Friends and Enemies. 25

In the dark main house of Mancoro, it's master sat brooding over recent events. Things had his way in recent days. Msia Duma was back in his pit where he belonged. Though he found the dragon egg and was accepted by the dragonet, it hadn't done much good. He still wasn't powerful enough to beat Mulu in a battle of magiks. The Demon Hyenen still held Aspana's fates in his hands.
Getting up off his throne, Mulu made his way out of his private study and down through the house. He took the beautiful bone staircase down to the houses ground floor. From there he walked on through the main hallway and out of the house. The night was cool but things like temperature didn't bother the Demon Lord. His body was used to the Underworlds heat, so Aspana was nothing to him.
As he left the house, all movement in the courtyard stopped. The Hyenen's dropped to their knees and bowed to their master. Looking from left to right, Mulu was pleased with what he saw. Not having the nerve to interrupt the Demon lord earlier, Gurresh hurried to catch up to him.
"Was your mission successful?"
"Yes, Master," Gurresh said. "The girl is in the pit you assigned for her."
"Very good," Mulu said. "And what of the other's?"
"They are all here," Gurresh said pointing out back into the darkness. "They were placed in a pit in the dark. Each one in a separate prison."
"Show me where they are."
Nodding Gurresh hurried on to the back of Mancoro. They passed the one-room huts and moved on to the section where the thatched hut was built. From there Gurresh led him through the bigger houses of the dead Hyenen elders. Behind them, there was a line of six deep pits dug into the ground.
As Mulu stepped up to the first pit, Msia stood up ready for whatever Mulu had planned. Mulu laughed at Msia's defiance.
"The weak fool, he thinks he still has a chance to defeat me." Mulu slammed his hands together creating a loud thunderclap. "There's is no hope for you Msia. The prophets have seen it. I will be the next lord of all of Aspana."
"You have brought the war to our lands" Msia shouted up at Mulu. "But that will not make you the lord of Aspana. You can try, but I have faith in Mother Nurisha. She will not make you master sending the people into a hundred years of despair."
"Gods have nothing to do with it." Mulu laughed. "I am beyond the gods. I rule my destination with no help from any higher power."
At that exact moment, thunder erupted in the sky and a bolt of lightning crashed down striking the ground next to Mulu. Mulu gazed down at the burned patch of grass next to him.
"See! Not even your gods can destroy me!!" With that said, Mulu turned away laughing and walked away.
"We will see Evil one. We will see."

As the lightning struck the ground, Sakura woke up screaming. He had been dreaming that he and Astan were being chased by Demondogs. No matter what they did they couldn't get away from them. Neither Astan's magic or Sakura's strength made any difference, they just kept on attacking.
Running as fast as they could, Astan sent bolts of power back to try and slow down the  Demondogs chasing them. Sakura's blade flashed striking them down as they came into his range. Then something grabbed Astan and pulled him away from Sakura. Sakura stopped then dived back with Oblivion cutting into a mad frenzy. But there were too many of them. In a few minutes, they pulled him down. That's when he screamed waking himself up.
As he looked around he realized he had no idea where he was. This wasn't the campsite where he had fallen asleep. He was in a deep pit to high and wide for him to climb out. What had happened? Where were Dar'yl, Quynn, and the others? Where was he? As paced from side to side, a familiar scent drifted down to him. As Sakura drew it in he became angry and started to growl. He had smelled this scent before. Out on the savanna and many times in the jungle around Tinpa. Hyenens and the smell were overpowering. Now he knew where he was. He was in Mancoro, the Hyenen city.
[Yes Love. We have been captured by Mulu Amin.]
[Astan? Are you here too? Are you alright?]
[Yes Love.] Astan answered. [I'm in a pit not far from you and I'm not hurt.]
[Good.] Sakura sent him waves of love. [Becaue I'm not sure what I would do if anything happens to you. And I'm not sure how your father would take it either.]
[My father?] Astan sent confused. He knew Sakura had gone to Tinpa, It had been him that sent him to help the city. But he hadn't expected his father to question Sakura. [What do you mean?]
[I mean your father knows all about us.]
[Oh no!!] Astan moaned into Sakura's mind. [This could mean trouble.]
[No Love. All he wants is for you to be happy. He has no objections to our union as long as we rule with justice and patience. He wants us to bring our lands together. For us to rule as kings.]
Relieved, Astan sent waves of love out to his mate. He wanted Sakura to know that he was happy with the choices he had made. But now they had to concentrate on finding a way out of their prison. Mulu wouldn't leave them alone for too long. By tomorrow, he would be back with torture on his mind. To get out, it would take a mixture of both their talents. Astan's magic's and Sakura's strength.
Astan had tried using his spells to transport him somewhere else. But I didn't work. He could do minor spells, but nothing major which means he couldn't fight Mulu from the pit. But maybe there was another way. Something simple. Something Mulu might not expect.

On the northern side of Mancoro, just outside of the city wall, a grey gorilla sat high in a tree watching the movements in the city. He had been there all day and he'd seen many Demons and Hyenens as they made they way in and out of the city. Nyo was very nervous. He knew Astan was in there somewhere as was Mulu Amin. He moved higher in the tree to keep out of sight. Being caught now would be disastrous to their play. Not that he felt he had to worry very much. It seemed the Demons and Hyenens were to busy fighting each other to look up into the trees.
He had seen Mulu many times going from his house to various parts of the city. He had even seen him stop and beat a group of his Demons to true death. Mulu was malicious, even to his own followers. As it grew dark and lights flared on throughout the city. Nyo watched as a stranger arrived at the gates of Mancoro. From his smell, Nyo couldn't tell this wasn't a Demon or a Hyenen. He had a wild smell and a dark cloak, he was tall with very broad shoulders. At his side, Nyo could see an ornate sword hanging from his belt. There were no features showing. The one thing he did know was that this one was powerful. He had to be or there was no way he would walk into the heart of the Hyenen land alone.
From the gate, the stranger climbed down off his saddle and called out for the master of this city to come out and meet with him. A few minutes later dressed in his battle armor, Mulu Amin with his head held high came walking out to parlay with the stranger.
Moving quietly, Nyo slid down the tree to try and hear what they were saying.
"All is ready," Mulu said. "I have captured the Tigaren, the Pantheran, and a few other enemies."
"You have done well Mulu." The strangers gravely voice said. "When will they die?"
"Their deaths will come when you bring me the king of the Tigarens. He is the only power left that can threaten us."
"He will be here within three days." The stranger said. "Then Aspana will be ours. No one will have the power to stop us!"
As the two allies broke into laughter, Mulu turned and made his way back into the city.
"Myumbo you monster." The stranger said as he climbed on his mount and started off. "Soon I will be rid of you and your Demon and Hyenen warriors. Then we will see who laughs."
With Mulu and the tall stranger gone, Nyo hurried down out of the tree. He had heard what they had been talking about. The stranger was going to go after King Yonas. Somehow they would have to stop him. But how? That could have been almost anyone in that dark cloak. How was he to figure out who the danger would come from? Leaping back into the trees, Nyo moved as fast as he could. He had to get back to the campsite. Palas was his only hope to warn the king before some spy got to him and slipped a knife into his back.

As the moon rose high into the night sky, Pitch dropped down out of the clouds to land in the jungle out beyond the city of Mancora. Aggar climbed down off his back and the dragon shifted back to his human form
"Where to from here?" Aggar asked.
"Mancoro is west of here about ten miles." Akani said. "Its an easy run for us in our animal form."
"What do we do once we find it?" Aggar said as he put his pack on his back.
"We go in and get Msia."
"You really think it'll be that easy?" Aggar folded his arms across his chest, "Mulu will be there and so will his warriors Demon and Hyenen. And who knows what else."
"That won't matter." Akani said. "My dragon is all we need."
"You're being overconfident," Aggar said. "Dragons are very powerful beings but they aren't unstoppable. There are ways to kill a Dragon and I'll bet Mulu knows that. Don't forget he holds Inferno and he can do the same with you."
"You don't know what I can do Aggar." Akani was upset. He didn't like the idea that Aggar didn't trust his newly acquired Dragon abilities. As the new Dragon of sound, there was no other dragon like him. A battle with Mulu would prove his strength his nights."
Aggar couldn't believe what he was hearing. Akani know that the strong always defeat the weak. He thought his new dragon made him powerful. More powerful then Mulu, but he didn't really know how dangerous the Hyenen witch doctor was. But with all the battles and wars Aggar had seen, he knew to never be overconfident in battle. Drake Tyr taught him it was always best to know your enemy.
His weapons and his weaknesses before you engage him in battle. He had to find a way to show Akani his error.
"Face me Akani," Aggar said as he pulled out his knives. "Now attack me!"
As Akani turned he started his shift to Pitch. With a roar, he took a deep breath and aimed for Aggar.
With incredible speed, Aggar dive at Pitch's feet then he leaped up and grabbed his neck. He wrapped his legs around his neck and put his knives to Pitch's weak spot
"Now do you see what I mean?" Aggar said. "You thought your dragon could overcome any enemy, but you were wrong. I slipped in under your guard and had your life in my hands. Now imagine I had Mulu's magic. Who knows what he could do. Your dragon is still young. He needs experience. he needs to grow and learn his limits before he battles an enemy like Mulu."
[You're right.] Pitch sent. [Then what are we going to do? We can't leave Msia in Mulu's hands.]
"We need to find help. There has to be others out here looking to get in Mancora. We find them and band together. Shift back and let's get moving."

As Nyo leaped down from the trees and ran into their campsite, Hayami jumped holding his spear up to challenge the intruder. When he saw Nyo he lowered the weapon and greeted his old friend.
"What did you  find out?" He asked.
"A lot," Nyo said. "Come, we should get to Palas. We all need to hear this."
 Palas sat having a breakfast of fruit and dried meat they had taken from Goren in Domina. As Nyo and Hayami hurried over he put down his mugs of hot coffee to listen. When Nyo was done with his report, Palas stood up and threw the hot brew into the fire.
"I'm the only one that can reach Tinpa in time," Palas said as he stretched his wings to get ready for a long flight. "I'll have to be fast and strong. There might be opposition out there waiting to stop me. I'll take food and drink for two days.
"Be careful my friend," Nyo said placing a hand on Palas's shoulder.  "King Yonas life might be in your hands. Hayami lets breakdown camp, its time to go find our friends."

In Tinpa, Yonas Kinya had just returned home from the war. The Tigarens with the help of the Rhinons and the Zebrens had pushed the Hyenens from their borders to back in the dry lands when a message came telling Yonas that he was needed back at home. On his way back to Tinpa, he met up with a group of warriors from Panthera with written orders from their Regent to escort the King of Tigar home and to be his personal guards. King Yonas didn't see the point, but it was wartime and Tigara could use all the help they could get, so he accepted and took them home with him.
Big mistake.

In the outer study of the kingdom of Ja'dam, Sky stood looking at Quynn and Dar'yl as he explained what he thought was about to happen.
"That's not Cormac's father in there," Sky said as cool frosted breath came out o his mouth.
"Then who is it?" Dar'yl asked fingering his sword.
"I don't know. It's some kind of shadow."
"Does Cormac know?" Quynn asked.
"No, I don't think so."
"Then get ready. He come's."
As the doors opened, Cormac came out with a strange look on his face,
"What is it?" Quynn asked
"I'm not sure," He said. "He wants to see you, but while my back was turned, Father sent for his weapons. He's never done that before."
Just then, a small group of guards came running in with their weapons all pointed at Quynn, Sky, Dar'yl and Cormac.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" Cormac shouted angrily. ""These are guest in our house, put away those weapons!"
"I'm sorry my Prince but this is the king's orders. He wants you and  your friends brought before him in chains."
As Dar'yl reached for his sword, a guard grabbed Cormac and slipped a dagger to his throat.
"Make another move Lion and he dies."
"Put it away Dar'yl," Quynn said. "For now we will do as they say. Give them your weapons.

From the king's study, they were taken down into the belly of Ja'dam's dungeons and stripped of all their weapon's. Cormac didn't have much to say. He was embarrassed by the way his guest was being treated.
"This has never happened before," He said. "My father is a gracious host. even to suspected enemies, he keeps them under a constant watch, but he's never put them in chains or thrown them in the dungeon."
"Cormac." Sky as he came over to the confused man. "I think you should sit down. We have something to tell you."
After Sky told him what he thought, Cormac jumped and slammed his fist down into the bed. What Sky had said could mean only one thing. Ja'dam had been invaded and his father had been taken. It was up to him to go out and find him and bring him home.
"First we get the intruder off your throne, then we think about finding your father."
"How do we get out of here?" Cormac asked.
"The king wants to see us remember." Sky smiled. "I think we can give him a cold welcome."

After a two day waits, King La'darein Ja'dam had his guards bring Cormac, Quynn, and Sky to his audience chamber to see him. Cormac stood proud with his head high as the guards taunted him poking him with the butts of their spears never once using the tips fearing how and what he might do.
As they were led into the audience room, King La'darein sat scowling on the throne with a blue-skinned bald regally dressed stranger there at his side.
"Who are you?" The bald man asked.
"Who are you?" Cormac said boldly. "You're not one of our people and since when did you become an adviser to the king?"
"You will answer his questions." King La'darein said firmly. "And you will stand aside Cormac."
"Or what?" Cormac pushed his way forward. "You're not my father. You're not king here. You're an invader sent here to destroy my people and I won't let you. Sky, now!!"
Quickly Sky inhaled while Quynn, Dar'yl, and Cormac came close with their chained hands held up. Sky let out a short burst of cold. Sent out to freeze the chains. With a single motion, they all slammed their manacles together to shatter them like fragile pieces of clay pottery. As Sky, Dar'yl Quynn and Cormac took positions to attack, King La'darein jumped to his feet screaming for his guards. Like soldier ants, the guard came running in to defend their king. Looking at the armed soldier, Quynn shouted a quick spell, in a flash Dar'yl and Cormac's weapons appeared at their backs in their usual places. Feeling the weight of his sword on his back, Dar'yl roared his battle cry as he pulled the sword and charged forward into battle. With the two warriors ready for battle, Quynn and Sky let loose with bolts of energy and freezing cold as they entered the fight.
As the battle broke out, the bald blue-skinned man hurried down and grabbed a fallen warriors weapon and charged at Cormac.
"You think you will be Ja'dam's next ruler but you are wrong!" He raised his sword to attack. "Ja'dam will be ours and the Dark Elf's with fall!"
"Never!" Cormac yelled as he brought his weapon up to block. Swinging around with his short sword, Cormac aimed low for a swipe at the blue man's chest. Jumping back, the blue-man dodged the attack.
"I am Xanthor of Xuthulu's first circle," The blur man said as he grew three feet to tower over Cormac. "Get ready to die little man!"
As Xanthor's sword crashed down barely missing Cormac, Sky turned from battle and shouted something no one understood at Cormac. Before he could react, Cormac shot up in height match the size of his opponent.
[End the battle Quick.] Sky sent. [The spell will only last minutes.]
With a smile, Cormac dived into battle. His swords moved with a speed he had never had before. He blocked Xanthor's strikes and came back to cut into his arm and leg. Feeling the pain, Xanthor stumbled back surprised at Cormac's skill and speed. Reaching his hand out, Xanthor shot three bolts of energy at Cormac and dived in to attack. With astonishing speed, Cormac brought his blade up and in three quick motions sent the energy bolts back at Xanthor. like crossbow bolts, the three bolts hit Xanthor in his chest, head and shoulder knocking him back and out of the battle.
With a victorious cheer, Cormac turned to the man on the throne who had invaded his home to pose as his father. Looking grim with his sword raised, Cormac started up the steps of the throne. As the spell wore off, Cormac returned to his normal size. A warrior hurried up to step in front of the king to defend him. With one blow, Cormac knocked him aside and stood in front of the trembling king.
"Where is my father?"
"He is here," The king laughed. "But you will never get him free!"
As Cormac raised his sword to strike, Dar'yl grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Cormac." He said. "This is your father. Something evil has control of him. Let me try. I maybe able to free him."
Nodding, Cormac stepped back out of the way as Dar'yl took his place in front of the king.
"What is your name Demon"
"You think I will share that with you?" The Demon laughed. "That would give you power over me?"
"You don't have to give anything to me." Dar'yl smiled. "But I will get what I want from you and you will release King La'darein."
"And what  power do you have that will make me obey you?" The Demon smiled as  his eyes glowed red. "I will never release him.  His soul is so sweet and warm. When it is time, I will bring the rest of  my brothers here to feast on these worms."
"I don't think so." Dar'yl took a deep breath as his mane started to glow white. As he stared down into the king's eyes he roared. The king started to shake and scream. Cormac leaped forward to save his father. Quynn grabbed him and pulled him back.
As the glow faded from Dar'yl's mane, he stepped away from the king and turned around.
"It is done," He said. "The king is free."
"Hurrying to his father, Cormac grabbed him by his shoulders and lifted him into a hug.
"Father, are you alright?"
"Cormac? Where am I?"
"Home safe father. The nightmare is over."
"No," He said. "I'm afraid it's not."
"What do you mean?" Dar'yl asked.
"Who are you?" The king asked getting to his feet. "Why are you here in my house?"
"I brought them here Father. They just saved your life."
"You have my thanks Friend lion, but my warning is for you and your people."
"What is it your Majesty?" Quynn asked.
"The monster that held me prisoner is after the northern lands first." He explained. "There is something up there he has an alliance with. Its a dark hearted beast who wants you Lions and Tigars slave under his claws."
As Dar'yl stood back, Sky stepped up.
"That has to be Mulu Amin," He said frowning. "Only he his that much hate in his heart. He has to be the one the Regent warned me about."
"What do we do?" Cormac asked.
"We head to Mancora." Dar'yl said. "You Cormac, stay here and help your father get your people ready in case the war makes it to Ja'dam."
"But I could go and fight with you."
"No,"Quynn said. "Dar'yl is right. Your place is here with your people. If we need your help. I will come for you."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," King La'darein said with his hand on his son's shoulder. "We have a lot to do. Our border posts need to be examined and re-enforced. We have a lot of work to do. but we can offer your friends a good meal and a bed for the night."
"Diola lle." Quynn bowed.
"Lle creoso a'baramin." King La'darein said in reply.
"What's that mean?" Sky asked.
"We are welcome in his house." Quynn laughed.

That night there was celebration in Ja'dam. The lights and music went on until late in the morning hours. King La'darein and Prince Cormac stayed up until way pass the 5th hour in the morning when they declared it to be time for sleep. The city guard were set in place as the rest of Ja'dam turned in for some sleep. With Sky at his side, Quynn was shown to a suite where they could lay down and rest while Dar'yl took a place on the royal balcony where he would stay up and be on guard.
As the 6th hour passed a dark demon appeared outside the city gate. With an evil grin, he worked his hands onto a spell that put everyone in the palace into a deep sleep. Then he spoke his spell.

WITH EVIL INTENT AND DARKNESS IN MIND.
FROM JA'DAM TO MANCORA I CONJURE A SPACE.
A SPACE TO PLACE THE TWO I SEEK.
PLACE THEM IN A DARK PLACE.
AND DO IT WITH  ALL HASTE.

As dark magic spun and weaved in the air over Mulu's head, a blast shriek out like a bolt of lightning and flew into Ja'dam palace. In seconds the sleeping forms of Quynn and Sky floated out of the palace and went out to Mulu where it stopped and floated suspended. Mulu raised his hand and guided the sleeping bodies through a portal that lead to Mancora.
"I could destroy Ja'dam," Mulu said as he turned and stepped up to the portal. "But my Demondogs deserve something to kill. I will return later."

As Dar'yl lay quiet dreaming of running through sun-soaked fields with a Lioness dressed in a tan skirt and top Nurisha appeared at his side and bent over to whisper in his ear.
"Be wake my handsome warrior." Her sweet voice sent feelings of thrilling dreams into his mind. "I have work for you tonight."
"What is it Mother Nurisha? Dar'yl said as he smiled and hugged his pillow.
"You are needed in the western mountains." She said as she blew on his tingling ear. "Take no one with you. I will lead you back when the mission is done."
"What is my mission?"
"Free the Griffins from their prison."



Quynn rolled over and opened his eyes, he didn't recognize his surroundings. He looked up and saw the twilight. The moon was high above his head. He was in some kind of pit or crevice. The walls were over ten or fifteen feet high. Too high for him to climb, but it should be no problem for his Dragon. Stepping forward for more room, Quynn took a deep breath and started his shift to Dyrgyn. With a roar, Dyrgyn announced his entrance into the world. With one mighty leap and a sweep of his wings. the dragon was at to top just about to crawl out. As he reached up and over the rim of the pit there was a strong flash and Dyrgyn slammed into a force field that sent him rolling back down to the bottom of the pit. As Quynn sat up back in his normal form his head ached with pain. What was that up there? He had never felt such pain in his life.
Well, climbing out didn't work, he wondered who else might be trapped here. Folded his legs and made himself comfortable He closed his eyes and reached out to read the area at the top of the pit. His mind flared up with pain. He saw the six pits but it hurt too much to go beyond them. As he checked the first pit, burning pain ripped through his mind. Quynn backed away from it. Then he felt a cool stream of comfort radiating out from the third pit. It felt familiar. As he reached for it, he knew it coulld only be Sky.
[Sky? Are you here? Are you hurt?
[No Quynn.] He answered.[Just a little dazed. Where are we?]
[My guess is Mancora. I think Mulu came in the night and somehow took us away.]
[What about the others?]
[They could  be in the other pits but I doubt it.]
[What do you mean?]
[I don't think Mulu would even consider Nyo and Hayami worth bothering with. I think Astan and Sakura are in the other pits.]
[If there's one of us in each pit, that makes four.] Sky sent. [Who could be five and six?]
[I don't know.] Quynn sent. [You're better at this than me. You check them out. I'll try and find a way out.]

Watching from above on a different astral plane, Nurisha stood up in her sparkling gown of stars and mist. She turned to Tyree and Aramis who sat on the side calmly watching.
"What can we do to help?"
"Nothing," Aramis said looking from Tyree to Nurisha. "I know it hurts you to see this happening in Aspana. As the god of life, I feel it too. But we have to let them solve their own affairs."
"But its not just them." Nurisha cried. "There is something dark down there pushing them on. I don't know who it is, but there is something evil and dark down there, I can feel it stabbing into me."
"We will keep watch," Aramis said as he hugged her close. "I know what it would do to you, my Love. I will not let Aspana fall."
As the cloudy scene of the little piece of Heaven faded away, a dark bit of laughter could be heard drifting through the ether