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!"