Sweet Endings. 37

As the hours slipped by Astan sat back deep in the brush of Atrua's outer garden. For now, all he could do was wait for his time to strike. He watched as Haymark led his lizards out of the city. This could be it if he was careful. Astan moved with care as he called out to the shadows to mask his movements. With a wave and a simple spell, Astan was covered in shadow as he ran at the side of Haymark's cart. Once through the gate, Astan thought everything would be easy, but that was just the beginning.

From the shadows of the harbor, something slipped out of the water and made its way pass Perjona’s claw, then down the dock keeping itself hidden from a trio of drunken Pantherens who were singing their way home.
After leaving the harbor, it passed the guard house just as a young Puma stepped out to smoke his last jank of the night. As he struck his flint and took his first pull, something swung down out of the night and stabbed him in his chest. The pain was so sudden, it felt more like a cold blade piercing his heart than anything else. As the Puma fell to the ground dead, its murderer dashed back into the night and back on its course after his enemy.
As Memnon the Rat dragged his prey through the deserted streets, it reached out and grabbed him by the rags and pulled him in for a taste. The Rats smell was so enticing. It could barely steady his hands as it lifted Memnon for a nice long smell. It smiled as its slimy tongue slide out and ran across the Rats horrified face. Memnon kicked and punched trying to get itself free, but there was no point. He was already as dead as Memnon’s prey. All that was left was the pain.
[Your fear tastes so gooood!!]
Memnon screamed so loud, he was heard at the palace.
The guards would be looking for something tonight. Especially after what was left of Memnon’s corpse was found. But he should be gone long before that happens. Unless his enemy proves much harder to kill then he expects.
After the fear was drained from Memnon’s body, it tossed his wretched corpse into a garbage bin behind a butcher shop and went back to hunting his enemy. Memnon hadn’t been much of a meal, but he was enough to hold it until the enemy was caught.
As it stepped out around a corner, it found itself standing beside a trio of guards. Moving with amazing speed, it whipped its tail out and stabbed two guards in their neck before the last guard even knew he was there. Just as his camouflage shield snapped up around him, it reached out and ripped the Pantherens stomach open and sneaked away into the night.

The hour grew late, and it had just finished off the last of six palace warriors. It pulled them deep in the bush and fouled a well with the last of its night hunt. It knew it could have hidden the bodies where they would never be found, but the beast didn’t care.
As its wings opened it thought back to the first day in Atrua. It had tracked the enemy to the city of the Lions.
It thought it would enjoy killing them as fast as it could, but suddenly it sensed it was not alone. There was someone else here and that other person was very powerful. It would have to keep it from sensing him until he had the power to defeat it.
[It's too late for that.] Boomed through his head. [I know who you are. I know your name. Nereus.]
It heard his name, Nereus pulled back. He could feel the power rippling out from the entity. Power over him to make him do anything it wanted, including kill himself. There had to be a way to get free from its control. Nereus would have to do its bidding until he could find a way to get free of its control
[Relax Monster. I want the same thing as you. I want you to kill the enemy, and a few others.]
[Others?] Nereus said.
[Yes.] The voice said sending ripples of cold all through Nereus body. [Gather your clan. I have work for you.]
The cold feeling faded away as Nereus spread his wings and launched himself west.
[For now, I will do your bidding. But someday you will slip up and lose control and I will have my day.

As Sakura closed the rusty sewage gate, he turned to find Quynn and Sky looking into the window of Koshers glass show. Seeing two humans staring back through his window could cause Sakura, but the shop was closed. As a matter of fact, the streets were empty. There wasn’t a soul out here.
“Where’d everybody go?” Quynn asked.
“I’m not sure,” Sakura said. “Kosher’s is usually busy at this time of the day.”
“Isn’t this a weapons shop?” Sky said. He was staring through the window of Atrua’s main weapons shop They could see rows of swords and spears. There was also a complete set of shining armor being displayed with different sets of chain mail, boots and claws.
“Follow me,” Sakura said as he opened the shops' door and went. The shop was clean. You could smell the smoke from the forge as it bellowed out in the back of the shop.
“This is wrong,” Sakura said as he picked up a dagger and tried its edge. “I know the owner of this shop, he would never leave the doors open like this. And Kahn should be in his shop. The street should be alive with shoppers yet, there’s no one here.”
“Could it be something new straight from the palace?” Quynn asked.
“That’s the only excuse the works,” Sakura said. “A royal command, and it’s a pretty strict one too, even the beggars are obeying this command.”
“Then I guess that’s where we should be going.” Sky said.
“Yep.”  Sakura turned north, then stopped. “Before we go, I want to warn you both that arena fighting here is different than in Tigaren. Once we accept a challenge here, It’s to the death. So, try and be careful what you say.”

The hills were quiet as Kenji made his way out of Atrua. To him, the jungle was fascinating, all the vibrant colors, the greens, and reds. All the fruit he had seen was cut and prepared for him. This fruit was different. He grabbed a huge red thing off one of the trees. He wasn’t sure what it was, but its smell. Its smell was intoxicating Kenji could barely stand being so close. Kenji licked his lips then opened his mouth. He thought he would die if he didn’t get the fruit into him Blind with toxic hunger, Kenji slammed the fruit into his mouth, then sat back as his filled with the delicious taste of his own blood. As he spit out the foul metallic taste, Kenji looked up to see what had stopped from enjoying the sweet exotic fruit.
Standing there wiping the juices of the red lotus seed from his cotton tunic, a tall wolf stood smiling down at him.
“Myumbo sir,” Kenji said. “That was to be my breakfast, is there a reason you took it from me? Or do you enjoy stealing fruit from young travelers?”
The stranger stared down at Kenji for a minute. As he put his hands to his side, Kenji grabbed for his weapons and had them out before the stranger could let out his breath.
“Should I take this to mean you want to fight me?” The stranger said. “If so, I should tell you I am much more then what you see here."
“No stranger,” Kenji said as he laid down his weapons. “I have no reason to fight you.”
“You might want to thank me.” The Wolfman said. “Quickly. Step over here where I can shield you.”
With a few quick steps, Kenji had moved over to stand with the stranger. From around the corner, a Hyenen stumbled. He was very thirsty. In front of him was the lotus tree fat with juicy seeds.
[Watch and learn.]
Kenji didn’t understand. What harm could it be to take a see?
[He can’t see us?] Kenji thought out loud.
[Hush, he might hear you.]
With a quick nod, Kenji turned back to see what the Wolf was trying to teach him. As they watched, the Hyenen took notice of the Lotus plant. Its eyes lit up and the mouth started to salivate. He picked himself up off the ground and crawled to the Lotus.
[Now watch.]
On his hands and knees, the Hyenen crawled to the Lotus plant. He crawled through jagged stones which they both knew was shredding his knees. Then he crawled through red ant which was all over his body biting and sucking up his blood. The Hyenen was in pain. It should have been screaming and running for the river, but all it could see was the Lotus seeds. Pretty soon its entire body was covered with ants and it lay gasping for breath as it died at the foot of the Lotus plant.
“That could have been you.” The Wolf said as he went down to fill up his waterskin. “My name is Aggar.”
“I am Kenji.” The Lion cub walked down to the water's edge and reached for Aggar. As the cub reached for him, Aggar jumped up with a spin and started a slice that would have opened Kenji’s belly. With a strong hand, Msia reached out with his mind and stopped Aggar’s attack.
“The cub is looking for his father,” Msia said as he and Akani stepped out of the jungle. “Just as I am looking for him.”
“Father?” Kenji wiped his eyes think he might be dreaming. “If I am dreaming please someone wake me.”
[Tis no dream Kenji Noriko Duma.] Msia said with a smile. “Are you satisfied. Only the true king knows the name he gave you at birth.”
In a deep bow, Kenji started to cry as he welcomed his father back to Atrua.
“That’s no way to welcome your father home.”
Msia reached out and grabbed Kenji and pulled him in a king’s hug. As Kenji and Msia hugged, their minds mingled, and information was passed on from son to father, and from father to son. As Msia released Kenji from the hug, he looked down on his son
“There is much I’d like to tell you, but there is no time.” He said. “Atrua is in danger. There is only one way to save it. We must find your brother. There is no other way to win.”
“I don’t understand,” Kenji said. “What friends?”
“You will,” Msia said. “For now, just help me find your brother.”
“That should not be hard,” Kenji said. “Sakura and I were always the best at the castle game. You know why?”
“Why?” Msia asked.
“Because we could see into each other’s mind,”  Kenji said. “He’s not far away.”
Over to the side, Aggar pulled Akani to him.
“Do you feel that?”
“What?” Akani asked.
“Something is wrong.” The Wolf said. “I can feel it in my bones. Do I tell Msia?”
Akani thought about it for a minute then answered.
“You’re a much better hunter then I am, Msia would tell you to follow your instincts, but be careful, don’t confront anyone without telling us.”


Three days earlier, as Sakura, Sky, and Quyyn dressed in heavy robes with hoods stepped into a crowd just outside of the city’s main gate. There was a line that ran down along the concourse with Pantherens, Tigarens, and the occasional Simian and Rhinon. Standing at a guard post, three Pantherens checked visas and work orders.
“Have your papers out and ready for inspection.” A Pantheren dressed in a blue uniform called out as he went down the line Inspecting visas and passing people through to two separate gates. One for city citizens, and another for merchants. Walking next to the guard was an older Pantheren with his hands folded behind his back. You could tell by his attitude his rank was higher. All he did was rub his nose at certain people who were quickly snatched out of line and pushed behind a curtain. As we got closer to the front of the line. Sakura reached into his side bag and slipped a ring on his finger, then put his finger to his lips to silence us.
“You!”
Sakura turned to the guard and stood tall with his mane hidden under his hood. As his emerald green eyes flashed, the guard stepped up to him to demand to see his visa. Sakura lifted his paw to show him the ring with the royal crest of the Dumas.
When the guard saw the ring, his eyes flew open in surprise to see the crown prince standing in front of him.
“Keep it quiet,” Sakura said. “I don’t want my presence announced.
“How can I be of service to you my Prince?” The guard asked.
“What is your name, guardsmen?”
“I am called Cade.” The guardsmen said pleased to be in the prince’s company.
“I need to go to the palace to see my mother,” Sakura said. “Can you get me in?”
“I’m sorry your highness,” Cade said. “But the Queen won’t be there.”
“Where will she be?” “Sakura said afraid of his answer. “Where is my Mother, Cade?”
Cade was quiet as he looked away from Sakura. Tension filled the air as Cade started to stutter. Sakura looked at him blazing eyes. Cade stopped and settled himself down before he answered.
“Tonight,” Cade said after taking a deep swallow. “She will be at the estate of the Gazini family, preparing for her wedding.”
They were all quiet for a minute as they thought about what Cade had said. He said her wedding. He didn’t say who she was marrying, that was kinda obvious. She was going to marry G’ania Gazini. He thought his take over of Panthera would be easier if he was married to the Queen. The Regent hadn’t thought about Sakura or his return.
“Can you get us into the wedding?” Sakura asked.
“What are you thinking?” Sky asked Sakura.
“I think we can find a nice surprise for the newlywed couple.”

In the dark of the evening hour, G’ania sat on the throne with dark feelings in his head. Tomorrow would be the day of his wedding. He still couldn’t believe she had agreed to marry him. He knew she didn’t love him. She was still in love with her first husband, Msia. But he had disappeared long ago. They had sent out search party’s for years with no success. They either came back exhausted or they never returned at all. But G’ania couldn’t concern himself with his old king. He had a future of his own to plan and it wouldn’t be easy. There are many here in Panthera that would oppose some of the changes he had planned. But today wasn’t the day to worry about such things. Today was his wedding day and that would bring a different set of problems. G’ania wasn’t blind to the fact that Michiyo didn’t love him. He had given her a choice. Marry him and stay on the throne or oppose him and be tossed out of the palace and on to the streets with nothing but the clothes she had on. Michiyo looked at him with a look that could kill. But she knew she had no choice. She stood up and pushed back her chair. Her perfume filled the air and made the Regent a bit dizzy. Her jewelry rang on her wrist like shining silver bells. As she walked toward him batting her gold and green eyes the regent couldn’t help but admire her.”
“I will marry you.” She said. “But I will never love you."
 As she turned to walk away. The Regent stepped and grabbed her by the back of her short hair and pulled her back to face him. She staggered back with her teeth gritted.
“Love is unnecessary for now.” He said. “But if it was required. You would be at my side begging to be serviced.”
Michiyo pulled away, her silver and gold jingling in frustration as she backed away. The Regent had gone to far this time. His threats had been on more than just her. This time they were one her children. Kenji and Amara.  This time she had no choice, she would have to either get them out of the city or strike at him before he could make a move against her. This time he had made the ultimate mistake. He thought the Queen weak, just a pretty face that Msia had always had at his side. He did not know her true power. Now he will learn about the true nature of this Tigarian queen.

As trumpets rang out the double doors opened, and the guest slowly made their way into the ballroom. Dressed in robes of bright red, green and gold they danced their way all through the hall with their faces hidden behind masks. Some wore feathers with golden beaks while others dressed as characters out of colorful tarot cards.
Dressed as a priest in black, a Giraffe came in carrying his book of prayer. He walked down through the hall and gave his nod of approval to those gathered there to witness the ritual. Next came the dancing girls. They wore silver masks and dressed in colorful silks as they spread flowers all through the crowd.
Violins harked G’ania Gazini’s entrance. Standing tall and proud he wore the colors of his house silver blue and black. His mask was silver with a full mane of black hair flowing down his back. G’ania was followed by the Fool in red, yellow and blue and the mask of the jester as he did his dance to entertain the guest.
The Blind man was led in by the Lovers dressed in their robes of love that sent the smell of jasmine all through the hall. As all was ready, G’ania gave the nod to begin.
Two trumpeters rang out the Pantherens wedding song, Michiyo stepped out into the ballroom. Scantily dressed, she wore the red, gold and green of the house Duma. Her mask was made of iron. It was that of the crying maiden and not the golden mask G’ania had presented her to wear for their wedding. On her arm, she wore the wedding bracelet that Msia had given her on the day of their wedding. Behind her carrying the train of her veil and with her head down in protest of the wedding came her daughter Amara. When G’ania saw how she was dressed, he was furiously offended, but there was not much he could do for of he lifted a hand to her, the crowd would be on him in seconds.
As G’ania and Michiyo stood together in front of the priest, the ceremony began. The priest spoke of the long-gone days of Pantherens past and the kings and queens of long ago. He spoke of happiness and the peaceful reign of the days in the past. Then came the vows. He asked G’ania if he would love, honor and keep himself for his bride. Would he protect her and keep her in the way a queen should be treated? Then he asked if G’ania would hold and protect Panthera and be the king the country needed.
“I do,” G’ania answered.
With a nod of acceptance, the priest turned to Michiyo and started on her vows. He asked if she would love and honor G’ania for the rest of his life. Michiyo stood silently keeping her mouth shut. The priest waited for an answer then looked to G’ania confused.
“She will.” He said. “Move on with the ceremony.”
Unsure what he was supposed to do, the priest moved on.
“In accordance with the laws of Panthera, is there anyone here who objects to this wedding?
“I do.” Rang out from behind the couple.
Surprised that anyone dared to object, G’ania turned to confront whoever had spoken out.
“Who dared interrupt my wedding?”
“I dare.” The Fool said as he took off his mask to reveal his identity as Msia Duma, the true King of Panthera. As Msia took off his mask, Sakura, Quyyn, and Sky dropped their disguise and stood ready for an attack.
“So Msia Duma returns home.” G’ania threw off his mask and grabbed Michiyo and pulled her to him. “Your return is too late. You have lost all that once belonged to you.”
"No!!!" Michiyo screamed as she ripped herself out of G'ania clutches. "The only thing he lost was time here with us. I still love him and I always will."
“Stupid bitch!” G’ania lifted one hand and fired a plasma bolt at her. “You made your choice, but it’s the wrong one!”
As the bolt streaked out at her, Michiyo threw up a bright energy shield to block. When the bolt struck her shield, cracks appeared but it didn’t shatter. With a wave of her free hand, she sent bullet liked pellets of light at G’ania. As he stepped aside, he summoned his shield to block off the rest of her attack.
While Michiyo battled G’ania, Msia stepped to her side and forced her back behind him.
“Now you face the true master of Atrua.” Msia stood there tall as the wind blew at his red, green and gold leathers. As he faced G’ania, his leathers had changed to take on the colors of Panthera. “Stand down villain!”
“Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!! G’ania laughed. “You don’t scare me Alleycat! But I know what scares you.”
Suddenly there was a flash of shadow. Darkness filled all their eyes. When it passed, G’ania was no longer alone. There next to him stood Mulu Amin, the Hyenen witch doctor. At his side stood Igoro Baba. His robes were tattered and torn. The fur on his arms looked patched and warn like he had been dragged and beaten.
Next, to Igoro, there was a patch of darkness. At first, they thought it was just a shadow until something in the darkness moved. Smoky tendrils slithered in and out, then shot out at Quyyn like the tentacles of some deranged squid. Sky dived at Quyyn and pushed him out of the way. He rolled across the floor then shifted to his Phoenix form and shot a bolt of Phoenix fire into the darkness. Getting quickly to his feet, Quyyn squared off with Igoro. Shifting to Dyrgyn, Quyyn roared and sent his mystic magik at the zombie gorilla. Throwing his fist up, Igoro beat at his chest then charged at Dyrgyn. Dyrgyn opened his wings then reached out with his long arms and smacked the gorilla away. As he shook his head, Igoro came back with a ring of energy that sped out and knocked the dragon back. Before Dyrgyn could react, Igoro was on him beating down into his chest armor.
As the Shadow demon streaked up into the night, Sky flared up after him. Streaks of shadow and fire flew back and forth between the two nightflyers. Sky twisted and turned his wings creating waves of phoenix fire that sent its cold down into the heart of the Shadowdemon.
“The time has come, Sakura,” Mulu said as they circled each other ready to battle. “The only thing missing is that sweet piece of meat you call your mate. But have no doubt, I will have him in my bed. His ass will be mine.”
“Never!!” Sakura screamed as he pointed his sword at the Hyenen. Streams of electrical energy blasted out from the sword. Like an arrow, it went straight for Mulu.
As the Hyenen laughed, his body was bathed in Sakura’s deadly blast. Flames covered his body as his coat burned. Mulu’s laughter was replaced with screams as his body burned. Sakura stood back and watched.

Out in the corridor, fist flew, and claws slashed as Palas, Nyo and Hayami battled Hyenen warriors and Demondogs. Palas streaked through the air slashing out with his bloody talons. Nyo and Hayami stood back to back as they ripped into the enemy. Their arms were like steel weapons as they fought. All around them piled the bodies of their dead enemies. They fought valiantly, but they were only mortal, and the numbers were stacked against them. A body fell between them knocking Nyo back away from Hayami. No matter how hard he fought, there was no way he could get himself back to fight at Hayami’s side. The first blow was by a warrior that fell, and his arm sent his sword right through Hayami’s back. As Nyo saw the sword pierce his comrades’ heart, he jumped out to bring down the attacker, and slipped in a pool of blood, and fell.
High in the air, Palas watched as his two friends died. That left him alone against the onslaught of the Hyenen and the Demondogs. As Palas fought, iron arrows filled the air. Palas ducked and dodged but there was too many there against him.
[Myumbo my friends. Get some peace for me and my people.]

 Beno walked through the city, a golden glow rose out from a structure north of him. A golden glow. It was a glow of innocence. Somewhere in that structure, there was an innocence that needed help. That was Beno’s talent. He could see the truth. With confidence, Beno turned north and headed toward the main house of the Pantheren nation.
With his cloak of invisibility up, Beno made his way down the main avenue. Mostly everything was closed except a few taverns and the local baking goods store. As Beno passed, an elder Panthreren in a white apron came out to put up his store awning. Stretching his arms, he yawned and fitted the bar to the awning and started cranking. As he worked his awning up, two of the city’s guards came up the street.
“Myumbo Meggar. How’s the daily bread coming?”
“Fine.” He said. “I just finished the sweetbreads. I’ll be starting on the bread in ten kinens. There are samples on the counter if you’d like a taste.”
“Thank you,” Thansel Said as the opened the shop door and started in.
Taking the bar from the awning, Meggar set it to the side and started in. Just then he stopped.
\“Myumbo?”
The fur on the back of his neck bristled as he sensed someone there. He looked from side to side feeling the presences there beside him.
“I don’t know who you are.” He said. “But I can feel you here. I don’t feel any danger from you, so I’ll let you pass. Be careful there are guards out and they might sense you too. Ta chacana My friend.
As Meggar went into his shop. Beno stood the surprised that he had felt him there next to him. His invisibility cloak had never failed him before. Then again, he was new at being a Griffin and he wasn’t sure exactly what he could do.
From the bake shop, Beno walked north pass the blacksmith then turned at the corner. As he walked, he kept the attention on where he was going straight ahead. Ahead of him, he saw a crowd of people. They were crowded in front of what looked like some kind of government building. Like a guard barrack. Beno stopped. He wasn't sure if he could make it past them. Some might detect him passing. Beno took a step back and bumped into someone. As he turned, someone took a hold of his shoulders
"Stay quiet," Meggar whispered in his ear. "Captain Drijat felt you as you passed my store. He called out for help."
Beno felt his heart drop like a stone. He had been detected. What should he do?
"Calm yourself now or all is lost." Meggar said. "I can help you pass the barracks but you have to calm down before they sense your fear.".
Beno closed his eyes and let his fear slip away. He didn't worry about being caught or anything the Pantherens might do. His thoughts were cool like the northern breeze as it blew across his face. With a calm mind, he opened his eyes. He watched as Captain Drijat walked out and looked out towards him. Meggar stepped up next to Beno as the Captain came over to meet them.
"Meggar." The Captain nodded. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes Captain." Meggar said. "I'm headed to the palace to take the morning order. The one I have can't be right. It only has two dozen payapa pies he wedding will need much more than that. You care to walk with me?"
"No." He said sniffing the air. "Move on. I have work to do,"
With a wave and a nod, Meggar moved on. Together they walked on to the palace and whatever danger they found there.

[Astan? Are you there Love?].
[Yes.] Astan sent. [I'm here outside the gate.]
[I need you.] Sakura sent. [I need you here with me in the palace.]
[I'll be right there.] Astan stood up and calmed his mind. He knew he'd be needing some of his most powerful spells and he couldn't use them if he was to excited.
As his magik boiled and gathered over his head, he walked out of the jungle to the gates of the city. Pantheren warriors ran out armed to meet him. Astan raised his hand and called his shield to form around him. Spears and arrows were fired it him. He watched as they hit the shield and bounced off.
With his arms spread out, Astan raised himself high into the air. From high over the city, he could see the palace. That's where Sakura was. Astan could feel him as he flew towards the palace. Success or failure, it was time to end all this running around Aspana.
"Sweet ending, here we come."                                                                                                              

Dogs of War. 36

As the midnight star burned bright in the night sky, Msia, Akani, and Aggar took their first step over the border into Panthera. Msia stopped and looked down on the hills of his homeland.  There was a stream and he could see the fires of the Black Coyote burning bright as they kept watch on the border. Over to the right, the Striped Jackals who sat proudly as Atrua main hunters. Msia's let out a deep breath, he was home at last and nothing would ever take him away again.
"I know how you feel," Akani said as he came to join Msia. "It's been quite a long time since I've been home."
"What took you away from Sciatica?" Msia asked, "I know Sciatica went through a civil war, but Versa Gruva was the rightful leader and a good dog. He always had my trust."
"I was taken in a raid by Mulu and forced into service." Akani said, "It was that or death. I spent five years there doing ever disgusting task they could think of from cleaning their nasty dung pits to being their bed slave."
"I'm sorry Akani," Msia said with his hand on his shoulder. "That's just the kind of injustice I've been fighting against. I'm glad you found your freedom."
"But what about the other?" Akani asked looking from Msia to Aggar. "You know they die slowly in his service. If it's not the battles, its starvation. We have to find a way to free them,"
"What do you think we're fighting against?"Aggar shouted to Akani. "We fight not for Panthera, but for all of Aspana. If we lose, Mulu will take the world. Would you like your children living under Mulu's reign?"
'No," Akani said in a huff. "It's just taking so long."
"A friend of mine once said," Aggar stepped over to Akani. "The battle for freedom is never quick and easy, and he's right."
Changing the subject, Akani stopped a minute to think, "Atrua is a long way off, are we planning to walk all the way they?"
"I think we may have too," Msia said. "I don't want anyone to see us in Dragon form. We have no idea who's in Atrua. I want to go in as farmers and keep down until we know what's going on."
"A farmer?" Aggar looked at him with doubt. "I don't know much about your society but would a lion prime be a farmer?"
"No. Msia said. "And I would be recognized the second I step through the gate. Your right."
"Then what do we do?" Akani asked. "Maybe Mr. Aggar can go in with me? We won't be recognized?"
"Yeah, but what do we use as an excuse for being in the city?" Aggar asked as he bent down and took a drink the stream. "We can go in using our normal forms but, the guards at the gate are going to ask what our business is in  the city, We will have to answer or we'll be arrested."
"What if we're there to deliver a gift to the Regent?" Msia stuck his hand into his pocket and fished around until he pulled out a small box wrapped in parchment paper. He held it out to Aggar and Akani."
"What is it?" Aggar said as he took the package in his hand. "Feels heavy for such a small box."
"I don't know." Msia raised his eyebrows in a curious way.
"Where did you get it?"
"I found it in my pocket," Msia reached out and took the box from Aggar's hand. "And I don't know where it came from. It wasn't there yesterday and it wasn't there this morning."
Aggar and Akani both looked at Msia with questions in their eyes, but they knew there was no point in questioning Msia. He didn't have the answers they were looking for. All they could do accept it and use it in any way they could.
"And the answer to your next question is no," Msia said firmly. "I'm not going to open the box. It's not for me and it's not for either of you,"
"Then what do we do? Akani asked looking each of his new brothers up and down.
"I guess we take the simple road," Msia said as he pushed the box back into his pocket. "Face this thing like a warrior."

As the rain fell cold over the city of Tinpa, Astan clutched his cloak and held it tight against his body. Though he was searching for his family, Sakura was still heavy on his mind. He couldn't help but worry about his Pantheren mate. It had been close to a month since he had any contact his mate and he didn't have a clue as to where he might be. Regnant G'ania had danced all around any info about Sakura and though he wouldn't admit it, Astan was sure the Regnant knew exactly where he was.  Was he wrong not to follow the Regnant? Or was he right keeping his distance away from the cold-hearted bastard? Astan wasn't sure, all he could do was to trust in his heart that Sakura would be safe until they could find each other again.
From the hidden hall where Astan his first seen the Regnant, Astan made his way north to the first of the four towers. Astan remembered this tower from his lessons when he was a cub. This was Master Fandrel's tower. He had been responsible for teaching Astan the history of his ancestors. Father had always said that one should know about his past to know where they were going. As he climbed the stairway memories of past kings and their mistakes and success flashed across his mind. Things like King Jinga and his mastery of healing magic to Prince Laric and his romance of the lady of the house D'arski which merged the Cheetahs into Panthera. As Astan searched the spirit of the great lady hung heavy over her tower. This was always a place where Astan could go for good advice.
"Lady?" He called out. "I seek your council,"
[I know what you want young Astan.] The lady said as her beautiful form appeared. [Alas, your family is not in my tower, but don't give up. You will find what your heart seeks.]
With a smile to thank her, Astan turned and moved off to continue his search. From the north tower, Astan followed the corridor left where, instead of a tower, he found a stairway down. From his day's sparring and his classes on self-defense, he knew the stairway led down to the palace guard barracks. Memories of his younger days in class with Master Perry learning to fight with a sword and a staff. He wasn't the Masters best student, but he could hold his own and maybe throw in a few magical surprises.
As he started on his way down, Astan remembered his days sparring with Master Perry's son Kain. Kain was older then Astan and far more advanced in swordplay. But Astan had learned a lot from the tall soldier. He learned when he could use his spells and the best ones to use. If his opponent was stronger, then Astan would use spells to speed up his actions. If the opponent was more skilled, then Astan would cast a paralysis spell and pray his adversary wasn't as skilled as he was.
Three floors down, Astan heard the sound of footsteps coming from below him. After a simple invisibility spell, Astan sent a probe down to see who or what was about meet him down on the next floor. With his eyes closed, he set his attention on the oncoming threat.

As Zakia made his way up from the Palace barrack's his mind wandered back to when he last sawKing Yonas. He made a promise he knew would be impossible to keep. He promised the king that he could bring his son home safely. But now he didn't think he could do that. He knew Mulu had captured the prince and he wasn't sure what the mad Hyenen would do if he thought he was losing.
And that was the possibility that scared Zakia the most. Thought Astan was a great spell caster, he was unfamiliar with the dark spells he would need to defeat Mulu and Zakia wasn't sure if that was good or bad. In fact, Zakia knew Astan couldn't win the battle without using dark magic. Astan just didn't have the heart for the battle.
As Zakia walked, his mind was on Astan and what he would have to do to defeat Mulu. Zakia knew the exact spells he would need to beat the Hyenen Magi, but there hadn't been time or a reason to teach them to Astan. Zakia knew that to be one of his mistakes, but then again being a white warlock, learning dark spells could be beyond Astan's capability.
As Zakia took his next step, something in his head started screaming out a warning that there was danger ahead. Thinking quickly, Zakia threw up an electric wall of warning. just in time as Mulu came around the corner with his arms raised ready for battle. Like a bull, Mulu hit the wall and bounced back shaking the shock from his system.
"So we meet again," Zakia said as he raised his hands and started to circle. "I always knew this is how we would end it."
"So did I," Mulu said as sparks flared from his eyes. "But I think you will be surprised by my growth."
Zakia looked at Mulu strangely. What did he mean by that? He knew Mulu to be as equally gifted as he was. Something wasn't right here, Something in Mulu's eyes was all wrong.
"Nothing you do surprises me," Zaka said. "Unless you care to end this right here and now."
"I will never give in to you." With his hands held high, Mulu called upon the lightning from the sky to strike out and blast Zakia. "Tigeress with never give in to you!!"
As the clouds opened and sent out a bolt to devastate Zakia, a veil opened to reveal Mulu's true identity. Through the mad laughter of Mulu Amin. Mulu's true identity was revealed to be Astan Kinyo. With Mulu's true self-revealed, Zakia tried calling out to Astan. But it was too late. In a second that lightning bolt would strike and Zakia would be dead and out of time. Zakia only had a split second to act with no time to think.

SPELLS AND INCANTATION.
HEXES THAT RHYME.
WHAT'S MINE IS YOURS
TILL THE END OF TIME.

As the clouds boiled, lightning flashed all through it. Zakia knew all he had was a split second, not much time for a long message. But all he really needed was a thought.
[Astan. We don't have time for questions. Our family is safe under guard in the south tower. Tell them I love them and myumbo from me. Once I'm gone you will have all you need to defeat Mulu Amin. Let him know it was me that passed you the spells. I am very proud of you and Sakura. May Tyree be with you always.]
With that last thought, the lightning struck. Zakia was lifted three feet off the ground. His eyes flared with power as his magic went from Zakia to Astan. A million volts of electricity fried Zakia's brain and the message went from Zakia to Astan. When Astan shooked himself free, he was standing over Zakia's body with a tear in his eye.
"Be at peace Uncle."
After he said Goodbye, Astan hurried to the south tower where he woke the king and explained what Zakia had done. The king promised to be ready if he was needed, and Astan packed what he thought he might need for his battle with Hyenen shamen. After saying farewell to his family, Astan said the spell that would take his to Atrua.

With a flash of pain that spun through his mind, Msia opened his eyes then quickly closed them to shut away the pain.  Where in Angela's house of pain was he? The last thing he remembered, Him, Akani and Aggar had just left the Dragon Cave. They were heading to Atrua to reunite with G'ania and the rest of his family.
[Home.] he thought. It had been a long time since the last time he had been home. Or seen any of his family. Sakura would be fully grown by now. In fact, Kenji should be ready to go on his solo hunt by now. As he thought about his family, Michiyo face flashed across his mind. Her soft tan fur, those golden eyes, and her shapely body. He could feel himself getting hard just from his memories. He hoped she hadn't remarried.
Just then, Msia sat up. Chains rattled as he moved. He was in chains. He was in a dungeon. The smells were right. He was back home in Atrua, but where was Akani and Aggar? As he looked around, he looked down at his chained wrist.; With just a thought, he pulled at the chain and snapped them apart. So much for chains.
"Akani?" He called out.
"Here sire." Akani answered from the cell across from him. "Aggar, D'aryl are you here too?"
"I'm here." Aggar's voice rang out. "D'aryl?"
"Here sir," D'aryl said in a sad tone. The green-garbed warrior walked over to the cage door looking down.
"Do you know something about this?"
I know where we are."
"Yes," Msia said. "We are in Atrua. My home. The city I built."
"No!" Boomed out from outside the cells." "This is my city. I clearly remember you walking away from us. You have no right to think you can come back."
"Regent Gazini," Msia said with a smile. "I see you kept my city safe while I was way."
"I am king here!!" G'ania screamed. "You are nothing!!"
"Nothing?" Msia said as he stepped up to the cell's barred door and took a hold to it. "Nothing?"
Smoke flared out from the sizzling door as the bars started to melt. The Regent stepped back brushing the sparks off his jacket and screaming for his guards. As he stormed out his guards rushed in, Msia grabbed the door and ripped it from the wall. As he stepped out of his cell the guards tried to rush him. Msia took a deep breath and blew a blast of flames out at them. While the guards held back from the flames, Msia reached out for the hinges of Aggar's cell and melted them to nothing, then he pulled the door from the wall.
"Keep the guards busy. while I get the other's free."
Aggar stepped down out of his cell. When Msia's flame stopped, he stepped out and sent a blast of wind down the corridor. After Aggar, Msia set Akani and D'aryl free. With brazing red eyes he told them to follow him.
With his claws out, Msia left the dungeon and made his way up into the palace. On the first floor, four Hyenen warriors caught them coming up from the dungeon. As they charged, Akani stepped out and barked out a sonic blast. Like leaves to a hurricane, they were bowled over and thrown aside. From there, Msia led them on into the palace. Some praised them as saviors, while some fought them as intruders. But by the end of the day, things seemed to settled down, The only real threat was a few warriors still fighting lingering around with hate on there mind.
Once his father was free and he had promised his help, Astan was off to find his mate and whatever faced them in the battle to free Aspana.

Deadly Dreams. 35

It was late in the evening as Prince Kenji Noriko Duma left his estate and made his way through the city to the royal palace. For him, it had been a bad night. His dreams were his problem. Dreams, not really his dreams. More like his nightmares. He kept dreaming about his older brother and his father. Maybe I should explain.
Six years ago, Atrua had been a happy place. We weren't at war with anyone. Our only enemy had been those damned Hyena's and their slave raids. For years my father Msia and his closest allies, Yonas Kinya, king of the Tigarens and Kybaris Enhu, emperor of the Rhinon empire nation. They fought slavers and witches. Warlocks and Animages. They even fought a witch doctor that thought he was a god. They lost Kybaris wife in that battle and sent the Enhu plains into mourning for a week. It was very sad times.
Ok, let's get on with the story. Five years ago, Atrua was very quiet. Sakura spent his time studying the many different ways of fighting and learning the tactics of the ancient ones. He learned to battle with swords, staff, mace, and spear. Father allowed me to learned hand to hand and to start my magical studies Mother taught me the different herbs and medicinal things that could be found in the jungle. It was a busy time, and we enjoyed our classes. Then again, I think Sakura was bored. I mean I know he loved the wrestling and our staff training, but I always got the feeling he thought there was something missing. He loved Panthera and our people, but he wasn't sure the life of a king was what he wanted. He wanted excitement and adventure. And I think he found it. Well, he found something and it's in Tigaress. That's where he went the night I followed him. He went to a cottage in Naraya. I waited to see who else was there but I had to leave before I got caught there when the sun came up.
I'm not sure what happened after that. I went back home just in time for breakfast. I was hoping to talk with Sakura, but he didn't come home. In fact, he's been missing since that night. Mother is really worried about him. He disappeared just like father did when he ran off to save the Canins west of
here.
Now, mother and I are here with only the regent here to protect us. I'm not sure I trust him. I keep catching him sneaking around the castle with strangers. Dark ugly strangers. They give me the creeps.
Father has been gone for almost twenty-one years with G'ania Gazini standing in as our regent. The thing is once. G'ania hits twenty-one years, he can declare father dead. Then he can marry mother and crown himself, king. Now you see our problem. When he was young, the Regent and father were good friends. The fought many battles together, conquered many cities and expended Panthera's borders. They gathered timber and granite to build our walls and homes, the commercial center, the elder hall, and our temples toTyree. They both worked on the palace and city gardens making Atrua the paradise city it is. But over the years since Father has been gone, the Regent has changed. He doesn't visit the temples anymore to give praise to Tyree. He's not the feline he uses to be. I've noticed it and so has Mother. He's been quiet and dark lately. And all the strangers I keep seeing him with. It's always late at night and he takes to deep down into the bowels of the city. What's he hiding down there? I tried following them, but I lost them in all the twists and turns in the palace dungeons. That place has changed too. All the sounds and smells, I get the feeling that there are things there that can hurt me? I think it's time I take this to mother to see what she thinks.
Kenji sat up in his bed and pushed his wool sleeping furs to the side. He looked around his messing room to find a clean tunic to wear. There was the red one with the yellow sun on it in the corner on the chair, but it wasn't clean. It had the berry stains on it. Getting to his feet, Kenji walked to the closet and took out a pair of short brown shorts, then found a black tunic with strips like his and through it at his bed. Once his clothes were picked, Kenji yawned and stretched then made his way to the fresh spring that ran into his restroom. As he opened the glass door to his springling, a cheetah servant came in to bring him soap and fresh towels. Kenji to them and said thank you to the servant.
"Would you be needing any help with the spring?" She asked with a smile. "Maybe wash your back?"
"No, Jasara," Kenji said as he closed the door. "Maybe later."
"As you wish young Prince." Jasara bowed then turned and headed out of Kenji's rooms. As she left, Kenji watched her sweet bottom swing left and right. He reached down and stroked his member thinking about the last time they had used the springly. Maybe he should call her back. Then he changed his mind. His mother should not be kept waiting.
As warm water ran down his body washing him clean, Kenji couldn't help but think about the last time He and Jasara had come in here to play. He remembered rubbing soap down her back. His hands stopped for a few moments to play with the curves of her ass. She giggled then gasped as his finger slipped through the warmth of her tender hole. Anxious for more, Jasara pushed back so his finger went into Kenji's knuckle.
As Kenji pulled his finger out, he wrapped his arms around her and spread her legs. Jasara whimpered as she put her hands on the springly wall and begged him for more.
"Please my Prince," She cried. "I need it. I want it so bad!"
As she pushed back, Kenji pushed her tail out of the way and slipped his cock through the ring of her ass driving it in hard. Jasara cried out for more. She begged him, pleaded with him to fuck her harder. Her head went as the water poured over their bodies. Taking a step back, Kenji let Jasara lay on her back with her legs in the air. As he got back down between her legs, Kenji slammed his member in pushing her up so her head rocked into the mossy edge of the springly. Again and again, Kenji rocked her, filling her ass then pulling out and slamming into her ripe cunt. Jasara held on as best she could as he tore into her. Thrust after thrust, Kenji rocked on. He knew his seed was burning to get into her. As he threw back his head, Jasara pushed her two fingers into Kenji's ass. He yelled as his cock slipped out and sprayed his load all over her face. Jasara opened her mouth and took in as much as she could.
As Kenji leaned back in the bliss of his memories, he stroked himself until he blew his load over the mossy banks of his shower. With a groan of satisfaction, Kenji finished his shower, dressed and hurried out to meet his Mother, Michiyo Zigari Duma, Queen of all of Panthera.
Dressed in his brown cloak, Kenji left the palace he and Sakura shared, and headed for their parents Palace. The streets of Atrua were busier than usual, The streetcars were full from the Pantherens on their way home after work. Shopkeepers were closing up and hurrying to get home. Taverns were just opening and getting ready for a long night. With his cloak pulled down, Kenji moved on past the city guards that stood outside Gnark's tavern where the scantily dressed street walkers always seemed to be. As he moved to pass, a guard turned to look his way. Kenji winked as Captain Akira smiled and tipped his helmet in recognition of the young prince.
From the business center, Kenji waved down a coach to take him to his parent's palace. A blue and white striped coach pulled over to the curb and parked. As Kenji stepped down, the coach door swung open and the driver greeted with a cheerful word.
"Myumbo." He said with a smile. "Where can I take you?"
Settling down in the coach, Kenji pushed back his cowl and the recognized him.
"Prince Kenji!" He bowed his head. "It is an honor to have you in my coach. Where can I take you today?"
"The royal palace, please."
"Yes, my Prince."
As the driver pulled off, Kenji looked over the interior of the coach. There was a small sign that said the driver name was Matsui. The coach was immaculate. No road dust, the seats were clean, there was a pleasant smell of spring Sunflowers in the air. Kenji was impressed. Whoever the driver was, he really took care of his coach.
From the business center, the coach drove on following the main road out to its end then made a left up through the homes of the warrior caste then into the working caste. Kenji frowned as they drove through the worker's homes. It used to be so bright and clean here, but now it seemed dull and littered.
As they came to the end of the road, they stopped at a stop sign where row after row of warriors marched down the road heading for the sparring grounds outside of the city. Kenji frowned. He knew this wasn't right. They were supposed to be at peace. These warriors shouldn't be doing maneuvers. they should be at home with their families or out tending their fields.
"My apologies young prince," Matsui said. "Atrua's roads are overrun with all the warriors out these day's. You would almost think they are preparing for war."
"Yes," Kenji said turning away from the driver. "One could think that."
"I'm so sorry Prince Kenji. I shouldn't speak like that. Especially not in front of you."
"It's OK Matsui." Kenji reached over the seat to pat him on the shoulder. "You are not alone in these thoughts. Some of us at the palace think just as you do and we are trying to do something about it. But we must be careful. There are those who will betray us to the Regent. So be careful who you talk too."
"Yes my Prince," Matsui said. "I promise."
The wait was about fifteen minutes before the warriors had all passed the intersection.  Kenji and Matsui spent the rest of the ride in silence. Kenji had just made a dangerous promise. One he wasn't sure he could keep, but he would try his best. He wasn't sure if he should tell Mother. It wasn't that she would disagree. She doesn't like making promises. They always led to someone being let down and didn't want the responsibility.
As Matsui drove up to the main gate of the palace, Kenji slid the window down and spoke quietly to the gate guard. They talked for a few minutes, then Kenji was waved in.
"This is as far as you go, Matsui." Kenji opened the door and stepped out the coach. "Thank you."
He fished in his side purse and pulled out a hand full of coins. He passed them over to Kenji and shook his hand.
"Be safe my friend and enjoy your vacation." As Kenji turned and walked into the castle, Matsui looked down at the coins in his hand. He gasped in shock as he realized there were no coins in his hand. Instead, he held six perfect almond sized diamonds.

With a storm brewing in her head, Michiyo Duma made her way to the royal library where Panthera's regent was deep in a conference with four of his war cronies planning his next move against their mysterious enemy. An enemy no ones ever seen or heard of. G'ania's keeps saying things about the Hyenen, but they have never and would never dare to attack Atrua. So that means there are only one people he could be fighting. The Tigarens. Mia won't like that at all.
As Michiyo turned the next corner she ran it to a crew of Bobcat maintenance workers busy putting a new painting up. She stopped and stared up at the covered picture which took the whole wall.
"Who authorized this painting?"
"The Regent did your highness." The maintenance cat said. "Is there a problem?"
"No." She said in a sharp voice. "You can put the painting in the east closet for now."
"He also ordered his things moved to the royal bedchamber. Do I follow that order?"
"No, you do not."The Queen said sternly. "Leave his things right where they are."
"Yes, ma'am." They bowed as they watched her turned to leave.
Queen Michiyo was furious. How dare he think I would join with him and give hope on Msia I know how long he's been gone, but he'll be back. I know he will and I won't give up hope. I will be here true to him no matter him long it takes. As she walked her anger grew. G'ania had done a good been a regent at the beginning of his reign. But as time went by, something in him changed, He stopped thinking about the people he ruled. All that mattered was the throne and his reign as the king of Panthera.
As Michiyo passed a mirror she stopped to gaze at her reflection. Her hair was golden brown with a few silver locks. Her eyes stared back at her with an emerald green stare. Her face still had that youthful look that Msia loved and her lips were cherry red. Atop her head, she wore the queen's circlet, and around her neck, the mystical Eye of Panthera. as she gazed at her reflection she couldn't help but wonder how she had gotten to her present station.
Michiyo had come from a small village north of Atrua. She had grown up farming and working the fields beside her parents. She was happy in her village with the occasional ball and the summer celebration. Tyree's day and Vitale's celebration where sometimes the king would visit to bring all the children gifts. Michiyo was a simple girl on her father's farm when a young Pantheren named Msia found his way to her father's farm looking for a place to rest. They say they fell in love on the day they met. I guess that's possible, Father never could say no to Mother. but then he never had to, She was content with to be his queen and our Mother. G'ania was in there with someone she had never smelled before. As she moved closer, the voices became clearer. She stopped to listen.
"Why are you here? G'ania asked. "Things are working out for us and there's no need for your interference."
"I am here to look after our interest." The slick voice said. Michiyo could feel her skin crawl when the stranger. She wondered what it was that had brought out to Panthera.
"I know what you want," G'ania said. "And when I have the crown, they are yours."
"But we want one now! Our hunger burns, we must eat soon."
"You will wait." G'ania with a stern voice. "You can take a peasant. but none of the royal family. Just wait, I will tell when the time is right."
"What if I can't wait? "The voice said with a mocking tone.
"Then I will be displeased and I will take it up with your Master." G'ania was threatening. "I know you wouldn't want to anger your Master."
"I have no master." The voice said. "You know that, so your threats fall on deaf ears. But I will wait for now. But don't make me wait too long. You will not like my anger."
As Michiyo took a step back, the smell of brimstone filled the corridor. G'ania wasn't dealing with a Hyenen. Whoever was in the office with the Regent, had the of the Underworld about him. Turning around, Michiyo dashed down the hall scared to death at what she had just heard. G'ania had no plans to turn over Panthera to Sakura. He planned to take the nation as his own and feed the royal family to that dark beast from the Underworld.
Well, she would never let that happen. It didn't matter how long Msia had been gone or if he would be coming back tomorrow. She had to protect her children. That way, there was a chance they could return and win back their city.
As Mickyo took a step back, the smell of brimstone filled the corridor. G'ania wasn't dealing with a Hyenen. Whoever was in the office with the Regent, had the of the Underworld about him. Turning around, Mickyo dashed down the hall scared to death at what she had just heard. G'ania had no plans to turn over Panthera to Sakura. He planned to take the nation as his own and feed the royal family to that dark beast from the Underworld.
Well, she would never let that happen. It didn't matter how long Msia had been gone or if he would be coming back tomorrow. She had to protect her children. That way, there was a chance they could return and win back they're the city.
Moving at a fast pace, Michiyo hurried back to her private apartment. As she rushed through the doors she called out to all her house staff to attend to her. Shadi she sent to gather gold from her private vault. Mischa was to go find five of Atrua's fastest mounts and have them ready when she called. Danda was to get her things packed. All she wanted was plain cotton riding clothes, nothing fancy. She wanted dark cloaks with hoods and boots.
"What's wrong?" Dandra asked.

With a storm brewing in her head, Michiyo Duma made her way to the royal library where Panthera's regent was deep in a conference with four of his war cronies planning his next move against their mysterious enemy. An enemy no ones ever seen or heard of. G'ania's keeps saying things about the Hyenen, but they have never and would never dare to attack Atrua. So that means there are only one people he could be fighting. The Tigarens. Mia won't like that at all.
As Mickyo turned the next corner she ran in to a crew of Bobcat maintenance workers busy putting a new painting up. She stopped and stared up at the covered picture which took the whole wall.
"Who authorized this painting?"
"The Regent did your highness." The maintenance cat said. "He ordered all of Msia's paintings taken down and replaced with paintings of him. Is there a problem? "
"No." She said in a sharp voice. "You can put the painting in the east closet for now."
"He also ordered his things moved to the royal bedchamber. Do I follow that order?"
"No, you do not."The Queen said sternly. "Leave his things right where they are."
"Yes, ma'am." They bowed as they watched her turned to leave.
Queen Mickyo was furious. How dare he think I would join with him and give hope on Msia I know how long he's been gone, but he'll be back. I know he will and I won't give up hope. I will be here true to him no matter him long it takes. As she walked her anger grew. G'ania had done a good been a regent at the beginning of his reign. But as time went by, something in him changed, He stopped thinking about the people he ruled. All that mattered was the throne and his reign as the king of Panthera.
As Mickyo passed a mirror she stopped to gaze at her reflection. Her hair was golden brown with a few silver locks. Her eyes stared back at her with an emerald green stare. Her face still had that youthful look that Msia loved and her lips were cherry red. Atop her head, she wore the queen's circlet, and around her neck, the mystical Eye of Panthera. as she gazed at her reflection she couldn't help but wonder how she had gotten to her present station.
Mickyo had come from a small village north of Atrua. She had grown up farming and working the fields beside her parents. She was happy in her village with the occasional ball and the summer celebration. Tyree's day and Vitale's celebration where sometimes the king would visit to bring all the children gifts. Mickyo was a simple girl on her father's farm when a young Pantheren named Msia found his way to her father's farm looking for a place to rest. They say they fell in love on the day they met. I guess that's possible, Father never could say no to Mother. but then he never had to, She was content with to be his queen and our Mother. G'ania was in there with someone she had never smelled before. As she moved closer, the voices became clearer. She stopped to listen.
"Why are you here? G'ania asked. "Things are working out for us and there's no need for your interference."
"I am here to look after our interest." The slick voice said. Mickyo could feel her skin crawl when the stranger. She wondered what it was that had brought out to Panthera.
"I know what you want," G'ania said. "And when I have the crown, they are yours."
"But we want one now! Our hunger burns, we must eat soon."
"You will wait." G'ania with a stern voice. "You can take a peasant. but none of the royal family. Just wait, I will tell when the time is right."
"What if I can't wait? "The voice said with a mocking tone.
"Then I will be displeased and I will take it up with your Master." G'ania was threatening. "I know you wouldn't want to anger your Master."
"I have no master." The voice said. "You know that, so your threats fall on deaf ears. But I will wait for now. But don't make me wait too long. You will not like my anger."
As Mickyo took a step back, the smell of brimstone filled the corridor. G'ania wasn't dealing with a Hyenen. Whoever was in the office with the Regent, had the of the Underworld about him. Turning around, Mickyo dashed down the hall scared to death at what she had just heard. G'ania had no plans to turn over Panthera to Sakura. He planned to take the nation as his own and feed the royal family to that dark beast from the Underworld.
Well, she would never let that happen. It didn't matter how long Msia had been gone or if he would be coming back tomorrow. She had to protect her children. That way, there was a chance they could return and win back they're the city.
Once back in her apartment, she called for all her servants. As they all hurried in the room, Michiyo gave them all direct orders. One was the gather traveling clothes. She wanted pants and blouses, nothing fancy just plain common wear. She would need her boots given to her from the Rhinon and the sturdy cloaks she had made by the Canons from the northern plains. Another was to gather the stones of gold Msia had hidden for her and the children in case there was a day they might have to leave Atrua and go into hiding. A third was given the task of bringing the Queen her personal weapons. Her sword, Nightstar, and the dagger Protector would keep them safe with the dagger's ability to keep them hidden and the sword's deadly accuracy.
Once the ladies had gone, Gwyn, stood starring at Michiyo as she dashed about packing a small bottomless bag with things she thought they might need while on the road. She grabbed Msia's endless canteen, three bottles of healing mead and the tent they had used while camping with the cubs. As she dropped the tent into the bag, Michiyo looked up at Gwyn.
"What are you waiting for? She shouted. "Get moving!"
"I'm waiting for you to tell me what's wrong?"
Michiyo stopped and turned back to Gwyn.
"Isn't it enough to just do as I say?
"It would be if I was one of your servants," Gwyn said. "But I'm not. We're friends and you can't bark orders at me. Tell me why and I will do as you say."
"Your right," Michiyo said in a sad tone. "Forgive me, but I don't think we have much time. Listen close because we don't have time for questions or explanations. Panthera has been seized by G'ania. He no longer wants to hold the power as a Regent. He wishes to be the king. Have you not noticed all the palace guards are loyal to him? Go look around, all the guards that were loyal to me or Msia are gone. All our guards have been sent away to make the coupe easy. Now comes the hard part. When G'ania makes his move to take the throne, the royal family either has to turn over power to him or stand and fight. Do you think Kenji will stand for that? No, and neither will I. That means we'll have to be dead. Kenji can stand and fight, but Nilsa can't. She's too young and I won't let her die or be ravage by him and his troops."
"That would never happen," Gwyn said, "Our troops would never do that."
"No?" Michiyo said sternly. "Would you bet your children's life on that?"
"No, I wouldn't," Gwyn said. "I will do as you wish and bring the children to you. But what do we do then?"
"We run and pray to Tyree we can find some help."

CRASH SNAP BANG RUMBLE. 34

As Astan appeared in the courtyard of Tinpa castle, fire and smoke belched from all the windows. When he took his first step, there was a loud crack and ceiling timber and burning tapestry dropped down from up high. Astan didn't need any more encouragement. He had to find his father and uncle before it was too late. With a quick spell to strengthen his fire wards, he took off up the palace center staircase lifting his feet so they barely touched stairway.

"FATHER!" He called, "UNCLE KAPOR!! WHERE ARE YOU?"
CRASH, SNAP, BANG. RUMBLE.
Blinding smoke fill what was left of the castle office corridor. Astan ran on checking doors and rooms as he ran. He had come across a few bodies during his search. Mostly palace staff. But something was wrong. They all looked as if they were frozen in time. But that would take some major magik to do that.
The next apartment he checked was that of Hubar Munson, the palace's chief butler. Here he found the same thing. He and Miss Danzic the house head and chief maid were there frozen in each other's arms. Astan wasn't sure who, but there was some foul magik being used here.
From the office floor, Astan ran on and up to the next floor. servant quarters. Bodies littered the corridor. Maids, footmen, chamberlains, and cooks. None of them were dead but in some kind of coma. He would have to keep on searching for answers. So, on he went. Pass the linen cabinets and pass the closets were the spare uniforms were kept. He hurried around one more corner to the main hall
where he found a set of stairs to the royal quarter.
CRASH SNAP BANG. RUMBLE.
Astan ducked as a ceiling beam came crashing down missing him by inches. Smoke rumbled and roared its way up and all around sending ambers out into the wind. With a wave of power, Astan cleared flaming debris out of his way. He flushed the corridor with as much water as he could, though he knew the spell could only be used two more times.
FLASH, FLUSH, SWIRL.
Water rushed in from a portal Astan created overhead. For a few minutes, the fire went out. Astan didn't waste time. He jumped up and searched all through the hall looking for his father or his uncle. but there was no one here. With a curtain soaked with water, Astan wrapped it around his body and ran back out into the flaming hall.
CRASH SNAP BANG. RUMBLE.
One by one and room by room, Astan searched So far all he found were bloody burned and broken bodies. He found palace staff he had known since childhood, but none of his family. That, he thought was good, It meant, his father and uncle had gotten out before all the trouble started. From the second floor, Astan pushed his way on and up to the third floor, here the art was much more personal. Here the walls were painted a rich deep red. The walls were lined with paintings of past kings of the Kinyo line. There were figures dressed in amour from each period. So far the fire hadn't reached the upper floor. but smoke damaged was a different story. There were water stains and smoke damage spread through the whole build. As he made his way through the palace, Astan saw many different things from his youth. His father's robe, Tigarens royal crown, and scepter lay there deep in the mud. Obviously whoever attacked, wasn't here for loot. Then way had they attacked? We had enemies, but none so bold as to attack like this.
Astan picked up the scepter and robe and placed them in a closet he found just a bit down the hall. Just as he closed the door, he heard two people arguing as they walked down the back toward him.
Drawing circle over his head then he slammed it down. With that done, Astan disappeared from sight.
"Why?" A voice said. "That is not what my master said."
"No?" another said. "Do you want to argue with Mulu? I would like to see that. You would not last two minutes"
"I am not afraid of Hyena's." The first said in a stern voice. "If I am right, my master will be at my side. That is why I sit at his side. I may die, and we all accept that. every day. But honor is important. "Correct." said the second. "What do you plan to do?"
"I told my master." the first warrior said. "I wait for his answer."
As they talked, a black panther and a spotted panther walked pass. He almost had to pull himself closer to the wall so they could pass.
Panthrens? Astan watched their backs as they walked away. Sakura's warriors? But then he thought, They can't be here under Sakura's order. That means they are here under orders of the regent. But why would he attack?
[Because he is sick and tired of serving a land that is not his own.]
Clutching his head, Astan fell at the sudden attack. As he strained to open his eyes, a dark hooded figure stepped out of shadows to stand over him.
"This is not what I planned," he said."But it will do, just as good."
As Astan's eyes cleared, he looked up to see Regent G'ania Gazini of Panthera standing over him looking dark and deadly.up with him.

"Good evening young master." Master G'ania said as he took off his dark helmet. "May I be of some assistance?"
For a minute Astan stood there staring up at the tall dark regnant. Astan wasn't so surprised. He wasn't quite sure what to say. Was he here to help. or was he in it with Mulu? It was possible. He had been in the role of regnant For a long time. Maybe he didn't want to step down. Maybe he couldn't let go. Astan had seen that before. But that could never happen here. My family is too strong, and Zakia would be there watching.
"Yes," Astan said trembling. "Where is my father? And my uncle and Zakia? How did the Pantheren's gain entrance to our city?"
"These are good questions,"  G'ania said as he took off his cloak and threw to the side. "Now the question was where is your father? I believe he is trapped in some Hyenen hell. Uncle Kapor is here somewhere. I haven't caught up with him. but I will. You can bet on that. That leaves you and Zakia," G'ania smiled with a tint of red in his eyes. "And if you believe that mad old one will come to your rescue, you're sadly mistaken. I am your only hope."
"What do you mean?"Astan asked.
"Come with me," G'ania said. "I can help you find your father and put your kingdom in order. I can help you find your mate to quiet the pounding in your heart. I can answer all the questions that brought you here."
"Sakura?" Astan whispered. That was all Astan really wanted. That and to stop all the fighting and.  bring Aspana some peace. So what am I to do? Could he trust this Feline? He knew this was the regent for Panthera, but that doesn't mean anything. Good men can go bad for many reasons.
"No." Astan said. "I don't trust you. I see evil in your eyes."
"Then find your family on your own!!" With a swirl of his cloak, G'ania Gazini was gone.

 As Astan stood there staring at a dark spot on the floor, he felt relief that he didn't follow the Panther.
But he was worried about Sakura. Whatever the regnant was up to, it wouldn't be good for the Pantherens. So he knew what he had to do. He had to hurry up and find his family, his love was in danger ad that was all that mattered.

Under dark rainy skies, Quynn Tyr shook the rain from his jacket and held out his hand to help his white-haired mate, Sky Petrus out on to the cliff overlooking the dark city. Panthera.
"This is Panthera?" Quynn said staring down at the dark city. "It looks dead."
"Its had better days." Sakura said sadly. "It should look bright and vibrant. This is our planting season. I realize it is almost midnight, but there should be men at the harbor working on nets and preparing the boats to sail at sun up. I've never seen our city so dark. Something is wrong. How could Panthera have changed so much in only five years?"
"Could this be one of Mulu's cities?" Sky asked.
Everyone stopped and turned to look at the young  Phoenix. No one dared to chance an answer. No, it can't be. Sakura thought it was impossible. He just stood there with a blank look on his face like he smelled something bad. It took Quynn to break the silence.
"As impossible as you think, it can happen," Quyyn said. "At home, Winterhaven was taken twice. Once by a warlock named Polan Dressak, a wannabe conquer that thought he had the power to force his will on the world.."
"I read about him in the library." Sky said, "He also was the last to ride a shadow dragon."
"No." Quynn interrupted Sky. "Others merged with shadow dragons, but he was the last with a dark mind to ride."
"What does this mean?" Sakura asked with confusion in his eyes. "We have no dark dragons here."
"Not yet you don't." Sky said. "Just be careful with your Dragonriders."
"We will," Sakura said. "But right now we have no Dragons, but we will be careful."
Sky turned to Quynn and smiled as if they shared a secret joke.
"Let's have no more talk of phantom Dragonriders." Sakura pulled his sword from its scabbard and held it high. "This is my city. I have not been here in more than a year, but by blood right, this is my home and my lands. All I need to do is announce myself and they will honor me and fall to their feet and welcome me home"s
"You really believe that, don't? "Quynn looked over to Sakura in disbelief. He shook his head and almost laughed idea. "You may rightfully be the king here, but you're not sitting on the throne now. And that's what counts."
"Than what do we do?" Sakura asked.
"We get a little closer,"  Quynn answered. "That may answer a few questions".
"Yes, it might." Sky said. "I suggest we be quiet until we decide to reveal our selves."

The night was dark with only a sliver of a silver moon in the sky. Deja slept peacefully wrapped in Kifedi's strong arms. Suddenly there was a crack like thunder that woke her up. As she sat up she carefully lifted Kifedi's arm her across her chest and put it to his side. He let out a snort and rolled over and kissed her mates forehead.
"Sleep my handsome one. Soon this will be over and I can take you to a place where we can find peace. No one will hunt for us. We can live together and raise pups."
With a smile, Kifedi turned over and pulled his blanket up over his shoulders. Now that Kifedi was sleeping, she grabbed her knives and made her way out of the camp. The forest was dark and quiet. Not ever the insects made any noise. Suddenly had she had a bad feeling about this. Maybe she should have woke Kifedi up and made him come with her. Then she shook her head. What was she worried about, she was just as good a warrior as anyone here in Aspana, and that included her father.
With a boost to her confidence, Deja pulled her knives from their sheaths and started on her way into the dark. As she walked she could hear the sound of the jungle come alive. Bird called, insects chirped, something roared out grabbing her attention. She turned feeling someone's breath on her neck. Frightened, she kicked and stabbed out at the intruder. As her knife whistled out through the empty air, Deja stepped back and searched all around her. There was nothing there. How could that be? She could feel the presence of her enemy. She felt the hot breath on her back. There was something there. Wasn't there?
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"
Deja dived to the side then jumped up swinging. Again there was nothing there. What trick is this?
"Come out and face me." She yelled. "Where are you monster. What are you?"
"Monster?" The voice said. Its words were cold and brittle. They sent chills through her. "I am the darkness that you fear. I am the pain that runs through your body."
"No!" Deja called back. "I am not afraid of you. You are a coward. You are the one that is afraid. Come face me if you dare."
"I am here behind you."
Deja spun around and stabbed out at the dark cloaked one behind her. She felt her knives go into the cloak, but there was nothing there. But that can't be. Again she attacked. She kicked and sliced at the fiend but no blood flowed down her hand. All she felt was a burning sensation, so hot she dropped her knife.
"You can not hurt me." The voice said. "But I can hurt you."
The black thing swung out at her and knocked her off her feet. Deja tried to get up, but the shadow was fast. In seconds it was kneeling over her. Deja pushed and shoved at it trying to get it off, but it wouldn't move.
"Say myumbo Deja, for this is it for you."
As Deja lay there frozen in terror, the back thing reached out with its skeletal hand and pushed it's way through her chest to grab her heart. Deja screamed. She screamed so hard the birds sleeping in the trees woke up and took flight.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Back at the camp outside of Tinpa, Kifedi woke up with her scream in his ear. He jumped up and took off into the jungle. There was no need for him to search the camp for her or to ask the guard where she had gone. He knew where she was and how much pain she was in.
As he ran through the jungle he began to shift forms. He went from his normal scarred hyenen form to his dog warrior form, then his Scarr form with its extended sharp claws and wide monstrous mouth with needle teeth. Running so fast his feet barely touched the ground, Scarr ran a straight course through the dark jungle to the hill where his senses told him Deja had last been. There he put his nose to the ground and followed his mates smell until he came to a wide patch of wet bloody grass. With his heart torn with pain and sorrow, Scarr screamed out his challenge into the darkness. He kicked and pawed the ground then tore off into the jungle to find his enemy. When he stopped, he stood there breathing hard.
"Are you done?" A shadow said.
"Who are you?" Scarr said as he jumped back away from the shadow. "Show yourself. I will have my revenge. You took my mates life you bastard!"
"Who am I?" The shadow laughed. "I am hate. I am fear. I am the thing you run from in your dreams."
"Then you are nothing." Scarr spits out. "I don't fear the night or my dreams. They are nothing but bits and pieces of my imagination."
"Is that so?"
The voice made itself visible to Scarr. It was tall and thin dressed in a hooded old black cloak. It had skeletal hands and an icy cold voice that sent chills through the body, Its eyes were oval and as red as blood. This thing was obviously powerful, but that didn't matter, it killed Deja and Kifedi would kill it or die trying.
With a scream of rage, Kifedi pulled his swords from his back and charged at the stranger. He stabbed left, then sliced right. The stranger countered lifting his arm to block the sword slash, then swung up, and stepped back out of the way of Kifedi's swing. Kifedi raised his sword and slashed across the stranger's midsection. The stranger didn't move, he let the sword strike his making a loud clang. The vibrations went up Kifedi's arm shaking the sword free to fall in the tall grass. As numbing pain ran through his arm, Kifedi stepped back, raised his other sword and stabbed the stranger in his chest. The stranger laughed as the sword shattered on its diamond-hard chest and fell. The stranger reached out and grabbed Kifedi and raised him off the ground.
"Time to die, traitor." Icy foul breath spit in Kifedi's face. Kifedi kicked and struggled to free himself, but he had him in an iron grip.
"We will be avenged!"Kifedi shouted.
"No." It said. "I will kill all your friends and destroy your homes."
"Nooooooo!" The Demondog screamed as his head was crushed in the stranger's powerful grip. Dropping the body, the stranger wiped his hand on Kifedi's fur, He laughed and faded away as he walked off.

Moving quietly, Sakura, Sky, and Quynn started on their way down the mountain. They passed leopard hunters and Ocelots out gathering fruit for the morning meal. Sakura explained that the smaller breed of felines like Ocelots, Margays, Bobcats, and Lynx did all of the cities drudge work while the bigger cats served in their army and on the city council.
"It is hard to explain," Sakura said. "There are many exceptions."
"We understand," Quynn said. "It's the same in our city. Though mostly all of our people have a say in our important decisions."
'"That must be difficult." Sakura said.
"Very difficult." Quynn nodded.
From there, Sakura led them around the framing fields and to where the cities waste and refuse was for the Wild Boars to tend to. Sakura held his nose. He never could get used to the smell here.
"Why are we here?"Quynn asked.
"This is the only way in without being seen," Sakura explained. "With all the war on, the three gates into Panthera are watched very closely, but this is only known by the royals. It's our private way in, or our escape route out. Doesn't your city have one too?"
"No." Sky said. "We can fly."
So into the dark tunnels, they went. There were streaks of light and the chirping of insects echoing all through the tunnel. Sky could see things moving all around them. Quynn told him they only bugs or small mice and nothing to worry about but Sky wasn't sure if he believed him. The insects and mice weren't the only things he heard. There were growling and howls coming from out in the darkness. It sounds dangerous to him. He was glad Quynn was there at his side.
On they walked pass turns and tunnels that Sky could smell host things he did not want to meet down there. They walked through mud and dirt. Sometimes the water went from knee high to places where they had to swim.
As they walked, Sky thought he smelled something. It was a strange smell like nothing he had ever smelled before. Whatever it was it had the smell of iron about it. For a minute, Shy thought it was iron ore that the Pantherens were mining. Then he smelled the blood, which meant whatever it was, it was alive.
"Quynn." Sky nudged his mate. "I think we have a problem."
"Yeah." He said. "I smell it too. We better warn Sakura."
As Quynn reached over to get his attention, Sakura turn. He had his sword drawn. He put a finger to his lips to warn them to be quiet.
Suddenly the ground started it shake. Rocks and stalactites fell from the ceiling of the tunnel. Quynn thought he should shift to his Dragon form, but there wasn't much room here in the tunnel.
[Don't bother.] Sakura walked out into the tunnel with his sword in hand just as the ground opened up and a huge grey wolf shot up out of the ground. Sakura held his sword up over his head and set himself for the attack.  As the wolf roared and dived down to attack, it stopped staring at Sakura's glowing sword. It whimpered and backed off away from the deadly blade. As the wolf howled, it bowed its head with its eyes down. Sakura looked up at his sword. Vengeance had belonged to his father. Msia had once told him it was a special sword with mystical powers. Sakura had seen the sword in battle it was unbreakable and very difficult to defeat, but it had never brought an enemy to its knees just from facing it.
"What's going on?" Quynn asked.
I'm not sure." Sakura let his sword drop down to is side. "I wonder why it's bowing?"
[That blade you are holding is Lion's claw?] It looked up in Sakura's eyes. [Msia Duma's blade.]
"Yes," Sakura said confused.
[You are his son?]
"Yes, I am." It looks like this wolf is on their side. Maybe we will finally get a break.
 [My name is Garn. How may I be of service to the house of Duma?]
"I don't know," Sakura said. "What can you do to help?"
[I can lead you in if that is your wish.]
"No," Sakura said. "I think we can find our way in."
[Then I can alert the wild ones of your arrival. There are some that will want to know you are back on the throne.]
"Allies?"
[Yes.] Garn sent.
[Garn.] Quynn sent. [Can you bring them to the palace to meet us when we call?]
[Yes, if that is what you want.]
"Yes," Sakura said. He turned to Quynn. "What are you thinking?"
"Let's go, I'll tell you on the way."

Some kind of Victory. 33

When Aggar woke up, he moaned and lay there for a far minute trying to get himself adjusted to where he was. He thought to himself, where exactly was I? This wasn't Tinpa and it wasn't any of the villages in south Aspana. It was dark and cold, he could smell the mold and musk of a cave. He opened his eyes and sat up and looked around. This cave didn't look familiar, so he got up and looked around. There were crystals in the walls that gave off a soft blue light like in a dream. Had he been here earlier? They had been in a lot of places. But it did seem familiar. Like something out of a dream or a promise that had to be kept. As Aggar started on his way, his mind drifted to a day long ago back when he served with Jandar and Rage against a God called Muerte. Muerte was, well, to tell the truth, she was evil. She also was the goddess of death, But hold on. That wasn't what made her evil. There have been many gods of death that weren't bad, and only a few of them turned out to be evil. Some ruled the land of the dead, and some were far too evil to be allowed to hold that position. Muerte was far too evil to rule over the dead. Alea prophesized that if Muerte held power in the underworld for more then 30 moons, she would kill all the gods and humans.
But hold on. I'm getting away from the story. Aggar wasn't sure where he was, but he knew he was where he should be. There was something here he needed to talk too. So, on he went. Around the bend and through the path full of stalactites and into the valley full of glowing orbs. This he thought was strange. they look like Dragon eggs.
[THAT IS BECAUSE THEY ARE]
Aggar jumped when the voice spook in his head.
[YOU KNOW WHY YOU ARE HERE,] The voice said. [YOU ALWAYS KNEW YOU WOULD END UP HERE. AND YOU KNOW WHO I AM.]
"Dread?"
[SEE, NOW WE BOTH KNOW WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE.]
"But I don't understand," Aggar said. "We were about to go into battle in Tigar to free the Royal family. I was about to fight something big."
[THAT IS NOT IMPORTANT,] Dread said [YOU MADE A PROMISE TO ME AND I WILL MAKE SURE ITS KEPT.]
"We were going to keep our promise," Aggar said. "But after we save Aspana."
[I DO NOT HAVE TIME,] Dread told him. [AND I NEED TO MAKE SURE THIS HATCHERY IS PROTECTED.]
"Yes," Aggar said as he looked around. His ears were ringing, it was giving him a terrible headache.
[YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU DO NOT KNOW OUR WAYS.]
"No, I don't. But I can learn."
[YES YOU CAN, THAT'S WHY IM GOING TO TRUST YOU. YOU WILL GO FIRST.]
"First?" Aggar said, with a curious gaze. "What do you mean?"
[DO YOU NOT YOU HEAR THE CALL?]
"I hear something," He put a finger to his ear and wiggled it around.
[LISTEN AND FOLLOW THE VOICE.]
Aggar closed his eyes and relaxed. then he heard it.
[I'm here. I will always be here. Come to find me.]
Aggar opened his eyes and looked to the eggs like it was Unistff morning and it was his turn at the presents. He passed a green and brown egg. They were silent and cold. they weren't for him.
[Here,] A voice whispered.
He passed a red egg and two dark eggs, then he saw the most beautiful blue egg laying there pulsing and calling out to him.
"Is this you?" Aggar asked with wonder in his eyes.
 [YES.] A warm pleasant feeling filled Aggar. It was like he'd just found the second part of himself.
He reached down and picked it up. It was beautiful. It looked like a piece of the sky had been broken off and came to him.
[DO YOU ACCEPT ME?]
"Yes." Aggar hugged the egg to his body as if someone might steal it.
As Aggar hugged the egg, it cracked and a small head peeked out. It looked around, then up at Aggar. In seconds the egg crumbled away and the dragon merged with Aggar.
[We are Hurycane, the weather dragon.]
Dressed in blue and gray, Hurycane walked to a pool and looked himself over. Dark brown hair over a handsome face. Green eyes and a slightly crooked nose from all the fighting up north. Aggar had an excellent physic and he was well able to produce young ones. Just then he remembered that Aggar was already mated. He leaped up in confused. What would she think of him now? Being merged with a Dragon can be tough. You have to be strong and stay in control or the Dragon will take over.
[I won't try and take control. I'm happy just to be here with you. We are Hurycaine.]
[WELCOME TO OUR CLAN HURYCAINE, WE ARE HONORED TO BE AT YOUR HATCHING
"Thank you Elder Dread," Hurycane said. "I am honored to be chosen."
As Hurycane brushed eggshells from his shoulder, Dread called out for him to stop.
[THERE IS ANOTHER ONE JOINING YOU.]
Confused, Hurycane stepped to the side to a dining table and waited until a scared friend came walking out of the cave. As the white featured Pantheren came stumbling along,
"Dary'l?" Hurycane dropped his fruit and started down to the road. "Is that you?"
"Who?" Dary'l shook in fear before getting a good look. "Aggar? I see you've changed, where am I?."
[YOU ARE HERE WITH US IN THE LAST DRAGON HATCHERY IN ASPANA. WE ARE HOPING YOU WILL JOIN US.]
"This has to be a joke," Dary'l laughed. " "Is this a dream or a joke?"
He and Aggar stared out at the glowing eggs all through the cave. "For generations, my family served the Pantheren royal family in good times and through the bad. We were there when Master Timeo ran off with the Lady of Moreau, and besides his father, as he dragged him back to the palace. But now I can be one? Just as great as he? Yes. Yes, I will accept. What must I do?"
[GO GET YOUR EGG.] Dread said. [WALK DOWN THROUGH THE HATCHERY AND FIND  THE EGG WAITING FOR YOU. YOU WILL FIND ONE THAT ACCEPTS YOU.]
Unsure of how this works, Dary'l walked down through the reds and browns to the blues and the dark one. He reached to grabbed the dark one and felt the shadow push him away. Wrong egg. That's not it for sure. Just as Dary'l turned, a deep green sang out his name. It promised him wonders, adventure, and companionship, and dreams he would never forget. Dary'l picked up the egg and put it to his heart and said four words.
"I do my love."
Suddenly there was a blinding flash of green light as the merging began. Teeth became fangs and two legs became four. Smooth tan skin turned into hard green scales and what was once a proud lion man became a noble Dragon. As the green dragon emerged from the light, he leaped up on his hind legs and roared rattling the ground all around them.
[WELCOME TO OUR CLAN FORGE.]
In a flash of green. Forge shifted forms and Dary'l stood at Aggar's side fit and ready for war. As far as Dread was concerned, the debt to the Dragon's had been paid. Now it was time for Dragon's to get to work freeing Aspana.
[THE DEBT TO ME IS PAID. DRAGONS ARE STRONG AGAIN IN ASPANA. GO NOW, YOU WILL RETURN TO WHERE YOU FELL ASLEEP THERE IS MUCH TO BE DONE.]
The two Dragons bowed, Dread sent them off on there way to end the war. It had been a good idea to trust in the strangers from the north. They made good with the promise to help to bring life to Aspana's clan. With four new Dragons, the future looks bright for Aspana. Now if only we could stop the fighting and treat each other with respect and dignity, things might be different.
As Dread gazed out at the unhatched eggs, he felt things had changed and the would be a future for the clan.
[STAND STRONG MY BROTHERS.]

From the dungeon, Zakia led the newly wakened king up through the palace. The was three floors up they would need to travel to reach the ground floor and an exit that would take them out to the gates where they join Astan and his resistance. They moved quietly down the hall to the first staircase. Yonas felt strange as he moved them through these familiar halls. This was the first time he had ever felt the need for caution as he made his way through his own palace.
Moving on to the next flight of stairs, Yonas felt a cold shiver run through his back as he crept up the stairs. He put out his hand to stop their advance. He had felt the feeling before. It was a warning of danger. Before he could turn to warn the others behind him, six Pantheren warriors came around the corner. Without a moment's hesitation, the king drew his blade and dispatched two warriors. Following their kings' example, Hati, and Kyan stepped in to face two warriors while Zakia was on another. With his staff in hand, Zakia made easy work of his opponent. A quick and easy wave put the warrior down. that left just one warrior. Sliding out a sword from behind her, Aryoona jumped in and with a quick spin, sank her blade into the back of the Pantheren warrior.  As the last warrior fell, Kapor hurried to a shield set in the wall and pushed a hidden knob and slid open a hidden door.
"Hurry! He said. "The sound of battle will bring the guards."
One by one they made their way up into the passage. It was dark and dusty and the air was stale, but they had no choice but to move on. With Kapor in the lead checking the way they made their up through the passageway. As they moved, they could hear movement from outside. It was the movement of the invading Pantherens hurrying down to see who?.
Hand in hand they made their way through the dusty passage. After one turn, Kapor bumped his foot into a set of stairs. Quietly they started climbing. They moved from the dungeon up to the main floor with no problem. From there Yonas took the lead. After they checked the peepholes to make sure the exit area was clear, Kapor pressed the knob and Yonas stepped out into stairway and checked up and down the stairway well, then stepped into the passage hall to find no one there on guard.
"It's clear," He said. Come on."
Cautiously they started on down the hall heading for the front exit. In their heads, they hoped to find it without guards, but they knew it to be a false hope. Keeping to the left side of the passage Yonas moved with his weapon raised and a spell ready. It wasn't long before they reached the front entrance. As they started around the corner to get out of the castle, Yonas heard voices and pulled every back into a coat closet. He motioned for them to be quiet as he listened through one of the hidden view places. There he found an older Pantheren who looked to be in command along with more than fifteen warriors.
"Take ten warriors and search the palace. Yonas is here somewhere and he must be found and eliminated. The regent will have our heads if we fail him. Yonas has to die. We can't let any of the royal family escape."
"Aye Captain," The warrior smiled a devious grin. "It will be my pleasure."
As the warrior started off, Yonas looked through the hidden window to find there was still more warriors then they could deal with. He took Kapor to the side.
"Brother," He said. "I want you to stay with Aryoona here in the closet as we draw the fight away. Get her to Astan if he lives. If not, get her to the Dragons. They will know what to do."
No Brother. My place is at your side fighting to free our home.
"Kapor, please. You must stay and keep her safe. If Astan is dead, she has the last of our family line in her belly. It's up to you to keep them safe. Promise me you will do as I say."
"I promise."
Yonas took his brother's hand into his and squeezed it hard. Then he turned to Kyan and Hati who stood bravely to the side.
"Stay safe Brother."
With that, Yonas with his royal blade in hand charged out with Kyan and Hati at his side. Proud to be a Tigar, Kapor sat back as he heard the fighting in the courtyard, then took Aryoona wrapped in a cloak, back down into the hidden passages and down to the dungeon and out through a hidden back exit. From there, they watched as the Hyenen battled the Tigarens and the united forces of the felines of Aspana. But being here so close to the battleground was too dangerous for them, so Kapor led Aryoona to somewhere he thought to be safe.
Meanwhile outside the battle boiled as Astan stood at the bottom of the palace wall contemplating the overwhelming spells that keep the palace safe outside attack. There were red and gold lines that mixed with green brown and blue spells. Those were the easy spells. Astan knew he could unravel them. The only problem was the hint of deadly black and silver spells that were hidden woven tightly in the spells. He knew how dangerous they were. Even the slightest touch at the wrong time could cause unbelievable results. He reached out and touched the first strand. There was a sharp tingle in his hand. Astan ignored the pain and reached in for the next strand. This one was blue, a protection spell. Astan wrapped it around his wrist, then let it fall away. He could feel something ringing in his ear. This was not going to be easy.
Ten minutes in, red, blue, and yellow strands lay at his feet. Now Astan's ears were screaming. He took a green strand and pulled it out and tucked it neatly away with some of the others. With one hand, Astan pointed down at the strands at his feet. He did a circular movement, tossing the strands to the winds where they dissolved into dust,
As Astan worked, sweat ran down from his face. Red and blue strands worked their way up his legs, Astan kicked out at them trying to be free, but each time he kicked, the strands multiplied. One became two then two split into four. Anxious, Astan sent a surge of energy down through his body into his legs. As the surge hit the strands, they all fell away. For a minute he felt relieved until he released where he was and what he was doing. As he pushed his fear away, he reached for the next strand and went back to work. Green strands and a layer of brown grabbed his attention and filled the area around his feet with dirt that grew inch by inch getting deeper and deeper as he worked until a layer of blue came in and washed the dirt away. Astan knew this was getting harder as he reached in and grabbed the next layer of strands. For a second he let his attention slip out to see what was going on behind him.
 Two Dragons, a blue and a green had the Hyenen dogs busy while two Griffins were high in the air deep in battle. With a sharp scream, Nereus launched himself at Stormcrest.  His claws were out sharp and dripped with poison. Stormcrest held his wings open and ready. With a swat, he slammed at Nereus. His iron like wing tossed Nereus like an unused feather. Furious, Nereus leaped up and sent a blast at Starcrest. Folded his wing, Starcrest created a shield which sent the blast into the ground beside him.
Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, Nereus circled, looking for weak spots in Stormcrest's defense. The silver griffin's tail was up and ready to strike at Nereus next move. Fortunately, the physical move wasn't Nereus only choice. A beam of poison struck out from his poisonous tail. Stormcrest raised his wing to block the blow It seared his wing, but Stormcrest shook it off and held his defense strong.
[Why Brother?] Stormcrest pulled his wings in tight and expose his chest to show his vulnerability. [I don't want to fight. We are both from the same hatchery. We should both stand and fight for our own lands now that we are free.]
[We will never be free.] Nereus shouted as he shifted from his gorilla form. "We will never have our own land as long as the Dragons fly and rule the mountains. They will always hunt us."
"That is not true," Beno said. "Dragons today are peaceful and they fight for freedom. Come with me and we will forge a new life for the Griffins"
"You speak of madness." Nereus raged and spit out at Stormcrest. "We will never be free, There will always be someone holding us back."
"The future doesn't have to be so bleak," Beno said. "But if we want to change, we have to stand up and act. Help me and we will take our first step to change."
Nereus listened to Beno words. Words like freedom, good and bad and change were alien to him. But he was familiar with rebel, hate, and madness. Those words fueled his heart and kept him on his path of hate. But he would have none of Stormcrest's change, He would have war!!!
"No more talk!" Nereus screamed."We are enemies. We are here to fight. Face me in battle.]
Beno let out a huff as if he would rather talk and maybe reason could change Nereus stone mind and bring peace to the Griffins.
"If I must." Beno raised his wings and tossed a fury of lightning dust at Nereus. All Nereus could do was raise his wings and be ready for the attack. As Nereus waited, he watched as hundreds of sparkling particles appeared over him and dropped down out of a grey cloud. Like bolts thrown by Zeus, the particles rained down sending thousands of volts of electricity into anyone caught in its field of influence. Just before the shock hit him, Nereus knead down and touched the ground sending a large portion if the shock wave away.
With a sly, evil grin, Nereus stood up. He raised his arms and took on his Griffin form. As his form changed, Nereus called out to the wind and air elements to bring a dark cloud to life over Beno's head. To be ready for Nereus next attack, Beno shifted and whispered a protection spell just in time as the cloud as let loose with an explosion of corrosive rain that set everything around Beno a fire. A quick wave washed away the flames and left nothing but ash to be swept away.
Beno was tired, he had been through a lot since all this started. Beno had lost his place with the Gorillas. His parents were dead. And there would be no more games at Keon's yard. None that he would be allowed to play in. And worst of all, Lady Shauri is dead. He felt so guilty for leaving her to her fate in Domina. They knew Igoro had no love for her. He would kill her first chance he got. But if there was a chance to get the person responsible for his parent's death, Beno had to take it. What cousin Goren's reasons were, Beno had no idea, But he was determined to see his father fail, and that was enough for Beno.
As Beno and Nereus circled each other, a leaf fell from a tree and hit Nereus shoulder. Reacting with surprise, Nereus shouted and sent a red thread spell at Beno. Like a cobra, the spell shot out and wrapped itself around Beno's legs. He lurched forward and fell flat on his face. With a dark smile, Nereus stepped forward on Beno's hand to claim his prize.
"You will die today." Nereus smiled. "What will your last words be?"
Beno looked up at Nereus standing over him with a death spell on his lips."
"My death won't be the end," Beno said. "It will be a beginning. My death will be a step toward freedom for...
Before Beno could finish his sentence, Nereus slammed his spell down in his face. The heat of the spell didn't seem very intense. It filling Beno's body with eldritch fire that made him stronger. Beno took a step toward Nereus confident this was his moment to strike. Suddenly he stopped. The burning pain was getting more pronounced. He could feel it moving from the soles of his feet getting hotter and hotter. Beno screamed out. He screamed a sound many couldn't even hear. But there was one that heard it loud and clear and he laughed with an evil sound that sent a chill through all that could hear it.

As the battle at the gate raged on, Astan moved slowly from one strand to the next. He noticed the pain was getting stronger and stronger. Right now he could take it, but soon, way too soon it would be beyond his pain tolerance. Then what would he do? As he moved on, the next set of strands was black. He looked for a way around them, but there were no side tracks. He would have to move on straight through.
With one hand he did a circular motion over the strands to call them up. With the other, Astan reached out to get a gentle grasp on the darkly hooded strand. Its end moved back and forth. Astan watched it danced to the movement of his hand. He knew he had to be careful. This viper like strand could snap out and end the dance at the if he were to lose his concentration just for a concentration. To keep him moving, Astan kept a song on his lips with the beat moving with his heartbeat. To the left, then right, step forward three steps then back one. Dance a pirouette then bow. Suddenly Astan felt his leg cramp. He stopped for a moment and reached down to rub his leg then whispered a soothing healing spell, then started back on the next.
As he lay the last of the sets black strand down, he saw there was and a resting place here. It figures, whoever set the spells on the need to rest after so much work. After double checking his work, Astan looked around to see how the others were doing. The two Dragons were doing fine. They should finish they're battles shortly.