Ghost of the Past. 83

At the moment, chaos ruled in the house of Darkshade. Soldiers ran around carrying out their orders to fortify the royal castle and the walls around Darkshade. It seemed Talsara was preparing for an attack, but by who? Who would be crazy enough to attack the Queen of Darkshade, one of the most evil and powerful women on all of Keanna?
As Wyn sat at his desk he thought about that question. No one in Fay Shrea had the power or the men to attack Darkshade thought they certainly had motive. Talsara had warriors attack all over Fay Shrea. She had ripped and destroyed so many lands and royal families lately that her name was on the tongue of everyone in the Elven and Fairy lands from Eventide to Lands End. Fairies, Dwarves, Pixies, Goblin, Mer and Human had felt her ambition and thirst for power. Even the Vampires and Werewolves were now the enemies of Darkshade. But it can't be any of them, they were so engrossed in the fighting with Tayor Larin and Darkshade was so far away that an attack would be no easy task. Then who did that leave? Some new threat he didn't know about? Some old enemy come back to try their hand at taking down the Queen of Darkshade, maybe one of her so called allies.
Getting to his feet, Wyn went to the window to look out at all the turmoil in the courtyard below. Warriors marched and patrolled all through the yard and outside of the gate. He looked up and saw lights still blazed in Talsara's study. She was hard at work on some mad plan of hers. As Wyn looked further up he realized the lights in Elan's tower were on. That was strange, he had been watching those windows for months wishing that his son could be home safe without fear of his mothers insane hateful actions. Wyn had known for years about Elan and Aron. He had also known what Talsara would do had she had any suspicions of their affair. Wyn really didn't care. It wasn't like it was anything strange to him or the Elven people. Most elven people had a more enlightened attitude about sex and love. Male and female, male and male. female and female, As long as two people could love each other, what did it really matter?  But Talsara had a completely different opinion. In her mind everyone should worship her like a goddess.  Everything should revolve around, through her and about her. Her opinion was law in Darkshade and she had decided that no dark elf in her land especially her son could love that way.
For years she had condemn any and all relationships between the same sexes in Darkshade. She had outlawed homosexuality throughout all of Darkshade and all the lands she conquered. Men and women of many lands had died from her insane unjust punishments. Elan had known this. That's why Wyn was so surprised at his sons choice in mates. But once Elan had made that choice, Wyn's only choice as a good father was to accept it and protect his son from his own mother. So when Wyn learned that Talsara knew the secret, it was up to him to do whatever he could to help Elan and Aron.
Now as Wyn gazed up at the lit up tower, he wondered if it was possible that Elan had come home to try and find Aron. He knew sooner or later Elan would find out Aron was here in Darkshade. He had hoped Argus would find him and they would find powerful friends like the Dragons who would come and help get Aron free. But if the lights were on in Elan's tower, that could only mean one thing. Somehow, Talsara had found him.
Grabbing his sword and belting it at his side, Wyn left his study. In the halls servants hurried around on whatever chores they had been appointed to. He saw maiden's with trays of food heading out to feed some of Darkshades Generals. Soldiers hurried on to post and their place of watch for the night. But none of that was important right now, finding out who was in the tower was.
Wyn walked the halls past the queens rooms off her war room. He passed through the royal offices and headed for the apartments used by the royal family. Elan's tower was in the northwest part of the castle. As Wyn approached, two guards stepped out and barred his access to the stairs that went up to Elan's rooms.
"What is this?" He stepped back. "Get out of my way."
"My apologies your highness." A guard bowed. "But by the Queens orders, no one is allowed entrance."
"She does not mean me." Wyn tried to push pass them. Hands reached out and grabbed him and pulled him back. "Unhand me!!"
"I'm sorry my lord but the queen gave us specific orders. No one is to go up."
"We'll see about that." Wyn turned and hurried off back towards the Queens offices. He wanted answers and only Talsara could give them to him.
From Elan's tower, Wyn hurried on through the crowd of people waiting to see the queen. He stopped at the door to her office. Just as he was about to grab the knob and push it open, Llyra opened the door and stepped out.
"Can I help you King Wyn?"
"I need to see Talsara." He said. "It's urgent."
"I'm sorry. The queen is busy right now. Can I help?"
"You are the queen's first assistant." He looked deep in her eyes. "I need to know, is Elan here?"
"I am not allowed to provide you with that information." Llyra had a sad look in her eyes. As if there was something she wanted to say but couldn't. She reached out and took the kings hand and held it. "Have faith, things aren't always as bad as they seem."
With a smile she let go and hurried off down the hallway. As Wyn stared after her, he realized she had place a small piece of paper in his hand. He stuck it in his belt and headed back to his own study.
Once in his study behind closed doors, Wyn opened the paper and read it.

            Look to the closet. There's someone there who can help you.

Looking up, Wyn walked to the small walk in closet behind his desk. He stopped at the door with his hand on the knob wondering who could possibly be in here that could help him. With one hand on his sword, Wyn turned the knob and opened the door. Instead of a closet, he found himself staring into a dark cold abyss. Freezing winds swept out as something in there howled. Wyn grabbed the door to slam it shut when something from in there called out for him to stop.
[Wyn Limeira, stop. Don't shut me away again.]
As a glowing swirling mist appeared, Wyn jumped in fright and stepped back away from the door.
"Who calls?"
[Don't you recognize my voice?] It asked. [It's been a long time but one doesn't usually forget someone he killed.]
"It can't be." Wyn took another step back and recognizing who's voice it was. As Wyn stared into the darkness, the mist churned around and around and started to form itself into a shape Wyn could recognize. As Wyn stood staring holding his breath, Liat Caldras stepped out of the closet to stand before him.
[Aiya your majesty.] Liat nodded his head in greeting. [I've been told you are in need of some help.]
Wyn stared at Liat unsure of what to say. His guilt was written all over his face. What was he to say? How could he ask help from the man whose life he had stolen? Help for the child he had stolen so long ago. Wyn dropped his sword which was useless anyway. He looked up at Liat then dropped down to one knee and bowed his head to the ghost.
"Liat Caldras." He said. "I know what I've done to you and your family. I know I am one of the people responsible for your death. I could lay it all at Talsara's feet but in truth, I followed her orders so I must accept responsibility for what I've done. For that I am truly sorry and I beg for your forgiveness. If you can help me, I'll accept whatever punishment you think is appropriate. Just please help me. I have to find Elan before his mother does."
[I have been watching Darkshade ever since I woke as a ghost in Talsara's tower prison.] Liat floated out of the the closet of shadows as the door closed behind him. [I know of all the things you and your queen did to take control of Darkshade, I know it was Talsara herself that killed Queen Caline. And I know it was you that put King Rhys in his cell. You have both done horrible things to Darkshade. But it was you that gave Elan the real love of a parent. For that, I thank you. If it wasn't for you, my son might be as cold hearted as his mother, or worse. I thank you for protecting him from her. For showing him what love really is.]
Wyn couldn't believe his ears. Liat should hate him for what he had done, but he was thanking him instead. Maybe there was a chance after all.
"Then you'll help me find Elan?"
[Finding Elan is easy.] Liat said. [Rescuing him is another story. Elan is here in his tower imprisoned by his mother.]
In that moment, all hope dropped from Wyn's heart. He knew how much trouble his son was in. Talsara had sworn she would kill him if she could get him back in her hands. Wyn knew he had to do something soon or she might keep her promise.

As a cold wind blew through Winterhaven, a speck of light appeared in the air over the old site of the Academy. As seconds passed, that speck of light grew into a silent swirling mass of magic. Sitting on a log with his fishing line sank in the small lake, an old gate keeper stood and stared into the magical hole as it grew to man size. Having lived here for many years and seen many astonishing feats of strange magic, the gate keep dropped his fishing pole and ran for cover behind his wagon where he watched the portal as a blond haired young man emerged from the portal. Looking up into the sky and seeing the lone moon shining bright, Tabor looked around and recognized where he was.
"Home at last!!" Tabor sank to his knees and ran his fingers through the dirt. He had never been so glad to see the shining lights of Winterhaven in the distance before. He was home at last. His fathers manor should be just to the north where he would be there waiting for him. Now that he had the Ring of Endrin in his possession, it was Tabor's turn to rule. His father would have to see him as an equal now. No, not a equal. With the ring, Tabor would be much stronger then him. Now Tabor would be the master.
Laughing wildly, Tabor cast his spell to take him home where he could grind his fathers ambitions into the mud.
As Tabor vanished into the night, the gate keeper stepped out from his hiding place. He had recognized the son of Lord Larin and knew his arrival would mean trouble. His father had taken over the city and caused a war which had killed a lot of people. City guards and warriors, men he knew. Families destroyed all for Tayor Larin's thirst for power. He had to go warn Insa that Tabor was somewhere here in the city. He would know what to do.

In her bedroom in the family wing of New Keanna manor, Athene tossed and turned in her sleep. Sweat ran heavy from her brow as she moaned out in distress in her dream. In her dream, Athene ran blindly through the streets of Prafa from nightmarish monster things. Strange shadows watched her from every doorway and window. Shadows of something dark she couldn't see but could feel out there.
As she ducked into a shop, she ran and hid behind the counter to hide.  From there she watched as the nightmares ran pass. Like a horde of wild demon, nightmares of all kinds hurried pass the shop window. Huge bipedal things covered with hair and scales. Great insect like monsters with stingers and pincer like clawed hands. Bat thing and things so horrible she couldn't even describe them. These were all things from deep down in her own nightmares. Things created for her and her mind only. As Athene huddled in fear, the sound of thunder rattled the ground. Feeling the vibrations, Athene knew it wasn't thunder at all. It was footsteps of something big moving down the lane toward the shop she was hiding in. As the sound grew closer, Athene heard the sounds of something crashing. She looked up and out the window to see debris falling all around. Whatever was out there was tearing down all the building as it searched for her.
As she waited, her fear grew more intense by the second. The walls started to crumble as the ceiling grew heavy with the weight of mortar and stone piling up over her head. Athene scared reached up and covered her ears to stop the noise of the howling beast and crashing debris out of her mind.
"Mother please!" she screamed. "Make it stop! Help me please!"
Like the flick of a switch or the turn of a key, suddenly all the sound stopped. Athene looked up and found everything had frozen, nothing moved anywhere near her. Then she heard it. A voice in her head.
[Wake up Athene. Let the nightmare go before it kills you. Take my hand and wake up!]
Without any hesitation, Athene reached out into the air having faith that the hand would be there and grabbed the hand of comfort that had been offer to her. As the two hands met, a warm feeling spread through her and she opened her eyes.
As Athene opened her eyes, Lady Angela the goddess of death sat at her side holding her hand. She smiled up at her mother happy to see her.
"Are you alright?" Angela asked as she wiped Athene's sweaty brow. "Did he hurt you?"
"Who mother?"
"Extremus." She answered. "Only he kills with dreams. He's the one holding the Dragons in their dream state. He's the one controlling Tayor Larin and the others."
"I don't understand. Who is he?"
"Extremus is one of the old ones." She explained. "He's the mad brother of Rimnar and god of nightmares, madness and hate. He's returned from his shadow world of nightmare and attacked Rimnar and Fortis. Rimnar, Aramis, Nestor and Alea have all succumbed to his attack. They are all trapped in his nightmare world fighting to get free. But it is useless. Extremus fear is very strong and deadly, even more deadly then death. His fear leads to complete madness which in worse then death. There is no peace from his madness. Once it has you, he never lets go."
"Then how do we fight him?" Athene asked. "If he's more powerful then death, what do we fight him with?"
"The answer is truth and sanity." Angela stood and stepped away from the bed. "I will do three things  to help. First, no longer will the dead rise to fight in Sarella's army and second, she will not have control of the pure at heart. They will fight on the side of the right."
"And the third part?"
Angela turned back to Athene and smiled at her then raised her hands and started to fade away.
"That you will find out when the time comes. Until then, be safe my sweet daughter and find your brother. Keep him safe."
And then, she was gone. Athene pushed away the covers and got up out of bed. Rage and Valkar would need to hear what she had told her. What was truth and sanity? Athene had no idea but maybe they would have some clue as to what the death goddess was talking about.

It was late in the evening and Rage sat alone in the study. He had been having trouble sleeping. Nightmares plagued his dreams. He had been dreaming all kinds of horrible things. He dreamed his brothers and sisters were under attack in the dreamworld they were sleeping in. He dreamed Shayn and Ono were in some strange world filled with powerful lizard men fighting for freedom and to get home. He dream Jandar was underwater fighting Coral elves. He watched in fear as Maxius fought some strange underwater beast  and dragged it down into a volcano and death. That was the last thing he remembered before he woke covered in sweat shaking.
Pushing back the covers, Rage got up and grabbed a robe, dressed and went down and started a fire in the study. With his dreams still on his mind, Rage walked to a door on the side and went down to the wine cellar. There they kept an assortment of exotic wines and liquors from all over Taggitia. There were barrels of beers from the dwarves, wine wines made from elderberries and wild grapes from Eventide and Marifin. Strong deep red wines made from bloodberries fermented in Yadessa and Glenmorange the harder stuff from Tir Na. Glenmorange was a golden brewed liquor with a slight cinnamon taste  made from dragonsroot by the Werewolves. It was highly intoxicating and just what Rage needed right now. He grabbed a bottle and headed back upstairs and sat down and poured himself a drink. As he sat quietly drinking, someone knocked at the study door.
"Come in"
As the door opened, Valkar came in. He looked exhausted like he hadn't gotten much sleep either. He grabbed a chair and pulled it over to the desk and sat down.
"You look like you could use a glass of this." Rage held up the bottle.
"Glenmorange." He smiled. "I can use the whole bottle."
"Can't sleep?" Rage got a glass and poured him four fingers. "Bad dreams?"
"Worse then being trapped under that spell again." Valkar took the glass and downed it. "I dreamed they had torn down Vasagi's walls and were burning down my city. Azeal tried to stop them  and they tore him apart. I woke up as they tossed him in the fire."
"Its just a dream my friend." Rage poured him another drink. "It wasn't real. I keep telling myself none of it was real,"
"I know." Valkar leaned forward. "I know Azeal's not here. But I'm very worried about him and Tanis. Not to mention everyone else in the Academy. I want them home, now."
"I know." Rage said. "I feel the same, but I'm sure they can take care of themselves for now. We have our own problems to worry about. Like the dead outside of our gates. What do we do about them?"
"What we always do when the dead walk." Rage and Valkar turned as Athene came into the study. "We burn then. I have news from my mother. We need to get to Winterhaven. We have work to do."

On the throne of Darkshade, Talsara sat in a quiet dark mood. Things weren't going the way she had planned. Eventide still stood strong with Adanar there as it's new king. Evindal was dead but the demons and her spell to sap all their magic had failed. Now two Dragons were there protecting the city with the help of some strange troops dressed in dark armor. Talsara had sent her probes in to investigate but they had all been destroyed before she could learn anything.
To her amazement, she had found that Eventide wasn't the only place protected by the dark garbed troops. They were also in Aspara Baugh, Dree and a few other Elven kingdoms. Somehow she had lost control in Fay Shrea and day by day more kingdoms slipped from her grasp. This had to be the work of Eventide somehow. That damned prophesy of Hasmira's. It was all coming true. Somehow somewhere out there, there was a Eventide enemy she knew nothing about. Talsara didn't know how, but Tanyl and Dasyra must have managed to hide a son from her. Which was impossible since she had been watching them closely since Hasmira had made her prediction. Talsara had watched as all three of the last Eventide children were born. She saw Adanar, Emrel and Ryel as they came sliding from their mothers womb. Two were simple easy births while Ryel was different. His birth was hard and had almost killed Dasyra, but she had recovered. After that, Tanyl was killed and there were no more children so Talsara felt safe. With Tanyl dead, there could not be a seventh son born and Hasmira's mad prediction could never come true. But still something troubled her. There was something about that Aron Neveral that bothered her. It was more then his relationship with her son. Something about him scared her and made her hate him that much more. She had put out the word with a price on his head. She had sent her best hunters and spies out after him, but somehow he still eluded her. But there was something else she could do to draw him in. Elan would be the key.
Waving over her scribe and Ilrya her hand maiden, Talsara was ready with new orders to be passed out through out Darkshade.
"Let it be posted all through out Darkshade." Talsara spoke hard and clear. "In two days time, Prince Elan will be chained in the courtyard. He will be stripped of all his rank and clothing and beaten. He will be left there on display for one night for all the people to see him in his disgrace, then he will be taken down and he will walk to his execution site where he will be beheaded. You will have that posted in all the market places and on every post in Darkshade."
"Yes my Queen." Ilyra bowed and led the scribe towards the doors. As Talsara watched them leave, a smile spread across her face. This would bring him out of hiding and to their deaths.
"One more thing Ilrya. Have the Shadowfall elves brought to me right away."

As Ilrya hurried through the castle, many thoughts ran through her head. She had to find a way to help Elan escape this dark place. He was the only hope Darkshade had of ever finding its way back to a honorable state. She knew there was no way she could get Elan out by herself. Talsara's magic was much stronger then her's. She would need help and a large amount of luck to get them out of this. If only prophesies could come true. That could save them all.
While the scribe went on off to his little office to print out Talsara's proclamation, Ilyra headed upstairs to find the only ally she knew she had here in the palace. King Wyn. She stopped at his door looking to make sure no one had seen her, then she tapped at the door.
"Enter."
Quietly Ilrya turned the knob and slipped into Wyn's dark office. As she closed the door and turned, someone reached out and grabbed her by the throat and pushed her back against the wall. She grabbed at the hand holding her, a dagger was put to rest over her heart. All it would take would be a slight thrust and her heart would be pierced.
"What do you want Ilyra?"  Wyn asked quietly with the dagger point at her breast.
"I'm here to help you." She whispered.
"Why should I believe you?" He asked. She could feel the tip of the dagger pressing into her. "Your Talsara's right hand. You've always followed her like a pet and did whatever she told you. Why would you want to help now?"
"I can help you Wyn." She said softly. "The queen has gone to far. Darkshade's whole existence is at peril now. We have to stop her before it's to late."
"You still haven't told why you want to help!!" Wyn shouted pressing the knife to her throat.
"Because Elan is my grandson!!"
Wyn dropped the dagger and stepped back in shock. How could this be? That would mean that she was...
[Hello Mother.] Liat appeared transparent behind Wyn. As Wyn backed away, Liat floated forward until he stood before his mother. [It's good to see you again.]
With a tear in her eyes, Hasmira reached out and tried to touch the spirit. Her fingers passed right through him.
"Liat, my Liat!" She cried. "I've missed you so much."
"I know Mother." He smiled. "I've missed you too. I looked for you after I re materialized but couldn't find you."
"After your execution I was lost." She explained. "And I was being hunted by Talsara. I had to hide myself or leave Darkshade. But I couldn't leave. Talsara had to pay for what she had done. I knew it was by her orders that Queen Caline died. In fact it was by your hand Wyn. I couldn't let her get away with it. Then I learned she was pregnant and I knew the child was yours. My grandson. I had to stay and find a way to watch over him."
"What happened to Ilrya?" Wyn asked. He knew Ilrya to be a powerful witch in her own right. If she was trapped somewhere, there was a chance she could be back to interfear with his plans to rescue Elan.
"Not a year after the Queens ascension and Liat's death, Ilrya tracked me down to a hidden chalet not far from here in the Koalt mountains. Her and two of Talsara's witch women held me at bay for three days. We fought fiercely but in the end Ilrya failed in her mission to kill me. With Ilrya and her sisters dead, I returned to take her place. I have been here ever since plotting against Talsara and doing whatever I could to keep a certain secret from being revealed."
"What secret?" Wyn asked curious. "Is there something I should know?"
Liat and Hasmira traded a private glance. Neither of them was really sure if Wyn could be trusted after all he had done. He was Talsara's mate after all. But through the years there was one thing that Wyn had proven and above all. He loved Elan and would do whatever he had to to keep him safe.
[Of all the evil you have done in the name of your queen.] Liat turned to face Wyn. [There was one thing that proved your worth above all. Even though Elan was not of your blood you always treated him as your own son. You didn't take Talsara's position when he choose Aron as his mate, instead you gave him the true support of a parent. For that we will trust you. Hear me now Wyn Limeira. The prophesy my mother made so long ago is still in effect. There is a seventh son of the Eventide's and he is here in Darkshade. Can you guess who it is?]
Wyn looked from Liat to Hasmira for an answer to the question. He had no idea who it could be. There were no forest elves here in Darkshade. None of them would dare enter the land of Talsara Darkshade. Then a thought hit him. There was one here. Wyn smiled as a name crossed his mind.
"Aron Neveral is an Eventide."
"Yes King Wyn." Hasmira smiled. "Aron is the one. We have to do whatever we can to help him or all will be lost."
"What can I do?" He asked. Wyn stepped up to Liat and Hasmira swearing to serve Elan in any way he could. "I will do whatever I have too."
[For now.] Liat said as he faded away. [Be ready to act when the time comes.]
"I will." Wyn swore. "That I promise. What about you Hasmira?"
"I have to attend the queen and learn all I can of her plans." Hasmira pulled her wrap back over her shoulders. "We can't let her make a single move without our knowledge."
"Do you know what she has in mind?"
"Right now she hunts Aron." She said. "She ordered the Shadowfalls to find him. Liat is going to find out what he can about their hunt."
"What should I do?"
"Find a way to get up into Elan's tower." Hasmira reached for the door to leave. "If Talsara can't find him, she can't hurt him. We have to get Elan away from Darkshade."
"I know a way." Wyn told her. "But I won't be able to hide him for long and as soon as she realizes he's gone, she'll know who broke him out. Unless someone interferes, It won't take her long to find us."
"Let me worry about that." Hasmira smiled. "Just get him out of the tower and wait. It won't be long."
As Hasmira slipped out, Wyn stood there staring at the door. Though Darkshade was not Wyn's place of birth, he felt so alone here in the palace for the first time.  He had never had any real friends here in the city of the Dark elves, but he did once think Talsara had loved him. But that was long ago before she had become so consumed with hate and the lust for power. Now, he hardly knew her and definitely couldn't trust her. His only ray of hope here was Elan. He had to get him out of the tower before Talsara and that mad Imp of hers could hurt him.
Turning from the door, Wyn walked to the east wall in his study where a portrait of Queen Caline and King Rhys hung. Talsara had always hated that portrait. She had ordered it destroyed many times but Wyn wouldn't let them take it. It hid something he always kept secret.
Reaching out, Wyn pressed the right bottom corner and the portrait swung open revealing a hidden entrance into the walls. Wyn hadn't used these halls in many years but he remembered every inch. They might be his only chance at getting his son out of Darkshade palace and away from his mother.

The ride into the city walls of Darkshade had been long and hard. All the way, Jassin could feel that someone was following close behind him. At many times he could even hear the sounds of a horse back there but he didn't see anything. As he reached the inner part of the city where the market place and the low born of the Dark elves lived, Jassin relaxed and slowed down.
As the sun burned high over head, Jassin made his way through the twists and turns of Darkshade. He stopped at a closed tavern to water his horse. He had hoped to get something to quench his own thirst and get back on the road for the palace, but it was the wrong time for any shops to be open. His only choice was to drank from the same trough his horse drank from. As Jassin dipped a ladle into the cool clear water, he heard a sound coming from the other side of the tavern. Quickly Jassin dropped the ladle and grabbed at the sword at his side.
With his eyes and ears open for the slightest sound or sign that anyone else was there, Jassin moved off to see if he could find his pursuer. As he searched, a gentle breeze blew through the trees over head. A sudden snapping sound of a breaking twig caught Jassin's attention and he turned just as Kel jumped out and attacked. With his sword raised, Jassin caught Kel's attack on his blade.
"Liar!!" Kel snarled as he slammed his sword down at him. "We trusted you and you were going to hand us over to that evil bitch! How could you? You said she was your enemy."
"A spy will say anything to get want he wants." Jassin forced Kel back. "This is the land of Dark elves. You should know better then to trust anyone here whether Dark elf or not."
"You're right." Kel pulled his short sword from it's scabbard. "Lesson learned, but you will never get anything you learned to Talsara. Your road ends here."
"I don't think so." With that Jassin smiled then put his fingers to his mouth and whistled. From the far side of the tavern, five Dark elves armed and ready stepped out to face Kel. Confident they walked out to stand between him and Jassin.
"I'd wish you luck here." Jassin said as he climbed back on his horse. "But I'd be lying. I really wish I had the chance to kill you my self. Gurthla ia astalda."
As Jassin rode off, the first warrior drew his swords and stepped forward. Kel took a fighting stance and the attack began. Swinging high and stabbing low, the Dark warrior came in and tried to finish Kel off fast. Spinning around, Kel deflected the first attack then sliced out at the warrior. Missing his mark, the elf jumped to the side then came back in fast to try and strike before Kel could recover. As Kel slammed his sword down, he snapped the elf's wrist then hit him in the jaw with the hilt of his sword smashing his teeth. As blood sprayed out, the elf fell to the left right into Kel's waiting blade. And single quick stab with his short sword and the first elf fell dead at his feet.
As Kel stepped back, the last four warriors stepped up and attacked. with lightning speed Kel spun his swords in a web of defense tried to keep the four from finding an opening. Though Kel was an expert swordsmen, four warriors were beyond his ability to defend against. All they had to do was keep up the pressure and sooner or later he would slip up and they would have him.
As he fought, Kel thought back on the days long ago when he had fought side by side with his two best friends Rom and Liat. No matter how many had come against them, no matter the odds, they had always triumphed. Kel knew with his friends at his side, they were invincible. He wished they were there fight at his side now.
Just then he felt a warm feeling at his side and there was a sudden burst of bright light. Shielding his eyes, Kel jumped back thinking the flash might be some piece of magic the Elves were using to break his concentration. As his eyes cleared, Kel looked up to find the warriors and a tall white haired warrior with the brightest almond eyes. As Kel watch, the warrior took a fighting stance then turned to him and winked. at that moment, Kel froze for a second in shock. He couldn't believe his eyes. What he saw in front of him was absolutely impossible. The warrior standing at his side couldn't be here. Liat Caldras was dead. He had seen him die with his own eyes, but here he was ready to fight at his side again.
"Cormamin lindua elle ll mellonamin." Liat called. "Lle desiel?"
"Amin naa lle nai."
With Liat at his side, Kel dived into battle. Their swords danced a wave of death as they tore through the four warriors in their path. As they fought, three more of Darkshade's guards rode up and joined the battle.  It took just a few minutes before Kel and Liat had dispatched them and were standing over their dead bodies.
"Liat." Kel re sheathed his sword. "How is this possible? You were executed in the palace courtyard in front all of Darkshade. How can you be alive?"
"I'm not." He said. "Your right. I died that day and the only thing that could bring me back is powerful magic."
"Whose?"
"Right now, I don't care." Liat looked around expecting more guards to come running from every house. "I'm here and I can help bring down Talsara. Now do you want to stand here and try and figure out some crazy magic, or do we have something we should be doing?"
"Your right." Kel ran and got his horse and led it back to Liat. "We have to get to the palace and try and stop Jassin before he can report to the queen. He has information that could be devastating. Can you ride?"
"I don't need a horse anymore." Liat stepped back and faded into transparency. Like a ghost he rose up off the ground to float in front of Kel. "Ride fast and I will stay with you and hide you with my ghostly presence. Stop for no one and I will show you how to gain entrance to the palace. I know a secret way in."
"As always." Kel climbed on his horse. "I will follow you into hell."
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Liat said from over his head. "But you never know."

At the garden rear entrance to Darkshade palace, a single guard stood watch. He was bored and tired. He had been on duty so far for over twelve hours and so far he hadn't heard anything about relief yet. His legs hurt from marching back and forth in the little alcove where the entrance was and his eyes burned from the brightness. He couldn't wait for his relief to get there. He wasn't sure how much longer he could stay on his feet.
As he patrolled the short area, a scraping sound caught his attention. He turned hoping it was his relief finally arriving, but there was no one there. Frustrated and cursing under his breath, the elf turned back to continue pacing the yard. As he turned, something fell from above and hit him knocking him down and out. Stepping out of Liat's ghostly field, Kel grabbed the guards legs and dragged him into the entrance.
"Which way?" Kel asked as he pushed the guard into a closet and shut the door.
Moving to the wall, Liat placed his hand against it and felt around. In a matter of seconds, Kel heard a click and a passage in the wall opened.
"In here." Liat waved him in.
After going in and closing the door behind him, Kel stopped for a second to let his eyes re orient with the darkness. He was glad to be out of the brightness of the sun but the closeness of the walls reminded him of his cell in Talsara's prison tower and sent shivers through him. As much as he hated the brightness of the day, right now he preferred it over the damp cramp feeling of these claustrophobic walls.
As Kel's vision regulated with the darkness, he realized he was in a long thin passage that ran straight up then branched off to the left and right. He didn't know where he was but the smells here were the same as he remembered from his years of captivity. Floating in front of him with a dim glow, Liat pointed ahead to the right,
"This way."
"Where are we going?" Kel asked as he followed.
"To find a friend who needs our help."
"You mean Elan." Kel said. "Your son."
"Yes." He turned back to Kel. "My son. He needs our help.
"Wait Liat." Kel called him back. "You know I'll help you in any way I can. But right now there's something even more important then Elan. We have to stop Jassin before he can talk to Talsara. He has information that  she must never learn about or it won't be good for us or for Elan."
"I think it's to late for that Kel." Liat said sadly. "By now Jassin will already be in audience with the queen. He will tell her of Aron and the Eventide's. Our best bet will be to get Elan away so she can't use him to draw Aron to her."
"Do you know where he is?"
"I know the palace very intimately." Liat told Kel. "But there is another who can take us directly to him."
"Who?" Kel asked.
"Me."
As the voice spoke up, Kel turned and saw Wyn coming from a passage to the right. Enraged, Kel jumped up and grabbed Wyn and threw him to the floor. Pulling his dagger from his belt, Kel, put it to his throat ready to slice in and put an end to the king of Darkshade's life.
"You murdering bastard!" Kel held the struggling Wyn. "You and that bitch of a queen did this! It's all your fault. I'm going to make sure neither of you ever hurt anyone else again!"
"No Kel!" Liat grabbed his raised arm and stopped his death thrust. "We need his help."
"Why would he help us?" Kel pulled free still sitting on Wyn's chest. "He's the reason you were executed. He killed Queen Caline."
"I know." Liat spoke softly. "Wyn will one day have to pay for his crimes, but not at your hands. He has to sacrifice to be forgiven. This is not his time. Let him up."
Looking down with hate at Wyn, Kel stood up and climbed off of Wyn's chest. He dusted himself off then looked up at Kel and Liat.
"No matter what you think of me." Wyn said. "I love my son and I will do anything to save his life. That means we have to get him away from Darkshade before his mother or any of her underlings can kill him. To do this we'll have to work together."
"Fine." Kel stared back at him. "But you should know this. I don't trust you and I'll be watching. Make one false move and my sword will be in your heart."
With nothing more to say, Wyn took the lead and led them through the maze of passages that ran through the Palace. They avoided pitfalls and passages with poisonous spikes, there were magical traps and rooms where each step if it wasn't in the right patterns fired arrows with deadly accuracy until they found themselves at the bottom of a staircase that led up to Elan's tower.
"This is it." Wyn  said. "Elan's tower."
"Then let's get this over with." Kel pushed pass Wyn and took a step to start the climb up the stairs.
"Stop!" Wyn pulled him back. Kel grabbed for his knife and turned on Wyn.
"Easy Kel." Liat said. "He just saved your life. Look closely at the stairs."
As Kel looked back at the stairs, all he saw was a set of dust covered steps. He turned back to Liat.
"There's nothing there."
"Shift your vision." He said. "Look for magic."
Kel shifted his sight moving to a magical spectrum then looked back at the staircase. There, glowing with power, Kel saw the strange elven magical symbols spread across the stairs. One step in the wrong place and elven fire would have poured into him burning him in a white hot flash to ash.
"There in the corner." Wyn pointed. "That's the way up."
Nodding, Kel followed Wyn closely walking in his footsteps. At the top they stopped and listened at the hidden door. There were voices coming from the other side of the door.
"Your time has come young prince." A voice said. "Your mother knows both your secret and the secret of that friend of yours."
"Aron has no secret." Elan said boldly. "The secret was mine and I don't care what she knows. She can't keep us apart."
"You don't even know what I'm talking about, do you?" The voice laughed. Kel recognized the voice. It was Jassin Limeira, the queens executioner and the kings cousin. "Yes we know you and Aron are mated, but that's not Aron's secret. Do you even know who he is?"
"Of course I know who he is." Elan's voice was strong and defiant. "He's Aron Haemir Neveral, only son of Haemir and Esta Neveral of Talandra and the one I love."
"No." Jassin laughed. "Your mother has been hunting Aron since the day he was born. He's not from Talandra. He's from Eventide. Aron is the seventh son of Dasyra and Tanyl. He's the one that witch prophesied about so many years ago."
"You're crazy." Elan yelled at him. "You're making this up."
"Believe what you want." Jassin said. They heard the sound of a sword being pulled from a sheath. "You'll never see him again anyway. It's time to die young prince."
That was all Wyn needed to hear. In a second he had reached up and found the button that opened the door and with his sword ready, he rushed to Elan's side. As Jassin's sword came down, it slammed into the kings sword.
"You would kill my son Cousin?" Wyn snarled. "You'll have to kill me first!"
"I always knew this day would come." Jassin smiled. "Talsara should never have picked you as her consort. You've always been to weak. I should have been king."
"Well here's your chance. But you should know, Talsara won't be queen here for much longer and anyone who sides with her, dies with her."
"So be it Cousin." Jassin pushed Wyn back away from him. "Guards, kill them!!"
With Wyn and Jassin in a life and death duel, Kel tossed his short sword to Elan as the Darkshade guards rushed into the room. Coming down to the floor, Liat pulled his sword and took his place at Kel and Elan's side.
With a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other, Wyn attacked Jassin, He stabbed and sliced, thrust and kicked out at his opponent. Dodging and ducking, Jassin fought back. This was his chance to prove to Talsara that he could be the mate she always wanted. All he had to do was kill Wyn and bring Elan's head to her as a trophy. He watched Wyn's movements and matched him stroke for stroke. As Wyn struck out, Jassin countered and forced him back and stabbed him in the shoulder. Spinning around, Wyn dropped down to one knee then dropped his dagger and grabbed his shoulder. Blood ran heavy down the front of his tunic. With a confident grin, Jassin waved the king on to continue the fight. Getting back to his feet, Wyn quickly glanced around and saw both Kel and Liat finishing off their opponents while Elan still fought back against two guards. Wyn knew they had to finish and get out of the tower before more of Talsara's men could come in to stop them.
"Why Jassin?" Wyn asked. "You never seemed interested in court intrigue. Power and rank was never important, now your more loyal to Dark elves then to your own blood? What happened with you?"
"I got smart, that's what happened. You never really knew me Cousin and you didn't know your queen either. For years we have been lovers and meeting right under your nose. It should have been me from the beginning not you. I should have always been at her side."
"Jassin." Wyn stepped towards the executioner. "I knew all about your sorted affair with the queen and I didn't care. Talsara can sleep with whoever she wants, I don't care. Better you then me. But when it comes to Elan's safety, I won't allow anyone to hurt him and that includes his mother and you."
"Then we have a problem." Jassin waved his sword in the air in front of him. "She want's him dead and I plan to be the one to kill you both."
"Then shut up and fight."
Like two raging bulls, Wyn and Jassin charged each other. The sound of their swords clashing echoed through the room as clear as a bell. Their duel was fast and furious. Wyn jumped and slashing out. He slashed a deep cut into Jassin's back then dropped close enough to deliver a killing blow. Turning with amazing speed, Jassin thrust out with his sword and stabbed Wyn right through his chest. Staggering back, Wyn dropped his sword and fell to the floor. As he lay there a name slipped from his lips.
"Argus."
In a flash of light, Argus appeared and rushed to his master. Wyn's heart had been pierced. There was nothing Argus's magic could do to save him.
"Just help Elan." Wyn told the Imp.
"I will master."
After seeing his cousin fall, Jassin burst into laughter and turned and raised his sword to stab Elan through his back.
As Wyn struggled to get up to defend Elan, he fell weak, bleeding to the ground. He knew he was about to die but there had to be some way to stop Jassin and save Elan. As Wyn looked up, Liat came down and lifted him up.
"You've made your sacrifice." He whispered. "Your life for Elan's. Together we will keep him safe."
As Wyn smiled and nodded his head, Liat merged and entered his body. In seconds the strength of the ghost filled the dying kings body and healed his wounds. Jumping to his feet, Wyn leaped at Jassin. He grabbed him by his shoulder, spun him around and grabbed his sword arm and squeezed until he dropped his blade. Screaming in pain, Jassin kicked out at his attacker trying to get him to release his iron grip on him. As Jassin looked up, their eyes met.
"This can't be happening!!" Jassin beat at Wyn trying to make him release him. "Your dead! I killed you."
"For some of us, death is not always the end." Wyn grabbed him by the throat and squeezed. "But don't worry you won't be alone for long. Talsara will soon be joining you."
As Jassin's body dropped to the floor, Wyn turned to find Kel and Elan staring at him. They had both just seen him die and Liat's spirit slip in and take over his body. Elan slowly walked over to Wyn with fear in his eyes.
"Who are you?"
Before Liat could speak, Kel came over to join them.
"We don't really have a lot of time for explanations." He said. "But I'm Kel Orama. When I was much younger, I was a solider in Darkshade. That was before you were born and your mother took over the land. The ghost is much harder to explain but someone you should know."
"I know who he is." Elan reached up and touched his face. "All my life I've felt your presence. Sometime I would catch a quick glance of you in the mirror or watching me from the shadows in my room. You wear Wyn Limeira's face now but I knew you the minute you entered my room. You're Liat Caldras, my real father."