The Banshee's Demise. 91

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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