Dark Madness. 5

After the battle of Zamani, the Lycaon's gathered and tended to the wounded then sent out word to the other Canins of Aspana. Runners went out to the Fenec and the Bat eared foxes. To the Simian wolves in the south and the Jackals of the savanna. The word was passed from north to south and east to west. Aggar and Deja marched with recruits from many different species, Canin, Elephant, Rhinon and the striped Zebren Centaurs. All to join with members of the Tigaren and Panthern warriors. Chimp hunters fought Gorillas soliders that sided with Mulu and his Hyenans and Jackals, while Humans did their best to stay clear of all the battles.
In Paroko and Gararo, two cities on the eastern shore of Aspana, Mulu and his warriors charge in raiding and pillaging. Armed with torches they set the two cities on fire. The amphibian brown Seal people barely had any warning to make it out of their homes and into the ocean. Many were caught in the cities and either taken captive or burned as they tried to escape. Some were used to search undersea caves and grotto's while others were put to death to feed Mulu's hungry army.
Mulu had heard of the uprising of the Lycaon's and other Canin's against him and he was determined to quash the rebellion before it became a danger to his plans. He sent out three sets of orders. The first was to double the efforts to find the Star. Search every cave, village and temple on the Pantheran  savanna and in the rain forest of Tigaress and all the outer regions. With the power of the Star in his hand's, he knew nothing could stop him from ruling Aspana. The second was to find Msia Zuma. Mulu was sure he knew the location of the Star. He might even be heading for it to use it's power to stop him. The third order was to find Sakura Duma and to bring him in chains to Mancoro where he would face Mulu's wrath.
With his orders issued and and his minions out searching and raiding, Mulu thought he should matters into his own hands. His dog lackeys were faithful to him but they weren't really very smart.
One of them might get lucky and find what he was looking for but there was a good chance that Msia or Sakura might find it first. A little magical help might just be the edge he needed to find it. Since Msia was his best bet to finding the Star, maybe his best chance was to find someone better suited to find Msia and follow him. Sooner or later, either he will find the Star, or the Star will find him.
With a quick spell, Mulu transported himself from the burning city of Garoro back to his big house in Mancoro. He walked from his audience room out through the village to the pit where they had been keeping Msia. In order to find the location of the missing king, he needed something personal of his. From the rim of the pit, Mulu looked down and scanned the empty prison. There were bones Msia had gnawed and scrapes of cloth from his old ragged clothing. The Mulu spotted something over just sticking out of a thin layer if straw Msia used as his bed. With a wave of his hand, Mulu lifted the shining trinket from out of the straw and pulled it into his hands. He smiled when he saw what he was holding. Many years ago when Msia had been captured, he had been dressed in the regal garb of the king of Panthera. A brown leather kilt and harness with a gold hooded cloak with a golden lion emblem clasp at his neck. Over the years the kilt had been worn down to nothing and his cloak had been ripped into strips to make his loincloth. Msia had held onto the golden clasp as long as he could but he must have forgotten it in his escape. This clasp would work well in finding the old Lion king.
Now all he needed was someone to do his stalking for him and Mulu knew just who to call.
As the full moon glowed high in the sky over Mancoro, Mulu made his way to a small hut he kept in a secluded corner of Mancoro. As he entered he snapped his fingers and four torches set on the north, east, south and west walls burst into life lighting the entire hut. The hut was filled with all of the mystical instruments and ingredients Mulu might need to cast all the spells and incantations in his private dark book of magic. Along the east wall there was a work bench with a mortar and pestle for grinding and mixing ingredients of potions. There was also a small cauldron with a larger one on a pyre over in the corner. In the center of the room there was a pentagram drawn on the floor with a black candle set at each of the five points of the star. This is where he did all his summonings.
As Mulu entered the hut, he went to the north wall and took a small bag off of one of the shelves. He took the bag to the pentagram and lit the five candles and sat himself down in the center of the star. As he closed his eyes he opened the bag and poured its contents in a bowl in front of him and whispered his spell over it. Gray smoke billowed from the bowl as Mulu's voice became louder and louder. Slowly the smoke boiled and turned in the air with sparks flying and small flashes of lightning throbbing all through the cloud. Then Mulu called out a ancient name that hadn't been spoken in centuries.
"Draidor Moram, come and face me!"
Suddenly the gray cloud exploded. Mulu didn't flinch. He didn't move a muscle as something stepped down out of the cloud and into the hut to face Mulu. As thunder rumbled through the hut, a dark face with blazing yellow eyes bent down to look Mulu in his eyes.
"Why have you called me?" Smoke seeped from its mouth as it spoke. "What do you want from me?"
"There's someone I want you to find." Mulu said calmly. "He has something I want."
"Do you want him dead?" Draidor smiled at the idea of getting to kill again. I had been a long time since he held a life in his hands. He was anxious to dine on another soul.
"Not yet." Mulu said. "Find him and bring me. That's what I am looking for and I will feed you all the souls you can devour."
"I will hold you to that promise Shaiman." Draidor drifted up to the ceiling and laughed. "Who am I looking for?"
"King Msia Duma." Mulu held up the golden medallion. "You can find him with this."
"Your wish is my command, Master." Draidor grabbed the medallion then broke out in mad laughter and disappeared. Draidor's laughter echoed through Mulu's mind as he left the hut and headed back to his house and his next step in the domination of Aspana.

The world had gone crazy in Tinpa the capital city of Tigaress. All day Hyenans, Jackals and great Mastiffs had charged the walls and broken into the city. The Tigarens fought fiercely but there was something different about the dogs this time. It was like they didn't feel pain. No matter how hard or how badly the Tigarens cut into them, the dogs didn't fall. Neither claws, fangs or sword were doing much good against the these strange Canins. As a last resort, King Yonas had ordered every shaiman, mage, warlock and witch he could find in the city into battle. Their fire and energy spells had slowed down the Canins but it hadn't stopped them. Even covered in flames or blasted by lightning the dogs kept coming. Finally armed with weapons enchanted by Zakia Manzi, King Yonas and a troop of his palace guards took to the streets in battle to protect his citizen. It was touch and go for a while but after several hours of fighting they managed to beat the Dogs back out the city gates. But Tinpa was now surrounded by a much larger force. The only thing keeping them out was the city warlocks and witches placed around the city walls. But how much longer would they last? They had been fighting all day. Their strength was beginning to fade. They would need rest soon.
"I have cast every spell I could think of on the walls." Zakia said to King Yonas from the parapet as the watched the Canin army gathered outside the city gates. "I do not know how long the shields will last."
"I understand old friend." King Yonas said staring out at the enemy below. "I know you have done all you could. I thank you very much. I have sent out a call to G'ania Gazini for help. But he may be under attack just as we are. He will come when they can."
"I know of someone closer who can help." Zakia told the king. Yonas turned to look at him.
"Who?"
"The two out searching with Prince Sakura." Zakia said. "They are young but very powerful. They could help here, and so could Sakura. He is an exceptional warrior."
Yonas looked at Zakia with doubt. Could he trust the rebellious lion prince? Sometimes the cub was just so thoughtless and naive. Yonas wasn't sure he was up to such a task.
"Are you sure? Sakura can be pretty immature?"
"He's not the same cub that he was a before his father disappeared. He's grown into a very proud and capable warrior. I believe they could turn the tide your majesty." The old Pantheren said to his king. "We need help fast. We may not have time for Regent Gazini or any of our other allies to get here. Sakura could be our only hope."
"And what of his search for Astan?" King Yonas asked. "And yes, I know all about their secret. Do you really think he would abandon his search to help us? My son may need him desperately."
"I know Sakura and Astan." Zakia assured the king. "They are both very strong. Astan would want Sakura to help us here in our time of need."
King Yonas looked out at the Canin's below as they mulled about bashing at the walls trying to break their way through. Mulu had done something to these warriors. Some spell or magic was driving them to act so ruthlessly. From where he stood he could see mortally wounded warrior still on the feet fighting to get into Tinpa. He saw one warrior whose arm had been ripped off hopelessly trying to climb the walls and there were hundreds more with wounds just as bad still fighting.
"How are they fighting like that?" Yonas asked. "Why don't they fall? That warrior has a spear sticking out of his chest but he will not go down. How is it possible?"
"Mulu's magic keeps them fighting." Zakia explained. "Dark magic, death magic."
"Can you counter it?" Yonas asked.
"I'm afraid not." Zakia shook his head. "For magic like that, one must sacrifice pieces of the soul. My soul is far to valuable to waste on dark magic. In the end, the price is just to high and one day you would have to pay. No one lives forever. Not even Mulu."
As Zakia and King Yonas watched, a group of Canin warriors piled themselves against the wall and Hyenan and Mastiff warriors started climbing over each other to get to the top of the wall. Yonas pulled his enchanted blade as the first warrior reached the top of the wall and struck him down. The warrior howled and fell down to crash into the muddy ground.
"If you know a way to get us some help." King Yonas said as he beat at the next two warriors. "You better call them. We may not be able to hold on to much longer!"
As the Canin warriors started over the wall, Zakia Manzi stepped  back and sent a probe streaking up and out into the Aspana sky to locate and call Sakura and his companions to come to Tinpa. Then he summoned his spirit staff and hurried to King Yonas to fight at his side.

After dropping Kantu off with the Safiri and his father, Sakura led them back to his cave to rest. He had been running all night carrying Kantu and Sky with Quynn and Dar'yl. The were tired and needed a rest. Quynn took Sky into the cave were they found someplace comfortable and fell right to sleep in each others arms. With Dar'yl on watch, Sakura laid down by the fire and was asleep in seconds. As Sakura lay there warm and comfortable, Matia the goddess of dreams drifted down for a visit. She stood over Sakura just about to send him dreams of peace to help settle his troubled mind when she saw Zakia's probe come flying over the mountains and down toward Sakura. She reached out and guided it down to her. With the probe floating in front of her, Matia tapped in to read it's message. It was a call for help and she knew just how it should be delivered. In a dream. Molding the probe into a dream, she passed it onto the sleeping prince.
"Sweet dreams young hero." She kissed his forehead then started on her way back to her realm of  dreamland. "May you find success in all you do."

The savanna was warm and the wind felt good as Sakura and Astan ran through the grass in play. Then laughed and chased each other nipping and rolling in the high grasses enjoying their time together. As the sun started its decline into the west, they stopped to lay and cool off at the riverside. Sakura shifted and went and gathered fruit for their dinner while Astan made them a comfortable place to sleep. When Sakura returned with his arms full, he found Astan had built a fire and he was sitting there with a jug of wine waiting for him.
"Sit down my love." He smiled patting a place beside him. "We have to talk."
Sakura put down his bounty and took Astan's hand as he guided him down next to him. He smiled at his handsome Tigaren mate. He prayed this would never end and they could stay like this forever.
"You know I love you Sakura." Astan said as he picked a violet flower, sniffed it then handed it to Sakura. "And I wish we could stay like this forever too, but we can't. Aspana needs us both to be strong. Both the Tigaren and the Patheren people need our help to stop Mulu from turning all of Aspana into his own kingdom. If that happens, there will be war raging from north to south and east to west. He will build ships and carry his tyranny and dark magic all over Keanna. It's up to us to stop him. You and me and all of our allies."
"I know." Sakura run his hand alone the side of Astan's handsome face. "I have friends here and we're going to come and find you. I need you at my side to do this. I have to know your safe."
"For now, I can take care of myself." Astan took his hand with the flower and kissed it. "But my father needs your help. Mulu's Canin are attacking Tinpa and they need help. When you wake up, take your friends and go help my father, then come find me before he can sell me to Mulu."
"He?" Sakura frowned. "Who do you mean? Who holds you hostage?"
"Beware my love." Astan said as the dream started to fade away. "Mulu has spies everywhere. Even amongst our friends. Now wake up!"
Sakura opened his eyes and grabbed his sword and jumped to his feet. As he looked around he saw Dar'yl standing across from him staring at him in shock holding his weapon.
"What is it?" Dar'yl asked.
Sakura looking around at the barren plains in front of them ready to fight. There was no one there attacking. He relaxed. It must have only been a dream he thought. Then he lifted his left hand and realized he was holding a purple flower, just like the one Astan had given him.
"Wake Quynn and Sky." He said. "We have to go to Tinpa. I think Astan's father needs our help."

From the grasslands outside of Mancoro, Akani led Msia west into the rain forest and to Basolos, a village of Puma's where he was recognized and welcomed. They were given a hut to rest in and plenty of food to eat. While Msia slept, Akani stood guard at the huts door. It wasn't that he didn't trust the Puma's, but he knew there were still Hyenan and Jackal warriors out searching for Msia. After a few hours, Msia woke up refreshed and hungry. He shared a meal of rabbit and goat then insisted that Akani get some sleep before they moved on. While Akani slept, Msia went out to talk to the people of Basolos. At his hut door, a young Puma had been sent by the village chief to stand guard and protect there king. As Msia stepped out, he snapped to attention at his post. Msia was impressed. He was tall and a lite shade of brown furred with dark lining around his golden green eyes. He was heavily muscled for someone so young. Msia guessed his age to be no more than twenty, he would be consider an adult by his tribal standards. He was armed with a spear and dressed in a loin cloth and a necklace with the fangs of an enemies he had defeated in battle. He looked bright eyed and eager to prove himself. When he saw Msia come out of the hut, he smiled at his king. Msia was surprised. He didn't think any one so young would even really remembered him he had been gone so long.
"Tell my young warrior. What is your name?"
"My name is Una Metana." He bowed to Msia. "I am here to help protect your majesty."
"Thank you Una." Msia said. "But I'm not sure if that's really necessary. I don't think I will be here that long."
"If you wish I will keep watch from a distance." Una said. "But I know who you are and what you did for my people in the past. My father is chief and he told me the stories while I was young about your battles with the Zanbesi hunters. You saved him, my mother and many others from the slave ships. We owe the freedom of this village to you."
"That was a long time ago." Msia looked a bit embarrassed. "I'm surprised anyone remembers that."
"There are many villages around here that remember." Una said. "My father said one morning he woke up to a beautiful day. My mother fixed him breakfast and he was ready for the day. He gathered his things and left home to attend to the villages daily chores. Making sure the crops had been tended, checking of the village livestock and mediating any disputes among the Pumen people. He said he was right in the middle of settling an argument two brothers were having over a piece of land when a young boy came and told him about a large number of ships anchored down in the bay. Curious he had the boy take him to where he had seen the ships. He took him to the bluff that overlooked the bay and that was where he saw ten ships flying the black sails. When he saw the black sails, Father knew what they were. Slave traders were invading our lands. As he looked down he saw the boats being launched from the ships. Father knew even if he organized all the nearby villages, he wouldn't have enough warriors to battle the slaver, so he ordered a runner and sent a message to you at Shonalion for help. It took the runner one day to get to the palace and deliver his message. Father swears that you and your warriors were assembled and in Basolos in two days."
"He's right." Msia led the young Pumen over to the campfire where then sat down. "When I got your father's message I ordered my warriors to get ready and we were on the march in hours. I couldn't allow any of my people to be taken away by slave traders. Not even one. I knew I couldn't stop them from capturing the people, so I had to get there in time to stop the ships before they sailed. I sent a message by Dolphin to the Mer men of Marius to have the channel out of the bay blocked, but I knew that was all I could count on Porcus Marius, the king of the Mer to do unless his people were attacked. By night we slipped  into the forest to locate the slavers camps. There were three of them complete with racks and shackles for the people then had planned to catch and ship out. Two camps already had some of the villagers in chains. Your parents were among them and several other Pumens. The slave traders were Gorilla's from one of the north eastern lands. I later found out from a few of the captured slavers they were from a country called Puyol. Not someplace I ever want to visit, barbaric people."
As Msia told his story, other Pumen's gathered around to listen. Before he knew it, there was a pretty big crowd gathered around listening to his tale.
"By night we took the first camp by surprise. My warriors caught most of them in their sleep so the fight was quick and quiet. By morning we were ready for the second and third camp. This time they were prepared and the battle was fierce but we prevailed and freed everyone in the camps. That left the ships. When I freed your father, he told me that a large group of Pumen's had been taken back to the ships."
"How did you get them free." A young Pumen boy asked from the front row. As they waited for an answer, one of the village girls brought out a bucket of something to drink and handed Msia a dipper full. He took a drink then continued  his story.
"After we captured the camps." He said. "We stripped the slaver of their clothing and changed into them then boarded their boats and rowed out to the ships. I made sure all my warriors kept their heads down so if anybody was watching from the ships, they wouldn't see the feline feature's of our faces. We had to plan our attack very carefully. Each boat had to reach the ship they were attacking at the same time or all surprise would be lost. As we pulled the boats up next to the ship, a look out called down to us."
"Ahoy!" He shouted. "What brings you back to the ship so early? You're not due for four more hours."
"We found something the Captain should see." Msia held up a diamond the size of his fist, "We found a cave full of them."
"Bring it aboard. The Captain will want to see that."
As the look out stepped away, he tossed a rope ladder over the side of the ship. That's when I ordered my warriors to throw their hooks and to start climbing aboard the ships. The attack was on. We quickly climbed the side of the ships and attacked. The battle rage all day and we lost many warriors but we finally won the day."
A cheer went up through the crowd around Msia. The Pumen children jumped up from their seats excited by the story. Msia smiled happy to have entertained the villagers young and old, but the story wasn't over.
"Now we have a new threat to our lands." He said as everybody quieted down and took their seats. "As you know I have been missing from Panthera for many years. I was kidnapped by a threat even worst then slavers. The Hyenans and their leader Mulu Amin are trying to overthrow all the kings and rulers of Aspana conquer all our homes. It's time for the warriors of Panthera to stand and fight for our freedom again and I will need your help to win. Will you support Panthera in our fight for freedom?
"YES!!!" The crowd yelled as they all stood up to cheer. Una's father Unal came out of the back of the crowd and bowed to Msia.
"My warriors will be there when you call for us." He said. "This I swear."
"Asante rafiki yangu." Msia reached out and shook his hand. They walked off away friend the gathering to talk. "We will have to be very careful. Do you know who Mulu Amin is?"
"Yes your majesty." Unal nodded. "We have had our dealings with the Hyenan's. We know who they are and how dangerous they are. So far I have been able to keep them away from here with my warriors, but with your escape, I think that will change."
"Then I have put you and your people in danger just by coming here."
"No," Unal smiled. "We we're already in danger. All of Aspana is in danger as long as Mulu seeks power. You may be our only hope to stop him. Well, you and Sakura."
"Sakura?" Msia stopped surprised when he heard his son's name. "What does my son have to do with this?"
"You don't know about Sakura and Astan Kinya?"
Msia knew who Yonas Kinya was, but he had never heard of Astan. He had missed a lot in the years he spent in Mulu's pit.
"Mulu is searching for the two princes of Tigaress and Panthera." Unal explained. "If he can get them in his hands, he thinks he will have power over both kingdoms.
"He's right." Msia said. "If Mulu gets Sakura under his control. G'ania Gazini will do anything he has to, to get him back. So will Yonas."
"I agree." Unal nodded his head. "But Sakura is not just some young pampered prince. He has become a very strong warrior while you were away. Don't count him or Astan Kinya out. They could be very powerful together."
"Then I guess my plans have changed." They started heading back to the gathering and the hut where Akani slept. "I should find my son and this Astan."
"I think." Unal smiled. "If you find Astan, you'll find Sakura. From what I hear, they are very close."
"How would you suggest I find him?"
"Astan is very adapt at magic." Unal suggested. "We both know that any magic user can be traced if you know how to do it. If your scan is powerful enough, you can find him. We will protect the hut while you work your scan. Find Astan, he may be the key to end this or at least to find Sakura."

The Savanna. 4

It was dark by the time Sky, Quynn and Dar'yl arrived in Naraya. Dar'yl went in first and came back with two cloaks he had found. Quynn and Sky put them on to cover their identity then Dar'yl led them into the sleeping city. It was quiet at this hour in Naraya. The only ones on the street were the Tigaren city guards. Dar'yl told them the Tigarens were very good at their jobs and very well trained. They would have to be careful of them since their presence in Naraya had not been sanctioned by the palace. Astan Kinyo was still missing and the Pantherens were one of the suspects in his abduction. It would be bad if they were caught sneaking around in a Tigaren city.

Moving quietly and watching to make sure they weren't seen, they crept through the twists and turns of Naraya. Dar'yl had told them that Sakura's friend lived not to far from the west entrance to the city. That entrance wasn't very well guarded so both Sakura and Astan would have no trouble getting in or out without being seen.
As Dar'yl stepped around a building corner, he saw two Tigaren guards standing in front of an alley that led to Juma's house. He stepped back holding out his hand to stop Sky and Quynn, then put his finger to his lips to quiet them. The two were talking about a report that a Pantheren had been stopped in the area last and that he could still be here hiding somewhere. They had just searched the houses on this block, and they were moving on to the houses on the east side. Dar'yl ducked back as the two guards left heading east.
"Quick." Dar'yl waved them in. "In here."
Hurrying down the alley, they stopped and knocked at a door shrouded in shadows. The saw a light come on in a window and there was someone on the other side of the door.
"You may enter Dar'yl Radal." A voice said. "And bring your friends."
Dar'yl reached to his side and pulled a sword, then he opened the door and they went in. After he shut the door, Sky and Quynn stepped up to his side. There in front of them sitting at a table was an elder grey bearded Pantheran in gold and green. He waved them into chairs he had set out for them.
"Sky Petrus." He said. "And Quynn Tyr. I am Zakia Manzi. I have been expecting you. I am here to help you get Sakura Duma to Astan Kinya."
"How can you help?" Quynn asked. "We aren't even sure where they are?"
"I know where to find Sakura." Sky said. "I had a dream he was with Elephants."
"That is right." Zakia shook his head and smiled. "You have ever powerful dreams. One day, they will save all of Keanna."
"Another prophecy?" Quynn asked frowning. He hated prophecies. They were always so unpredictable. "Just what we need."
"Forgive him." Sky hugged Quynn. "He's been through a lot in the last year. We were asked to come here and help and that's what we're going to do. But you have to tell the king not to interfere. I saw that in a dream too.
"I will do as you ask," Zakia promised. "Just get Sakura to Astan. And find the Star."
"Star? What Star?" Quynn asked confused. "What's he talking about?"
"You will find out." Zakia stood up and lifted his feathered staff and started to fade away. "Just bring them home safe and Aspana will forever thank you."
Once Zakia Manzi was gone, Dar'yl had time to speak with Sky more about their destination and plans.
"Do you know where to find Sakura?" Dar'yl asked. "If you do, please take me to him."
"Don't worry Dar'yl." Sky patted him on the shoulder. "We'll be with him soon. He will be with the Safiri tribe in the morning. Do you know how to find them?
"Yes." Dar'yl said. "I know their migration route. I can show you."
"Then let's get going." Quynn checked the window to make sure it was clear outside then opened to door. "By the way, what's this Star he was talking about?"

It had been a hard night for Sakura trying to care for Kantu and getting him to the Safiri tribe and his father. Kantu being an Elephant couldn't move on his own very fast. The only way they could travel at all was if Kantu was in his human form. Then Sakura could carry him on his back and still run. But the little boy was heavy and Sakura knew the Hyenans and Jackals were still out there looking for him. He could feel eyes watching him from a distance, they were out there just waiting for the perfect chance to attack and as long as Kantu was with him, he would be in danger.
The dawn was coming and Sakura and Kantu had traveled more than thirty miles. They had stopped so Sakura could rest and Kantu could feed. He had shifted to his Elephant form and was grazing in a patch of tall grass while Sakura rested. He was tired and it was getting hard to keep his eyes open. His body needed sleep to re-energize him to keep on with his search and the battle to save Astan before it was to late.
As Sakura watched Kantu graze, he heard a howling echo out from the distant hills. Sakura jumped up and ran down to Kantu who stopped eating and stood shaking and staring up into the hills. He pulled the little Elephant back behind him as he heard the second then the third howl. It was time they got moving. The Hyenans were closing in. Sakura bent over and whispered in the Elephants ear and he shifted and held his arms out for Sakura to pick him up. With the little gray-skinned boy back on his back, Sakura took off running across the savanna. It wasn't long before he looked back and saw the Hyenans and Jackals in the chase behind him. He needed more speed and the only way he could run faster would be in his Lion form.
[Hold on Kantu.] He sent to the scared little boy. [Time to go really fast.]
In a flash, Sakura shifted and the race was in. His speed became incredible. It almost doubled from his two-legged form. Kantu started to giggle, he was enjoying the ride so much. With a look back, Sakura realized he had put more distance between him and his pursuers. But it wasn't enough, he would get tired and eventually they would catch up with him. If he kept running at this pace, he would be too exhausted to fight and that would be the end of both of them. So he looked to his right and saw a small cave in the side of Mount Omaz. It would be the perfect place to hide Kantu and easy to defend.
Shifting directions, Sakura headed straight for the cave. When he got there, he shifted and lifted Kantu off his back and set him down in a nook, a safe place in the cave. Kantu looked up at him and smiled. Sakura felt a tear run down his face. The boy was so precious and beautiful. He wouldn't allow anything to hurt him. It was time to fight.
"Stay here Kantu." Sakura took a ring off his ring and gave it to the boy. "Watch this for me. I'll be back when it's safe."
Reaching behind his back, Sakura pulled Oblivion free then turned and went back to the entrance of the cave. As he looked out, he saw the horde of Dogmen descending on him and the cave. Sakura took a deep breath and roared out his challenge.
As the pack of wild beast they were, the Hyenans and Jackals attacked. Some with clubs, some had weapons. Sakura fought them one, two or three at a time. He fought like the master swordsman he was with Oblivion and another he had taken from one of his fallen enemies. Sweat ran like rivers from his muscles as he beat them back as hard as he could. But there were to many of them. He couldn't defend against every blow and they were beginning to wear him down. With another roar, Sakura swung his swords creating a space in front of him that they couldn't get through without being sliced or stabbed. His arms were beginning to feel like lead, then something slammed into his head and he saw stars. As the blows started to rain down on him, Sakura fell. He thought this was the end. In his mind, he screamed out in his mind to tell Astan he wouldn't be coming to rescue him. He begged for his forgiveness.
As Sakura tried to fight his way back to his feet, out of the corner of his eye, he saw something white streak down and into the Dogmen. Whatever it was, it pushed the Dogmen back away from him giving him a second to clear his head. Sakura shook his head then opened his eyes, but he couldn't believe what he saw. To his surprise, standing in front of him there was Dar'yl Radal the white lion warrior, and another young man with a sword dressed all in brown, and they were fighting the Dogmen. Then something white swept down from the sky and sent a blast of freezing cold into the ranks of the scattering Dogmen. As he watched, he knew what it was that he was seeing. It was a huge white bird, a Phoenix. A Snow Phoenix to be exact. Exactly what Zakia Manzi had told him to look for. But where was the Dragon?.
[You have fought well young hero!]
Sakura turned to see Mulu Amin standing on a hill clapping his hands as his warriors ran off. Dar'yl and the young man in brown came over to stand with Sakura.
[You have won today my young Prince.] Mulu sneered at Sakura. [But in the end, I will be the one still standing in rule over all of Aspana and there is nothing any of you can do about it.]
"You are wrong Dogman," Sakura shouted. "Freedom rules Aspana now and it always will. You may have the upper hand right now, but we will fight to keep our freedom, every single one of us."
"And we'll be here to help," Quynn said. "My people fought tyrants like you before, and unfortunately we'll fight them again. Tyrants never win!"
[We shall see about that Stranger.] Mulu spread his arms and lifted into the sky and zoomed away. His voice echoed behind him. [We shall see.]
As Mulu flew off, the white bird came down and in a great flash, he shifted to a handsome white-haired teen as he touched down. He smiled at his brown-haired friend then he came over and joined them. Dar'yl introduced his two new friends.
"Prince Sakura, these are friends that came here by the Regents request to help us. This is Prince Quynn Tyr of Taggitia and his mate Sky Petrus."
"Myumbo." Sakura bowed. "I was told by Zakia Manzi to watch for you. He said you could help me find Astan. Is that true?"
"We're sure going to try." Quynn reached out and took Sakura's hand and shook it. "We can't let the bad guys win."
"No, we can't." Sakura shook vigorously. He finally felt like he had a chance at rescuing Astan. Now all he had to do was find him. "So what do we do now?"
"We dream." Sky said with a smile. "We go to sleep and dream."

It had taken all night but by daybreak, Astan had unraveled everything but the last strand on the spell on the hut. As he stood at the door, a last blue strand of magic waved in front of him. All he had to do was wrap it around his finger and send the last command and the spell would be broken. He would be free. But he still had no idea where he was. For all he knew, he could be in a hut in the middle of Mancoro surrounded by Hyenans and Jackals. Mulu Amin could be right outside the hut watching to see what he did. Astan wasn't sure what to do but sitting here and waiting wasn't the answer, Sakura would expect him to fight with all his magic and knowledge to get back to him. So that was what he would do.
Astan stood up and face the door. He cast out for the blue strand and wrapped it around his hand. Then he said a quick pray to Arlena the goddess of wisdom and he pulled the strand. With a flash of blue sparks, the last spell on the hut fell. Astan listened for a minute, then opened the door and stepped out. As he left the hut, he expected he would find himself in the grasslands facing a line of Hyenan warriors charging down at him. He was surprised to see that he was actually in the jungle. The hut had been the alone structure in a small clearing surrounded by deep jungle. it had been silent in her hut, but now the sound of the jungle was loud and clear. Astan walked out on a path that led into the jungle. He had no idea where he was going, but anywhere was better than here.
The jungle was thick with plants, bamboos, and orchids, tree ferns and vines that climbed to amazing heights. There were huge great trees with wide trunks and roots thicker than entire trees of the savanna. There wasn't much light here, only stray beams could make it through the heavy canopy of leaves. but there was something moving through the branches of the trees that Astan couldn't see. The air was dense and humid and it smelled of rotting vegetation and decay. Astan readied a spell and slowly made his way through the jungle. Ever since he had told him there was danger here, but he couldn't stop. He had to get out and find Sakura.
As he walked, he thought of his nights with Sakura. The feel of his body lying on top of his. His touch, his love, the security he felt when they were together. Sakura was the only one for him no matter what his father or the rest of the Tigaren people thought. He had to find a way to contact him. Maybe if he reached into his heart and touched the place where he kept his feelings for Sakura, he could connect with the bond they had between them. But he would need to be somewhere safe before he could try it.
With Sakura in his mind, Astan quickened his pace, He had passed through a clear spot in the trees and spotted the sun. From its position, the figure he knew it had raisin from the east. That meant if he turned to his left, he would be heading north and that should take him out of the forest eventually. Getting down on all fours he shifted to his Tiger form and started going north. He traveled for about fifteen minutes before he heard a rattling in the trees and stopped to look around. Again he had the feeling there was something out there watching him. He closed his eyes and sent out a small invisible probe then started walking again, His probe stayed in place high in the trees as he walked on. He didn't go far before he found himself standing on the edge of a small clearing. Just then something dark moved to pass his probe and Astan stopped, shifted and turned back.
"You can show yourself," Astan called out to the trees. "I know you're there."
 As a wild roar echoed through the trees, Igoro Baba dropped down into the clearing to face Astan. He shifted from his full Gorilla form to something more human-like and bowed to him. His Human form was less muscled but just as furry. He stood straight as he confronted Astan smiling slyly.
"I see I underestimated you, young prince." Igoro took a step in towards Astan pushing his robe sleeves back. "I will not do that again."
"What do you want?" Astan kept his eyes on the Gorilla. He knew any sudden move could be the start of a spell. "I have no quarrel with you or the Gorillas. Why have you kidnapped me?"
"I would think you would know the answer to that question," Igoro said. "You are a means to an end. Just a way for me to gain more power. You see Mulu Amin wants to rule you Cats and Dogs. I want everything else. Humans, Gorillas, Elephants, Zebran, everything."
"And you think Mulu will help you with that?" Astan laughed. "You're crazier than I thought. Do you really think for a minute that you can trust a Hyenan to keep his word? He'll use you until he has no use for you, then he'll turn on you. You'll end up in an even worse place then we Cats are, only you will have no one to blame but yourself."
"I can handle Mulu. "Igoro smiled and raised his hands to start his first spell. "But my kingdom is not your problem. Right now, I am your problem."
Igoro Drew a circle in the air then pushed up with his spell. A blazing ring of magic formed and flew at Astan, Astan waved one hand out to deflect the ring, then sent his own spell at Igoro. Blue streaks of power formed into arrows and shot at the Gorilla. One, two, three, four, five, sped at Igoro. With great precision, Igor deflected each one then put his hands together to form a cup and shot a blast at Astan. Forming a shield, Astan blocked the blast and was forced back by its power. As he poured power into his shield, Astan held on. He was getting weaker with every spell he used. Having been up all night working on breaking the spell on the hut, he was exhausted. He knew he wasn't going to win this battle, but for Sakura, he had to keep trying. His handsome Lion loves face appeared in his mind. He thought this could be his last chance to call out to him. As he poured more power into his cracking shield, Astan called out to Sakura for help.
[SAKURA! HELP MEEEE!!!!]
Then his shields fell and Igoro's blast hit Astan full on. It hit him in his chest and sent him flying back to land in a patch of ferns where he lay bloody and bruised. Igoro walked out to where Astan lay passed out.
"And so falls the mighty Tigaren prince. "Igoro smiled to himself as he picked Astan up and tossed him over his shoulder. "You better be worth it."

It had been a long night in the diamond mines of Zamani, and Tysia Gwedi was exhausted. She stopped and put down her pick ax as an elder Lycaon woman came up and passed her a cup of water. She took it and drink deeply even though the water was brown with mud. Though dirty, the water was cool and felt good going down her parched throat. The elder took the cup back from her and refilled it and passed it back. As Tysia reached for it, a Hyenan guard smacked it out of her hand.
"Don't be greedy." He barked in her face. "You had enough. Move on and you get back to work."
Tysia thank the eldar and picked up her pick and work on a wide layer of diamonds they had found the week before. One by one the diamonds and other gems were pried out of the wall and collected to be taken back to Mulu Amin for his inspection. But no one understood why. They were pretty and Humans and a few others used them for jewelry and trade, but they were just pretty rocks for the Lycaons. Tysia wondered why Mulu wanted them so bad.
As she worked, an older Lycaon further down the line dug out a fist-sized blue gem. He called out his discovery and a Hyenan hurried down a took it from him.. He looked at it closely then put it in the case to be sent to Mulu. Tysia took a deep breath and wiped her face as she looked around. There were many other Lycaon's working here in the mine with three armed Hyenans watching over them. As she took a short rest, she saw three dark figures come hunched and limping into the cavern. Tysia looked closer. There was something familiar about the one on the left. His colors looked familiar. He almost looked just like... It can't be! Mulu's warriors dragged him off three nights ago just before they brought her here to the mines. She had been worried sick about him, but somehow here he is.
"Get  back to work!!" A Hyenan reached out and smacked Tysia knocking her over. She fell and banged her head against the wall then rolled over and tried to sit up but she had hurt her back. "Get up and get back to work Bitch!"
The Hyenan reached back to hit her again. Tysia cowered down from the blow. Suddenly a hand reached out and grabbed the Hyenans arm and stopped him. He turned to see a tall silver and white Man wolf snarling and holding his arm.
"You shouldn't do that."
With his left hand, he punched the Hyenan in his maw smashing his nose and knocking him out. As Tysia looked up, Dain Gwedi reached down and pulled her to her feet and into his arms. Two Hyenans came running over with their swords drawn to attack. Aggar and Deja made quick work of them, then dragged them into a shadowy spot and dropped them.
"Dain." She cried. "I've been so worried, where have you been? What happened?"
"They happened." He said hugging his wife. "They saved me and now we're here to save all of you."
The Lycaon's all dropped their picks and shovels and stared at Dain and the two strangers.
"Gather around, all of you." Dain waved the Lycaon's over to them. "These Hyenans have come and raided our homes. They take our young to Mulu's battles and they force us into slavery and we stand by and do nothing. Well, I say no more. These two strangers here are from a people that lived the same lives as we do once upon a time. But they stood up and fought for they're freedom and won. I know it will be hard, but we, the Lycaon's and other Canin people of Aspana can do the same thing. Are we warriors or sheep for the Hyenans to pick and feed on. I say we stand up and show them the Lycaon's are no one's dogs or slaves. Are you with me or do we have to do this by ourselves?"
Hushed words passed from one Lycaon to the next. A tan spotted female cried out for the husband and sons the Hynens had taken away. Dain went to her a gave her his apologies because he knew her husband had been killed by Mulu trying to escape with one of his sons. She fell to her knees and cried while Tysia held her and tried to comfort her.
"And this will happen again and again," Aggar said. "Until you decide you've had enough."
"No!" The woman cried as she stood and wiped away her tears. "They can't have any more of my cubs. This must end now. I will fight with you."
"So will I." Said another dark furred male as he stepped forward holding his pickax. "They took my mate last season and I know she's dead now. I want to avenge her death. I want Mulu to pay for what they did to her."
Dain stepped forward and shook hands with him, then turned to the crowd to see if anyone else would join them. Both Lycaon males and females were stepped up to join in. Dain looked proudly at his people gathered there. It was time they took their lives into their own hands. After all these years and all the lives lost. It was time for their independence and freedom.
From hut to hut and family to family word was past of the coming of Dain and his two friends and their plan. Weapons were smuggled in and hid all around the village. Warriors young and old were prepared. Armor was fashioned from sturdy Baio trees and passed all around without the Hyenans noticing anything. At the agreed-upon moment, Dain made his way to the big hut of Durkha Dega Mulu's head Hyenan for the Zamani village. He waited at the door having replaced one of the Lycaon males that had been assigned to carry a huge wooden box filled with gems in to be inspected by Durkha.
"Bring it in!" A Hyenan stepped out and held the curtain open as Dain and his companion lifted the box and carried it into the hut. Durkha had been sitting on a high chair chewing on the leg bone of a goat. He waved the two Lycaon's and pointed to the ground in front of him.
"Put it there." He said. He spits out a small sliver of bone then got up and put the leg down on his chair. As he wiped the blood from the raw meat on his kilt he lumbered down rubbing his hands in triumph. If Mulu knew Durkha had access to the gems before him, his anger would be unbelievable. But Durkha didn't care. He knew what Mulu was looking for in the mines and caves of Aspana. He had heard the rumors of the Star of Hekima and the power it possessed. He thought if he could get it before Mulu, he could take his place as the most powerful Canin in Aspana. It could be him sitting on the high throne in Mancoro. All he had to do was find the Star first, then figure out how to control its secrets. With the help of one of Mulu's young apprentice shaman's, Durkha had worked hard and fought his way up to a high position in Mulu's pack. Through guile and assassination, he managed to get himself assigned to an area where they thought there was a high possibility that the Star might be located. Ever since then, every gem found in the area for almost one hundred miles came to his hands for inspection before it was passed on to Mulu.
Now here he was standing in Zamani with a huge box of possibilities in front of him. This could be the day he became a mfalme. Durkha knelt down to the crate sized box and flexed his fingers in anticipation.
"The Star is here." He said to himself. "I know it is. I am about to take my first step to greatness!"
He reached down and turned the key in the latch and flipped open the lock, then lifted the top of the box open.
"I'm afraid it's not in here," Aggar said as he kicked out into Durkha's chest. Durkha went flying back to crash into his high chair. He scrambled to get back on his feet as Aggar climbed out of the box. Behind him, Dain and his companion reached into the box and grabbed two Ikawa's they had hidden beneath Aggar. An Ikawa is a short two-foot spear with a broad blade at its head for close personal combat. When Durkha saw the three facing him, he called out for his guards. Five Hyenan warriors rushed in to stand at his stand,
"What is this?" Durrkha shouted as he bent over and picked up his knobkierie. "Who are you?"
Durkha had never seen anyone like Aggar or Deja. Aggar's gray, black and silver wolf form was very rare on the continent of Aspana. There were other Wolves on Aspana, in certain far-off regions, but not here on the savanna.
"My name is Aggar Ren." Aggar's blue eyes flashed at the Hyenan. "We're here to free Zamani and the other Canin people from you and Mulu's control. If you leave now, I promise no one will be hurt."
"Ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!" Durkha laughed. "You threaten me? With what? You think they will fight us? Don't make me laugh!"
"Laugh at this!" Dain ran forward and stabbed his Ikawa into one of Durkha's warriors. He slashed out and sliced into the arm of the warrior standing next to him, then brought the butt of his spear around and jammed it into the warrior's stomach. As the fighting started Aggar pulled his sickle and long knife and charged into battle. He hooked into one warrior and threw him bleeding into the next one then charged at Durkha. Durkha brought his knobkierie down with two hands aiming for Aggar's head. Aggar spun himself around and reached out to slice across Durkha's chest.  As blood poured from his wound, Durkha stepped back and pulled a dagger from his belt to face Aggar.
"This is not your fight Stranger," Durkha said. "You should go and leave these curs to us. They are nothing to you."
"I'm here to help these people out of bondage," Aggar said as they circled each other. "As long as they need my help, I'll be here to fight for them."
"Then you will die for them too!!" Durkha lunged at Aggar. He swung his club at Aggar hammering him in the chest. He knocked the air from Aggar's lungs making him gasp for breath. As Aggar struggled to breathe, Durkha stabbed forward with his dagger. Aggar sliced up with his knife, cutting Durkha open from chest up to his shoulder, then stabbed into Durkha's neck. Dropping his weapons, Durkha staggered back away from Aggar. He gasped for air as he fell against him knocked over his chair and choked on his own blood.
As Aggar looked around, he saw Dain knelling over the body of his tormentor. All the Hyenans in the hut were dead. But this wasn't over yet, Deja and the others were still out in the village fighting. He went to Dain and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Let's finish this." Dain nodded and they headed out to finished the fight for Zamani.

White Lion. 3

The night was cool and clear and the stars were bright as Msia Duma woke up. After the day's meal, he felt full of energy and ready for his escape. He stood up and stretched feeling the blood and excitement running through his veins and heart. His flexed his hands unsheathing his claws then relaxed his hands and made a fist. His body was ready but what about his magic? With a snap of his fingers, he summoned a small orb into life. He let it hover in the air in front of him for a second, then let it close. He was ready.
High over his head upon the rim of the pit, two Hyenan warriors patrolled and keep watch on him. They would have to be eliminated if he hoped to make a clean escape. He knew there was only two ways to get out of the pit. Either someone would have to lower the ramp for him to climb out, or he would have to use magic to levitate himself up. Levitation would take a little more will power then he might have right now, but there is another way.

SIGHT AND SOUND.
TOUCH AND SMELL.
WHAT YOU SEE DEPENDS ON MY SPELL.
TO YOU I SHOW YOUR HEARTS DESIRE.
TO LEAVE THIS PIT IS WHAT I REQUIRE.

As Msia cast his spell, the two Hyenans stopped and sniffed at the air. They turned to look down into the pit, then threw down their weapons and ran closer to the edge to gaze down on Msia. He could hear them arguing and barking at each other. That worried Msia. He prayed to Tyree no one would hear the noise and come out to investigate. He had to shut them up.
"Help me, my heroes." He whispered. "One of you come and win your prize."
With his eyes looking dazed and his tongue hanging out, a warrior stepped back and grabbed a club and smashed it into the head of his comrade. As his comrade fell, he ran to the log ramp and pushed it over and into the pit. Still looking love-struck, the warrior hopped on the log and hurried and to get his prize. As he approached the smiling Msia with his arms open for an embrace, Msia slashed out with his claws and slit open the throat of the warrior. He grabbed him as he fell and quietly lowered him down and hid him in the pits corner.
Wasting no time, Msia scurried up the ramp and stopped at the top. Mulu Amin's house was only a little ways away. He could end this and go and kill him now, But there would probably be guards and he would have to beat them before he fought Mulu. He didn't think he had the strength for that. Better to get away and fight another day. He had two sons he had to get back home too, so off he ran to try and get back to Panthera and home.

It was late in the evening when Astan woke up. He opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling of the small hut it was in. It was dark outside and cool in the hut. His head still throbbed with the pain from his captor's attack last night. He sat up and looked around, he was thirsty. His captor had said there would be food and water when he woke up. There on the table in the corner, Astan saw a jug and a plate filled with some kind of stew. Astan stood up and staggered over to the table and chair and sat down. He picked up the jug and sniffed the water. It smelled fresh. He tasted a bit on his tongue. He didn't detect any poisons or anything that could make him sick. He drank deeply relished the taste of cold water as it slid down his throat. Astan burped and put down the jug feeling a little better. He picked up the plate and smell the food. He had been sleeping for hours, if they wanted him dead, they could have killed. Poison made no sense so he ate the stew. It was pretty bad, but it was food. It gave his strength. and with strength, he could use his magic and get out of there. He had dreamed of Sakura while he had been sleeping. For some reason, he knew Sakura was looking for him. He was out there right now looking for someone that was supposed to help him rescue him. Astan stopped to think. How did he know that? Something about a Dragon and a Phoenix? Astan knew what they were, but there hadn't been anything like that in Aspana in centuries. He didn't even know if Dragons or Phoenixes existed anymore. It could have all just been a dream Astan thought. But he was sure he had heard Sakura last night swearing to come and find him.
Once he finished the stew, Astan stood up. It was time he tried getting out of that hut. Force wasn't the answer. He learned that last night when he tried the door. He knew he couldn't physically touch the door or the walls. He would have to think of something else. Maybe there was a weakness here he could exploit.
Astan took a deep breath, relaxed and cleared his mind. He raised his hand and centered his power to probe the walls. As his hand started to glow softly, Astan walked along looking for a weak spot. There was a red glow coming from every inch of the wall. Someone had cast a powerful spell on the hut. There were red and black bands of magic intertwined and knotted running all through the hut. It would take him years to work through all these bands. There had to be something else. Maybe if he could figure out who had strung the spells, he would figure out how too break them. Astan went to the door. The spells there were different. Not as complicated. He reached up and traced a green line that ran from the lock to each of the hinges. It had a funny feel to it. Kind of like the pain  he had felt the night before. Astan thought back to a magical technique he had learned when he was a cub from Samaw Camir, his first mystic master. Samaw had said he could learn a lot about any mage he fought against by analyzing his spells. What was the composition of the spell? Is color and it's feel? If he could link into the spell, he would be able to discover the identity of its caster and the history of the spell. As Astan studied the spell, he could feel it was made of rough magic. Not anything as delicate as a spell cast by a Tigaran of a Pantheran master. No, this spell had been cast by someone with more of a savage mind like a Hyenan, but not Mulu.
Mulu's magic had much more finesse then this. These were cast by a less skilled more fumbling hand. Astan dug deeper into the spell. He was looking for something personal that every spellcaster has to put in there spells. No matter who you are, novice or master mage, dark or light magic. Anyone that cast a spell has to sign it with a piece of himself or the magic will back fire and it could kill you. Astan had to find the signature line in the spell on the hut and it was here buried somewhere in the doorway. He dug carefully through the red, black and green lines until he found an almost invisible hidden gray line. The minute he saw it, he knew for sure this wasn't one of Mulu Amin's spells. As a matter of fact, it wasn't cast by a Hyenan or any of the Feline or Canin races. This was something else. Astan would have to touch it if he wanted to learn who had cast it. Carefully he twirled his finger over the gray line and ordered it to reveal to him its master. As the gray line came into contact with Astan's finger, a picture formed in his mind of a great hulking Gorilla with dead eyes dressed in gray robes standing in front of the hut casting his spells. The mage's name was Igoro Baba, Goorilla mage of far away Unzi rain forest and though he wasn't Mulu Amin, he was here at Mulu's request. Now Astan could start tearing apart the spells and get himself  out of there.
As Astan twisted and turned the spell between his fingers, it started to unravel. But it would take hours before he had could disrupt enough for him to escape. It would be light out long before he was done and Igoro Baba could come back to check on him. But at least he would have broken the spell on the walls and be able to touch them without pain. With luck by tonight, he would have his freedom and he might even be back with Sakura.

Msia was exhausted as he ran through the high grass. It had been less then two hours since he escaped Mulu's pit, and already there were Jackals on his trail. He had caught and killed two, but from what he could smell, there was a whole pack coming fast behind him. Msia didn't have time to think. He didn't have a weapon, except for what magic he still had, and his only chance of getting one would be from one of the enemies that chased him.
As he slowed down he listened to see what was lurking in the grass near him. With his magically heightened hearing, Msia heard footstep coming from the east. There were three of them and they were breathing hard. The footsteps were fast so he knew they were running. Msia shifted back to his two-legged from and readied and energy bolt. The first Jackal broke through the grass and rushed at him with his spear raised for the kill. Msia threw the bolt. It hit the Jackal in the ribs and toasted his heart in its chest. Msia grabbed his spear and got ready for the next attack.
As he waited he cast a spell on the weapon and energized the spearhead and strengthened its wooden shaft. Just then, two Jackals came running at him. Msia roared and with two hands, he waved the spear in front of the two charging Jackals. A pulse of vibration flew out at the dogs knocking them back off their feet. Msia raised the spear and dived on the closest of the two and stabbed it down into his chest.  Quickly pulling it free, Msia rolled and was up and ready for the next attack. The Jackal sneered and pulled two long knives from his belt and advanced on the Pantheran king. Holding the spear with the glowing head out, Msia and the Jackal did the dance of battle. They thrust and stabbed it each other, nicked and sliced into each other until Msia thought he was about to drop from exhaustion. The Jackal smiled thinking had had won from out lasting his opponent. Msia dropped his guard for a second and the Jackal thought that was his chance. He ducked a swing from Msia and moved in for the kill. But Msia wasn't quite as tired as his enemy thought. The butt of his spear came around and hit the Jackal in the chin. His head went up as Msia spun around and slashed at his stomach gutting him. The Jackal fell back in shock as his insides spilled from the wound. As he lay there on the ground dying slowly, Msia stepped up to the Jackal.
"Kill me." The Jackal said. "Please, don't let the scavengers feast on me."
"You fought bravely." Msia knelt down at his side. "It's to bad. I could have used a warrior like you on my side."
"I see my mistake your majesty." The Jackal coughed up blood. "I wish things had been different. I know who you are and I saw how Mulu treated you. You and your people deserve better than what he plans for you and so does the rest of the Canin's. I would have served you proudly, but I guess it's to late now."
Msia looked down on the dying Jackal. He saw honor for the first time in a Jackal warrior and he was sorry. He felt they could have been friends in different circumstances. Then he thought maybe there was a way he could save him.
"Maybe its not." Msia knelt it the Jackals side. "Would you accept me as your king and swear allegiance to me and Panthera?"
"Yes." The Jackal moaned. "I swear."
"What is your name?"
"I am called Akani Azima." The Jackal closed his eyes and started to fade away.
"Then let Panthera heal your wounds." Msia placed his hands on the Jackal's open wound and called upon Tyree for his assistance. "Mighty Tyree. I present to you the life of Akani Azima. He swears to stand at my side and protect me and Panthera. Please heal him and give him the strength he needs to fulfill his promise."
A shaft of blazing light streaked down from the sky and touched Akani. His eyes popped open wide with a golden glow as the power of Tyree and Aramis the god of life filled his body. Akani started to shake as his wounds healed and he was made whole again. In seconds the light was gone and Akani Azima was healed and unknown to him, slightly different then he had been this morning when he started his day. He looked up at Msia surprised that he was still alive. Akani reached down and felt for his wound and realized it was gone. He sat up and looked to Msia.
"I'm alive?"
"Did you mean it when you swore your loyalty to me?" Msia asked.
"Yes." Akani got up and on his knees and bowed to Msia. "Forever in this life and any life that come after it, I will serve you. This I swear to every god there is."
"Then rise my friend," Msia held out his hand and helped Akani up. "We have a lot to do and a long way to go. There are still Jackals after me."
"Have no fear my lord." Akani said. "I won't let them hurt you. Not as long as I live."
"Let's hope that will be for a long time my friend." Msia picked up Akani's spear and passed it to him. He took it by it's strap and hung it across his back.
"When to my lord?"
"I should get back home to Panthrea." Msia said. "My queen is there with my son Sakura. He should be almost of age to take the throne by now. It's been a long time since Mulu captured me. I hope everyone's safe."
"Then to Panthera." Akani said. "I will find someplace where you can eat and rest. Then I will lead you home to your throne. Follow me my lord."

It was late in the day out on the savanna as Aggar and Deja stopped for a drink at a watering hole. They had been traveling all day and seen many different things. Giraffes nibbling on the top branches of trees and collecting food for their young. Elephants traveling in a line with the males in front in Elephant and their humanized forms. Zebrens running and teaching their young the ways of the savanna. Deja was amazed at how different life was here then back home in Taggitia.
"No Elves." She said. "No Dwarves or Fairys. Its so different here."
"Yes." Aggar agreed. "But it's dangerous too. There are things and people here that would kill us without a second thought. We have to be careful."
Deja nodded her agreement and went down for a drink of fresh water. After cooling off, Aggar sat back and watched the horizon. She was right, It was beautiful here. So much wide open lands to run and hunt in. Tof would love it here. He could teach his twin sons Stelian and Costa how to hunt and stalk in new surroundings. They would learn of new and different people and different customs. Maybe he could talk them into coming here for a visit. There might even be a place where they could set up a small piece of land for their own.
As Aggar started to relax, he heard a ear piercing scream that got him to his feet. He looked out on the savanna and saw a pack of strange looking Dogmen chasing what looked like a many colored spotted wolf.
"Father, look!" Deja shouted as she jumped to her feet. "We have to help him!"
Like a streak of mad fury, Deja shifted and was off. She charged down and into battle. Aggar shifted and went after his daughter. Her speed was incredible, in seconds she had passed the wolf and was engaged in battle with two of the Dogmen. The two knives slid out of their harness to become silent blades of death. Deja slashed and stabbed at the Dogmen as they tried to bring her down.
As Aggar entered the fight, he reached to his side and grabbed his weapons. Aggar carried two blades, one sickle and its twin a long knife. As the first Dogman came at Aggar, it leaped high with its claws ready to tear into his. Aggar swung out with the sickle's round end and sliced into his mid section as he passed over his head. As the Dogman crashed to the ground, a second one attacked Aggar. This one was armed with a sword. He lunged at Aggar stabbing forward. Aggar swung up with his curved blade catching the Dogman's blade and stabbed forward with the straight one. The Dogman turned to the side avoiding the thrust and came around sweeping his sword at Aggar's head. Aggar ducked and kicked out into the Dogman's stomach. As he doubled over, Aggar slammed the hilt of his blade into the top of the Dogman's skull with a load cracking noise. The Dogman fell knocked out to the ground. As Aggar looked up, he saw four more coming at them. Deja was engaged  and about to be over powered if the four joined the battle. It was time for Aggar to do something drastic. As the Dogmen charged at them, Aggar raised his hands and sent a blast of flame at the oncoming enemies. Fire reached out and blasted the four Dogmen. As they felt the flames burning their fur, the four howled and turned and ran off away from the battle.
Deja slashed up with one knife, then stabbed forward into he opponents chest to finish her battle. As she looked around to see the Dogmen gone, she ran back to the see if the wolf was ok. When she returned to where the spotted wolf had fallen, They found a young dark skinned spotted man laying in the grass to weak too even sit up. Aggar picked him up and carried him down to the watering hole and got him water to drink. With a cup Deja had fashioned from leaves, Aggar fed him water slowly.
"How do you feel?" Aggar asked after the young man had, had his fill. "Are you ok?"
"Yes." He shook his head. "Thank you for your help. The Hyenans were going to kill me."
"Those were Hyenans?" Deja looked up at her father. "Why were they after you?"
"Because I talked against Mulu Amin." He said with a sneer. "I refused work or give them the last of my herd to fed those laughing fools so they beat me ad took them. I barely made it away before they gave chase."
"Wasn't there anyone around to help you fight them off?" Aggar asked. "Your neighbors, friends?"
"No." He said. "No one in my village would dare lift a hand to help me. They are all to afraid of the Hyenans and what they would do."
"They don't sound very nice." Deja said. "They sound like a pack of slavers and bullies."
"What is bullies?"
"People that take whatever they want with force." Aggar told him. "They beat up and abuse people for fun, because they want to."
""Yes." He shook his head. "That is what the Hyenans do. All my people, and the rest of the Canin people fear them. They take our food and burn our homes. They disgrace our females and kill our young and old, there is no one to stop them."
"What about your king?" Deja asked. "Why doesn't he help?"
"We have no king."  He said quietly. "They killed him long ago."
"What's your name?" Deja asked.
"Forgive me manners." He touched his forehead then held his hand out in a greeting. "Myumbo. My name is Dain Gwedi and I am a Lycaon from the village of Zamani, not far from here to the east."
"Aiya Dain." Aggar reached out and took his hand and shook it. "I'm Aggar Fen and this is my daughter Deja. I think we would like to visit your village and meet these Hyenans."
Dain looked at Aggar as if he was mad. He had to be crazy to want to go to Zamani and face the Hyenans. They would kill them both. He would have to talk them out of such madness.
"My apologizes my friends." He said. "I cannot take you to Zamani. There is only death there for and for you. I cannot be responsible for the deaths of such brave people as you. No, you must not go there."
"They don't scare me." Aggar smiled. "I have faced enemies much stronger then those Dogmen. And I won't be alone, I will have you and Deja at my side. Don't worry. We can handle the Hyenans. All we need is courage and a few good friends."

The journey through the savanna to Zamani didn't take long. Dain led them to a trail that put them in a place where they could watch the comings and goings in the village. Zamani was a fair sized village that housed a little over thirty five families. Each families unit had one or two small huts depending on how many members there were in the family. There were grazing grounds set up outside of the gates and a barn for community use. In the center of the village they had dug a well and at the north end, a place to train the village hunters.
As Aggar, Deja and Dain watched, several Hyenans came out of a large hut that once belonged to the village chief. They were laughing loudly and shoving each other around like immature cubs as they pushed their way through the village. Women and children ran to got out of their way. Men hid or ducked to avoid having any confrontations with them. They watched as the Hyenans kicked apart huts and stomped villagers pottery and cookware, toys and hunting weapons. They just tore into the village and trashed everything in their way.
Deja's anger grew as she watched the Hyenans, she remember her days as a cub and how some of the older boys had treated her. She was teased and bullied for being the niece of the king and smaller then most of them. Deja wasn't interested in girly things. She wanted to be out with the older boys hunting and wrestling and practicing her fighting skills. But they fought her every attempt at joining them until she gave up and decided that she would do it all on her own. No more bullying, no more begging, no more crying. She had to stand on her own and let no one stand in her way. She was a warrior and she would act like one. That's what these Lycaon people need. They needed to stand up to the Hyenans and fight back, and if they didn't know how, she was just the one to teach them. These Hyenans were going to learn something about respect, or pain and Deja didn't care which lesson she would be teaching.

Escape. 2

As the morning sun started its ride from east to west, Quynn and Sky headed south toward Aspana. They passed over Winterhaven where Rage felt their presence and called out to his son for an explanation as to where they were going. Quynn explained their mission and for a minute, he thought his father was about to order them to turn around and go right back home, but instead he wished them well then called out to Jandar and went silent.
[I'm glad we're not home.] Quynn sent to Sky.
[Why?]
[Because I think my fathers are about to have a pretty heated discussion about us.]
[Rage doesn't want us to go?] Sky asked.
[No.] Quynn sent. [But I think he'll have words about not being apart of the decision to let us go. My fathers are a little overprotective of me and you, especially Rage. But they trust each other so it'll be alright.]
From Winterhaven, they flew on over Tir Na and Fay Shrea and down over the Elven lands and Eventide and Dree then further south to the Shyr Ocean. Then they turned slightly east and headed out to sea. From a high altitude, they watched the ocean slide by beneath them as they rode the air currents to the southern continent of Aspana. As they reached the jungle continent, they realized how big it was. They saw jungles and grasslands and a great dessert that sat in the eastern part of the continent.
[So where are we heading?] Quynn asked. [That's a big continent down there.]
[Panthera is there in the west by the grasslands there. We should land there first.]
[I'll follow you down.] Quynn sent.
Angling his wings, Sky started down with Quynn following right behind him. They circled over the jungle until they came to the edge of the savanna then dropped down to land.
The savanna of Panthera is a rolling grassland with scattered shrubs and trees, which can be found between the tropical rainforest of Tigaress and the desert land of Peresis. It's a very dry part of the country that doesn't get very much rainfall to support forest. As Quynn and Sky looked around, they saw huge birds flying from tree to tree. They were like vultures only bigger and black. Sky knew they were predators out hunting small animals in the high grasses.
Further out, they saw a huge gray four-legged beast with long tentacle-like appendages hanging from their faces moving through the grass. Right beside the beast were huge gray men and women, they were traveling right with the beast. But it didn't look like they were herding them. It looked more like they were talking with the beast. As they moved, Quynn saw one of the gray men shift and change into one of the beasts. It seemed they weren't just animals but another form of Were beast. They had never seen anything like them before. There were so many different kinds of life here, they would have to be very careful and keep a watch on what lurked in the grass or jungles.
"Where should we start looking?" Quynn asked. He took out a waterskin and took a sip. The heat here was amazing, it was much hotter then at home. "How do we find the Princes?"
"We need a guide." Sky said. "And more information, otherwise we'll just wander through Aspana with no idea where to go."
"OK." Quynn agreed." How do we find a guide?"
"G'ania Gazini said someone would be waiting for us." Sky said. "So I think we should find someplace comfortable and wait for our guide."
He looked around and saw the trees on the edge of the rainforest. "There," He pointed. "In the shade of the trees. That would be better than here in the sun."
Quynn passed the waterskin to Sky and they made their way through the grass to the tree line by the river and the comfort of its shade. Quynn sat down and pulled Sky down next to him, and they laid there and watched birds dive for fish while they waited.
Unknown to either Sky or Quynn, something lurked in the grass watching them. As a matter of fact, there were five of them and they were slowly making their way through the tall grass toward where they were waiting. The five hyenas separated, two came from the north, while the other three came from the east and west. Slowly they moved in until they were within five meters, then they charged in for the kill.
A sudden rustling in the grass caught Quynn's attention and he turned as the Hyenas charged. Before either Quynn or Sky could react, a blur of white fur leaped out of the bush and grabbed two of the Hyenas. The White lion roared as it slammed the two Hyenans into the bush willow tree, then grabbed his sword and swept it up and sliced into the chest of a third Hyena. Quynn jumped to his feet and grabbed the Hyena that came at him out of the air and rolled with it, then grabbed it by the throat and squeezed with all his might. The Hyena scratched and claw at him as it struggled for air. Quynn lifted it up, then slammed it back down to the ground cracking its skull and breaking its neck.
As the last of the Hyenans looked at Sky, he raised his hand and sent a pulse of magic at it. It leaped into the air to avoid the blast, then shifted to a human-like form and kicked dirt at Sky and ran off with a hysterical laugh back into the rainforest.
Quynn and Sky turned to face the White lion man ready to fight. Sky readied a power ball as Quynn took a fighting stance and stepped in front of Sky to protect him. The Lion man turned toward Sky and Quynn with his sword in hand and took a step forward. He raised his hands and re sheathed his sword in his back scabbard and roared. Sky jumped back and raised the power ball to throw it. Quynn grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"Be calm Love." Quynn said. "His roar was his way of greeting us."
"Yes it is" He bowed to them. "My name is Dar'yl Radal of Panthera, Regent G'ania Gazini sent me here to guide you on your search. It seems I came just in time. These Hyenans were just about to attack."
Dar'yl was tall and muscled with white fur and a white mane. He had clear ice blue eyes and a black and pink nose with a small scar right beneath his left eye, One ear had a small notch with a gold ring in it. He wore white leather bands in a harness that wrapped around his chest with the lion head emblem on his right shoulder and pants to match. At his side in sheaths on his belt, there were two long knives, one on each side.
"My name is Sky Petrus." Sky reached out to shake his hand. "And this is my mate, Quynn Tyr of New Keanna. Your regent asked for our help, but to help, we'll need to know something about who we're looking for. What can you tell me about the two missing princes?"
"We're looking for Prince Sakura Duma of Panthera and Prince Astan Kinya of Tigaress." Dar'yl explained. "The regent thinks either they have runaway together or they have been kidnapped. If they have runaway, then we have to find them and bring them back. If they have been kidnapped, then we have to rescue them."
"Who do you think might have kidnapped them?" Quynn asked.
"Mulu Amin." Dar'yl said. "He's the Witch lord of the Hyenans and all the Canin people. He's been raiding both the lands of Panthera and Tigaress and a few others,  he wants to rule all of Aspana. If he took the Princes, he could cause our people to go to war."
"I see the problem." Sky said. Sky and Quynn walked was and looked down on the dead Hyenans. They were different, but they looked a little like Werewolves. "We need someone that can slip into Canin and see what's going on."
"I wonder." Quynn looked over to Dar'yl. "What would happen if a few of our Canins appeared in Hyenan country?"
"You have Canins where you come from?" Dar'yl tilted his head and frowned. "Are they warriors?"
"Yes." Quynn smiled. "Yes they are. You just tell me where to send them and I'll have them here in a few hours."
"I will tell you." Dar'yl said as he scanned the savanna around them. "But we should get moving. The Hyenans don't stalk alone. The one that escaped will be back with more warriors, and we don't want to be here when they get back."
"Then where are we heading?" Sky picked up the pack and handed it to Quynn.
"We go east." Dar'yl said. "Tigaress is east of us. Prince Sakura met Prince Astan in Tinpa, that is where we should start."
As they headed east, Quynn called out to his father to report in. He told him they had made it to Aspana safely and they just might need a little help.
[What kind of help?] Jandar asked.
[Werewolf help.] He said. [There are Were down here and we need someone that can go in and investigate.]
[And you can't go?]
[No.] Quynn told him. [I'm to young. I need someone that commands respect, they might not see me as an adult. I really need Uncle Tof but I know he's to busy. Uncle Ono would be fine. And tell him to bring Ranjer, he might need his magic.]
[Anything else?]
[Yes.] Quynn said. [Tell him beware of Mulu Amin. He rules the Canin down here. That's the Hyenan people. My guide says he's a very powerful witch lord and he might be holding one or both if the Princes I'm looking for.]
[I see.] Jandar sent back. [I will let you know when I know something.]
[Thank you Father.]

From the Pantheran savanna, they headed east into Tigaress. Dar'yl took the lead and lead them through the dense jungle. He pointed out various plants, birds and animals of interest and landmarks. He showed them jungle temples dedicated to various jungle gods and different wonders of jungle life. Where to find food and safe water and if lost and how to find their way if they were separated from him. He pointed out poisonous snakes and insects that could kill with a single bite. He showed them all the dangers they might encounter while making their way through the Aspana jungle. Quynn made sure they paid close attention to his every word. His fathers had always taught him that when in new and different locations, knowing his surroundings could make the difference between life and death.
As they made their way through the jungle, there were eyes all high up in the trees watching them. Ears heard every twig that snapped underfoot and every leafs rustle. Their scents left a trail showing every step they took. Swing from tree to tree the quiet hunters watched and followed them as they picked their way through the jungle trails. Something fell from up in the trees and hit Sky on the shoulder. He looked up and saw a sudden movement out of the corner of his eye. At first he thought it was a bird taking off from a nest  in one of the trees, then he thought he saw eyes looking down at him. He looked closer, but in the rustle of the dense foliage it was gone, but he could still felt there were eyes on them.
"Is something wrong?" Dar'yl asked as Sky caught up with him.
"I think we're being watched." Sky said as he watched the trees. "There's something up in the trees following us."
"I know." Dar'yl said causally. "They've been following and watching ever seen your arrived in Panthera."
"What's going on?" Quynn asked.
"We have company." Dar'yl stopped and looked up into the trees. "And if he's this curious he just come down and talk to us. I know your up there Yas Twospear. You can come down now."
A soft chuckle rang through the trees as he swung down and landed a few feet from Dar'yl and walked out to join them.
"Myumbo." Yas Twospear said in greeting with a huge smile on his Simian face as pounded his chest in salute to his friend. Yas Twospear was a five foot eleven inch Chimpanzee dressed in a loin cloth with his two spears strapped across his back. He wore red and green beaded vest and the fang of a Hyena hung from one ear. "It is good to see you again Dar'yl Radal my friend. Who are the pale strangers, and what brings you to the rain forest?"
"Myumbo." Dar'yl pounded his chest with both fist. "This is Quynn Tyr and Sky Petrus of Taggitia and we are in search of the missing royal cubs of both Panthera and Tigaress. Have you or any of your hunters seen either of them?"
"I was hunting by the tall waters not two night ago." Yas told him. "When I saw Sakura Duma running from the laughing dogs. They ran him to the edge of the big rocks and he jumped. The last I saw of him, he was diving into the white water."
"And what of the Hyenans?" Sky asked. "Did they follow?"
"Dogs are afraid of water." Yas said. "They had to find a way down through the rocks. He was gone by the time they climbed down, but they we're on his scent moving south."
"Good." Dar'yl said. "He's moving away from Hyenan country. We can still catch him if we hurry. My thanks good friend."
"My hunters and their spears are always ready to help." Yas said as he started to heading back up into the tress. "All you have to do is get to the trees and call. We will come."
As Yas and his hunters swung off, Dar'yl turned to Sky and Quynn to explain their next move.
"Sakura is at least two days ahead of us." He said. "We can started heading south, or we can head into Tigaress and see if we can find anything on Prince Astan. The regent ordered you in charge, so it is your choice. What should we do?"
"Sky." Quynn said. "It's your mission. What do we do?"
"I think we should go after Sakura." Sky told them. "I saw him in my dreams and I'm sure we can find him. It will be a long journey, but we can do it."
"I do not know how it would be possible to catch up with him." Dar'yl frowned. "He is at least two days ahead of us. There is no ways for us to travel that far that fast."
"Unless we fly." Quynn said with a smile.
"Only birds fly." Dar'yl laughed. "You make a very funny joke. Now what will we do?"
"It's no joke." Quynn said. "Just find us a big enough clearing and you'll see."
Dar'yl thought the two northerners were a little crazy when they spoke of flying. He knew it was impossible but he really didn't have any other ideas. Killian's oasis was just a few miles away, and that was more than enough of a clearing. He led them on to the oasis and down to the fresh clear water pond where he took a drink and filled his waterskin. Then he turned to Quynn and Sky to see what they would do next.
"This will do." Sky said. He walked out and got himself a drink, then went beyond the tree line and turned back to Dar'yl and smiled. "Are you ready?"
"I guess." The Lion man said as he sat down on the edge of the pond. He turned to Quynn. "What's he think he's doing?"
"Just watch."
As Sky stood there, he closed his eyes and spread his arms and lifted his head to the sky. Suddenly as Dar'yl watched, a freezing wind swept in and bright snow crystals swirled around Sky and enveloped him in a cloud of frost. Dar'yl jumped to his feet and staggered back from the pond in shook and amazement. In seconds Sky burst from the cloud in his Snow Phoenix form and flew up into the hot Aspana sky and flew a circle around the pond then came down to land. Quynn walked out to Sky and put his hand on his back.
"You believe us now?"
Dar'yl shook his head. He couldn't believe what he had just saw. Sky, the handsome white haired boy had just turned himself into a seven foot white feathered bird.
[Not a bird.] Dar'yl heard in his head. [I'm a Snow Phoenix and Quynn is a Dragon. Would you like to see his Dragon form?]
"No." Dar'yl stammered. He stepped in closed to Sky and felt the cold radiating from him. "I guess you really can fly."
"Yes." Quynn said. "We both can. We can both grow big enough to carry you south after Prince Sakura."
"Then we should wait until after dark." Dar'yl told them. "We should be very careful of who see's you. There are many in Aspana that would hunt a treasure like you if they see you."
[Hunting us would not be smart.] Sky said as he shifted back to his normal form. "My Phoenix form is exotic, but its not quite as defenseless as it looks."
"I hope not." Dar'yl said. "We should get some rest. We have a long way to go tonight and we'll need to be as alert as possible."

It was dark when Prince Astan opened his eyes. He sat up and looked around wondering where he was. He was in an unfamiliar room. It looked like some kind of hut, he could see the night sky and stars glowing above through gaps in the planks in the ceiling. If he was in a hut, that means he wasn't in Tinpa or Naraya. Then where was he? This could be a hut in one of the outer villages of Tigaress or he could be in Panthera, Yekuta or, a shiver went through him when the idea hit him. It might be a Jackal village or something even worst. A Hyenan village. Those laughing dog bastards had been a thorn in the side of both the Tigaress and the Pantherans for centuries. Mulu Amin would like nothing more than to get his grubby paws on the crown prince of Tigaress. He could demand almost anything as ransom and his father would pay to get him back. But would Mulu Amin return him? That was the question. He had seen the way he looked at him, and they had been chasing after him and Sakura for years. There was no telling what Mulu Amin would do if he had him under his control.
Astan stood up and walked around the small hut essaying his location. There was a bowl and a spoon on av table and a sleeping fur on the floor. The hut had no windows, just a door. As Astan peeked out between the slats in the door, someone quickly threw a cover over the door.
"Get away from the door." A voice said as it banged on the side of the hut. "Get away or you will be sorry."
Astan ignored the voice. The door didn't looked very strong. Astan knew he could break it down easily and then he could deal with whoever was holding him hostage. Astan stepped back and prepared himself to ram the door. Suddenly excruciating pain ripped through his body. He fell to the ground and roll and screamed clutching his arms to his chest as pain like lightning flashed through his mind.
"I told you to get back from the door." The voice laughed. "If you touch it again, the pain will be even worse."
"Wh, who are you?" Astan asked as searing pain settled into a heavy throbbing through his head and back.
"I am your captor." It said. "That's all you need to know right now. The pain will put you to sleep. You will find food in there when you wake up. Now go to sleep."
Astan tried to resist the urge to sleep, but the pain had taken all his strength. He was exhausted. He dropped into a deep sleep with the thought of Sakura's powerful arms wrapped around him whispering that he loved him and he was safe again.

From the Yafet river, Sakura headed east for Naraya. It was a tough trek through the grasslands into the jungle with the Hyenans never to far behind him on his trail. At one point, he ran into a small group of them waiting to ambush him as he made his way through the jungle. Sakura shifted to his Lion form and quietly stalked them one at a time until he had caught all the of them. With these enemies down, he tied their bodies up and hung them from a tree as a warning and hurried on to Naraya.
At the edge of Naraya, Sakura donned his cloak and crept by night into the village to the house of Juma Busar and quietly knocked at the door.
"Who knocks at my door at this hour of the night?" Someone asked from inside the house.
"It's me Juma." Sakura whispered. "Prince Sakura."
Juma opened the door and quickly pulled Sakura in and shut it and locked it. Juma was a dark furred Panther dressed in cotton tunic and pants.
"Myumbo my friend." He said, he reached out and gripped Sakura by his arms. "I have been waiting for two nights for you and Prince Astan to arrive. I was beginning to get worried."
"You mean Astan isn't here?" Sakura pushed back his hood then ran past him and hurried in to check the other rooms.
"No." Juma said. "I was hoping he was with you."
"He was to meet me here." Sakura said. "He should've arrived yesterday. I've been busy running and fighting Hyenans. Where is he?"
"I don't know my Prince." Juma shook his head. "Perhaps he changed his mind."
"No, I don't think so. Something's happened. If he changed his mind he would have found a way to send me a massage. He would have sent a message through you to keep me from worrying and going to the palace to look for him."
"I can go to the palace." Juma said as he took his cloak from the hook by the door. "I'll go and check to prove he's home safe."
"That would take all night." Sakura stopped him. "And there are Hyenans out there in the jungle hunting. Its not safe to be in the jungle tonight."
"Then what do you suggest?"
Sakura thought for a few minutes. There had to be another way to contact Astan. He couldn't go to the palace. Maybe there was a way with magic to contact him.
"Who is the village shaman in Naraya?" Sakura asked.
"Zakia Manzi." Juma said. "Why do you ask?"
"Do you know how to find him?"
"He lives in a cave up on the eastern hill outside of town." Juma still didn't know what a Shaman could do to help them find Astan.
"Do you trust him?" Sakura asked. "What kind of magic does he use? Is he good or evil?"
"Zakia can be trusted." Juma assured him. "He only practices healing magics and charms. He is one of Mulu Amin's worse enemies."
"Can you bring him here to me, tonight?" Sakura took off his cloak and sat down at the table. "I need to speak with him."
Juma quickly put back on his cloak and hurried out to bring back the Shaman. While he waited, paced back and forth through the house and worried about his missing love. Where could he be? Was he ok? Was he hurt? Sakura had no idea, but hopefully the Shaman could help him find his answers.
Within forty minutes, Juma returned with the Shaman at his side.
Zakia Manzi was tall a black furred Panther with a gray beard and sideburns. He had several gold rings in his ears and he was dressed in black and gold wrapped around his chest and waist with yellow beads around his neck. He walked into Juma's house and bowed to Prince Sakura.
"Myumbo my Prince." He said. "I have been expecting your call and I know what it is you want."
"Then you can help me find Prince Astan?"
"Yes I can." Zakia walked up to Prince Sakura and touched his right on his forehead over his nose and between his eyes. "Sleep my Prince and you will see your prince and dream of someone that will help you find him. Sleep Prince Sakura and dream."

The Last Roar. 1

The night was cool as Sky Petrus lay gazing at the stars and clouds in the night sky. He smiled as he thought about his life since Quynn had rescued him and brought him to live in New Keanna. Quynn's parents had welcomed him and made him feel at home. They accepted him as Quynn's mate, even though they were both so young. They gave them their own set of rooms and time to get to know each other. Quynn introduced Sky to everyone in the city and took him to meet his grandmother and his family in Tir Na, the Werewolf country. Shayn and Ono welcomed Sky and allowed him to monitor classes and learn the history of the Dragons and all their allies. And interesting group of people he thought. He really liked being here, but he missed his family and friends in Pollex. He knew one day some of them would rise again from their ashes, but that wouldn't happen for a few years. Asam Arryn had promised him he would watch over the site where his city once was and make sure no one trespassed until his people could rise again. So for now, Sky could live his life and enjoy being with his new family.
With a smile on his face, Sky slipped into one of his comfortable naps and started to dream. He dreamed he was lost in a jungle far away from New Keanna. It was hot and uncomfortable and he could hear the sounds of wild animals all around him. Sky wasn't sure why he was there but he knew there was a reason. Somewhere out there, either someone needed his help or there was something he was supposed to do. With a wave of his hand, he parted the foliage and started walking. It didn't matter what direction he moved in, he had to trust that his dream would take him where he needed to go.
His dream took him no more than a quarter of a mile when he stepped out into a clearing and found himself staring down a hill at two armies in battle. There were hundreds of warriors engaged in battle. Catapults launched boulders and flaming pots of oil at the walls of the city while warriors charged the gates with a ramming pole.
As Sky watched the battle, a armored warrior came riding towards him. It stopped a few feet from Sky and the warrior climbed down from his horse and walked up to face Sky.
"Aiya." Sky said and bowed in greeting. "My name is Sky Petrus of New Keanna."
"I am Regent G'ania Gazini of Panthera." He removed his helmet to reveal his face. The regent was a lion man. He had a full regal white mane with blazing green eyes and whiskers. Under his armor he had white fur covering his body. G'ania wore black chain mail with a red cape and a bronze chest plate with the emblem of a lion on it. He had a tasset around his waist and cuisse and greaves on his legs. His tail was encased in a long sheath of metal with a sharp stinger. At his side he wore two swords, a short and a long sword. He looked very formidable.
"What you see here is what will happen if Prince Sakura and Prince Astan are not found and returned to their homes." G'ania said. "Panthera and Tigaress will go to war with the Hyenans and both our people will suffer and thousands will die. You are my only hope to stop this before it's to late."
"Then none of this has happened yet?" Sky looked down at the battle. "I don't understand any of this. Why are your two countries fighting?"
"Find them." G'ania said as the dream started to fade. "All will be clear when you find them. Come to Aspana and help us. Someone will be waiting to guide you on your search."
As Sky opened his eyes and woke up, a picture of Prince Sakura and Prince Astan formed in his mind. Prince Sakura was almost as tall as G'ania but much younger. He had tan fur with white around his mouth and nose area and his mane was much wilder. He had handsome feline green eyes which gave him a proud and noble look. He was dressed in all natural brown knee length pants and a tan colored shirt that covered half his chest diagonally leaving one shoulder exposed showing his muscled form. Sakura wore the golden lion emblem of his royal house on a chain around his neck and bronze gauntlets on each of his wrist. On his back hung a very handsome sword. As the crown prince of his realm, Sakura had obviously been trained in warfare.
Prince Astan Kinya was very handsome, he had a slim figure and looked very striking. He had long hair that was striped orange, black and white and tied in a tail that went down his back. He had strong tiger features with deep emerald green feline eyes. He was shorter the Sakura and not as well built for a Tigaren. He had more of the look of a scholar than a warrior. Astan was dressed in a simple brown pants and tunic with a cloak and other then gold in one ear, he didn't wear any other jewelry.
As Sky sat up, he could still feel a little of what G'ania was feeling about the young princes. He was very worried that either one or both of them were in the hands of enemies that might want to force Panthera and Tigaress into a war that neither country wanted. But with the two royal princes missing, both sides blamed each other for the disappearances. Their only chance to stop the war might be if as third party stepped in to intervene and investigate the disappearances.
Getting to his feet, Sky walked out, then took off in a run and shifted into his Phoenix form. He circled the clearing, then turned north and headed back home to Quynn in New Keanna. While he was flying, Sky thought about what he was going to tell Quynn and his parents. Jandar and Rage might not trust or believe in Sky's dreams. So far they had no proof that Sky's dreams were anything more then his imagination gone wild. Quynn had to them about the dream, but Sky had no idea how much experience the Dragon's might have had with dreams and prophesies.
From the clearing, Sky flew north until he was over the city of New Keanna. Cheshire and Viggo roared a welcome to their new friend as he crossed over and into the city.
When he reached the Manor, he dropped down to shift and land on the private balcony outside the suite the Quynn and Sky made their own. As he walked into the living room, Sky took off his coat and hung it by the sliding doors and called out to tell Quynn he was home.
[I'm home Dragonfly.]
[I know Little Bird.] Quynn answered warmly. [Blaze messaged me when he saw you flying in. I'm down in the library with my father. Come join us.]
[I'll be right down.] Sky took off his belt that held the short sword and slingshot that Dreik had made for him then left the apartment.
The Manor library was two flights down from the family living quarters where Quynn and Sky's apartment was. As he made his way down the stairs, he ran into Ariel and Toric and the new baby heading for dinner.
"Aiya Sky." Ariel bent down and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for the snow globe you made for Arlayna. She loves it so much."
"You're very welcome." Sky smiled as Arlayna played with Sky's finger and giggled. "It was my pleasure to make it."
"Where are you heading?" Toric asked.
"To meet Quynn and either Jandar or Rage in the library. I'm not sure which."
"Jandar would be my guess." Toric said. "Rage flew off to the Academy to see Insa. I think he's making arrangements for the new Dragon clan in Slovonia. Brawn has to be trained as the leader and people have to be chosen to merge with the new Dragons."
"I guess he'll be gone for a while." Sky said. "Seems like a lot to do."
"Yes." Ariel said as they reached the library floor. "But he'll choose well. Kiss Quynn for us."
"I will."
The walk through the enchanted halls of the Manor didn't take long. He passed Cutter and Denner's office then found himself standing at the open door to the library. Sky was always fascinated by the volumes of magical books and artifacts kept here in the library. Quynn and Jandar had once taken him on a tour and told him how some of them had been acquired. He saw something different every time he visited the library/ museum.
As Sky wondered are looking at the different books and things, Quynn spotted him and called out his name. With a smile, Sky walked over and hugged and kissed Quynn. Jandar and Quynn were at a table going over something in a heavy tomb. There were open books scattered all over the table.
"I thought I was going to get lost in here, again." He said with a smile.
"I'd come to the rescue." Quynn pinched his butt. "Again."
Jandar laughed as his son pulled his mate into another long deep kiss.
"You two are worse then Shayn and Ono." He joked. "Just keep it in your pants for now please.
"Look who's talking." Quynn nudged his father. "I've heard a few stories about you and father that could curl my tail."
"Let's not get into that." Jandar smiled embarrassed. "Sky doesn't want to hear all that silly gossip."
"Sure he does." Quynn laughed.
"Maybe another time." He looked over Quynn's shoulder. "What are you reading?"
"Just doing some research for Father." Quynn said. "He asked us to check a few things while he was away. The work of a king doesn't end even when he's away."
"Can I asked you a question Master Jandar?"
Jandar turned and looked at Sky with a curious frown. Quynn rolled his eyes at his father then looked back at Sky.
"I'm not your master." Jandar said. "Call me Jandar, we're family now. You can ask me anything you want, and that goes for Rage too."
"I'll try and remember that." Sky said.
"What's your question?"
"How much do you know about Aspana?" Sky walked around and sat opposite of Jandar on the other side of the table.
"Not much." He said. "We've never been that far south but I do know it's a huge continent with all kinds of Were folk, it's pretty fascinating really. We've actually been meaning to go down there and do a little exploring. We just haven't had the time with all the trouble we've had in Taggitia. Why do you ask?"
"I had a dream." Sky started to say.
"Oh no!" Quynn stopped him. "You had a dream? What kind of dream?"
"I don't understand." Jandar looked from Quynn to Sky. "We dream all the time. Was it a bad dream? A nightmare?"
"No Father." Quynn stopped him. "Sky has dreams like Shayn, only worse. He can communicate with his dreams. He sees the future and he gets messages with his dreams."
"Wait Quynn." Jandar calmed his son. "Let him tell me about this dream. Go on Sky."
As Jandar sat back to listen, Sky told him about his dream and his meeting with Regent G'ania Gazini. He told him about the two missing princes and the pending war and how the Regent had asked for his help.
"And your sure this wasn't just a dream?" Jandar asked.
"No sir." Sky said. "I know when my dreams are just fancies on my mind. This was different."
"What do you think?" Jandar asked his son. Quynn went and stood behind Sky and put his hands on his shoulders.
"Father, I've felt his dreams myself. That's how I found him. If he says it's real, I believe him."
"Hold on." Jandar stood up and made a gesture with his hand towards the racks and racks of books. A book slipped out off one of the shelves and sailed over to Jandar. He opened it and placed it on the table in front of him.
"You said Panthera, right?"
"Yes sir." Sky nodded.
Jandar went through the book and found a passage that had been written hundreds of years ago by a Mage that talked about a land called Panthera where he thought he had seen great cats that walked like men. It said the Mage had tried for a year to contact them, but he never had any success. Though he returned home, he was absolutely convinced they did exist.
"So I guess you want to go south to find the two princes?"
"Yes sir." Sky nodded. "I do."
"And you plan to go with him?" Jandar asked Quynn.
"He's not going anywhere without me." Quynn said proudly. "I'll follow him wherever he goes."
"Aspana is a long journey from here." Jandar told them. "And this mission sounds like it could be dangerous."
"I think we can handle it." Quynn said. "All we have to do is find two people and bring them home, how hard can that be?"
Jandar looked at him as if he had just said something insane. Ryel's search for his brother Aron came to mind and ha remembered how hard that turned out to be. But then again, Shayn and Ono had gone to a totally different planet and they made it home safely. He knew he couldn't hold on to Quynn and Sky forever, they were growing up, it was time to trust them and let them go. Rage is going to kill me when he hears about this.
"You will keep in touch with me." Jandar said sternly. "I want to hear daily reports, you understand? And no stupid chances, think before you act."
"I will Father."
"I'm talking to you Sky." Jandar said. "You watch him and don't let him rush into anything crazy. I know my son, he's a little head strong. You have to be the brains here."
"FATHER!!!!"
"When are you leaving?" Jandar asked as he got up out of his seat and hugged both of them.
"In the morning sir." Sky said. "I want a good nights sleep so encase there's more to come in my dreams."
"OK." Jandar said as Quynn and Sky headed for the library door. "Get some rest and come and see me before you leave."
"We will." Quynn said. "And thank you Father."
Jandar watched as they left the library.
 "Just come home safe." He said. "Now how am I going to explain this to Rage."

That night after Sky and Quynn returned to their apartment, they sat and talked about the mission they would start in the morning. Quynn wanted to know exactly what he knew about the two prince's they would be searching for.
"Well." Sky had undressed and got into bed next to Quynn. "I know Prince Sakura is a warrior and Astan is more the student type. I'll bet he's studying magic."
"How do you know that?" Quynn asked. "He could be a historian or something."
"He could." Sky agreed. "But that's not the sense I got from G'ania."
"And what kind of sense did you get from me in your dreams?" Quynn leaned over and took Sky in his arms and kissed him. "Was I the mighty Dragon of your dreams?"
"You're my hero." Sky smiled as he gave in to Quynn's embrace. "And you always will be."
After an hour of making love, Sky and Quynn slipped into a deep sleep and Sky began to dream. He dreamed of Prince Sakura running through the forest. He was being chased by something, Sky couldn't see what it was but it scared Sakura. As he ran, he went down on all fours and shifted to a lion form and dashed off into the jungle. Sky could hear a weird bark and giggling sound coming from behind Sakura. He watched as Sakura sped through the jungle until he passed through a big hedge and came to a cliff and dived off.
"Nooooo!!!" Sky leaped up in bed sweat pouring off his brow. Quynn sat up and took him in his arms to comfort him.
"I saw it." Quynn said. "I saw him jump. Come on. Get dressed, its time to go."

By sunrise, Quynn and Sky were up and down in Jandar's study. Jandar went on and on for twenty minutes telling them about the different dangers and perils of being off on far away mission until Quynn stopped him and told him they had to go. Reluctantly, Jandar hugged them both again and made reminded them of their promise to message daily. He took a message stone from a box on his desk and told Quynn it was encase of an emergency then walked them out to the front courtyard of the Manor.
"Keep your eyes open." He told them. "And if you need help, call me, I'll be there as fast as I can."
"I love you both so much." He grabbed both of them in another hug. "Now go before I think of some reason to go with you."
""We love you too Father." Sky smiled and waved as they headed for the gate to leave.
Once outside of the gate, they walked in silence down the road away from New Keanna's walls to the cliff of Kolvar where they stopped and looked back at the towers of home.
"Are you ready Little Bird?" Quynn asked Sky.
"Yes Dragonfly."
"Then let's go." Quynn roared a good bye and shifted to his Dragon form while Sky took his Snow Phoenix form and they launched themselves off the cliff and into the morning sky. They flew up and circled New Keanna then turns south and started to rise and gain altitude. They were on their way south to Aspana and adventure.

It was cold as Sakura Duma crawled his way out of the Yafet river. He coughed up the water he had swallowed then collapsed exhausted in the weeds. He needed time to rest. He had escaped Mulu Amin and his pack of Hyenans for now, but he knew it wouldn't be for long. Soon they would realize he had jumped from the cliff, then they would be down searching for his scent. He would have to either find a way to cover his scent, or stay in the river.
Sakura rolled over and sat up. He reached back to make sure the Lion's Claw was still in its sheath on his back. Feeling the hilt sticking out over his shoulder, he sighed in relief. He checked the small pack on his side and pulled out the tiger head ring Astan had given him. He was glad he hadn't lost that. Now all he had to do was go out into the savanna and find its owner.
Sakura smiled when he thought about the handsome Tigaren and how much he love him. He remembered the first time he had seen him, Sakura had been with G'ania Gazini visiting the Tigaren city of Tinpa. King Yonas Kinya had given the Pantheren's permission to tour a few of their cities while they discussed arrangement for peace between their two people. They had decided that peace between them was the only way to keep the Hyenans from over running there borders and raiding the villages in both countries.
Sakura had spent the day visiting the marketplace, farms, the royal palace and a few of the schools around the city. He had been impressed by a lot of what he saw. They had farming and irrigation systems that work benefit Panthera and help with their their crops. Hungry, Sakura had asked his tour guide to take him to somewhere to get something to eat. The guide took him to a small cafe not to far away from the palace that he said would be quiet and had excellent food.
It was a short ride from the farms and Sakura stepped out of the coach and was greeted by the owner of the cafe. He escorted him through the dining room to a private area out in the back gardens reserved for the king and the royal family. The cafe was a very handsome place with towering walls covered in flowering vines, graceful arcades, carved stone columns, a tranquil water fountains and seductive palm lined pools that created a serene oasis for comfort and dining.
Abal the owner took Sakura to a large fancy table set with white linen a and clapped his hands for an attendant. A Tigaren waiter dressed in white ran out and set the table for Sakura with silver, plates and wine glasses for his dining pleasure. As quick as the table was set, three more waiters came running out with trays of food and place it all around Sakura, then bowed and ran off. There was roasted pig and pheasant, beef and lamb with different sauces and vegetable dishes.
As Sakura placed his napkin in his lap and picked up his knife and fork, A young Tigaren walked in and caught his attention. As he watched him walk across the restaurant floor, all sound stopped and the Tigaren was all Sakura could see. He had long hair tied in a single braid down his back. He wore the clothes of a noble and was the most handsome guy he ever saw in his life. Sakura's mouth went dry and he dropped his fork. As the Tigaren walked to a table, he turned and looked at Sakura and smiled. Sakura's heart began to beat faster as he stared into those fiery green eyes. He had never felt this way before about anyone, male or female. He had trained for years in battle plans and tactics, but this was different. He could face an enemy in battle and fight to the death, but Sakura had no idea how he was supposed to face this, whatever it is.
Sakura reached out and picked up his glass of wine then looked back over to the Tigaren. He was reading the menu. He peeked over the top at Sakura, then back at his menu. Sakura's mind spun in confusion and indecision. He took a sip of wine and spilled it all the front of his tunic. The Tigaren laughed as he picked up his napkin and stood up and walked over to Sakura.
"Feeling a bit clumsy today?" He took the napkin and wiped wine off Sakura's chin and chest. "My name is Astan, can I join you for lunch?"
And that was how it all started. After that lunch, Sakura and Astan saw each other as often as they could sneak away and meet. Sakura showed Astan in private how to use a sword, which wasn't easy.
Astan demonstrated spells and how magic worked and showed Sakura books and told him of Tigaren history. They spent nights together hiding in a secret place where no one would find them and they could make passionate love.
One night as they lay in bed, Sakura ran his fingers through Astan's fur then tilted his face up for a kiss. Astan moaned as Sakura's tongue slid between his lips. He pulled him in and they rolled across the mat as they snuggled close.
"I have something for you." Astan reached over and picked something out of his pack. "I want you to keep this.
He handed his a ring made of gold with a emeralds set in the center of the tigers eye. Sakura took it and looked at it.
"I can't take this." He said. "It looks important, like a heirloom."
"It is." He smiled. "My father gave it to me, now I'm giving it to you."
"I don't have anything I can give you." Sakura said. "Not right now."
"It's ok." Astan kissed his chest. "Your love is enough."
"Are you sure the king won't mind you giving this to me?"
"The king?" Astan sat back and looked at him confused. "Why would he care?"
"He is your father, isn't he?"
"So you know who I am." Astan  said looking away. "I was going to tell you, I was just waiting for the right moment."
"Astan, I don't care who your father is, but you are the most important person in my life.  I'm the crown prince of Panthrea and here I am in bed with one of my peoples worst enemies and I don't care about any of that. All I care is if you love me."
"I do." Astan said as he wrapped his arms around him. "I do forever."
"Then come away with me." Sakura said. "We can go somewhere where none of this will matter and we can be together. No lions or tigers or realms to rule and no more wars, just us and freedom. All you have to do is meet me in Naraya in three days. I'll have everything ready for us to disappear."
Astan kept a hold on Sakura, he couldn't bare to think about what his life would be like without him.
Being king of Tigaress didn't matter at all anymore if he could love Sakura. He looked up into his eyes and knew what his answer was.
"I'll be there." He said. "I love you and if that's what it take for us to be together, I'll do it."
With promises made, they made love all night then packed their things and and headed home to get ready for their great escapes. Unknown to Sakura and Astan, someone had been hiding right outside their hut and heard all their plans. He knew his master would be interested to hear what the Princes of Tigaress and Panthera had planned. With a loud cackle, the Hyena dashed off to find its master and report what it had heard.

As Sakura stood up and stepped out of the river, he shook the water from his mane and stretched. He had missed Astan in Naraya but he was out there somewhere looking for him. It was time he went and found his love. Sakura heard the barking of the Hyenans off in the distance but he wasn't scared anymore.
"Come laughing dogs." He said. "Come if you want me, but let it be known. If you get in my way, you will feel the kiss the Lion's Claw, and my fangs and claws. So beware Dogs, I have a prince to find and I will find him!"