Dogs of War. 12

It was dark in Igoro's throne room, there was only two torches lit as he sat and stared down at the severed hand that lay at the foot of his throne. It once belonged to Lady Shauri Baba, his son's mate. She was dead now. Igoro had ordered her beaten, sliced and staked out in the jungle to be eaten by predators. Her hand was the only thing left to remind him of their treachery. For years Goren and Shauri had opposed Igoro and his rule. They spoke out against his slave market and fought him every time he sent out his troops to invade one of their neighbors. Goren, Shauri and that damned Beno had been a thorn in his side ever since the day Anon had lost his life and his place as the Hominid chief. Igoro stood up and stepped down and kicked the hand across the room.

"Damned fools." He shouted. "Why can't he see what it is that I am trying to accomplish here. I could make us gods, stronger that the Pantheran’s or any of our enemies. In time, even Mulu will come to bow to me if they would just leave me alone and let me finish my plans!"

Frustrated, Igoro paced back and forth before his throne. The Tigaren had escaped along with the Avian and Goren. But Igoro knew there could only be a few places they might run too. They would either head deeper into the jungle or try to get back to Tigaress, or they would head back to the mountain the Avian had called home. Palas would try and organize what was left of his people. Igoro smiled as he thought back to his last visit to Starspeak.

He had come in the night all alone. He didn't trust any of his warriors with what he had planned for the nights work. He made his way quietly through the forest pass the Aerie's young Nightingale watchers. It was easy since they were all so busy fight over who would sing the lead in their night song. After passing the Nightingales, Igoro stopped and whispered a quick cloaking spell to hide himself from the circle of Red necked Nightjars that sat silently keeping a shape eye out for any intruders. His last obstacle and most deadly of all were the Crown eagles that sat high and majestic as the lords of the Aerie. They were the real threat Igoro knew he had to face if he was to take the Avians as his next batch of slaves. Though the Felines made strong warriors, they would be to proud and almost impossible turn to his side. Avians on the other hand were simple minded folk and easy to manipulate. A force of the Eagles or Hawks could be a great asset to him. A simple compulsion spell would be all he needed to turn their weakness into one of his great strengths.

As he slowly made his way in through the jungle, he chanted his cloaking spell continuously. Above his head, the Eagles watched but never moved a muscle. Igoro crept in carefully watching every step closer and closer. As he entered into the Aerie, Igoro looked up at the great trees of Starspeak. There were Pines and Maples, Dragon trees and Cotton trees. There were fruit trees with monkey oranges, waterberries and wild plums all placed separately so each can get the enough sunlight. Beyond the trees, he saw the true home of the Avians. A tall cliff riddle with the caves that housed the different avian species of the Aerie. The cliff was split in three parts. The lower part housed the smaller birds. Wrens, Swallows, Hummingbirds and the Sea birds. The middle section held the better hunters. Falcons, Hawks, Owls, Harriers and Kites. The highest part housed the lords of the Aerie. The Eagles, Vultures and Buzzards. Moving quietly, Igoro slipped in through the trees very carefully. He knew that any sound he made would alert the Avians to his presence and bring their feathery wrath down upon him. From the lower nest he lifted himself up to rise until he stood just below the nesting areas of a trio of Eagles. Cautiously he stopped as one of the Eagles eyes opened and he scanned the surrounding trees. The Eagle frowned as if something strange annoyed him. Something didn't smell right. He took a few steps and looked out to find the scent that had woke him. He gazed down on the quiet valley with his sharp vision. He watched as two Sea birds fed their young while over to the left, a pair of Toucans squabbled over whose turn it was to go on the hunt. All seemed quiet and normal. There was no threat to the Aerie. Then why did he feel so nervous and what was that scent that had caught his attention?

It was a strange scent, unlike anything he had ever smelled before in the Aerie. But something about it was familiar. The smell was wild, like something from a distant memory. The Eagle shook his head trying to rid himself of the scent, but it was impossible. With every step he took, it grew strong and stronger. It was almost overwhelming. Flapping his wings, he launched himself from his Aerie to sail out into the skies. Unfortunately for him, that was the second Igoro struck.

Raising his staff, Igoro sent a blast of power out at the airborne flyer taking it without any warning. It fell like a stone plummeting down to crash into the mountain side. At the sound of the Eagle's cry, the Aerie burst into activity. The predators all took off flying out ready for battle. Like clay pigeons he blasted them out of the sky one by one. As Igoro fought, a pair of Condors streaked down with their talons extended for the attack. Igoro saw them coming up from behind, but he was to busy with a line of Vultures that were coming at him from the front. With shrieking scream, the Vultures dive down at Igoro. Their eyes a blaze with fury. Quickly Igoro sent a rapid fire pulse wave of force at them then turned and swept out with a blast of heat burning the Condors out of the sky. All around him the forest burned. He could hear the screams of the Avian young as they leaped from their nests into the blazing inferno and death. A trio of Doves flew out in front of Igoro and begged him to stop. They ask why. What had they done to deserve such a fate?

Reaching out with a telekinetic hand, Igoro grabbed them out of the air and held them suspended before. He looked into their innocent eyes before he spoke.

"I am a predator and you and your people are my prey." He said. "If I am to become the War lord of all of Aspana, many will have to die. The Lycaon have paid their price, now it is your turn. This Aerie has many brave warriors. I can't afford to allow your people to seek revenge somewhere in the distant future. You all must die to make my future safe."

"But we are no threat to you." The center Dove cried. "All we need is a place live in peace.

"Aspana will never have peace!" Igoro screamed at them. "Not as long as I rule these lands!!

With that said, Igoro whispered a spell, and the first dove began to scream. First one wing twisted and snapped. Then the Dove's body began to crush until he was nothing but a mass of bloody feathers. As the other two scrambled to get away, Igoro reached out and grabbed them in one of his mystic force bubbles. As they beat on the impervious sides, the bubble began to shrink crashing them in a slow agonizing death.

Looking around at the burning forest, Igoro was pleased with what he had done. There wasn't a single Avian left there alive. There would be no vengeful Avians coming for revenge. The only ones left alive were in his slave pens and he would make sure they would never fly again. Laughing like a mad Hyenan, Igoro said a transport spell and was gone in a flash.

Deep in the foliage on the forest floor, an elder Eagle peeked out from his place of hiding. There were tears in his eyes as he stepped out and gazed up at what was left of Starspeak. Every nest was in flames. The only life left here was in the six eggs he had hidden away. He had watched as the Gorilla killed everyone in the Aerie then put it to the flames. He wanted to help the Doves, but he knew it would have been useless. The Gorilla would have killed him and then there would have been no one left to protect the young ones. Now his task was to gather the eggs and move them to a place of safety. There was an old forbidden temple to Alea, the mistress of the night hidden deep in the forest that would be perfect to hide in. There, he knew the old magic scrolls had been hidden. He would take the eggs there and teach them of magic when they hatched. Someday they would come back and seek out the Gorillas, and they will have their revenge. This he swore to the mighty god Tyree, the father of everything wild.

It was quiet in the forest of Domina, all the trees were still and there was no sounds of the hunter or the prey. It was like some great god had come down and ordered the forest to be still. The hair on the back of proud Dar'yl's neck stood straight up, it was a warning. A warning of danger. With his sword drawn, Dar'yl kept watching on their surroundings. He knew that at any second, Gorillas or Hyenan warriors could come charging out at them. In the front Sakura kept a watch on the trail for any sign of his beloved. Astan's trail was getting lighter and lighter as they got closer to the Gorilla city. Pretty soon, there would be nothing left to follow and that fact scared Sakura. Because once the trail was gone, they would be blind to Astan's movements.

"How much further?" Deja asked.

"Just a few miles." Sakura answered with a nervous voice. "The city is just ahead."

"Then we will soon find him." Sky said. "Does that scare you?"

"Yes and no. I know he's in the city just ahead of us. But I have no idea how he is. This Igoro could have tortured him."

"I do not think so." Dar'yl said from behind them. "If Igoro intends to give Astan to Mulu, he won't harm him in any way. He will want to deliver him in good condition."

"Then you think Mulu is on his way here?" Deja asked looking from Dar'yl to Sakura.

"Yes." Dar'yl said with a nod. "He may have already been here. That's what I am afraid of."

"No." Sakura said as he looked off in the jungle. "He hasn't been here yet."

"How do you know?" Quynn said. He took the water skin from Sky and took a deep drink. "You sound so sure."

"I would feel Astan's panic." Sakura smiled. "He would know if Mulu was anywhere hear him, of that I'm sure."

"So what do we do?" Quynn asked. "We can't just go walking in and demand his release, and we can't just sit here in the jungle and wait.

"One of us his to go in." Dar'yl said. "Meaning one of you. Sakura and I would be recognized immediately. That leaves you three."

"I could go." Deja suggested.

"No." Dar'yl said. "Igoro would not come out for a female. It has to be a male."

Yeah." Quynn laughed. "I can just see what those gorillas would do if me or Sky knocked on the gate. We'd be in chains in less than two minutes."

"An taken straight to Igoro." Sakura smiled, "Isn't that exactly what we want? Think about it. We need to get into Igoro's slave pens. I mean isn't that where he'll keeping him? What better way is there to get in?"

Quynn looked over to Sky. He had a curious look on his face. It wasn't fear. He had seen fear on his mates face before. When they were fighting Janx Develos, Sky was scared to death. That was on his last night in Pollex, the city of the Phoenix. Sky had fought bravely that night and they were able to beat both Aster Telor and the disgusting Janx Devolos the witch hunter. But it could have went the other way and could have lost. Quynn shook at the thought of what that monster would have done to Sky.

[But he didn't and I'm safe, right here next to you where I belong.] Sky smiled and looked back to Quynn. [Isn't this why we're here? To help Astan and Sakura get back home safe. I think it’s worth the risk.]

[Are you sure?] Quynn sent. [These Gorillas are very strong and dangerous and I don't trust this Igoro, He sounds a lot like Aster Telor. He'll do anything for power.]

[I agree.] Quynn said. [But not you. I'll go. My dragon form is much stronger then your phoenix. I should be the one to go.]

[You may be stronger than me, but I'm faster and more agile than you.]

Quynn thought about what he said. He couldn't deny it was true. Sky was faster than him. But Quynn could never allow the one he loved to put himself in danger. He would always protect him and the reason didn't matter.

[I know Dragonfly.] Sky sent with a loving caressing touch to his mind, [And that's one of the reasons I love you so much.]
[ But you can't possibly always protect me. I have to learn to protect myself.]

"The hell I can't." Quynn said out loud. "The answers is no. I go if it’s between the two of us. I will never let you put yourself in danger.  And that's final.]

"He's right." Sakura said to the arguing couple. "I wouldn't let Astan do it either. Quynn and I are natural warriors. We've been trained since we were young to protect others. I could let Astan fight at my side, but I would never let him face any kind of danger if I can help it. The decision is made. Quynn goes."

Dar'yl stood there with a smile on his face. Though he wasn't in love with Sakura, he felt the same way about him. He would never let the young price put himself in danger, unless he was ordered to.

"Then what am I doing?" Sky asked frustrated.

"You’re our connection to Quynn." Dar'yl explained, "As Quynn is taken in, you’ll be there in his mind to tell us what he sees. Once he finds Astan, we wait until dark then go in and free them."

"That sounds so simple." Sky said looking into Quynn's eyes. "If anything goes wrong, I'm coming in to get you. I won't wait to discuss any possible plans. I'm coming right in, in my full icy form."

"I know Little Bird." Quynn took him in his arms and kissed him deeply. "I'm counting on it."

It had been a very eventful day in Domina. With the Lady Shauri's death, the rebellion had been quieted down. Her head and hands had been brought back as Igoro's sick trophies. Her head now adorned the gate walls where everyone could see them and Igoro hand taken the hands for his own use. As Shumo stared out at her head, he couldn't help but wonder if what she had said was true. Had Igoro really sinned against Tyree? The god had always said that the strong should always rule, but he had also warned them many times in the past of his hatred of slavery. In the scrolls he said he would always praise those who rule with strength and honor, but he would damn anyone who held another bonded to them in slavery. Slavery. Shumo had to think about that for a few minutes. Though Tyree forbid the practice, it had brought wealth to some of the people of Domina. Igoro and his circle of nobles did profit from the sales of those captured in Aspana that was true. What bother Shumo was the fact that there were still apes starving and begging in the street while they live in handsome Garden palaces. Then there was the Hyenan. They had always been the enemy, why in Tyree's name was Igoro working with them? Shumo was afraid to say it out loud, but something was wrong here. Maybe Lady Shauri was right. Maybe Igoro wasn't right for the postilion of High Chief. Igoro could be leading us all to our dooms.

With a mind heavy in thought, Shumo turned to continue on with his gate security check. He looked out and into the jungle as something walked out of the trees. Rubbing his eyes in disbelief, Shumo stepped closer to the edge of the wall and looked down as a human started heading for the city gate.

Quickly Shumo hurried into the tower to alert the guards to sound the alarm. As the alarm gong struck, Shumo jumped from the wall and into the trees and headed down to intercept the intruder.

With his hands held high, the human casually walked down the road that lead straight to the gates of Domina. It didn't take long before a squad of gorillas armed with clubs and swords came out to intercept him. Surrounded by armed warriors, Quynn stopped being very careful not to make any aggressive moves. With his club strapped to his back, Shumo dropped down to confront the intruder.

"Make no sudden moves Human." Shumo said as he stepped up to the human. "Who are you and why are you trespassing on Hominid territory?"

"I am Prince Quynn Drake Tyr." The boy said with a smile. "I am here looking for a slave."

The night was dark with a chilled wind blowing as Msia, Akani and Aggar made their way out of the cave and down into the valley. As a newly hatched dragon, Msia was hungry and needed to eat. Shifting to his lion form Msia headed out to hunt up some dinner. Akani and Aggar gathered some water and wood for a fire. Then Aggar on pack a package give to him from the people of Basolos.  There was wine with dried meat, some cheese and bread. After building a fire, they sat down and ate while they waited for Msia to return. As they waited, they talked about their lived. Akani told Aggar about the first time he had seen Msia. It was during the early slave raids. His father had come home and taken down all his hunting gear. Mother had thought it strange. There usually was no hunting at that time of the evening, it was to dangerous. When she asked where he was going, he pulled her to the side and explained that the high chief of the Zambesi had come into the village and ordered all the men to be ready at night fall for a hunt. His father had no idea what they would be hunting, but when the High chief of the Zambesi gave you an order, only a fool would dare to disobey.
Akani and a few other cubs of course were curious and followed them into the dark jungle. They marched for miles headed north east. A few of the cubs dropped out to tired to go on but Akani stayed on the trail. At sunrise they were in Pantheran territory. The high chief ordered the warriors to spread out and move forward slowly. Akani didn't understand what was going on.There were no Impala or gazelle in this area. There were no water buffaloes or antelope either. Akani didn't understand why they were there until he saw them attack the first village.
They caught them in the early dawn just as the sun began to rise. Akani hid behind a tree as the warriors of  his village charged in to a village of Lynx and took them all captive. They fought very bravely, but in the end they were out numbered. They had them all in cuffs and chains and lined up ready to march in less then an hour. The women and children cried and begged to be released, the men howled out into the night. The noise at one point was so loud, Akani had to cover his ears.
That's when it happen. Out of the night there came a mighty roar. All the Jackals stopped and grabbed for their weapons. Suddenly Akani heard shouting and the sound of battle coming from the northern edge of the village. Akani wanted to move to a better position so he could see what the noise was about, but he couldn't move. the slightest move might give away his position. Pushing his way through the crowd of scared Jackals, the  High chief screamed at the to get in position for a fight. As he pulled his spear for its place on his back, a great lion dressed in bronze armor came flying out of the trees to attack.
"Hold there where you stand Mahad Amin!" Msia shouted. "Free your prisoners or be prepared to die!"
With his golden mane blowing in the wind, Msia and his warriors dived in to the attack. The Jackals tried to defend themselves, they fought very hard but Msia and his warriors were trained for battle while the Jackals were not. Mahad hadn't trained them. He only using them to make gold. He didn't care if they lived or if they died.
Like the coward he was, as the Pantheran's charged in, he cast his spell and was gone.
With Mahad gone, the Jackal warriors dropped their weapons and tried to run. But it was to late. The Pantheran's were surrounding the village and they were all taken into custody.
Akani turned to run and was stopped by a young lion who stood there in chain mail with a sword. The lion looked at Akani then put sword in its scabbard and stepped aside.
"Go home." He said. "But know that we will not put up with being hunted as slaves. We will defend our people."
"The young lion?" Aggar said as he threw another piece of wood on the fire. "That was Sakura?"
"Yes." Akani nodded. "I made it back to our village by noon. A few hours later my father and a hand full of the village men came home with their heads down. My father would never speak of that night. I think he was a shamed of what they had done."
"What about Mahad Amin?"
"He lived on." Akani said. "Always one dark scheme after another until his son bested him in combat and took over the leadership of the Hyenans. But that was one of the last raids in Panthera. Until now."
"There's something I don't understand," Aggar said as he shifted his place to get more comfortable. "You know slavery is wrong. You saw what happened at the Lynx village. Why would you join with Mulu and help him hunt?"
"Sadly, I forgot the lesson I learned that night. When Mulu called, I blindly saw treasures and followed his orders. When I saw Msia in Mulu's pit, I thought it meant Mulu's strength had made him superior to the lion king. I was wrong and it almost took my death for me to realize my fault. Now I will serve him faithfully for the rest of my life. And I will. I'll serve him or die for him or his son Sakura."
As Aggar sat back and closed his eyes he thought about the story he had just heard. He realized that the egg could have gone to either Msia or Akani. They both had the heart to be a dragon. But he knew this wasn't over yet. The future was very unpredictable. In Tyree's name, anything could happen.

In the Depths of Nightmare. 11

As the Hyenans gathered all through Mancoro, Mulu watched from a place high above his house. These Dogmen had failed him many times already. They had failed to capture Sakura and they missed their chance  to catch Astan. They had failed in the battle of Tinpa and were beaten down by those Lycaons and sent running. It would all end today. There were many mistakes made by the stupid whimpering Dogmen. He would make them stronger, more vicious and capable of fighting Tigarens and Pantherans. He would turn them all into Demondogs.
Floating down, Mulu dissipated his Demon form into a contagious fume and spread himself all through the city. He seeped into the lungs and bodies of each and every Hyenan in the city. The young and the old, the sick and the healthy. In minutes they all fell to the ground rolling in pain. Mulu had decided that Hyenan's weren't strong enough to be at his side. He liked his new Demon form and thought Demons would make much better warriors then Hyenans.
Once infected with Mulu's Demon essence, the Dogmen's bodies began to change. Their arms and legs grew longer into Demon appendages as their bodies expanded into gruesome and frightening dog like beast. Some grew leathery black wings while adapted a strange serpent like look. Some were bipedal while others grew multiple legs with almost insect parts. Mulu's laughter could be heard ringing all through the air.
"Rise my Demondogs!" He laughed. "Rise and meet your master!"
Like minions from some strange dark dimension Mulu's new Demondogs rose up off the ground. They flexed new wings and deadly appendages and licked claws and sharp teeth, then looked up to their master who stood high above them.
"First I will take Aspana and make it into my own private dark land." Mulu said. "Then I will take the world!! Now I want all of you to spread out and bring these Aspanian fools to their knees. Show them that Mulu is now in control."
Mulu slowly floated down to the ground to stand among his new Demon army. As he passed they all cringed at his power and shuffled to get out of his way. As he looked around at his cowering army he realized that changing their form was really not enough. He had given them strength, but deep down they were still the simple Hyenan Dogmen. He needed something more, something big. He could take a few of the Demondogs and create something new, but he didn't think he could warp anything into the level aggression and contempt that he wanted. Draidor had the madness he needed, but after stealing his body, Mulu could never trust him again. He would always be plotting something against him trying to win back his body. But then Draidor wasn't the only horror Mulu could pull from out of that dark dimension of Nightmares. There were other things down there that Mulu knew he could control. Big scary things that Extremus once used to haunt Nightmares with. If Mulu could draw a few out of their dark hidden corners, he could use them against Panthera and Tigaress. In fact they could help make him master of the world. But could he open a door into Nightmare big enough for what he wanted without being noticed? The Gods of Dreams and Nightmares were not known for their hospitality. For though he now possessed the body and powers of a full Demon, he did still have a soul, and that means he was still vulnerable to the will of the Gods.
As Mulu stared out at his city full of Demondogs, his hunger for power burned through his brain. He had taken many steps towards his high minded ambitions. Invaded many land and over thrown many kingdoms here in Aspana. Now he was contemplating an even more dangerous endeavor. He was going to trespass on the world of Nightmare and steal something dark that belonged to the gods. Extremus will not be happy when he learns of this transgression. But it can't be helped. In time, Mulu would have to face the mad god himself. He would just have to gain enough power to defeat him on his own.
As the Demondogs took off to spread themselves out through Aspana. Mulu made his way back to his house where he went to his throne room and took his place on his old throne. It felt small now since he had gone through the change to his Demon form. He would have to re make Mancoro once Aspana was in his control and make it more befitting the deity he was becoming. Mulu Amin, God of Evil. He liked the sound of that.
As he closed his eyes, Mulu cast his mind out into the dark depths of the Nightmare world. Here the sky was always dark with lightning and thunder that flashed and rattled the land. Dark winged things flew through the sky attacking each other. They forced each other down out of the sky to the ground where they ripped at each other tearing themselves to pieces. As Mulu looked around, he saw a grim world of chaos with ever monstrous thing ever dreamed. Deadly things with tentacles and pincers. Huge hulking creatures that looked like mad demented Orcs with great stingers extending from each shoulder. There were crazed Werewolves and bat like Vampires that would be used to scare Humans, Elves, and all the other human like races. He saw giant men dressed in the hides of Tigars, Lions and Hyena's with heads with dead eyes staring back. Mulu chuckled as he passed. His hand was extended as his magic kept the Nightmare things from attacking him.
"He must think I am weak if he thinks that will scare me."
Mulu was in some kind of cemetery. There were headstones and broken down mausoleums everywhere. The ground was covered in dead grass with old dead trees scattered all around. The sound of screams could be heard from somewhere off in the distance. He saw Tigarens and Hyenans being chased by some kind of wild looking Antelope man thing with a huge axe. The grounds were littered with the bodies of his catch. This was indeed the land of Nightmare.
As he pushed the cemetery gate open and stepped in, a long slimy tentacle slithered out to grab at his leg. He kicked out dislodging it then sneered at the squid thing that had crept in on him radiating a wave of pure hate to keep it away. Moving quickly, Mulu went on. He passed a lake of fire where strange black birds dived in and out nipping it a screaming Mermaid that was caught trying to dive over a dam made of logs. Every time she fell back into the flames, the birds would be on her and she would scream out in pain. On the shore of the lake there grew a row of trees like nothing Mulu had ever seen before. They looked like willows. They were tall with long branches that hung down like the hair of a giant. There was nothing like this in all of Aspana. Curious, Mulu walked down towards the grove of trees. As the wind blew through the leaves, he heard soft music drifting through the air. It soothed and calmed Mulu with every step he took. He shook his head trying to clear his mind. Peace wasn't an emotion he was use too. He needed his rage to keep his powers strong.
As he walked through the grove, he noticed a smell. It was a sickly sweet smell that aided the music to relax him.
"No!" he yelled out. This was all wrong. He reached up and smacked his face hard. He needed the pain to bring his anger back to fuel his rage. As he opened his eyes again. Something rubbed against his leg. Then wrapped itself all around his thigh and pulled him off his feet. The leaves of the trees had suddenly become like tentacles and started wrapping themselves around him and pulling him towards the trees. As Mulu struggled to free himself, a great mouth opened in the trunk of one of the trees. He was being pulled towards it. If he couldn't free himself, he would die here in this world of Nightmare.
As his fear grew, his anger took over. He reached down and grabbed the tentacle and focused his mind on that anger. As he pulled at the tentacles, his power flared up in his hands and pulsed out. The tree screamed as Demon fire flowed into it and burned into the trunk. As the tree released him, Mulu leaped to his feet blasted at each tree as he ran out of the grove.
As he ran through the dark cemetery, huge frogs in the trees spread their wings and took to the skies after him. Like stinging bees the frogs attacked zipping down to sting and bite at him. Mulu batted them away smacking them from the skies as he ran feeling the burning pain of their slimy stingers.
By the time the frogs were gone, Mulu had ran out of the cemetery and into the ruins of an old city. All the buildings here were made of brick and mortar. The streets were paved with broken stones. There was garbage and old bones everywhere he looked. Mulu thought the city looked very familiar. The wall, the mortar buildings, the pit in the center of town. If it wasn't for the ash gray sky, he would swear this was Mancoro.
It was quiet and still as Mulu made his way through the ruined reflection of Mancoro. There were no Hyenans here for him to control. No Tigarens to hunt and no Pantherens to battle. He looked down into the pit almost expecting to find Msia Duma still down there fighting to get out. What he did find was a lot of bones scattered almost knee deep all through the pit. As he stared down he remembered Msia in the pit in Mancoro fighting to get free. Mulu would question him and send warriors down to fight him. But Msia never gave in. He never revealed any indication that he knew where the Star of Hekima was or if he knew anything about it. After all the years of questions, Mulu had really started to doubt if he was the chosen one at all. Maybe the bones and the crystals he had read were wrong. It could be that Sakura was destined to get the Star and not his father.
But right now it didn't matter. He was here in Nightmare to find something that would help him to defeat the armies of his enemies. He had seen many things here that could bring them fear, but nothing so far that could turn the tide of war to his side.
Mulu stared down at the cave, then turned and started away. As he turned, he heard something. It was a snort or some kind of growl from in the chest. He turned back and walked out to the edge of the pit and looked down. Smoke seeped out from the cave. There was something in there. Mulu could feel the waves of hate and contempt emanating from the cave. It warmed his cold heart that something could hate as much as he could.
Spreading his arms, Mulu lifted himself up and gently sailed down and into the pit. Smoke still flowed as if there was some thing burning in the cave. As he touched down, something roared in the the cave. It was so loud it rattled the roof and sent debris flying everywhere. Mulu took a step back and prepared himself to face the Nightmare in the cave.
"Come Nightmare." He called out. "Come out and face me and see who is the master!"
The sound of thunderous footsteps rang out as the Nightmare roared its challenge out at Mulu.
[Who dares to trespass on the dreamscape of Brimstone, the Dragon of Nightmare!!]
"I dare!" Mulu shouted as he took a fighting stand. "Come out and face your new master"
[Master?]" Brimstone laughed as he came out to stand before Mulu in his majestic form. Brimstone had needle like sharp teeth and a forked tongue. He had black soulless eyes that would send any normal mortal running to hide. [Do not make me laugh little demon. I have lived thousands of years in this Nightmare realm. I have haunted and scared millions to death in their dreams. You are nothing but a speck in the reality of chaos. You would dare to challenge me!!!]
Brimstone stomped his colossal foot and fire erupted from fissures all around Mulu. Raising his hands, Mulu extinguished the flame geysers with a flick of his wrist.
"You may be ancient Worm." Mulu laughed. "You may have the power of fire and brimstone at your command, but I am a fully powered Demon with power you can not comprehend at my command and I want you to bow to me!!"
Mulu rose up into the air and struck out at Brimstone thrusting a beam of energy out like a bullwhip. It snapped out and wrapped around the dragons neck and he pulled it toward him. Brimstone roared out in pain and humiliation with flames choking out from his mouth and nostrils. The dragon reared up and shook as he tried to pull himself free. Mulu swung out with a second whip striking Brimstone again and again as he tried to pull the dragon into control. He arms strained with effort as his muscles bulged tightly in the fight for control.
As Brimstone howled, his wings opened and started to beat lifting him up and off the ground. He fought furiously to break free, but the spell Mulu was using was slowly sapping his strength. He couldn't believe that after all the centuries. All the knights and battles, all the castles and witches and warlocks. He was going to die here in Nightmare, in front of his own cave at the hands of some over confident, self righteous Demon. As he fought, Brimstone got weaker and weaker. All his energy was being slowly siphoned off and sent through the energy beam back to the Demon. Mulu laughed as he pulled and struck out at Brimstone. Long welts appeared on the dragons face and everywhere else the energy whip hit him. Brimstone didn't know how much more he could take. His only chance now for survival was to give in to the Demon and accept him as his master. Maybe sometime in the future, the Demon would make a mistake and Brimstone would find a way to be free and take his revenge.
Dropping down, Brimstone folded his wings to his back and bowed his head at the Demons feet. As Mulu stared down at the dragon, it looked up into his eyes then shifted into the form of a Hyenan like Mulu only smaller and with horns.
"You win." Brimstone said with blazing eyes. "I will serve you. I know what it is that you are searching for. It is to late, the star is now beyond your reach. But I know where there are others"
"And you will take me to it?"
"I live only to serve the great Mulu Aim." Brimstone bowed with an evil glint in his dragon eye. "There is one problem. I am a citizen of Nightmare." Brimstone said as he stood up to face Mulu. "I can only exist in dreams. I don't have the power to leave here without the lord of Nightmares permission. Unless of course you are planning on killing him and setting me free from here."
"Your Nightmare god means nothing to me." Mulu sneered. "If I want you free from this dark place, I will bring you out. Stand back."
Mulu turned and walked out away from Brimstone then turned back to him and raised his hands.

FROM NIGHTMARE TO DREAM.
FROM DARK INTO LIGHT.
WITH POWER EXTREME.
I MAKE YOU MY KNIGHT.
RISE UP FROM THIS PLACE.
AND ANSWER MY CALL
FROM HERE TO MY SPACE.
TO MAKE MY ENEMIES FALL.

As Mulu's dark magic swirled and took hold of Brimstone, he roared and lifted up into the air then disappeared. Mulu howled out his insane laugh, crossed his arms and was gone. Seconds later there was a flash in Nightmare and a woman dressed in dark robes stood outside of Brimstone's cave. She walked to the entrance and called out to the dragon. There was no answer. She lifted her hand to her mouth and whistled. Out of the darkness, a lone bat flew down to perch on her shoulder.
"Where is Brimstone?"
The bat squealed and chattered something in her ear. It was one simple word. Demon.
"What Demon dared to come to Nightmare and steal from me?" The robed woman shouted. "Someone will pay for this transgression. No one steals from me!"

In a flash of light, Astan, Palas, Goren, and his warriors appeared in the forest of Starspeak. The Gorillas all fell to the ground dizzy and nauseous from the magical transport. As their stomachs settled and they looked up into the tree's, Palas gasped. There was smoke rising from  the burned out forest.
"By Alee no!!" Palas cried as he leaped into the air and took off toward the burned out Aerie. Goren sat there dazed not quite understanding what had upset Palas. He looked around then stood up and took two careful steps.
"Where are we?" He asked as he rubbed his eyes to clear them. Astan came over and helped him over to where Beno lay.
"We're in the mountains of Ayss." He said. "You're feeling the affects of transports, It'll started to fade away in just a minute, but we don't have a lot of time. You have to organize your warriors to get us moving. Igoro could be here soon."
Goren shook his head then looked at Astan.
"I'm OK now." He got up and called his warriors over. One by one each warrior got up on his feet and staggered over to where Beno lay with Goren at his side. "Where would you suggest we go? With Palas gone, we have no where to go."
"Maybe I can find us some help." Astan said as he sat down and crossed his legs in a lotus position. "Palas and his people worshiped Alee, the sun god. Could be there's a temple somewhere near here and just maybe Alee might be in a mood to favor us today."
"Are you serious?" Goren laughed. "You really believe in that nonsense? Rimnar, Saila, Alee and Tyree? None of that is real. It was all made up by a bunch of ancient elders to keep us in line."
"Are you sure of that?" He looked Goren deep in his eyes. "There are a lot of things in Aspana that only the presence of a god can explain. Don't be so quick to rule out their presence, they could be our only chance at defeating Mulu and Igoro."
"Bah!!" Goren spit to the side. "Only a strong arm and a quick mind will win the day for us. No god is going to reach down and hand help us. Do not waste your time with prayers. It will not help us."
Just then there was a bright flash from over head. Astan and Goren looked up as a bank of clouds moved from in front of the sun and a single ray of sunlight shined down on Beno. As they sat there watching, a beautiful dove flew down to land next to Beno and shifted into a handsome man with golden blond hair and gold armor. Goren's mouth dropped open as he stared at the god of the sun. He reached over and put his hand on Beno's chest and filled him with his healing power. Beno groaned as his wounds sealed and knitted themselves back together. In seconds he was completely healed. Alee looked up at them and smiled.
"Don't be so quick to doubt those ancient elders." Alee said as he began to fade. "We are real and we are watching. All hope is not lost. Keep fighting, you can still win the day."
As Beno opened his eyes, Alee disappeared. He sat up and looked at Goren.
"Cousin? Where am I? What happened?"
"I'm not quite sure." The Gorilla said. He helped Beno up on his feet then asked to make sure he was well, then he walked over to where Astan was sitting.
"Was that real?" He asked. "Did we really just see the Fortisan god of the sun?"
"I believe we did." Astan stood up and brushed off the dirt from his pants. "You know what this means? It means there's still hope. Mulu and Igoro can still be beaten if we are careful. But we will have to all fight together. And that means all of Aspana must pull together."
Goren thought for a minute. There really wasn't any choice. Either he joined with Astan and the Avians or he could sit back and watch as his father gave his people over to that damned Hyenan. Then slavery would be the least of Aspana's problems.
"We will fight at your side." Goren said as he reached out to shake Astan's hand. "May the Gods be with us."
"With luck." Astan said. "I think they are. Now let's go find Palas and the rest of his people. They may need our help."

A Lady Falls. 10

There was a scream in the distance as Astan opened his eyes. He looked out to the cell across from his and saw that Palas was still sleeping. He would have to wake him for it was midnight, that means Goren's warrior should soon be there. Astan got up and went over to the cell door and looked out. Down at the end of the corridor there was a guard post where Ghir, one of Igoro's most sadistic guards kept watch. Ghir loved to torture and beat on the prisoners. Occasionally he would come down and tease the inmates. His favorite toy was his shock staff. He would wait until the prisoner was sound asleep, then he would come into their cell and put the staff to them. Sending 50,000 volts into their sleeping body. Astan had watched as the guard did this to two prisoners in the cells just down from him. He would laugh and kick the stunned prisoner from his cot after shocking him. When he moved up toward his cell, Astan sent a spark to wake Palas and moved to the door to keep watch on him. The guard would sneer at them and move on to his next victim.
With Palas sleeping, Astan sent his spark into the Avians cell to energize and wake him. Palas woke up feeling good. He sat up and looked over to the Tigaren's cell. Astan put his finger to his lips then his ear and pointed down the corridor. Someone was coming.
Dressed in Domina green, Beno entered the guard room. Ghir sat leaning back in a chair tossing small bones at a cup against the wall. He looked up when Beno stepped in.
"Who are you?" He said. "You're not Geston. He's supposed to relieve me."
"I don't know." Beno shrugged. "Maybe he's sick. All I know is I was told to come here and relieve you."
"I don't know you." Ghir frowned as he got up and grabbed his flail from the table. "You are not one of the dungeon guards. Who are you? Who sent you here?"
Beno knew the captain of the city guards name was Enes Tur, but it would do him no good. Ghir was already up and coming at him. Quickly Beno grabbed his mace caught the flails first strike. Ghir pulled back and swung again aiming for Beno's head. Beno dived to the side, turned and hit Ghir in his ribs. Grunting in pain, Ghir pulled a dagger and swung wild at Beno. The dagger sliced at the leather covering Beno's arm leaving a long scar. Beno leaped at Ghir batting the flail aside and sent a hammering fist at Ghir's jaw. They fell wrestling to the ground rolling through the room. Ghir stabbed at Beno's side sinking the blade in deep. Grabbing his hand, Beno pulled the dagger out and the two gorillas fought for control of it. With the dagger held in both their hands, the gorillas struggled back and forth. With a quick knee up into Ghir's groin, the guard lost his breath and the dagger slipped and stabbed him in the throat. Beno covered Ghir's mouth to keep his death scream silent.
As Beno lay there exhausted, he took a deep breath and pushed Ghir's body off of him. He sat up and put his hand to the wound in his side. It was bleeding very badly. But he didn't have time for that. He still had to get to Prince Astan and get him free.
Pushing himself up, Beno staggered out into the corridor to the cells and hurried down to Astan's cell. Astan was standing at the door watching the hall. Beno took the keys from his belt and fit one into locked door.
"My name is Beno." He said as he pulled the door open. "Goren sent me here to get you."
"Myumbo Beno." Astan stepped out of his cell. "My thanks warrior for the save. Now we have to open all these cells and get the prisoners out."
"I'm afraid you're going to have to do that on your own." Beno collapsed and fell to the floor. "I think I'm done."
Astan knelt down to his side and helped him to take off his breastplate. Blood still ran heavy from the wound in his side.
"This looks bad."
"It's OK." Beno smiled. "You are almost free. All you have to do is follow this hall down and make a right. There is a gate that leads into the city's sewers. That is the way out. If you hurry you can make it before the guards come down to check these cells."
"No." Astan said. "Not without you. We leave all together or not at all. Now that I'm free from that cell, your father can't sap my magic."
Astan took the key and opened Palas cell door and pushed it open. Palas stepped out of his cell eager to finally escape captivity. He stretched out his arms and flexed his cramped wings and quietly shut the cell door.
"We should hurry. There is not much time."
"Yes." Astan said. He passed Palas the key then bent down to help Beno. "Open every cell. Free as many as you can. I'll take Beno. He can lead us out of here."
Palas nodded and hurried off to start opening cells. With Beno down, Astan looked down at the stab wound in his side. Blood still seeped slowly out and the gorilla looked very pale and weak. Astan had studied healing at home with Tinpa's palace healer, but he was never really good at it. He placed his hand on the wound and closed his eyes to concentrate. A warm glow spread out and into Beno and the bleeding stopped. Slowly the wound started to pull itself together until there was only a big scar there. He wasn't quite healed, but this would hold him hopefully until they could get out and find someone more qualified at healing. Astan helped him up on his feet. Beno put his hand to his side and winced from the pain.
"The bleeding." He looked at Astan in surprise. "You stopped it!"
"It's not healed." Astan said. "But it will hold until we can get out of here."
All up and down the cell block, Palas went opening cell doors. Prisoners staggered out of the darkness of their cells and into the open corridors for the first time. Unarmed, they lurched about the halls looking for a way out of this gloomy hell. When they spotted Ghir's body, some took out their revenge on him with a quick kick as they passed. Others having suffered his torture and the touch of his shock staff, jumped on him and tore his body to pieces.
With escape on their minds, they all scattered running and limping down through the dungeon looking for a way out. It wasn't long before they ran into the rest of the dungeon guards and the battle was on. They were like hungry animals on the attack. Igoro's small guard force was overwhelmed and out matched in no time as they went from section to section opening cells. Soon the whole dungeon was in an uproar.
With Beno's arm around his shoulder, Astan carried him back the way he had come in. They found the sewer grate and managed to slip in unnoticed. Palas squawked and complain about the muddy water and the cramped tunnel, but this was much easier then fighting their way through the dungeon. As they made their way out of the tunnel. Astan stopped, He suddenly had a screaming feeling they had to move. Astan pushed Beno to Palas and erected a shield of magic around them just as a bolt came from out of the back of the bathhouse.
"GET DOWN!!" Astan stepped out projecting his shield behind him. As Palas grabbed Beno and ducked, bolts of crimson energy flashed down and hammered at the Astan's shield. Astan held strong as six Gorillas, five warriors and a mage came charging from the bath house. It seemed their escape hadn't gone as unnoticed as they thought. Palas laid Beno down behind Astan and launched himself into the air. He soared up over the trees and circled around then dived down at the incoming Gorillas. Bared handed, the Avian dived down to bowl right through the charging Gorillas knocking them all aside then turned back up into the air. Like pins, the Gorillas fell, but they didn't stay down for long. Soon they were back on their feet shaking off the attack.
Astan raised his left hand and shot out a blast through his shield at the lead Gorilla hitting him in the chest and taking him down. The mage dived down and came back up with his hands raised and ready to fight.
"Stop the Tigaren!" The mage yelled as he fired his bolt. "Don't let him get away!!"
Beno tried to get up and fight, but Astan grabbed the mace from him and pushed him back down.
"Palas could use this."
 Astan whispered a quick spell, then threw the mace up into the air. The mace soared up then turned to match Palas's flight angle and went directly to his hand. With a weapon in his hand, Palas circled then dived down swinging the mace down and braining two more Gorillas. As they fell, Palas came down to land beside Astan. He closed his wings on his back stood ready to fight at Astan's side.
"There is no escape." The mage said. "Soon Igoro will be here and then you will have met your match. You cannot beat my masters magic."
"He won't have too." Said a voice from behind the mage. Quickly the mage turned raising his hands to blast whoever had managed to sneak up behind him, but it was too late as something hit him on his head. Beside him, spears were thrust forward into the backs of the last two warriors, As they fell, Goren ran out and grabbed his cousin Beno. He quickly checked his wounds, then waved over his warriors to carry him. With Beno taken care of, he turned to Astan.
"We have to go." He said. "He's right. My father will be here in just a few minutes and Beno needs to see a healer. We should be gone out of Domina before he arrives."
"What about Mulu?" Astan asked.
"Father sent a runner for him the day you arrived in Domina. He said he would be here today at noon. That gives us three hours."
"Then we should hurry." Astan said. "Do you know someplace safe where we can go? Your cousin needs a better healer than me and Palas and I still need rest to recharge our strength."
"We can moved deeper in the jungle." Goren said. "That would make it harder for them to find us and I can send for a healer."
"We could go back to my mountain." Palas suggested. "Tyree will watch over us."
"Ayss is far enough away." Astan said. "Igoro is not really that familiar with its peaks and valleys, We should find it easier to defend than the jungle."
"But can you get us all there?" Goren asked. "Me, you and all my warriors?"
"We have new choice." Astan said. "Gather your warriors. We leave in two minutes."
Goren when to call his warriors together while Astan sat and talked with Palas.
"Palas, you will be my reference to guide my spell. Think of somewhere on the mountain where we can go. Get a clear picture in your mind and hold on to it."
"I know just the place." Palas smiled. "There is a valley not far from the Aerie where I go to hunt. It has caves and we could defend it well if we have too. My people will help as will Tyree."
"I'm not so sure about Tyree helping us." Astan said. "But if you believe in him, I guess it can't hurt. It is time. We have to go now,"
Astan gathered Goren and all of his warriors together on the side of the bathhouse and had them stand in a circle around him. Palas come in and stood next to Astan. As he closed his eyes to concentrate, tiny flecks of magic sparkled all around the group. Astan reached out and put his hand on Palas's shoulder and spoke his spell.

FROM HERE TO THERE.
IN DARKNESS AND LIGHT.
FROM NOW TO THEN.
AND THEN OUT OF SIGHT.
WITH NO OPPOSITION.
WITH PEACE IN MIND.
TAKE US TO AYSS.
LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND.

As Astan spread his arms. light flickered all around them as the spell took hold and they vanished from the Gorilla city. Once they were gone, the Gorilla mage woke and opened his eyes. He sat up and looked at the dead warriors scattered around outside of the bathhouse. The Tigaren was gone and so was that traitor Goren and his warriors. Igoro would not be pleased with this development, but maybe he knew a way to trace the magic the Tigaren had used. Then he could go and return them to their cells.
Getting up on his feet, the Gorilla mage dusted off his robes and turned back into the city. He prayed Igoro didn't take his anger out on him.

From Basolos, Sakura moved his group north back across the savanna to avoid having to go anywhere near Mancoro and the Hyenans then south into Gondakor. From there they climbed Mount Vazu and headed into Gorilla country. The Pumen had warned them that the country around Domina was a very dangerous place with poisonous spiders and many other hidden dangers. Sakura had no idea what he meant by that, but he would brave the Underworld if he had to, to bring Astan home safe.
The Mancoro forest was dark and loud with the sounds of the wild life that lived and hunted there. They could hear the sound of frogs croaking and crickets chirping and the occasional growl of something on the attack as they walked. Dar'yl kept his ears and eyes open for the slightest movement or footsteps to be ready for any attack. Sky and Quynn followed carefully, ready to fight at a moments notice. Sakura watched the rear to keep their retreat safe. Dar'yl saw small monkeys high up in the trees as they ran to hide from their advance, Many snakes and birds watched them as they passed. Quynn wondered if they could be there to watch out for any invaders trying to sneak in through the jungle. He hoped not, because that would mean they had lost the surprise and the Gorillas knew they were coming.
As they made their way through the jungle, eyes peeked out from behind trees and under bushes. Dark hungry eyes that watched every step they took. They darted from tree to tree never allowed them to get more then ten steps away. Dar'yl heard a sudden rustle in the undergrowth and  turned pulling his sword free from its scabbard.
"What is it?" Shy asked looked around.
"I thought I heard something." The Lion said. He walked back a few paces and scanned around the jungle then up in the trees. He didn't see anything, but his warrior senses told him there was something dangerous here. Keeping his eyes on the jungle, Dar'yl went back to the others. Sakura stopped him on his way back.
"Jittery old friend?" Sakura smiled. "Is there trouble?"
"No." Dar'yl said as he still watched the jungle. "It's just my nerves. Feeling a bit jumpy being so close to Mancoro and Domina."
"Well keep it strong." Sakura said. "We'll be getting a lot closer that this."
"I think the city is that way." Dar'yl pointed west. Sakura looked west. All he saw was the dense jungle.
"Why west?" He asked. "What makes you think west? It could be anywhere in this jungle."
"Do you see the birds there above those hills?"
"Yes." Sakura said gazing out at the hills in the distance. "I see them. So?"
"Those are pigeons." Sky said. "They live only in and near cities. They won't come into the jungle. To many predators."
"Exactly." Said Dar'yl. "We head west."
"And then what?" Quynn asked. "What are we going to do once we find this city?"
"Then we go find Astan." Sakura said. "I know he's here somewhere. I can feel his presence."
"Can you tell where he was?" Sky asked. " I mean isn't there a trail that we can follow?"
Sakura looked at each one of them with bright eyes as if he had just hit on an idea.
"I never thought of that." He said. "There should be some kind of mental trail here for me to follow. Something of his should be here."
"If there is." Sky gave him a confident nod. "You can find it. All you have to do is look for it with your heart."
Sakura closed his eyes and looked back to the day in Tinpa when he met his handsome mate. He was lunching in a small cafe in the west side of the city when the most amazing Tigaren walking into the cafe. This was the day his whole life changed. That was the day he found love. Sakura remembered his time showing Astan the ways of the warrior with the sword and shield. He taught him how to protect himself and fight against enemies while Astan showed him the real way to use magic. He remembered their days exploring Tinpa and the Tigaren countryside and their nights alone making love in the cabin in Naraya. The feel of Astan's hands on him when he touched and caressed his body.
The excitement and passion they both felt when they made love through the long Aspana nights.
With Astan on his mind, Sakura felt a warm rush of blood flow through his body and his groin as he opened his eyes and looked around scanning the jungle for any trace of Astan. As he searched he saw a glowing trail that led in through the thick growth of the jungle. Walking out and over to the trail, Sakura stooped down and touched the glow. The second he touched it, he knew it Astan had been there, This had to be the way he was taken through the jungle.
"Follow me. I knew the way to the Gorilla city."

It was late in the evening as Shauri paced back and forth through the study in Goren's house. Goren and Beno were late. They were supposed to be back from the dungeons with the Tigaren three hours ago and so far, she hadn't heard anything from either of them. Has the rescue been a success? Or were they both not trapped along with Astan in the dungeon? She was worried about both her cousins. She knew what Igoro would do to them if they were caught. It didn't matter that both of them were apart of Igoro's family. If he caught them, he wouldn't bother with trials or any kind of judgments. He would simply have them both cut and tied to stakes in the jungle to be eaten alive.
As she tried to calm herself, Shauri went to the small wood burning store and put a iron kettle on to heat some water for a cup of Ginger root tea. From her cupboard she had out a wooden cup and a small metal sieve for her tea leaves. As the water broiled, Shauri place the leaves in the sieve and took it over to the stove to add to the kettle of hot water. Just then, there was a loud knock at the door.
Shauri dropped the sieve and ran to the door hoping to find Goren and Beno there. She was anxious to learn what had happened during the rescue. She reached out and grabbed the handle of the door and pulled it open.
"Goren." She cried. "What took you so..."
"I am sorry to disappointed you my dear." Igoro said with a evil smile. "But Goren will not be returning tonight."
"Igoro!" She stepped back as he pushed his way into the house. "My lord. What brings you here to my humble home?"
"I'm here to take a trader into custody." Igoro said as two warriors stepped in to stand on each side of Shauri.  "You my lovely niece. I know you, Goren and Beno helped the Tigaren to escape. Don't try to deny it and insult my intelligence."
"Where is Goren?"
"Since you will die tonight, I will tell you. They escaped. Probably to Ayss with the Tigarn and the Avian. But don't worry, I will get him back you trader."
"We are not traders." She said looking Igoro in his eyes. "It is you that betrayed the trust of the Hominid people of Aspana. You and that beast you plan to give the people to Mulu Amin. You know as well as I do that he will destroy Aspana. He will ravage the land and turn our people into slaves of his Hyenans. How can you do this to us? How can you throw away the home that we all fought so hard to establish?"
"I'm not throwing away anything!!" Igoro yelled back at her as he kicked out at the table in the kitchen. "I am the master of this land and Mulu be damned!! It is I that created the slave market here and made us so prosperous. Me!! I put the gold of many kingdoms into our hands. It was me that turned Domina from a dirty mud hollow into the magnificent city it is. My ships sail and sell these peasants all up and down the two coast across the sea."
"And you think we should be proud of that?" Shauri screamed back at him. "Slavery instead of honest work and trade? This is not what the people want! This is not the way of honor and you know it!!"
"I care not about honor!" He stepped forward and smacked her across the face knocking her to the floor. "I care only for conquest and I will take everything and make all the world my slave! Take her! She dies tonight!!"
"Kill me if you want." Shauri said as she was pulled to her feet and dragged out. "But at least I will die fighting for freedom with a clear and honest conscious. You, you will die in the mud as a trader to all of Aspana! Goren will return, and when he comes back he will have the Tigarens and the Pantherens at his side."
"Let them come!" Igoro shouted after her. "I will crush them into the mud! This is my kingdom and I will let no one deny me my right!"

From her house, Shauri was dragged through the muddy streets to the center of town. As she moved, a warrior walked along calling out to wake up all the people of Domina. Like scared sheep they all came out to watch as she was degraded and beaten. A young male ran out to Shauri to help her. In a flash, Igoro sent a small bolt of energy at the boys back striking him down. A guard kicked the young Gorillas body out of their way like he was nothing. Females cried as the males kept silent afraid that anything they said would anger the lord of Domina into more retribution.
Once in the city center, Shauri was chained to one of the slave blocks and thrown to the ground. The crowd around her moved a bit closer to watch. Igoro roared and parted the crowd as he made his way to the slave pens and the slave block. He walked around her laying in the mud with her head down.
"There's no one here to help you." He said. "Goren is gone, so is that small minded one Beno. You will die alone."
"No!" Someone called from the crowd. "She is not alone."
A warrior stepped out of line and walked out to stand beside her. He went to the well and drew a ladle of water and fed it to Shauri.
"I will stand with her." He said boldly.
"So will I. Said another warrior.
"And I." Two more stepped out of line to stand with them.
"Me too!!"
"And I"
Soon there was more than ten warriors standing at Shauri's side. Igoro looked at them with rage.
"Traders!!" He screamed. "You are all weak fools!"
"We may be weak." Shauri said as they helped her up. "But we have honor in our hearts and that is something you will never have."
"Then you will all die!!"
Igoro raised his hands and blasted the crowd at the slave block. Bolts of green energy ripped out from his hands blasted all the warriors leaving only Shauri still standing. The crowd cried out in horror as the Gorillas died but no one moved a muscle to try and help.
"You my dear will not die so easily." Igoro stepped down to face Shauri. "You will die alone in the jungle. You will be staked out, cut and left to be fed on by the wild things in the jungle."
Before Shauri could say another word, Igoro hit her again and knocked her out. He walked back to his warriors.
"Take her away, and bring me back one of her pretty little hands and her head as a trophy."

The jungle was quiet as Sakura led them in towards the Gorillas city. They could see the gate and the high towers through the jungle from where they were. It wasn't as richly fashioned as Tinpa or Atrua. It was nothing like Winterhaven or New Keanna or even Vasagi and its great wall and Valkar's handsome new manor house. Domina wasn't as fancy or elaborately built as Atrua or any of the Taggitia cities. It had been built by the clever hands of Orangutan builders. It was charming and efficient, but it was nothing like the great work of the northern Elves and fairy's. It didn't have the Taggitia magic touch like Eventide or Dree.
The city was built of brick with a steel frame underneath. They had a few high towers but most of the buildings were only 2  and 3 stories. There were rich gardens that were really beautiful full of exotic multi colored flowers and blossoming hanging plants. Sakura could smell their fragrance from where they were.
As they moved closer in towards the city, Sakura stopped suddenly. He turned from side to side listening to the jungle.
"What is it?" Dar'yl asked as he stood there holding his sword..
"I thought I heard something." Sakura looked around the area they were in. The trees were tall and everything was green for miles around them. He sniffed at the air but all he could smell was the rank fur of Gorilla which was strange since there were no Gorilla's around.
"All of you." Sakura ordered. "Spread out. We are not alone here."
Sky and Quynn split up and slipped into the bush to search. Dar'yl followed Sakura, never leaving his side. They searched all around the area until Sky spotted a small clearing hidden behind a huge stand of  evergreens. Pushing his way in through the bushes, Sky stepped in and heard a shrill scream. He ducked and rolled as something swung at him. Sky came up and sent a wave of freezing cold out at his attacker. Standing over him, Sky saw a massive Wolverine with blood around its mouth and on its claws. The Wolverine fell back stunned waving its claws in the air. It shook off Sky's cold and growled at him as it stood ready to charge. Just then Quynn hearing Sky in distress forced his way into the clearing. The Wolverine charged at them. Quynn took a deep breath and blew out a stream of flames that cover the big weasel and scorched it sending it screaming into the forest. As it ran off smoking, Sakura and Dar'yl found their way into the clearing.
"What in Tyree's name was that?"
"One of the locals looking to make a meal out of my Little Bird." Quynn reached down and pulled Sky up on his feet, then checked to make sure he hadn't been hurt. "It won't be back anytime soon."
As Sky dusted off his clothing, he looked down and saw the big heap of bloody fur staked out in the grass.
"Look!" Sky pointed. "There's something here."
"What is it?" Dar'yl asked as they gathered around it. Sakura bent over to check it over and got a big surprise.
"It's a Gorilla!" He said. "A female, and she's hurt."
Dar'yl cut her loose and laid her out so they could try and help her.
"It's really bad." Sakura said. "That cut off her hand and stabbed her. Wrap this around her stump and try to stop the bleeding."
Sky took a strip from her dress and tied it around her missing hand then tried to focus his magic to heal her, but it was to late. Phoenix's had great healing abilities, but this Gorilla had been stabbed, her hand was chopped off and that Wolverine had already started feeding on her. There was nothing he could do. She would die today.
"I'm sorry lady." Sakura said as they propped her up. "There is to much damage. There's nothing we can do to help you. What is your name?"
"It is OK." She looked at them and smiled, Blood ran down from her mouth. "I am Shauri. I die an honorable death. My soul is clean. I will be free from Igoro and Mulu's madness."
"Mulu?" Sakura wiped her mouth. "He and Igoro are in league. That will mean trouble for us all."
"At least my Goren escaped with the Tigaren." Her eyes slowly dimmed and her breathing became really shallow.
"Tigaren? Astan? You saw Astan?  Please lady, where is he? I must find him!"
"A, A, Ayss mountain." She closed her eyes and coughed. "Please, you have to find him. You have to warn him that Igoro is coming. He will find them and kill my beloved Goren, then he will take the Tigaren and give him to Mulu. You must stop them!"
"Don't worry Shauri, we won't let that happen." Sakura assured her. "I will find them and try my best to help Goren and your people if I can."
"Asante." She whispered softly as her last breath escaped from her. Shauri Gomo died there in Sakura's arms. He laid her down and closed his eyes and said a prayer to Tyree and the death goddess Angela.
"She was killed by her own people." Dar'yl said sadly. "What animals. We have to pay this Igoro back for his kindness."
"His day will come." Sakura took a part of her wrap and covered her face then turned to his friends.
"We still have to find Astan. Do you know where the Ayss mountain is?"
"Yes." Dar'yl nodded. "We go south. Its south of here."
"Fine, Igoro will be heading there soon after them. We should try to beat him there. Let's move."

Mulu's Revenge. 9

Mulu Amin sat at his desk in his private chamber brooding and stared into the crystal mound on the table at his side. He watched as King Yonas Kinya gathered his troops and got ready to march. Regent G'ania Gazini had already prepared Atrua, the Pantheran capital for the Hyenan invasion, and Ayad Naadu of Rhinon was already on his way to join the Felines with his warriors. It seems all of Aspana had finally decided to organize against him.
"Let them come." He said with a smile. "My Canin's are not done yet and neither am I! Aspana will rue the day it denied me what should be mine!"
He got up from his desk and walked from his study and out of his house to a hut he had built for his conjurations. There, he had fashioned a pentagram etched in blood on the floor. With a snap of his fingers, the torches in the hut blazed to life and the black candles at each point of the star sparked into a black flame. Mulu stepped into the center of the pentagram and sat down and crossed his legs. In front of him on the floor sat a small bowl filled with ashes and bone fragments. Mulu pulled a dagger from his belt and held it to his hand and cut a slit down the center of the palm of his hand. Blood soon pooled in the palm of his hand. He tilted it and let it pour down into the bowl. The second the blood touched the ashes, gray smoke started billowing up from the bowl to fill the air above his head. Mulu then started his summoning.

ASHES TO ASHES.
BONE TO BONE.
MUSCLES AND MAGIC.
FIRE AND STONE.
FROM SHADOW TO LIGHT.
I CALL YOU HERE.
BOUND AND ALONE.
YOU WILL APPEAR.
DRAIDOR MORAM.
COME AND FACE ME!!

"AYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!" Draidor screamed as he appeared in the air over Mulu's head. "IT BURNS, MAKE IT STOP, MAKE IT STOP. THE SUN BURNS ME!!"
"Calm yourself Demon!" Mulu shouted. "There is no sun here, only nice cool darkness and shadow."
"He hurt me!" Draidor materialized a huge fist and pounded the ground in a rage. "That cursed bastard of a feline hurt me!!"
"Did you kill him?" Mulu asked calmly.
"I had him and his Jackal cornered and he called the sun on me!!"
"IS HE DEAD OR NOT!!" Mulu yelled.
"No, he still lives." Draidor said as he refocused his energy and shrank down to face Mulu. "He lives, but he is hurt very badly. His lackey took him away somewhere to die."
"Where?"
"I don't know." The Demon said. "But I can find him."
"Don't bother." Mule reached into the bag at his side and pulled out a small brown piece of bone. He held it up so Draidor could see it. "Do you know what this is?"
Draidor looked at Mulu with red burning eyes. He looked down at his hand and scoffed at the strange thing the mortal held.
"What do I care about you mortals."
"You should care." Mulu smiled. "You should care very much. I will show you why."
Mulu picked up the dagger off the floor and put it to the bone and dug a deep scratch into it.
Draidor screamed a blood curdling scream and clutched his chest and fell rolling on the ground. Mulu walked around him holding the dagger to the bone.
"This is a bone from what was once your body. With this, I can do things to you, you could not imagine. I can cause you pain or even take your Demon body as my own."
"No!!" Draidor screamed. "This is not possible! Yros would not allow this to happen!"
"I do not answer to any gods on Fortis, the Underworld or any dark dimension." Mulu grabbed the long braid of hair from the top of Draidor's head. "I told you not to fail me.  I warned you that the consequences of failure would be dire. Now, I will take your body and your powers and I will find Msia and kill him myself!!"
Nooooooo!!!!!" Draidor screamed as he struggled against the spell Mulu had cast on him. "This can not be!!!"
"It can." Mulu laughed. "And it will! Enjoy your time in the Abyss!"
As Draidor screamed, Mulu cast his spell and pushed Draidor out of his body. With his soul banished Mulu stepped in and took control. Bolts of black lightning shot out from his body and rained down all over the hut tearing it to pieces. Mulu's laughter echoed all through Mancoro scaring the Hyenans down to their knees. Wrapped in gray smoke, Mulu walked out of the smoke to stand at the edge of the pit laughing. Where once he was a thin Hyenan of about 5' 7" with brown fur streaked with black stripes. Now he was 6' 7" and all black with red eyes sharp teeth with a split demon tongue that hung from his mouth.
Laughing, Mulu walked though Mancoro back to his house and called out to the Hyenan's he had on guard around the house.
"I want every Hyenan in Aspana here at this house to receive my blessing. Leave no one out. I want the young and the old here in front of me in 24 hours."
"Yes master!" The guards ran to send out his call.
"They think they can come and attack me. I will have something special ready just for them. Now Aspana and all of Keanna will bow to my call and be mine!!"
With a deep row of laughter, Mulu disappeared in a flash of darkness.

It was dark when Astan opened his eyes. He had seen many things in his meditation. He watched scared as Yas led Sakura and Sky down to the caves to face the Bear creatures. They battled fiercely sending Sky's ice and Sakura's sword blast at their enemies as they attacked. Yas Twospears found himself trapped in the caves with the hungry Bears. They heard his screams as he was ripped apart and eaten alive. Once out of the cave, Sakura and Sky faced the Twospear tribe and gave them the chance to either fight him, or join them in the battle for Aspana. The Chimp's agreed accepting Sakura's offer and apologizing for the deception their king had played on them. They promised they would be there when Sakura called for them day or night to fight at his side for him and Aspana.
As the vision faded, Astan's consciousness moved on to Atrua where he watched as Regent G'ania Gazini met and greeted Ayad Naadu as he entered the city gates. Traveling in three rows behind the Rhinon king were his armored warriors all ready for war with their catapults and siege hammers. The Rhinon were a gentle people made up of artists, builders and statesmen. But when threatened with war and aggression, they were one of the Pantherans most fierce allies. Regent Gazini would always be proud to have them at his side.
Astan listened carefully as Regent Gazini greeted his old friend and explained why they were on the march. He heard his and his fathers name mentioned. Gazini told him how the two princes were missing and about Mulu's attack on Tinpa and the other cities. He told him of Mulu's attempt to make himself the king of Aspana and his attacks on the Canin tribes all through middle Aspana.
"There is one more thing." Regent Gazini said. "Though I can not prove it, I know Mulu is behind King Msia's disappearance. It was one of our people that led us out that night. But I have no doubt that Mulu was behind it."
"That treacherous dog!" Ayad slammed his fist down on the table. "I have had my problems with him too. Two Rhinon tribes have fallen to his Canin warriors. They lured the adult warriors away, then went in and killed all the females and children. When the warriors returned, he was waiting there for them. Him and his damned dark magic. By the time that I could arrive with my troops, there was nothing left to do but bury the dead. One hundred and thirty Rhinon dead. All for his damned ambition. I will march with G'ania. I will help you put down the Hyenan no matter what it takes."
As they shook hands, Astan pulled his probe back. He had someone else he thought he should check on. His father. He wanted to know what had happened in Tinpa. How had his people been after the Hyenan attack. Astan had warned Sakura that Kinya would need help with the Hyenans. Here was his chance to see how the city fared.
From Panthera, Astan sent his consciousness out to find his home. He soared out over the savanna and through the jungle. He passed the Chimps tree city and a few Lycaon villages. All the people he passed seemed agitated. Even from high above he could feel their fear and concern at all the strange things happening in Aspana. He saw Elephant tribes that once roamed through out the land alone now all band together for protection. Elk, antelope, eland, water buffalo and even the great Hippons were on the run to find somewhere safe to wait out the conflict they all felt coming.  They all knew there was a battle coming and their way was to hide until it was all over. But Astan knew the Tigarens and the Pantheran would not hide. They would fight to keep Aspana free no matter what it took.
Soon, Astan found himself flying out of the jungle and right to Tinpa. The land around the city looked as if a great war had been fought. There were huge pits blasted out of the ground and all the land looked scorched. The city walls had strange blast marks and there were piles of burning bodies set out towards the eastern end. But from what Astan could see, there were no holes in the walls. The Hyenans had failed to enter the city. Astan smiled. That meant the people were safe for now. But what about Father? Had he survived the battle? Astan just had to know. He zoomed in heading for the city wall and suddenly ran into a great barrier. There was something there preventing him from getting any closer. He tried several other places, but it was no use. Tinpa had some kind of magical barrier set up around it. It had to be the doings of Zakia Manzi trying to keep Mulu away from the city.
Feeling sad, Astan backed away from the city. He had to trust that Sakura had done what he promised and saved his father. Now it was time for him to find some way of getting himself free from his prison cell before Igoro could turn him over to Mulu. Pulling himself back to his cell, he stood up and walked up the the cell door. He listened carefully. He knew he wasn't the only prisoner in the dungeon. He had heard cry's and the sound of others moving around in the cells beyond his. At the door, he looked out and down the long dimly lit corridor then across into the cell opposite his. As he gazed into the cell, he saw something move. There was someone in there lying on the cot. Astan wondered who it could be. He raised his hand and snapped his fingers causing a small flickering light to appear. With a wave of his hand he sent it on across and into he the cell. In the cell laying on the cot was a tall thin man dressed in a feathered row of black gray and white.
"Myumbo." Astan called. "Can you hear me?"
"Yes, I can hear you."
"Good. I am Astan Kinyo of Tigaress. Who are you?"
"I am no one anymore." Came the answer. "Just another prisoner waiting in the dark to die."
"Yes." Astan said. "You may die here, but you are not dead yet. Only your body is a prisoner. Igoro Baba my have trapped you, but he does not have your soul. Don't give in to him. There is a way out."
"I have been here without light for a long time." The voice said. "Trapped in the darkness. I see no way out."
"If it is light that you want, then that is what you will have."
Astan whispered something the other couldn't hear and suddenly the spark of light grew to a globe that illuminated the whole cell. The feathered man squawked then stood up as the light filled the room and sent energy surging through his body.
"Praise Alee the light feels good!!"
He lifted his arms, which turned out to be wings and let the light revitalize his muscles and clear out some of the depression in his mind. As the globe illuminated the cell, Astan got a better look the rooms occupant. He was tall and thin and covered from his head down his back with blue, gray and white spotted feathers. He had bright intelligent eyes and an almost beak like nose. Astan guessed he had to be from one of Aspana's many avian tribes. Most likely a predator from deep in the jungle. The light burned for about three minutes, then went out.
"Asante rafiki mgeni." He said. "My name is Palas Astraeus. I am from a place called Starspeak. It is in the high mountains of Ayss in the south."
"Myumbo Palas Astraeus." Astan bowed. "I'm sorry I can't do more. Igoro's magic hinders my spells. What brings you here to Domina?"
"It is a long story." Palas said as he moved back to the cot and sat down. "A story of innocence and treachery and evil magic.."
"I think I may have heard stories like that before. Tell me, what happened."
"Very well." Palas said. "Weeks ago back in my home in the mountains of Ayss. I was a hunter and one of the elders of my aerie. We are a peaceful people. We hunt and live by the message and teachings of Tyree the god of the jungle and wildlife. We try very hard to keep away from the lower jungles. There, madness and chaos run wild through the jungles and savanna's. There are creatures there who can not be trusted. They smile and promise peace, only to steal the young away in the night."
"I assume you mean Igoro Baba and his Gorilla's?"
"Yes." Palas said. Astan could hear pain in his voice. The Gorillas must have done something really horrible to the Avians. Astan closed his eyes and listened while Palas told his story.
"The day had been long. I was out flying over the northern part of our mountains hunting goat when I heard a call echoing on the winds from home. The call was sent out from Argestes, he is the leader of my tribe. He wanted me to come home immediately. I called back to the others in my hunting group and told them where to find my day's catch and turned back towards our Aerie. When I arrived back to the Aerie, Argestes stood down at the entrance to our city with a strange looking man. He had short round ears like a human and a snout with that looked like teeth that could tear meat with with ease. He wore a strange green robe with what looked like pieces of inch sized ivory sewn in creating strange symbols. He wore gold and silver on his fingers and in his ear. I didn't like him the minute I laid eyes on him. There was something in his eyes that chilled me to the bone. As I approached, Argestes waved at me. He wanted me to land there with him and the stranger. From high over their heads, I could see a look on Argestes. It confused me the way he was looking and talking to the stranger. Argestes usually was the cautious one while I was always curious. It was usually him holding me back from putting my beak where it should not be. Folding my wings, I dropped down for a soft landing a few feet out from where they stood. As soon as I touched down, a strange smell caught my attention. It was a sickly smell, like that of death. And it was coming from the stranger. Now, I really didn't like the stranger.
"May your hunting always succeed." Argestes said with a smile. "Palas, we have a guest in our city. An important Gorilla from the lower lands. He is king in his country."
Palas stood and listen as Argestes went on about the gorilla and his accomplishments. Palas really didn't care who he was. What he wanted to know was why he was here. And why Argestes had let him in the city.
"He is here to ask for our help."
Palas looked at the Gorilla. He had a strange look on his face. Palas couldn't tell what it was. It could be fear, or genuine concern. Palas wasn't use to trying to read the faces of people from outside of their mountain city. But something in him said not to trust the Gorilla.
"What is it they want?" Palas asked.
"We, the people of Domina have been watching your mountain for a long time." Igoro explained. "We admire your city, its law and the way you conduct yourselves. We think there are many things we can learn from you in exchange for a few special lessons we can teach you."
"Like what?" Palas asked. He shook out his wings and folded his arms. "What do you think you can teach that we don't already now?"
"Magic!!" Argestes said with bright eyes. "Igoro is a master mage and he promises to teach me, I mean our people the ways of the Mystics."
Palas looked at Argestes. He knew how eager he was for any use of magic. He had for years wondered about the magical ways of the northern mages. Starspeak had been isolated from the others of Aspana, but they weren't blind. They had seen some of the magical battles of the northern mages from their mountain. The lights and flashes of power bolt as two mages faced each other in battle. They were horrible and at the same time, amazing to watch.
"Magic?" Palas said with a frown. "You opened our gates for magic? Tyree has decided that we do not need magic, that is why we do not have magic here."
"But you can." Igoro said. "It will not be easy, but I can teach you the basic theory of magic. How to cast and control spells of different degrees. I see that spark in Argestes eyes that he can use magic. I can teach him, then he can come back and teach others. Soon there will be a mystical spire in your Aerie. One strong enough to make you proud."
"And what do you get?"
"You can help my people hunt." Igoro said with a smile. "I'm sick of banana's and pineapples. You can help with that."
Palas was unconvinced, He didn't believe the gorilla. He thought there was something else he really wanted. And he didn't care about magic. As far as he was concerned, if their city never used the abomination, he would be happy. But he wasn't the only one who had to make the decision. The elder council would have to decide.
"My answer is no." Palas said. "I think our people should stay here where they belong. But I will abide by the vote of the council. Igoro Baba, we will discuss this tonight in chamber. You come back tomorrow and there will be an answer for you."
"Then good hunting my friends. "Igoro bowed. "I will be back for your answer."
With that, he spun around and disappeared in a flash of smoke. Argestes stared at the spot where he vanished from in awe.
"This is a mistake." Palas said. "That gorilla is not to be trusted. I am warning you. Do not let this happen. We have done fine for thousands of years without magic, trust Tyree. He has always cared for us. Do not go against his teachings or you will be sorry."
The arguing that night in the council chamber was intense. We argued on into the early hours of the morning. Most were intent to deny the gorilla and keep our warriors at home. But Argestes argued that magic was becoming to powerful in the outside lands. He said we needed it to defend ourselves from all the others that could soon be knocking at our door. He reminded us that there are bad men out there. Gorillas, Lions, Tigars, Rhinon or the Lycaons, He said it may not be today, but someone will come. And we won't be able to defend ourselves. Not unless we take this opportunity that the Gorilla offers and try and empower ourselves.
Now I admit he is right. Aspana is changing. We see it everyday. New things are invented, different species are found and some turn out to be aggressive, some even have magic. I believe that if we don't be careful and adapt, there is a real danger in our future. But I do not trust the Gorilla and nothing Argestes can say will change that.
For hours we argued back and forth until at last we took one final vote. Do we accept or do we refuse the offer. At eight to four the decision was made that we should accept Igoro Baba's offer. I couldn't believe what I heard when the decision was read. I looked over to Argestes. There was a huge smile on his face. He had won. He stood up and walked round the table heading for the speakers place when I called out and stopped him.
"Argestes." Palas said clearing his throat. "The council has decided and agreed to accept the help of the Gorilla. Even over my objections. What will happen next will be all your responsibility. The future of Starspeak is now in you and the gorillas hands and by Tyree's scepter, you better not fail.
From there, everything started to move fast. Igoro came back and Argestes told him the councils decision. Igoro was pleased and wanted Argestes to start sending Starspeak warriors back to Domina immediately. Argestes agreed but he said only if Igoro would accept him as the first of the Avian apprentices. With a smile the gorilla agreed and Argestes started setting up the warriors and hunters he thought could teach Domina the most. Initially, Argestes picked out five warriors and hunters, but Palas insisted that he be added to the count. He didn't trust the Gorillas and he wanted to be there just in case something went wrong.
After a day of packing and saying their good bye's, Argestes and his first group was ready to go. With a quick spell, Igoro transported all their packs and supply's out of Starspeak. Now he was ready to send the Avians on to Domina. With five hunters lined up, Igoro lifted his hands and cast his spell. In a flash of smoke and light, the hunters disappeared. All the Avian's that had gathered to watch, gasped in awe and started chatting loudly.
"Bring your warriors forward." Igoro commanded.
Palas tucked an extra dagger into his belt, then waved the gathered warriors around him. Once set in a circle with Palas in the center, Igoro spoke to them.
"You will feel a moment of disorientation when you re appear. Have no fear. There will be a few of my people there waiting to steady you. Just relax and let them guide you to a place where you can rest and reorient. Are you ready?"
"Yes." Argestes said anxiously. "I am ready to learn magic."
"Then prepare yourself." Igoro raised his glowing hands. "Domination awaits you!"
Palas watched as Igoro raised his hands and whispered something in a strange language. Then there was a loud scream in his ears and everything went black.
Slowly as the scream faded from Palas's ears, he open his eyes and looked up. The skies were different. There was no mountain here. The smells and the sound were complete different. He looked down and around to find him and his warriors were surrounded by Gorillas with spears and nets. Igoro had betrayed them. He never planned to teach them magic. This was all to make prisoners of the Avian people.
"Avians, to the skies!!
With a mighty leap, Palas launched himself into the sky. His warriors tried to follow him, but the Gorillas had nets and all his warriors were captured before they could even open their wings. Palas beat his wings taking him higher and higher over the jungle city. Leveling himself off, he looked back just as Argestes was being slammed down into the mud by five of Igoro's Gorilla guards. They held him down as Igoro came over to stand over him. He reached down and grabbed the long pinion feathers of Argestes wings and tore one out. Argestes screamed in pain.
"Palas!" The Gorilla shouted as he held the feathers up."You will land and submit to my warriors or I will rip out all his pinions one by one so he never takes flight again. Then I will move on to the next warrior. I will cripple every Avian here, then send for the next bunch and do the same."
"No Palas!" Argestes shouted. "Get away! Go tell the others. Warn them of Igoro's treachery!"
Igoro grabbed another hand full of feathers from Argestes wing, then looked up to Palas.
"You have five seconds." He said. "Land now or they will all suffer. All of your proud warriors will be crippled to never feel flight again!"
Palas circled the courtyard where they had appeared watching as his friends were chained and put into leg irons. If he attacked, Igoro would complete his threat. All ten Avians would be tortured and crippled, then he would go back to Starspeak and gather another group and bring them back and cripple them too. He had to find a way to warn the others. Only then could he give himself up to save Argestes and the others.
As he circled the courtyard, a lone gray hawk flew down out of the jungle. Palas squawked calling out to it.the hawk.
[Brother, go to Starspeak and tell them it was a trap. Do not trust the Gorillas.]
The hawk squawked back an acknowledgement then turned towards Starspeak and hurried off to deliver its message. Palas flew down to hover over Igoro, then dropped down to land. He pulled his sword and dagger and threw them at Igoro's feet.
"I am here." Palas said with distaste. "Now let them go."
Igoro stepped back away from Argestes laughing.
"The proud Palas Astraeus. You are the one Avian I thought might be able to have stopped me. But Argestes and his greed for magic, I guess was stronger than your warnings. But you were right. They should have never trusted me. Now your whole, I'm not even sure what to call it. A flock? A murder?"
"We are Avians." Palas said proudly. "We are the children of Tyree and he will provide for us even if that means revenge."
"Then he better open his eyes." Igoro said "Because in a few weeks, all your people will either be sold into slavery, or in my slave pens waiting for auction."
"You may have me now Gorilla. But by the scepter of Tyree, I will be free one day and I will have the pleasure of tearing you apart with my own talons."
"Not today you won't." Igoro laughed. "Take them to the dungeons. I know someone from Maramar that will pay me a lot of gold for you."
When Palas finished his story, he sat back then turned to Astan.
"That is how I got here." He said. "I have been here for weeks I think. It is hard to tell without the blessed sun. I miss the light of Alee on my face."
"You will feel it again my friend." Astan said. "Our day of freedom is near. I will get us out of here, that is my promise."

It was a cool night as Beno, dressed all in black slipped from house to house hiding from Domina's city guards. He had to make his way to an old boarded up bath house in the northern part of the city without being seen by anyone. He passed the palace and turned north up the lane. He stopped when he saw two guards standing beside a high torch outside of the healers building. They were talking about tomorrows auction and someone one of them planned to bid on. The thought disgusted Beno. His father had been sold into slavery for opposing Igoro two years ago. His mother cried for two weeks from remorse and stopped eating. Within a month she was dead from starvation. Beno had lost both his parents in a months time, all because of Igoro and his impossible wish to rule Aspana.
When the two guards moved on, Beno hurried on up the lane and turned east toward the bath house. The bath house was once a beautiful two story marble building with two aqueducts that run in to provide pure clean water. The pipes and channels had been spelled to provide hot water for the many deep bathing and swimming pools. There were two shower rooms, a hot pool and a private sauna made special for the king.
But all this was condemned now. The building was in sad shape and very poor condition with crumbling roofs and caved in floors. But there was one thing that very few knew about. There was a tunnel beneath the bath house that fed water to Igoro's slave pens and dungeons. Goren had found it only recently. It was his only way in and the way he planned to get Astan out of his fathers dungeon.
Once Beno reached the bath house, he moved around to the back and slipped in through the left aqueduct. Now he had to make his way under the city and into the dungeon to get to Prince Astan. With a small torch to light his way, Beno made his way through the twists and turns of the city sewer system.
Once there at the barred gate, Beno put out his torch and listened at the gate for any guards. All he heard was snoring and the cries of the tortured. With a gentle shove, he pushed the gate open and went in. As he stepped in a wave of heat heat him and pushed him back for a second. It wasn't that he hated the heat, it was just the surprise in the sudden change in temperature.
Pushing on, Beno slowly crept on down the corridor to the next intersection. Holding himself to the side, he looked left and right before he moved on. He passed cells with prisoners in them. He wished he could help but right now he didn't have time. He had to keep to his objective and find Prince Astan and get him out.
Keeping low, Beno moved on down the corridor to the next intersection. He stopped and listened again for the guards. He heard talking coming from around the corner. Quickly he took a peek and found he was right around from a guard station.
"You, go east and relieve the guard there." A Gorilla with two stars on his chest said. "Tell him he is to be back to relieve you in six hours. Geston, take the main corridor down to the west where that Tigaren is. Keep a watch on him. I don't trust him. I will get you a snack and send it to you. Keep alert or I will have your head."
"Yes Sir!"
Beno jumped and hurried back the way he came before the guard could turn the corner. He ducked into an empty cell and pulled the door so it looked almost closed. He stepped in and laid himself on the cot and pulled the blanket over himself and waited. In less than a minute, the guard started on his way pass the cell. Beno moaned loudly attracting the guards attention. He stopped and looked into the cell and noticed the open door. This part of the dungeon was supposed to be kept empty. Who could possibly be in there? He thought.
Beno moaned again and fidgeted in the cot moving around and making noise. Geston went into the cell. He moved over to the cot and reached down to pull away the blanket. Beno leaped up and grabbed Geston by the neck and twisted violently snapping his neck. Quickly Beno stripped him of his uniform, than put him on the cot and covered him with the blanket. He donned the Gorillas armor and helmet and headed down the western corridor to find Prince Astan.