As Jax stepped to the gate, a shrill alarm went off. Jax jumped surprised at the high pitched sound as it echoed along through the air. He stepped back looking around when suddenly a blast of flame burst out from the walls to hit the ground at his side. Jax leaped to the side as Rage in his Dragon form came flying over the wall with smoke billowing from his snout. His eyes blazed red as he came diving down to attack whatever came to invade their home.
[BROTHER!] Jax sent holding up his hands. [IT'S ME!!]
As Rage realized who had made his way to the gate, he veered off and angled his wings to catch a thermal so he could get a little altitude. Flying back up over the wall he hovered over the gate and looked down to where Jax was standing.
[Aiya Jax, I'm glad your back!] Rage dropped down to land on the wall. He shifted back to his human form. "Come on in. I'll cut off that alarm for now."
Jax waved as he went to the city gate. As he approached it, the gate swung open and Rage stepped out,
"What was that noise?"
"Something I learned a long time ago." He smiled. "I had forgotten the spell but its very useful when you want to keep something guarded. How did your visit go?"
"Very well." Jax and Rage stepped through the gate closing it behind them.
"How did your visit go?" Rage asked. "Can we count on any help from up on high?"
"Unfortunately, no." Jax answered. "Father gives his permission for me to help defend our city but that is as far as he will go. The others are still forbidden to help in any way."
"And what of the rest of the Dragons? Will he help us to wake them?"
"He didn't say." Jax shrugged. "As far as I know, its up to us. We fight with only the help we can find here on Keanna."
"That isn't much with this war going on." Rage walked to stand at the fence at the top of the wall. "What Dragons I do have awake are all out on missions. Ariel is in Eventide, Cutter and Blink are off who knows where with Shayn and Ono and Insa is in Tir Na with the Werewolves. I can't even find the Shadows. As far as I know Pelic is in Winterhaven and I have no idea where Jayce and Graym are. We are alone."
"There is one person you can always call." Jax stepped up Rage. He had a bright look on his face. "Maybe two."
"Who?"
"The Barons Zlenka and Tyr." Jax suggested. "Even if my uncle Nestor can't help, he may look the other way while the Barons come and join us."
"That my friend is a great idea." Rage said surprised he hadn't thought of it. "I just hope the lord of the underworld is in an agreeable mood."
[Lord Nestor wishes you all well and wishes he could be here to help himself.]
Rage jumped as the voice rang out in his head. He didn't have to ask who it was. It could only be.
[Baron Tyr!]
[At your service as always.]
[I don't understand.] Rage sent. [What are you doing here?]
[Do you think for a moment that either Valkar or I would stand idly by while our homes were being invaded?"]
[Baron Valkar is here to?] Rage was in shock. The two spirits had been thereto help all along.
[No.] Azeal explained. [I went to Yadessa to help defend Vasagi while Baron Valkar went to Prafa to help free his grandson. After the battle was over at Vasagi's gates, I came here to keep watch on the city.]
[And where's Baron Valkar?] Jax asked.
[On his way here with Valkar and the others from Prafa. After all you Dragons have done for us, did you really think we would leave your city undefended in its time of need?]
Rage was overwhelmed with relief to know he and Jax wouldn't be alone for much longer. The people of Keanna were on their way to defend their own defenders. He felt so much pride in the world they had sworn so long ago to protect, and now here it was coming to protect protecting them. His only question was, how was the rest on Keanna doing? Only time would tell.
"Thank you Baron." Rage called out. "And you too Jax. I don't know what we would do without friends like you."
"Right now." Jax put his arm around Rages shoulder. "Why don't we see what we can do about. It improving the city's defenses while we still can. I'm sure Lord Larin has something in mind for us and he could be here very soon."
The sky was warm and clear as Jandar, Gird and Viggo flew out of the clouds over the Saprein ocean near the shores of Bravosa. Everything looked calm to them, small boats were out in the bay doing the daily fishing. They could see men woman and children in small coastal villages going about there daily routines, but there was something in the air. Not many could feel it, but Jandar and Viggo could feel it. It was a cold feeling of danger that hung in the air just out of reach where no one could touch it. It was like a cold feeling that ran along Viggo's spine, a nervousness that Jandar could almost taste in the magic all around him. From Viggo's back, Jandar waved Gird in closer for protection expecting some kind of attack to come at them at any second.
"Bravosa is beautiful!" Gird called out. "I could lay out and really be comfortable here."
"Yes." Jandar said as he scanned the land below them for trouble. "I wonder where Jona is? I should be feeling him by now."
{FRIEND JONA NOT HERE.}
"I know Viggo." Jandar rubbed the Snowdogs neck. "We'll try further inland at Chuy's tower. Maybe he's waiting for us there."
{NO.} Viggo sent. {FRIEND NOT HERE. NOT. HIM NOT ANYWHERE HERE.}
"What's he mean?" Gird asked.
"He means he can't find Jona anywhere in Bravosa. And that means he's in trouble."
"Then what do we do?" Gird asked. "How do we find him?"
"Magic." Jandar reached out summoning his silverstaff to him. With it in his hand he raised it up and mumbled a short incantation. A small globe of light appeared in front of Jandar. It danced about then flew into the palm of his hand. He whispered something to it then sent it off on it's way.
"This will show us the last place Jona was in Bravosa." He said. "Lets hope there's a clue there as to where he might have went next."
Following the probe they made their way deeper into Bravosa. They passed many small villages and a few of its larger cities. Nothing seemed out of place. It looked like the war hadn't made it to the shores of Bravosa. That was something to be thankful for.
Soon they found themselves flying over the town of Orton, Jona's home. Smoke still seeped from the small volcano out on the edge of town. People stared and pointed up at them as they passed. Some waved, a few ran not sure of what it was flying overhead.
From that height, Jandar could see Chuy's tower. That was obviously where the probe was going to take them. Pointing out their destination, Jandar snapped his finger canceling the probe and told Viggo where he should land.
Once on the ground, the three walked on to the gate to Chuy's tower. It was absolutely beautiful here. The land around the tower was cover with the most beautiful flowers. There were roses and tulips of all colors. Sunflower that almost shined like the sun. Bluebell that you could hear twinkle and many flowers Jandar couldn't even identify. As they walked through the yard, the perfumed aroma was so intoxicating, they could feel a dreamy sleep slipping over them. Gird yawned as his eyes began to close. Jandar giggled and waved off the spell.
"You have to be careful when entering another mages home. You never know what he has for protecting his home. Wait here Viggo. We won't be long."
As they stepped up to the tower, Gird looked on in surprise. It was a single brick building that didn't look like it could have more then a broom closet inside. It stood straight up looking more like a light beacon then the home of a great mage. There were no windows and no door. It was like a stone pillar standing in the center of this magnificent garden.
Looking up towards the top, Gird spread his wings and hopped into the air.
"Where are you going?" Jandar asked.
"To the top." he answered. "I guess the opening is up there. I don't see any doors or windows."
"You enter right here." Jandar laughed as he patted the side of the tower. "That tower is made so that only the magical can enter. You've never been to Winterhaven have you?"
Gird shook his head no a little embarrassed as dropped down to stand beside Jandar.
"Watch."
With a wave of his hand and two knocks on the wall, Gird watched as the bricks began to shuffle around until they formed into a doorway. Jandar smiled at Gird, then stepped through the opening. The first room they entered was just a coat room with hooks for light jackets and other outerwear. From there they went on into a large entryway. The floor was covered by a beautiful vibrant red and gold carpet. Gird stared down at it amazed at the intricate moving design that seemed to capture the mind into following the moving sparks. He reached down and touched the carpet marveling at its softness.
In the center of the room, there was a table with a set of lit candles on it.The walls were decorated with portraits of the past masters of Bravosa's magical tower. Placed around the room were four high backed chairs. On the left side, spiraling up to the top out of sight, there was a staircase. Jandar assumed the living quarters, kitchen and dining areas would be upstairs though his study, office and libratry should be down here somewhere.
Across from the entryway, there were two closed doors. These would have to be the entrances to the study they were looking for.
"Follow me."
With staff in hand, Jandar walked to the door on the right. He reached open and turned the door nob and stepped into the room. He had been right. This was the towers study and main magical laboratory. Here was the store room of hundreds of years of magic learned by Bravosa's masters. Every spell and incantation and the history of the continents struggles as it grew older. One day Jandar thought, he would have to spend some time in here learning of Bravosa's past.
besides a desk and chair and all the other lab instrunents there were two more things in the room. A huge mirror that stood over twenty feet tall and a beautiful woman with white hair and a sparkling white dress staring into the mirror. Jandar wondered who this could be.
"Aiya." Jandar called out. " I'm looking for Jona Metrka master of this tower. Would you know where I can find him?"
"I'm trying to find him too." The woman said as she turned around. Gird had to stop and catch his breath he was so taken by her beauty. Her eyes were of the deepest ice blue but they could see such warmth in them. Her lips were a pale shade of blue but so soft and kissable.
She took a step out away from the mirror her dress reflecting light that sparkled dazzling their eyes.
"Can you help me?" She asked them. "I have to find him. He needs my help."
"We can try." Jandar walked over and took her hand and led her to a chair to sit down. "I'm Jandar Tyr of New Keanna. This is Gird. Jona sent out a message to us asking for help. It seems someone from his past had returned looking for a little.revenge. We've come to stop her if we can."
"You speak of his wife Clea the ice queen?"
"Yes." Jandar said with a curious look. "I think she's probably the reason we can't find him. I hope she hasn't hurt him."
"Clea would never hurt Jona. She loves him far to much for that."
"You know them?" Gird asked.
"I've known them both all their lives." She smiled. "Clea went through some very bad times. Her heart was cursed making her so cold and frigid, but It never changed her love for him deep inside."
"You do know them don't you?" Recognition sparked in Jandar's eyes. He had a feeling he know who this woman was but he would play her game. It could only last until they left the tower, then Viggo would know her if it was who he thought it was.
"So what's you name?" Jandar folded his arms and smiled at her.
"Call me Morea."
"Ok Morea." Jandar moved over to the mirror to examine it. He could feel it still throbbed with magic from recent use. "This is the last place on Bravosa that Jona stood. I'm guessing from the emanations of the mirror this is how he left."
"Can you tell where he may have gone?" She asked as she joined him at the mirror.
"Lets see if I can raise the destination." Jandar raised his staff and spoke a short spell. The mirror grew cloudy with white, blue and gray streams of billowing clouds blowing around like smoke. When it cleared, it showed a scene over a volcanic island with black smoke rising from the cone, but all the rest of the island was like a glacier. Totally covered with snow.
"This looks like someplace up near Kensor." Jandar turned to Morea. "Why would he go that far north?"
"He wouldn't." Morea took a stepped closer to the mirror. "And he didn't. That island is no more then a few hours away by air. And it wasn't covered with snow this morning. It was just as tropical as Bravosa. I know that island."
"Are you saying what I think you are?" A glum look had grown on Jandar's face. He had seen this all happen before.
"What is it ?" Gird asked. He looked from Jandar to Morea for an explanation.
"Kearn's free again."
As Maxius glided swiftly through the waves, Braddoc held on for dear life. He was so sea sick from the rocking of the waves. He complained this was no way for any descent Centaur to travel. He should be on land not riding the back a Dragon. Mortimor laughed. He was loving the ride. Maxius could swim so much faster then he could and Mortimor knew he would never last as long or be as accurate as the Dragon could. Maxius knew to the inch where they were at all times and how much further they would need to go.
[We're not from from Bravosa]
"Thank Rimnar!" Braddoc said as he heaved again. "I can't wait to be on dry land again. Have you made contact with Jandar yet?"
[No.] Maxius sent. [But I'm not surprised. Insa told us communication might not work very well from long distances. I'll try again when we hit land. We should be close enough then."
"Whatever." Braddoc moaned. "Just get me on solid ground please."
As Maxius swam, Mortimor kept a watch on the seas around them. He had thought he had spotted something strange hours ago. A series of fins like nothing he had ever seen before kept appearing then vanishing behind them. The were much to large to be shark fins and whales didn't have fins like these. Besides, if they were whales, they would have surfaced and he would have seen them. But whatever this was, It kept itself hidden deep beneath the surface. Maybe Maxius knew what it was.
[Maxius, I think we're being followed.]
[I know.] The Dragon sent back. [Better pray it doesn't attack. I can't fight with you and Braddoc on my back. Right now all I can do is run.]
[I can fight.] From his belt, Mortimor unhooked his speargun. It was a short one handed weapon that shot a five inch barbed trident like projectile. All the Merman of Aquilona were armed with them.
[Not with that you won't.] Maxius warned him. [Those aren't Mermen chasing us. It's a Kracken, one of the deadliest creatures of the deep. It won't even feel the barb from your speargun. For now our best chance is to out run it. So grab Braddoc and hold on!]
Braddoc could tell something wasn't right. He to had seen the fins that followed them. He didn't know what it was, but he knew it was trouble.
"What's going on?"
"We're in trouble. " Mortimor grabbed Braddoc's pack and fished around in it until he found some rope and pulled it out. "Grab onto Maxius spinal fin and hold on."
Quickly Mortimor wrapped the rope around Braddocs body then tied him down.
"There's an island ahead. We should get on land now." He said. "We're about to pour on some speed! Go Max!!
With a mighty sweep of his tail and four flippers Maxius increased his speed. He cut through the water at double the speed of the Kracken behind him. Not trusting the rope, Mortimor held tight to Braddoc keeping him as flat as he could against Maxius body. In his hand he held a small knife ready to cut loose the rope as soon as possible.
Looking forward, Braddoc watched as the beach came closer and closer. As Mortimer watched the Kracken falling further behind them, he felt something shoot pass them in the water. It was barbs, sharp spikes that grew from the fins of the Kracken. Like his spear gun, the Kracken could shoot them at passing prey to wound it and slow it down to be caught.
[Hold your breath Braddoc! ] Maxius warned. [We're going under!]
As the others took a quick deep breath, Maxius plunged them deep into a dive. Like the biggest sailfish he went down only to come back up sailing out of the ocean to land on a frozen beach. There he roar a challenge at the Kracken sending out a message.
[I have not the time to fight you now, but your time will come in the very near future. Be ready monster!]
With his head stuck out of the ocean the Kracken replied answering the challenge.
[Soon Dragon, very soon we shall meet again.]
Standing in two feet of snow, Braddoc turned to Maxius and Mortimor.
"Where are we? I don't think this is Bravosa."
[No your right.] Maxius said as he made the shift to his human form. "Bravosa is forty miles east, but we're not going to make it there with the Kracken out there waiting for us. Just give me a few hours rest and I'll take care of our friend out there."
"Doesn't anyone find it strange that we're standing on a snow covered beach in the middle of the tropics?"
Maxius and Mortimor stopped and looked around. Sure enough, Braddoc was right. The beach was cover with snow. Every tree and all vegetation was snow covered. Braddoc guessed the snow drifts they were walking through had to be at least four feet tall. Then Mortimer looked up and noticed the storm clouds over head.
"Look." He pointed up. "This storms not over."
"Wait, this isn't possible." Braddoc just couldn't get what he was seeing all around him to be right in his head. "We are way to far south for snow. We're miles from the Equator, how is this possible?"
"Magic." Maxius told him. "And I'd say some pretty strong magic too."
"Maybe we should check this island out since we're not going anywhere." Mortimor suggested. "Figure out where all this snow came from."
"Agreed."
As they made their way off the snow covered beach, some very special eyes watched there every step. The Master would want to know he had guest on his island. He would want to see to their comfort himself.
As Flinar steered his craft through the shadows under the Shyr ocean, he saw Talsara's Eel men preparing for the attack on Aquilona. They had captive whales and huge sharks to use in the coming battle. Hammerheads for battering at the shield and octopus for tearing down the walls of the city's buildings. Huge harpoons were set up as cannons would be used on land to rain great bolts down on the people and batter at the shield. Flinar knew how weak Aquilona's shields were, he doubted they would last very long once the hammering started.
He drove his craft down into a small cave were he hid it,then took off his brightly colored uniform and put on something darker that would help him blend in with the shadows. He strapped two foot long Dree blades to his back and added a pistol sized spear gun in a holster at his side. Flinar left the crafts cabin and went into the airlock a started the pumps that would fill it with ocean water slowly. Taking a last deep breath of air, he triggered the shift and switched to his coral elf form. His nose flattened as the gills on the side of his neck opened. His fingers grew longer and webbed and his feet formed into flippers. Once the cabin was filled, Flinar let out his last breath in took into water through his gills. The oxygen from the water rushed to his head for a second making him dizzy. It had been a while since the last time he used his gills. It felt good to be back in deep water again.
With all the air out of the cabin. Flinar was ready to go. He triggered the air lock and the hatch popped open with releasing a single air bubble to give away his position..With a powerful kick, Flinar was out and on his way. Knowing there were Munos everywhere, he stayed in the shadows of the deep coral trying to avoid any Munos patrol that might pass close to him. With his eyes accustomed to the dark water, Flinar slipped from reef to reef watching the movements of the Eel man army as they readied themselves for the attack. Weapons had been set up on racks waiting to be used and the caged sea life waited nervously to be chained and driven at the city. Flinar knew he had to find a way to slow the attack down. But how? What could he do that would slow this army? He was only one man with a limited use of magic.
Idea after idea went through Flinars mind. He couldn't do any kind of physical attack, as he said before. Here it was one against hundreds. Magic probably wouldn't work, he was good at it, but it would take a master to move against this amount of enemies. It would have to be something sly and elusive. Maybe use what he could find right here in the enemies camp, like the caged animals. Flinar smiled as an idea began to form.
Cloaking himself in darkness, Flinar swam out to the rows and rows of cages. The sharks were being kept in a huge corral where they could always keep moving. Giant squid and octopus had been gathered, captured and right now were trying their very best to rip loose the bars of their cages and get away. Swordfish swam nervous circles in their cages. Flinar could feel the tension and fear of the animals in their captivity. As he walked the animal compound, a Munos warrior came in. He carried with him a long copper rod. His task was to keep the animals agitated and ready for the attack. He would walk up to each cage and thrust the rod in at whatever was in there and send a series of electrical shocks sending the animals into a maddening rage.
Having seen enough, Flinar stepped out and pulled his blades. He dropped his dark cloak and slammed the edge of his blade into the back of the Munos warriors head. Falling flat on the ground, the warrior lay still unconscious. As Flinar stared into the cages, he felt sorry for the in the cages screaming out for their freedom. Caldar and Orym had always taught the people that cruelty was not the way to treat anyone. Not their neighbors, an enemy of the forest of sea life. Every living thing had feelings and deserved respect. Obviously the Dark elves and the Munos did not feel the same way. Well lets see how the animals felt about it.
Concentrating Flinar sent his thoughts out to the Sharks and Squid in the tanks. With their help maybe there
was something to be done here.
[Brothers of the sea. Our homes have been invaded by these Eel men. They kill our children and put us in cages to fight and die for them. I say no! I would rather die for our mates and children. What say you Brothers?]
{FREE US!] Came the answer. {WE FIGHT EEL MEN. WE MAKE THEM GO!}
[It shall be done.] Flinar sent to them. [Here is what we will do.]
Inside the desperate walls of Aquilona, Dylani warriors sat armed waiting for the attack of the gathering Munos outside of their gates. They manned the walls with spear guns and coral spike cannons built long ago to defend the city. Mer wizards stood ready with every spell they know keep the enemy out when and if the city's shield finally gave out.
High in a tower of the city, Caldar Dylani watched as one of his mages replaced the crystal that powered the citys shield. The mage took the hot black crystal from the crystal generator and handed at back to Caldar. It steamed in the kings hand as he turned it from side to side examining it. This stone was relatively small compared to some of the stone that had been used in the past. Being the size of a fist, it had only last for two years. The stone the mage had put in its place was much smaller. Only the size of a marble and unfortunately, it was the last one. Caldar had people for years trying to find a new source for the stones. The problem was, no one had any real idea what the stone really was. when in good condition the stones were clear as glass but as cold as ice. some thought they were some sort of diamond but they had tried diamonds of all kinds and sizes and nothing seemed to work. During a visit not long ago, Jandar Tyr, prince of New Keanna had examined them and thought they looked familiar. He had told them the stones were of a strong magic, a magic that he could feel but couldn't trace. He had tried a few different spells and had a little success. It was Jandar that had created the last stone and this marble they had just installed into the generator. Now they were down to the last piece and with the battle about to begin, Caldar had no idea how long this stone would last. Maybe weeks, maybe days or only hours.
There only chance was to find Jandar and have him either create a new set of stones or find them the original source.
[How long?] Caldar asked as he gave the stone back to Tarell his court mage.
[There's no way to tell Sire.] Tarell shrugged. [Could be a week, Could be an hour.]
[Lets hope for that week.] Caldar reached down to help the mage up on his feet. [With the Munos at our gates we'll be needing the protection of the shield. It may be our only hope.]
[You'll think of something my lord. You always do.]
[Thank you for your confidence, but time is growing short for Aquilona.] Caldar led Tarell back to the stairwell down from the tower. He had a look of defeat on his face, like the attack was already lost. Tarell stopped him as they made their way down. This was not how the king of Aquilona should be. Accepting defeat before the battle.
[A wise man once told me that even when defeat is eminent, never give up. Battles can turn with just the act of on brave man. We have many brave men fighting for Aquilona, And we're not beaten yet.]
[You sure he was a wise man?] Caldar smiled clapping Tarell on the back. [Sounds like a fool to me.]
[He'll never be a fool. No matter what happens. He'll always be my king.]
[Thank you my friend and your right. We haven't lost yet.] Caldar looked a little more confident, but still worried. [But we have a lot to do if we want to beat this.]
After sending Tarell out to watch on the walls with a warnibg to be ready in case some how the stones were found, Caldar swam on through the palace to his war room. As he approached, two guards saluted and opened the door. Inside Aquilona's generals stood at maps on the tables and walls discussing different strategies on how the Munos could be beaten. As Caldar entered a tall Mer man in rich red and green robes, bald except for the single pony tail tied off at the top of his head walked casually up to Caldar.
[Aiya Brother.] He smiled. [I see the sky still shimmers. The shield still has power.]
[Yes.] Caldar told his brother Kenner. [The shield works just fine.]
[For how long my I ask?]
[Until I can get it fixed Kenner.] Caldar was tired of this same argument. He wasn't going to change his mind. [Caldar, this war is unnecessary. I can get us out of this with just a few concessions. All we have to do is look the other way while..]
[WHAT?] Caldar shouted. [While Talsara invades our neighbor? While she tears the Elven lands and the rest of Keanna to pieces? And what happens when looking the other ways isn't enough? What happens when she decides Aquilona and the Dylani are no longer needed or in her way, what do we do then?]
[That can't happen.] Kenner insisted. [She can't breathe underwater, she only wants to use Aquilona not rule it.]
[And you feel it's ok to be used?] Caldar was getting angry. He couldn't understand why his. brother couldn't see what he was talking about. [These are people we are talking about. Real living people with families and lives. We as rulers are meant to protect and guide them. To make their lives as easy and rich as we can, not to use them as pawns and toss them aside when we're done with them! Talsara sees everyone as objects, even her family. She knows nothing of love and compassion, but you do. If you every get the chance to rule do it wisely or don't do it at all!!]
Kenner stood staring at Caldar as he turned away from him. He wanted so much to grab the sword from his side and stab again and again into his brothers body until he lay dead at his feet. Kenner didn't give a damn what Caldar had to say. He knew he was right. Aquilona would only be going to war because of his brothers damned compassion for all those peasants that meant nothing to him. Kenner knew he could better rule Aquilona. He could make this kingdom a power in the world and if it took his brothers death to do it, then so be it.
With a look across the room, Kenner caught Generals Tang and Raban's eye as they stood together going over some plan Caldar had. With a nod he sent them a signal. His plan was on. Caldar had rejected Kenner's plan. It was time to get him out of the way and get Prince Kenner in control. The next twelve hours would see a complete change in the monarchy of the Dylani.
With a flash of light the entrance to Chuy tower appeared and Jandar, Gird and Morea stepped out. Lounging in the front garden Viggo stood to welcome his friends back. Within two steps the mighty Snowdog began fiercely growling at them. The hair on the back of his next rose and he took on an attack stance. The once calm fateful Viggo now looked at them as if they were hated enemies.
"Whats wrong with him?" Gird stepped back closer to the tower."Easy boy."
"It's not us Gird." Jandar walked over to stand beside Viggo. "It's her. She's the one he growls at. Isn't that right Clea?"
"I'm afraid so."
"It's time for some truth." Jandar reached out a summoned his staff. It appeared in his hand and flared to life pulsing with arcane energy. "Why the lies and what have you done with Jona?"
Looking sadly from Jandar to Gird then down at Viggo, Clea for the first time in many years began to cry. Jandar wasn't sure what to make of this. He had heard all that had happened back during the Winter Blight. Icicle assured him that Clea was now nothing but a vessel of ice cold hate. The emotions love, regret and apathy were no longer a part of her. But here she was crying and from what Jandar could see, this was all real.
"There were no lies." She said as she calmed down a bit. "I am Clea Mertrka, Kearn's own Ice Queen. But I'm not that same icy witch that his spell turned me into. Whether you believe it or not, I've changed and I'm going to find my husband and bring him home safe and sound so I can beg his forgiveness."
"Why should we trust you after the things you've done?" Jandar lowered his staff. "How do we know you speak the truth?"
"It doesn't matter what you believe." Clea looked directly into Viggio's eyes. "If you feel hate or fear in me, if you feel mistrust, then tear my heart out. But I'm going to get my husband and I hope you'll come and help me. I don't think I can beat Kearn alone. But make up your mind now, There isn't much time."
Growling with his teeth barred and ready to snap, Viggo advanced on Clea. Tears streaked her faces as she knelt down in front of the angry Snowdog. Chunks of ice flew from his mouth as he barked and snapped at the air in front of him. This was the enemy that had killed his younger brother. She had taken his heat and turned him into a pile of ice crystals . Here was his chance for revenge for one of his own.
{I'm sorry for what I did to your brother.} Clea sent her mind speak directly to Viggo's mind. {Kearn's ice in my heart turned me into a heartless thing with no conscious at all and he fell victim to my cold. But my curse is gone and all I can do is give you my life for his. Take my life if you must but promise me you will free my Jona from the Winter gods cold hands.}
Clea closed her eyes and give herself over to Viggo for his judgement. Reaching out with his mind, Viggio dived into her soul expecting to find the icy cold heart of his enemy the ice maiden, but what he found instead was the warm loving heart of the wife of his friend Jona. Suddenly all his angry was gone. He couldn't kill her. Instead the Snowdog pushed his head into her chest and whimpered then licked her face. Crying Clea through her arms around the Snowdog and hugged him tight.
"I guess Viggo's made our decision for us." Jandar raised his staff and sent back into the pocket dimension he always kept it in. If this is settled, we should get moving on the search for Jona. You say you know where that island was?"
"Yes." Clea released her hold on Viggo. "Vanco island is just west of here. We should hurry. Kearn can be very vindictive. Who knows what he might do to Jona."
As Jandar climbed on Viggo's back, Gird spread his wings and launched himself into the sky. Clea said a quick little spell that phased her into a dense cloud of ice crystals. At Viggo's side she took off into the sky heading west toward the island where her love was being held.
The skies over Vanco were cold, dark and very windy. Snow swirled all over the island building it into drifts of unbelievable heights. Where once tigers and harpy would hunt in the jungle, now wild Kensi and Snow men stalked their prey. The islanders that once inhibited the tropical island fled in their hollowed out canoes when the snows started. Those that couldn't make it now hid in the deepest caves and holes they could find from the horrors that their homes had become.
In the ocean the Kracken swam destroying boats and anything that swan near the island. Kensi warriors walked the beach while Snow men tread the paths and fields of the forest. The once beautiful warm tropical haven of Vanco was now the frozen lair of Kearn the winter god.
On a peak opposite the volcano where Kearn had been held, sat the new ice palace home of Kearn.
Its peaks and towers sparkled in the dim light of the cloud covered sun. Inside Kearn sat on his throne impatiently waiting. Waiting, something he dearly hated. He had spent years alone in that lava cave where Alee had trapped him waiting for a chance, any chance to get himself free. Now here was, almost free. All he had to do was kill Clea, his own creation and he would have his freedom to go back to the sweet freeze in the north or maybe even turn the whole of Keanna into his own ice kingdom. And why not? Kearn had spent years trapped in the north hiding from other more powerful gods afraid to make his bid to rule over Keanna. Now that they were all gone, except for the gods of Fortis, why shouldn't he take control? Kearn knew Rimnar had forbidden the others to interfere. But Rimnar had no control over him. Maybe this was his time to reign.
From his throne, Kearn looked out into the world of the mortals. He watched as the three made land on Vanco's beach, A Dragon, a Centaur and a Mer man. they were nothing compared to his Kensi and Snowmen. Perhaps he should add a few Snowdogs just in case his forces needed a little more strength.
Then he turned to look east and smiled. There it was. Just what he had been waiting for.
"SHE COMES." Kearn called to the prince of cold that stood at the steps before his throne waiting. "ZEPHYR. THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO PROVE YOURSELF TO YOUR GOD. KILL THE OTHERS AND BRING THE ICE QUEEN TO ME. THEN WE WILL MAKE THIS WORLD OURS. GO!"
"Yes my lord."
Dressed in cold ice armor, Zephyr turned and streaked off on a cold wind to assemble his forces to battle the intruders and his lords enemies.
High over Vanco island, Gird looked down at the wasteland that Vanco had become. It was a deary place frozen and looking lifeless. He couldn't image how it was possible that this was the same island Jandar had shown him earlier. But it was. He could tell by the shape of the island itself.
[This is it.] He sent. [Vanco island. It looks dead from up here.]
[It's not dead at all.] Jandar sent. [I can feel them down there.]
[Yes.] Clea said. [He knows we're coming.]
[So much for surprise. What do we do?]
[There.] Clea pointed to the second of to peaks on the island. The first smoked with volcanic fury while the second housed a frozen peak. [That's where we'll find Kearn. Jona will be there too.]
[Then that's where we go. Gird, stay close to me. Kearn is very dangerous.]
{Look, danger!}Viggo called.
From Viggo's back Jandar looked up in the skies out over the snowy peak. The sky was full of clouds and very windy. It looked as if the storm was about to dump another three or four feet of snow over the island. As Jandar watch, he noticed something strange. Sparks. It looked like something in the sky was sparkling. Jandar blinked then wiped his eyes to be sure he was seeing this clearly. Looking closer he realized it wasn't something in his vision, there was something out there reflecting light. Thousands of tiny dots flying through the clouds.
[What is that?] Gird asked.
[I don't know.] Jandar said. [Could it be snow?]
[Snow falls down to the ground.] Clea sent to them. [Whatever that is, it's not falling. It's coming right at us!]
Before another thought could be sent, ice began to rain down on them. Then like a dart out of nowhere, something struck at Jandar. It came flying out of the clouds and dived at all of them.
[It's an attack!] Gird sent as he swung his arm out and smashed what looked to him like a bird made purely of ice. With a blast of his flame breath, Gird melted three more of the ice birds that attacked him. Beside him, Jandar called for his staff and sent a wave of heat billowing out all around him.
One after the next the Snowcrows swept in to attack. They dived in like arrows striking at them. In her cloud form the Snowcrows had no effect on Clea, but the same couldn't be said about her. Icicles and hail the size of melons flew from Clea's cloud crashing into the crows knocking them from the air,
As Jandar swept the skies with his heat blast he realized there were just to many for them to defeat. If they stayed in the skies, sooner or later they would be overwhelmed and covered with ice. They had to land and make their way to Kearn's mountain on foot.
[Everyone down!] He sent. [We're an easy target in the skies. Kearn won't find us as easy to beat on land. Head for the clearing below!]
Diving down, Gird followed Viggo staying right on his tail. Viggo dashed left then right zig zagging through the air trying to throw the Snowcrows off but, nothing they did could hide them from heat seeking frost birds. Opening his wings, Viggo flapped with all his might to gain altitude. He rose higher and higher with the crows right behind him searching for somewhere to go.
[Here!] Clea sent. [Fly right into the center of my cloud, they won't be able to find you in my cold.]
Banking right, Viggo batted out with his wings knocking a score of the birds out of the air then dived right into Clea's cloud. Like bats hunting with sound the Snowcrows scanned all around them for the heat off the enemy. The sky was empty. There was nothing there. The closest heat they could find was coming from the volcano rumbling far ahead of them.
[Can you take us all the way to Kearn's mountain like this?] Gird asked shivering from her cold.
[No.] She told them. [It's to far. Your heat will show through in a minute. We have to get down to the ground where all the snow and ice can hide us. Drop down to land and I'll try and hold my form around to keep us hidden.]
With both Jandar and gird on his back, Viggo spread his wings and sailed down in a spiral pattern. As he dropped down, Gird blow of a frosty mist to help strength Clea to keep the heat from revealing their location. Once on the ground, after shifting, Jandar waved them into the trees and the cover of the cold forest.
"Which way?" Gird asked. He wrapped his wings around himself to keep the warmth in.
Trotting out, Viggo sniffed around taking in the scents of the island. He could smell the Snow men just to the south of them. He knew they were to close and that they should get moving. To the west he smelled something familiar. Was it possible? It smelled like dragon to him. It might be some kind of help sent by Insa or Rage.
{West.} Viggo walked out then looked back at them. {Follow.}
They hadn't made it far from the beach before Maxius, Mortimer and Braddoc were first attacked. Wild white hair Kensi came out of the forest armed with clubs and attacked. Keeping it quiet, the trio made short work of it this time but they knew once the fight was over, they were being followed so they moved quickly.
Off the beach and into the forest they went hiding and ducking around groups of both Kensi and Snow men. A pack of Snowcrows flew down and attacked. Maxius sent a stream of boiling water at them melting the frosty birds out of the sky showering them in ice crystals. Moving on deeper into the forest, Mortimor next encountered a pretty pale skinned girl who begged him for his help. Just as she reached for his hand, a bolt from Braddoc's bow sank deep into her head and she crumbled into ice fragments. Braddoc and Maxius stepped out from behind a bank of trees to join him.
"Watch yourself here." Maxius warned him. "Only one that I know of could do something like this. Kearn the northern god of winter."
"Kearn?" Braddoc stopped. "But Alee imprisoned him deep in a volcano so I was told."
"Look up there." Maxius pointed to a smoking peak. "My guess is he's gotten free. Probably Talsara's magic again."
Together never leaving each others sight, they moved slowly in towards the frozen tipped mountain Kearn had made his home. Suddenly they heard a deep throated bark echo through the forest. Braddoc jumped pulling his sword from the scabbard or his back. No understanding what the threat was, but confident in Braddoc's danger sense, Mortimor unclasped the clip holding his spear gun in its holster and stood ready to fight.
"What was that?" he looked around the snow covered trees seeing nothing.
"Snowdog." Braddoc told them. "I'd know that howl anywhere. I should have expected this. Kearn's called all his minions from the north, I wasn't expecting Snowdogs because they have a tendency of allying themselves with the strongest mind available."
"And what does that mean for us?" Mortimor asked nerviously. "Are they dangerous?"
"Snowdogs are the size of a small Griffen with teeth and claws able to rip and tear its prey to pieces in minutes." Braddoc explained. "They can run at unbelievable speeds and carry great loads."
"Any magic?"
"Plenty." Maxius answered. "But right now that's not what worry's me."
"Snowdogs are the best trackers on Keanna." Braddoc finished. "Better then me."
Mortimor groaned his displeasure at their predicament.Things just kept getting worse by the minute in this frozen hell.
"We keep moving." Braddoc said. "We go find Kearn and see what we can do about getting out of here."
"You want to fight a god?" Mortimor asked. "Are you crazy?"
"You got a better idea ? You know another way off this island?"
Mortimor closed his mouth and kept moving. He didn't have much choice but to follow Maxius and Braddoc's plan and hope they could find a way out of this mess.
Hurrying on through the bright white forest, Braddoc listened for every sound around them. Every twig that snapped under the weight on snow, every noise made by blowing wind. He identified the crunch of footsteps being made in the snow from the sound made by falling winter debris. His years of hunting in the snow covered Silverom mountain had taught him the difference between the forest sounds and those of any kind of pursuit. But now out of the quiet came the sound of padded footsteps. They were incredibly soft, almost undetectable to anyone except a natural hunter like Braddoc, chief of the Durmista Centaurs.
Slowing down, Braddoc stopped for a second holding his hand to to tell the others not to move. Then he heard the sound of something brushing past a snow laden tree dumping its heavy burden to the ground.
"Run!
Grabbing Mortimor, Braddoc tossed him on him back and took off into the forest dodging trees and jumping any obstacle in his way. Maxius pumping his legs with dragon strength crashed through the forest right next to him looking for a place big enough for him to shift to dragon to defend them. Just before a clearing ahead, something howled behind them caught Braddoc by surprise and he stopped recognizing the sound of the howl. To his keen ears that howl would be as recognizable as the sound of Braddoc's own mate or children. He turned and Mortimor leaped from his back pulling his spear gun aiming into forest at the coming noises that followed them.
"NO!!" Braddoc pushed Mortimor down as a huge grey wolf came bounding out of the forest followed by an even larger great Snowdog.
"JANDAR!!"
[I knew that scent we were following was familiar, but I never would have expected any of you were here.] Jandar shifted to greet his old friends. "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you." Mortimor said his eyes never leaving Viggo as he told them all about what was going on in Aquilona and their trip out to find him. The great white winged shaggy dog never leaving Jandar's side. Jandar noticed the look in Motrtimors eyes. He saw fear there.
"Viggo won't hurt a friend Mortimor." He reached out and took the Mer mans hand and held it out for Viggo. The Snowdog sniffed it taking in his scent. He coughed the sat back on his hind legs.
{Fish?}
"Not exactly." Jandar laughed. "But close I guess."
"We're here for Aquilona." Mortimor explained. "Our city is under attack."
"By Talsara and the Dark elves I'll bet." Jandar interrupted him. "Caldar needs the stones to power the Shield?"
"Desperately." Mortimor said. "Can you help us?"
"I can try. But first we have to do something about this." He indicated the frozen island.
"You mean Kearn?" Maxius asked. "It is Kearn and Talsara right? That's who's behind this."
"I'm afraid it is." Jandar led them all over to a row knocked down trees. He brushed off the snow, sat down and pointed to an old pile of wood. Gird spit out a wad of flaming plagm and ignited a fire to warm them. As they all came close to get a little warmth, Jandar finished his explanation.
"We're here looking for a friend. It seems Kearn grabbed our friend Jona and he's holding him hostage as revenge for imprisoning him in the volcano.
"But why?" Maxius asked Jandar confused. "Dragon's aren't responsible for his imprisonment. Alee did that himself."
"He can't strike against Alee so he strikes at us. We are their agents on Keanna after all. And then there's Clea. For some reason, she has something to do with this."
"Clea?" Jandar could see the shock in Maxius eyes. He knew just what his next question would be. "The Ice Queen? She's here? And you fell for her pitiful lies?"
"Maxius, wait." He held up his hand to silence the elder dragon. "Trust me, she's not the same. Something has changed her. She's here to help save Jona not get revenge or hurt anyone. Viggo trust her and that's good enough for me."
"Then where is she?"
Jandar looked around the clearing. He was right, she wasn't there with them. She must have slipped away while they were talking.
{She go find Jona.} Viggo sent to Jandar with a moan of despair. In Viggo's mindspeak, Jandar felt the fear he felt for both Clea and Jona. This was just one more reason why Jandar was convinced of Clea's newly acquired compassion.
"She's gone on to face Kearn and save Jona alone." Jandar stood and went and stood with Viggo and Gird. "Maxius, I don't care right now if you trust Clea or not because I do. I'm asking you as the mate to the Dragon king to trust me and help us. Will you do it?"
Maxius didn't need any time at all to think about that question. Rage's mate or not he would help and trust Jandar anytime after all they had do for him and his brothers and sister in the past. If not for Jandar and Rage, Muerte would have tortured and used the first clan for her own dark deeds during her war until they were all dead.
"How can I help you?" Maxius asked proudly ready to stand with Jandar to his death.
"We have to get to Kearn's mountain fast." Jandar explained. "I know Kearn will have opposition out there to stand in our way. Can you three hold off the Kensi and Snowmen?"
"It won't be easy." Maxius said as he turned strategies over in his head. "The three of us are grounded. We have no air support that would make the fight much easier."
"What if Braddoc could fly? Would that help?"
"Me?" Braddoc choked. "Fly? I don't know."
"You won't have to ridge dragon back again." Jandar smiled.
Remembering his sea sickness, Braddoc agreed hoping he wouldn't be exchanging seasickness for air sickness.
"There's one more thing I'll do for you." Jandar held out his hand and summoned his staff from its hidden pocket dimension and started gathering magic to him. He stepped out and asked Mortimor and Bradocc to place their weapons on the ground in front of them.
Laying his bow and quiver down besides Mortimor's spear gun, Braddoc stepped back to watch the magic. Jandar motioned for Mortimor to move away from Braddoc then closed his eyes and started his spell.
TO WALK TO RUN.
TO TROT TO FLY.
FROM HERE TO THERE.
HIGH IN THE SKY.
I GIVE YOU WINGS.
TO TAKE YOU WHERE.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
AND DANGER FLARES.
A golden glow surrounded Braddoc as the magic to hold of his body. He reared high on his hind legs as a bright white light broke out from his sides. Like the wings of a eagle, great feathered wings erupted out of the light and spread out to at least twice his body length. Braddoc stared back at his wings and marveled at how good they made him feel. As he began to flap them, he felt lite as a feather. pushing harder he rose to a height where he could see all of the island. Snowcrows circled the peak to the north where Kearn had built his home. Braddoc took note in which direction that was and settled himself back down to the ground.
"This is amazing?" He said. "I feel so lite but strong, like I could fly forever."
"The wings make you and whoever is on your back almost weightless." Jandar told him. "But just like Jayce, you'll have to eat a lot more to keep up the energy for long distance flying. Now for your weapons."
With a wave of his staff, the bow, quiver and spear gun rose up off the ground. In a flash all the arrows in the quiver disappeared and were replaced by what looked to Braddoc like thin bolts of light.
"What are they?" Mortimor asked as his spear gun dropped into his hand. He turned it over inspecting his new weapon wondering how he was suppose to load it and where he would be getting the ammunition from.
"They both fire echo ammunition now." Jandar explained. "Bolts of sound that will fire both on land and under water. And as long as one of you two hold the weapon, it will never be empty. That should give a you an edge in the coming fight."
"Thank you." Mortimor put the gun in its holster and went to admire Braddoc's new wings.
"We better get moving." Gird said. "There's no telling what Kearn may be up to by now."
"Agreed." Jandar climbed back on Viggo's back. "Which way is Kearn's palace?"
"To the north." Braddoc told them. "He knows we're here but I guess he doesn't think we are much to worry about. His Snowcrows circle his palace giving away his position. Not very smart."
Jandar smirked a sly smile. He gathered his friends close and told them exactly what he wanted each one to do, then hugged and shook each of their hands and he, Gird and Viggo took off to find the god of ice and snow.
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