The Seventh Revealed. 44

Darkness had fallen by the time Sharone, Keya and Aggar had made it back to Tir Na. The city was wide awake and under a heavy guard. It seemed Tof was taking no chances with the Darkshade army so close to Tir Na. On the outskirts of the city Sharone had let out a howl, a calling to announce they were on there way into the Wolves Lair. It didn't take long before Tof and a hand full of his warriors found them to bring them home safely.

"Thank Rimnar your alright!" Tof ran to his sister and wrapped his arms around her in greeting. "You have no idea how worried I've been. How is Aggar?"
"He'll be alright." She said after he released her. "He just needs rest."
"I'm fine." Aggar grinned up from where he lay in the litter they had built to carry him home. "Thanks to these two brave ladies. I wouldn't have made it home without them."
"I want to hear everything as soon as we can get back to the manor." Tof ordered his men to unhook the litter from the two Snowdogs. "We have more guest to greet to Tir Na. There are elves waiting for us close by."
"Not dark ones I hope?" Keya stepped up and greeted Tof with a kiss to the cheek and a smile.
"No lady." Tof blushed. "These are refugees. They escaped from Dree one of the kingdoms in the south. We're looking for it's royal family. I promised them our protection."
"It could be one of Lord Larins traps." Aggar told him. "I'm going with you."
Aggar pushed back the blanket covering him and tried to sit up. Sharone rushed to his side and pushed him back down.
"Your going nowhere but home to bed!" She scolded him. "Do I have to tie you down?"
"You rest." Tof laughed. "I'll take care of this. You've done your part for now. Keya come with us. You can tell me all that happened. We'll meet you two at home."
The run through Tir Na wasn't a long one. While they ran, Keya told him all about what had happened in Remus. She told him of their meeting with Baron Tyr and how Cheshire had brought the Snowdogs in to help. She told him about all the new werewolves that Lord Larin had ordered created and of the dark elven army that occupied Remus. Lastly she told him of her brother being free of the dark spell he had been under and how he and Baron Tyr were now on the trail of Seith Halador, Talsara Darkshades agent who planned to take Vasagi and blame the people of Tir Na. Tof listened closely without interruption as she told her tale. With her new information he knew he had many decisions to make and since the dragons were mostly out of the picture, the fate of Keanna was on the shoulders of him and those he trust.
Topping a hill, Tof and Keya looked out to see an elven coach trapped in a gully. It looked like it had seen better days. One wheel was off and the whole outside was peppered with arrows. Off to the side they saw the carcass of what looked like a great steed. It had obviously died of exhaustion from their escape from Dree and the long trek to Tir Na.
[Stay here.]
Slowly after shifting from wolf to a more aggressive man wolf form Tof crept down into the gully to investigate. The door to the coach was open but no sound came from within. Tof moved to the door to look in and see if anyone hid inside. As he looked in he was it was empty. There was nothing there but a few bags they had left behind. So where was Orym and his family? Suddenly a familiar scent caught his attention. A strong musky scent he knew very well. Then he heard the snap of a twig behind him.
"Move an inch and I split your skull."
"If you do that, You won't be welcome in my home anymore Braddoc." Tof turned to face his old friend Braddoc, chief of the Durmista Mountain clan as he shifted back to his human form. "Aiya old friend."
"Tof?" Braddoc lowered his sword as he recognized him. He sheathed his weapon and gripped Tof's arm. "I'm glad to see you safe."
"How goes your mission?" Tof asked. "Where Is Orym Dree and his family?"
"Right here."
He turned as Orym Dree led his wife and three children out of the forest alone with the queen of the Dylani and her sons. With them came a young centaur armed with sword in hand and bow on his back.
"Aiya Christof Tyr. We are glad to finally meet you."
"Aiya." Tof bowed to Orym and his family. "We're glad we could help get you to safety. Consider my home yours please while you and your family is here."
"Thank you friend."
"Come." Tof waved them over. "We'll take you to the manor where you will be more comfortable."
Keya came down from where she hid and greeted them all. She looked at the frightened queen and her children and reassured them of their safety with a warm smile and her gentile words. They gathered their things from the coach and loaded them on the last horse. Both queens had packed lite unsure of where they were going so the tired horse didn't have a very heavy load to carry. Once ready, Tof pointed out the direction they were to go and Franco headed out in the lead.
"How goes the fight?" Orym asked.
"Not very well I'm afraid." Tof told him. "Talsara and Larin are moving on Yadessa as we speak. They're using werewolves created just as Balthazar Gaelich made his nightwalkers to shift the blame over to us to cause descention among us. If it works they hope we'll all split and hot trust each other anymore. That way it will be easier for them to conquer our lands."
"Devious and smart." Orym nodded. "A perfect way to divide us. We have to help the vampires."
"I agree." Braddoc spoke up. "If Yadessa falls again, Tir Na will be their next stop. I can gather a small group and we can hit them as they travel breaking the army into smaller units. That way whatever forces you can muster with the vampire will be ready when they arrive at Vasagi. Can you arrange things quickly in Vasagi?"
"I already have warrior there ready." Tof told them. "We'll give them a fight that will cost them."
"I'll be fighting at your side Braddoc." Orym said boldly. "I'm tired of running and I have a lot to pay them back for."
"Noooo!!" screamed from behind them. Orym turned as his wife rushed into his arms in tears. "Please you can't do this! They'll kill you! I won't allow this!"
"Phaerl calm down." He held her as she sobbed clutching him tightly. "I'll be fine."
"How do you know that?" She shouted at him. "This is war. Flinar is dead. Dree has been taken by those damn dark monsters. Willem and Castel our guards were killed just yesterday by the goblins. You know that bitch Talsara wants you dead and she'll do whatever she has to, to kill you. If you go out to war she'll have you marked as a target. They'll all be hunting for you. You can't go!!!"
"Please Papa." Orym's daughter grabbed at his leg hugging him as she cried. "Don't go."
"He has to go." Prince Durlan and his brother Haymar stepped up to their parents. "Don't you see. We have to stand up for Flinar and everyone else that didn't make it out of Dree. How many died so we could get away? We owe it to them to fight or they will have died for nothing. Father, you're a good king. Isn't that what kings do? They fight for their land and their people. Isn't that what Flinar and all the rest died for? Not just for us, but for Dree which is more important then us. Father has to go."
Orym stood there looking down at his son beaming with pride. He knew he couldn't have stated his case better. Durlan would grow to be an even better king then he ever could be and he was proud of him.
"Need I say more?" Orym reached out and wiped away the tears from his queens face. "It's our duty Phaerl. All of us. We have to do this even if it does mean my death I have to go and you know that."
"All I know is that I love you." Phaerl looked him deeply in his deep green eyes. "And I'll worry. Promise me you'll come back to us."
"We'll be back." Durlan told his mothers. "As soon as our home is free and the war is over."
"We?" Orym turned to his eldest son. "We aren't going anywhere. You will be staying right here in Tir Na with your mother and your brother and sister."
"Father!!!"
"Don't father me." Orym guided his disappointed son to the side. "You must stay here where it's safe."
"Why?" Durlan asked. "I can fight. My sword master says I've gone far beyond his teachings. I can help."
"So can I." Called Prince Bhari. "I want to help father fight."
"Durlan, Bhari your next in line to be king of our peoples." Orym explained. "If something happens, you both  have to take over. Besides I need you here protecting our family. While I'm gone you represent me and all we stand for. Can you do this for me?"
"Yes Father." Durlan said sadly.
"Good." Orym smiled and took the ring from his finger. It was the royal seal of Dree. "Keep this safe. We'll need it."
Durlan took the ring and saluted his king. He was glad to have his father show such trust in him. Having the ring meant his days as a boy were over. It was time he acted more like a prince of Dree.
"Thank you father." He smiled. "I'll keep it safe until you get back."
"I know you will." Orym gripped his sons shoulder. Now go help with your sister. She's going to be upset."
"Orym we should go." Braddoc called. "We have people to find."
Orym waved and walked Durlan back over to there family. Princess Jana was in tears but Haymar was being brave for his parents and held his sister. Phaerl tried hard to hide her tears but Orym could tell she was scared.
"All will be well." He told them kissing each one good bye. "In a few weeks this will be over and we'll be back home swimming with the Dylani's in the cove. Don't worry. Take care and trust the Tyr's. They will keep you safe. I love you all."
"Wait Orym!" Queen Anemone called as she was helped alone. "Give this to Caldar, it'll bring luck.
She took a ring from her finger and pressed it into Orym's hand.Orym opened his hand and found a gold ring shaped like a trident with a green emerald set in it in his palm.
"This ring once belonged to Sazar god of the seas." She closed his fist around it. "It's been in my family for century's passed from wife to husband. Sazar will send him back to us if he wears the ring.
"I'll make sure he gets it."
Then he turned and walked over to Braddoc. He climbed on his back and with a last look back, they rode off.
"Bring him home safe." Phaerl whispered as she and the kids watched them disappear into the forest of Tir Na.

As darkness fell Ryel, Emrel and the rest of their group hurried to pack up their things to move out of Eventide and go after Aron. So close to home Emrel thought. They were so close but with Aron's capture they had to go after him. They all knew what would happen when Talsara got her hands on him. He would be used as a pawn to draw Elan back to Darkshade where eventually no matter what Elan does, she would kill Aron. Home would have to wait. They had to get to Aron and get him free somehow.
Looking around the quiet forest of Eventide Emrel could feel something was not right here. All the trees were the wrong color for this time of year. It was like the magic was being siphon out of the land. This worried her. The forest and it's magic was all tied into her family. If something was wrong with the forest, then that meant something was wrong at home to.
Once packed she went to find her brother Ryel. She found him with his new friend Noelle the insect princess. They had just finished packing the horses and storing their gear.
"Ryel." He turned to face his older sister. "I'm having a horrible feeling, like somethings wrong at home."
"I know." He frowned. "I feel it to. The forest and animals seem sad. It's to quiet. I should feel, I don't know more comfortable so close to home and all I feel is sadness."
"The forest looks normal to me." Noelle said looking around. "Quiet yes, but I'm not getting much from the insect life here. I do get fear from them and that's strange."
"You don't understand." Emrel explained. "My family has protected this forest for centuries. Our lives are connected to this forest. When it hurts, we Eventide's feel it and it's in pain right now. Something's wrong here."
"You think it's Evindel?" Ryel asked. "Could he be hurt?"
"Maybe." Emrel shrugged. "It could even be mother."
Suddenly a terrible thought occurred to Ryel. He remembered how sick mother was when he left. But she had ordered him to go. Surely the glade would keep her safe until they could make it back. Unless Talsara's magic was a lot stronger then mother had thought.
Suddenly Noelle fell to her knees clutching her head and screamed out in pain. Ryel jumped to her aid and helped her to sit up.
"Noelle what is it?"
"Danger!!" She said as she got to her feet and grabbed her black blade. "We're about to be attacked!!"
From behind them Finn and Hema looked around. A familiar scent caught their attention and they both knew what Noelle's warning was about.
"GOBLINS!!"
In a flash a horn blared. Ryel pulled his sword and Orek grabbed for his battle axe and they were ready to fight. As goblins poured from the forest Emrel raised her hands and began to send blasts at them. Hema took to the air glowing with magic and using her own magic bolt on the enemy. With the speed of the leprechaun, Finn with his shillelagh streak through the goblins bashing them wherever he could. In a crazed rage Orek waded in. He had Ryel and Noelle on his right and left as they fought.
Dressed in rags and salvaged armor the goblins attacked. They were armed with all kinds of weapons, some old, most of at taken during battles or found afterward. As Ryel advanced a goblin carrying two swords came at him. He swung high at Ryel's head. Quickly he ducked bring his sword up to block the second strike. Spinning around Ryel faked a kick at his opponents side which caused the goblin to step back. With a mighty swing of his axe, Orek stuck. Green blood sprayed on as the goblin fell.
"Noelle!" Ryel yelled back. "Stay with Emrel!!"
Noelle nodded and jumped twenty feet out to land at Emrel's side. With her black blade spinning she kept Emrel's back safe. Spell after spell erupted from Emrel. She seemed tireless but Ryel knew better. None of them could keep up the fighting. Pretty soon the Goblins would overwhelm them and that would be the end of their band.
From the top of a boulder a goblin dressed in deep red armor watched. He recognized these elves. They were the same ones he had captured in Fay Shrea. He smiled his evil smile knowing they couldn't get away this time. No trick would get them out of this. Garuk had to many warriors for them to defeat. The Bloodfang's would win this one.
Just as Garuk Foulclub jumped down to enter the battle a bright flash of light appeared high in the trees. He looked up and saw something that he thought was impossible hovering high in the trees. It was an armor clad angel with blond hair and gleaming white wings. Next to him flew another winged one. But where one was light, this one was darker. He had brown wings and strange spike like things covering his arms. Who were these two strangers and why were they here?
All the fighting stopped as they all looked to see who the newcomers were. Garuk stared at them. He knew no angel would ever fight on the side of the queen of Darkshade. So they had to be here to help the young elves. He ran forward to a goblin armed with a bow and grabbed his weapon.
"Kill them all!!" He ordered as he notched an arrow and fired it at the angel. "Fight damn you! Kill the elves now!!'
With unerring aim the arrow flew straight at the newcomers chest. With a sweep of his arm the darker on the two winged men sent something shooting out the peppered the shaft and knocked it from the sky.
"For Eventide!!" The angel shouted and dived down pulling his sword and joined the battle. Like avenging angels the two winged men leaped in to battle. Both hit the ground swing and hacking. Thorns flew through the air ripping into their victim and bringing the down. For the Goblins things had changed. They were no longing on top of the battle. With the entrance of these avenging angel, the Goblins were losing. Fear filled the cowardly creatures now and they began to drop there weapons and run.
"Stop!" Garuk fumed jumping up and down. "Kill them! Kill them all!
Seeing his warriors run in flamed the Goblin. He dropped the bow and pulled the club from his back and with a roar he charged at Ryel.
"Die elf!!"
With anger making him bold Garuk swung. The club crashed into the ground as Ryel leaped aside. Quickly Garuk was on him his club flying through the air promising death if it hit. Side to side Ryel ducked and leaped waiting for his opening. With a quick sweep at Ryel's feet Garuk knocked his feet from under him. With his arms flailing, Ryel fell his sword spinning in the air to fall out of his reach. Garuk grinned as he raised his club and stepped in for the death blow. Fear filled Ryel as he tried to back away from the Goblin.
"There's no where to go." Garuk laughed. "And no one can help you now!"
Garuk raised his club as Ryel screamed in his head. Suddenly there was a shriek from above and Dagger Ryel's crow came flying out of the sky. He dived down and attacked Garuk to protect Ryel. With his razor sharp talons he ripped at the goblins eyes blinding him. Bellowing his rage Garuk brought down his club to crash into the spot where Ryel lay just seconds ago. Bringing his club back up Garuk searched by feel for Ryel who stood a few feet away holding his sword.
"It's over Goblin." Ryel said as his friends gathered around them. Dagger came to perch on his shoulder. "They're all gone and now your alone. I don't want to kill you."
"But I want to kill you all!" He screamed at them. "Then I want to die. I'm useless as a goblin now. I can't hunt or protect myself. My clan will kill me as sport. And it's all because of you!"
"You don't have to go back to them." Emrel said her voice soft and soothing. "We can find a place where you can live safely."
"I'M A GOBLIN!!" Garuk screamed. "I DON'T WANT YOUR PITY! THAT'S NOT THE GOBLIN WAY. DEATH IS THE ONLY ANSWER FOR ME. KILL ME OR I KILL MYSELF!!"
Ryel and Emrel stepped away from the distraught goblin to talk. They felt they couldn't leave the goblin alone here. Something had to be done for him.
"There's only one thing to do." The blond angel said as he came over.
"What?"
"Give him a dagger and leave him here." He said. "That's the only way."
"You must be kidding?" Emrel cried. "And who are you anyway?"
"My apologies." The angel bowed. "I'm Jayce St. James of New Keanna. This is my friend Graym Avenda. We've been sent here to help in Eventide. We saw the goblins attack and came to help."
"Thank you for your help." Ryel gripped his arm in greeting. "Now why can't we help him?"
"Honor." Graym said as he joined them. "He won't live like that. Goblin's just can't do it. If he can't care for himself, his life is over. Either he dies in battle or he ends it himself. There's no other way for him. Do as Jayce said. Give him a blade and just move on. "That's the only way we can help."
"They're right." Noelle said. "We are the same way. Let him die with his honor as an enemy should."
Ryel looked at Emrel for an answer. All he saw were the tears in her eyes. Deep down he knew they were right but this just wasn't the elven way. Elves would care for the sick and wounded as long as they had to. Especially since their lifespans were so long and to them healing was a state of mind and given enough time, all wounds healed. But since this was not the way goblins lived, they would have to honor his request.
"I need a knife." Ryel held out his hand. From Graym's arm he pulled a thorn. As he held it, it lengthened to dagger size and he handed it to Ryel. Ryel took the dagger from Graym and stared at it in his hand. Was this really Garuk's fate? To die at his own hand? Ryel turned and looked at the Goblin kneeling on the ground his face all bloody. Without sight he couldn't take care of himself. Ryel knew he was an enemy, but he deserved better then death. But if this was the only way to help him, then so be it. He stepped over to the blind Goblin.
"Are you here to kill me?" Garuk asked getting to his feet to face Ryel in front of him.
Ryel just stood there for a minute then Orek stepped up and took the dagger from him.
"No." The dwarf said. "I am."
With a quick thrust Orek sank the dagger into Garuk's chest right through his heart. Garuk sank to his knees dying. He made a feeble attempt at a smile and said his last words.
"I welcome death. Afar Angarthfark!"
With that Garuk Foulclub fell back and was dead. Ryel looked down to Orek and nodded.
"It had to be done." Orek patted his back. "He has peace now."
Without saying anything they gathered branched and stones to build a pyre where they placed his body and set it afire.
"So passes Garuk Foulclub of the Bloodfang clan." Jayce said over the blazing funeral pyre. "He's off to fight his battles in the underworld."
As they broke up and made to leave Emrel went over to talk to the two angels.
"What word have you of Eventide?" She asked. They could see how anxious she was for any news of her family. "Is everyone well?
"We don't know." Graym said. "We just arrived and saw the fight from above. Eventide is close, Let's go find out how they are."
Emrel smiled and turned and walked to her horse. She stop and watched Ryel and Orek mount up. She knew they wanted to head to Darkshade to rescue Aron, but Emrel couldn't help worrying about home. Her and Adanar had been having strange visions of home since this all started. Now she was so close, she had to get home and find out what was going on.
"Ryel, I want to go home." Emrel looked at him with pleading eyes. "I need to know what's happening. Is mother well? What about Evindal, Allisa and the rest of the people?"
[Maybe we can help.]
A voice rang out in Jayce and Graym's minds. Ryel and the others didn't hear it, but Jayce and Graym did and they knew just who it was.
[Toric?] Jayce sent. [Where are you?]
[Close.] He answered. [And I have news for the young elves with you. Meet us at the edge of the lake nearby.]
"Everyone mount up and follow us." Jayce and Graym took to the air hovering above them. "We have someone to see."
Quickly they all climbed on their horses and were off. Jayce and Graym stayed right above the trees where they could be seen until they reached the lake.
"There!" Graym pointed. Over on the far side of the lake they saw a man on a great white stallion next to a unicorn. Jayce waved and flew on. Ryel and the others stopped for a second having never seen a unicorn before. They were scarce and lived in hiding usually.
"Well I'll be damned!! " Finn scratched his head in shock. "They be real!!!"
"Hurry!" Ryel urged his horse into a gallop and the rest followed.
On the far side Jayce and Graym flew in to land while the man in elven clothing climbed off him mount and hugged them. As they rode up the unicorn became fizzy and shifted. Now where the fabled beast once stood there was a man in elven clothing with black hair.
"Toric, Denner!" Graym welcomed them introducing them to everyone. "It's good to see you both. What brings you to Eventide?"
"We're looking for them." Toric smiles. "We searched all over Fay Shrea and were finally told they were on their way into Eventide."
"Your looking for us?" Ryel asked puzzled. "Why?"
"Actually we're here to find your brother." Denner told them. "We're told he could be the key to the fall of Darkshade."
"Adanar?" Emrel frowned. "He's with Seven and Insa. How can he help?"
"Not that brother." Toric said. "There's another we're suppose to find."
"The seventh." Orek looked to Ryel his face white with surprise. "Then it's all true. There is a seventh Eventide son. But who is it?"
"I think I know." Ryel looked out over all his friends questioning eyes stopping at his sister. "It can be only one person. Someone we've travel with for a long time. Someone we lost."
"Who?" Hema asked perched on Finn's shoulder. Everyone stared at Ryel waiting for an answer, but it was Emrel who spoke up.
"Aron." Emrel answered smiling. "He's the seventh Eventide. He's our brother."
"Yes." Ryel nodded. "And Talsara has him. We have to get him back cause she will kill him."
Everyone looked sadly at Ryel and Emrel. Aron was gone and it was all of their fault. If they had been watching it never would have happened. They all knew Ryel was right and that he had to be saved before anything happened.
"I can't go with you." Emrel told her brother tearfully. "I have to go home. I have to know what's happening in Eventide. Evindal and the others may be in danger and need our help. I'm sorry."
"You don't have to come." Ryel took his sister in his arms and hugged her. "None of you have to come. There's a war on and all our homes are in danger. I understand if you want to go and make sure your families are safe."
All around him his friend looked from one to the other weighing their options. Home or on into the fight. For some the answer was an easy one. Actually they all knew just where their duties lay.
"I go with you Ryel." Orek stepped forward. "Wherever you go."
Ryel smiled and nodded his acceptance to his short friend. Next to him stood princess Noelle.
"I follow you to." She smiled. "My queen would have me know the world better. What better way then at your side."
"We'll take Emrel home." Jayce spoke up for him and Graym. "She'll need a strong sword and some magic to protect her."
"Thank you." Emrel said sweetly. "What of you Hema, Finn?"
"A lady needs luck." Finn stood with Hema on his shoulder. He reached in his pocket and fished something out and handed it to Orek. "The lass and I be with ya. But this is for you. It's for luck, you'll be needing it."
"Toric." Jayce called. "Ariel should be back soon with Insa and Adanar. You plan to meet her?"
"I will if she happens to find her way to Darkshade." He looked over at Denner to make sure he agreed. "Dasyra asked for our help in finding Aron. That's what we'll do if you'll have us."
"I welcome you help." Ryel gripped Jayce's hand and shook it. "Then it's settled. In the morning we split into two teams. Tonight we rest because I don't think either team is going to have an easy task on their hands so all of you get some rest. Orek and I swill take the first watch. We'll wake Jayce and Graym in four hours to take over. Everyone get some sleep."
As they all split up to get their rest, Toric took Ryel and Emrel aside to talk.
"There's something I have to tell you."
"What is it?" Ryel asked as he and Emrel sat on a log. Toric shuffled his feet and Denner looked away. Ryel and Emrel looked at them oddly. "Is there something wrong?"
"Yes." Jayce sat down next to them and looked sadly into their eyes. I'm afraid it's about your mother."
A look of horror and shock took over there faces. There stomachs dropped in fear.
"Tell us." Ryel stammered.
"I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but Dasyra passed on two days ago."
"NOOOOOOO" Emrel screamed and grabbed Ryel in a tight hug crying. "It can't be!!"
"We're so sorry." Jayce hugged them both radiating strength into them both. "I was in contact with her when she died. Her last thoughts were of the three of you. Ryel, Emrel and Aron. She made us promise to find you and protect you."
"I should never have left her." Ryel sobbed. Maybe I could have saved her."
"You were doing what she asked you to do." Denner knelt beside them. "Now you have to finish this. Find Aron and free Eventide, that's what she wanted."
"Then that's what we will do." Ryel stood and waled over to where Orek and Noelle were listening. Hema sat with Emrel to comfort her. "Darkshade will fall. I swear it!!"
"Ryel I have a suggestion." Denner stepped over to him.
"I'm listening." The young elf said wiping away his tears. He and Orek had retrieved their weapons and were heading for a comfortable place to watch the camp from.
"Before we head for Darkshade I think we should stop in Tir Na so we can learn of any new information on Queen Talsara and Lord Larin. It would be crazy of us to go to Darkshade blind without at least knowing where she is."
"I agree." Orek said. "That makes sense. There we can find out just what's going on with this war. I want to know how Land Ends fairing and we are allies with the Werewolves. They'll know."
"Fine." Ryel shook his head. "Darkshade is in that direction anyway and I could use a good meal and some clean clothes. Next stop, Tir Na."

Dressed in her finest and wearing her most seductive perfume, Ashura walked sweetly through the halls of Larin manor escorted by one of the house servants. Every eye turned as she pasted and her scent as intoxicating as it was, caught many on Lord Larin's guards attention. Good she thought to herself. She just might need the edge if anything were to go wrong. With Lord Larin she could never be to careful.
As she entered Tayor's private study Youron stood at the door waiting for her. How she hated this man. No matter where she went in the manor she always felt his slimy presence, like he was watching her. And of course he was.
"Aiya Lady Ashura." He bowed never taking his eyes off her. "You look lovely today."
"Why thank you Youron." She smiled reluctantly extending her hand. "I think your master is expecting me."
"Indeed he is." He kissed the back of her hand. A shiver passed through her. She could feel his hate and mistrust aimed toward her. "He asks that you wait for him here. He is attending to important matters and will be with you shortly."
Ashura nodded and walked over to a lounge chair to have a seat and wait. She wondered if she could get anything out of this horrid little man. She must be careful.
"How goes the search for young Tabor?" She asked. "Any news?"
"I'm afraid not." Youron answered. "None of the students or teachers of the academy seem to me anywhere we look. And we've searched all over Keanna. My Lord has left no stone unturned. We even have agents in the cold north, but no luck."
"Then it's time to search the unknown." Ashura told him. "I have a few ideas that might work."
"Like what?" Youron asked curiously. He came closer and leaned on her chair. "I'd appreciate any ideas that lead at the young prince. Care to tell me your ideas?"
Young prince my ass Ashura thought. Tabor's no more a then she is. He was more of an arrogant evil little bastard just like his father. But Ashura hid those thoughts before they betrayed her and cost her everything.
"I'll discuss it with Lord Larin when I see him." She smiled. "If the think they have any merit, he'll be the one to tell you."
"As you wish lady." Youron stood raised and eyebrow and gave her a wicked smile. She would give them no answers in finding Lord Larins useless son. He would never be found if it was up to her. "Lord Larin will find you when he's done. Aiya Lady Ashura."
After Youron left Ashura smiled to herself. That fool Youron had given her a bit of information. Lord Larin had spies in the north huh. That might just be useful to them since last thing Insa had told Pelic was that he was heading north for some reason. Pelic would want to hear this as soon as possible. But what could Insa or Lord Larin possibly what from up in that frozen region?
As Ashura waited she heard faint voices. Lord Larins voices and it was coming from the closed door behind his desk. So Tayor was here just in the next room. Who was he talking to to she wondered and what were they plotting? There was a way she could find out.
Standing up Ashura fished in her pocket for something Pelic had given her. A messagestone. Quietly she walked to the door and placed the stone at the bottom corner. Then she left and went to one of Tayor's private parlors and made herself comfortable. With a simple thought she activated the stone.
[There were three dragons here my lord.] She heard.
[Did you recognize them?] Came Lord Larins voice.
[Yes. Council master Insa and the weather dragon Ariel.]
[And the third?]
[I don't know his name my lord but I've seen him before. He was one of the dragons that attacked Winterhaven ten years ago during the Death war.]
[One of Muerte's dragons?] Lord Larin said. [Interesting. Are they still there?]
[For now.] The spy answered. [But the new dragon said he and his brothers would join them when they left to go south.]
[And when do they plan to leave?]
[In the morning my lord.]
[You have done well.] Lord Larin told the spy. [Your reward will be great. Contact me if there is anything else.]
[Just one thing more my lord.]
[Yes?]
[There was a battle on the plateau outside of the city.] The voice told lord Larin.
[Was it the dragons]
[No my lord. I had eyes on them during the whole battle. It was someone else and there was something strange about it.]
[Go on.]
[It was the storm my lord. Just as the battle ended, so did the storm. The skies cleared right up at the end of the battle.]
[Is that all?]
[Yes my lord.]
[You have done me a great service.] Lord Larin finished. [make your way home. Your reward will be waiting.]
[Thank You my lord.]
With that the conversion was over. Ashura quickly closed her connect to the stone and sat back. Dragons were coming and Tayor Larin knew all about it. That was definitely bad. Ashura knew she had to get back to tell Pelic as soon as possible. But not before her dinner with Lord Larin. Thank Rimnar they wouldn't be leaving until morning. There would still be time. Now she just had to retrieve the messagestone and suffer her time with Lord Larin. This was going to be a long night.

In a dark cottage on the land that once housed the Andrake Academy two elves hid. One dark, the prince of the house of Darkshade and the other a cousin to the royal house of Eventide. Quietly Elan Darkshade sat in front on the cooking fire then he was making dinner for him and his companion Morganz. He thought about his last few days. Leaving school with Aron to chase after Emrel and her brother. Fighting the Goblins and his decision to betray his mother and fight with the Eventide's. And Aron his love. He had left Aron in the hands of the Goblins while he chased after some mysterious ring they wanted only to find out the ring was gone with the academy. Insa the academy master had promised and sent two of his best after them. Elan prayed to Rimnar that Aron was safe. He wished with all his heart there was a way to be sure. Suddenly he heard a familiar pop behind him. He knew that sound. it was the sound of and Imp appearing. He had heard it all his life. That meant trouble. his mothers damned Imp was here to bring him back. Well hot this time. he would take care of the little bastard if he had to. Quickly he pulled his sword and turned to attack. But instead of His mother's evil little Imp he found his father's noble Imp friend Argus standing there.
"Argus?" Elan slid his sword back into it scabbard. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to help you my Prince." He bowed. "Your father swore me to your service. I'm yours to command."
"How is father?"
"Worried about you of course." Argus smiled. "He knows your mother is deep in her evil ways again and he wishes he could help. As do I my Prince. How can I help?"
Many things went through Elan's mind including trying to have the Imp kill Lord Larin. But he knew that was beyond Argus's power. Even if he could, that would make Argus just like Aesis and he didn't deserve that after so many loyal years with his father. Then an idea hit him.
"There is something you can do for me."
"What is your wish?" Argus asked.
"You know who Aron Neveral is?"
"Your mate?" The Imp nodded. "Yes we know of the brave young elf."
"Find him for me. Protect him as you would protect me. And tell him that I love him and I'll come find him as soon as I can. And give him this."
From his finger Elan took of his ring. It was the family crest of Darkshade and give it to the Imp.
"Promise me now."
"I swear it shall be done Prince Elan. I will protect him with my life." With a pop he was gone just as the door opened and Morganz came in with a load of fire wood.
"Who were you talking to?
"No one." Elan smiled his heart feeling relief "We're here in Winterhaven. What do we do next?"
"We help bring down Lord Larin." Morganz dropped the wood and picked up a piece of chicken they had cooked in the fireplace and took a bite. "But to do that, we're going to need help."
"Who?" Elan asked. he stood and paced the cottage floor. "If we had taken Adanar with us we would at least have his help. But who else is there in Winterhaven we can trust to help us?"
"We're not alone here Elan. There are others that hate whats happened to the city and want to see it free. We just have to get to them."
"Who are you talking about?" Elan though his hands up in frustration.
"One." Morganz put down the bones he had just finished eating off. "Somewhere here the Shadows of New Keanna are in the city. We just have to find them. And second, in the dungeons of the city guard building, Lord Larin hold what's left of the guards of the city. If we can get them free, Tayor Larin will have the beginning of a revolution on his hands. If the people see there are some resisting, others will join in."
"And where are we going to hide our forces?" Elan asked. "Once we break them free. Lord Larin we tear the city up looking for them."
"I know this city." Morganz smiled. "I know it much better then Larin or and of his people do. There all places we can hide. Don't worry about that. Plus we have the cities magic. Winterhaven will help us that I promise you."
"I don't know what magic you speak of but if you think this will work, I'm with you." Elan sat down eager to hear more of the plan. "How do we start?"
"Find Pelic." Morganz said. "Only him or a shadow dragon can get us all out without being detected."
"And how do we find him?"
"Before Pelic became one of the Shadows he was one of Winterhavens most powerful dark mages." Morganz explained to the young elven prince. "His estate his been abandoned since he left our city. This the first place we look. The second would be to check some of his old friends that he might have made contact with since he's been back."
"But wouldn't they just turn him in since he's not of the dark persuasion anymore?"
"That would depend on who he made contact with." Morganz bid Elan to have a seat then went on. "Pelic would know better then to make contact with anyone that would side with Tayor Larin. Those cowards would turn him in in a blink. He would find someone more on the grey side of the arts. Someone he knew he could trust and I think I know who that might be. I have an errand for you my friend."
"Me?" Elan looked at him a little afraid. "Why me?"
"Your a dark elf." He explained. "You can walk boldly though the streets without suspicion. Traveling Winterhaven would be much safer for you then for me."
Elan knew he was right. There where no elves of the light kind left free in Winterhaven. They had all been rounded up or fled home by now.
"Where do you want me to go and who do I talk to?"
"Pelic's estate is on the north side of Winterhaven." He told him. "I'll check there myself. In the marketplace there is an apothecary shop owned by Lady Ashura. She and Pelic once were very fond of each other. She would be the one he would trust. You can trust her she always hated Tayor Larin. Her shop is on Snapwood lane in the market distract. It's called The Blue Moon Apothecary. Go now while it's still light outside."
"You sure about this?" Elan reached for his cloak and pulled it on covering his head with the hood. "You really think you can trust this Lady Ashura."
"I do." Morganz nodded. "For my own reasons. Tell her I sent you. Now go, you should hurry. If anyone stops you, talk your way out of it. Don't fight."
"I won't."
Elan slipped out and into the forest that surrounded the academy grounds. Once he was at its edge he quietly made his way onto Winterhaven and to the marketplace. Since Lord Larin had taken over, most of the shops had been closed. The only one's still open were the food shops and there were pretty scarcely stocked. Any shops that weren't necessary had been closed by order of the new lord. Thankfully, The Blue Moon's lights were on. it was still open. Out in front of the shop stood an old beggar in a ratty cloak with his hood pulled tightly over his face. Elan thought he must be suffering with the pox. He fished in his pocket and found a coin and dropped in the old beggars out stretched hand.
"Thank you young prince."
Elan looked at him for a second but kept on moving into the shop leaving the beggar there with his coin.
A bell sounded as Elan opened the door and entered. The shop had a very pleasant smell. From potions shop at school he could identify a few of the smells. Allspice, angelica root, devil's claw, clove all things that could be used to heal that he could smell in the air. The shop and shelves filled with vials and bags of different ingredients. There where plants and flowers growing in pots and hanging in rows down each aisle. if he had time he would love to spend time here going over the things he found with the shop owner, but now wasn't the time for that.
"Can I help you young sir?" A sweet voice rang out and caught Elan's attention. He turned to find a very beautiful woman standing in the door way to the back of the shop. Elan smiled and started to answer when someone answered for him from behind him.
"The young prince of Darkshade is here to see me Ashura."
Elan turned to find the beggar standing in the door still with the hood covering his face. He pushed back his hood to reveal his dark shadow visage.
"What brings you to see us Prince Elan?" Ashura walked out into the shop her dark flowing behind her.
"You know who I am?"
"I know who you are." Pelic said. "I'm just not sure why your here. What brings Talsara Darkshades son to see me?"
"I was sent by Morganz of Eventide to find you." Elan pushed off his hood so they could see him. He had learned lately the the truth was in the eyes and that most mages could read that. "We came to Winterhaven to help you bring down Lord Larin and my mother."
Ashura looked up at Pelic then back to the young dark elf. "Morganz is here? In Winterhaven?"
"Yes." He said. "And we need your help with a jail break."

The forest of Eventide was no longer the quiet peaceful place from Emrel's memory. Now it seemed dark and dangerous. More like what she expected Darkshade to feel like. She could feel the eyes of every creature here on them and it felt like attack and hunger was on their minds.
Traveling at her side for protection was Finn, Noelle, Jayce and Graym. All of them ready with weapons out for whatever this now unfamiliar forest could send at them. After Toric had given them the sad news of their mothers passing, Ryel and Emrel had broken down and cried. Emrel was inconsolable for a time until Jayce took her aside and promised he would get them both a chance to say good bye to their dear mother. Jayce knew in his heart that once this was over, Jax would help him grant the young ones wish. Then the decision was made to split into two teams. One would head to Eventide while the other would fly on to Darkshade to rescue Aron.
"What a dark place Eventide has become." Finn said from behind Emrel. "Tis nothing like I remember."
"It's all Talsara." Emrel told them looking around. "This is what she did when she disturbed our magic."
"Aye." Finn nodded. "Tis like the place be cursed."
[It is.] Jayce sent from up high in the air. [When she started stealing the magic of the glade, she corrupted everything here. Every plant and flower. Every tree and animal has been changed by what she's done. I just pray it can all be made right again."
Suddenly Emrel pulled her horse to a stop. What Jayce had just said made her think something awful. She hoped it wasn't true, but she had to ask.
"What about all the people here?" She called to Jayce. "Would they be affected to?"
[I'm afraid so Princess.] She could feel the sorrow in his words. [Everything and everyone here is affected. I'm sorry.]
"Not quite everything." Hema flew over a perched on Emrel's shoulder. "The spirit of Eventide is hurt. It's like it's wounded but it's still there. The nymph's and Dryad's are weak but they can still help if we need them."
Emrel smiled at the fairy and asked her to thank them and promised to call if they could help.
As they rode the trees shook and things crept through the bushes. Emrel knew the forest was awake with danger and that they could be attacked at any moment. Suddenly a loud squawk sounded through the trees. everyone grabbed for their weapons and pull them free.
"Oh no!" Emrel frowned. "I was afraid this would happen."
"What trouble have we now?" Finn asked.
"Griffins" Emrel said looking up into the trees. "They protect the forest. We should move."
Emrel kicked her horses to spur it on as Hema lite up and took to the air. Up in the sky Graym saw them coming. Three huge winged lions with the heads of eagles screeching there anger and heading straight for them.
[They see us!] Graym sent pulling Retribution to be ready for the attack.
"No you can't kill them!" Emrel would not have such noble beast hurt or killed. "They're confused by Talsara's magic. It's not their fault!"
"Then what do we do?" Graym shouted.
"This!" Jayce flew up higher into the sun and called out to his Sunbird's. Suddenly the sky was filled with hundreds of little specks of light that darted and nipped at the Griffins painlessly. Like a game the eagle headed beast began to dance and play with them in the sky, zipping around having fun.
"That will keep them busy." Jayce and Graym flow down to join the others.
"Thank you. " Emrel smiled. "The Griffin's are important to Ryel and Jake. They would be upset if I let them get hurt. It's not far from here, just over the hill. If we hurry we'll be there before dark."
The rest of the trip was quick but not uneventful. Those eyes they thought had been watching were real. Every now and then one of them saw something big and furry dart through the trees. It would never stand still long enough for any of them to identify but they did see it's prints in the mud and dirt. They were huge man like feet with claws that would make them great for climbing. This meant they were also in the trees over head.
As they came close to the city they passed though the farming areas of Eventide. Usually these farms were kept neat and organized. The many barns and cottages of elven design were beautiful with their archway doors and dome roofs. Some were built into the sides of hill where temperatures were always cool. But things were different now. All the homes had by ravaged and ripped apart. They couldn't tell if it had by done by the dark elves when they departed or maybe it was the wild men that now lived it the forest all around Eventide. Carcasses of dead and rotting livestock littered the farms. They found no dead elves but surely there had to be casualties. Talsara's war spared no one.
Hurrying to the city Emrel led them to the gates which were wide open. As they approached many dark shadows ducked and ran into the forest to watch.
"What are these things?" Jayce asked. He remembered the wild men the once lived in the forest of Winterhaven. They were very similar he thought, more beast then men.
"I don't know." Emrel answered as she climbed off her horse. "Nothing like this ever lived in Eventide before."
"Could the darkies have brought the beasties?" Finn jumped from behind Emrel shillelagh in hand. He walked toward the gate to go in.
"Don't be in such a rush." Graym called. "Wait the cities been over run with these beast."
"I trust me luck lad." He smiled. "It hasn't failed me yet."
"And you'll bet your life on luck?" Jayce asked joining him as the gate.
"Aye." The Leprechaun nodded. "Tis an amazing thing. I trust it."
"You would do better to trust in yourself and your friends." Hema looked through the gate at the huge dark tree that was Eventide. "We will keep you safe from harm."
"Indeed." Graym spread his wings and took off. "I will check and see what's up there. All of you wait here until I come back."
"We should build a fire while we wait." Jayce said. "It'll keep the animals away while we wait. But don't go to far and Emrel, be ready with a spell just to be safe."
With Retribution in hand Graym flew high up into the branches that were the city of Eventide. From up high the city look abandoned. There were no people anywhere to be seen. Graym flew closer into the tree and all along the branches that were streets and lanes. All the shops and homes looked empty. The city looked as if it had been in a battle. Broken doors and furniture everywhere but still no bodies. Graym dropped down and slowly looked around for any sign of life. He could sense there was something here, but it didn't feel like the elven populace. It was something else and it was watching him. From the corner of his eye he saw something move. Spinning around he lashed out and sent two of his thorn darts streaking into the shadows. Something howled. He had hit something. Then he heard crashing sounds. Whatever it was it had jumped over the side of the branch and crashed through the trees. Graym rushed to the rail and looked over into the dark depths. With his hand on the rail he felt something wet. Graym looked at his hand and found it was covered with blood.
"We're definitely not alone up here."
They would have to search the city. There had to be someone left here who could tell them what had happened. The best place to start was the Eventide palace, but they would have to be very careful.
[Jayce.] Graym sent. [Bring them up but be careful. I'll meet you at the top of the airway near the palace gates.]
[We're on our way in now.]
As Graym turned and walked off towards the airway a growl echoed behind him. Yellow eyes blazed in the darkness as many watch him walk away. Graym felt the eyes on his back as he went to join his friends. Seems it would be an interesting night in Eventide.

With a flash of bright light and a sudden pain in his side Aron woke up. He looked around and found he was lying on a cold dirty floor with his hands tied behind him. He had been taken captive again. But by who this time? Had the Goblins found them again? Was Ryel and the others there with him? He thought back and tried to figure out where he had been last. He had been in Eventide. They had just freed Queen Nuala had Hema from Queen Talsara's warriors in Aspara Bough and had made it to Eventide where something happened. Suddenly something kicked him again in his side and he looked up. Standing there grinning down at him was Talsara's ugly little Imp Aesis.
"Good." He said. "The saurar is awake. My queen will be pleased."
"Aesis!" Aron spit his name as if it were a bad taste in his mouth. "Where am I? Why have you brought me here?"
"Answering your questions is not why I am here." Aesis stepped up to Aron and smacked his face. "But I will since you well be dead soon."
"Then why? Elan and I never did anything to you. Why have you done this?"
"Like my queen I find you and the prince disgust me!" He screamed at the prone young elf. "You dare to be mate to the son of the royal house of Darkshade! We will not stand for such disgrace!!"
Aron roll over and sat up against the wall of the cell and spit the blood from his mouth. he looked up at the crazed Imp standing there in front of him.
"What do you or your mad queen know of love?" Aron smiled. "Neither one of you have ever loved anyone in you life. How would you know what love is. You betray and lie to get what you want. Talsara even killed her own mother. She is the saurar not us!"
"QUIET FLAGZ!!!" Aesis rushed forward and beat Aron in the face splitting his lip. "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK OF MY QUEEN IN THAT MANNER!!"
After the Imp backed off Aron laughed it him. "Beat me all you want. But the last days of Darkshade are near. My friends will see to it. Queen Talsara and Lord Larin will lose this war and there is nothing either of them can do. So go on and kill me!"
"That will be my queen pleasure flagz." Aesis stepped back away from Aron wiping his bloody hand on his raggedy trousers. "But before you die I will grant your wish. You will see Elan before you die. He will watch as you die so you can say your farewells."
"We'll never say good bye!" Aron yelled at Aesis back. "It will be you and the witch! I swear I'll bring the house of Darkshade crashing down into the mud!!!"
"Darkshade is to powerful to be harmed by the likes of you!" Aesis laughed as he disappeared in his usual pop.
Frustrated Aron sat there and looked around. There had to be a way he could free himself. Maybe a carefully aimed fire spell with just his fingers could burn through the ropes to free his hands. Then he could figure out some way out of this hell. God he missed Elan. But he was glad he wasn't here. He didn't want Elan anywhere near Darkshade or his mother. Aron he knew it was time to end this war. And he had no idea how he would do it. But if he and Elan were to be free, he had to find a way.

Alone in his study Wyn Darkshade sat and watched his wife's warriors as they went out to follow there queens orders. Talsara had come home during the night and he still hadn't seen her. Why she had returned he had no idea but he guessed it may have something to do with their son Elan. She had been hunting for him lately Wyn's spies had told him. Thank Rimnar she still hadn't found him. Talsara was so filled with hate Wyn was afraid of what she might do when she did. He knew how she felt about Elan and Aron's relationship and how unforgiving she was. Wyn knew how his son felt for Aron. He once felt the same for Talsara. He had done horrible things for her love and for that he would never forgive himself. But he would not let her hurt the only thing good that had come from her. Whether Elan was his son or not, he had loved and taken care of him all his life and there was no way he was going to allow her to do anything to hurt him. It was time he saw her to see if there was any way he could help Elan.
Calling for one of the queens aides he learned she was in audience with her generals in her private study. Wyn made his way there and order the guards at the door aside and went in. Inside he found Talsara seated in a high char at a desk looking over maps of the Elven lands she had captured. Around her were her four generals. Arla Necnar and Maith Eroth, Talsara's two female generals from Darkshade and Pyrdor Blackheim of Moondown and Garrik Mornmist of Kraok. All dark elves from her allied elven kingdoms. Wyn came closer to listen to them plans.
"Sarella has taken Elond and Dree." General Nacnar pointed out the kingdoms on the map. "She's moved on to the south and Limeira and Sinarin. She expect to be done with them within the next two days. Garrik and Pyrdor have moved on the dwarfs. Lands End is ours and two more of there kingdoms."
"There's still the werewolves and the vampires. "Pyrdor told her. "Seith plan to place the blame on Tir Na seems to be working he say. Tir Na will be his next stop before they can retaliate."
"See that all stay as we plan." Talsara said without looking up. "What of the humans? Tell me of Lord Larin and his actions."
"Through Sarella and his magics, he has defeated all that face him." Maith spoke up. "All men and beast have fallen before him. Not even the dragons could stand his magic."
"Yes." Talsara folded her arms and sat back. "But not all the dragons have been defeated. There is one that still opposes him. One that most be brought to kneel before the war can end."
"There is something else my queen."
Talsara turned to find Aesis bowing at the end of the desk. Talsara smiled pleased to see her most fateful servant had returned. All her generals stepped back when they saw the Imp there. They wondered what news he had brought.
"Welcome Aesis." Talsara stood. "I trust my orders have been carried out?"
"I beg to speak with you privately." He said. "My words are only for a queens ear."
"Leave us." She order as she sat bat down in her chair.
Bowing her generals all to leave of the study leaving Talsara alone with the Imp. Wyn stepped into the shadows behind the window curtains to listen. He was eager to hear what the terrible little creature had to say.
"Speak Aesis." Talsara commanded.
"I have the one you sent me to find." Aesis moved over to side in front of his queen. "He lays bound in the tower waiting your order of death."
"And my son?" She asked. "Where is Elan? He most be here to see his shame died and pay the price."
"A price My queen?"
"He most follow his mate." She said. "They both must pay the price of shame and disobedience."
"Now that we have Aron." Aesis rubbed his hands together in anticipation of the torture he would deliver on the pair. "The other will come. Elan will try and save him. His sin will be his downfall. Their love will bring them down."
"Very well." She stood ans walked to the door. "Watch him. Bring Elan to me when he arrives. As his mother I must be the one to end his days. You my torture Aron but Elan answers only to me."
"I obey my Queen." With that Talsara left and Aesis disappeared laughing.
Rage filled Wyn's heart as he stepped from his hiding place. He knew what he had to do now. His sons life depended on it.