Ono Enraged. 39

The sound of someone screaming woke Shayn up from his cold sleep. He sat up and realized he was sitting in a puddle of water and he was all wet. He looked around his eyes getting use to the darkness and knew he wasn't in the cave where he had fallen asleep. He reached up to rub his eyes and felt something heavy and cold around his wrist. He held them out to look and found he had been chained. Shayn pulled the chained and found them attached to the wall. Where was he? What had happened he wondered?

Suddenly another scream rang though the darkness. Shayn turned and backed himself against the wall. Looking around he noticed he was in some kind of small cell. There was straw on the floor in the corner and a bucket of stale water for him to drink. The cell smelled of waste and garbage and there were bones littering the floor. He looked to his left and saw there was a window where fresh air flowed in and on the other side a door of bars where a faint light glowed for beyond. He walked to the window and looked out. The moon was bright tonight and he could see pretty far out across the fields. He was high up in some sort of tower or something, he knew just where he was. This had to be that stack he had seen the day before. Lilia had said it was Lord Magu's home and for him to stay clear of it. As he moved to the door for a look out he felt something strange around his neck. He reached up and felt more cold metal. He was wearing some kind of strange collar.
Someone had locked him away in chains. He knew he was in trouble. Somehow the Savonti must have found them and taken him away. Then a thought hit him. Ono, Where was he? Shayn closed his eyes and reached out for the link to his mate. He searched deep in his mind but there was nothing there. He couldn't feel him at all. In all the days since they became mates Shayn had never gone a second without the feel of Ono in his mind, now there was nothing. Does this mean he's dead? No, he couldn't be, he wouldn't accept that. Not now, not ever. He had to get out of there and go find him. He walked to the window and tried the bars. They were tight. If he shifted to his dragon form he could use Blink's shadow powers and slip out of the chains and away into the shadows and go back to the cave where he left Ono. He had to be there looking for him.
Shayn closed his eyes and concentrated on the change. He felt the tingling that he usually felt and the shift began then pain exploded it his head. He screamed clutching his head and fell to his knees. With his head throbbing he lay there in the cool darkness and let the pain subside. He couldn't shift. He knew his dragon was still with him but for some reason he couldn't shift forms. But what of all the other magic he knew. Could he use any of his magic? He tried simple gesture magic and nothing happened. Next he tried a spell to bring a light orb into existence and again, nothing happened. Shayn sat down depressed as he realized he was helpless. He had nothing now but his natural dragon strentgh. None of his magic worked and he was trapped here by some strange Savonti lord. He knew he was really in trouble, but he wouldn't give up. He'd been in trouble before and this was not that different. He would find a way. Drobi had taught him as a child that magic was a tool just like a shovel or a pencil. You use it as best you can but it's not the most important tool he had. His mind was. As long as he was calm and thought clearly, there was nothing he couldn't do.

Deep down in the bowels Of Magu's stack, Mar woke up. He looked around and knew he wasn't in the cave anymore with the others. From the smell of the air he had to be in a Savonti lair in some cell. He sat up and saw Xan over in the corner lying there still asleep. On all fours he crawled over and shook his brother awake. With a start Xan's eyes opened.
"Shh!!" He held his hands over Xan's mouth. "We're in trouble."
Looking around Xan knew he was right. Mar released him and helped him to sit up.
"Where are we?"
"Magu's stack I think." Mar stood and helped his brother up. "They must have come while we were sleeping."
"What about the others?" Xan asked. "Drella? Shayn and Ono?"
"I don't know." He answered. "They're either still in the cave dead or here somewhere."
"What do you think he's going to do with us?"
"I'm going to ransom you both back to your father." Mar and Xan turned and there Magu stood outside the barred cell door smiling at them with his wings wrapped around him like a cloak. "He misses his two favorite sons and wants them back. He wants you so bad I think I can get anything I want of him."
"Father won’t pay you." Mar walked to the door snarling at the Sky lord. "He'll come in mass and rip this stack down around your damned ears"
"I don't think so." Magu laughed. "I've taken steps."
"Where are our friends?" Xan shouted.
"The humans?" Magu asked. "What do I care about petty humans. They're nothing to me but a meal and I have plenty of food here. But the light haired one, he's more interesting. Daru will pay handsomely for the katala. I have sent a messenger to Darul for him to come at once"
Rage filled Mar as he listened to Magu's boasting. He had gone from one evil tyrants hands to another and he was tired of them all. Shayn and Ono were right, it was time for the Savonti lords to fall and Mar wanted to do all he could to help bring them down.
"Magu." He said boldly. "You are the most cowardly of all the lords. I spit in your face and challenge you for lord of these lands. Face me coward!"
"You challenge me?" Magu laughed."You who are armauk to all Savonti and friend to humans think you can challenge the lord of this house? Neither of you have that right anymore. Now you’re both as low as the humans you so love. But fear not. Your father will be here soon enough to take you back to his happy home. So rest comfortably and enjoy your last days of so called freedom."
Laughing Magu turned and walked away. Mar stepped to the door and shook the bars screaming out his rage. Xan sat down and slumped defeated. He knew Lord Lesu would be here in less than two turns, he didn't see any hope.
"What now Mar?"
"I'm not going back to Lesul." Mar told him. "I'll see them both dead first."
"Then we have to get passed that door." Mar came over and sat with his brother. "What then?"
"Then we find Shayn and get out of here." Mar said. "I think we have work to do him and I."
"And the locked door" Xan asked.
"Let me worry about that." Mar smiled." I have a way with locks."

After Lilia explained everything that happened and Cutter told them all about the Academy being on Pentanthin Ono paced the cave trying to think of what they should do.
"There's only one answer." He said. "We have to go after them tonight."
"We could get help from the Academy." Cutter said. "It wouldn't take Blink long to get here through shadow."
"You forget." Ono said. "Blink has to have been here to come in shadow. He can't just pop into places he's never been even if we guide him. He'll still have to fly here before he can bring others through and we don't have time for him to fly here."
"Then it's just the two of us." Cutter stood and faced Ono.
"Four of us." A voice sounded from the cave entrance. Cutter and Ono turned to see who it was that had joined them.
"Ozmun!"
In the door way Ozmun stood along with Magda Rangar looking like they had been riding a long distance.
"It's about time you found us." Ono rushed to the entrance and hugged his friend.
"I came as soon as I got Lilia's message." He smiled greeting Ono. "What happened?"
"We were raided by Lord Magu." Lilia stood and walked over to greet him."Nazun, Ozmun. I guess your mission was a success."
"Yes" He turned to Magda beside him. "My I introduce Magda Rangar, Leader of the Rangar Clan in Lesu."
"Nazun." She nodded to them all as they introduced themselves.
"And who is this?" Ozmun gestured to Cutter. "Another stranger to Pentanthin?"
"Yes." He said shaking Ozmun's hand. "I'm Cutter one of Shayn and Ono's clan. I heard his call and came immediately."
"Would you be a wolf like Ono or a dragon like Shayn?"
"Dragon." Cutter bowed smiling.
"So we fight Lord Magu." Ozmun said. "The winged one. This won't be an easy fight. He'll have his warriors and baebats in the air protecting his stack. It won't be easy getting there without them seeing us coming."
"Ozmun they have Shayn." Rage filled Ono making his whole body shake strangely. He'd never felt such anger before. "I don't care how many are out there. Nothing will stop me from ripping my way in to get him out."
Cutter looked at Ono. There was something strange about him. His anger was doing something to him. Changing him somehow. He had a feeling he knew just what was happening to him and it was about time.
"I can hear all your minds." Lilia told them “I’ll stay close and direct you through the stack. We have three to get out not just Shayn."
"Three?" Ozmun looked at them confused. "Who else is in there?"
Silence filled the room as Ozmun looked at each of them. Ono knew how much Ozmun hated the Savonti. How were they supposed to tell him he had to go risk his life to free two of the very people he hated so much?
"We need to talk." Lilia reached for Ozmun's arm and guided him out of the cave where she would explain the rest of what he needed to know. Ono didn't envy her. He knew Ozmun wouldn't like it. But there was someone here that might help.
"Drella, Juelz. Go help Lilia. She's going to need your help."
Drella took Juelz hand and led him out of the cave. If anyone could make him understand, two humans that cared for a Savonti would do it.

With Lilia on his arm Ozmun stepped out of the cave. It was a clear cool night with a bright moon glowing high in the sky. Once outside Ozmun turned to see Drella and Juelz following them. He wondered what was going on.
"Two others were taken with Shayn." Lilia told him. "Two very important warriors to Pentanthin's future."
"If they're as important as you say." He said. "Don't worry. I'll get them free. Who are they? What's the mystery here?"
"There's no other way to tell you Ozmun." Ozmun for once wished he could look into Lilia's eyes, but he couldn't. They were covered with her blindfold.
"They are the son's of Lord Lesu." Drella told him. "Two Savonti warriors."
"WHAT!!" Ozmun's eyes flared with anger. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You want me to bring back two of those man eaters?"
"No." Drella said. "I want you to save my mate. The most important person in my life. The one that kept me from being tortured, worked to death, raped and eaten. They're not all raving killers Ozmun. There are some that treat us with respect."
"Mar fed me when I was starving." Juelz said tearfully. "He fought for me. No one's ever done that before. He's my friend."
"He's a Savonti! They eat us!"
"Not Mar and Xan!" Drella shouted at him. "They're different!"
"Mar only eats vegetables" Juelz started crying. Drella hugged him to her side soothing him.
"Ozmun, Savonti are like humans." Lilia reminded him. "And like human not all of them are evil. Some have hearts and souls and know compassion."
Cutter walked out and joined them. He had heard what was going on and wanted to add his own opinion.
"On my world in some parts Ono would be killed on sight for being a werewolf. " He said. "We dragons have been hunted in some parts. I have friends that live on blood, but that doesn't make them evil. It's your deeds that make you what you are and if what I'm hearing about this Mar and Xan is true, then they deserve a chance. Don't you think so?"
"Please help my friend." Juelz looked up at him with tears streaking down his cheeks.
Ozmun looked at the four in front of him. It was hard to believe what they were saying but he knew they could be right. There were humans that had done things in the past that made them just as bad as the Savonti. He remembered some while he was a captive of Daru that killed others and even fed on them. Maybe, just maybe he was wrong. But he would keep a watch on them.
"I trust you Lilia." Ozmun said. He reached down and picked up Juelz. "I'll bring him back for you, I promise. Then we all need to have a long talk.”

Tabor Larin hated everything about the Academy now. None of his friends were here. He didn't even have Zarin and his creepy buddies to pick on. Worst of all he had to act nice, he couldn't be the bully he loved being. He had made a few new so called friends, well not really friends. He hated these do gooders he had to room with. But he did have Rush under his spell. With the right encouragement he just might have someone useful to carry out his orders. He wished Craven was here. That weak minded fool would do anything he asked. And Elan with his hatred for his mother. He was so easy to manipulate into things. He wondered what he and Aron were doing without him telling them what to do. They were probably stuck somewhere in Darkshade under arrest after his mother had caught them in bed somewhere. Yeah he knew their secret. Tabor was holding that card just in case he needed it for some future use. With a little luck, he still might be able to use it sometime in the future when he finally got back home.
But his mind was wandering. He had more important things to do here. Like finding that damned ring and causing as much trouble for the Dragons that were here running the academy. Tabor knew his compulsion spell would work on a few cadets, but not on any of the professors. They were far to powerful for that. But if he found the ring, he'd have all the power he needed to rip control of this place right from under their feet. All he really needed was a few more cadets under his power to search and to keep anyone from catching him.
Thank the gods his disguise worked so well and no one recognized him. Unfortunately there was one here that might see through his disguise. That damned Jovan had been the only one to survive the battle during the move to Pentanthin. He hadn't seen him since he had used the disguise spell. But still there was a chance Jovan might be able to recognize him. Tabor would just have to be careful. He had far too much planned to fail now.

High on a hill in Lesul, Paesh sat on his tracker with Lesu and more than twenty five of his warriors. Behind them were the cages they would use to collect the clansmen Lesu would be taking with him. The plan was that after Lesu's raid, Paesh would return and bring back a few of the clan that would claim he had saved them form the cages. He would've fought successfully and killed a few Savonti and now he was back to take control after Magda's unsuccessful leadership. He figured being the hero no one would deny him and he could make Magda his if he wanted. But things would not go his way tonight or ever again.
From the top of the bluff Paseh could see the camp. there were tents there and fires burning but he didn't see anyone out wake. Strange that everyone would be asleep he thought.
"Go." Lesu ordered.
Quietly his warriors charged down and entered the camp. One by one the tents were torn down to reveal nothing but an empty camp. Not a soul could be found there asleep or awake.
"What is this?" Lesu thundered to Paesh. "Where are they?"
"I don't understand." Paesh stammered. "They were here where I left to meet you. They have to be there somewhere!"
"You think me a fool human?" Lesu lashed out striking Paesh and knocking him from his tracker. "DO I LOOK THE FOOL TO YOU?"
"No my lord!!" He cried. "We can find them. We just have to search."
"If I have to search for my prey." He leaned down to stare at Paesh. "Then I only need you now for one thing. Dinner! Take him to the cages!"
"No please Lord Lesu." Paesh cried as he was dragged away. "I can find them. Mercy please!"
"I have none human. None for your kind." Lesu turned his tracker and gave orders to send a few warriors out to search and for the rest to return home. As he watched his warriors turn the cages to leave, a baebats came flying out of the night to land in a tree above him. Lesu looked up at the curious animal and it hopped from the tree and came down to land on his shoulder. Lesu knew many lords kept baebats as messengers, and it seemed this one had something tied to its leg. He grabbed the animal and ripped off the leg with the message then fed the thing to his tracker. He opened the message and read it.

Nazun Lord Lesu.
I have something in my possession I think you may be looking for. Your armauk sons. I'm sure that we as lords can agree on a payment adequate enough for their return. Come to Magul if you wish your sons back. Bring no more than ten of your warriors with you. Anymore and there will be war.
The Sky Lord.
Magu.

"Clo. Rev!" He called to his two chief lieutenants. “It looks like we're going to Magul."

The light of the twin sun’s of Pentanthin woke Shayn as he lay on the straw in his cell. He sat up and looked around remembering where he was. It seemed last night wasn't a dream, he really was a captive of the Savonti. He stood up and walked to the window to feel the sunlight on his face. It felt so good. Not many knew it but sunlight gave dragons strength. He could already feel it radiating through his body making him stronger. Shayn wondered if the sunlight could help power his magic too. Maybe with enough time in the sun's light he could become strong enough to break out of these chains. He reached out with his magic and tried moving the water bucket. As he watched and strained it trembled for a second. He released his hold and smiled. It had worked. Maybe by nightfall he would be strong enough to try and escape this hell.
Quietly he sat down in the sun and concentrated on his next task. Finding out if Ono was alright. Calming himself he relaxed like Rage had taught him to slip into his dragon sleep and use his dreams to contact Ono. It didn't take long before he found himself as Gabriel flying through the skies with Ono on his back. Thank Rimnar in his dreams he could feel his love again.
[Your alive!] He said sending Ono his love. [I was so worried.]
[I failed you Shayn.] Ono hugged his neck. [It's my fault you were captured. I'm so sorry.]
[Don't be love. I know your coming for me. Now with this connection you'll be able to find me.]
[Yes we're coming.] Ono sent. [But tell me. Why haven't you shifted and broke out of there?]
[My magic's blocked.] He answered. [It's the sun that's giving me the power to dream. Hurry Ono. I don't know how long I have before something happens.]
[Cutter's here. We'll be there as soon as the sun sets. Just hold on.]
[I love you Ono.] The dream began to fade.
[I love you to too.] And he was gone.
Shayn opened his eyes to find he was being watched. He looked up at the Savonti staring at him.
"Who would you be?" Shayn asked.
"I would be your captor for now katala." The reptilian answered. "The Lord Magu."
"Why have you taken me Savonti?" Shayn asked. "I've done nothing to you."
"Your worth something to someone who will pay me a heavy ransom for you." Magu bragged. "Besides, as I hear it you’re a threat to my way of life and I can not have that now can I?"
"Oh I'm a threat alright." He said not moving an inch out of the sun beam he sat in. "The Savonti's days are done and there's nothing you can do about it."
"Is that so?" Magu frowned at him. "What if I kill you now?"
"You can try. You'll fail but go on and try. I'll just get stronger. Soon I'll be so strong that I'll be able to kill you with the wave of my hand. So please kill me now. I want you to."
Magu looked at him unsure of what his next move should be. He didn't know if the human was lying or could actually do what he said. Being the coward that he was, he couldn't take the chance that he was telling the truth.
"I will let Daru deal with you as soon as he gets here." Magu turned to walk off. "But we will see how powerful you are."
"Yes we will." Shayn called after. "Be assured we will!"

Deep in the dungeons two Magul warriors stood talking. They were discussing Magu's new acquisitions and the steps he had taken in the ransom of each of them. From his cell Mar listened quietly to the conversation.
"The master was lucky to find the sons of Lesu." He heard. "I hear they were hiding in a cave close to our border."
"Yes." The other warrior said. "In a few more frames they would have been gone and into Ramul and Magu would have lost his chance to catch them."
"Has Lesu been contacted yet?" Asked the first voice.
"Yes, he will arrive tomorrow early." Mar heard. "He rides tonight hard to negotiation the return of his two armauk sons."
"They deserve whatever punishment their lord has planned for them." The first voice replies. "To consider humans equal to Savonti is so absurd it's unthinkable."
"They will feel his tortures for many passes before he allows them the release of death I am sure."
"What of the katala Magu holds in the towers?" Mar strained his ears and held his breath to hear. That had to be Shayn they were talking about since Ono's hair was of a darker shade and Magu had called him lite haired.
"Daru comes for him." Mar heard. "He to should be here by sunrise. Magu is eager to by rid of it. The katala scares him."
"As it should. Who knows what the staz is capable of. He should just put it to death just to be sure."
"And make an enemy of Daru?" He said. "No, he made the right decision. Let Daru have it. That way Magu profits and Magu no longer has to worry about the thing."
"Have you nothing to do but gossip?" A new voice entered the guard room. "There are many things I can think of if you can not find something to do. The tracker stables need cleaning and you could be doing that instead of having the slaves do it. Find something to do now!"
"Yes sir!" Mar heard shuffling and a cell door slam close as the two warriors went on their way. Mar stepped away from the cell door. He had to digest all he had just heard. Lesu would be there soon. That meant it was time they got out of there. There wasn't anymore time to waste. Hurrying over to Xan he shook him awake.
"Xan, get up!"
"What is wrong?" He asked jumping up ready to fight.
"Father comes." He said. "We have to go."
"How?"
"I have an idea." Mar told him. "And I know two guards that will help us whether they like it or not."

In the pale moonlight two great winged beasts flew low over the forest heading north toward the tall stack of Magu. Ono rode the back of Cutter the fear dragon while Magda rode on the back of the changeling Ozmun. Back at the cave Drella and Juelz packed up any possessions they planned to take with them for once Shayn, Mar and Xan were free they might all have to move very fast. Lilia sat just inside the cave entrance deep in meditation her mind following the rescuers every move.
[Ozmun, I found a way in from the lowest level of the stack.] Lilia sent. [That will be your way in. Your to find Mar and Xan and get them out.]
[What of Magu?] Magda asked. [We let him live?]
[For now, yes.] Lilia answered. [To get the lord we'll need a much larger force to invade.]
[Then he better not get in my way.] Ono sent. All of them could feel his anger, it was so great. Cutter looked into Ono's fear and found nothing there. He was completely fearless like Rage when he was in his battle state.
[Ono, be careful.] Cutter sent. [Your anger is overwhelming right now. Use it wisely.]
[Don't worry Cutter.]
[Ono, you going in from above.] Lilia reminded him. [While Ozmun and Magda enter from bellow. I can only follow one party's route.]
[Cutter can track me from the skies and join me if he has to.] He told her. [You stay with Ozmun and warn him as he goes after Mar. I'll be fine.]
[Are you sure?]
[YES!] He growled scaring all of them with his rage. Cutter sent a probe into Ono to make sure he was alright. What he found pleased him. Deep in his chest he found a dragon heart beating. The change was getting closer now. It wouldn't be long. At long last his dragon may be emerging.

Down in their cell Mar and Xan waited. The suns had dropped from the sky, time moved swiftly and Lesu would be there in the morning. There was no time to waste. Out in the guardroom the two warriors Mar had heard earlier had just been replaced by the guards that had served them dinner. Now was Mar's time to move.
"We are leaving." He quietly told his brother.
"How?" Xan asked. "We have no weapons and the cell doors still locked."
"Xan what are the chances that the door is open?"
Xan turned to his brother confused. He had tried the door many times since Magu had locked them in. It was locked, there was no doubt about that. He walked to the door and tried it again. Locked.
"Locked like I said." Xan frowned at Mar. "We do not have time for this madness."
"Locked is it?" Mar stepped up to the door and took hold of the bars. Just then a spark ignited in the lock and smoke rose from its mechanism. With a push the door quietly swung open. Xan stared at Mar in shock at what he had just seen.
"You do have the powers of a true lord." He was amazed to what his brother had just done. "Father always said you were hiding something. Now I know he was right."
"Shh!" Mar put a finger to his mouth then waved Xan on. "We will surprise him one day."
Quietly Mar stepped out through the door. Together they crept down the hall and peeked around the corner. The two warriors were seated at a table with their backs to them not expecting any trouble from behind them as they ate their meal. Xan nodded to Mar and they rushed out and with a few quick blows overcame them easily.
"Hurry." Mar said. "Get their uniforms. We have to find Shayn and get out of here."

At the bottom of the stack Ozmun and Magda found the one place most Savonti never bothered to guard. The drainage pipe where the garbage and waste flowed out of their manse. Each pipe was big enough for a man to walk through and coming out of most manses there usually was at least three. Closed with a grate, they knew it would take strength greater than any man or Savonti other then Resu to move, so no guard would be needed to protect the exit. But they never thought about someone with the power of Magda Rangar trying to enter. With some concentration and the pull of many tiny force blast, the grate come open easy and they were in. Wading through the waste Lilia guided them through the maze of pipes easily to a room where slaves usually dumped all the refuse of the stack.
"This is a chance for us to free as many as we can." She told Ozmun as they entered the empty room.
[Magda I agree it would be the perfect time if we had a large invasion force with us.] Lilia sent. [But its to dangerous to go looking for the slave quarters. Magu must have hundreds of slaves. We can't slave them now. I promise we'll be back to free them all soon.]
"She's right Magda." Ozmun agreed. "As much as I'd like to, we have to be quiet and avoid being seen. We can't fight the whole stack tonight."
"We have to try." She said. "You know what Magu will do once we escape. He'll take it out on them. We have to give them some chance at least."
"We'll figure something out."
[I have checked all the rooms around you and found Mar.] Lilia sent. [He and Xan are in the rooms down the hall to the left of this room. But there are warriors between you and them.]
"How many?" Ozmun peeked out into the hall. There he saw two warriors standing watch outside a door.
[Just the two.]
Magda looked out and saw them. She raised her hand to her temple and closed her eyes in concentration. As Ozmun watched, the two warriors dropped their staffs and grabbed at their necks. Their eyes began to bulge as they choked and blood began to run from their mouths. Soon they fell to their knees gasping and died.
"Two dead warriors." Magda smiled. Checking to make sure there were no more they ran on to the room and quickly entered. There they found two warriors dressing and two lying on the floor. One of the warriors grabbed a staff and pointed it at them.
"Hold." Ozmun said. "Juelz sent me for you."
Slowly the warrior dropped the blast end of the staff down towards the floor
"Who are you?" Mar asked. Xan picked a staff and stood with his brother.
"Friends of Shayn and Ono." Ozmun told them. "We're here to get you out."
"Drella and Juelz are safe?" Xan asked."
"Yes." Magda said stepping out from behind Ozmun. "They're back at the cave. We should hurry."
"Then help me drag them back into the cells." Mar put down his staff and grabbed a guard." They will think it me and Xan if anyone checks on us."
Together they dragged the two guards back into the cell they had occupied and threw the dirty blankets over them and tucked them in. Once done Mar looked up to Magda who stood there with fire in her eyes. He could tell from the look in her eyes what she was thinking.
"I know that look." He said. "I have seen it all my life from every human I met but two. I do not blame you for hating my people. We hate them to Xan and I. And from now on we will be hunted. But you should know we all do not think that way, We are not all so cruel. We know some wish to do the right thing. Now we plan to go up into the stack to free Shayn. You can help us if you want, or you can go back the way you came in. Your choice."
"I don't think Shayn will need your help." Ozmun told them. "Ono's gone in to get him from above."
"By himself?" Mar stopped. "Is he mad? There are hundreds of warriors up there. He will not make it twenty feet before they are on him."
"How can we help? It's fifteen levels between us and where he planned to enter." Magda looked around. She could hear the sounds of cries and arguments. Warriors fighting amongst themselves. "Whatever we're going to do, we better move before all those warriors you’re talking about are down here with us."
Dressed in the house uniform of Magu's warriors, Mar quickly led them back to the refuse room where Ozmun and Magda had entered. They were on their way out. None of them could think of any way they could help Ono. Mar feared he would have to do it all on his own.
[Fear!] They all heard in their minds. [That's the answer!]
Mar jumped when he heard Lilia in his mind. But he recognized the feel of her mind and knew it was the wise blind woman they had befriended at the cave.
"Fear?" He asked. "How well that help?"
[Mar.] She sent. [Can you and Xan make it up to the top levels fast to help Ono if we can empty as many warriors as we can to clear your way?]
"I think so." He answered. "Yes, we can find our way. I am sure of it."
[Then go as fast as you can, now!]
Mar nodded. Then he and his brother Xan took their staffs and ran off wishing the others good luck.
[What about Magda and I?] Ozmun asked.
[Get out.] She told them. [Cutter will need your help outside. Hurry, Ono will be entering soon.]
"We're on our way!"
With that, Magda jumped down back into the pipes with Ozmun following and they headed out of the stack.

High in the night sky Cutter circled Magu's stack. All around them flew Magu's baebats but not one would dare fly near the great dragon of fear. This meant only one thing. Magu knew they were there.
[How do you plan to get Shayn out of there?] Cutter asked him.
[I'm going to enter through that opening there.] He pointed to a large opening all lit up. [Then go find Shayn. If anyone trys to stop me, you can guess what I'll do.]
[Ono.] Cutter tried to reason with him. [Let me go with you. There are too many in there to fight by yourself.]
"Look." Ono pointed at a group of winged creature coming towards them from below. "That must be Magu's resistance on its way. Drop me at the opening. I'll be fine on my own."
Tipping his wings Cutter dived down and hovered at the landing area and Ono leaped from his back. Shifting to his half wolf form Ono howled and dashed in ready for war.
Backing off from the stack Cutter roared his readiness for the fight ahead of him.
[Cutter.] Lilia sent.
[What Lilia?] He answered. [I'm about to be very busy.]
[Busier then you think.] She said. [I need you to help Ono just a bit.]
[How?]
[Can you project your fear into the stack to scare as many out as possible?] She asked. [We have to clear as many out of the stack as we can. Ono can't fight them all himself.]
[I know that Lilia.] Cutter watched the approach of Magu's warriors. They were winged Savonti armed with staffs. [That won't be easy while I'm up here fighting all these warriors alone.]
[Look around. You’re not alone.]
Rising fast from the ground came a huge winged beast carrying Magda on its back. Cutter knew it was Ozmun, but what a beast it was. It had four wings and was twice as big as he was. It was armored with six clawed legs. The front two seemed to end in three foot curved sword like claws. Its mouth looked like it had rows of razor sharp teeth and behind it trailed twin tails that looked like whips.
[We'll try and keep them off of you as much as we can.] Ozmun sent. [But I don't know how long I can keep this form. Work fast!]
Quickly Cutter looked around. He needed a place where he would be safe so he could concentrate. He looked up at the peak of Magu's stack. There on top was a bar he could land and perch on. With a strong push of his wings Cutter found himself hovering just over the bar. He dropped down and made himself comfortable and began to concentrate and project fear all through the stack. His eyes began to glow gold as his fear began to flow.
Below on Ozmun's back Magda blasted warriors from the sky one by one as Ozmun ripped into them slashing and striking out with his whip of a tail. As they fought they saw a mad dash of winged warriors come screaming out of the stack from every exit. Soon the sky was filled with warriors and Ozmun and Magda had their hands filled fighting.

One level at a time Mar and Xan fought their way up through the stack. There wasn't much resistance but unfortunately Cutter's fear somehow didn't affect all the Savonti in the stack. Some had strong minds able to resist his fear and stayed in the stack. Two levels from the top they ran into a group of warriors looting Magu's treasury. With sword and staff Mar and Xan fought their way past the rouges, killing them and moving on. Finally they found themselves at the top level. The floor all around them was littered with the bodies of dead and wounded warriors. They found warriors with torn apart wings and ravaged bodies. This had to be the work of only one man. Ono had passed through here. Hurrying on they heard the sound of battle ahead just down the corridor. Running down into the hall they found Ono covered in Savonti blood facing eight warriors. Charging into the room Mar grabbed the first spun him around and ran him through with his blade. Ono's eyes were red with out of controlled rage. Ripping and clawing Ono ran from one fight to the next.
"Xan!" Mar called. "Take Ono's left. I'll take the right!"
Like the warrior he was Xan waded in blasting and ducking under blasts fired at him. He was fast and skillful as he fought. Mar with his sword hacked and stabbed at Magu's warriors moving closer and closer to Ono until he stood right next to him. Ono turned and raised his claw snarling at Mar in a blood rage.
[ONO NO!!!]
His eyes cleared as he recognized Mar and held back from the strike he was about to deliver.
"Mar! Get down!!" Mar dived on Ono as a blast passed over their bodies hitting the wall next to Xan. With a quick accurate throw, Xan sent his staff spearhead first into the chest of the last warriors.
As Mar and Ono sat up they watched the last warrior fall dead to the ground. Mar stood as Xan walked over and reached down his hand to Ono. He took it and Xan pulled him to his feet.
"That was close." Mar smiled gripping Ono's shoulder. "Where's Shayn?"
"That way." Ono pointed down the hall. "We finish this now."

In his cell Shayn watched the battle rage from his window. He saw the great beast that Ozmun had become tearing through the night skies wrecking his vengeance on the Savonti he hated so much. Suddenly a noise behind him caught his attention.
"Are you here to kill me?" He asked without turning around. The magic he had stored all day flowed down into his clenched fist. "I'm ready if you are."
"My stack is no more." Magu said calmly. "Daru was right. The white and the grey will destroy us all."
"It will if I have my way." Shayn turned to face Magu.
"You are free to go." He pushed open the cell door and threw a key in to land on the floor in front of Shayn. "That key will open the collar you wear."
Shayn bent over without taking his eyes off of Magu and picked up the key. He looked at it in his hand then back at Magu.
"And you Lord Magu?" Shayn asked. "What of you?"
"Do not worry, you will see me again." He smiled. “This is far from over. Nazun Katala."
Magu turned and walked off down the hall. Suddenly Shayn heard a crash and the flapping of great wings. Magu was gone.
"SHAYN! Where are you!!"
"I'm here!" Shayn stepped out of his cell as Ono, Mar and Xan came running around the corner. Shifting as he ran, Ono ran right into Shayn's arms and held him close.
"Thank Rimnar your alright." Ono kissed him deeply. Tears ran down his eyes as they held each other.
"Where's Magu?" Mar asked checking the cell. He expected to find his dead body.
"Gone." Shayn told them.
"He ran like the coward he is." Xan smiled. "We won!"
"Yes we won. But father and Daru are still on their way." Mar reminded them. "We should go and get far away from here. Come, we celebrate later."
So that was the end of another Savonti lord. His warriors had abandoned him and his house was in ruin. Before they left Ono and Shayn went down and released a few slaves and give them the keys to free the rest. House Magu was no more. But there were still many more on Pentanthin that threatened human life. This war was far from over.

Rescues and Strategies. 38

Dressed in the new clothes Tanis had given him, Gabor put on his sword and left his room. Macan had declared him fit and ready so it was time he left the the infirmary and checked on his clan. He knew he had to decided what was next for him and his people. He wasn't sure what he should do. Should they go back into running and hiding or maybe stay here with his new friends. Azeal had explained the Cutter still needed their help. To them this world was alien and until they figured out how to get home they would need the help of their new friends. But was it right to saddle his clan with these strangers? There's was a dangerous path. They planned to fight the Savonti and that was madness. But wasn't that what he wanted all along? To make Pentanthin safe for his clan and all the people. And could he do it alone? Gabor knew these people were powerful. But were they strong enough to face the mighty Savonti? He just wasn't sure.

As he left the infirmary he watched the cadets going about there daily ways. Tanis has said this was a school of magic and even though they were far from home, Cutter had insisted that classes continued. He passed a classroom and looked inside. There were about fifteen cadets there watching one of the teacher demonstrate how to levitate different objects. The teacher went from something small as a book to a huge boulder they had placed in the class to practice on. Once done he called each of the young cadets up for a try. Some succeeded while some failed. But the instructor never criticized anyone for failing. Gabor thought about some of the harsh treatment some of his clan members had used to teach their young. He remember the beating his father had given him when he failed to bring down his first trula. It didn't matter how huge it had been his father said. Failure meant no one would eat, so beside the beating Gabor had no dinner that night. it never occurred to him that the punishment had been harsh. He thought it just a lesson he learned very well. But what if they had worked together? That trula would've been on the fire that night so long ago and they would've had a celebration instead of a hungry cold night.
Gabor moved on looking into an occasional class and seeing all the wonderful things they could do with magic. He wished he could do these things. If only he had magic in him. That made him think. His people did have magic, but did he? If not him maybe one of his brothers or someone else in the clan. He had to have them checked. If Bela or Nica could do things like this, he wanted them to learn from these people. These keannaian people were a wonder he thought. They may just be able to do all the things they say they can.
Gabor stopped and looked around. Where was he? This was still the first floor classroom area. He had to meet Azeal and Tanis in the out in the front yard of the academy. Bela would be there with a few others of the clan. The would all be waiting for his decision. Gabor smiled and hurried on, he knew what he wanted to do know. He just hoped they would all agree.
Once outside Gabor looked around the yard. There were just a few of his people there with Azeal, Bela and Tanis. Capt Lowell was there to talking to his guards on the gates. Gabor walked out to meet them.
"Quel Amrun Gabor." Azeal smiled,. "How was you night?"
"Peaceful" He answer. "I'm glad your all here. I've made my decision."
"Good." Tanis said as he shook Gabor's hand. "What's it to be?"
"I've a few things I want to discuss with you all." He said. "First, I've decided I want to stay close to our new friends. I think there's a lot we can teach each other."
"But Gabor." Bela said. "Where will we stay? There isn't enough room here for all of us. I think we should get back on the move."
Gabor looked at his younger brother sternly. Bela thought he looked just like his father at that moment. Pride filled his heart for his brother.
"We're not running anymore Bela." He said. "The Savonti die just like us. We can fight them with the help of our new friends. But I won't make that decision for you. If you don't want to, you can gather those that want to and go. I'm staying and fighting. I'll tell the rest of the clan tonight and they can chose for themselves."
"If you stay." Bela told him. "I stay. I won't leave you to fight alone. I'll be right by your side."
Gabor hugged his brother. He knew that would be his answer. In fact he expected that would be the answer most of his clan would have. But the days of one man making all the decision was over he told them.
"I will lead but we will make a council that will make decisions."
"There's one more thing." Azeal told him. "Bela's right. There's not enough room here for all your people and one day this place won't be here. You have to make a permanent place of your own."
"I know just the place." Gabor smiled. " It has plenty of room for us to farm. The hunting is great. We'll always have heat and we will have all the metal our smiths need for making weapons."
Azeal and Bella looked at Gabor confused. Capt Lowell burst into laughter after looking at their faces.
"Your right Gabor." Lowell said "It's perfect. The wall can be fortified and there are spells we know that could help greatly."
"What are you talking about?" Bela asked looking at them all. "Where are we going?"
"Bela." Tanis put a hand on his shoulder. "Think about it. By rights you and your people have conquered Fedrul. From now on it'll be called Gekkol. You rule there now not the Savonti. That will be your new lands."
Bela looked at them in shocked. He never thought anything like this was even possible.
"Humans don't usually take things from the Savonti" He choked out. "They'll be back. Then what?"
"I don't plan to give them the chance to attack us." Gabor smiled. "I plan to attack them instead."
"Now your talking my language." Lowell reached out and grabbed Gabor's hand and shook. "I was hoping you would say something like that"
"Rimnar help us all." Azeal shook his head. "Cutters going to kill me."
"Don't worry." Lowell put his arm around Azeals neck as they all started back into the Academy. "Blink's gonna love my ideas."

A little while later Azeal made his way through the dining hall. It had been a while since either he or Tanis had fed and they were thirsty. As vampires it was forbidden for them to feed around the rest of the cadets. Though they weren't the only one's here that had different eating habits then the rest. There were two here from Tir Na, three from different parts of Yadessa and one Professor Insa had found in the mountains of a far off land. He could shift to a tall bestial humanoid fanged boy that feed only on raw meat. His name was unpronounceable to them so they called him Bandit. He was very magical, smart and well liked by the werewolves in the academy though many of the human cadets feared him. The Were called him cousin and included him in all their activities. They had there own dining room that most cadets stayed away from.
As Azeal walked through he was saw Jovan the young man he had freed from Lord Larins influence coming in his direction. Azeal hadn't seen him in a few days though Capt Lowell had said he was being very helpful. Now dressed in the colors of the Academy Jovan hurried over once he saw him.
"Aiya Jovan." Azeal greeted him. "How are you doing?"
"Very good." He bowed. "Freedom agrees with me but that's not why I came looking for you."
"Oh, What is it?"
"We have a problem you seem to have forgotten about." From the look on Jovan's face Azeal knew this had to be something that was serious.
"Come on and we can talk." Azeal and Jovan moved on out of the dining hall and went to a private office Azeal and Tanis used as there own. Azeal unlocked the door and let the young man in.
"Have a seat.' Azeal walked around the desk and sat down. "Now what am I forgetting?"
"The spy."
"What spy?" He asked shock run though him at the word spy.
"Your forgetting how I got here." Jovan reminded him. "The boy that got me and the others into the academy. He's still here and plotting against you I'm sure."
"That's right you did tell me about him before." Azeal sat back in his chair. It seemed now he had something else to worry about. "What do you think he wants here?"
"All I know is we were all sent here to stop you from moving the school." He explained. "While he looked for something."
"What?"
"I don't know." Jovan shrugged. "It was something powerful that Lord Larin wanted. And I know it's here somewhere."
"Jovan we have no idea what to look for so searching would be a waste."
"But I know the boy that's doing the searching." He said. "Perhaps there's a way to get him to reveal himself."
"You'll need help if the boy's a mage." Azeal stood and walked to the door Jovan following. "Find Kalin. Tell him everything you told me and tell him I said I trust you with this mission. He'll help you. Be careful Jovan. I think I know who that boy is and if it is who I think,. He's very dangerous."
After Jovan left Azeal went back to his desk and sat back down. Jovan's news was trouble. Real trouble. If what Azeal was thinking was right, there was someone here that could be very dangerous to them. Others needed to know.
[Tanis, Blink, We have a big problem.]

High in his stack Magu stood at a window and watched the horizon. From high up there he could see almost all the lands he ruled, and with his vision not much escaped the lord of the skies. What he didn't see one of his many eyes across the lands did see and today he they saw the armauks Lord Lesu searched for. He smiled to himself as he thought of what Lesu would do for him if he had his to sons in his hands. But what about that thing that saved him from the zared? Could it be what Daru had warned them about? He turned from the window and paced his study. It didn't matter, they would soon all be under his control and in his hands. Then whatever they were, he would make Daru pay if he wanted the strangers.
[Pa sma ni's] He called out to his vicious baebots gathered all around his stack. "We have work to do tonight."

Once Shayn and Mar had rejoined Ono and the others Juelz ran out to Mar and grabbed his leg in a hug. They all watched amazed at what they saw. All except Drella. She wasn't shocked at all. She knew what it was like to love a Savonti and trust him.
"I am alright Juelz." He picked the boy up and carried him over on his shoulders to join the other in the clearing.
"I want to thank you strange one for helping us." Mar bowed to Shayn, Ono and Lilia. "But I do not understand why you did it."
"Because I sense your not like most of the Savonti." Lilia smiled. "The boy knows. He trust you so there must be something different about the two of you."
"Who are you?" Xan asked standing next to Drella on the tracker. He still wasn't quite convinced about these strangers and still held his sword. "Why are you here?"
"I'm Shayn." He nodded to his new friends. "This is my mate Ono. We are strangers here on Pentanthin. This is Lady Lilia Kordova."
"I am Mar. This is Xan my brother and Drella and Juelz." Mar introduced each of them then pointed to Lilia."Is she a stranger here as well?"
"No." She answered. "I'm from Darul. We're here for your help."
Mar looked at the three strangers. They looked harmless but after what he had seen the light haired man do, he knew better. He wasn't sure if there was anyway they could help them and they still had a long way to go if they wanted to reach safety.
"How can we help you?" Mar asked.
"First tell us where two Savonti warriors are going with two humans?" Ono asked. "They don't look like prisoners or food. You should be enemies, but you travel together. Why?"
Mar looked at his brother and Drella then took Juelz down. He didn't think these humans would understand they're reasons. So what was the point. They should just go.
"You might be surprised at what we might understand." Lilia smiled at them. "You run from your father who is the lord Lesu. You wish to protect these two. You even love them. And for that the Savonti would execute you. Burn and eat you both as how do you say it? Armauk?"
Mar and Xan looked at the blind woman confused and in shock at what she had just said. None of them were from Lesul. How would they know?
"I know a lot of things that are happening on Pentanthin." She explained. "Some in the past and some yet to come."
"Who are you three really?" Xan had heard enough. Names meant nothing to him. He needed to know more then that.
"I know who they are."
Everyone turned as Drella spoke up for the first time.
"I saw you." She said looking at Shayn and Ono. "A great white beast. And you dressed all in grey. My people have a prophesy of the white and grey. It's you isn't it? Here to free Pentanthin from the rule of the Savonti."
"We don't know if it's us." Ono told the pretty young girl on the tracker. "But we're going to try our best to help Pentanthin and we think you can all help."
"I do not understand any of this." Mar said confused at what was going on. He looked to his brother who looked just as confused. "What prophesy Drella?"
"I has been passed down through our clan and on across Pentanthin for hundreds of agens." She explained. "From mothers and fathers to sons and daughters. We have all sworn as children to watch for the signs that they have arrived. Listen Mar and Xan and I will tell you the prophesy."
"Protect the white and grey. For they will cause the end of a thousand years of tyranny and enslavement. Their power and courage will doom the high ones and bring freedom to all that suffer and fight with them. The mark of the wolf and dragon will be the sign. Protect the white and grey."
"And you claim this prophesy pertains to you?" Xan asked them curiously.
"I don't know." Shayn answered with a shrug. "But we were given the same prophesy before we came here and we were told it was about our destiny, and here we are. Whether it's us or not we plan to do what we can to help. Now, we think you can help us. We hope you will."
"You do not understand Pentanthin." Mar told the strangers. "The Savonti will never give up their hold on this world and it will take power I do not think you have to rip it from their grasp."
"Is that you answer then?" Lilia asked. "You plan to run from them instead of fighting for your freedom? That's no answer, that's an excuse."
"I have no answer now." Mar helped Juelz back up on the tracker with Drella. "I think we should find somewhere safe where we can spend the night. Darkness comes and this is Magul. He hunts at night."
"I saw a cave we can spend the night in as we flew in. We can rest there and move on in the morning. It's not far away."

In the dark skies of Magul, four dark figures dressed in green flew high sailing east on air currents. Behind them winged a flock of savage baebats following their master on his nights mission. He was out tonight to capture and bring back the two sons of his fellow lord. The greedy Magu knew Lesu and his anger. He knew that once mad enough, Lesu became so fixed that nothing mattered but getting his deadly hands on the object of his anger. Now he wanted his two renegade sons back in his hands and they were Magu's chance to get at the death lord. And then there was the two strangers that were traveling with Mar and Xan. Two strangers that the mind lord Daru had been searching for. With one sweep of his wings Magu could have four jewels in his possession that he could hold over his enemies. This would be a great night for him.
With huge dragon like wings armed with his staff and sword Magu flew on. The last time he had seen Mar and the others they were just outside of the zared forest. His baebats had followed them out of the clearing and on to a rocky ridge studded with caves. Here they had made their camp for the night, collected water and supplies and got ready to sleep. Once Magu had found them he circled around and landed in the hills behind the cave.
Magu raised his hand and call two of the baebats to him. Fluttering down to land on his shoulder he caressed them and whispered his commands.
"Go watch them." He ordered. "Find me a way in to capture them. GO!"
Leaping into the night sky they were gone, off on their masters command. Smiling Magu watched the cave and waited.

Wrapped in a grey cloak Ono sat outside the cave and kept a watch on the area. Mar had warned him that Magu was nothing like his father and other Savonti lords. He was not the brave one that would come charging with his troops over the ridge to attack. Magu was the sly one. He loved the night and intrigue. If he attacked it would be done with surprise and stealth. He would slip in through the dark and Ono would have to be ready. Ono thought this Magu sounded to him like Polan Dressek slipping through shadows to attack. He hoped his night vision would be enough to give him advance warning of anything Magu might try. So Ono found a high spot on top of the cave where he could see for miles and catch the faintest scent on the night breeze.
He had a lot to think on. How were they and hopefully these two Savonti suppose to go against the whole race of the Savonti's to save the human's. They would need a lot more help. He wished there were more of their clan there to help. He wished just for a few minutes he could talk to Jandar and Rage and get their advice on what to do. Ono missed his older brother and his mate very much. But at times he could hear him whispering to him. They would say if and when you need help all you have to do is call. No matter where you are, or how far from home, we will find you and there will be help when you need it. That always made him feel better. He wonder if it would work here on Pentanthin. Could Jandar or Rage hear him if he called from so far away? There was only one way to find out. Ono breathed in and out then took a deep breath and let it out. The loudest howl he had ever sang. So loud he thought Rimnar might just hear him. And maybe he did.
"AWROOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

Far off flying over what was now called Gekkol, a great topaz colored beast heard a call ring out from somewhere deep in his mind. It was a called he hadn't heard in a long time and never thought he would hear here on Pentanthin. But he knew that call and couldn't be happier to hear it. It was the call of someone lost. Someone they had all been looking for for close to a year. Cutter tilted his wings and banked right to head out of Gekkol and into the unknown. In his mind he now knew just where he was going. He was heading to find his lost brothers.
[I'm coming Ono.] Cutter thought. [And anyone that get's in my way will learn the real and terrible power of fear for themselves.]

As Ono watched the night he saw a strange cloud rise up out of the hills and head toward him. He looked closer and noticed that what he saw wasn't just a cloud, but some kind of flock or swarm of animals. Quickly he stood and shifted to wolf and started to jump from the top of the cave to go warn the others. Then something hit him in the side. It knocked him back. He stood back up on all four paws and lifted his head to check the swarm and he was hit again and again by hundreds maybe thousands of small bat like bodies that beat him unconscious and knocked him into a crevice.
Inside the cave everyone slept. Xan and Drella lay curled in a corner while Mar sat with Juelz next to him sleeping. Shayn slept quietly in human form dreaming of home and New Keanna. He dreamed of flying over the forest outside of the city with Ono on his back laughing and having a good time. Further back Lilia lay in a deep sleep dreaming of Ozmun and what was happening back in Lesul. Unfortunately for them no one saw the four figures wing their way across the valley from their hidden mountain perch to land at the cave entrance. Once there Magu used a sleep vapor his smiths had made from certain roots to make sure everyone in the cave was asleep. Then he just walked in and and took Mar, Xan, and Shayn away leaving Drella and Juelz there sleeping.
Hidden in the back Lilia snapped awake to the sound of the Sky lords laughter as he left. Knowing something was wrong she probed the cave to find only the humans left there sleeping. She stood and made her way out to the entrance and probed out further. High in the sky off in the distance Lilia found them. Magu and his warriors. Each one carrying one of her friends.
What had happened? How did this happen? Ono was suppose to be watching for them. Where was he? Turning back to the cave Lilia used her probe again and searched all through the hills surrounding the cave until she found him deep down in the crevice where he had fallen. She could feel his chest rising and falling while he slept. Thank the gods he was alive, but there was no way she could get up there to help him. Feeling a bit useless she sat down to think. She knew she needed help and Drella and Juelz wouldn't be of any use. She thought about the only one she had left to call, Ozmun.

Late in the night the clan Ragar slept. They had hidden everything from the camp before night fall and left just eight men up to patrol and watch for any Savonti raids. Wrapped in his blanket Ozmun slept soundly in Magda's cave. They had stayed up late talking about the clan and why Ozmun thought her power could help in the battle against the Savonti. Magda wasn't convinced there was any chance in beating there long time enemy but she listened to his arguments. He asked wasn't she tired of losing people to their cook pots and slaving in the mines. Wouldn't it be better if they could all stop running and hiding and stay in one place where they could settle down and have a home. Wasn't she tired of the fear the Savonti sent through her people. If they all were to band together there was a chance the Savonti could be defeated. Magda had to agree, these were things her people deserve. It was there right to live without being hunted day after day. They talked to late in the night but still Magda had made no decision. But she did promise to sleep on it and try and give him an answer in the morning.
As Ozmun slept a voice in his head began to call his name louder and louder until it woke him ringing through his mind. It was the voice of Lilia Kordova calling him urgently.
[Ozmun help, we need you!]
Ozmun sat up and looked around remembering where he was. Then the voice called again to him.
[Ozmun!!]
[Yes Lilia.] He answered shaking his head. [What's wrong?]
[I need you help. Shayn's been taken by a Savonti lord and Ono may be hurt.]
[I am on my way.] Quickly he threw off his blanket and grabbed his cloak. There was no more time for talk. If Magda didn't want to come with him, he could come back later and try again.
"Where are you going?"
Ozmun turned to find Magda dressed and holding a candle walking toward him. My how beautiful she was he thought.
"I have to go." He said. "My friends are in trouble."
"The Savonti?" She asked. "Are they behind this?"
"Yes." He nodded. "They've taken a friend. I have to go help."
He turned to go walking out to the cave entrance leaving her standing there. She knew this could be the last time she saw the handsome bald man and that he might be going out to die for a friend. She couldn't let him go alone. She would never forgive herself if he died knowing she could've helped.
"Wait!" Magda ran after him and stopped him. "Do you want some help?"
"What about the clan?" He asked. "They need you too."
"Moel knows what to do." She smiled. "He can take care of them just as well as I can."
"Are you sure? This won't be easy." Ozmun told her. "We may not get back."
"Will I get to kill a few Savonti?"
"Without a doubt." He smiled admiring her bravery and maybe falling in love for the first time.
"Then let me tell Moel and we can go." She walked over to her things a took her sword and strapped it to her side. "Come on, he's out on patrol with the others."
It didn't take them long to find Moel and explain where she was going. He kissed her and wished them well. Magda turned to leave the stopped and turned back.
"There's something I want you to do tonight." She told Moel. "Now as a matter of fact."
"What is it?" He asked.
"Wake everyone up." She said. "I want this camp abandoned and everyone gone within the frame. Leave the tents and enough here so from afar it looks like we're all still here."
"Why?" Moel asked her confused by her order. "What are you expecting?"
"No one's seen Oda in two turns. I think Paesh killed him to stop him from telling me Paeash's plans." Magda took Moel's hand in her's. "Moel. I think we've been betrayed by one of our own. Leave someone on the hills up there to watch. If nothing happens in two turns you can have everything you left here collected. If the Savonti show up, you'll know. Find a new place Paesh doesn't know of. Nazun Moel. I'll find you soon as I can. Keep everyone safe."
She kissed Moel's cheek and he watch her and Ozmun leave to find the land of Magul and whatever waited for them there.

[Ono.] A voice drifted in and out of his consciousness. He stirred in his sleep as he reached for the familiar voice but couldn’t get it.
[Ono.] Again he heard it. Who was it calling him? It wasn’t Shayn. Then who could it be?
[ONO, WHERE ARE YOU?]
[Rage?] He snapped himself awake as the voice broke through. [Rage is that you?]
[No it’s me Cutter.] Came the answer. [Where are you?]
[Cutter?] Ono opened his eyes and looked out at the stars over his head. Where was he? How come he hurt so much?
[ONO, WHERE THE BLAZES ARE YOU?]
[I’m here Cutter.] He sent out his thoughts concentrating hard. He knew that would lead the fear dragon right to him. Like a shining beacon Ono’s thoughts glowed in Cutter’s mind. He had him now.
[Are you alright?] He asked as he zeroed in on Ono's location. [Where’s Shayn?]
[I’m fine.] He said standing up looking up from the crevice. [Just a little bruised is all. Shayn’s in the cave below me.]
[No he’s not. I don’t feel him.]
[He’s asleep.] Ono shook his head to clear his thoughts. [Can you get me out of here?]
Just then a shadow dropped down to land on the edge of the crevice. Reaching down with his wing Cutter grabbed Ono gently and pulled him up. Once Ono was safely out of the crevice, Cutter shifted.
“What are you doing here on Pentanthin?” Ono grabbed him in a hug glad to see the white haired elf.
“It’s a long story.” Cutter said. “I’ll tell you all about it later. But tell me where Shayn is?”
“He’s in...” Just then Ono realized he couldn’t feel Shayn in the cave. Panic hit him at that moment.
“HE”S NOT HERE!!” He shouted grabbing at Cutter. “Cutter where is he? I have to find him!”
“Ono relax, search in your mind. Do you feel him?”
Ono closed his eyes and searched for the rapport he had with his mate. Yes it was there. He was asleep off to the north but unhurt.
“I feel him.” He pointed out to the north. “He’s that way.”
“There are people in the cave below.” Cutter said. “Do you know them?”
“Yes they’re friends. Lilia will know what happened and she can help.” Ono climbed up over to the edge and jumped down to the cave entrance with Cutter following him.
Inside they found Lilia sitting with Drella and Juelz but no Xan, Mar or Shayn.
“Thank the gods you’re awake.” Lilia stood reaching for Ono’s hand. Ono took her in his arms for a hug.
“What happened” He asked.
“They came and took them.” She said.
“Them?” Cutter asked. “Who took who?”
“Lord Magu took them.” Drella stepped up to Ono and Cutter. “And you have to get them back or Lord Lesu will kill them.”

Come Together. 37

Flying high over the crimson trees Trip gazed down at the wonders of this new world. He saw so many things that were different from Keanna. The sky and the sun, the animal's and the strange colored forest. Trip had never seen anything like this. Below him he saw these beast running over the plains. They looked to him like the runners beast back home but larger, big enough to ride. He sailed on keeping his eyes open for anything strange down there. And that's just what he saw. He saw children running. Running as if it was for their lives. Then he saw what was chasing them. There were three men riding on those strange lizards that looked like runner beast. He angled down down for a closer look and that's when he saw his first member of the Savonti race. These weren't men on the big lizards, they were some kind of reptilian men riding them down. Quickly Trip pushed on to get ahead of the kids, then dropped down to the ground to shift back to his normal form.

"Over here!!" He waved to the kids. There were two teenage boys. They looked like twins and two smaller girls. They saw him and ran over to join him.
"Help us!' One boy called. "Don't let them get us."
Trip looked around and saw the riders were down beyond the grove of trees. They hadn't made it around the corner yet so if he could hide these kids they might just keep going.
"Here, in the grove." He yelled. "Hide!"
"That won't work." The boy said scared. "The tracker have our scent, they'll find us."
Trip had to think fast. He couldn't let the Trackers come into the grove. He had to find a way to stop them or divert them somewhere else. Illusion wouldn't work if they were following a scent. But if they could hide them and somehow lead those things away, they would be safe. But how? How could he scare them off? If only he were a dragon, then he would have no trouble scaring them off or ripping them to pieces. A dragon! that's it! Rese could be there as Tempus in just a few minutes if he called him.
[Zarin! I need Tempus here right now! I'm in trouble!]
[What's going on Trip?]Zarin asked.
[No time to explain.] Trip pushed the kids into the grove of trees. [Just get him here as fast as he can or I'll be fighting on my own.]
[FIGHTING?] Zarin sent. [He's shifting and leaving now.]
"I have to hide you all before those things get here." Trip explained to them.
"We can hide us all." One of the twins said. "But the tracker beast will find our scents easily. We can't hide that. Not yet."
"What do you mean?" Trip asked as he heard the thundering sounds of the rider getting closer.
"Stay close to us." The other boy said as he closed his eyes and hugged his sister to him. As Trip watched their images began to shimmer and fade away. He looked at his hands and watched as they became transparent and faded from view,
"How?"
"Shh!!" He heard. "The Savonti will hear you. Stay quiet and pray."
Trip shut his mouth but he knew praying wasn't going to be enough. These reptilians would find them if the children were right, and he better be ready to fight if he had to.
Trip had always been good with spells of defense. He could burn the wings from a fly at twenty paces, here was his chance to prove it. As he readied his spells he watched the two strange men climb off their beast and lead then into the grove. Trip held his breath as they looked directly at them. He started to raise his hands to cast a spell when one of the boys grabbed his arm. He heard a shh whispered in his ear and he held back from casting. Slowly the beast they were riding started sniffing the ground for a scent. They walked around until they came to the the spot where Trip and the children had entered the glade then they perked up. They had found the scent they were looking for. From there they started in and the two Savonti pulled weapons off their backs. They were strange metal spears Trip thought. One end had a pointed spear point while the other end was more like a blunt knob. This was it. They were about to be found. Trip had no choice but to fight. Lucky thing for him the two boys had somehow made them invisible. He would have the advantage of surprise. Thank Rimnar there was only three of them, that he might be able to handle. Trip raised his hands again to cast his spell when he heard a strange shriek. He looked to his left and saw three more of the reptilian men ride up. Now they were in real trouble. He could cast enough bolts to kill them all but between each he would need a minute or so to recharge. That would be all the chance these things would need to rush in and kill them all.
"If either of you have a sword." He whispered keeping his eyes on the reptilians approaching. "You better get ready to fight."
Trip's spell spun through his mind ready to go as they readied themselves for a fight. Suddenly a shadow passed overhead and they heard a terrifying roar. Trip looked up to see something streaking in from above. He saw an amazing black and red of Tempus with talons out coming to the rescue. The reptilians the boys called Savonti ran out of the grove with their spears raised ready to fight.
"What is that?" One of the twins asked shocked at what he saw zooming in to fight the Savonti.
"That's my friend Tempus." Trip told them with a proud smile. "He's here to help us get away."
"Don't let them touch him with the big end of the staff, he'll get shocked!"
Trip saw Tempus coming in for the attack. He was going right in unaware of what would happen when the Savonti staffs touched him. That was the moment Trip let loose with his spell. A bolt of energy flew through the sky and hit the lead Savonti knocking him back into two of his comrades. They flew back dropping their staffs as they fell.
[Tempus!] He sent. [Watch out for those staffs. The have some kind of power in them. Don't let them touch you!]
[Right!] Tempus sent back and poured on the speed. He became like a blur moving so fast they could barely see him. One, two, three went down as he bowled them over with lightning speed. From the ground the others climbed to their feet as Trip sent two more bolts at them blasting them back to the ground unconscious.
"Come on!" Trip pushed the children on into a run out of the grove. Tempus came down to land as the scared children ran up to him, one of the little ones balked and stepped back.
"Don't worry." Trip told him. "He won't hurt you. He's my friend and he'll take you somewhere safe. But you have to trust us. Can you do that?"
"Yes." She nodded the youngest girl said nodding.
"Climb on." Trip told them lifting the girl up onto Tempus's back. She grabbed on to the ridge of the dragon's back as her brothers and sister climbed on and held on.
"Take them to Zarin." Trip said. "I'll meet you there."
"Your not coming with us?" The little girl asked worried.
"I'll be OK." Trip said stepping back. "I fly on my own."
With that he shifted and took his raven form and he flew of into the sky.
[Hold on] Tempus sent. Surprised to hear him in their heads the two twins closed their eyes then took a tighter hold on their sisters and his ridge as Tempus leaped into the air and took flight.
"Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!" Nysa called smiling. "Tored look! This is fun!"
Tored opened his eyes and realized they were high off the ground flying. He smiled loving the feeling. This was something he had always dreamed of doing.
[Me to.] Tempus sent to him. [Now I can fly whenever I want as fast as I want and I love it. Hold on!]
Tored held on to them all as Tempus took them on the ride of their lives. This would be a day they would never forget.

In the clearing Zarin waited for his friends to return. The first back was Craven and Zark. They had been hunting and returned back with two great three horned creatures that looked like the deer back home. This should be plenty to feed them with, now all they needed was water and that Reno and Dack had sent to him they had found. There was a river not far from the clearing they were camped in now. Next back Thalia. She had flown out many miles and reported seeing smoke coming from stacks she had seen. From the stacks she had smelled food cooking she she knew there were people there somewhere close. Not to mention the cultivated fields she had seen. They looked like farm lands. She hadn't seen any people but she had a feeling she knew who's land she had found. The Savonti. The enemy Sacar had been talking about. She wanted to go down and investigate be Sacar had told her how dangerous they were and to be careful. Besides, she had a lot to tell Zarin and the others and the Savonti could wait until she had some of the others with her to search. She was eager to find out what Shine had found in the south. Maybe he had found some evidence of the people Sacar had talked about. She hoped so. There was only one problem. How was she to tell them of the Savonti without telling them about Sacar? And she had to tell them of the Savonti if they were the enemy Sacar had said they were. Things were beginning to get complicated.
Once back at the clearing she told Zarin and the others of what she had found. She left out one thing. Sacar, she didn't mention him. As they talked Reno and Dack returned with the water. They had been carrying canteens with them and returned with them full. Next came Shine. His southern journey hadn't produced anything but strange feelings. He had sensed something but he couldn't locate where it was coming from. As they sat and waited Eheren came and sat with Thalia.
[I need to talk with you.] He said sitting next to her.
"Then talk. Is there a need for you to send to me?"
[I think so.] He said. [You failed to tell them of Sacar.]
Thalia almost choked and dropped her drink when she heard that name. She looked at him in shock. How did he know?
[Part of me is the spirit Magnes, Thalia.] Eheren smiled at her. [Did you really think we wouldn't sense Sacar or anything of the Nevac?]
[I..I..I didn't know.] He could feel the shame she felt for deceiving them. [I promised to keep my knowledge of the Nevac a secret. I'm sorry.]
[I trust you Thalia.] He sent. [But there's something that Sacar told you that we all need to know. I don't know what it is because I wouldn't listen in on what happened in the cave. But if it's important I think you should tell us, don't you?]
[Your right.] She told him.[You all deserve to know what's here on this planet.]
Thalia stood up and walked to Zarin with Eheren following her. He was talking with Reno and Dack while skinning the deer for dinner.
"Zarin I have something to tell you."
"Hold on." He stood and pointed. "Here comes Tempus and Trip. And they has company." Everyone stood and walked out to met them as Trip flew down to land and shift back to his human form.
"What happened?" Zarin asked.
"Tempus and I saved some kids from something they call the Savonti." Trip said as Tempus came down and the four kids climbed down off his back. Trip waved them over. "You know I never asked your names. I'm Trip. This is Zarin, Thalia, Reno, and Dack. Over there is Craven, Eheren and Zark. And you know Rese."
"Rese?" Tored asked.
Trip pointed behind them. Where once there stood a dragon, now a young boy came walking over smiling. He was dressed in the came colors as Tempus. Odd they thought.
"Aiya!" Rese reached out to shake hands with one of the twins. He looked at him oddly. The oldest girl stepped up with a grin.
"Thank you for the ride. It was fun." She bowed. " My names Nysa and this is my sister Mera and my brothers Tored and Luke."
"I don't understand." Luke frowned. "What happened to the mighty staz we rode here on?"
"That was me." Rese told him.
"How?"
"I'm what we call a dragon where we come from." Rese told them. "We're all different but friends."
"Your all, what did call it?" Tored asked. "Dragon's?"
"No." Zarin stepped up to greet them. "Like Rese said we're all different with different abilities and talents. But come we have food cooking. You can tell us all about those things chasing you and get some rest."
"Here in the open with the fire burning?" Luke asked looking around at the camp. He had a scared and worried look on his face. "We're not safe here. The smoke will bring them straight to us. We're still in Lesul and the Savonti could find us easily. We have to keep moving."
"Your safe with us." Reno said. The children looked at the strong man standing in front of them. He wasn't that much older then Luke and Tored but from his look, they could tell he had been in a few battles and could hold his own. But still, they didn't seem to know anything about the Savonti. How could that be?
"You don't understand." Tored said anxiously, "There's no safe place on Pantanthin from the Savonti. All we can do is hide or be caught and made slaves or worse. They rule here. How is it you don't know the Savonti? Have your people found somewhere safe they could hide?"
"It's a long story." Zarin said. "But if you don't think we're safe here then we should find somewhere else where we can talk."
"Zarin,I know a place we can go." Thalia spoke up looking at Eheren for his approval. "It's not far from here."
"Then put out that fire and let's get moving." He said. "We don't know how much time we have. Pack everything we have. We'll need more water. Dack take whoever you need to help carry it. Thalia will tell you where to meet us. Let's hurry and get out of here. We fly so there's no trail to track us with."
As everyone got busy packing Zarin and Trip turned to Luke and Tored who still held onto their sisters to protect them.
"I know your scared." He said. "But I promise you we'll do everything we can to protect you. Now tell us all you know about the Savonti and we'll tell you all about us and who we are."

Fear filled the house of Lesu as he walked silently through the halls. No one dared approach the lord of the house for his eyes blazed with contempt from the recent events in his manse. He thought of the two responsible for tonight's treason. His two eldest and most trusted sons Mar and Xan. In an attempt to free Mar they had released hundreds of human slaves to escape and wreck havoc in his his. Now his warriors were out on the chase rounding up those that had made it out and track down his two treacherous sons and bring them back. He swore their heads would soon ride a post at his front gates for all to see to remember how he treated those that would betray the lord Lesu.
As he walked his house he watched as slaves hurried to clean up all the destruction caused by the escape, He stopped at the refuse room where his sons had made their final battle then escaped. His anger rages as hew saw the two dead warriors that had let them escape. Lesu walked to the raised grate and kicked the two bodies down into the trash then turned and ordered an aide to have his lead hunter sent to his quarters immediately.
A few minutes later when Lesu walked into his apartment, Loc the hunter was there waiting for him.
"My lord." He saluted.
"Sit." He ordered walking around the hot room and taking his place on his highchair.
"You know why I  have sent for you?"
"Yes lord Lesu." He answered. "You wish me to bring back Mar and Xan for punishment."
"I want them back here in chains to face me." Lesu said folding his arms calmly. "I want them alive, do you understand? Alive to face me."
"Yes my lord."
"Take as many warriors as you need." Lesu told him. "And Loc. Do not fail me or it will be you that stands before me."
"I will bring them back." Loc bowed backing out of the throne room. "Have no fear."
"I never fear." He said. "I cause fear. Now go find my treacherous sons."
He looked at one of his guards after the hunter had left. "Send runner’s out to Magu and Pulu. Tell them Mar and Xan are now armauk to me. I will reward any lord or Savonti that returns them to me. And bring me something to kill.”

As Shayn winged has way across Magul something watched from below in the trees. Jumping from tree to tree they follow him keeping a close eye on his progress and where he was going. Separating into two groups, one to follow and, one to report back to their master, eyes stayed with him never getting to far away.

[Where are we Lilia?] Ono asked.
[We're in Magul.] She sent from behind him. [I don't know much about this land except that Magu rules here. I've never been here before but there's someone here we have to find.]
[Someone from another clan?] Shayn asked.
[Not exactly, but someone that can help us definitly.]
[Another mystery?] Ono asked her. [Is all of Pentanthin a big mystery for us?]
[Seems that way.] The white dragon sent back. [Tell me, What do you know of this Magu?]
[Nothing.] She said. [I've been trying to search for him but I can't find anything here. It's like he's invisible,]
[What do you feel?] Ono ran his hand along his mates long neck send him his love.
[What do you mean?]
[Gabriel can sense things like Cutter could right?] Shayn wasn't sure what Ono meant by that. [Fear love. You sense fear like Cutter. You may be about to sense something here. Try.]
Shayn knew he was right. Gabriel could mimic the abilities of all the other dragons in their clan so he should be able to feel something here. He might be able to find this Magu or whoever it was they were looking for.
[Who is Gabriel?] Lilia asked confused.
[All dragon's on Keanna are merged beings.] Ono explained. [The human and the dragon. Gabriel is Shayn's dragon's name. Though most will use one name or the other.]
[Then you are both Shayn and Gabriel?]
[Yes.] He said. [ But you can call me Shayn. It'll be less confusing for you. Hold on. I'm taking us higher so I can try probing.]
Shayn tilted his wings and rose higher on a heat thermal until the ground was almost lost under the clouds. Pentanthin's twin suns blazed from above. Then he closed his eyes and concentrated on his fear senses. He suddenly could feel all the people in Magul and where they were. He could locate those hidden in distant caves and the ones that were traveling. Far ahead of them he felt a great concentration of fear in what seemed to be a strange looking stack of some kind.
[Lilia.] He sent. [Ahead to the north. Do you feel that? That stack?]
Reading into Shayn's senses Lilia and Ono saw what he had found. She looked deeper and knew at once this was the home of a Magu of the Savonti. But this was nothing like Fedru or Resu's lair. This wasn't underground at all. This was more like a dormant volcano full of heated tubes and chambers where the Savonti lived.
[That's the manse of Magu.] She sent. [Stay away from it for now. Do you sense anything else?]
[Yeah I do feel something coming from the east.]
[What is it Shayn?] Ono asked.
[Hold on tight.] He said. [We're going down!]

Crashing through the dense brush, Mar rode his tracker hard through the forest. Right in front of him Juelz held tight with his head buried in the trackers neck. Following behind them Xan pushed his tracker on. They were running from one of the most feared things in the forest. A Xared plant. Xared's were carnivorous plants made of all vines and mouths that could run deep into the ground and through the whole forest. They would grab anything that stood still long enough and could stretch there vines to almost three times it's original length. At the center of the root mass where the vines rose strong and flexible there was a mouth. And not just any mouth, this was a mouth like no other beast on Pentanthin had with four rows of razor shape jagged teeth able to rip and bite into any animal the vines could capture. Xared's sense their prey through vibrations in the ground. No animal no matter how small could take a step near a Xared plant safely without alerting it to their presence. Now Mar and his fellow runners had found their way into a forest no human or Savonti had ever escaped from.
"Faster, Xan faster!" Mar beat the side of his tracker making it move faster with every step. Behind him Xan and Drella pushed there mount hard to keep out of the reach of the deadly vines that reached for them. With a quick slash of his blade Xan cut down two vines that came from there left. To his right ran the extra tracker Xan had packed all their supplies on. Foam ran from the mouths of all three trackers as the fought exhaustion to keep running and get them safely out of the Xared forest. As Xan slashed again and again he heard Drella scream. He looked back to see the tracker and the last of their food and water being pulled off its feet and dragged into the thick forest behind them. Xan could hear the screams of the poor beast as it was ripped apart, but there was nothing he could do to help it.
Ahead of them vines shot out of the forest all around them. With his staff Mar beat them back and kicked his tracker on. Suddenly in front of them Mar saw something that alarmed him. There was a eight foot gap ahead of them. Mar wasn't sure if his tracker still had the strength to make the jump. Bearing down he grabbed hold of Juelz and urged his tracker on. Just as it reached the gap it leaped high and sailed up and over the gap. But just as it's feet came down to grip the ground to land, three vines shot out and grabbed it's feet. Clutching Juelz, Mar fell forward and rolled. Jumping back to his feet Mar ran for the clearing ahead of them as his tracker was dragged into the gully.
"MAR!" Xan shouted riding up to him reaching out.
"Take Juelz and go!" With a quick thrust Mar sent the boy flying up into Xan's waiting arms as he ran. "Get them to safety! Do not worry about me!"
"No!" The boy screamed as he reached back for his Savonti protector. Xan put the crying boy into Drella's arms and rode on for the clearing and what he hoped would be safety from the hungry plants.
As he ran Mar saw his brother make it out of the forest and was relieved to know they were almost safe. He knew he couldn’t stop because the xared could possibly still send roots through the ground and out into the clearing and grab them and pull them back.

From high overhead Shayn swooped down over the clearing. They saw the tracker speeding out of the forest carrying a Savonti warrior and two humans. A woman and and a boy. From the way they rode they could tell this was no ordinary capture going on here.
[What do you think?] Ono asked Lilia behind him. [What's going on down there?]
[They are the one's we're looking for.]
[We're here looking for a Savonti warrior?] Shayn asked. [Are you joking?]
"Not one." Lilia pointed into the forest. "Two. There's another one in there about to be ripped apart by xared plants. If you don't hurry it'll be to late."
"You want us to save a Savonti?" Ono asked surprised. "Aren't they the enemy?"
"Not these two." She said. "They're different. They're apart of the future. I can see it. Leave us in the clearing with the others. Hurry Shayn!"
Narrowing his wings, Shayn dropped down to where Xan, Drella and Juelz waited and she and Ono climbed off his back holding their hands out for Xan to see. Shocked by the great beast in front of him Xan stood there holding his sword ready.
"Go!" She said. "We'll be fine."
With a great leap into the air, Shayn shrank himself down to a smaller more compact fighting size and took off back into the sky. Once airborne he turned toward the forest and poured on the speed. As he approached the forest he saw a huge Savonti warrior swatting at vines as they came at him. One by one he blasted them with his staff, but as one vine was destroyed another took its place. Soon he was being overwhelmed and wrapped in vines with no chance to free himself.
With a roar Shayn dived in and started ripping at the vines covering the warrior. With his hands free Mar raised his staff to blast the beast attacking him.
[Peace warrior.] He sent. [I'm here to help you get free. Don't fight me please!]
What is this strange beast Mar asked himself. Should I trust it? Is it really trying to help me?
Hovering in place, Shayn slashed again and again at the vines wrapped around Mar. The more he slashed, the more vines sprung out of the ground to hold him. Mar dropped his staff as the vines tighten around him. As they fought, the vines began to drag him into the forest. Shayn looked ahead and saw the gaping mouths centered in the middle of the stalk they were being dragged toward.
"Stop!" Mar shouted. "I know your trying to help but it is to late. Get away before your trapped too."
[I'll get you loose!] Shayn sent to him roaring out his rage. [Somehow by the first dragon I'll get you free!!]
Closer and closer they were dragged as the mouths snapped open and shut dripping some nasty looking fluid. Shayn pulled and struggled with the vines as hard as he could when suddenly a thought hit him. He had for a second thought about home and what would some of the other dragons do. There was no real mind here so Cutter's fear abilities wouldn't help. He couldn't flame them or use lightning. There was nothing a water dragon could do that might help. But what of Icicle? His cold magic just might work here. Shayn looked again to see how close they were. The great mouth was less then two feet away. If this didn't work he wouldn't have time to try anything else. He concentrated on Icicle and told a deep breath. He could feel the burning of the cold in his lungs. Then he lifted his maw and sent a freezing blast of cold into the mouth about to tear into him and the` Savonti. Blue frost flew out and covered the purple jaws and vines as the xared began to freeze. Ice crystals creeped up all along the vines and deep into the ground to the roots as it froze. With a quick swing of his tail Shayn smashed the frozen plant and pulled himself and the Savonti warrior free. As Mar got to his feet he shook off the remains of the vines and stepped back from the small white dragon.
"What on Pentanthin are you?" He asked. "Why have you saved me?
In a flash Shayn shifted back to his human form and stood in front of him his blond hair shining in the sun's light.
"I can explain here and possibly get grabbed by another of those things, or we could get out of here and find somewhere safe to talk." Shayn looked around to be sure no more vines were in sight.
"Where is Xan?" Mar asked.
"Safe with my friends." Shayn answered. "Can we go now?"

In the hot dry hills of Redul a lone man waited in the shade of the cliffs. Paesh had hate and revenge on his mind. Magda had spurned him, Oda had betrayed him and that stranger Ozmun had beat him in a fight. Paesh had swore he would destroy them all and the clan would be his and with the help of the one he waited for. All his wishes would soon be realized.
Paesh wiped the sweat from his forehead as he watch three trackers with two riders came riding over the horizon. This was the one he waited for. None of his clan would dare ride these plains during the day when the Savonti were out hunting. He watched as they rode closer and soon Redu lord of the land sat in front of him. Paesh bowed keeping low and avoiding his eyes as he waited for Redu to speak first.
"Human." Redu sat forward on his tracker. "Are you ready to live up to the bargain you made?"
"Yes M'lord." Paesh stood. "They will be yours all I ask is the woman Magda. I want her fixed so her magic can no longer harm me and a small band to lead as my own clan."
"It will be as you wish, human" Redu smiled that sneer that all savonti had. "All you must do is tell me where they hide."
"I will lead you to them."
"Then take this tracker." Redu nodded to his aide who threw the reins to him. Paesh caught them and climbed on the huge tracker beast. Smelling humans the tracker bucked and threw him off. Paesh landed with his face in the dirt as the two Savonti laughed.
"Careful human." Redu said. "This is not the small tame beast you humans ride. This is a Savonti mount and it will eat you if it can."
"Then how do I ride it, M'lord?"
"Carefully." Redu climbed down off his tracker and walked over to Paesh. He took the reins and stared deeply into the eyes of the tracker. It snorted and he cuffed it in the head hard then threw the reins back.
"Get on and we go." He climbed back on and waited until Paesh was mounted. "Lead us."
Paesh kicked the sides of the tracker and off they went. Today Paesh would betray his clan and tonight, he might even get all that's coming to him.

High in the skies over the lands that were once ruled by Fedru, Cutter flew. Since they had arrived on Pentanthin he hadn't much chance to fly and he missed it. The air in his face, stretching his wings and sailing from thermal to thermal. He missed the freedom of the sky. Now he was free. But only for a while. There was something he needed to do. Someone he needed to find. He had no idea who it was or where he had to go, but they were out here somewhere.
Rising higher into the sky Cutter opened himself up to find that spark in his mind he knew was there. Once he had it he turned west and followed the feeling. It was time he found out what it was that haunted his mind. Friend or foe.