Ardia Divided. 86

After leaving Eventide, Zark tried as best he could to explain the history of Ardia and its Orc population. Long ago in ancient times Ardia was a land ruled by hundreds of clans and tribes of Human and Orc. It was a place of perpetual war where one was always either planning a raid or building defenses against the next raid. In the olden days Humans had cities and towns while the Orcs lived and fought each other deep in the forest. One day while picking berries outside of her city walls, a young maiden was attacked. She was raped and killed and the only evidence found nearby was an old rusted Orc sword. This wasn't the first incident. In a few other villages and towns girls remains had been found. The people were outrage and swore to put an end to the Orc menace deep in their forest. Posses were formed and warriors went out to raid and kill any Orc they could find. what they didn't know was that the Orcs didn't have anything to do with the murders. They had been to busy fighting each other to think about the Humans. A band of rouge bandits had been the actual guilty party but that didn't matter, the damage had been done. Now the Orcs had a reason to hate the Humans and the war was on.
In their reckless attacks, the Humans thought the Orcs to be low in numbers. They thought they were a cowardly race that would rather run than fight. They were wrong on both counts. The Orc population out number the Humans ten to one and Orcs lived to fight.
For the first time in Orc history they banned together and raided the Human towns and cities. They killed and slaughtered and drove the Humans out of Ardia and took over the cities then went back to their tribal feuding.
For centuries the feuding went on. When it started there were over a hundred tribes and after hundreds of years and wars, the tribes dwindled down to a hand full with four major tribes coming out to rule the majority of Ardia. These four tribes ruled the four existing large cities in Ardia. In Laxa in the north, near the river Gatz where the falls ran red during the war, ruled the Bloodfalls clan. They were tall Orcs that wore a splash of red across their face during battle. They were strong, savage and unforgiving to their enemies. There was a story told of long ago when a Bloodfalls princess had been capture and given to the son of the chief of another clan. When rescue came for her, they found her in bed in the arms of the warrior. In anger her father slew every warrior of that clan leaving the warrior, his chief and his daughter for last. As punishment the chief of the Bloodfalls sent the warrior and his chief into a pit and made them battle to the death. As they fought, he tied his daughter to a post and set her on fire. Her screams were the last thing the warrior heard before he died. Laxa was ruled by the cantankerous Drega and his two conniving sons Hamar and Gulak. They ruled the land with fear and suspicion.
A days journey west and you come to the mountains and volcano's of Klymark. Klymark was a dark place full of strange creatures and dark magic. Most Orc mages either came out of Klymark or from the hidden caves of east Metius. The city in the dark smoky mountains was called Ihana and it was ruled but the blood thirsty and cruel Edus Udail, high priest to their unknown dark god and chief of the Klymars.
In the east on the plains of Folpah sat the city of Metius and the Blackbane clan. A dirty place full of thieves and warriors It was the second strongest of all the cities. Ruled by Oggha who always kept his eye on the south for treachery from the Orc pirate queen of Karnevil.
To the south by the ocean was the city of Karnevil. Karnevil was a city on the shore of the Shyr and ruled by Umog the Dark, a notorious clan of pirates and raiders. Umog was the only female clan leader among the four major clans leaders. She was sly and ruthless, but the most honorable of them all. Her ships went out and raided all along the coast of Taggitia and all the islands up and down the coast. Some she had even sent out across the seas to come back loaded with loot sacked lands far away.
At Umog's side sat her consort for the year. A heavy set tall Orc, very handsome with a long scar that spread across his cheek. His name was Kuda. Kuda was a bold Orc who took many chances trying to impress Umog and gain her favor. He had command of his own ships and was highly successful. His only bane had been Umog's three sons who she would always hold in higher esteem then him. After all, he was just a lover. There was no blood between them and he was not the father of any of her five children. His place as her consort would one day end while her sons would always be hers. And that was why Kuda would do whatever he could to destroy them. He had already had success. Unknown to Umog, Kuda had been the one to organize the sink her youngest son Farod's ship the Lustful Raider. It had been Kuda who hacked off Farod's head and send his ship down into the deep. It had also been Kuda who put a name to Farod's murderer. He had blamed Umog's oldest son. He had pointed his finger at Zark as his brothers killer. With no way to prove his innocence, Zark had fled Karnevil and wandered Ardia being hunted by his own people until he had made his way to the Human lands where he met Gorak and joined his band of raiders. And now he was going home to face his mother and get his revenge on both Gorak and Kuda. His first step would be to find his brother Kellam and prove his innocence to him.

It was dark when Zark and Craven rode through the plains of Folpah. Rychs and Nayr ran as if they galloped on air. Hardy a blade of grass was disturbed by their passing. They could see the lights and the smoke rising from Metius. Zark directed Nayr to head in a southerly direction once they were pass the city.
[Aren't you worried we'll be spotted by Metius guards or sentries on the look out?] Craven asked in mind speak.
[No one will see us until we want them too.] Rychs answered. [We are very good hiding ourselves.]
[It is how our people have survived over the years.] Nayr sent. [Do not worry. We will get you through Ardia safely.]
[What then?] Zark asked.
[We will stay near. You may need us again.]
From the Plains of Folpah they turned south and entered the forest that split Metius and Karnevil. It took most of the night but soon they found themselves coming upon a small Orc village called Gygax. It was a very rowdy place with Orcs fighting and wrestling in the streets. There was a double line of buildings with a few streets that branched off from the main lane. Zark and Craven climbed down from the unicorns back and gathered the things they needed. Gygax wasn't a big village, there were a few taverns, a blacksmith shop and a number of shops that sold and bargained different supplies for the ships and Orc crews. There were no schools or healers in Gygax. Each family schooled its young in battle tactics and warfare and choose someone with the talent to train as a healer.
From the dark edge of the forest, Zark and Craven made there way down into the village. It was a wild place with fighting going on everywhere they looked. Orcs wrestled and drank great flagons of ale from the taverns that lined the street. As they walked, a lone Orc approached with a mace in and and swung it at Zark. With a grunt and a nod, Zark countered with his club and swung his heavy fist straight up with a blow to the Orcs chin. Knocking him off his feet, the Orc went sailing to fall on his back.
"Grew ta!" Zark spat as they walked on.
[What was that?] Craven asked.
"Just a welcome to Gygax."  He pointed up the street. "We go this way."
With his eyes open and a spell ready, Craven followed the big Orc. The passed the blacksmith shop where the Orc smithy argued over the price of a set of armor he had made. Grabbing a sword from his side, the smithy bashed his client in the head then took his purse and tossed  him and the armor into the mud in front of his shop.
[Interesting way to do business.] Craven said.
From there they moved on. This was the first time Craven had ever seen Orc society. He was amazed at its brutality and savagery. As they passed another tavern, Craven looked in and was started at what he saw. He took a step towards the tavern and Zark grabbed him just as someone from inside slammed the door shut.
"What the blazes do you think you are doing?" Zark snarled. "Do you want to die here?"
[Did you see that?]
"No," Zark said. "What?"
[There were men in there.]
"Impossible." He looked at the dark tavern. "There are no men here. Not for centuries."
[I saw men in there.] Craven sent. [Strange men dressed in  gray. I know what I saw.]
Zark looked down at Craven. He had sworn long ago to be his protector and they had become almost like brothers. He would give his life for Craven, so if Craven said he saw men in Gygax, then he had to believe him.
"What would men be doing here in Gygax?" He asked. "Could they be here with Gorak?"
[It's possible. Sarella has many different races under her power. Unless there's someone  else here collaborating with Human's. Who runs this village? Can he be trusted?"
"My brother Kellem has the biggest ship in Gygas port." Zark said. "He is master of this village."
[Then we should be looking for him. Do you know where he will be?]
"Either on his ship, the Red Hammer or up on the hill there." Zark pointed out a great manor on a ridge that overlooked the bay."That is his home. But we should check the Hammer first. It will be in his private bay."
[Lead on.]

In the lower decks of the Red Hammer, Kellem woke up in his cabin in chains. He sat up and wiped the blood that ran from the open cut in his forehead away. Looking out of the porthole and saw the sun had gone down. How long had he been here he wondered and which one of those rotten bastards had dared attack him on his own ship? Was it Naguk his first mate or that rat Snog. He never trusted him. He has the eyes of a rat.
With his arms and legs bound, there wasn't much Kellem could do except roll off the cot and lay on the floor. But that just might be enough to get him out of his chains if he could get to the dagger he kept hidden in his desk.
Laying back down, Kellem rolled over until he fell on the deck. Then he inched his way over ti the desk, got on his knees and managed to open the top draw and empty it on the floor. On the bottom of the draw he had hidden a dagger. Thank Rimnar they hadn't chained his hands behind his back.  Reaching over, he took the dagger and carefully put the needle like point into the locking mechanism.
After a few fumbled attempts he heard a click and his cuffs fell open. Once his hands were free, it only took a matter of second to get the leg irons off. Now he was free. All he needed was weapon and he could take his ship back.
Rubbing his wrist to restored the circulation, Kellem stood up and looked around his cabin. In a chest in the wall of his closest he always his private weapons. Skull Crusher, the sword his mother had given him when she gave him command of the Red Hammer, and the mace he had made during his Nuawynni, the Orc rite of manhood. Kellem opened the closet and pushed the spring that opened his hidden caches.
To his surprise, his sword was gone. So were the knives he kept in there, but the mace was still there. He took it out and shut the closet. When he was sixteen, he had killed his first bear with the mace. It would have to do. Now to get out of the cabin, and get control of his ship back.
Moving to the hatch, Kellem listened for any sign of a guard outside the door. He heard a scuffle going on out there. Noises like someone was fighting. Then hew heard footsteps that led to his cabin door. They were coming for him. Well they were going to find the lord of this ship ready to do battle for his place on the Red Hammer.
Kellem moved behind the door and raised the mace ready to smash the skull of whoever came through the door. He listened as a key was fit into the door and heard the lock click. The door opened and a gray mottled skinned Orc stepped into the room. Kellem slammed the mace door and cracked open the Orcs skull. Quickly he kicked the Orc over and knew he was dead. He searched its body but found no weapons then turned to hurry out the door and ran into another Orc coming in. He fell back ready to attack again.
"Easy brother!" Zark grabbed his arm. "I am not your enemy!"
"Zark? What are you doing here?"
"Getting you free before they can kill the Captain of the Red Hammer."  Zark looked down at the dead Orc. "Do you know what that is?"
Kellem looked closely at the corpse on the flood. He looked familiar, he had seen him somewhere before.
"I know him." He said as he recognized him. "Duross? But that is not possible. He died two years ago in a raid on my ship. How can he be here now?  I saw him buried in a mass grave."
"There is trouble in Taggitia brother, and it comes to Ardia. Come with me, there's a war to be fought."
"And why should I trust you?" He asked frowning at Zark. "You killed Farod. I should turn you over to mother for punishment."
"If you really think I killed Farod." Zark took his sword from its place on his back, and offered it to Kellem. "Kill me, take your vengeance, but I swear to you that it was not me. Our brother was betrayed by someone close, but it was not me."
"Then who?" Kellem asked.
"I suspect it was by the same person that put you in chains." Zark looked around knowing they could be discovered at any moment. "I will tell you, but we have to leave here now before we are caught. Will you follow me?"
"I will follow." Kellem said. "For now."
With a nod, Zark turned and led Kellem back through the ship. The climbed up to the upper decks where the found Xonoth waiting with two dead Orcs.
[We should hurry.] He sent. [Someone may have heard the fighting. We are not alone here.]
Quietly they made their way to the gang plank and started down. As they reached the docks, three of the gray skinned Orcs came running towards them. Zark and Kellem grabbed their weapons and stepped in front of Xonoth ready for the attack.
[We do not have time for this.]
Xonoth pushed his way passed them and reached out with the magic and grabbed them. Like dolls he lifted them and slammed them together, then sent the sailing through the air out to fall into the ocean.
[Now we must go.] He said. [We need a safe place for the night to plan. Can we go to the house on the hill?]
"No." Kellem shook his head. "He who is behind my down fall would have already taken my house, but I think I know where we can go. Follow me."
With cloaks Zark and from a shop they had passed, they made their way through the streets of Gygax. They passed only a few as they traveled, and were attacked twice, but that was average for any place in Ardia. From the docks they headed out to the small houses and huts where the populace lived. Craven was surprised to find that Orcs lived in houses. He always thought they lived in caves and small camps.
[We are not quite the savages you thought we were,] Zark sent privately to him. [We did once live like that, but that was long ago. We build and invent things too. War is not the only thing we live for.]
[My apologies my friend.] Craven sent. [My ignorance shames me.]
[You will learn many things here if you keep your eyes open without judgement.]
[I will try.] Craven promised him.
With Kellem in the lead, the turned down a street and went through a small garden to the back of a house where he knocked at a door. As they waited, a slot in the door opened and the dark eyes of an Orc stared out.
"Naguk." Kellem whispered. "Open up, its your Captain."
The slot closed and they heard the sound of locks snapping open. The door opened and a shocked Naguk waved them in.
"By Olfin's horns!" He said surprised to see Kellem. "I thought you were dead."
"Not yet." Kellem strode in and grabbed a stein of grog from the table and drank it down in one swallow. "They had me ready to go down to the dark deep but I am not dead yet. It will take a lot more to kill me."
"That is good to hear." Naguk smacked him on the back. "When Kuda took the ship, I thought they would kill you right off."
"Kuda?" Kellem wiped his mouth and put down the stein. "What does he have to do with this?"
"It was Kuda who invaded your ship and put you in chains." Zark told him. "It was Kuda that killed Farod and sank his ship. He wanted to blame me to get me out of the way to gain favor with Umog. With Farod then me out of the way, you would be the only one that stood in his way in getting control of Karnevil."
"But what about Umog?" He asked. "She  would still be in control even if we were dead."
"She would be next Brother."
"But why?" Kellem scratched his chin. "Surely others would see what he was up to and stop him. What about Umog's other captain's?"
"You know the Orc way, Kellem." Zark said. "They will not care who rules Karnevil. They all want the chance at Umog's place. They will wait to see who has the stronger position, than stand behind whoever survives, and make they're own move."
As Kellem thought, he knew Zark was right. But there was still something missing.
"Kuda does not have the power to beat Umog." He said. "He's fool with ambitions greater then he could ever reach. He is not smart enough to rule in Karnevil."
"No." Zark said. "But Gorak Ra' Enar is. And he is not alone. There is a war going on in Taggitia Brother, and Ardia is about to be dragged in. If we don't help stop it, Orcs will be the slaves and foot soldiers for a dark banshee who seeks to rule us all. I will not be anyone's slave, and I do not think you will like it either."
"Magic?" Kellem threw the stein across the room against the wall. "That bastard Gorak has something to do with this? How am I to fight that?"
"Calm yourself Brother. He is not the only mage in Taggitia. We have magic on our side as well and we fight with honor. I will not allow Gorak or anyone else turn Taggitia into place where fear and nightmares rule out lives. Those days are long behind us and we all not be going back."
Kellem looked into Zark's eyes and could see how determined and serious he was. He knew Zark had no special love for magic, and how hard he had fought his mother's enemies in the past. Umog hadn't been the perfect mother, but she had taught her sons a deep sense of honor, which for an Orc wasn't easy. She had trained them to take over one day in hopes of turning Karnevil and Ardia into a serious hub of commerce. After Gorak and Kuda took over Karnevil, they would destroy everything they had worked for years to accomplish. He couldn't let that happen. Farod had to be avenged.
"If you help me get my ship back." Kellem said. "You will have my sword and my crew at your side."
"Good." Zark reached out and gripped his brothers wrist in a vigorous shake. "Then let's go get the Hammer back. We have a war to win."

In a dark palace in the eastern part of Ardia, a robed Orc sat high on the throne drinking gak from a cup craved from the skull of the long dead human king that once ruled the city of Laxa. Below him on their knees in chains and surrounded by strange ghoulish human warriors waited Drega chief of the Bloodfalls and his two sons. Gulak lay prone, knocked out from his capture while Drega and Hamar snarled and snapped trying to get free and and at Gorak Ra' Enar on the throne. Gorak laughed and tossed bits of meat at them as they struggled. Beside Gorak stood Kuda the Orc traitor who had made the fall of Laxa possible.
"Struggle all you want." Gorak said licking his fingers. "I will do you no good. Even if you got you could get free and pass my guards, I would blast you where you stand before you could reach me. You have lost and Laxa is mine now. Bur do not worry, I have something in mind for you, your sons and all of your warriors. You will be my personal guards once your is more complaint to my needs."
"We will never follow the likes of a jackal like you!" Drega spit at him. "We would rather die first."
"You will die." Gorak got up from the throne and walked down to Drega. He lifted his chin to look deeply into his eyes. "But I will be the one to determine when and how."
Drega pulled back away from Gorak and spit at him, sending a gob of phlegm flying at Gorak. Like a missile it flew straight into Gorak's eye. He stepped back wiping it away then charged in and hit Drega with a back hand slap knocking him across the floor. Drega climbed back up on his knees with blood running from his slit lip.
"How dare you!!" Gorak screamed. He grabbed Drega by the front of his tunic and tried to pull him up to face him, but the Orc was to heavy for the weak mage. Frustrated, he kicked him in his chest knocking him back. Drega laughed as he looked up at the steaming Gorak.
"What are you going to do dog?" He laughed. "Without Kuda and your human dead things, you are nothing but a disgraced worm! You have no power here in Laxa or anywhere in Ardia. Your own family and clan will kill you if you take one step back in Metius. Me and my warriors spit in your eye!"
Fuming, Gorak took a step toward the laughing Drega then stopped.
"I do not need your respect or acceptance." He snarled. "Laxa is mine and in a moment, so will you and all your warriors. Behold!"
From inside his robe, Gorak reached in and pulled something out. He stepped up to Drega and reached toward his face.
"Get away from me dog!!" Drega struggled to pull away from Gorak's touch. "Do not touch me!!"
Opening his hand, Gorak revealed the black crystal like stone. He grabbed the front of Drega's tunic hand forced the stone to his forehead. Drega screamed as the power of the stone flowed deep into his mind destroying his will and overpowering mind. His eyes turned a deep shade of red as his body began to shake. Then Gorak started his spell.

ONE BY ONE FROM FATHER TO SON.
FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE TO EVERYONE.
YOUR WILL IS MINE FROM BODY TO SOUL.
THE SPELL I CAST WILL TAKE ITS TOLL.
SO HEAR ME NOW WHILE I TAKE CONTROL.
YOUR WILL IS MINE TO REACH MY GOAL.

In a flash of magic, bands of energy streaked out from Goraks hand to touch every single Orc in Laxa. All activity stopped at once in every tavern, home and shop. Every Orc fell under the spell and became a red eyed slave of Gorak. Kuda stared amazed at the power of the spell he had just seen cast right before his eyes. Drega and Hamar who had just moments ago struggled and fought against their bonds were now motionless and staring up at Gorak looking completely mindless.
"What now Drega?"  Gorak laughed. "Nothing more to say?"
"No my lord." Drega bowed his head. "I am yours to command."
"Is that so?"  Gorak smiled and walked back to Kuda. He reached over and took his sword from it's place on his belt and turned back to Drega who still knelt there on his knees.
"Get up."
Obeying the command, Drega got up to stand in front of Gorak.
"Take this." He held out the sword. "Kill your son Gulak."
Without hesitation, Drega took the sword and turned to Gulak who lay still on the floor before Drega's throne. As Gorak and Kuda watched, he raised the sword over his head, then plunged it down into Gulak's back. Without a single sound Gulak laid there and died. Pulling the sword free, Drega turned to Gorak and laid it at his feet and bowed to his master. Gorak looked up at Kuda with an evil grin on his face.
"And now." He said. "Laxa is mine."
As Gorak through back his head and laughed, a sudden crack of thunder rang out through the throne room and rocked the castle to the foundation. Gorak and Kuda looked up, every torch in the room flickered down to a low glow, then blazed up sending its light out to blind everyone for a minute. Gorak stepped back rubbing his eyes as the sound of howling wind came out of no where. When the spots cleared from Gorak's eyes, he looked up to find Sarella hovering there high up in the rafters of the throne room. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed as she slower drifted down to land in front of him. Gorak bowed his head to acknowledge her presence then waved Kuda and all other Orcs in the room away. As they left and the throne room door close, Gorak spoke.
"All goes well here Sarella." He didn't even look up at her. "Laxa is mine, Ihana will fall tomorrow."
"And what of Klymark and Karnevil?" She asked as she sailed closer to his throne. "I will need the magic of the Fiery brotherhood and the navy of Karnevil if I want to bring all of Taggitia under my rule."
"Be patient." Gorak smiled. "I have it all under control. It will all be mine in a matter of days."
"I care nothing about what is yours!" Sarella said as her feet touched down on the floor. "And you will watch your tongue when you speak to me Orc, or I will dine on that sorry excuse you call your soul."
"My apologies Lady Sarella." Gorak bowed keeping his head low and his eyes on the ground in front of him. "My excitement got the best of me. It will not happen again."
"That you can count on." With glowing eyes she walked up to the throne and sat down and made herself comfortable. "Now, Winterhaven is lost to me and I want it back. Vasagi is abandoned and surrounded by my forces but the magic of the city resists me. I want a way in."
"There is but one way we can get into the vampire city." Gorak told her. "We will need one of the royal family. Valkar or one of his sons are the only ones the gates will open for."
"Hmmmmm." Sarella clasped her fingers, joining her hands and leaned forward in thought. "Would they have to be alive or would the gates open for a dead body?"
"I do not know." The thought had not occurred to Gorak. It might work, but how would they get Valkar back in their hands. "It is possible."
"I have Prafa ready to march on Winterhaven and the Dragon city." She said. "My dead soldiers from Kyan wait near Vasagi for the word to attack, they are not enough to overwhelm Winterhaven, New Keanna and Tir Na. You promised me the Orcs, are they ready?"
"I have Laxa." Gorak assured her. "But it will take a few more days to conquer Karnevil, Ihana and Klymark."
"Not if I kill them all and take them into my service."
"If you kill them my lady." Gorak stood at the bottom of the throne. "You put them in the hands of the Goddess Angela who might deny us their service. There is a better way."
Gorak held up the red gem he had sent to Prafa and to Valkar. Sarella looked down at it and smiled.
"I can have this in the hands of Umog, Oggha and Edus Udail by tomorrow night. Then all of Ardia will be in your hands and you will have all the power you need."
With a sweet smile on her lips, Sarella stood and rose into the howling winds.
"Make it so. I will be back in two nights." Her voice became a howling scream as she flew up and out the window. [You will be ready.]
"I will be ready."  Gorak watched as Sarella left and the winds died down. "And we will see who's soul gets burned."

It was dark in Karnevil as Kuda on the back of his jet black Warg rode down from the east out of the hills. Behind him rode two Bloodfalls warriors sent there as his aids on this mission. He stopped to look down on the port city in the light of the moon. Everything looked quiet and peaceful, well as peaceful as an average Orc dwelling could be. Torch light blared from the high towers and all the tavern, shops and homes behind the high walls that protected the city on three sides. He could hear fighting but it was the normal sound expected from any Orc stronghold. He looked down to the bay and noticed the pier was full of ships. Umog's fleet was in for restocking. That was just what Gorak had expected.
Red eyed, Kuda smiled looking at the city then  patted the saddle bag at his side that held the gift he was to deliver to Umog of Karnevil. He looked back at his men and ordered them on.
On the gates to Karnevil, a bored guard looked out from his station and saw rider coming down the path to the city gates. Grumbling he picked up the horn at his side and blew to announce the arrival of strangers to the gate.
In his small office, Mauka put down his clay cup and pushed back his dinner plate annoyed at the disturbance. He step out of the office to see three Warg riders riding down to the gate. Mauka walked down to the gate to wait and see who had come to ruin his dinner.
As Kuda stopped at the gate he called out to a guard who stepped out and looked down at him.
"We are close." He said. "Go away, the gate will open one hour after dawn, then you can come in and fight for a place at the market."
"I am not a merchant." Kuda called out. "It is I, Kuda and I come with a message from Drega of the Bloodfalls for Umog. It is an urgent matter, open the gates."
Kuda could hear talking coming from the top of the gates, then someone shouted an question.
"Umog's consort Kuda?"
"I am Kuda." Kuda climbed off his Warg and handed the reins to one if his aid. "And I am very impatient."
As Kuda waited, a door opened and Mauka stepped out with his sword in his hand. He walked across the ramp to see if it really was the chiefs currant mate waiting to be allowed in. As Mauka made his way closer he recognized the Orc and relaxed re sheathing his sword.
"Mok'ra Kuda." Mauka nodded in salute. "May you die with honor."
"I would see Umog right away." Kuda pushed pass Mauka ignoring his greeting. "See to my Warg and my aids. Have them fed and rested then have them sent to meet me at the palace."
Mauka stared at Kuda's back as he walked away wanting to sink his sword in his honor less heart. Then he turned to the red eyed aids and waved them in. As then passed, Mauka saw the red in their eyes and a shiver ran up his spin. Kuda had red eyes to he remembered. Something was not right about these three.
From the gate it took Kuda about and hour to travel on foot to Karnevil palace. Seven solid, round towers are both a defensive and decorational aspect of the old Human built castle and are connected by huge, solid walls made of stone. Tall narrow windows are scattered and placed strategically across the walls in an asymmetric pattern, along with huge gaps for archers and artillery.
A huge gate with tall metal doors, a draw bridge surrounded the castle. As Kuda made his way across the draw bridge he saw that even at this early hour, the castle was bustling with activity. Guard stations were being changed, servants and other high ranking members of  Karnevil were on their way to work or to try and get an audience with Umog.
With his head high, Kuda pushed his way through the crowd boldly trying to get to the entrance and get in. At the castle door, he saw one if Umog's highest ranking lieutenants sorting through her days appointments deciding what was urgent and who could wait. When he saw Kuda barging his way to the front, the lieutenant whispered something to warrior at his side who looked at Kuda then hurried away.
"Mok'ra Kuda." He looked and snarled at him. "You are suppose to be on the Reppelin coast, gathering Lohar beans and raiding the shipping lanes. What brings you home again?"
I have a urgent message and a gift from the Bloodfalls for Umog." He said. "I must see her right away."
"Bloodfalls?" He looked at Kuda with suspicion. "What could Drega want now?"
"I do not know. The packet and message is sealed."
"And how is it that you managed to find the Blooodfalls?" The Orc asked. "Reppelin is no where near Laxa."
"I do not answer to you Gromit." Kuda stepped forward until he was nose to nose with the lieutenant challenging him. "I am first prime of Karnevil. First warrior second to none and consort to Umog. I will not be questioned by a mere lieutenant, no matter how high, or who's ear he has. Now stand aside and let me pass."
Gromit looked deep in Kuda's eyes, then stepped aside. In a huff, Kuda made his way into the castle and headed straight for Umogs private apartments in the center tower. As he climbed the stairs, he fumbled in his pouch for the box with gem Gorak had given him to present to Umog. Once her was sure it was still there, he reach the first floor of Umog's quarters, Kuda stopped. There was two warriors standing guard at the door into her rooms. This was strange. There was never guards there before. But being her consort, Kuda expected they would let him pass without any resistance.
Pushing out his chest to puff himself up, Kuda continued on up to the two guards.
"Step aside." Kuda roared as he tried to push pass the guards. Like two great golums, the two guards stepped together and blocked his way. Kuda grabbed at a guard and tried to force him out of the way. With quick reflexes, the guard folded his arms in front of him and pushed Kuda back, he fall back to the edge of the stairway.
"By orders of Umog." He said. "No way passes."
Angry, Kuda climbed to his feet to confront the guards."Do you know who I am? I am Kuda, first warrior and consort to Umog. Not get out of my way of suffer my wrath!!"
"We care not who you are." The warrior said with his hand on his sword hilt. "If you wish to see Umog, you will wait with the others down in the great hall. If you take one more step toward the door, you will die."
 Kuda reached for his sword meaning to fight his way in, then stopped as the door opened and two more warriors stepped out on to the landing. Growling he turned and stormed off back down the stairs and headed for Umog's great hall.
Gorak's plan had been for Kuda to take the gift to Umog and give it to her in private. Then he could either kill her and take control of Karnevil, or they could use her to be a puppet under Gorak's control. But now he would have to present the gem in her great hall let its magic take her in front of everyone there.
From Umogs tower, Kuda went down to the great hall. There he found he would have to wait to be called in for an audience. That infuriated him.  As Umogs consort and the first warrior of Karnevil, he should be the first one admitted. These people could wait. He was more important then any of them including Umog. As he waited and watched others called, Kuda paced the chamber furiously. A servant came in and offered him, something to drink. Annoyed, he smacked the chalice from from the serving girls hands. Just as Kuda raised his hand to strike the girl, the hall doors opened and his name was called out.
Feeling the small box in his side pouch, Kuda went into the great hall. As Kuda boldly walked into the hall, he looked around at the splendor or the once elegant and beauty of Karnevils great hall. Great old shields and ancient weaponry decorated the dirty walls of the old castle. From high on the walls, old drapes and ripped torn hung draped all around the room. Placed evenly apart around the hall, suits of old rusted armor stood as if Human warriors still protected the long dead king.
To Kuda's left and right there were tables littered with what he knew must have been the remains of some huge from a recent gathering. Bones of horses and oxen were scattered everywhere, with slop smeared and something that smelled foul dripping on the floor. Ahead of him sitting high on her throne, Umog sat and watched as he approached. Beside her stood her court mage dressed in his dirty black robes Nagga T'ruk. On the other side where he usually stood, was the tall one eyed Orc Zong in dark pants with the red sash. He was bare chested with the sword and skill symbol of Karnevil painted on his chest and at his side was his second, the weaselly dolt Bekep. was not a got thing. Kuda started to growl deep in his gut the second he saw them. Zong being at Umogs side was not a good thing. They had been rivals for years. Some even whispered how Farod had really been the son of Zong and not her mate Yargol, but none would dare to say it out loud or in the presence of Umog or Yargol.
But now, Yargol was dead and Zong was here at her side where Kuda should be. None of that matter Kuda thought for both Umog and Yargol would soon be under Gorak's control and he would kill them both when they were no longer of any use to him.
As Kuda reach the end of the aisle and stood before Umog and the others, Zong stepped down to face Kuda.Things in Karnevil was about to change

As Kuda made his way down to the throne, his ship the Black Flag came in and docked at the harbor. Slowly one by one, red eyed Orcs came up on deck and headed down into town. No one had any reason to stop or question any of the silent Orcs as they made their way through town to the gate and to the other key places in Karnevil. Quietly they all found a place and mixed in with the waking Orc city. Once in place, all they had to do was wait until the appointed time and the signal.

"Mok'ra Kuda." Zong took his left fist and stuck his right hip then trust it out in salute. Kuda ignored his salute with returning the gesture. Zong knew this was disrespectful, but he let it pass. "You are early, what brings you back to Karnevil?"
"While at sea, I met an emissary from the Bloodfalls." Kuda turned from Zong and spoke directly to Umog. "Drega would parlay with you Umog. He sends a gift with hopes you will accept and meet him and talk over something he said will be a benefit to both the Bloodfalls  and Karnevil."
"And what is it Drega thinks he can give me that I might want?" Umog asked as she sipped from a glass of Bloodwine. "My navy bring me anything I might wish for. What could the Bloodfalls have that interest me?"
"This." Kuda took out the fist sized package and held it out in front of him. It was a small box wrapped in paper, a plain thing but for some reason it drew the eyes of everyone in the room to it. It was either the mystery of what was in the box, or perhaps it had some kind of magic. Either way, both Umog and Zong couldn't take their eyes off it. Umog stood up from her throne and took a step out towards Kuda, her eyes blazed with curiosity.
"What is it?" She asked as she reached out for it. As Kuda spoke, she snapped back to herself and pulled her hand back.
"It is a gift." Kuda smiled. "A special gift made only for you Umog. A gift from Drega, it is very special, there are only a few in the world. One was given to Valkar Zlenka, king of the Vampires and one was presented to Queen Dasyra of Eventide. They were made for the royalty of Taggitia, and this one was made for you."
Kuda watched as stars sparkled in Umogs eyes. She wanted whatever he had in that box, she wanted it bad.
"Give it to me!" She ordered. Kuda knew the gems magic had reached her. He had her just where Gorak wanted her. Kuda glanced to his left and saw that the hour candle had burned down to the seventh hour of the morning. It was time, his warriors should be in place by now.
Kuda stepped forward, bowed and held the box out for Umog to take. With hungry eyes, Umog reached out and took the box from Kuda's hand. He stood up and smiled and evil smile of anticipation. With the box in her hand, Umog reached for the string to untie it and open the package. As she pulled the string and the wrappings fell away, a door opened behind the throne and Zark, Kellem and Xonoth rushed out.
"Mother do not open that!!" Zark charged in and slapped the box from her hands. "You have been betrayed."
"What is the meaning of this?" Umog screamed. "How dare you barge in here and interrupt me!!"
"This is a trap!" Zark pulled his sword and moved toward Kuda. "That gift is not from Drega of the Bloodfalls. It came from Gorak Ra' Enar, and if you touch what is inside, you will be under his control and Karnevil will be his."
Umog stepped back recoiling away from the box on the floor. She looked up at Kuda then at her son, Zark.
"Is this true?" She asked stepping down to Kuda. "You are in league with that black hearted bastard? Answer me and do not lie."
"Never Umog." kuda tried to look wounded by the accusation. "My sword is yours always. Have I not fought for years to defend you? Am I not your ever faithful first prime? He lies in order to smear the honor of my name."
"There is no honor in you Kuda." Zark spat at him. "You have lied and killed to get to where you are next to my mother. But this time your lies betray you."
"Bah!!" He waved his hand in Zarks face to dismiss his accusation. "You are jealous of my place beside the chief of Karnevil. You and that dog Zong would do anything to bring me down, but I am first prime and you can accuse me of anything you want, but you can prove nothing."
"But that is where you are wrong." Zark smiled. "We can prove all that I say and more."
"How?" Umog asked. She waved two guards from the door ti come over and watch both Zark and Kuda."Though you are my sons, I will not believe you without proof. Kuda has served with honor, but I will see your proof if you have any."
"I accept the challenge." Zark re sheathed his sword and bowed to his mother and her court. "Five years ago Farod was killed and the Nabora was sank. I was accused of treason and banished from Ardia for the crime which I did not commit, though I do know did it."
Zark turned and pointed to Kuda. "There is Farods killer, he stands right before us and I can prove it."
"How?" Zong asked. "How can you prove it?"
[With Magic.] Xonoth stepped out from beside Zark and Kellem. [I know a spell that will reveal the truth.]
"Who are you?" Umog asked. "And why should we trust a spell of your casting? An unknown mage from who knows where."
[Because I will not be the one doing the casting. I will give the spell to your mage and he will know of its truth and accuracy. Will that suffice?]
Umog waved Naga T'ruk over to her and whispered in his ear. He listened then whispered back an answer to her.
"This will be acceptable."  She agreed. "How much time will you need?"
Xonoth started to answer when Kuda grabbed him and pulled his knife and held it to his throat pulling him back towards the room exit.
"Get back all of or he dies! I will not have my loyalty questioned or will I be the subject of any mad spells!!"
"I think you will." Umog smiled. "Bring him to me."
From behind Kuda, arms reached out and grabbed him forcing the knife from his grasp. Surprised, Kuda fought the warriors holding him but it was no use. Three warriors held him and dragged him back in front of Umog and threw him on the floor.
"What spell am I to use?" Nagga asked.
Xonoth whispered something in his ear and made a few hand gestures. Nagga nodded and smiled then turned to Umog.
"I am ready."
"Work your magic then."

NOW IS THEN AND THEN IS NOW.
WHAT HAPPENED THEN LET US SEE NOW.
YOUR MIND IS FOR US TO READ.
YOUR EVIL TASK, YOUR EVIL DEED.

As Kuda's struggling became weaker and weaker, Xonoth's spell took control of his memories and projected them in flashes of light on the ceiling of the throne room. As Umog and the others watched, an ocean appeared on the ceiling. Suddenly they were on a ship, Kuda's ship the Black Dagger. It was dark but from the images, Zark guessed they must be seeing through Kuda's eyes.
As they watched, Kuda ordered to douse the lamps, be quiet and get armed for the attack, then he looked out on the horizon at the ship they were chasing after. It was a large ship, a galleon painted black so it could hide in the night. Zark recognized the ship immediately. It was three masted, with wide square rigging, multi deck with at least eight catapults built on the top deck. It was the Nabora, Farod's ship, they all recognized it.
As Umog watched, she gripped the arms of her throne tightly staring angrily at you images. Quietly Kuda's ship sailed on until it caught up with the Nabora. Then with a signal, he sent his warriors over the rail to attack. As the first of Farod's crew died, Umog leaped from her throne, rushed down to Kuda and and struck him in the face disrupting the images on the ceiling.
"I will see no more!!" Umog shook with rage. "Zark was right. He tried to tell me long ago not to trust you, of your treachery, but I was blind. I would not listen. I should have trusted him, my oldest son. But instead, I let my lustful needs over rule my honor. Not anymore!! Get him on his feet."
Guards grabed Kuda ny his arms and lifted him up. He struggled to get free, but the guards held him tightly. He had been caught and he knew it. But he did have one more chance. He might still win Karnevil for his master Gorak.
"You think you have me?" He snarled. "You are wrong! By now my warriors will have spread out all over Karnevil and attacked the gates, the harbor and your warriors barrack. They should be attacking the palace right now as we speak. Free me and I will make sure Gorak spares your life. You might even be allowed to be my consort Umog. Free me and you may still live."
"Your warriors." Zark said as he stepped in front of Kuda. "Are dead!! They failed in the attempt to take over Karnevil and the priest of Klymark have been warned against Gorak's gift. Gorak has lost and we will be marching against him soon. Taggitia will not fall. We will fight and we will win."
"Nooooooo!!!!"
"Take him away." Umog ordered. "I will deal with him later."
As Kuda was dragged away, Zark picked up the box and handed it to Xonoth.
"What is in there?" Umog asked.
"Had you opened it a touched the gem." He said. "You would have been instantly put under Gorak's spell. You would have turned Karnevil over to him without a fight. This gem almost destroyed Valkar and it did killed the queen of the Eventides."
"You have my thanks Zark." Umog did something she hadn't done in years. She hugged her son. "You saved Karnevil. How will we ever repay you."
"By helping us to defeat Gorak and the Banshee Sarella." He told her. "This is not over. They have to be stopped or all of Taggitia will suffer."
"You will have the help of Karnevil." She promised. "So swears Umog, Chief of Karnevil."

Chain of Power. 85

As the first rays of sun sparked through the trees of Eventide, Adanar led Zarin, Craven and Zark out through the gates of the tree city. Craven had packed a bag with everything he thought he might need. He had his sword and dagger, extra clothes, some rations and his spell book. This was all he thought he would need for their mission. As Zark checked the bag, he threw the clothes and weapons to the ground.
"This is all wrong." The Orc said. You can not take any of this."
"Why not?" Craven asked. "I'll need the cloak and the weapons."
"These are Human clothes." Zark told him as he picked up the sword. "No Orc would dress like that. And you can not carry that as a weapon. Our sword are much bigger and heavier. And you will not need a sword anyway. But you can keep the dagger."
"No sword?" Craven looked from Zark to Adanar confused."What am I supposed to use?"
"I think Zark means for you to be an Orc warlock." Adanar explained.
"Yes, you would never stand a chance in hand to hand combat against an Orc." He said. "Your only choice is magic. We can make you a staff to use but you will have to enchant it or Gorak will see right through the disguise."
"What about clothes?"
"I have something you can use." Adanar called over one of his staff and give him and order. "We have had some experiences with Orcs. Garrik will bring you out a few things. They won't be clean but they will be Orc and something you can use."
"Good." Zark nodded. "Then we can leave and head for Ardia."
"How are we getting there?" Craven asked. "It's a long way to walk."
"I have friends who can take you if they agree." Adanar smiled. "But you'll have to ask them yourself."
"Dragons?"
"No." Adanar waved them on. "Follow me."
With Craven and Zark at his side, Adanar led them deep into the elven glade among the great oaks, elm and ash trees. Craven could feel the magic and spirits all around them. He stopped and took in a deep breath.
[Do you feel it?] Micah asked. [Do you feel the power all around us? It's magnificent. The Eventide are powerful indeed.]
"Yes Grandfather." Craven felt the magic running through him filling him with power.
[The oak would make a staff we can form into a great weapon.] Ask Adanar if we can have a branch.
"Adanar." Craven tapped his shoulder. "Your forest is great. Can I have a piece for my staff?"
"A piece will be provided if the forest agrees to your request." He said.
A few minutes later they found a clearing with a crystal clear pool in the center. Adanar stopped them there.
"Here we are." He said holding up his arms. "Go down to the pond and sit down and wait."
"For what?" Craven asked.
"You'll see." The Elf king said. "Just relax and clear your mind of all hostility. If you can do that, you'll get what you need."
Dropping their bags, Craven and Zark went down and sat at the edge of the pond. A cool breeze blew through the trees as the sweet sound of the nymph's song drifted through them on the wind. Peaceful thoughts filled both Craven and Zark's mind which was strange because peace was not a easy thought for an Orc.
As they sat relaxed, the sound of a trumpet and a windpipe litely drifted down and mixed with the nymphs song. Craven looked around to see there it was coming from, then realized it came from behind his. As Craven turned he heard a huff and the sound of neighing. Looking up he saw two beautiful unicorns, one black and one brown come galloping from the forest to stand with Adanar. With a smile Adanar reached up and ran his hand along their necks stroking their manes.
"The forest answers your call." He said as they walked to to them. "This is Rychs. He will carry you Craven, and this is his mate Nayr. He will carry you Zark."
"They're beautiful." Craven stepped up for a closer look. He held out his hand then stopped. "May I?"
"Be my guest."
 Craven reached out and let Rychs get a scent from his hand then he rubbed its face. Rychs snorted then trumpeted a note from its horn. Craven jumped surprised,
"He said hello."
"Of course. They are very intelligent. As smart as you or I and they will take you to Ardia."
"How long will the trip take?" Zark went to Nayr and looked him over. He had strong legs and hooves that looked as if they were made from diamonds. Zark guessed that these two could run all day without getting tired.
Rychs blew a few quick notes from his horn in answer to Zark's question.
"Twelve hours?" Zark looked to Adanar and smiled. "I am impressed. They will do."
"As for a staff. " Adanar walked over to the closest oak and whispered something to the tree. Suddenly they heard a cracking sound from above their heads in the trees. Like a leaf, a five foot long branch came tumbling down to land at Adanar's feet. Picking it up, the Elf king returned to Craven and Zark and passed it to Craven.
"The Orc garb will be waiting at the gate for you." He said. "Rychs and Nayr will take you to Ardia. They are proud magical beast and will protect you while you ride. They have many talents, they can hide their horns and pose as normal horses. Bring them back safely. The staff is yours to enchant however you see fit. Quel Marth. Until we ride together again."

From Eventide, they rode north through Fay Shrea, the faerie lands and stopped outside of Aspara Baugh. Craven put on the Orc robes and took a few hours to enchant his staff. With spells provided by his grandfather Micah, Craven connected the staff to a shadow pocket of its own where he could hide it when it wasn't in use. He added fire, earth and air spells and a few shadow spells for a surprise. Though Micah was familiar with dark magic, he decided not to use any. He didn't want to take the chance that Craven might get corrupted in any way. The staff was fairly long, five feet in length made of Eventide oak. It had spells and incantations craved around it in a spiral design and Craven added flecks of silver and gold to strength the magic. At its head he had placed a gem from one of Zark's sword to help focus its magic. When he was done he examined his staff and Micah gave it a name.
[We shall call it Saronul.] The staff glowed accepting the name. [That's your grandmothers name. She was an incredible sorceress and the love of my life.]
"I hope we honor her memory." Craven took the staff into his hand and let it bond with him.
"Now before we leave Fay Shrea." Zark said. "You should make ready your Orc disguise. And you will need a name and a tribe. Something that Gorak will not question."
"Like what?" Craven asked as he put on the tunic and heavy robes.
Zark thought for a minute. .
"It will have to be from a tribe in Ardia's far west." He said. "Somewhere that Gorak will not know. I know Gorak very well. He loved to brag about where he had been and things he had done. Fortunately I have travel much more than he has and I know Ardia better. There is a place, the Klymyrk Volcano where the Dread Claw clan rules the mountain. They are a savage ruthless people that almost never leave their steam filled hot caves. Gorak may know if their existence but with the right answers you can pass as one of them."
"And of course you know the questions he will ask." Craven adjusted the robes then cast an armor spell on the robes to make them strong enough to resist arrows and swords strikes.
"Yes." Zark's lips curled in a sly way. "Xonoth the Mute. He attacked me on my journey through Klymyrk. He was a very adapt warlock who rarely spoke, even to cast spells. But he had a very powerful mind. Unfortunately for him, not powerful enough. He died with my sword in his throat. That will be your name. Let me do all the talking and if you must, use mind speak only. Do you understand? This is important."
"Yeah." Craven said. "Keep my mouth shut."
"Now, make your disguise." Zark stepped and folded his arms ready to advise Craven with adjustments.
Looking at Zark, Craven walked around him taking in every small detail of his physical being. His deep set eyes, narrow nose and mouth full of jagged teeth. The green hue of his skin and powerful arm and leg muscles. His height and heavy weight. As Craven studied him, he thought of the changes he would have to make like since Xonoth wouldn't be a warrior, he wouldn't be as tall and muscular. His hands would have to be better formed for the use of gesture spells and his eye would be brighter since he was a warlock. Ready to cast, Craven spoke his spell.

"SPELLS AND CHANTS, RUNES AND SYMBOLS.
 WHATS PASSED HAS CHANGED TO SOMETHING NEW.
 FROM HUMAN TO ORC I WILL BE RENEWED.
 TO HIDE MY FACE AND DISGUISE ME.
 A SPELL I CAST FOR ALL TO SEE."

As Craven finished his spell, he slammed his hands together and a globe of shadow surrounded his body. With Zark watching the shadow slowly faded away and Xonoth the Mute stood before him.
"Terrible spell." Craven said. "How do I look?"
Where the young brown haired Craven had stood moments ago, now a mid size green faced Orc stared at his through red piercing eyes. Zark walked around him inspecting the change. Craven had become taller and covered with the green mottled skin of an Orc. He had a crooked nose and a slightly slanted mouth filled with rotten teeth. His eyes were red and shined with magic.
"This will do." Zark smiled. "You look absolutely frightening. It is perfect. Just remember, no talking. Mind speak as little as possble. Now, we ride for Ardia."

The next to leave Eventide was Zarin, Reno and Rese. They had a quick breakfast then left the city. Once outside, Rese made the shift to Tempus then gathered Zarin and Reno on his back and took off. From high over Eventide, Zarin looked over the old map Adanar had given him and found Slovonia. Slovania on the map. Zarin had assumed it was a land here off in a far away corner of Taggitia, but it wasn't. Slovonia was a land off across the ocean on another continent. He wasn't sure if they could fly that far. Was Tempus strong enough?
Listening in on his thoughts, Tempus got a look at the map. He assured Zarin distance wouldn't be a problem, neither would time. He could get them there in a few hours, but he would have no idea where they should be looking for Brawn's lair.
[We'll have to find someone there that can guide us,] Zarin told them. [Or maybe if we're lucky, there will be Dragons.]
[Insa did say Brawn's clan was very old.] Reno sent. [When Delios was destroyed, there was only one Dragon left. His name was Scorch and he was the last of the Delios Dragon. He died while he was still young, but I owe him my life. He died saving Thalia. Trip and my life. If it wasn't for him, Mahlos would have killed us and invaded Taggitia.]
[Insa never told me your story.] Zarin said. [When I asked, he said it was not his to tell and that I should ask you one day.]
[I would be happy to tell you.] Reno smiled. [But it's a long story meant for another time. Right now we have something else more important to do.]
[I can have us in Slovonia in three hours.] Rese sent. [You hold on and rest. And be ready. We don't know what we'll find in there.]
As time slipped by, the ocean below was like a warm blanket. The sight of the rolling waves wrapped itself around Zarin and Reno's mind and lulled them to sleep. In Zarin's sleep, he dreamed of Shayn and Ono and the academy. He saw them fighting on the plains somewhere on Pentanthin. He saw great beast come crashing from the forest to attack Gabor and his clansmen. Savonti warriors in black rode in with staff weapons raised firing at the clansmen in the cliff side caves. As Zarin watched, Daru on his great tracker rode in with his Savonti lord allies beside him. He directed his lords to take there warriors and attack the clans. Soon the fighting had grown intense until it looked like the Savonti were getting the upper hand. That was when the red armored warriors of Lords Lesu and Paru came charging in. Paru sent flames blasting at ranks of Daru's warriors while Lesu slashed and hacked at the enemy. With burning eyes, Lesu used his death stare to sear the brains of any enemy warrior that came within ten feet of him. Then Thalia's friends then Nevac joined the battle.
As the battle waged on, Zarin watched wide eyed as his father, Lowell Testa fought side by side with Gabor and Bella. He watched as they slew warrior after warrior before the cave openings.
Then a sudden roar grabbed his attention. Zarin looked up just as Lord Daru merged with the largest of the great beast monsters and charged into the fray. He tore into the clansmen with a frenzy tossing bodies like rag dolls into the air. Then he came face to face with a giant of a Savonti. Like two thundering beast they fought the giant with his tree club against the huge six armed Chadaka. Back and forth they fought tearing at each other.
Fear filled Zarin as he watched. Dragon flew dropping down to blast Savonti and Lords fought back using each of their special abilities. The battlefield was littered with the dead of both sides. They a voice broke into his mind calling his name and Zarin shook himself awake.
[Zarin, wake up we're here.]
As Zarin opened his eyes he looked out and saw green fields and forest beneath them. He saw small villages that dotted the countryside. Cultivated landed with fields with crops and ranches with cattle and horses.
[It's beautiful.] Zarin sent. [Just like back home. We should be careful. Someone might see us and attack.]
[Don't worry.] Reno said. [I've cloaked us. Where do you want to start our search?]
[Well we're looking for Dragon. Maybe it would be easier to let them come to us.]
[That is if there are any.] Tempus sent.[So far I don't sense any Dragon presence here. Exposing ourselves could bring on something we're not ready for. I suggest we head into those mountains and take a look around.]
Tilting his wings, Tempus circled around the mountains looking for a place to land. The mountains were not that high and covered with trees. With his sharp eyes, Reno spotted a clearing and pointed it out to Tempus. Riding a thermal, Tempus slipped down to land. Once Zarin and Reno had dismounted, he shifted back to Rese and went to join the others.
"Which way?" Zarin asked. "Do you sense anything?"
"Yes and no." Rese told him. "There were Dragons here."
"Recently?"
"I can't tell." The young boy said. "I can feel their presence, but I can't tell you much more. There was more then one. It feels like a whole clan but dragon scents last a long time, sometimes century's. They could be here now but it might have been here long ago."
"What about you Reno? Do you smell anything?"
"Yeah." Reno sniffed the air looking around. "I smell people, scared people. And something else. It's an earthy smell like mud and moss and a deep forest."
"You're in a forest Reno. Of course you smell forest."
"No," He shook his head. "This forest has a totally different smell. What I smell is different."
"Can you find it?" Zarin asked.
Reno stepped forward and scented the air around him, then he stopped and pointed north. "That way."
With his nose in the air, Reno took the lead. He followed the scent down a slope and up through the trees. They crossed a stream and went through a stand of pines until they came to a trail. Reno stopped and looked in each direction. He sniffed the air then bent over and felt the ground.
"We go that way." He pointed up the trail. "And we should hurry. Be ready."
Together they took off running up the trail. Zarin reached for his sword and pulled it free.
"You won't need that." Rese said.
"Why?"
"You'll see."
As the ran they heard the sounds of crashing and screaming coming from ahead of them. Zarin picked up his speed and ran faster just behind Reno with Rese in the lead. As they turned a corner and came out of trees, a terrible howled echoed through the mountains. Just out of the trees, zarin looked out and saw what looked like a huge man shaped mound of earth, mud and rocks attacking a group of kids running into a cave. Standing outside of the cave a man with glowing hands tossed spells bolt after both at the mud monster.
"What is that?" Reno asked.
"An earth elemental." Zarin said. "I've seen one before long ago."
"How do we fight it?" Reno asked.
"We don't." Rese run out of the trees and shifted to Tempus. [ I do. I'll get it away from the cave. You go in and make sure the kids are ok.]
Taking off into the air, Tempus bolted high into the sky then dived back down sending a sonic wave at the mud thing. It hit it like an explosion sending pieces of it flying everywhere. As Tempus pulled back up into the sky, Reno went to run for the cave. Zarin grabbed him.
"Not yet. Watch."
As Tempus came back around, the pieces of the mud monster started to gather and reform. In seconds it was back in its original man form reaching out for Tempus.
"Now!" Zarin said. "While its distracted!"
Stuffing his sword back into the scabbard, Zarin ran after Reno to the caves. Once there, Reno went in to check on the children while Zarin helped the young exhausted mage outside into the cave. Gently he put him down then hurried back to the cave entrance and looked for the earth elemental.
"Reno, keep them safe. I'm going to help Tempus."
Dashing out of the cave, Zarin dived to the side as a series of watermelon sized rocks pelleted the cave opening. He jumped to his feet running and sent his own energy bolts at the mud thing. Like a sponge the bolts sank in causing no harm. Zarin knew this wasn't going to be easy.
From high above in the sky, Tempus streaked down sending a sonic scream down to smash at the elemental. It tore through its chest sending its arm flying into the trees. Spinning around Tempus flew back up then came in from a different direction with his claws out stretched. As Tempus charged, the reformed. It cast out and sent a stream of mud at Tempus. Angling his wings Tempus rushed in under the stream and slashed down with his claws ripping its head off then speeding back up into the sky.
From the forest Zarin watched as the elemental spinned its muddy body around and re formed.
[This isn't working.] He sent to Tempus. [No matter what you do, it re forms. There has to be another way.]
[It's mud Zarin. How do we fight mud?]
[With water!!] An idea hit Zarin. [Tempus, come pick me up. I have an idea but we have to be fast.]
[I can be fast. I'll be right there.]
Swooping in, Tempus dropped down long enough for Zarin to climb on his neck then he was back in the air. The elemental launched itself at him but it was to slow. Once airbourne, Tempus wanted to know what his plan was.
[The only thing I know that works against an earth elemental is its elemental equal.] Zarin explained. [That would be water. Fly me down to the ocean. We have to bring it back with us and hit it with a ton of water.]
[I hope you know what you're doing.]
Like lightning, Tempus streaked down over the forest and to the ocean, Once there he started to circle. Zarin sat high on his back and cast his spell at the water. Whole swinging his arms over his head in a circular motion Zarin cast a spell to form a tornado which became a water spout when it touched the surface of the ocean.
[Now circle around the water spout and lead it back to the elemental and drop it on it!]
Swinging around like a top with the water spout in the center, Tempus led it back through the forest to the hills and up into the mountains. As they neared the caves, Zarin sent out to Reno.
[Block the entrance with your strongest spell and hold it. There's a small flood on its way!]
As Tempus and Zarin came up over the ridge, the mud monster roared and reared up to try and grab them out of the sky. Tempus circled down and Zarin gave him the signal.
[Now!] He sent. [Let it go!]
Angling up, Tempus let go and sent the spout straight at the elemental. Opening its mouth like a giant maw, the elemental tried to take in the spout and swallow it. With a great explosion the two forces of nature collided and muddy water splashed the landscape in a great wave. The cave entrance was doused in mud and the entrance was sealed.
Tempus quickly came down to shift and land. Zarin jumped from his neck and ran for the cave.
"RENO!!"
With their hands Zarin and Rese started digging. They threw mud behind them by the hands full as fast as they could.
"Stand back." Rese said. "I'll shift. Tempus can dig faster."
As Rese stood back to make the shift, a light vibration started in the mountain side. Zarin stepped back sensing what was about to happen. Suddenly the vibrations grew to rumbling and the entrance exploded out. Zarin and Rese covered their face as they were splashed and soaked with mud. As they uncovered their eyes, Reno and the young mage led the kids coughing out of the cave.
"Are you alright?" Zarin asked.
"Yeah." Reno waved him off. "We're fine. Thanks for the warning. We had just enough time to create a shield to block the mud when it hit. What was that?"
"It was an earth elememtal." Zarin said patting Reno on the back. "The only way to fight it was with a forse just as powerful."
"We hit it with a water spout." Rese grinned. "Zarin's idea."
"Good thinking." Reno sat down on a boulder to rest. As everyone laughed, the young man went to Zarin.
"Excuse me." He said. "That was a Dragon I saw fighting the mud man wasn't it?"
"Yes." Zarin looked at Rese. "A friend of ours here to help."
"Thank Rimnar!" He smiles. "Our prayers are answered. It heard our call."
"I'm not sure what you mean." Zarin said puzzled.
"Forgive me." He bowed to Zarin. "I am Elias Stone. My friends here and I are from a small town on the other side of the mountains named Woodburrow. My father was the town Mage until the Priest of Tezor invaded and killed him and took us hostage. We were to me sacrificed in a ritual to revive the Dark lord."
"Let me guess." Zarin said. "Azariah Tezor.
"Yes, you know of him?"
"Not much." Reno said. "Just a little. We're here to find the earth dragon Brawn's lair. There's something there we need."
"I can take you there." Elias said "That's where my father was sending me when the priest attacked. I was to wake Brawn and beg him for his help. I can take you there if you will help me get the children home."
"You mean Brawn is still there?" Zarin asked. "Asleep?"
"That's what our legends say."
"I think we can do that." Rese smiled. "I can have you all home in an hour, then we can be off to find  Brawn's lair."
"How?" Elias asked. He had a puzzled look on his face. "Are you a Mage? Can you teleport that far? Our home is almost a day's ride away."
"I'm no mage." Rese smiled. He walked out into the clearing away from then shifted to Tempus and roared. [I am a Dragon.]

From there, Tempus flew them across the mountains and over land through the forest. Again Reno had cast a spell to cloak them and make them invisible. Like Taggitia the land was war torn. There were many smoldering towns.  Farms and home that had been burned. Elias explained that the Priest of Tezor had come in the night and went from town to town gathering the young and burning the villages and towns when they left. He told them the Priest had taken them to an old castle back in the mountains.
Because of his magic, Elias had been able to free a few of the captives and get away before an alarm was raised and that elemental had been sent after them.
With their village in sight, Tempus dropped down to land. Elias told them to wait there. He would get the kids back to their parents, and come back to lead them to Brawn's lair. Once Elias and the children left, Reno looked to Zarin for answers.
"What are we going to do about this?" He asked. "Can't we help them?"
"I don't know how we can." Zarin said. "We have to get back as fast as possible. We don't have time or the man power to take on an army."
"But these people are desperate." Reno pleaded. "We can't just grab the chain and leave them to be slaughtered. If we do, I promise these Priest will be in Taggitia next year if not sooner."
"He's right Zarin." Rese agreed. "If we can help here, we have to. It's my duty as a Dragon to help."
Zarin wasn't sure what to do, but he knew they were right. If they left, this would find its way to Taggitia in no time. His only hope was that Brawn would wake and deal with the problem in Slovonia, or they might have too.
In less than an hour, Elias was back and ready to go. he directed them to back to the mountains then to head north. Tempus stayed low so Elias could watch for landmarks. After a few minutes, Elias pointed to a cave to their left.
"There." He said. "Land there."
Spiraling down, Tempus made a soft landing and let them climb down his leg. Once he shifted he joined them At the great caves mouth.
"This way." Elias summoned a globe of light to light the way. Through twists and turns they walked going deeper and deeper into the mountain. They passed veins of gold ans silver, great pieces of diamonds and ruby's set in the walls. This was a Dragon cave no doubt. Deeper and deeper they went and it became hotter and hotter until they stepped into a great caverns filled with mounds of gold, silver and platinum.
"This is the lair of Brawn." Elias said. He knelt and said a quick prayer to Rimnar the protector.
"Where is he?" Reno asked looking around.
"Everywhere." Rese said.  His dragon senses were on fire telling him he was in the presence of a powerful Dragon. "I feel him everywhere."
"So what do we do?" Zarin asked standing knee deep in gold..
"You speak." Rese said. "If he wants to answer, he will. He knows we're here."
"Brawn, Dragon of earth." Zarin spoke loudly. "We have come seeking your aid."
[WHO WISHES AN AUDIENCE WITH BRAWN OF SLOVONIA. SPEAK AND BE HEARD.]
"We come from a far away land with news for the great one." Zarin said. "We need a favor from you."
[I SENSE THERE IS A DRAGON THERE WITH YOU. A YOUNG BROTHER, LET HIM SPEAK.]
Zarin and Reno looked to Rese who stepped forward and roared a dragons roar.
[AHHHHHH!!! IT IS GOOD TO HEAR A BROTHER ROAR AGAIN AFTER ALL THESE YEARS. WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU TEMPUS?]
[First, I have news that is important to you.] Rese said. [You have invaders in Slovonia. Priest of the Brotherhood of Tezor, they're here..]
[I KNOW WHY THEY ARE HERE!!] The walls shook as Brawn's anger bellowed out. [THEY LOOK TO REVIVE MY OLD ENEMY AZARIAH THE DAMNED. THIS CAN NOT HAPPEN!!!!]
"The people ask that you wake and save us from them." Elias stepped forward. "The priest burn our homes. They steal our children for sacrifice. Only Brawn has the power to defeat them and stop Azariah Tezor from being resurrected."
Brawn was quiet for a minute then spoke.
[YOU DID NOT COME HERE JUST TO TELL ME ABOUT AZARIAH. YOU CAME FOR SOMETHING THING ELSE. TELL ME TEMPUS, WHY ARE YOU HERE?]
"Someone has found the Ring of Endrin." Rese told him. "It's in the hands of a very evil man."
[YOU CAME FOR THE CHAIN OF POWER.]
"Yes we did." Rese said. "There is evil in the world and Dragons must fight it. We need the chain to defeat the ring."
[I AM 10,000 YEARS OLD. I AM A SPIRIT NOW AND CAN NO LONGER GO FORTH TO DO BATTLE. BUT YOU CAN TEMPUS. YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS CAN FIGHT FOR ME. I WILL GIVE YOU THE CHAIN, BUT YOU MUST DO TWO THINGS FOR ME.]
"Whats that?" Zarin asked.
[PUT AN END TO THE PRIEST AND MAKE SURE AZARIAH NEVER STEPS FOOT ON SLOVONIA. SAVE MY PEOPLE.]
"And the second?"Reno asked.
[SLOVONIA NEEDS A NEW DRAGON CLAN. I HAVE EGGS HERE BUT NO ONE TO GUIDE THEM AS THEY MERGE AND GROW. I NEED AN OLDER DRAGON TO WATCH MY YOUNG. ASK YOUR KING TO SEND A MENTOR.]
"I can't promise he'll do it." Rese agreed. "But I will make your petition."
[NO DRAGON HAS EVER DENIED ANOTHER DRAGON WHEN ASKED FOR HELP. HE WILL HELP JUST AS I WILL HELP YOU. NOW GO, FREE SLOVONIA AND DESTROY THE INVADERS. THE CHAIN WILL BE HERE WHEN YOU RETURN.]
"Thank you Brawn." Rese bowed and turned to take them out.
[ELIAS.] Brawn called him back. [PLEASE STAY. THERE'S SOMEONE IN WANT YOU TO MEET.]
Rese smiled at the young mage. He knew he was about to be given the gift of a lift time.
It didn't take them long to find their way out. Rese had an unerring sense of direction. Once out he shifted and they were off to find the Priest of Tezor.

From Brawn's cave, Elias had told them to head east deeper into the mountains. They would see a lone peak devoid of any growth, from there Tempus was to turn south and fly no more than ten miles and they would see a castle overlooking a great lake. That would be Darkham castle, once home of King Blaylok Alavarra lord of Darkham a realm that lived on and around the lake. King Blaylok had ruled many centuries ago. His lands went from Darkham all through the mountains and down to the ocean. He had been a good king, peaceful and benevolent to all his subjects. In his rule he had encouraged many changes in his realm. There were new ideas for farming and irrigation. Metal work and carpentry. He had schools built and hospitals with magic and manual techniques to be use. His was a learning era and all that was destroyed by greed. The greed of a son to overthrow his father and become king.
Poison was Oba Alvarra's weapon. He slipped into the kitchen every day for a month and slipped it in his father's tea. Blaylok grew sicker and sicker every day until his body couldn't take it anymore and he died. Oba became the king. But cruel as he was, his rule was to be a short one. In less than two years, his crime was discovered and there was an uprising that tore him from the throne and sent Darkham into a tailspin toward disaster.
Crops failed and hungry and war ripped Darkham apart. Brother fought brother in a bloody war for control of the kingdom until plague cause and devastated the population. With the coughing sickness creeping from house to house, Darkham was soon abandoned as call the people fled for their lives.
That, Elias said had been over two hundred years ago. A few had tried to reestablish it but none had every succeeded. The castle and the towns around the lake stood empty as a reminder of past history until the Priest of Tezor came and made it their base of horror.
From the air, Zarin looked down and saw torch lights burning all through the castle. He ordered Tempus to find a place to land up above the castle on the cliffs. Once down they, decided the best way to start would be to go down and investigate. To see what these Priest were really up to. Shifting to his eagle form, Zarin took flight and soared high overhead and circled the castle. Reno in his wolf form  made his way down the southern side of the cliff. Zarin ordered Rese to stay on the cliff and wait for his call.
As Zarin circled, he gazed down at the courtyard with his eagle vision. There he saw twenty men in red hooded robes gathered in five lines in front of some strange altar chanting. The altar was of black stone with a high slab covered in something red. From the air Zarin couldn't tell what it was but he had a feeling it was blood. Circling lower he got a better look at the altar. It wasn't black stone at all. It was glass. It was a glass sarcophagus and inside there was a boiling mass of bone and muscle. Zarin wasn't sure what it was but whatever it was, these priest looked like they were praying to it.
As he watched, a priest in white came out of a rear area and the chanting stopped. He walked out to the altar and pulled a long silver athame from the folds of his robe and the chanting started up again. From a room in the corner, a door opened and a young girl was dragged out screaming. At that moment. Zarin knew what was about to happen. The girl was about to become a sacrifice to whatever was in the sarcophagus. And that could only be one thing. Azariah Tezor. Zarin knew somehow he had to stop it.
[Reno!] He sent. [Get in here, I'm going to need your help. Tempus, attack the courtyard. We have to stop this ritual now before it's too late.]
[I'm on my way.]
Outside in the town, Reno shifted to man wolf. A low growl started in his chest as he started running towards the castle. Dressed in red, a group of priest armed with swords charged at Reno. Like a savage beast he dived in slashing and ripping into them. Whispering a quick spell he encased himself with a shield protect against their weapons. Like lightning he jumped from one priest to the next slashing and avoiding their mystical bolts until he was charging his way up bridge and into the castle.
As Reno charged the gate, high overhead a strange piercing sound could be heard as something black and red streaked in. Like an avenging angel Tempus soared down sending his sonic scream down to scatter the chanting priest. Priest ran and dived for cover trying to get away. The priest in white looked up then grabbed the girl and stabbed her in the heart and threw her on the altar.
"Your will, will be done!" He screamed. "Azariah the Damned will rise!!"
[Not if I can help it!] Zarin dropped down and shifted then sent a bolt of energy at the priest. The priest held up his atheme and deflected the bolt.
"You have no idea who it is your up against! This is Azariah Tezor the Damned! Dark lord and master of Endrin! You should bow before his greatness!"
From all around them priest ran out to protect the bubbling mass in the sarcophagus. They pulled their swords and stepped toward Zarin. From behind him a brown blur leaped in to stand snarling at his side. With blood dripping from his claws and fangs, Reno stood ready for battle.
"KILL THEM!"
As the priest charged, a sonic blast came down and blasted the ground around them. Reno leaped high and dropped in the middle of the crowd cutting them down. Zarin waved his hand and pushed his way through the crowd going for the white priest.
"You're no match for me!" The priest said. "You're a child. Your magic is weak!"
"Let's see about that."
Raising his hand, Zarin sent bolt after bolt at the priest not giving him and chance to counter, only to deflect as many as he could. Insa had taught him well in defense and offensive magic. He knew his only chance was to overwhelm the more experienced priest. Force bolts and fire bolts, ice shards and energy bolt rained down on the priest until in his rage, he cast out with a force that knocked Zarin back and on to the ground.
Laughing the priest reached out with a force shield and grabbed Zarin. He picked him up and held him up at face level.
"I should kill you." He said. "You are my masters enemy. But instead how, about I give you to him so he can absorb your magic. He will be hungry after all the centuries of sleep. Look, he rises now,"
As Zarin turned to look, the lid on the sarcophagus pushed open and a decrepit arm reached out.
"Behold! Azariah lives!!"
[No, he doesn't!!]
Suddenly a blast of high intense flame came blasting down out of the sky and engulfed the sarcophagus. Blue flames blazed high into the sky as Azariah screamed, roasted and withered to ash and dust. From high in the sky, a dragon with blazing blue eyes came down and swatted the white priest. He rolled across the ground and came up ready to send a blast at the dragon. With his strongest spell, Zarin blasted the priest, and blew him apart.
Covered in blood, Reno came over and joined them looking exhausted. He shifted back to human and collapsed tired on the edge on what was once the altar.
"They're all dead." He said. "We did it! Who's your friend?"
[Torch.] Tempus sent as he dropped down to shift. "Welcome Elias. A new brother."
Shifting to human, Elias smiled at them happy to have helped.
"Thank you." He said as he walked to a door in the back and opened it. Inside, Zarin saw the cells full of children. "You saved a lot of people. Azariah would have killed everyone had it not been for you."
"We were glad to help." Zarin said smiling. He looked at Reno and Rese and sent a thought. [You were right.]
"Brawn wanted me to give you this." From the pocket of his blue leathers, Elias took out the chain and gave it to Rese. "He sends a message. Don't forget your promise."