High in the summer skies over Aspara Baugh, a sudden explosion of light appeared like a new born star. From the light a portal opened up and Tempus the dragon of time and speed roared his way back onto Keanna. From the front position on his back, Zarin looked out for any landmarks to tell him where they were. From where he sat he could see the great trees of Eventide and the blue waves of the Shyr ocean. There was only one sun shining overhead and all the foliage was a deep forest green. They were home, back on Keanna.
"Are we back?" Thalia asked eagerly. "Really?"
"I think so." Reno said. "It looks like somewhere in the south."
"Aspara Baugh." Zarin assured them. "This is Eventide beneath us. Winterhaven is that way north, more than two days ride."
[I can have us in Winterhaven in and hour if that's where you want to go.] Tempus told them.
"We have to find Tabor." Zarin said grimly. "He'll be looking for his father."
"And how do we find him?" Dack asked. "He could be anywhere."
"A location spell?" Craven suggested.
"Good idea but I have no way to orient a spell on Tayor Larin or Tabor." Dack said. "And I'm not sure I'd want to if I could."
"Why?" Thalia asked.
"Tayor Larin isn't just some average mage." Dack explained. "He's a master with more knowledge about location spells then I will probably ever have. If I cast one on him, he'll feel it and be able to trace it right back to us, and there goes our chance at surprise."
"What about the ring?" Zarin asked. "Can we locate that?"
"I can't." Dack shook his head no.
"But I can." Trip smiled. "Lady Kordova did something that makes me immune to the power of the ring."
"How's that going to help?" Thalia asked.
"In order to be immune to its power." He explained. "I also have to be able to feel it."
"Then you can find Tabor?" Zarin had a look of revenge in his eyes.
"As long as he wears the ring I can." Trip nodded.
"Then find him and keep track of him." Zarin said. "I want to know where we can find him at any moment."
[Is that where you want to go?] Tempus asked.
"No. We'll need something to match the power of the ring if we want to defeat Tabor." Zarin explained. "We'll need help and I know who might be able to help us. I need to talk with Professor Insa right away. We should be able to do that from Eventide. Emrel and Adanar's parents rule in Eventide. They should be able to get us in touch with Winterhaven."
"That's if there's even anyone alive down there." Dack said. "It looks pretty dark."
"Have faith Dack. We made it home right, we're not finished yet."
The forest was quiet and peaceful as Tempus came down to land. He stretched out his leg and let the others climb down then made the shift back to his human form. As he walked out to meet the others he looked up at the dark walls of Eventide. Dack had been right, the city did look deserted. There were no lights shining from the top of the wall or from any of the trees. Broken furniture littered the ground around the gatehouse and outside wall in front of the gate. The only light visible was a glowing sphere hovering high over the wall. As Zarin and the others approached, it flared brighter and began to throb.
"What is that?" Craven asked.
"The doorbell." Reno answered.
"How does it work?"
"Let's find out." Zarin said as he stepped up to the gate. "Aiya. I am Zarin Testa of Winterhaven. We have come here looking for friends."
As Zarin introduced himself, the sphere flashed three times then disappeared. He looked back at the others puzzled as to what he should do next. Just as he was about to ask for suggestions the gate creaked and started to open. Zarin stepped back unsure of what might come out to greet or attack them.
As the gate opened torches flared to life all around the gate and someone stepped out of the dark interior. What stepped out from the gate was a surprise for them all. A tall blond haired man with amazingly bright wings. It looked like an angel. Right behind the angel came a friendly face they all knew.
"Emrel!!"
Thalia ran and threw her arms around her in a big hug. Emrel laughed as she was lifted and swung around.
"We're so glad to see you here at home safe." Thalia smiles as everyone came over and started asking questions. "Tell me. hows your family? What's happened while we were away?"
"Slow down." Jayce smiled holding out his hand. "We'll answer your question when we get inside. I have a few for you too."
As Jayce led them into the great hollow tree and up into the city, Zarin and the others followed amazed at the beautiful carvings of Eventide's history decorating the walls. There were scenes from the cities beginnings when the first Eventide and his mate found the mystic grove and met Rhea the earth goddess. Rhea had found the two cold and starving being chased by Garnr, goblins and trolls. She promised them a land where they could live and raise a family if they promised to always protect the grove and all nature in and around their new lands. With their promise, she dubbed the land Eventide and bonded the elves to the land.
As they walked they saw scenes of wars and enemies that had tried for century's to invade Eventide. There were scenes of heroes, kings, knights and many different events from Eventide history. Zarin stopped and studied a scene where a tall elven mage battled against a dark elf. As the walls moved he saw bolts of magic being hurled back and forth at each other until the dark elf fell and was cast out from Eventide. There was a scene where a young elven warrior rode on the back of a great dragon into battle in defense of the tree city. It seemed that dragons and elves had had a long history as allies in Fay Shrea. He wasn't surprised. Eventide and it's elves were very honorable. Zarin hoped that alliance was still intact. The elves might be able to help them a great deal in what the future might bring.
As they left the airway and stepped out onto a walkway to the palace, there were many elves out cleaning and repairing railways and walkway. Fixing downed walls and roofs with gaping hole. The city looked as if it had just come through a great battle. This had to be the work of Tayor Larin or the Dark queen.
"This way." Emrel took the lead into the palace. "The damage you see all around is from Darkshades attempt to invade and steal our home. Talsara and her magic did a great deal of damage. But I should let the king explain. Follow me, you must be hungry. The king is waiting in a small dining room. I will have something sent in for you."
"Thank you Emrel." They all bowed to the princess as they passed her and headed on to a balcony that over looked the grove. There they found a table set with plates, silverware and glasses for a small meal. On the table there was platters of eggs scrambled and fried sunny side up. Sliced bacon, ham and hot cakes. There was fruit and hot cereal. Everything was steaming and looked delicious.
"Have a seat and eat." Jayce waved them on. "The king will join you in a moment."
Dack and Reno moaned and dived in. It had been a long time since any of them had a normal meal. Food on Pentanthin had been very different. There were no eggs or anything like ham and bacon. The fruit on Pentanthin was more of the citrus type then the apples, grapes and melons of Keanna. And as for hot cereal, well there was something like rice. They did make a kind of porridge from some Pentanthin grain, but oatmeal, Pentanthin had nothing like oats.
As everyone enjoyed their breakfast, two elven guards came in to the balcony followed by a young elf dressed in the blue and red uniform of the Andrake academy. Dropping his fork, Zarin stared in shock as Adanar Eventide walked to the head of the table and sat down.
"Adanar?" Dack smiled. "It's good to you. We're waiting for the king."
"That would be me." He smiled. "Welcome to Eventide my friends. It's good to see you all safe. Tell me, what's happened to the academy? Is everyone ok?"
"We have a lot to tell you your majesty." Zarin stood and bowed. "Where to start is the question."
"Start with what happened." Adanar said anxiously. "After Emrel and I left, we heard the school just disappeared. Vanished into thin air. Everyone thought Tayor Larin had cast some strange magic and was holding the school hostage somewhere."
"He didn't take the school." Thalia said. "But in a way, he was responsible for its disappearance."
"Hows that?"
"Well as we were told by Azeal Zlenka and Tannis Gaelich." Trip cleared his throat to explain. "When Tayor and his forces took over the Winterhaven, a lot of people were trapped in the city hurt and wounded. Citizens and guards that had fought against his coup. There was no safe place to go. Nowhere to hide accept the academy, so that's where everybody went. Of course they held the gates open and took in as many people as they could until Tayor made his move against the academy."
For the next half an hour, They described what they had been told about the attack and the transfer of the school from Keanna to Pentanthin. They told of the weird purple planet and its many different animals, customs and people. They told Adanar about the Savonti and the enslavement of the Humans. The lords, common warriors, Nevac and the Humans. Trip explained all about the strange abilities of the lords and the Humans and their powers. Then they told him of the prophesy and Shayn and Ono's part in bringing the Savonti, Nevac and Humans together and getting the Humans their freedom and ending the age old war the planet had been suffering. Lastly they told him of Tabor Larin. How he had been sent to find the ring and how he had murdered Zarin's mother, helped the Savonti and escaped with the ring. When they were finished, Adanar went on to explain what had been happening here on Keanna.
"In the last reports from Winterhaven." Adanar explained. "Morganz told us of Sarella's betrayal. Her and a few allies took control over Lord Larin's forces and now they march without him. She somehow raised a army of the dead and Taggitia under attack. They lost a few of the lands they had taken and they're moving to get them back. Most of Fay Shrea is now protected by a new ally my brother Ryel and his friends found."
"A new ally you say?" Reno leaned forward curious on the table. "Are you sure they can be trusted?
"If Ryel says we can trust them." Adanar nodded. "That's good enough for me. I've met with the leader of the troops around Eventide and I get a good feeling from them."
"What about Tayor Larin?" Zarin asked. "He's not going to just go away, especially since Tabor is back and he has the Ring of Endrin. He's going to find his father and join with him. That ring is just what they need to get them back in control of their forces."
"What do you suggest?" Adanar asked. "I'm open to any suggestions you might have."
"I need to speak with Professor Insa." Zarin said. "We need help. It's going to take everyone to stop this war."
"I'll message Morganz right away." Adanar stood up and called for one of his guards. "Insa is still in Winterhaven protecting the city, he'll want to know you're all safely back. What about the rest of the academy?"
"I think it'll be back as soon as Pentanthin is safe." Reno pushed back his empty plate and put down his napkin. "That shouldn't be too long. Shayn and Ono had things pretty well in hand when we left. The Savonti's rule was finished and they knew it. Lord Daru and his allies were the only opposition left to defeat."
"You make it sound like an easy win?"
"Oh no." Thalia shook her head. "Lord Daru is the most powerful lord on the whole planet. His mind powers combined with his numbers and that control collar make him very dangerous. But Shayn and Ono have very powerful allies and a reason to win. Right will win over might this time I'm sure."
"That's good to hear." Adanar smiled. " You must all be tired. I'll have rooms prepared for all of you so you can rest until I hear from Morganz."
"Do you think it will be long?" Zarin asked as they all got up from the table.
"No." Adanar smiled patting Zarin on the back. "Once Insa hears your here, he'll want to talk to you immediately. A few hours maybe. Enough time for you to rest."
"Thank you your Majesty." Zarin bowed.
"Adanar." He smiled. "Adanar to my friends always. Follow me. I'll show you to your rooms."
On a hill outside of Winterhaven, Youron watched as the assault on the city walls continued. Sarella had ordered her dead to march on Winterhaven and attack. Hundreds were surrounding the city and beating at the walls and the city gate to get in. So far the power of the magic city was holding them out, but no one knew how long that would last against the constant assault.
From the top of the wall, Insa, Pelic and Morganz watched as the horde of healed corpses plotted different ways to gain entry. Ladders were hobbled together from destroyed wagons and pieces of stray wood then placed against the walls for climbing. Siege towers were created and lastly, battering rams were made from tall trees out of the forest. But none of that worked. Like Vasagi, Winterhaven was a very old city forged with century's old magic. Spells had been formed long ago to counter many different types of attacks. The city itself could defend its walls but Winterhaven after Lord Larin's attack wasn't as strong as it had been. The cities magic depended on its people and right now they weren't at their best.
"How much longer do you think we have?" Morganz asked.
"I'm not sure." Insa said. "Taggitia has had many wars recently and Winterhaven has fought off many attacks. The city is weak and needs time to heal itself and all this is not helping."
"What should we do?" Pelic asked his voice bold and deep coming out of his hood.
"We have to fight of this attack and think of some way to keep them away so the city can heal." Insa stared out at a siege tower as statue guardians rose up from their post and attacked the towers. With stone swords and axes they jumped down into the crowd of dead and struck down the towers and ladders. Then like the loyal golems they were, they fought their way to the gates and took up a defensive position to keep the enemy out.
"They need help." Morganz pulled his sword. "We need help. What about the Dragons?"
"Still in the trance like sleep." Insa shook his head. "The few awake are busy fighting in different places. I can call them but I'm not sure who or how many can answer or if they can make it in time."
"We better think of something fast." Morganz ran to the gate and ordered his men to get in position. He wanted mages ready with earth and fire spells, they were going out.
"Look." Marcus Dante pointed up into the sky. Insa looked out and saw hope riding in on the hot summer winds. "Whats that?"
"From the size and color." Insa smiled. "That can only be one thing. Its the Dragon you asked for. That is King Rage."
[With news that may be able to help here.]
[Then come on and be welcome.] Insa sent.
As the golems battled at the gate, Rage circled and dropped down to land on the wall. Beside him flew Valkar, Adam and Athene. As they shifted back to human form, Insa and Pelic came over to greet them.
"It's good to see you all." Pelic grasped Valkar's hand. "Tell me, what's the good news?"
"Watch and see." Athene stepped up to the wall." Can someone get everyone's attention please."
Taking a deep breath, Rage let out a mighty roar that shook the walls and everything around them.
"HEAR ME ALL THAT HAVE RISEN TO FIGHT IN THE NAME OF SARELLA. FROM THIS MOMENT ON, SHE HAS NO HOLD ON YOU. IT IS YOUR CHOICE TO FIGHT OR GO BACK TO YOUR ETERNAL REST, LADY ANGELA GRANTS YOU YOUR CHOICE. BUT BE WARNED, IF YOU MAKE THE WRONG CHOICE, YOU WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH ITS CONSEQUENCES. THE CHOICE IS YOURS TO MAKE."
For a few minutes no one moved down on the battlefield. Then slowly many of the dead dropped their weapons and turned and started to walk away. They headed back into the forest heading for the place they had risen from to put their souls back to rest.
"No!!" Youron screamed from his hill. "Come back and fight! Your queen commands you!"
What was left was a small band of warriors that still stood with Youron ready to continue the fighting.
"Take your warriors back to Sarella." Athene called out. "Or come on and we'll put them to rest in flames. Go tell Sarella Winterhaven will not belong to her or Tayor Larin. Winterhaven, New Keanna, Tir Na and Yadessa is free and we will fight here with everything in our power. So come if you dare!!"
As Athene finished, a cheer went up from the people of Winterhaven and suddenly the city started shining brighter.
"We'll see about that witch!" Youron screamed back with his fist raised. "Sarella will return for you and all your friends and you won't be able to bargain with her warriors. Count on it!"
With that, Youron called together his forces and led them off away from Winterhaven. As they watched them march off, Adam turned to Valkar.
"This isn't over. They will be back and Sarella will be with them."
"We'll just have to be ready for her." He said. "For now, we should check on our allies and see if anyone needs help."
"Good idea." Insa said. "Tir Na could use help at the borders. I'll contact Tof and see what he needs."
Just then, Morganz ran up holding a message stone.
"There's someone in Eventide who wants to speak with you." He held out the stone to Insa. Insa with a curious look took the stone wondering what Adanar could want. He hope it wasn't trouble calling. He stepped aside then held it up to eye level to orient the connection. As the contact was made, Adanar's image appeared over the stone.
"Aiya King Adanar." He bowed. "What can I do for you today?"
"I have guest here that need to talk to you." Adanar passed the stone on to someone. For a second the connection was lost and the image blurred. Then Zarin Testa appeared. Insa almost dropped the stone in surprise, then recovered and smiled with glee at seeing his student.
"Zarin!" Insa's feeling of happiness and relief at seeing him poured through the stone. "Thank the gods your alright! How are the rest of your group? Is everyone ok?"
"We're fine Professor." Zarin smiled. "We all made it back safe and sound."
"Thank Rimnar." Insa smiled. "That's good. We have a lot to talk about."
"Yes we do." Zarin assured him. "But right now we're all still in deep trouble. Tabor found the ring and he brought it back here with him. I think he plans to reunite with his father and give him the ring."
"We can't allow that to happen." Insa frowned. Zarin could see how distressed he was by the news. "We have to get it back. The Ring of Endrin is one of the most dangerous magical items ever created."
"Getting it back won't be easy." Zarin said. "We need some way to fight its magic and none of us have magic that powerful."
"Not many on Keanna have the power to resist the rings magic. Even Jandar would fall before it's power. Even I can't stand very long against it." Then Insa stopped. Zarin could tell something had just crossed his mind.
"What is it Professor?"
"There is something that can counter the rings magic." Insa's eyes sparked with wisdom. "Long ago when the world was younger and many dark gods held claim to lands around Keanna, there was a dragon king named Brawn. Brawn was a earth dragon and a dragon of strength. His very footsteps could cause earthquakes and his roar could blast down trees. In Brawn's time there was a dark lord who ruled the land of Endrin named Azariah Tezor. Azariah Tezor was a master or dark magic and a master at fashioning magical weapons. He created the Ring of Endrin in order to bring the dragon clans under his sway. It almost worked until Brawn and three other dragon Kings combine their magic and created something to oppose the ring. With the strength of Brawn, the fire of Wildfire, fire dragon of Dalyor in the south. And the energy of Force, air dragon of Connak in the far west, the Chain of Power was created. Now the powers of the chain have been forgotten over the century's but with it, Brawn was able to defeat the ring and kill Azariah Tezor. Then Brawn took it and hid it deep in a cave near his lair."
"Then we should go get it." Zarin said. "It's our only hope against Tabor and the ring. Do you have any idea where it was hidden?"
"I know where Brawn's lair was." Insa told him. "I mean where his clan made their home. But it could be anywhere in Slovonia. Anywhere in one of the deep caves. You'll have to search for it."
"I'd need a little more than that, or we could be searching for days."
Insa thought for a few minutes. He searched his memory for any clue he had heard through the centuries. Then it hit him.
"Brawn was a earth dragon." He said. "Look for the greatest deposit of gold and jewels in Slovonia. It'll be buried deep, deeper than his lair, some place hot. You'll need heat protection."
"And we'll need to hurry." Zarin said. "We'll think of something. Thank you Professor. I'll message you once we find it."
"Quel marth." Insa bowed. "Aa' i'sul nora lanne'lle."
Closing the connection, Zarin turned to the group who had been listening at the table. He gave the stone back to Adanar and thanked him.
"Well you all heard what he said." He sat back down to address his friends. "There is something that will counter the powers of the ring and we're going to need it fast if we're going to fight Tabor. But we have to go find it."
"We could do that." Dack said. "I'm pretty good at locating things."
"But your better at locating people." Zarin pointed out. That's why I think it's a better idea if you go find Tabor. You can take Trip and Thalia with you. Together you three should be able to keep a watch on him so we can find him when we're ready."
"What about the Chain?" Reno asked.
"That, you me and Rese can go after." He said. "I have a feeling we'll need a dragon on this and he's the fastest of us all."
"What about me?" Craven asked.
"You and Zark can go spy on Sarella. Do whatever you can to disrupt her war efforts without causing suspicion."
"And how are we going to find her?" Craven asked.
"Sarella is fortifing her army." Adanar told them. "She's recruiting the Orc's. She'll be in Ardia."
"Ardia?" Zark said. "Very dangerous place for a human."
"I can disguise myself as an Orc." Craven said. "No one will know who I am."
"But you can not fight like and Orc."
"That's why I have you." Craven smiled. "You are my strong arm."
"And I always will be." Zark nodded proudly. "But you will have to listen to everything I say and follow my commands without question."
"I trust you my friend." Craven patted his arm. "I will follow you."
"Fine." Zarin stood up. "We leave in the morning. Everyone get a good night's sleep."
With the ring of a bell, Adanar's house staff came come and escorted everyone to warm comfortable rooms for the night. As everyone left, he pulled Zarin aside for a talk.
"I'd like to help you Zarin but I have my hands full with keeping Eventide safe from the Darkshades." He explained. "Queen Talsara isn't done with us, I know that. My younger brothers are still out there somewhere trying to put an end to her madness."
"I understand." Zarin grasped his wrist. "If there's any way we can help, just ask."
"Thank you." Adanar picked up a box off the table and opened it. "Take this. These are message stones. They will keep you and your team in touch. Insa and a few others have stones so if you need our help, don't hesitate to call. Eru horth melin."
