Dangerous Days and Dark Deadly Nights. 20

High over the bay of Winterhaven a great red dragon and his companion flew up from the south. They were tired and returning home from there long adventure in search of there two lost members. Neither spoke very much on the long trip home, They were still getting use to the news they had just received. Rage was still not sure what to do. But he had been told by Jax's sister that further searching would get him no where. He was better off going home and getting a handle on the Winterehaven problem. Jandar had told Rage in dream that was a serious problem.
"What's on you mind brother?" Jax asked
[ So many things right now.] Rage sent. [ Jandar says I missed a new dragons hatching. This is the first of our clan I didn't greet at his birth in over two hundred years. I feel like I've been neglecting my duties as king lately."
"You know that's not truth." He tried to assure him." You have done all you can for so many and you can't be everywhere at all times."
[ But that's my responsibility.] Jax could feel the disappointment in he was sending with his words. [ My duty to my clan and Keanna.]
" As a king." Jax explained. " I have watched you for over a century and you have always shouldered a great burden well. Don't torture yourself, even we can't be everywhere. But you have people willing to help. Proud people that will always be at your side. Just allow us to help."
[ I understand what your say.] The red dragon sent to him. [ I know where my duty lies. As always it's in keeping Keanna and my clan safe. But you know where my most dreaded fear is. It's in waking up and find myself alone. No Jandar or Blaze or any of them. Finding myself all alone. That's why I'm so worried about Shayn and Ono. Wherever they are, their alone with no one else they can trust. My worst fear.]
" Rage they do have one thing on there side." Jax reminded him. " They have each other and together, they can overcome anything in their way. I know that for the truth."
Rage felt relieved by Jax's words. Some of the anxiety he had been feeling began to drift away while they talked. At that moment Rage realized why Aramis had suggested he take Jax with him. He truly did have a wisdom and a way of calming him. Almost as well as Jandar could, and that ability had kept Rage from going mad with worry while they had been searching.
Up ahead they saw a most welcome familiar sight. The cliffs of New Keanna. They were home at last. Rage roared out his call to let everyone know he was home. It didn't take long before they heard welcome calls come back. Jax smiled listening to each dragons returning reply. He was getting so he could just about recognize the difference between each dragons call..
As they flew closer to the walls of New Keanna they saw a winged figure flying out to meet them. From the size and the glowing majestic wings they both knew it could only be Jayce St.John. With his golden blond hair blowing in the wind, Jayce smiled as he greeted them.
" Rage, Jax!" He called as he flew up next to them. " Welcome home. How did it go? Did you find anything?"
[ Not a clue.] Rage sent back to him. [ But don't worry. I'm told they have a destiny to fulfill and we'll hear from them soon. Where are you going?]
" Jandar's sending me off to Winterhaven to have a better look around."
[ Wise move.] Rage said. [ But take Pelic and Graym with you. No one else here knows Winterhaven as well as he does and I want you all to stay together. Pelic can get down with the people, I want you and Graym to stay in the air and invisible. Remember, even your pins enchantment can't hide your wings once your on the ground in Winterhaven. All of you take no chances and stay in touch at all times.]
[ Yea Sir!] Jayce smiled as he saluted Rage and flew higher over the city to call Pelic and Graym and tell them of their new orders.
" I could go with them." Jax told Rage as they started down to land in courtyard of the Manor. They saw Jandar and Dreik there waiting for them.
[ That may be a good idea.] He said as he touched down. Rage knelt and helped Jax down off his back then shifted back to his human form. " Stay out of sight. I don't even want them to know your there."
" As you wish your Majesty." He bowed as Jandar came over and threw his arms around his mate and kissed him.
" Welcome home Love." He smiled in his embrace. " I'm glad your home. You to Jax. Thanks for all your help."
" Always at you service." He said ruffling Dreik's hair. " Hey little one!"
Dreik grunted at Jax's teasing and sent a kick missing the joker. Jax laughed and headed up the stairs into the Manor.
Rage told them both what had happened in the south even though Jandar knew all that had happened. Dreik listened while he talked. He knew Rage would want to hear what he thought once he was done.
" She's right." He told them. " This was all predicted and it was to be. No matter how hard you looked, there's no way to find them until the time is right. But I do have one question."
" What's that?" Jandar asked.
" What did Alea mean by getting help from the young one's?" They had stopped just inside the door of the Manor. Rage looked at Jandar remembering what she had told them.
" I have no idea." He said. " But that does mean somewhere they're going to find help. Let's just hope it's enough."
" No." Jandar said. " It will be. They'll be home safe. I know they will."
" You're right." Rage said throwing his are around Jandar's neck. " Now you two, tell me all about what's going on in Winterhaven."

Darkness still filled the skies as Blink soared over the strange plantation he had found. With Cutter riding on his back he made his way back the clearing he had used on his earlier trip. They came down still wrapped in Blinks darkness and made their way through the jungle to the plantation.
" What a strange place." Cutter said. " It's pretty cool here for a jungle."
" I noticed." Blink said. " Feels pretty good actually. But we should be quiet. I have no idea how good their hearing is."
[ Your right.] Cutter sent. [ I'll cover us with an illusion and we can go in and look around. Just stay close to me.]
Cutter stepped back and put his hand to his temple. He started to concentrate on making them look identical to the rest of these strange people he had seen. They're skin began to take on a green scaly look. A long tail grew from they're rear area. Then they're faces changed, they became longer and reptilian with a long tongue that slid out to taste the air. Lastly he clothed them in something to match the house uniforms they had seen worn here.
[ This should do.] Blink lifted his arms to examine Cutters work. He looked at the webbing between his fingers and was amazed at the details Cutter had put into the illusion. They were both dressed in dark green belted tunics with a place for their tails to swing free. At there hips were a whip and a dagger. These reptile men were stronger then humans so they had no free of attack from the slaves.
[ We go in. look around, and get out.] Cutter said. [ That's all. Follow me.]
With Cutter in front they made their way out of the jungle and through the front gate. Two guards saluted them as they passed by pounding their fist to their chest. Together they returned the salute and moved on. Just inside the gate they stopped and looked around. This was not like any farm or plantation they had ever seen back on Keanna. In days of old, Blink had seen places where slavery was common. But this was different. At home slaves meant money and wealth. The more slaves you had, the richer you were. But here, these people seemed more like cattle. Cattle that hand hands and could be used any way their masters wanted.
Standing there in the dark the place seemed quiet. There was the huge building they thought was some kind of temple from above. A huge stone building more then four stories high build with many large statues and what looked to them like idols. Cutter thought these must be some kind of gods to the reptilian people. Massive warriors and elaborately dressed kings sat at each corner of the building and in statue. There were smaller buildings to. These would house the lesser ranked men they guessed. Over along the wall they saw something that made them hold there breath in shock. There were cages, cages filled with humans. Starving people, most naked but some still wore rags trying to cover themselves.
Cutter and Blink walked over to the cages to take a closer look. All the people drew themselves away to the rear of the cage as they came near. Pulling their young with them trying to protect them. They were all covered in mud and they looked hungry and weak. There must have been at least twenty to a cage here. Slowly they moved from cage to cage looking at them.
[ These are slaves?] Cutter sent. [ Somethings not right. Why would you keep slaves caged?]
[ To keep them from escaping I would imagine.] Blink told him not believing what he said. Blink knew Cutter was right. Caged people just grew weaker and weaker. He knew you couldn't live like that for long. They were in the cage for another reason. He just had no idea why. They looked more like animals ready for the slaughter then mere workers.
[ Blink.] Cutter said. [ We need to talk to one of these people to find out what's going on here.]
[ You want to free them?] Together they moved around back of the cage out of sight of the slavers. Blink extended the shadows to cover them.
[ Can you think of another way?] Cutter asked him. He reached for the cage lock and held it in his hand.
[ We free them and follow them. Then we can get some answers. I can open this cage easily]
[ Wait.] Blink stopped him.  [ I hate slavery as much as you do. Maybe even more. Some of our people have been captured in the pass and made slaves. But if we free them, theses things will search all the surrounding area looking for them and then the school could be found. We can't take that chance right now. We need just one. We can hide him and get out of here to someplace we can talk.]
Cutter looking around the compound. There were a few of these lizard like people around doing who knows what. They weren't moving at all. Could they be sleeping? He guessed night just might not be there element. Maybe it was the temperature and they liked it hotter then it was it night. But he didn't know what the day would be like here.
[ How do we get one alone?] Cutter asked. [ They all look asleep, but I wouldn't count on that. I'm sure the guards are awake. Someone has to be on watch here.]
[ Do you see that boy sitting in the dark corner alone?] Blink nodded to a lone boy slumped in the dark. [ I can slip in and grab him in shadow. But I have to do it alone. You'll have to make your way out by yourself.]
[ I'll meet you back at the clearing just inside the jungle.] Cutter turned and started out of Blinks shadow. [ Be careful.]
[ No one will see me.] Blink sent. [ I'll be quick.]
With his head low, Cutter tried his best to imitate the way he had seen the reptilians move, their tail slithering behind them. He made it a few yards away from the cages when he saw one of them coming towards him. Calmly he kept moving.
" You." It called to him. " Come with me. I need your help bringing one of them to the cooking fires."
Cutter looked at it and nodded. He turned and followed wondering what it was they wanted out of the man they took. Someone to clean? Someone to cook for them. He didn't want to ask because he knew if he did, he'd give himself away. So he just followed to see what they wanted.
At the cage the reptilian unlocked the door and swung it open. Then it turned to Cutter.
" Pick a fat one." It said smiling its grim smile. " Our lord commands we dine well tonight."
Cutter looked into the cage horrified at what they were planning. Now he knew. These weren't just slaves to these reptilians, they were food. For a split second Cutter was unsure of what to do. If he grabbed one of these people he'd be guilty of helping them to kill someone. But If he fought, he'd never make it back to the academy for help in freeing any of them. There was only one thing to do. Blink was right. If he wanted to help he would have to get away from there and figure out a way to free these people. The only way to do that was to sacrifice one now. Then he thought no. He couldn't help them kill, but he did have an idea.
As the lizard man watched, Cutter reached his scaly clawed hand in and grabbed a screaming man from among the rest of the scared people and pulled him out. He threw him to the ground and kicked him in the leg breaking it. The man howled in pain as Cutter hauled him up and threw him over his shoulder kicking to get away. With a single punch to the mans spine he snapped it in two paralyzing him stopping all his struggles. With a nodded Cutter motioned the reptilian on and they headed for a large smoking fire on the other side of the compound. Once there Cutter tossed the man down and watched as he was butchered and made ready to be cook on the open fire. The sight of all the blood and butchery sickened Cutter be he stayed right there as the man was put on the spit to cook. This was it he thought. time to go.
" I must get to my post." Cutter told the cooking reptilian. " I will return to eat."
" As you wish." He nodded spreading choice pieces on flat pans to cook.
Cutter turned and headed back to the gate. Keeping his composure was not an easy task. What he had just seen disgusted him and turned his stomach. As he reached the gate and the two guards he stopped. Outside the walls he heard the sounds of the riding beast these lizard men rode. They seemed like it was the sound of hunger or thirst.
" Are those your tracker beast out there screaming to be fed" A guard asked. " Why did you leave them in the jungle?"
" We're just here to leave a message from our lord." Cutter saluted them. " I go now with his answer."
" What of your companion?" The other guard asked.
" He will stay for the meal and return after."
" Da Gatar." The guards saluted as he walked out of the gate and turned toward the bellowing of the tracker beast.
" Da Gatar." Cutter called back hoping it was the proper answer back. He untied the tracker beast, climbed on and rode off down the road into the jungle out of sight of the gate. Once out of sight Cutter dropped his illusion and ran into the jungle. Once his illusion dropped he knew they might have to hurry. That meal they were preparing like their disguise and the tracker beast was pure illusion. Cutter smiled knowing that cook would be pretty confused as to why there was nothing cooking on the fire.
" What happened to him?" He asked.
" I'm afraid he's not very good at traveling through shadow." Blink smiled. " But his breathing is even. I think he will be fine once he's somewhere safe. What took you so long getting here?"
" Blink." Cutter said putting his hand on his shoulder. " I have some really disgusting news. But right now, let's just got back. Everyone should here this. Let's fly, I'll cloak us so no one sees anything."
Cutter shifted and Blink climbed on his back holding the boy close to keep him safe. Cutter spread his wings and leaped into the night air shimmering into invisibility in the dark as they made there way back to the academy.

In the heat of the double suns, Lord Lesu rode out hard into the forest. It was the time of the hunt. Humans all over Lesul were on the move running to find a place to hide from the Savonti. Be there wasn't very many places for them to hide. Lesul was a land of plains with very little forest but many caves and underground dry river beds and tunnels. Unfortunately for the humans, the Savonti knew all about them. Lesu and his guards went from cave to cave searching and rounding up everyone they could find. They killed the old and kept the young for work and food. Then there were the women. Lesu's most prized possessions. For he had a lust for human women. Sometimes he would take them there on the hunt like an animal in heat while their family and friends watched them die from his desires.
Like all lords of the Savonti, Lesu had certain abilities. His greatest was his eyes and his voice. He had a way of making people do as he pleased. No one knew exactly whether it was his voice or something in his eyes, because he was known to do it both ways. He could convey his wishes with a look or a command, and very few except the powerful could resist. But Lesu knew what it was. It was fear, plain fear. Nothing of power just fear.
Today after his long day of hunting they had gathered fifty humans from the pens. Woman to use and men to work. And children, he licked his lips as the thought about dinner. Tonight's would be good. His men rounded them all up for the wagons they had brought with them.
" One last look!" He called to his men. " Then home we go. This is a good count for the day."
With a salute his men dashed into the dark caves for the last look. All of them expecting no resistance from the cattle. For they were the Savonti. The High ones after all.

Deep down in a hidden chamber a family hid. They had been lucky so far, for each time one of the blasted carnivorous Savonti came near their hiding place, Lupul Serban's magic turned them away. But now he was exhausted from his efforts, He didn't have much left in him to hide them and they could hear the Savonti coming back. From his chair he called his family around him. There were only four left and they were children. Two boys and two girls. The youngest was five with dark curls and and bright smile while the oldest were his twin tall and gangly grandsons Luke and Tored, they were sixteen. Quietly he waved them over to where he sat.
" What is it Grandfather?" Luke sat next to him and as his brother and sisters gathered around.
" It's time for you all to go." He said. " It's not safe here anymore."
" We're all going, right Grampa?" Nysa had tears in her eyes as she pulled at her brown locks. She was afraid because she knew the answer. Taking his hands, the girls tried to pulled their grampa to his feet. But it was to late for that. Tored hushed there tears and sat them down.
" I can't go with you." He told them." Your going to have to move fast and I'm to old. I'll slow you down and we can't afford that."
Nysa and Mera sobbed as Tored held them. " Grandfather. We can't just leave you here. They'll find you. We'll help you out of here." Luke begged him to come with them.
" No." He smiled. " I've taught you both all I can. You can make yourselves invisible or look any way you want. But my time is done. I'm going to be with your grandma."
" No!!" They all cried and hugged him.
" Yes, my little ones." Grampa kissed their tear streaked faces. " I have enough to help hide you as you leave. But you have to go now. Luke, Tored. It's up to you now. The magic is in all of you and you know how to use it. Stay close as you leave and remember how much I love you all."
From all around the sounds of the Savonti were getting closer. Soon they would find their way into their hidden chamber.
" Quickly." He pushed them towards the exit. " Cover yourselves with illusion and leave once it's safe for you to go. I'm going to uncover the door now. Be safe, my little ones. Now hide yourselves!!"
Quieting the two girls, Luke and Tored hurried to the door. Grampa smiled as he dropped the cover so the Savonti would find it. Suddenly they heard banging coming from the other side of the door. The children looked back at Grampa as the door burst open and the Savonti broke in. Luke and Tored concentrated of the magic that made them blend into the background and made them invisible as the reptilian men rushed their grandfather. The boys covered their sisters eyes as Grampa was beaten and dragged out. The Savonti searched the room and found no one else there. There job done they nodded to each other and started out of the chamber. Suddenly they heard something. A whimper. They stopped and looked around again. Luke held his hand over his sisters mouth praying the Savonti doesn't take a step to his left. If he did, they would be found. They stood there silently without moving and waited. Finding nothing, the Savonti headed out the door and up through the caves to the surface.
Luke relaxed his hold on his sister and let her weep into his shoulder.
" We wait here for a while and let them clear out." Tored told them
" Then what?" Luke asked. " Where are we to go?"
" I don't know." He looked. " We find someplace safe for Nysa and Mera."
" Where? They are everywhere."
" Then we make someplace safe." Tored rocked Nysa in his arms." We fight them. We find others to help and we kill them. We kill them all if we have too."

Later that night, Tored made his way up to the surface. He needed to know if it was safe to get them out. Covered in dark shadows, he crept slowly to the cave entrance. There he found two of the Savonti waiting. Lesu must have left them in case there was someone left and they came out in the night. He found them sound asleep next to a cooking fire. Tored moved closer to the fire and saw with horror what they had just dined on. There were bones of some poor soul next to the fire pit. Rage filled Tored as he looked down at them. They had to pay for this. Lying next to them Tored found their sheathed swords. Quietly he stepped up and reached down and pulled the nearest blade from its sheath. With a quick slash he killed the first one watching for any movement from his companion. Moving to the next, he brought the blade down on the neck of the other one, severing its head. With both of them dead, he picked up the head of the headless one and tossed it in the fire. It was time to get the others and leave. He gathered all the equipment of the lizard men into packs, got his family and led them out into the night to find their future, wherever that may be.

After dinner, Ono and Shayn sat with Ozmun and Kordova and talked. They listened as Kordova told the history of Pentanthin and the story of her people.
" As far back in time as you can go on Pentanthin, the Savonti were the dominate race. They were the first to develop tools and civilization. They made their homes in the hottest regions of the planet and then began to spread out. The Savonti learned to tunnel underground to heat their underground cities and homes. As time passed their magic developed and they became more war like fighting each other for territories and what they called the cattle, us the humans of Pentanthin. But it wasn't always that way. There were times went the Savonti and Humans actually worked together, but that was long ago. Now we are cattle. Cattle being almost any life they could find to eat. Their main diet becoming us, the humans that developed in the forest. It didn't take long for them to realize their food was growing smarter, but nowhere near as intelligent as they were. Where they had begin to build cities, the humans were still forest dwellers hiding in caves and hidden settlements. There was no real schooling, it was all done family by family, clan to clan. The humans were ruled by family elders and the strongest or wisest male in the clan. There's was a society that was always on the move to keep from being caught and made slaves or even worst, sent to the pens for the next meal. We did learn many different new skills as the years passed. Building homes, metal working, farming, skills that the Savonti thought were useful for them. For the Savonti would do no manual labor, that was considered beast work even for the lowliest born of there race. So in the caves we were sent to build their homes, mine their ores and tend their fields. There was one more use they found for us. Sex. The Savonti men took the humans as sex slaves too. Why not? The woman could not bear Savonti children and the men, well lets just say they found them just as useful in bed as the women. And for some reason, humans found it nearly impossible to refuse a Savonti once they were aroused. But we did find out why. It seemed the Savonti once aroused gave off a smell that could stimulate humans to an almost crazed state. It took generations for us to learn to resist. But we did. By then we began to fight back. To break free and run and hide. But they could always find us to bring back. So the people began to learn ways to protect themselves and ways to keep out of the Savonti's way. We learned to mask our scents to make it harder for the tracker beast to find us. We learned that the Savonti didn't like the cold. The problem was that on a world with two suns, there wasn't very many cold places. Sure we could go as far north as we could, but there was no food in those cold places and winter would only last so long and we would have to move again. Then something happened that gave us all hope. The first human, a young boy became so enraged, he used magic. Human magic."
"His name was Madis. He was from a small traveling band of families that lived in a series of caves going from one to another trading and sharing to get what the needed.
This was back in the days when the Savonti first started farming humans. Breeding us like livestock for food. Back then they would raid settlements and take what they wanted. No village was safe from them. Not that much has changed today, were still not safe. Depending on what lords lands you live in you can either give over your young and those they want, or they come in enforce and take them. But I'm getting away from Madis and his story."
"As I was told it was a cool day. No one expected the there were any Savonti in the area and they were all out gathering crops they and been growing in a hidden place. See these travelers couldn't farm in regular fields. They had to do it in secret where no one but the tribe knew where to find it. They wouldn't even share with those in other tribes for fear of being betrayed. See some had no problem turning others in to protect there tribe. Some even hunted others for the Savonti thinking that would keep there tribe safe. But it never worked for long. Sooner or later the Savonti would decide since they knew where you were, you were an easy target."
"Anyway all of Madis's tribe were out gathering as much as they could before noon and the suns had made it hot enough for the Savonti to be out. What they didn't know was that they were being watched. You see some of the Savonti's magic included control over certain other beast and animals. They could see and hear out of the eyes and ears of what other beast they controlled. In this case it happened to be a type of winged lizard called Baebats that flew in huge flocks all over Penthanthin. They roosted in trees, in caves or anywhere they could find that the brood could fit.
As they gathered all they could, the baebots watched alerting their master of what the saw. It didn't take long until they were surrounded by mounted Savonti. It seemed temperature didn't matter to the Lord who's land they were on. From the top of a hill a horn was sounded and they all came riding in on them. Everyone dropped what they were carrying and ran. Madis saw his father grab his sword from his side and pull it from it's scabbard ready to fight, but it was to late. Kicking his tracker beast into a frenzy, a warrior sped down on his father from behind as he tried to call others together to fight off the attack. Madis watched in horror as the beast reared up and kicked out knocking the man down into the mud and trampling him to death. The sight of his fathers mangled body spurred the boy into action. He looked around and saw his sisters running for the safety of their cave. Unfortunately he wasn't the only one to see them. Running as fast as he could, Madis ran down and grabbed the sword laying next to his fathers dead body. Then he turned and ran for the caves to intercept the monsters trying to catch the two girls. He knew it would be impossible for him to get to them before the warriors could. Madis's mind was overwhelmed with grief and frustration at what he saw going on around him. His family and friends were dying or being grabbed and captured one by one."
"No!" He screamed. "No more!, NO,NO,NO,NOOOOOOO!!!!!!"
"Suddenly his mind exploded and he saw stars as everything began to move in slow motion. Pain radiated out from him in waves as all the Savonti in front of him and there beast suddenly went flying through the air to come crashing down crushed to the ground. He turned toward the group heading into the caves his mind still screaming it's defiance and raised his hands into the air."
"LEAVE US ALONE!!!"
Power rippled out from deep inside Madis's mind and reached out and grabbed the Savonti. Like a great vice pressure began to crush in on them as they struggled to free themselves. Behind Madis the last of the attacking force rushed at him. With a quick stare and a wave of his hand he bowled them over as the Savonti at the caves entrance exploded and rained down all over the land. It was over. For the first time in Penthanthinian history a human had used magic and defeated the Savonti. Madis fell to his knees as the last of his family ran to him armed and ready to defend the one that had saved their lives. For the rest of his life Madis fought the Savonti. He won many battles and lost many too. He learned that it wasn't all humans that could use magic, but just a few. For years he searched and tried to bring together as many as he could but never finding more the just a handful. But there was one he did find that brought him hope for his people. A young girl, my ancestor actually that made the first prediction about the White and Grey. So from then on my family has searched and watched out for those of power and the prophesied white and grey. Now here you are. A white dragon and a grey wolf just as predicted so long ago. Now the freedom of Penthanthin is at hand."
Ozmun, Shayn and Ono sat and listening absorbing all she had said. It all seem like just some fairy tale to them except for the fact that Alea had warned them that something like this was about to happen. The only question left was what to do next.
"So." Ono stood and walked and knelled in front of Kordova. "We are here like predicted and I think the only way we will ever see home again is to fulfill what we are destined to do."
"Yes." Shayn said. "And from what I've seen here I know I speak for my mate when I say we will be happy to do all we can to free your world. But we won't be able to do this alone. We're going to need help."
"A lot of help." Ozmun said.
"I can help there." Kordova said. Everyone turned to look at the blind woman wondering what she meant.
"I can sense people of power." She said. "We just have to go out and find them."
"But your not the only one with that power." Ozmun said worried. "Lord Daru can sense powerful humans too. That's how I got captured and ended up in that damn collar."
"Collar?" Shayn asked. "What collar?"
"Lord Daru is the most powerful of all the Savonti lords." Ozmun explained. "He has a very powerful mind with abilities you won't believe. I've seen him control others with a single thought. Making them kill their own children or themselves. Once he located me, he slipped into my mind and forced me to give myself up without a fight and then I was forced to fight for him. If he try's to find me again, my power will lead him right to us. I should get away from the both of you. I can only bring you harm. I'll bring him right to you."
Ozmun got to his feet and looked at each of them to say good bye. He wanted to help, but he knew that would be impossible.
"Wait!" Shayn called after him. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a glowing blue stone. The same one he and Ono wore at their throat. "I think this will help."
"Of course!" Ono jumped up. "The Salvation stone. That's why Alea told us to take it. She knew we would need it."
"What is it?" Kordova asked. She could feel it's power from where she sat.
"It's one of our clan's main weapons against evil." Shayn told them. "There are two pieces. We were told by someone very special to us to bring it with us. I think it will protect you from this Lord Daru's probes. You and anyone we put it on."
Ozmun came closer to Shayn, to see the glowing stone in his hand. His face bathed in the blue glow gave him a feeling of warmth and safety immediately.
"Touch it." Shayn said smiling at the bald man.
Ozmun slowly and cautiously reached out and touched the stone. It flared in Shayn's hand showing its power. A small piece broke off and attached to Ozmun's wrist. He was suddenly bathed in a warm comforting aura. For a second Ozmun's eyes glowed blue and glazed. He shook for a second getting tuned to the stone then back to normal. Shayn and Ono looked at him wide eyed. This wasn't quite how it worked at home. Here something was different, but they were sure it would still give them the protection they needed. But what else might it do?
"Now we find others, that will be our first task." Ono said as he sat back down with Shayn. "But we have to get to them before Lord Daru can. That and freeing as many people as we can. From this day on the freedom of Penthanthin is to be our main objective. From now on, the Savonti's day is done and we won't rest until Penthanthin is free."

Deep in the depths of his private manse Daru sat and thought in his heated sands. Trela had told him all shew knew of the White and Grey. She had said that they would prove to be the undoing of all Savonti if he was not very careful. She told him she didn't know who they were or where they were, but she did know they wouldn't be alone. They would have help and some of that help would come from some very unexpected sources. Daru had no idea how to interpret the meaning of that. Of course the cattle would help him, for he knew this was going to be all about them and their freedom. But what could weak powerless cattle possibly do to threaten him. Even the most powerful of them all was no match for him and his magics. None of them had the power of the cursed fabled first one. If one did, he would know about it. For years he had been collecting any and all humans with even a hint of any magical abilities and killing or making sure they wore his obedience collar. But he had been neglectful lately and he hadn't searched the lands in a long time for anything new. This would be a good time for him to do a new probe. He knew there was one out there. The one that escaped his hunters. If he still wore the collar, finding him shouldn't be very hard. But if he managed to get it off, well then Daru knew he could still find him. It would just be more difficult.
He settled himself comfortably in the warm sands and let his mind flow out into his lands. He thought he should probe close to him then move out to the lands beyond his. He saw the cattle moving quietly in the dark forest thinking they were safe. Daru smiled to himself. They thought they were safe from him, hidden. But they were wrong. He knew every inch of his lands, there was no where to hide from him, so he moved on with his search.
Soon something caught his attention. A spark of power. He sensed it asleep in a cave. It was another of the beast with power. It wasn't a very strong spark, but it seemed powerful enough to draw his attention. Daru wondered what it was that it could do with this power. He would know soon enough now that he had found it. He had found the first one, there must be others out there waiting for him to find them. Daru sent his probe high over the land and cast it over the entire area. He knew it wouldn't pinpoint them all showing their locations, but it would give him an idea how many there were. As his mind spread over the lands and forest, he saw sparks flair into life. There were six sparks glowing out at him all together. Some shined much brighter then others but they all had power. He was right, it had been to long since he had last really looked at the cattle. But things would change now. Now he knew and would do something about them all. It was time to hunt again.

Beware the White and Grey. 19

Laying in her chamber, Trela stretched in her heated sand pit. Its warmth pleased her green scaly form and made her feel comfortable. She turned to look at Daru's other wives in there chamber and smiled. As first wife she had all the power under Daru, and she planned to keep it that way. One by one she planned to kill them and today would be the first. From her private pit she watched as food bearers went from one to the next serving them. As she watched, one bearer looked over at her with an evil glint in her eye and grinned at her. Trela nodded. Lowering the plate she offered her tender pieces to the lounging queen who took her filled before the bearer moved on to the next queen. There was enough on the plate to kill off two of her sister queens. Pleased she got up out of the sand and went to the door and rang the gong on the wall for her servants. A slave answered quickly and bowed not wanting to incur her mistress's wraith.
" Yes, my lady." She said with her eyes down.
" I would dress and see my lord." She told her slave brushing sand from her shoulder. " My blue silks."
" Yes, my lady."
Trela held out her arms as the slave brushed her body clean of the sand. Then went to her closet and took down an azure blue shift and put it on her. She took silk scarves and a beaded belt for her waist and dressed her mistress. Trela walked to a chest near her closet and took gold rings and a necklace and put them on. The slave bowed to her as she left the room keeping her eyes off her queen. Daru's quarters were on the lowest level of the manse, but Daru was on the third lever. Trela could always tell were he was. Him and anyone else she seek. Magic was not suppose to be allowed in females. But as a queen from birth, Trela was different. She had magic and she had been pampered and prepared to be mated to the strongest Lord. And Daru being the most powerful, he had taken her for his queen.
As she passed the minor queens room, she looked and saw a few of the others crying over the body of two of their sisters. She out loud scaring the other queens into silence and kept walking.
Daru sat brooding in his study. He had this feeling that something grave was going to happen in the near future. There was one way to find the information he needed. That would mean calling Trela to his side. His devious Queen. She had the power of far sight and her visions were very powerful. Daru got up off his lounge chair and went to call one of his slaves when he saw Trela standing at his door.
" My lady." He smiled. " I was just about to call for you."
" I know that." She said as she sauntered into his study. Her perfume filling the air as she moved.
Daru watched amazed as his beautiful mate went to a couch and laid down. He looked at her and slipped into her mind and watched her treachery unfold. He saw her enjoyment at her sisters deaths and knew what she had done. Daru walked over to her and kissed her lips then stood and smacked her face. Trela fell off the couch and hissed at Daru.
" You have defied me again." Daru said standing over. " Tell me why I should forgive you this time."
Trela looked up at him with a blank look on her face. Her eyes glazed over and she began to shake like she was cold. Daru knew something was wrong. He had seen her like this once before when she was about to make some kind of prediction. He reached out into her mind and found it blocked from him. Her lips began to tremble as she spoke.

"Beware the white and grey. For they will cause the end of agens of tyranny and enslavement. Their power and courage will doom the high ones and bring freedom to all that suffer and fight with them. The mark of the wolf and dragon will be the sign. Beware the white and grey."

Daru looked at his first wife in shock. She had just predicted the end of the Savonti's reign on Pentanthin. Could this be true? He didn't have time to doubt, he knew he only he time for action. Her prediction was a warning, a clue as to where to look to keep his power intact. But what could this white and grey be?
On the floor Trela shook her head and looked up at him. She knew what had just happened. She had no power to stop her predictions, but she always got more information then what she might have said. She reached out to her husband who took her hand and helped her to her feet.
" Tell me what you know of this." He said as he held her close.
" I will." She smiled. " But you have to do something for me."
" And what is that?"
" Make me the sole queen in your house." Trela ran her hand along his eye ridges. " I will not share you with them. You my have as many as you want to share your sand pit, but I will be your only queen. Then all my powers are yours to use as you wish."
" I might as well do as you ask." He kissed her lips then slid his tongue along her neck. " If I don't, you'll kill them all anyway."
" Yes I will." She reached up and unsnapped the fastenings that kept her dress on. He laid her down on the couch and began making love to her.

Flying just over the trees, Ozmun led Shayn and Ono to a group of caves he and his family once used to hide in from the Savonti. It had been years since he had been in the caves, but him and his brother had flown in and out of them for years. He could find them with his eyes closed. Once back on the ground, Ozmun gave Shayn a bucket and showed them where to find wood and water then helped Lilia to somewhere she could rest. She objected to being treated like an invalid and pushed his hands away. Ozmun was surprised at the way she moved over the rocky area. Like she could see exactly where she was going.
[ I can sense the area all around us.] She turned and sent to him. Ozmun looked over at her smiling at him. " I told you I can sense things better then you can see them. So stop treating me like some old thing."
" Yes my lady." He laughed. " What do you think of our new friends?"
" I sense unbelievable power from them." She sat down on a ledge outside of the cave. " I can also feel such compassion. They hate what they saw the Savonti do. I think they may want to help us fight them."
" We can't ask that of them." The handsome bald man said as he sat beside her. He handed her water to drink and she took a long drink and gave it back to him.
" I don't think we'll have to." She patted him on his shoulder. " These are good men that help people. I can feel it in them. Heroes."
Ozmun looked at her. He had no idea what that word meant. It was new to him. "What is heroes?
" It's one of their words." She said. " I found it in their minds."
" But what is it?" He asked.
" It's someone that helps people out of trouble." She told him. " No matter how much trouble they're in. They help."
" That's just the kind of people we need." As they talked, Shayn and Ono returned with the water and wood. Besides wood, Ono had what looked like some kind of large rabbits under his arm. Shayn put down his bucket and stood with Ono.
" I caught us dinner." Ono held up his catch.
" Thank you." Lilia stood and took it from him. " Sit please, we should talk. Where are you from?
" We're from a place call Keanna." Ono told them. " Where all our people are free to live as they please. We don't have slaves in our lands. Well at least our people don't."
" No slaves?" Ozmun looked at them like he didn't believe them. " I don't understand. No slaves? Who's the masters then? Who does all the work if there are no slaves?"
" We have leaders that do what's best for the people." Shayn explained. " That doesn't mean we don't have bad people, but we try and work together for each other."
" What if someone doesn't want to work?" He asked. " Are they punished by their master?"
" No. There are no masters Ozmun." Ono told him. " My father is king of my homeland. He takes care of everyone there. He also is allied with the lands around ours to keep us safe. Everyone in Tir Na lives in peace and works for themselves and the community."
" It sounds like a wonderful place." She had stacked the wood for a fire and struck her flint to stone for a spark. Shayn stood and stepped over to her kindling.
" Excuse me." He said helping her to her feet. She turned to him puzzled as she stepped aside. Shayn stooped down and blew on the kindling and it burst into a small flame. Kordova sensed the heat and Ozmun saw the kindling ignite. Ono saw the shock on their faces and laughed.
" There's a lot I can tell you about our kind." Ono stack more branches on the fire.
" Are all your people like you?"
" No my friends." Shayn sat back down. " I'm a dragon. A white dragon. And Ono is a werewolf.
" A grey wolf? " She turned to them.
" Yeah, I'm a grey wolf." He said. " So?"
" There is a prophesy that has been past from generation to generation." The blind woman told them. " I think it may apply to you two. Listen."

"Protect the white and grey. For they will cause the end of a thousand years of tyranny and enslavement. Their power and courage will doom the high ones and bring freedom to all that suffer and fight with them. The mark of the wolf and dragon will be the sign. Protect the white and grey."

Shayn and Ono's open mouthed stared at Lilia in shock. They couldn't believe what she had just said. It was the same prophesy Alea had said when she met them. Now they knew this was the place she referring to. This was their destiny.

Gathered at the gates of New Keanna, Zarin and his friends waited. Jandar wanted to see them off. He had a last few words he had to say to them and Zarin thought he would honor him by waiting. Each of the group had been provided with a pack with clothing for all types of weather, food provisions and weapons. Reno and Zarin wore a swords given to them by Denner. Dack had a crossbow strapped to his back. He had trained for years with his father in it's use. Thalia being a vampire had her enhanced strength so she had only a dagger hidden in her sleeve. Trip being trained with a staff by his old mentor Shaitan had been given one of Jandar's old staffs. It was made of elven oak, one of the greatest mediums for magic. It was inscribed with runes to help control the magic of different spells infused into it. Last came Craven. At his side he also wore a sword which he had been very practiced in by his father a swordsman from their home land. Rese being a dragon needed no weapons. Tempis would protect them even in a surprise attack, his reflexes would come to the boys aid. Then there was the warrior among them, Zark. He was armed like all his people were at all times with his armor and the sword he had won in battle and his club. On his back he wore a bow and a quiver of arrows. All the lives of the group were under his sworn protection and he would give his life for any of them.
As they packed and made ready to leave the doors to the manor opened and Jandar and the blond boy Eheren stepped out. Jandar smiled and walked out to them.
" All's ready here?" Jandar asked them.
" Yes we have all we need." Zarin told him. " We were just waiting for Eheren and to say good bye."
" Good." He said. " I want you all to know how proud we all are of you for taking on this mission for us. I'm sure this won't be an easy task for any of you. Zarin you know you have a connection with Insa as Eheren and Rese has with the rest of us. If you need us you call and we will be there as soon as we can."
" Yes sir." Zarin smiled at him looking at them. " We won't fail you."
" I'm sure you won't." He said clapping Zarin on the back. " I have one more gift. This is a Salvation stone, it's one of our most powerful weapons. All dragons wear one close to their heart. This pendant is for you Rese to welcome you into our clan and a ring for you Zarin. It will protect you all in times of need and warn you of danger. Always keep it with you. Promise me one thing. The minute you find the Academy, you will call out to me. Someone will hear you."
" We promise." They all said together.
" Be careful. I want you all back safe. Good luck."
With that the gates opened and they waved and started out of the biggest quest of their young lives.

Stepping out of shadows Blink walked quickly the few paces it took to get him to the Academy. Before he went in, he turned and cast his power of darkness out to cover the entire school. His darkness would do at night, but during the day, Cutter would have to cloak them in illusion. It wouldn't do at all for those lizard men to find the school. That would be a complete disaster. He had no idea what they might do.
Blink walked in and down the hall ignoring all the questions called out to him. He knew they all wanted to know where they were, but he had no answer for them. And right now, the answer he did have might scare them way to much.
[ Cutter.] Blink sent out. [ Where are you? I'm back.]
[ I'm in the office with Tanis and Azeal.] He answered. [ What did you see?]
[ I think we're in trouble.]
Blink found the door to the offices and went in. There were a few people in the outer office as he entered. Everyone stopped looking at him hoping for answers. A door opened down the hall and Tanis stepped out and waved him over. Blink hurried in and shut the door behind him. Cutter sat at a desk with Azeal, Tanis and Capt Lowell sitting around him. They looked at him with questioning eyes.
" So what's the trouble?" Cutter asked him as he came and sat down. Blink looked from Cutter to Capt Lowell with a worried look.
" What's wrong?" Azeal asked him. " Where are we? What part of Keanna is this."
" In the 400 years I've been a dragon, I've been all over the planet." He explained. " I've seen deserts and cities. I've seen farmlands and the ocean. The others and I have flown all over Keanna."
" Then you know where we are?" Tanis asked.
" I know where we're not." Blink stood and turned away. Then he turned back and looked at each of them. " We're not on Keanna anymore. And that, I have not doubt."
Stunned faces stared back at him in silence after his statement. He could tell they didn't quite understand what he had said so he let it sink in. Then all at once questions bombarded him.
" What are you talking about?"
"Of course this is Keanna!"
" Where else could we be?"
"That's not even possible!"
" Wait!" Cutter quieted them all down. " Settle down and let him talk. Now tell us what you mean."
" I mean exactly what I'm saying." Blink told them. " That spell took us more then just away from Winterhaven, It took us off Keanna to I don't know where."
" That's impossible!" Capt Lowell shouted at him. The idea that they could be that lost scared him.
" Then explain this?" Blink thrust his hand into a shadow beneath the desk and pulled back a branch from a tree just outside there walls. It had large pointed purple leaves with some kind of long bean like seed pods covered with fuzz. Blink threw it down on the desk while they stared at it twitching like it was in pain.
" Have any of you ever seen anything even remotely like this at home? I didn't think so!"
Everyone fell into there chair astonished at what they were seeing. It was true they all thought. Somehow they were on some other world other then Keanna. Mystics had for a long time predicted that others worlds did exist, but to actually be on one was almost more then they could handle.
" How?" Azeal stammered out.
" Magic!" Blink answered. " That's how. The question is where and why."
" Well I don't know where." Tanis spoke up." But why? Texa says we're needed here. Our job as protectors of Keanna somehow brought us here. There's something here that connects this place with back home. We just have to find out what it is."
" Then somewhere here there's something we have to do." Cutter said as he sat and contemplated their situation. " Anyone have any more questions?"
" I do." Azeal put his hand up. " How safe are we here? Is there any danger to us just by being here?"
Again all their eyes turned to Blink. The look in his eyes told them there was something more he hadn't gotten to yet. Everyone groaned and settled back for what they all knew was more bad news.
" I think you and I need to take a much better look at the surrounding area." He said. " But I think we should keep the school cloaked at all times and post sentries on watch all around us. Now I'll tell you what I saw."

Tabor sat by himself in the dining hall. They had failed to stop the academy from being taken from Winterhaven. He knew his father would be upset by this, but right now there was nothing he could do about it. He didn't have anywhere near the power he would need to return it. Not yet he didn't. If he could do the job he came to do, there was a chance that he could still succeed. Somewhere here he knew Zarin and his friends had hid the ring. If he could find it, he could still turn this situation around to his favor. But now he was alone. All the men his father had sent with him to help him had died trying to stop the move. All except one. And it seemed that one had turned on them. Tabor had altered his disguise so the man wouldn't recognize him if he saw him. But he knew he had to go further then that. He was alone with no allies and no one in the school knew the face he wore at all. He would have to change his whole personality in order to blend in. Become friendly to these people, helpful in his own way or his isolation would give them the clue that would expose him as a traitor. He could also use help in his search, for it would take a long time to search the whole school and that ring could be almost anywhere. It could be stuck to the bottom of the table he was sitting at right now. He felt around under the table to see if anything was there. Feeling nothing there but used old gum he bent down to take a quick look. Nothing. Well it was worth a look.
" You drop something?" He heard. Quickly he tried to get up and bumped his head.
" Wow." He heard someone say. " That looked like it hurt?"
Anger flared in him. He looked up at the boy standing there smiling at him, Tabor was ready to blast him where he stood and stopped. Control yourself he thought to himself.
" Just my writing stick." He smiled at the boy rubbing his head. " And yea, it did hurt."
" Your new here aren't you?" The boy said holding out his hand. " I'm Rush Delion."
" Paolo Navare." Tabor shook his hands. " It's nice to meet you."
" You picked sometime to join the Academy." Rush sat down with his tray of food to eat with him.
" Yea." he said. " Just my luck."
" Well classes have been suspended for now until they figure out what's going on." He said as he started eating. " I hope they find out where we are soon. My parents will be worried."
Tabor looked at the boy. He was nice enough looking with reddish brown hair and freckles. He stood about 5' 10" with a stocky build. He looked like he had come from a family of wealth. He's good enough to be my first patsy Tabor thought to himself. I wonder if the spell I used on Craven will work on him? I guess we'll see.

" This is beginning to look hopeless." Jax told Rage as he rode on his back across one of the southern continents. " We've searched all over the north and found no sign of them. My brother Karis has had no luck either."
[ So we give?] Rage sent. [ Would you like to go home and tell Jandar we failed him and couldn't find Shayn and Ono? I won't do that. I'll stay out here looking until I find them. Jax, they to are like my own children and their out here somewhere in trouble.]
" Rage." Jax said. " We don't know they're in trouble. They could be absolutely safe. We just don't know."
[ They're not at home and that means they're in trouble.]
" I understand." Jax patted his neck." I wouldn't leave Aramis side when he needed me either. But I just feel we're going about this all wrong."
[ What do you mean?] The red dragon asked.
" Well, We've been searching all over Keanna for them with no success. Not even a feeling where they might have been. But there's something we haven't tried."
[ What's that?]
" To ask the one that predicted they're disappearance her advice." He said. " She could have some insight as to how to find them."
[ You mean Alea?] Smoke issued from Rage's snout. [ You think she could have had something to do with it?]
" NO! Never!" He answered forcefully. " She would never have taken them or let them be taken if she could help it. But she just might have a direction to point us to or be able to read more of what's happened to them. My sister sees things to come very clear sometimes and I trust her, I'm asking you to trust her to."
[ I trust the lady of the night.] Rage sent. [ And I know Jandar does so I'm willing to try. Where should I take you to find her?]
" You can't come with me brother." Jax said being as calm as he could because he know Rage would want to come and hear her answers. " Alea is where no mortal can return from. Not even a dragon. You land and rest and I will go see her and come back and tell you what she said."
[ Are you sure about this?]
" Yes." Jax smiled. " I have to do this on my own. Over there, there's a clearing where you can get some rest while I'm gone."
Rage scanned down and saw the space beyond the beach. It was a beautiful spot with palm trees just a little in from a sandy beach. He could have a swim then rest and maybe see Jandar in his dreams if he sleeps too. Rage spiraled down and came in for a soft landing. He held his knee up for Jax to climb down then shifted to human.
" This place is beautiful." He said. " I'll have to remember it and bring Jandar back later."
" He'll like that." Jax stretched. " I'm sure he could use the rest."
" Will you be long?" Unfastening his jacket he stripped it off to reveal his strong masculine chest. He sat down on a boulder and began undressing.
" It shouldn't take long." Jax walked off towards the surf and began it fade from view. " You rest, I'll be back shortly."
After Jax had disappeared, Rage ran naked into the waves and swam out into warm relaxing sea. For a few minutes, all the troubles of Keanna faded from his mind and he found peace.

Shimmering back into space, the young god of justice took his first few steps back into the place of the dead. All around his spirits of the dead bowed with respect for they all knew someone that held the mantle of a god had arrived among them. Ahead of him was a everlasting line of spirits waiting to be shown in and be judged by the master of this place, Lord Nester, or when he was not available. The goddess of death herself, Lady Angela.
As he moved forward spirits moved side for him to pass. None daring to incur the wraith of justice, for his could be swift and final. At the head of the line waited the gatekeeper. At was a new gatekeeper. Before Jax stood the proud spirit Baron Valkar. Valkar smiled at him.
" And welcome to you Lord Jax." He reached out and shook his had.
" Your new position fits you well Baron." Jax said. " I congratulate you."
" Thank you." He said. " But I'm just glad to be able to serve. What can I do for you today?"
" I'm here to see Lady Alea."
" The lady is here in the masters palace." Baron Valkar indicated the great palace on the hill that overlooked all of the land of the dead. " But tell me, How goes the world of the living?"
" Sadly." He said. " Not much has changed. But good still fights to overcome evil."
" As it should always be. Give my respect to Valkar and Azeal please. They are always on my mind."
" I will."
Jax moved on into the netherworld proper. He rose up off the ground and floated on until he reached the stairs to Nestor's palace. He hadn't been here since the day Angela ascended to become a goddess. But nothing had changed here. Not much ever does. Standing at the door were two warriors dressed in the gray and black house colors of Lord Nestor. Climbing the stair, the two guards saluted Jax and pulled open the doors for him to enter. Soft music, the sounds of lutes drafted on the wind as he walked in. He passed house servants going about their daily chores and people waiting for an audience with the lord of the house. Jax never understand this. Who visits you in the underworld? There can't be neighborly squabbles here? What are these spirits doing here? He guessed it was their heavenly reward.
But that wasn't why he was here. He was here to see his sister the moon goddess. And there she sat along with her mate the Lord Nestor sitting down to lunch. Alea turned and saw him walking towards them smiling.
" Jax!!"
She stood and went to him and hugged her youngest brother. Here was someone she was very pleased to see.
" What brings you here?" She asked.
" Can't I come and see my sister without needing something?" He put his arm around her waist and walked her back to Nestor and their lunch. " Greetings Lord Nestor."
" It's good to see you Jax." The handsome lord of the underworld smiled. " Sit, enjoy lunch with us."
A chair appeared and Jax pulled it in and sat with them. The table was loaded down with a feast of food fit for a king, or a god.
" Now, what brings you here to see us?" She asked him. " And don't you dare say it's just for a visit, I know better."
" You always could see right through me sister." He smiled. " I come on behalf of the dragons. You remember the two you met Shayn and Ono?"
" Yes" She said. " The white and grey. I remember them."
" Well Rage and I have been searching all over Keanna for them with no luck. I need your help to find them."
" Excuse us my love." Alea stood up as did her two male companions. " Come with me Jax."
Together the two gods walked out onto the balcony over looking the fields and homes of heaven.
" Take my hand." She said. Jax reached over and placed his hand in hers and in a blink he found himself back on the beach standing over the sleeping Rage along with Jandar.
" Wake mighty ones." She whispered.
As they lay together in sleep their eyes opened to see Jax and Alea standing above them with the sun blazing behind them.
" Are we dreaming?" Jandar asked
" Yes and no." Alea sat down with them smoothing out her dress. " Your asleep yes, but this is real. I'm here to help you."
" Then tell us where we can find our missing young ones." Rage pleaded. " We're sick with worry."
" Yes." Jandar said. " My father is so worried about Ono he's lost most of his senses. He barely eats now at all. Can you help us? Where are they?"
" I will send Atol to ease your fathers worries." She said. " Shayn and Ono are fulfilling their destiny's and neither of you are destined to help right now. Go home. There's plenty there for you to do. When the time comes they will have the help of the young ones. Then and only then, can you help. Your search ends here."
" Are they in any danger?" Jandar asked. He was still very scared for them. " If they are there has to be a way we can help them."
" Jandar, you have helped them." She took Jandar's hand in hers. " You have given them everything they need to succeed. Now you have to go home and make sure they have a home to come back too. Have faith in them. You taught them well and they can do this. Now it's time for me to go."
She stood and backed away from them waving as she fading away into the sunlight.
[ Farewell. I'll be watching.]

Unknown Equation. 18

Morning dawned on the deathly quiet city of Winterhaven. It was a totally different place then it had been in the past. Fear ruled Winterhaven now along side its new king. The few people on the streets walked with their heads down to avoid angering the dangerous men that Lord Larin had replaced the city guard with. He had amassed quite an army in secret right under the councils nose. From all over they came. Dark elves sent by the dark kingdoms, even Orcs came from Ardia to join his rank. All coming to find the next evil lord to try and turn Keanna in the dark direction.
Lord Tayor Larin sat brooding on his throne contemplating his next move. Youron had failed him. He had won the city but lost the academy, the cities prize possession. That meant Tayor lost a vast amount of magic he needed to get to the next step in his plan. The academy was lost as was his son Tabor. Lost and now an unknown equation to his plans. Tayor knew he had to find it. But who could he trust to locate something that surely was hidden by magic. Not Youron, He didn't have the aptitude for magic needed for the task. Tayor needed someone else. If Tabor were here, he would be perfect for this job. But finding him Tayor thought, could be the answer to finding the school.
Tayor stood up from his throne and walked out of the great room that once housed the council chamber. He remembered many battles here with Insa and other members of the council. Some won, some lost but all in order to get him to the place he was now.
Lord Larin looked around at all the people bowing and ducking out of his way as he approached. All rightly afraid of the dark mood he was in at the moment.
Answers. Right now that was what he needed. Where was the academy and Tabor. Had he found what he searched for? And how would his father find him?
As he walked he went to the transport stone and floor to floor wandering, not even noticing where exactly he was when he found himself in a place he rarely visited. The dungeons.
Lined all along the halls there were cells filled now with members of the old city guard and the few members of the council he had allowed to live. The council members sat in spelled silence the way he had left them. Absent of magic but still with the ability to use it if he let them. This could be his answer he thought. All he had to do was to give them back a portion of their power and add a compulsion to never disobey their master. Then he would send along with them a watcher. Someone to watch over them to be sure there would be no treason.
" Guard!" He called to the man standing at attention at the entrance. Quickly the nervous man ran to where his lord stood and saluted him.
" Yes high lord?"
" These three." He pointed to the two men and the woman staring blankly at the wall. " Bring them to my manor at once. I have need of there help."
" Yes Lord Larin!" quickly he ran to retrieve the keys to the cells as Tayor headed back out of the dungeon and back to his throne room to prepare for what he had planned for his guest.

No light showed through the windows of the Academy. It was totally dark outside. Cutter and Azeal looked out the window wondering where exactly they were. Sounds could be heard from outside. Night sounds. The sounds of crickets and insects. The growling of night things prowling for there next meal as they hunted. This definitely wasn't Winterhaven anymore. But it did sound like they were in a jungle somewhere.
" No one goes out until day light." Cutter told Azeal. " Have Captain Testa post men at all the entrances. I need to know where we are."
" It's dark out there." Blink said walking over to them. " I can fly out and have a look around."
" That's a good idea." Cutter said. " Just don't go to far and stay in the shadows, I don't think the spells done yet."
" Are you kidding?" Blink smiled as darkness began to cover his body until he was nothing but shadow. " I fear nothing in the dark."
Cutter turned and looked around the dining hall. Since the battle it had been cleared of all the wounded. All the students had been held here for there safety. Some students were huddled in groups talking in whispers while a few teachers were holding classes with others. Mrs Tasco and Rainer were in the kitchen helping out with feeding anyone hungry. Everyone seemed pretty calm at the moment, but Cutter knew better. He could feel all their fear filling him with power. He tried to project calmness out to them. But there were so many here. So much fear.
The first job to be done was to make sure everyone was safe. He had done that. Next he knew he should check on the councilors and Kalin down below. So he called out to Tanis.
[ Tanis, hows everything below?]
[ They're all resting.] He answered. [ They've used a lot of magic and Texa says they're not done yet.]
[ Does she know where we are?] He asked.
[ No.] Tanis said. [ But there's something different this time about the way the spell worked she said.]
[ Like what?]
[ Like something drew us here.] He sent. [ To this place. She said it's not random. There's a reason we're here.]
[ You mean we have to play hero here or something?] A sigh passed on in Cutters mind to Tanis. [ This has something to do with us right? I mean our dragon laws?]
[ She said probably yes.]
[ How long will we be here?] Cutter asked him.
[ Until we do whatever we're here to do.] Tanis answered. [ Could be an hour, could be a month. She suggest we check the surrounding area and see what's out there.]
[ Blink's out looking now.] He assured him. [ Are they safe enough for you to join us up here?]
[ Texa says she can protect everyone down here. I'll be up in a few minutes.]
[ Good, I may need you.] He told him finishing there talk. [ Meet me in the dining hall.]
[ On my way.]

The sky was dark with a half moon showing as Blink winged his way across the jungle. He could hear the sound of predators as they went on there nightly rounds in search of their prey. Wrapped in shadow he felt no fear for this was his element. Darkness, and nothing down there could hurt him. At least that was what he thought. He looked for any signs that would tell him where he was. A city or a village maybe. Then he could land and have a look around, maybe he would recognize something. It hadn't been that long since he and his brothers and sisters had been out in the world. He felts so free in the night air and he was glad to be out flying stretching his wings. They had all been so busy with Polan and Muerte lately that most of them really hadn't had time to get use to the new freedom Rage had given them.
Up ahead to his right Blink saw lights, the flickering of torches. There he thought, civilization. Blink banked right and pushed himself a little higher in the sky to get a better look at whatever was down there.
It wasn't a city he saw. It was more like some kind of temple down there full of people. He saw robed men and people dressed in rags. He could tell they were slaves. Here we go he thought to himself. Slavers. Blink had thought Keanna had grown beyond that by now. But here in this dark place wherever they were, men were still being oppressed and made to serve others. Dressed in dark green robes carrying sword, whips and some kind of staff, Blink saw what he knew had to be the overseers. From high he watched as they struck out at the slaves to move them faster. Anger tore through Blink, he wanted so much to drop down and blast this place to pieces. But he knew better. That wasn't the answer. Right know he needed knowledge to bring back to Cutter and the others. Only then could they decide how best to help these people. And help them he swore he would.
Circling down, Blink came down and landed in a clearing just outside and beyond the wall that surrounded the temple. Pulling his wings in close to his body, Blink shifted to his human form then pulled his dark shadow tight around him and moved closer for a look around. Moving quietly he stepped out of the jungle and took in his surroundings. He looked out at the structure in front of him and realized he was wrong. It wasn't a temple. It was some sort of plantation. He saw men loading bales and crops on wagons pulled by some strange animal he had never seen before. The were as large as horses but scaled. These weren't horses, they were some kind of reptiles. Strange beast they have down here he thought. He moved in a bit more to watch the men loading. One of the men in the robes struck out with his whip beating a man down. His hood fell back and Blink saw something that almost broke his concentration from shock. This was no man. He stood as a man did, but he was a reptile too. Blink backed up slowly. Something was not right here. There was nothing like this on Keanna. He knew that. Where the hell were they?
Slipping back into the jungle, Blink stopped for a minute to think. He looked around more closely at the vegetation and realized everything had a purple hue. All grasses and foliage, mostly all the plants looked purple instead of green. It was then that he knew. He didn't know where they were, but he did know where they weren't. This wasn't Keanna. That spell must have taken them very far from home. To another planet. But where? What place was this? And how were they going to get home?

Deep in the forest of Darul, a woman sat and tended a fire outside of her little hut. She was an elder blind woman that lived alone out in the forest. People of her villages called her Kordova the wise and bought food for her and took care of her needs when they weren't in hiding from the Savonti, the High Ones. Kordova, it seemed had no reason to hide. For she was old and the Savonti thought her useless. They had no idea of the magic she possessed. Kordova was a prophet and her blind eyes could actually see many things to come and things that are happening now. Her senses were strong to the magic of the High Ones and her own people, And on this day, she felt someone strong was near her.
Earlier in the day she had picked some vegetables and butchered a small fowl to feed two . Herself and the company she knew was about to step into her life.
"Nazun." She called out. " I know your there behind the trees watching. It is safe to come out."
Smoke rose from her fire and the smell of her stew filled the air all around her camp. The man hiding in the forest was very hungry. He had planned to wait until she moved into her hut before he sneaked in to steal something to eat and see what else he could find that might help him.
" You would steal from an old blind woman?" She called to him. " Wouldn't it be better just to ask for help."
Ozmun stood and walked out from his hiding place. Somehow this old lady knew what he was thinking and he was ashamed of himself. He looked around again to be sure she was alone before he moved into her camp.
" Relax." She said. " I am Lilia Kordova, called by the villagers Lady Kordova. I am alone. Come sit by my fire and eat with me."
Slowly he walked into her camp. The smell of her food was almost over powering him. It had been days since his last meal. He remembered what it was. Soup from the bones of a dead tracker beast. The only meat the Savonti would give the slaves. And it was never very fresh.
" Ewww!" He woman said. " Come on, have real food."
Ozmun sat on the ground near her by the fire. His head was spinning from the last few days and the smell of her stew. But he thought it was time he showed her some manners.
" Generous lady." He said. " I am Ozmun Natan. A traveler through these parts. I thank you for your hospitality."
Kordova smiled and took one of the bowls from beside her and dished him up some food and passed it over to him. Ozmun's mouth watered at the smell of her stew. He took the bowl and spoon she handed him and dug in eating.
"Better then tracker beast, Huh?" She smiled with her sightless eyes.
Ozmun almost choked when he heard what she said. How could she have known that? He hadn't said anything before, only thought it. How is this possible?
Kordova reached toward him and he jumped back. She frowned at his reaction and pulled her hand back.
" I'm sorry Ozmun." She said. " I see with my hands and my mind. I only want to feel your face."
" No lady." He took her hand and placed it on his cheek." I have not been much of a guest."
She softly moved her hands around his face admiring the picture of him that was forming in her mind.
" So handsome and so sad." She told him. " I can feel you have taken the troubles of the world on to yourself."
Ozmun sat and looked at her stunned. How did she know this? She moved her hand down to his neck and felt his collar. Quickly Ozmun pulled away from her grasp.
" Ozmun." She said. " I know you're an escaped slave. I know you ran from the Savonti. You are safe here for now. In fact, I've been expecting you."
" How is this possible?" He asked as he stopped eating
" I told you. I am Lilia Kordova and I see and hear with my mind." She smiled at him. " Your not the only one with abilities. I know what that collar is for. It keeps you from using whatever abilities you have. And I'll help you get it off."
" I don't understand." He looked at her veiled eyes feeling sorry for her.
" Don't feel sorry for me." She said. " I may be blind, but I see more with my mind then you do with your eyes."
" How is that?" He continued eating.
" I can sense everything around me for miles." She stood up and walked to her hut and took a loaf of bread from the window and gave it to him before taking her place again by the fire.
" I see." He mumbling through a full mouth.
" Why don't you rest." She said, " Then we can try getting that collar off of you."

Shayn and Ono traveled far on their first day on Pentanthin. They saw many strange animals that they never saw before. The most amazing thing was the twin suns burning in the sky. That told them they were not on Keanna. They saw beautiful birds and what they guessed were deer but had three horns or more. They saw incredibly large reptiles, so big they could ride them. First they thought maybe these were dragons, but they couldn't communicate with them, and they ate from trees and grasses. No dragon would eat that ever. First it was one. Then many more joined it until there was a herd. That's when they were sure they were animals. As they watched from a distance a large savage long toothed reptile came in and attacked them. The herd took to their hooves and ran. Unfortunately for one of them, it was to slow and taken down by the predator. Shayn and Ono turned away as the beast was ripped apart and devoured.
" What kind of world is this?" Shayn asked sickened.
" It's the same on our world." Ono told him. " It's the law of nature. Eat or be eaten. We have to be careful here. Let's keep moving."
On they walked into the forest. It took hours but soon they came on fenced in land. Fences meant intelligent life. That sight give them hope
" Finally." Shayn said. " People. Look!"
Ono turned and saw people working in the fields. He smiled at his mate in relief. They were hungry and maybe these people would show charity and feed them.
" Come on." Shayn said. " Lets go talk to them."
After climbing the fence they found themselves walking through high red grass. Grass almost over there heads. Tired from walking all day they headed for the men and women working the field. Suddenly Shayn stopped. Ono turned to him and saw the look of danger on his face that he'd learned to trust.
" Shayn?" He when back to him. " What's wrong?"
" I don't know." The blond boy said. " I think we should watch them. Somethings not right here. I feel more fear from them then I should from people just working their fields. And hunger?"
" Get down!!" Ono pushed Shayn down as a beast came in towards the field worker with a rider on its back. Ono peeked his head up and looked closer at the mounted man. The beast was another of the reptiles, but different. Sleek with only two legs and and short forearm with sharp looking claws. Behind them they had a long tail for balance. It looked like a runner beast from home only bigger, much bigger. Bigger then any horse either of them had ever seen. Ono looked closer at its rider. He stopped and rubbed his eyes. What he saw couldn't be real. The rider was green skinned and it looked like he was a reptile too. He rode in on the workers with a whip in hand calling out orders. A man held up his basket of what they were harvesting only to feel the crack of the riders whip in his face. He dropped down to the ground bleeding as the beast trampled him.
" You will all work harder or suffer the same punishment." They heard the rider yell at them. " Get back to work!!"
" Look!" Shayn pointed to something in the distance. Ono turned to look and saw caged wagons rolling in with people in them. Humans. They watched as the wagon stopped and a man was taken out screaming. He was dragged over to a fire pit by the slavers and tied down.
" Their going to torture him!" Ono started to get up to run and stop them. Shayn grabbed him and pulled him back.
" There's too many there." He said. " You can't help him."
" As a dragon you can." Ono told him.
" No love." Shayn pleaded with him. " Stay with me!"
Ono settled back down to watch what would happen. Tied to the table the man screamed and begged for his life. They couldn't hear what the reptilian man said. But they saw one of them raise a sword and stab down into the man killing him. They heard laughter as they began to butcher him and place his limbs on the fire to cook.
" I've seen enough." Ono pulled Shayn from there hiding place. " Lets go."
Together they walked back to the fence and slipped away. Neither one of them was hunger anymore. Just disgusted.
" I don't like it here." Ono said as Shayn caught up with him. " Those things are eating people? This place is crazy."
" I don't like it either." Shayn grabbed his hand. " I'm glad you stopped. I don't want them knowing we're here. I don't want us ending up like them. On a plate."
" We won't." Ono pulled him for a kiss. " No one saw us. We'll just..."
" HALT!!"
They looked behind them and saw three of the Reptilian men riding at them. Shayn looked at Ono,
" I think we're in trouble." He said. " What do you want to do?"
" Fight!" Ono leaped into the air shifting to his man wolf form and charged at the closest rider. He jumped on the tracker beast and slashed its neck open with his claws and rolled away as it fell. Shayn raised his hand and sent a bolt of lightning at the ground between the other two riders. For some reason he didn't want to hurt them. Ono looked back at him as the two on Shayn climbed to the feet and pulled their weapons. Both of them were armed with staffs with a blade at one end. One raised his staff and fired some kind of blast at them. The tree next to Shayn exploded as the two reptilians advanced on them.
[ Shayn!] Ono sent. [ Fight for keeps if you want to go home in one piece.]
" Kill the beast!!" The first reptilian called to his companion. " They have forbidden magic!"
Ono ran at the reptilian and kicked the staff out of his hands. Looking shocked that a human had raised their hand to him, the reptilian pulled his blade and stabbed at Ono. Twisting to his side Ono sent a punch at its jaw then a kick into its stomach knocking it to the ground next to its staff. Seeing him reach for his staff. Ono bent down and grabbed his enemies neck and twisted until he heard a snap and knew the reptilian was dead. He checked to be sure his attacker was dead, then looked up to see Shayn standing over the body of two reptilians with smouldering burn spots on their chest. Ono ran over to Shayn staring at a body.
" What's wrong?" He asked.
" Look at him." Shayn stood in shock at what he'd done.
" This isn't the first time you've killed an enemy." Ono turned him to look into his eyes. " And it won't be the last before we get out of here. Their eating humans. They'll eat us if we give him them chance. I won't let them. Maybe that's why we're here. Alea said our destiny lies far from home. Well, we are very far from home and if I have to destroy all these things to get us home that's what I'll do."
" Ono." Shayn stopped him. " Someone's watching us."
Ono looked around to see if anyone was there. He didn't see anyone in the grass, but he had that feeling too. The hair on the back of his neck rose warning him of danger.
" We should get out of here." Together they ran off into the forest to the unknown with danger all around them.

Deep in his volcanic manse, the High Lord Daru sat in his thermal heated chamber watching over his lands with his mind. He watched as gold silver and pentathium was taken from his many mines to fill his coffers and sent to his hidden vaults. He watched as the human slaves that delivered the treasures were butchered for that nights meal. Only three people knew where the vaults were for safety, that was Daru and two of his most trusted Overseers. Then he turned to see his fields and crops being harvested. Things there seemed to be going as expected, a little slow, but his men knew how to motivate the beast into working harder. As he watched he saw something in the grass. Two humans watching. Two more for the pens he thought. Daru called out to his Overseers to check the grasses and bring them back. Jumping on their trackers they headed into the grasses to find there queries. Daru watched in astonishment as his men battle the two strangers and were defeated. He jumped from his chair when he saw the power they possessed. He had to have these two. There was something about these two. They weren't like the rest of his beast. He watched as they ran into the forest and disappeared from his senses. Daru widened his search, but somehow they had become undetectable. He slammed his fist down on his desk. How are they doing it.
He also searched his lands for any stray beast, the humans hiding in his lands. He knew they were there somewhere. But somehow there presence was being shielded from him. Somewhere out the there was someone powerful hiding them. Hard as he tried, he couldn't detect who that was. Then he turned his attention to some of his enemies. He pushed his mind out to see what Lord Lesu was up too. Lord Lesu had tried to invade his lands only to be defeated by Daru and his forces. Daru's power was great among the other lords of the Savonti. His mind was sharp and he had many abilities. The casting of illusion, reading of minds and his magic. Daru was a very powerful sorcerer with control of power he kept to himself. Not many Savonti would dare challenge him.
Today as he searched, he couldn't find Lord Lesu anywhere in his manse. Unfortunately, Daru didn't have the power to search all of Lesul. His power was not quite strong enough yet. But there were ways to heighten ones power. And Daru was working hard on heightening his. Namely, stealing the powers of others to make himself more powerful.
" Lord Daru." A voice at his door started him. Daru opened his eyes and looked up to see one of his men standing in his doorway.
" Yes Jah." he looked at Jah as he pulled a blue robe, the color of his standard over his naked scaled body. He walk to the table and took a fat tube worm from a bowl on the table and slurped it down.
" Your tracker Nas has returned." Jah told him.
" Good." Daru said. " If he's back, he caught the escaped slave."
" My lord. He returned with a body."
" He what?" Daru turned to him has eyes blazing with anger. " Take me to him."
" Yes my Lord." Jah turned and escorted Daru through the maze of tunnels that was his home. They passed the rooms of his mates and his kitchens. Passed guest quarters and stables for tracker beast and his slave pens before exiting his manse. Outside he found Nas and Kru standing by a wagon they had hauled back to prove their success in their hunt.
" We have returned your slave." Nas said bowing to his lord and hurrying back to uncover the body. " This is what's left of him."
Lord Daru walked to the wagon and stared in. In the bed of the wagon he saw a crushed body of a beast. It was unrecognizable to Daru. But he did see something wrong here.
" This is my lost slave?" He asked.
" Yes my Lord." Nas and Kru answered in unison.
" The one I sent you after?" Daru threw the cover off to expose the whole corpse.
" Yes my lord." They smiled at him looking pleased with themselves.
" Your sure this is him?" Daru looked back at his trackers.
" Positive Lord Daru." Nas said. " We found him then ran him to ground where he was trampled to death under my mount."
" Then why is it not wearing my collar!!" Daru screamed at them fuming.
" My lord." Kru fell to his knees. " I don't understand!!"
Daru held up his hand and sent his magic to surround both of them and crush them as he lifted them into the air.
" Not only have you failed me." He said as his eyes began to glow. " You have lied to me. We can't have that, ever!"
" Please my Lord!!" Nas gurgled. " Forgive us!!"
" Your forgiven." Daru closed his hand and crushed them like insects killing them instantly. He dropped his magic and their bodies fell to the ground." Feed all three to the trackers beast, and get me someone that can find my slave! Now!"

Night was beginning to fall as Lilia handed tools to Ozmun to remove his collar from around his neck.
" What do you know of these collars?" She asked as Ozmun took the tools from her. She give him a saw and a long thin metal tool which he could use as a pick.
" I know it kept me submissive for many years." He told her.
" What changed that?" She asked.
Ozmun stopped what he was doing and turned and looked at her. Memories of his younger days flowed through his mind. Memories of his parents and friends from before the Savonti took them and they were in hiding surfaced. He told her about his parents being eaten long ago by their captors. And that the only one he had left, his younger brother Stanis. Ozmun knew for years he and his brother were changelings. They had spent their youths hiding and copying the different animals of Pentanthin until they were trapped by Daru and collared.
" What changed was Daru drained someone I cared about until he was so weak he couldn't work anymore." He said. " That meant he was good only for the table. I watched screaming as they slaughtered him. That day I knew I had to escape and end the reign of the Savonti. And I will. Even if I have to do it alone."
" You won't be alone." Lilia patted his shoulder. " There are many here that will help you."
" Where?" Ozmun stood and stepped away from the fire." There's no one here but the two of us. I'll need an army to defeat the Savonti."
" Then we'll find one." She said. " You know as well is I do that there are thousands of people here in hiding and they hate the Savonti as much as you do. All we have to do is find them."
" How do we do that?" He stormed. " I don't know where they are. Do you?"
" Yes." She smiled. " Some of them. But first, lets get that collar off."
Ozmun sat down and picked up the saw. He looked at it then put it back down. This tool was to dangerous. He might slip and cut his own throat. He picked up the pick and inserted the thin pointed end into the lock mechanism and worked on it. He could feel the working pieces inside and soon heard a click and it opened and fell from his neck to the ground. He was free! Free at last of that damned thing.
" It's off!!" He shouted. " I'm free!!
" Good." She smiled. " Now you can rest."
Suddenly the collar began to glow and hum loudly. This was bad. Ozmun knew it meant the Savonti were being sent some kind of signal by the collar.
" Lilia!!." He jumped to his feet. " We have to leave here now. The collars going to bring them here."
" What?" She said. She got to her feel leaning on her staff. Grabbing his shirt, Ozmun rushed to his blind companion.
" That collar has some kind of tracking spell or something on it." He said. Ozmun reached for a fag from the fire pit and ran to her hut. " We have to get away from here fast. But first I'm going to burn this place to the ground."
Quickly Ozmun ran to her hut and placed the burning piece of wood to each corner of the hut to start the blaze. It flared up very quickly and started to burn. He turned to her little house where she kept her eating animals and opened the door and shooed them out. They scattered from fear of the fire as soon as they felt the heat. As they took the the forest ,he tossed the burning brand into the coop and went back to Kordova.
" Lady." He said. " I'm going to shift to something to get us away from here. Climb on my back and we'll be leaving."
" Where will we be going?" She asked.
" I remember a bunch of caves we can hide in for now." He stepped back from her and closed his eyes and concentrated. He felt his long used magic building in him and the change began. Ozmun dropped to his knees as he started to grow larger and a deep bronze in color. He became reptilian and grew wings and a tail. His arms and legs grew scales and talons. His face became that of what his people once called ankthar. A long extinct species that many claim were pure myths. But since Ozmun could become anything he could imagine. An Ankthar was what he picked.
[ Climb on.]
Lilia reached out with her mind and sensed his change. She was amazed it what he could do. She climbed on his out stretched leg as he lifted her to his back.
" Truly amazing, Ozmun." She smiled.
[ Hold on tight!]
He took a few steps and leaped into the sky and they were off.

" I'm hungry." Shayn said as the walked through the forest. They had covered a good distance since they had defeated Daru's men and Shayn no longer felt they were being watch. Ono came back and put his arm around Shayn's waist and pulled him into a kiss.
" I know love." He said. " I think we can stop and rest if you want. There's a cave over by those cliffs, you can rest there. I'll go hunt us up something to eat while you rest."
" No." Shayn told him. " I'm going with you. I don't like this place and I don't want to be alone here."
" You sure?" Ono Said. " It won't take long. I can smell game in the forest close. Why don't you find us some water or some kind of fruit to eat."
Shayn smiled at him. "You trying to get rid of me?"
" Just feed you love." Ono kissed him again. " I'll never let you go."
" In that case, you go hunt." Shayn told him. " I smell fresh water. I'll find something and bring it to the cave. Just hurry back."
Ono shifted to wolf and ran into the forest. [ I'll be back before you know it.]
Shayn walked over to the cave and stepped in. He took a few sniffs of the air in the cave to be sure nothing live in there that they might disturb. He didn't smell anything in there so he gathered some wood for a fire. That done he walked down towards the stream and looked for something to put the water in. In a tree he saw some large shelled fruit. He climbed up into the tree and checked the fruit. His healer senses told him the fruit was edible so he knocked a few to the ground. He sat and made his hand into a claw and broke open the fruit. It smelled great. He tasted it and it was sweet like some of the citrus fruit from home. So he ate. It was good. Breaking the top off another he hollowed it out and went to the water and filled them up. After taking it back to the tree, he heard a noise behind him. He turned quickly and felt something hit his head. Dazed he fell to the ground as hands grabbed at him. They rolled him over and he saw two of the reptilian man gagging him and tying his hands. He couldn't focus to shift. In his mind he screamed for his love.
[ ONO!!!]
He felt them haul him up and carry him away. Suddenly he saw a shadow pass over them in the sky. He thought it was a dragon. Rage had found them. He felt relief come over him. He called for him.
[ RAGE HELP ME!!]
The reptilians put him on the back of a tracker beast. Then he heard a roar. He looked and saw a bronze colored dragon attacking his enemies. They pulled out there staffs and faced the dragon. Whoever this was he roared and snapped at the first reptilian and grabbed him up and tossed him down and crushed him. The other came in and stabbed at the dragon when Ono suddenly came flying out of the brush and sank his teeth into the throat of the lizard man and tore it out. Quickly jumping from the dead reptilian, Ono ran to guard Shayn growling at the dragon. Slowly the dragon backed away when a woman with something like a blindfold over her eyes stepped up next to the dragon.
" We're not going to hurt you. " She said. " Call off your guardian. please. We only want to help you. Ozmun change back."
Ozmun's image blurred then shifted to his human form. Ono stopped growling and changed himself. He took Shayn down off the tracker and untied him. Ono threw his arms around Shayn hugging him.
" I will never leave you alone again." He said as he checked to make sure he was alright.
" Im OK." Shayn said. " He saved me."
Ono let him go then walked over to Ozmun extending his hand. " Thank you for saving my mate. I'm in your debt."
" I would never let the Savonti take anyone if I can help it." He looked at Ono's hand in front of him.
" I'm extended my hand in friendship." Ono him. " In gratitude for your help. You shake my hand."
Ozmun reached out and gripped his hand. Ono let go and took hold of his wrist and shook it up and down and they smiled at each other. Shayn came over and did the same.
" Who are you?" Asked the blind woman.
" We're strangers here." Shayn said. " We'll tell you all about it if we can find somewhere safe from those things."
" Yes." Lilia shook her head. " The Savonti. They're our enemy."
" Ours to now." Ono told them. " That's the second time we've been attacked since we arrived here."
" I know a place." Ozmun told them. He took Lilia by the hand and led her back over to the cave. " I can carry all three of you."
" No need. we can keep up. " He turned to Shayn. " If your alright to fly. Are you?"
" Ono, I'm fine. They just took me by surprise. I can fly." Shayn shifted to his white dragon form and stepped over to Ozmun and Lilia. She turned and reached her hand out toward Shayn to touch him.
" By the spirits!" She exclaimed.
" Your changelings too?" Ozmun asked. " Both of you!"
" No, not quite." Ono said. " We'll explain once we're safe. I think we'll have a lot to talk about."
Ozmun shifted and helped Lady Kordova onto his back while Ono mounted up on Shayn. " We'll Follow you."