The God of Hate. 77

Lightning flashed and thunder roared as a shrill scream pierced the night. From high in the dark clouds, a shadowy figure descended on the dead city of Kyan. As it reached the balcony of the highest tower in the city's palace, a set of double door spring open and it sailed in. Sarella Duhast was back in the city she had made her own.
Like a wispy wraith she floated down through the palace to her throne room were her guess were waiting, As she entered the room, two men bowed down low with their heads down as she floated to the throne and sat down.
"Is everything ready?" She asked.
"Yes my lady." Gorak Ra 'Enar wrapped in his blood red robe called out to her. "My Orcs are ready to attack at your order. No one in New Keanna will escape. No Dragon will live after our attack."
"And you?" She pointed to the second hooded man.
"All goes as planned." He said in a gruff voice. "Tayor Larin no longer controls any of the lands he conquered. Winterhaven is free and ready for us to take back. Prafa and Remis is in our control. He is being hunted by Vampires, Werewolves, Dragons and the Elves. He won't be able to hide for long."
"And when he is found?"
"I have made arrangements my lady." The hooded man assured her. "When Tayor surfaces, we will know immediately."
"Good." Sarella stood and looked down on her henchmen. "There's one more piece I want to add to our puzzle. Come with me."
Floating down, Sarella went to the window and with a wave of her hand it opened. Stepping out on to the balcony, she gazed out at her dead city. There were no lights, no fire only bats mice and dead things. As the wind bellowed all around her, She raised her hands.

FROM THE SHADOWS OF DARKNESS TO THE DEPTHS OF DESPAIR.
I CALL FORTH THE DARKNESS HERE TO REPAIR.
BRING FORTH MY DEAD HORRORS HERE TO BEHOLD.
BRING FORTH MY DARK WARRIORS FOR ME TO MOLD.
INTO AN ARMY SO BLACK AND SO TRUE.
TO REVIVE MY CITY OF DEATH ANEW.

As Sarella finished her incantation and stepped back, lights began to flash in all the buildings through the city. A low rumble started in the center of the city and spread out vibrating all through the ground. Buildings shook and small shops fell. Chucks of stone fell from buildings, crumbled and smashed into the cobbled lanes, In the massive graveyard just outside of the gates, something stirred. The ground began to erupt upward as thousands of dark forms climbed out of old tombs and graves. From the balcony, Sarella watched as a massive horde of dead things marched and lurched through the gates into the city.
With an insane laugh, Sarella turned to her two henchmen.
"My warriors come to greet their Queen. As if now they as dead things, but by morning their flesh will become strong and I will have my army. Keanna is mine!!!"

From the frozen mountains of the far north to the humid hot swamps of the south, dead things began to crawl out of the ground. At first, no one really thought much of it. The dead have walked many times before for many different reasons. But in the past they were usually mindless dead things moving on instinct or because of some curse. These were different. At first they did nothing. Didn't bother or harm a soul. But as time went by the moldy rotten flesh of their corpses began to heal and grow stronger. This had never happened before. The dead were dead and they may be able to be re animated, but healing far beyond the dead. It would take very strong and determined magic for something like that.
The first up was the dead in Fay Shrea. Dead Goblins, Hobgoblins, Gnomes, and Trolls dug their way out of their resting places to sit and wait. When the time was right and their rotting flesh was more stable, they stood and marched out on the different cities if the Fay. Merribell and Oakdown fell quickly while Aillianna and Rose Hollow put up much more of a fight and were able to evacuate more of the people. The Leprechaun city of Brookbarrow  surrounded its entire city with a ring of magical gold that none of the dead could cross. The only problem there was that since the dead couldn't get in, the Leprechauns of the city also couldn't get out. All tunnels had been blocked and not even the rainbows magic could get them free.
Aspara Bough with its unlimited army of insect warriors still stood strong. Unfortunately since the magic that give the insects their large warrior forms centered around Aspara Bough, they couldn't march out to help the other fairy cities in Fay Shrea. The furthest they could travel was Eventide and Lake Tarsis.
Since the times of old, the Elven kingdoms had a different way of honoring their dead. With fire they always returned themselves back to nature. That way grave robbers and necromancers could never disturb or hold power over their dead. It didn't matter what station you held in life. King, queen or street sweeper, the family clan was obliged to honor their death with fire. This had saved them in the past from both Polan Dressek and the threats of the mad death goddess Muerte.
In Eventiude, Adanar, Emrel, Jayce and Graym had spent days rounding up the dead and giving them over to the traditional Eventide funeral pyres. There were at least a fifty that had died in Talsara and Druda's fight. Each body burned and the ashes prayed over and scattered in the grove of enchanted trees. Emrel, Ariel Allisa and Adanar stopped for a time to mourn their mother Dasyra and Evindal their dead king. A marker for each of them had been placed in the garden the Eventides used to commemorate their deceased ancestor. Dasyra and Evindal's marble post stood there along side King Tanyl, Zaoir and Shael and many other of their ancestors.
"You realize that makes you our king now Adanar." Emrel said from beside him. "You have my full support."
"I know sister." He reached over and took her hand. "There's a lot we have to do. I fear Talsara is not done with us and Queen Nuala messaged about a new threat."
"What now?" Ariel asked. She had had enough of this. All she wanted was to get back home to New Keanna with Toric and rest. Though Eventide was safe for now with two Dragons there to protect it, she still had three more brothers out there to worry about. Ryel and the newly discovered Aron. It was still hard for her to believe that mother had hidden any knowledge of Aron away for so long. But with the prophesy hanging over his head, Ariel understood her parents decision. Better a son in hiding then dead. And she knew Talsara would never stop until she got her hands on him. She only hoped his secret was still safe from the Dark queen.
And what about Cutter, Shayn and Ono? Where could the Academy have taken them? There were more then one hundred cadets missing. Not to mention the teachers, instructors, and staff of the magic school. Jandar and Rage had searched the entire continent of Taggitia and found nothing. But through Jax, they had learned of Alea's prophesy about Shayn and Ono's destiny. Another damned prophesy, she hoped she would never hear another one as long as she lived. But she knew that was just wishful thinking. Sooner or later from who knows where, another one would spring up. All she could do was pray to Rimnar for everyone's safe return.

"Zombies!!"  Morganz shouted as he fired bolt after bolt into the horde of the dead hammering at the gate. "What next?"
"I don't know." Pelic said. "But arrows won't work. Nor will swords or any of your warriors."
"Then what do we do?" Marcus asked.
"This is the city of magic." Pelic's voice was deep and strong. "Go round up anyone left in the city with fighting talents. Fire spells, lightning, ice, anything that can be used to blast down at those things down there. Morganz, find oil. We need as much as there is in storage. We're going to have to drop oil pots into the crowd. Set it up all along the wall."
"Look at them." Morganz pointed down at the dead banging at the gate. They had cut down trees and were making battering rams. "How long do you think the gates will hold?"
"Winterhaven's gates can stand up to the battering rams. That's not the problem."
"Then what is?" Marcus asked.
"Those are not your normal zombies." Pelic said. "Look at them. No rotting flesh. They're gray and dead but strong. Someone is directing them. We have to figure out who it is and somehow stop them before they overtake the city."
"Who could it be?" Morganz asked. "Tayor Larin?"
"No." Came a voice out of a cloud of smoke.
As Pelic, Morganz and Marcus turned, Insa boldly stepped out of the cloud along with the tall red haired handsome Jax.
"I know Tayor Larin very well." Insa told them. "We have been fighting for control of this city for years. He is very powerful but raising the dead is far beyond his power. Especially like this. The dead are walking all over Keanna. Someone much more powerful is behind this."
"You mean someone like me?" Jax looked at him a little irritated. "Of my people, there are only a hand full that could do something like this and I am not one of them. And my father has forbidden us from taking a hand in this war."
"And I'm sure everyone will do as he ordered, right?"
Insa and Pelic looked at Jax waiting for his answer. Morganz and Marcus hurried off to follow Pelic's orders and get help at the gate. Jax thought for a minute before saying anything. He knew they were right. There are those who would disobey Rimnar without a second thought. He had disobeyed himself. But who would go so far?
"Aramis and Angela could raise the dead." He said. "So could Nestor and my mother and father. But none of them would do this. None of them would disobey fathers command."
"Is there anyone else?"
"Well." Jax thought for a minute."Muerte, but she's dead, and.."
Suddenly a thought hit Jax.  He remembered something. They could see it in his eyes.
"What?"
"What is it?" Insa asked. He looked into Jax's eyes and saw the fire and anger of the god of justice. Just then, thunder cracked and rolled through the clouds over head.
"There is one more powerful enough that would think nothing of defying my father."
"Who is it?" Insa asked.
"The one god that always walks in the shadow of darkness and hate." Jax stepped back from Pelic and Insa. He wrapped his cloak around himself and rose up off the wall. "Extremus, the god of hate and madness!"

In a perpetual land of darkness, four winged nightmares winged their way across the sky as they waited for the call into the nightmares of the living. On the ground, slimy creatures slithered and crawled out of dark holes to attack each other. This was the land of Nightmares where everything out of ones horrors could be found. Tall trees that could pulled themselves from the ground and chase and scare. Vicious beast of all different sizes and shapes lurked attacking and fighting in a eternal war. These were the things that lived in Nightmare ruled and controlled by one mad being. Extremus the god of nightmares and madness.
In his obsidian castle, Extremus sat and watched as the war on Keanna went on. From the beginning it had been his hands pulling the strings of Tayor Larin and Talsara Darkshade. Not to say either one's ambition would have led in and any other direction, but it was Extremus had the power to block mind speak. And Extremus whose nightmares had the Dragons and kept them in their dreams. And lastly, it was him who provided both Tayor and Talsara with enough power to continue the war. But now he was getting bored. With a few whispers in Sarella's ear he put her on her road to revive her dead kingdom. They would be the perfect vassals of nightmare to populate the world he planned to make over into his own private land of madness and horror. A new world were things like love and justice would have no place. There would be no right or wrong, only madness and hate. Rimnar and the other would all have to bow down to him.
As Extremus stood up and stepped down from his black ash throne, pain ripple through his crooked back. Unlike the gods of Fortis, Extremus was not a tall glowing handsome god. He didn't rule over anything beautiful and he didn't want to. He was short and bald with a hump on his back that sent stabbing pain all through his body. He could hide his hideous image with illusion but it wouldn't change who and what he was. He was the god everyone feared even more then death. He was pain and horror, he was fear and loneliness and in his mad mind, he loved and hated every second of it. But here and now it was his time. He was in control and he wouldn't stop until he had Rimnar at his knees kissing his deformed feet and soon he would return to Fortis for just that. To kill and drive the High gods into madness.

As Tayor Larin appeared in his study in his manor in Winterhaven, he thought back on recent developments. His had lost control of all the lands he had taken and his army was now under the command of someone else. Sarella. Why had he put so much trust in her? That was not like him. It was as if someone else had been guiding his hand somehow. Tayor walked over to his desk and sat down. All had been going so well. He had taking the Vampire lands, Winterhaven and almost everything north of Fay Shrea except Tir Na and New Keanna. He still had hopes of breaking the spells in Vasagi. He just hadn't had a chance to study the spells and get a crack at them himself. And now the betrayal of Sarella. He had know she had been a strong sorceress in life. He had known all about Kyan, her dead city. But he had no idea she had a way to resurrect the city. Once the city was back to full strength, she would be unstoppable. Where could she be getting such power?
As Tayor sat deep in thought, smoke started seeping in from under the door. From every crack and open window lite gray smoke boiled into the study. It moved slowly so as not to attract Tayor's attention until the smell filled the room. Jumping from his chair, Tayor grabbed his cane and turned toward the door.
"Insa!"
Standing at the door in flowing gray robes and a cloud of smoke, the smoke dragon Insa stared back at Tayor in his human form. He took a step into the room before speaking.
"So the Lord of the manor is home." Insa's eyes smoldered with a yellow glow. "If your thinking of trying to take back the city, think again. I'm here and awake."
"Wintehaven doesn't interest me right now. I have another target in mind."
"And that would be what?" Insa asked.
"Sarella." Ashura appeared between them. She pushed the hood back off her head. "Sarella has taken his army from him and all the lands he conquered. The Banshee and the Dark queen have made an alliance. One that put Lord Larin on the outside."
"One that will be the death of both of them." Tayor yelled at them. "They think me powerless. They think I haven't got a way to get everything back, but they're wrong!"
"Beware Tayor." Insa warned. "Sarella and Talsara aren't fighting alone. There is someone even more powerful behind them giving them power."
"It's that damned death goddess Angela." He ranted. "She hates me and wants her revenge. Well fuck her! I don't need them or anyone else. I have something that will give me all the power I need! I will bring them all under my heel before am done!"
"No Tayor. Angela has nothing to do with this." Insa said. "It's..."
"LIAR!!!" Tayor slammed his cane against the floor causing a small earthquake. Insa jumping into the air and shifted to a smoke form and surrounded Ashura lifting her up off the floor shielding her. "You can tell her for me that I am coming and all they're time will be over. Mark my words. Keanna will by mine or I will destroy it!!"
With that, Tayor disappeared in a flash of darkness.
After rising high over the remains of Larin manor, Ashura gazed down at the destruction Tayor had caused. His manor and all the grounds around it had been destroyed like a great hand had hammered down and crushed it. The rest of the city had been shaken up but the wall still stood. The dead outside had been scattered be they had not found a way in.
"This is not good." Ashura said. "Tayor's mad! He's crazy!"
[I know.] Insa sent. [We have to find out what power he was talking about.]
"He's not going to trust me, so if you don't mind, I have something else important to take care of."
[More important the the fate of Keanna?]
"Trust me Insa. It's a big part of the fate of Keanna."
[Just get them home safe please.]
Ashura didn't know what to say. She wasn't sure what Insa meant. Did he know her secret, who she was? Did he who what was going on in Darkshade? Could he help her?
[Ashura.] He sent. [You have all the help you need. Trust in your friends, they will not fail you.]
With a nod, Ashura cast her spell and was gone. Insa floated off to the wall where he took off to find Jandar and Rage. He had a feeling he would be needing their help pretty soon..

From Winterhaven, Tayor cast himself out to find a place where he could think. On a mountain top to the far west of the Durmista moutains, Tayor found a cave warmed by deep volcanic chambers below and stopped to think. Sarella and Talsara had both betrayed him. Tabor was still missing and Youron was dead. All his allies were gone and he had no one left he could count on but he was far from done. There was another way, a way he didn't want to use because he didn't trust the power. But he needed that power now. It was the only way he could get back at Sarella, Talsara and those damned dragons.
As Tayor stood up he conjured a door into a pocket dimension and pulled from there a blue jug type bottle. It hovered in the air in front of him, then settled down of the cave floor. As he took a step to reach for the bottle, a hot breeze blew through the cave.
"Stop!" Avirex called. She flew out in front of him. "You have no idea what your doing."
"Get out of my way." He grabbed the jar. "I know what I'm doing."
"You have no idea what your doing!" Her hood slipped back revealing the horror that was her face. Quickly she pulled it back to cover up. "You were always so sure of yourself. You never cared about what could happen if you failed, and look where that has gotten you. Your home is gone, they hunt you all over Keanna. And where is Tabor? You made an agreement, so where is he?
"I will honor that agreement when the time is right." Tayor screamed up at her. "But until then, you are still bound to me and I will use you as I please."
"Unfortunately, I will always be bound to you." She said coldly. "What is it you want from me?"
"You have power over the dead." Tayor picked up the blue bottle she had given him. "Sarella and Angela are organizing against me. I want you to stop them."
"I would fight Sarella for you." Avirex said as she floated to the cave entrance. "But I will not go against Lady Angela. Fear is your problem and you will have to fight it alone. But listen to my last warning. Do not forget our agreement or your soul will be mine and you will wish for deaths sweet kiss."
"You will get what you want." Tayor spit at her as he held out the bottle and gazed at it with wonder. "You take care of Sarella and I will deal with the death goddess. Even she can't stand against a power such as this."
"You." Avirex said as she left. "Have no idea what you hold in your hand."

The skies were gray and dark when Jax appeared at the gates of Fortis. For the first time in his life, Jax felt cold here. No warm comfortable breeze blew through the Fortisian temples. No hints of the sweet tunes of Jatan the god of music could be heard. But comfort wasn't the reason Jax had returned to his former home. He had to find out the truth.
At the gate he was met by Ludis, the guardian of the golden city dressed in his silver battle armor. As he watched Jax approach, Ludis raised his hand in salute to the son of Fortis and the gate opened and the golden bridge slid across the great divide allowing Jax to cross and enter.
"Hail Jax god of Justice." He smiled warmly. "May Rimnar always walk at your side."
"I hope he does Ludis my old friend. "Jax reached out and they clapped each others wrist. "I could use the good fortune."
"What brings you back home?"
"There is great trouble on Keanna." Jax said. "Trouble that may come from godly intervention."
"That's not possible." Ludis frowned. "Your father forbid all of us from taking a hand in the problems on your world. I have been watching. No god of Fortis has stepped foot on Keanna except for you."
"Are you sure?" Jax asked. "Are there not a few gods that even your great sight can't see?"
"Well I can't see into the Underworld." He said. "But surely you don't think Nestor or Alea would disobey your fathers wishes?"
"Is there not another you can think of? One who's hate is that strong?"
Ludis opened his mouth to reject the idea, then stopped. There was someone who's dark name rang in the guardians mind.
"Does your father know of this?"
"I don't know." Jax shrugged. "That's why I'm here."
"If what you think is true." Ludis put a hand to Jax shoulder. "Then we may all be in trouble. Go see Rimnar. You have my support."
"My thank old friend."
From there, Jax moved on through the gleaming city in the heavens. Pass the temples of lesser gods like Onnus the god of dusk and Willa the goddess of the hunt to a higher lever where stronger gods like Gabreilla the goddess of hope and her new husband Kearn the winter god lived in their beautiful palace of ice.
From there Jax passed through a gate into the part of Fortis where the higher gods, Jax's brothers and sisters lived. He passed the homes of Alee and Alea gods of the sun and the moon. He passed the palaces of Sazar the god of war who waved at him from his practice field where him and Edarus the god of victory fought a mock battle.
In the next level Jax passed his own empty palace and that of Aramis and Angela the gods of life and death. He missed his brother Aramis and wanted to stop but the dark clouds that rumbled over the last palace at the top of the hill made him think he better hurry.
At the top of the hill in front of the most beautiful of all the palaces there, Jax met Karis Rimnar's messenger.
As Jax looked around he realized there wasn't anyone else here which was strange. Rimnar's palace was usually the most busy of  all places in Fortis with many young gods vying for the high fathers attention. As he approached, the nervous Karis stepped out.
"What are you doing here?" He asked. "You should be back on Keanna with your Dragon friends."
"I need to speak to father."
"Why?" Karis asked. "He won't help you. I'm not sure if he can right now."
"What do you mean?" Jax asked. "Of course he can help. He could put an end to this whole thing if he wanted too"
"No." Karis shook his head. "You don't understand."
"I don't understand what?" Jax said impatiently. "What goes on here? Where is everyone?"
"Calm down Jax! Everything will be fine. Rimnar is just under the weather right now."
"WHAT?"
"He's sick!" Karis shouted losing control., "Your father is sick!"
With a quick shove, Jax pushed Karis out of his way and ran into the palace. With a wave of his hand, doors opened and he rushed through the palace. At the hall where Rimnar and Saila usually held court, two guards stood barring Jax from entering . With a wave of his hand the doors opened and he sent the guards sailing backwards out of his way.
As he entered the dark quiet room Jax saw his father laid out on a huge lavish bed with his mother Saila beside him holding his hand weeping.
"Oh no Father!"
Saila turned and saw him standing there. She held out her hand for him to come join her. As Jax approached he looked down on his unconscious father .He was pale, the golden godly aura that usually surrounded him was not there. He looked old and weak.
"Mother." Jax hugged her. "What happened? What's wrong with him?"
"We don't know." She said crying. "He was fine, staring off into the other worlds when suddenly he stood up, grabbed his chest and fell to the floor. He had this horrible look on his face. I sent for Aramis at once but he seems to be in the same condition as your father. I don't know what to do."
As Jax held his mother and she cried, his anger went through the roof. He knew what was going on. This was an attack on the High Father himself. It could only be...
"Extremus."
"What?" Saila pulled back. "What did you say?"
"This is an attack by Extremus." Jax told her. "I was coming to see if father knew what that black hearted bastard was up to on Keanna. He's behind all of this."
"Then you're the only one who can stop him." Saila stepped back and stood beside Rimnar. "Aramis is out and none of your brothers or sisters are stronger enough to battle Extremus. It's up to you to save Fotrtis."
"How mother?" He asked. "Extremus is one of the most power gods. Almost equal to father, how am I to defeat him?"
Saila reached out and took her sons hands and held it with Rimnar's. "You fight for us and you fight for all of Keanna. All your friends and the people you have met, loved and protected. They all count on you now."
"And you think I can do this?"
Saila smiled. "We have no doubt.You my son are the god of justice and justice is a powerful. Much more powerful than hate will ever be. I will restore to you your full godly power, Use them wisely."
As a golden glow encased Jax, he felt his power as it ran through his body. He felt warm and confident.
"Mother." He said. "If father and Aramis are like this, then Nestor and Angela must be in the same condition."
"Yes my son. You will have to win this fight on your own. You can do this Jax. All of Keanna is counting on you."
"I will do my best." Jax kissed her hand then faded away. [Farewell Mother.]
"Good luck my son."

Darkness Falls. 76

As the moon sat high in the center of the sky, Pacius and Braddoc made their way through the forest of Silvermoon. The night seemed still, not a single animal made a sound and the air felt so thick, Braddoc could slice into it with his blade. Pacius could feel fear all around him. He wasn't quite sure where it was coming from, but he could feeling it deep down through his entire being.
Riding on Braddoc's back, Pacius kept a tone as he explained everything that had happened. He told him of Tyree's festival and how in the height of their dance, the Dark elves and Goblins attacked. He spoke of the death of his father and capture of his brothers and the rest of the Satyrs at the gathering.
Then he spoke of the spell that turned everyone into statues and how much joy the Dark elves took in taking their clubs and smashing them. Lastly Pacius told Braddoc of the lone Dark elf that he had discovered riding through Silvermoon. How he had used his charms and tried to seduce him in order to kill him to get back at the Dark queen for the chaos she had ordered in his home. The elf had been able to resist him, but this Pacius explained was not one of the Elves who had attacked his people. This Dark elf was different. He wasn't here under orders of the Dark queen.
"Then why was he here?"
"I don't know." Pacius said. "I think he's looking for someone. Someone the Dark queen took from him."
"We shall see." Braddoc said.
As they walked, strange noises started coming from the forest all around them. Some kind of clicking and shuffling. It wasn't Dark elves or Goblins. Braddoc had fought many of both before and this wasn't their way. Dark elves would be shooting by now once they had a target, and Goblins he would have smelled already. This was something different, Something dark. Pacius could feel it out there too. Braddoc could feel the Satyr shaking on his back.
Pulling his sword, Braddoc signaled Pacius to keep quiet and be ready. Moving silently, Braddoc crept slowly through the brush. His ears were alert to every sound, every shuffle and falling leaf. As they made it through the brush and over a ridge, a strange squeal rang out. Braddoc quickly jumped over a hedge and found himself facing the weirdest fight he had ever seen.
Through his life, Braddoc had seen Harpies attacking from the sky. He had seen Manticores and Griffins rip seasoned warriors to shreds, but what he saw in front of him was like nothing he had ever seen before.
The Dark elf Pacius was talking about was Elan Darkshade. Now, here he was fighting some strange spider man. It was taller then him with the bottom half of a spider. It had six legs with two more on its upper half and a head with fangs that came straight out of some crazy nightmare. With a sword in each hand, Elan fought hard to keep himself from being grabbed, dragged in and injected with the spiders venom.
Leaping out into the clearing, Braddoc stabbed out just as the spider thing turned to face him. The blade sank to the hilt in the Arachnids chest and it fell twitching to the ground. Disgusted by the spider thing, Braddoc kicked it aside and re sheathed his sword.
"Braddoc!!" Elan smiled relieved. "Where did you come from?"
"It's good to see you to young prince. I see you seem to still be trying to find your way home."
"Yes my friend." Elan grasped his wrist and shook. "I've done all I can in Winterhaven. Morganz has the city back in control for now. I need to get back to Darkshade to find Aron and end the madness my mother spreads across Taggitia. I'm glad to see you here. Silvermoon can use your strong arm right about now."
As they shook hands, Elan noticed something different about the centaur. Held against his back. Braddoc now had a set of brown feathered wings. Things had changed a lot for the Centaur. But now wasn't the time to discuss such things. They still had to find a way to retrieve Tyree's scepter and get it back to the statues hands by day break.
"What is that thing you were fighting?" Braddoc asked. They walked over and Braddoc kicked it over to revel the body of the dead thing. It looked like some strange spider but there were parts of it that were clearly humanoid. Its torso was that of a man, but there was something different about its eyes. Six were clearly spider eyes but the last pair was different. There was something there that was familiar to Elan. Then it hit him.
"Braddoc look." He knelt and pointed to the dead things eyes. "Look at the color. The way they shine when the light hits them. These were the Eyes of Dark elves."
"That they were. But what are they now?" Braddoc asked. He stepped back as the corpse moved a bit. "Is your mother that powerful?"
"My mother has powers I can't even image. But I don't know if even she could do this."
"Then who?" Braddoc asked. He looked up at Elan as he scratched his head.
"Tyree did this." Pacius said from behind them. Braddoc and Elan turned to the Satyr. "This is his punishment for their crimes against his lands. Tyree hates spiders."
"So do I." Elan said as he shivered in disgust. "Wait, that means there will be more of these things. If Tyree turned all the Dark elves into that, how will we fight them? There has to be at least forty or more. We can't fight them by ourselves."
"We won't have to." Braddoc turned and reached into his bag on his side. From the bag he pulled out what looked like a rams horn.
"What is that?" Elan asked."
"Help.
With that, Braddoc put it to his mouth and blew. No sound came out. Elan heard absolutely nothing. He looked at Braddoc confused.
"Help will come." He said. We just have to wait."
"Wait? We can't. Tyree's scepter has to be back by sun up. We have to find it now!"
"Do you know where it is?"
"Yes." Pacius answered.
"Then lets go get it."

As Aesis appeared in the trees outside of the remains of Pers tent, he zipped down and around searching for the Dark elf mage Talsara had left in charge of the destruction of Silvermoon. The entire camp was in ruins. Everything had been smashed and there was this weird substance hanging from the trees and brushes. Aesis reached out and touched in. It was some kind of spider webbing. The Imp wondered what had happened here. Then he remembered Tyree's scepter. Pers had been keeping it on his tent. Flying into the remains of the tent, he searched the ruins for it. There under a crushed table, Aesis found it. Pushing through the debris, the Imp grabbed it and tugged it out.
"My queen will be glad to see this."
Suddenly as Aesis turned to fly off, something smashed into him sending him flying to crash into the ground unconscious.
Lifting the scepter, Kranko giggled and ran of into the forest. Now all he had to do was get it back to the temple and his job would be done. Easy right?

Slowly making their way through the dark forest with Braddoc in the front and Pacius riding on his back, Elan followed. Over their heads with his glow turned to its lowest, Argus watched the trees and the sky. The forest was as quiet as a tomb but that dangerous feeling cling to them like a second skin.
Up ahead, Argus saw something move. He zipped down and stopped in front of Braddoc as a warning. Braddoc put up a hand to halt Elan then signaled for him to listen. Faintly Elan heard a funny clicking noise. It was almost like a strange rhythmic snapping. He had no idea what it could be. He looked out in the darkness but he didn't see anything moving. Switching to his dark vision, Elan looked again. Dark vision was really inferred vision. What he saw was sources of heat crawling through the cool night coming towards them. There were at least five coming over the hill in front of them.
"Braddoc!" He warned. "There are more of those spider things coming at us."
With a nod, Braddoc readied himself for the attack. Pacius trembled on his back scared held the dagger as the Arachnids came out of the trees.
"There!" Pacius shouted.
With incredible speed, the Arachnids attacked. Their many legs clicking as the hurried in for the attack. Raising his sword, Braddoc swung down cleaving one in half as another launched itself at them from the trees. Snapping venomous fangs came in at Braddoc's shoulder. Ducking, the spider missed him but once of its hairy legs hit Pacius and knocked him to the ground. Pacius screamed in fear as he fell and rolled over to stand beside Braddoc. As the Spider hit the ground, it pitched itself over to gain its footing to face the Satyr.
In that instant Pacius heart pounded like a kettle drum. There he stood with nothing but a dagger facing this monstrous spider that towered over him dripping poisonous venom from its fangs. Pacius looked to Braddoc, but the Centaur had two Arachnids, one on each side to fight. He turned for Elan, but he was busy holding an Arachnid from getting its fangs into him.
Trembling, Pacius held his dagger and back himself against a tree. With its chelicerae snapping and saliva and venom dripping, the Arachnid advanced on Pacius.
[HAVE NO FEAR.] A voice rang through his head. [YOU ARE A SON OF TYREE AND THAT IS YOUR ENEMY BEFORE YOU. HE WILL NOT ABANDON YOU. HE WILL GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO FIGHT FOR HIM.]
As Pacius stared at the spider, his fear drain from his mind to be replaced by courage and determination. Suddenly he felt ten feet tall with the strength of bull. Gritting his teeth, Pacius knelt the launched himself at the Arachnid. Its arm came up to block him. With lightning reflexes, Pacius slashed out and sliced through the spiders arm as he landed on its back. As the arm and legs reached around for him, Pacius dropped the dagger and fashioned his hands into sharp hooves and started smashing them into the Arachnids head.
As the Arachnid fell, Pacius jumped off looking for his next foe. As he hit the ground, an Arachnid reared up to attack. Without even thinking Pacius roared and dived at the spider head first. Amazed at what they saw, Braddoc watched as Pacius drove his now foot long horns into the spiders chest. With incredible strength, Pacius lifted the spider and tossed it away into the forest.
As the rage settled in his mind, Pacius turned to find Elan and Braddoc staring at him open mouthed. Dead Arachnids littered the ground around them.
"What in Rimnar's name was that?"
"Tyree's vengeance." Pacius stepped away from the dead spider. He kicked it in disgust as he walked by and pointed. "We go that way."
Braddoc followed the Satyr. No longer was he the small goat boy that had talked them into helping him. Now he stood six feet tall with sharp pointed horns. That weak little Satyr body had been replace by a much stronger version. It looked like Tyree himself now leading them. As Elan came in to follow them, Argus dropped down to land on his shoulder.
"What did you do to him?" Elan asked.
"Me Sire?" Argus smiled. "I just gave him courage. I whispered in his ear and Tyree did the rest. What you see is what a Satyr can be when he is backed into a corner. Not quite the gentle souls Talsara thought they were."

As Elan, Braddoc and Pacius watched the ruined Elven camp from the hill, Pacius pointed out what was left of Pers tent. Everything in the camp had been destroyed. There wasn't a Elf or a Goblin anywhere in sight but there were cobwebs everywhere. There was no doubt it had been the work of the Arachnids that destroyed the camp. But where were they? Could the Goblins have scared them off? No, it made more sense that the Arachnids had taken or scared the Goblins into a panic.
"The tent is there." Pacius stood up. "The scepter will probably still be in there. We can just go get it."
"Wait." Elan pulled him back down. "This is a trap. If we go down there, we'll be attacked."
"By those spider things? We can destroy them. There's not much time, the sun will be rising soon. I say we go now."
"Confidence can kill just as surely as a sword my friend." Braddoc patted him on the back. "But you are right, time is short and there is no other way. The scepter must be returned or all the Satyrs and Fauns in Silvermoon will be turned to statues. I will go down and Pacius will follow. Elan, you will watch the rear. If anything moves, kill it. Do not hesitate or all will be lost. Are you ready?"
Moving slowly with Braddoc in the lead, they started out and down the hill. They passed a set of trees completely covered with webbing. Elan wondered how many of these spider things there were. How many had his mother sent to destroy Silvermoon?
From there they entered the camp proper. All the downed tents of the Goblins were on the outside. There had to be about forty or fifty of the tents made of deer skin. Scattered all through the Goblin area there were bones and pieces of broken and discarded armor. Hand made weapons, clubs, spears and old rusted swords broken and thrown about. Next they found the wagons the captives had been loaded into. Carefully Pacius inched his way around until he stood at the door to the first covered wagon. There was no sound coming from inside. Pacius climbed the stairs and tore open the door, he rushed in and found three dead Fauns desiccated and wrapped completely in webbing. Pacius knelt and felt the coldness of their dead bodies.  That was when he screamed and the forest came alive.
As Elan turned, dozens of Arachnids came crawling out of the forest. Everywhere they looked, spider came scurrying in to attack.
"Pacius!" Braddoc yelled. "The Spiders attack. Stand your ground!!
Horrified at what he had just saw, Pacius turned and dived out of the wagon in a run. He reached down as he ran grabbing two swords and leaped into the charging Arachnids. Like a mad devil he sliced and stabbed, kicked and tore at his enemy. Right behind him, Braddoc waded in with his swords flashing dealing death to anything that came near him. With Argus at his side zipping around, Elan used his magic to blast the Arachnids.
They died by the dozens as the three fought, and just when it looked like they were about to be brought down, a high pitched horn sound rang out through the air. Without stopping Braddoc looked to the east and saw his clan of warrior Centaurs come galloping over the hill to join the battle.
As the Centaurs battle cry rang out, they charged in. Arachnids came out of everywhere in to the attack. Pers largest of all lead near one hundred eight legged monsters in to the attack. Seeing Pers, Pacius leaped out into a run straight for him. Like a hero out of some heroic legend, Pacuis charged into battle.
As the battle raged on, Aesis woke up from under the tent. He pushed his way out of the fold of the tent material to see the battle waging in front of him. There were Centaurs everywhere fighting monstrous spiders. As Aesis watched, he saw someone familiar. There, off in the distance, Prince Elan was fighting one of the spider things. Aesis smiled and spread his wings and took to the air. At least his quarry was in sight. It was time he took Elan home to face his mothers judgement.

"Here." Kranko dropped the scepter at the feet of the statue. "Here's ya damned scepter. I want no part of ya magic."
[YOU HAVE DONE WELL KRANKO FEARFIST.] Tyree sat up on his throne and bent forward to address the Goblin. [YOU SHALL BE REWARDED FOR YOUR EFFORTS.]
Kranko smiled and rubbed his hands together thinking of the gold and silver that would be his reward. Tyree laughed as he read what was in Kranko's mind.
[YOU WISH FOR RICHES? I HAVE SOMETHING EVEN BETTER FOR YOU. LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT HODDIE FEARFIST AND HONOR.]

Pain lanced its way through Elan's head as he woke up and opened his eyes. It was dark and he had no idea where he was. Last thing he remembered, he was fighting those spider things in Silvermoon. As he looked around in the darkness, he realized he wasn't in Silvermoon anymore. He was in a comfortable bed with thick furs and soft blankets. His head though it ached was resting on a plush soft pillow.The room was warm and the air perfumed. It was a familiar smell. The smell of lavender and orchards. Elan sat up. He knew that smell. He looked to his left and focused his eyes. He saw a desk and chair, and hanging on the wall over the desk was his grandfathers string less bow. Elan's heart sank to his stomach. He knew where he was. He was at home in Darkshade in his own bed.
Quickly he threw the blankets off and scambled to get out of the bed when he heard a familiar voice.
"Welcome home amin arael' vae."
Elan turned to see his mother sitting there smiling at him with Aesis sitting on her shoulder looking smug.
"Mother." He looked her in her eyes without giving away the fear he had deep inside. He sat back in bed and folded the blankets back over himself. "I guess your little creep there finally found me."
"Yes," She said. "I knew he would. What I don't understand is why you've been running and hiding from your own mother."
"Because you have don't some very bad things." He said calmly. "Eventide was almost drained of its magic. You murdered Queen Dasyra with your own hands. Devastated Dree, Aquilona and Silvermoon with your damned war. How did you really think I would react? You broke every Elven law ever written."
"None of that matters." She laughed. "These are all my lands to do with as I please. If I want to kill a thousand they are mine to kill. I thought you would understand that by now."
"What about Grandmother and Grandfather? Were they yours too? Did your own parents not mean anything to you?"
"Yes." Talsara stopped laughing and looked at him with disgust. "My mother was going to give the throne over to someone else. She would have passed us up for cousins that were so far beneath us. I am the legal heir to Darkshade! No one will ever rule here except me and I plan to rule the whole world!"
"Lord Larin?"
"He's nothing. I have plans that will take care of him."
"And what about me?" He asked. "How do I fit in your mad plans?"
"You?" Talsara stood up and stared down enraged at Elan. "You were going to marry Princess Emrel and rule Eventide and the lands I put aside for you, but that has changed. Now you and that twisted thing you call a mate will burn and drown.You will feel the cut of my knives and the breaking of your bones. You will hang outside the palace where the people will stone you during the day and at night, my guard will have their way with what's left of your bodies. I will take years showing you two the true meaning of pain and then when you can't take any more, I will heal you and start again. You will see that thing die a millions times before I am done!"
"I'm sorry you hate me so much mother." Elan turned away from her. "But I won't change and I will fight you. I will fight you for my life and certainly for Aron's. I will never let you harm him in anyway. That I swear by all the gods in Fortis."
"We will see." She reached over and smacked him with a back hand then made her way out of his door. From the hall he could still hear her rant. "WE WILL SEE FEUYAER!!"

After investigating Aron's cell and learning from the insects in the dungeon how Aron had escaped, Toric, Ryel and Noelle made their way back down into the palace. As they reached the living quarters, everyone there seemed to be rushing around in excitement. Toric stopped a page and asked what had happened.
"He's home!" The page said excited. "The prince is here in the palace! There will be such a celebration!"
As he ran off, Toric looked at Noelle in shock. She opened her mouth to say something and Toric stopped her.
[Say nothing.]
Taking her hand, Toric led her down through the palace and into the stables. There they took three horses and  rode out and into Darkshade.
"Elan is back." Noelle said from beside him. "How? I don't understand."
"He's back here for Aron." Ryel told her. "She must have somehow caught him."
"Now what do we do?"
"Nothing's changed." Toric said. "We have to find Aron before her guard do if we want to keep them alive."
After a short ride they found the estate where the Shadowfalls were to be housed. They turned in and rode up the driveway to the house. Orek met them just outside of the barn with a strange smile on his face. Climbing down out of the saddle, Ryel handed the reins to Orek
"What is it?" He asked. "You have something on your mind. Out with it."
"We have guest." Orek took the horses and went into the barn leaving them there to wonder who he was talking about.
As they walked to the house, Artin and Denner stepped out.
"Good your back. We have news,"
"So do we." Ryel said. "It's not good."
"Come in." Artin opened the door. The house was barely furnished since it had been confiscated. Most of the fancy furnishings had been taken away leaving just enough for them all to have a place to sit. In the living room there were a number of chairs, a desk and a couch. There was a fireplace but everything that made the place a home, was gone. As Ryel stepped into the kitchen, three Darkshade warriors sat at the table with their backs to them. Ryel looked to Denner for an explanation. Denner just smiled and gestured for them to come in and meet the three strangers.
"Aiya." Ryel said as he stepped around the table to greet them. "I am Edym Shadowfall. How can I help you?"
"Shadowfall huh?" Aron looked up from his soup. "If your a Shadow elf, I'm in the wrong place."
"Aron?" Ryel leaped forward and pulled him out of his seat and hugged him. "By Rimnar I was so worried about you!"
"I'm fine Ryel." He hugged him tight. "She didn't hurt me. I was able to escape before she could torture me. Now I just want to find Elan and get as far from here as I can."
"It won't be that easy." Ryel let him go, and Aron sat and went back to eating. "There's a lot you should know."
"Like what?" He asked shoveling soup into his hungry mouth. Ryel sat back and thought for a moment. What he had to tell Aron was going to be a shock. Be he had no choice. Aron had to be told everything. But how to start?
"Tell me Aron, Where did you grow up?"
"I grew up in Talandra." He told them. "A little ways west of Eventide. Why do you ask?"
"And your parents?"
Aron looked at Ryel strangely. "My mother is Esta Neveral, sister to the baron of Talandra. Where is this going?"
"And your father?"
"He died during the Shadow wars. What's with the questions?"
"I have something to tell you that will be hard for you to believe, but its all true." Ryel pulled the chair out and sat down across from the confused elf. "Do you know why I came after you, why I will always come looking for you when you're in trouble?"
"Friendship?"
"No." Ryel said looking deeply in to his eyes. "Like Adanar and Emrel. Like Jake, Seven, Zaior, Shael and Evindal. Eventide blood runs through your veins. You Aron, are my brother. My twin brother."
"That's not possible." Aron dropped his spoon shocked and looked from Ryel to Toric who nodded his agreement. From Denner to Orek to Noelle who smiled so sweetly. For the next hour, Ryel explained all the things he had learned about their birth date. He told him of Hasmira's prophesy and how their parents had sent him away to keep him safe. Jassin added all he knew about how Talsara had for years had the Eventide's watched to make sure a seventh son had not been born, having no idea that he already existed.
How was any of this possible? Aron racked his mind for answers. His mother back in Talandra had never even spoke of the Eventide's. Until he met Adanar and Emrel at school, he hadn't even known they existed. But there was always something about Emrel that felt familiar. Even when they were pulling a prank or bullying them, Aron felt it deep inside. And then there's Ryel. Now that he looked at him, he could see it in his eyes. They had the same eyes. But if all this were true, he thought he should feel him somewhere deep in his mind.
[I do feel you brother.] Ryel said in his mind. [I think I've always felt you. I've always felt like there was something in me missing. Like apart of me had been taken and hidden away. When I learned of the prophesy, I knew it was you. You are my twin. You are my brother and I don't need anyone to tell me. I can feel it.]
"If that's true, then why me?  How I'm suppose to be the end of anything." Aron stood facing them. "I'm not that powerful or important. No one cares that much about me."
"That's where your wrong." Toric said. "What about Elan? Don't you think he cares?"
"I'm not sure." Aron looked down. "He hasn't come looking for me. He's not here."
"Yes he is."
"What?" Aron turned to Toric in surprise. "What are you talking about?"
"Elan is here." Ryel said. "He's being held in the palace by his mother."
"Why?" He asked. "She has everything she needs to conquer Fay Shrea and the rest of Keanna. Why is Elan so important?"
"Because he disobeyed her orders." Ryel said. "And because of her hate. Talsara's hate drives her on to do despicable acts of cruelty. She tried to drain Eventide of all it's magic. She's done things to Elves, Humans, Fairies and now she plans to move north and destroy the Dragons and everyone else that stands in her way. It's up to us to stop her. You, me, Elan and anyone else we can get to help us. Will you help us?"
"I will do anything including die to save Elan." Aron assured them. "But I have no idea what I'm suppose to do."
"Have faith little brother." Ryel smiled. "We'll figure something out. We have to. To many people are depending on us."

After tending to his horse and wagon, Jassin Limeira grabbed his sword and headed up to the house were everyone was waiting. As he got close, he heard voices. He stopped and looked in the window and saw Ryel and the others there talking to a elf he didn't know. It wasn't a Dark elf, it was a Forest elf like Ryel. That could only be the one Talsara had sent him out there to find. It had to be Aron Neveral.
Quietly Jassin hid at the side of the window and listen as they talked. An evil smile spread across his face as he heard news his queen would pay him handsome for. Aron was an Eventide. The seventh son of the Eventide line.  With a soft chuckle the executioner slipped away to the barn to grab a horse.

Standing behind Aron, Kel looked up and thought he saw something at the kitchen window. Slowly edging his way to the side, he looked again. There, peeking in the window Kel finally remember where he had seen Jassin before. His face had been hidden with a hood last time he had seen him, but Kel had seen him unmasked once before the executions. His was a face he had hoped he would never see again. His blood ran cold as he recognized the face of the man that had killed his best friend. Jassin Limeira, Talsara's paid executioner. Moving over to Toric, Kel whispered in his ear.
"We have a problem."

High in a dark tower in the Vampire city of Prafa, Sarella released and let drop to the floor the young vampire who's life she had just drained. She walked over to the balcony and looked up on the city of the dead. As Nightwalkers, all the inhabitants of Prafa were now under her spell. Lord Larin thought the city to be his but Sarella's magic had overcome his dominance long ago. In fact except for the band of warriors he kept with him, Lord Larins controlled nothing, Sarella had taking everything from him without him even knowing it.
As Sarella stared out at the city she was reminded that there was still a few person left in Prafa that wasn't under her control. Tomz Acros the first one here that started the taking of the city led what was left of Lord Larin's forces. Though she had been able to revert Lord Larin's spell to give her control, she was never able to get control of him or a few that still held the manor.
Humming her magical song, Sarella floated down from her tower to a balcony of the main audience room of the manor. As her magic pushed the doors open, Sarella sailed in. Sitting at his desk backed by two of his guards, Tomz looked up as he heard her song. Lord Larin had put Sarella in charge of all his forces in the field, but Prafa was suppose to be under Tomz control. He dislike the Banshee and never did trust her. She always seemed to have her own agenda in mind instead of Lord Larin wishes. In the days since she had arrived, she had countered many of his orders. She pulled the warriors Lord Larin had ordered sent to help in Vasagi and sent them with Gorak to Ardia. When Tomz asked her why, she said troop movements were her responsibility and she would do as she saw fit. When Tomz mentioned Sarella to Lord Larin, he stopped him in mid sentence before he could report her actions saying he was to never question any orders she had given. But still he was suspicious of the Banshee and had her watched.
On the night of Talsara and Sarella's meeting in the ancient city of Kyan, a lone raven had perched high in the rafters of Sarella's palace. He had heard and reported back everything he had seen including the murder of Lord Larin's man Youron. He had waited until both Sarella and Talsara had left before dropping down and flying back to Prafa to report his findings.
With a sudden blast of wind, the balcony doors of Gaelich Manor blow up. Feeling the cold, Tomz looked up as Sarella with her hair flowing around her head, sailed in. Laying down his quill, Tomz watched as she sailed effortless across the study floor to stop a few feet from his desk.
"Lady Sarella." Tomz nodded without getting up for his chair. "What can I do for you today?"
"I have something to discuss with you."
"And what would that be?" Tomz asked his eyes glowing red.
"Your future." Sarella took a few steps closer to Tomz desk. "I'm trying to decide if you will have a future at all."
"My future is not your concern." Anger and suspicion crept into Tomz. He stood up and pushed back the chair he had been siting in. "I know why you are here."
"Do you really Nightwalker?"
"Prafa and Remus are the only two cities still in Lord Larin's hands." Tomz walked out to confront Sarella. "I know all about the agreement between you and the Dark elf queen. I know you plan to move against Lord Larin and take everything for yourself."
"Everything I took for Lord Larin already is mine." She sailed back and up into the air in the middle of the room. "And there is nothing anyone can do about it. That includes you and Lord Larin himself."
"Then you should be ready for a fight." Tomz and his two warriors stepped out ready to fight the Banshee. Sarella laughed at them and swept them aside with a single gesture.
"I like you little Nightwalker." She sank down to face Tomz. "Here is my offer. I will let you go. Go tell Lord Larin what you have learned. Tell him I'm coming for Vasagi and anything else he calls his. If he wants to go against me, I will welcome the effort. If not, I will find him when I finish and rule all of Keanna."
"We will tell my lord of your threats." Tomz ordered his men to back out slowly but not to take their eyes off of Sarella.
"We?" Her voice echoed through the room. "I said I would allow you to leave. The others are mine!"
With that said, Sarella screamed a long agonizing wail that chilled Tomz to the bone. He fell to his knees covering his ears as his men began to scream and bleed from their eyes, ears and mouth. Straining to look up, Tomz watched as his men were lifted off the floor into the air where their life force was drained as they died screaming. Soon two broken and empty shells were thrown to the floor to stare back at Tomz as if they were crying for help.
[Go Tomz Acros. Tell Lord Larin I will be waiting. And so will Death. Ha ha ha ha ha ha .....]

For Tomz, finding Lord Larin was very easy. Just as he thought, he was camped outside of Vasagi plotting ways to enter the city. As Tomz flew in, in the form of a falcon, ten men were climbing ropes latched to hooks at the top of the city wall. As Tomz touched down he watched as they made the top of the wall. Cheers went up as everyone thought all they had to do was to drop into the city and open the doors to allow them entry. They were wrong.
As the ten on the wall waved, a mist started to gather around them. The mist had a sickly chilling effect as it crept all around them. The closer them came to the edge, the thicker the mist got until they couldn't see a inch in front of them. Still, they know the edge was no more then a few feet in front of them. Drawing swords, the ten stepped forward ready for the drop from the wall to the city gates.
As Tayor Larin smiled and walked to the city gate, Tomz stepped up beside him. He reached out and put his hand on Tayor's shoulder stopping him.
"My lord." He pulled him to the side. "Stand away!!"
Suddenly from the other side of the wall, screams rang out. As Tomz pulled Lord Larin to the side, the gate opened and the mangled bodies of the ten men came flying out. All their necks had been broke. As each man hit the ground, they noticed every bone in their bodies had been broken. Lord Larin stood up and kicked a body out of his way in frustration and cursed the vampire city. He looked at Tomz and grabbed him by his dark coat.
"How dare you touch your lord and master!"
"Forgive me Lord Larin." Tomz lowered his eyes. "I meant no disrespect. I only wanted to keep you from being harmed."
Lord Larin released his hold on the vampire. "What are you doing here? Your supposed to be in Prafa?"
"I have news of treachery that my lord must hear."
"What is it?" He asked. "Valkar? Insa? The Dragons?"
"No my lord. Prafa was taken by Sarella." Tomz looked up at Tayor as he told him what had happened. He began to tremble and shake. His eyes began to glow with power. "She said she is coming for you to take all that you hold and nothing can stop her."
That's when Lord Tayor Larin's anger blow up for the second time. He screamed out his outrage at the betrayal of his so called allies. He struck out again and again at his own men killing them. He grabbed Tomz with his magic and tossed him back and forth beating him against the wall and any other solid object he could find. As his rage settled, he dropped the vampire and disappeared in a flash of light. Tomz struggled to his feet. He limped out and staggered to the walls of the city and fell at the gate. As he lay there and breathed shallow, the gates opened. Something came out of the city and picked up the vampire and carried his sleeping body into the evacuated city. After all he had done. After all the men, vampires and werewolves who had died trying to get into Vasagi, Tomz Acros the first to be under the red eyed spell of Lord Larin was now in the proud Vampire city of Vasagi.

It was dark and it was cold as Tomz ran though the streets of Vasagi. Behind him he could hear the sounds of huge hell hound and hunters as they searched the streets and alleys for him. He ducked into building with shattered windows looking for a place to hide. Tomz looked from side to side as the howling sounds grew nearer. He ran for the back of the building where shadows flickered around the walls as he passed. Fear gripped Tomz as phantom hands reached out and grabbed at him. Struggling free, he ran for a window threw himself out into the street.
As he got to his feet, Tomz looked down the cobbled road to see a dark man in regal armor with dark hair holding the chains of to snarling hell hound. As the dark mam with the hounds came closer, Tomz backed himself into a wall and looked for somewhere to ran. To the north end of the street, more hounds waited ready to tear him to pieces. To the south, the armored man stood there with his two growling beast.
[Do not move Nightwalker.]
Getting to his feet, red eyed Tomz snarled at the man who just laughed at him
[Do you know who I am?] The man asked.
"No." Tomz said as he took a fighting stance to be ready for an attack. "I don't know who you are, nor do I know where I am."
[I am the one responsible for all you see around you.] He said. [I am the one, that made this city what it was in the beginning. I was the horror that fought and gave his blood for Vasagi. I am Baron Valker Zlenka the first.]
Tomz like every other vampire born on Keanna knew exactly who the Baron was. The one who initiated the Vampire/Werewolf war. The first of them all. But how could he be here? Was Tomz now dead?
[No Nightwalker.] He said. He dropped the chains of the hell hound and gestured for them to go. [Life still burns in your veins, though it is a nightmare of a life. I am here to see if you deserve any life at all.]
"Why am I here?" Tomz asked.
[You are here for a second chance to at life.] Baron Valkar walked out and stood over Tomz. [I'm going to give you a chance no one ever gave me. You have betrayed your rightful king to serve a monster. You have taken the blood of the living and been cursed to live as a Nightwalker. I may give you a chance to change that if I feel you deserve it. What say you?]
Tomz thought back on the last year of his life. Capturing Valker and serving Lord Larin. As he thought about it, something in his mind changed. The spell that had chained him to Lord Larin snapped and he suddenly thought clearly. All the memories of what he had done ran through his mind. The raping of Prafa, the deaths of so many of its people. The fighting and all the people he himself had sent to serve Lord Larin in his war. It all suddenly felt like a great weight that sat on his chest.
"How did this happen?" Tomz mind spun in circles. "How did I let such evil take over my life?"
[How and why is not important.] Baron Valkar stopped him. [The only thing important is where you all go from here. You are now a Nightwalker and I can not change that. The thirst for the blood of men is in you. But you can fight it and if you resist for long enough, you may one day see a sunrise again. I warn you, let no one ever control you again. Swear to serve your king faithfully to the end of your days and I will help you. What is your answer?]
With blazing red eyes, Tomz knelt in front of Baron Valkar and swore his allegiance. As the Baron put his hand on his shoulder, Tomz felt something changed deep inside his soul.
[From here on you will answer to one man.] Baron Valkar stepped back as the mist began to rise around him. [Your master is King Valkar. Serve him wisely and one day your soul will be clean. Betray him and you will answer to me. Now get out of my city and go find your king.]

Goblins,Satyrs and Dark Elves. 75

On her throne in a grim mood, Talsara Darkshade watched as her forces in Dree were rounded up and defeated. She clutched her fist and pounded the arm of the throne as Captain Eskowe broke her spell and bowed in front of Tof Tyr. To add to that, the Munos had failed her. Munoecus was dead, but it wasn't a total lose. He had taken a Dragon down with him, and it was an elder dragon, one of the first ever created. That was just what she needed to hear. If only it had been Jandar or the red one, Rage. Their death would being chaos and confusion to the rest of the clan and make it that much easier to defeat them all.
Having lost her hold on Dree and Aquilona, Talsara decided to tighten her grip on the rest of the lands she had taken in Fay Shrea. The other Elven lands she held, the Fairy, Goblin and Orc lands she held. They would be the base for her move on Tayor Larin and the lands he had conquered. With the help of Sarella, the time for their alliance would be at an end. And it was time she finally took care of Elan. That meant she had to find Aron to lure Elan back into her hands. But where were they? Where was Elan and Aron?

As the coach pulled up and stopped in front of the Darkshade palace, the driver stepped down and went to the door and opened it for its occupants. Zaos Shadowfall with his head held high in arrogance stepped down and held his hand out for the Lady Amra Calaudra. Taking his hand, Amra stepped down followed by the chief of Zaos guards, his cousin, Edyrm Shadowfall.
"Water the horses." Edyrm ordered. "We will send for you once our audience is done."
"Yes sir."  A Shadowfall guards saluted as he was led away to somewhere where he would be fed while they waited.
Edyrm stepped out beside his cousin as a elven maiden dressed in the house colors followed by one of Darkshades  warrior generals came down the stairs to greet them.
"Aiya." Edyrm bowed keeping his eyes on them. "Prince Zaos Shadowfall and Amra Calaudra of Shadowfall to see Queen Talsara."
"We greet you young Prince Zaos." Llyra smiled. "We are honored by your visit. My queen will see you in just a few minutes. Perhaps you would like to rest and clean up after such a long journey from Shadowfall. We have set a small lunch for you while you wait to see the queen,"
"We thank you." Zaos bowed his head. "My men and carriage will need to be taken care of. I'm sure the queen's hospitality will see to them."
"They will be taken care of." Llrya snapped her fingers. "Have the horses waters then escort them to the house we have had prepared from. Follow me please.
As Llyra turned, Zaos, Amra and Edyrm followed her up into the palace.
Darkshade place was a great and beautiful palace carved of a black marble quarried for the black mountains of a Dwarven land far away. It had taken thousands of slaves many years long ago to build the Palace. Silks satins and many other rich materials had been used in the furnishings of the lavish place. Oaks and mahogany, walnut and pines are types of woods polished and carved in beautiful and intricate designs filled the palace. There were gold and silver and diamonds and other precious gems used in its decoration.
Ryel and Toric had seen many other handsome palaces before in their lives, but Darkshade was different. As they had rode through the city they had seen how the people lived and beside here in the palace, most of Darkshade lived a much more simpler life. The houses were beautiful and well made, but not like here at the palace.
As they made their way through the halls, Llyra pointed out works of art and different works of magic. Ryel knew she had been ordered to show these things to impress them, but all it really did was she the greed of Talsara. Ryel saw many things that had been stolen from the lands she had conquered. Fountains stolen from Dree and statues of Satyrs from Silvermoon. He saw plants that could have only come from one place. Eventide and it's wonderful gardens. It angered Ryel to see the trees that once stood so proud now looking weak and drab in the center courtyard in Talsara's palace.
On the second floor of the palace, Llrya guided them to an apartment where a table had been laid out with food and beverages from many different cultures.
"You may rest here until my queen sends for you." She held the door open as they went in. As they turned to thank her, Llrya put a finger to her lips to quiet them. "Be warned. Stay here, do not wander the halls. There are eyes on you Ryel."
With those words, Llrya shut the door and was gone. Ryel, Toric and Noelle stood staring at the door in utter shock.
"How?..."
Ryel put his hand up to quiet them. Then he put his finger to his lips to shut them up and nodded to Toric.

WORDS AND THOUGHTS.
ECHOES AND SOUND.
QUIET THIS ROOM.
TO ALL AROUND.

As the magic took hold in the room, the lights dimmed and a stillness was felt all around.
"We can talk now." Toric told them. "But we can't keep the spell for long. Someone might get suspicious."
"How can she know who you are?" Noelle asked. "Can she see through our disguise?"
"I don't think so." Ryel sat down. "If they could, we would already be in the dungeon. There must be some other way."
"Should we be worried about her?" Noelle asked. "She is a Darkshade. If she knows, who knows who else may know."
"We don't have any choice any more." Toric paced the room. "We're here now and there's no turning back. We have to find Aron, he's here somewhere. We are his only chance."
"Agreed." Ryel folded his arms. "We have to learn all we can from Talsara and figure out a way to stop her before she becomes to powerful and we have to watch out for Elan. With all that's been going on, he has to be on his way here. He won't leave Aron in his mothers hands knowing how she feels about them."
"So how do we find Aron?" Noelle went over and looked at the food on the table. She picked up a sweet cake and started licking off the sugar topping. "We'll never get the chance to search the palace, and unless you're thinking of committing a crime here, we won't ever get in the dungeons. So what do you want to do?"
"I have a suggestion." Toric smiled. "You Noelle, you can search the entire palace without anyone noticing."
"I can?" She stopped and put down the cake. "How?"
'You can communicate we the insects right?"
"Ants!!!" Noelle smiled getting Toric's idea. "They're all over the palace. They can find him if he's here. Give me a minute and I'll have them searching all over the palace."
"Hurry, I'm dropping my spell. We talk as Zaos, Amra, and Edyrm from here on. Be careful what you say."
As Toric dropped his spell, Noelle walked over to the window and pushed it open. She leaned out and sent out her orders to the insect life in and around the palace. Just then, the door opened and a Elven warrior came in to escort them down to see the queen.

The morning sun blazed high and hot as Braddoc rode the winds across the clear blue sky. He loved the feeling of the wind under his winds flowing across his back. Braddoc had flown before on Dragon back and hated it, but here he was with his great pair of wings flying under his own power feeling the freedom of the sky. It was the most intense incredible feeling he had ever felt and he loved it. But now it was time to get his mind back on the things at hand. The war and how he could help to stop it.
Since leaving Jandar and the others on Vanco Island, Braddoc had flown straight north heading back to Tir Na to report what had happened on the island. Jandar and the Mer were on there way to Aquilona to help Caldar free Aquilona and Dree. Gird and Viggo were on their way back to New Keanna  to help protect that city, and Braddoc had decided it was time he go him to check on his own clan.
Braddoc and his clan were nomadic travelers moving north and south from the warm lands of Dawnhorn in the south to New Keanna in the cooler north. They were hunters and warriors that could always be counted on to stand at the side of the Dragons in any conflict and as forest rangers in times of need.
As Braddoc winged his way north, he watched the lands below him always looking for trouble. He was over Silvermoon, the home of his cousins the Satyrs. Something didn't seem right here. Usually there would be Satyrs and Fauns in separate groups frolicking and dancing in the sunshine. But through his entire flight, he hadn't seen a single one. No one down by the river, no one was tending the grape vines and strangest of all, there was no one anywhere near any of the temples of Tyree.
Flying down, Braddoc touched ground just outside one of the temples. Silvermoon was as quiet as a tomb. No birds sang and none of the wildlife came out to meet him. As he trotted in, he noticed the spilled fruit and wine laying everywhere. Strangest of all was the broken statues that lay all about. Braddoc remember the statuary of the temples. There should have been three statues in each of the temples. A large one of Tyree standing holding his scepter and eating grapes and two smaller faunas at his side. In the temple, the statue of Tyree and the fauns were still there, but where did the broken statues come from? As Braddoc wandered around, he saw the tracks on the ground all around him. They weren't satyr tracks or faun tracks. They were Goblin and Elven tracks, the smell of Goblins was everywhere There had been a fight here, some kind of battle and the Satyrs did not do well. In places all around there were smashed statues. As Braddoc inspected them he realized, they weren't statues. They were the Fauns and Satyrs of Silvermoon smashed to bits. Someone, Dark elves probably had cast a spell on them and turned them into statues, then took their clubs and smashed them. Braddoc was horrified. He asked himself why and could only come up with one answer. Queen Talsara Darkshade. This had to be her hate behind this particular madness. But as Braddoc looked around, he saw the wagon tracks and the hoof prints that led to them. The Satyrs and Fauns had been loaded into wagons and taken away. If that was true, then it would be up to him and his hunting skills to find them and some how, get them free. Looks like he was about to have another really hard day.

"This is crazy." Kel said beside Aron as they hid in the shadows of the wall and watched Darkshade palace. "If anyone can see you, it's all over. We'll be caught and dragged back to that tower."
"No we won't." Aron whispered. "You'll never see that tower again. They'll take us straight to Talsara and she'll have us executed on the spot."
"Oh that's a relief." Kel frowned. "And here I was missing my cell. Are you sure about what you saw?"
"I'd know my own magic anywhere Kel. Noelle was in that coach, and If she was there, so is Ryel and the others. We just have to figure out a way to get to them."
"Well this might be your chance," He said as he pointed in through the gates. "Here comes that coach,"
As they watched, the Shadowfall coach drove up to the gate and was allowed out. Sitting in the drivers seat, Aron saw a red haired dwarf that could only be Orek Grayfist, urging the horses on to follow their Dark elf escort. Sitting beside him there was another Dark Elf. Aron wondered what Orek was doing riding with dark elves then a thought hit him. It could be a disguise. That could be Adanar or Ryel in disguise.
As the coach moved on. Aron grabbed Kel and pulled him out and the ran to were Jassin was hiding with the wagon. Jumping on, Aron pointed to the coach.
"Follow them."
"What? You have to be kidding?"
"No." Aron grabbed the reins and got the horses moving. "I know the driver. I think it's one of my friends."
"And if your wrong?" Kel asked.
"Then I have two warriors to fight at my side. Don't worry, I won't go near them unless I'm absolutely sure, now don't get to close."
It wasn't a long ride through Darkshade. From the palace they rode on through the market area and went left  and down a gully, under a bridge and into the section of the city where nobles of Darkshade lived. Lavish estates dotted the lands. All fenced in with gates and beautifully tended lawns, each house was almost like a palace in itself. Aron had seen nobles before. He had seen the homes of the well to do in Winterhaven, Vasagi and a few of the human cities. But Darkshade was different. Ever house ruled by a powerful lady who stood in dominance over all in her presence.
Aron wonder how it was that the Elven societies could be so different from land to land. Some ruled by kings, some by queens and some were rules by a council of elder. Though then had shared so much of their history's and life, Elan had never told Aron much of his families history. He did know Talsara was nothing like her mother. Queen Caline was not the harpy Talsara was. She had ruled for years with fairness and honor. But all that had changed on the day of her death. The day Talsara took over the throne.
As Aron, Jassin and Kel watched, the coach pulled off the road and went in through a gate marked Duskmere. They traveled up the driveway and stopped at the courtyard where their Dark elf escort said a few words and turned and left. After the escort left, Aron and Kel walked out to the gate and looked in.
"Who's house is this?" Aron asked.
"It's theirs for now." Kel snatched a sheet of parchment that had been posted at the gate. "This house was confiscate by the queen for treason. By now it's owners would be dead."
"Indeed they are." Jassin said sadly as he came out from hiding the wagon. "This is the home of Holone Duskmere. She was a member of Queen Caline's council. One of her most trusted and closest friends. She and her husband were executed for treason."
"What did she do?" Aron asked.
"Holone was a cousin to Caline. That was her only crime."
"Your saying Talsara killed her because she was a rival for the throne?" Kel's anger showed in his eyes. There was once a day when he would have died for Talsara. But that was many many years ago.
"Holone and her daughter Rev'en were in line for the throne." He told them. "And Caline would have picked them before Talsara. Caline was no fool. She knew what her daughter was and how dangerous she was. Her only fault was she thought she could teach Talsara humility, how to rule with heart and mind instead anger and cruelty. She failed and it cost her, her life and her throne."
"What about Wyn?" Aron asked. He couldn't believe Elan's father was as cruel as his mother. He didn't think so but he had to know for sure if he could really be an ally.
"Other then you." Jassin looked deeply into Aron's eyes. "No man on Keanna could love the prince more. He is my cousin and both of us will die before we allow her to hurt either of you. That I swear."
"Diola lle." Aron felt relief at Jassin's answer. King Wyn had never given Aron any reason to doubt him, but Jassin's reassurance made him feel a lot better. "So Kel, take Argus and watch him while I go and check on the elves in the house. Keep out of sight, this road may not be as safe as we think it is."
As Aron reached in to check on the sleeping Imp, he felt nothing. He opened the bad and looked in. Argus wasn't there. The bag was empty.
"Where is he?"? Aron looked at Kel. "He's gone."
"The king must have called him." Jassin said. "Don't worry, he'll find you when he he is needed."
"Don't worry about the Imp." Kel said. "I'm going with you to keep you safe."
"No." Aron shook his head and took the dice and his pack and gave it to Kel. "Let me do this by myself. I can move faster alone and there would be less chance of someone spotting me. Stay here and hold on to these. I'll be fine."
After climbing over the wall, Aron went low and cast a shimmering effect around himself to blend in with the greenery in the gardens. He looked at the house to be sure no one was out in the courtyard, then started moving slowly towards the house. The driveway was lined with a series of trees and shrubs and many different colored flowers. As he walked, a breeze blow helping him blend with his shimmering cover. From the driveway, Aron slipped over to the carriage house and the stables where the horses were tied, fed and watered. From there he could see the house. Nothing was moving. The dwarven driver and the dark elf must be somewhere in the house.
As Aron stepped out to go to the house, someone tackled him and threw him wrestling to the ground. With a spell in mind, Aron had to fight hand to hand. On his back, Aron punched up at the Dark elf the held him hitting him in his face. Holding Aron down, the elf quickly sent his knee up into Aron's groin knocking the wind out of him. Standing up, the elf kicked at Aron and pulled his knife as he tried to roll to the side and get away. Without thinking, Aron rolled over and brought his hand up finally ready with a spell.
"ARTIN! NOOOO!!"
A hand reached out and grabbed Artin by his shoulder and pulled him away before he could stab the blade down and into Aron's chest. Looking up, Aron found Orek and Denner standing over him.
"Aron?" Orek looked at him as if he were a phantom  from a long lost memory. "Is it really you?"
"It's me alright." He smiled reaching out his hand for help up. "Battered and bruised but alive. Anyone want to help me up?"

From the double doors into Talsara's throne room, Toric and Noelle like the prince and princess of the realm walked with there heads held high. Behind them, Ryel followed. Like a knight escorting a great lady, Toric held Noelle's hand as they approached the throne. Before them lounging comfortably on her throne, Queen Talsara Darkshade watched as she casually sipped from a glass of sparkling wine.
"I bid you welcome to Darkshade Prince Zaos." Her voice was lite and sweet as she smiled and gave them a little. "I trust you will enjoy your time here with us. I have many plans for the Shadow and Dark elves together."
"As my Father promised." Toric bowed dropping his eyes top the floor to show his acceptance of her as his master. "I am at your command."
"And who is this you have with you?" Talsara asked eyeing his companion.
"This is Amra Calaudra. My future queen, here to stand at my side and follow any orders you have for Shadowfall."
"Welcome to Amra." Talsara stood and stepped down to stand over them. "I'm sure you will serve Shadowfall wisely. As a matter of fact, I have something I want you to do."
"Anything my queen." Toric bowed.
"There is someone here hiding somewhere in Darkshade that I want you to find. A pest I need to be rid of. My warriors seem to be having trouble finding him. Perhaps you will have more luck. I believe Shadowfall is renowned for it's skill at tracking."
"We are." Toric smiled a sly smile. "Who is it you want us to find?
"A forest elf by the name of Aron Neveral." Talsara had a sour look on her face. Toric just kept a straight face showing no recognition when he heard the name. "He's a foul beast and he has offended me and my family and spread his corruption to far. I will have his head. I will give you full access to search anywhere you need. Bring him to me alive."
"I will need something of his to track him with."
"There my be something you can use in his cell." Talsara walked down to a table filled with fruit and exotic dishes of food. She plucked a cherry from a bowl and popped it in her mouth. "One of my guards will show you the way to the dungeon. Keep me informed of your progress. I want him found as soon as possible."
Toric was going to ask why she wanted him so bad, but he didn't think that would be a very good idea. Instead he bowed and promised they would find him. As they turned to leave, Noelle sent him a message.
[He is not in the dungeon or anywhere in the palace.]
[I didn't think so.] Toric sent. [Still, the dungeon is a good place to start. Maybe we can find a clue as to where he may have gone.]
As Toric, Ryel and Noelle left the throne room, an elven guard stepped out from the side.
"This way to the dungeon."
Toric nodded and waved him on. As Toric and Noelle followed the guard off towards the dungeon entrance, a small pair of beady eyes watched from a hidden place near the ceiling. He wanted to watch the Shadowfall elves, he didn't trust them and it had been him who let Aron escape. It should be Aesis who brought him back before the queen. But Talsara had something else she wanted Aesis to do. He was to bring Elan home so his Mother could punish him for what she called his sins.

As Kranko stepped into the tent of Per Lhoris, the Dark elf stood at his staring down at the scepter of Tyree. It was about three long and gnarled like a limb from an ordinary tree but something about it was different. It wasn't just wood, it had been fashioned of fairy oak. Legends say it was made from the first and oldest oak to ever grow on Keanna in the center of Fay Shrea. Kranko looked at it, he could see streaks of silver and gold running all through the scepter. At its head there was a golden set of rams horns gleaming and sparkling in the light. Per stood there with his hand held over the scepter using his magic to try and unlock the secrets buried deep within. He didn't know much of magic. He had seen it used many times in his life, used on him and against him in battles. He had seen fairies magic and the magic of his hated enemies the leprechauns. He had seen witched and warlocks and even the magic of Dragons. But never in his life had he seen with his own eyes the magic of the gods. This scepter he knew was a god thing. Created for and by a god, Tyree.
Though a god of the wild, Tyree wasn't a god of the Goblins. The Goblins worshiped an old god, one of hate and vengeance. A mad god. They worshiped Cressca the black and unforgiving.  In the old days, Cressca's priest would hold services in his many temples spread all across Taggitia doing sacrifices and spreading Cressca's brand of hate all over the continent, until Jandar and the Dragons were able to put a stop to it and tear down the main temple. After that, Cressca tried to rise again as a weapon of Muerte, but again the Bat thing was taken down by the dragon force hopefully never to rise again.
Now here was Talsara and her dark magic trying to take control of another gods magic. Kranko wasn't sure he had the stomach for this. He had a deep feeling that this going to be very bad for him and the rest of his tribe. Vile Scabreath be damned, Kranko had no intentions on getting himself on the wrong side of Tyree or and other god. Queen Talsara would have to do her own bidding from now on. Kranko cared not what she said. He would take his warriors and start his own tribe.
"What do you want Goblin?" Per asked breaking Kranko's train of thought. "Can you not see that I am busy."
"I see many things Elf." Kranko continued in stopping at the table where Per was examining the scepter. "What I do not see is why we are here. Why does Talsara hate these goats so much? They can never do any harm to her. This land is of no use to her. What does she want here?"
"She wants to make an example of the Saurarea." Per looked at Kranko with such enthusiasm the Goblin didn't quite understand. He knew what Saurarea meant. Foul one's, but he wasn't sure what was meant by it. Satyrs and fauns were wild but so were the Goblins. Could Talsara turn on them next? She sure could. "They live a blasphemous life. Makes with males and females with females. Talsara means to put an end to their disgusting ways."
Kranko still wasn't sure what the hell he was talking about, but he didn't like these Dark elves. He didn't trust very many people and these Dark elves seem to talk in circles. The gleam in Pers eyes when he gazed at the scepter scared Kranko. If somehow he found the way to use the scepter, Kranko had a feeling sooner or later to would end up pointed at him. At that moment, Kranko made the decision that Talsara would never hold that scepter in her hands. He would have to steal it and find a way to get it to some where safe. And the only safe place he could think of was to get it back where it belonged. He would have to help these damned goats and the Dark elves would have to be defeated.

As the sun started its way down though the sky, Pacius searched every hollow and cave. He checked Faun villages and Satyr hold. Every fire circle and temple for anyone he thought could help fight the Dark elves and Goblins. He found the young of both the Satyrs and the Fauns with a few of the elders taking care of them, but it seems like all of the adults were either captured or under the dark spell and statues now. Satyr and Faun statues were everywhere stuck in all positions. They were frozen in dance, eating and in many cases, having sex.
Pacius went down and checked many of the lakes and watering holes for any of the different races that sometimes stopped there for shelter or just for a drink. As he knelt at the lake, he prayed to Tyree to send him help. Any  race, anyone strong enough to help them stand against the Dark elves and Goblins.
With a sigh, Pacius stood and turned to head back to find Elan. Suddenly he heard the sound of horses coming. Pacius ducked down into the tall grass to keep from being seen. As he looked up he heard a voice shout.
"Over there!"
Looking out, Pacius saw four Dark elves on horse back galloping at him. Panicking, Pacius jumped out and started running up the hill towards the trees. Once there they would have to dismount if the planned to chase him, but the tree line was pretty far off, and he wasn't sure if he could beat the horses.
Running as fast as he could, jumping logs and anything in his way, Pacius made for the safety of the forest. He could hear the sounds of the horses getting gaining on him from behind. Pouring on a burst of extra speed, Pacius leaped high over a boulder to come down running. As he looked back to see the riders almost on him, two more came out of the forest in front of him. Fear gripped Pacius stomach as he stopped and pulled his dagger with trembling hands and got ready for the two in front to close on him. Like a cornered tiger, Pacius screeched a terrifying scream and leaped at the first rider slashing and stabbing at the Dark elf's chest. Satyrs though usually peaceful and non aggressive were very strong. Gritting his teeth, Pacius fought for his life. He had seen his father and others killed by the Dark elves. If he was going to die, Pacius planned to die fighting for his home and people.
Pulling the elf down from his horse, Pacius slide his blade across his throat and dropped him to be ready for the attack he knew would be on him in just a second.
As Pacius looked up for the second Dark elf, a shadow dropped down from the sky and knocked the Dark elf from his horse to roll on the ground. Not waiting and thanking Tyree for the luck,Pacius jumped on the elf and sank his dagger into the elf's chest again and again. As he looked up he saw something he thought could only be sent by Tyree himself.
From the sky with sword in hand, a huge winged Centaur came down and attacked the dark elves. His first strike was like lightning. He came down and struck an elf cutting him right out of his saddle then dropped down to land between Pacius and the Dark elves.
"Kill them both!" A Dark elf yelled charging at the Centaur.
With a sly smile the Centaur folded his wings to his back and held his sword ready. As the two Dark elves charged, the Centaur dived right between them swinging his sword left the right with amazing speed and beheaded the two elves. without stopping their bodies fell as their horse ran off into the forest.
Sheathing his weapon, the Centaur turned and looked at the Satyr who stared back at him still in shock from what had just happened.
"Aiya friend. You looked like you could use a hand here."
"By the horns of Tyree." Pacius stuttered. "Did he send you here to answer my prayer?"
"Could be." The Centaur laughed. "Maybe he did at that. My name is Braddoc. I see you are having Dark elf troubles, can I be of any assistance?"
So much relief poured over Pacius, he almost passed out. Here he had just been praying for some kind of help against the Dark elves, and who comes flying out of the cloud? Only the strongest of all the followers of Tyree, the Centaurs. And this one looked as if he could take on an army.
"We are simple people here in Silvermoon." Pacius told Braddoc. "Followers of Tyree that live and follow his laws of nature. Now the Dark elves have come and Queen Talsara I'm told means to put and end to all of us and destroy our homes. We need your help brave Braddoc. Help me and my friend to return Tyree's scepter before it is to late and Silvermoon falls before the Dark queen."
"Queen Talsara's hand has been felt in many lands lately." Braddoc said. "From New Keanna all the way down to the warm waters of the Shyr. Taggitia suffers under her and Lord Larin's campaign of terror. My bow and sword are here for another follower of Tyree. How can I help you?"
"Come and meet my friend Elan. He to has promised to help Silvermoon."
"Elan?" Braddoc knew that name but it can't be him. Last he had heard, Elan was in Winterhaven fighting Lord Larin. How could he be all the way out here? "Take me to your friend Elan. We'll see what can be done to free Silvermoon."

It was dark and quiet in the tent of Pers Lhoris as he sat and used his magic to scan Tyree's scepter. His queen had ordered him to put it somewhere safe until she could get there to retrieve it, but this was no ordinary magical object. This was something made by and for a god. If Pers could unlock its secrets, he could become more powerful then Talsara herself. As he scanned the scepter he saw bands of magic in and around the scepter that was so far beyond him, he was almost afraid to touch it. There were bands of red and gold with shades of silver and what looked to him like bronze that glowed so intensely. With a gesture Pers touched the first band to unravel it and felt the power send a slight tingle all through his body. Feeling stronger, Pers was able to get the first band free and moved on to a silver string he thought looked like it would be safe to touch. This time a more burning sensation ran up his arms and into his chest. It burned but felt good, also intoxicating.
The next band under his fingers looked gray. Pers gazed at it wondering if he should attempt a try at it. Grey and black bands and strings were very dangerous to work if one wasn't sure how to work them. But Pers had been schooled in the dark arts by Talsara. He was confident in his knowledge and techniques in the working of dark powers.
Calling on his teachings, Pers slipped his finger in and ordered the grey strand to wrap itself around around his hand. The second Pers came in contact with the grey strand, he knew he had done something wrong. Intense pain ripped into his body stabbing straight into his mind. Pers tried to relax and order the strand off but it was to late. It had made contact and was already burrowing deep into his mind. Summoning more power, Pers tried with all his might to unravel himself from the god string that held him tight. As he poured his power in, the string sucked it up and grew thicker and thicker. In seconds Pers mind was screaming. He fell cringing grabbing his head as the scepter began to pulse with magic. Waves of black and grey strands flowed out from the scepter all through the night. looking for something to latch on to.
Outside Pers tent, a group of Dark elves jumped dropping their dinner as they heard Pers screaming. Leaping to their feet they grabbed weapons and ran to the tent entrance. As they approached, waves of magic emanated out and took a hold of each elf that came to answer Pers call. Grabbing at their heads, the Elves fell to the ground screaming and withering in pain. Excruciating pan and agony filled their minds as each elf rolled around on the ground. Reaching up, an elf watched in horror as course hair began to sprout all along his arms. His hands made a snapping crunch sound as his fingers merged and began to change. The Darkshade uniforms stretched and ripped away as his legs split and began to reform. His vision blurred and suddenly he saw with a completely different set of eyes. No longer did he see through two separate eyes, now he saw eight views through eight orbs that grew in his spider head. With one last scream, the chelicerae formed with two deadly fangs dropping with venom. Rising up on six newly formed legs, the Arachnid stood and looked down on the monster it had become.
Ripping his way free from the tent, Pers scurried out into the cool summer night. No longer did he think with the mind of a Dark elf. Queen Talsara's evil orders were no longer important in his spider mind. Now as the largest of the Arachnids, he had power her had never had before and it felt good. Talsara wanted the Satyrs dead, well so did Pers. But not for the same reason. He didn't care about how they lived or who they were anymore. Now, he wanted Silvermoon to be the home of a new Arachnid race. A place where he could start something that will be more powerful then any elf, human or dragon. With a series of clicks and snaps, Pers called out to his new brothers big and small to hunt. They were to find the Satyrs, Fauns and Goblins and bring them back to be wrapped and stored to feed the young once Pers choose a queen from the female Arachnids. As he watched then scutter out into the forest, Pers laughed deep inside. At last he thought he was an equal to his former queen and once she came to Silvermoon and he had her in his power, her magic would be his.

It had been a strange night for Kranko Fearfist. He had taken his Goblin warriors and left the camp of the Dark elves. Kranko had learned Talsara's plans and knew what she had in mind would anger at least on god. Tyree would not like what she had planned in Silvermoon and he wasn't sure how the goddess Angela would react to all the senseless death. He knew Cressca would be pleased if he still was in power, but Angela was not known to be so blood thirsty. Her views on death were totally different from the old death gods. He could only guess but getting away from the mad Elven queen seemed like the wise thing to do.
As Kranko led his band of Goblins away from the Dark elves, they stopped at one of Tyree's temple. This was Tyree's main temple, the one where the scepter had been stolen from. With the moon high overhead, Kranko stood in front of a statue of Tyree and thought over his options. He knew he wasn't far from the border and he could be back in Fay Shrea by sun up, but that would leave the Satyrs to the mercy of Pers and his Dark elves. That would surely mean their deaths. The death of the Satyrs shouldn't bother the Goblin, but something deep inside of him just didn't like what he knew was about to happen. He looked up at Tyree and did something strange for a Goblin. He prayed.
"You are not the god of my people." He said. "But many in Fay Shrea hold you in high esteem. So I, Kranko Fearfist ask for your advice. What is it you want of me? What should I do?"
As Kranko watched, the eyes on the statue began to glow. Life filled the statue and it took a deep breath then looked down on him.
[FIND MY SCEPTER AND BRING IT BACK TO ME.]
"What of the Dark elves?" Kranko asked kneeling with his eyes cast down. "Are we to battle them for the Satyrs?"
[NO] Came the answers. [OTHERS WILL BE MY WARRIORS. YOU JUST RETURN MY SCEPTER THAT YOU STOLE FROM MY HANDS.]
"And what do I get for bringing back your scepter?" Kranko asked think he and his clan might get the blessing of the wild god. "Maybe I should hold on to the scepter to keep it safe."
Suddenly the sky drew dark and thunder cracked as a bolt of lightning shot down from the sky to strike the ground next to Kranko.
[IF YOU VALUE YOUR LIFE AS THE CHIEFTAIN OF A GOBLIN CLAN, YOU WILL DO EXACTLY AS I COMMAND OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE SAME AS THE ELVES!]
Scared, Kranko jumped back and ran from the temple. As he met his twenty five warriors, another lightning bolt struck the ground and the Goblins screamed in fear and ran after him back towards the Elven camp.