Exodus. 15

It was still dark on the streets of Winterhaven as Cutter led Lowell and Lisette Testa through the dark embattled streets. Any time they came near any fighting, Cutter would do what he could to aid on the cities side. Illusion or attacking in his dragon form with Lowell and what guards were with them to help increased their numbers as they moved. Soon they were a group of over twenty moving quickly trying to make it to the Academy and safety. Cloaking the group was impossible now, there were far to many. Cutter could mask them all but it would take more concentration then he could spare right now. Soon the Academy buildings were in site. Cutter called Lowell to him in the front of the group. Looking out, he saw there were three of Tayor's men waiting at the front gate. They would have to be taken care of quietly in order for them to get all of them in.
" How do you want to do this?" Lowell asked. " I could send men out to attack them."
" This has to be quick." Cutter whispered. " Get three men. I'll cloak them as they walk out to engage Tayor's guards. They'll have to kill them fast. No one can get back to report to Tayor or he'll send troops after us."
" I understand." Lowell waved an older soldier over to him and whispered something to him. He nodded and went back and picked two other well armed men and brought them to Cutter.
" They are your targets." He said pointing at the men patrolling at the Academy gates. " They won't see you as you approach or attack if your careful. You have to be silent and attack at the same moment. Count to fifty and and take them out. Understand?"
The three men nodded as Cutter began to concentrate and they faded away. He watched as only he could see through his cloak of illusion as they crept out and moved to their separate targets. Beside him Lowell counted quietly.
" 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50."
As he watched the three men turned and blood erupted from each of their throats and splattered the invisible men that had killed them. Cutter dropped the cloak and the dead men were dragged into the gate as the rest of the group came running in behind them.
" Leave them there in the bushes." Lowell told them waving the others through. Cutter ran ahead and was met at the door by Tanis as he opened it for them. He could see students running in all direction working on different tasks to try and secure their school.
" I'm glad your finally here." The young vampire moved aside to allowed Cutters group to enter. " The schools going crazy preparing for the coming assault."
" I need some help here first." Cutter told him. " Get someone to get these's people food and the wounded treated."
Tanis stopped two running by and gave them orders to fetch Macan the schools master healer and bring him back to the entry hall. Cutter looked around at all the activity and the arrangement. He wanted to know just what had gone on all night while he was gone.
" We evacuated all the younger children and sent them out of the city." Tanis explained as they moved through the halls to the administration office. " The infirmary is ready for casualty's. Macan can treat anything that this battle can throw at us. Let's just hope its not necessary."
" Oh it will be." Lowell told him. " Tayor Larin won't leave this place untouched. This is where some of the most powerful magic in the city is housed. I know he'll want the archives not to mention all the magical artifacts stored in the vaults."
" Well its to late for that." Azeal walked out from the office and shook both Cutter and Lowell's hand. " I sent it all to Settlement with the children. Its just the older students and us to do battle here. I'm hoping we can get more help from the city guards here to help us defend the school."
" Sorry." Lowell stopped him." This is it. This is all that's left of the guards. Tayor hit the barracks right at the guard change last night and captured almost my entire force. We'll have to make do with whats here now."
" Can we get help from Settlement?" Tanis asked.
He opened the door and led them into the office as they talked. Inside the office all the rest of the faculty that wasn't busy out preparing the school for war stood waiting to find out there next move. A group of eight professors and instructors came over to greet then as they entered. Two older men Cutter recognized as council members that served as professors at the Academy, Borin Gaunt the potions master and Sadon Terryn professor of magical lore. It was just their luck to be in the school when Tayor sent out his messages for them to attend his meeting. Luckily they never received those messages or they to would be in his power.
" What's the situation in Winterhaven?" Borin asked Lowell.
" Dire Councilor." The warrior answered. " Tayor Larin organized a coupe to overthrown the council, and it looks like he has succeeded. I'm afraid the city guards are no more."
" Damn his black heart!" Sadon cursed. " What of the council and Insa? Surely they fight him?"
" He has Insa under a dreamweaving spell." Tanis said sadly. " We took him and Councilors Den and Humbridge out of Winterhaven. We're all that's left to oppose him here. The city is in his hands now I'm afraid."
" What of your dragon brothers?" Another professor asked.
" Jandar will send help if we need." Cutter said. " But only to help evacuate. The city's affairs under the treaty he and Rage signed can only be interfered with if asked by a majority of the council. So far all he has is three members. We have two more here, but it will take six for him to be able to send fighting help."
" But your here." Tanis said. He didn't understand the difference. "Your fighting."
" Yes, but I had family here." He explained. " When I arrived my brother and sister were still in the city. And we came on dragon business remember. One of our clan was in peril. Once Insa was free of the city, we were suppose to leave. Jandar can still deny any knowledge of our actions. And don't forget, none of Tayor's men lived that saw a dragon in Winterhaven."
" Them what are we going to do?" Azeal asked. " The school must be protected."
" I have an idea." They all heard from behind them. Everyone turned to find Lisette Testa still with them. Lowell and Cutter had thought she had gone with everyone else to help with the wounded. After all, she was a nurse.
" Whats is it,Lis?" Lowell said smiling as the men parted to let her enter their circle.
" This is just a place." She said. " The school is really in the instructors and the students. Must people die for a building? Is that really necessary? Can't we all just get away from here?"
Cutter looked at her in awe. Such innocence and beauty he thought, and wisdom. Of course that was the answer. Winterhaven was no longer safe to be the home of the Andrake Academy. They had to leave. But how was he to get so many people out of Winterhaven? There wasn't enough dragons to fly them and there wasn't time even if he had them. There could only be one way to do this. Magic. And it would have to be some very powerful magic. What powerful mage could he find? Jandar? Yes, he was powerful, but he needed someone even more powerful. Who was the most powerful and feared. Then it hit him. The mage so powerful even the gods feared him that they hide all his life's work. Gannon Ka.
" Lady." He hugged her in his excitement. " You are brilliant! She's right, Andrake Academy isn't safe here with Tayor Larin ruling the land. The only way to save it is to move the school somewhere else."
" Are you mad!!" Sadon shouted at him. " We don't have that kind of power! It would take more then we have here to even attempt something of that magnitude. I say we fight!"
" You would see these children fighting a war they can't possibly win?" Cutter yelled advancing on the mage." Even worst, you would put them in his hands? Because that's what happens if we lose. Tayor will have the school and everyone in it. Will you take that chance with there lives, cause I won't!"
" I see nothing else to do but fight!" He said. " But if you have another plan, I'll listen."
" I do." Cutter calmed down. " But I'm going to need your help and all of your magical strength to do this. Can I count on you?"
" Of course." Sadon looked around at the rest of the staff as they nodded their agreement. " What can we do?"
" The school must be secured." Cutter told them then turned to the instructors and professors. " Anything beyond the walls surrounding the school either has to be moved in or abandoned. I'll leave that to you. Councilors Gaunt and Terryn, your going to need rest and meditation. We'll need you at your most powerful."
" You'll find us resting in our office." Borin Gaunt said as they led the staff away issuing orders on what was needed to be done.
" What of us?" Azeal asked.
" I want the both of you in the skies watching the city. I'll need to know if Tayor sends anyone towards us." He turned to Lowell. " Your on guard duty. This entire school needs to be searched just in case Tayor managed to get men in here before we got here. I want all entrances watched and your men rested and ready in case we do need to fight."
" What of you,Jake?" Tanis asked.
" I have people I need to talk to." He said. " There's someone we need here as fast as possible. Good luck everyone."

From the main office the staff scatter out and into the school on the different tasks set before them. One young man that happened to be one of Macan's healer, escorted Lisette to the infirmary. There they found Macan busy treating the wounded as best he could. At the moment they entered he was busy healing a sword wound one man had received on the flight to the school. This was a brave young boy that Lisette remembered well. They had come across him fighting three of Tayor's men that had broken in to a house and dragged the family out. They had slaughter the parents and intended to raping the two young girls when the guard stopped them. He had fought bravely and killed his enemies but was severely wounded in the fight. When they arrived the two young girls stood over him one with his sword and the other held a broom guarding him. Lowell had quickly had the boy bandaged as best he could and put on something they could carry. His bleeding had been stopped but he was in serious condition when he arrived at the infirmary. As Lisette looked around she saw the two young girls still there waiting to be sure he would be well. She went over and checked with Macan how serious his condition was. Macan wasn't sure if he would make it at all. Sadly she went and told the girls the news and that they should get some rest and return later to see how he was doing. Then she went to work helping anyone she could.
Outside the staff hurried along as they made sure everything was made safe and secure. The stable was outside of the walls so the animals had to be brought in and found a safe place to stay. Hay and feed for the horses, chickens and other exotics was also stored since they had no idea where they would be going. Having done that, they moved on to be sure there was nothing else that could be done. Nothing could be done for sporting areas beyond the walls, they would just have to be abandoned. All equipment in any outer houses and sheds were stored away and soon they were as ready as they could be.

Dressed in their dark cloaks, the two vampires of New Keanna made their way out one of the back entrances of the Academy. Theirs would be a dangerous mission. They were on their way to spy on a very powerful mage. If somehow their enemy pierced their disguise, there was a chance they might not make it back. Azeal looked over at his friend and noticed how scared he looked.
" What are you thinking?" Azeal asked.
" Just saying a little pray to my mother." Tanis answered.
" Did she answer?"
" Yes." He said smiling. " She says be careful."
" I hope you said one for me to."
" Don't I always." Tanis pushed back his brown hair from his face." Lets Go."
Spreading there arms they both concentrating on the shift and began their change. Tanis took the form of a great black hawk and Azeal, a harpy eagle. Feathers grow and their bodies shrank down to bird form, then off into the skies they went winging their way out over the city. With their superb eyesight they scanned the streets block by block. Tayor had ordered the people to their homes and for no one to be on the streets on pain of death, so the only ones moving were his men loot shops and tearing up the city. No shops had opened today, and no city services were being provided until he lifted his order. They watched from a roof as people were dragged from there home and robbed. Some were beaten and some were even raped. Azeal looked away from the horrors. He couldn't bare to watch what was happening to Winterhaven.
[ Don't worry Azeal.] Tanis sent to him. [ I know we're not just walking away. We'll be doing something about this soon.]
[ I know. It just brings back memories of what happened in Vasagi.]
[ You mean my father.] Painful emotions rushed out from Tanis at the mention of Vasagi. [ And what he did to the whole country. I'm sorry.]
[ Don't be.] Azeal tried to reassure his friend. [ None if it was your doing. You couldn't his stopped any of it. And you've done you part to end it. Im proud to be your friend Tanis.]
[ Thank you.] Tanis cawed his hawk call. [ So what now?]
[ We move to the council building and try and see what Tayor plans.] Azeal spread his great wings and leap off the roof. [ Come on.]

Insa's office in the Academy was a rather large chamber with two levels, nothing like his suite in the council building. This chamber was more dedicated to the academics and his roll as Headmaster here. It bore furniture for humans and a great desk and his private library which filled the entire second level. The first level was where he met with students and parents. He also had a small magical lab there where he could do any private lessons he thought necessary. Here he also kept a place he could rest in human form . A large comfortable couch he often used. This was where Cutter found himself. A quiet place he could you to make contact with those he now needed to talk to. He thought about Adanar and Emrel. Where could they be now he wonder. They where the first he would try to contact. He settled himself comfortably on the couch and reached out for there minds.
[ Adanar!] He sent out. His mind searched for his younger brother and litely touched his mind for a second. He felt fear there, but he couldn't seem to get a grasp of him. He didn't know why. He and Adanar had always been able to find each other. Almost as easy as he and Seven could. Since he couldn't get Adanar, he tried Emrel.
[ Emrel! sister!]
Nothing. Not even the feeling he had gotten from his brother. This scared him. He thought about calling Seven and sending her after them. But he didn't want to get her all worried to, That left Morganz and Braddoc. He knew Jandar had sent Braddoc out to help. He hoped maybe they had found then by now.
[ Cousin! How goes your search?] Almost instantly he felt the touch and contact with his cousins mind. But he didn't feel quite right. [ Have you found them yet?]
[ No cousin.] He answered. [ We've run into a problem.]
[ What's wrong?]
[ We're not alone out here looking for them.] Morganz told him. [ There's a strange witch out here too. And she seems to want them.]
[ What?] Cutter asked. [ I don't understand. Who else could be after them and why?]
[ I don't know. But she tried to kill me with poison. Luckily Braddoc was able to stop it and save me.]
[ Thank him for me please.] Cutter sent. [ Are you alright? Should I send Seven to help you?]
[ We're getting on the road after them now. We'll be fine.] Came Morganz answer. { How is Winterhaven?]
[ The city is in deep peril right now. But there's nothing you can do to help but what your doing now. Find Adanar and Emrel and get them home. And find out whats going on in Eventide to. Whoever this woman is, it has to do with home. I think Tayor Larin's behind it.]
[ Tayor Larin?] Morganz hate and distrust of the man radiated out to Cutter. [ He's behind the trouble in Winterhaven. I knew it! I never could stand that dark bastard.]
[ I think it's all his doing. But don't worry. We'll figure some way to stop him. Just get back to Eventide and see what's going on. And Morganz.]
[ Yes?]
[ Find my brother and sister.] Cutter said. [ Aglar lenn tyss!]
[ Thalion sul Tyss!] And Morganz was gone. The news from Morganz wasn't good. Cutter wonder who it was that could be after his brother and sister. Surely Tayor's hand couldn't possibly reach all the way into the elven nations. Though he didn't put it past him. But he didn't have time to worry about that now. He had a school to protect now. That meant reaching Jandar.
[ Jandar!] He sent out. [ Brother we need help.]

In a window of the chamber of the new king of Winterhaven, two majestic birds of prey came down to land. No one notices as they flew in to land on a beam in the ceiling. They sat quietly and watched what was going on down beneath them. Below them two man talked. One of the was the new king, Tayor Larin.
" How goes the fighting, Youron?" Tayor sat comfortably on his new throne. He was so smug in his manner. He knew he had won the city. Now he just had to hold it.
" The fighting is over my lord." Youron said. " The city is ours."
" Ours?" Tayor's said frowning.
" Your pardon my lord." He bowed. " I meant yours."
" Now and forever." He laughed. " Have you found Insa yet?"
" No my lord. We have searched all over the city. There's no dragons in Winterhaven."
" And your sure of that?" Tayor lifted his cane as the crystal at the head began to glow a bright golden light.
" Yes my lord." Youron said. " I'm positive."
" You see this?" Tayor held out the glowing cane. " My cane can perform some wonderful magic. I can possess others minds. I can steal their magic. I can make them do anything I want like a puppet. It can also detect certain kinds of magic. And this tells me there are dragons near."
Youron's face turned ashen with fear. He had been in Tayor's service for years and had earned his trust. Now he feared his masters anger.
" What of the school?" Tayor asked. " Is it in my hands yet?"
" No my lord. I am organizing the attack now. The man are regrouping at the manor as we speak."
" I sent Tabor and a small group ahead." Tayor stood and walked down from his throne. " You have two hours until I walk into Andrake Academy and take it myself. If I do, you will be the one to pay. understand?"
" Yes my lord." Youron backed his way out of the the chamber. " Your will, will be done."
[ We have to get back to warn Cutter they're coming.] Azeal sent. [ We better hurry.]

Deep in the shadows in the back of Insa's upper library lever, five people emerged from the darkness. One was a tall man dressed all in black except for the silver star he wore on his chest over his heart. Also over his right eye gleamed another star. This was the dragon of darkness, Blink. Behind him came four others. One an elder man dressed in a grey robe, the sign of a master mage. Kalin Ka,the great ancestor of Gannon Ka and master to all his magic lore. Next was a golden eyed beautiful girl with a very unemotional look on her face. She was Texa. Gannon's tomb of magic knowledge in a lovely form. The last two in line were the two councilors Blink had bought back to there city to help. Councilors Den and Humbridge. Together they moved on down the spiral staircase to meet Cutter on the bottom.
" Thank you for coming." Cutter greeted the new arrivals. " The school really needs your help."
" What's going on here?" Kalin asked. " All Jandar said was that we we're needed here fast and to bring the councilors with us."
"Come with me and I'll explain what's going on."
Cutter led them out of Insa's office and through the school as he told them the situation. Listening carefully the five got the idea where they were going and what he wanted.
" Moving the entire school is a very unique answer to the problem." Kalin said. " And the right one. I can just imagine what Tayor Larin might do if he had control here. This would no longer be a school of neutral magic. And I doubt he would care what the students or teachers thought. They would become his own personal army of dark magi's."
" Yes." Councilor Den said. " But can we do it? As masters I think we may have the power needed for such an undertaking, but we'll need more then just magic."
" I agree." Councilor Humbridge spoke up. " I have no idea how to even proceed with something like this."
" My master Gannon has written many spells of such power." Texa told them. " If it is master Kalin's wish, I can provide the right spell to use."
" Gannon had a need for something like this?" Kalin asked.
" Long ago, Gannon's King Nickolai decide his palace was far to easy for his enemies to gain access to." As she talk she spread her hands over her hand and a scene displayed before them. It showed Gannon talking with King Nickolai. " Gannon knew that he would have the same problem no matter where King Nickolai was, so he fashioned something special for him. I have that spell still. But we need four others to work this spell since none of you have the power my master had."
" We have others to help" Cutter told her. " There's all the magic we need in these wall."

The halls of Andrake Academy were quiet. All the students had been sent to the main hall to keep them safe. The only people in the halls were what was left of the city guard. They were all on guard for any intruders finding there way into the building. At each entrance two armed men kept watch for any of Tayor's people. They had no idea when they would be coming, but they knew it was just a matter of time. Lowell stood out in the garden watching the skies for the return of Azeal and Tanis with news. Any news for them would make a big difference right now for they didn't know how long it would be before they could work their magic. While he watched, he had men go room to room checking each room for its occupant. It was a roll call to be sure all the students over the age of fifteen was in their room safe. Once the count was done, they realized all the students were there. Except for four young elves.

Flying at top speed, Azeal and Tanis pushed their wings as hard as they could to get back to the academy. There wasn't much time. Youron would have Tayor's forces at the gates in less then an hour. Cutter wouldn't have much time for preparations. Ahead of them they saw the academy building coming up on them fast. Lowell stood out front waving at them. Dropping down they made ready to shift while still on the move. Just a few feet off the ground they made the shift. Their feet formed running once over the gate.
" What did you find?" Lowell asked as they reached him.
" Their coming!!" Azeal said. " Tayor will have his men here in less then an hour. He's given the order to attack us."
" Then we better make sure everything's ready." Lowell waved over one of his men to him.
" Yes sir!" The guard said snapping to attention.
" Get all our men out here in front." He told him. " Make sure there all armed. Tanis, you have whatever mages available up in the windows giving us support. Fireballs, power balls, freezing whatever they are good it."
As he gave orders to his men, two men approached him. He knew these men. The were Dack and Cravens fathers. He had told them earlier that their sons were safe in New Keanna. He wondered why the weren't with their wives in the dining hall.
" What can I do for you Delan?"
" No." Delan Rainer said. " What can we do for you? We want to help."
" That's not necessary." Lowell clapped him on his shoulder. " Stay with your wives. They'll need you."
" Our wives are busy with the kids." Rue Tasco said." Let us help. I'm very good with a sword."
" And you know I can handle a crossbow Lowell." Delan smiled. " Let us help."
" Very well if you insist." Lowell was actually glad for the help. They needed it.
" Delan, get a crossbow from the armory and join the mages in the windows. Rue, you can help in the yard. Just please, no heroics."
" YES SIR!" The ran off to follow his orders.
" I'm staying here with you." Azeal told him pulling Justice from its scabbard. " Valkar would have me fight with you."
" No." Lowell said. " Your to go to Cutter. I want both you and Tanis to protect them. They're more important. If someone finds a way down to them, they'll need strong fighters. Now get going, we don't have much time!"

High in the upper floors of the boys dormitory a group of men dressed in city guard uniforms and a young mage waited. They had stayed quietly in a private room assigned to a very important student. One that no one expected was still in the school. With very powerful cloaking magic no one had seen them during the search of if the school. Now it was time for them to make their move.
" You all know what you are to do." The young mage said as he paced arrogantly in front of them. " The word going around is that they're going to move the school some how. We can't let that happen. The invasion will take place within the hour. I wasn't able to find out just how they're planning on doing this, but it has to be with magic. Somewhere here they're going to be casting the spells, your going to have to find them and stop it."
" And you young sir?" Asked one of the men. The young mage looked at him as if he had no business questioning him. They knew he was in charge here.
" There's something I need to find. But what I do is not your affair. You just do as I say or you will see what I can do with magic. Is that clear?"
" Yes Sir!" They said quietly. " What if we run into magically opposition?"
"This will take care of any wards barring any doors and lead you to the strongest magic being worked in the building. Lord Larin made it, I doubt there will be anyone as powerful as he here. Search carefully." He said handing the amulet to the leader. He opened the door and looked open into the hall. There was no one out there." Do not get caught. Now go."
One by one the first warriors of an invaded force entered the halls of the Andrake Academy. Quietly they moved down the hall to the transport stones and searched the school floor by floor. There wasn't much by way of resistance in the school. All of Lowell's warriors were outside and at the entrances waiting for the main attack. What few they did see they passed without any trouble at all.
" So where do you think we'll find them?" One young man asked. He nodded to a passing teacher that looked at them strangely.
" They'll go somewhere private." The leader said. " Somewhere deep in the building. It won't be here where the coming invasions might get to them."
" Whats below the first floor?" Another asked.
" Laboratories I guess. That and dungeons and maybe storage."
" Dungeons in a school?" The young man frowned. The thought just didn't go with his idea of a school.
" This wasn't always a school." The leader told them. " Once it was some kind of monastery for some long dead god. There are still altars down below I expect. That is where we should go." He held up Tayor's amulet and saw it was like a compass. It had north, west, east and south marked, but the needle didn't always point north. On this day it clearly pointed more in a southeasterly direction.
" We go that way." He pointed down a hall off to the left. So off they when to complete their mission.

Earlier in the day after Azeal and Tanis had returned, they made they're way to the office to find Cutter waking up Councilors Gaunt and Terryn. With Cutter were the new arrivals Blink, Kalin Ka, Texa and Councilors Den and Humbridge. Quickly they told them all they had heard in Lord Larins throne room.
" Then there's not much time." Cutter said. " We should hurry. Texa, what will the spell require?"
" Since your magic will be split and coming from more then one mage." She said. " You will need to arrange yourselves in the four directional points of the castle. Each councilor will take a point and recite the spell at the same time with my master Kalin in the center directing the spell. I warn you. You will need all your concentration on this spell while casting or things can go awry."
" Then you will all need protection." Cutter said. " If somehow we are breached and they get to you, you won't be able to protect yourselves. One of us will go with each of you. Azeal, you go with Councilor Den to the north. Tanis, Councilor Humbridge, go east. Blink take Councilor Gaunt, you go west and I will protect you Councilor Terryn in the south. Texa, I trust you can protect Kalin?"
" As always." She said. " That is my mission, why I was created."
" Anything else?" Cutter asked very anxious to get on with what they had to do.
" Once the spell is cast the mages will be weak." She said. " Do not move them. They may fall. Do not touch them. You will disrupt the magic. Just let them rest. The school will then be on the move. Just bring them back here when they wake. One more thing. Once the spell begins, a wall will appear around the school. Everyone must be inside that wall. Those outside will be left behind. Anyone caught in the same space the wall occupies will die screaming. You should warn the people fighting outside."
" I will." Cutter said as they all begain moving out of the offices. " Good luck everyone. We have to get this right or Andrake Academy will be no more."

Outside Lowell watched as the new Lord Larin's forces began to advance on the Academy. He had armed all his men as best he could and stationed all the offensively powerful students in the windows to use their magic as best the could. That would be a great help he thought in keeping them back as long as they could. But he knew they would tire and then it would be up to them with hand to hand battle. It was a clear beautiful day he thought for battle. A good day to die. He smiled as he thought of his wife on the inside waiting with the others to deal with the wounded. He knew she would do her part to help. Then he thought of Zarin and hoped the dragons would keep him safe and he would be proud of his fathers actions today. The gods knew he would always be proud of his son and his friends and glad they weren't here for this fight. He just couldn't think of what could happen to any of them had they been there. Zarin and Reno would have insisted on being out there with him on the front lines, Dack too he guessed. Looking out at the coming troops he knew they were over matched. He had less the fifty men in his command and there was more the a few hundred lined up out the to face him. Beside him stood his second in command and two senior teaching mages ready but hoping this would all be over in seconds.
Youron climbed down of his horse and handed the reins to a warrior. He adjusted his armor and walked out towered the gate where Lowell stood.
" I know you Captain Lowell Testa." He called. " By order of the new king of Winterhaven. Lord Tayor Larin. I order you and your men to lay down your arms and surrender all you hold to us."
" I don't recognize your lords authority here." Lowell shouted. " He is not the legal king of Winterhaven. We are not ruled by a king but by the council here. Tayor Larin is nothing but a dark evil man making his bid for power. He has no claim here."
" He claims this city by right of his power." Youron thunders. " He is the strongest mage in this city. By that right he should rule here. You will surrender or we will kill you and everyone that opposes us. Do I make myself clear?"
" We are not helpless here." With that, Lowell ordered the mage at his side to send a blast of flame at the enemy. Flames shot out from the wall into a crowd of men and horses. Panic over took them and scattered the horse trampling a few men under hooves.
" Attack at your own risk!" Lowell said." Anyone comes over the wall or through the gate dies. If you don't believe me then try. and I hope your the first to die."

The Gift. 14

The morning sun rose as Morganz pushed his horse as hard as he could to keep from being caught by the pack of garmr chased them. He looked back and saw they were less the twenty yards behind him and gaining on him. His horse was exhausted and wouldn't be able to go to much farther. Up ahead saw the break in the forest. He was almost out, but that wouldn't stop the garmr from chasing him. Once his horse fell he would have to fight them on his own. He bore down and urged the horse into one last burst of speed to make it eo somewhere he could make a stand. Foam ran from his tired horses mouth as it exited the forest and fell dead to the ground. Morganz leaped high as it fell and rolled in the air and landed on his feet drawing his weapon.
"COME ON!!" He shouted gripping his swords as the garmr came at him snarling. Suddenly arrows came flying from behind him bringing down the first two hounds. As he watched, more arrows streaked in quickly knocking two more out of the pack leaving four still coming. Morganz braced himself as they came at him. Just as the dogs were about to snap at him something came leaping over him slashing in the pack with its blades pushing them back in surprise. Slashing and stabbing at the beast, Morganz stood shocked to saw a great centaur brandishing a large sword hacking into the hounds. He turned back to Morganz and shouted.
" You going to help here?"
Morganz smiled and waded into the fight with each of his blades flashing in the morning sun. Morganz fought one while the centaur faced two garmr. Kicking out with his front hooves, the centaur connected with the snout of one hound while stabbing at another. It howled in pain and rushed in swiping at him. Jumping back out of the way he sent his sword into the chest of the second beast killing it and reared up to strike again. The garmr growled and turned and fled back into the forest.
Morganz fought fast and furiously as he ducked and leaped away from the paws of the hound he faced. With a roar the hound leaped in and tried to grab him. With amazing speed, Morganz leaped high into the air and bought the hilt of his sword down smashing into the top of the hounds head knocking it to the ground. With a quick swing across its throat he finished the beast leaving it to choke and bleed laying dead with the other.
"Well fought." The centaur said cleaning his sword on the hide of one of the hounds before sheathing it. "You fight well."
"As do you my friend." Morganz stepped up to the centaur holding out his hand. "I thank you for your aid. I am Morganz Alavara of Eventide. Captain of the Winterhaven gate guards."
"I know who you are." The centaur gripped his forearm. " I've been sent by Cutter to help you find his brother and sister and get them back to Eventide. He thinks there's something wrong in his elven home. My name is Braddoc, chief of the High Range tribe."
"Your help and you bow is much appreciated." Morganz said. "But as you can see, I'm in need of a horse. Mine has been run to death."
" No worries." Braddoc told him. "I'll be your steed. We'll move much faster that way. But I'm not really familiar with these lands. I can help you track and hunter, but you'll have to show me the way to Eventide."
" That's not going to be a problem. I know the way home." Morganz went to his horse and took all his belongs and packed what he needed. He looked at his saddle then looked back at Braddoc.
" You won't need it." He said. " Just a blanket will do. You can use a strap around my waist to hold on to, but that's all."
Morganz nodded and carried his things to the centaur and put them on him. He climbed on his back and Braddoc found his weight very comfortable.
" Which way?"
" We go southeast." Morganz told him." See those tracks? They belong to Adanar and Emrel. You can tell from the shape of there horses shoes. Those are elven horses."
Braddoc looked down to familiarize himself with the tracks. He was and expert tracker, the best in his tribe. Now that he knew what to look for he would have no trouble following them.
" Hold on." He said knelling down to examine the tracks. " By the looks of these tracks, they're many hours ahead of us and riding hard."
" Then we should get moving." Morganz said as Braddoc took the his hand and helped him onto his back. " I'm hoping we can catch them before days end."
" Agreed. Hold on." Braddoc smiled. " I run much faster then your horse could, and I'd hate to lose you."
" Don't worry. I'm a expert rider." Morganz gripped the straps he had put around Braddoc's waist to keep him steady.
" Expert?" He laughed. " You've never ridden a centaur before."
With that, Braddoc reared up on his hind legs then took off following carefully the trail the two young elves had left behind.

Dressed in her most beautifully black woven dress decorated with shining pieces of obsidian, Talsara stepped from the airway with the Eventide majordomo and followed him to the throne room. As they approached the two door guards stood stiffly. Eolis stopped and turned to the dark queen.
" I will announce you to the king and queen mother." He said. She waved him on dismissing him. With his approach, the two guards opened the door and he walked in to the large hall.
Sitting on there thrones, Evindal Eventide and his mother Dasyra sat regally taking care of affairs of there kingdom. There was a short line of petitioners waiting to be heard. Judgements were to be passed, quarrels decided and punishment had sentenced. Eolis waited until a kings aide noticed him and waved him forward. It was know he had been assigned to the visiting dark queen as a liaison. Eolis whispered to the aide news of Talsara waiting. Quickly the king was informed of his honored guests. A path was cleared and Eolis was told to make his announcement.
" Majesties." He called to them. Evindal and his mother Dasyra sat talking on there thrones. " The queen of the Darkshades awaits."
" Show her in." Evindal nodded. Eolis turned back to the door to announce the queen. King Evindal turned to his mother beside him on her throne. " Mother, what is she doing here?"
" Your brother Ryel asked me the same question." She whispered.
" And? "
" I have no idea." She said. " But I don't think its anything good."
The doors opened and Talsara walked in her head held high smiling. She stopped at the throne and bowed to them.
" I bring you greetings Lord and Queen mother of the Eventide's." She said bowing. " Greetings from the Darkshades."
" Greetings to you Queen Talsara. We welcome you to our green city, but we are curious why your here visiting us." Evindal smiled down at the dark queen.
" Visiting old friends." She looked up at Dasyra." It has been a long time."
" Aye, it has." Dasyra said. " Not since the day your son was born and Tanyl and I bought you gifts for him. How is he?"
" In school in Winterhaven with two of your children. " She smiled. " He has grown tall and strong."
" Strange." Dasyra frowned. " Neither Adanar or Emrel have spoke of him. I'm sure he'll make you proud.
" Yes, he will. If he does what he's told." Talsara took a package from out of he sleeve. " With the proper queen he will be a strong Darkshade ruler. And that is a part of my mission. To find him the right princess. Be first, I would like to present the Queen mother with a gift."
" A gift?" Evindal's eyes widened in surprise. This was unexpected. Evindal waved over his aide as Talsara opened the pouch and took out the necklace. There in her hands she held the beautiful bronze oak leaf with the gleaming amber acorn in its center. She held it up to show the crowd of elves the the royals before her.
" For you Queen Dasyra." She bowed to them. The aide walked down and took it from Talsara's hands and brought it back to Evindal.
" How beautiful!" He exclaimed holding it up gazing at it as it turned on its golden chain. " We thank you."
Evindal handed it back to the aide who passed it to Dasyra. She looked into it to examine it for magic. She felt nothing. Its curse was hidden well, Talsara had made sure of it.
" Will her majesty honor us by wearing it?" Talsara smiled at her slyly.
Handing the necklace back to the aide, Dasyra pulled her white illustrious hair up so the necklace could be put on her. As the clasps were fastened a brief flash sparked out seen only by Talsara. She nodded and smiled again at Dasyra. She know what the flash meant. The curse had just been activated. Dasyra was now doomed. Unknown to them the queens magic was now useless. In a few days she would fall ill, then the end would come soon after that for her.
" Thank you." Dasyra smiled. " I will wear it with pride as a symbol of friendship between the two of our families."
" To our families." Talsara said laughing to herself. Her plan was working just as she knew it would.
" Will you dine with us tonight?" Evindal stood and walked down to the dark queen. She reached out her hand to the king. He took it and kissed the back politely.
" Of course your majesty." She said. " I would be honored."

" MOTHER!!!" Emrel jumped up from her bedding with a start. She had just had the worst dream about home and their mother. But was it a dream? She didn't think so, it was more of a warning. Mother was in danger, that's what the dream was all about. She looked next to her to where Adanar was sleeping. He had a strange look on his face and he was fidgeting in his sleep. He was having a nightmare to and mumbling.
" No, no!" He said. " I won't let you do this!"
" Adanar!" She shook him. " Wake up!"
" NO!" He opened his eyes and grabbed for his sword looking around for the threat.
" Brother, it was a dream." She put a hand to his face to assure him they were alright. " I had one too, about home and mother."
" What did you dream?" He asked rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Fear and anxiety still filled his mind.
" I dreamed there was a dark lady at home with Evindal and mother." She said. " She's trying to hurt mother. I know she is. We have to get home fast."
" Then lets get going." Adanar pushed away his blankets and got to his feet. He reached down to help his sister up.
" What was your dream about?"
" It was nothing." He said. " Lets just get out of here."
Quickly they gathered all the things and set them back on there horses. Adanar looked at Emrel still very much worried about his dream. He knew it was more then just a dream. Like Emrel he had them too every now and then, and they always meant something. His dreams weren't as clear as hers were, but they were just as accurate. Something bad was going to happen soon, and he was afraid there was nothing they could do to stop it. But he sure as hell would try.

Being magical was a very useful talent for the people of Keanna. Used for everyday things like daily chore like cleaning and cooking. Personnel things like dressing and fetching items and of course, defense and offense. It could also be used for covert things like hiding and finding things you might be searching for. All though there magic had failed to find the ring Tabor was searching for, Aron's spell to located the two missing Eventide's had worked perfectly. The minute they rode out of the clearing Aron saw them in the magic globe he had summoned and knew exactly where the two elves were. Once they had located the brother and sister, the Elan and Aron drove there horses on until they spotted them.
" There!" Aron pointed to the two riding over a hill. " Come on we can catch them!"
" No!" Elan stopped his love. " Not so fast. I don't want to have to fight them. Emrel could get hurt."
" You worried about her." Aron asked then looked off afraid of Elan's answer.
" No! But Adanar's no novice with magic or a blade. You could get hurt, and I can't let that happen."
" Then what do you want to do?" Aron was relieved by what Elan had said. He knew he had to let his jealousy go before he destroy his bond with Elan. But it was not going to be easy.
" We follow them." Elan told his mate. " Then we lure them with deception to where we want them to go. That way we don't have to fight. For now, we keep back until we find a chance to present ourselves in a way they will trust us. Can you keep track of them?"
" I think I can." Aron smiled and held up his hand. In the center he held the globe. They looked deeply into the globe and saw a vision of the two they followed riding swiftly away.
" This will work." Elan reached over and kissed his mate. " How long will the spell last?"
" Until I banish it nin meleth." He answered. " Im neit saal io."
" Good, then we need not rush, just stay close." Elan urged his horse into a trot. " Our chance will come soon."

During the hours of the day, Sarella slept the sleep of near death. But that didn't mean she was powerless or unable to act. She still possessed the power to act during the day. Her physical body must stay hidden, but her mind could create a form to use to walk around. Also her mind could still roam free to search and follow her query. From her resting place she saw many things. She saw Adanar and Emrel as they emerged from there hiding place. She saw Elan and Aron follow after them. She knew the were no threat to her, so she decided to leave them alone. She also saw Morganz and Braddoc gaining on the Eventide's and knew they were there to help them get home safely. That she had to stop. She knew she would have to keep them from reaching them before she woke and could get there herself. And she knew just the place to do it. She was going home.
Hidden deep in the cave where she had found refuge, Sarella concentrated on sending a physical form back to where she had started. Relos, the home she had left so long ago. She had mixed feeling about returning. There were happy memories but more were not so good. Memories of her mother and days they spent in her shop baking bread and other treats to sell filled her mind. She thought of the few friends she remembered, Kayla and Melina and the days they played games out in the fields. Then the dark memories started to return. Memories about her father and the horrible things he had done to them. The beatings her mother had taken for years as Sarella was growing up. All the tears she cried as she tried to treat her wounds. And lastly, the reason Sarella left Relos. The night her father raped her and killed her mother.
She had come home early from the shop and founded him drunk waiting for her. He had smiled at her as she came into the home. It that moment, she knew she was in trouble and tried to get out. But he grabbed her and dragged her screaming into the barn. There he ripped off her clothing and raped her in the hay. She screamed in pain as he beat her and ripped away her youth from her young body. That was when her mother came in and found them. Grabbing at him to pull him off her, her mother fought for her. But her father was a powerful man, very strong from his years tolling in the fields. He knocked the woman back and began to beat her. Sarella watched crying as her father beat her mother to death that night. Her anger over came her as she saw him climb off her bloody broke body. She looked to her left and saw the pitchfork laying in the hay pile. Sarella reached over and grabbed it as he was wiping the blood from his face. He let his pants fall to the ground and climbed out of them then turned back to her. She knew he wasn't done with her yet. He smiled at her as he walked towards her, his erect manhood pointing the way.
" NO!" she screamed tears running down her face. " Not ever, ever again!!"
She leaped up raising the pitchfork over her head and rammed it into his chest. He fell back in shock looking at his pitchfork sticking out of him and fell back on the ground. Sarella rushed over to where her mother lay and knelt beside her and pulled her into a hug. She opened her eyes and tried to smile at Sarella. She knew she was dying.
" Sarie." She said weakly. " You have to go. Get away from here."
" No mother, I won't leave you."
" It's to late for me." She said. " But not for you. Don't let your fathers hate take you over. Get away from him, away from here. Promise me."
" I don't want to leave you." She cried hugging her close.
" I love you." Her mother said. And with that she closed her eyes and was gone. Sarela held her dead body as she cried. Then she heard something, a whimper. It was coming from her father. She laid the body down and walked over to where he was. He looked up at her then reached up.
" Help me." He choked.
" I'll help you just like you helped us." She said. Sarella reached out and grabbed the pitchfork and pulled it out. " I love you this much."
She raised it and jammed it down into his body again and again and again until his chest was an open pit. After that she gathered her things, put a torch to the place and left. That was the beginning of her hate, and she would hate for the rest of her life, and it would make her the creature she was today.

Noon was approaching fast as Braddoc and his elven rider came upon and abandoned walled city. They stopped for a minute to check the tracks that had led them there. Morganz looked out at the broken walls that surrounded the city. It had been a while since he had passed this way. He had no idea what had happened here.
" This is Relos." He said. " It wasn't like this the last time I passed. It looks like the raiders finally made it in."
" No." Braddoc told him. " It wasn't the raiders."
" Then what could have done this?"
" This was done by Muerte and her people." He said. " By Pelis the Collector to be exact. Toric and Jayce told me the story of the beast of Relos. It turned out to be Toric's father changed by the death goddess. Another of her and Pelis's attempts to kill the dragons. They almost succeeded, but Toric was a lot stronger then his father thought. Now the city is empty."
" Seems there's a lot I don't know of your dragon friends." Morganz climbed down of his back. He gazed closer at the city. " You say the city is abandoned?"
" Yeah, No one lives there now. The animals have taken over."
" Then why do I see smoke rising from one of the houses down there?"
 Morganz pointed down into the city. Braddoc looked out shielding his eyes from the sun. Sure enough,there was a fire burning down there. Someone was in Relos. Strange he thought. Then he looked again at the tracks they were following and noticed the ran down into the city.
" You don't think...? He asked Morganz. They looked at each other.
" Why not?" The elf shrugged. " Its shelter. They may be resting, thinking to travel by night.
" Then we should go in and check." Braddoc told. " Give me your hand."
Morganz reached out and clasped his hand and was hauled onto his back.
" Hold on."
With Morganz on his back, Braddoc carefully made his way down the hill and into the city. The wall had been knocked down in a few places in Pelis's rage so getting into Relos wasn't a problem, The city had become overgrown with weeds and vines since it had been abandoned. Suddenly Braddoc felt a warm feeling coming from his wrist. He looked at it an saw a blue glow coming from the Salvation stone embedded there. He looked around for whatever had caused the stone to glow. He knew what it meant, the stone was trying to warn him of some danger near them. This city still had some kind of threat for them. They would have to be on guard.
" So where was the smoke coming from?" Braddoc asked.
" The northern part of the city." Morganz said as he climbed off the centaurs back." It's this way."
Together the two turned north and headed down a row of devastated houses. There was all kinds of old household items scattered all over the streets from people that had packed fast and hurried out of the city. Braddoc stepped on an old doll some child had dropped while trying to get away.
" Look!" Morganz pointed. Up ahead the saw a house. It had somehow survived all the carnage that had destroyed the city. Smoke rise from the chimney and an old woman sat out front peeling some kind of vegetables from a basket on her lap. She looked up and saw them coming towards her and sat aside her basket.
" Welcome." She smiled. " More guest. I haven't seen this many people in a long time. Not since everyone moved away."
"Moved away? Braddoc thought. They didn't just move away. They ran screaming from this place. What's she talking about. Who is this old woman?
" Then you have seen our friends?" Morganz called to her. " An elven couple?"
" Yes, they are here in Relos." The old woman tried to stand falling back in her chair. Morganz rushed forward to help her to her feet giving her his arm to pull herself up.
" Thank you." She grasp his arm as she got to her feet and scratched him with her jagged nails. He pulled away suddenly looking at the minor wound. " Forgive an old woman. It's not so easy to groom them at my age."
Braddoc again felt the burning at his wrist. Something was wrong in Relos, but there was no one here except the old woman. He looked at her with suspicion.
" I hope you can stay and dine with us." She smiled her toothless grin at them. " You can rest here while you wait for you friends."
" Where are they?" Braddoc asked. He reached out to Morganz and looked at the scratch on his arm. It was bleeding and there was a nasty green slime there. This isn't right he thought. He looked into her basket and saw there was nothing in it. Morganz stumbled against him with a sick look on his face.
" This is not right." He caught Morganz as he fell into him and lowered him to the ground. " Who are you?"
" Ha ha ha ha ha ha!" The woman cackled backing away from them. In a flash she suddenly changed. The old woman that once stood before them was gone. In her place stood a another woman dressed in gray with a deathly pale look and gray hair. Braddoc reached to his back and grabbed his sword to protect them.
" If I were you." She said as the wind began to pick up and blow around her dress and cloak. " I'd worry more about your friend there then me, because Im not really here. But he is going to die!!"
As Braddoc watched, the woman laughed loudly at him and faded away as if like she said, she was never there. Braddoc knew then that this was all just a trap made to catch them, and it worked. Morganz was now infected with some kind of poison. Lifting him up, Braddoc carried him into the house and laid him on an old pile of blankets he found there. He went back out and got so water from and old well he found. Luckily the well was still useable and not rank. Braddoc lifted him up and tried giving him a drink, but Morganz started coughing and choking. He felt his forehead and knew his temperature was up. They were in trouble. Morganz would die if he didn't figure some way to help him. But what? What could cure the man and save his life? If Only Gabriel the healer dragon was here. But he and his mate were still missing. What else could help them? What could be Morganz's salvation? Wait, salvation! He looked down at the glowing stone on his wrist. It was shining brightly like it was trying to tell him something. Braddoc lifted Morganz arm and held the stone to the wound and the glow shined out intensely. Morganz breathing began to ease up more to normal, the sweat stopped pouring from his face. It was working. The wound was healing. All the green that had begone creeping up his arm was fading away. Now all he needed was rest. Braddoc hoped he'd be well enough to travel by morning because now they would really have to move to catch up with Adanar and Emrel. And that woman, they would have to watch out for her. Something told him, they would meet again.