Turnabout. 74

As the sun sent its first rays of light over Taggitia, Tof Tyr and Aggar Ren stood with Tovar Orsa at the gates of Dree. Behind them hiding in the forest a score of vampire and werewolf warriors waited for the next command. Raiding the buildings of the city, Darkshade and Melruth warriors celebrated their victory at taking the city. The seaport on the shore of the Shyr smoldered and burned as they watched the city.
"Has anyone heard a word from Orym since he left the fairies in Aspara Bough?" Tof turned to Aggar.
"Queen Nuala saw them into Lake Tarsis." Aggar said quietly. "They were suppose to be looking for Jandar but I think instead he went to Aquilona. He knew that would be Talsara's next target. That's where I think he is."
"Not much we can do about Aquilona." Tovar joined Tof and Aggar. "But Dree is a whole different story. I have our men in place around the city. Anyone that try's getting out will get as far as the forest then we'll take them. All we're waiting for is your signal to move in."
"We move in ten minutes." Tof stepped down adjusting his sword at his side. "Tovar, you stay with me, were heading for the palace. Aggar, the docks and whats left of the marketplace. You both have message stones in case we get separated. Find any Dree left in the city and get them to the palace. Get your men together and be ready to move out."
Since neither vampires nor werewolves usually ride horses, they all moved forward on foot. At Tof's signal, Tovar's men shifted to bird forms and flew into the city while the men of Tir Na took wolf forms and trotted in.
[NOW!]

As Munoecus roared, Jandar and Maxius looked up at the massive beast swimming toward the city.
[I don't believe it.] He sent. [It's not possible, It can't be!!]
[I can and it is.] Maxius eyes moldered with old memories. [That's Munoecus and he's mine!]
Kicking into the currant, Maxius launched himself out at the monster closing in on the city. As he picked up speed he shifted into his true dragon form and roared a challenge at Munoecus. Feeling the vibrations of the roar, Munoecus turned and spotted Maxius behind him. Lightning blazed from his eyes as the great eel readied himself for battle
[No!] Laor screamed. [The city. Attack the city!]
As Jandar watched Maxius swan out to meet Munoecus. To the right, he spotted Laor and Orym. With a quick twist of his wrist he summoned his staff from the hidden dimension where he kept it.
[Pyor, Flinar.] He dived out into the currant. [I'm going for Orym. Once I engage Laor, take Mortimer and Orym and get the crown into the city.]
[What about the Coral elves and the Munos?]
[I can hold them back for a little while.] Jandar sent. [But I'll need help with them as soon as you can. Have Caldar send out his troops.]
[I'm messaging Caldar now.] Mortimer called. [Help will be here soon. Quel marth Jandar.]
[Diola lle mellonamin.]
With his staff in his hand, Jandar summoned a globe of power around himself and streaked on towards Laor and Orym. Casting out, Jandar sent a bolt of power at Laor. It knocked Orym back into the warehouse while Laor had seen it coming and dived out of the way.
[Laor Blackhelm, you are a traitor!]
Jandar sailed down to confront Laor. Getting back on his feet, Laor reached out and shot a power ball at Jandar. It hit his globe in a colorful explosion without breaking through. Laor launched himself up to meet Jandar in battle.
[Pyor, Flinar. Get Orym out now!]
[So we finally meet in battle.] Laor floated high in the water across from Jandar. [Good, it's time we see which on of us is the more powerful. You or me.]
[It's power that matters Laor.] Jandar held out his glowing staff. [You should know that by now. The black arts will never stand against the light. Didn't your teachers teach you that lesson?]
[Most of my teachers are dead.] He sneered. [Dead by these very adapt hands.The same hands that will taking your staff and your magic as my own.]
[Good luck with that.] Jandar smiled. [Shall we?]
Without answering, Laor raised his hands and cast a series of blue flames at Jandar. Spinning his staff before him, Jandar swept the flames away and replaced them with golden spikes that shot at Laor. With glowing hands, Laor deflected each spike one by one as they came at him. Missing one, it streaked in to hit Laor in his shoulder. Howling in pain. Laor staggered back and fell to one knee. He looked up at Jandar with such hate in his eyes then conjured a psychic hand to grab hold of Jandar's force globe and squeeze. Jandar stained pouring more and more power into his shield forcing the hand open.He gritted his teeth as the strain pushed at his mind. He so wanted to rest and just lay down and sleep forever but if he did, he would never see Rage or any of his brothers ever again. So instead he forced himself to concentrate and force that hand up and away from his shield. Thinking quickly, Jandar fashioned his own hand in the water that grabbed Laor's hand in an arm wrestling battle.
Standing across from each other, their minds wrestled while Mer men poured out of Aquilona to battle the Munos and Laor's Coral elves. The battle for Aquilona was on. As Jandar and Laor fought, Pyor and Flinar both grabbed an arm and pulled Orym back into the warehouse. They hauled him in with Mortimer in the lead carrying Kearn's crown.
[This is our chance to get the crown into Aquilona before the shiels fall.] Mortimer hurried to a trapdoor hidden in the floor and worked it open.
[No.] Orym pushed himself free. [Jandar will need our help out there. He can't fight this battle all by himself.]
[He's no alone.] Pyor said. [Caldar sent his men out and Maxius is fighting the Eel thing. Besides, your to weak to be of any help . Jandar ordered us to get you to safety and that's what we're going to do.]
[Even if I have to knock you out again cousin.] Flinar helped drag him to the door.
[Now swim if you can. We don't have time to argue.]
[There is something I can do to help Jandar.] Mortimer told them. [He won't fight alone.]
Diving in, the four swam the long tunnel that ran from the warehouse into the city. As they reached the end. Mortimer pressed his hand to a crystal set in the door frame. Lights flared to life as something in the door began to hum and slowly it split in two and opened up. On the other side of the door, a tall Mer man with long dark green hair and regal eyes dressed in a gold harness and kilt stood there waiting for them. It was Caldar Dylani. He reached out and grabbed Orym and ushered them back to the carriage he had waiting.
[I'm glad to see your all here safe. I sent my warriors out every exit after your message. With them went a troop of Coral elves from Dree that had made it here to safety. They went to watch Jandar as he fights that bastard Laor. Is there anything else I can do?]
[Get this to the power station.] Mortimer showed him Kearn's crown. [This should be enough to power the dome for many centuries to come, but we should get it there fast.]
Caldar reached out and took the crown. It was heavy and cold as ice. It looked like it had been made of some strange blue ice with streaks of light that ran through it spinning and flickering on and off. Caldar could feel the power in the crown. It was cold but strangely warm at the same time.
[It's magnificent!] Lights sparkled in the Mer kings eyes from the glow. [This way.]
Caldar opened the carriage door and they climbed in. He gave an order to the driver and they were off speeding to the palace.

In Dree the fighting was going fierce. Aggar and his men had slipped in and battled their way through the city to the warehouse district. Dark elves fought savagely with sword and magic but the warriors of Tir Na and Vasagi were not novices but seasoned well armed fighters. With claw and fang, sword and spells they fought the Dark elves back until they reached the Tavern where the last of the Darkshade warriors had been celebrating the night before.
With what was left of the docks now in their hands, Aggar and his men slipped in and caught the warriors of Darkshade and Melruth completely off guard. Most of them were still sleeping off the night of wine and debauchery when Aggar kicked down the door. Local nymphs had been rounded up and used as please slaves. They screamed at Agger and his warriors entered.
"Do not move!" Aggar ordered as they jumped to their feet. With their hands up, Aggar ordered their weapons collected.
"By order of Orym Dree king of these lands, you are all under arrest."
A few tried to fight back but by now it was to late and a quick death was their prize.
Things went different in the palace. Thought they still had surprise, it wasn't complete. Tovar and his men dropped out of the sky and swarmed the guards at the gate who just had time to raise the alarm. Darkshade and Melruth warriors fought fiercely attacking from the palace trying to defend it but to no avail. This time. they were the ones out numbered and out matched in the fight. Captain Eskowe fought like a mad man slaying many warriors until a man stepped forward dressed in silver armor.
"And who would you be?" He asked.
"I would be Christof Anwar Tyr, king of Tir Na." Tof touched his sword to his forehead then held it out in a warriors salute. "Darkshade, by invading here and many other territories has broken the pact of Fanastra written and signed over three centuries ago by your own kings. By Elven law, Queen Taslsara Darkshade forfeits any rights to hold any lands in Fay Shrea. For this criminal act, she must abdicate her throne to her closest blood relative, that being the crown prince Elan Darkshade immediately. What say you?"
"I don't think my queen cares about a pact made by long dead ancestor." Captain Eskowe laughed. "Nor does she your stupid laws Elven or not. She wants this land and I plan to see that she gets it."
"How?" Tof asked. "Look around you. Your forces are beaten. Your men are either dead or in chains. You've lost Dree and no one's coming to help you. Your queens not even here to watch you surrender."
"They will come," Eskowe yelled. "And who says I'm going to surrender?"
With a flash of steel, Captain Eskowe leaped down to face Tof. He came in quick with his sword then stabbed out for Tof's chest with his dagger. Swinging his sword up, Tof blocked the sword strike then deflected the dagger off his arm gauntlet. Stepping back, Tof and Captain Eskowe started circling getting ready to fight. With the break, Tof thought maybe he could talk some sense into the Captain.
"Why Captain?" He asked never taking his eyes off off him. "Why would a seasoned warrior honored so many times for bravery agree to fight this war? Darkshade never in its long history was so blood thirsty as its  been since Talsara took the crown. Tell me why?"
"Because my queen demands it!"
"And if she demands you march your men into the Underworld or Fortis, will you do so blindly?"
"I obey the orders of my queen and the crown!" He sneered. "I am loyal to Darkshade."
"Is that what you think loyalty is?" Tof stopped and lowered his sword point to the ground. "Is that all you are, a mindless minion? What happened to the brave warriors that fought with us in the Vampire/Werewolf war? They fought for freedon not tyranny. They never ever would have stood for Talsara's actions. What's happening in Darkshade? Is everyone under her spell?"
"The queen rules supreme!" He yelled clutching his blades. "It's my duty to follow her commands!"
"It's your duty to protect your land from all threats from inside and outside. " Tof yelled back. "That includes the madness of your kings and queens! You're not supposed to run blindly head first into something that surely will bring Darkshade to its knees. How many must die before you see whats right before your eyes! Talsara will be the end of Darkshade and you know it. The question is, will you help her, or will you help your people? Here is where you must make the choice. Live or for freedom or die for nothing."
Captain Eskowe looked at Tof, his mind still full of rage but the words he had heard were true. Darkshade never in its long honored history had ever been the cause of such destruction before. There had been wars and Darkshade had conquered lands before, but never like this. They had never been the aggressor before and if they did attack, it was because they were threatened, Suddenly for the first time in months, Captain Ganatar Eskowe's mind snapped into clarity. His rage was gone and he dropped his weapons.
"By the gods of Fortis! " He dropped to his knees. "What madness is this? What did she make me do?"
"At ease warrior," Tof placed a hand on his shoulder as the confused Dark elf looked up at him. "The hard parts over. It's almost done."

As war waged on the floor of the Shyr, Mer men armed with tridents and spear guns attacked Munos warriors who fought back sending volts of electricity shooting through the water. One touch and Mer man or Coral elf dropped out for a few minutes. But that was long enough for the Munos to finish them off with their crude spears and clubs.To fight back, the Mer men had only one personal weapon. The ink they shot from veins in their wrist. Clouds of black ink would shoot out a blind and confuse their enemy. Not only could the ink cloud blind an opponent, but the noxious chemical could also render anyone that breathed it in paralyzed. The perfect weapon against the Munos electrical defenses.
The Coral elves on the other had no special defense at all other then there speed and agility in the water. Spread out and in a circle around the two fighting warlocks, Dree's Coral elves kept anyone from getting near Jandar and attacking from his blind side.
But there was one more side in this fight. The Sea life. As Coral elf fought for Aquilona, many sharks, whales and octopi came out of the deep to attack the Munos. Like pit bulls dolphins streaked throught the water head butting the Munos and the Melruth Coral elves, striking and fleeing before the enemy could react. The sharp teeth of bull sharks and great whites tore into the enemy as the long tentacles of giant squid and octopi squeezed their victims to death. The very sea had come in to help defend Aquilona just as it had promised.
As the two warlocks battled, bolts of magic were thrown in all directions causing great explosions on the oceans floor. Waves of power rippled out all around them. Unfortunately in places on the sea floor, there were great pockets of volcanic activity. Huge pools of heat, lava and pressure that sat just below the ocean floor. With all that power being used and the great pressuse of the deep, one of these pockets began to crack. Stream, heat and smoke began to bellow up from the crack as it grew wider and wider. The water was beginning to become unbearably hot. Many combatants were caught as the crack widened and roasted in the heat.

From inside the dome, Caldar ordered his men to back away return and to the city and defend its gate. They were to keep all enemies out while the Tarell and Pyor worked on the crown to install it's power into the dome. As Caldar watched them work, the sound of a cry in pain rang out from the bottom of the tower. Caldar turned and went to the railing and looked down. He saw a figure in a red cloak swimming up the circular pathway to the top.
[What is it Sire?] Pyor asked.
[Treachery.] Caldar frowned. [Flinar, Mortimer. No one enters this chamber until Orym and I return. Do you understand?]
[We understand.] Pulling his dart gun and his axe from his side, Flinar passed the dart gun to Mortimer and they went to stand at the chamber door.
[Are you ready?] Caldar asked Orym.
[What is it?]
[It's a coup.] They stepped out of the chamber. [My overly ambitious brother thinks this is the perfect time to make his bid for my crown. He's about to find out that won't be as easy as he thinks.]
Swimming down the stairway, Caldar and Orym made it down two levels before a group of Mer men led by his brother Kenner met them. They were all armed and looked ready to fight.
[Why are you here Kenner?] Caldar asked with one hand on the blade at his side. [Is this what I think it is?]
[Yes Brother.] Kenner looked at him sternly. [Aquilona has suffered from to long under your weak leadership. The time his come for someone with a more, shall we say a more vigorous ideal of leadership ship to rule.]
[And I guess you think that would be you?] Orym looked at him with doubt. [Your city has just been attacked and instead of defending it, you make it worst by doing this. Some king you will make.]
[Your opinion means nothing here Orym Dree.] Kenner yelled with contempt. [Dree is no more, finished by the Dark elves.]
[And how would you know that Kenner?] Caldar took a step forward. [Unless your in league with Darkshade and Melruth. You are aren't you? You would hand this city, the city your ancestors died building and protecting over to Talsara Darkshade, for what? To be her puppet?]
[Better a puppet leader then a dead man!!]
[We'll see about that.]
Launching himself out into the open area in the center of the spiral walkway, Caldar unclasped his cape and let it slowly drop down to the floor beneath them. With a waved he called his brother to the challenge.
As Kenner swam out to meet him, Orym turned to his Generals.
[This will be between the two Dylani brothers.] He flexed his shoulders. [You all know who I am. I am Orym Dree, King of Dree and in me I have the power to blast any one of you, maybe two into dust. Make a move to interfere and I will kill you, I promise you that.]
As Kenner rushed at his brother, he pulled his own sword and swept at him slicing at his chest. Caldar brought his sword up to block and then spun around and punched out with his free and. That punch hit Kenner in the jaw and dazed him for a second. Shaking his head, Kenner kicked out but missed Caldar. The force of that kick, brought Kenner into range for another series of punches from Caldar. One more to the jaw, another to his chest and one to his stomach. Doubling over, Kenner sneered at Caldar then grabbed a dagger from it's place on his belt. Now armed with two blades, Kenner attacked. He stabbed and sliced at Caldar in a frenzied attempt to would his brother. Caldar blocked and ducked again and again. He spun around and sliced out only to feel the vibrations as the two blades met. with a lucky thrust, Kenner stabbed Caldar in his arm slicing a cut down his bicep. Caldar pulled back but kept on the attack. As Kenner smiled at his small victory, Caldar brought his fist up with a upper cut then another as the hilt of his sword connected again with Kenners jaw. Kenner howled out in pain as he backed himself up away from Caldar.
From the landing where Orym and the Generals watched, Orym saw a flicker of movement. As he watched, a dagger went streaking out from the group of Generals heading straight for Caldar.
[CALDAR, WATCH OUT!!]
As Caldar heard the warning, he turned and lifted himself a few feet in the water. The dagger streaked in and sank into his thigh. Caldar made a grunt as it sank into his leg then reached down and pulled it out and dropped it as his blood from the would spilled into the water.
With a quick look at the Generals, Orym saw a slight smile creep across the face of a general dressed in dark scaly mail and an armored kilt.
[Did you think I was making joke?] Orym raised his hand cast a bolt at the General. Like insects they all dived out of the way leaving the General there alone to feel the burning searing pain of his death. Everyone stood and watched as the body of the General burned.
[The next one to move will get the rest of you a similar death.] Orym's hand still glowed with power. He only had enough power in him for one more bolt and it wouldn't kill but they didn't know that.
Oblivious to what had just happened on the landing, Kenner tried to take advantage of Caldars would. He came in low and kicked at his brothers leg hitting him in the knee. Caldar gritted his teeth and ignored the pain that ran through his leg. When Kenner charged in for his next attack, Caldar spun again and hit hit with a
closed fist that rocked him to the core. With Kenner dazed, Caldar dropped his sword and sent punch after punch into Kenners jaw. One, two, three, four, five times he him until Kenner fell limp. Caldar grabbed him by his red cape to keep him from falling all the way down to the ground.
[Now this is over.] Caldar pulled Kenner back towards the landing where everyone was waiting.
[For you it is.]
Kenner reached in behind his cape and pulled another knife. He pushed himself up to face his brother.
[Good bye Brother!]
Pulling his arm back, Kenner stabbed down at Caldar's heart. Surprised, Caldar grabbed his brothers wrist and with a quick twist, broke it. Kenner screamed out in pain and dropped the knife. Caldar caught it and put it to Kenner's throat.
[Surrender now!]
He made a little cut across his throat to show how serious he was. Kenner cried out his surrender. Caldar threw him down at the feet of his Generals.
[From this day on.] He eyed them all. [I will never see or hear of any of you being here in Aquilona. You are banished from my kingdom for now and evermore. You have twenty four hours, if your still in Aquilona, you will be jailed and put to death. Now get out of my sight!!]

As Jandar and Laor fought, Jandar could feel himself growing tired. After his battle on Vanco island, the trip here and keeping the spell that gave him air going, His was growing exhausted quickly. He didn't know how much longer he could keep this up before Laor found an opening and score a hit Jandar couldn't survive. In his mind, visions of Rage and Ono kept slipped in, distracting him. He could hear they were trying to tell him something but he couldn't hear it. Then the message came from Caldar that the Dome had been repaired. The city was safe. He could rest now. Suddenly a voice screamed out in his head.
[NO MY LOVE! YOU MUST NOT FALL!]
[But I'm so tried.] Jandar could feel the pounding on his shield in his head. All he wanted was for it to stop and to rest. Laor's laughter echoed through his mind and he sent bolt after bolt at Jandar's shield which grew dimmer and dimmer by the second.
[Jandar.] Rage's voice broke though all the pain and exhaustion. [I love you. Please don't leave me here alone. We need you, I need you. Don't leave me!]
[I don't have anything left Rage. I'm sorry.]
[Yes you do! Wake the Dragon. He will bring you home.]
[I don't know how.[ Jandar fell to the floor of his globe and passed out.
[Then I will.]
Rage reached deep into Jandar's mind pass his werewolf heritage. Pass the magic and the memories he held so dear and touched something Shayn had put in Jandar and Ono long ago. At Rage's touch, the magic in Jandar's heart reached out and triggered the dragon in Jandar and gave it life.
As Laor swam towards Jandar laughing with hysterical triumph, Jandar's eyes opened radiating the power of a dragon.
[You lose werewolf!" Laor yelled. [I warned you what would happen if you took on Laor Blackhelm. Know I have you and all your magic and power is mine!]
As Laor swam the last few feet to Jandar planning on bursting his shield and siphoning off his magic and lifeforce, Jandar got up on his knees, threw back his head and roared.
[It's not possible!] Laor stepped back as Jandar's body began to grow and change. Hands became claws, his body grew longer and the shield popped out of existence. He grew ash gray scales, a forked tail with twin spikes, wings and a long neck with a vicious looking dragon head with glowing gold eyes and mouth full of razor sharp teeth. As Laor stumbled back, Jandar turned to him and hissed.
[The Ghost is born!]
[Dragon, werewolf or whatever you are.] Laor screamed. [You die today!]
Summoning his magic, Laor attacked shooting massive amounts of magic at Jandar. Folding a wing out to block the attack, Jandar roared then shot Laor's magic right back at him with twice the force that Laor had put into it. Screaming in agony, Laor was blasted back against an huge coral bank where he fell crushed and bleeding.
[No.] Ghost sent bending down and staring at Laor. [You don't get to die so easy. You will pay for what you have done and so will Talsara.]
Ghost picked up Laor and spread his wings and leaped up to bring Laor to Caldar to Aquilona where he would be cared for until he could be tried for his crimes. As he swan to the city, Ghost looked out and saw Maxius and Munoecus fighting in the distance.
[Maxius, I will be right back to help you.]
[No brother. This one is mine. Take care of Keanna for me. Tell Valen, Jade and Arik I died with honor. Farewell brother!!].
[No brother. This doesn't have to be the end. We can beat him together.]
[The sea takes care of it's own. Farewell Jandar.]

Cutting through the water faster than a golden eagle through air, Maxius swam straight at Munoecus. With the power of a lightning strike, the two behemoths crashed together. Powerful vibrations rocked out as they fought. Coiling himself around Maxius, Munoecus squeezed and bit at Maxius trying to rip into his dragon hide. Howling, Maxius beat and raking at the great eel trying to get himself free.Munoecus hissed and stuck at Maxius like a snake. Again and again until Maxius grabbed him by the throat and pushed him back. With a closed fist, he beat at the eel's face breaking it's teeth. In pain, Munoecus sent a charge of electricity surging through Maxius body shocking him almost into unconsciousness. Shaking his head, Maxius took a deep breath and sent a blast of boiling hot water into Munoecus face. As it let go and drifted back from him howling, Maxius slipped around and charged in at the eel.
[Your no God.] He sent. [Ancient or not. But you are a menace to both Aquilona, Dree and the rest of the oceans if I let you escape.]
Beneath the two battling beast, the ocean floor had cracked open and tremendous heat blasted up and out of the fissure. Maxius glanced down and in that instant know what he had to do. Diving down, he pushed with all his strength forcing the eel down into the boiling hot lava. As Munoecus screamed, Maxius roared sending his final farewell out to all the Dragons around the world on Keanna. So died Maxius the elder water Dragon of Keanna. He gave his life to protect Aquilona and the oceans of Keanna.

Land and Sea. 73

The night sky was beautiful as Rage stood on the wall and gazed out. So many stars glowed up there.  He looked at the moon and wished Jandar, Shayn and Ono were there to watch with him. He missed them so much and wondered when he would see them again. Shayn and Ono and a few of his brothers were out there somewhere. Out among the stars with the Academy and they had no idea where. All they could find out was that they were following the destiny of the two young ones. Whether they would make it home or not was still unclear. Fortunately Jandar had been able to send them help. First, the cadet Zarin and his friends were sent out to find the Academy. Then, Jandar was able to send his father Drake, king of the Were out to find Ono. Rage prayed to Rimnar ever night for their safe return but so far nothing.
On top of that, there was this damned war raging all across Taggitia and the Dragons were helpless to interfear. Other then Ariel, Insa and himself, all the rest of his clan was trapped in some deep sleep unable to wake which left Keanna in a very vulnerable spot. Right now the city had very few defenders to protect it in case of attack and Rage was sure that not only did Lord Larin know about it, but it was him behind the mysterious sleep the clan was in.
As Rage watched, a falling star streaked across the sky. He felt a cold shiver run up along his spine. He could feel the danger in the air almost like a wet blanket wrapping itself around him.
"What is it?" Jax asked as he stepped up on the wall to stand beside him.
"I have this strange feeling that something is about to happen."
"It's just your nerves." Jax smile placing a hand on his shoulder. "The city is well protected. All of the spell we placed around New Keanna are working well. There's nothing to worry about at the moment."
"I'm not so sure." Rage turned to look at the god of justice. "Vasagi isn't far from here. It wouldn't take Lord Larin very long to get here. And we are so few with so many to protect."
"It's true that its just you and I." Jax said trying to reassure him. "But I have faith in what the two of us can do. You are the king of this land with the power to protect it in your hands. If help is needed, it will come."
"I don't know how you can be so trusting in fate. It's had many twists and turns in the past for us. Do you know something I don't know?"
"All I know." Jax said. "Is that I will protect my new home with all the power at my command as I know you will. But if it makes you feel better, why don't you take off and check the lands around the city, make sure no ones out there. I'll stay here and watch from the wall."
"That's a good idea." Rage turned and started out to a spot where he could shift and take off. "A little exercise might ease the tension on my mind. "I'll call if I see anything."
Climbing out onto one of the Dragon perches, Rage opened his arms and made the shift into the form of the great Red Dragon and leaped into the night sky to climb high and ride the winds over New Keanna.

Deep in the dark forest not many miles from the Dragon city of New Keanna, Valkar, lord and king of the Vampires led the refugees from the conquered city of Prafa.Everyone was tired and hungry having escaped from the spell that had held the all entranced. With Athene and Baron Gaelich in the rear helping the weak and elderly, Adam took point to keep watch and avoid and dangers they might encounter. His vampire sight aided by his muted senses of smell, taste and his feeling for vibrations made him highly superior as a scout.
Every breeze, every animal that scurried through the forest was detected with ease by Adam. As he slowly crept through the forest, vibrations from the ground caught his attention. With a raised hand he signaled Valkar to stop.
[What is it?] Valkar asked as he joined him.
"We're not alone out here. There are men ahead." Adam knelt down and put a hand to the ground. The vibrations of many feet walking tingled the hairs on his arm. "I think we're in trouble. It feels like an army on the march."
"Heading to Vasagi?" Valkar asked. He knew his city was close and under siege.
"No." Adam told him. He stood and pointed toward New Keanna. "Heading for the Dragon city."
"It has to be Tayor. Can we beat him there? Rage is practically alone Jandar said."
"No." Adam shook his head. "Not unless we slow him down."
Valkar thought for a minute. He had to get his people somewhere safe.They would never make it to Vasagi and couldn't get through the siege even if the made it to the city. The only choice was New Keanna. That meant he had to hurry them on and somehow slow the advance of Tayor's marching warriors on New Keanna.
"Keep watch." Valkar shouted as he turned to run back and rejoin the others. "I need to know exactly where they are at all times."
Back with the others, Valkar pulled Athene and the two Barons aside to explain what Adam had discovered.
"Majesty." Athere said. "How much further is New Keanna?"
"The Dragon city is only a few miles away." He said. "But there's a problem. Lord Larin and his war have finally caught up with the Dragons. At this moment he and a small number of warriors are marching on the city."
Athene gasped in surprise while Baron Valkar wasn't shocked at all.
"I've been expecting this." He said. "Baron Tyr and I thought this would happen and warned the Werewolves to pass that on to Jandar."
"I don't think he ever got that message." Arturus cut in. "If he did he would never have left the city no matter how important he thought it was."
"Yes he would." Valkar told them. "Jandar is a protector. If someone needs his help, he won't hesitate. Rage is there. And we will be there to. Arturus, I need you to gather the people and get them to the city as fast as you can. Athene, Adam, the Baron and I will slow Tayor's advance as best as we can. Take wing and fly swiftly my friend. For those that can't fly, have Abram lead them to the south gate. I will direct him by mind speak to a mine near there where they can hide until it's safe to get them in through the gate. Go now, there isn't much time."
With a nod, Arturus was gone to round up the citizens of Prafa and get moving on to New Keanna. As Valkar turned back to Athene and Baron Valkar, the Baron's image faded and disappeared. He looked up at Athene and she smiled.
"We know what to do."
Standing tall Athene raised her arms and dissipated into a cloud of mist and was gone. With the Baron and Athene gone, and Arturus leading the others to safety, it was time Valkar showed Tayor Larin why he was king of the Vampires.
[Where are they?] He asked Adam.
[Now far.] Came his answer. [I can show you where they are.]
[Show me.]

It was dark in the deep depths of the Shyr as Flinar rode on in his one man underwater craft. The craft was equipped with lights, but with the Munos on the move, Flinar couldn't use them and chance attracting their attention. Thank the sea god Sazar, Coral elves eyes could adapt to the darkness of the deep sea.
As Flinar dimmed the inside lights on the console, he steered his way deeper down and through the coral canyons all around him. The sea life here was very sparse. He saw only small fish, nothing bigger then a cod swam in the waters here. They all could sense the trouble and turbulence of the Munos and stayed as far away as they could.
On the surface, men though most sea life to be non intelligent, and mostly that was true. But what they didn't know was that the bigger the fish, the higher its level of intelligence was. Piper fish, box fish and angel fish lived only by instinct, wandering around eating, mating and hiding from bigger fish that ate them. But whales, shark, dolphins and sailfish were completely different. Larger brains, more intelligent. They could sense what went on in the deep seas. They could even communicate through thought to the Mer men and Coral elves what they had seen and were sensing. These were the fish Flinar was counting on to answer his call. If all went well, the sharks and whales he had freed would keep their promise.
Coming out of the coral canyon, Flinar spotted the domed city of Aquilona. Its lights were very dim, they must be low on power. As Flinar guided his craft closer, he saw the Munos all gathered outside of the city bashing at the unbreakable dome with hammers, axes, lightning bolts and cannon blasts. So far the dome still held but with the power so weak, it could collapse at any minute. Quickly he guided the craft into a small cave he had seen. He grabbed bag the reached for his sword and stopped. The sword would be useless down here in the water. He reached up and opens the weapons locker behind the pilot's chair. There he found a dart gun with a belt of ammo and a small axe. He belted on the dart gun and pushed the axe into the belt for close quarter's fighter. Now he was ready to go find a way into the city.
As water poured into the small cabin, Flinar's body began to change. His skin took in the water and scales grew all down his chest and lower half. Fins drew on his thighs and his feet and fingers became webbed. Soon the water level rose over his head and he took in his first breath of water through his gills, Quietly Flinar pushed open the hatch and swam out into the open waters and ducked behind a reef as three Munos warriors swam past. Behind them on a huge clam shell, two Eel men pulled a cannon. Another followed them with a bag of cannon balls harvested from the sea floor.
Looking all along the sea floor, Flinar was surprised at what he saw. Hundreds of Munos and Coral elves gathered across the sea floor around the city preparing to invade. At each port into the dome they waited as warriors tried everything they could to get in. They tried siege hammers and the great long mainmast of a sunken ship. They even tried slamming an anchor dangling from a pole like some strange wrecking ball to smash their way through the dome, but nothing worked.
As Flinar watched, he wondered how was he to get in if nothing the Munos did seemed to work. His only answer was he had to get a message in to let them know he was there. Then he remembered something. The message stone. Caldar would have one too. Maybe he didn't have to get in at all. Maybe a message would do.
Sliding back down into the cave, Flinar reached in his pocket and took out the message stone. Holding it in the palm of his hand, Flinar concentrated on Caldar Dylani, king of Aquilona. As the stone flared into life, Flinar opened his hand and the image of the Mer king appeared.
[Flinar! Thank Rimnar! How goes the fighting in Dree?]
[Sadly your majesty.] Flinar sent. [Dree was taken. The city burns as we speak.]
[How?] Caldar asked. [What happened?]
[When we were invaded, we fought as best we could,] He explained. [But Talsara's forces overwhelmed us. They outnumbered us twenty to one. We held out as long as we could but eventually the city fell. I had to use our fuel stocks to blow up the sea port to keep it out of their hands. Talsara won't be using Dree ships to invade anywhere or anyone.]
[And Orym?] Caldar asked worried about his friend.
[The royal family made it out before the invasion. I'm here outside your city in a cave watching the Munos as they try getting through the dome. How can I help?]
[We sent people out to find a new power source for the dome.] He explained. [Without it, It's not going to last very much longer. I need to find that power source and get it back here as quickly as possible. I also need to know who commands the Munos. Talsara we know is in ultimate control but we know she is not here. These mad Eel men are being controlled by someone under her control. Find out who, it could make a difference.]
[I will do my best your majesty.]
[Caldar, Flinar.] The king sent. [You're not one of my subjects, your my friend. Now hurry, we don't have much time. Find Mortimer and Jandar with that power source fast.]
With Caldar gone, Flinar stuffed the message stone back in his pocket. Finding Mortimer and the power source wasn't going to be easy so Flinar decided finding out who was in command of the Munos should be his first step. To do that he would have to find a way to safely go out among the Eel men, and he could think of only one way to do that. Magic. He would need the right spell. And for that, he would need something of the Munos.
Peeking out, Flinar watched as a group of Eel men swam by in precise formation. Over their shoulders, each one held a trident. Caldar was right. They didn't seem like wild primitive savages anymore. Somehow, someone was controlling them. Could Talsara's magic really be that powerful? If they could control a whole vampire city and a werewolf village, why should the Munos be a problem? As Flinar watched the Munos troops go about building there camp, he saw a lone Eel man heading his way toward the cave. In his hand he held a bag. He was collecting something off the sea floor. Flinar watched as he picked something up, ripped it open and ate from it. Lobsters, he was harvesting lobsters to eat. Turning around, Flinar searched the cave floor a found he was standing in front of a huge lobster den. The Eel man would be coming in here to feast and fill his bag.
Pulling the shadows of the cave around him, Flinar waited for the Eel man to enter the cave. Slowly it picked its way to the entrance filling the bag and its stomach as at walked. At the entrance it gazed in and spotted its prize. Like a child finding a new toy it hopped about when it saw the abundance of shellfish in the cave. Quickly it began filling the bag every now and then stopping to gorge itself of a particularly fat one. The Eel man was so busy filling the bag, it didn't notice the hand that reached out fron the shadow and clubbed it over its head.
As it lay there on the cave floor, Flinar had a chance to get a better look at the Munos. They were tall with sleek scaly bodies. They had long necks and a dorsal fin that ran from their heel to the top of their heads. Some kind of bio electricity powered their bodies. It was probably created from friction gathered while they swam.
They had gills in their necks and a long face with strong sharp teeth. They looked very vicious and primitive, a lethal mix. Now that Flinar had seen the enemy, all that was left was to imitate the enemy. Pulling a hair from the Munos chin, Flinar stepped back and cast his spell and took the form of his enemy. As he looked down it himself, he smiled. Another face to fool the enemy, he hoped this worked or the Munos would be dining on Coral elf tonight.

Covered in a heavy cloak made of fish skin with his bag of lobster over his shoulder, Flinar swam out and through the ranks on the Munos. There were hundreds of them there mulling about not doing anything other than waiting. Flinar had swam pass a few and saw them up close. They all had the faraway look in their eyes, like they were there but not in control. There was no spark of intelligence in their eyes, just a blank stare. Flinar guessed that had to be because of whatever spell that was controlling them. He would have to be careful no one noticed him.
As Flinar swam through the battle lines, he came to an area the Mer used as a corral for tuna other fish they farmed. There was a hatchery with netted spaces for many different types of fish. There, Munos with deeper blue colored dorsals gathered watching something going on in one of the netted spaces. As Flinar passed, an Eel man waved him over.
He said something to Flinar that he didn't understand. Gesturing to the bag he was carrying. Flinar handed him the bag bag and stepped aside as they tore it open and grabbed for the lobsters, Like piranha they chomped at the lobsters, in a frenzy of hunger an Eel man grabbed at one of his companions. He bashed him in his head then threw him down and they tore into him. Disgusted, Flinar turned away and hurried to the netted pen. He looked around searching for somewhere to hide when he noticed there were Munos in the pen. Not just Munos, there was someone else in there too. Five of the Eel men stood around and watched as a Coral elf beat on a Mer man. He had been staked out, tied down as the coral elf beat and kicked at him. From where Flinar stood, he could hear in his head the elf screaming at the Mer man.
[Tell me!] He kicked him in his side. [How do I get in to Aquilona? There has to be a way in. Tell me! Is there a secret tunnel, a trap door. How do I get into the dome?]
[You' can beat me all you want Laor Blackhelm!] The Mer sent. [I'm never going to tell a traitor like you anything! You're a murderer. You helped kill all the people in Dree, now your helping Talsara invade Aquilona. I'm not telling anything!]
[You will tell me what I want.] Laor sent with a snarl. He reached down and grabbed the Mer man by the chin. [Either I get the answer from you, or I get it from Orym Dree just before he dies. Either way, one of you will tell me what I want to know.]
Laor Blackhelm! Here in league with Talsara? So that's how the Dark elves got into Dree so easily. Laor just let them come right through Melruth. I fact his could be the very warriors that did the inithal attack in Dree. Now here he is and he has Orym in his power too. Flinar had to find a way to free his cousin and the Mer man if he could. Then find Jandar and get that power source into the city. It was just another day in Fay Shrea.

As Maxius swam with all speed, Jandar and Mortimer did their best to stay low on his back. It and just been a few hours since they had left Vanco island. Braddoc, Gird and Viggo were on there way back north to Rage and the city of the Dragons. Jandar had tried to contact Rage but still something was blocking his every try. It had to be something Lord Larin or Queen Talsara was doing to keep the enemy off balance. Cutting of communication was an important step in all stages of conquest. The first thing you do before you invade an enemy. Then you move in, capture the land and remove any leadership that could get in your way. Tayor and Talsara had done just that with each territory they had taken. In Prafa, Eventide, Dree and Remus that had been the exact course. All communications were cut off then the spell was introduced to get the city leaders under control. Next would come the troops and the city under a new rule.
Here in Aquilona things had gone slightly different. Being underwater, Talsara couldn't just stroll in and declare herself the new queen. She needed someone that breathed underwater to do her dirty work and the primitive Munos were perfect lackeys. All she needed was a symbol to represent the ancient sea god Munoecus and she would have a mindless sea force who's every move would be under her control.
The incompetence of Walin Hael for the loss of the sea port, and his transformation into Munoecus was Talsara's move on Aquilona.The betrayal of Laor Blackhelm as he led his Coral elves to lead the Munos was the next move. Now getting into Aquilona and to capture Caldar Dylani was all that was left. Once she had Aquilona, there would be no stopping her. Nothing but Lord Larin her allie who would be her next target.
From Maxius back, Mortimer guided them to a safe place where they could stop and observe Aquilona from a distance. Fear fluttered in Mortimers stomach as he watched all the Munos out in front of Aquilona. There were hundreds out there. He turned to Jandar and Maxius.
[This is impossible.] He sent. [How are we suppose to get through all of them?]
[Is there no other way into the city?] Maxius asked. [A way they don't know about?]
[Not that I know of.] Mortimer looked back out at the domed city as it's lights flickered. The power was fading. There wasn't much time.
[Think Mortimer.] Jandar sent. [A sewage pipe, some kind of garbage dump. There has to be something.]
[I don't know!!] Mortimer screamed in his head. [What about you? Can't you move us in with magic?]
[I can't go someplace I've never been. It would be teleporting blind. We could appear in the middle of something solid and that would kill us.]
[What about shadows?] Maxius asked. [Can you move through shadow?]
[No, I can't. Shadow magic takes a mage years to learn unless it comes to you naturally. I've never studied any of the dark arts, so I can't move in shadows. We'll have to think of something else.]
[Like what?] Mortimer asked scared. [We don't have much time.]
Stumped, they stared down at the Munos surrounding the city. Even invisible it would be almost impossible to move through all the Eel men without being noticed. The Eel men could sense sudden movement in the water. They wouldn't need their eyes to find them.
[I have an idea.] Maxius pulled them down. [It's a long shot but it could work. It would at least give you time to get down to Aquilona. How you get in will be up to you.]
Jandar looked at the water dragon in  human form. Jandar was using magic to breathe but Maxius being a water dragon could breathe in and out of water in either form. The way Maxius talked worried Jandar. He had a feeling the dragon planned something he might not be able to survive and that was out of the question.
Feeling Jandars doubt, Maxius sent him a private message.
[Brother, this is why we're here. This is the job we Dragons have taken on for centuries. You know as well as I do our lives are here to protect. It's what we do,what we're meant to do. You get the crown in and find a way to stop this war. Don't worry about me.]
[I worry about all my brother.] Jandar sent back. [Don't sacrifice yourself yet. We still have other options.]
[I'll wait for now, but time grows short.]

Cloaked in mist and keeping low to the ground, Baron Valkar Zlenka stalked out to see the enemy that he would be facing. Out beyond the hedge where he hid, two lines of armored men quietly marched. At the head of the line, dressed in robes of tan and green rode Lord Tayor Larin, self pronounced king of Winterhaven and all the lands around it including Yadessa and a few pieces of Tir Na. In his hand he held a staff of fairy oak with a crystal at its head. The Baron could see the power emanating from the staff. He could tell this was a powerful weapon. He had no idea what it could do used against his spirit form and had no intentions of finding out. As he watched, Athene slipped in beside him.
[How should we attack?]
[Carefully.] He sent. [You create a mist. It has to be subtle, I want it to seem natural not a vampire mist. Those are elves out there, they won't no the difference. Once it's in place, Valkar, Adam and I will slip in and start thinning out his ranks.]
[What about me?] She asked.
[Be patient. Your time will come.]
As the sun dipped down over the horizon, a cool breeze swept in from sea. A lite mist formed and slowly made its way across the land. Lord Larin felt the chill and pulled his cloak tighter against the cold. Up above in the sky, clouds slowly crept in and covered the moon blocking out most of the moon light. The only sound to be heard was the sound of the men and horses as the marched along.
Slowly as the minutes passed, the mist grew thicker. It went from a lite mist that covered there feet to a thicker fog that rose up pass their knees and in a few minutes more it was waist high, and bone chilling. That was when the men in the rear started to slip and not get up.
First one then another went down. With the helmets they wore obscuring their view, the next man in line barely could see to his side to notice the man next to him was gone. Soon a cry went out as someone was grabbed and and pulled away. In a panic, men turned and pulled their swords to defend themselves from the ghost in the mist. Then suddenly right in the center of the column of elves, something attacked growling and slicing men down. The warriors jabbed and stabbed at whatever was hiding in the mist but never making contact with anything.
As they fought the ghost, something else popped out of the mist and started beating and tearing at the warriors. It looked like some huge monster insect with claws and a stinger that stabbed out then disappeared back into the mist. On his horse, General Seith came riding down through the mob of men. He jumped down pulling his sword.
"What madness is this?"
"Get back General." A warrior warned. "Something moves in the fog!"
"Wild dogs?" He kicked something he couldn't see on the ground and almost fell. "Are my warriors afraid of wild dogs? Are you men or children?"
"Its not a dog." The warrior backed away with is eyes open wide in fear. "It's something else."
"What?" Seith yelled.
"Me!" Valkar Zlenka rose up forming himself from the mist. He grabbed Seith by his throat and held high over his head. "I believe you seek a way into Vasagi. Only a member of the royal family can get through the gates. Well here I am. Are you pleased to meet? No? I didn't think you would be."
Closing his fist, Valkar cut off Seith's air and crushed his throat. With no time to shift to his werewolf form, Seith died gurgling blood through his crushed throat.
As he tossed him aside, Baron Valkar and Sting appeared out of the mist and tore into the warriors gathered around them. Thirty men met their end right there before Lord Larin could turn his horse and go join the battle. By the time he arrived with re enforcements, the fog had cleared and there was nothing there but the bodies of his dead.
"Come if you wish Lord Larin. We await you in the Dragon city." Baron Valkar faded away into the last bits of the mist and was gone.
"Nooooooo!!!" Lord Larin screamed and lashed out sending a bolt of magic through his cane. The bolt like a great star burst reached out in his rage for each of his remaining men. Trapped in the web of his spell, twenty more men died screaming in agony as the flesh burned from their bones in seconds as Larin raged.
"This is not the end!" He screamed into the  night. "Keanna will be mine! I'll damn you all and send screamimg to your graves! You'll see!"

From high in the night, Rage caught sight of some strange movement in the forest many miles out from New Keanna. He dipped his wings and turned to spiral down to fly over the area to investigate. It only took him seconds and he was flying over a scene what looked to him like a battle field in the forest. Coming in to land, Rage shifted and made his way through the bodies of the dead warriors.
"By Rimnar what happened here?"
"We happened here."
Rage spun around with his hands up ready to send a blast of flame at whoever had just spoke. There walking out of the forest came Athene, Sting and Valkar with the Baron appearing over the trees and gliding down.
"Easy Rage." Valkar held out his hands smiling at his old friend. "Its just us your neighbors coming to help"
Relieved, Rage hurried over to greet his friends. After hand shakes and hugs he ask just what happened here.
"New Keanna had a visitor." Valkar told as he led them back to the city. "Lord Larin and a few of his troops were on their way to pay you a visit. Jandar told us you were here alone so we came to help."
"You've seen Jandar?" Rage stopped them. "Where, when? Is he alright?"
"He was fine when we saw him." Athene took Rage by his arm to calm him. "He was off looking for something. He said to tell you not to worry and that he loves you. He'll be home as soon as possible. He promised me that."
Rage smiled but he was still worried, With Shayn and Ono off who knows where and Jandar playing hero, he was definitely worried. There was also Ariel, Toric, Denner and the Shadows. His family was spread all over Keanna where he couldn't protect any of them. For a king, right now he felt so helpless. But he knew they would all do all they could to get home safely. He just hoped that would be enough.
"OK Rage." Valkar said next to him. "What are we going to do about Vasagi?"

Still in his Munos guise, Flinar swam out in search of Orym Dree. He knew there were caves all over the sea floor here and he could search each one for days and still not find his cousin. The best way he knew to find him would be to follow Laor Blackhelm. It was logical that after the Mer man denied him the answer as to how to get in the city, he would go to Orym with the same question.
First Laor went to the city dome to see if there was any progress in breaking in. Once he found there had been no success, he went back to his tent and give no orders to his own men. He went into his tent and sat quietly in front of a huge crystal set spinning at a strange altar. Flinar got a quiet peek in and guessed the crystal could only be used for one thing. Laor was in contact with Talsara. Fron the back of the tent he had only a second to listen to what Laor was saying. He heard a fewe mumbled unrecognizable words the something that sounded like Munoecus. at that moment, Munos warriors swan by and Flinar had to move to keep from being caught.
Munoecus? What could that mean? He knew Munoecus was the god the Munos worshipped but he was only a myth right? He couldn't actually exist, could he? Flinar wasn't sure, but he knew the Munos believed and where there is belief, there could also be some reality in there somewhere.
As Flinar swam out, Laor left the tent and started swimming out towards a mound out in the distance. Flinar watched as he went in. He started to follow then stopped. This was his best chance to free the Mer man. Laor would be here with Orym for a while. He wouldn't kill him, Talsara wants Orym to much for that. He might be the key to getting into Aquilona. But the Mer man was expendable. Flinar had to get him free now or his life might be over.
Turning back, Flinar hurried back to the corrals where the Mer man was being kept. Two Munos guards stood at the entrance. They both need that blank look in their eyes, but that could either the spell or just the way all Munos naturally were. Flinar wasn't sure if or how Munos communicated but he was about to find out.
Armed with nothing but a dagger and the magic at his command, Flinar swam to the entrance. He stopped in front of the two guards who neither looked at him or moved. When he tried to slip pass them, one of the guards reached out and touched his shoulder. A wave of electricity shot up through his shoulder sending Flinar reeling back. He shook his head to clear the effects of the shock and looked up just as the two Munos jumped at him to attack. Ducking the first one's arms, Flinar grabbed his dagger and did a quick sweep up slicing open the stomach of the Munos reaching for him. Kicking out, Flinar sent the bleeding body flying back as he utter a spell for a force bolt that knocked the second one off it's feet. Raising the dagger, Flinar dived on him slamming the blade into its chest.
With the two guards out of the way, Flinar slipped in to the corral and hurried to the Mer man.
[Get away from me you filthy Eel!]
Releasing his disguise spell, Flinar started cutting at the ropes that held the Mer man down
[My name's Flinar Dree.] He sent. [I'm a coral elf. I'm here to get you out. Can you swim?]
[I think so.] He said still in shock. Once his hands were free he rubbed his wrist to restore the circulation. [King Orym? Where is he? Have you freed him?]
[No.] Flinar said as he removed the bindings on his feet and helped him up. [But I know where he is. Laor is questioning him right now.]
[Then we should hurry.] He started for the exit. [That other elf will kill him if he doesn't tell him how to get inside the dome.]
"No he won't. Orym is to important. Talsara want him brought back with Caldar to her. Laor wouldn't dare kill him. Tell me, what's your name?]
[Pyor Arren.] He reached out and took Flinar's wrist. [We should get out of here before someone shows up.]
At the entrance, Flinar looked out. Moving around wouldn't be as easy now with his guise down and Pyor at his side. There were Munos and Coral elves everywhere. The Munos might not jump when they saw them, but the Coral elves would. They needed something to hide them or a distraction to keep them looking somewhere else while they make their move.
[Pyor.] Flinar sent. [Is there a way into the dome?]
[Yes.] He pointed over to them where Laor was keeping Oryn captive. [There's a tunnel into the city hidden in the store house over there. If we can make it in there, We can get into Aquilona.]
Fear filled Flinar's heart when it dawned on him that the store house was where Laor was right now.He could stumble on the tunnel at any second.
[There's something you should know before we do anything else.]

As Mortimer watched the domes power grow weaker, he thought of his family and the last time he had seen them. His father was helping his pregnant mother from their house, while his brother stood the holding a message stone and begged Mortimor to message him to let them know he was alright. Wait! a thought hit him. The message stone, he still had it! Quickly Mortimer dug in his pocket and found the stone.
[Look!] He held it out for the others to see. [I forgot I had it!]
[Message Caldar.] Jandar told him. [Maybe he can help get us into the city.]
Mortimer closed his hands over the stone and sent out his thoughts for the Sea king. Suddenly the stone grew warm and Motrimer opened his hand. There in the glow over the stone was the image of Pyor Arren.
[Pyor? I was trying to get the king. Can you get him for me? I'm with Jandar, we have the power source. We need to get in Aquilona fast.]
[I'm not in the city either.] Pyor told him. [Orym and I were captured trying to get in the city. Right now I'm here in the hatchery with Flinar Dree, cousin to the king of Dree. Orym is being held by Laor Blackhelm.]
[Laor Blackhelm of Melruth?]  Jandar asked. He knew the attack on Dree and Aquilona was suspicious, but once he heard that Laor Blackhelm was involverd he wasn't surprise. He was surprised Orym would trust a dark mage like Laor, but then maybe Orym didn't know his history.
[Yes our neighbor.] Flinar added. [He had us completely fooled. We thought he was a trusted friend. We were wrong and now we are paying for that mistake.]
[Friend or not.] Maxius cut in. [We talk to much. Look at the city, the power is just about done. That dome will be down in a matter of minutes. We have to move now or the Munos will be in the palace in a few minutes!]
[I agree.] Jandar nodded. [Its time we make a move.]

Pain seared its way through Orym brain as conciseness brought him back into the world. He opened his eyes then tried to reach up and rub his throbbing head only to realize he couldn't move. Something was holding him down. Orym looked down to find he had been tied to a chair. Where was he? The last thing he remembered was him and Pyor heading back to Aquilona, then there was nothing but pain. What had happened?
[Welcome back Orym.]
That voice, he knew that voice. Orym looked up as someone walked out to stand in front of him. He lifted his head and focused on the voice. There standing in front of his was what he thought was an old friend.
[Laor? Laor Blackhelm?] He pulled at the chains around his arms and legs. [What is this? Why am I tied up?]
[Why else?] Laor laughed. [Because Dree's time is done. Aquilona is done. You are now a prisoner of the Darkshades. Hail Talsara!]
[Are you mad?] Orym pulled and tugged at his bindings trying to get loose. [Darkshade invaded Melruth just like it did Dree. Why are you doing this?]
[Darkshade never invaded Melruth,] He laughed kneeling down to face Orym. [I invited them in. With Talsara's help, I invaded Dree, and now, I'm about to invade Aquilona.]
[Impossible.] Orym spit at Laor. [You will never get through the dome and I'll die before I tell you how to get in.]
[I don't need you to tell me anything.] Laor grabbed Orym's hair and pulled his head back. [With the domes power so weak, I have something that can crush the dome like an egg shell. Can you guess what that is? No? Why do you think the Munos are here? Because we control Munoecus and he is here. That's right. The Sea god is here and he can destroy that precious dome.]
Laor waved over four of his men to untie Orym.
[Bring him out so he can see.]
Leaving both his hands and his legs shackled giving Orym limited movement, the Melruth Coral elves dragged Orym out of the store house where he could see what was going on.
Out in the distance, Orym saw something big slithering through the water. From where he stood, the thing looked to be more the seventy feet long with a great maw and a twisting snake like body. A long fin run along the entire top of the body all the way back to the tail. its color was a strange blue iridescent color with sparks that jumped all along the body.
[By Rimnar!] Orym breathed as it swam over their heads. He turned to Laor. [Don't do this, please don't.]
[It's to late.] He said with a grim smile. [You all had a chance to surrender and hand the city over but you refused. Now Munoecus is here and he will take the city for us. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

War. 72

From the hills to the north, to the plains of the west the Savonti moved raiding every human settlement they could find. They searched caves and burrows mines and forest battling clan after clan. But humans weren't Daru's only target. Any lord he thought weak and beneath him fell victim to his raids. Collars were put on lords young and old and sent out to fight in the name of Daru, the High lord.
But humans as Daru learned were not as weak as he thought and they also weren't alone. They were being aided by the last people Daru would ever expect to give them help. His own people, the Savonti. Somehow certain enemies of his had decided to completely go against all Savonti tradition and side with the humans. Lord Maru the armaurk son of Lesu had defeated Redu in combat and taken his land. The mad lord Ketu had tried to kill Lesu and failed. A human had killed him and his son Yaru was now lord in his place. Then there was Lesu and Paru, two of his oldest enemies. Somehow the humans had convinced them to turn on their on race. They said that the Humans deserve something called rights, that there should be laws. The only law Daru knew was the law of power. He who wields it, rules. That's the only law he followed. He was the most powerful, he should rule over them all.
Now it seems that big fool Pulu had betrayed him and become an ally of Lesu. He never should have let Pulu loose on his own. He was to dimwitted to be trusted even with simple tasks. Now his warriors would side with Lesu making him that much stronger. And on top of all that, he had learned the Nevac still live. They where somewhere deep down in the caves now preparing with the humans to strike. Another enemy to face.
But none of that mattered. There was something here on Pentanthin that would make him master of the whole planet and all he had to do was catch a few humans to get it. Loc and Trela were the answer. Daru just had to keep them blind of his movements and let them think they can succeed and he would get what he wanted.

It was hot and dark in the dungeon level of the Academy like the lair of a Savonti lord. Torches lit the way down the spiral staircase as Zarin and Dack in the form of flies made their way down level by level. It was quiet down there. There was only one prisoner in the entire dungeon and that was Trela, Daru's queen. It wasn't hard to find her, she was on the only level that was fully lit. As Zarin and Dack made their way down, they could hear her the guard talking.
"Get away from the cell." Someone ordered. "You have no idea what she could do to you with just her stare."
"She doesn't scare me." A younger voice said. "None of these lizards scare me."
"Then your a fool." the older voice said. "After all these months here on Pentanthin, you haven't learned to respect our enemy. The Savonti here have just as much power as Polan Dressak or any other major warlock at home and are just as deadly. We are few. We have allies but there are a lot more of them then us so you better learn a little fear. It could save your life."
As Zarin and Dack flew around the corner, they found the two guards. One was just a cadet. Young, maybe third year. The other was an older boy in his low twenties maybe, blond hair and his back turned to them. Zarin and Dack flew on to land on a cell door across from Trela's cell. As they watched, the younger boy grabbed a bucket of water and threw it into Trela's cell missing her by inches. He laughed as she jumped out of the way.
"See." He pointed. "It's nothing but a lizard. There's nothing to be scared of."
With a quick step the older boy grabbed him by his neck and threw him to the floor.
"Get out of here!" He shouted. "Your relieved."
"We'll see about that." The boy jumped to his feet and raised his hands to cast a spell.
"Cast your spell and see what happens." He laughed. "Or have you forgotten that these walls are spell proof. They will bounce your spell right back at you."
"Captain Testa will have you on garbage detail after I tell him what you did." The boy ran out heading up the stair.
"Captain Testa has more to worry about right now then an offended cadet. Isn't that right Zarin?"
The guard turned and Zarin realized it was Jovan they had sent to guard Trela.
"You can shift back to normal now." He went and sat down and took a drink from a canteen. Shocked at what he had just heard, Zarin and Dack flew off the wall to land in front of the desk.
"How did you know we were there?"
"I didn't."  Jovan answered. "Shayn did. He warned me you would be coming."
"They you know why I'm here?"
"You came for Trela. You play with fire, you know. She's not some innocent princess to be rescued. She's a fully powered Savonti queen. A man eater. You know this is a trap don't you?"
"We know she can lead us to Tabor." Dack said. "She's our only chance to find him."
"Zarin, I know what he's done." Jovan stood and led the two away from the cells. "We talked to your class mates who told us the history between you and Tabor. You can't let your hate for him lead you into disaster. Trela is disaster. She might lead you right to him but he's not all that's going to be waiting. I can guarantee you there's a Savonti lord out there waiting with him. Are you ready to face that kind of power?"
"We're not stupid." Zarin said calmly. "We know Tabor his help out there, but he's the reason we're here. This is our destiny, why the spell brought us to Pantanthin. Either we face Tabor and defeat him, or we all stay here. This is a part of the way home. We have to do this. The question is, are you going to stop us?"
Jovan sat back and stared off at the ceiling for a second. He was obviously talking with someone. Then his eyes cleared and he looked at Zarin and Dack.
"Ono ordered me to let you take her." Jovan stood up and walked to the cell door with the keys in his hand.
Zarin breathed a sigh of relief and followed. He had no idea why, but Shayn must have changed his mind.
"No." Jovan stopped turning back to them. "Shayn still thinks this is a big mistake. But he would rather support and trust you then fight you. You're all one of us. You, Dack, Reno and all your friends. We don't want to lose any of you so you are to find, Tabor and if he is with the Savonti, you call us. Don't try and fight him alone."
"I understand." Zarin smiled and tried to walk past Jovan. Jovan stopped him with a hand on his chest.
"Swear it." He looked them both in the eyes. "Promise me you'll call us."
"If he won't." Dack promised. "I will. Trust me. I have no intentions of ending up on a Savonti plate. None of us do."
"Good." Jovan reached out with the key. "Be careful and don't trust her."
Zarin nodded and took the key. Grabbing his sword from the desk, Jovan left the guard room.
You sure you want to do this?"
"I don't see we have a choice." Zarin tossed the key to Dack. "We have to end this. Not just for me but for all of us. For Elan and Aron back home. For what he will become if we don't."
Dack nodded but wasn't sure what Zarin had planned. Had his hate and thirst for revenge so filled his heart that he would punish Tabor for crimes he had not even committed yet? He would have to watch his friend and stop him if he had to from becoming exactly what they were fighting against.
As they entered the outer cell, Zarin looked in to find Trela with her cloak thrown off lounging in the heat that radiated from under the Academy grounds. She looked up at them with her piercing yellow eyes as they came to the cell door.
"I knew you would come for me." She lay down and stretched sensually. "You Humans, you always let your emotions control you. Just like the beast in the forest. That is why the Savonti rule Pentanthin and always will."
"That may be true." Zarin said. "But as I see it, must of you Savonti are to bold and boastful. You would rather take things then earn them. Here you're hoping I will help get you free of this dungeon, but still you insult me. That's not want I would call smart."
"Smart or not." She stood and came move to the cell door. "You will free me and I will take you to the Human you seek."
"And then?" Dack asked. "What then?"
"You can have what you call revenge." Trela smiled. "You wish the Human dead, is that not right? Well. I can help you. All you have to do is set me free."
Zarin lifted the key to the cell door and pushed it in. Suddenly Dack grabbed him and pulled him back.
"Wait a minute. Are you sure about this? Shayn could be right, this could be a trap."
"A trap for what?" Zarin asked. "What could they want with us? It's not like we're Dragons or masters. We're not that important."
"Maybe not to you we're not." Dack looked at Zarin with huge eyes. He was scared. Zarin could see it.
"Dack." Zarin took him aside. "We went over this already. How long do we have to be scared of Tabor? We've been fighting him ever seen we started school as kids. He killed my mother, almost killed your parents and Craven's. Do you want to wait until he finds a way to kill us all? Because you know he will try one day. I don't want to give him that chance. Let's finish this here on Pentanthin and now before he becomes something we can't deal with."
Dack stared intently at his old friend. He had never doubted Zarin before but he was scared of what he might have in mind for Tabor. But what choice did he have. He had to trust him, Zarin might just be the only one that could defeat their old enemy.
"I'll follow you." Dack put a hand on Zarin's shoulder. "Wherever you go, I'll be right beside you."
"Then let's get her out of here and on our way."

All across the face of Pentanthin, the Savonti attacked. In the south wearing a collar and under Daru's control, Redu fought his way through the hills and clans of the dessert. His mighty strength tore through fighters and everything they sent at him. It didn't matter how tired he was, his body was not his to control so he fought on.
To his left and right, Magu's warriors fought on land and in the air striking down sending bolts of power from their staff weapons. As Redu fought, strange thoughts tore through the part of his mind that he still had control over. For the first time in all the agens he had been a lord, he knew what he was doing was wrong. These humans were not his enemy.They fought proud and bravely for their lives. None of them turned and ran even when they stood facing his mighty strength. Knowing he was unbeatable, they fought on. Why had he not seen this before in the Humans? They fought just as bravely as any Savonti warrior defending his lord and house. They were not beast, not simple things to be eaten or used for pleasure and muscle. They could work together, fight together, help each other when needed. They were intelligent. Able to trick and trap Magu's warriors and bring them down. For the first time in his life, Redu, ex lord of the Savonti, admired the Humans. He wished there was some way he could regain control of himself and fight Daru at their side.
[If you really mean that.] Redu heard from nowhere. [I may be able to help you.]
"Who speak?"
[Maybe your salvation.] The voice said. [I am Lilia Kordiova, a human. And if you really mean what you have been thinking, we can help you.]
"How would you know what I am thinking?"
[Daru is not the only one who can hear others thoughts.] She sent. [I can also do this.]
Suddenly pain shot threw Redu's mind blinding him for a second. He dropped down to his knees clutching his head. When he opened his eyes he looked at his hands then realized he was back in control of his body.
"By the first egg!" He stood up. "I am free!!"
[I have blocked the effects of Daru's collar for a few units.] She said in his head. [But I can render the collars useless if you will help us.]
"Does that mean I can kill Daru with my own hands?" Redu's eyes blazed with Savonti revenge. "For that, Redu swears his alliance. What do you have in mind?"
[I am sending you help.] She sent. [Look to the skies, a son of the Savonti will arrive to help you. Please remember, Human's are no longer the enemy. Help them to survive this night.]
Grabbing his club, Redu looking to his side and saw one of Magu's warriors swooping down with his staff pointed at a group of men fighting three warriors. With a great leap he jumped to the warriors side. Seeing him join them, the warrior stood ready to run out to cut down the Humans. With a single swing of his club, Redu crushed the warriors and ran on batting any Savonti that came near him. Once Redu began fighting the Savonti, the Humans charged out of the forest. Great crossbows were wheeled out and flying warriors were targeted. As Redu fought, bolts three feet long were loaded and fired at the air borne warriors. Many fell to die in the hot sand, but Magu's warriors were not helpless. Staff weapon were aimed from up high and soon the crossbows were a flame and men were again fighting with sword and staffs.
Staff blasts beat at Redu's chest like a hammer but still he fought. His club swung left and right smashing into warriors breaking bones and crushing bodies. He deflected staff hits and sword strikes while roaring his anger out at his enemies. Like fleas on a dog warriors attacked Redu. His iron skin resisted hit after hit. Blow after blow until he could take no more and fell to his knees.
Suddenly from high in the sky, something flashed and threw all the warriors off Redu. Opening his eyes, Redu looked up to see a huge winged beast come streaking down to him. With a might blast of its breath, fire struck out burning a group of warriors to ash.
[GET ON YOUR FEET AND FIGHT LORD REDU!]
Reaching beside him, Redu grabbed his club and swung out at two warriors standing over him. Like straw dolls they fell their broken bodies crumbed to the ground. Kicking out, Redu kicked another warrior flying away from him. As he got to his feet, Redu wiped blood from his mouth, raised his club and dived back into the fighting.
Like one of the great flying snakes of Pentanthins ancient history, Valor streak down out of the sky raining fire down on the Savonti below. On his back, Lord Maru sat firing his staff at warriors below them. As they neared the ground, Maru leaped off Valors back and call his warriors out of the forest. Like a cavalry charge, the warriors of Maru rode in to attack Daru's forces.
In less then a Pentanthin frame, Valor had rid the skies of all of Magu's warriors. On the ground Redu with the help of Maru and his warriors, finished the last of the invading forces and gathered them into caged wagons. With the battle over, Redu sat and looked out at the Humans that walked around giving aid to the wounded and feeding the hungry. Maru and Xan came over to talk with Redu.
"You fought well Lord Redu." Xan nodded.
"As did they." He pointed to the men on the field. "Tell me Maru. Are these Humans really fit to be our equals?"
"In more ways then you might image Redu." Maru took a cup and filled it with water from a barrow. "You may not understand this but they stand as one against their enemies.They fight together to the end with one helping the other. They care not who is more powerful. With them, the strong carrys the weak. and we the Savonti need to learn from them or we are doomed to fall."
"They understand love and compassion." Xan added. "While we live with fear and hate. And that fear and hate will kill us if we do not end it here and now. The prophesy is upon us Redu. We have to choose to live or die. I choose life. What will you choose?"
"I choose life." Redu stood and placed his club to the side of the water barrel. "I choose to take back my home, grind my enemy's bones into the sand and feast upon his flesh. For the help of the Humans, I swear from this day on I will never dine or use them as juinti. Today they have earned my respect and my assistance. I will keep my oath, that I swear."
"Good." Maru passed the water to Redu. "My father would welcome you in his land to fight at his side. Xan will fly you to meet the White and Grey. Then on to Lesul where you will join with our father, Lord Lesu."
"Then the White and Grey are real? I thought them nothing more then a old myth."
"I assure you they are as real as you or I." Xan smiled. "And anxious to meet with you."
"I am afraid they will have to wait." Redu dumped what was left in his cup on the ground. "Daru is on the move and far to dangerous. Something must be done about him now and I have an idea."
Maru looked at Xan wondering if he should even trust Redu. Xan shrugged. They had saved Redu but neither know what was on his mind.
"There is no time for doubt." Redu said. "Either you trust me, or you do not. I have sworn my allegiance. Do I have yours?"
Maru looked off into the distance then mumbled something. His eyes cleared and he turned to Redu. "What do you need us to do?"
"Is it possible to make this collar look as if it still work?"
"Yes." Maru said with a curious look. "Lilia said she can reconnect it but make it so you can resist Daru's commands. But why would you want that thing on you for another si?"
"Because Daru has other lords in his power. If I go back, I might be able to free them and fight Daru from within his own walls."
"Other lords?" Maru stopped and looked to Redu anxiously. "Not long ago I rode into Werul and found his house burned, the people gone and his queen and his children dead. Weru was an ally of mine. I did not find his body in the ruins. I had hoped he had made his way out to safety, but he would never have left without his  queen and his sons. He must be in the hands of Daru."
"Aye." Redu nodded. "He wears a collar now. He is one of the lords I would return to free if the collar can be repaired."
"That will not work." Xan shook his head. "The si Lilia broke the collar, Daru felt the connection break. He will never allow you to return. Not alone without Magu's warriors."
"He might if he came back with something Daru wanted bad enough." Maru's eyes blazed with an idea. "I think I know just what would do it. We need Ozmun Natan."

Madness reigned all over Pentanthin as Savonti battled against clansmen. From the high lands and in the mountains, through the forest, down to the seas where the Savonti kept their ships for sea travel. Though Lord Cusu and a few others ruled the waves, Humans to had built and stolen ship in hopes of finding somewhere safe away from the Savonti. Armed with blast weapons and armor plating, the Savonti would attack all up and down the coast gathering slaves and raiding each others lands. Daru having collared two sea lords had many ships in his force, all now intent on his orders to crush the Humans once and for all.
As Ono and Shayn stood on the cliff and watched the Savonti load slaves onto their ships, Ono growled deep in his throat. They had been fighting all day against overwhelming odd to fight the Savonti back but things were not looking good.
"We have to stop them." Shayn said ready to leap down in Dragon form. "We can't just let them take them away."
"How?" Ono asked as he pulled him back. "The only way we have to stop something that size is one of you Dragons. If any of you attacks, the ships will be sunk. All the people in them will drown."
"What about Blink?"
"He can't get that many people through shadow." Ono shook his head.  "And even if he could get on the ship, half of them would panic and get lost in shadow then Blink would go crazy with grief. We can't risk all those lives."
"Then what do we do?" Shayn asked. "Every one's counting on us to save them. We have to do something."
"We do something the Savonti will have no chance against. We give the people the power to fight back."
"How?" Shayn looked at him nervously.
"Like this."
Ono took a step out and gazed up at the three moons that glowed brightly in the night sky for their power. Ono knew he was the only one who could possibly cast this particular spell and he wasn't sure if it would even work, but he had to try. He bowed his head and reached in deep to gather as much magic as he could. This was going to be his first spell, he prayed he would get it right. He cleared his throat and began to cast.

"BLOOD TO BLOOD, MAN TO BEAST.
CLAN TO CLAN, TO KEEP THE PEACE.
WITH CLAW AND FANG, YOU WILL PROTECT.
HUMAN TO WERE, YOU NOW ACCEPT.
A SAVAGE HEART, IS TAMED BY ALL.
FOR ALL PENTANTHIN, TO STOP THE FALL.
SO HEAR ME NOW, AND MAKE YOUR STAND.
FROM COAST TO COAST, OF WOLF AND MAN."


As Ono spoke the last words of the spell, a brilliant silver light flashed out from the moons and bathed the entire surface of Pentanthin in its light. Shayn hid his eyes from the flash while Ono let the light fill his being with its power. Uncovering his eyes, Shayn stepped out to stand beside his mate.
"Ono, what have you done?"
"I've given the people a fair chance against these monster." His eyes stared up at the moons with a look of satisfaction. "In twenty four hours everything on Pentanthin will be different. They will have the power to fight back. We will have a chance to beat the scaly bastards. We can go home."
"I hope you're right." Shayn reached out and took his hand. "I pray we don't regret this."

The Beginning of the End. 71

The time had come for a drastic change on Pentanthin and everyone knew it. As Daru stood on the balcony of his house over looking the forest of Darul, he sent out a message to all the Savonti. And by all I mean those under his control and those still free and able to fight.

[THE TIME HAS COME MY SAVONTI BROTHERS FOR US TO RID OURSELVES OF THE HUMAN THREAT. NO LONGER WILL THAT OLD MEANINGLESS PROPHESY HANG OVER OUR HEADS TO SCARE US IN OUR HOUSES. ON THIS NIGHT WE WILL RISE AND TAKE COMPLETE CONTROL AND PUT ALL HUMANS WHERE THEY BELONG, IN PENS TO BE USED AS WE SEE FIT.
AS HIGH LORD OF PENTANTHIN I COMMAND EVERY LORD IN EVERY HOUSE TO MARCH OUT AND HUNT DOWN EVERY HUMAN ON HIS LAND. FIND THEM, PEN THEM AND SHOW THEM THAT WE ARE THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF PENTANTHIN. WE ARE THE MASTERS OF PENTANTHIN.]
Turning from his window, Daru ordered his armor to be brought to him. It was time for him to be out to war.

As Kordova sat quietly in the office of the Academy headmasters office, her attention was split away from all the arguing going on in the room. She has cast her mind out in the forest and the hills all around them to see how the other clans spread out were doing. For the moment, all seemed quiet. But there was a strange tension in the air. It was like a cold feeling from deep inside that said something bad was about to happen. Lilia had felt this before. She felt it the night the Savonti hunt on the Nevac started, she felt it the night of the raid on Fedrul by the Gekko's. She had also felt it the night Shayn and Ono had appeared on Pentanthin. She wasn't sure what it meant. Could be trouble or just some turn of events in one way or the other. That was why she was keeping such a closer eye on things.
As Lilia's mind wander through the mountains she came across the clan of an old friend. Clan Petrof, Magda Petrof's former clan. She found them settled in an old cave on the lands along the traveling route they used while hunting. From what she saw, fires had been started and camp was all set out. The hunters had gone out and returned with a rich catch of Daur and Huick to feed the hungry clan. Sentries had been posted in the hills and it seemed they where settling in for the night.
But Lilia still couldn't shake that feeling of dread and that something was wrong here. She knew after the birth of Valor, Lesu had saw the light and talked out a truce with his Dragon son. There would be no more human hunting on Lesu's lands. No more slavery and no more feeding on the humans. Castor had promised to teach the Savonti the ways of hunting in the forest. They would learn there are other things to eat besides the humans and that there would be a stiff penalty, a law now against such behavior. That meant there shouldn't be any Savonti out there in the forest hunting. The clan should be safe.
Just to be sure, Lilia let her mind move through the dark forest. She went along the river to a set of caves that were empty. Then she moved on over the plains to the fields where Lesu had built his few farms. Still nothing. From there she made her way to the northern forest that bordered the lands of Lord Paru one of his closest and best allies. Paru had always been a brother and good friend of Lesu, watching and protecting his northern borders. He to had pledged his alliance with Valor and agreed to free his slaves.
As Lilia moved deeper into the forest, the feeling grew stronger and stronger. There was something here she thought, something dangerous.

In mighty leaps and bounds, Drake Tyr in wolf form crashed through the forest heading into the hills to find clan Petrof and warn them before it was to late. At his side Magda Petrof pushed her tracker hard trying to keep up. They had been returning from Lesul when a strange scent caught Drake's nose.
[Do you smell that?] He sent to Magda. [I know that smell.]
[Savonti?] She asked not catch the scent. [How close are they?]
[A few miles.] Drake answered. [It's Savonti, but it could be Lesu's hunters out replacing their food stocks. Or, it could be something else.]
[This is not good.] Magda dropped down from her saddle. [We should go see what it is.]
[Stay back in the trees and go north.] Drake sent as he trotted off. [Stay out of sight.]
Staying low, Drake took off through the trees moving carefully to keep out of sight. He dodged around and over fallen trees and over a brook until he found himself on the edge of the the forest. There he pushed his head through a dense bank of bushes to see what could be coming across the plains into the forest.
As he looked into the distance he saw a single fleck of light. But as he scanned the length of the horizon, he saw many more. They were torches. Torches being held in the hands of mounted Savonti warriors. Warriors wearing black armor. Lesu wore red armor and so did his warrior, so these were not warriors of Lesul. Black is Daru's color. Lesul was being invaded.
[It's an invasion!] Drake sent to Magda. [Get back in the forest!]
Turning, Drake dashed back into the forest. He knew Lesu probably wasn't prepared right now for an attack, and what stood between Lesu's house and these warriors was Clan Petrof. Both would have to be warned.
[Magda] Drake sent. [You remember where the Petrof''s are camping? Go warn them that trouble is on the way.]
[What about you?] She asked pulling her sword from it's scabbard to be ready to fight.
[I have to warn Lesu.] He sent. [He's the only one that can stop these warriors before they can attack the clan or Lesu's house. Hurry! Get the clan moving as fast as you can. I'll find you somehow later.]
[Good hunting Uncle.]
With that, Magda kicked her tracker into a run and was gone. Not wasting time, Drake lifted his nose and took in the wind coming from the north. An army on the march will create a strong smell. Garbage, sweat, blood and many different scents. From his years of forest fighting, Drake could pick up this scent with ease. This was the scent of the approaching invasion force. Being a werewolf, he could even hear the sound of their march from there. As the wind shifted coming from the west, he could detect a human scent mixed with that of the Savonti. This scent was much cleaner, with no hint of fatigue. A small hint of blood but not human or Savonti. This was the smell of a hunt, this had to be Lesu. Turning west, Drake took his bearings and headed off to intercept Lesu to warn him of the invasion.

For the first time in his life Lord Lesu was on the hunt for food to feed his people and he wasn't hunting humans. There was no screaming women and children. No men attacking out of trees, no traps dig in the ground to slow him down. There was only his warriors along with the humans tracking and guiding herds of duick and dera along to be penned and led home. He was surprised at how much easier it was to collect food. And now that he realized how intelligent the humans were, he wondered why had he been so blind for so long. Why had he thought the Savonti so superior to the humans? Pride? Or was it plain ignorance. For all  his life the humans had been right there thinking and acting with intelligence. Mar had seen it. Xan has seen it. Why hadn't he? It had taken a young boy to risk his life saving Lesu's life to see it. He still found it hard to believe that the boy hadn't aimed for him.
As he looked to his left, Castor rode hide on a tracker shouting instructions to Lesu's warrior on how to catch the duick they chasing. Lesu watched as Castor sent warriors after stragglers that had split off from the main body of the herd. As Castor saw Lesu watching, he waved and gave him a nod assuring him things were going very well.
"Nazun Lesu." Lord Paru rode up beside Lesu in his yellow crested armor. "Maru sends his greetings."
"You have seen my son?" Lesu said. "Then he explained our plans to you?"
"Yes he did." The fire lord nodded. "I must confess I had my doubts, but he and the human with him spoke with such enthusiasm and intelligence, such pride and passion. These humans, who would have thought they were so honorable. Even more then many lords I know. That is what convinced me to change."
"I owe them my life and my house." Lesu explained to his fellow lord. "They opened my eyes to the possibilities on Pentanthin. Humans and Savonti together, I think there is much we can do if we can stand together."
"I agree." Paru nodded. "I will stand with you on their side in the up coming struggle. Brothers should fight together. You have my word."
"Many thanks Brother." Lesu gripped Paru's shoulder in appreciation. "Father would not understand, but he would be proud of us."
"Agreed."
Lesu and Paru rode together as the herd of over one hundred was driven back toward the corrals they had built. With the help of Castor and his clan mates, the day was turning out very good. There were few fights between the two people for each side was too busy learning what the other had to teach.
As the two lords watched, Castor stood on the top of a hill looking at something off in the distance through a spy glass. After climbing the hill to join him, Lesu looked out and saw a small cloud of dust in the distance.
"What is it?" He asked.
"I'm not sure." Castor handed the glass over to Lesu. "It looks like someones was riding out to meet us, but they stopped. Maybe a tark attacked."
"There are no tarks in my land." Lesu looked through the glass. "This is not a tark attack."
"Then what is it?"
"The question is not what, but who." Lesu said. "Someone is under attack. Stay here Castor. Get our warriors ready to fight."
Grabbing the reins and urging their mounts on, the two sped out to investigate the battle being fought off in the distance. From where they were, they could see something big and hairy fighting five Savonti warriors dressed in black armor.
"DARU!!" Lesu shouted. "How dare he attack my home."
"Those are Daru's warriors." Paru  said. "But who are they fighting?"
[They fight one of us coming to warn you Lord Lesu.]
"Who speaks?" He asked.
[I am Lilia Kordova.] The answer rang through their heads. [I speak for the white and grey. So does our friend fighting before you. Help him.]
"That is good enough for me." Lesu charged in jumping from him tracker. "Paru, to the left!"
With a flash of red energy, Lesu killed the first attacker that came at him then stared down on another sending him screaming to his death. His sword flashed high as he was met by a third who made the same mistake of looking Lesu in his eyes and died as his brain fried. Wading in he kicked out hitting another in the knee then slashed down cutting the warriors head loose from his neck.
As Lesu and Paru attacked, Drake snarled and leaped at the closest warrior to him. Landing on the warriors back, Drake tore at the heavy armor trying to break through to his flesh. As he ripped away the final metal plate, something hit him knocking him off the warrior. Drake rolled but was caught by another who sent a kick at the werewolf's head. Dazed, Drake tried to get to his feet shaking his head to try and clear it. As he looked up for the death blow that he thought would come at any second, he saw a warrior raise his sword over his head, then burst into a ball of flames.
Climbing to his feet, Drake looked around to find five dead warriors and three more burning heaps simmering on the ground.
"My thanks for your assistance lords Lesu and Paru." Drake bowed his head to the two Savonti lords. "I am Drake Tyr and I bring you a warning of forces moving through the pass into your lands. You are being invaded by the mind lord."
"Yes we know." Lesu said as he kicked over thge body of a dead warrior. "These would be Daru's warriors."
"Not all of them." Drake as he went and turned the warrior that had almost killed him. He pushed away the broken armor to reveal the brown under cloth beneath.
"Pulu." Paru frowned. "That big idiot always did have a weak mind."
"And that's not all." Drake stepped over to another warrior and unstrapped his plate armor and pushed it of to show the lite blue under it. "Who's color is this?"
"No." Paru said. He got down on his knees and turned the warrior to face him. "This can not be."
"What?" Lesu asked. "Do you know this one?"
"Yes." Paru looked around then went to another dead warrior and removed his armor. Beneath he found a striped cloth. "This one in the striped cloth is of the house of Weru. He is the lord Weru's elder son."
"And the other is Tad of house Tibu." Lesu told them. "His father is an old enemy from the north. His daughter was to be Mar's queen when he assended to rule his own house. A proud warrior whom I have had trust in the past."
"But you said an enemy?" Drake asked.
"A minor squabble over land." Lesu waved the thought off. "But I know he would never ally himself with Daru. Not in a thousand agens."
"Nor would Weru." Paru removed the warriors helmet noticing the collar. "What is this?"
"That is one of Daru's weapons." Lesu explained. "He uses it on slaves and warriors to control their minds. That is how he got them to attack. I must warn Xan and Maru about this."
[I will pass your warning on to your sons.] Lilia promised. [But you must strop the invasion and save the humans in your mountain lands. They will be slaughtered without your help and then move on to your house.]
"Then the war had begun." Lesu climbed back on his tracker. "Master Tyr, you are welcome to help if that is your wish."
"I would be honored." Drake shifted to his wolf form and howled.
"Interesting these humans are." Paru said as he kicked his tracker into a run.

It was getting dark by the time Zarin left the head masters office and he had just one thing on his mind. Tabor. He had to find him and he thought he knew just how it could be done. From Insa's office he headed back up to Reno and Trips room. There everybody was waiting for him
"Well?" Reno asked. "What did they say? Can we go?"
"No." Zarin said. "Shayn said under no condition are we to leave the school for any reason."
"I guess that settles it." Craven flopped down on a chair. "We're stuck here."
"No." Zarin slammed his fist into the desk. "I don't care what they say. I'm going."
"But you can't." Thalia said surprized. "Shayn said no, we can't leave,"
"Not we."  Zarin looked at her. "Me, I'm going. Your all staying here."
"And how do you think your going to find Tabor all by yourself?" Dack asked. "You got a map or something?"
"Or something." He said. "Yeah."
"What does he mean?" Rese asked Trip. "What kinda map does he have?"
"It's not a map." Zarin explained. "When I was in the office there was this woman there being questioned by them. She said she knew where he was."
"Wait a second." Reno said walking over to Zarin. "Miss Lilia?"
"No it wasn't her. It was a Savonti lady."
Tored and Luke jumped from their chair. Luke fell to the floor. "A Savonti woman? You saw a Savonti woman?"
"Yes." Zarin looked at them puzzled. "What's the big deal? She said she knew where he was."
"And she talked to you?" Tored's eyes were wide open in shock. "You heard her talk?"
"Yes I heard her talk!!" Zarin was getting angry. "She spoke words! Why does it matter?"
"Because only Queens can talk!" Luke shouted. "You were speaking to one of the most dangerous people in Savonti society. Almost as dangerous as a lord!"
As the excitement in the room grew, everyone started talking at once. Dack refused to let Zarin go anywhere along while Thalia thought he was losing his mind. Reno still wasn't sure where he thought he could find Tabor and Rese still didn't understand what was going on.
"EVERYONE BY QUIET!!" Craven shouted over all the noise. "This Savonti woman."
Tored gave him a look starting to cut in
"I mean this queen. Are you sure she will help you?"
"She said she knew where he was." Zarin said. "And I believe her."
"You can not trust her." Luke went and sat by Zarin. "That is probably why Shayn said no. She will lead you right into a trap. Right to the lord she serves. This is a bad idea."
"It's all I've got." Zarin said sadly. "Luke, Tored. You don't know Tabor like we do. For years he's tortured us. He put a spell on most of us and our parents. His spelled had Craven so bad he almost killed Rese. He killed my mother! Am I suppose to just let him go? I can't do that."
"Then let us help you." Dack said. "Besides, you'll never get out of here by yourself. And how do you plan to get that queen out?"
Zarin opened his mouth to explain, then realized he had no idea how he would get her out of the dungeon.
"See." Dack smiled. "You do need us."

All across Penthanthin, Savonti warriors were out in mass going from one hide out to the next killing and collecting every human they could find. This was to be a day to remember. Every lords pens would be full and over flowing by the end of the night. Every cave was searched, every tree shaken to see what would fall out. Whole clans were found and rounded up while others who were lucky enough to find the right cave were shown places where the Savonti would never look. They were made safe by a mysterious voice that led into a dark safe place. There a young girl with a small doll in hand would find them and sing them all a secret song she had learned to calm frightened nerves. She promised soon they would all be safe. She couldn't say where or how, but she knew that within three drayns, there would be peace on Pentanthin.

As Pulu and his warriors slowly made their way through Petrof Forest in Lesul, a sentry came riding hard from the plains to meet them. Pulu put up a hand to stop his warriors advance and wait for the rider to catch up to them. Pulu was not exactly what Daru would call a very smart lord. His ability to grow made him one of the more powerful lords, but his wasn't the strongest of minds. He was easy for Daru to manipulate and that was why he wasn't wearing a collar in Daru's pens. His mind was easy to guide, pliable for Daru to mold and play with that didn't sit well with the lord Pulu.
For many ages, Pulu had fought Daru's fights and followed his orders. He tore down the walls of Daru's enemies and crushed those that stood against him. But not as an ally. Pulu could always feel Daru in him mind. Guiding him and pushing in directions that pleased the mind lord. He robbed Pulu of his slaves, warriors and his favored queen while laughing at the giant lord. Now here he was again doing battle for Daru. When will it end?
As the rider approached, Pulu sat grimly on his tracker waiting, his mind fumed with anger at himself. Riding up, the warrior jumped off and ran to Pulu. He slammed his fist into his chest as a salute.
"Well." Pulu looked down on him. "What is it?"
"Warriors approach." He said.
"Lesu?"
"No." He snook his head. "The color they wear is to dark for Lesu and the warriors are on foot, They ride no tracker."
"Tall, dark warriors?"
"Yes my lord." He said.
"Nebu." Pulu climbed down of his tracker and walked back out to the edge of the forest. He concentrated and grew himself to the height of the trees and looked out over the plains. Sure enough, Nebu and more then fifty of his warriors were running towards him. Shrinking down to normal size, Pulu went back to his warriors and ordered a large portion of his warriors into the forest to hide. Pulu had no idea why Nebu was coming at him, but he didn't trust him. He could be about to attack or he could have been sent by Daru to join him. Either way, Pulu didn't want Nebu to know the number of his forces.
"Stay hidden." He told them. "I will call you when I have a need for you."
After his warriors were gone, Nebu and warriors came up the hill that led into the forest. Growing until his head was above tree level, Pulu called out to stop them.
"HOLD THERE!" He bellowed. "I KNOW WHO YOU ARE LORD NEBU. I DO NOT KNOW WHY YOU ARE HERE. WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE HERE?"
"Daru sent me to aid you in the attack on Lesul." He said. "I have knowledge of this land you do not have."
Walking out to meet him, Pulu gradually shrink back down to his normal size. He looked at the strange lord knowing that sometime in the future, he would have to kill this one or be killed himself.
"What knowledge do you bring that I can not find for myself?"
"Did you know that Lesu's son Xan has rejoined with his father?" Nebu asked.
"What does that matter?" Pulu asked. "Xan never showed any power before, why should I fear him now?"
"Xan has changed since he last resided in Lesul." The gray lord said. "The humans did something to him and he has become more powerful then you can image."
"Bah!" Pulu waved him off. "I care not for the musings of a whelp of a lord no matter what power he possess."
"Have a care tall one." Nebu warned Pulu. "We speak of a son of Lesu, lord of death. Do not take that as a small thing. His sons could has power even Daru can not fathom. Do not dismiss them so easily."
"I am here to conquer this land." Pulu went back to his tracker and climbed into the saddle. "I will do that with or without your help. Now if you have knowledge that will help, I will listen. But if you get in my way, I will crush you. Do you understand"
"I do." Nebu bowed.
"Then let us get on with it." Pulu turned his tracker south and started away.
"We go west Lord Pulu." Nebu pointed out. "Lesul is to the west."
Grumbling, Pulu turned west and waved his warriors on. Nebu watched as Pulu rode off. He smiled knowing his would be the blade that put an end to the big fools life.

Since Magda had left, Moet Ceasaz had led the Petrof clan through many difficulties, raids and hunts. Lesu's hunts for his sons had brought warriors very close to where the clan had been hiding many times. A few times it had taken the sacrifice of others to keep the clan from being discovered. A few had been lost to keep the many from being caught. It had been Moet's decisions that had kept them safe so far.
Now with the hunts in Lesul over, Moet had been able to relax, but only for a brief moment. There were still many dangers in Lesul that they had to constantly watch out for. Rogue Savonti hunters and outlawed ex clansmen that came in the night to steal their supplies, woman and weapons. Life for a traveling clan was never easy, not even when the Savonti stayed away. Now things were about to get difficult for the Petroffs.
Running on foot after having lost her tracker to the vines of a xared plant, Magda hurried through twisted hidden paths made and marked by her clan long ago. Being a Petrof, she could tell the path had been used recently. And by the looks of it, there had been many moving one by one in a long single line. Through agens of practice the clans had learned to travel carefully, to never leave much of a trail to followed back to their camp. Magda and any other member of her clan would never have trouble finding the trail, but an outsider wouldn't even be able to see blade of grass out of place.
As Magda reached the base of the mountain, she located the path the clan had used. She saw the subtle clues left by their passing, then she saw something else. Tracks, human tracks. Someone was stalking the Petroff's. Someone that did not belong to the clan.
Hurrying on, Magda thought back on who could be after her clan. Not many clans would dare pull a raid at this time. But if they knew Lesu had stopped his hunts, someone could be tempted to try and take the advantage and fill their ranks with Petroff women and warriors. Could it be Boris Nemscu to the south? He always did envy the many caves the Petrofs had to hide in when traveling. Or Lazar Dimur, Magda never liked the way that old man stared at her. It reminded her of the way the Savonti stared with that hungry look in their eyes.
As the fear drove her faster up the mountain, she passed another clue. A piece of old cloth lying in the middle of the trail. Magda quickly snatched it up to look at. It was your basic cotton cloth used by most clans for tunics, pants and other clothing. But something about this was different. Magda examined it turning it over in her her. It had been dyed in shades of indigo and violet, perfect colors for hiding in the forest. Most of the clans had their own specific shades from the lands around them. This camouflage shade Magda had seen before while training at her fathers side. These were the colors of Lazar Dimur. The old mensch who had tried forcing her father to give him her hand in marriage. But Costa Petrof knew his daughter would never be happy at his side. He knew she could lead the clan on her own to a better life then Lazar ever could, so he refused. Lazar swore he would have Magda one day and all she held dear. So now with Lesu's mind on other Savonti related problems, Lazar had decided it was time to pull his own raid on the Petrof clan.
Stuffing the cloth into a side pockets, Magda took off climbing the the hill to the cliff that that stood cover over the Petrof camp. Once there she looked out and saw Lazar's team creeping in on the Petrof camp. They had the camp surrounded. There was no way she could make it down in time to stop them before they could strike. Her only chance was to warn them of the coming attack.
As Lazar's men made there way closer to the Petrof camp and its sentry's, Magda molded four small glowing balls of explosive force and with her mind placed them in between the sentry's and there attackers. With  a leap off the cliff, Magda snapped her fingers and detonated her bombs sending dirt and debris showering down over the forest. In shock, the Petrof guards stepped back looking out to see what was going on and saw Lazars men staring at them in surprise.
"We're under attack!" A man shouted pulling his sword. "Sound the alarm!!"
Reaching to their side, several guards grabbed a bone whistle they all used in case of emergency. They raised it to their lips and blew a shrill note out to sound the alarm. All  around the camp, men jumped at the sound coming from the edge of the camp. They grabbed weapons as they had been trained to all their lives and hurried out to see what had caused the alarm. Looking all around they saw the cloud of dust rising from the boundaries of the camp.
Moat came running from his tent. He screamed for everyone to be quiet and listened to the winds. He could hear the sound of battle coming from the camp edge.
"Stefan." Moat waved him over. "Take men and go to the north, east and south gates. I'm going west. Hurry there might not be much time."
Splitting into four groups, Moat led one group running to the west end of the camp. There he found the last of his guards defending the camp from darkly dressed warriors. Moat raised his sword and dived in fighting. Sword to sword, hatchets and knives struck in the night. Staff weapons were raised and fired at each other in the pitch of fierce battle. Two clans were now at war.
As Magda ran in a warrior ran to confront her. He swung high as she ducked low and sent a punch backed with a touch of power at the mans jaw laying him out. To the side she saw Moat fighting with two men. He kicked one in the chest, spun around and batted another away with a staff. He looked up to see Magda just as he was attacked from the side. With a quick push of her power, Magda knocked the warrior back and away from Moat.
"What on Pentanthin are you doing here?" Moat ran over and hugged her.
"No time." Magda said as she raised her hand and clapped then together creating a small explosion. "STOP THIS NOW!!"
As the force went out, it knocked all the fighters to the ground. Stunned they all looked up at Moat and Magda. One of Lazar's men reached for his sword.
"We don't have time for this." She yelled. "While you fight, we are about to be invaded. We have to be ready."
"Invaded?" Moat said stunned. "By Lesu? But we were told he had stopped his aggression against us."
"It's not Lesu." She explained. "He's being attacked too. It's Daru and his allies. They're almost here and we have to be ready."
"It's a trick." Sebu Dimur, Lazars son pushed his way to Magda and Moat. "She's just trying to buy time for those strange friends of hers to get here to save her. We should finish this now."
"I don't need help to stop you Sebu." With another snap she set off a little pop in Sebu's hand making him drop his sword. "I could blow you and all your men up with a snap of my fingers. But that would leave the Dimur clan without most of its warriors. Weak and helpless. Whether you believe me or not I need you. We all need you. The Savonti are getting ready to kill all of us. Kill us or put us in cages to wait for death. We won't be able to run or hide from Daru forever. He will hunt every single one of our people down if we don't put an end to this. That's what me and my friends are fighting for. We fight for you! But we need your help before it's to late. Help us please!!"
Sebu and his men stood staring at Magda. She could still be lying to them making all this up. But the Savonti from where they were from had also lately been attacking more and more. And word had gone out that Lord Buku had somehow disappeared. Strange Savonti warriors in blue had been seen in his manse which made Lazar very nervous. Could these be the invaders she was talking about?
As they talked, Magda got that feeling in her head she always had when someone from the Academy was trying to reach her.
[Magda.] It was Lilia Kordova. [Be warned. The Savonti are almost there. Be ready for an attack.]
[There's not enough of us here.] Magda sent back. [Can you send help?]
[We are much to far away.] Lilia answered. [Only Blink could make it there in time, but he has no idea where in Lesu's lands you are. The only help I can send is Lesu himself.]
As always when a Savonti lords name was mention, chills ran through Magda's body. But Valor had promise Lesu had given his word and though she knew him to have always been a ruthless lord, She had trust in Xan. If he said his father would fight on their side, she had a believe him.
[We'll do what we can until he arrives. But please tell him to hurry.]
[Have faith Lady Petrof.] And Lilia was gone.
"Hurry!" Magda grabbed Moat's arm. "Get the women, children and the elders away to the caves in the north hill. Troubles almost here."
Moat nodded and ran off back to the camp. She turned to Sebu and his men.
"Now it's up to you." She looked Sebu in his eyes. "In a little while the Savonti will be here on us. You can leave now or stay and fight, but I don't have time to argue. What will it be?"

The first ones over the hill were Nebu's strange Tark like scavenger warriors. They tore into the camp like blood thirsty beast ripping down tents and tearing into small huts looking for anything that breathed. All they found were small animals the children had used for pets. But in their blood lusty hunt, they ripped them to shreds without thinking. Then Nebu entered along with Pulu who kicked aside ragged tents angrily.
"Well?" He turned to Nebu. "Where are they? You said they would be here!"
"I do not understand. They were here. My spies said they were here! This camp was full of the beast!"
"Do you see any humans?" Pulu shouted at him. "I see nothing!!"
"Not now." Nebu waved one of his warriors over. "But all the human things are still here. They have to be close. Find them!!"
Spreading out with their nose to the ground, Nebu's warrior's started tracking scents. Human spores where everywhere going in circles all around the camp. There was no clear direction to go to follow the humans. It was like they were still there, but not. This frustrated Nebu. Daru was not a patient lord. He didn't forgive failure from anyone, not even a fellow lord. If Nebu failed, he would find a collar around his neck and no running or hiding could stop that.
Frantic, Nebu morphed himself into a huge beast with gray fur, a long snout with this great nose. He lowered his head to the ground and began tracking. Pulu watched as Nebu moved all across the camp back and forth following the scent. He stopped at one point then another and finally he went to a ledge and howled. As he howled, one of his warriors dived over the ledge growling. As it hit the ground it exploded blowing pieces of its body everywhere.
"ATTACK!!!"
With staffs and swords in hand, Petrof clansmen jumped out from their hiding places and attacked stabbing and slicing at the Savonti. Nebu snapped at the closest warrior ripping off his arm. From all around warriors clashed in battle while Pulu stood in the back and watched,
[How brave these humans are.] He thought. [Even doomed they fear nothing,]
[They fight for their lives and family.] A voice said back to him. [They fight with honor.]
[Who speaks?] Pulu asked.
[Someone who has been fighting Daru all my life just like you Pulu.] The voice said. [Someone who is tried of Daru's superior attitude. Someone he can not control unlike you.]
[Daru does not control me.] Pulu declared. [No one controls me.]
[Then why are you here giant one? You have nothing against the humans. Why have you joined with the Mind lord if he has no control over you? You know he will kill you or collar you once you are of no use to him. Why fight for him now?]
Pulu thought back on all Daru had done to him over the agens. All the orders and abuse he had suffered at his hands. Whoever this voice was, he was right. Daru would destroy him once he no longer needed him. Why was he helping him?
Growing to giant size, Pulu grabbed a branch off a tree and bashed it down on Nebu flattening him. As he tried to get up, He stomped him and grounded him into the ground. As he raised his foot, Nebu again slowly tried to reform himself. A pretty clan girl stepped out and thrust her hands out at Nebu. He exploded into a thousand pieces.
"HEAR ME!" Pulu shouted. "NEBU IS DEAD AND I WILL FOLLOW DARU NO MORE. YOU CAN STAND WITH ME AND LIVE OR FIGHT ON DARU'S SIDE AND DIE. MAKE YOUR CHOICE HERE AND NOW."
As the fighting stopped, Lesu and Paru along with their warriors rode into the clan camp dressed in full battle gear. They rode up to Pulu as he shrank down to his regular tall size ready for battle.
"Nazun Lords Lesu and Paru." He bowed. "Please accept my apology for trespassing on your land. My mind was confused. It is clear now who is the enemy. Will you accept my pledge of alliance?"
Lesu stared down at the remains of Nebu's dead body then at Paru and Drake. He wasn't sure of what had happened here but he had a feeling that Pulu had just saved him fron a battle, and any battle not fought is a victory.
"I will except your pledge if you will help these people here to re build there homes, swear never to attack again and join us for a meal."
"I accept." Pulu reached up and slammed his fist into his chest in the Savonti salute.
"What just happened here?" Drake asked Magda as his tracker came up beside her.
"I have no idea." She said confused. "He killed Nebu and switched to our side."
[Pulu is a honorable Savonti.] Lilia said in their minds. [He will make a fine allie.]