Spies. 33

No matter how hard he tried, Tof Tyr could not find Valkar or anyone else in the usual way. His last option was to send someone out to Yadessa to talk with him. That had been last night. Tonight his runner had returned with the news that Valkar was in Prafa and no one had heard from Prafa in a few days. Tof took his news to the study to tell the others. He walked to his study and entered. There he found Sharone and Aggar talking with Keya. while Insa sat cross legged by the fire. When Tof walked in Insa stood and came over to sit with them.

" Any news on Valkar?" He asked.
" He's in Prafa." Tof told them as he sat behind the desk.
" That's good." Sharone sighed. " At least he's safe."
" Not quite." Tof stopped her. " No ones heard from Prafa all week. They're going to send someone to check on the city in the morning?"
" Don't bother." Came a voice from the door. Everyone turned to find Athene and Adam in the doorway. Athene laying in the arms of her big friend dressed in a torn and ragged blue gown.
" Athene!!" Tof jumped out rushing over to help. " Sharone get them something to drink. Adam, put her on the couch."
Sharone ran off to find a suitable drink for the two exhausted vampires as Aggar and Keya made room for Adam to lay her down. Then he fell into a chair beside her.
" What happened?" Insa asked. " Where's Valkar?"
" He's been captured in Prafa." Adam told them. " We barely made it out before the city was put under some strange spell."
Keya looked over to Insa then to Tof as she listened to Adams story. It was all to familiar to them as he told it. Sharone came back in carrying to flagon of some dark brew she passed to Adam. He took it and looked at the deep red brew the looked up weary of the drink.
" Drink it Adam." Tof said. " It's based on cattle blood with a few herbs. Ranjer loves it. Trust me friend,"
Adam raised the flagon in salute then tipped it back and drank deeply enjoying the warm liquid as it went down his throat. Sharone sit down and cradled Athene's head and let her sip slowly.
" So tell us what happened in Prafa." Adam put down his empty cup then looked up collecting his thoughts. He told them all about Tomas Acros and his trip to Winterhaven. How he had been captured during the fighting there.
" Stop." Keya held up her hand. " Let me guess. He came back all red eyed and mysterious with and story about how rebels freed him. Just like my brother Raf did. Now they have King Valkar under their power. You were next Tof. Or your father would have been had he been in control.
" But he's not and I have been warned." Tof moved back to his desk and opened the top draw and removes a piece of parchment.
" What are you doing." Keya asked.
" I have to warn others." He said writing. " We have allies that we can stop this from happening to."
" Fine." Adam sat up feeling stronger." Be I have to go back and free my king. I owe him my life. I just need a few men and I can take Prafa back!"
" Wait a minute now." Keya stood. " Prafa is now a city under siege controlled by man bent on ruling the world. It'll take much more then a few men to take it back. Trust me, my homes been taken the same way."
" The what do you suggest?" Aggar asked her.
" Hold a minute everyone." Insa spoke up. " Attacking Prafa or Remus isn't the answer."
" Then what is?" Tof asked lowering his quill." This is war and we're probably the next to be attacked."
" Winterhaven is the answer." Insa told them. " We taken Winterhaven and Lord Larin with stealth and intelligence. That's the way to beat him."
" Alright." Tof said. " We're listening. How do you want to do this?"
" We find allies." He said. " We see want we have to fight with. Then we moving on Winterhaven quietly. First I need to find the Shadows."
" You mean Jayce, Pelic and Graym?" Tof asked. " Do you know where they are?"
" Yes." Insa nodded. " Jandar sent them into Wintehaven on a spying mission. " Jax said their orders were to stay hidden and find a way to get close to Tayor. He also said he hadn't heard anything from them in days so I have no idea how there doing or if they're even free. They could be sitting in Tayor's dungeon right now."
" Then we have to send someone in to find them and make contact." Tof stood from his desk and walked out front and sat on the edge. " None of us here could possibly enter without suspicion. I don't have anyone I can send either with our connection with the dragons. Aggar, What did you find when you made contact with Fay Shrea?"
" Absolutely nothing." He said. " I couldn't contact anyone in all of Fay Shrea. It's like there's a wall around all of the faire lands."
" No dwarves or fairy?" Sharone asked. " No pixies, gnomes or leprechauns? How can that be?""
" I don't know." Aggar said. " I guess they're in this too. We should send someone to take a look around."
" That would be a job for me." Insa told them. " I can fly over and see what's going on. In the meantime Tof. Send out your warnings to everyone you can think of. Adam, once Athene is awake I want you two to go to Vasagi. Warn them of what's going on and have someone sent to Prafa. Have them get close enough to find out what goes on there but have to report back some how."
" I know how." Aggar stood and went to a large chest that sat in the corner by the library shelves. He opened the chest and took out what looked like oval lead eggs.
"These are message stones made by the dwarves, used by many others including the elves." He handed one to Insa and Tof. " I've been trying to get your father to try them for the longest time."
" How do the work?" Tof turned it over in his hand curious.
" You hold it in the palm of your hand and concentrate on the person you want to talk to. If they have a stone it will work just like mindspeak only through the stone instead of there mind." He explained.
" And this works?" Tof asked.
[ Very well the dwarves assure me.] Aggar sent through the stone he was holding. Insa and Tof almost dropped them in shock.
" Everyone take one." Tof said. Aggar began handing them out to everyone. " Adam send one into Prafa. Tell whoever goes to be careful and not to lose it. Aggar, we need to know how far and what lands are still free. Send out runners to all our allies. Give them your message stones so we can communicate when we have to. I want our sentries doubled. I expect a visit soon from Raf or some other faction of Tayor's."
" I'll take a few to." Insa said. " There's a few people I need to find while I'm out. The could be a big help to us."
" Fine." Tof said. " We all know what we're doing, Lets get on with it. We may not have that much time."

Dressed in a simple peasant dress and shawl Ashura made her way up the long road to Larin Manor. She was carrying a basket of herbs.and other medicinal elixirs Youron had ordered. Usually he would send a man from the house staff to pick up the supply's but he had Ashura promise him to bring them herself the moment she had finished mixing them. What he had asked her to make was that delicate he didn't want them in the hands of some clumsy stable hand, and it would give her the chance to visit the Manor and to maybe even see the new lord. The day was overcast with clouds and rather cold. She stopped at the gate and told the guard of her delivers.
" I will take that in." He said reaching for her basket. Ashura drew back from him.
" These are very special and if handled wrong." She said. " The mixtures will be spoiled. Youron swore me to bring them myself. If you don't believe me, send someone in with me. But I will not be responsible if Lord Larins potions shaken and useless."
The guard looked at her weighing his options. He could insist on taking them himself, but if she had stumbled on the way here and there's anything wrong with the potions he knew he would be blamed. Better not to touch them and take any chances.
" Very well." He said opening the gate for her. " Take them around back and have the maid call Youron."
" Do I need an escort?" She asked smiling at him, her perfume enticing him as she ran a hand across his arm.
" No." He smiled back wondering why he had never seen this beautiful woman before and if he could possibly see her again. He wanted to escort her, but he didn't dare leave his post. " It's not far and no one would dare accost you here on my lords land."
" Thank you." She waved turning to go and walked slowly up the road. Her scent on the air he watched her walk away hoping to see her again.
It wasn't a long walk up to Larin Manor. She looked around and saw people working on the lands, Gardeners, stable hands and groundskeepers. As she looked them in the eyes she saw they all had something in common. They all looked miserable. Like they had nothing left to live for. Ashura turned away. She couldn't let their fears get to her. She had a job to do for these very people. She had to get in and close to Lord Larin and see what his plans were. Who was next on his list, what dark magic had he discovered that he could turn on Winterhaven and Keanna.
At the doors to Larin manor stood two sentries in Larin manor house colors. Ashura slowly walked up the few stars and told them she was here to See Youron. One nodded and turned and went in to find him. So far Ashura had noted more then ten guards on the estate. And that was just on the outside. She was sure there would be more inside the manor. As for magic, she could feel its presence was very strong. Of course Larin Manor with it's history of powerful mages emitted magic of its own. She was sure through the ages a lot of magic had been use here. And there were many spells on the manor itself. But still she didn't feel magic here on the level the ring would have.
" Lady Ashura!" Youron walked limping from the house. He to the stairs one at a time with a pained look. " How nice of you to Come. Is this what we talked about?"
" Yes it is." She handed him her basket. " It's all just been mixed fresh within the hour like you asked. The rookwood should relieve any pain your feeling for at least eight hours after a teaspoon in mixed with water. Now don't forget, it has to be diluted or the potion will or it will tear up your stomach."
" I understand." Youron held up the vial of blue liquid to look through then placed it back in the basket and took the green cloudy potion out.
" Careful." She warned him. " This mixture is very delicate. If you shake it to much you'll render it useless. " It's got masnaris in it. I don't know what you want it for, but I followed your recipe to the letter."
" Thank you Lady Ashura." Youron placed the vial back in its place where it would be safe. " My master will be pleased."
" Where Is Lord Larin?" She asked looking around.
" Here. Behind you."
Ashura turned and there stood Tayor Larin dressed in rich red velvet vest and a white shirt with black pants and knee high riding boots. In his hand he carried a cane with a great crystal stone at the end. He nodded to Ashura and smiled slightly.
" Ashura De Mel." He took her hand and kissed the back. " It's been a long time since the Dark Circle. How have you been?"
" Doing well My lord." She smiled and blushed a little nervous. She wasn't expecting to run into Lord Larin. She thought she would just look around a little maybe get some magical hint from the manor and his people. But here she was and Tayor Larin was right in front of her.Like it or not, this was her chance to get close. She be careful and not waste it.
" Tayor." He said. " Call me Tayor please. We are old friends after all. Can I show you around. It's been a long time sine you've been to Larin manor."
" Thank you Tayor. I'd be delighted." Ashura took his arm as he turned from Youron to lead her into the garden.
" Master!" Youron limped after them. " I need to speak with you."
" Later." Tayor called. " I have a guest. Whatever it is, it can wait."
" Yes sire."
Youron watched as they left on Ashura's tour of the grounds. He wonder what Ashura's presence in Lord Larins life would mean. He remember what had happened to the last mistress of Larin Manor and hoped he wouldn't have to do something like that again. But if he found out she was a threat in any way, he wouldn't hesitate no matter who she was or even if Tayor Larin loved her. He's done it once, he'd do it again.

In Aspara Bough the city of the fairy queen Nuala, a strange woman in black sat on the throne. Sarella the banshee. In the name of Lord Larin and Talsara queen of the Darkshade elves she had been busy. After taking Aspara Bough she had moved on and taken most of Fay Shrea. Faire,dwarves,goblins and trolls were now under their spell and either asleep in some dark prison or red eyed and in their control. Sarella smiled holding the crown in her hand as she looked as its jewels sparkling in the sun. She thought about her captives being held deep in Aspara's dungeons, Hema and Queen Nuala. They were powerless now to escape and be any trouble to them now so she would move on to Lord Larins next target. The rest of the elven lands. Talsara had taken Eventide but she wanted more. She would rest until she had control of all the elven lands dark or light. And since Fay Shrea was so close, at was the perfect place to launch their attacks from.
" Lady Sarella."
" Yes?" She looked up at see a dark elf warrior saluting in front of her. " What is it?"
" Our troops are ready to move." he said. " We await your command."
" Very well." She stood and tossed the crown aside. " The lands of the Dree and the Elorn are closest. We attack them first. I want your mages ready to go in first. Our agents have been sent in already. If they have done their jobs, this shouldn't be to difficult. But there will be some resistance. Have them ready to move within the hour."
" As you wish." He pounded his chest and turned and marched out.
Sarella watched as he left. Today would be Larins day. But soon her day would come. And then she would take back all she had giving him for herself. Then Queen Sarella's reign would begin and all will bow to her.

Riding hard Elan and Adanar drove their horses through Fay Shrea. They were on a mission to save Aron and Emrel from their fates at the hands of Talsara and her goblin hordes. Before them Adanar had cast a probe to warn them of any trouble ahead. It was to show a bright shining orb over the path ahead if anyone were to be in path. Suddenly it became like a small bright moon over their heads in warning.
" Elan!" Adanar shouted. " We've got trouble ahead!"
" What is it?"
" I don't know." Adanar reached down and undid the strap the held his sword in it scabbard. Now it was ready for a fight. " All I know is that there's riders on their way toward us. We don't have time to stop. Get ready."
Elan thought fast. It could be anything coming at them. Quickly he formed a spell in his mind and had it ready to fly the minute someone came into view. He gripped his reigns and urged his horse on. Suddenly a roar and a flash of something blue flew overhead. Elan raised a hand to cast his spell when he heard Adanar shout.
" Seven!!!!"
Over there heads in the sky flew two great dragons. One blue and a smaller one all red with smoke issuing from it's snout. Hearing her elven name Ariel looked down to find her younger brother Adanar below waving at her. With a tip of her wings she sailed down to the ground. As she touched down she shifted and ran to him. Adanar jumped from his horse dropping his sword and ran and hugged his sister.
" Adanar I've been so worried about you! " Ariel cried holding him in her arms. As the two hugged Braddoc and Starglow came charging through the brush to find the two elves in the clearing hugging and Elan watching from his horse. Toric rode up on Starglow and jumped off to stand next to Morganz and Braddoc.
" Elan Darkshade?" Morganz walked over to his horse. " What are you doing here? Your suppose to be in the Academy?"
" Laev keryn." Elan held out his hand to show he wasn't armed. " I'm here to help. I'll explain everything."
" Adanar." Ariel looked around, " Where's Emrel? She's with you right?"
The look of joy slipped from Adanar's face. He looked to Elan but know he had to be the on to tell Ariel what had happened to their sister.
" We don't have time for long explanations." Toric said. " The Trolls will be here in a few minutes. We have to get moving. Ariel, you'll have to take Braddoc. He's the biggest of us all. Can you carry anyone else?"
" I can carry one more." She said. " I'll take Adanar so we can talk."
" Good." Toric said. He climbed on Stargolw's back. " Denner you can carry Morganz and Elan. Hurry, there almost here."
[ Get on.]
Morganz stepped up and climbed on Denners back the pulled Elan up behind him. Ariel stepped to the side and shifted then helped Adanar strap Braddoc to her back.
" I don't like flying." Braddoc said trembling.
" We don't have a choice! Hold on!" Toric yelled back as Starglow took to the air. " Let's go! Here they come!!"
In a mad rush the trolls came pouring out of the forest. Everyone one of them was armed with something. A battleaxe, broadsword or a club fashioned of a branch or trunk almost as thick as a man. Turning to face the trolls Ariel sent a blizzard of sleet at the trolls to blind them and force them back as she and Denner leaped into the sky. From the ground heavy boulders were launched at them trying to bring them down. In a flash Starglow swooped down throwing fireballs as Toric sent bolts of energy at them as the other flew high enough to get out of range missiles speeding at them.
" We made it!" Morganz shouted looking down at the troll growing smaller as they flew off out of Fay Shrea. " Where are we going now?"
[ I want to know where Emrel is.] Ariel sent to them all. [ I know she was with you when you left Winterhaven. What happened?]
" Seven." Adanar said. " Emrel's been taken along with Aron, Elan's mate. The goblins have her."
[ WHAT?] An angry blast of lightning flew from Ariel into the clouds and lite up the skies.
" It's true." Elan told them, " There's a lot you all should know. We need to find a safe place were we can explain everything."
[ No!] Ariel screamed in there heads. [ We have to go get her back now!]
" We don't know where they are sister." Adanar hugged her neck. " Elan and I have been sent on a mission to bring something back to the Goblin. Please, lets do as Elan suggests. You need to hear it all before rushing in and maybe getting them killed."
[ Let's just get away from Fay Shrea for now.] Denner sent. [ They're right. Without knowing where they're being held, we can't possibly get them free without the Goblins seeing us coming.]
[ I'll do as you say for now.] She sent. [ But I'm getting her out of there if I have to go alone.]
[ Your not going anywhere without me.] Toric sent.
" Or us!" They all promised.

Storm clouds filled the sky as Insa and Aggar left Tyr manor. Insa was on his way out of the Wolves Lair while Aggar had his orders to carry out. As they walked they watch the people of the Lair go about their daily chores with no knowledge of things that were going on. Once at the edge of town they stopped.
" I expect we'll be warning everyone of the troubles in Winterhaven now." Aggar said.sadly.
" Yes. It seems they'll always be someone out there looking for conquest." The dragon said. " But don't worry. There's always hope. As long as there are free men, there will be hope."
" You be careful Professor." Aggar took his arm and they shook. " And hurry back."
" I will." Insa opened his cloak and shifted to his dragon form. With a mighty leap he spread his wings and was off. He circled the lair then headed south towards Fay Shrea. He was very curious about what was happening in Fay Shrea. The faire fork were allies of both the dragons and Tir Na. If they were in trouble, he wanted to do want he could to help. Besides, their lands were close to Elven lands and the Eventide's. He owed it to Cutter and Ariel to make sure their home was not in danger. Enjoying the feel of the wind against his wings Insa tilted his wings and moved to a higher altitude. From there he soared effortlessly through the skies loving the feeling of freedom the skies gave him. It wasn't long before he found himself flying over Fay Shrea. He dropped down for a closer look at the faire lands. All seemed quiet until he was over Aspara Bough. There to his surprise he saw a great gathering of men marching out of Fay Shrea. Through his sharpe vision he could tell this was a army on the march. But who's army. He didn't see any kind of banners flying and it just didn't seem to be of faire origin. Sure there were goblins, trolls and a few other faire species. But there was more humans then anything. From above he couldn't tell if the were any werewolves or vampire there, but he did see a large contingent of dark elves among them. Insa wonder where they were going for a second. they thought about the path they were on. They were heading into elven lands. If they kept on the path they were on, they would be in Dree in less then a days march. Orym Dree was king of the Dree and a very good friend and ally of the Tir Na and neighbor of Eventide. If this army took Dree, Eventide would be attacked soon after. He would have to warn them some how. and there was only two ways to do that. Either he would have to fly there himself, or land and message Tof and hope he could get a warning to them. Insa remembered Aggar saying the elves used the stones. That would be quickest way to pass on the warning. Suddenly from behind him an ear piercing scream hit him knocking him to the side. Insa dropped and flipped to the around to see that it was that had hit him. Behind him flew a strange white haired woman dressed in black flowing robes. He knew just what she was. A harbinger death. A Banshee.
[ Who are you?] He sent. [ Why have you attacked me?]
[ I know you.] She answered. [ And I've been order to kill you.]
[ Why?] He asked. [ I don't know you.]
[ I am Sarella.] She sent. [And I know you Smoke dragon, your death is one of the things I promised my master. And I always keep my promises.]
With a scream she battered at Insa again and again, the sonic's knocking him all around. Try as he might Insa couldn't get a second between screams to orient himself and fight back in any way. The pain was overwhelming. With all the effort he could muster, Insa spread his wings to stabilize himself for a fight.
[ It's no use.] Sarella sent. [ Your alone and about to die!]|
Just then out of the clouds above a bolt or lightning and a gout of flame flew down and struck Sarella before she could send her next blast at Insa.
[ He's a dragon, bitch!] Insa heard. [ You should know we're never alone!]
From the clouds above them, Ariel and Denner flew down sending blasts at Sarella. Ducking and dodging Sarella quickly fell away and flew off screaming out her rage at their intrusion.
[ This isn't over dragon. I am your death. I'll be all of your deaths and I'll be back!!]
[ Ariel! I've never been so happy to see any in my life!]
[ Are you alright?] Toric asked as he and Starglow flew up next to him.
[ I'll be fine.] He sent. [ I just need to land and rest for a minute or two. Where did you all come from?]
[ Fay Shrea.] Ariel sent coming in close. [ We were looking for my brother here and my sister.]
[ I've a lot to tell you.] Insa said. [ I need to get to the ground to talk and send a message. Follow me and we'll find somewhere we can talk.]
[ We have a lot to tell you to. We're right behind you Professor] Denner sent from beneath them. Together the three dragons and Starglow headed off away from Fay Shrea. From beneath on the ground Sarella watched. Insa had been lucky today, but he wouldn't always have his friends with him. She would catch him alone one day. Or maybe she wouldn't be alone and the advantage would be on her side. It didn't matter. She would kill him. And she would get as many of them as she could. And that, she swore to herself.

The Truth Comes Out. 32

Pain throbbed in Aron Neveral's head as he opened his eyes. He reached up and rubbed the knot on his head and flinched in pain as he sat up.

" Easy." He heard someone say. Aron looked up to find Emrel Eventide standing beside him wiping his brow. " How do you feel?"
" Like bells are being pounded in my head." Aron looked around. He was in a cage with two other people. Emrel and a leprechaun.
" Where am I?" He asked trying to get to his feet nervously. " Where's Elan?"
" Careful Aron. Stay down until your head stops aching." Emrel held him down. " What was the last thing you remember?"
Aron thought back for a moment. The last thing he remembered, he and Aron were in Fay Shrea watching Emrel and Adanar. They had just decided to go catch up with the two Eventide's in the morning and tell them what Elan's mother had planned. They had went to sleep. Something had woke him, then nothing.
" Where are we Emrel?" He asked changing the subject. " And who's the leprechaun?"
" Begging ya pardon lad." Finn bowed to Aron. " Finn Adair. A fellow captive in trouble just like yaself."
" My brother and I were trying to get home to Eventide." Emrel told Aron as she fetched a skin of water for Aron to drink. " We were traveling through Fay Shrea and made camp when we were attacked. They took me while I was sleeping. I don't know what happened to Adanar."
" You and the lass will be ransomed back to ya kin, I suppose." Finn said helping Aron to his feet and holding him steady. " Me, the goblins are enemies of me folk. I be about done."
I don't think so." Aron said. He walked around testing the bars of their cell. " Emrel maybe, but I don't have any family to pay a ransom for me."
" What of Elan?" Emrel asked him. " Surely the Darkshade's will pay. You and Elan are so close."
" I don't think so." Aron laughed. " Talsara Darkshade would rather see me dead then pay for my freedom. And if I remember my goblin lore right, they don't usually keep hold of captives they can't ransom."
" What's that mean?" Emrel asked Aron.
" It means have they ever ransomed one of your people before Finn?"
" Why no." Finn thought about it. " Ya be right lad. Gobbies kill leprechauns. Always have, always will."
" Then why are they holding you?" Aron asked.
Suddenly Finn's eyes lit up as if an idea had struck him. He jumped to his feet and faced the two elves.
" It be that damned Banshee!" He said excited,. " The bitch and whoever she be workin for!"
" Banshee?" Emrel asked. " There's a Banshee after you?"
" Strange things be happening these days lass." He nodded. " Nothings bin right since I got out of Winterhaven."
" WINTERHAVEN!!" Aron grabbed Finn by the shoulders. " We're both from the Academy in Winterhaven! What's this have to do with Winterhaven?"
" Sit down me friends. " Finn told them. " There be things ya should know."
As they sat there Finn told them all about the coup in Winterhaven.  He told them of Tayor Larins take over and how he and Hema had escaped. Then he went on to tell of the happenings in Aspara Bough and how the faerie queen had been taken. Lastly he told of Hema and her fight with Sarella the banshee.and how he had gotten away hoping to find help to bring back for the fairy.
" So I be thinking this has something to do with all that." Finn finished. " That be the only reason the Gobbies would keep me alive. "
" Your not going to be much help in here." Aron told him He walked to the cage door and shook it,
" We've tried that." Emrel stood and walked to Aron.. " Both of use have tried it. It's no use."
" Have you tried magic?"
Emrel looked at him a bit annoyed. " Of course we have. It didn't work."
" Goblin magic is no where near as strong as what they teach at school. Maybe all three of us can come up with a spell that will be strong enough to break it. It's worth a try."
" Tis lad." Finn nodded. " But I don't think It'll get us outta here. I think It'll take more then magic ta get away form here."
Emrel looked at Aron as he checked every bar. He tried the door again then went and sat in the corner looking worried. She knew he was probably worried about his friend Elan and where he was. She was worried about Adanar and the rest of her family. But what was with the two elves? They were both usually with that cretin Tabor. What were they doing out here in Fay Shrea? She stood up and walked over and sat beside him.
" You miss him don't you?"
" Yes." He said with his head down tears on his cheek. Those goblins may have hurt him. He could even be dead."
" I think you would know if he was dead. " She smiled. " Wouldn't you?"
Aron looked up into Emrel's eyes. That's when she saw just what was in his heart. He loved Elan. That's why they where so close. They were lovers.
" Aron." She said. " I know Adanar is OK. If he were hurt I know I'd feel it. What do you feel?"
Aron closed his eyes and concentrated on Elan. He suddenly could feel him out there thinking of him. He smiled.
" He's scared and worried." He said opening his eyes. " But he's OK."
" What are you doing here Aron? Tell me the truth. Why are you in Fay Shrea?"
Aron looked again at the pretty elven maiden. There was something about her that felt familiar deep in his heart. Like he should trust her with his and Elan most deepest secret.".
" We're here looking for you."
Just then two goblins came into the cave and put a key to the lock of the door to their cage. They opened the door as the three captives moved back.
" You leprechaun. Come with us."
" And where would ya be takin me?" Finn asked.
" You will find out soon enough." One said smiling.
" Stay here Finn." Aron stepped in front of the little man to protect him. " He goes no where."
" He comes with us." The goblin said raising a crossbow and aiming at Emrel. " Or she dies."
" No I be going with ya." Finn stepped out then turned to the to elves and whispered. " Don't worry about me. I still have me luck."
Finn stepped out of the cage and smiled at them as the door was closed and relocked. He waved as they led him away with the crossbow pointed at his back.
" Good luck." Emrel whispered. Then she began to cry.
Aron took her in his arms and held her as she sobbed into his shoulder.
" Don't worry Emrel. Elan and Adanar will find us. We'll save him somehow."

Galloping hard on the trail with Elan in the lead, Adanar wondered where they were going. He had never heard of this Golden ring of Endrin and had no idea where they would find it. But it seemed Elan did. There was something Elan needed to explain and now was as go a time as any.
" Elan, Stop!" Adanar pulled his horse to a halt. Elan looked back at him then stopped and went back to see what was wrong.
" Why have we stopped?" Elan ask. " We have a long ride ahead of us. We need to hurry."
" A long ride where?" Adanar asked him. " Where are we going?"
" To find the ring." He said. " It's the only thing that can save them. Lets go."
" What ring? Where is it?" This time Adanar was getting angry. His sisters life was in danger and he wanted answers. " What were you doing in Fay Shrea?"
Elan looked at Adanar opened mouth. He knew Adanar deserved answers. But how could he explain that he was there to kidnapped Emrel and bring her back to Darkshade to be his bride and future queen. His only choice was the truth. All of it. No lie or deception would help him here. It was time Adanar knew just what was going on.
" Adanar I'm going to tell you everything. " He pulled his horse up next to his new companion. " You won't like what I have to say, but my love depends on you helping me save him. All I ask is that you stay calm and listen to all I have to say. Our lives depend on this. You must promise."
" I'll listen. But I can't make and promises."
Elan took a second to gather his thought then started to tell him his story and everything he needed to know.
" Our families are enemies this you know." He started. " What you don't know is that my mother the queen of Darkshade has plans to invade Eventide."
" What!!"
" Please let me finish." Elan held up his hand to stop him from exploding. "Aron and I have been sent out here to capture your sister to take home to be my queen. But I love Aron and I can't do what I've been ordered to do. Last night Aron and I decide to come and tell you all of this. I will be not do as my mother asked and I will do all I can to help you stop her. But I need your help to save Aron. Will you help me?
" How do I know I can trust you?" Adanar asked. " You just told me my entire families in danger and your family is the cause! Why should I trust you, a Darkshade?"
" Because by telling you I have just committed treason. My mother will have me imprisoned or executed. I can't go home. Ever again. Aron and I will have to run from mothers hunters for the rest of our lives always looking behind us. For Aron I'll do this. But I need your help. Please will you help us?
Adanar looked at Elan. He knew he was right. If what he said was true, Queen Talsara would have her own son beheaded for betraying her. He had just as much to lose as he did and Adanar knew he would need Elan's help to save Emrel and Eventide.
" Swear to me this is all the truth." Adanar reached for his hand. " As a true friend from this day on. Swear it."
" Al hond ebrath, uol tath shantar en tath lalala ol hond ebrath." Elan took his hand. " As a true friend I swear."
" Then where is this ring they want?" Adanar shook his hand. A elven princes oath is bond. He would die before betraying it.
" I think it's in the Academy in Winterhaven." Elan told his new friend. Zarin Testa and his friends hid it there."
" Zarin?" Adanar had a irritated look on his face. " It could be anywhere knowing them! We better hurry and find it. The goblins won't wait forever."
" Then let's get moving. We have a long ride ahead of us."
Kicking his horse on, The two elves rode off through Fay Shrea. There mission, to save Emrel and Aron. After that, together they could stop Talsara and maybe find a way to bring peace to the two waring families. But for that, they would need a lot more help. And a lot more magic then four Academy students knew.

In the dead of night deep in the forest of the lands on the Dwarf's, Ryel and Orek slumbered wrapped in their blankets close to the campfire. The were both weary from their long ride through Durkhold on their way to Lands End.. After a small dinner of dried meat and water, they had both passed out with exhaustion while listening to the sounds of the night. Dreams of home filled Ryel's Mind. He saw himself in the Eventide forest playing with Adanar and Emrel while has older brothers and sister practiced dueling with swords made from fallen branches. He dreamed of happy times. Time when father was alive. And so were his older brothers Zaoir and Shael. Jake was in the garden with his animals and Seven was telling Eolis of some new thing she had made. Ryel smiled looking at his family. They looked so happy altogether Suddenly dark clouds began a fill the sky.and the trees began to move in the strong wind. Adanar ans Emrel ran back to the tree entrance and the safety of home as thunder crashed all around him. Ryel turned and began to run when from nowhere he heard a voice call his name.
" Ryel!"
He stopped and looked around to see who was calling. Lightning flashed through the trees as he watched giving the forest an eerie glow. From out of the grove he saw a figure walk out of the trees. It was a woman. Ryel didn't recognize her from Eventide but from her pointed ears and tall statue, he knew she was definitely elven. Her face was lined with age and dark.She must be of one of the dark elves he thought. She was dressed in the gray colors most members of elder councils wore and holding a beautiful rainbow colored rose in her hand. Smiling she walked right up to him and bowed. He looked in her gray eyes confused. What was a dark elf doing here in Eventide alone?
" I am Hasmira of the Darkshade's." She told him. " And I have come to help you."
" What is this?" He asked. " A dream?"
" It's much more then a dream young prince." Hasmira put her hand on his shoulder and led him off. As they walk the storm began to clear. The thunder and lightning stopped and the winds calmed while sun light again filled the sky. " The Eventide's are in dire trouble and you and your brothers and sister are it's only hope. Talsara Darkshade will do all she can to decimate your family and take the magic of the groves as her own. If she finds she can't have the power of your sacred trees, she will put her dark taint on them and never again will Eventide be the same,"
" I know Lady." Ryel said. " Eventide is not the only lands threaten. The dwarven lands have been invaded too."
" So has the werewolves, the vampires and the humans." She explained. " The threat goes far beyond our lands and many will die if we don't do something."
" What can I do Lady Hasmira?" He asked confused. " I am but one and not really important here."
" Ahh!" She smiled her gray hair sparkling. " But you are. You have a very important role here. One of the most important."
" Orek and I are to find the ring." He said. " We are heading to Lands End to find it now. We have a long ways to go, but I promise we'll hurry and return with it's magic to help."
" Ryel. The Ring of Endrin is not in Lands End." He looked at her in shock and surprise. He didn't know what he should do now. " But There's another way you and your dwarven friend can help. Someone must be found."
" Who?" He asked.
Hasmira handed him the flower then began to back away from him into the mist that began to rise and cover everything. Soon only an outline of her form could be seen.
" Find the missing one." He heard her say. " Find the ninth Eventide. Look in Fay Shrea."
And she was gone. Ryel sat up and threw off his blankets and looked around for Hasmira. There was no one there but Orek sleeping next to him It was all just a dream he thought relaxing. Then he looked down and found the same rainbow rose Hasmira had been holding laying in his lap.

Being the tracker and hunter he was, it wasn't hard for Braddoc to follow Adanar and Emrel's trail. They weren't being very careful so the trail stood out for him as if they had marked it. Unfortunately they weren't the only ones following it. He also found Elan and Aron's trail following them and something else. Goblins. And not just one or two.
" See how deep the tracks are?" Braddoc knelt and pointed out the many deep tracks covering the path. " Goblins are usually light on they're feet. Some of these are well armored and moving fast."
" How far ahead of us are they?" Toric asked from Starglow's back.
" I'd say more then six hours." He stood back up pointing southwest. " Heading that way."
" Then lets move." Morganz gripped the straps Braddoc had placed around his waist and held tight as they rushed down along the road.
" Toric." Ariel said from Denner's back next to him. " I'm worried. This close I should be able to reach them. Something is wrong."
" I agree." He called back. " There's some strange magic being used here. I wish Cutter or Eheren were with us. They might be able to do something."
[ Can you reach anyone from home?] Denner asked. [ I can't reach Jandar or Rage.or any of the dragons at home.]
In her mind Ariel called out to all of her brothers and sisters back at New Keanna. She tried Rose and the Shadows and everyone else she could think of in the city with no success. She then made a mental call out to Athene and Valkar. To Azeal and Tanis. No one answered her call.
" Nothing." She said. " I don't understand. I hear your mind and Toric and the others, but I can't get anyone else."
" It's got to be some of Tayor's magic." Morganz told them. " Damn that bastards heart! It's a very important part of warfare. Control your enemies communications and keep them confused. It's a very powerful tactic. One we'll have to find a way around it. I'm sure he has a way."
" Right now let's just get to Adanar and Emrel before it's to late." Ariel gripped Denners mane tightly as they rode.
They rode for hours deeper into Fay Shrea moving as fast as they could through the dark forest. They passed many empty villages as they rode. and some that weren't so empty. Any that were inhabited they avoided know there was no time right now for any battles or fighting. Toric notice something strange on their ride. There were no animals in the forest. Everything seemed to either be in hiding or avoiding them. Suddenly Starglow called an abrupt stop to their ride. He sensed something ahead.
" What is it?" Toric asked as the Airons sniffed at the air catching the scents around them. He became agitated and angrily stomping the ground.
[ There are Trolls ahead.] He told them. [ The scent is familiar and strong. They are enemies of my kind. They hunt us.]
" Can we go around then?" Braddoc pulling his bow from his side to be ready to fight.
[ No.] He answered. [ There are to many.]
" Then we fight." Morganz reached behind him and grabbed his sword and pulled it free. Denner rode up next to them with Ariel.
" Stay behind us Ariel." Morganz told her. " Your not armed. We'll protect you."
She laughed and climbed down off Denners back and stepped in front of them tying her hair back out of the way. Morganz looked at Toric who was smiling back at him.
" What is she doing?"
[ You forget who and what your cousin is Morganz?] Denner sent to him. [ She's Ariel the Storm dragon. One of the most powerful dragons of the clan. She doesn't need anyone's protection.]
" Do they know we're here?" She asked Starglow. The wind around her began to pick up and blow fiercely pushing the foliage of the forest around.
[ Yes. They move in to surround us now.]
" Everyone get off your mounts and ready." Toric jumped from Starglow's back and raised his hands ready to start blasting anything that came out at them. The ground began to tremble as thunderous footsteps began to echo threw the air. They could see trees come crashing down in the distance as the Trolls moved closer to them. Denner shifted shapes to be ready for the attack. He changed from his unicorn form to human, then shifted to something more fit for battle. He took on the form of a huge gargoyle with a great hulking form and slashing claws. It's wings bat like and held close to his body for battle. He pounded his fist, flexed and a growl from deep in his chest escaped.
Suddenly from their left two huge hair covered trolls came charging at them holding clubs ready to smash. The first troll lumbered down on Braddoc and Morganz swinging his club for the kill. Morganz dived to the side just in time and rolled across the ground. He leaped to his feet and ran at the Troll lashing at its legs. The troll howled in pain as Braddoc began pelting it with arrows. The second troll moved toward Ariel lifting its leg to kick at her.
" Ariel shift!!" Morganz yelled.
Light flashed in Ariel's eyes as she cast out her hand and sent a bolt of lightning at the troll. The bolt struck it in the chest and sent it flying back into the on coming rush of Trolls coming out of the forest. Denner speared his wings and leaped slashing at the grounded Trolls ripping and tearing into them. From the other side of Toric another group of Trolls broke through the trees and charged. Summoning his magic he sent bolt after bolt at them picking them off as they rushed at them. Starglow huffed, fire blowing from his nostrils. His mane and tail burst into flame and he turned red  as he charged into the fray with flaming hooves kicking out at any Trolls in his way. Soon magic was flying as the battle went on. Morganz and Braddoc fought like demons with swords and bow in close quarters. Ariel looked around as her lightning flashed down burning Trolls, she knew they couldn't keep this up for to long. They would have to get away from here and fast pretty soon or one of them would end up dead. In a flash she roared and shifted to full dragon and sent hurricane winds out at the Trolls knocking them back into the forest.
[ Morganz, Toric mount up and get moving.] She sent. [Denner and I will keep them busy while you go! Denner,shift to a fire dragon and we'll take them from the air.]
Ariel leaped into the sky still blasting lightning as Denner shifted into a small version of Rage and took to the air firing blasts of flame at the trolls. Braddoc and Starglow took off with their riders as the Trolls moved in to rally there forces and block the road to stop them.
[ Barrow through!!] Denner sent. Narrowing their wings the two dragons sped ahead of their friends blasting everything in front of them clearing a path for their companions to get away.
[ Keep moving.] Ariel sent from above. [ The Trolls can't follow. They don't move fast enough to keep up with us.]
[ We're going to have to fly out of here now.] Braddoc sent. [ We can't come back this way and it will take to long to get all the way through Fay Shrea.]
[ Then hurry and find my brother and sister.] She told Braddoc. [ Fay Shrea is to dangerous a place to be in for any of us.]
[ Don't worry.] He told her. [ I still have the trail. We're heading straight towards them. I just hope nothing else happens to get in our way.]
[ So do I my friend.]

Daru High Lord of the Savonti. 31

Deep in the manse of Daru, Trela waited. She had made it absolutely clear to Daru that her assistance in his bid for High Lord would come with a price. He could have as many playthings as he wanted but she and she alone would be his sole queen. All the rest would be hers to do as she wished and he would not interfear with any of her plans. He agreed as long as she kept him advised of all her dreams concerning the future. Now she had control of the house of Daru second only to Daru himself. She had her own personal guards and with them she rounded up all the former queens and took them from their lavish sands pits and sent the to slave quarters to await her decision on how she would dispose of them. From her balcony she watch as they were all led out of the manse and put in the cold caves where all the Savonti slave were kept. She could hear their cries of protest and anguish as her guards ripped away their young ones and took them to a place Trela had made for Daru's offspring from his ex queens. From now on only her children would have any standing in Darul or any chance to be lord of their own house.

Queen Trela smiled at what she had done and left the balcony. She was tired and needed to rest. She went to her apartment and made herself comfortable. Soon she was asleep and dreaming of things that had happened recently and would soon come about in the future. That night she dreamed of two of Daru's closest enemies. Lesu and Resu and their futures.
She saw a lone Savonti guard paroling Resul on a cold night and how he would be the key to capturing the strong one. Next she saw Lesu and his son Mar and she dreamed of betrayal. Betrayal in both Resul and Lesul. It seemed they were in for a few very exciting nights to come.

On a dark cold night in the land of Resul, Nav sat on a ridge over looking the thick forest wrapped in his cloak on the back of his tracker beast bored. He had rode the borders between Darul and Resul all night looking for any thing suspicious as his lord had commanded. Resu had returned home from Daru's meeting in an evil mood. He had listened to all Daru had said about the White and Grey and thought the Mind lord was up to something. He didn't believe one word Daru had said about his queens predictions but he knew Daru. They had been fighting with each other for years and his request for all Savonti lords to combine there strength against some unknown human enemy they had never heard of seemed absurd to him. But Resu was no fool. He would put more of his men out on guard just to be careful. Now he sat cold and tired on watch for what he thought was nothing but phantoms. Ghost of a powerful but erratic mind.
As Nav sat his tracker began to fidget nervously. Nav putted it's neck to sooth it's mind. He looked and out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw something. A light flickering in the dark. He stared out and waited think he had just seen moonlight reflecting off a pool in the forest or something mundane. Then he saw it again. There was a light. Someone was out there that shouldn't be. Then he saw another and another flick into existence. Nav kicked his tracker into action. He had to go investigate and see what or who was on his lords land. It might be the humans Daru spoke of at the meeting but Nav didn't think so. His tracker would have made an alert if it was humans out there. If not humans then there was only on other choice left. A Savonti invasion. Nav urged his tracker into a faster run. He had to know now what they were up against. His lord Resu was the strongest of all the lords in the physical sense and he had no doubt would prevail in any battle, but he needed warning. Surprise was one of his biggest enemies. That's way he always had his borders patrolled and kept a careful watch over his lands.
Suddenly to his left behind him off the trail Nav heard a noise. It was the sound of pursuit coming after him. He still didn't see anyone but there was no longer any doubt, this was an invasion by one of Resu's enemies. But which one? Nav didn't have time to think about it. Now he had to get back and warn them of the coming attack.
[I don't think so.]
Suddenly Nav's tracker reared up and howled in pain. It bolted up from under him running into the forest. Nav fell from his saddle and crashed into the ground. He sat up and reached for his sword then remembered it had been clipped to his saddle. He was unarmed with no way to defend himself. Quickly he jumped to his feet and started to run. He knew who it was that was attacking. It was Daru the Mind lord. He'd know the feeling if his mind speak anywhere.
[I'm touched you remember me.] He heard in his mind as he ran. [Resu must think highly of his neighbor.]
"Yes." Nav called. "High enough to keep his borders guarded against you. You won't defeat my lord in battle weak one."
[You seem to forget that you still have to warn him of my coming. You won't make it back to his manse to do that. I'm closer then you think. And Resu's house is far off.]
Nav knew he didn't have to make it all the way back to the house to warn Resu. All he had to do was make it the the hidden tunnels just over the next hill. There he could pass on his his warning.
[Just over the next hill you say.] Daru's laughter rang in Nav's mind as he came to a sudden stop. [Now you have betrayed Resu with your thoughts and I thank you for the knowledge of the secret entrance. I won't be needing you any longer.
"I'LL KILL YOU FOR THAT DARU!!!" Nav screamed his anger as three of his warriors stepped out of the forest in front of him. Again Nav reached to his side for his sword. But all he found was his dagger on his belt. He pulled it and faced the three.
"Here to kill me?" He asked. "Well I won't die so easy."
"Yes you well." Daru stepped out to stand in front of his warriors. He was dressed in the armor of a Savonti lord, all black, his house colors. "But I'll give you a chance. Swear your allegiance to me and I'll let you live. I'll make you a part of my guards. Such a brave warrior need not die here in the mud."
"You think I would betray my lord and stand with you his enemy." Nav took a fighting stance snarling ready to attack Daru. " Hail Lord Resu! I'll die protecting him and his house."
"Yes you will." Daru smiled then turned to walk away. Nav had reached his limit. His hate for Daru made him leap at Daru's back to stab him to death. But he didn't move. As hard as he tried he could move a single muscle. Daru had total control of his body. Fear filled his brave soul as he realized what was about to happen to him. Daru turned back to smile at Nav.
"Good bye brave one." He said. "Know that you were the most important part of your lords downfall. I couldn't have entered his house without your help. You may stop breathing now."
With that command Nav's lungs stopped working and his eyes began to bulge as he suffocated. Nav fell to the ground as Daru left to find the hidden tunnel. There he died with Resu's name on tongue and an apology for his accidental betrayal.

As Mar sat in his corner of the cell he shared with the humans he thought about what he expected to happen to him. Would his father forgive him and release him? Or would he end up slaving in the mines for the rest of his life. He knew there was a third choice his father could mark. He could execute him. After all he had committed the most heinousness of sins a Savonti could commit. Heresy. Siding with the humans against his fellow Savonti was considered the ultimate of sins punishable by death. By would his father be cold? Mar knew he had eight more brothers and any one of them could take his place as heir to his fathers house so he wasn't that important. But Mar had spoken his mind and he would stand by it, even if it meant his death. If he was to die, he would do it proudly.
Mar looked out at the humans in the cell with him. He was sorry he couldn't help them. He liked young Juelz and wished there was a way to save him from what he knew his life would be. Death in the mines or in one of the kitchens. But from here there was nothing he could do.
"Mar."
Surprised to hear his name Mar looked up to find Xan standing there looking at him.
"What do you want?" He asked. "Are you here to gloat? Did father send you?"
"Is it true?" Xan asked. "Did you really say those things to father?"
"Yes I did." Mar answered. "And I meant every word."
"Fathers going to have you beheaded in two turns."
"Then you will be the next lord." Mar looked down. "Congratulations brother Xanu."
"Do not call me that!" Xan said annoyed. "Besides, we both know it takes more the lineage to make a lord, it takes power which I do not have. What if I do not want to be the next lord?"
"What?"
"What if I agree with you?" He said. " What if I told you there was a human I was in love with?"
Mar stood and walked to the cell door. "Is this a jest? You do not mean what you are saying."
"What if I did?" He said in a whisper. "Would you take me and my woman with you if I could get you away from here?"
"You know father would hunt us forever. He would never stop. We would have to run and move fast if there was a chance to get away."
"Mar." Xan looked to make sure none of the guards were near. "I know a way out of here. I have been working on a plan to get away and I can have trackers ready to take us away. But I can not get the key without someone knowing I took it. How do we get you out of here?"
"I think I can get the door open." Mar told him. "But I will not be alone. I am getting therm out of here to."
Xan looked at his brother as if he had lost his mind. "There are five humans in there with you. I can not get enough trackers for them all."
"How many can you get?"
"Maybe three or four." Xan said. "Not enough for eight to ride."
"That will have to do." Mar looked in at the sleeping humans. He would do his best for them. That was all he could do. " Xan, after they feed us the guards go eat. Then they do not come back to check on us until the next work shift. Can you get you woman and the trackers to somewhere you can hide them then come back and meet me? I will have them ready. You will have to lead us out to the trackers."
"Yes I can." Xan reached in and took his brothers hand. " Where will we go?"
"North away from Lesul." He said. "We will keep moving until we find lands where we can be safe. We can go to the colder lands and find a deep cavern. Father once told me about some heated caves of an old enemy of the Savonti called the Nevac. Their caves are still there I am sure. We can find something better then here."
"Tonight then." Xan said turning to leave.
"Xan." Mar called him back. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes." He nodded. "I am. Be ready."
After Xan left Mar went back to his corner. He couldn't believe what had just. His younger brother chief lieutenant in his fathers guard would side with him. He had love for a human. If Lesu knew an of this he would have Xan killed and burned in disgrace. Now they both had to get out of Lesul or die. He hoped Xan could get all the things they need for the escape. Food and warm clothing. if the were going north they would need them both.
Mar looked over to where the humans slept and noticed Juelz was awake. The boy stood and came over and sat with him.
"Who was that?" He asked.
"Xan my brother."
"He came to make fun of you?" Juelz looked sadly at Mar then handed him a piece of fruit he had saved. He knew Mar hadn't eaten and wanted to do something to cheer him. Mar it and bit into it.
"He came to save all our lives. We are leaving Lesul."

Nothing moved in the night as Daru and his warriors approached the hill where the hidden tunnel was located. Daru stood as one of his warriors. took a look around to see if he could find a hidden entrance or door.
"I see nothing my lord." He stood up and stepped back.
"Fool!" Daru pushed him out of the way. "It is right here. Can you not see it?"
Daru walked to the other side of the hill and pulled the shrubs aside to reveal a hidden door. A warrior reached down to open the door and Daru stopped him.
"There are warriors down there." Daru grabbed the warriors arm stopping him. "If you open it they will know we are here you fool."
Releasing his arm the Mind lord moved in front of the door and closed his eyes putting a hand to his temple. Concentrating deeply he sent out a single thought to Resu's warriors below.
[SLEEP.]
Below three warriors sat in a game of Bones. One at a time they tossed human finger bones at a wall making bets on who's would come closest to the wall. They laughed as they played trading coins as one or the other won. Suddenly something strange overcame them. They're eyes began to droop as sleep closed in on them. Staggering back they dropped the bones and fell to the ground unconscious. Up top Daru smiled and ordered his warriors to open the door and step back and allow him to enter first. Confident in his mind powers Daru walked in and looked at the sleeping warriors.
"Kill them." He said. Pulling their weapons they quickly stabbed the three to death and followed Daru into the tunnels.
While Daru and twenty of his men warriors made their way through the tunnels, the rest of his army quietly slipped closer to Resu's manse to wait for Daru to open the gates and let them in. There they hide and watched for a chance to overcome the gate guards and replace them with warriors of there own dressed in Resu's house colors.
As Daru reached the end of the tunnel the time came for them to enter the house of Resu without resistance.
"All of you be quiet and do not move." He warned them. "I have to take control of the gate guards and those right outside this tunnel to gain entrance."
Daru sat down and made himself comfortable the closed his eyes and sent out his mind probes. In the courtyard of house Resu five warriors patrolled. One by one he touched their minds and took control of there bodies. One he had open the gates for him and the other four he sent to the gate to kill the five stationed there. With the gates open Daru's warriors quietly entered and killed the five Daru had under his control.
"From here." Daru ordered. "We move quietly taking the house level by level. Once the alarm is out there will be heavy opposition. Right now we have the surprise. Remember, Resu is mine. No one touch him. Move out."
The house of Resu went six levels down. It was like a city down there like all other Savonti houses. There was smiths and kitchens, stables and stores for all the farming food stuff. Housing for the thousands of lower Savonti that were loyal to Resu. And on the lowest, Resu's private level which would be the most heavily guarded. But Daru had brought a whole army with him that out numbered Resu's and with his mind abilities he was confident they had the upper hand. The night was young and the war was on and at the end it would turn out to be Daru's mind powers against Resu's enormous strength. Winner take all.

Down on the lowest level Resu lay sleeping in his sand pit. He had had a long ride back from Darul the night before and had gone straight to his mines to inspect the new vein of Pentathium they had found while he was gone. His smith had promised it was the purest and strongest pentathium they had ever seen. He would soon have weapons that would be ten times stronger than any other on Pentathin. Resu was pleased. He immediately ordered new weapons made. Swords that could beat down any others they came against. Staffs that would hold a charge and shot much stronger blasts than ever before. Now
Finally he had the chance to rest and get some sleep. He didn’t even want the pleasure of one of his queens or a slave tonight. Just some rest in his steaming hot sands.
Suddenly Tab his chief aide rushed in to his sleeping chamber and woke him.
“My lord!” He yelled urgently. "We are under attack!!"
"What!!" Resu jumped from his and grabbed a  bronze colored robe and slipped in to it. "My club! Who attacks me?"
Standing in the corner of the room stood Resu's club. A great bludgeon weighing more then a grown Savonti warrior. Resu walked over and picked it up like it was a nothing and turned to Tab.
"Well? Who attacks us?"
"Daru my lord." Tab told him following him out of the apartment. "He came in through the tunnels and dispatched the gate guards and let his warriors in. So far they have taken the top three levels and they are moving down towards us."
"They have not reached the quarters of my personal guards yet. Summon as many warriors as you can find and have them meet me up on the next level. We must stop them before they reach the mines and any of the new ore. Daru can not escape with my Pentathium. Hurry!!"
Like a giant Resu walked through the three level he still held bellowing orders to everyone to grab weapons and meet at the ramp up to the next level. Once there he looked out at the few hundred warriors gathered there.
"We have been invaded." Resu thundered. "Lord Daru thinks us weak and that he can come in and take what is mine. Be we are here to tell him different. This is our lands and our home and we will fight to the death to keep it. Grab your swords and staffs and let us take back our house! DEATH TO LORD DARU!!!"
"DEATH TO DARU!!!" The battle cry went as Lord Resu led his warriors up into battle. The fighting was fierce all through the house of Resu. Warriors battled back and forth with sword and anything they found they could fight with. In the kitchen human were slaughtered to cut of Resu's food supply. His wells were poisoned and on every lever Daru's warriors took they destroyed everything they could find.
Like a juggernaut Lord Resu waded into the battle. His club was painted with the blood of his enemies as he ripped it to them. No sword or staff could hurt the Lord of strength as he fought is way higher in his own house toward Lord Daru and his warriors. Finally four levels up the two lords met. All fighting stopped as they stared, facing each other.
"So this is how you treat your allies Daru." Resu stood fuming holding his bloody club. "With treachery?"
"This is how I treat those I think are bellow me you buffoon." Daru laughed at him. "You are the first of the lords I will take and make my slave."
"I will never be you slave you monster! You think any of the other lords will back you once they find out what you have done here. Your wrong!!"
"Doesn't matter." Daru shrugged. "I will be the High Lord of Pentathin and there is nothing that any other lord can do to stop me. Not you, not Lesu or Magu. You will all bow to me!!"
"NEVER!!" Resu raised his club and ran at Daru ready to smash him into the ground. Daru folded his arms and smiled that evil smile of his. As Resu came withing ten feet his raised his hand and sent out his mental command.
[STOP!]
The command hit Resu like a blast to his mind. It dropped him to his knees screaming as all of his people watched in horror. Blood ran from his eyes and ears as he knelt there looking up at Daru with hate.
"You may be the strongest savonti on Pentathin." Daru said as he walked around Resu. "But your strength is nothing compared to my powers. From this day on the house of Resu is no more. These lands are mine and so are all of you. You saw how easily I take care of your lord. I can do the same with all of you. All of you bow before me now!"
Slowly one by one all the warriors left to Resu dropped their weapons and bowed. Resu fought against Daru's hold on him, but it was to strong. There was nothing he could do to fright for himself. Daru snapped his fingers and an aide walked over and handed something to him. It was one of his power collars. Daru walked to Resu and snapped it around his neck. Now he had complete control over Resu.
"Stand up."
Resu stood and dropped his club to the ground. Resu looked at his new master with such loathing and contempt. Daru smiled at him pleased with himself.
"You have me Daru." Resu spit at him. "But I will be free one day. I will overcome your power somehow and when I do I will kill you. That I swear!!"
"I care nothing for your idle threats." Daru waved as he turned away. "Lead your warriors out of here while we put your house to the torch."
Defeated Resu walked out level by level with his proud head held high with all his people following him.
That was the end of the house of Resu. Once Resu was led out, Daru killed all of his children and queens. His humans were all sent back to Daru's pens and his Mines were now under Daru's control. As Daru said Resu was the first to fall but he wouldn't be the last. No other Savonti lord would have anything to say for none of them really cared about each other and none of them had seen what had happen. Except for one blind woman and she saw it all in a dream.

"You want us to come with you?" Jerel said. "Why? So we can be food for your trip?"
Mar knew it was a mistake to make that threat earlier. He just wasn't thinking. But now he had to somehow gain the trust of these people if he wanted to get them out of here.
"I do not eat people." Mar told them. "I have not in ten ages since one of your people saved my life. Yes I owe my life to a human and you know what my father did to that man? He tried to have him killed. I have hated my father since that day. Thank the gods I was able to get Petar Gekko out of Lesul."
"Well it doesn't matter." Jerel shrugged."We won't follow our enemy."
"Then let me get you out of here." Mar said looking at each of them. "Then you can go wherever you wish."
"I'm going with you Mar." Juelz stepped forward to stand next to him. Mar looked down and put his hand on the boys shoulder.
"No your not!" Jerel reached for the boy to pull him away from Mar. "Your coming with us!"
"Take your hand off the boy now."
Jerel opened his mouth to refuse and stopped when he saw the look in Mar's eyes.
"I go where I want." Juelz said stubbornly.
"Your better off staying with your family." Mar bent down to talk with him. "We will be moving fast."
"My families dead." The boy told him. "Are saying you don't want me to come with you?"
Mar looked at the boy staring up at him then at the others. Since they refused to come with them, there was a good chance they would be recaptured while he knew he could keep the boy safe.
"Well?" Jerel said sternly.
"He comes with me if he wants to."
Jerel threw his hands up into the air. "Fine. What do I care. Well never get pass that door anyway."
"Gather all you things." Mar told them. "Take all my food to. You will need it. We'll be leaving as soon as Xan returns for us."
"If he returns." Jerel said sulking over again by himself. "If we can get out of here."
"He will come." Mar sat back down and stared at the cell door. "He has to come."

Night had fallen and in the house of Lesu things were winding down. All the slaves had been returned from their work in the mines and the fields and their meager rations were being passed out. In the stables while everyone was at dinner Xan had managed to sneak three trackers out and hide them in the forest outside of one of the drainage tunnels that swept the waste down and out of Lesu's manse. Now all he had to do was go back and and bring Mar and his humans out. Drella hadn't be to difficult. Slaves were always seen being led around the manse in chains so no way should pay them any attention. But Mar was different. Having once been heir to Lesul everyone knew who he was and all about his crimes. Xan would either have to disguise his brother or find a path with the least amount of savonti to see them moving through the level. Xan had no idea how he would be able to get them all out. He hoped Mar had some plan in mind that he hadn't mentioned.
With his sword at his side Xan walked proudly down into the slave cells where Mar was being held. At the door a guard sat and snapped to attention when Lesu's chief lieutenant came in.
"Nazun." Xan greeted him. "I would see your prisoner."
"I will escort you lata goth." The guard saluted and opened the door as Xan approached him nodding his approval. "The staz is this way. I look forward to tomorrow and his execution."
"Do you?" Xan did his best to keep his temper and not throttle him. "His day will come, you can be sure of that."
The section where Mar was being kept was pretty full with every cell in there section loaded with families all tired from the days work. Xan and the guard walked down the hall until the came to Mar's cell. Mar was standing there clutching the bars on the door looking out. The guard slammed his staff into the bars threatening Mar.
"Open the door." Xan ordered. " I want to speak to him."
"Stand back from the door!" He snarled.
Mar let go of the bars held his hands up and stepped back. Handing his staff to Xan the put the key in the door and unlocked it. The door swung open and he stepped in. Mar stood there and smiled at him.
"You find something amusing?"
"Yes." Mar said. "Quite stunning actually."
Xan reached out with the staff and pressed the stunner end into the guards back and sent its full charge into him. For a second he stood there shaking as the energy ran through his body then he fall unconscious to the floor.
"Bring him over and tie and gag him."
Xan grabbed him by his belt and lifted him up and carried him over as everyone watched.
Throwing him down on the mat where Mar slept he took the guards belt and tied him up.Jerel brought over some rag they stuffed in his mouth and gagged him.
"I guess it will not be Mar's execution tomorrow everyone enjoys tomorrow." Xan smiled covering him up.
"Xan check the hall." Xan nodded the give Mar the staff and left. "Ready to go?"
"We'll all follow you out." Jerel grabbed the bag of food and heaved it over his shoulder. Mar frowned at him and took the bag and gave it to Abel for him and his family. Jerel looked at him but didn't say anything "Juelz, stay close to me."
"It is clear." Xan waved them on. "We should leave now."
The house of Lesu was always busy this time of night. The slaves had just been fed and at was eating time for the rest of the Savonti. Weak slaves that could no longer work had met their end in each of the kitchens on each level. With key in hand Xan and Mar went from cell to cell opening doors and freeing anyone they could find until they all met at the guard room exist. With one final turn of a key Xan opened the door at let everyone out. Like a stampede they flowed out running in every direction grabbing anything they could find to use as weapons to protect themselves on the way out. Xan led Mar and the humans from his cell. The tunnel they would use was on the other side of the same level they were on. The hope was that the Savonti would be so busy with the escape no one would notice him gone. Armed with his sword, Mar with a staff they fought their was through the house until they found the refuge room and the drainage tunnel.
“There it is.” Xan pointed to the grate on the floor. “We get in there and we follow it out. I have Drella waiting at the end with trackers saddled and ready.
“We should move.” Mar urged them on. All together they ran out for the grate. Chaos reigned all around them as Savonti fought the humans trying to get free. Mar grabbed Juelz and pulled him close to keep any guards from grabbing him.
At the grate Mar and Xan being stronger then the humans reached down and took hold of the grate to get it open. Just then a Savonti warrior came running around the corner and saw them.
“Stop!” He yelled. Pulling his sword the warrior rushed into the room filled with piles of garbage waiting to be shoveled into the lifted grate to flow out of the house. They all looked up. “Xan? What is the meaning of this?"
"I am leaving with my brother." Xan called lifting the grate. "Quickly! Everyone get in!"
Turning back in the hall the warrior called out for help to other warriors fighting their way through the halls. Mar reached to Xan's side and pulled his sword from the scabbard then stepped out.
"Take everyone out. I will meet you after I am done here."
"No!" Juelz pulled free. "I'm staying with you."
"We do not have time to argue." Mar looked to Jerel and Abel. "Take him and get them out."
Jerel put his hand on Mar's shoulder. "I know you don't trust me but let me do this. You have to stay with them. If they catch you you'll be executed."
As they argued another warrior came to help. Now two Savonti warrior were coming at them.
"No Jerel." Mar grabbed Juelz and picked him up screaming and dropped down the hole. "Xan and I will deal with them. Take everyone and head out. I do trust Jerel. Now go!"
With a quick shove he sent the last man down through the hole and Xan dropped the grate.
"One for me and one for you." Xan took back his sword. "Together brother."
"Yes together."

Deep in there cave Lilia Kordova woke screaming. Her night had been filled with dreams of betrayal, strange new people and the death of a Savonti lord and two Savonti son's escape from their powerful father.
She sat up as Shayn and Ono ran in to see why she was screaming.
"Lilia what is it?" Shayn bent down beside her as she reached out. Ono took a skin of water a brought over and gave it to his mate for the sweat drenched seer.
"Here drink this." He put the skin to her mouth and carefully tipped it for her to drink. "Now what scared you so bad you were screaming?"
"It's began." She wiped the water from her mouth. "Many things happened in the last two turns and Pentanthin will never be the same. Savonti fight Savonti and humans are fighting back. Lord Fedru is dead. Killed by the son of his oldest enemy. Lord Daru is on the move. He's taken Lord Resu's house and lands."
"What do we do?" Ono sat cross legged next to where she lay.
"Shayn?" She turned to him. "What do we do?"
"We move." He said. "We leave as soon as it's dark. I can make myself bigger so I can carry both of you. There are people out there that will need our help."
"Yes." Lilia smiled. "And you won't believe who we have to help first."

Back at the Academy Azeal made his way through the halls. He had been thinking all day about what had happened in Fedru's lair. What would happen now? The Savonti would know something strange had happened. And once the warriors that had made it into the forest reached the other lords they would tell them of the strange things that had helped Gabor.
[Azeal.] A familiar voice rang out in his mind
[Yes Cutter?]
[Bring Tanis and meet me in the office please. We need to talk.]
[Yes sir.]
Quickening his pace, Azeal knew exactly where he would find Tanis. He would be in the medical ward visiting Gabor. Gabor was still recovering from his battle with Fedru. As he walked onto the floor he saw all the people injured they had brought here after the battle. Azeal looked around for Macan. He wanted to know how these people were doing. He turned toward the windows and saw him talking to a nurse. Macan saw him and waved him over.
"Looking for me?"
"Yeah." Azeal said still looking at all the people there. There were at least thirty beds in the ward all occupied. "I had no idea so many were hurt."
"It was a brutal fight." Macan put a hand on Azeals shoulder and turned him to walk with him. "These are just the sick and wounded. There are many more with no where to go."
"How's Gabor?" Azeal asked.
"He'll be fine in a day or to." They stopped at Gabor's door."He's here with his brother's and Tanis."
Azeal reached to open the door when Macan stopped him.
"Wait a second Azeal there's something we need to talk about."
"What is it?"
"What are we going to do with all these people?" He asked pulling Azeal away Gabor's door. "They can't stay here we don't have the food to feed them."
"Macan many of them are hunter's. Food shouldn't be a problem."
"It's not just food Azeal." The healer said. "We won't be staying here. Eventually we're going home I hope. Then what? We can't take them with us."
"I don't have the answers right now." He explained returning to Gabor's door. "This is a matter Gabor has to deal with. We can help him but these people are now his clan with him as their leader. Give us a few days, we'll figure something out."
"I hope the Savonti give us those few days." Macan walked off.
Azeal stood there watching as the healer checked his next patient. He was right. The Savonti would come after them. He just hoped it wouldn't be today.
Opening the door Azeal stepped in to find Gabor in bed laughing with his two brothers Bela and Nica. By his side Tanis looked over smiling.
"Aiya!" Azeal stepped in smiling. "How is everyone today?"
"Much better." Gabor waved him in. "Bela was just telling Tanis stories of when my father was trying to teach him to ride a tracker. He had bruises in places you wouldn't imagine."
"I can imagine." Azeal laughed looking at Tanis. "Remember learning to shift? For me it was pure torture."
Azeal and Tanis both laughed loudly as Gabor and his brothers looked at them oddly.
"I'll explain later." Tanis said." What brings you here, Azeal?"
"Cutter wants to see us. He said it's urgent."
"Then we better hurry." Tanis stood and took Gabor's. " We'll be back soon."
Bela and Nica said their good byes and Azeal and Tanis started out the door.
"Azeal." Gabor called after him. Azeal turned back. "Thank you. Without you none of this could have happened. My brothers might be dead and my people lost. We owe all of you a life long debt. We'll stand with you where you go on Pentanthin."
"Your all welcome Gabor." Azeal bowed to the three brothers. "We'll be back to talk."

A few minutes later, Azeal and Tanis made their way into Professor Insa's office. Cutter sat behind his desk going over school reports that had been made since they had arrived on Pentanthin. Everyone had agreed while they were on Pentanthin, Cutter would be headmaster. He looked up and greeted them.
"Have a seat."
Azeal and Tanis took a seat in the two chairs in front of his desk wondering what it was he wanted. Cutter put down the papers he had been going over and looked up at them.
"Somethings come up and I will be leaving for a while." Cutter pushed his white hair back from his face As the two vampires stared at him in shock.
"Why?" Tanis asked. "Where are you going?"
"There's something out there that feels familiar." Cutter stood and walked around and sat on the edge of the desk. "I've been feeling it ever since we arrived here and I can't get it out of my head. I have to see what it is. I'm leaving Blink in control here. What I want from the two of you is, I want you to help Gabor. He has to figure out where he plans to take his new clan."
"What if he wants to stay here?" Tanis asked. He looked over to Azeal hoping he might approve of the idea. Azeal just looked at him with no expression. as if he didn't really care. Though he did care, very much. "We do still need his help if we want to do any good here."
"Your right." Cutter told them. "If that's what he wants, we'll talk about when I return."
"We'll try." Azeal and Tanis stood and walked to the door to leave. "Cutter."
The fear dragon looked up to see what they wanted.
"Quel marth." Azeal nodded.
Cutter smiled and answered. "Diola lle."