As Trip left Kordova's cottage, he stopped at the fountain and stared at the ring in his hand. The damned ring of Endrin. How sorry he was that it had ever come into their lives. The whole war at home might not even be happening if it wasn't for this piece of strange magic. He wished he could just take it to the river and toss it in. Leave it here on Pentanthin, but Kordova told him, everything that came to Pentanthin with the Academy, had to leave. She said there was no telling how much trouble this thing might be here in the hands of a Savonti lord if he could get it to work.
Just by touching it, she read some of its horrible past. All the lives and wars that had been fought in the past because someone wanted to control the ring. Because some would be king or mage thought the world should be his to control. The more Trip thought about it, the angrier he became. How many had died so far in Winterhaven because of the ring? How many had Tayor Larin destroyed? Were the Dragons still fighting? And what about Emral and Adanar? Or Aron and Elan? Had they found each other yet?
Trip had no answers to any of these questions, all he knew was that Tabor was here. He had killed Zarin's mother for the ring and he would kill everyone else if that was what he had to do to get it. Trip knew he couldn't let that happen. His friends were his only family and he would protect them with his life. His only chance was to get Tabor himself before the others could stop him. That meant he had to do this all by himself.
[You won't be alone Trip.] Rese sent to him. [No matter where you go, I will always be there to help just like you helped me when we we're prisoners of the Orcs.]
[No.] Trip sent sternly. [I can't let you do that. You might get hurt.]
[How do you plan to stop me?] Rese asked. [I feel you in my mind. You can shift your form but it doesn't hide you from me. Either I come with you, or I follow you, but I won't let you go alone and a Dragon might be handy.]
Trip knew the young dragon was right. He could feel in his mind exactly where Rese was and their connection. He would follow him if he tried to leave without him. He might as will bring him along, that way he could be sure he was safe.
[You can come.] Trip sent. [But no one else. Don't tell Reno or Thalia, they'll want to come.]
[And Zarin? Don't you think he deserves to know what we're doing?]
[Zarin has enough pain to deal with right now.] Trip slid the ring back into his pocket and started in to the Academy. [If we can take care of Tabor ourselves, we can keep him from doing something we really don't want him to do.]
As Trip entered the common room of the upper class men. Zarin, Dack, Reno, Thalia and Zark stood there waiting for him with an angry look on their faces. Trip stopped when he saw them, then smiled as he joined the group.
"Going somewhere?" Reno asked. He looked so mad there was almost a red glow in his eyes.
"Just to meet Rese for dinner." Trip tried to walk around them without looking up into any ones eyes.
"Cut it Trip." Zarin stepped in front of him. "Your right, we are your family and we heard everything."
"Did you really think I wouldn't know what was in your head?" Reno looked Trip dead in his eyes. "After all these years, home and my parents. Did you really think I wouldn't know what you were thinking?"
"Reno, Zarin." Trip started. "I wasn't trying to.."
"To what?" Dack asked. "To fight Tabor just you and Rese? After all he's done to us you should know better.! I can't believe you would let Rese anywhere near him. Especially with the ring there in your pocket. He could spell you both and have a Dragon in his pocket and the ring. What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking of killing him and getting us all home!!" He screamed as he burst into tears. "I was thinking of making Winterhaven safe for the Academy to go home too! I was thinking of all of you!! That's what I was thinking! That's all I want! To go home!!"
"We are going home Trip." Thalia wrapped her arms around him to quiet him. "We promise you that. But we have to work together to do that, all of us. That's the only way we're going to get home."
"She's right." Zarin put a hand on Trip's shoulder to comfort him. "We fight together like we always did. None of us on our own. Is that OK with you?"
"Yeah." Trip smiled. "I get it."
"Then how about we figure out someway to catch that bastard so we can go home." Zarin smiled as he pulled Trip along as the headed into the outer doors of the dining hall. "Now who's hungry?"
It was mid afternoon and refugees from Refuge were still slowly making there way in through the gates of the Academy. Capt Testa and Jovan stood watching at the gate as Bella welcomed the new arrivals. Men, women and children came in carrying the few meager items they had grabbed before they could escape the walls of Refuge. Some pulled small goat like animals they had found wandering in the forest while a few actually came in riding trackers. Any and all livestock found now would be useful both for fighting and to feed the hungry clan while they were at the Academy.
As Bella watched, a beautiful woman dressed in a plain dress with clan markings he didn't recognise came towards him. Bella looked closer at the pattern on the sleeves of her dress. It looked like the markings from a mountain clan. There were peak symbols they usually used but Bella had never seen markings like this before. Maybe she was from a clan he hadn't seen before. But if so, then where were the others from her clan? Could she be the only one that had survived? Bella wasn't sure, but there was one way to find out.
As she came closer, she turned to Bella and smiled an awkward smile. Bella gave her a quick nod as she moved on. Then a young hunter from Refuge came in from behind her. His name was Loren Drenna. Bella had last seen him fighting on the walls of Refuge.
"Nazun Loren." He reached out and grasped his forearm. "I'm glad you made it here."
"Aye." He said scratching his head. "It was tough for a while. The Savonti gave chase but we lost them in the forest. They were to busy enjoying there fucking catch. Stazs!"
"That they are." Bella agreed. "Are you sure none followed."
"Yes. Me and my warriors stayed two miles in the rear. No one followed us."
"What about her?" Bella pointed to the handsome maiden. "Do you know here?"
"No." Loren shook his head. "She was a part of the crowd we kept pushing in front of us."
"Was she from Refuge?"
"I don't know." He looked at Bells strangely. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm not sure.
After heading north from the last house he had raided. Magu stopped his troops in an old Nevac cave and locked his prisoners down. He had one more stop to make before he return to Darul. Rumor had it that somewhere near the lake outside, a Savonti house could be found. That meant he had the chance to take one more lord. After locking away his prisoners, he gathered his warriors and went out to search the shores and banks of the lake.
Meanwhile in the cave, the prisoners sat and waited for their captor to return. In the cave, three ex Savonti lords sat and stared at each other.
Getting to his feet, one went and checked that door the held them prisoner. He shook and rattled the door then kicked at it.
"It is no use." A lord sitting on the other side said. "That door has been blocked. With our powers sapped, we are to weak.""
"I could if it was not for this thing around my neck!" He kicked again at the door then stared at it straining to use his power. "Nothing!"
"Calm yourself." The seated warrior said. "Do not waste your time. The power will not work. Not for any of us."
"Who are you?" The standing lord asked.
"I am Weru." He said. "I hail from far to the west of here. You?"
"I am Buku." He snarled. "My land is no more. They came during the night out of the sky. A horde of winged warriors dove on my house with no warning at all. They surprised my night guards and slipped in while we slept. When I woke, there was a warrior over me with a sword at my throat and the collar in his hand. They executed all of my warriors damn them."
"The same for me." Came from a lord by the far wall. A Savonti with bluish scales."I am Tibu, my land is now being ruled by one of our captors. I must escape these walls. Do you know who it was that attacked us? I would have my revenge."
"I know who attack." Weru said. "We head for the slave pens of Darul."
"The Mind lord is behind this treachery?" Buku kicked again at the door. "I should have guessed. His desire to be Overlord of Pentanthin will be the ruin of us all."
"Overlord?" Buku looked at Weru. "What is this word?"
"Daru wants to be lord over all of Pentantin." Weru explained. "No lord in each land. He wishes us all to be his lieutenants. Underlings with him as the one lord, one Pentanthin."
"And others have agreed to this?" Tibu was shocked. He couldn't believe any other lord would accept this.
"They agree or they wear a collar and become slave like us." Weru stood to speak face to face with the other lords.
"You knew of this plan?" Tibu asked.
"I had heard rumblings." He said. "Talk of lords that had suddenly disappeared after a meeting Daru held not long ago. Lords that didn't agree with him."
"Why were we not told?" Tibu asked. "If I had known, I would have had much stronger watches. I would have had better protection in place."
"Against a lord that reads minds and can make you think whatever he wants you to think? I do not think it would have made much difference."
"Have a care Weru." Buku stormed. "Without this collar, my mind may be just as strong as his."
"Then perhaps we need to find a way to get that collar off. You may be our way to freedom."
Just then they heard the sound of something heavy being moved outside the door. Tibu and Buku hurried to the door. The plan was to force open the door and attack the warriors on the other side. If they could get their weapons, there would be a fighting chance at getting their freedom.
With Tibu on one side and Buku on the other, the door was slowly pulled open. Just as they were about to spring into action, Magu stepped in through the door.
"DO NOT MOVE."
No matter how hard Tibu and Buku tried, no matter how much they strained. None of the three lords could move a muscle. It was as if a great hand had reached out and was holding them in place. They were paralyzed.
Magu stepped in and stood laughing at the three powerless Savonti lords as they struggled to get free.
"Fight all you want." Magu said. "All you do is provide more power for the collar to use against you. Now get back against the wall and on your knees."
Moving one foot after the other, the three lurched their way to the cave wall then got down on their knees facing Magu.
"Enjoy this moment underling." A warning launched out from Weru. "Your lord has us in his power for now, but that will not last forever. I swear to you we will be free and when we are, I will personally rip the wings from your back and beat you to death with them."
"You can make all the threats you want Wer." Magu used his pre lord name to show disrespect. "But you should know, it only takes a order from Daru or me and the collar you wear will kill you. Remember that weak one. Now, welcome a new member to your ranks. This is the once proud Lexu, ex lord of Lexul. Make him feel at home."
Like a used rag, Lexu was tossed in to the dirty ground where he struggled to rise and look at the others in the cave chamber.
"We will be moving out within the frame." Magu turned to leave. "Be ready."
As Magu left and the door slammed close, Lexu got to his feet. Lexu was short for a Savonti. He had bruises all over his body and toad like face. All along his arms and back, sharp quills stuck out making him look even more dangerous.
"Where am I?" He asked. "My home has been destroyed. Who is responsible for this outrage!!"
"We have much to explain to you Lexu." Weru waved him towards a place where he could sit down." Rest and I will tell you all you need to know. Have any of you ever heard of Lord Maru?"
As Trela moved closer to the gates of the Academy, three humans stepped out from inside the gate. Two men and what looked to Trela like a elderly woman with a heavy veil over her face. As she came closer she watched as they greeted each person that passed by them. Trela wasn't worried. She thought there was no way they could see threw the illusion her mind was broadcasting out.
Pulling her cloak tighter around her she walked on. One more person to go. She looked up at the two men. they were both strange looking humans. One was taller. He had long white hair hair and strange looking pointed ears. He was dressed all in a tanish leather pants and tunic. The other was almost the complete opposite. He had pale skin but dark hair and eyes. His lips were redder then the taller man and there was a scar on his face. These humans were a strange lot. She wondered were they had come from.
As Trela stepped up to the taller man he smiled in greeting. She did a quick nod and moved on to the veiled woman.
"Nazun Queen Trela." She said. "What could brings Lord Daru's queen here to our home?"
Trela jumped when her name was spoken. It wasn't possible. How could this blind thing see though her disguise?
"Blind though I am, I can see many thing." She smiled. "Cutter, Azeal, May I present to you the queen of Darul. Lady Trela."
"A Savonti queen?" Cutter bowed to her. "I see a hazy about you. I wasn't sure what it was. We are honored Lady."
As Trela opened her mouth to speak, clan warriors came running from all over the courtyard. Bella was the first to arrive. With sword in hand he stepped up beside Lady Kordova to confront Queen Trela.
"What do you want here?" Bella's eyes blazed with anger as he spoke.
Trela had to think fast. She hoped the blind woman couldn't pry into her mind for answers. If she could, all would be lost.
"I only wish a place of safety." Trela pushed back her hood and let go of her illusion revealing her true face and the yellow crest on her neck to everyone there. "I have escaped from the madness of Lord Daru and his insane war. I only wish peace.'
"Then why were you disguised?" Azeal asked.
"For my own safety." She said. "I have traveled a long way with humans that would have killed me if they knew who I was. I had no guard, no weapons. My illusion was my only shield and protection.'
"You are Savonti." Someone called from the crowd. "You shouldn't be here!'"
As Bella looked around, the crowd began to grow. People were coming out of tents, and a few of the outer academy buildings. Suddenly they were everywhere. He noticed most of them were armed. They had to find someway to calm the crowd before they did something rash. They were beginning to shout threats at the queen.
"Cutter." Bella nudged the elf. "This could get out of hand. Do something!"
"I hear you." Cutter stepped out and raising his hand to calm the crowd. Using his fear powers he began broadcasting a calming feeling to everyone. "Everyone be calm. Every thing's going to be OK. Just go on with your day. We'll take care of this."
As Cutter talked, the tension in the crowd began to lessen and all the shouting stopped. Trela looked at the crowd amazed at how they had gone from the level of a crazed mob to such calmness. It had to be the white haired one that had calmed them. What power these humans had. No wonder Daru feared them so much. But that didn't impress Trela. She had seen strong lords fall never to rise again. All she needed was to be in the right place at the right time and she could come out on top of this. She could be even higher then any lord had ever been. But for now, she had to find the ring Locu had sent her for. And one of these humans had it.
"Come with us." The pale boy held out his hand. "Someone needs to see you right away."
Trela nodded and smiled that devious Savonti smile and let them lead her off towards the great house. Stepping in behind them, Cutter took Lilia by the hand and led her back in to the academy building. As they touched, Lilia sent out to him.
[Cutter, can you feel her mind?]
[I feel her fear.] He sent. [I don't quite understand it. The Savonti mind is so strange to me.]
[Can you reads why she is here?]
[I can't tell truth from lies with the Savonti.] He told her. [Her mind is different then Xan and Mar's. There's no honor in her. I don't think we can trust anything she says.]
[My thoughts exactly.] Lilia squeezed Cutter's hand. [For now we will let Shayn and Ono question her and see what happens. But I do know one thing.]
[What's that?]
[She lies.]
It was late and the last sun had just sank over the mountains when Lord Memu arrived back at the gates of his new home. He had been out all day searching the forest and lowlands for the humans that had escaped when he attacked and took back Lord Fedru's old house. His trip had been tiresome and without any luck. His tracker had somehow lost the human scent less then a mile away. He had been checking old camps and caves all day. Now he was back home, hungry and angry.
As he stopped at the entrance he signaled for the gate to be opened and ponder exactly what had gone wrong during the attack on Fedrul. Where had all the humans gone and how had they gotten out of the walls. His warriors had the house surrounded and had just broken through the walls, there should have been a short battle then a easy round up of new slaves, but that's not what happened. Instead, strange flying beast attacked with men on their backs. Beast that blast lightning and explosive blast just like a lord would in an attack. As Memu thought about it, he guessed it must have been the humans responsible for the blast. Beast couldn't possibly have such power or intelligence. He was surprised humans had such power but he had heard stories about powerful humans in the past. It was possible. But that didn't explain how in one unit they were fighting to keep the Savonti out, and in the next, they were gone leaving only a few dead bodies behind. There was more to these simple humans then Loc and Daru were telling him.
As the gate opened, Memu kicked his tracker into a slow walk saluting his warriors at the gate as he passed. Repairs on the walls they had knocked down had been started and soon the house would be completely secure again. At the entrance to his new house, Memu climbed down from his tracker and handed the reins to a warrior who would take it to be fed and watered. His lieutenant Rev stood at the entrance and gave him the usual chest slam salute.
"Report." Memu said as Rev stepped in line to follow him into the house. "The search parties I sent out. They found the humans, correct?"
"No my lord." Rev stuttered. "None of them have come back."
"WHAT?" Memu turned to face Rev red eyed. "Are all my warriors incompetent fool! Can any of you follow simple orders!"
"My apologies Lord Memu." Rev bowed and looked away scared Memu would crush him with his mind. "Perhaps they will return within the frame."
Just as Memu opened his mouth to scold the warrior, a call came from the gate. There was a visitor waiting outside to see Lord Memu.
With a frown and a nod to Rev which broke his neck, Memu turned back and headed for the gate. Climbing the stairs, Memu pushed a warrior out of his way and peered out to see his brother Loc standing there dressed in the purple fitted armor of a lord. With him stood two warriors dressed in the same in same color only warrior style.
"You have returned brother.' He shouted. "And dressed as a lord. By what right do you claim that armor?"
"By the rights of my lordly powers I claim the right." He called. His voice was bold, different then it had been. It vibrated with power. "I have news for you Brother."
"Lordly powers?" Memu leaned of the railing of the gate doubting him."You will prove these powers you speak of or I will take your armor and fed your body to my tracker for dinner."
"Very well." Locu smiled. "If you insist."
Locu stared at the gate guards then cleared his throat. "OPEN THE GATE NOW!"
Suddenly as if they were in some strange trance, the guards jumped up and hurried to open the gate. Memu watched in shock as Locu rode his tracker in then dismounted and looked up at his surprised brother.
"You want more proof?" He turned to the warrior standing a top the gate. "JUMP!"
"Yes my lord." The warrior dropped his staff and dived off the wall and crashed to his death at Locu's feet.
"Nazun Lord Locu." Memu slowly walked down the stairs to where his brother stood. "I am impressed. I see your dreams have come true,"
"Yes brother." Locu climbed down off his tracker and gave the reins over to one of his warriors. "Pentanthin will soon be ours as I always promised you."
"Do not think me a fool brother. I know you will never share anything with me. You never could, even as hatching's. I allow you back in my house now but you will not be staying. Say what it is you have come to say."
"Very well." Locu shrugged. "Your warriors are dead. Killed by Daru and the Humans. I do know where they are if you will permit me to lead you to them. Then we can crush them together."
"An alliance?"
"A brotherhood." He said. "Your warriors, my knowledge and powers. We will be invincible. Neither Daru or the humans will stand before us."
"I will agree for now." Memu rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes at Locu. "When shall we attack?"
"At the first frame of the next night." Locu climbed back on his tracker. 'Be ready for my call."
Urging his tracker on, Locu rode out of Memu's compound. As the gates closed, Memu turned back to head into his house to rest.
"I will be ready Brother." He said. "I will be ready for the staff you plan to stab into my back."
It was cold and dark as Sacar sat clinging to the roof of Daru's main audience hall. Magu was back with his prisoners and Daru sat on his high throne as Magu and his warriors led the four ex lord in to be reviewed. Dressed in dirty black ragged robes and chains around their necks, Buku, Weru and Tibu were led in with Lexu being dragged behind. Weru with his head held high stopped in front of Daru.
"You will dread this day Daru." He shouted. With a yank of his chain, Magu dragged Weru to the floor.
"That is no why to address your master!' Magu swung out and smacked Weru across his face. Weru fell back to the floor. He looked up at Magu straining with all his might to blast the flying lord where he stood.
From the throne, Daru smiled slyly
"Your blast will not work." Daru stood and stepped down from the throne. "None of your powers will work unless I order it. You are all my juinti now. Slaves to fight under my command and die if that is my wish. Bring in the others!"
With a nod, a warrior on the other side of the chamber opened the door and two more Savonti in collars were led in. With a gasp,Weru recognised the long missing Lords Resu and Guku. So this is what happened to the powerful lords. Weru wondered if Seru, Redu and Dicu were somewhere here in Daru's collar.
As Resu walked over and stood looking down at Weru, Daru strolled over and walked around them inspecting his group of lordly warriors.
"Soon you all will be out fighting against my enemies." Daru said. "I have begun by destroying and taking your houses from you. I will continue by going against all the other lords until I alone am the High Lord of all of Pentanthin. But first, the humans. They have become to organized and to powerful. It is time I put an end to that old prophesy about the White and Grey. It is time the humans are all finally gathered and put in collars to be the juinti they were born to be."
"Your ambition is going to be your greatest enemy." Weru wiped blood from his mouth as he climbed to his feet. "We will never accept you as our lord. You should kill me now for I will get my freedom and when I do, you will pay."
Magu grabbed him and slammed his fist into his face. Weru spit blood at Magu.
"Beat us all you want." Resu spoke up. "Beat me to death, but it will not change anything. WE WILL BE FREE!!"
Magu grabbed Resu and tossed him to the floor beside Weru and kicked him. The other lords tried to fight back, but they were powerless against the collar they all wore.
Wiping the blood from his hands, Magu went to Daru's throne.
"How do you plan to do that?" Magu asked. "We still have no idea where they hide."
"I know where to find them." Daru said as he returned to his throne. "My armaurk queen has found them."
"Trela?"
"Yes." He nodded. "She thinks she and Loc the hunter have found a way to destroy me. They think I can not see treachery they plan with the human. Foolish! They lead me right to where I want go. And I will lead them to pens with a collar on their neck."
"When do we attack?" Magu was anxious to get even with the humans that tore down his house. "I have a score to settle with the humans.
"Take them to their cells." Daru ordered. "We leave tomorrow for Fedrul to kill the White and Grey."
Magu rapped his staff hard on the floor making a thunderous sound that rang through the entire chamber.With a harsh bark, Magu ordered the lords to turn and head through the door and down to Daru's slave pens in the lower levers of the house. As the echo bounced from wall to wall, something moved high up on the ceiling. Daru jumped to his feet and ordered everyone to stop, be quiet and not to move.
As Magu stood with the slaves wondering what was going on, Daru stepped down and looked up to the ceiling. He focused his mind and scanned the roof moving slowly inch by inch.
"What is it my lord?" Magu asked.
"I SAID QUIET!!"
Even though Magu wore no collar, Daru's order struck him and silenced him. It paralyzed his vocal cord to the point where he could barely breathe.
Returning to his scan, Daru focused hard on the ceiling. Foot by foot, inch by inch Daru searched. He found baebots and small bat like rodents and many different types of insects. Then out of the cornor of his minds range, something moved. Daru quickly grabbed a staff from one of his warriors and fired. There was a sudden screech and something materialized out of the shadows looking down at the Savonti below.
"NEVAC!!"
Daru raised the staff and fired a quick series of shots as the Nevac tried to scramble away. But now that Daru had seen it, he know it was there and could feel exactly where it was.
Having been discovered, Sacar sent out to Avar who was hiding on a northern wall a quick order.
[GO!] He sent. [FIND THALIA AND ZARIN AND WARN THEM THAT DARU IS COMING.]
[NO!.] Avar sent as he tried to reach Sacar. [WE CAN FIGHT HIM.]
[DO AS I SAY AND GO BEFORE HE FINDS YOU.] Sacar scurried back to the center of the ceiling away from Avar. [GO NOW!]
As Avar hurried down the wall to the exit, he turned back to see how Sacar fared. From below, all the Savonti were now firing at Sacar. He jumped from spot to the next while at the same time, he rubbed his wings together sending bursts of solid pulses of sound down at the Savonti. He hit three warriors before Daru had him corner and hit him with one of his own mind blasts. As Avar watched, he fell fluttering to the floor. Sacar looked and found Avar still there on the wall.
[GO NOW!!] Sacar sent as he waved Avar away.
Swinging his staff around, Daru hit Sacar in his chest plate knocking him back to the floor. Spinning it around, he aimed it straight at Sacar's multi faceted eyes.
"So the Nevac still live." Daru grinned licking his lips. "I find that pleases me. Your people always were the better miner for the Pentanthium then the humans, and I find I still have a taste for Nevac flesh. Tell me, how many survived our hunt?"
[MILLIONS!] Sacar sent calmly. [ YOU THINK YOUR IDIOTIC HUNT HURT US? YOU JUST DROVE US DEEPER DOWN UNDER GROUND WHERE WE LEARNED TO FIGHT AND HATE THE SAVONTI. WE GATHERED OUR PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER PENTANTHIN. WE MADE WEAPONS AND ALLIES. WE KNOW ALL ABOUT THE PROPHESY AND WE REVEL IN IT. WE ARE HERE TO HELP THEM. THE WHITE AND GREY WILL BE THE END OF YOU.]
"I see." Daru waved a trio of warriors over. He pulled back his staff and indicated to Sacar to get up on his feet."Nazun Xiz!."
"Keep your arms and legs held out." He said. "Or I will kill you."
Sacar slowly pushed himself up on to his feet. As he got up, his wings twitched. Daru knew what those wings could do. With a warrior still aiming his staff at Sacar, he walked behind him and grabbed a hold of his wings and ripped them free from his body.
Sacar's scream was heard by every Nevac and telepath for many miles away, that included under and above ground. At the entrance of house Daru, Avar felt the pain as it ripped through Sacar's body. He fell from the wall into a small group of warriors guarding the entrance. As Avar climb to his feet and shook of the pain, he became visible. Shocked the three warriors grabbed for their weapons to attack the Nevac.
After all the pain and Nevac deaths. After seeing his brothers and sister, cousins and hatch mates hunted down almost into extinction, something in the docile Avar snapped. A scream like nothing ever heard from the voiceless Nevac came out of Avar as he attacked the warriors with his slashing set of upper fore claws. Avar stabbed and slashed, ripped and tore into the three warrior like the avenging warrior he now was.
As death claimed the three warrior, two more came running from the manse firing their staffs with great accuracy. Rage burned through Avar as he batted away the blasts with his arms and wings. Pulling swords, the two Savonti dived into the attack. Razor sharp were edges of the Nevac claws and stronger then the Pentanthium they lived in. Avar blocked and stabbed at the warriors like he had been a warrior all his life. His upper two arms were more then a deadly match for the warriors that attacked and in seconds, two more bodies lay at his feet.
As his rage quelled, Avar remembered Sacar and his last orders. Avar wasn't sure if Sacar still lived or not. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't feel his mind at all and that made his order important. Avar wanted to go back in and help but he wouldn't stand a chance against an entire house of Savonti let alone a lord like Daru. His only chance was to do as Sacar said and go and warn the others of what would be soon coming. He spread his wings and launched himself into the sky swearing to return and bring Sacar home or get the revenge he deserved.
It had been a long day for Zarin and all his friends. Trip had found and recovered the Ring of Endrin, Lady Kordova with her Pentanthin magic had somehow made it safe to carry. They no longer had to worry about the strange effects it had on them. Nysa, the sister of Tored and Luke found the spell Tabor had placed on them and severed it's connection. He could no longer control them or spy on what happened in the Academy. Tabor after trying his spell on Zarins mother had murdered her breaking both Zarin and his fathers heart. After escaping the academy, Tabor had run into Zarin deep in the forest and been recognized as the son of Lord Larin, conqueror of Winterhaven.
Now with his friends at his side, Zarin had the task of finding Tabor wherever it was he had gone on Pentanthin. His only chance would be with magic. Tabor was a talented warlock, but Zarin was one of the top students ever to study under Professor Insa. He was smart, inventive and best of all, among friends who would fight at his side. But where was Tabor Larin hiding?
It was late in the afternoon and Zarin and his friends were gathered at their table in the dining hall. Craven and Zark were sharping there weapons while Reno sat with Thalia devouring his dinner. Trip sat with Rese quietly watching the others glad they had talked him out of venturing out by himself while Dack studied a book he had taken earlier from Insa's library.
"So how are we going to find him?" Zarin asked everyone looking from one to the next. "We know he's here somewhere?"
"Yeah." Dack said. "He's here, just not in the academy."
"Well, where could he go?" Tored asked as him and his brother joined the group. "He doesn't know anyone and he can't mix with another clan, they would spot him in a si. He would have to be on his own wherever he is."
"There are a lot of caves out there in the hills where he could hide." Luke added. "All he would have to do is avoid the Savonti which means staying away from Daru's border and anywhere near Refuge. Lord Memu would have watchers watching those old caves."
"What if he's with a Savonti lord?" Reno asked.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at Reno. He looked up at the surprised no one had thought of it before
"Well, there really is no where else he could go." Reno wiped the crumbs from his mouth. "Question is, which one?"
"We only know lord Lesu, Maru and Yaru." Thalia said. "He wouldn't go to any of them, they wouldn't help him."
"Neither would Daru, Memu or any lords we know of." Tored said. Everyone seemed down with no idea who it could be that might help Tabor.
"So no ideas?" Zarin looked at his friends. "Anybody?"
"Excuse me. Maybe I can help." Azeal,Tanis and Gabor came over from the table where they had been talking. "I don't know who might be hiding Tabor, but I have an idea where."
"Go on. Zarin sat down to listen.
"You may not know this but there are several lords who's houses have fallen recently." He explained. "That would be a good place to hide wouldn't it?"
"An abandoned Savonti house?" Tored frowned. "Which one?"
"Well." Azeal sat down with the group. "Redu was raided by Daru. But I think Daru took over his house. Fedru became Refuge then Memul. Shayn and Ono tore down Magu's stack."
"What about Seru?" Gabor reminded them. "It's deep in the swamp cut off from most of the other lords and as far as I know, it's still empty."
"Sounds perfect." Zarin smiled. "Either of you know how to find it?"
"I can guide you there." Azeal stood and pushed his chair in. "But first I think we should fill Shayn in on what you plan just in case. He and Ono will want to know."
"Then let's get moving. Times a wasting."
"So what brings the queen of Darul to our school?" Ono asked as he and Shayn faced Trela who sat with Cutter on one side and Blink on the other.
"I grow sick of all these silly wars." She smiled her tongue flickering out. "Daru attacks Lesu who attacks Nebu and on and on. All I want is somewhere to be safe from all the fighting."
"And you think we can help you find this safety?" Shayn leaned forward to look her in her eyes hoping to see some truth. "Why should we believe you?"
"Why would I lie? "
"To hide why your really here." Bella said as he came into the room. "Daru's manse is the safest place on Pentanthin. I could attack with milloins of clansmen and search for ages and never find where you hide. I know Daru's is the biggest of all Savonti houses. So why are you here? Tell us?"
"Beware the white and grey." She recited. " For they will cause the end of agens of tyranny and enslavement. Their power and courage will doom the high ones and bring freedom to all that suffer and fight with them. The mark of the wolf and dragon will be the sign. Beware the white and grey. Do you think humans are the only one's to have heard the prophesy? These words have been told to me by my hatch and my queen mother since I was first hatched. I know who you are. I have seen it with my own power. My only hope is with you."
After hearing her what she had to say, Bella stepped around the desk to talk to Shayn and Ono privately. Trela watched as they talked and occasionally glanced at her. Would they believe her? She hadn't lied, and she didn't tell them any useful information either. But she would if she had to. She knew all about Daru's plans to gather slave lords as a force to send against his enemies and she and Locu had plans of their own to take that force. But first things first. She had to find a way to get that ring.
The human had told Locu the ring would be in the hands of a young one named Zarin. He would be of medium size with dark hair and grey eyes. He would probably be with a small yellow haired boy and maybe a tall one in brown. He had given Locu a small stone which he said might glow and give off heat when near the ring. She would see if she was allowed out among the people she thought as she clutched the stone in her hand.
As Trela waited, there was a knock at the door. The one called Shayn called out to the person knocking to enter. The door opened and three young humans came in. One she knew was of the Gekko clan. He wore the distinctive design of a sword and an axe, Petar Gekko's sign on his sleeve. Trela assumed since these two had the same features, they were the sons of the old enemy. The next was the pale dark haired one she had seen when she arrived. When he saw her, he smiled exposing his fangs. He had a deadly look about him. Trela nodded and flicked her tongue, something that usually filled most humans with fear but not this one. He simply turned away back to the the others. Last of the three was a tall human with dark hair. His eyes were a shade of grey almost like the tall pointed eared one. He completely ignored her and walked straight to the desk. As they entered, a warm feeling began to radiate from Trela's pocket. With her hand still in there, she stroked the stone feeling its warmth. The Ring was near.
"Zarin, Azeal." Ono sat back with his hands folded in front of him. "We're a little busy here. What is it?"
Zarin! This is the one she was looking for and he has the ring. Now she had to think of some way to get them both away this cursed place.
"We think we know where we can find Tabor."
Ono narrowed his eyes and looked to Shayn and Cutter. Finding Tabor had been left in Zarin's hands since he and his friends had so much experience with the young warlock.
"Are you sure?" Shayn asked. "You know exactly where he is?"
"We have a good idea where he could be." Zarin explained. "The only way to know for sure is to go out and find him. That's why we're here."
"Zarin." Ono stopped him. "We're sorry for what happened to your mother. We loved her very much and feel responsible for what happened. When I look in your fathers eyes I see his pain."
"I feel it everyday." Cutter added nodding
"But that's not.." Zarin started to say.
"Yes it is." Shayn stood. "We want him to pay for all he's done to.Your mother, Dack and Craven's parent, There's a cadet missing that I know Tabor had something to do with. But we can't let you and your friends go running all over after Tabor."
"Why not?" Zarin asked. He could feel himself getting mad. "We can find him."
"Because of them." Ono pointed to Trela. "It's no mistake she's here. The Savonti have found us. We can't let you go chasing after Tabor. It's to dangerous."
"Is this Tabor you speak of a young golden haired human?"
Everyone turned to stare at Trela after her question. Bella moved to stand beside her.
"Why do you ask?"
"I believe I know the one you speak of." She smiled that sly Savonti smile. "I might even know where he is."
"Where?" Zarin jumped from his chair. "Where is he?"
"I could show you."
"Get her out of here!!" Ono demanded. "Put her in the dungeon!!"
As Trela laughed. Blink took her by the arm and pulled her from the room. "Come find me when you are ready to find your enemy. Maybe I can help."
"Ono, No!" Zarin pleaded. "She can help find him!"
"And you would trust her?" Gabor said. "Trela is a queen. Just as evil as any lord. She would lead you right to your death, that is where she would take you!"
"Absolutely not!" Shayn pounded the desk. "I never thought I would sound like my father but I forbid it!! It's to dangerous! The Savonti may soon crash through our gates and you want to go out and march straight into their hands? NOT A CHANCE!!"
"Shayn, Ono." Zarin tried to calm their worries. "Haven't we proved that we can take care of ourselves? We came here all on own own to find you. We've fought Savonti on our own. You have to trust us to do this."
"No." Shayn stood and walked to stand with Zarin. "I'm sorry but I have to get you home safe. Whether you came on your own or not, your our responsibility now. All of you. now, go out and find your father and give him whatever help you and your friends can."
"Yes sir." Zarin turned and went to the door and left the room.
"What do you think?" Ono asked.
"I think we better watch him."
Getting out of the academy wasn't as easy as they thought it would be. Zarin choose Dack and Craven to come with and that didn't sit well with the other. Reno and Thalia screamed at him for an hour. What was on his mind going into the deadly swamp with them at his side? Reno was livid. None of the people Zarin had choose except Craven was really a warrior. He would need muscle at his side when he faces the Savonti. But Zarin insisted they would all be needed here. When they came back, they would need the Academy there and thye school needed all the fighter it could get. Then there was Zark. Zark had sworn his sword to always be at Craven's side. If something happened to Craven, Zark would have failed and he would have to end his own life. But after an hour of talking, Craven had convinced Zark that he would be safe and that his friends would need the Orc's protection.
With Trela in chains, Zarin set out with Azeal in the lewad and Craven and Dack right behind him. The trip through the forest was unevent full. They didn't run into any pf Memu or Daru's warriors
Trip had no answers to any of these questions, all he knew was that Tabor was here. He had killed Zarin's mother for the ring and he would kill everyone else if that was what he had to do to get it. Trip knew he couldn't let that happen. His friends were his only family and he would protect them with his life. His only chance was to get Tabor himself before the others could stop him. That meant he had to do this all by himself.
[You won't be alone Trip.] Rese sent to him. [No matter where you go, I will always be there to help just like you helped me when we we're prisoners of the Orcs.]
[No.] Trip sent sternly. [I can't let you do that. You might get hurt.]
[How do you plan to stop me?] Rese asked. [I feel you in my mind. You can shift your form but it doesn't hide you from me. Either I come with you, or I follow you, but I won't let you go alone and a Dragon might be handy.]
Trip knew the young dragon was right. He could feel in his mind exactly where Rese was and their connection. He would follow him if he tried to leave without him. He might as will bring him along, that way he could be sure he was safe.
[You can come.] Trip sent. [But no one else. Don't tell Reno or Thalia, they'll want to come.]
[And Zarin? Don't you think he deserves to know what we're doing?]
[Zarin has enough pain to deal with right now.] Trip slid the ring back into his pocket and started in to the Academy. [If we can take care of Tabor ourselves, we can keep him from doing something we really don't want him to do.]
As Trip entered the common room of the upper class men. Zarin, Dack, Reno, Thalia and Zark stood there waiting for him with an angry look on their faces. Trip stopped when he saw them, then smiled as he joined the group.
"Going somewhere?" Reno asked. He looked so mad there was almost a red glow in his eyes.
"Just to meet Rese for dinner." Trip tried to walk around them without looking up into any ones eyes.
"Cut it Trip." Zarin stepped in front of him. "Your right, we are your family and we heard everything."
"Did you really think I wouldn't know what was in your head?" Reno looked Trip dead in his eyes. "After all these years, home and my parents. Did you really think I wouldn't know what you were thinking?"
"Reno, Zarin." Trip started. "I wasn't trying to.."
"To what?" Dack asked. "To fight Tabor just you and Rese? After all he's done to us you should know better.! I can't believe you would let Rese anywhere near him. Especially with the ring there in your pocket. He could spell you both and have a Dragon in his pocket and the ring. What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking of killing him and getting us all home!!" He screamed as he burst into tears. "I was thinking of making Winterhaven safe for the Academy to go home too! I was thinking of all of you!! That's what I was thinking! That's all I want! To go home!!"
"We are going home Trip." Thalia wrapped her arms around him to quiet him. "We promise you that. But we have to work together to do that, all of us. That's the only way we're going to get home."
"She's right." Zarin put a hand on Trip's shoulder to comfort him. "We fight together like we always did. None of us on our own. Is that OK with you?"
"Yeah." Trip smiled. "I get it."
"Then how about we figure out someway to catch that bastard so we can go home." Zarin smiled as he pulled Trip along as the headed into the outer doors of the dining hall. "Now who's hungry?"
It was mid afternoon and refugees from Refuge were still slowly making there way in through the gates of the Academy. Capt Testa and Jovan stood watching at the gate as Bella welcomed the new arrivals. Men, women and children came in carrying the few meager items they had grabbed before they could escape the walls of Refuge. Some pulled small goat like animals they had found wandering in the forest while a few actually came in riding trackers. Any and all livestock found now would be useful both for fighting and to feed the hungry clan while they were at the Academy.
As Bella watched, a beautiful woman dressed in a plain dress with clan markings he didn't recognise came towards him. Bella looked closer at the pattern on the sleeves of her dress. It looked like the markings from a mountain clan. There were peak symbols they usually used but Bella had never seen markings like this before. Maybe she was from a clan he hadn't seen before. But if so, then where were the others from her clan? Could she be the only one that had survived? Bella wasn't sure, but there was one way to find out.
As she came closer, she turned to Bella and smiled an awkward smile. Bella gave her a quick nod as she moved on. Then a young hunter from Refuge came in from behind her. His name was Loren Drenna. Bella had last seen him fighting on the walls of Refuge.
"Nazun Loren." He reached out and grasped his forearm. "I'm glad you made it here."
"Aye." He said scratching his head. "It was tough for a while. The Savonti gave chase but we lost them in the forest. They were to busy enjoying there fucking catch. Stazs!"
"That they are." Bella agreed. "Are you sure none followed."
"Yes. Me and my warriors stayed two miles in the rear. No one followed us."
"What about her?" Bella pointed to the handsome maiden. "Do you know here?"
"No." Loren shook his head. "She was a part of the crowd we kept pushing in front of us."
"Was she from Refuge?"
"I don't know." He looked at Bells strangely. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm not sure.
After heading north from the last house he had raided. Magu stopped his troops in an old Nevac cave and locked his prisoners down. He had one more stop to make before he return to Darul. Rumor had it that somewhere near the lake outside, a Savonti house could be found. That meant he had the chance to take one more lord. After locking away his prisoners, he gathered his warriors and went out to search the shores and banks of the lake.
Meanwhile in the cave, the prisoners sat and waited for their captor to return. In the cave, three ex Savonti lords sat and stared at each other.
Getting to his feet, one went and checked that door the held them prisoner. He shook and rattled the door then kicked at it.
"It is no use." A lord sitting on the other side said. "That door has been blocked. With our powers sapped, we are to weak.""
"I could if it was not for this thing around my neck!" He kicked again at the door then stared at it straining to use his power. "Nothing!"
"Calm yourself." The seated warrior said. "Do not waste your time. The power will not work. Not for any of us."
"Who are you?" The standing lord asked.
"I am Weru." He said. "I hail from far to the west of here. You?"
"I am Buku." He snarled. "My land is no more. They came during the night out of the sky. A horde of winged warriors dove on my house with no warning at all. They surprised my night guards and slipped in while we slept. When I woke, there was a warrior over me with a sword at my throat and the collar in his hand. They executed all of my warriors damn them."
"The same for me." Came from a lord by the far wall. A Savonti with bluish scales."I am Tibu, my land is now being ruled by one of our captors. I must escape these walls. Do you know who it was that attacked us? I would have my revenge."
"I know who attack." Weru said. "We head for the slave pens of Darul."
"The Mind lord is behind this treachery?" Buku kicked again at the door. "I should have guessed. His desire to be Overlord of Pentanthin will be the ruin of us all."
"Overlord?" Buku looked at Weru. "What is this word?"
"Daru wants to be lord over all of Pentantin." Weru explained. "No lord in each land. He wishes us all to be his lieutenants. Underlings with him as the one lord, one Pentanthin."
"And others have agreed to this?" Tibu was shocked. He couldn't believe any other lord would accept this.
"They agree or they wear a collar and become slave like us." Weru stood to speak face to face with the other lords.
"You knew of this plan?" Tibu asked.
"I had heard rumblings." He said. "Talk of lords that had suddenly disappeared after a meeting Daru held not long ago. Lords that didn't agree with him."
"Why were we not told?" Tibu asked. "If I had known, I would have had much stronger watches. I would have had better protection in place."
"Against a lord that reads minds and can make you think whatever he wants you to think? I do not think it would have made much difference."
"Have a care Weru." Buku stormed. "Without this collar, my mind may be just as strong as his."
"Then perhaps we need to find a way to get that collar off. You may be our way to freedom."
Just then they heard the sound of something heavy being moved outside the door. Tibu and Buku hurried to the door. The plan was to force open the door and attack the warriors on the other side. If they could get their weapons, there would be a fighting chance at getting their freedom.
With Tibu on one side and Buku on the other, the door was slowly pulled open. Just as they were about to spring into action, Magu stepped in through the door.
"DO NOT MOVE."
No matter how hard Tibu and Buku tried, no matter how much they strained. None of the three lords could move a muscle. It was as if a great hand had reached out and was holding them in place. They were paralyzed.
Magu stepped in and stood laughing at the three powerless Savonti lords as they struggled to get free.
"Fight all you want." Magu said. "All you do is provide more power for the collar to use against you. Now get back against the wall and on your knees."
Moving one foot after the other, the three lurched their way to the cave wall then got down on their knees facing Magu.
"Enjoy this moment underling." A warning launched out from Weru. "Your lord has us in his power for now, but that will not last forever. I swear to you we will be free and when we are, I will personally rip the wings from your back and beat you to death with them."
"You can make all the threats you want Wer." Magu used his pre lord name to show disrespect. "But you should know, it only takes a order from Daru or me and the collar you wear will kill you. Remember that weak one. Now, welcome a new member to your ranks. This is the once proud Lexu, ex lord of Lexul. Make him feel at home."
Like a used rag, Lexu was tossed in to the dirty ground where he struggled to rise and look at the others in the cave chamber.
"We will be moving out within the frame." Magu turned to leave. "Be ready."
As Magu left and the door slammed close, Lexu got to his feet. Lexu was short for a Savonti. He had bruises all over his body and toad like face. All along his arms and back, sharp quills stuck out making him look even more dangerous.
"Where am I?" He asked. "My home has been destroyed. Who is responsible for this outrage!!"
"We have much to explain to you Lexu." Weru waved him towards a place where he could sit down." Rest and I will tell you all you need to know. Have any of you ever heard of Lord Maru?"
As Trela moved closer to the gates of the Academy, three humans stepped out from inside the gate. Two men and what looked to Trela like a elderly woman with a heavy veil over her face. As she came closer she watched as they greeted each person that passed by them. Trela wasn't worried. She thought there was no way they could see threw the illusion her mind was broadcasting out.
Pulling her cloak tighter around her she walked on. One more person to go. She looked up at the two men. they were both strange looking humans. One was taller. He had long white hair hair and strange looking pointed ears. He was dressed all in a tanish leather pants and tunic. The other was almost the complete opposite. He had pale skin but dark hair and eyes. His lips were redder then the taller man and there was a scar on his face. These humans were a strange lot. She wondered were they had come from.
As Trela stepped up to the taller man he smiled in greeting. She did a quick nod and moved on to the veiled woman.
"Nazun Queen Trela." She said. "What could brings Lord Daru's queen here to our home?"
Trela jumped when her name was spoken. It wasn't possible. How could this blind thing see though her disguise?
"Blind though I am, I can see many thing." She smiled. "Cutter, Azeal, May I present to you the queen of Darul. Lady Trela."
"A Savonti queen?" Cutter bowed to her. "I see a hazy about you. I wasn't sure what it was. We are honored Lady."
As Trela opened her mouth to speak, clan warriors came running from all over the courtyard. Bella was the first to arrive. With sword in hand he stepped up beside Lady Kordova to confront Queen Trela.
"What do you want here?" Bella's eyes blazed with anger as he spoke.
Trela had to think fast. She hoped the blind woman couldn't pry into her mind for answers. If she could, all would be lost.
"I only wish a place of safety." Trela pushed back her hood and let go of her illusion revealing her true face and the yellow crest on her neck to everyone there. "I have escaped from the madness of Lord Daru and his insane war. I only wish peace.'
"Then why were you disguised?" Azeal asked.
"For my own safety." She said. "I have traveled a long way with humans that would have killed me if they knew who I was. I had no guard, no weapons. My illusion was my only shield and protection.'
"You are Savonti." Someone called from the crowd. "You shouldn't be here!'"
As Bella looked around, the crowd began to grow. People were coming out of tents, and a few of the outer academy buildings. Suddenly they were everywhere. He noticed most of them were armed. They had to find someway to calm the crowd before they did something rash. They were beginning to shout threats at the queen.
"Cutter." Bella nudged the elf. "This could get out of hand. Do something!"
"I hear you." Cutter stepped out and raising his hand to calm the crowd. Using his fear powers he began broadcasting a calming feeling to everyone. "Everyone be calm. Every thing's going to be OK. Just go on with your day. We'll take care of this."
As Cutter talked, the tension in the crowd began to lessen and all the shouting stopped. Trela looked at the crowd amazed at how they had gone from the level of a crazed mob to such calmness. It had to be the white haired one that had calmed them. What power these humans had. No wonder Daru feared them so much. But that didn't impress Trela. She had seen strong lords fall never to rise again. All she needed was to be in the right place at the right time and she could come out on top of this. She could be even higher then any lord had ever been. But for now, she had to find the ring Locu had sent her for. And one of these humans had it.
"Come with us." The pale boy held out his hand. "Someone needs to see you right away."
Trela nodded and smiled that devious Savonti smile and let them lead her off towards the great house. Stepping in behind them, Cutter took Lilia by the hand and led her back in to the academy building. As they touched, Lilia sent out to him.
[Cutter, can you feel her mind?]
[I feel her fear.] He sent. [I don't quite understand it. The Savonti mind is so strange to me.]
[Can you reads why she is here?]
[I can't tell truth from lies with the Savonti.] He told her. [Her mind is different then Xan and Mar's. There's no honor in her. I don't think we can trust anything she says.]
[My thoughts exactly.] Lilia squeezed Cutter's hand. [For now we will let Shayn and Ono question her and see what happens. But I do know one thing.]
[What's that?]
[She lies.]
It was late and the last sun had just sank over the mountains when Lord Memu arrived back at the gates of his new home. He had been out all day searching the forest and lowlands for the humans that had escaped when he attacked and took back Lord Fedru's old house. His trip had been tiresome and without any luck. His tracker had somehow lost the human scent less then a mile away. He had been checking old camps and caves all day. Now he was back home, hungry and angry.
As he stopped at the entrance he signaled for the gate to be opened and ponder exactly what had gone wrong during the attack on Fedrul. Where had all the humans gone and how had they gotten out of the walls. His warriors had the house surrounded and had just broken through the walls, there should have been a short battle then a easy round up of new slaves, but that's not what happened. Instead, strange flying beast attacked with men on their backs. Beast that blast lightning and explosive blast just like a lord would in an attack. As Memu thought about it, he guessed it must have been the humans responsible for the blast. Beast couldn't possibly have such power or intelligence. He was surprised humans had such power but he had heard stories about powerful humans in the past. It was possible. But that didn't explain how in one unit they were fighting to keep the Savonti out, and in the next, they were gone leaving only a few dead bodies behind. There was more to these simple humans then Loc and Daru were telling him.
As the gate opened, Memu kicked his tracker into a slow walk saluting his warriors at the gate as he passed. Repairs on the walls they had knocked down had been started and soon the house would be completely secure again. At the entrance to his new house, Memu climbed down from his tracker and handed the reins to a warrior who would take it to be fed and watered. His lieutenant Rev stood at the entrance and gave him the usual chest slam salute.
"Report." Memu said as Rev stepped in line to follow him into the house. "The search parties I sent out. They found the humans, correct?"
"No my lord." Rev stuttered. "None of them have come back."
"WHAT?" Memu turned to face Rev red eyed. "Are all my warriors incompetent fool! Can any of you follow simple orders!"
"My apologies Lord Memu." Rev bowed and looked away scared Memu would crush him with his mind. "Perhaps they will return within the frame."
Just as Memu opened his mouth to scold the warrior, a call came from the gate. There was a visitor waiting outside to see Lord Memu.
With a frown and a nod to Rev which broke his neck, Memu turned back and headed for the gate. Climbing the stairs, Memu pushed a warrior out of his way and peered out to see his brother Loc standing there dressed in the purple fitted armor of a lord. With him stood two warriors dressed in the same in same color only warrior style.
"You have returned brother.' He shouted. "And dressed as a lord. By what right do you claim that armor?"
"By the rights of my lordly powers I claim the right." He called. His voice was bold, different then it had been. It vibrated with power. "I have news for you Brother."
"Lordly powers?" Memu leaned of the railing of the gate doubting him."You will prove these powers you speak of or I will take your armor and fed your body to my tracker for dinner."
"Very well." Locu smiled. "If you insist."
Locu stared at the gate guards then cleared his throat. "OPEN THE GATE NOW!"
Suddenly as if they were in some strange trance, the guards jumped up and hurried to open the gate. Memu watched in shock as Locu rode his tracker in then dismounted and looked up at his surprised brother.
"You want more proof?" He turned to the warrior standing a top the gate. "JUMP!"
"Yes my lord." The warrior dropped his staff and dived off the wall and crashed to his death at Locu's feet.
"Nazun Lord Locu." Memu slowly walked down the stairs to where his brother stood. "I am impressed. I see your dreams have come true,"
"Yes brother." Locu climbed down off his tracker and gave the reins over to one of his warriors. "Pentanthin will soon be ours as I always promised you."
"Do not think me a fool brother. I know you will never share anything with me. You never could, even as hatching's. I allow you back in my house now but you will not be staying. Say what it is you have come to say."
"Very well." Locu shrugged. "Your warriors are dead. Killed by Daru and the Humans. I do know where they are if you will permit me to lead you to them. Then we can crush them together."
"An alliance?"
"A brotherhood." He said. "Your warriors, my knowledge and powers. We will be invincible. Neither Daru or the humans will stand before us."
"I will agree for now." Memu rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes at Locu. "When shall we attack?"
"At the first frame of the next night." Locu climbed back on his tracker. 'Be ready for my call."
Urging his tracker on, Locu rode out of Memu's compound. As the gates closed, Memu turned back to head into his house to rest.
"I will be ready Brother." He said. "I will be ready for the staff you plan to stab into my back."
It was cold and dark as Sacar sat clinging to the roof of Daru's main audience hall. Magu was back with his prisoners and Daru sat on his high throne as Magu and his warriors led the four ex lord in to be reviewed. Dressed in dirty black ragged robes and chains around their necks, Buku, Weru and Tibu were led in with Lexu being dragged behind. Weru with his head held high stopped in front of Daru.
"You will dread this day Daru." He shouted. With a yank of his chain, Magu dragged Weru to the floor.
"That is no why to address your master!' Magu swung out and smacked Weru across his face. Weru fell back to the floor. He looked up at Magu straining with all his might to blast the flying lord where he stood.
From the throne, Daru smiled slyly
"Your blast will not work." Daru stood and stepped down from the throne. "None of your powers will work unless I order it. You are all my juinti now. Slaves to fight under my command and die if that is my wish. Bring in the others!"
With a nod, a warrior on the other side of the chamber opened the door and two more Savonti in collars were led in. With a gasp,Weru recognised the long missing Lords Resu and Guku. So this is what happened to the powerful lords. Weru wondered if Seru, Redu and Dicu were somewhere here in Daru's collar.
As Resu walked over and stood looking down at Weru, Daru strolled over and walked around them inspecting his group of lordly warriors.
"Soon you all will be out fighting against my enemies." Daru said. "I have begun by destroying and taking your houses from you. I will continue by going against all the other lords until I alone am the High Lord of all of Pentanthin. But first, the humans. They have become to organized and to powerful. It is time I put an end to that old prophesy about the White and Grey. It is time the humans are all finally gathered and put in collars to be the juinti they were born to be."
"Your ambition is going to be your greatest enemy." Weru wiped blood from his mouth as he climbed to his feet. "We will never accept you as our lord. You should kill me now for I will get my freedom and when I do, you will pay."
Magu grabbed him and slammed his fist into his face. Weru spit blood at Magu.
"Beat us all you want." Resu spoke up. "Beat me to death, but it will not change anything. WE WILL BE FREE!!"
Magu grabbed Resu and tossed him to the floor beside Weru and kicked him. The other lords tried to fight back, but they were powerless against the collar they all wore.
Wiping the blood from his hands, Magu went to Daru's throne.
"How do you plan to do that?" Magu asked. "We still have no idea where they hide."
"I know where to find them." Daru said as he returned to his throne. "My armaurk queen has found them."
"Trela?"
"Yes." He nodded. "She thinks she and Loc the hunter have found a way to destroy me. They think I can not see treachery they plan with the human. Foolish! They lead me right to where I want go. And I will lead them to pens with a collar on their neck."
"When do we attack?" Magu was anxious to get even with the humans that tore down his house. "I have a score to settle with the humans.
"Take them to their cells." Daru ordered. "We leave tomorrow for Fedrul to kill the White and Grey."
Magu rapped his staff hard on the floor making a thunderous sound that rang through the entire chamber.With a harsh bark, Magu ordered the lords to turn and head through the door and down to Daru's slave pens in the lower levers of the house. As the echo bounced from wall to wall, something moved high up on the ceiling. Daru jumped to his feet and ordered everyone to stop, be quiet and not to move.
As Magu stood with the slaves wondering what was going on, Daru stepped down and looked up to the ceiling. He focused his mind and scanned the roof moving slowly inch by inch.
"What is it my lord?" Magu asked.
"I SAID QUIET!!"
Even though Magu wore no collar, Daru's order struck him and silenced him. It paralyzed his vocal cord to the point where he could barely breathe.
Returning to his scan, Daru focused hard on the ceiling. Foot by foot, inch by inch Daru searched. He found baebots and small bat like rodents and many different types of insects. Then out of the cornor of his minds range, something moved. Daru quickly grabbed a staff from one of his warriors and fired. There was a sudden screech and something materialized out of the shadows looking down at the Savonti below.
"NEVAC!!"
Daru raised the staff and fired a quick series of shots as the Nevac tried to scramble away. But now that Daru had seen it, he know it was there and could feel exactly where it was.
Having been discovered, Sacar sent out to Avar who was hiding on a northern wall a quick order.
[GO!] He sent. [FIND THALIA AND ZARIN AND WARN THEM THAT DARU IS COMING.]
[NO!.] Avar sent as he tried to reach Sacar. [WE CAN FIGHT HIM.]
[DO AS I SAY AND GO BEFORE HE FINDS YOU.] Sacar scurried back to the center of the ceiling away from Avar. [GO NOW!]
As Avar hurried down the wall to the exit, he turned back to see how Sacar fared. From below, all the Savonti were now firing at Sacar. He jumped from spot to the next while at the same time, he rubbed his wings together sending bursts of solid pulses of sound down at the Savonti. He hit three warriors before Daru had him corner and hit him with one of his own mind blasts. As Avar watched, he fell fluttering to the floor. Sacar looked and found Avar still there on the wall.
[GO NOW!!] Sacar sent as he waved Avar away.
Swinging his staff around, Daru hit Sacar in his chest plate knocking him back to the floor. Spinning it around, he aimed it straight at Sacar's multi faceted eyes.
"So the Nevac still live." Daru grinned licking his lips. "I find that pleases me. Your people always were the better miner for the Pentanthium then the humans, and I find I still have a taste for Nevac flesh. Tell me, how many survived our hunt?"
[MILLIONS!] Sacar sent calmly. [ YOU THINK YOUR IDIOTIC HUNT HURT US? YOU JUST DROVE US DEEPER DOWN UNDER GROUND WHERE WE LEARNED TO FIGHT AND HATE THE SAVONTI. WE GATHERED OUR PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER PENTANTHIN. WE MADE WEAPONS AND ALLIES. WE KNOW ALL ABOUT THE PROPHESY AND WE REVEL IN IT. WE ARE HERE TO HELP THEM. THE WHITE AND GREY WILL BE THE END OF YOU.]
"I see." Daru waved a trio of warriors over. He pulled back his staff and indicated to Sacar to get up on his feet."Nazun Xiz!."
"Keep your arms and legs held out." He said. "Or I will kill you."
Sacar slowly pushed himself up on to his feet. As he got up, his wings twitched. Daru knew what those wings could do. With a warrior still aiming his staff at Sacar, he walked behind him and grabbed a hold of his wings and ripped them free from his body.
Sacar's scream was heard by every Nevac and telepath for many miles away, that included under and above ground. At the entrance of house Daru, Avar felt the pain as it ripped through Sacar's body. He fell from the wall into a small group of warriors guarding the entrance. As Avar climb to his feet and shook of the pain, he became visible. Shocked the three warriors grabbed for their weapons to attack the Nevac.
After all the pain and Nevac deaths. After seeing his brothers and sister, cousins and hatch mates hunted down almost into extinction, something in the docile Avar snapped. A scream like nothing ever heard from the voiceless Nevac came out of Avar as he attacked the warriors with his slashing set of upper fore claws. Avar stabbed and slashed, ripped and tore into the three warrior like the avenging warrior he now was.
As death claimed the three warrior, two more came running from the manse firing their staffs with great accuracy. Rage burned through Avar as he batted away the blasts with his arms and wings. Pulling swords, the two Savonti dived into the attack. Razor sharp were edges of the Nevac claws and stronger then the Pentanthium they lived in. Avar blocked and stabbed at the warriors like he had been a warrior all his life. His upper two arms were more then a deadly match for the warriors that attacked and in seconds, two more bodies lay at his feet.
As his rage quelled, Avar remembered Sacar and his last orders. Avar wasn't sure if Sacar still lived or not. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't feel his mind at all and that made his order important. Avar wanted to go back in and help but he wouldn't stand a chance against an entire house of Savonti let alone a lord like Daru. His only chance was to do as Sacar said and go and warn the others of what would be soon coming. He spread his wings and launched himself into the sky swearing to return and bring Sacar home or get the revenge he deserved.
It had been a long day for Zarin and all his friends. Trip had found and recovered the Ring of Endrin, Lady Kordova with her Pentanthin magic had somehow made it safe to carry. They no longer had to worry about the strange effects it had on them. Nysa, the sister of Tored and Luke found the spell Tabor had placed on them and severed it's connection. He could no longer control them or spy on what happened in the Academy. Tabor after trying his spell on Zarins mother had murdered her breaking both Zarin and his fathers heart. After escaping the academy, Tabor had run into Zarin deep in the forest and been recognized as the son of Lord Larin, conqueror of Winterhaven.
Now with his friends at his side, Zarin had the task of finding Tabor wherever it was he had gone on Pentanthin. His only chance would be with magic. Tabor was a talented warlock, but Zarin was one of the top students ever to study under Professor Insa. He was smart, inventive and best of all, among friends who would fight at his side. But where was Tabor Larin hiding?
It was late in the afternoon and Zarin and his friends were gathered at their table in the dining hall. Craven and Zark were sharping there weapons while Reno sat with Thalia devouring his dinner. Trip sat with Rese quietly watching the others glad they had talked him out of venturing out by himself while Dack studied a book he had taken earlier from Insa's library.
"So how are we going to find him?" Zarin asked everyone looking from one to the next. "We know he's here somewhere?"
"Yeah." Dack said. "He's here, just not in the academy."
"Well, where could he go?" Tored asked as him and his brother joined the group. "He doesn't know anyone and he can't mix with another clan, they would spot him in a si. He would have to be on his own wherever he is."
"There are a lot of caves out there in the hills where he could hide." Luke added. "All he would have to do is avoid the Savonti which means staying away from Daru's border and anywhere near Refuge. Lord Memu would have watchers watching those old caves."
"What if he's with a Savonti lord?" Reno asked.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at Reno. He looked up at the surprised no one had thought of it before
"Well, there really is no where else he could go." Reno wiped the crumbs from his mouth. "Question is, which one?"
"We only know lord Lesu, Maru and Yaru." Thalia said. "He wouldn't go to any of them, they wouldn't help him."
"Neither would Daru, Memu or any lords we know of." Tored said. Everyone seemed down with no idea who it could be that might help Tabor.
"So no ideas?" Zarin looked at his friends. "Anybody?"
"Excuse me. Maybe I can help." Azeal,Tanis and Gabor came over from the table where they had been talking. "I don't know who might be hiding Tabor, but I have an idea where."
"Go on. Zarin sat down to listen.
"You may not know this but there are several lords who's houses have fallen recently." He explained. "That would be a good place to hide wouldn't it?"
"An abandoned Savonti house?" Tored frowned. "Which one?"
"Well." Azeal sat down with the group. "Redu was raided by Daru. But I think Daru took over his house. Fedru became Refuge then Memul. Shayn and Ono tore down Magu's stack."
"What about Seru?" Gabor reminded them. "It's deep in the swamp cut off from most of the other lords and as far as I know, it's still empty."
"Sounds perfect." Zarin smiled. "Either of you know how to find it?"
"I can guide you there." Azeal stood and pushed his chair in. "But first I think we should fill Shayn in on what you plan just in case. He and Ono will want to know."
"Then let's get moving. Times a wasting."
"So what brings the queen of Darul to our school?" Ono asked as he and Shayn faced Trela who sat with Cutter on one side and Blink on the other.
"I grow sick of all these silly wars." She smiled her tongue flickering out. "Daru attacks Lesu who attacks Nebu and on and on. All I want is somewhere to be safe from all the fighting."
"And you think we can help you find this safety?" Shayn leaned forward to look her in her eyes hoping to see some truth. "Why should we believe you?"
"Why would I lie? "
"To hide why your really here." Bella said as he came into the room. "Daru's manse is the safest place on Pentanthin. I could attack with milloins of clansmen and search for ages and never find where you hide. I know Daru's is the biggest of all Savonti houses. So why are you here? Tell us?"
"Beware the white and grey." She recited. " For they will cause the end of agens of tyranny and enslavement. Their power and courage will doom the high ones and bring freedom to all that suffer and fight with them. The mark of the wolf and dragon will be the sign. Beware the white and grey. Do you think humans are the only one's to have heard the prophesy? These words have been told to me by my hatch and my queen mother since I was first hatched. I know who you are. I have seen it with my own power. My only hope is with you."
After hearing her what she had to say, Bella stepped around the desk to talk to Shayn and Ono privately. Trela watched as they talked and occasionally glanced at her. Would they believe her? She hadn't lied, and she didn't tell them any useful information either. But she would if she had to. She knew all about Daru's plans to gather slave lords as a force to send against his enemies and she and Locu had plans of their own to take that force. But first things first. She had to find a way to get that ring.
The human had told Locu the ring would be in the hands of a young one named Zarin. He would be of medium size with dark hair and grey eyes. He would probably be with a small yellow haired boy and maybe a tall one in brown. He had given Locu a small stone which he said might glow and give off heat when near the ring. She would see if she was allowed out among the people she thought as she clutched the stone in her hand.
As Trela waited, there was a knock at the door. The one called Shayn called out to the person knocking to enter. The door opened and three young humans came in. One she knew was of the Gekko clan. He wore the distinctive design of a sword and an axe, Petar Gekko's sign on his sleeve. Trela assumed since these two had the same features, they were the sons of the old enemy. The next was the pale dark haired one she had seen when she arrived. When he saw her, he smiled exposing his fangs. He had a deadly look about him. Trela nodded and flicked her tongue, something that usually filled most humans with fear but not this one. He simply turned away back to the the others. Last of the three was a tall human with dark hair. His eyes were a shade of grey almost like the tall pointed eared one. He completely ignored her and walked straight to the desk. As they entered, a warm feeling began to radiate from Trela's pocket. With her hand still in there, she stroked the stone feeling its warmth. The Ring was near.
"Zarin, Azeal." Ono sat back with his hands folded in front of him. "We're a little busy here. What is it?"
Zarin! This is the one she was looking for and he has the ring. Now she had to think of some way to get them both away this cursed place.
"We think we know where we can find Tabor."
Ono narrowed his eyes and looked to Shayn and Cutter. Finding Tabor had been left in Zarin's hands since he and his friends had so much experience with the young warlock.
"Are you sure?" Shayn asked. "You know exactly where he is?"
"We have a good idea where he could be." Zarin explained. "The only way to know for sure is to go out and find him. That's why we're here."
"Zarin." Ono stopped him. "We're sorry for what happened to your mother. We loved her very much and feel responsible for what happened. When I look in your fathers eyes I see his pain."
"I feel it everyday." Cutter added nodding
"But that's not.." Zarin started to say.
"Yes it is." Shayn stood. "We want him to pay for all he's done to.Your mother, Dack and Craven's parent, There's a cadet missing that I know Tabor had something to do with. But we can't let you and your friends go running all over after Tabor."
"Why not?" Zarin asked. He could feel himself getting mad. "We can find him."
"Because of them." Ono pointed to Trela. "It's no mistake she's here. The Savonti have found us. We can't let you go chasing after Tabor. It's to dangerous."
"Is this Tabor you speak of a young golden haired human?"
Everyone turned to stare at Trela after her question. Bella moved to stand beside her.
"Why do you ask?"
"I believe I know the one you speak of." She smiled that sly Savonti smile. "I might even know where he is."
"Where?" Zarin jumped from his chair. "Where is he?"
"I could show you."
"Get her out of here!!" Ono demanded. "Put her in the dungeon!!"
As Trela laughed. Blink took her by the arm and pulled her from the room. "Come find me when you are ready to find your enemy. Maybe I can help."
"Ono, No!" Zarin pleaded. "She can help find him!"
"And you would trust her?" Gabor said. "Trela is a queen. Just as evil as any lord. She would lead you right to your death, that is where she would take you!"
"Absolutely not!" Shayn pounded the desk. "I never thought I would sound like my father but I forbid it!! It's to dangerous! The Savonti may soon crash through our gates and you want to go out and march straight into their hands? NOT A CHANCE!!"
"Shayn, Ono." Zarin tried to calm their worries. "Haven't we proved that we can take care of ourselves? We came here all on own own to find you. We've fought Savonti on our own. You have to trust us to do this."
"No." Shayn stood and walked to stand with Zarin. "I'm sorry but I have to get you home safe. Whether you came on your own or not, your our responsibility now. All of you. now, go out and find your father and give him whatever help you and your friends can."
"Yes sir." Zarin turned and went to the door and left the room.
"What do you think?" Ono asked.
"I think we better watch him."
Getting out of the academy wasn't as easy as they thought it would be. Zarin choose Dack and Craven to come with and that didn't sit well with the other. Reno and Thalia screamed at him for an hour. What was on his mind going into the deadly swamp with them at his side? Reno was livid. None of the people Zarin had choose except Craven was really a warrior. He would need muscle at his side when he faces the Savonti. But Zarin insisted they would all be needed here. When they came back, they would need the Academy there and thye school needed all the fighter it could get. Then there was Zark. Zark had sworn his sword to always be at Craven's side. If something happened to Craven, Zark would have failed and he would have to end his own life. But after an hour of talking, Craven had convinced Zark that he would be safe and that his friends would need the Orc's protection.
With Trela in chains, Zarin set out with Azeal in the lewad and Craven and Dack right behind him. The trip through the forest was unevent full. They didn't run into any pf Memu or Daru's warriors
Juinti. = Slave.
ReplyDelete