Dreams of the past and Nightmares to come. 1

The sun was bright and it was early in the morning as Zarin opened his eyes and yawned. He slowly sat up in bed trying not to wake Dack who was sleeping naked in bed next to him. Zarin smiled as he leaned over and gently kissed Dack on the forehead, then he pushed the covers away and got up and headed for the private room at the end of the hall. Zarin and Dack had a good night of talking and making love. They had both been exhausted when they fell asleep in each other's arms. Now it was morning and Zarin had an appointment to go out running with his friend Reno. After emptying his bladder and taking a shower, Zarin was fresh and ready to get the day started.
From the private room, he returned to their room and quietly dressed for the day.He put on a pair of soft cloth pants and a linen shirt made just for running and started out just as Dack called out his name.
"Where are you going?" Dack said as he yawned and stretched in bed.
"I have to meet Reno," Zarin said from the door. "We're going for a run this morning."
"Don't forget that the Professor wants to see us later after breakfast," Dack said. "He made it sound like it was important."
"I won't forget," Zarin said. "You get up and take a shower. Reno and I will meet you in the cafeteria in an hour."
"Love you," Dack said as he rolled over in bed and pulled the covers over his bare ass.
"I love you too," Zarin said. "But you better get up. I think it's going to be a busy day."
"No worries. I'll meet you downstairs for breakfast when you get back."
As Zarin shut the door and left, he met Lennix Hook hurrying out of his room heading for his classroom in the main building to start setting up for the days lesson.
"Aiya Lennix." Zarin waved.
"Aiya to you Zarin."He called. "What got you up so early?"
"Getting some exercise," Zarin said. "Gotta keep the body fit and trim."
"That is good advice." He said with a smile. "We must keep up with the young ones."
"Agreed." He waved as they parted. From his room, Zarin went down the hall and stepped on a transport stone and gave it in order to take him down to the Academy lobby. In a flash of light, the transport stone took him from the dormitories to the stone set in the first-floor lobby. There was a lot of traffic there as the school was being set up for the day. Elves, gnomes, human werewolves, and vampires all made their way through the halls to the different parts of the Andrake Academy where they would be teaching or lecturing.  As Zarin headed through the halls heading for the first-floor gymnasium and one of the rear exits, he passed Macon who nodded a good morning and hurried on to the infirmary and a busy morning. As Zarin walked through the halls pass the Cafeteria he could smell the breakfast they were getting ready for the cadets and staff. He smelled the sausage and bacon frying and the eggs, breakfast potatoes, flapjacks and maple syrup that were being set out. The wonderful aroma of the morning gauk almost made him stop in to and get his first cup. Instead, he hurried on into the back of the building and out through the gymnasium to find Reno there waiting for him dressed in linen shorts, and a silver tunic with the Andrake academy's crest of a single chevron, two crowns and the eagle.
"Took you long enough." Reno smiled. "I thought Dack might have you all tied up and you wouldn't make it."
"Nah" Zarin laughed. "I wore him out last night. He was sleeping late today, He doesn't have any classes until late, we'll see him at breakfast. Where's Thalia and Trip?"
"You didn't really expect to see her did you?" Reno looked at Zarin with wonder. "She's more into flying than running. Besides, she and Trip are off to Vasagi visiting Azeal and Tanis. They'll be home later."
"Then let's get this run going," Zarin said. "Once around the island and back?"
"You're on," Reno said. "You ready? Set? Shift!!"
Diving forward Reno shifted from his human form to that of the brown wolf and he was off. Following no more than a second behind him, Zarin took his Timberwolf form and went after him, They ran through the Academy's practice jousting field and on to the single combat squares. From there they hit the circular track field and headed out through the gate and into the forest of Nila.
Nila was a small island about six miles across that goes eight miles in a land with beautiful tropical beaches and several freshwater lakes and waterfalls. On the west side, it had high cliffs and a valley that was perfect for the Academy. There were many roads carved in through the island that lead to different sites including Professor Insa's private caves in the north and a new town they were setting up by the eastern bay as a harbor. There was a place were Dreik had set up fields for farming and a site in the northern hill for logging. The Shyr Ocean was rich with many kinds of fish for trade and the Mer-people of Aquilona would be their close neighbor.
From the Academy gates, Zarin and Reno ran down the road and took the left into the forest to a private beach they used for entertainment. Reno smiled to himself as he thought about the first night he and Thalia spent there talking by a beach fire. That was the night they had officially become more than friends. He remembered the sparkle in her eyes as he pulled her in for their first real kiss. She shuddered with passion as his hands moved up and down her bare back sending ripples of pleasure through her body. That night he promised her he would always be there at her side when she needed him. He promised no matter what, he would always love and protect her. Then she gave herself over totally to his touching warm hands. That night had ended in an explosion of passion then Reno took Thalia in his arms and they fell asleep. The next morning they woke up to the call of rainbow-colored Tarak's mating call. Reno took Thalia over to a freshwater spring that came running down from the high lands where they both quickly washed up and set out to meet the others back up on the bluff.
As Reno led Zarin through the thick forest, they reminisced about the past year and all the changes that had happened. Their trip to Land's End where Tabor and his crew searched and found the ring of Endrin. Their trip to Pentanthin where they met Luke and Tored Serban and their sisters.The war between the Humans and the Savonti. Finding Tabor and chasing him back home to Keanna. It had been a very rough year but they had all come through it except for Craven who had given his life in the final battle with Gorak. But their adventure on Pentanthin was over and they were all home again. The Academy had been moved to Nila, a more stable place where there would be no power struggles over its ownership of its magic or secrets. The Academy would now be a separate state under its own leadership with a council of six that would be in total control. Professor Insa, of course, would be the headmaster of the Academy with Masters Gaunt, Humbridge, Terryn, Macon and the newest Master, the ex-lord of the Savonti, Maru. The Savonti that returned to Keanna with the Academy had made themselves a comfortable home on the south shore. There was plenty of wildlife there to keep their hunting instincts sharp and there were other islands they could take as their population grew. The only thing that was expected of them was to never hunt Humans again and to try and live in peace with all the others on Keanna. Once on Keanna, Maru made it his business to meet with most of the Elven, Human, Vampire and Werewolf leaders from the mainland and the islands around Nila and sign a peace treaty. He swore an oath to keep his people in line and a promise to come to the aid of his new friends if there is trouble.
From the beach, they ran north through the exotic forest, then down to the lagoon at the south end of Nila. As they stopped for a rest, Zarin shifted and looked out to sea to a small Aquilonian ship that had been given to Lord Maru. He was surpassed to see Maru himself out there manning the nets fishing. Zarin put two fingers to his lips and let out a loud whistle. In seconds Maru lifted his head to see who had called.
From the shore, Zarin, and Reno waved at the master fisherman. Zarin was astonished at how fast the Savonti Lord had made the rank of Master Fisherman. For most men, it was 10 years hard study and many fishing trips to gain the rank. Maru had done it all in less than five years. It was like he had a talent for drawing in the fish to his nets or pole. Many local fishing boats would follow him out to cash in on some of Maru's luck.
From there, they turned in and headed up the shoreline to one of Dack's favorite places. Dree and the palace of Orym Dree and his Coral elves. As they ran up the eastern coast of Taggitia, Zarin waited for the shining towers of Dree to appear. But instead of Dree's magnificent beauty, gray stone pillars appeared.
Zarin stopped and stared up at the dull metropolis. This wasn't Dree and he has no idea what it was. Just then Reno caught up with him.
[What's wrong?] Reno asked as he sniffed at the breeze blowing at them from the city.
[What's that?] Zarin lifted his nose to point at the city. ]I don't recognize it.]
[You mean Aesar?] Reno licked at hi paw then wiped his face. [What do you mean, we pass here everyday. It hasn't changed.]
[Aesar?] Zarin looked at him then tilted his head. [This was Dree. I mean its suppose to be Dree, home of Orym Dree and the Coral elves. Somethings not right here.]
A chill went through Zarin. It was a feeling he had when things weren't going right. He had it before. He had had it just before the Academy disappeared and they ended up











To be cont...

Epilogue. Aftermath. 94

It had been a long day but the fighting was over. Zarin had taken Tabor's body back and laid him out with Craven and Marcus Dante in the dining hall. Thalia. Trip, Luke and Tored came running from the upper floors and grabbed Zarin relieved to see him there safe and sound. As Shayn, Ono, Cutter, Rese and Jayce joined them, Zarin explained what had happened at the Westlake gate and how Tabor had died at the hand of his own father.
"And Tayor?" Shayn asked as he leaned on Ono. "What happened to him? You didn't kill him, did you?"
"No." Zarin shook his head. "Tayor Larin did a lot of horrible things in his life. His past finally caught up with him and took its revenge. Though we will have to deal with his remains, unless we want to go through this all over again sometime in the future. Professor Insa agreed to take care of that job."
"Where is Insa?" Cutter asked looking around. "He should be here."
"Taking care of a promise we made in order to get the Chain of Power." Zarin told them. "There will be many changes to come in the Academy, a lot of decisions have to be made."
"Like what?" Jayce asked.
"Like where this school will be." Morganz said as he and Captain Testa, Zark and Jovan joined them.
"Whats that mean?" Tored asked.
"Winterhaven will need to be rebuilt." Capt Testa said. "It's not safe for the Academy to be here. We've decided to move it to a secret location, somewhere only a few people will know about. We're keeping the Savonti with us to act as the schools guardians. We'll be needing a Dragon to stay with us. Any suggestions?"
Everyone looked at Rese.
"Me?"
"Of course." Cutter said. "Why not?"
"I'm new at this." He stammered. "Wouldn't someone with more experience be better?"
"You would be perfect." Trip put a hand on his shoulder. "I'll be there. Besides, Rage will want you in school anyway."
"So will I if you will have me." Zark added. "I wish to stay with my friends and the Academy."
"You're welcome to join us." Morganz clasped his wrist and shook it. "Craven would want that."
Just then, Dack and Reno came into the dining hall. Thalia ran to Reno and jumped into his arms. They went off to a private table to talk.
Zarin excused himself and went over to Dack and tried to hug him. Dack pushed him away.
"Why did you leave us?" Dack asked obviously upset. "We're suppose to be partners."
"We are." Zarin argued.
"You can't just push me aside and go off fighting these damned battles. Tabor was trying to kill all of us, not just you. I had a stake in this too. He was my friend first, I was getting to him, I know I was. You had no right to leave me behind like that and if you ever..,,,,,,"
Zarin grabbed him and pulled him into a deep kiss holding him tightly. Dack's arms waved in the air, then he relaxed and wrapped his arms around Zarin.
"I'm sorry." Zarin smiled. "You're right, I'll never do it again."
"You better not, cause if you do...."
He kissed him again rolling his tongue in his mouth and grinding there bodies close together. Dack's body reacted with arousal growing harder by the second.
"Can we talk about this in private?" He squeezed his bottom. "I think you're going to enjoy it."
"Mmmmmmm!!!" Zarin moaned and squeezed the lump in Dack's pants. "I think you're right."
"What about us?" Dack asked. "Where do we go from here?"
"Where would you like to go." Zarin put his arm around him and led him back to the others. "We can go wherever you want."
"Some place new." Dack smiled. "Some place different."
"Not without us." Reno said holding Thalia's hand. "Let's go find our next adventure together."

                                                 The End


Did you enjoy Zarin and all the people of Keanna on their trip off world? I hope so because there will be more coming in the future. But for now, lets raise our swords and roar our thanks to Rimnar for sending us the story. Aiya everyone.

Swan Song. 93

A dark cloud gathered over the Academy as Apas Durah emerged from Tayor's tent and turned for the Academy. As he approached the wall, his mass grew to and enormous size. He hovered at the wall and laughed as Men and Orcs alike scrambled to get away.
Inside, Shayn stood at his desk with Ono, Maru, Jovan and Eheren going over a small model of the Academy and its wall and grounds. Jovan was pointing out the places where he thought the spell that protected the wall could be weakened. He know the Orcs and Gorak couldn't break the spell, but Tayor had much stronger magic.
"It is possible for Tayor to weaken the spell enough for the Orcs to break through?" Jovan bent over the model. "I have Councilor Humbridge here and Gaunt and Terryn here. Den and Rainstone are in the back covering a spot near the cliff. Captain Testa..."
Suddenly the room grew dark as all the light from outside faded away leaving only torch light to illuminate the room. Ono hurried to the window and looked out to find the afternoon sky had suddenly turned to a smoky gray.
"What is it?" Shayn asked.
"I don't know." Ono said. "An eclipse?"
"Not this time of year." Eheren said, he looked over to the window. "Cutter says there's trouble. We should get outside now."
"Tayor is up to something!" Shayn pounded his fist on the desk. "Get everyone on the ready for the attack! Lets go!"
Not wanting to take time to run through then the building, Shayn grabbed Ono and him and Eheren cast a spell that transported them outside to the wall. As they appeared, Shayn looked out to see a huge gray cloud shaped like the torso and head of a man looming over the gates of the Academy. As he watched it grow, Kalin and Texta ran up and joined him.
"By Rimnar!" Ono shouted, his eyes open wide in shock "What is that?"
"Species, Djinn. Long thought extinct. They were created long ago by a civilization dead over one hundred years ago. They are incredibly powerful."
"Powerful enough to breach the spell?
As Kalin asked the question, the Djinn slammed its fist down crushing the wall. Orcs poured into the courtyard howling their war cry's. From the top of the wall, Zarin's father Captain Testa came running with his sword in hand. He stopped and called to the archers he had stationed all along the wall.
"Fire!!"
Steel arrows streaked through the air speeding down at the enemy with precise aim dropping Orcs one after another.  Volley after volley was launched by cadets and Academy guards until their supply was exhausted and Captain Testa ordered his men to charge. As he leaped from the wall, Jovan joined him to fight at his side and watch his back.
As Captain Testa and his men joined the battle, Eheren and Blink shifted and leaped from a balcony and dived down it the on coming wave of Orcs. Lightning shot down striking Orc warriors while Blink swooped in sending his black flame into the charging crowd of warriors. Clubs and war hammers smashed Academy guards while Savonti warriors on trackers charged out from a rear exit blasting Orc invaders with their staff weapons. Yaru and his warriors slithered out to the attack, his energy blades flashed as he cut down Orcs dressed in black or red. Surprised by the strange reptilian warriors, Hamar and his Bloodfalls doubled their efforts at trying to get into the Academy building. With a signal. Hamar sent Oggha at the south entrances as he attacked the main gate.
As Oggha and his warriors advanced on the southern entrance, a tall reptilian warrior dressed in silver armed with a strange staff stepped out of the southern entrance. He looked at Oggha then slapped his fist against his chest in some strange salute.
"Nazun." Maru said nodding his head without taking his eyes from the Orcs he faced. "I am Lord Maru of the Savonti and this place is under my protection. I advise you to go and take your warriors away from this place of learning or you will all die."
"You are alone strange one." Oggha smirked. "You are no match for me or my warriors. Move aside and I might allow you to live."
"Kill me if you can Orc." Maru smiled a frightening Savonti grin holding his staff to his side. "It is your death."
Oggha slapped one of his Orcs on the back sending him to attack Maru. With his club in his hand, the Orc charged at Maru. It swung for his head and missed, tripping and falling to Maru's feet. Maru casually touched the warrior with his staff and sent a charge of energy surging through his body killing him. He looked over to Oggha as he put his hands on his hips.
"Next."
Two warriors charged at Maru. One with a spear and the other with a ax. The warrior with the spear thrust forward at Maru's chest only to suddenly spin around and stab his companion through the neck. Confused by what he had just done, the warrior fell back stumbling away from Maru, he tripped and fell on the ax blade which stabbed right into his chest.
"Kill him!!
Oggha and his man all charged in to attack Maru. Twirling his staff, Maru fired three shots which ricocheted from skull to skull killing all ten attackers except Oggha who stood there staring at him amazed. Oggha dropped his weapons and bowed to Maru swearing his allegiance to him forever.

As Tempus flew over the Academy walls, the fighting in the courtyard was intense. Cutter, Eheren, Blink and Shayn were in dragon form fighting hordes of Orcs, Trolls and other assorted beast. Cutter was busy fighting a Hydra while Shayn was wrestling with an Ogre. Ono had been fighting Orcs until he spotted the Ogre attack Shayn. He watched as they wrestled across the courtyard with the Ogre gaining the upper hand and forcing Shayn to the ground. As it raised its huge fist to hit Shayn again, something triggered in Ono and he took off running toward his mate in battle. In his head, Ono screamed Shayn's name in rage and fear. As he ran he started to shift forms. He went down on all fours as his body grew longer and heavier. Instead of the paws of a wolf, heavy scaled dragon legs formed. His body grew longer and thicker with grey scales that covered him from the tip of his tail to the top of his head. Short horns sprouted from his temple and ran down his face to his chin. He grew a snout with strong jaws able to snap iron bars. Ono had finally found his Dragon form. He was a Thunder Dragon, a dragon of strength and his mate was in trouble.
Charging forward, Ono crashed into the Ogre knocking him off of Shayn. It rolled away and was stunned for a second, then back on its feet ready to fight. Roaring, Ono reared up on his hind legs and beat the Ogre down with his dragon fist then came down crushing its chest. Struggling to breathe, the Ogre crawled off trying to get away from the Dragon and out of the fighting. With a roar, Ono stood at Shayn's side waiting for his next challenge.

"Get me to the wall." Insa told Tempus.
After circling the Academy, Tempus dropped down and let everyone down of his back.
"Don't shift yet." Zarin told him. "We're not staying here."
"Where are you going?" Insa asked.
"We have to find Tabor." Zarin took the Chain from around his neck and put it on Insa. "This will break Tayor's spell on you, and give you back your abilities. If I don't come back, tell my father I love him and tell the others good bye for me."
He switched the Chain onto Pelic freeing him from Tayor's spell, then put it back around his own neck.
"I have taught you many things over the years." Insa said to Zarin and Reno. "I taught you right from wrong and what's dark from what's light. I know what Tabor's done to all of you, but please, don't fight Tabor with hate in your heart. I don't want you to become as evil as he is. Come back with your souls intact, all of you."
"We'll try Professor." Zarin hugged him and they climbed back on Tempus and he took off.
"Now what?" Pelic asked.
"We face Tayor and get the city back." Insa went to the rail of the wall and roared. "That felt good."

As the Academy guards and the Savonti warriors battled back and forth with Tayor's forces, Tayor seemed to be gaining the upper hand. The Bloodfalls and the Blackbanes were a huge force to fight against. With the help of the Trolls, Ogres and other beast, It wasn't looking very good. Ono in thunder dragon form with Shayn held them from getting through to the Acadeny doors, but they were out matched. There were just to many and not enough warriors in the Academy to fight. Pretty soon the cadets would have to take up weapons if something didn't happen soon.
Captain Lowell Testa and Jovan were covered with Orc blood standing surrounded by many dead Orcs and Academy guards. They were tired but nothing would stop them from protecting the school.
With a final stab, Captain Testa took out the last Orc that stood against him and he turned to find Jovan exhausted on his knees bleeding from a dozen cuts. He reached down and helped Jovan up.
"Are you alright?"
"I could use a back rub and a mug of beer right about now." He smiled wiping blood from his face. "But I'll be OK."
Captain Testa chuckled at Jovan's joke. After all that had happened, a sense of humor was a good thing. Who knows if the Academy was going to make it another day. Captain Testa turned to look at the doors to the building. There was still fighting going on. Shayn and some new dragon seemed to be holding their own keeping anything away from the doors. He turned to look at the gate. Orcs were still coming in. To the west there was another wave coming towards him. He lifted his sword to be ready. Then something strange happened. The Orcs dressed in black and red turned and started fighting Orcs dressed in green. As Captain Testa looked closer, he saw among them, Captain Morganz Alavara, chief of all Winterhaven's guards charging toward him.
"Look Jovan. We have company!"

From the wall of the Academy, Apas Durah looked down at the battling mortals. Their war was no real concern of his. He didn't care who won here. All he really wanted was his freedom from the damned bottle. He knew there was three ways he could go. He could give himself over to the one who holds the bottle and hope he frees him once he has what he wants, but that human didn't seem like the trusting type. He would keep him for years as his magical slave, just like many others in the past had done. Or he could try and trick him into destroying the bottle and freeing him. He couldn't touch or hurt him physically, but he could use his magic to scare him. Perhaps then he might make a mistake and break the bottle. That also didn't seem like it had much of a chance to succeed. His last choice was to wait and learn as much as he could about this human, then turn on him when he lease expected it. Let him gain confidence in his hold on him, then betray him and watch as he dies.
With Tayor in his hand, Apas flew over the battle towards the Academy following Tayor's direction. Arrows streaked by and staff fire shot at them. Apas was hit many times but neither had any effect on his magical body.
On a walkway high over the Academy doors, Councilors Den. Humbridge and Terryn hurried out to take their place in the defense of the Academy. They had seen Apas and Tayor's approach to the school and knew they would be the Academy's last defense before Tayor could gain access to the schools secrets.
Spotting Apas coming at them in the air, each of the Councilors opened fire with their strongest spells. Lightning and fireball, energy bolts and mystic arrows shot at Apas. Cutter swooped down to the attack surrounded by rows of red and shadow dragon on his tail. As they attacked, Apas swung out with his huge arm to bat the dragons out of the air. The dragons vanished as Cutter slipped around Apas and grabbed at Tayor in his hand. Tayor shot a bolt at Cutter, sending a shock through the dragons body. Beating his wings hard, Cutter banked left steering himself away for another attack.
Surrounding himself with a globe of power, Tayor ordered Apas in to attack the school while he slipped in another way.

With the battle raging on, Apas drifted down to the Academy building as smoke. He moved pass the two dragons fighting in front of the building and headed in to follow Tayor's order to get him into the school. As he approached the doors, a sudden searing flash streaked down and blasted the ground in front of Apas. Shielding his eyes and floating back, he looked up to see what had barred him from getting to the building. As his eyes cleared, he saw a blinding light floating high over the building. He watched, it slowly descended down toward him as its light faded away. To his surprise, a man dressed in a dark blue jacket and black leather pants with a massive set of white wings came down to land in front of the doors.
Apas Durah hissed at Jayce St. James as he pulled Salvation and blocked him from entering the school.
"That's as far as you go, Demon!" There was a golden spark in his eyes as he confronted the evil spirit. "Go back to whatever hell you came from."
"Greetings little angel." Apas drifted back laughing. "You can't possibly think that you and your little knife could hurt one as great as Apas Durah! I battled scores of demons in hell's you can't even image long before human worms crawled from the seas."
"I can and I will." Jayce said. "If you move another inch forward. Don't underestimate what me and my little knife can do."
"I'll try not to."
Apas reached back and formed a fireball and threw it at Jayce. Swinging Salvation high, Jayce hit the burning orb and sent it flying out over the wall. Moving fast, Apas shot a series of blasts at him. Jayce twisted and turned Salvation, blocking each blast then deflecting them back at him. With his hand held out, Apas reabsorbed each blast that stuck him. With a wave of his hand he sent another heat blast at Jayce. Jayce just let it come and just like Apas, he absorbed the energy.
"Your fire can't hurt me." Jayce yelled. "But let's see what mine does to you."
Casting out his hand, Jayce called on his sunbirds who came flying down out of the sun. They circled around Jayce, then shot it Apas like arrows. As they hit him, he screamed in pain as five smoking holes appeared in his chest. Apas drifted back in shock from the pain. The angel had hurt him. This was the first time he had felt pain in centuries. He screamed out in rage and conjured a scimitar then shrank himself down to the same size as Jayce.
"It's time to die angel!"
"Yeah." Jayce smiled. "It is a good day to die, but not for me!"
"Then I shall oblige your wish!" Apas raised his scimitar and charged at Jayce. Jayce braced himself and met the charge high with Salvation. The two powerful swords crashed together and sparks flew. Spinning on his heels, Jayce swung around with a slice high for Apas head. He countered holding his sword straight pointed up, then forcing it down and sending out a force blast with his other hand. Jayce folded his wing around himself, using it as a shield to block the Djinn's force blast.
Like two titans, the two combatants fought. Magic flared and swords clashed as the battle raged. Apas leaped into the air and soared high up over the Academy putting some distance between him and Jayce. Opening his wings, Jayce took off after him chasing him away from the city.

Below, while everyone was distracted by the aerial battle, Tayor made his way to an entrance to the school that very few knew about. It was on the eastern side of the building hidden behind a statue of Regis Westlake, an old headmaster of the Academy. Tayor knew the password that would move the statue and give him a way in.
Watching to make sure no one was following him, Tayor stepped up to the Westlake statue and whispered the password.
"Blackheart."
The statue started to vibrate as it slide away from the wall. Tayor smiled, at last he would get what he had wanted for all these years. He took two steps toward the entrance and stopped.
"Aiya Tayor." Insa the smoke dragon stood there blocking his way. "I've been expecting you."

[So where are we going?] Tempus asked as they circled the city, [Where do you think Tabor will be?]
Zarin looked down at the ruined city beneath him. This had once been such a beautiful city before Tayor started the war. Shining towers of silver and gold, glass houses and mansions built and fashioned in Elven design. Now it had all been ransacked and burned. The market place was in flames and all the citizens had abandoned Winterhaven. It was all so sad. As they flew, they passed over Zarin's house. He told Tempus to land.
After landing, Zarin and Reno climbed down off his back and Tempus shifted while Zarin went to the open door to his families little cottage.
"Where are we?" He asked Reno.
"This was Zarin's home."
They went in to find everything was smashed and destroyed. The furniture was piled and thrown all over the cottage. His mothers kitchen was in shambles, Zarin looked down and picked up a picture with broken glass and a cracked frame.
"I guess my house looks like this too." Dack said from the door where he stood with Thalia, Craven and Trip. Dack walked over to Zarin who had sat down staring at the picture of him and his parents taken the day Zarin's father had been promoted to captain.
"That was a good day." Dack smiled. "Remember? Your father took us all for a picnic in the Academy park. Your mother had made us all that fried chicken lunch. I had so much fun that day until Tabor showed up and ruined it for us. Its funny how just seeing him could ruin such a good day."
"That's it!" Zarin looked at Dack wide eyed. "I know where he is."
Dack looked at him confused, then he remembered all the times Tabor had harassed them in the park. The time he had spelled the animal shrubbery to attack them breaking Dack's arm.
"The park?"
"He'll be there waiting for me."
"For us." Craven said. "You mean for us."
"No, I mean for me." Zarin dropped the picture. "I want you all to go back to the Academy and help there. I have to do this myself."
Reno, Thalia Trip and Craven rushed over arguing why they had to come. Dack held up his hand then shouted.
"SHUT UP, ALL OF YOU!!"
Everyone got quiet and turned to Dack.
"Thalia, Trip and Rese will go back to the Academy and help them there. Make sure our parent are OK please."  Zarin started to object but Dack kept talking. "Reno, Craven and I are going with you. You can argue if you want, but we're going with you. Face it. I'm not leaving you to fight him alone, so deal with it."
"Besides." Reno said. "You know Tabor, He won't be alone. He'll have some nasty trick planned, and you won't be able to deal with it and him at the same time.
"And I have no choice here?" Zarin looked at each of them for an answer.
"Of course you have a choice." Thalia took his arm as they walked out of the house. "You could come with us and someone else can take care of Tabor, but I don't think you'll do that."
She kissed his check, then went to Reno and hugged him and kissed him full on the lips.
"Bring them home safe." She took his hand in hers, "I love you."
"I love you too." He held her for a minute, then let her go. "I'll bring them back."
She kissed Cravens cheek then hugged and kissed Dack.
"Be careful little brother."
"I will."
Rese shifted and Thalia and Trip climbed on his back. They waved good bye and he took off.
"You guys are crazy." Zarin said. "You know that right?
"Just like you." Dack put his arm around Zarin's shoulders as they headed for the park. "When this is over, there's something I have to tell you."
"What?" Zarin asked.
"We'll talk later."
"No." Zarin stopped him. "There may not be a later. If there's something you want to tell me, you should do it now."
Dack looked up at Zarin then at the others who had stopped to wait for them. Reno knew what Dack wanted to say and he thought it was about time. He guided Craven away to give them some privacy.
"Zarin." Dack said looking a bit scared. "I've known you since we first started school. You've always been there when I was in trouble or needed a hand."
"And I always will be." Zarin assured him. 'But what are you trying to say?"
"This." Dack reached out and took Zarin in his arms. He pulled him close and kissed him deeply. For a second, Zarin was surprised, then he wrapped his arms around his best friend and fell into his kiss.
"What took you so long to do that?" Zarin asked as the stood touching foreheads in an embrace.
"I wasn't sure if you felt the same" Dack kissed his nose. "I would have felt like shit if you had kicked me in the ass."
"Well I'xm not going to kick your ass." Zarin smiled. "But when this is over, there are other things I might want to do to your ass."
They laughed as Zarin pinched his bottom and kissed him again.
"Are you guys done?" Reno smiled as they hurried to catch up with them. Dack was glowing with relief. "I told you."
"Shut up!"
"Lets get this over with." Zarin shifted to a spotted panther then tuned to the others. [We should go.]
"That's new." Dack shifted to his black panther form and roared and joined Zarin. Reno took his wolf form and Craven that of a bear and they were off after the one who had taunted them all for years.

In the center of Academy park, Tabor Larin stood quietly looking out into the burning city. He had seen Zarin and his friends gather at Zarin's house. He watched as Trip and Thalia left with the dragon, that meant Zarin would be coming with Reno, Dack and that traitor Craven. That was fine with him, he would kill the others later. Winterhaven was lose but he really didn't care. As long as he still had control over the Ring of Endrin, there were plenty of other cities he could conquer.
What he really wanted first of all was to be the one to kill a certain group of ex classmates and from what he could sense, they were on their way to meet him.
"They're almost here." Tabor told Gorak and Kuda. "Gorak, Dack and Craven are yours. Show no mercy. Dack should be easy, he never did have much talent. Craven will put up more of a fight. Kuda, The Werewolf is yours. Beware, he is very fast and strong."
"No Werewolf can match the might of an Orc." Kuda smiled as he smacked his mace across his palm. "I will crush him like the dog he is."
"See that you do."
As Tabor waited. he walked over to the group of bushes clipped in the shape of animals. He thought about the day he had caught Zarin and Dack here practicing the simple spell they had learned that day. From behind a tree, Tabor had cast an animation spell his father had taught him on the elephant shaped shrub. It came to life and roared and kicked out breaking Dack's arm. and almost stomped Zarin to death before the spell wore off. Tabor remembered running off laughing. They told Professor Insa but they couldn't prove it had been him so nothing was ever done about it. Today he would get to do much worse than a broken arm.

The sky was dark with smoke as Zarin, Dack, Craven and Reno approached the gates of Academy Park. They stood tall and proud in a line as they made their way in through the gate. In front of them, Tabor smiled a wicked grin as him and his two Orcs looked out at them.
"So here it ends." Tabor took one step forward clenching and unclenching his hands sending power surging through him. "I always knew it would come to this Zarin, me facing you to the death."
"None of this is my choice." Zarin said. "You did this. You caused all of it. The city burns because of you. I can't even blame your father, because this was all started by you years ago. You and your hate.
"That's right." He laughed. "You can't imagine how much I hate you all. It's like a raging pyre deep down inside me and all focused on you and you and you! On all of you!"
"I don't get it." Dack said. "You weren't always like this. You were actually a friendly guy once, back before I met Zarin. We were friends, then suddenly you just hated me and all my friends. Was it something I did? Was it me?"
"NO!" Tabor lifted his hand and sent a bolt of energy at Dack. Moving quickly, Dack tried to erect a shield to block the blast but didn't quite make it. The blast hit the shield but broke through and hit Dack knocking him back off his feet. Zarin swung out his hand sending a force blast at Tabor that knocked him to the ground.
"Kill them!!"
Zarin cast a shield around Dack, then turned back to Tabor just in time to shield himself from one of his blast.
"You ruined my life." Tabor fumed. "You took the one friend I had and turned him against me."
"I never turned Dack against you." Zarin yelled to him. "You did that yourself. We could've all been friends but you wanted him all to yourself. That's not how friendship works Tabor. He doesn't belong to me or you. He's his own person with a mind of his own. He thinks, he loves and he listens. He cares about people. You should try it. Give this all up, stop hating and learn to love. This is your chance to change, take it and live."
"I'll take something alright." Tabor shot a blast at him. "I'll take your heart and crush it under my boot!
Zarin held strong on his shield, them sent a blast back at Tabor which he deflected off away from him.
"Your a lot stronger then you were back on Pentanthin. Somethings changed about you."
"No more hate." Zarin said. "That's whats changed in me. I'm not going to let hate destroy my life like you did."
"Then lets see which is stronger." Tabor raised his hand. "My hate or your love."

As Zarin and Tabor faced off and started to battle, Craven hurried to Dack's side. He checked for a heartbeat and made sure he was breathing when he heard Reno yell something to him. Looking up, Craven jumped to his feet just as Gorak sent a blast at his unprotected body. The bolt burned straight through his chest and seared his heart killed the young cadet before his body hit the ground.
As his spirit lifted from his dead body, Craven looked down surprised to see his dead body laying there.
[Aiya my son.]
Craven watched as another spirit rose up from his body. He smiled, he knew who it was,
[Grandfather?]
[Yes Craven, its me. I'm sorry I couldn't stop this from happening.]
[It's OK.] Craven said. [But what about them? With me dead, Gorak will attack Dack while Zarin is fighting. We have to help him. Can we advise him like you did me for all those years?]
[Yes we can.] Micha Tasco said. [But just until this is over. It's time for us to rest. Follow me.]
Drifting down, Craven entered Dack's mind and took over his body just as Gorak sent his next blast. Dack's hand shot up with a blast of his own that hit Gorak's blast and exploded in mid air. The powerful blast blew back in Gorak's face, he staggered back shielding his eyes. When he opened them, Dack was up on his feet ready for a fight.
"So the little one is awake." The Orc looked down on him. "You're going to try and fight me. This should be enjoyable."
"I don't think you'll enjoy this at all."
Lifting his arms, Dack conjured a ball of energy and thrust it out at Gorak. With almost lightning speed, the powerball shot forward at Gorak. Frantically he cast a shield up in front of him, but the powerball hit with the force of a charging bull and shattered like glass. Surprised at what the power the kid had shown, Gorak summoned a whirlwind of electricity and sent it hurling at Dack. Lightning spun and crackled as it flew at him. Dack created a force shield and pushed it out at the spinning funnel of power and directed it out beyond the park on over the cliff.
As the two sets of Mages battled, Reno faced off against Kuda. With his mace raised, Kuda charged at Reno, bellowing his war cry. His mace smashed down as Reno dived to the side slashed out at the Orcs body. Hammering from side to side, Kuda slammed his mace down at Reno again and again every time missing him by inches.. With every jump, Reno launched a series of punches at Kuda. One, two to his face then leap away. One, two and a kick to his chest, then leap away again. Kuda swung again, and again he missed his mark. Reno leaped onto Kuda's back and hammered the back of his head then kicked away at the middle of his back. Kuda howled in pain and frustration. He swung his mace high at Reno who ducked and punched out twice at Kuda's groin knocking the air from his lungs. Kuda doubled over and Reno sent an upper cut square at his jaw. Like a sack of potatoes, Kuda went back off his feet to land in a pile with a broken jaw. He scrambled to get back to his feet but Reno was there with his mace.
"I'll kill you!!"
The battle between Kuda and Reno was over and the Orc had lost. But there was no way he was going to stop, or give up and walk away. With Reno standing there with his mace, Kuda dived for him. Reno raised the mace and hit him right in the center of his head, cracking his skull and ending his life.
With Kuda dead and Tabor deeply intent on his battle with his enemy, Gorak knew his chances of success was low. This child, the yellow hair whelp, Tabor had said would be the weak untalented one, but he was wrong. The child fought with a ferocity he had never seen in one so young before. Now not only would he have to defeat this Dack person, the werewolf could be on his back at any second.
From his robe, Gorak grabbed a dark shell he always kept there for emergencies. He tossed it at Dack's face. Reacting quick, Dack shot a blast at it. The shell exploded in a flash of darkness covering Dack completely. Reno dived for the Orc mage but ran straight into his force shield.
With a quick spell, the cowardly Gorak disappeared in a flash abandoning Tabor to fight by himself.
Alone now with Zarin in front of him and Dack and Reno to the left and right, Tabor knew he was in trouble. He had been drawing on power from the ring to fight with, but to face Zarin, Dack and Reno, He would need the ring in his possession. That would mean taking it from his father. He would need to get back to the Academy to get it.
"This is not over Zarin." He yelled at them. "We'll finished this back where it all started."
 Tabor swept his hands around his body and disappeared.
Zarin hurried to Dack and grabbed him in a his arms as he looked over his shoulders at Cravens body.
"Are you alright?" He asked. "Did he hurt you?"
"I'm fine." Dack said. "But Craven's dead. How are we going to tell his parents?"
"We can't think about that now" He said. "We can grieve for him later. Right now we have to get after him. Your our best locator, do you know where he disappeared too?"
Dack closed eyes and concentrated on Tabor. He reached into himself and used his memories of encounters in the past to connect with Tabor. He remembered the day they met and the times they use to have fun together. Then he remembered the look on Tabor's face the day Dack met Zarin. He looked so angry. Dack didn't understand why he had been so mad.
Suddenly, in Dack's mind, he saw Tabor back in the Academy grounds.
"He's heading back for the school."
"Then come on." Zarin said turning to go. "We have to fly.
"I don't have a winged form." Dack said worried. He didn't want to be left behind.
"Yes you do. You have the fly if nothing else. Use that form, try it."
Dack closed his eyes and concentrated on the fly form he had taken so long ago back on the ship to Lands end. In a flash he shifted and flew over to land on Reno's shoulder.
[I did it!]
"Reno. We're going to fly ahead." Zarin said. "Hurry in, we may need your help."
"I'll be there as soon as I can." Reno tossed the mace at Kuda's body. "I'll bring Craven's body back, his parents will want to lay him to rest."
In a flash, Zarin shifted to his eagle form and they took off into the sky. They flew high up over the wall and into the Academy grounds. The fighting was still going on, though with the addition of the Karnevil clan, Tayor's forces were no longer on the winning side. Morganz, Zark and Kellem along with Jovan and Lowell swept through the grounds and forced Tayors forces too where the Dragons could round them up into one area where they were overwhelmed. Without Tayor or Gorak to lead them, and without the power of the Nightmare gem spell, the Bloodfalls and Blackbanes had to surrender. But where was Tayor Larin?

High in the skies Apas and Jayce did battle. Their swords rang out like thunder and lightning flashed with each strike. Swinging his sword around, Apas slammed the blade at Jayce's side. Salvation moved swift to intercept the blow and Jayce kicked out at him.
"Your feeble blows can not hurt me little angel." Apas laughed. "You are nothing compared to me!"
"You keep thinking that." Jayce reached out and sent a flashed of intense sunlight into the Djinns face. Blinded he drew back covering his eyes. Jayce swooped in and slashed at him with Salvation. As the blade touched him, a burning scar appeared across his chest. Apas screamed in pain. Jayce moved fast not giving him a chances to recover. Salvation stabbed and slashed again cutting into his shoulder. Smoke and flames bellowed from the wound. Apas dropped his sword and grabbed at his chest. The pain was overwhelming. He tried to conjure another weapon but Jayce was on him to fast.With a single slice, he cut right through his neck decapitated the Djinn. As he fell, Apas Durah exploded in smoke and ash and blew away on the wind.

At the Westlake entrance to the Academy, Tayor and Insa stood facing each other. All the sounds of battle had stopped and there was no one else around. As Tayor backed himself out of the entrance, Insa slowly walked out to meet him.
"Your forces have been defeated." Insa said as smoke seeped out from under his robes. "This war is over."
"It's not over until I say it's over." Tayor raised his cane and pointed it at Insa. "I don't need Orcs. I don't need the Djinn to best you. I have the Ring of Endrin and that's all I need. Soon, this place and all the rest of Winterhaven will soon be mine!"
"You think magic no matter how powerful will be enough to give you control over our city?" Insa's eyes glowed a bright yellow. "There isn't enough magic on Keanna to make us give in to you and your madness. When will you learn that you can not control us, we will never bow down and make you our king no matter what magic you use."
"If you won't make me king." Tayor waved his staff over his head pulling power from the ring. "Then I'll take what I want!"
Lowering his staff, Tayor sent a beam of energy at Insa. Crossing his arms in front of him, the beam struck and surrounded him bathing Insa in a strange colored light. Insa shook for a second, then fell back and started shifting back and forth from dragon to human again and again. Insa howled from the intense pain of his continuous shifting form. Thick gray smoke poured from every part of his body as he rolled around the alcove. Tayor through back his head and laughed in triumph. With the smoke dragon out of the way, his path was clear to enter the Academy and claim his victory.
"NOW THIS CITY IS MINE!!!"

With no one left to stop him, Tayor started into the school. Suddenly, was a dark blurry shadow appeared above him. Avirex appeared hovering in the air in front of the door.
"Aren't you forgetting something." She drifted down to hover before him. "What about Tabor?"
"Take him." Tayor waved her away and stepped into the schools entrance . "I don't need him anymore. He gave me what I wanted, He's your son. take him to whatever hell you came from. I never want to see either of you again in my city."
"Father?"
Tayor turned to find Tabor standing behind ther looking confused. He had heard everything his father had said.
"Is this my reward for all I've done for you?" He said his voice trembling. "I lied and cheated. I turned my friends lives over to you. I found the ring and brought it to you. I even killed for you and your just going to turn me over to that."
"Why not?" Tayor laughed. "That, is the woman who give birth to you. It's only fitting that she take from this world what she brought into the world."
Avirex drifted down toward Tabor, her cowl pulled down to keep her face covered. She radiated a sense and a smell of death. Tabor backed away from her not wanting her to touch him.
"No father!"
Tabor held out his hand and called out to the ring. As if magnetized, the Ring of Endrin lifted Tayor's hand, then ripped itself free and shot across the alcove towards Tabor. Suddenly from out of the Academy a golden eagle came screeching down. It flew in between Tayor and Tabor and grabbed the ring out of the air.
"NOOOOO!!!" Tayor screamed. "The ring is mine!"
Tayor shot blast after blast at the eagle as it dipped and dived through the air avoiding the bolts. It soared high to the top peak of the school, then turned back and dived down straight at Tabor. Frantic from the lose of the ring, Tayor rushed out of the school firing as he ran. His aim was wild, he missing Zarin with each shot but hit Tabor several times. Pain ripped through Tabor's body as he fell bleeding to the to the ground. He tried to heal himself and get up, but his wounds were to much for him, and he never did pay much attention in his healing classes.
With the ring in his possession, Zarin came down to land. He stepped up and stood over to Tabor as Tayor kept up his attack. Now that Zarin had both the ring and the chain, Tayor's bolts were nothing. He easily waved them off. But that didn't stop Tayor. If magic wouldn't work, he would try force. Tayor grabbed the head of his staff and pulled the sword from its holder.
"The ring." He raised the sword and pointed it at Zarin. "I want it back. Give it to me!"
"No." Zarin stood over Tabor's bleeding body protecting him. "I won't let you hurt anyone else.You've done enough, I won't let the hurt him anymore."
"He can't hurt Tabor anymore." Avirex said as she drifted down and knelt at Tabor's side. "Our son is dead."
"Good." Tayor sneered. "You are in my command Avirex. Kill him and bring me the ring now."
Avirex stood up and looked at Tayor. She pulled back her cowl to show her gruesome rotted old face. Tayor flinched in horror and stepped back.
"Do you remember your promise to me?" She drifted forward towards him. "Do you remember what I said would happen if you broke your promise?"
"He's dead." Tayor said, his voice trembled with fear. "Take his soul and be gone from here."
"It wasn't his soul I wanted." Her eyes flashed red as she drew closer to Tayor. He looked left and right for somewhere to escape too. "It was his life I wanted to save from you! You abused and corrupted our son making him dark like you. I could have cleansed him and gave him a chance at a real life. He could have loved and had a life with people who cared about him, but that life is over now and you took it. I was never going to take his soul, but I will take yours."
"No!" Tayor shot a blast at her as she opened her cloak and advance on him. "No! No! Nooooo!!"
Avirex wrapped the screaming Tayor in her cloak and swallowed his soul then threw his body on the ground. She turned to Zarin.
"Bury my son in peace." She said as she started to fade away. "And burn this one or you may see him again."

The Djinn. 92

It was late in the evening when Tempus slipped out of the dark clouds over Winterhaven to circle the walled city. From the air, everything looked strangely quiet. To quiet Zarin thought. As he looked down at the walls he realized there was something different about the men on guard duty. The uniforms were all wrong. Winterhaven's uniforms were blue and gray with gold trim around the collars, cuffs and the sword and lightning bolt emblem on the chest. These men below were dressed in all different colors and styles. They didn't look like Winterhaven guards at all.
"Somethings not right here," Zarin called back to Reno. "Look at the guards on the wall, anything looks strange to you?"
Reno looked down at the wall over Zarin's shoulder. The men on patrol were much taller then he remembered them to be and way overweight. Reno looked closer and noticed they all had a green hue to their skin. These weren't men at all.
"Orcs!" He said surprised. "Those are Orcs on the wall!"
"Gorak!" Zarin said the names as if it were a curse. "He has to be behind this, and he may not be alone in there. If Dack's right, Tabor, and his father may be here too."
[So what do we do?] Tempus asked.
"We go in and find out." Zarin patted Tempus's back. "Remember the house were Craven held you captive? Not too far from it, there's an entrance to the sewers. We can get in that way."
"What about Dack, Trip, and Thalia?" Reno asked.
[And Craven and Zark? They should be on their way back to Winterhaven now]
"Dack knows the way into the city," Zarin told them. "He'll find us. But I think we should go in and see just what the situation is. Insa my be in trouble and need our help."
Banking left, Tempus circled out and around over the city and headed towards the academy. It was surrounded by Orc troops. They were trying to get in past the energy field that rose up from the wall around the school. As they flew over, Reno looked down and watched as the Orc's attacked the gates and the walls unsuccessfully. Then a thought hit him.
"Tempus, can they see us flying up here?"
[No.] He answered. [Not if I don't want them too.]
"There." Zarin pointed to a place beyond the city and its wall. "Land there."
Tempus flew on then dropped down to a small clearing outside of the wall. Zarin and Reno jumped from his back and he shifted back to his human form.
"Which way?" Rese asked them.
"There," Zarin said. "Follow that stream."
Following the stream through the forest, they came to the wall and the small broken gate. Reno grabbed the edge of the iron bars and pulled them up making a bigger hole for them to fit through. Rese winched from the horrible sewers smells but walked on. Zarin conjured an orb of light to give them lightly as they walked. They followed many twists and turns on they're through the sewers relying on Zarin's memory to get them to the right exit place, but finally, they were there, looking out from a sewer entrance near his old house.
"This is it." Zarin turned to face Reno and Rese. "This is your last chance to turn back. You've both been with me a long time and done more than your share. If either of you decides to go back, I won't hold it against you. You'll always be my friend, but I have to warn you that we'll all probably be killed. Not it's your choice."
"Like there's even a chance I'd let you go on without me." Reno smiled. "I'm in."
"I'm a Dragon," Rese said. "It's my duty to protect. I'm in too."

"They're here," Pelic said. He walked across the chamber to where Insa sat at the council table. "He just entered the city."
"Is he alone?" Insa opened his eyes and looked at the cloaked shadow. "Who's with him?"
"A Dragon and a Werewolf." Pelic looked at Insa.
"A Dragon we don't know?"
"He is one of the clan," Insa explained. "His name is Tempus. He hatched the day before Jandar sent Zarin and his friends out to find Shayn and Ono. Can you tell where they are?"
"Just outside of the Academy." He said looking into his cloak. "They're in disguise as Orcs. Very clever. That will make it easier to move around Winterhaven without drawing attention to themselves."
"We have to think of a way to get them here." Insa stood and started pacing the chamber they were trapped in.
"I can't move through shadows." Pelic sat down at the table. "Somehow Tayor has that blocked."
"The ring," Insa explained. "It gives him powers you can't image. Its how he trapped us here. Can your mindspeak reach anyone? Anyone at all?"
"No," Pelic said. "I can't even reach the other Shadows, and I usually have direct contact with Graym and Jayce. What about you and the other Dragons?"
"Rage can't hear me," Insa told him. "Neither can Cutter or any of the others in the Academy."
"What about the Dragon with Zarin?"
Insa stopped and looked back at Pelic. He hadn't thought of that. He had tried Zarin and Reno without any success, but not Rese. Being a Dragon, this just might work.

The city was in total chaos with Orcs running wild everywhere. Shops and homes had been broken into and fires burned all through the city. This night had been worst then the night of Exodus. They had been caught completely by surprise. Morganz had taken a portion of the city guard to Prafa to investigate rumors of an uprising against Sarella's control when Gorak invade with Tayor Larin and the Bloodfalls. Without the proper amount of warriors to defend the city, the council had ordered the remainder of the guards to evacuate the citizens of Winterhaven through secret tunnels to new Keanna the closest place of safety. Insa had objected and fought against the order. He argued that evacuating the city would mean abandoning the Academy. He refused to do that seeing as it had just managed to make its way back to Winterhaven. But the council had been given a report on where it had gone and what had happened. They knew it come back with a Savonti and Pentanthian force that was completely able to protect itself. So the order was given to evacuate.
While the citizens escaped through the tunnels, the cities defenses were again activated to repel invaders. Unfortunately, there was someone with the invaders that was quite familiar with the cities defenses. Someone who had been very active in the planning of those defenses and knew how to get around and cancel certain defensive spells on the cities walls and gates. Tayor Larin the self-proclaimed king of Winterhaven.
With the cities defenses down, Tayor marched the invaders in through the front gate. His first order was to have the Orcs man the city walls, then he ordered a search of the city and with Gorak and Tabor at his side, he went straight to the council building where Insa and Pelic waited for them.
"Aiya old friend." Tayor climbed down from his horse. "I'm pleased to see you still here. It means I don't have to hunt you don't to take my revenge."
"You just don't give up, do you Tayor." Insa stood there with the wind blowing through his gray robes. "When will you learn that Winterhaven does not need or want a king. This is a free city beholding to no king."
"Nothing is free!" Tayor yelled. "Freedom is an illusion, nothing more! The strong lead the weak as it will always be!"
"And which are you?" Pelic asked. "The strong or the weak? A strong man does not need Orcs to back him up. That's more for a weak man."
Tayor was furious. He held up his hand and the ring of Endrin flashed sending a wave of power at Insa and Pelic. As it hit them, his voice boomed out with a thunderous order.
"Get on your knees!"
Both Pelic and Insa fell straining to their knees. Neither could resist the power if the ring of Endrin.
"I could order you to your deaths if I wanted to." Tayor came over and slowly walked around them. "I could force you to kill each other if I want too. But I have something else in mind for you. Lock them in the council chambers. I'll deal with them later."
"Are you sure?" Gorak asked from behinds Tayor. "I don't trust them. I think you should kill them now and be done with it."
"Take them away." Tayor ignored the Orc. "I want into the Academy. Tabor, follow me."

"I knew leaving the city was a bad idea!" Morganz kicked the side of the chariot Athene had been riding in. "I knew something stupid would happen. I felt it deep in my bones."
"Calm yourself Morganz," Marcus said from his place on the cliff the overlooked Winterhaven. "You had to follow orders. Going to Prafa wasn't your idea, but it was your mission. Now we just have to get back in the city."
"How?" The Elf captain asked. "We can't use the tunnels, they were collapsed The Orcs watch the gates. There's no way in."
"There are still ways in," Athene said. "We just have to find them. Have your men search the walls. Look for ways that may have been overlooked."
 [We know a way.]
Athene looked up as two ravens came flying out of the forest followed by a tall black panther. Marcus grabbed a crossbow and aimed at the cat. Athene put her hand on his arm to stop him.
"Hold." She said. "I think these are friends coming with information."
Landing on the chariot, Trip and Thalia shifted then stepped up as the panther joined them. Shifting forms, Dack climbed to his feet and stood with his friends.
"Now I see why you guys like shifting so much." He smiled. "That was fun!"
"Dack, Thalia, Trip." Morganz hugged Thaila. "It's good to see you all here safe and sound. Where's Zarin and Reno? They should be here with you."
"Where else?" Dack said looking down at the city.
Morganz followed his gaze, then turned back to them. Where else indeed. But why?
"There's a lot we have to tell you," Thalia explained. "But first, you should know that Tayor and Tabor Larin are back in Winterhaven."
"And they have a weapon of enormous power." Trip added.
"The Ring of Endrin," Athene said. "Insa told me about it, but he said you had it."
Not anymore." Trip looked down at Winterhaven. "Tabor took it from us, and there's one more thing."
"What?" Athene asked afraid to hear what they were about to say. These kids had been through a lot in the past few months. They had grown a lot. She hoped it hadn't done any permanent damage to any of them.
"Tabor killed Lissette Testa." There was a tear in Dack's eye at that memory. "Now Zarin is after him."
"We have to find him and stop him," Athene said. "If he kills Tabor in anger, He will have taken his first step to becoming a dark mage. We can't let that happen."
"Then we have to get down into Winterhaven to stop him." Morganz had a worried look on his face. These kids were like his own. He had watched them grow for years. He didn't what to see anything happen to any of them. "But how do we got into the city?"
"The sewers," Dack told them. "We go through the sewers. That's how we got out of the city. We can show you the way in."
[Not without us!]
"Craven!!" Thalia jumped from the chariot. "Where are you?"
[Look in the bay.] He sent. [See the ships coming in? It's the house of Karnevil, sworn to fight at our side.]
[Can we trust them?] Morganz asked.
[They are my family and clan.] Zark added. [If you trust me, then trust them.]
[We'll wait for you at the bottom of the cliff.] Morganz said grabbing his pack. "Everyone get packed, We move out in ten minutes to take back our city."

On the wall of the Academy, Cutter watched as Orcs used battering ram and trees cut from the forest to try and force their way in. They used siege towers and ladders and anything they could think of to try and breach the walls without success. As he watched. Kalin Ka stepped up beside him.
"Their endeavor is useless," Kalin said. "Nothing they can do can break that spell."
"What about their magic?" Cutter asked. "Orcs do have magic, Pretty strong if I remember correctly."
"No Orc magic can break that spell." Kalin laughed. "We have nothing to worry about."
"Kalin." Cutter turned to him. "There's more then Orc magic out there to worry about. I sense unbelievable power really close by. The power that can break through your spell. We better be ready when they use it."
"We will be my friend." He said as he turned to leave. "Have faith in us."
With one last look, Cutter started down from the wall. He had been really worried all day. He was feeling fear radiating from all around him since the invasion started. The cadets were scared. After all, they had gone through on Pentanthin, they had come home to another war still going on. He had hoped Winterhaven had settled this while they were away, but he guessed that was too much to ask for.
At the bottom of the wall, the cadets were readying different types of defenses in case the Orcs somehow made it through the spell. Crossbows where being loaded and pits were being dug and filled with either spikes or flammable liquids.
As Cutter hurried back to the Academy door, he heard a voice call out to him.
[Brother, Can you hear me?]
[Who calls?] Cutter stopped with his hand on the door. Cutter knew it was a dragon calling, but he didn't recognize the feel of the call.
[I am Tempus.] Came the answer. [I am here to warn you of the danger outside your gates. There is a man there with weapons even a Dragon has no power against.]
[I feel him brother.] Cutter said as he went to the school. [How do I defeat him?]
[You can't but we can.] Tempus sent. [I warn you not to try and fight him. Leave him to us. Aiya brother.]
[WAIT! YOU UNDERESTIMATE  HIM! YOU CAN'T DEFEAT HIM ALONE!]
Cutter tried to call him back, but the contact with Tempus was gone. From the contact, he could tell Tempus was a very young dragon. Whatever he had planned, from the feel of the power out there, thew Dragon would have no chance to win. He would need help and from the feel of the enemy, Cutter knew just who to call.

From the sewers, Zarin, Reno, and Rese disguised as Orcs in Bloodfall red made their way through the marketplace. Many shops were on fire. They had been ransacked of all the goods and defiled by the Orc invaders. Zarin wanted to check his home by Reno convinced him there wasn't time. They had to find Tabor and Tayor and see what they were up too.
Since Tayor's manor had been destroyed, Zarin figured they had to be in one of two places. They were either back at the Academy with the invaders trying to get in, or they could be in the council building, the seat of power for the city. Being there were just a few blocks from the Academy, they decided to check there first. Then suddenly, Rese heard someone called out for Tempus.
[Tempus, can you hear me?]
Rese stopped holding out his hand holding Zarin from going any further.
"What is it Rese?"
"Someone's calling me." He said. "It's a Dragon."
"Insa?"
"I think so."
"Find out where he is."
[I hear you Uncle.] Rese answered. [Zarin wants to know where you are. are you safe?]
[I'm being held with Pelic in the council building.] He said. [Tayor has us under the spell of the ring. We're powerless to resist and can't use our magic.]
Rese relays Insa's message to Zarin. Zarin thinks for a minute, then gives Rese a message to send back.
[Uncle.] Rese sent. [We're going to free you and try and get you to the Academy for your protection. We can't counter the ring, but we have the chain and it's magic rivals that of the ring.]
[Be careful young one.] Insa sent. [The Orcs are expecting a rescue attempt. They know there are still a few loyal Winterhaven warriors hiding in the city, they will be waiting for you.]
[We will be there within the hour.] Rese sent. [Be ready to go.]
The council building was two blocks up, Zarin, Reno, and Rese walked slowly trying not to draw any attention from any of the raiding Orcs. It didn't take them long to make their way to an alley across from the towering building. Out front, Orcs fought and argued over different items they had found in the cities shops, Weapons, and armor, jewelry and clothing. Silly thing that was easily replaceable for the shop owners.
"Are you ready?" Zarin asked his companions who shook their heads in readiness. "Try not to talk. Let me do the talking."
With their heads held high, they stepped out and started for the building's entrance in their Orc disguise. They had to walk around a few groups fighting in the street to get to the door. As they approached, an Orc in old rusted armor stepped out from the side of the entrance. He sneered at them barring their way.
"Where are you going?" He asked with his hand on his sword.
"Gorak sent us to watch over the prisoners," Zarin told him. "He thinks they might escape."
"There are guards watching." The Orc said. "We don't need you here."
Reno pushed Zarin out of the way and reached out and grabbed the Orc by the throat and pulled him to face him.
"You trying to get me killed for disobeying orders?" He struck the Orc hard right between his eyes. "I follow orders, you get in my way and I pound you into the mud. Now get out of my way!"
He pushed the Orc aside and went in. Zarin and Rese followed close behind him. The Orc rubbed his throat but didn't move to stop them.
"These are Orcs," Reno said without looking back at his friends. "You don't ask permission, you take what you want by force. You were never going to talk your way past him."
"Lesson learned." Zarin smiled.
They made their way up through the floors passing offices and other meeting rooms. They passed the main council room and found the stairs that led up to Insa's private chamber. There they found four huge Orcs standing guard at the door to his chamber.
"Who are you?" An Orc with a patch over his right eye asked.
"Your relief," Reno said and pulled his club and bashed him over his head. Jumping quickly, he smashed it into the next one's stomach. As he folded over, Reno cracked him in the head and he fell.
As he turned, he saw Zarin's opponent go down and Zarin and Rese were on the last one beating him to the floor.
Moving to the door, Reno heaved his shoulder into it and forced it open. On the other side, Insa and Pelic looked up from their seats at the table.
"Zarin?"
"Yes, it's me." Zarin dropped his disguise and they went into the room. Insa stood and went and hugged them.
"It's good to see you three." He smiled.
"Greetings later," Pelic said. "We should get out of here. Any ideas?"
"I can take us out," Rese said. "And I can get you to the Academy or New Keanna if you want."
"The Academy will do." Insa told him."There's enough room here for you to shift and up above there is a dragon-sized gate we use to escape."
"I can't escape Professor." Zarin looked him in the eyes. "I'm here to end this. Tabor and his father must be stopped today once and for all."
"I understand." Insa said with a hand on Zarin's shoulder. "But you can't do this alone.Tabor, Tayor, Gorak, that's not going to be a one man fight. You will need our help."
"Can we talk about this later?" Reno stepped in. "Tempus is ready."
"Then lets go."

"Father." Tabor looked at him glassy eyed. "They are here."
"Where?" Tayor asked.
"They just freed Insa from his chamber. They are coming here."
"And you said your Orcs could keep Insa imprisoned." Tayor sneered at Gorak. "I should have known better then to trust you."
"They will suffer for their failure." Gorak looked up at him worried. "That I promise you."
"They won't be the only one's to suffer." Tayor turned to Tabor. "I will leave Zarin and his friends to you. Can you take care of them?"
"It will be my pleasure." Tabor smiled and turned to walk off.
"Take Gorak with you. You will need help."
Tabor stared at the Orc with contempt then turned and walked away.
"Kill them all." Tayor warned Gorak. "Or you will deal with me."
Gorak nodded and hurried after Tabor. Once Gorak was gone, Avirex appeared at Tayor's side. Her dark cloak hiding her face and billowing in the wind.
"What do you want?" He asked.
"Only to see how this ends and to get what you promised me."
"You will get nothing if you fail me." He told her. "I will rule here or I will destroy this city."
"I give you what you asked for." She floated closer to him. "I will have what you promised no matter what happens. I don't care if you win or lose. I only want what is my due."
"Be careful." He showed her the ring. "I wear the Ring of Endrin. I control my destiny."
"You are a stupid man." She laughed, "You always were, even when we were married. I will be back for what is mine."
"I'll show you who the stupid one is!!"  Tayor leaped from  his chair and kicked it over. He yelled for Hamar, son of the chief of the Bloodfalls to be brought to him. He was sick of waiting and wouldn't wait any longer. He would have his city or see it destroyed by his own hand.
Minutes later, Hamar came to answer his call.
"I will have a break in the walls in a few minutes. Have your warriors ready. Show no mercy but nothing is to be taken from the school. Do you understand?"
"Yes Lord Larin." Hamar bowed.
"Good." He stood up and turned to his tent. "Go rally your warriors and remember, this place is mine!"
Tayor walked off to the tent they had erected for him. Once there, he conjured the little pocket dimension and pulled the blue jar from its hiding place. He took it to the table where his maps of Winterhaven had been. Tayor kicked the table aside and uncorked the bottle and sat it on the ground.

"BY RIGHT OF MIGHT AND RIGHT OF POWER I CALL APAS DURAH FORTH FROM THE BOTTLE TO DO HIS MASTERS BIDDING."

Blue smoke billowed out of the bottle and filled the tent. Tayor took a step back as his small tent turned into a huge chamber with high ceilings. As the smoke filled the room, it began to form itself into great dark form of a Djinn. He formed from the waist up into an muscular gray skinned man with his lower parts trailing in smoke to the bottle. He had a thin mustache above his thin lips and a long goatee with a gold ring that kept it secure. From the top of his skull grew a long braid that reached down his back. As he finished forming from the smoke cloud, his eyes openned and he looked down on Tayor with sly evil grin, the burst into a thick laugh that echoed through the air.
"Who holds the bottle of Apas Durah?" The voice thundered through the chamber. "Let him speak now!"
"I hold the bottle." Tayor stepped forward holding the bottle out so it could be seen. "That makes me your master and you must do what I command!!"
"You hold the bottle, that is true little man and I must obey you for now." Apas Durah moved down until he was face to face with Tayor. "But I will have my freedom, so have a care my new master."
"Your wishes mean nothing to me." Tayor shouted. "But mine are what's important."
"What is your wish, my Master?"
"Bring down the gates to the Academy so my warriors can attack."
"Your wish." Apas Durah flared up into a smoke cloud and disappeared. "Is my command."

With Craven, Zark, Morganz and the Karnevil Orcs behind them, Dack led them through the sewers to the exit into Winterhaven. Thalia and Trip in raven form flew over the walls with Athene and made their way to the Academy. As they watched from the dark sewer tunnel, Zark gathered Kellem, Craven, Morganz, Marcus and Dack to his side.
"Kellem." He gripped his brothers shoulder. "You and I will go in first. We will clear and of the Bloodfall scum from the streets out there then the others will follow. Morganz and a small force will take the front gate while Marcus Dante will take the south gate. The rest of us will go straight to the Academy."
"What about us?" Dack asked.
"Find Zarin and do what you can to keep him from taking his revenge on Tabor." Zark looked at Craven and Dack. "Do not let him throw away his soul to darkness."
Working quietly on the sewer grate, Morganz stepped aside as Zark and Kellem slipped into the city, There were five Orcs standing outside the grate. Zark slipped up behind them and ran one through then pulled his blade free and slaged the next through the neck. Kellem with his mace in hand, bashed a third Orc then kicked another in the back of his legs. He crumbled to the ground where Zark quickly beheaded him. As the last Orc tried to run. Kellem threw his mace. It flew straight and true and crashed into the running Orcs head toppling him to the ground.
Looking around to make sure no other Orcs had seen them. Zark signaled the others to move out. With Karnevil warriors quietly pouring out of the sewers, Zark stood at the head of the line.
"You all know your assignments." Zark held his sword high over his head. "We are Orcs and we have sworn our aid to help free this city. For freedom and the honor of Clan Karnevil! Winterhaven shall be free again!"
With a cheer, Clan Karnevil spread out through Winterhaven and fought back the Bloodfalls and the Blackbanes. First Marcus Dante with a band of Karnevil Orcs and Winterhaven city guards struck at the poorly manned south gate. The fighting was quick but furious as the Oggha and his Blackbane's were overwhelmed by superior forces. When it was done, Marcus Dante left a small force there to hold the gate, and he ordered his force to the north gate.
The north gate wasn't as easy or as quick. Drega of the Bloodfalls stood tall in charge of the northern gate. He and his clan was on high alert for any suspicious movement in the city. Having captured a group of Bloodfalls and stolen their arms and armor, Morganz had his Orc warriors switch their armor to disguise themselves as Bloodfalls. With Morganz and his warriors in chains, they led them back to Drega at the gate. Though Drega questioned the warriors, he accepted them and ordered them to be taken in and questioned. Once all of the prisoners were gathered in yard at the gate. Drega came down and had Morganz ppulled aside from the rest. As Morganz stepped out of line, he broke the chains that held him and called his warriors to attack.
With a savage yell the fight was on. The Karnevil warriors ripped away the Bloodfall armor, pulled their weapons and dived into the fight.  Morganz with sword in one hand and a dagger in the other fought his way through the ranks of Orcs. He lunged forward stabbing one, then sliced at another and jumped and cross swords and kicked the next into the path of a Karnevil warrior who grabbed him and slammed him to the ground and stomped his head.
Turning to be ready for the next attack, Morganz saw Marcus Dante and his warriors enter the yard to join the battle. As Marcus Dante charged in to attack, Drega leaped in to face the Winterhaven captain. Faced with a much taller foe, Marcus pulled a short sword and stuck out for a death blow at Drega. Swinging his club up, Drega blocked Marcus's strike and swung his club down shattering the guardsman's arm. Marcus stepped back in pain with his arm hanging limp at his side. Seeing his friend in danger, Morganz leaped out and started running to get to Marcus's side before it was to late. With a blank look on his face, Drega raised his club over Marcus's head. Morganz threw his dagger at Drega trying to stop him from smashing it into Marcus and killing him but it was no use. Drega never felt the dagger sink into his shoulder. With a grunt, he slammed the club down onto Marcus crushing his head and shoulders. Morganz screamed as he saw his friend die.
As Drega turned from Marcus's body, Morganz  was on him. With his elven speed, Morganz attacked. Drega tried to fight him off but Morganz was furious. His blades danced and cut in an unstoppable storm as he forced Drega back against the gate wall. Drega tried one last swing at Morganz as blood ran from many cuts and slices in his arms, legs, chest and face. As he raised his club to hit the elf, Morganz sank his dagger into Drega's chest piercing his lungs. Blood ran from his mouth as Drega tried to get air into his lung. With one final thrust, Morganz ran his sword through the Orcs heart.
As Drega's body fell to the ground, the Elven captain reached down and grabbed the front of his chain mail and pulled him up to face him.
"That." He said. "Was for my friend Marcus Dante. He died with honor."
Morganz took his cloak from Drega's back then dropped him and walked back to Marcus's body. He spread the cloak over Marcus and said good bye to his friend.
"Aiya my friend." Morganz reached over and placed his hand on Marcus's body then touched his chest in the Elven salute to his friend. "May Lord Nestor welcome you into the Elysian Fields and give you eternal rest."
Gathering a hand full of soil, Morgan sprinkled it over Marcus's body. Then with a final salute, he stood up and turned away.
All the Bloodfalls had been defeated and either lay dead, or had been placed in cells. Morganz ordered fifteen warriors to stay and protect the gate. The rest he ordered to gather all the weapons and move on to the Academy to put an end to this foolishness once and for all.

The Banshee's Demise. 91

As lightning flashed through the skies of Kyan, Sarella paced back and forth in her castles study. Something had gone wrong. She had been at her onyx mirror for hours trying to contact her master, but there had been no answer in days. Why was he not answering? Had she done something wrong? She had followed his orders to the letter. She had captured Vasagi, though she still couldn't enter the Vampire city. She had used the gifts he had given her to take control of Prafa, Remus and many other cities and forced war all through Taggitia. She had formed an alliance with Talsara Darkshade and helped her to enslave and gain control of the Elven lands. She had also sent Gorak back to Ardia where he had taken control of two of the four ruling clans of that country. Now they were in her power. What had she done to displease her Nightmare god?
She walked to the balcony doors and opened them and stepped out into the storm. The raging storm was beautiful she thought. So much violence and power, just what she needed right now to ease her mind to do what she thought had to be done, Though she couldn't reach Extremus, she still had to follow his orders and move on. She was so close to achieving his desire to control all of Taggitia. She still had her Nighwalkers and the red eyed Wolves of Remus. She only had Wintehaven, Tir Na and the Dragon city left to defeat, then the way would be clear for Extremus to come out, take over and make her a goddess and his queen of the gods. Her work was not done, and it was to finish what Tayor Larin had started.
Walking out to the edge of the balcony, Sarella raised her arms and took a deep breath and screamed. Propelled by her scream, Sarella shot up and out into the night riding the night winds to face her enemy and her chance at being a goddess.

On the shores of Shyr, in the country of Dree, two ravens sailed quietly through the sky while below, a panther silently followed. Thorough the trees they flew, spiraling and circling over the elven forest with their eyes scanning down searching as they flew. Below, the panther was stalked. He was on the prowl for a very special scent. One his magic had told him was somewhere very close.
[I can feel him.] Dack sent to Trip and Thalia overhead. [Do you see anything?]
[Nothing so far.] Trip sent. [Are you sure he's here?]
[Positive. My location spell had never failed before. He's here somewhere.]
[Stay low.] Thalia sent. [I'll go high. I might spot something from up there.]
Thalia angled her wings and caught a thermal and soared higher over the forest. From there she spotted the Knymm river as it twisted its way down to empty into the Shyr. It was strange not to see the people of Dree and Aquilona anywhere on the river. This damned war had devastated many parts of Aspara Bough and the elven lands, she hoped it would be over soon.
From up high, she saw the ruins of a small village. The houses had been burned and the fields were all blackened with ash. Further up there was a muddy field, Thalia could tell, there had been a battle here not to long ago. There were over turned war wagons and carrion birds feasting on what was left of the dead. If Thalia wasn't in her raven form, this sight would have had her in tears.
As she turned north, she spotted something that grabbed her attention, There was cabin not to far from the shore of the river. It just like all the others she had seen except for one thing. There was smoke  coming up from the chimney. This cabin hadn't been abandoned. There was someone there, but who could it be? There was one way to find out. If it was either of them, Dack would be able to tell once he was close enough.
Turning back to the south, Thalia winged her way back to meet Trip and Dack. She found the further back down the river and dropped down to shift and join them.
"How'd you do?" Trip pulled a waterskin from his bag and took a sip then passed it to Dack. "We haven't found anything."
"But he's here somewhere." Dack said wiping his mouth. "I know Tabor's chi, I've been hiding from it for years. I'd know it in my sleep."
"I might have found him." She said. Thalia sat down and took a drink. "There's a cabin up river."
"What makes you think he's there?" Trip asked. "I saw a lot of empty houses out there. The Dark Elves really tore these parts up."
"This one has smoke coming from the fireplace." She looked at him annoyed. "You see much of that?"
"We should check out." Dack stood up and brushed off his bottom. "Shall we?
"Let's go." Trip put the waterskin back in his pack then shifted back to raven. [Which way?]
"Follow me."
Thalia and Dack shifted and took off heading north with Trip right behind them.

"It's time." Tayor Larin grabbed his cloak and cane from the rack by the fireplace. "I will wait no longer for what should be mine. Sarella and the Dragons will pay today for their treachery."
Tabor looked up at his father and gave him as sly evil smile. Today should be much more then what his father expected if all went as he planned. What Tayor didn't know, was that Tabor knew all his plans. He knew that Tayor wanted control of Winterhaven and all of Taggitia, even if it meant sacrificing his one and only son.
"We'll see about that." Tabor thought as he got up out of his chair. He had given his father the Ring of Endrin, but there was something about the ring that Tayor didn't know. Though he wore the ring, Tabor still had complete control over it. He could turn the ring on his father or anyone else he wanted at any time.
"Where would you like to go first?" Tabor asked. "Sarella or the Dragons?"
"Winterhaven." Tayor rubbed the head of his glowing cane. "Sarella lost her hold on the city and I think I can still get it back under my control. Besides, I have a score to settle with Insa and the Council."
"How?" Tabor asked. "It'll take an army get Winterhaven back under control."
"I still have assets." He smiled. "Sarella thinks I'm weak. She forgets who it was that called her from the dark pits. I don't need her pitiful army. I have power she could never have and I'm going to use it."
"Good." Tabor walked to the door of the cabin and opened it and stepped out. "I'm tired of running and hiding. I want to go home. There are scores I want to settle too."
"Then we're off to Winterhaven." Tayor raised has cane and drew a glowing circle in the air in front of him. A magical globe appeared and he stepped into it. "Climb in and we're off."
Tabor stepped in and the globe lifted off and streaked off to the north.
From the edge of the forest, two ravens and a panther watched them fly off. One raven dropped down to land on the panthers back.
[You were right.] Trip sent. [It was Tabor, and they're heading home.]
[We have to warn Zarin and Insa.] Dack told them. [Troubles on it's way.]

It was total chaos when Sarella appeared over Vasagi. It obvious to her that a battle happened here very recently. There where bodies everywhere littering the fields outside of the city, dead and dying. Both Vampires, Werewolves and a number of her risen dead. Sarella flew down to her commanders tent and pushed her way in to find Youron there looking beat up.
"What's happened here?" She demanded.
"Remus and Prafa turned on us." He said stumbling to his feet. "Don't ask me how, but the spell we had them under has failed. We no longer hold Prafa, Remus or any of the cities we captured with that damned stone you sent out. You know what that means don't you?"
"I would be very careful how you speak to me." Sarella said calmly. "I am still in control here. That stone was not the only weapon I have in my possession. My song can still drive men and beast to do whatever I want them too and my kiss is still fatal."
"What about vampires?" Youron asked. He had a strange look on his face. "Can you control them too?"
"No man can resist my song." She floated around the table as Youron withdrew to the other side. "It doesn't matter if he is human, vampire, elf or werewolf."
"Then we're in luck." Youron walked to the tent entrance. "I have something you should see."
From the tent, Youron escorted Sarella out and on through the camp. Though they had just been through a massive rebellion, there was still plenty of warriors there to use as a fighting force. Orcs and trolls, men, vampires and werewolves work to restore the camp to an orderly fashion.
As they made there way through the  camp, a warrior stopped them and asked what they should do with the rebellion survivors. Youron ordered them to be put to death. He explained to Sarella that having any disloyalty in their ranks could turn against them later in battle. She agreed but had a different punishment in mind. She wanted them rounded up and put somewhere where she would deal with them herself. Youron knew what she had planned and it sent shivers down his back.
From there, Youron took her top a dark tent set aside from the rest of the armies tents. Youron told her this tent was for two special prisoners they had caught. Curious, Sarella looked at Youron with suspicion. She didn't trust the sniveling human. He had betrayed Tayor Larin his old master and he could be planning to do the same to her.
"What is this?" She asked.
"Your only way into Vasagi." He smiled holding open the tent flaps. "You will see once you're inside."
"If you trick me or try and betray me." She said. "Not even your death will stop my revenge."
"I only wish to serve you my Queen." He bowed while stile holding open the tent entrance.
"You've been warned."
Sarella ducked her head and went into the tent. It was dark in there, but what was a little darkness to a creature of the dark like Sarella. Once inside she saw the tent was empty except for two men, on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs. Youron stepped over and lifted their heads to show her their faces. For a second she didn't recognize them. Then the scar on the dark haired ones face told her exactly who he was.
"Prince Azeal." She smiled and turned to the other one. "Then you must be Tanis Gaelich, son of Balthazar Gaelich. You were right Youron. This does please me. Welcome to my world young prince. With you here, I can get into the city. Vasagi will be mine and Winterhaven and New Keanna will be next!"
"Don't count on it witch!" Azeal said. "There's nothing you can do that will make be betray my father or my friends."
"We shall see about that."
Sarella started to hum and sing very softly. Azeal felts something very strange happening inside his head. It was like he was falling asleep but his body wouldn't fall over. Soon he felt completely numb all over.
"They are mine now." Sarella laughed.

As the sun slipped out from the eastern mountains, Sarella gathered her troops outside the gates of Vasagi. At her side stood Youron and glassy eyed Azeal and Tanis. At had been a very good night for her. Once the surviving rebels had been rounded up, they were turned over to her. she spent the next three hours absorbing their life energy. By morning, she glowed with power. She felt indestructible.
With her warriors gathered all around ready to sack the city, Sarella sent Azeal and Tanis down to open the gates and let her into Vasagi.
"Open the gates to my new city." She ordered.
Azeal nodded and with Tanis at his side, they headed down to the gates of the city. At Sarella's side, Youron watched with eager anticipation. He knew the vampire city was loaded with riches and other magical items that could make him as powerful as Tayor Larin ever was. He was almost drooling with greed.
As Azeal approached the massive gates, he looked back at Sarella. From her throne, she waved him on. She wanted the vampire's magic very badly. Turning back to the gate, Azeal reached out and placed his hands on a jeweled ring that hung over his head. He cleared his throat so his voice would be clear when he spoke.

"I, Azeal Draza Zlenka, crown prince of Yadessa, wish to enter the capital city of Vasagi. Let these gate my command!"

As Azeal finished his royal command there was a loud bang and the sounds of locked clicking and bolts sliding. Azeal stepped back as the gates cracked open and dust blow out of the opening. Once the door was wide enough for them to enter, Azeal and Tanis stepped in and disappeared from view.
"Quickly." Youron shouted. "The gates open, push the doors apart and get in there!"
Jumping to obey Youron's order, four warriors rushed to the gates and started pushing them open. Then all of a sudden as the doors were open, something shot out at the four warriors and grabbed them. They screamed as their bodies were crushed and thrown back at Sarella's feet.
"What is the meaning of this?" She screamed. She jumped up from the throne and looked back to the gate to see Valkar Zlenka, king of Vasagi standing there with Azeal, Tanis, Tof Tyr, Sting and a host of vampires and werewolves.
"This is my city." Valkar raised his sword and pointed at Sarella. "And you can't have it!!"
As Valkar and his allies charged out of the city, Youron jumped in front of Sarella and ordered his warriors to attack. The two armies charged and clashed with a fury. Vampires dived down attacking from the air while below, Werewolves dived in ripping and tearing at their enemies. Men fought, hacking at Sarella's warriors while her Orcs and Trolls bashed down rows of Valkar's warriors.
In his scorpion form, Sting's claws snapped while his stinger stabbed out at warrior after warrior.
Seeing that her forces were quickly falling, Sarella sent out a call for a special group of warriors she kept hidden not to far away from the city and then took to the air herself.
As she took flight, her scream blasted Vampires out of the sky with pin point accuracy. One after another they fell battered by her scream. With her forces losing, Sarella needed something to hold Valkar's fighters back until her reinforcements could arrive. She soared high doing circles over the city, once there, she let out a scream that paralyzed all the fighting on the ground.
Covering his ears, Valkar ran and grabbed Azeal and Tanis and pulled them back to the gate. He screamed trying to communicate with them but neither of them could hear over Sarella's scream.
[We have to stop that scream.] Valkar sent. [We are helpless against it.]
[How?] Tanis asked. [I don't know anything that can shut her up, do you?]
[I have an idea.] Azeal sent. [I know someone who my be able to help,]
[Who?] Valkar asked. Sarella's scream was ringing through his head disorienting him, sapping his strength. The three vampires fell to their knees to weak to stand.
[Grandfather!!] He sent. [Her scream won't affect him.]
Lifting his head, Valkar crawled to the gate and forced himself to his feet. He reached up and grabbed the jeweled ring Azeal had used to open the gate and called out to his great ancestor.

"Baron Valkar Zlenka, Yadessa needs your help. Please come to us!"

A blast of wind blew out from the city gates as Baron Valkar appeared. He looked down at Valkar laying at the gate and flew down to him. In a solid form he lifted him in him to a sitting position.
[Help us Grandfather.] Valkar sent. [Stop her scream.]
The Baron looked up at Sarella high over Vasagi screaming her banshee song. He knew her song kept Valkar's warriors from defending the city. His city. The city he built and once called his home. If she somehow was about to get in and gain the cities secrets, there would be no stopping her. Not even the Dragons would be able to stop her. This he could not allow to happen.
[I will stop her scream.] He told Valkar. [But it will be up to you to destroy her.]
[How?] Valkar asked.
[Only a Vampire weapon can bring down the Banshee.] Baron Valkar rose up floating towards Sarella. [Look to the young, for they hold the key.]
Like an arrow, Baron Valkar shot out at Sarella. As he flew he formed himself into a light pulse, and streaked straight for her throat and wrapped himself around her vocal cords. As he took hold, her scream turned to a dry gasp and stopped. With her soul sapping scream stopped, Valkar climbed to his feet and shook off the the remnants of her scream. He looked around and realized that if he didn't move fast, Sarella's warriors would soon be up and fighting again. But it was already to late. Youron was up and gathering his warriors for the attack.
As Youron called his warriors together, the sound of heavy wings beating against the air came out of the south, When Valkar turned to look, he saw a row of Gargoyles flying in from the mountains.
"They answer Sarella's call Valkar!" Youron shouted. "You have lost. Surrender the city and we might allow you to live!"
Just then, a roar came blasting from the north. Youron tuned to see Rage and Jandar with Shine, Blink and Icicle flying down out of the clouds to attack the Gargoyles.
"Its not over yet!" Valkar shouted and ran to Azeal and Tof. "I need Justice. Tof, you take care of Youron and his warriors. Send Sting and my warriors after the Orcs."
"What about me father?" Azeal asked.
"You and Tanis guard the city gates, don't let anyone get pass you." He took Azeal's weapon." I have a Banshee to kill."
With Justice in hand, Valkar flew up to meet Sarella. Still glowing with power, she hovered there waiting for him.
[I knew it would be you Valkar.] She sent. [You think because I can't use my scream that I'm helpless. Well you're wrong. I am well adapt at hand to hand battle, and my scream is not my only weapon.]
[You have cause a lot of devastation all across Taggitia.] Valkar said. [And for what? Revenge?]
[That's right.] She said as her beauty faded to be replaced by her true hideous gaze. [Revenge and power. The power to make the world sorry for what it did to me. Look at me. I was once beautiful with an innocent heart. Do you see what the world did to me, It made me a monster! I was raped and tortured until there was nothing left but hate.]
[And you think the world did that to you?] Valkar suddenly felt sympathy for her. He realized the beautiful face she wore at time was her true self before hate took her in its cold embrace. That was exactly what had happened to Baron Valkar so long ago. Maybe she could be saved just as he was.
Valkar held out Justice and dropped it to the ground. Sarella looked to him surprised.
[I won't fight you.] He said with a smile. [There has been to much pain and hate in your name already. Let me show you what love really is. Take my hand.]
Valkar reached out his hand to her trusting her completely and fully. This was her chance to destroy him. She could kill him right now and take the vampire city but something in his eyes made her reach out and take his hand.Suddenly flashes of laughter and friendly feelings. Images of Azeal and Ranjer as babies. Scenes of him making love top Velusia flooded her mind. She felt the worry Valkar had felt while Azeal had been missing. The joy he felt when his two sons were there with him and what it felt like to have his sons love and the friendship of all of his allies. Suddenly all of Sarella's hate just melted away to be replaced by a warm loving feeling. She looked up at Valkar's face. The smile had changed, not there was a look of surprise on his face.
"Sarella?"
"Yes?"
"Your face. its changed. Your beautiful."
She looked down at her hands, they were pink and full of life. No longer gray, dried and shriveled.
"Whats happening to me?" As she looked at Valkar her banshee magic began to fade and she fell. Valkar swooped down and caught her in his arms. She smiled at him and said thank you.
"The curse that made you a banshee has been broken." Valkar told her. "You're free."
With Sarella held in his arms, Valker flew back to the city gated and set her down. As he looked around, all the fighting was over. Youron was dead and her army was defeated. Tof and Azeal came walking over to stare at the beautiful woman that once had threatened all their lives. They bowed to her and that was the end of the battle of Vasagi, but not the ends of the war.