them."
"Has Lesu been contacted yet?" Asked the first voice.
"Yes, he will arrive tomorrow early." Mar heard. "He rides tonight hard to negotiation the return of his two armauk sons."
"They deserve whatever punishment their lord has planned for them." The first voice replies. "To consider humans equal to Savonti is so absurd it's unthinkable."
"They will feel his tortures for many passes before he allows them the release of death I am sure."
"What of the katala Magu holds in the towers?" Mar strained his ears and held his breath to hear. That had to be Shayn they were talking about since Ono's hair was of a darker shade and Magu had called him lite haired.
"Daru comes for him." Mar heard. "He to should be here by sunrise. Magu is eager to by rid of it. The katala scares him."
"As it should. Who knows what the staz is capable of. He should just put it to death just to be sure."
"And make an enemy of Daru?" He said. "No, he made the right decision. Let Daru have it. That way Magu profits and Magu no longer has to worry about the thing."
"Have you nothing to do but gossip?" A new voice entered the guard room. "There are many things I can think of if you can not find something to do. The tracker stables need cleaning and you could be doing that instead of having the slaves do it. Find something to do now!"
"Yes sir!" Mar heard shuffling and a cell door slam close as the two warriors went on their way. Mar stepped away from the cell door. He had to digest all he had just heard. Lesu would be there soon. That meant it was time they got out of there. There wasn't anymore time to waste. Hurrying over to Xan he shook him awake.
"Xan, get up!"
"What is wrong?" He asked jumping up ready to fight.
"Father comes." He said. "We have to go."
"How?"
"I have an idea." Mar told him. "And I know two guards that will help us whether they like it or not."

In the pale moonlight two great winged beasts flew low over the forest heading north toward the tall stack of Magu. Ono rode the back of Cutter the fear dragon while Magda rode on the back of the changeling Ozmun. Back at the cave Drella and Juelz packed up any possessions they planned to take with them for once Shayn, Mar and Xan were free they might all have to move very fast. Lilia sat just inside the cave entrance deep in meditation her mind following the rescuers every move.
[Ozmun, I found a way in from the lowest level of the stack.] Lilia sent. [That will be your way in. Your to find Mar and Xan and get them out.]
[What of Magu?] Magda asked. [We let him live?]
[For now, yes.] Lilia answered. [To get the lord we'll need a much larger force to invade.]
[Then he better not get in my way.] Ono sent. All of them could feel his anger, it was so great. Cutter looked into Ono's fear and found nothing there. He was completely fearless like Rage when he was in his battle state.
[Ono, be careful.] Cutter sent. [Your anger is overwhelming right now. Use it wisely.]
[Don't worry Cutter.]
[Ono, you going in from above.] Lilia reminded him. [While Ozmun and Magda enter from bellow. I can only follow one party's route.]
[Cutter can track me from the skies and join me if he has to.] He told her. [You stay with Ozmun and warn him as he goes after Mar. I'll be fine.]
[Are you sure?]
[YES!] He growled scaring all of them with his rage. Cutter sent a probe into Ono to make sure he was alright. What he found pleased him. Deep in his chest he found a dragon heart beating. The change was getting closer now. It wouldn't be long. At long last his dragon may be emerging.

Down in their cell Mar and Xan waited. The suns had dropped from the sky, time moved swiftly and Lesu would be there in the morning. There was no time to waste. Out in the guardroom the two warriors Mar had heard earlier had just been replaced by the guards that had served them dinner. Now was Mar's time to move.
"We are leaving." He quietly told his brother.
"How?" Xan asked. "We have no weapons and the cell doors still locked."
"Xan what are the chances that the door is open?"
Xan turned to his brother confused. He had tried the door many times since Magu had locked them in. It was locked, there was no doubt about that. He walked to the door and tried it again. Locked.
"Locked like I said." Xan frowned at Mar. "We do not have time for this madness."
"Locked is it?" Mar stepped up to the door and took hold of the bars. Just then a spark ignited in the lock and smoke rose from its mechanism. With a push the door quietly swung open. Xan stared at Mar in shock at what he had just seen.
"You do have the powers of a true lord." He was amazed to what his brother had just done. "Father always said you were hiding something. Now I know he was right."
"Shh!" Mar put a finger to his mouth then waved Xan on. "We will surprise him one day."
Quietly Mar stepped out through the door. Together they crept down the hall and peeked around the corner. The two warriors were seated at a table with their backs to them not expecting any trouble from behind them as they ate their meal. Xan nodded to Mar and they rushed out and with a few quick blows overcame them easily.
"Hurry." Mar said. "Get their uniforms. We have to find Shayn and get out of here."

At the bottom of the stack Ozmun and Magda found the one place most Savonti never bothered to guard. The drainage pipe where the garbage and waste flowed out of their manse. Each pipe was big enough for a man to walk through and coming out of most manses there usually was at least three. Closed with a grate, they knew it would take strength greater than any man or Savonti other then Resu to move, so no guard would be needed to protect the exit. But they never thought about someone with the power of Magda Rangar trying to enter. With some concentration and the pull of many tiny force blast, the grate come open easy and they were in. Wading through the waste Lilia guided them through the maze of pipes easily to a room where slaves usually dumped all the refuse of the stack.
"This is a chance for us to free as many as we can." She told Ozmun as they entered the empty room.
[Magda I agree it would be the perfect time if we had a large invasion force with us.] Lilia sent. [But its to dangerous to go looking for the slave quarters. Magu must have hundreds of slaves. We can't slave them now. I promise we'll be back to free them all soon.]
"She's right Magda." Ozmun agreed. "As much as I'd like to, we have to be quiet and avoid being seen. We can't fight the whole stack tonight."
"We have to try." She said. "You know what Magu will do once we escape. He'll take it out on them. We have to give them some chance at least."
"We'll figure something out."
[I have checked all the rooms around you and found Mar.] Lilia sent. [He and Xan are in the rooms down the hall to the left of this room. But there are warriors between you and them.]
"How many?" Ozmun peeked out into the hall. There he saw two warriors standing watch outside a door.
[Just the two.]
Magda looked out and saw them. She raised her hand to her temple and closed her eyes in concentration. As Ozmun watched, the two warriors dropped their staffs and grabbed at their necks. Their eyes began to bulge as they choked and blood began to run from their mouths. Soon they fell to their knees gasping and died.
"Two dead warriors." Magda smiled. Checking to make sure there were no more they ran on to the room and quickly entered. There they found two warriors dressing and two lying on the floor. One of the warriors grabbed a staff and pointed it at them.
"Hold." Ozmun said. "Juelz sent me for you."
Slowly the warrior dropped the blast end of the staff down towards the floor
"Who are you?" Mar asked. Xan picked a staff and stood with his brother.
"Friends of Shayn and Ono." Ozmun told them. "We're here to get you out."
"Drella and Juelz are safe?" Xan asked."
"Yes." Magda said stepping out from behind Ozmun. "They're back at the cave. We should hurry."
"Then help me drag them back into the cells." Mar put down his staff and grabbed a guard." They will think it me and Xan if anyone checks on us."
Together they dragged the two guards back into the cell they had occupied and threw the dirty blankets over them and tucked them in. Once done Mar looked up to Magda who stood there with fire in her eyes. He could tell from the look in her eyes what she was thinking.
"I know that look." He said. "I have seen it all my life from every human I met but two. I do not blame you for hating my people. We hate them to Xan and I. And from now on we will be hunted. But you should know we all do not think that way, We are not all so cruel. We know some wish to do the right thing. Now we plan to go up into the stack to free Shayn. You can help us if you want, or you can go back the way you came in. Your choice."
"I don't think Shayn will need your help." Ozmun told them. "Ono's gone in to get him from above."
"By himself?" Mar stopped. "Is he mad? There are hundreds of warriors up there. He will not make it twenty feet before they are on him."
"How can we help? It's fifteen levels between us and where he planned to enter." Magda looked around. She could hear the sounds of cries and arguments. Warriors fighting amongst themselves. "Whatever we're going to do, we better move before all those warriors you’re talking about are down here with us."
Dressed in the house uniform of Magu's warriors, Mar quickly led them back to the refuse room where Ozmun and Magda had entered. They were on their way out. None of them could think of any way they could help Ono. Mar feared he would have to do it all on his own.
[Fear!] They all heard in their minds. [That's the answer!]
Mar jumped when he heard Lilia in his mind. But he recognized the feel of her mind and knew it was the wise blind woman they had befriended at the cave.
"Fear?" He asked. "How well that help?"
[Mar.] She sent. [Can you and Xan make it up to the top levels fast to help Ono if we can empty as many warriors as we can to clear your way?]
"I think so." He answered. "Yes, we can find our way. I am sure of it."
[Then go as fast as you can, now!]
Mar nodded. Then he and his brother Xan took their staffs and ran off wishing the others good luck.
[What about Magda and I?] Ozmun asked.
[Get out.] She told them. [Cutter will need your help outside. Hurry, Ono will be entering soon.]
"We're on our way!"
With that, Magda jumped down back into the pipes with Ozmun following and they headed out of the stack.

High in the night sky Cutter circled Magu's stack. All around them flew Magu's baebats but not one would dare fly near the great dragon of fear. This meant only one thing. Magu knew they were there.
[How do you plan to get Shayn out of there?] Cutter asked him.
[I'm going to enter through that opening there.] He pointed to a large opening all lit up. [Then go find Shayn. If anyone trys to stop me, you can guess what I'll do.]
[Ono.] Cutter tried to reason with him. [Let me go with you. There are too many in there to fight by yourself.]
"Look." Ono pointed at a group of winged creature coming towards them from below. "That must be Magu's resistance on its way. Drop me at the opening. I'll be fine on my own."
Tipping his wings Cutter dived down and hovered at the landing area and Ono leaped from his back. Shifting to his half wolf form Ono howled and dashed in ready for war.
Backing off from the stack Cutter roared his readiness for the fight ahead of him.
[Cutter.] Lilia sent.
[What Lilia?] He answered. [I'm about to be very busy.]
[Busier then you think.] She said. [I need you to help Ono just a bit.]
[How?]
[Can you project your fear into the stack to scare as many out as possible?] She asked. [We have to clear as many out of the stack as we can. Ono can't fight them all himself.]
[I know that Lilia.] Cutter watched the approach of Magu's warriors. They were winged Savonti armed with staffs. [That won't be easy while I'm up here fighting all these warriors alone.]
[Look around. You’re not alone.]
Rising fast from the ground came a huge winged beast carrying Magda on its back. Cutter knew it was Ozmun, but what a beast it was. It had four wings and was twice as big as he was. It was armored with six clawed legs. The front two seemed to end in three foot curved sword like claws. Its mouth looked like it had rows of razor sharp teeth and behind it trailed twin tails that looked like whips.
[We'll try and keep them off of you as much as we can.] Ozmun sent. [But I don't know how long I can keep this form. Work fast!]
Quickly Cutter looked around. He needed a place where he would be safe so he could concentrate. He looked up at the peak of Magu's stack. There on top was a bar he could land and perch on. With a strong push of his wings Cutter found himself hovering just over the bar. He dropped down and made himself comfortable and began to concentrate and project fear all through the stack. His eyes began to glow gold as his fear began to flow.
Below on Ozmun's back Magda blasted warriors from the sky one by one as Ozmun ripped into them slashing and striking out with his whip of a tail. As they fought they saw a mad dash of winged warriors come screaming out of the stack from every exit. Soon the sky was filled with warriors and Ozmun and Magda had their hands filled fighting.

One level at a time Mar and Xan fought their way up through the stack. There wasn't much resistance but unfortunately Cutter's fear somehow didn't affect all the Savonti in the stack. Some had strong minds able to resist his fear and stayed in the stack. Two levels from the top they ran into a group of warriors looting Magu's treasury. With sword and staff Mar and Xan fought their way past the rouges, killing them and moving on. Finally they found themselves at the top level. The floor all around them was littered with the bodies of dead and wounded warriors. They found warriors with torn apart wings and ravaged bodies. This had to be the work of only one man. Ono had passed through here. Hurrying on they heard the sound of battle ahead just down the corridor. Running down into the hall they found Ono covered in Savonti blood facing eight warriors. Charging into the room Mar grabbed the first spun him around and ran him through with his blade. Ono's eyes were red with out of controlled rage. Ripping and clawing Ono ran from one fight to the next.
"Xan!" Mar called. "Take Ono's left. I'll take the right!"
Like the warrior he was Xan waded in blasting and ducking under blasts fired at him. He was fast and skillful as he fought. Mar with his sword hacked and stabbed at Magu's warriors moving closer and closer to Ono until he stood right next to him. Ono turned and raised his claw snarling at Mar in a blood rage.
[ONO NO!!!]
His eyes cleared as he recognized Mar and held back from the strike he was about to deliver.
"Mar! Get down!!" Mar dived on Ono as a blast passed over their bodies hitting the wall next to Xan. With a quick accurate throw, Xan sent his staff spearhead first into the chest of the last warriors.
As Mar and Ono sat up they watched the last warrior fall dead to the ground. Mar stood as Xan walked over and reached down his hand to Ono. He took it and Xan pulled him to his feet.
"That was close." Mar smiled gripping Ono's shoulder. "Where's Shayn?"
"That way." Ono pointed down the hall. "We finish this now."

In his cell Shayn watched the battle rage from his window. He saw the great beast that Ozmun had become tearing through the night skies wrecking his vengeance on the Savonti he hated so much. Suddenly a noise behind him caught his attention.
"Are you here to kill me?" He asked without turning around. The magic he had stored all day flowed down into his clenched fist. "I'm ready if you are."
"My stack is no more." Magu said calmly. "Daru was right. The white and the grey will destroy us all."
"It will if I have my way." Shayn turned to face Magu.
"You are free to go." He pushed open the cell door and threw a key in to land on the floor in front of Shayn. "That key will open the collar you wear."
Shayn bent over without taking his eyes off of Magu and picked up the key. He looked at it in his hand then back at Magu.
"And you Lord Magu?" Shayn asked. "What of you?"
"Do not worry, you will see me again." He smiled. “This is far from over. Nazun Katala."
Magu turned and walked off down the hall. Suddenly Shayn heard a crash and the flapping of great wings. Magu was gone.
"SHAYN! Where are you!!"
"I'm here!" Shayn stepped out of his cell as Ono, Mar and Xan came running around the corner. Shifting as he ran, Ono ran right into Shayn's arms and held him close.
"Thank Rimnar your alright." Ono kissed him deeply. Tears ran down his eyes as they held each other.
"Where's Magu?" Mar asked checking the cell. He expected to find his dead body.
"Gone." Shayn told them.
"He ran like the coward he is." Xan smiled. "We won!"
"Yes we won. But father and Daru are still on their way." Mar reminded them. "We should go and get far away from here. Come, we celebrate later."
So that was the end of another Savonti lord. His warriors had abandoned him and his house was in ruin. Before they left Ono and Shayn went down and released a few slaves and give them the keys to free the rest. House Magu was no more. But there were still many more on Pentanthin that threatened human life. This war was far from over.

Rescues and Strategies. 38

Dressed in the new clothes Tanis had given him, Gabor put on his sword and left his room. Macan had declared him fit and ready so it was time he left the the infirmary and checked on his clan. He knew he had to decided what was next for him and his people. He wasn't sure what he should do. Should they go back into running and hiding or maybe stay here with his new friends. Azeal had explained the Cutter still needed their help. To them this world was alien and until they figured out how to get home they would need the help of their new friends. But was it right to saddle his clan with these strangers? There's was a dangerous path. They planned to fight the Savonti and that was madness. But wasn't that what he wanted all along? To make Pentanthin safe for his clan and all the people. And could he do it alone? Gabor knew these people were powerful. But were they strong enough to face the mighty Savonti? He just wasn't sure.

As he left the infirmary he watched the cadets going about there daily ways. Tanis has said this was a school of magic and even though they were far from home, Cutter had insisted that classes continued. He passed a classroom and looked inside. There were about fifteen cadets there watching one of the teacher demonstrate how to levitate different objects. The teacher went from something small as a book to a huge boulder they had placed in the class to practice on. Once done he called each of the young cadets up for a try. Some succeeded while some failed. But the instructor never criticized anyone for failing. Gabor thought about some of the harsh treatment some of his clan members had used to teach their young. He remember the beating his father had given him when he failed to bring down his first trula. It didn't matter how huge it had been his father said. Failure meant no one would eat, so beside the beating Gabor had no dinner that night. it never occurred to him that the punishment had been harsh. He thought it just a lesson he learned very well. But what if they had worked together? That trula would've been on the fire that night so long ago and they would've had a celebration instead of a hungry cold night.
Gabor moved on looking into an occasional class and seeing all the wonderful things they could do with magic. He wished he could do these things. If only he had magic in him. That made him think. His people did have magic, but did he? If not him maybe one of his brothers or someone else in the clan. He had to have them checked. If Bela or Nica could do things like this, he wanted them to learn from these people. These keannaian people were a wonder he thought. They may just be able to do all the things they say they can.
Gabor stopped and looked around. Where was he? This was still the first floor classroom area. He had to meet Azeal and Tanis in the out in the front yard of the academy. Bela would be there with a few others of the clan. The would all be waiting for his decision. Gabor smiled and hurried on, he knew what he wanted to do know. He just hoped they would all agree.
Once outside Gabor looked around the yard. There were just a few of his people there with Azeal, Bela and Tanis. Capt Lowell was there to talking to his guards on the gates. Gabor walked out to meet them.
"Quel Amrun Gabor." Azeal smiled,. "How was you night?"
"Peaceful" He answer. "I'm glad your all here. I've made my decision."
"Good." Tanis said as he shook Gabor's hand. "What's it to be?"
"I've a few things I want to discuss with you all." He said. "First, I've decided I want to stay close to our new friends. I think there's a lot we can teach each other."
"But Gabor." Bela said. "Where will we stay? There isn't enough room here for all of us. I think we should get back on the move."
Gabor looked at his younger brother sternly. Bela thought he looked just like his father at that moment. Pride filled his heart for his brother.
"We're not running anymore Bela." He said. "The Savonti die just like us. We can fight them with the help of our new friends. But I won't make that decision for you. If you don't want to, you can gather those that want to and go. I'm staying and fighting. I'll tell the rest of the clan tonight and they can chose for themselves."
"If you stay." Bela told him. "I stay. I won't leave you to fight alone. I'll be right by your side."
Gabor hugged his brother. He knew that would be his answer. In fact he expected that would be the answer most of his clan would have. But the days of one man making all the decision was over he told them.
"I will lead but we will make a council that will make decisions."
"There's one more thing." Azeal told him. "Bela's right. There's not enough room here for all your people and one day this place won't be here. You have to make a permanent place of your own."
"I know just the place." Gabor smiled. " It has plenty of room for us to farm. The hunting is great. We'll always have heat and we will have all the metal our smiths need for making weapons."
Azeal and Bella looked at Gabor confused. Capt Lowell burst into laughter after looking at their faces.
"Your right Gabor." Lowell said "It's perfect. The wall can be fortified and there are spells we know that could help greatly."
"What are you talking about?" Bela asked looking at them all. "Where are we going?"
"Bela." Tanis put a hand on his shoulder. "Think about it. By rights you and your people have conquered Fedrul. From now on it'll be called Gekkol. You rule there now not the Savonti. That will be your new lands."
Bela looked at them in shocked. He never thought anything like this was even possible.
"Humans don't usually take things from the Savonti" He choked out. "They'll be back. Then what?"
"I don't plan to give them the chance to attack us." Gabor smiled. "I plan to attack them instead."
"Now your talking my language." Lowell reached out and grabbed Gabor's hand and shook. "I was hoping you would say something like that"
"Rimnar help us all." Azeal shook his head. "Cutters going to kill me."
"Don't worry." Lowell put his arm around Azeals neck as they all started back into the Academy. "Blink's gonna love my ideas."

A little while later Azeal made his way through the dining hall. It had been a while since either he or Tanis had fed and they were thirsty. As vampires it was forbidden for them to feed around the rest of the cadets. Though they weren't the only one's here that had different eating habits then the rest. There were two here from Tir Na, three from different parts of Yadessa and one Professor Insa had found in the mountains of a far off land. He could shift to a tall bestial humanoid fanged boy that feed only on raw meat. His name was unpronounceable to them so they called him Bandit. He was very magical, smart and well liked by the werewolves in the academy though many of the human cadets feared him. The Were called him cousin and included him in all their activities. They had there own dining room that most cadets stayed away from.
As Azeal walked through he was saw Jovan the young man he had freed from Lord Larins influence coming in his direction. Azeal hadn't seen him in a few days though Capt Lowell had said he was being very helpful. Now dressed in the colors of the Academy Jovan hurried over once he saw him.
"Aiya Jovan." Azeal greeted him. "How are you doing?"
"Very good." He bowed. "Freedom agrees with me but that's not why I came looking for you."
"Oh, What is it?"
"We have a problem you seem to have forgotten about." From the look on Jovan's face Azeal knew this had to be something that was serious.
"Come on and we can talk." Azeal and Jovan moved on out of the dining hall and went to a private office Azeal and Tanis used as there own. Azeal unlocked the door and let the young man in.
"Have a seat.' Azeal walked around the desk and sat down. "Now what am I forgetting?"
"The spy."
"What spy?" He asked shock run though him at the word spy.
"Your forgetting how I got here." Jovan reminded him. "The boy that got me and the others into the academy. He's still here and plotting against you I'm sure."
"That's right you did tell me about him before." Azeal sat back in his chair. It seemed now he had something else to worry about. "What do you think he wants here?"
"All I know is we were all sent here to stop you from moving the school." He explained. "While he looked for something."
"What?"
"I don't know." Jovan shrugged. "It was something powerful that Lord Larin wanted. And I know it's here somewhere."
"Jovan we have no idea what to look for so searching would be a waste."
"But I know the boy that's doing the searching." He said. "Perhaps there's a way to get him to reveal himself."
"You'll need help if the boy's a mage." Azeal stood and walked to the door Jovan following. "Find Kalin. Tell him everything you told me and tell him I said I trust you with this mission. He'll help you. Be careful Jovan. I think I know who that boy is and if it is who I think,. He's very dangerous."
After Jovan left Azeal went back to his desk and sat back down. Jovan's news was trouble. Real trouble. If what Azeal was thinking was right, there was someone here that could be very dangerous to them. Others needed to know.
[Tanis, Blink, We have a big problem.]

High in his stack Magu stood at a window and watched the horizon. From high up there he could see almost all the lands he ruled, and with his vision not much escaped the lord of the skies. What he didn't see one of his many eyes across the lands did see and today he they saw the armauks Lord Lesu searched for. He smiled to himself as he thought of what Lesu would do for him if he had his to sons in his hands. But what about that thing that saved him from the zared? Could it be what Daru had warned them about? He turned from the window and paced his study. It didn't matter, they would soon all be under his control and in his hands. Then whatever they were, he would make Daru pay if he wanted the strangers.
[Pa sma ni's] He called out to his vicious baebots gathered all around his stack. "We have work to do tonight."

Once Shayn and Mar had rejoined Ono and the others Juelz ran out to Mar and grabbed his leg in a hug. They all watched amazed at what they saw. All except Drella. She wasn't shocked at all. She knew what it was like to love a Savonti and trust him.
"I am alright Juelz." He picked the boy up and carried him over on his shoulders to join the other in the clearing.
"I want to thank you strange one for helping us." Mar bowed to Shayn, Ono and Lilia. "But I do not understand why you did it."
"Because I sense your not like most of the Savonti." Lilia smiled. "The boy knows. He trust you so there must be something different about the two of you."
"Who are you?" Xan asked standing next to Drella on the tracker. He still wasn't quite convinced about these strangers and still held his sword. "Why are you here?"
"I'm Shayn." He nodded to his new friends. "This is my mate Ono. We are strangers here on Pentanthin. This is Lady Lilia Kordova."
"I am Mar. This is Xan my brother and Drella and Juelz." Mar introduced each of them then pointed to Lilia."Is she a stranger here as well?"
"No." She answered. "I'm from Darul. We're here for your help."
Mar looked at the three strangers. They looked harmless but after what he had seen the light haired man do, he knew better. He wasn't sure if there was anyway they could help them and they still had a long way to go if they wanted to reach safety.
"How can we help you?" Mar asked.
"First tell us where two Savonti warriors are going with two humans?" Ono asked. "They don't look like prisoners or food. You should be enemies, but you travel together. Why?"
Mar looked at his brother and Drella then took Juelz down. He didn't think these humans would understand they're reasons. So what was the point. They should just go.
"You might be surprised at what we might understand." Lilia smiled at them. "You run from your father who is the lord Lesu. You wish to protect these two. You even love them. And for that the Savonti would execute you. Burn and eat you both as how do you say it? Armauk?"
Mar and Xan looked at the blind woman confused and in shock at what she had just said. None of them were from Lesul. How would they know?
"I know a lot of things that are happening on Pentanthin." She explained. "Some in the past and some yet to come."
"Who are you three really?" Xan had heard enough. Names meant nothing to him. He needed to know more then that.
"I know who they are."
Everyone turned as Drella spoke up for the first time.
"I saw you." She said looking at Shayn and Ono. "A great white beast. And you dressed all in grey. My people have a prophesy of the white and grey. It's you isn't it? Here to free Pentanthin from the rule of the Savonti."
"We don't know if it's us." Ono told the pretty young girl on the tracker. "But we're going to try our best to help Pentanthin and we think you can all help."
"I do not understand any of this." Mar said confused at what was going on. He looked to his brother who looked just as confused. "What prophesy Drella?"
"I has been passed down through our clan and on across Pentanthin for hundreds of agens." She explained. "From mothers and fathers to sons and daughters. We have all sworn as children to watch for the signs that they have arrived. Listen Mar and Xan and I will tell you the prophesy."
"Protect the white and grey. For they will cause the end of a thousand years of tyranny and enslavement. Their power and courage will doom the high ones and bring freedom to all that suffer and fight with them. The mark of the wolf and dragon will be the sign. Protect the white and grey."
"And you claim this prophesy pertains to you?" Xan asked them curiously.
"I don't know." Shayn answered with a shrug. "But we were given the same prophesy before we came here and we were told it was about our destiny, and here we are. Whether it's us or not we plan to do what we can to help. Now, we think you can help us. We hope you will."
"You do not understand Pentanthin." Mar told the strangers. "The Savonti will never give up their hold on this world and it will take power I do not think you have to rip it from their grasp."
"Is that you answer then?" Lilia asked. "You plan to run from them instead of fighting for your freedom? That's no answer, that's an excuse."
"I have no answer now." Mar helped Juelz back up on the tracker with Drella. "I think we should find somewhere safe where we can spend the night. Darkness comes and this is Magul. He hunts at night."
"I saw a cave we can spend the night in as we flew in. We can rest there and move on in the morning. It's not far away."

In the dark skies of Magul, four dark figures dressed in green flew high sailing east on air currents. Behind them winged a flock of savage baebats following their master on his nights mission. He was out tonight to capture and bring back the two sons of his fellow lord. The greedy Magu knew Lesu and his anger. He knew that once mad enough, Lesu became so fixed that nothing mattered but getting his deadly hands on the object of his anger. Now he wanted his two renegade sons back in his hands and they were Magu's chance to get at the death lord. And then there was the two strangers that were traveling with Mar and Xan. Two strangers that the mind lord Daru had been searching for. With one sweep of his wings Magu could have four jewels in his possession that he could hold over his enemies. This would be a great night for him.
With huge dragon like wings armed with his staff and sword Magu flew on. The last time he had seen Mar and the others they were just outside of the zared forest. His baebats had followed them out of the clearing and on to a rocky ridge studded with caves. Here they had made their camp for the night, collected water and supplies and got ready to sleep. Once Magu had found them he circled around and landed in the hills behind the cave.
Magu raised his hand and call two of the baebats to him. Fluttering down to land on his shoulder he caressed them and whispered his commands.
"Go watch them." He ordered. "Find me a way in to capture them. GO!"
Leaping into the night sky they were gone, off on their masters command. Smiling Magu watched the cave and waited.

Wrapped in a grey cloak Ono sat outside the cave and kept a watch on the area. Mar had warned him that Magu was nothing like his father and other Savonti lords. He was not the brave one that would come charging with his troops over the ridge to attack. Magu was the sly one. He loved the night and intrigue. If he attacked it would be done with surprise and stealth. He would slip in through the dark and Ono would have to be ready. Ono thought this Magu sounded to him like Polan Dressek slipping through shadows to attack. He hoped his night vision would be enough to give him advance warning of anything Magu might try. So Ono found a high spot on top of the cave where he could see for miles and catch the faintest scent on the night breeze.
He had a lot to think on. How were they and hopefully these two Savonti suppose to go against the whole race of the Savonti's to save the human's. They would need a lot more help. He wished there were more of their clan there to help. He wished just for a few minutes he could talk to Jandar and Rage and get their advice on what to do. Ono missed his older brother and his mate very much. But at times he could hear him whispering to him. They would say if and when you need help all you have to do is call. No matter where you are, or how far from home, we will find you and there will be help when you need it. That always made him feel better. He wonder if it would work here on Pentanthin. Could Jandar or Rage hear him if he called from so far away? There was only one way to find out. Ono breathed in and out then took a deep breath and let it out. The loudest howl he had ever sang. So loud he thought Rimnar might just hear him. And maybe he did.
"AWROOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

Far off flying over what was now called Gekkol, a great topaz colored beast heard a call ring out from somewhere deep in his mind. It was a called he hadn't heard in a long time and never thought he would hear here on Pentanthin. But he knew that call and couldn't be happier to hear it. It was the call of someone lost. Someone they had all been looking for for close to a year. Cutter tilted his wings and banked right to head out of Gekkol and into the unknown. In his mind he now knew just where he was going. He was heading to find his lost brothers.
[I'm coming Ono.] Cutter thought. [And anyone that get's in my way will learn the real and terrible power of fear for themselves.]

As Ono watched the night he saw a strange cloud rise up out of the hills and head toward him. He looked closer and noticed that what he saw wasn't just a cloud, but some kind of flock or swarm of animals. Quickly he stood and shifted to wolf and started to jump from the top of the cave to go warn the others. Then something hit him in the side. It knocked him back. He stood back up on all four paws and lifted his head to check the swarm and he was hit again and again by hundreds maybe thousands of small bat like bodies that beat him unconscious and knocked him into a crevice.
Inside the cave everyone slept. Xan and Drella lay curled in a corner while Mar sat with Juelz next to him sleeping. Shayn slept quietly in human form dreaming of home and New Keanna. He dreamed of flying over the forest outside of the city with Ono on his back laughing and having a good time. Further back Lilia lay in a deep sleep dreaming of Ozmun and what was happening back in Lesul. Unfortunately for them no one saw the four figures wing their way across the valley from their hidden mountain perch to land at the cave entrance. Once there Magu used a sleep vapor his smiths had made from certain roots to make sure everyone in the cave was asleep. Then he just walked in and and took Mar, Xan, and Shayn away leaving Drella and Juelz there sleeping.
Hidden in the back Lilia snapped awake to the sound of the Sky lords laughter as he left. Knowing something was wrong she probed the cave to find only the humans left there sleeping. She stood and made her way out to the entrance and probed out further. High in the sky off in the distance Lilia found them. Magu and his warriors. Each one carrying one of her friends.
What had happened? How did this happen? Ono was suppose to be watching for them. Where was he? Turning back to the cave Lilia used her probe again and searched all through the hills surrounding the cave until she found him deep down in the crevice where he had fallen. She could feel his chest rising and falling while he slept. Thank the gods he was alive, but there was no way she could get up there to help him. Feeling a bit useless she sat down to think. She knew she needed help and Drella and Juelz wouldn't be of any use. She thought about the only one she had left to call, Ozmun.

Late in the night the clan Ragar slept. They had hidden everything from the camp before night fall and left just eight men up to patrol and watch for any Savonti raids. Wrapped in his blanket Ozmun slept soundly in Magda's cave. They had stayed up late talking about the clan and why Ozmun thought her power could help in the battle against the Savonti. Magda wasn't convinced there was any chance in beating there long time enemy but she listened to his arguments. He asked wasn't she tired of losing people to their cook pots and slaving in the mines. Wouldn't it be better if they could all stop running and hiding and stay in one place where they could settle down and have a home. Wasn't she tired of the fear the Savonti sent through her people. If they all were to band together there was a chance the Savonti could be defeated. Magda had to agree, these were things her people deserve. It was there right to live without being hunted day after day. They talked to late in the night but still Magda had made no decision. But she did promise to sleep on it and try and give him an answer in the morning.
As Ozmun slept a voice in his head began to call his name louder and louder until it woke him ringing through his mind. It was the voice of Lilia Kordova calling him urgently.
[Ozmun help, we need you!]
Ozmun sat up and looked around remembering where he was. Then the voice called again to him.
[Ozmun!!]
[Yes Lilia.] He answered shaking his head. [What's wrong?]
[I need you help. Shayn's been taken by a Savonti lord and Ono may be hurt.]
[I am on my way.] Quickly he threw off his blanket and grabbed his cloak. There was no more time for talk. If Magda didn't want to come with him, he could come back later and try again.
"Where are you going?"
Ozmun turned to find Magda dressed and holding a candle walking toward him. My how beautiful she was he thought.
"I have to go." He said. "My friends are in trouble."
"The Savonti?" She asked. "Are they behind this?"
"Yes." He nodded. "They've taken a friend. I have to go help."
He turned to go walking out to the cave entrance leaving her standing there. She knew this could be the last time she saw the handsome bald man and that he might be going out to die for a friend. She couldn't let him go alone. She would never forgive herself if he died knowing she could've helped.
"Wait!" Magda ran after him and stopped him. "Do you want some help?"
"What about the clan?" He asked. "They need you too."
"Moel knows what to do." She smiled. "He can take care of them just as well as I can."
"Are you sure? This won't be easy." Ozmun told her. "We may not get back."
"Will I get to kill a few Savonti?"
"Without a doubt." He smiled admiring her bravery and maybe falling in love for the first time.
"Then let me tell Moel and we can go." She walked over to her things a took her sword and strapped it to her side. "Come on, he's out on patrol with the others."
It didn't take them long to find Moel and explain where she was going. He kissed her and wished them well. Magda turned to leave the stopped and turned back.
"There's something I want you to do tonight." She told Moel. "Now as a matter of fact."
"What is it?" He asked.
"Wake everyone up." She said. "I want this camp abandoned and everyone gone within the frame. Leave the tents and enough here so from afar it looks like we're all still here."
"Why?" Moel asked her confused by her order. "What are you expecting?"
"No one's seen Oda in two turns. I think Paesh killed him to stop him from telling me Paeash's plans." Magda took Moel's hand in her's. "Moel. I think we've been betrayed by one of our own. Leave someone on the hills up there to watch. If nothing happens in two turns you can have everything you left here collected. If the Savonti show up, you'll know. Find a new place Paesh doesn't know of. Nazun Moel. I'll find you soon as I can. Keep everyone safe."
She kissed Moel's cheek and he watch her and Ozmun leave to find the land of Magul and whatever waited for them there.

[Ono.] A voice drifted in and out of his consciousness. He stirred in his sleep as he reached for the familiar voice but couldn’t get it.
[Ono.] Again he heard it. Who was it calling him? It wasn’t Shayn. Then who could it be?
[ONO, WHERE ARE YOU?]
[Rage?] He snapped himself awake as the voice broke through. [Rage is that you?]
[No it’s me Cutter.] Came the answer. [Where are you?]
[Cutter?] Ono opened his eyes and looked out at the stars over his head. Where was he? How come he hurt so much?
[ONO, WHERE THE BLAZES ARE YOU?]
[I’m here Cutter.] He sent out his thoughts concentrating hard. He knew that would lead the fear dragon right to him. Like a shining beacon Ono’s thoughts glowed in Cutter’s mind. He had him now.
[Are you alright?] He asked as he zeroed in on Ono's location. [Where’s Shayn?]
[I’m fine.] He said standing up looking up from the crevice. [Just a little bruised is all. Shayn’s in the cave below me.]
[No he’s not. I don’t feel him.]
[He’s asleep.] Ono shook his head to clear his thoughts. [Can you get me out of here?]
Just then a shadow dropped down to land on the edge of the crevice. Reaching down with his wing Cutter grabbed Ono gently and pulled him up. Once Ono was safely out of the crevice, Cutter shifted.
“What are you doing here on Pentanthin?” Ono grabbed him in a hug glad to see the white haired elf.
“It’s a long story.” Cutter said. “I’ll tell you all about it later. But tell me where Shayn is?”
“He’s in...” Just then Ono realized he couldn’t feel Shayn in the cave. Panic hit him at that moment.
“HE”S NOT HERE!!” He shouted grabbing at Cutter. “Cutter where is he? I have to find him!”
“Ono relax, search in your mind. Do you feel him?”
Ono closed his eyes and searched for the rapport he had with his mate. Yes it was there. He was asleep off to the north but unhurt.
“I feel him.” He pointed out to the north. “He’s that way.”
“There are people in the cave below.” Cutter said. “Do you know them?”
“Yes they’re friends. Lilia will know what happened and she can help.” Ono climbed up over to the edge and jumped down to the cave entrance with Cutter following him.
Inside they found Lilia sitting with Drella and Juelz but no Xan, Mar or Shayn.
“Thank the gods you’re awake.” Lilia stood reaching for Ono’s hand. Ono took her in his arms for a hug.
“What happened” He asked.
“They came and took them.” She said.
“Them?” Cutter asked. “Who took who?”
“Lord Magu took them.” Drella stepped up to Ono and Cutter. “And you have to get them back or Lord Lesu will kill them.”

Come Together. 37

Flying high over the crimson trees Trip gazed down at the wonders of this new world. He saw so many things that were different from Keanna. The sky and the sun, the animal's and the strange colored forest. Trip had never seen anything like this. Below him he saw these beast running over the plains. They looked to him like the runners beast back home but larger, big enough to ride. He sailed on keeping his eyes open for anything strange down there. And that's just what he saw. He saw children running. Running as if it was for their lives. Then he saw what was chasing them. There were three men riding on those strange lizards that looked like runner beast. He angled down down for a closer look and that's when he saw his first member of the Savonti race. These weren't men on the big lizards, they were some kind of reptilian men riding them down. Quickly Trip pushed on to get ahead of the kids, then dropped down to the ground to shift back to his normal form.

"Over here!!" He waved to the kids. There were two teenage boys. They looked like twins and two smaller girls. They saw him and ran over to join him.
"Help us!' One boy called. "Don't let them get us."
Trip looked around and saw the riders were down beyond the grove of trees. They hadn't made it around the corner yet so if he could hide these kids they might just keep going.
"Here, in the grove." He yelled. "Hide!"
"That won't work." The boy said scared. "The tracker have our scent, they'll find us."
Trip had to think fast. He couldn't let the Trackers come into the grove. He had to find a way to stop them or divert them somewhere else. Illusion wouldn't work if they were following a scent. But if they could hide them and somehow lead those things away, they would be safe. But how? How could he scare them off? If only he were a dragon, then he would have no trouble scaring them off or ripping them to pieces. A dragon! that's it! Rese could be there as Tempus in just a few minutes if he called him.
[Zarin! I need Tempus here right now! I'm in trouble!]
[What's going on Trip?]Zarin asked.
[No time to explain.] Trip pushed the kids into the grove of trees. [Just get him here as fast as he can or I'll be fighting on my own.]
[FIGHTING?] Zarin sent. [He's shifting and leaving now.]
"I have to hide you all before those things get here." Trip explained to them.
"We can hide us all." One of the twins said. "But the tracker beast will find our scents easily. We can't hide that. Not yet."
"What do you mean?" Trip asked as he heard the thundering sounds of the rider getting closer.
"Stay close to us." The other boy said as he closed his eyes and hugged his sister to him. As Trip watched their images began to shimmer and fade away. He looked at his hands and watched as they became transparent and faded from view,
"How?"
"Shh!!" He heard. "The Savonti will hear you. Stay quiet and pray."
Trip shut his mouth but he knew praying wasn't going to be enough. These reptilians would find them if the children were right, and he better be ready to fight if he had to.
Trip had always been good with spells of defense. He could burn the wings from a fly at twenty paces, here was his chance to prove it. As he readied his spells he watched the two strange men climb off their beast and lead then into the grove. Trip held his breath as they looked directly at them. He started to raise his hands to cast a spell when one of the boys grabbed his arm. He heard a shh whispered in his ear and he held back from casting. Slowly the beast they were riding started sniffing the ground for a scent. They walked around until they came to the the spot where Trip and the children had entered the glade then they perked up. They had found the scent they were looking for. From there they started in and the two Savonti pulled weapons off their backs. They were strange metal spears Trip thought. One end had a pointed spear point while the other end was more like a blunt knob. This was it. They were about to be found. Trip had no choice but to fight. Lucky thing for him the two boys had somehow made them invisible. He would have the advantage of surprise. Thank Rimnar there was only three of them, that he might be able to handle. Trip raised his hands again to cast his spell when he heard a strange shriek. He looked to his left and saw three more of the reptilian men ride up. Now they were in real trouble. He could cast enough bolts to kill them all but between each he would need a minute or so to recharge. That would be all the chance these things would need to rush in and kill them all.
"If either of you have a sword." He whispered keeping his eyes on the reptilians approaching. "You better get ready to fight."
Trip's spell spun through his mind ready to go as they readied themselves for a fight. Suddenly a shadow passed overhead and they heard a terrifying roar. Trip looked up to see something streaking in from above. He saw an amazing black and red of Tempus with talons out coming to the rescue. The reptilians the boys called Savonti ran out of the grove with their spears raised ready to fight.
"What is that?" One of the twins asked shocked at what he saw zooming in to fight the Savonti.
"That's my friend Tempus." Trip told them with a proud smile. "He's here to help us get away."
"Don't let them touch him with the big end of the staff, he'll get shocked!"
Trip saw Tempus coming in for the attack. He was going right in unaware of what would happen when the Savonti staffs touched him. That was the moment Trip let loose with his spell. A bolt of energy flew through the sky and hit the lead Savonti knocking him back into two of his comrades. They flew back dropping their staffs as they fell.
[Tempus!] He sent. [Watch out for those staffs. The have some kind of power in them. Don't let them touch you!]
[Right!] Tempus sent back and poured on the speed. He became like a blur moving so fast they could barely see him. One, two, three went down as he bowled them over with lightning speed. From the ground the others climbed to their feet as Trip sent two more bolts at them blasting them back to the ground unconscious.
"Come on!" Trip pushed the children on into a run out of the grove. Tempus came down to land as the scared children ran up to him, one of the little ones balked and stepped back.
"Don't worry." Trip told him. "He won't hurt you. He's my friend and he'll take you somewhere safe. But you have to trust us. Can you do that?"
"Yes." She nodded the youngest girl said nodding.
"Climb on." Trip told them lifting the girl up onto Tempus's back. She grabbed on to the ridge of the dragon's back as her brothers and sister climbed on and held on.
"Take them to Zarin." Trip said. "I'll meet you there."
"Your not coming with us?" The little girl asked worried.
"I'll be OK." Trip said stepping back. "I fly on my own."
With that he shifted and took his raven form and he flew of into the sky.
[Hold on] Tempus sent. Surprised to hear him in their heads the two twins closed their eyes then took a tighter hold on their sisters and his ridge as Tempus leaped into the air and took flight.
"Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!" Nysa called smiling. "Tored look! This is fun!"
Tored opened his eyes and realized they were high off the ground flying. He smiled loving the feeling. This was something he had always dreamed of doing.
[Me to.] Tempus sent to him. [Now I can fly whenever I want as fast as I want and I love it. Hold on!]
Tored held on to them all as Tempus took them on the ride of their lives. This would be a day they would never forget.

In the clearing Zarin waited for his friends to return. The first back was Craven and Zark. They had been hunting and returned back with two great three horned creatures that looked like the deer back home. This should be plenty to feed them with, now all they needed was water and that Reno and Dack had sent to him they had found. There was a river not far from the clearing they were camped in now. Next back Thalia. She had flown out many miles and reported seeing smoke coming from stacks she had seen. From the stacks she had smelled food cooking she she knew there were people there somewhere close. Not to mention the cultivated fields she had seen. They looked like farm lands. She hadn't seen any people but she had a feeling she knew who's land she had found. The Savonti. The enemy Sacar had been talking about. She wanted to go down and investigate be Sacar had told her how dangerous they were and to be careful. Besides, she had a lot to tell Zarin and the others and the Savonti could wait until she had some of the others with her to search. She was eager to find out what Shine had found in the south. Maybe he had found some evidence of the people Sacar had talked about. She hoped so. There was only one problem. How was she to tell them of the Savonti without telling them about Sacar? And she had to tell them of the Savonti if they were the enemy Sacar had said they were. Things were beginning to get complicated.
Once back at the clearing she told Zarin and the others of what she had found. She left out one thing. Sacar, she didn't mention him. As they talked Reno and Dack returned with the water. They had been carrying canteens with them and returned with them full. Next came Shine. His southern journey hadn't produced anything but strange feelings. He had sensed something but he couldn't locate where it was coming from. As they sat and waited Eheren came and sat with Thalia.
[I need to talk with you.] He said sitting next to her.
"Then talk. Is there a need for you to send to me?"
[I think so.] He said. [You failed to tell them of Sacar.]
Thalia almost choked and dropped her drink when she heard that name. She looked at him in shock. How did he know?
[Part of me is the spirit Magnes, Thalia.] Eheren smiled at her. [Did you really think we wouldn't sense Sacar or anything of the Nevac?]
[I..I..I didn't know.] He could feel the shame she felt for deceiving them. [I promised to keep my knowledge of the Nevac a secret. I'm sorry.]
[I trust you Thalia.] He sent. [But there's something that Sacar told you that we all need to know. I don't know what it is because I wouldn't listen in on what happened in the cave. But if it's important I think you should tell us, don't you?]
[Your right.] She told him.[You all deserve to know what's here on this planet.]
Thalia stood up and walked to Zarin with Eheren following her. He was talking with Reno and Dack while skinning the deer for dinner.
"Zarin I have something to tell you."
"Hold on." He stood and pointed. "Here comes Tempus and Trip. And they has company." Everyone stood and walked out to met them as Trip flew down to land and shift back to his human form.
"What happened?" Zarin asked.
"Tempus and I saved some kids from something they call the Savonti." Trip said as Tempus came down and the four kids climbed down off his back. Trip waved them over. "You know I never asked your names. I'm Trip. This is Zarin, Thalia, Reno, and Dack. Over there is Craven, Eheren and Zark. And you know Rese."
"Rese?" Tored asked.
Trip pointed behind them. Where once there stood a dragon, now a young boy came walking over smiling. He was dressed in the came colors as Tempus. Odd they thought.
"Aiya!" Rese reached out to shake hands with one of the twins. He looked at him oddly. The oldest girl stepped up with a grin.
"Thank you for the ride. It was fun." She bowed. " My names Nysa and this is my sister Mera and my brothers Tored and Luke."
"I don't understand." Luke frowned. "What happened to the mighty staz we rode here on?"
"That was me." Rese told him.
"How?"
"I'm what we call a dragon where we come from." Rese told them. "We're all different but friends."
"Your all, what did call it?" Tored asked. "Dragon's?"
"No." Zarin stepped up to greet them. "Like Rese said we're all different with different abilities and talents. But come we have food cooking. You can tell us all about those things chasing you and get some rest."
"Here in the open with the fire burning?" Luke asked looking around at the camp. He had a scared and worried look on his face. "We're not safe here. The smoke will bring them straight to us. We're still in Lesul and the Savonti could find us easily. We have to keep moving."
"Your safe with us." Reno said. The children looked at the strong man standing in front of them. He wasn't that much older then Luke and Tored but from his look, they could tell he had been in a few battles and could hold his own. But still, they didn't seem to know anything about the Savonti. How could that be?
"You don't understand." Tored said anxiously, "There's no safe place on Pantanthin from the Savonti. All we can do is hide or be caught and made slaves or worse. They rule here. How is it you don't know the Savonti? Have your people found somewhere safe they could hide?"
"It's a long story." Zarin said. "But if you don't think we're safe here then we should find somewhere else where we can talk."
"Zarin,I know a place we can go." Thalia spoke up looking at Eheren for his approval. "It's not far from here."
"Then put out that fire and let's get moving." He said. "We don't know how much time we have. Pack everything we have. We'll need more water. Dack take whoever you need to help carry it. Thalia will tell you where to meet us. Let's hurry and get out of here. We fly so there's no trail to track us with."
As everyone got busy packing Zarin and Trip turned to Luke and Tored who still held onto their sisters to protect them.
"I know your scared." He said. "But I promise you we'll do everything we can to protect you. Now tell us all you know about the Savonti and we'll tell you all about us and who we are."

Fear filled the house of Lesu as he walked silently through the halls. No one dared approach the lord of the house for his eyes blazed with contempt from the recent events in his manse. He thought of the two responsible for tonight's treason. His two eldest and most trusted sons Mar and Xan. In an attempt to free Mar they had released hundreds of human slaves to escape and wreck havoc in his his. Now his warriors were out on the chase rounding up those that had made it out and track down his two treacherous sons and bring them back. He swore their heads would soon ride a post at his front gates for all to see to remember how he treated those that would betray the lord Lesu.
As he walked his house he watched as slaves hurried to clean up all the destruction caused by the escape, He stopped at the refuse room where his sons had made their final battle then escaped. His anger rages as hew saw the two dead warriors that had let them escape. Lesu walked to the raised grate and kicked the two bodies down into the trash then turned and ordered an aide to have his lead hunter sent to his quarters immediately.
A few minutes later when Lesu walked into his apartment, Loc the hunter was there waiting for him.
"My lord." He saluted.
"Sit." He ordered walking around the hot room and taking his place on his highchair.
"You know why I  have sent for you?"
"Yes lord Lesu." He answered. "You wish me to bring back Mar and Xan for punishment."
"I want them back here in chains to face me." Lesu said folding his arms calmly. "I want them alive, do you understand? Alive to face me."
"Yes my lord."
"Take as many warriors as you need." Lesu told him. "And Loc. Do not fail me or it will be you that stands before me."
"I will bring them back." Loc bowed backing out of the throne room. "Have no fear."
"I never fear." He said. "I cause fear. Now go find my treacherous sons."
He looked at one of his guards after the hunter had left. "Send runner’s out to Magu and Pulu. Tell them Mar and Xan are now armauk to me. I will reward any lord or Savonti that returns them to me. And bring me something to kill.”

As Shayn winged has way across Magul something watched from below in the trees. Jumping from tree to tree they follow him keeping a close eye on his progress and where he was going. Separating into two groups, one to follow and, one to report back to their master, eyes stayed with him never getting to far away.

[Where are we Lilia?] Ono asked.
[We're in Magul.] She sent from behind him. [I don't know much about this land except that Magu rules here. I've never been here before but there's someone here we have to find.]
[Someone from another clan?] Shayn asked.
[Not exactly, but someone that can help us definitly.]
[Another mystery?] Ono asked her. [Is all of Pentanthin a big mystery for us?]
[Seems that way.] The white dragon sent back. [Tell me, What do you know of this Magu?]
[Nothing.] She said. [I've been trying to search for him but I can't find anything here. It's like he's invisible,]
[What do you feel?] Ono ran his hand along his mates long neck send him his love.
[What do you mean?]
[Gabriel can sense things like Cutter could right?] Shayn wasn't sure what Ono meant by that. [Fear love. You sense fear like Cutter. You may be about to sense something here. Try.]
Shayn knew he was right. Gabriel could mimic the abilities of all the other dragons in their clan so he should be able to feel something here. He might be able to find this Magu or whoever it was they were looking for.
[Who is Gabriel?] Lilia asked confused.
[All dragon's on Keanna are merged beings.] Ono explained. [The human and the dragon. Gabriel is Shayn's dragon's name. Though most will use one name or the other.]
[Then you are both Shayn and Gabriel?]
[Yes.] He said. [ But you can call me Shayn. It'll be less confusing for you. Hold on. I'm taking us higher so I can try probing.]
Shayn tilted his wings and rose higher on a heat thermal until the ground was almost lost under the clouds. Pentanthin's twin suns blazed from above. Then he closed his eyes and concentrated on his fear senses. He suddenly could feel all the people in Magul and where they were. He could locate those hidden in distant caves and the ones that were traveling. Far ahead of them he felt a great concentration of fear in what seemed to be a strange looking stack of some kind.
[Lilia.] He sent. [Ahead to the north. Do you feel that? That stack?]
Reading into Shayn's senses Lilia and Ono saw what he had found. She looked deeper and knew at once this was the home of a Magu of the Savonti. But this was nothing like Fedru or Resu's lair. This wasn't underground at all. This was more like a dormant volcano full of heated tubes and chambers where the Savonti lived.
[That's the manse of Magu.] She sent. [Stay away from it for now. Do you sense anything else?]
[Yeah I do feel something coming from the east.]
[What is it Shayn?] Ono asked.
[Hold on tight.] He said. [We're going down!]

Crashing through the dense brush, Mar rode his tracker hard through the forest. Right in front of him Juelz held tight with his head buried in the trackers neck. Following behind them Xan pushed his tracker on. They were running from one of the most feared things in the forest. A Xared plant. Xared's were carnivorous plants made of all vines and mouths that could run deep into the ground and through the whole forest. They would grab anything that stood still long enough and could stretch there vines to almost three times it's original length. At the center of the root mass where the vines rose strong and flexible there was a mouth. And not just any mouth, this was a mouth like no other beast on Pentanthin had with four rows of razor shape jagged teeth able to rip and bite into any animal the vines could capture. Xared's sense their prey through vibrations in the ground. No animal no matter how small could take a step near a Xared plant safely without alerting it to their presence. Now Mar and his fellow runners had found their way into a forest no human or Savonti had ever escaped from.
"Faster, Xan faster!" Mar beat the side of his tracker making it move faster with every step. Behind him Xan and Drella pushed there mount hard to keep out of the reach of the deadly vines that reached for them. With a quick slash of his blade Xan cut down two vines that came from there left. To his right ran the extra tracker Xan had packed all their supplies on. Foam ran from the mouths of all three trackers as the fought exhaustion to keep running and get them safely out of the Xared forest. As Xan slashed again and again he heard Drella scream. He looked back to see the tracker and the last of their food and water being pulled off its feet and dragged into the thick forest behind them. Xan could hear the screams of the poor beast as it was ripped apart, but there was nothing he could do to help it.
Ahead of them vines shot out of the forest all around them. With his staff Mar beat them back and kicked his tracker on. Suddenly in front of them Mar saw something that alarmed him. There was a eight foot gap ahead of them. Mar wasn't sure if his tracker still had the strength to make the jump. Bearing down he grabbed hold of Juelz and urged his tracker on. Just as it reached the gap it leaped high and sailed up and over the gap. But just as it's feet came down to grip the ground to land, three vines shot out and grabbed it's feet. Clutching Juelz, Mar fell forward and rolled. Jumping back to his feet Mar ran for the clearing ahead of them as his tracker was dragged into the gully.
"MAR!" Xan shouted riding up to him reaching out.
"Take Juelz and go!" With a quick thrust Mar sent the boy flying up into Xan's waiting arms as he ran. "Get them to safety! Do not worry about me!"
"No!" The boy screamed as he reached back for his Savonti protector. Xan put the crying boy into Drella's arms and rode on for the clearing and what he hoped would be safety from the hungry plants.
As he ran Mar saw his brother make it out of the forest and was relieved to know they were almost safe. He knew he couldn’t stop because the xared could possibly still send roots through the ground and out into the clearing and grab them and pull them back.

From high overhead Shayn swooped down over the clearing. They saw the tracker speeding out of the forest carrying a Savonti warrior and two humans. A woman and and a boy. From the way they rode they could tell this was no ordinary capture going on here.
[What do you think?] Ono asked Lilia behind him. [What's going on down there?]
[They are the one's we're looking for.]
[We're here looking for a Savonti warrior?] Shayn asked. [Are you joking?]
"Not one." Lilia pointed into the forest. "Two. There's another one in there about to be ripped apart by xared plants. If you don't hurry it'll be to late."
"You want us to save a Savonti?" Ono asked surprised. "Aren't they the enemy?"
"Not these two." She said. "They're different. They're apart of the future. I can see it. Leave us in the clearing with the others. Hurry Shayn!"
Narrowing his wings, Shayn dropped down to where Xan, Drella and Juelz waited and she and Ono climbed off his back holding their hands out for Xan to see. Shocked by the great beast in front of him Xan stood there holding his sword ready.
"Go!" She said. "We'll be fine."
With a great leap into the air, Shayn shrank himself down to a smaller more compact fighting size and took off back into the sky. Once airborne he turned toward the forest and poured on the speed. As he approached the forest he saw a huge Savonti warrior swatting at vines as they came at him. One by one he blasted them with his staff, but as one vine was destroyed another took its place. Soon he was being overwhelmed and wrapped in vines with no chance to free himself.
With a roar Shayn dived in and started ripping at the vines covering the warrior. With his hands free Mar raised his staff to blast the beast attacking him.
[Peace warrior.] He sent. [I'm here to help you get free. Don't fight me please!]
What is this strange beast Mar asked himself. Should I trust it? Is it really trying to help me?
Hovering in place, Shayn slashed again and again at the vines wrapped around Mar. The more he slashed, the more vines sprung out of the ground to hold him. Mar dropped his staff as the vines tighten around him. As they fought, the vines began to drag him into the forest. Shayn looked ahead and saw the gaping mouths centered in the middle of the stalk they were being dragged toward.
"Stop!" Mar shouted. "I know your trying to help but it is to late. Get away before your trapped too."
[I'll get you loose!] Shayn sent to him roaring out his rage. [Somehow by the first dragon I'll get you free!!]
Closer and closer they were dragged as the mouths snapped open and shut dripping some nasty looking fluid. Shayn pulled and struggled with the vines as hard as he could when suddenly a thought hit him. He had for a second thought about home and what would some of the other dragons do. There was no real mind here so Cutter's fear abilities wouldn't help. He couldn't flame them or use lightning. There was nothing a water dragon could do that might help. But what of Icicle? His cold magic just might work here. Shayn looked again to see how close they were. The great mouth was less then two feet away. If this didn't work he wouldn't have time to try anything else. He concentrated on Icicle and told a deep breath. He could feel the burning of the cold in his lungs. Then he lifted his maw and sent a freezing blast of cold into the mouth about to tear into him and the` Savonti. Blue frost flew out and covered the purple jaws and vines as the xared began to freeze. Ice crystals creeped up all along the vines and deep into the ground to the roots as it froze. With a quick swing of his tail Shayn smashed the frozen plant and pulled himself and the Savonti warrior free. As Mar got to his feet he shook off the remains of the vines and stepped back from the small white dragon.
"What on Pentanthin are you?" He asked. "Why have you saved me?
In a flash Shayn shifted back to his human form and stood in front of him his blond hair shining in the sun's light.
"I can explain here and possibly get grabbed by another of those things, or we could get out of here and find somewhere safe to talk." Shayn looked around to be sure no more vines were in sight.
"Where is Xan?" Mar asked.
"Safe with my friends." Shayn answered. "Can we go now?"

In the hot dry hills of Redul a lone man waited in the shade of the cliffs. Paesh had hate and revenge on his mind. Magda had spurned him, Oda had betrayed him and that stranger Ozmun had beat him in a fight. Paesh had swore he would destroy them all and the clan would be his and with the help of the one he waited for. All his wishes would soon be realized.
Paesh wiped the sweat from his forehead as he watch three trackers with two riders came riding over the horizon. This was the one he waited for. None of his clan would dare ride these plains during the day when the Savonti were out hunting. He watched as they rode closer and soon Redu lord of the land sat in front of him. Paesh bowed keeping low and avoiding his eyes as he waited for Redu to speak first.
"Human." Redu sat forward on his tracker. "Are you ready to live up to the bargain you made?"
"Yes M'lord." Paesh stood. "They will be yours all I ask is the woman Magda. I want her fixed so her magic can no longer harm me and a small band to lead as my own clan."
"It will be as you wish, human" Redu smiled that sneer that all savonti had. "All you must do is tell me where they hide."
"I will lead you to them."
"Then take this tracker." Redu nodded to his aide who threw the reins to him. Paesh caught them and climbed on the huge tracker beast. Smelling humans the tracker bucked and threw him off. Paesh landed with his face in the dirt as the two Savonti laughed.
"Careful human." Redu said. "This is not the small tame beast you humans ride. This is a Savonti mount and it will eat you if it can."
"Then how do I ride it, M'lord?"
"Carefully." Redu climbed down off his tracker and walked over to Paesh. He took the reins and stared deeply into the eyes of the tracker. It snorted and he cuffed it in the head hard then threw the reins back.
"Get on and we go." He climbed back on and waited until Paesh was mounted. "Lead us."
Paesh kicked the sides of the tracker and off they went. Today Paesh would betray his clan and tonight, he might even get all that's coming to him.

High in the skies over the lands that were once ruled by Fedru, Cutter flew. Since they had arrived on Pentanthin he hadn't much chance to fly and he missed it. The air in his face, stretching his wings and sailing from thermal to thermal. He missed the freedom of the sky. Now he was free. But only for a while. There was something he needed to do. Someone he needed to find. He had no idea who it was or where he had to go, but they were out here somewhere.
Rising higher into the sky Cutter opened himself up to find that spark in his mind he knew was there. Once he had it he turned west and followed the feeling. It was time he found out what it was that haunted his mind. Friend or foe.

Darkshade. 36

These were busy days in Darkshade. Warriors came and went as the fighting continued, and the house of Darkshade seemed always on edge. Wyn Limeria sat in his study deep in thought. He was very worried about things in the Elven kingdom these days. But the one thing he worried about most was his son Elan. He knew he hadn’t been in the Academy when it disappeared and that he hadn’t even been in Winterhaven at all. He was on some mission for his mother with his friend Aron. Friend he thought. A dangerous friend Wyn thought. More like his lover. Wyn had seen the way his son looked at Aron. And if his mother ever saw him look at Aron that way there would be hell to pay. It was the same way he use to look at Talsara in the old days before she had taken control of the Darkshade kingdom. Talsara he knew had always been selfish and bent on power and conquest not caring about anything but what she wanted. But he loved her. He wished he didn’t but he did. He remembered those days when it all started.

Long ago when they were younger Talsara had met a Elven warrior in her mother’s court. He was tall and very handsome with short cut black hair and dazzling gray almond eyes. On his uniform he wore all the metals and signs of the rank of captain of the Red Skulls bestowed on him by her mother and her council for his bravery and obedience in all his past battles. She had fallen in love with him instantly the minute she had seen him waiting for an audience with her mother the queen. He was one of three soldiers there waiting that day. They stood there preening and adjusting their tunics as they waited.
“Does it look straight to you?” The tallest asked.
“It’s fine Kel.” One of his fellows answered. “If you keep brushing you’ll wear a hole in your tunic then where will you be? Tell him Liat.”
“Relax.” The handsome one told his companions. “They just want to congratulate us on our success in the Greywing campaign. It’s not like we’re being made Barons or something.”
“I just want to look impressive as I can.” Kel the tall one said “You never know who we might meet in there.”
“Actually I don’t want to meet anyone.” Liat said. “My mother says to beware of strangers today. Nothing good would come of it.”
Silence filled the room as his fellows stared at him. For a minute none of them talked as Talsara entered the room unknown to the three soldiers.
“Liat. Who was that?” Rom asked staring at the door she had gone through. The second one stood and faced his friend. “Everyone in there will be a stranger to us. We can’t avoid strangers. It would be impossible.”
“I know Rom.“
Talsara walked toward them smiling followed by one of her maidens. Two soldiers jumped to their feet and bowed as she passed. Liat looked but paid little attention to her. In her hand Talsara held a fan. She flicked it open and hid her face as she turned towards them nodding as she walked by. Her heart beat a mile a minute as she stepped through a door into a outer chamber to the audience room. She stopped to catch her breath amazed to the handsome soldier she had just passed. Who was this Liat? She had to know for she knew he was the one to be her king and husband.
“What is it Princess?” Asked one of her maidens seeing how flushed she had been.
“Who are those men?” She asked them.
“You mean the soldiers?” The girl asked. “I don’t know. Just men your mother plans to give honors to. It’s no one that should matter to you.”
“I chose who matters to me.” She scolded the girl. “You would do better to watch what you say Ilyra. Go in to the office and find out who they are. I wish to know everything you can find out and hurry.”
“Yes Princess.” Ilyra nodded and ran on to carry out her Princesses order. Talsara reached down to open the door and listen in on the three men she had left in the waiting room.

“Who was that?” Rom asked staring at the door she had gone through. “She was beautiful.”
“Who do you mean?” Liat asked.
“Did you not just see her?” Kel asked. “Is your head so full of battles and war you don’t notice a beautiful girl right in front of your face?”
“You mean the Princess?” Liat shrugged. “Yes I saw her. So was pretty yes, but not for me.”
“Are you kidding?” Rom threw up his hands in frustration at his friends words. “I’d give my life, my sword and anything else I have if she would just smile it me again.”
“ You spend to much time in the tavern’s drinking with dancing girls Rom.” Liat laughed. “She was just a girl.”
“ And you don’t spend hardly enough my friend.” Rom said sternly. “None of them are just girls. They’re all like princesses. Especially not this girl, she is a princess. Ambition is one thing Liat but a kiss is another. It’s something way better. You better get your head off the battle field and look around. There’s more to life then swords and battles.”
As they talked the doors to the audience chamber opened and one of her mother’s aides came out to greet them.
“Gentlemen the Queen will see you now.” He said. “You may follow me.”
Talsara watched as the three men followed him into see her mother and the door closed behind them. She opened the door and stepped back into the waiting room they had just left and walked to the bench where they had been sitting. She looked down and saw a glove on the floor where Liat had been. It had to be his. She bent down and picked it up and looked at it. Inside his name had been written. Captain Liat Caldas.
“I’ll show you what a Princess is Liat Caldas.” She smiled. “You will be mine. You’ll see. Talsara Darkshade always gets what she wants.”

Many days passed before Talsara saw the soldier again and hard as she tried, she couldn’t get his face from her memory. Ilyra had come back and told her his name which she already knew. What she didn’t know was how Liat had stormed a stronghold held by their enemies the Greywing's and with the help of his two friends dispatched the eight men holding her cousin captive and brought him home. That was why the Queen was honoring them. She also didn’t know that Liat was the son of her mother’s most trusted prophet Hasmira Caldas one of the most powerful noble of Darkshade. But none of what she learned mattered to Talsara. She had made up her mind that Liat would be hers and no one, not even her mother the queen could change her mind. Now all she had to do was to lure him to her and set her trap for him. Surely there was no way a simple soldier could ever deny the Princess of the Darkshade, could he?
For days she had her most trusted aide Prince Wyn Limeira of the coastal kingdom of Limeira and Ilyra watch him everywhere he went to see who he might meet. Talsara wanted to know all she could about the soldier. Wyn thought she was becoming obsessed with him but he dared not say any of this to the princess. He knew her temper and how he would be punished if he did. So he did as he was told and followed Liat to meetings and sparing sessions. He followed him to the places he liked to eat and when he went out with his comrades. Lastly he had to tell her of the time he was caught watching the soldier by his mother Hasmira. He didn’t know how she knew but somehow she did. Liat had been shopping with his mother when she caught his eye. It was a brief look but for that time on every time Wyn looked over at them, Hasmira would be staring back. Wyn knew who she was. Hasmira was not just a prophet. But she was a very accomplished mage in her own right and if she thought Wyn was a threat to her son, there was no telling what she could do. That was the end of Wyn’s surveillance. With Hasmira aware he could no longer follow or keep his eye on him without being in danger himself.
Armed with all the information she could get her hands on, Talsara decided it was time to make her move. Calling out to Aesis her imp, she sent him out with a royal command for Liat to come to her palace to see the Princess Talsara Sabrena Darkshade the next queen of Darkshade. He was to be sure to tell him when he was alone and to tell him to dress appropriate but not to tell anyone where he was going. A coach would meet him to bring him to her. She knew he would come. It was treason not after all.
She spent all day deciding just what to wear. Having her hair dressed and finding just the right perfume to wear to impress the soldier as they met for lunch. She sent a coach to bring him to her villa where they could meet at last in privacy.
Once dressed and ready with a lunch buffet set out she waited in the garden for him to arrive. Finally the hour came and her coach arrived with Liat again dressed in his finest uniform. He was brought into the garden where she waited by Wyn and announced.
“As your highness ordered.” Wyn called out. “I present to you Captain Liat Ryeor Caldas of her majesties royal guard.”
“I am honored your highness.” Liat bowed dropping to one knee.
“You may raise Captain Caldas.” Talsara smiled walking out to meet him. She was dressed in a beautiful wrapped gown of some shimmering cloth. On her wrist she wore many bracelets of silver and platinum. In her ears were diamonds and at her neck she wore a sapphire hanging from a silver ornate chain. “I thank you for coming.”
“ Your wish is my command.” He stepped down to meet her and kiss her hand. “But I am a bit curious as to why you’ve asked me here.”
“I wish to meet the elf that saved my cousin Ryn.” She smiled as she lead him in toward the table laden with food. “Ryn is very special to me and I think you deserve more then just some trinket to wear on your chest.”
“I thank you your highness.” Liat smiled. “But it took more than just me to bring Ryn home. I had help from others. They should be here to.”
“This lunch is just for the two of us Liat.” She reached on to the table and took a berry from a dish and tried ti feed it to him. Liat looked at her as if he didn’t understand what she was doing but opened his mouth and took it. “May I call you Liat? Captain is so formal don’t you think.”
“As you wish your highness.”
“Please call me Talsara.” She gestured to the chair for him to pull out for her.
“Pardon me,” Liat pulled her chair and held it as she sat down.
“Now please have a seat and dine with me. I want use to become friends Liat.”
still not exactly sure what was going on here, Liat took his seat and unfolded his napkin and placed it in his lap then waited for Talsara’s clue as to what to do next.
“ I hope you like it.” She said picking up her fork as waiter came in and began serving them. “My kitchen worked all morning preparing our lunch. Eat please.”
Slowly and carefully Liat began to eat. He made sure not to put his elbows on the table and he tried to remember all his mother had taught him about manners. He didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of the princess by using the wrong fork or spoon since there were so many here on the table. But he wasn’t really sure what he was suppose to do with all this silverware. A salad came first and Talsara picked up the smallest of forks and began to eat. Liat found his and carefully began to eat to. The salad was delicious. He had never had anything like it before and he wasn’t sure of exactly what was in it. There were vegetables here he had never seen before and would probably never see again he thought.
“ It’s good isn’t it?” The princess smiled.
“ Yes.” He said after clearing and wiping his mouth. “Kel and Rom won’t believe where I am when I tell them. They should be here to. They had just as much to do with the rescue as I did.”
“This is your day.” She told him. “I’ll send them something later if you insist. Right now I wish to know about you.”
“I’m just a soldier.” He said. “I’m nothing special at all. I was lucky that day. We all could have been killed.”
“ What day?” She asked.
Liat looked up from his salad at her a curious look in his green eyes. “The day we rescued your brother from the Trolls.”
“ And a good day that was to.” She said.
Liat put down his fork. There was something wrong here. He wasn’t here for any thank you. She wanted something else from him and it was time to find out what it was.
“Why am I here your majesty?” Liat asked “It’s not so you can thank me for the rescue is it?”
“You’re here because I want you here.” She said boldly dropping all her pretenses. “You’re here because your princess commands your attention.”
“Yes.” He said Standing up and putting his fork and napkin to the side. “I came because I was ordered to come here. If it’s a guard you need for your house guard I can recommend someone suitable for you. But I think it’s time I go.”
“No Liat.” She got out of her seat and walked over to him and put her hands on his face to touch his cheek “You’re here because I like you and I wish you to be my consort. I won’t have any of the petty princlings they keep sending before me. I will pick the man I will marry and I pick you.”
“You don’t even know me.” Liat said puzzled at her attention. He didn understand why this Princess would want him.
“Does it matter?” She smiled. “Darkshade is ruled by the queen and like my mother I will have the man I want and that’s you. As your future queen you have two choices here. You do as I say and live happily as my king or I make you my king and use you how I please anyway. You’ve already eaten the Leola root I had served in your salad so soon you will be as complaint as any of my pets. Make your choice. But like I said. It doesn’t matter.”
Liat looked at her in horror as he remembered his mother’s warning about a stranger. He stumbled against the table and fell knocking it over and spilling the feast all over the floor.
“I’ll fight you.” He whispered before passing out.
“Fight all you want.” She laughed. ”No one can resist Leola root.”

[Liat?] A voice drifted into Liat's conscious mind from far away. At first he didn’t recognize it though it was very familiar. [Wake up.]
Slowly he opened his eyes and tried to see. Everything was a blur to him. He blinked many times trying to clear his vision then decided to lay there for a few minutes until his mind cleared.
[Liat?]|
[Mother?] He answered. [Where am I?]
[I don’t know.] He heard. [Your minds not clear enough for me to find you. What do you remember? ]
[Not much.] He tried to sit up but couldn’t move. [I can’t move Mother! What’s wrong with me?]
[I don’t know.] She said. [But I’ll find you. Don’t worry. Keep trying to remember where you are and who took you. I’ll send you strength to resist whatever spell you’re under.]
[I don’t remember anything at will.] He sent. [ I remember being honored by the Queen with the others but that’s it.]
[That was last week.] She told him. [You’ve been missing for five days now.]
Fear began to fill Liat as he tried with no success to remember where he was. He opened his eyes again but everything was still to blurry to see.
[Rest my son.] He heard. [Get stronger. I will break whatever has you in its hold and find you. Don’t worry.]
[Hurry Mother.] He sent pleading and again drifted into black.

It must have been hour that he slept because when he woke again, he could no longer feel the sun on his face. Liat opened his eyes again and found the room darker. He still couldn’t see or move but from the draft he felt on his body he could tell he was naked.
Where am I?, He wondered. Who did this and why am I here? These were all the questions he kept asking himself but he couldn’t find any answers. His memory was still blank. Suddenly there was a sound to his left. Something had moved. There was someone there with him.
“Hello?” He called. “Who’s there?”
“No one important.” Came the answer. “How do you feel?”
“I feel trapped.” Liat said. “How do you think I feel? I’m you prisoner.”
“Not mine.” The voice said. It was a male voice whoever it was. “But you are a prisoner for now you’re right. Are you thirsty? Do you need a drink?”
“I need to go home to my family.” Liat said pleading. “Why are you keeping me here?”
“I told you I’m not your captor.” The voice said. “Here, drink this.”
Liat felt someone take hold of him and lift him into a sitting position. A glass was put to his mouth and he tasted water. He drank deeply gulping down the cool water. Its taste was so good in his dry mouth.
“Who are you?” Liat asked again. “Why am I here?”
“Here, let me cover you up. You must be cold.” Liat could feel the blanket the man covered him with and it did warm him. But he still hadn’t given him any answers to his questions.
“Liat I see your strong and fighting.” The man said. “Just stop fighting and accept what’s happening and you’ll be free to go on.”
“ I’ll never stop fighting.” Liat told him. “Not now, not ever. I am an Elven warrior. Captain of the Imperial guard and I don’t care who holds me friend or foe. I will fight until the death for my freedom. You tell that to your master.”
“I believe you.” The voice said calmly. “And that may be our problem.”
“What do you mean?”
“How I’d give everything to be in your place.” Liat didn’t understand what he was talking about. He wished it was him laying here a paralyzed prisoner? What strange place was this? Who held him here?
“Liat, just do as your told and all this will soon be over.” He pleaded, “Please!”
“You will have to kill me because I won’t stop fighting.”
“ Even for a kingdom?” The man asked. “Even if you could save a kingdom?”
“Even if it was to save a world.” Liat answered. “What’s the point of saving a kingdom with no freedom? Everyone in that kingdom would be living a lie. Obedient to an oppressive regime. Under a tyrants thumb. This no way to live. Help me get out of here whoever you are. I can help you free whatever kingdom you’re talking about. I know my queen would help you.”
“I’m sorry Liat.” He said walking away. “Your queen can’t help me. No one can.”

No matter what spell Hasmira used she couldn’t locate her son Liat. She tried scrying for him, she listened in on him for any clues but she still had no idea where he was. She had gone and talked with Kel and Rom and neither of them knew where he had gone. The time had come to go to the one person in Darkshade that could help her, Queen Caline.
When she arrived at the palace she was taken right into the queen’s personal study to see her. As she walked in Queen Caline was talking to one of her advisers. She looked at the worried look on Hasmira's face and dismissed the man without another word.
“What have you found?” She asked.
“All I know is that the last time he was seen was a few days after his audience here.” Hasmira told her friend the queen. “I know he made it back to the barrack. We had lunch and shopped a day later. Then nothing. It’s like he’s fallen off Keanna into some hole. I can’t find.”
“Hasmira don’t worry.” Queen Caline said talking her to a place where she could sit. “I’ve alerted everyone in Darkshade to find him. I have the guards scouring the whole kingdom for him. We’ll find him.”
“I know Caline.” Tears started running down Hasmira's cheek as she spoke. “ It’s just that I know somethings about to happen here and not just to Liat.”
“ What do you mean?” Queen Caline sat down across from her friend anxious to hear what she had to say.
“I feel danger here.” She said. “Here in the palace. All around you. Caline Someone close to you is going to hurt you but I can’t see who it is.”
“I’m safe dear.” She hugged Hasmira comforting her. “But I’ll double the guards here if that makes you feel safer. But don’t worry about me. You concentrate on finding Liat. You’re his only hope. I’ll give you all the men you need to search for him. Just find him.”
“I will.” Hasmira stood and faced her queen. “I’ll find him and whoever has him I will make sorry they ever saw him. That I swear.”
“So will I Hasmira.” The queen promised. “So will all of Darkshade.”

Evening fell in Darkshade as Talsara’s coach arrived at her villa. She stepped out and walked to the entrance and made her way in. In the front hall she found Wyn waiting for here. She walked to the bar and poured herself a glass of wine and took a sip.
“What is it?” She asked. She knew from the look on his face that something was wrong.
“The city guards were here twice today to search for Liat.” He said. “I can’t keep them out much longer. You have to do something now before they find him.”
“You worry too much Wyn.” She smiled sipping her wine. “I have everything under control. We don’t need Liat anymore. I have what I want for him. It’s time to put him to use in a more interesting way.”
“What do you mean?” Wyn asked him.
“I mean Liat’s going to solve all my problems.” She said. " And your problems to.”
“How?” He asked. He wasn't sure he was going to like her answer.
“By killing my mother and making me Queen of Darkshade.” She walked to Wyn and ran a finger across his face. “Did you think I only wanted him for my pleasure? Well I guess in a way you were right. He is going to do a great service for his queen. “
"You mean to kill him?" Wyn looked at Talsara. He couldn't believe what she was telling him. She had done some selfish things in the past, but to kill someone. He wasn't sure he could go along with this. Liat didn't deserve to die. He was innocent. Completely innocent.
“What did you think I was going to do with him?" She asked. “Marry him? Make him my king? I could never trust him. No matter what drug or spell i put him under, sooner or later he would break free and then I would have to kill him. It would be messy. But if he kills mother, no one will believe any excuse he gives them. They would just think he was a Greywing spy and execute him. This will work Wyn. It's the only way to get me my throne."
“How do you expect to get him to kill Queen Caline?" Wyn asked still in shock at her plans.
“I don't." Talsara took him in her arms and kissed him. Her perfume making Wyn's head spin with lust. " I expect you to kill her. Then leave this next to her body."
From her bag she pulled a glove and handed it to Wyn. Wyn took it and examined it. He looked inside and saw the name written there. It read Captain Liat Caldas. Suddenly the horror of her plan was clear to Wyn and he knew she was right. It would work. They would think him a traitor and execute him and nothing he said would change their minds.
You do as I say and we will be king and queen of Darkshade." Talsara whispered in his ear. "Then we will have everything we want."
But Wyn knew there was only one problem. If he did what Talsara wanted, he would lose his soul and it would really be him that was the traitor, not Liat.

That night Wyn slipped a little something extra in Liat’s food to make his sleep. He knew Talsara had been there earlier with Liat behind locked doors, but with what he had to do tonight, he couldn’t think about that. What he had to do, he had to do alone. Wyn couldn’t trust anyone else with the knowledge of what when on tonight. Tonight he would commit treason. A death offense against the crown. Once Liat was asleep, Wyn dressed him and carried him in the dark to a coach he had waiting in back of the villa. From there he drove him to a little cottage in the hills of Darkshade where no one would find him until they were ready for him to be found. From there he drove to the palace where Talsara had lured one of the guards from his post with a smile and a skin of wine.
In the dark Wyn made his way into the palace through the back kitchen entrance. Queen Caline's suite was located on the second floor. But to get there, Wyn would have to pass through halls that were guarded heavily by her own house guards. But there was another way. A secret way that very few knew about. Luckily for Wyn, Talsara knew all about the secret passages behind the walls of the palace and once the queen was asleep, she guided him in and showed him the way.
After quietly opening the bookcase to enter the queen’s chamber, Wyn slipped in and made his way to her bed. He looked down on her as she slept comfortably in her bed wishing he was any place but here doing what he knew he had to do. Slowly he reached for a pillow that lay beside Caline. He picked it up and held it over her then placed it tightly against her face. Caline instantly woke and tried to fight him of so she could breathe. But Wyn was too strong for her so she died quietly with no one aware of what happened but her murderer. Once Caline was dead, Wyn took two items from his belt. One was Liat’s glove which he slipped onto his hand. The second was Liat’s dagger which he plunged into the dead queen’s heart getting her blood on the glove. Once he had the evidence he needed he took off the glove and dropped it by the bed and left taking the dagger with him. Out in the passage Talsara waited for him. Wyn wasn’t sure if she would be there. For a second the thought that she could just as easily betray him as Liat passed through his mind. But she was there waiting and took him out through the secret exit of the palace that led to where he had hidden the coach.
“Don’t forget to leave the dagger in Liat’s hand.” She whispered. “Once they find that, there will be no question of his guilt.”
“Talsara.” Wyn whispered gripping her hand. “What have we done?”
“We took what is mine that’s all.” She kissed him quickly. “Now if you want to be king of Darkshade, go and finish this and keep your mouth shut.”
Wyn nodded and left. The cottage where he had left Liat was an hour away. But he was sure he had even Liat enough sleeping draft to keep him out until morning. They he would wake with a headache and no memory of his days with them. But able to move and see again. He would be the perfect tool to hasten Talsara’s ascension.

Deep in his drugged sleep Liat dreamed. He dreamed of a man and a woman holding him hostage. He dreamed of the woman coming to him at night and using his body against his will. He tried to fight her but he had no control of his body. But there was one thing that he could do. Unknown to them, his vision cleared and he could see and what he saw stuck in his dreams. He saw Princess Talsara and so did Hasmira when she visited her son’s dreams.

The next morning the kingdom was roused to the terrible news of the queens’ murder. Sadness filled the hearts of every elf in Darkshade for Queen Caline was dead. But evidence had been left and they knew who to look for. Word had gone out all over Darkshade and the search for Liat Caldas was taken to even higher level.Soldiers went from town to village searching every house and any where Liat could hide. Finally in the small village of Oak wood they found fresh tracks leading to a house on a hill. A small squad of warriors rushed the house and there they found a sleeping Liat. With a kick to his side Liat was woken up and dragged out and put in a caged wagon to be delivered back to the palace for his trial. Scared and confused Liat didn’t put up a fight. He had no idea what had happened and there he sat until he got a visitor.
“ There’s someone here to see you Slaugh! “A guard called then opened the door a left. Liat stood and walked to his cell door. He watched as Kel and Rom walked down the hall to his cell and stopped.
“Tell us you didn’t do this.” Kel said. “Tell me it couldn’t have been you.”
“Kel I don’t even know what I’m supposed to have done. “Liat told his two friends. “ I don’t remember anything since our audience with the queen.”
“ You killed the queen!!” Rom screamed at him. “They can prove it was you.”
Liat stared back at them in shock. He didn’t know where he had been but he did know he hadn’t killed the queen or anyone else.
“It’s a lie Rom!” Liat clutched the bars. “You really think I would kill Caline? Why? To help who? It’s all a lie!!”
“ Then where have you been?” Rom asked.
“I don’t know!!” Liat threw up his hands in frustration. “But you believe what you want if our friendship has meant nothing to you all these years. You go on and believe I killed my god mother.”
“I believe you Liat.” Kel reached through the bars and gripped his hand. “But how do we prove it?”
“By finding the one that did kill her.” Rom said. “And we better move fast. What do you remember? Think hard. It could be our only hope.”
“ Nothing.” Liat said. “I don’t remember a thing.”
“Then we’re in trouble.” Kel said sadly. “What do you want us to do?”
“Find my mother.” Liat told them. “Tell him I’m innocent.”
“I’m sure she knows.” Then a light shined in Rom's eyes. “Your mother! She may be able to help!!”
“Kel, let’s go!” Rom grabbed Kel's arm. “We’ll be back!”

The second Liat opened his eyes Hasmira knew exactly where he was and that he was in trouble. He had been wakened by pain and there were soldiers surrounding him screaming and pulling him out of the cottage he had been sleeping in. But what were they yelling at him? Hasmira concentrated on Liats hearing to find out what why instead of rescuing him they were treating him like a criminal.Then she heard their accusations. Queen Caline was dead and they thought he had killed her. Her prophecy of Caline getting hurt had come to be. But Liat hadn’t been the one to kill her. That was impossible. If Liat had been awake to do this crime she would have known. There was but one explanation. Talsara had killed her mother and somehow blamed Liat for the crime. But what should she do? Talsara was queen now and he obviously was to take the blame for the murder. Who could she talk to that might listen to her. Darai, Talsara’s grandmother? No, She would still be so upset she wouldn’t listen to reason, and neither would any of the council members. Hasmira had two choices. She could help him escape or wait and hope given time the council would listen to reason. But Hasmira didn’t thing reason would be the answer. They would want blood to avenge Calines death. She had to get him out of there before it was to late. Quickly she stood and ran and grabbed her cloak and turned to the door when it suddenly burst open and soldiers came in.
“What do you want?” She asked.
“We’re here to take you to the palace.” A captain of the guards told her. “ Liat has been found and arrested for the murder of Queen Caline. We’ve been ordered to bring you to the palace.”
“Am I under arrest?” She asked.
“No. This is for your own protection.”
“I think I’d rather not.” She said. “I can protect myself.”
”I’m afraid I must insist lady.” He held out his hand. “ Please come with us.”
Hasmira knew she could fight them and defeat them, but that would make Liat look guilty. Her only choice was to go with them and hope she could reason with the council and make then understand Liat was just as much a victim as Caline was. Unfortunately nothing Hasmira said or did could save her son. Kel and Rom disappeared that day never to be seen again. Hasmira knew Talsara was responsible for there disappearance but she couldn’t prove anything. One week later Liat was put on trial and found guilty. The sentence was death. He was beheaded in the city square in front of a crowd of thousands and Hasmira disappeared. Talsara was crowned queen and soon she married Wyn and had a son with green eyes. On that night Talsara Darkshade managed to end the life of three people and make an enemy that would never stop until she revenged her son’s death.

Now Wyn saw everything was coming back to the beginning. Talsara was at war and there was a chance Wyn would end up losing the most important thing in his life. his son. Just as Hasmira had lost hers. And he only had himself to blame because if he had been stronger, maybe he could have stopped all of this from happening long ago. God knows he wishes he had. But was it to late? Could he stand by and let Talsara do to Elan what she had done to Liat? Did he love her that much. Wyn thought about it for a minute. But that was all it took to find an answer. Would he let her destroy the only real thing he had been able to love? No, he'd kill her himself if she threatened Elan. With the same hands that had killed her mother she would die if it came to it. In Elan's name that he swore. The question is, where is Talsara and what's she doing? The last he had heard, she was in Eventide and Wyn's imp Argus had told him she had used a magic item to put some deadly spell on Dasyra. She had doomed another elven queen. Wyn stood and paced his study. When would she stop? Did she have to rule all of Keanna to satisfy her lust for power? Could anyone stop her? And where was Elan? Was he safe from her? Did she know about Aron and there obvious relationship? Wyn know he needed answers and that he couldn't sit and just let this happen anymore. Elan had to be found if he was going to try and keep his son safe and to keep Elan safe, he would have to find Aron and make sure he was safe to or Elan would just charge in to his rescue. But first things first. Find Elan.
“Argus!! He called out. In a second he heard a pop and Argus his imp was bowing while standing on his desk. Small in statue about a foot tall Argus was a handsome imp that had been with Wyn since he had been a child. He had been his protector and most trusted friend all his life and always Wyn's fateful servant. Light skinned, blond and fairy like with gossamer wings, Argus was kind and of the light persuasion. He was nothing like Talsara's imp Aesis who was dark, grotesque and mischievous. He cared about nothing but pleasing his mistress and would even kill if that was her wish.
“You called your Highness?”
“ I have something for you to do.” Wyn sat down at the desk. “I want you to go find Elan. I think he’s in trouble.”
“Shall I bring him home?” Argus asked.”This is the safest place for him.”
“No.” Wyn thought about it for a second and knew he couldn’t keep his son here if he didn’t want to be here. “Find him and see that he’s safe. I want you to keep a watch on him. Help him if he needs help. His safety is now your main responsibility. There’s one more thing.”
“Yes highness?” Argus asked.
“Beware his Mother.” Wyn ordered. “If she try's to hurt him in anyway, you do what you have to do to protect him. Even if that means fighting her.”
“Highness.” Argus looked at him scared. He knew how powerful Queen Talsara was and the laws against an imp going against one of his masters. “How am I to fight her? She is my master to.”
“I’m your master.” He told the imp. “Your blood oath is to me. Not to Talsara or the house of Darkshade. You came here with me from Limeira and by rights of our oath you answer to me only. Now I Wyn Edyrm Limeira Darkshade transfer your oath to my son Elan. Will you accept?
“My magic is his now.”The imp swore. “I will find him and protect him just like I've always protected my lord.”
“Thank you Argus.” Wyn smiled. “Now go find him.”
Argus turned then stopped as Wyn got to his feet. “Highness?”
“Yes?”
"How will I find him?" Argus asked As he took to the air and landed on Wyn's shoulder. "He could be anywhere."
Wyn stood and pushed back his chair and started to pace his bedchamber. Argus was right. Elan could be almost anywhere now. So where to look. He had last been in Winterhaven until Lord Larin started all this madness. Then Talsara sent him after Emrel Eventide in Fey Shrea with Aron at his side. Wyn knew what Talsara wanted him to do. She wanted him to capture the Eventide princess to further her own plans to take Eventide. But that would mean kidnapping the girl and Wyn knew his son's heart. Even the influences of the Larin's couldn't make Elan cold enough to do that, not with his love at his side. So where would Elan and Aron go? They would want to help the Eventide's if they could and the best way to help them would be to bring down Lord Larin in Winterhaven. He might be the key to stopping the whole war.
"Look in Winterhaven." Wyn told the imp. "Start there and if he's not there try Eventide."
“As you wish my prince. I now am sworn to Elan.” He said as he slowly faded away. “But you will always be my master.”
"Find him my friend.” Wyn begged. “Keep him safe, no matter what.”

Deep in the glades of Eventide no wind moved in the trees. The canopy foliage of the trees had changed from a deep forest green to a paler shade. It seemed the Eventide glade was in trouble. It was all tied into the family that ruled this Elven kingdom. There health and safety. There well being and it looked like the Eventide's were in trouble. Up in the city of Eventide dark elves patrolled the walkways. Tayor’s spell had all the Eventide elves in a trance almost like the walking dead. All except one and she was dying. Dasyra had only hours left to live and deep in her soul she knew it. In her coma like sleep her spirit couldn’t reach out to her only son in Eventide who was deep under the spell. No one could save her now, but Evindal and his wife Allisa were still here and so were many cousins and nephews and nieces. There were still a lot of Eventide family in danger in the city not to mention the trees of Eventide that depended on them. She could feel they were dying and it was all because of Talsara Darkshade and her ambition. Dasyra knew she had to find help for her home so her spirit lifted from her body and took to the winds in flight To find the closest true soul to Eventide. She hadn’t traveled far when she found two men riding through Eventide heading for her city. Two strange men disguised as elves. She moved down to get a closer sense of the two men. She felt the power emanating from them and knew they were of New Keanna the dragon city. She probed the two men and felt something deep in one man’s heart that surprised her. Seven! This man was in love with her daughter Seven. Maybe he could be the one to help them.
[Greetings.] She sent out to him. [There’s someone in your heart that is dear to me.”
Toric stopped his horse in shock at the sudden call.
“What’s wrong?” Denner asked from beside him.
“Shh!” He held up his hand. “Someone’s here trying to contact me.”
[Who calls?] He asked.
[I am the mother of the woman in your heart.] He heard. [Is she safe? Are my children safe?]
[Dasyra Eventide?] Shock filled him when he realized who he was talking to. [Thank Rimnar! Seven and Adanar sent us here to find you. To see for ourselves what goes on in Eventide. ]
[What of the others?] She asked worried. [Jake, Emrel and Ryel? How are they?]
Toric thought for a minute. How could he tell her that Cutter had disappeared with the Academy or that Emrel and Ryel was missing and he had no idea where they were.
[No need to tell me.] She sent. Toric could feel her sadness. [I can read your heart and it tells me all I need to know. But I don’t have much time. My body is failing. Let me tell you of Eventide. Talsara Darkshade rules there now. She has all my people spelled and in a deep trance. She is siphoning off the magic of the Eventide glades as we speak. You must stop her or they will all die. No Eventide can live if our glade dies.]
[We’ll hurry so we can save you.] Toric promised her.
[Nothing can save me.] She told him. [I go to be with my husband. But you can save the others.]
[How?] Toric asked.
[Find my seventh son.] She said. [He can save them all.]
[How?] Toric asked.
[Find Ryel] She said weakly. [He will find his brother.]
With those words she was gone. Toric knew Dasyra Eventide had just died. His heart broke for his love. He knew he would have to be the one to tell her of her mother’s death.
“What just happened?” Denner asked. “Are we still going to Eventide?”
“No.” Toric told his friend. “We have to find someone.”
“Who?”
“The ninth Eventide.” Toric turned his horse around. “Come on. I’ll explain.”

High in the trees of Eventide Talsara spoke with her generals about the fighting in Dree and the troops she and Lord Larin had moving into Elond. Aon walked in and stood close to the desk where she went over the plans with her generals.
"Well?" She asked looking up. "What do you want?"
"Pardon Majesty." He bowed. “There’s someone here to see you. He says it’s urgent.”
“Who is it?” She asked.
“He says his name is Taren and he’s here by your orders.”
“Everyone out.” She ordered moving behind the desk and sat down. “Show him in.”
“There’s something else Majesty.” The elf said. “Queen mother Dasyra is dead.”
Talsara smiled. That was one enemy down. Her spell had worked. She was that much closer to ruling all of the Elven lands.
“Send Taren in.”
Again the elf bowed and left. Seconds later a dark elf dressed in dark Elven armor with a scar on his face entered the room and bowed.
“Greeting my queen.” He said. “I have news.”
“What is it?”
“All goes well in Remus.” He said. ”The invasion of Yadessa is ready to begin and I have two things to report that you should hear about.”
“And that is?” Talsara folded her hands in front of her face a little angry. She didn’t want to hear of problems. But better now than when they were in her face.
“Your hostages being held by the Goblins have escaped.”
“WHAT??” Talsara stood and picked up a paperweight from the desk and threw it it the Eventide family portrait on the wall. “Who is responsible for this?”
“It was Lord Larin that ordered the Goblins to march.” Taren said. “There is one more thing.”
“Yes?”
“How well do you trust Lord Larin to deal with the dragons?” He asked. ”In my dealings with them you can never underestimate their power. I think we should find another way to be sure they won’t be bothering us.”
“What do you suggest?’ She asked. His advice was valid. Larin was a fool she knew she would have to deal with later and she didn’t want the dragons flying in to save the day.
“There’s someone I think may help us.” He said. “Someone with a cold heart that hates them more than we do.”
“Very well.” She told him, “Find whoever you need to help you.”
“I’ll require your magic to help.” Taren smiled. “I’ll need the help of a old friend to and it will take a very powerful spell to get him here.”
“That won’t be a problem.” She smiled. “My magic has grown lately. Just tell me who your talking about.”
“I need Terror.” He said. “My horse.”
“I remember him.” She stood and walked out to where he was. “I think I can help you. Come with me.”
Together they walked out of the office and down through the tree walk ways. They left Eventide and walked into the glade where the magic was strongest.
“Stand back.” She clapped her hands three times and began summoning her magic. Wind began to blow and lightning flashed through the glades.

FIRE BURNS AS EVIL GROWS.
FROM BELLOW I CALL THE ONE THAT KNOWS.
OF HATE AND FIRE AND REVENGE LET HIM WALK.
BRING TERROR BACK TO WALK AND STALK,

From the sky a lightning bolt streaked down and hit the ground. A pit opened and gout's of fire bellowed out. As the ground trembled a horrible shrieking was heard. Then like a streak of black lightning, Terror the demon horse leaped from the pit eyes blazing with hate.
[BROTHER I RETURN!!]
Taren walked over to Terror and strokes his muzzle. “It’s good to have you back.”
“Go.” Talsara ordered them. “You have work to do.”
Taren climbed on Terrors back and they were off into the night. Suddenly a tree falls in the distance. Talsara laughed as she made her way back into Eventide. There would be a lot more down before she was done.

The sun slowly moved down as Elan, Morganz and Braddoc stood outside the walls of Winterhaven dressed in heavy hooded cloaks waiting for the cover of darkness to slip into the city. Around them the sounds of the forest grew louder by the minute as it got darker.
“You sure you can stay in this forest?” Elan asked Braddoc. “There are things in here that attack men on the roads.”
“ Don’t worry.” He said. “There’s nothing here I can’t handle. Besides, I won’t be staying in here that long. Once you go in, I’ll go grab a few of my men and keep watch on Tayor’s armies. Insa thinks Yadessa will be next on the list for invasion. We can’t let that happen. If you need me I have a message stone, I’ll come running. Good luck both of you.”
“You to my friend.”Morganz gripped Braddoc’s arm and they bid each other good bye. “Lets get moving.”
Elan nodded and climbed down off his his horse and handed the reins to Braddoc. “The tunnel in is this way.”
“This is going to bring us out on Lord Larin’s property.” Morganz said as they moved toward the tunnel entrance.”I want your right on my heels at ever second you understand?”
“ I understand.”Elan nodded, “How do you plan to find the Shadows?”
“I have my ways.”Morganz told him. “I’ll find them. There’s a tavern that the dark type go to. I disguise myself and use an alias. I’ve done business there in the past. They know me. As a dark elf you should blend in will. Just let me do the talking.”
As then entered the tunnel Elan looked around for the stash of torches that were usually there. He found them and handed on to Morganz.
“No.” Morganz told him. “Use you magic sight. A torch could warn anyone station down here we’re coming.”
“What about you?” Elan asked dropping the torch. “You could get hurt stumbling around down here in the dark.”
“I’m a captain in the Winterhaven guard.” He reminded him. “My eyes have been enchanted to see in the dark and to have very good far sight. I see fine. Move quietly. I doubt we’re alone down here.”
Elan took the lead since he knew the way through the twist and turns of the passage. Morganz whispered to elan that once this was all over he would have to come down here and see where all these corridors went. They could be useful sometime. As the neared the end Morganz hearing caught something and he stopped them.
“What is it?”
“There are guards waiting up ahead.” Morganz whispered.
“You think they know we’re here?” Elan asked as he stained to hear. But he heard nothing.
“No.” Morganz told him. “They’re still talking. If it was a trap they would be silent. We have to get by them with them knowing we were here.”
“How?”
“Can you see them?”Morganz asked. “What they’re wearing? I mean the armor?”
“Yes. It’s the same thing all of Tabor’s guards always wore. So?”
“Can you put and Illusion on us so we look like we’re wearing the same thing?” He asked the young mage.
“It won’t last long.” Elan smiled understanding what he wanted. “We’ll have to move fast. Just don’t touch me or let them touch you cause it’ll break the enchantment.””
“It won’t take long to get pass them.” Morganz told him. “Cast your spell just before we’re in sight.”
With confidence in Elan's magic, Morganz walked ahead. He readied himself in case they had to fight. As they drew closer Elan whispered his spell.

ILLUSIONS OF ME, ILLUSIONS OF YOU.
SEE US AS COMRADES AS WE WALK THROUGH.
A SALUTE AND A WAVE AS WE PASS BY.
NO TROUBLE OR QUESTIONS, YOU’LL SEE NO LIE.

Light shimmered around them as they moved into sight of the two guards. With a snap to attention the two men saluted the waved as they walked pass. In front of them were the stairs up and out of the tunnels.
“Very good.” Morganz smiled. “I’m going to have to learn me some of that magic.”
“Hope you’ve got years to study.” Elan told him. “Cause it isn’t easy.”
“OK.” Morganz opened the door and liked out then closed it back. “Where are we?”
“Near the stables. The gate is to the left under the trees there.” He pointed.
“Move fast and don’t stop no matter what happens.”
“Wait!!” Elan said. “Tabor use to sneak out all the time. I know how he did it.”
“How’ Morganz asked.
“The east wall there.” Elan pointed to a place just across from where they were. “He said the was a passage from his room that went to a place in the wall where there was a hidden gate that took him off the grounds of the house. Let me look. I’m sure I can find it.”
”Elan, there are guards out there. If they catch you, you go straight to Tayor. If he catches you, you go straight to your mother. Are you willing to take that chance?
“Do I have a choice?” Elan looked Morganz in the eyes. “All this is going to lead me back to Aron. And for him I’d storm Tayor’s house on my own so your answer is yes. I’m willing to get caught for him.”
“Then go Elan.” The captain stepped out of his way. “ Just keep down and good luck.”
Elan swallowed and quickly opened the door and slipped out. The wall he was looking for was less than twenty feet away. But between him and the wall there was a guard standing watch. This didn’t surprise Elan at all. As suspicious as Lord Larin had to be they probably would be another hundred guards stationed around here. Keeping down, Elan ran for it to hide behind a bush where the guard was standing. Now all he had to do was get past the guard and there was only one way he thought he could do that. He stood behind the guard and whispered a command.
"SLEEP!"
Like a stone the guard dropped to the ground fast asleep. Quickly Elan searched the vine covered wall and found the spot where he thought the gate was and whispered Tabor’s secret words.
"Zarin sucks."
Suddenly the vines started moving and a gate was revealed in the old wall. Elan smiled and waved Morganz over. Without another sound they where through the wall and off Lord Larin’s grounds and into Winterhaven.
“You’re pretty handy to have around.” Morganz clapped him on the back.
“Where to now?”
“We need somewhere we can stay until we can find our friends.” Morganz pulled his hood up to cover him so no one would recognize him in the city he once guarded with his life. “If the Academy were still here, that would be the perfect place to hide, but it’s gone. Any idea’s?”
“We could check and see if any of the outer buildings are still there. The gardening shed or how about Macan’s old clinic. That was outside the walls.”
Morganz looked over to Elan and smiled. “You know what Elan? We’re going to be good friends. The Academy grounds it is. Let’s just hope we don’t run into any trouble on the way.”
So there it was. Morganz and Elan were back in Winterhaven the home of the enemy and where this had all started. After searching the Academy grounds they found the clinic abandoned and a perfect place to hide. It was quiet and everyone thought the place haunted so they kept away. All that was left to do was to find the Shadows and see how they could help in bringing Lord Larin’s reign as king of Winterhaven to an end. And that could prove to be the hardest part of they’re mission.