The Garden of Delusion. 89

As Jax appeared in the dark skies of the Nightmare world, he gazed up at the black sun that shined overhead and thought how strange this place of fear was. He looked down and saw the twisted forest of dead trees beneath him. This place looked so cold and odd. He was use to bright skies and green forest with many different things living and running wild. Here, he know there was nothing but nightmare things of death and horror all around. He had to be careful for it was dangerous here even for a god like him.
Far high up in the gray clouds Jax circled down to land in a clearing just outside of the forest. There was a trail that he had seen from above that twisted its way through the trees. He pulled his cloak closed against the chill and started on his way in to search for his father and the others.
The forest was dark and cold. Every tree and blade of grass was gray and dead. From out in the shadows, Jax could hear things growling and creeping around. He could see eyes watching him as he passed down the trail. His hands glowed with power ready to blast anything that charged out at him.
As he walked, Jax looked up into the trees. There on a top branch, a single crow stared down watching him as he passed. Further on in the trees he saw a second and a third crow. All sitting quiet and just watching him. Pretty soon the trees were full of silent crows. None of them moved very much, they just sat there staring after him with their yellow glowing eyes.
Without taking his eyes off the crows, Jax stopped in the center of the trail. He removed his cloak and dropped it on the ground in front of him.
"I fear no dreams." He called out into the trees. "Or nightmares!"
As if on cue, the crows all started cawing and took to the air. Like a great black cloud they flew in circles over head then came together to merge into one giant bird and dived down at Jax. Raising himself up off the ground, Jax folded his arms across his chest and let the crow attack. With it's talons open, the crow dived down and reached out tried to grab him out of the air. When it touched him, Jax sent a surge of power out into the crow. With a scream the crow burst apart into small shadows and darted down into the trees.
Satisfied, Jax dropped back down to the trail. He picked up his cloak and dusted it off and started back down the trail. He knew Extremus would be here somewhere and if he wanted to save Rimnar and Aramis, he'd have to defeat the god of nightmares.

"You will have to do better then that." Damiceis said. "He doesn't look scared at all. I don't think your nightmares are affecting him."
"My nightmares affect everyone!" Extremus yelled. "They will drive him mad just like the others!"
"If you say so." Damiceis walked to a table and sorted through fruit in a bowl. "But I think maybe there's another way to go."
"What do you mean?"
"What if we were to weaken him with." Damiceis popped a grape into his mouth. "How about jealousy. That should make him be ready for your nightmares."
"Do your worse." Extremus smiled.

With Rimnar in the lead and Aramis close at his side, the two gods made their way through the dark city. They watched every shadow, every sudden movement from high or low. From the skitters that darted out to attack, to the over sized crows that kept watch from above. Every now and then, they would come down and get a little to close and Rimnar or Aramis would blast them, scattering them all through the blackened sky.
"There's something about them I should remember." Rimnar said eyeing the monster birds. "I've seen them before but I can't remember where."
"I know what you mean father." Aramis shook his head. "This place seems familiar, like I've been here before but I can't remember. My mind is so foggy."
"As is mine." Rimnar stopped and looked up at a crow that was watching them. "Maybe they are the answer. Maybe we should follow them and see where they take us."
"It as good a course as anything I can think of. But how do we get them to move? I think they're here to watch us."
"We do this."
Rimnar reached out and sent a blast at the closest crow. It jumped from the tree and took off into the air. As it took flight, Rimnar shot it down then he blasted three more as they tried to escape. Seeing what his father had planned, Aramis took aim and started killing crows. In a great swarm, all the crows in the trees took off. They kept blasting until Aramis noticed the biggest one and pointed it out.
It had taken off heading north.arms, Rimnar
"There!" Aramis pointed. "That one."
Spreading his arms, Rimnar concentrated and lifted himself up off the ground a few feet then fell back down onto the pavement. He stood up and tried again only this time he couldn't get off the ground.
"I can't fly!" Rimnar looked at Aramis confused. "I don't understand, what's wrong with me?"
"It's not just you father. I can't fly either. What do we do?"
"We run." Rimnar took off after the crow. "Hurry! We can't let it get away!"
Off through the grim city they ran. Past skitters and strange three legged four armed man like creature that tried to grab them as they passed. Though they were weakened, they still had the power to fight. Aramis blasted to the left while Rimnar took out anything to the right. It wasn't long until they found themselves standing at a rusted gate to a dark garden full of black and gray dead plants as the crow disappeared behind a dark mausoleum.
As they entered, they looked around. It was a dismal and grim place that looked sad and depressing.
Rose bushes with dried up dead flowers growing from long thorny stems were scattered all around the garden. Thick gray grass assorted weeds grew all around the mausoleum. As they walked through the garden, Aramis heard a sound that fit right into this dreary place. Soft sobs, someone was crying.
"Father." He stopped holding out his hand. "Do you hear that?"
Rimnar looked around for the source of the sad sounds. Over on the stairs of the mausoleum with her head down in her hands, sat a young girl in a long black dress. She was crying. Now in their life, both Rimnar and Aramis had seen thousands of people crying for many different reasons. Famine, sickness, war and the lose of a loved one, but this girl was different. Her cries touched something deep inside of them. It plucked at some note of sorrow deep down inside their soul. Aramis couldn't help but go to her.
As the two gods came close to her, she looked up at them. Aramis stopped as he stared down at her sad beautiful face. She had dark beautiful tender green eyes that seemed to just draw him in with sadness. Tears streaked down to drop from her perfect face. Her lips were red as ripe cherries that glowed against her pale skin.

"Sweet lady." Aramis knelt down to talk to her. "What could bring such sadness to someone so beautiful?"
"I'm lost." She said. "And this place scares me so much. I'm not sure what I should do."
"What's your name young lady?" Rimnar asked. He sat down beside her on the stairs.
"Matia." She answered wiping her eyes.
"Do you know what this place is?" He asked.
"It's where horrors come from." She told them.
Rimnar had no doubt of that. But where on Keanna were they? Or were they even on Keanna?
"There are horrible things all around us." She cried. "Always watching and waiting for a chance to attack. I try to fight, but I'm not very strong."
"We will protect you." Aramis reached down for her hand to help her up. "Stay with us, we'll find a way to get you out."
Matia looked up into Aramis eyes. She could see he meant what he was saying and she believed him. Could this be her chance to escape this worlds of nightmares?
[Your only chance isup and  to do what I ordered.] Extremus sent to her. His words were like hot needles pressing into her mind. Matia shook her head. [Fail me and you will suffer.]
Matia pushed Extremus down and out of her mind. She had a decision to make. To follow his orders or to take a chance and help these two gods. She knew if they were to gain their freedom, they could help her be free of Extremus. But if they failed and Extremus managed to win, she would sentenced to an eternity of nightmares. The choice was easy. She knew what she knew what she had to do
"My lords." Matia stood and grabbed Aramis hand. "Come with me. There is something I have to tell you, but we must be in the mausoleum  where he can't hear us."
"Who? Rimanr asked.
"Extremus."
With that name, Rimnar knew exactly where they were. Now everything they had seen made sense. They weren't anywhere on Keanna. They were on in an alternate dimension, one created and ruled by only one god. They were in Extremus's world of delusions and nightmares and getting out would not be easy.

Like a phantom, Damiceis drifted through the dark skies over the nightmare world with nothing but hate for Jax and the other gods of Fortis on his mind. For eons the others had ignored and dismissed him thinking he was forever below them. He was sick of it and he knew this was his chance to rise above them and see them all grovel at his and Extremus's feet. All he had to do was find Jax and fill his mind with jealousy and guilt. That should be easy he thought. The god of Justice should have many things in his past to feel guilty about. He had passed judgement over millions over the years and passed out many different punishments. There had to be many mortals he would felt guilty about. Or maybe jealousy. Damiceius knew Jax never really thought he was one of his fathers favorites. Not like Alee or Aramis. or even his warrior sister Serina. Damiceius smiled, he knew he had many weapons he could use against the so called righteous god.
From high overhead he spotted Jax's red hair and cloak as he moved though the forest. Gliding down, Damiceis carefully touched down and stopped to watch Jax to see if he felt his presence. Sensing nothing, Damiceis slowly made his way over to walk beside Jax. Carefully he tuned in to listen to his thoughts. He could sense his worry for the friends he had left behind to fight the war. He hoped they were safe but he was sure this was the only way to help them. Extremus had to be stopped if there was any chance for them to win. This could be something he could use.
[There's no chance.] He whispered in Jax's ear. [You left them to fight against one of the most powerful gods alone. No magic they knew could defeat Extremus, and you just left them. You should be with them. You can't help Rimnar.]
Damiceis felt a cold streak of fear run through Jax. Fear for his friends. Sarella could be attacking right now and killing everyone he loved.
[And for what?] Damiceis asked. [For Rimnar and Aramis? For Fortis? Did they ever really care for you? Aramis was his favorite, he held him so far above you. He held them all over you. Atol, Serina, Alea, even Muerte had a higher place then you and she tried to kill him!
Jax stopped and stood there looking down at the ground clenching his fist in anger. Damiceis smiled. He had him. The jealousy and guilt was working.
[You should let Extremus have them. What have they ever done but hold you back. You're just as important as any of them. You deserve justice too. Turn and walk away. Leave them to die here, then you could be the high one! Jax, High lord of Fortis. King of the gods!!]
"THAT IS ENOUGH!"
Jax turned and reached out and grabbed Damiceis by his throat and lifted him off the ground. Caught in his vice like grip, Damiceis lost his concentration and appeared struggling to breathe.
"Did you really think I didn't know it was you?" Jax yelled in his face. "Did you really think your jealousy could effect my mind? I have stood in judgement over gods and men and you thought you could turn my heart to betray my father and my family? Guess who gets judged now!!!"
"FForgive me please! Extremus made me do it!!"
Releasing Damiceis, Jax stepped back as he dell so far above you. He held them all over you. Atol, Serina, Alea, even Muerte had a higher place then you and she tried to kill him!
Jax stopped and stood there looking down at the ground clenching his fist in anger. Damiceis smiled. He had him. The jealousy and guilt was working.
[You should let Extremus have them. What have they ever done but hold you back. You're just as important as any of them. You deserve justice too. Turn and walk away. Leave them to die here, then you could be the high one! Jax, High lord of Fortis. King of the gods!!]
"THAT IS ENOUGH!"
Jax turned and reached out and grabbed Damiceis by his throat and lifted him off the ground. Caught in his vice like grip, Damiceis lost his concentration and appeared struggling to breathe.
"Did you really think I didn't know it was you?" Jax yelled in his face. "Did you really think your jealousy could effect my mind? I have stood in judgement over gods and men and you thought you could turn my heart to betray my father and my family? Guess who gets judged now!!!"
"FForgive me please! Extremus made me do it!!"
Releasing Damiceis, Jax stepped back as he fell to the ground. Rubbing his throat, Damiceis looked up at Jax and smiled with a wicked tint in his eyes. As he got up, he reached for his cloak to wrap himself and disappear when Jax cast out and pulled it away from him leaving him standing there dressing in an ugly green toga.

"You didn't think I was going to let you just go, did you?" Jax said holding his cloak of jealousy. "What punishment would that be."
"I'm a god." He waved Jax off. "What can you really do to me?"
"You're not the first god I've stood in judgement over." Jax took the cloak and threw it on the ground. Damiceis tried to grab in but he was shocked when he touched it. He stepped back rubbing his burned fingers and looked at Jax in shock.

A GOD YOU WERE BUT NOT ANYMORE.
I TAKE FROM YOU THAT WHICH YOU WORE.
YOUR GODLY MANTLE, I TAKE FROM THEE.
FROM GOD TO MAN, I SENTENCE THEE.
TO WALK KEANNA AND LEARN OF THE EFFECT.
OF GUILT AND JEALOUSY, TO LEARN RESPECT.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Damiceis screamed as he faded away to start his sentence as a beggar in the cities of Keanna. With Damiceis gone, Jax picked up his cloak and sent it off to the small temple Damiceis used in a lower part of Fortis.
[You won't defeat me with such ease.] Extremus sent as thunder roared. [I will crush you and your father and take Fortis for my own.]
"We'll see about that Hate master." Jax called out to the dark thunder clouds over head. "I'm coming for my father and brother, and for you."
[Come on then Justice.] Lightning crashed and hit a tree off on the side of the trail. It exploded into flames. [Welcome to my Nightmares.]

"So Extremus is behind this." Rimnar said as they entered the mausoleum. They walk to a large marble altar "And this is his Nightmare world. I should have known."
"You would have if you weren't under his nightmare blight." Matia told. "Both of you."
"And what is this blight?"
"Extremus has you under a powerful curse." She told them. "Right now your bodies are really back in Fortis under his spell dying. Your own power is burning you to death and only Extremus knows how to remove the blight and save you."
"Is there nothing we can do to fight him?" Aramis asked. "Are we to die here like some crazy sacrifice to his hate? There has to be something we can do."
"I'm sorry." Matia sat down on the edge of the altar and looked at them with remorse. Her eyes sparkled as a tear ran down her face. "The blight is sapping your strength, and weakening you. The more you fight it, the weaker you get. Soon you will be to weak to fight."
"Then we should conserve our strength." Rimnar said. "Use as little as possible."
Walking around the altar, Aramis sat down next to Matia.
"How did you get here?" He asked.
She told him of her death and how Extremus had brought her to the garden. He named her the goddess of remorse and use her like a slave to help him haunt people. But there was more she had to tell them.
"I'm not sure if you know this but, your not the only one he has trapped here. Nestor and Alea are also here fighting the nightmares."
"WHAT??" Rimnar exploded in surprise. "Where are they?"
"They're in another part of the garden." She explained. "Fighting just like you."
"Then we have to find them." Aramis said excited. The thought of help against the hate god encouraged him. "Together we can defeat Extremus and get out of here."
"You forget." Rimnar pointed out. "They are under the blight too. They will be weakened just like us, I know my brother Extremus very well. He may not be that strong on Fortis, but here, he rules supreme. We need someone who's not under his spell to fight him. But who?"
"There is someone that would help us. Someone who has always been at my side when I needed him."
"Yes." Rimnar agreed thinking of his red haired son. "I know who you mean. But will he come?"
"He's never failed me before." Aramis said with pride. "He fought death for me. I have faith in him. He will come."
"Then we should find Nestor and Alea and be ready." Rimnar turned to Matia. "Can you find them?"
"Yes." She said. "I can feel every soul trapped in the garden. Alea's fear is like a beacon. But I'm afraid. I've felt his anger before. I don't know if I can take it again."
"I promise." Aramis held out his hand. "I won't ever let him hurt you again."
Matia smiled and took his hand.
"I will be strong." She said. "For you."

The Prophesy. 88

 As the sun sank behind the western mountains of Taggitia, Talsara Darkshade opened her eyes and sat up from a long day of sleeping. Today was going to be a special day for her. She had finally managed to catch her renegade son and lock him up in his tower. Today she would have him chained, beaten and displayed in the city center as a trap to catch her main target, Aron Neveral, the seventh son of the Eventide blood line. Finally she would be done with that damned prophesy and prove that Hasmira was wrong.
As he dressed she thought about Hasmira's prophesy. She had said one and two would die and she was right. Shael and Zaior were killed in the war against the Shadowdragon along with their father. Evindal the third son fell under her spell and became a wild beast. Jake the fourth son merged with a dragon and became the master of fear. The fifth son, is Adanar the protector of his sister and as the prophesy promised, the new king of Eventide. That left Ryel and it was said that he would find his lost brother and he did. It was Ryel who discovered that Aron was the seventh Eventide son. All of Hasmira's prophesy's had come true but there was one more, and this was the one that was most important to Talsara. The prophesy said that the seventh would destroy either the light or the dark meaning Darkshade or Eventide. Talsara wanted to control Aron to make sure Darkshade survived the prediction. With Elan in her hands, she knew she could make Aron give himself over to her.
Once dressed, she sent for Llyra to meet her at Elan's tower and she left her royal apartment. On her way she stopped and ordered a last breakfast for her son. Since she had every intention of killing him anyway, she didn't want him to die hungry.
With a slave following with a try filled with a hot breakfast, Talsara made her way to Elan's tower. as she walked, she was making plans on how she could strike against Winterhaven once Eventide had fallen and was in her control.
As she came around a corner and approached Elan's tower, she saw Llyra standing alone at the stairs up into the tower. There should be two warriors there standing guard to keep Elan up there. Where were they?
"Where are the guards I stationed here?" She asked. "Did you see them?"
"There was no one here when I arrived your majesty."
Talsara looked up the stairs and saw the open door. Swinging out, she knocked the try of food out of the slaves hands and ran up the stairs in into Elan's room. From the bottom of the stairs, Llyra heard the scream.
"Noooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!"
Llyra smiled to herself knowing what Talsara had just found. A few seconds later, Talsara stormed her way down the stairs to Llyra.
"HE'S GONE!!!!" Her eyes were on fire with anger. "THE BASTARD IS GONE! I WANT THE PALACE SEARCHED ROOM BY ROOM, I WANT ALL OF DARKSHADE SEARCHED HOUSE BY HOUSE. THEY HAVE TO BE SOMEWHERE HERE, SOMEONE IS HELPING THEM!"
"Who your majesty?" Llyra asked. "There's no one here that could get him out of the tower."
"There is one person." She said as she turned and headed back to her study. "Find Wyn. Bring him to me in chains if you have too."
"Yes your majesty." Llyra ran off. As Llyra left the study, Talsara called for her Imp Aesis. With the sound of a magical pop, Aesis appeared and bowed to his queen.
"You called my Queen?"
"Elan has escaped." She waked to her desk and sat down. "They're both out there somewhere plotting to take my throne from me. My throne, the one I killed for. They want to take it from me!!!"
"We won't let them my Queen." Aesis popped onto her shoulder and whispered in her ear. "We can make them surrender to you, then I can kill them both!"
"How?"
"The Shadowfalls" Aesis slick voice cooed. "Call them in. I have a surprise for you."

It was a beautiful night as Aron slipped out of the house and walked through the grounds of the Duskmere estate. It was very dark and dreary here with very plain looking buildings except for in the palace. He walked quietly through the Duskmere family cemetery trying to put his thoughts together. He was worried about Elan. It had been so long since the last time they were together and he missed being in his arms. He knew he was here in the palace he was scared of what his mother might do to him. Aron just didn't understand that woman. She had no heart and no idea what it mean to love anything but herself. Not her son, her husband or the land she called her own. All she cared about was getting power, as much as she could. Aron knew if someone didn't stop her soon, her forces would be at the doors of every kingdom in Taggitia. But what was he to do? Though talented, Aron was just one elf. How was he suppose to stand against Talsara and all of her forces? He knew the others would help, but still, he would need a army to stand against such odds.
As Aron stood staring into the night sky, there was a sudden flash of light to his left. It was a flash he had seen many times back when he and Elan were in the Academy. It was the appearance of Elan's fathers Imp, Argus. Aron turned to greet his small friend when he heard hid name being called.
"ARON!!"
Aron couldn't believe what he saw. Was it real? Dressed in his dirty and torn uniform, Elan Darkshade came running toward him. Aron blinked and rubbed his eyes thinking this might be one of Talsara's traps, but when he opened his eyes again, Elan was taking him in his arms and kissing him deeply.
"By the gods I've been so worried about you." Elan said holding him him close. "I thought my mother had done something horrible to you."
"Elan?" Aron pushed back and looked him deeply in his eyes. "Am I dreaming? Is this real? Are you really here?"
"Yes A'maelamin." Elan smiled. "Ta Amin."
Aron grabbed him and held on tightly as if he never planned to let go. As the two lovers reunited, Liat with Argus on his shoulder came walking out of the night behind them followed by Kel. As they parted, Aron noticed Kel and Liat behind them.
"So this is where you disappeared to." Aron reached out a shook his hand to thank him. "I will forever be in your debt."
"No, It's an honor to serve my true king." Kel bowed. "This is.."
"I know who this is." Aron nodded his greeting to the king. "King Wyn."
"No." Elan explained. "This is Wyn's body, but the spirit of my true father now inhabit it. This is Liat Caldras."
Aron looked up at Liat. He wasn't sure what to think. He had met Wyn Limeira before and thought he had heard what he had done, he still trusted him. Wyn had always treated them both with love and respect. Aron had never doubted that Wyn truly loved Elan and would protect him with his life. Now, they were telling him Wyn was dead and replaced by Elan's real fathers spirit. Strange things had come to pass in this dark place and Aron knew it wasn't over yet.
"I realized this all must seem strange to both of you." Liat said. "But Wyn gave his life to save you both. I promise I will honor him and his memory for his sacrifice. But not right now. Now we have to get moving. Talsara by now will have found out Elan is gone and she will have all of Darkshade searched for him. We have to find somewhere safe to plan our next move."
"Then we show go warn the others." Kel said as he stepped around Elan and Aron. "We should move from here. Jassin might have told Talsara everything. We should get back to the house."
With Kel and Liat in the lead, they headed back to Duskmere estate from the cemetery. As they left the dark graveyard and entered the grounds of the main house, they realized the house was surrounded by Talsara's warriors. Kel grabbed Elan and Aron and pushed them down behind a line of bushes, then hid himself behind a tree. Liat faded to a ghostly image and levitated himself up into the trees.
"What's going on?" Aron asked peeking over the shrubs.
"They found us." Kel warned them as he reached for his sword. "Get ready to fight."
"No, listen." Elan stopped him. "They're not here for us, they want Ryel and the others."
Sure enough, as they watched. Ryel, Toric, Noelle, Artin and Orek were taken out of the house at sword point. As Artin was pushed towards a caged wagon, he tried to grab for a warriors sword but didn't make it. A Darkshade warrior kicked out tripping him. Before he could get to his feet, another warrior stabbed down sending his sword skewering right through his throat. Horrified, Ryel turned and attacked the warrior. A left hook, then a spin kick sent the warrior flying back to the ground. Then before any of the others could react, another warrior jammed the hilt of his sword into the back of Ryel's head knocking him out.
Kel wanted to go to their rescue, but Elan stopped him. He knew they couldn't win against so many warriors right now but there was still time to save them. As they watched, Ryel and the others were loaded into the caged wagon and taken away.
Once all the warriors were gone, Elan, Aron and Kel went back to the house. Liat re materialized and joined them in the kitchen at the table.
"This is not good." Aron said. "Just the four of us against her whole army?"
"Five." Said a voice behind them. They turned to find Denner standing at the door holding Artin's body. "There's five of us at the moment."
"What do you mean at the moment?" Elan asked.
"I mean this has gone on far enough." Denner told them as he put Artin down. "Talsara has gone to far. I called for help."
"I agree." Elan said as he came over and looked over Artin's dead body. "I've been to many different lands on my way home and I've seen the damage she's done across Fay Shrea and the Elven lands. So many have died in her quest for power and I'm sick of it. It has to end now."
"Then let's end this." Aron took Elan's hand. "I'm not afraid anymore. If she wants me. It's time she gets what she wants. No more hiding."
"How?" Elan asked. "We can't just walk into the palace and challenge her. We woulds never make it into the courtyard. Her guards would be on us as soon as we showed our faces."
"There is a way." Liat stood up and paced the kitchen. When Talsara is at home in Ruavia castle, there's a place she disappears to for an hour every night. I followed her there but I never was able to get inside. Something always stopped my ghost form from entering. That's where we should attack."
"Can you take us there?" Kel asked.
"Yes I can."
"Then here's what we have to do." Aron gathered his friends. "Listen...."

With Elan safe and resting, Aron went out and sat in the garden to think. He had told them he wasn't afraid to face Talsara, but that was a lie. He knew he would have no chance against her. She was way beyond his power level. He might be able to hold her off for a short while but in the end, she would overwhelm him and there wasn't anything he could do about it. He had to find some way or something that that would give him a chance. But what? What could he do? There had to be a way.
As he sat there, a warm feeling spreading out from his chest pocket. He reach up and felt it then remembered the dice King Rhys had given him. Taking them out, Aron held the two warm square bones in his hand. Maybe they would have his answer. Cupping them in his hand, Aron shook them and asked his question.
"How can I defeat Talsara Darkshade?"
He rolled the dice. As they hit the ground, the dice split into six cubes and came to a stop. Aron looked down and read what they said.
D A S Y R A

Aron wasn't sure what that meant, so he rolled them again. This time they spelled out.

M O T H E R

"Dasyra?" Then he remembered, "Dasyra Eventide! Ryel's mother. My mother!"

But how could he find her?

"Just call to her." Liat said from behind him. "She will come. She has been with you since the day of her death, watching over you. Just as I watched over Elan. There are many watching you Aron. Just call her, she will come."

As Liat went back to the house, Aron looked up and the beautiful starlit sky. A strong feeling of love spread through his entire body as he thought of Dasyra Eventide. He had met her once when he was at school and had felt something when see looked at him. 

"Are you really my mother?" He asked the stars.

[Yes I am my handsome son.] Dasyra Eventide appeared as a ghostly image in front of him. There were tears in her eyes as she gazed at him.

"Then why?" He asked. "Why did you send me away."

[To protect you and Eventide.] She said. Her voice was soft and filled with love. [From the moment I heard Hasmira prophesy we knew Talsara would never stop until she killed you. we couldn't allow that to happen. Your father and I knew we might not live to see you at home with your brothers and sisters but we had to make sure you grew up safe.]

"So I could die at her hands here?"

[No.] She said. [So you could meet and love Elan. so you could free him and Darkshade from the curse that is his mother. So you could bring peace to Eventide.]

"But I can't beat her. She's to strong for me."

[Have faith my sweet Aron. You are not alone.]

As pain flared all through his body, Ryel woke up screaming. He opened his eyes to find Zaos Shadowfall standing in front of him holding a small razor sharp knife while Amra Calaudra watched. Ryel's eyes quickly darted left and right unsure where he was but sure he was in deep trouble. He was in a round chamber chained to a wall. Toric, Noelle and Orek were chained right beside him. Neither Aron or Elan were there thank Rimnar. This was obviously one of Talsara's torture towers, there were different types of torture instruments on tables and racks all around the room. It looked like they were in for a very painful stay.
"Ahh." Zaos smiled. "I see my favorite forest elf is awake. I guess its time we have some fun. You thought you were rid of me didn't you."
"Yeah well." Ryel looked up at Zaos. "I guess I was wrong."
"You sure were." Zaos putted his cheek. "We're going to become real good friends before this is over."
"Fat chance of that happening." Ryel snickered as he tugged at his chains. "So what do you want?"
"Me? Nothing." He walked to the table and picked up a sharpening stone and started sharpening the knife in his hand. "But Queen Talsara has a few questions she wants answered. Well one mainly. Where is Elan and Aron?"
"Ha ha ha!" Ryel laughed. "You think pain will make me betray my brother, you really aren't very smart are you."
"I don't really care whether you tell me or not." Zaos shrugged. "I'm going to slice you into little pieces either way. But I have to at least try and get some information, Talsara will expect that."
"Well I don't know where they are so you might as well get on with it."
"As you wish."  Zaos stepped up close to Ryel and put the knife to his face. "This is going to hurt,"
He sliced a cut from his hairline down to his chin. Ryel gritted his teeth holding back his scream not wanting to give Zaos the pleasure of seeing his pain. as the blood started to flow, Zaos sliced the other side.
Pain ripped through Ryel's face as Zaos cut into him. In his mind he screamed out sending his mental vibrations out to those around him. Toric and the others felt every cut Zaos carved into Ryel but there was nothing any of them could do to stop his pain.
With a smile on his face, Zaos ripped away Ryel's tunic and started on his chest. When he was done, deep slices had been carved in vertical and horizontal lines all over Ryel's naked body. Though tears ran down from his eyes, he never, not once uttered a cry out loud. Frustrated, Zaos put down his knife then turned to Toric.
"Your next." He said. "And it will be a lot worst you can be sure."
"You should kill one of them, Zaos." Amra said casually. "For what they did to us."
"They will die soon enough." He smiled wiping the knife on Toric's tunic. "You can be sure of that. But first, I want them to know what it means to anger a Shadow elf."
"You can torture us if you want Zaos Shadowfall." Toric said. "You could even kill us, but I promise you one thing. Our deaths won't be the end. They will come for you, maybe not today, but I swear you both will die screaming."
Amra walked up to Toric and smacked his face then spit at him. She grabbed a knife from the table and raised it to strike.
"We shall see who dies screaming."
Just then a door opened and a dark elf entered. He looked around then went to Zaos.
"Queen Talsara wants to see you."
"We'll be there in a minute." Zaos told him.
"She wants to see you now!" The elf demanded. "Do not keep her waiting."
"Fine." Zaos took the knife from Amra and put it back on the table. "Come my lady, the queen awaits."

It was a cool evening as Talsara sat and watched from the balcony her warriors do practice battles in the courtyard. She had ordered on this night, winner take the prize and the loser dies. Her warriors eager to kill, accepted the terms without question. There was blood in the air and the bodies of the losers lay all around either dead or dying. As General Rhone called for the next challenge, Prince Zaos and Lady Amra were led out onto the balcony for their audience with the queen. Adjusting his
cloak, Prince Zaos walked out to stand in front of Talsara blocking her line of sight. Moving just her eyes she looked up at Zaos with a icy stare. Quickly he realized his mistake and stepped aside and bowed to her.
"Well." She said still watching the battle. "You have something to tell me."
"First I wish to thank you for releasing us from that prison they put us in."
Talsara waved off their foolish gratitude. If they didn't produce results, she planned to send them right back then smash the gem.
"Your task was to find my son and the Eventide." She said calmly. "Have you found them?"
"Not yet." He answered. "But I've just begun the questioning. Give me the rest of the night and I will have your answer."
"Do you see these warriors down there?" She looked up into Zaos's eyes. "Each one of them is ready to give his life at my command. As a matter of fact, every elf in Darkshade lives only at my whim. They will all die if I so command it. Watch this."
Talsara stood and walked to the railing of her balcony to address the hundreds of warriors before her. In a loud clear voice she called out to them.
"Who is your Queen?"
"TALSARA DARKSHADE IS OUR QUEEN!" Came their answer ringing out from each warrior.
"Your queen wants your lives." She pointed to a group of twenty warriors. "Will you die for me?"
"YES MY QUEEN!"
The twenty warriors without any hesitation pulled a dagger from their belts and plunged them into their hearts. Like cards they all fell over dead. Talsara turned back to Prince Zaos.
"If you do not find Elan by tomorrow at this time, you will do the same and then I will march on Shadowfall and kill every single elf in your land. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes your majesty." Zaos bowed. "I understand and I will not fail you."
"Let's hope tomorrow I'll be marching on Eventide and not Shadowfall." She sat back down to finishing watched the bloody battles. "You may go now."

It was cold as Talsara walked up the stairway into the temple of Darkshade's patron dark god. She was dressed in her furred cloak to keep warm and and on her shoulder sat the hideous Imp Aesis. Following behind her came Prince Zaos, Lady Amra, General Rhone and two of his warriors each carrying a torch to light there way. As she walked, Talsara whispered a quiet spell that sent a spark to the torches that lined the wall. One by one they burst to life illuminating the chamber. The chamber had been built in the usually Dark elf style of architecture with hard lines and swirls that decorated the room.
Ahead of them, General Rhone saw the statue of Talsara's god. He sat very tall on his throne and handsome and hideous at the same time built out of obsidian. His eyes had a cold look of horror to them and the sneer on his face dared you to disobey his commands. In front of the statue sat a huge man sized altar covered in dried blood with dried bones scattered all around it. Whoever this god was, he was obviously feed by Talsara and her priestess very often and from the bones, the General knew just what they feed him.
As they all made it to the altar, Talsara ordered them to make a circle around the altar. With Talsara in the center, they all spread out hand in hand as she started to chant.
"Why are we here?" Amra asked Zaos quietly. "We have better things to do."
"We do as the queen command." He whispered.
"And if she wants us on that altar?"
Zaos squeezed her hand to assure her that wouldn't happen, he hoped.
As Talsara's chant grew louder, she pointed to one of the two warriors and ordered him onto the altar. The warriors eyes grew wade as he realized what she wanted. He hesitated for a second and looked at the General who eyed him with his hand on his sword. Then he walked to the altar and climbed on and laid down. A knife appeared in the queens hand as she shouted to the statue. The torches dimmed and the chamber grew even colder as they all felt the presence of the dark god. Talsara's chant rang out as she raised the knife above the chest of the warrior ready to plunge it down through his heart. The warrior closed his eyes and said a short prayer to Jax for mercy.
Suddenly out of nowhere, a bolt of energy streaked out and blasted the knife from Talsara's hand. She jumped back clutching her hand.
"WHO DARES TO ATTACK ME!!"
"I dare!"
Talsara turned to the door and there standing at the entrance was Aron, Elan, Liat, Kel, Denner and Argus.
"Well well well." Talsara smiled and stepped out in front of the altar. "If it isn't my bastard son and his trader father. And you brought me a gift, the last Eventide. How can I ever thank you."
"I have no gifts for you mother." Elan stood tall with his friends. "What I have is hope for our people.  Hope for a better future then the one they could have under your tyrannical rule."
"Tyrannical?" She laughed. "You're calling me a tyrant? Your own dear sweet loving mother?"
"Loving?" Aron shouted. "What would you know about loving anything? You treat your mate like a slave, your son like an embarrassment and you had your own parents killed in your lust for power. Do you even know what love is?"
"I may not know much about love." Talsara raised her hand as she gathered magic. "But I can show you what hate can do. Attend your queen and kill them all!!"
As Talsara's bolt shot out, Aron pushed Elan aside and quickly formed a shield to intercept her blast. The bolt hit Aron's shield and was deflected off to hit a wall of the temple. With fast reflexes, Aron sent his own blast out at her which she waved off with one hand.
"You leave Elan alone Witch. Your fight is with me!"
"Very well saura'er." Her hands glowed with power. "The others will deal with him. You are mine to destroy, but I think a little help is in order."
Turning back to the altar, Talsara jabbed her hands down through the chest of the warrior on the altar piercing his heart.

GRIFFINS , MANTICORES, HYDRAS AND SUCH.
I CALL TO THY WITH JUST A TOUCH.
A MONSTER I WILL MAKE OF THY,
A MONSTER THAT WILL FIGHT FOR ME.

As the warrior sat up, pain flared through his entire body. He felt like his skin was was on fire and his bones were breaking. He rolled off the altar onto the floor screaming as his body began to change. His voice became a pained gravely roar as chest and lungs expanded. His back cracked as it grew in size and a tail with a barbed stinger. He grew fur and paws with sharp enormous claws. His body swelled to more than triple in size. Where once there was a man, now a monstrous manticore reared up and roared out a challenge.
"Attack!" She ordered.
Jumping over the altar. the manticore charged in for the attack. When Denner saw the great beast charge, he ran forward shifting his form as he ran. In seconds he went from man to the form of a Red Dragon and dived in at the huge manticore. With a great roar, Denner sent a stream of fire at the beast burning the fur on its mane. Resisting the heat, the manticore charged at Denner and tried to grab him. Its claws raked at the scales on Denners chest and its stinger swung around and stabbed at him, moving his head, he blocked the stinger and bite into the beast shoulder. It screamed in pain and bucked and threw him off.

As Elan squared off against Lady Amra, she looked at him in a wicked way as they both gathered their magic for the fight.
"Where are they?" Elan asked.
"Where are who?" She gave him an innocent look. "You mean your friends? I'll tell you since you'll never live to see them again. They're in the east tower, what use to be your room. It seemed like the perfect place to torture them."
"If any of them are hurt." Elan took a step towards her.
"You'll what? Kill me?" Her hands glowed red. She was ready to fight. "You can try little prince, but I don't think you have it in you. So let's see what you can do."
Raising her hands over her head, Amra made two red glowing circles of power and sent them at Elan. Like arrows they shot through the air coming straight at him. Elan took a fighting stances and sent a wave of force out to disrupt her spell. As the wave hit, it sent them right back at her. With a wave of her hand, Amra dispatched the circles and sent a bolt of energy at him. Quickly Elan ducked as the bolt blasted a hole in the wall behind him.
"You're fast." She said as they circled. Amra's fingers flexed as she reviewed her deadly spells in her mind. "But are you skilled enough to fight me."
"I am a Darkshade." Elan stood tall as he spoke. "I may not be as cruel as my mother, but I have what it takes to beat you."
"Then kill me young prince." Amra started weaving her death spell. "Or I promise you, this will be your last night in Darkshade."

When the fighting started, Zaos Shadowfall looked down to find King Wyn Limeira walking towards him. He smiled and slid his two blades from their scabbards ready for what he expected to be an easy win for him.
"So the king of Darkshade finally finds courage." Zaos saluted him by touching his blade to his forehead. "But the question is, does courage really suit you?"
"You know nothing about the courage of Wyn Limeira." Liat said. "And even less about me. So if you don't mind, let's just get this over with."
"I know more about you then you think King Wyn." Zaos raised his sword and readied himself to fight. "You're no swordsmen. You're nothing but backstabbing coward, An assassin, This should be easy."
"Like I said." Wyn smiled. "You don't know me at all."
As Zaos came in for a strike, Liat stood completely still, then with lightning speed his sword was in his hand. Liat swept up with his sword knocking Zaos's blade aside then sent two quick punches at his nose. For a second, Zaos saw stars. He staggered back in shock with blood running down his face and looked up at Wyn.
"Not going to be as easy as you thought, huh?" Liat smiled. "And you can call me by my real name."
"What's that?" Zaos asked.
"I am Captain Liat Caldas of Queen Caline's Red Skulls." Liat nodded. "And you should leave Darkshade now!"

Chaos had broken out in the temple. All around the combatants had squared off. General Rhone fought Kel Orama in one corner while Argus and Aesis zipped around blasting at each other. Elan and Amra stood apart casting spell after spell at each waiting to find a weakness and gain an advantage while above their heads, the two beast ripped and tore at each other.
At the altar, Talsara laughed and taunted Aron as they battled. Her spells against his. She was surprised at his strength and endurance, but very confident at the outcome. Though he was an Eventide, there was no way he had the power to defeat her. In her mind she was the most powerful in the land and the closest thing there was to being a goddess. No petty elf could possibly defeat her.
What she didn't know was that Aron and Elan didn't fight alone. There were many others standing at their side lending them their strength and their support. And as the sun began to rise, fatigue started to show its face.

"You grow tire young Aron." Talsara said as she blasted away at his shields. "How much longer can you hold out? Five minutes, ten minute, half an hour? Give up now and I will give you and your friends a peaceful death. There will be no pain I promise."
"No!" Aron on his knees poured more of his strength into his shield. "I have to hold out. I can't stop now. Too many depend on us."
"If you mean the Eventides." Talsara laughed."Don't worry yourself about them. I promise to kill every last Eventide in the land, first you then all your brothers and sisters!!"
"NO!" Aron shouted. "NO NO NO!!!!!"
With that, Aron started to glow as his power suddenly increased. In his head he heard the voice of Dasyra and Hasmira at the same time.
[Aron, the prophesy. Don't forget the prophesy.]
"1 and 2 will die." He said as pushed out with increased strength. "3 will be wild and 4 will rule fear!"
Talsara gritted her teeth as Aron's strength started to overwhelm her. She frowned at his power and doubled her effort.
"5 will be king and 6 will find 7!" Aron climbed to his feet, his eyes blazing with power. Suddenly Dasyra and Hasmira appeared behind him and put their hand on his shoulder adding their power to his. When they touched him, confidence filled his soul and his hate melted away.
"7 will be the destruction of light or dark. Of Tide or Shade. Fear the Seventh. Fear the seventh son of Eventide!!"
As he finished reciting the prophesy, a burst of raging power streaked out and took hold of Talsara. She screamed as the power started to burn through her. It lifted her up off the ground and sucked every ounce of power from her body then she started to burn. Her screams rang out through all of Darkshade as Talsara Darkshade died.
With Talsara dead, her manticore burst into a shower of dark sparks that rained down around Denner. Aesis screamed and flew headlong into the burning pyre that was his queen. General Rhone and the others stopped battling. Zaos ran to Amra,

"She's dead!" He said. "Talsara is dead!!"
"What do we do now?" Amra asked.
"We keep fighting." The General shouted. "Darkshade never surrenders!"
"I am Darkshade now." Elan stepped forward. "And as my right as the next in line, I order you to surrender."
"NO!' Rhone shouted. "The queen despised you. Darkshade will never follow you, and no man will ever rule here. Not you or your Eventide mate. When we're done here, I plan to take our warriors and move on Eventide and the rest of Taggitia!"
"Over my dead body." Elan shouted.
"And mine!" Came a voice from behind them. Everyone turned to find Adanar Eventide, Tof Tyr, Rage and Jandar standing at the entrance to the temple dressed in full battle armor. "This war is over once and for all. Darkshade is no more!"
"No!" General Rhone charged Elan with his sword raised to cut him down. Aron stepped in front of him and sent a blast of energy at the Dark elf that incinerated him on the spot.
"It's over." He said taking Elan's hand. "And I never want to never want to step foot in this place again."
"You won't have too." Elan hugged Aron tight. "I promise, you won't have too. Let's go get Ryel and the others and get out of here. Jandar and Adanar can figure out what to do with Darkshade. I don't want it."