War closes in. 60

Deep in his telepathic sleep in the land once held by Lord Guku, Lord Daru searched for threats to his plans for Pentanthin. In his dreams he saw Lord Memu driving his army across the border into that dark jungle land of Fedru, one of his oldest and most powerful enemies. He watched as Memu led his warriors deeper and deeper into the forest until some how, they just vanished from his probe. Vanished right into a field of darkness. He thought Memu must have some new weapon or power he had come across in that hidden home of his. That would mean deadly trouble for him and his plans. It could only mean one thing. This had to be a bid for a overthrow of Fedrul which was a grim thought for Daru. For after Fedru, Darul had to be his next move. His warriors at home would have to be warned to watch the borders very carefully.
Flashes of future events ran through his dream. Gabor Gekko fighting, humans on the run. Chaos had taken hold of Pentanthin, the blood of both and Savonti running in rivers, but he couldn't see a victor no matter how hard he tried.
As his mind wandered from land to land, Daru saw the many changes that the White and Grey war had brought to Pentanthin. Of the many lords he had counseled in the beginning. Many were no longer in power in there lands. Seru the Queen of poison and seduction was dead by an unknown hand. He had visited her house after her demise and felt something strangely familiar there. Something old that he couldn't identify and it wasn't human. Redu was reported dead at the hands of Lesu's son Mar and one of the white and grey's humans by one of his warriors that escaped. Now Redul was in there hands. And Dicu the master of hate. His house was another victim of the Humans but this time it was a rebellion that neither Dicu or any of his warriors could quell. It seemed the Humans of Pentanthin were becoming more brave and less fearful of the Savonti. And that could only be because of the influence of Daru's strange new enemies.
As he scanned the plains, forest, mountains and deserts of Pentanthin.,the home of his worst enemy came into view. Lesul. The lord of the death stare stood at the gates of his mound directing his warriors and screaming orders as they hurried about. Something was definitely on his mind for his eyes were blazing red with power. As Lesu stepped out of his mound, Daru scanned all around him. There were trackers being driven into pens and his wagons were out being loaded. It seemed Lesu was about to take his warriors out either on a raid or on the attack. As Daru looked around he noticed there were no caged wagons. That meant he wasn't going out on a hunt. That left a raid. His closest neighbor was Lord Povu the fiery one. For agens they had raided and went out to war together. Povu was the closest thing Lesu had that could be called a friend. His raid would not be on him.
The next closest lands to Lesul was Nebul and Ketul. Nebul was another desert land, smaller and with less Humans and resources Lesu nad never seemed interested in raiding there. Ketul was different. Just as empty as Nebul, but it was ruled by the mad lord Ketu who none of the lords of Pentanthin would have any dealings with. They were all afraid of the curse or disease Ketu had inflicted of his land. The mutations and the pain. No Savonti was brave enough to take a chance on infection  and being condemned to the rest of there life under Ketu's rule..
Then where was Lesu off to?
He watched as Lesu climbed on his tracker ready to ride off. All Daru needed was a single touch and he would be in his thoughts and could learn all he needed from the red eyed fool. Concentrating with all his will, Daru crept closer. Lesu sat on his tracker calling out last minute orders to his warriors as Daru came closer and reached out to touch his mind. Suddenly pain flared in Daru as Lesu screamed and leaped from his mount. Shaking his head he looked around at his warriors the screamed out in his mind.
[DARU!  GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!]
Drifting back, Daru chuckled out his amusement. He had been caught. Somehow Lesu's mind had become strong enough to resist his intrusions.
[I am impressed,] The mind lord said. [You have grown stronger in you mind Lesu.]
[Yes I have,]  Lesu looked directly at the spot where Daru's mental form had settled. [Or you are not as strong as you think you are.]
With a frown, Daru moved over to one of Lesu's warriors and entered his body. With a pained look on his face the warrior turned to face Lesu.
"I am as strong as ever Lord Lesu." Standing tall the warrior walked over to face Lesu. "As you can see."
"What do you want leech?" Lesu eyed him with annoyance.
"I want to make Pentanthin safe for all Savonti." He smiled showing his sharp teeth. "To make you strong. Is that so wrong?"
"You do not care about me or any other on Pentanthin." Lesu spit at him. "All you want is to make us all slaves of Darul as you did Resu, Jaru and Fedru."
Shock rolled over Daru's face. He didn't think the others knew of his conquests. He had hoped all the fighting between them would keep it all quiet.
"I am not as stupid as you think I am." His eyes began to burn more brightly. "I will not become one of your juinti."
"I am not the enemy, Lesu." Daru stepped back away from the angry lord. "The Humans are the enemy. They are the one's we have to fight. Not each other. Join me, fight with me against them then together we can take Pentanthin as our own. Me and you rulers of all of Pentanthin."
"I will never fight at your side Daru." Lesu slowly moved forward his eyes blazing. "We are enemies now and we will always be enemies. I am coming for you. Maybe not now but your time will come soon. Either I will kill you or the humans will. NOW GET OUT OF MY LAND!!"
With that, Lesu sent a searing blast at the warrior standing in front of him and he burst into flames.
"Come if you will Lesu." Daru laughed. "I will be waiting."

Opening his eyes Daru stood and took his robe from the hook beside his sand pit. He had learned many things is his dreams and it was time for him to move. Ringing a bell to call for his aide he looked out over the plains of Gukul. A sudden noise attracted his attention and he turned to see Trela sitting lounging on a heated couch.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to serve you my lord." She plucked a small rodent from a cage and popped it into her mouth and swallowed. "You sent for me my love."
"Yes." Daru turned as the aide entered bearing his armor. He spread his arm to let the aide begin dressing him. "What have you learned since I have been away?"
"My dreams have been very informative my lord." Trela stood and walked out to where Daru was being dressed. She stopped and looked at his armor pieces laid out as he was cleaned wrapped and dressed. His sword laid right there gleaming from being polished. All it would take would be for her to grab it, pull it from the scabbard and strike him down and she would have all the power she wanted. Daru glanced down at her and smiled. Trela froze. Had he caught her thoughts? Was he aware of what she was thinking?
She reached out and took the sword from the soft pillow it was laid on. Daru's tongue flickered out as he waited to see what she would do/ Sowing before him, Trela raised the sword up to where Daru could take it..
"Your mind is filled with many confusing thoughts My lady." Daru took the sword from the pillow and handed it to his aide to be belted at his waist. "What troubles you Trela?"
"Fear my lord. I to have seen many things in my dreams." Trela went back to her couch and sat down. "Something is watching us. I feel it here now all around us."
"Humans?" He asked.
"I do not think so. But I feel the hate it has for us." Trela cringed and rolled off the couch to lay open mouthed with a blank stare on her face. As Daru watched, suddenly she bolted up in a sitting position. She was again in one of her dream trances. Her eyes had gone milky white as her head turned to look at Daru.
"Beware the white and grey." Came a chilling voice from the queen of Darul. "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."
A false prophesy." Daru stepped down and took Trela by the hand and pulled her to her feet. "Old words that mean absolutely nothing. I am tired of these words. I am the power on Pentanthin. No human will ever defeat me."
He dropped her to fall back on the couch and walked to the window where outside he could see Magu's flying warriors circling the mound in the sky.
"Whoever you are." He turned back to Trela. "I control the sky and the ground of Pentanthin. I can see into the minds of everyone on the planet  I AM FEAR ON PENTANTHIN! Tell your Humans I am coming for them. Tell them the High Lord Daru will rid Pentanthin of all his enemies. Tell the White and Grey the end is near!!"
"But for who dear Daru." Trela said as her trance faded away. "The end comes for who?"

Fully dressed and armed to the teeth, Daru stalked his way through the halls of the once strong house of Guku. In a irate mood, minor and upper class warriors hurried to keep out of his way as he passed. Again with that damned prophesy. He had had enough of hearing it. It was time he took steps to make sure it didn't come true even if it meant killing every human on the planet.
As he stepped out of the mound, he called for Magu the lord of the Pentanthin skies.
[Magu. Attend me.]
"I am here Daru."
A shadow passed over head then dropped to shift and land in the courtyard of the mound. As Daru came out to meet him, Magu folded the webbing of his wings into a great green cloak then slammed his fist into his chest in salute to the Mind lord.
"What is on your mind today my lord? Sun light glinted off Magu's horns.
"Call your warriors." He waved him on to follow him. "You move out in ten units."
"Where am I going?" Magu asked curiously.
"All our enemies are on the move." Daru explained. "Lesu in the south leads a force into the north and I'm sure he does not march alone. Memu and his warriors head into Fedrul now as we speak. An invasion almost at my door. And then there is the Humans who seem to be destroying Savonti lords. Lords I need right now. With collars on their necks, their power becomes mine. I will need that power if I want to control all of Pentanthin. I want you to take a legion out and bring me power. Capture as many lords as you can. Bring them back in chains with collars."
"Yes my lord!" Magu turned and opened his cloak to form his wings to take off.
"Magu!"
"My lord?"
"If you meet any Gekko's, bring them back. I want to see any of the Gekko clan you capture. Only they can tell me where the White and Grey can be found. Do not hurt them. I need there minds intact for inspection. Do you understand?"
"Yes my lord." Magu nodded his huge baebot shaped head. "I will follow your orders."
"Then go!"
As Magu spread his wings and took to the sky, Daru watched as the sky became filled with winged warriors following there masters orders. In the field in front of Daru, his ground warriors were assembled.
"All is ready my lord."
"Then go." He said. "Hunt well."

Hidden in the shadows unknown to each other, two completely different entities watched as Daru's forces went out from Gukul. One was a long legged creature thin and built for endurance and speed. It had been watching the outskirts of Guku's mound for and evidence of warriors in the garb of Daru the mind lord. The creature was a trilik. A desert animal found only in Nebul. It was good for going  long distances with out food or water and its excellent eyes and memory. It was also the familiar for the lord of Nebul. Now Nebu knew Lord Daru had conquered Gukul and would report the information back to his ally Lesu.
The other was a long time enemy of the Savonti. The Nevac. This one was called Avres and he had been following Daru, watching him so he could report on his plans and movements Now he had dire news for the humans. A new hunt had just begun, and they were to be the hunted.

In the Infirmary Jovan sat and watched as Macan did an examination on both Nysa and Luke. Other then a few cuts and bruises which the healer quickly took care of, Macan pronounced them in good condition. He told them a good nights rest and a meal and they would both be fit as an elf. Jovan thanked them and escorted them out for the meeting with Ono and Tanis.
From the infirmary Jovan escorted them down the hall pass class rooms filled with cadets studying hard. At the end of the hall there stood two arched entries. On the floor of the right entry there was a star etched in gold. On the left side in silver the emblem was a crescent moon. As they approached the arches, Luke stopped. To him it was a dead end. No where to go.
"Where are we going?" Luke asked.
"To meet with Ono." Jovan didn't understand what Luke meant. "We're heading up to the main floor."
"Up?" Now Luke was really confused. "How? Do we walk through the wall?"
"No!!" Now Jovan understood. He smiled at the brother and sister. "These are transport stones. It's a magical way of moving from one floor to the next. The star means up and the moon means down. You have to remember where the Academy came from. We're from Winterhaven, one of the most magical cities on Keanna. Almost everyone does some kind of magic there. Here, take my hand."
Jovan held out a hand to each of them. Luke and Nysa reached out and took his hand.
"Now what?"
"Step forward." He smiled. "Hold on tight."
Hand in hand with closed eyes Luke and Nysa stepped into the alcove facing in with the young guard. As Jovan's foot touched the golden star on the floor, a bright light flashed and a slight fuzzy current ran through they're legs. Luke clutched Jovan's hand tighter and tighter until he was squeezing so hard, Jovan had to pull himself free.
"Relax Luke." He said. "Open your eyes. We're here."
Slowly Luke let his eyes open just a bit. Nysa and Jovan was looking at him with concern. Then his little sister smiled, nudged his arm and laughed.
"That was fun. I like this magic."
"Here your going to see a lot of strange things." Jovan ushered them through the halls past cadets hurrying about to and from classes. "You just might learn a few things."
At the doors to the dining hall they stopped to look in. Out of a school that held over two hundred cadets, there were very few in there. Only about twenty spread around eating a late lunch while studying or joking with friends. In the front of the hall sat the teachers table which was where Ono, Lilia and Tanis were waiting with Zarin looking pretty upset.
"Come on." Jovan led Luke and Nysa to a table where two cadets sat reading and nibbling on their lunch. "Excuse me. Could you two please show our guest to the buffet for lunch?"
"Sure." A bright eyed cadet answered. "Come on, we have steak for lunch today."
"I'll be back to bring you to meet the others after you eat."
Luke nodded and they followed the boy off to get something to eat.
Walking through the tables, Jovan went to the dais where the teachers took there meals.
"Jovan!" Ono stood looking ast him in relief. "We were worried about you. What happened?"
"I found the spy." He explained as he sat down. "I was in the gardens after I walked Lowell to your office and I saw him escaping out through the back practise courts. I followed him but he got away from me. I know who he is now."
"It was Tabor Larin." Zarin said angrily."And he killed my mother."
"Your mother?" Jovan asked confused.
"Jovan this is Lowell and Lissette's son Zarin. "Ono introduced him. "He was sent by my brother Jandar to find us."
"I'm sorry." Jovan held out his hand for Zarin. "I knew your mother well. She was a friend."
"Thank you." They shook hands. "I see you found Luke and Nysa. Thank you for bringing them in to safety."
"You know them?" Jovan was surprised." They saved me. Luke's illusions are amazing. I never would have made it back without them."
"Wait until you meet Tored and Mera." Zarin smiled.
"What are we going to do about Tabor?" Tanis asked. Beside him, Azeal put down his goblet of cattle blood. "He could be as dangerous as the Savonti to us."
"Not could be." Zarin said. "Will be. I know Tabor. My friends and I have been fighting with him for years. He's not weak and he's a schemer. He may be gone from the building but somehow, he still has his hooks buried here somewhere very deeply. We just have to find the roots and pull him out."
"How?" Ono asked.
Zarin thought for a minute then an idea hit him.
"I know why Tabor came here in the first place." He told them pushing his barely touched plate away. "He's looking for something we hide here. If we expose it,that will bring him out."
"I'll leave that up to you and your friends. Azeal and Tanis can help if you need them but we have a war to prepare for. Lord Memu will be here soon. Gabor will need all the help he can get." Then Ono noticed the lump on Jovan's back. "What's that wrapped in your jacket?"
Jovan had forgotten all about his package. He took it from his back and sat it on the table and started to unwrap it. "I found this in the cave we were hiding in. Actually I was led to it by a the strangest dream."
"What is that?" Tanis asked.
"I don't know." Jovan answered as he pulled it out, laid it on the table and unwrapped it. As the shining object was revealed, Ono took a breath in shock. Everyone looked at Ono.
"Where did you find this?" Ono stepped closer and reached out and ran his hand along its smooth surface. He could feel its warmth.
"In a cave back in the forest." Jovan told them. "In the dream the voice said it was a gift for someone who's suppose to protect Pentanthin. What is it?"
"Has it spoken to you?" Ono asked. As he touched it he could feel the beating of the heart inside. Soon it would be ready,
"What? No, of course not."
"Is that what I think it is?" Zarin asked. Everyone had gotten up to see the shining sphere up close.
"Yes." Ono looked at each of them. "This is a dragon's egg. It looks like Pentanthin once had dragons."
Sitting quietly at the table, Lilia Kordova scanned the egg keeping all her senses open. Could this be the turn she had been waiting for? It had to be. There wasn't likely to be another egg found here for a long long time. Now her dreams were clear and she knew just what had to be done.
"Ono." She stood clearing her voice. This she knew would not be easy to talk him into. "We must talk."

On the third floor of the dormitories Dack sat outside his parents room and watched his mother as she sat folding clothes. In front of her there was a small pile of clothing folded and another pile she was working on. She had separated the colors and pants and tunics and went from one to the next. He had been watching her for the past hour with the most uneasy feeling.
As he watched her, Craven and Zark came walking down the hall towards him. They had both just stepped from the transport stone coming from sparring on the practise field.
"Dack." Craven stopped. Dack kept watching his mother work. "I know that look on your face. Somethings bothering you. What is it?"
"My mother." He answered. " There's something wrong with her. Father too."
"She looks fine to me." Craven looked and smiled waving to her. Gina Rainer looked out at him with a blank look, then went back to work folding. "She seems fine."
"Oh yeah." Dack looked up at him. "Keep watching."
As Mrs. Rainer finished the last tunic, she picked up each pile of clothing and neatly placed them in the basket. Then dumped them and started folding them all over again.
"Did you see that?" Dack stood and pointed. "You still think she's fine?"
"She didn't like how they were folded?" Craven shrugged. Dack looked at his friend with sarcism.
"Craven. This is the fifth times she's folded and dumped and started again. My mom's a little neat at times but that's just weird. Somethings wrong here."
"You know I noticed something strange about your father today too." Zark added. "This morning he was polishing armor."
"What's strange about that?" Craven asked.
"He was polishing iron armor with soap and water." The Orc said. "I find that strange even for a human."
Craven looked at Dack who stood there with folded arms as if to say I told you so.
"Something is wrong." Dack pulled them from the door front. "My father knows better.What do we do?"
"Well if there's a spell on your mom, I should be able to see it in her eyes.
"Then let's go talk to her." Dack turned and walked to there room and went in. Mrs,Rainer stopped folding and looked up at the two boys and the Orc.
"Dack." She smiled and stood carrying her basket. "Have you eaten today?
She reached into the basket and pulled out a pair of pants and thrust them out to him.
"This should fill you up."
Dack looked at the pants his mother was holding then at Craven. He took the pants then steered her toward the bed and sat her down.
"Mom, Are you feeling alright?"
"I'm fine." She answered.
[Grandfather.] Craven called to the spirit that was always with him. [I see a strange glow in her eyes. What is it?]
[The same glow you had in your eyes when you took Trip and Rese captive.] He answered. [Tabors spell.]
[Can we break it?]
[I'm afraid not.] Craven could feel his sadness. [She has to break the spell herself, just like you did.]
[How?]
[Pain, anger, sadness. Only strong emotions can break the spell. Or the death of the one who cast the spell.]
[Then we have to watch them.] Craven watched his friend as he tried unsuccessfully to get the laundry from his mother. [Tabor is looking for the Ring. He can't come back for it while we're here so he's counting on our parents to get it for him. We'll have to find him or wait until Trip gets the Ring and see what happens. I'll talk to Zarin and Dack and we'll think of something.]
"We're going to the dining hall for something to eat." Craven grabbed Dack's arm. "Come on, let's let your mother finish her chores."
Dack looked at his mother worried, but he knew Craven had found something and wanted to talk. He bent over and kissed her then left with Craven and Zark to find Zarin and fill him in on what they had found.

As Lord Ketu and Rak slithered their way across the border of Lesul, many eyes we're watching. The scales along Ketu's neck rose in warning. He looked carefully from left to right and thought he saw the shadows of something darting in and out behind the dunes and scattered vegetation. Behind him Rak totally unaware kept up a constant stream of dialog.
"Quiet fool!" Ketu stopped his tail raised in a defensive position. Still unaware, Rak took two steps forward continuing on. Suddenly from all around them the whispered sound of darts being launched was heard. Grabbing his pack to cover his back, Ketu dived for cover behind a sand dune leaving Rak behind as the darts found there target. Ten or fifteen sharp barbs sped out to stab into his body. Rak stared open mouthed at his lord then shook as the poison took hold and fell face first into the sand.
"Come out warrior of Ketul." A voice called. "You have trespassed into Lesul. Show yourself!"
Standing tall, Ketu dropped his pack and made his way out around the dune to face Lesu's red armored warriors. There were six warriors there mounted on the backs of trackers.
"Who here speaks for the lord of Lesul?" Ketu demanded boldly.
"And who are you?" Asked a warrior. He urged his tracker out to meet Ketu. He stopped just out of reach of Ketu and leaned forward waiting for an answer.
"I Am Lord Ketu, and I wish to speak with your lord."
"You are no lord." The warrior spat. "You are a fool to leave your diseased land. You know it is death to enter here."
"This is your last warning." Ketu's tail began to swish back and forth. "I would see Lord Lesu. Send him a message now or I will kill you."
"Bah!!" The warrior reached for his staff and called out an order to his warriors."Kill the intruder!!"
With amazing speed, Ketu's hood spread out, he raised his hands as power began to flow and sent his energy spikes flying. One by one before they could reach him or even level their weapons at him, Ketu's spike found their mark and ripped through their chest. Five warriors fell from their charging trackers leaving one who came to a halt with Ketu's glowing fist pointed at his face.
"Will you die too?" Ketu asked. "Or will you call for your lord as I asked?"
"My lord comes Lord Ketu." The warrior urged his tracker back. "He is not far away."
It didn't take Lesu long to get there. As he approached he saw the bodies of his warriors scattered around the lone ketul warrior. Lesu stared down at Ketu his eyes already glowing red. He looked back at the warrior that had survived and before he could offer any explanation, Lesu let loose with his death stare and killed him.
"And what brings the lord of Ketul to my land?"
Ketul sat back on his coils and smile at Lesu. A deadly smile Lesu thought. he must want something to come here alone.
"I think we can help each other." Ketu said. "You help me, And I will put in your hands something you have been searching for."
"And why should I trust you?" Lesu asked.
"Because I will deliver one of your son's to you right now."
"You have them?" Lesu asked anxiously.
"I know where one is right now and I can take you to him." Ketul moved to Lesu's side. "But I would have your word Lesu. I know how you honor it. Give me your word and he will be yours."
Lesu stared down at Ketu. He could rid himself of the mad fiend with just one blast but that would not get him any closer to Mar and Xan. And they had to be caught and returned for his judgement. Loc had failed him and even the Mind lord Daru couldn't find them. He had no choice, this was the only way.
"You have my word Ketu." The red glare radiatedhis eyes. "Now where are they?"
"Gather your warriors." Ketul smiled his tongue licking his lips. "We ride for Ketul."

"So now that you have me." Dev asked Loc from his tracker. "What do you plan to do with me?"
"Establish my own house." Loc said. "With the help of my queen and warriors from lordless lands, I think we can overcome anyone who comes agaist us. Maybe the abandoned house of Seru. That should provide the matrial I need."
"Us?" Dev laughed. "There is no us. I will not help you against Daru or any other lord powerless one. You and your queen Trela are on your own."
"Trela?" Loc slowed until the two trackers rode side by side. "Daru's queen?"
"You think I am stupid? Do you think Daru is stupid? How else could you enter Darul without the help of Trela hiding your presence? Hiding your mind from Daru. He will find you no matter where you go then he will destroy you."
"Then maybe I should not even try to hide." Loc sneered. "Maybe I should find Daru and end this myself." Dev stared at Loc quietly. He didn't know what Loc meant. How could a simple but smart Savonti warrior defeat a lord of Daru's power?
"It is your death." Dev shrugged.
Loc looked over at Dev and knew just what he was thinking. He reached over and took the reins of his tracker.
"You wondering how a warrior such as me could possibly fight a power like Daru?" Loc shrugged. "There are ways, Surprise, ambush or maybe something new. A new weapon of my own design that might blind Daru and make his powers useless against me. A weapon you yourself will build for me."
"Never!" Dev tried to pull his chains from Loc's hands. "I will never betray my lord!"
"Yes." Loc yell snatching him back. "You will do anything I order as long as you wear that collar."
As Loc laughed at his having the upper hand on his old enemy, Dev screamed out in his mind for his lords help but there was no answer. He had to fight Loc and the collar he wore, no matter how helpless he knew it was. His only choice was to resist and hold off for as long as he could until Daru could find him and hope Loc's wouldn't be as powerful as he thinks it will be.

As Lesu rode out for Ketul, he saw a cloud of dust and sand rising from the south. Someone was following him. With a whistle he called down one of his baebot familiars and sent it out to see who it was coming towards them.
"Trouble?" Ketu asked from beside him.
"Someone follows." Lesu brought his warriors to a stop at the top of a set of hills. Shielding his eyes he looked back. Ketu looked annoyed at the hold up. Less the five units later the baebot returned and gently settled down on Lesu's shoulder to whisper in his ear.
"Well?" Ketu asked impatiently.
"Lord Paru comes." Lesu sent his familiar back into the air as they watched the cloud come closer. Soon, a huge grey tracker came trotting up the slope of the hill. On its back sat a tall Savonti warrior dressed in yellow armor. He climbed down and walked over to Lesu and Ketu.
"Nazun Lord Paru." Lesu pounded his chest with his fist. "What news have you for me."
"It seems your suspicion was correct Lesu." Paru stopped facing him as he eyed Ketu. "Daru is in Gukul."
"As an advisor?"
"No." He said. "There are no longer any Gukul warriors left in Gukul. They have all either joined Daru or been put to death."
"And Guku?" Lesu asked.
"Led away in a collar and chains."
"Send word to Nebu." Lesu ordered. "Tell him to be ready to move when I call. Have your border guards tripled, Daru may try moving on one of us next."
"Where are you heading?"
"Ketul." Lesu pointed to Ketu. "I have business with it's lord. He has something I want very badly."
"Lesu." Paru signalled him over where they could talk privately. Climbing down, Lesu set his staff in its place on the trackers saddle and followed Povu off to the side.
"Can you really trust the hooded one?" Paru watched Ketu over Lesu's shoulder. "After all he has done. How do you know he will not turn on you and put one of his spikes through your heart the moment he no longer needs your help?"
"All your words are true." Lesu put a hand on the tall lords shoulder. "But I have giving my word and Lesu's word is never broken. But I will keep an eye on him. A close eye you can be sure."
"As will I." Paru turned and climbed back on his tracker then looked Ketu dead in his eyes. "Hear me hooded one. My baebots will be watching from a far. If I see any sign of treachery, I will come to Ketul and burn it until there is nothing left of your home or you but ash. This I swear."
Then Lord Paru smacked the rear of his tracker and they were off.
"He dare threaten me!" Ketu stood high on his coils with his tail shaking like a rattle.
"Lord Paru is very formidable. His threat is no idol boast. Now shall we get moving?"

The first of the two Pentanthin suns had just gone over the horizon as Lord Yaru finished gathering what was left of the Savonti of Ketul. All the wagons, weapons and provision had been collected and all was ready for them to leave. Shayn stood out in the front of the line waiting for Yaru and his two personal guards to finish bringing out the last of ketul's queens.
"These are the last to leave." Yaru called as he joined Shayn at the front of the wagon train. "It is time for us to leave here."
"Then lets get moving." Shayn walked over to Xan who sat mounted looking to the south not paying any attention to what was going on around him. "Xan."
Xan didn't move, didn't hear Shayn calling him.
"XAN!" Shayn shook his legs. "Is something wrong?"
"He is coming for me."
"Who?" Shayn asked.
"Lesu, My father." Xan turned to look down at Shayn. "He is here in Ketul."
"How do you know?"
"I can feel him." Xan took his staff from the saddle and handed it to Shayn.
"What are you doing? I don't want that."
"Go Shayn." Xan spoke soft;y. "Take Yaru and his people somewhere safe. I have to go to my father."
"But he'll kill you." He was afraid for his friend. "Come back with us. We did what we came here to do."
"No Shayn, We did what you came here to do. My task is still undone. I must confront Lesu. It is the only way."
"Damn!!" Shayn shouted throwing his arms into the air. "Why are you Savonti so damned stubborn."
"This is my fate." Xan reached down and offered Shayn his hand. "This is what I have to do. Tell Mar I will always be proud to have stood by his side. And Drella, Tell her I am sorry we can not visit your world like I promised and I love her. I love her very much."
"Fate." Shayn's brow furrowed in wonder. "Fate is what brought Ono and I to Pentanthin. It's what steers our course here. If we have a fate, then you must have one too. Becareful Xan, we don't want to lose you."
"Nazun Shayn. Our fates are connected. Remember that."
"Aiya Xan. We'll see you again. I promise."
As Xan rode off, he felt like he was alone and might never see his friends again. But he wasn't. There were eyes on him that would stay with him and if he was who they thought he was, those eyes might do more then just watch.

A Lord falls. 59

High in the azure skies of Pentanthin, Trip winged his way on towards the academy. In fear he moved as fast as he could because of what Drake had told him. Tabor had managed to escape the Academy. He was out here in the forest alone with the Savonti at his side. Did that mean he had found what he had come here looking for? Was the Ring of Endrin still hidden where Trip had left it, or were they all in deep trouble. He just didn't know the answer to that question, but soon he would know.
From off to the left, Trip saw that something was coming his way. As a matter of fact, two somethings. Was it Azeal and Tanis coming to meet him? Drake had said he would have them come and escort him but from the size of whatever was flying towards him, Trip didn't think it could be the two vampires coming to meet him.
Dropping down to tree level, Trip moved in amongst the branches and foliage where he could find coverage and hide from what was coming. Landing on a high branch, Trip watched as two huge man sized bat creatures came sailing out of the clouds followed by a flock of smaller baebots as they circled the trees where Trip had hidden himself.
Trip wasn't sure exactly what they were, but he knew it wasn't Azeal and Tanis looking for him. So far since he and the others had been on Pentanthin, he hadn't seen anything very big in the skies. He had seen strange four and six winged birds, Some of the weirdest insects he had ever seen, but nothing this big. As they came closer, Trip saw they didn't quite look like bats, more like two great mantas in the sky. They had great broad wings with long tails but no head. There were no hands or feet that Trip could see, instead he saw hooks arranged all along their flat bottoms.The question was, were they just two animals on their morning hunt or something much more intelligent. This could be the Savonti out searching for them. If it was, there was just one way to find out. He would have to show himself by making a run for it.
Hopping from branch to branch looking for a clear opening, Trip slowly made his way through the trees. He kept an eye on the things flying over head to be sure they weren't to close when he made his run. Being raven sized he knew he wouldn't make much of a meal for one of these things. They had to have bigger animals in mind as the usual prey. So if he took to the air and they came after him, he would know they weren't looking for a meal. They were after him.
As the two bat things moved off to search an area of trees north of him, Trip spread his black wings and shot off south in the direction Drake had told him to go. Beating his wings to move as fast as he could, Trip turned to see if he was being followed. Sure enough the two rose from the trees and sped off after him. Now Trip was sure he was their target. Now he had a choice. Fly as fast as he could and hope he could out run them, or land, shift and fight.
As Trip looked back again he saw how much air they had gain in the chase. Running obviously wasn't going to work. His only choice now was to fight.
Folding his wings in close to his body, Trip went into a dive. Up ahead there was a clearing were the forest ended and a field of high grass began. That would be perfect for Trip as a battle ground. Opening his wings to slow his fall Trip beat back at the winds and came in for a gentle landing. With a quick shift Trip held out his staff and watched as the two warriors swooped down on him.
As the two great bats came in one from the left and the other on the right, Trip braced himself as he watched their hooks reach lower and grab for him..
Holding out his staff, Trip sent a bolt of energy at the creature on the left. It screamed in pain and tried to pull up to abort the run but instead falling to rolling across the grassy plain. Turning right Trip dived out of the way just in time as the second one flew past grazing his back snagging the cloak Trip was wearing. Jumping to his feet Trip unclasped the cloak and threw it aside.
"Come on!!!" He shouted as he focused his power getting ready for the next attack. "Come get me!!"
Rising from the grass the first creature stood with his wings extended. As Trip watched the wings began to compress and pull into the body. Long ears and snout molded from grey flesh pushed itself out to form face and soon a true Savonti warrior stood snarling at him.
"You don't scare me." Trip shouted at his two opponents his eyes glowing. "I've seen Orcs and Trolls scarier then both of you."
Pulling a sword from his side the first warrior flexed his muscles, hissed and started forward.
"You are of the White and Grey." His voice was rough and deep just like an Orcs. "My master wants you either dead or in his control."
"Really?" Trip gripped his staff ready to fight. "Good luck with that."
Like a Minotaur the warrior charged at Trip. He held his sword high ready to slash Trip once he reached him. As the warrior charged, Trip held his staff like a quarterstaff and sent a jolt of power into the staff to strength it. In seconds they met. The sound of the sword making contact with the staff was deafening. Pulling back the warrior raised his weapon to hack at Trip. With a fast thrust Trip sent the head of his staff into the warriors chest and released another massive jolt of energy burning the warrior. As Trip jumped back to avoid being grabbed by the flailing warrior, he looked over to find the other warrior just watching. Thank Rimnar he thought. He might be able to defeat them one on one, but if they attack together he would not stand a chance.
Shaking off the pain, the warrior and Trip began to circle each other. As the warrior slashed out Trip countered and swung low for his legs. Back and forth they sparred with pain stabbing into the warrior with each contact Trip made. Trip could feel the warrior weakening, but so was he. He wasn't sure if he had enough left to do this all over again with the next warrior waiting on the side. He had to end this quick and figure out how to dispose of his next opponent.
Whispering low to himself Trip cast a spell. As they circled the warrior blinked and looked at Trip confused. Where he had been fighting Trip, now there were three of him looking identical ready to attack.
"What madness is this?" He barked stepping back. "How many of you are there?"
"Come find out." Trip smiled egging him on  .
Bellowing out his rage the warrior charged in. Slashing left then right he attacked Trip diving at one image of him pushing him to the ground where he stabbed down again and again sending his sword straight through Trips heart. Satisfied of his victory the warrior stood and spat at the corpse at his feet. He turned to walk proudly back to his comrade when suddenly blue energy stabbed through his body burning him to death from the inside out. Like a stone he fell dead to the ground with smoke slipping from the dead eyes. and mouth.
"Well fought." The second warrior stepped up ready to battle. "But now you battle me and I will not fall so easily."
Trip looked at the warrior sweat pouring from all over his body. It had a crazed looked in its eyes like it would enjoy ripping him to pieces. Trip was in no condition for this fight, he was exhausted. He didn't have the energy for a long or short battle. He had to think of something fast to take out his enemy quick. One powerful spell. Something that would be quick and final.
As Trip stood waiting thinking fast, the warrior pulled his staff from his back and powered it up. He threw his head back and laughed expecting an easy win and started forward toward Trip.
For the first time today fear entered Trips mind. He wasn't afraid of the Savonti warrior coming at him. He was more afraid he was going to fail his friends and they might die because of it. Visions of Reno and Thalia dead crossed his mind. Dack and Zarin with Craven laying at there side dead. Then he saw the one sight that scared him most. He saw Rese laying beaten and bloody in the arms of a Savonti warrior. He couldn't let that happen. No not today, Not ever!!!
Now he knew what he had to do. Trip spread his arms and looked up into the Pentanthin sky and began his spell.

OH HEAR ME PENTANTHIN AND RISE TO MY AID.
THE ENEMY FIGHTS AND YOUR PEOPLE FADE.
WE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE SO RIGHT AND SO BOLD.
NOW TAKE DOWN YOUR ENEMY AND SWALLOW HIM WHOLE.

Just then thunder cracked and a streak of lightning lit the whole sky. Trip took a few steps back and got himself in a battle stance. This was it. Either Pentanthin would rise and help him or he would die here fighting Pentanthins enemy.
Staring up at the suddenly darkening skies the warrior stopped for a second. The human had spoke some silly little speech in hopes that calling on Pentanthin would help him. But the Savonti were Pentanthin and they would always rule this planet.
"Stupid human!" The warrior spit at him. "You think Pentanthin will help you against us!! We are Pentanthin. Pentanthin is going to destroy all of you humans starting with you!!
Clutching his staff and aiming it at Trip the warrior started his advance. His eyes were filled with hate and his tail rose high ready to strike. Trip braced himself ready to fight.
As the warrior moved forward the ground began to shake ever so slightly. With each step the warrior took the shaking became more and more intense. Soon it was almost impossible to stand. As Trip took a few steps back on solid ground, a fissure of darkness opened up in the ground between him and the warrior. Falling flat on the ground the warrior struggled to keep himself stable from the shaking. His claws dug deep into the soil as he tried to pull himself away from the hole growing larger and larger by the minute.
"You think this will stop us?" The warriors knees were hanging over the side of the hole. "Your wrong. Nothing will stop the Savonti from ruling Pentanthin. Humans will all be hunted down and put on plates for own dinner.  Just as we killed all the Nevac, we will destroy you. Nothing will stop us. Not you or the White and Grey! We will kill you all!!"
"We'll see who survives to rule on Pentanthin." Trip spread his arms and shifted to his raven form and took off into the air. He was tired and had someways to go. The warrior was about to die and he hoped he didn't run into anymore of them before he reached the Academy.
"Beware the Pentanthin skies Human!" The warrior called as he fell. "We will find you no matter where you hide!!"
With that the warrior fell into the hole. He tried spreading his arms to re form his wings, but it was to later. He screamed his rage as the ground closed and crushed him to death.

Exhausted Trip flew on. He flew over the dessert lands of Lesul and Ketul and right into Nebul. There he had to set down and rest. As he dropped down and took a perch in a strange looking palm tree, Trip looked out to see a flock of little baebots just came out of the sky to fill the limbs of what looked to Trip like an old Joshua tree. Could this be the same baebots he had seen following the two warriors? Could that be how the Savonti managed to find him?
Hopping from limb to limb Trip watched his watchers as he made a feast on a group of small insects he found in the tree tops. He could feel the small eyes of the group following him wherever he went. After his meal it was time to move on. But there was a problem there. If he took flight heading for the Academy he would be giving away the position of the school and all his friends. He would have to figure out a way to lead those tailing him off into a different direction.
[Maybe I could be of some help?]
[Azeal?]
[No, it's Blink.] Came the voice of the shadow dragon in Trips head. [Stay where you are while I send your little friends off where they can't follow us.]
Looking to the trees, Trip watched as the first baebot shook out his wings then jumped into the air and took off. Then a second, a third, then as if a great hand had reached out a shook the tree, the whole flock was airborne. Trip watched as they all flew west in what looked to him like a hunt for something.
[A hunt for you.] Blink sent. [I sent a shadow of you flying west to them. They'll follow for miles until it fades away. By then you will be safelty away from here.]
[Where are you Blink?]
"Here."
Trip looked down from his perch and under the tree, a tall dark haired man stood looking up at him. Hoping down, Trip set himself at Blink's feet and shifted to human form.
"It's good to see a friend way out here. Are we far from the Academy?"
"No." Blink answered. "Less then a six hour flight to the north. But I think we should hurry. There are things about to happen that will make Pentanthin a very dangerous place."
"Worst." Trip nodded. "If Tabor finds what he's looking for."
"Follow me," Blink stepped out from under the tress and spread his arms. In a flash he shifted to dragon form and leaped into the air. Following suit, Trip shifted to raven and flew off after the dark dragon. He was on his way. He had taken another step towards the Academy and getting back home.

Alone on a hill in Nebul, Tabor  watching as Blink and Trip launched themselves into the sky heading for the Academy. After all the time he had spent in the Academy searching this might be his one chance to find the prize he and his father hungered after. He knew the answer to the location of the Ring was in the sky right now. Trip had been the one that hid the ring. He would be the one that would bring it back out into the open. The only problem was that, he knew he couldn't go back to the Academy. Not with Zarin, Dack or Trip there. They would recognise him in any disguise he might try to use. He would have no choice but to rely on those he had placed his spell on to carry out his wishes. Rue Tasco and Kel Rainer, the weak minded fathers of Craven and Dack. Once Trip entered the Academy, he would have them follow him and call once the Ring was found. Then it would be his and not even the master mage Insa would be able to face him. Maybe not even the great Tayor Larin, king of Winterhaven would dare face him.

Standing in the office of Insa, headmaster of the Andrake academy, Ono looked out at the cadets hurrying about preparing the school for an attack by the Savonti. He knew from his father Drake that Lord Memu was on the march for Gekkol. His plans were to capture any and all humans and make what was left of Fedru his. Lord Memu had been told of the human takeover of Fedrul but like most lord, it was hard for him to believe any human no matter how powerful had defeated a fully powered Savonti lord. The thought was just to crazy for him to think true. But it was true. Lord Fedru with all his weapons and power was dead. Killed not by a fellow Savonti lord for his land, but by a young powerless human named Gabor Gekko in hand to hand combat for revenge. Now Humans for the first time in history controlled a land of there own. But for how long?
With Memu marching in from the west and Tabor loose joining with a lord that could only be Daru, Ono knew things were about to get very bad for all of them.
They needed help. Help from anyone they could find. That was why Erlik had been sent out. He was to contact any other clan he could locate a convince them it was time to stand and fight against the age old enemy the Savonti. Some had agreed and promised to send warriors to help. But most had decided to stay on the side where it was safe, scared to anger the reptile men. They would only join if the Gekko's looked to have the upper hand on the Savonti.
If the other clans wouldn't help, what aid could they find to help save the Humans of Pentanthin? Mar and his newly acquired Savonti land? That would help if they got here in time. What of Shayn and his plan to turn the house of Ketu to their side? Shayn had said all was well in Ketul and he would be meeting with the lord. He had high hopes for that meeting. Hopes that Ketu wasn't as mad as everyone said he was. Well, they would soon find out, but that wouldn't help them right now. For now it was just him, the staff and cadets of the Academy and Gabor and his clan. Ono had an idea that could help, but he wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do.
Just then there was a knock at the door. Ono turned and called for whoever it was to enter. The door opened and Tanis came in.
"Good news Ono." Tanis came in smiling. "We found Jovan. He has quite a story for you to hear."
"Where is he?"
"He's in the infirmery getting checked out." Tanis told him. "I think your about to get a real surprise."
"Good or bad?" Ono asked as they left the office. Ono had enough on his mind right now. Bad news wasn't really something he wanted to hear.
"Good." He looked back and smiled. "I hope."

High above in the skies over the border of Gekkol and Memul, Thalia soared circling the Savonti warriors marching into Gekkol. The numbers frightened her. She knew Gabor had a large number of men that would fight at his side, but from what she saw, Gekkol was going to be severely over matched. She saw lines and lines of armed warriors moving down the trail. With the help of Drake, Reno, Tored, Rese and  Eheren they may be able to slow them down, but there's no way the would be about to stop them. That meant Gabor had the choice of fighting and running and from what Tored had told her of the Human history. She didn't think running was going to the answer Gabor would pick. He had come from a long line of fighter and he would protect what was his until death. So unless someone could convince him that there was a better way, the Gekko's were about to die. There was only one person on Pentanthin that could probably convince him, and that was Ono Tyr. Werewolves had fought for century's for their freedom and when the time was right, they won it and it took many difficulties, many deaths and a war to do it. So maybe with the help of the white and grey and their friends from Keanna, human life on Pentanthin had a chance.
[Indeed it does.] Drake sent. [And it's time we do our bit to help]
[You have something in mind?] Thalia asked. Her mind speak sounded so stressed. Drake thought she had to be exhausted.
[Miss direction.] Drake answered. [The only weapon we have for now.]
Landing litely on a upper tree branch as Memu and his warriors passed underneath, Thalia listened to Drakes plan. It was crazy and desperate. But it just might work.

In the heat of the desert land of Ketul, Yar moved with unusual speed. This was to be the greatest day of his life. For the first time he could remember, there was no pain. Not in his head or any part of his long snake like body. Yar moved like he never did before. He was so enjoying his freedom. Xan rode along behind him glad they had helped him.
As they moved along, Yar slowed and came back to join him.
"We are not to far away." Yar said. "Look its just over the hills there."
Xan looked over to where Yar had been pointing. Over the horizon he saw smoke rising. something was burning.
"Cooking fires?" Xan asked.
Yar looked closer at the black smoke rising.
"No." Yar answered with a tremble in his voice. "The smell is all wrong. I thing Ketul is being attacked! We should hurry!"
Like a shot Yar took off moving faster then Xan thought possible. He urged his tracker on into a run to catch up with his new friend.
[Shayn! Whats going on up there?]
[There's a huge Savonti warrior up there going mad. He's attacking everyone.] Shayn answered. [I'm going to go in and stop him.]
[NO!] Xan shouted in his mind. [Stay hidden for now. Yar and I are just about there. I don't want you getting hurt.]
[I can take care of myself Xan.]
[Please.] Xan sent. [I think I know what is going on. Let us handle it.]
[If you say so. But you better hurry.]
Minutes later Yar and Xan reached the Savonti hill that was the home of the people of Ketul. All around there were bodies of dead Ketul men and women along with burning wagons, furniture and anything burnable in sight. Yar stopped at the gates that led down into the mound confused as to what was happening here.
"What on Pentanthin is going on?" He looked from side to side for someone that could give him answers. Just to the right of the gate he saw a warrior trying to rise. Yar recognised him. He was one of his fathers guards Jio.Yar rushed over and pulled him up into his arms.
"Jio." He shook him. "Who attacks us?"
The warrior opened his eyes and looked up at Yar. It took him a second but he finally recognised the son of his lord holding him.
"Your father did this." He stuttered.
"Why?"
"Because something has changed everyone in Ketul." Jio gripped Yars arms weakly. "This morning we woke and Ketul had changed. There was no fever in our minds, no more pain. He thought he had lost control and he just went mad and started destroying everything and everyone. You have to stop him. No one else in Ketul would dare fight back. It is up to you to stop him before we are all dead."
With that, Jio feel silent in his arms. Yar laid him down carefully.
"This is our fault." Xan said sadly. "Our cure has driven your father mad."
"My father was already mad." Yar pulled himself up to his full height and flexed his hood membrane's open. "It is time Ketu no longer ruled here. Can you and the white one help heal them?"
"Yes we can." Xan answered. "But what will you be doing?"
"Beginning my reign as lord of Yarul." Yar slithered out and stared down into the mound. "Heal as many as you can. I will return once Ketu is no more."
"Gish taa!" Xan shouted after him.

Strong and steady, Yar made his way down through the depths of the house of Ketu. He passed many down and many more trying to find a way and stay out of their lords mad destructive rage. He assured them it was safe to leave and that he would take care of his father alone. They all thanked him and hurried out. From bellow he could hear the cry of his fathers victims which urged him on to move faster.
As he passed the house kitchens, Yar ordered anyone he found to release all slave, human and Savonti. He told them to put out the fires his father had started and to head up and out until it was all over.
Finally he was on the bottom floor. These were Ketu's private apartments. He found his queens all hiding with the young and sent them out. Now he was ready to face his fathers rage alone.
"Come out Father." Yar called from his throne room. "Come out and face me."
The sound of something moving caught Yar's attention. He turned to see two blazing red eyes staring out at him from the darkness. Ketu slithered out of the shadows to face his son. Ketu was much older and grey scaled. His body was dull and scarred from his life of many many battles against different Savonti lord. He was dressed in dirty bloody gold scaled tunic a harness and gold chains decorating his hood.
"So it was you that did this to Ketul." He growled. "I always knew you had ambitions to sit on my throne, Take over my house. Now you have betrayed me. You are armauk to me. "
"No father." Yar said. "I was always loyal to you. Even though it was you that turned Ketul to a dying land. Still I was faithful and followed your orders even when you were filling me with your poisons."
"You call this being faithful?" Ketu shouted. "You undid everything that made my house strong!! You took away our strength!!'"
"NO! I cleaned away the plague you brought on us. I made us strong again!"
"You made my house weak!" Ketu flexed which sent power to his hands. "But do not worry. I will make us strong again. But first, I will have to kill you!!"
"As you wish father." Yar raised his arms and exposed his glowing energy blades. "You will die with honor."
"And you will be pissed on and fed to the Gradyea's." Ketu quickly rushed forward shooting his spikes at Yar. "Die Makhasi!!"
Moving his energy blades like a fan, Yar blocked his fathers spikes. They flew off to the side in all directions tearing away at the walls of the apartment. Yar closed in and began the dual with his father. Sparks flew as sword met spike, the sounds ringing out each time the weapons clashed.
As the madness made Ketu take dangerous risks. He poured power into his spikes intensifying them into blinding fury while Yar's calmness made him think about every move. In the days of old he would fight like his father. His rage would power him into victory. Now with a clear head and body, his speed and strength made him more deadly then ever. He loved the feeling of power surging through his veins.
Like two demons from the underworld they fought. Blazing heat from their weapons searing them every time body contact was made. Tails slashed out to strike at each other like spiked bullwhips leaving welt's and scars on each others body. With a great strike at Lord Ketu's head his energy spike flew off tumbling across the floor as Yar raise his sword and slid forward.
"Do you yield?" He asked watching Ketu for the subtlest move. "Your life will be spared."
"Yield?" Ketu stood higher towering over his son. "No Savonti Lord would ever yield!  Not to someone as low as you!" With that, Ketu swung up with his spike knocking Yar's sword away and dived at Yar trying to impale him.

Hearing the sound of battle ahead of him, Rak with two of his hunters hurried down the hall to see who was battling. Once they looked in on Ketu's apartment they were surprised to find Yar there fighting the lord of the land, his own father Ketu. Anger and jealousy as he slithered his way into the shadows. He had always had Ketu's ear over Yar. His favor over the young simpleton of a son. Now with Yar showing abilities he could never have he hated the new young lord. Here was his chance. If he could go in and save Ketu or kill his young attacker, he would be back in the lords favor.
With Rak in the front, they stepped into Ketu's ante chamber. Sliding from shadow to shadow they crept up behind the battling lords as they fought. Before them, Yar was concentrating on blocking the whirlwind of blows Ketu delivered. Make no mistake, though deformed by his own experimentation, Ketu was still one of the strongest fighters on Pentanthin. His speed and endurance increased by his maddness, he fought like the Ketu of old. Seeing Rak with his staff in hand behind Yar, Ketu doubled his effort forcing the young lord back. The sound of the hum of energized staff weapons escaped the notice of the young lord and before he knew it, Rak was at his back ready to strike.
"KILL HIM!!" Ketu snapped.
As Yar turn, the staff was pushed at his back sending bolts of energy surging through his body. Screaming in pain, Yar's energy swords dissolved as he began to shake in paralyzing pain. With smoke rising from the wound, he fall to the ground awake but barely able to move a finger.
"Bring him to me." Ketu ordered. With Rak standing at his stand, the two hunters grabbed Yar by his arms, lefted him up and dragged him to his father. Generating a glowing energy spike Ketu stepped to his son and aimed the spike at Yar's throat.
"Navun my traitorous son." Ketu pulled back his long glowing spike to deliver the killing blow. "You will be forgotten."
"NOOOOOO!!!"
Suddenly a plume of flame shot out from nowhere and forced the two warriors who dropped in surprise. Turning to the side Ketu saw a young man dressed in white leather step out of the shadows and stand in front of Yar to protect him.
"HUMAN!" Ketu pointed to Shayn. "He is armauk, mine to kill. Get away from him."
"He is my friend." Shayn stared intensely at the Savonti standing over him. "And you may not touch him."
"And who will stop me?" Ketu's tongue lashed out to lick his lips in anticipation of the next battle which he thought would be easy against this weak human.  Four to one. He wouldn't even have to fight. His warriors could deal with this. "You?"
"Yes I will."
With that, Ketu's warriors charged weapons out to kill the intruder. Bracing for the fight, Shayn sent a bolt of power at the lead warrior coming at him. As it hit, searing pain begin to run through the warriors body with each step he took. Pain worse then any he had ever experienced in the past. His hands cramped and he lost all feeling until he couldn't make a fist or hold a weapon or stand. Then he fell to the floor cringing in pain.
As the next warrior made it to him, he swung his staff hitting Shayn in the arm as he raised it to protect himself. Pain ran up from the crack the blow made in his arm all the way up to his shoulder. Shayn let out a roar that rattled the walls it was so load. He feel to his knees and looked up at the stunned warrior.
"You shouldn't have done that."
Shayn took a deep breath a let out another roar as he started to shift. His skin grew scaly and white as his body became longer and his tail and wings sprouted. His face changed from the handsome human man to a blued eyed horn headed thing like nothing they had seen before. The white dragon reared up on its hind legs blew out a great gasp of fire into the air. With a swipe of his great claw he sent the warrior back grabbing for his sword at his side.
Standing taller then the length of two grown men, Shayn stepped out and shook the leg healing the broken bone then stomped and stood over the unconscious Yar .
"Kill that thing!!"
Rushing forward the warrior pulled his sword and tried to battle the mighty dragon. He swung and hacked stabbing at Shayn trying to protect his lord.
"Lord Ketu!" Rak grip Ketu's arm. "We must go. All is lost here for now. We can win back Ketul another day!"
Ketu shook his head and with a last look at Yar, he let Rak lead him out an entrance hidden behind the throne.
As the warrior fought, Shayn kicked out at him. With one kick he sent the warrior crashing into a wall breaking his neck. He watched as it slid down to a crumpled heap on the floor. He looked around for Ketu and Rak. They had taken the smart move and escaped while Shayn had been dealing with the last warrior. Shifting back to human form, he reached down and pulled Yar up to lean on his coils comfortably for support. Feeling his pain Shayn sent waves of healing through his body. Seconds later Yar opened his eyes and looked up at Shayn then around the room.
"Where's Ketu?"
"Gone." Shayn reached out and helped Yar to stand. "Your the Lord here now. From now on this land will be yours to do with as you please"
Shayn reached out and took Yaru's hand and shook it. As they moved towards the exit Yaru looked around. He had seen a lot of pain in this room. He looked at the row of tables in the room. The many devices of experimentation and torture. Many humans had died in the room. So had many of his own people. His father had committed sin after sin here and they all required blood.
As he passed a long table with chains stained with blood, Yaru lashed out slamming his tail down breaking it in two.
"No." Yaru shook his head. "To much pain here, This place reeks of blood. We will find someplace new, somewhere that is clean. This is the last time anyone will ever see this room again."
They stopped at the door looking back. "It will be burned. I swear my father all never use this again."
"You know he'll return." Shayn placed his hand on Yaru's shoulder. "Looking for revenge."
"Let him come." Yaru grabbed the door and slammed it close. "We will not be here. All he we find is ruins. We will find a clean place without all the blood on the walls where we can start anew,"
"I have just the place for you and your people." Shayn smiled as the left Ketul forever. "That is if you are willing to fight and share with us."
"We would be honored."
"They we should hurry." Shayn warned him. "Trouble moves on us as we speak. Maybe we can meet it and do something before it's to late."

Once out of the his mound, Ketu and Rak hid themselves and made their way quietly through the small camp. They stopped at hidden water house and gathered provisions for the long trek. From the side of the shed Ketu stopped and looked back at his home. All the fires he had started, still burned. Heavy smoke filled the air. They could still hear the cries of the woulded coming from his mound. Yar must still be deep down in pits of the mound.
"We shall see how long you get to rule my house Maknesi." Ketu turned and grabbed a staff and a cloak from the stores in the shed.
"Where shall we go my Lord?" Rak asked as he lifted the pack of provisions they were to take with them.
"To find allies that can aid me in my return." He said. "Someone who hates the humans as much as I do."
"Lord Daru?"
"No." He said. "I could never trust him enough to ally myself with him."
"What of Lord Lesu?"
Ketu turned back to look at Rak.
"Why would Lesu my oldest enemy want to help me?" He asked.
"Because you can give him something he has been searching for." Rak smiled that odd Savonti smile.
"What would that be?"
"When I met Yar last night." Rak told his lord. "He had a captive."
"The Human?"
"No." Rak said. "Yar had captured Lesu's son Xan. He was there at the mound. I saw him when we entered to bring my lord out."
Looking back at his burning home, Ketu smiled, his tongue lashing out in anticipation of the revenge he had in mind.
"Then I think a gift would be just the thing we need to get Lesu's attention."

In the dark halls of house Daru, Loc carefully walked the area designated for all the weapon makers. There were hammers pounding pentanthium out in the open chamber, blazing furnaces heating molton metal to be poured and molded. Along the walls were the weapon masters rooms where the weapons were designed. Loc looked around but didn't see the Savonti he was searching for. He must be working in one of the back room where he would have privacy to work.
He was looking for a special Savonti. An older Savonti adapt at the use of pentanthium, His name was Dev and he was Daru's chief designer. His was the mind that created one of Daru's main weapons. The collar of submission. With this collar Daru could take control of any Savonti he wanted. Whether it was Man or Savonti, once the collar was around their neck, there was no way they could resist Daru's command.
In the first room Loc checked, he saw two Savonti working on swords. They were using steel for the blade with a core of pentanthium. Loc checked each face as they turned from the work. Dev was not here. Quickly he withdrew from the workshop before he was recognised.
There were six rooms and the chance that he would be recognised at any moment in each one. Loc grabbed a scarf used to filter smoke and wrapped it around his face and moved on. In the fifth room he checked there was no forge bellowing smoke. No hammering just a desk and chair with a elder Savonti hunched over sketching plans on a piece of parchment. Loc slipped in and quietly shut the door behind him. As he approached the Savonti at the desk turned annoyed being disturbed.
Staring back at him, there was a Savonti of obvious advanced age. Instead of the normal emerald shade of green, this Savonti was more of a grayish tone. One of his eyes was covered with a lens and it had a duller look to it. Across his cheek here was a scar from some fight he had in his distant pass. Having seen Dev before when he served Daru, Loc knew he had found who he was looking for.
"Get out." He said. "I have work to do."
"Another new weapon that will make Daru the master of all of Pentanthin?" Loc reached up and unwrapped the scarf to uncover his face. Dev looked up at him angry for a second then he recognised the warrior standing in front of him. "Nazun Master Dev."
"What are you doing here Armauk?" Dev put down his charcoal stick on the desk beside his new plans. He stepped out around his desk to face Loc. Loc walked in to greet the old weaopn master, his tail low in a none threating position.
"I am here to help." Loc shrugged. "That is all I ever wanted to do was give Pentanthin peace."
"Is that right?" Dev chuckled amused at Loc's lies. "Was it peace that made you betray Lord Daru to Lesu? Were you seeking peace when you poisoned his dinner? Or maybe it was an act of peace when you talked Queen Persa into hiding the staff in Daru's roon so you could kill him in his sleep. You care no more for peace then Daru or any other lord. All you want is the power to be a lord which you will never have Armauk. Just go away before Daru feels your presence and your head ends up on a stick at the gate."
"I do not think so." From behind his back, Loc pulled a weapon he had designed and made himself. It was a small staff about arms length with a spear head at the end. It was made of pentanthium so with the flick of a switch he sent a bolt of energy into Dev that sent his old bones crashing to the floor.
"With your help I will be lord of Darul." Loc bent down and snapped a collar around Dev's neck. "And neither you or Daru can stop me."

Alone in his raging hot sand pit, the mind lord Daru slept. But his was not the normal sleep of your normal man or Savonti. His mind roamed the lands just like the sleep of a dragon and today hed found something.
Sitting up and opening his eyes Daru smiled. He knew there was someone in his house that wasn't suppose to be there. And old enemy of his. Loc had come back to steal someone very important to him.
"We shall see who rules Darul. Loc." He stood and took his robe from its peg on the wall and put it on. Walking out through his apartment he went to the door rang for one of his aides to attend him.
Minutes later his aide entered bowing to answer his call.
"We have had guest in our home tonight." Daru walked to a set of his armor that stood at the entrance to the room where his private armor is kept. He pulled the sword from the black scabbard and examined the blade for imperfections. there were none. It was perfect.
"An enemy was in my house and it seems no one noticed." Daru stared deeply into the warriors eyes. "How could this have happened?"
"I, I do not know Master." Pressure began to build in the aides head as Daru stared at him and he fell to his knees. The warrior put his hands to his head trying to hold it together. Then suddenly the pain stopped.
"Find out who was on the gates in the last hour. Have them replaced and executed where everyone can see it. This will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!!"
"Yes Master!" The warrior scrambled to get up and out of the room.
"And have Trela sent to me immediately." He called. "She has been to quiet lately and that can only be trouble."

The First. 58

As the lord of the land, Lesu sat and watched his slaves toils in the fields from his window. His thoughts went to his two renegade sons Mar and Xan. So far no one had sent him any word of the two since the destruction of the winged lord Magu's tower. Not even Loc the hunter had sent any news, and that was a surprise. Loc was known through out the land as one who never give up until he brought back his quarry. What could have happened he wondered. Was it possible Mar and Xan could have caught and defeated the hunter? Lesu knew from what Magu had said that his sons were not alone. They were in league with the damned humans they loved so much. Maybe Daru was right after all. Maybe the humans were as dangerous as he had said they were.

Lesu stood and paced back and forth in front of his huge viewing window. He had been hearing lately of many strange things in other lords lands. How Resu seemed to be missing and Daru was now in power in his house. The death of Seru and Redu. All close neighbors of Daru. Lesu knew the humans couldn't possibly be the cause of the demise of all these lords. It just wasn't possible. Humans had power but they were stupid animals incapable of thinking ahead or planning something as elaborate as an attack on a lord. This had to be another lord. Daru probably. Who else but Daru had the audacity to make a move like this. And what a move. All he had to do was call together all the lords in the area and warn them of a coming threat like a human rebellion. Then knowing no lord would believe him, he would attack himself and placing the blame on the fictional human enemy. A very devious move Lesu thought. But not one he would fall for.
Since he hadn't heard any news from Loc, Lesu sent out messengers to some of the lords he thought he might be able to trust. Lord Povu of of the desert lands to his south and his neighbor Lord Nebu to his east. It had taken a few turns to convince them, but they both agreed to meet with him in a area where the three lords lands bordered. Once his tracker was packed he set off with two of his warriors along for protection.
After a half turns ride through his lands, Lesu arrived at the meeting place. It was a hot arid area mostly desert with sparse growth of desert grass and tall palm trees with purple fans growing from the top. From where they sat, Lesu could see for miles all around. To the south he saw a dust cloud moving through the desert. That had to be Lord Povu coming in to meet him. He turned east and from there he saw a strange beast running towards him. Lesu had no idea what it was. It was as tall as a tracker but much broader like one of the Wahsantin beast that roamed the plains of the northern lands. It had six trunk like legs with wide feet with a long armored body. It's head was something out of nightmares with attributes of both the Tark and the Corjo. A long snout with sharp looking tusk and teeth. Lesu ordered his warriors down off the Trackers and into a fighting position. Taking his battle staff from his saddle, Lesu aimed it at the beast as it came within range.
As a deep howl erupted from the thing it stopped and reared up to its full height towering over them. Just as Lesu was about to order his warriors to fire, the beast image began to blur and change. Intrigued Lesu lowered his weapon as suddenly a tall Savonti dressed in greenish robes stood before him.
"Nazun Lord Lesu." Nebu bowed keeping his eyes on Lesu and his warriors. "I am Lord Nebu."
"You are a changeling?" Lesu orders his warriors to lower their weapons. "Interesting."
"I use that form for traveling." Nebu nodded coming closer to meet the lord of Lesul. "It serves me well. To what do I owe the pleasure of our meeting?"
"He seeks allies." Lord Povu rode in with his warriors saluting the two lords waiting. "Nazun Lesu. We have much to talk about."
"Indeed we do." Putting his staff back on his saddle he turned to his warriors. "Wait on the ridge. We would talk in private."
"Yes my lord." Lesu's warriors turned their Trackers and moved off to wait. As Lord Povu climbed down off his Tracker he waved his guards off and joined Lesu with Nebu.
"As you both may know." Lesu started. "Many strange things have been happening across Pentanthin. Lords have gone missing and word his come to me of a prophesy of a human rebellion. I'm looking for allies and any news either of you my have of some of the events that have happened."
"You talk of Daru and his warning of the White and Grey I assume?" Nebu reached up and unclasped his Tark furred cloak ad took it off. He laid it next to him and sat down in the hot sands. "I have heard whispers from my lves of his predictions. They seem to think it true."
"Bah!" Lesu waved him off dismissing the claim. "I care not what humans think. No human has power beyond a Savonti lord and none ever will."
"Have a care Lesu." Povu cut in. "It is not wise to dismiss the unknown so easy. We both know there are humans with power. Look at your own son. For years you thought Mar powerless, but you were wrong."
"Mar is Savonti not human." Lesu told them. "His power is nothing compared to mine or yours. He is no lord."
"Have you heard any news of the two?" Povu asked.
"Nothing since Magul."
"Then I have news for you." Povu pulled a wine skin from inside his cloak and took a drink.
"What news" Lesu asked anxiously.
"Mar and Xan are with the humans." He recapped his skin and put it down. "They were seen moving through my lands with the humans many turns ago heading north toward Fedrul."
"Fedrul?" Lesu sat down to think. "You mean toward Darul don't you?"
"Fedrul, Darul, what does it matter? They are enemies now to be killed on sight."
"No!" Lesu stood his eyes blazing red "Only I can kill my sons. Do you understand?"
"I understand." Povu nodded his agreement."But if they invade my home, I will fight them."
"That is your right if they attack you." Lesu agreed. "But do not kill them. Hold them for me if you can. Now what do you hear of Daru"
"My warriors tell me there is trouble in Gukul." Nebu spoke up. "His lands border mine. I have been told he no longer patrols his border. Not for at least three turns."
"Gukul borders Darul correct?"
"Yes it does." Povu had an idea where Lesu was going to go with this."What do you suggest?"
"Nebu." He turned to the green clad lord. "Send warriors quietly in. Check his cities and his lair. I think you will find warriors of Darul there in Guku's place. I think Daru is moving to take all of our lands."
"And if your right?" Nebu asked.
"Then we stop him." Lesu stood and brushed the sand from his cloak. "From here on we fight him."
"What of the humans? Povu asked on his feet.
"We find Mar and Xan. If what you say is true, they will lead us the the humans. Then we rid ourselves of both our enemies. You can both message me with a baebat with any news. We meet again in two turns here. Is that agreed?
"And how can I help?" Povu asked as he climbed back on his Tracker.
"Finding Mar and Xan". He grabbed the reins and hoist himself on to his Tracker. "It is time to end the madness on Pentanthin. Ride My Brothers."

"Hurry!" Jovan called ahead to his companions as they ran crashing through the forest. "It's right behind us!"
From behind them they could all hear the roars and the snarling of the beast chasing behind them. They didn't have a moment to lose if they wanted to make he safety of the caves ahead.
Grabbing Nysa , Luke took her in his arms ran the last twenty feet to the cave entrance and dived in. Behind him,Jovan leaped for his life while pulling his sword free. He pulled his dagger and tossed it to Luke.
"Protect Nysa. Leave this to me!"
"No!" Luke pushed him away from the entrance. "Let me."
"How?" Jovan asked in shock. "You can't fight whatever it is with just a dagger."
"I don't need your dagger." Luke tossed the dagger down at Jovan' feet. He stepped out in front of the cave opening as two of the biggest Tarks he had ever seen came growling out of the forest. Flexing his back muscles, Luke gritted his teeth and called on all his concentration. Suddenly from all around, Savonti warriors charging out of the forest with staffs out aimed at the Tarks. Roaring out their challenge the Tark leaped to the attack claws flashing and grabbing for the sides of the Tracker. As the Trackers leaped high the Savonti struck down sending jolts of power from their staffs into the Tarks. From inside the cave Jovan could smell the scent of burning flesh as the Tarks screamed in pain. As one Tark lay dazed on the ground, a Tracker slashed at its side opening a great wound as it's rider climbed down and stabbed his sword through its heart.
Jovan watched the second Tark leaped up swiping at  Savonti knocking it off its Tracker. As it hit the ground it scrambled to get out of the beast reach but the warrior was to slow. The Tark grabbed the warrior by the throat tossed it into the air to crash down back in the forest. Howling its rage the Tark turned just as three warriors leaped down on it and began hacking into it with their sword. With a last swipe the Tark ripped open the chest of one of the Savonti then fell still releasing its last breath..
As the Tark died, Luke dropped down to his knees exhausted. Jovan with sword in hand grabbed for Luke to get him back on his feet.
"Get up!" He tried pulling Luke away from the entrance. "Those warriors will find us. We have to get deeper into the cave now!"
"No!" Nysa put a hand on Jovans arm. "It's over. Look."
Jovan looked out expecting to see the warriors heading into the cave after them. But all he saw was the two dead Tarks.
"I don't understand." He looked at Nysa and Luke confused.
"The warriors weren't real" Luke smiled. "I made them. They were illusion."
"By Rimnar!" Jovan smiled helping Luke up onto his feet. "You can make illusions that real?"
"I can when I'm that scared." Nysa went to Luke and took his hand. She knew how tired he had to be. "But they mpre then a frame."
"We should find somewhere where we can rest." Nysa urged them to keep moving."The smell of the Tarks should keep everything away from the cave. Lets see if the Gekkos left any supplies hidden anywhere in here."
Not far from the entrance they found a stash of torches the Gekko's had left behind. This proved infact it was a Gekko hiding place. Jovan gave Luke and Nysa a torch the lit them with the flint he had found with the torches.
"Somewhere in here we should at least find water bread and some fruit." Luke told Jovan. "Petar Gekko always tried to make sure the hiding places had provisions in case the Savonti were near so the clan could survive in here for a few turns."
"Are you sure we're safe in here?" Jovan looked around at the many tunnels that led in different direction. "Maybe the Tarks used this place for a den."
"No." Luke shook his head. "The big things don't like caves. I don't know why, its just always been that way."
"Then lets see what we can find in here." Jovan really didn't have much choice. They couldn't go back out into the night forest with the Tarks and whatever else might be lurking out there. This was as safe a place as anywhere else it seemed.
After searching for about an hour they found the Gekko's hidden provisions. There was water, bread, fruit and weapons. Luke was now armed with his own sword and there was also a staff which they decide to leave where they found it. They also found warm clothes to wear and blankets. A furred coat for Nysa and warm woolen jackets for Luke and Jovan.
While they ate, Luke told Jovan all about Grandpa's teachings. He told him about Tored and Mera and about the friends they had meet in their journey. He told them that the people they had befriended were here on Pentanthin looking for their old school. They were here from Keanna looking for the academy. Jovan was happy to hear that. That meant help had come for them and that there was a way to get back home, and he really did want to go home.
After eating and their talk, the three were tired. Luke had built a warm fire. He pulled Nysa to him and covered them with a blanket and drifted off to sleep. Jovan sat watch even though he had been told the cave was safe, Lowel's teachings about security keep him awake.
He thought about all that had happened since he had joined with the Academy. His friendships and becoming one of Lowells lieutenants. The place had become like a home to him and the people like a family. Jovan had learned a lot since joining them. Like Vampires and Werewolves weren't the monsters he had grown up believing they were.They were honorable people who he could trust with his life unlike the people that had gotten him in this in the first place. Lord Larin and the one he knew had killed Lisette. Tabor Larin. Now he know that had to be the boy that had  gotten them into the Academy. He hoped one day he would get to pay him back for what he had done.
As Jovan sat and pulled his coat snugly close he wrapped a blanket around himself. He listened to the sounds of the night. The chirping of some cave insect and fell into a deep sleep.
From the darkness a tall figure came out of a tunnel and walked to where Jovan, Luke and Nysa slept. He looked down at the sleeping trio and thought what brave creatures these Humans were. They didn't deserve the fate the Nevac had suffered. Pentanthin deserved better. They deserved the way life was agens ago when the ancient ones still protected Pentanthin and that was what he would give them. He reached out and touched Jovans temple and entered his dream. There was one left and that was what he would gift Pentanthin with.
[DREAM HUMAN.] Sacar sent into Jovans mind. [AND WHEN YOU WAKE, BRING OUR GIFT BACK OUT OF THIS CAVE. THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE IT IS DESTINED FOR.]
"Who?" Jovan asked the mysterious figure in his dream.
[ONE WHO WILL PROTECT PENTANTHIN.] Was the only answer as the figure stepped back into the shadows and faded slowly away into the darkness.
Lights swirled through the air as Jovan stood and made his way through the cave. He knew where he was but had no idea where he was going or why. All he knew was that he had to follow the swirling lights. They were going to lead him to something important. From tunnel to tunnel he went seeing colors and sharps darting in and out of sight. He had a feeling he wasn't alone here. The swirling light seemed to have a life of its own. as a danced round before him.
After about ten minutes he found himself in the most amazing cavern. He looked around and saw what looked like buildings from Winterhaven with towers and archway. There were rainbow colors streaking the walls as light from an opening in the roof blazed down through a crystal set high in the ceiling. Jovan thought this was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. He saw bridges and high walkways that reached all across the cavern. Whoever had built this city had to have been great artist, but for the looks of the place they also had to be long dead. This city was silent, a ghost city. So why was he here?
As he watched in wonder the swirling light he had followed danced down and into small crevice by a fountain and lit it up. Jovan walked over and looked down. The fountain was old there was no water in it. Instead it was filled with some kind of huge leave like the fonds of a palm tree. But there was something else. Something that had a gold silver and bronze flicker. He push aside the leaves and deep down at the bottom he found something odd. It looked like some kind of metallic sphere. At that moment he knew this was what he was looking for. What the lights had wanted him to find. He reached down to touch it and that's when he heard the voice again. It didn't say much. Just three words.
[GO FIND IT.]
That was when he woke up. He sat up and looked over to Luke and Nysa still sleeping. Taking a drink Jovan thought about the strange dream he just had. But was it just a dream or something more? There was only one way to find out. Reaching to the fire, Joven picked up a nice firm fag and made himself a torch to light his way. Luke and Nysa were safe, but he had something to do and he better do it now while he still remembered the way.

It was still dark when Xan woke up. He opened his eyes and tried to reach up to rub the sore spot on his head when he realized his hands were tied. Not only were his hands tied, but he was lashed to his tracker which was being led by someone. He focused his eyes on who held the reigns to his tracker. Xan shook his head in disbelief at what he saw. This just wasn't possible. He closed his eyes then opened them again hoping what he had seen was just his pain seared mind playing tricks on him.
Looking ahead again, Xan realized he wasn't mad. He had seen what he thought. Leading his tracker there was a great snake like being with a long slithering body that trailed behind them. It's arms and torso were massively muscled and almost black as the moon light of Pentanthin was reflected off it's scales. As Xan looked closer he saw the things head was shaped like a hood. Xan wondered what this was? Some long lost monster from Pentanthins? Or could it actally be intelligent. Whatever it was he had to get away before he became it's dinner.
Tied around Xan's wrist were there lengths of rope. He pulled at them but they were to strong and he was still to weak to break them. He would have to wait and hope he wasn't on his way to cook fires to be roasted alive.
Looking out, Xan noticed it was a clear warm night, comfortable for the Savonti. It would be a bit hot for Humans. He flexed his muscles and moved around as much as he could to get the bood moving through his body. He wanted to be ready for his escape if the chance made itself clear.
Up ahead he saw a glow in the night. It wasn't strong so it couldn't be a town of Ketul. It must be the campfires of a huntg party. As they drew closer Xan could smell the smoke of cookfires. He could also smell the scent of meat in the air.  At that moment Xan knew just what his captor was. He was Savonti. This was one of Ketu's warriors holding him.
"Nazun Yar." Xan turned his head as he head the greeting. To the left two more hooded snake like warriors slithered towards them. Behind them they dragged the bodies of their Human catch of the night. "I see you have had success tonight. You found Ketu his prize. We celerbrate tonight. Ketu will be please with our catch."
"Our catch?" Yar dropped the reigns and puffed out his chest. "You Rak hunt unarmed Humans that can't fight back. I bring back an enemy for my fathers pleasure. How is this a triunph for you?"
"Your success is my success." Rak pulled his sword from his side snarling and slowly slithered towards Yar. "As I've taken prizes from you in the past. I will take this from you. Fight me if you want, but we both know the outcome."
"I warn you Rak." Yar held out his hands in a defensive stance. "I am not the weak thing you remember from the past. You have been gone for many cycles. Things change."
"What change?" Rak snickered at Yar as he charged in sword raised. "You are still the powerless and I am still Ketu's mightiest warrior. You will always fear me."
"NOT ANYMORE!" As Rak charged in swingng his sword down to strike at Yar. A bright blazing blade of energy radiated out of Yar's hands to form into twin energy swords. Rak's weapons struck down onto Yar's and in a flash they were burned in two. Rak moved back in shock.
"I am Yar the son of Ketu lord of this land and unlike my father I am not mad!" Yar stood over Rak. He was not as tall as the older warrior though today he seemed like a giant. "Take your disgusting flesh to those that will eat it and bother me never again or you will feel the sting of my blades."
"As you wish my lord." Rak backed away keeping his eyes on Yar until he was out of his sight.
"Impressive." Xan called out to his captor. "The young lord grows up."
"Your awake." Yar turned to Xan. "Indeed I have grown up.Though my time grows short. And you? A son of Lesu? What brings you to such a inhospitalable land like Ketul?"
"You do." Xan told him. "I have heard of the plague that is on Ketul. I have come to offer you a cure. A way to save your people if you want to. It all depends on you Lord Yaru."
"You woud help cure us?" Yar moved to stand facing Xan. His face covered with doubt and mistrust. "Why would the son of one of Ketul's oldest enemies want to help us? Your people have hunted mine for agens, called us katala and shonal. And now you say you would offer us a cure? Why would Lesu do that?"
"He woudn't."  Xan looked hard into Yar's eyes trying to show his offer to be real. "Lesu waits for Ketu to be weak enough to just walk in and take what he wants. We offer you life and relief from your agony."
"We?" Yar asked. "I see only you, son of Lesu."
"Ahhh!! But I am more then what you see before you." Xan gave Yar the equivalent of the Savonti smile. "We represent the hope for a safe and peaceful future for all of Pentanthin. Not just for the Savonti but for humans too."
"You say you speak for Humans? How is this possible? "
"I have many friends Yar." Xan continued. "Human and Savonti. The time of the White and Grey is at hand and the only way for the Savnti to survive is change. You know the prophesys as well as I do. If we don't, we will fall."
Yar stood and stared into Xan's eyes. he wasn't sure if the warrior was mad or if he really believed what he was saying. All Yar knew was that Ketul was dying and that his father in his madness had been a great part of it's destruction. Yar had no hate or fear of humans. He hadn't dined on human flesh in ages. It was distasteful and just didn't seem right to him or many in Ketul. Rak and a few like him still did but Yar thought it disgusting. But maybe Xan was right. Ketul needed help and maybe the Savonti did need to change if they wanted to survive.
"I would hear more Xan of Lesul. What do you and your friends purpose?"
"We want an allience." Xan suggested. "One that will save both the Humans and the Savonti. One that will make us both strong and able to stand together so Pentanthin will have peace."
"And your sure you can cure what ails us here in Ketul?"
"I think we can." Xan moved uncomfortable on the trackers back trying to get more comfortable."Tell me of Ketu's sickness."
"Ketu's sickness." Xan could see the sadness in Yar's eyes. "The plague my father brought on us all with his insane experiments to make the perfect warrior. Look at me. Do I look perfect?"
Xan thought Yar looked strong but looks can be deceiving. Yar stood on coils the same height as Xan would and could probably stand taller. Those coils of his were probably strong enough to squeeze a tark or a corjo to death in seconds, but Savonti weren't usually so dark in color. The dark color usually meant sickness and Xan assumed that was what it meant here.
"You look strong enough." Xan said as Yar moved to stand in front of him. He pulled his knife and slashed the ropes thar held Xan down. Xan fall to the ground where he rolled over rubbing his stiff mucsles. "Tell me, what ails your people?
"Look around you." Yar gestured to the desert all around. "This place is like death itself. Nothing much lives here. We have no food or water. The closest river is two turns away and that is on our bellys. We can't ride trackers because of our deformities. By night we suffer waves of terrible pain the rip threw our bodies and kills us slowly. Only the strongest of us can stand to move at all. By day the pain is less sever but it's still there neverendng. And this is all because my father wanted perfect warriors to fight his enemies. Well he made strong warrriors alright. He made us katala."
Xan looked at Yar. He could see the pain sending rippling jolts threw the muscle of his long body. His tail lashed about in pain. Their pain had to be madding. These people needed help as soon as possible.
"I think we can help you." Xan told him.
"And what will be the price" Yar snapped. "Blind obedience to your cause?"
"No." Xan shook his head. "There will be no price to pay. We will cure your pain and then you can decide what is best for Ketul."
Yar looked at him susipiously. On Pentanthin a deed was never done without payment of some kind in return. That was not the Savonti way. Now an enemy of his people was ofering a cure for nothing at all. Was this all just a cruel game?
[No.] A voice spoke in his head. Yar looked around quickly for the source of the voice. [It's no game.]
From the pack on Xan's tracker, something small and white flew up into the air to hover before Yar. It was smaller then a baebot with long leathery wings. It had sparkling eyes and a long spiked tail. It circled around him then came to hover rght in front of him.
"Yar, This is one of the two I think that will save Pentanthin." The little white dragon sailed over to Xan and set himself on his shoulder his eyes sparkling from the camp fire. "They are the two the prophesy spoke of and they are not here to destroy us. They only want to help us and cure Pentanthin of all it's pain."
Before Yar could react, the little dragon blew out a stream of mist into his face. Yar couldn't help but to inhale it taking it all in. Suddenly his head began to spin and pain flared in his mind and the mighty Savonti warrior of Ketul fell to the ground asleep.

As Yar opened his eyes the first sun of Pentanthin had already made its way into the sky. A crimsom hazy filled the skies over his head. He sat up and looked around wondering where he was and what had happened to him. At a small fire sat a Savonti warror and a Human talking. Yar pushed himself up on his coils and felt for his weapon to defend himself.  Just then the two looked over and notced he was awake.
"How do you feel?" Xan asked.
Yar was just about to summon his energy blades when he remembered who the warrior was. Xan of Lesul. Then he thought about the queston. How did he feel? His entre body should be burning with pain right now but it wasn't. Yar lookd down at his arms. They were a gleaming shade of emerald green instead of the dull black they usuall were.
"I feel." Yar studdered as he checked himself. There was no muscle pains. No burning knives burrowing into his head. "Like never before. There is no pain. For the first time ever, I am not in pain!!"
"And I will do the same for all the rest of the Savonti in Ketul." Shayn stood and reached out his hand to Yar. "A gift from my people to yours."
Yar stared at his hand not understanding what it meant. Xan snickered and clasped Shayns hand and shook.
"It is their way to offer friendship." He said. "Will you agree?"
"I can't speak for my father or the rest of Ketul." Yar took Shayn's hand in his and shook it. "But I accept and I will speak for you."
"Good." Shayn smiled and released Yar's strong grip. He stepped away and shifted back to dragon form and took to the air. [When Ketul wakes up this morning, their pain will be gone.]
As Yar and Xan watched, Shayn flew higher and off towards the lair of Ketu. Yar looked at Xan.
"Strange creature these Humans are."
"Yes." Xan nodded as he stood staring watching the little white dragon fly off. "Strange yes,  and worthy of our respect and trust."