Tinpa. 32

As Kyan led Palas from the royal bedchamber, he called out to see if any of his fellow Tigaren's were still conscious and able to fight. Sadly there was no answer. Somehow the invaders had managed to take the palace without much of a fight. But how can that be? There were more than two hundred warriors stationed here in the palace. How could six strangers overcome their whole fighting force? What of Hati Unstain? He should have been there at the king's side to protect him. Their best chance would be to find the kings guard.
[I agree.] Palas said at Kyan's side causing Kyan to jump. Palas smiled. Kyan wasn't used to having others listening in to his thoughts.
[Strange it is but useful. You must learn to guard your thoughts but still be open to those around you. It takes time but you will get it.]
[With your help.] Kyan nodded. [Hati would be either in his quarters or here somewhere in the royal chambers.]
[Then we must search the king's rooms?]
[Yes.] Kyan sent his young mane following in the breeze. [Follow me.]
With a quick look around the corner, Kyan signaled Palas they could move on. From the bedchambers, they slow and quietly made their way down the hall. Each step was made carefully so as not to alert any of the raiders. They had no idea how many were here in the palace. From the upstairs chambers, they heard voices coming from the floor below them, Kyan suggested he shift to his younger lion form and head down to distract them from his attack.
[No.] Palas said with a sly glint in his eyes. [Let me do this.]
Spreading his arms, Palas shifted his form to a small Wren and hopped up on Kyan's shoulder.
[Does this look harmless?]
Kyan smiled and reached his hand up and let Palas hop on.
[This should be interesting.]
[Stay here until I send for you.]
With a nod from Kyan, Palas was off flying down the staircase. His brown feathers and small shape looked innocent to the Pantherens as he made his way past the first three warriors just before the staircase.
[Come down.] He sent to Kyan. [The three at the staircase are yours.]
Fluttering his wings. Palas dropped down right in the middle of six warriors stationed at the front door to the palace guard room. As he hopped around, the warriors laughed at the little bird and its antics in the palace. As a warrior reached down to grab him, Palas made the shift to his warrior form and sliced the warrior right through his chest. Spinning around, Palas stabbed two warriors and sliced the other three right through their necks. As he turned to see how Kyan was doing, the boy trotted up to him wiping his sword clean. Inside the guard room, they found Hati's weapons. Kyan grabbed them and they headed on with their search,  After one more floor and a hidden passage, a face-off with a trio of Hyenen warriors, Kyan and Palas found themselves right in front of Hati's palace quarters. Kyan didn't think there was much of a chance that Hati could be here.
"What do you think?" Palas asked. "Could he be here?"
"Not sure," Kyan said. "Wait a minute."
Kyan stepped closer to the door then put his ear to the wood and listened. He couldn't hear anything but there was a distinct smell that only a Tigaren could make. He reached for the knob and gave it a turn then went in. The room was as quiet as a tomb and that spooked Kyan. He looked into the sleeping mat and was surprised to find someone there.
"Is that him?"Palas asked. "You should hurry, I don't know how long we will be free of the Pantherans."
"I think so," Kyan said. "But how do we wake him from the spell?"
"Same way I woke you."
Moving around Kyan, Palas went to where Hati was laid out. He kneeled down and touched him between his eyes. As Palas pulled himself back, Hati took a deep breath in, then let out a Tigar roar that shook the room. As he leaped from the mat, Kyan returned the Tigar greeting to let him know he was safe here in Tigaress among friends.
"Kyan," Hati said as he looked around and recognized where he was. "What's going on? Why are you here in my quarters?"
"Listen carefully," Kyan said as Hati stepped out to greet him. "Tigaress has been attacked. I don't know why, but there are Pantherens here and they have taken the royal family and put everyone in some kind of spell. We are the only ones awake and your roar probably alerted them to our presence. It's up to us to win back the palace and free the king and the rest of the guards."
With a flex of muscles, Hati turned from Kyan and went to a wooden chest at the end of his sleeping mat and threw it open.
"These Pantherens seem to have made a mistake." He reached in and pulled out a set of shining spell covered bronze armor and two glowing swords. One long with a blue hue and one short. "They may have had me under their spell, but they didn't take my weapons. Now I will have my revenge and we will free our king!."

As the red moon rose higher and higher in the eastern sky, Thaumas raised his mace and called a charge on the walls of the city. A cheer went up as Hyenen warriors charged down with weapons raised and ready. On the wall, Tigaren archers let loose with a barrage of arrows to rain down on the incoming enemies. As the Hyenen charged on the wall, each warrior carried both a weapon and a shield for defense. As the arrows fell, shields went up to catch the death rain. It was like little bits of thunder striking down out of the sky almost taking the Hyenens down. But it wasn't enough. Onward they came scrambling up the wall. The Tigarens tried chopping at the ropes. A few fell, but not many. Soon they were fighting hand to hand, Hyenen and Demomdogs against Tigarens. The fighting was savage, Tigarens used their most savage Tigar form to battle the enemy. Each Tigar ranging from 350 to 420 inches weighing 610 to 740 lbs. Massive beast with claws and fangs that could rip their enemy apart and move on to the next in mere minutes. Unfortunately, the Hyenen over numbered the Tigaren and overpowered them with their Demonic forces. Claw to claw the two factions met. Incredible strength was used to rip into each other using monstrous force as the Tigarens went from form to form attacking the enemy. One by one, Tigarens fell. Soon they were down to their last five warriors when out of the setting sun came a blazing fury blasting lines of warriors as it swooped down past the battlefield. As it flew fiery circles over the battlefield, flaming bursts shot from it out onto the battlefield where it split into fireballs and chased down a line of fifteen Hyenen warriors and burned them to ash. When Thaumas saw his warriors fall, he called to his Warlocks for back up. In a tent not too far from the fighting, three crocked and ancient turtles stepped out from the tent. They gazed at the battlefield then raised their hands and started to chant. Blue streaks of energy flared up into the sky speeding at the flaming orb. In a matter of minutes, it hit the orb and blew away the flames. As the power of the orb was disrupted, a great red Dragon split off from the fire and dived down at the oncoming Hyenen menace. Extending its claws, the Dragon reached out and grabbed a number of Hyenen warriors from the charge and tossed them into the air. As the Hyenen's fell, the Dragon let loose with a blast of flames that fried the Dog Warriors. Still chanting, the shell backed Warlocks split up and took aim at the Dragon. First blue then green bolts shot at the Dragon. As it dropped its wings, the Dragon sped between the bolts rolling and spinning throwing fire darts into the charging enemy line. With a huff and a puff, the third Warlock swung himself around and sent black flames up at the Dragon. As the Dragon backpedaled, it shook off the dark flames and sent its own heat back at the Warlock.
"Try all you want Dragon." The lead turtle called up. "Your flames cannot hurt the Three Shelled Terrors from Tornarok."
[Then we will have to use more than flames.] Inferno sent. [Behold the sounds of your death.]
As Inferno lifted himself further up into the heavens, a piercingly loud noise vibrated out through the clouds and sent a shock wave down at the Turtles. Crashing like a lightning bolt, the sound wave scattered the Turtles, throwing them out of the way of the sound wave. Looking up, the Turtles watched as Pitch, the sound Dragon flashed cross the battlefield screaming out sonic notes at them.
As the assault continued, a thunderous trumpet call on the left side of the battlefield announcing the arrival of Aggar and the Jaguar force. Like speeding arrows, they came in cutting down Hyenen and Demondogs. Aggar with his knives drawn charged in and cut a bloody path through the enemy force heading straight for Thaumas the leader of Mulu's battle force. As they met, a circle cleared around them giving them room to fight.
"Aiya Thaumas Dulmuald, may the god of death welcome you into her hall of warriors. You deserve a place there to rest after all the fighting in Aspana."
"As do you, Aggar Ren." Thaumas and Aggar circled each other waiting to strike the first blow. "After this day the fighting in Aspana will be settled and one side will stand as the leader in Aspanian affairs."
"They will indeed," Aggar said as he moved in he slicing out at Thaumas. With a quick sidestep, Thaumas moved aside as he pulled his short sword and lunged back at Aggar. As his hand raised, Aggar deflected the sword then kicked out connecting with Thaumas side knocking the breath from him. As Thaumas caught his breath, he got back to his feet and pulled his second blade. Determined to win. Thaumas stepped in, ready to battle as Aggar adjusted his armor and came again to fight. Blades swung and stabbed as the two warriors jumped and dived at each other looking for an opening where they could take advantage of their opponent and make a killing blow. Back and forth they fought as their weapons got heavier and heavier in their hands. Sweat ran down muscled arms making each swing more difficult until that one fatal slip. Aggar stabbed out at Thaumas but slipped in a small puddle of Thaumas blood. As he laughed at his luck, Thaumas clutched his blade as he advanced for the kill.
"Noooooo!" Deja screamed as she advanced on them carrying her blood-soaked scythe. "Get away from my father and face me Demon!"
"No Deja," Aggar said. "I lost, let him do what he must,"
[NO AGGAR.] Said a voice in his head. [THAT IS NOT YOUR DESTINY. YOU MADE A PROMISE TO ME. YOU MUST FULFILL IT]
As they watched, Aggar stood up then disappeared.
"I guess it will be you that pays your father's debt to me."Thaumas walked out through the bloody battlefield to where Deja stood. "If your father couldn't kill me, what makes you think that you can?"
"You are overconfident." Deja clashed her blades together. "If you beat me, there will be another and another and on and on until you fall. Your tired, your fatigue will be your downfall."
"I have enough to beat you, pretty lady."
"We will see Mutt."
 Leaping forward, Deja engaged her enemy. Her blades flashed in the firelight like twin dazzling sparks. Thaumas could barely keep up with her.  With a slash, Deja put a slice across his chest. After two more swings, blood ran from three cuts on his arm. She stabbed in then hacked with forwarding swings that made contact with his neck. A cheer went up when she thrust out her leg and tripped Thaumas. As he stumbled and fell, Deja jumped on his chest and slammed her blades down on his hands un-arming him. With a smile, she put her scythe to his throat.
"Do you surrender?" She asked.
"NEVER!!"
"Then you die!!" With a quick jerk, she sliced his throat, then stood up and walked away from his blood covered body. As she looked around she saw the battle was over. The Hyenen was on the run trying to find somewhere safe from the Tigarens. After a few minutes, Pitch and Inferno came walking up to her looking cool and calm.
"Well done," Inferno said. "Now Tinpa is free. But I must move on. I have my own country to worry about. Be safe. We will meet again."
"Myumbo," Pitch said as he waved goodbye,
"We are sorry about your father," Pitch said as he turned to Deja and Kifedi. "He was a brave man."
"He's not dead," Deja said as Kifedi made his way over to them. "Maybe we should go in and make sure the royal family is alright. Astan will want to know."
"We can't right now," Pitch said. "The gate won't open. I think it's a spell. Those blasted Turtles again."
"How do we open it?" Kifedi asked.
"Good question."
As they stared at the city gate, it had a sort of glow that extends all the way around the city. Since none of them were strong in magic, they would have to wait until Astan could get there.

Inside the palace, Zakia, Kyan, and Palas searched the dungeons from top to bottom for Yonas and the rest of the royal family with very little success. They couldn't find any Pantherens or Hyenens, they place looked as dead as a tomb. But they knew they had to be here somewhere.
"Maybe it's magic," Kyan said. "Maybe we're looking in the wrong way."
"You could be right," Zakia shifted his vision to see on the magical planes. Blue and green bands of magic were everywhere. The palace was full of spells and incantations that had been put there since the day the palace was built. There were spells for protection and some for preservation. They were even spells that held the palace there on the Aspanian plane of existence. What Zakia was looking for was anything in the bands of red of black, dark spells. Spells that should not be there. So they went back to the first floor, checking from dark spells as they moved.
Zakia saw suspicious bands of purple and some ancient ones whose color he couldn't even recognize. He reached for one and a soft warmth feeling ran up his arm to his shoulder. As he held it, it got hotter and hotter until he realized it was the palace hearing system, and he let go. Further on, he saw bands of white and lite blue, he knew it was some sort of protection spell, he had no idea who it was to protect. Then somewhere in the middle of the second floor, Zakia though he had found what he was looking for. It was bands of red that flowed all through the castle to each and every part.
"This is it," Zakia said pointing at the knot of red in the center of the room. "As I start taking the bands apart, things will happen."
"Like what?" Kyan asked.
"Things may appear," Zakia said. "Don't believe what you see.  Some may not be so nice. You may have to put them down."
"We will stay at your side," Palas said. "No matter what happens."
Zakia stretched and rolled his head on his neck to loosen the muscles. He slammed his hands together to warm his fingers then sat cross-legged in front of the door. As he cleared his mind he started a chant real low then reached for the first red band and twisted it around his hand as it started to loosen from the knot. As it loosened, red and purple lights flashed out and a strange wind started growing stronger and stronger until Kyan and Palas could barely stay on their feet. Then Zakia reached for the second band. It was like touching an electric eel and saw he held on, something appeared.  It was about six feet tall, bright as the sun and crackled with electric energy. With a sickly moan, it reached out to the winged man. Palas jumped up spreading his wings and did a backflip into the air. As Palas circled above, Kyan pulled his sword and lurched for the electric thing.
"NO!" Palas called. "You can't touch it with the sword. You can't use anything metal."
"Then what do I use?" Kyan asked while he jumped around trying to stay away from the moaning electric beast.
"Rubber or glass will work," Palas called. "And don't touch it!!!"
Confused and unsure of what he should do next, Kyan jumped over what had to be Yonas's desk, Kyan grabbed things off the desk and threw it at the electric beast, it roared but continued on its course after the young lion. There was no rubber or glass here on the desk. Just two clay cups of tea from the morning breakfast. Thinking fast, Kyan threw them on the floor in front of the beast, then. dived down behind the desk and put his head down. As the beast stepped forward into the tea there was a sudden burst of light and energy and the beast exploded,
As Kyan looked up over the edge of the desk, Palas jumped down with a smile.
"Good job." He said. "I knew you could do it."
"I wonder what could be next?" the young lion asked.
With slumped shoulders, Palas and Kyan stepped the door with their weapons ready to protect Zakia from anything that came out of the conjuration.
Zakia's hands spun around and around then one went left as the other stopped, the went up over his head. Magic flared and flashed, there were sounds like screaming animals then squawking like birds. As Zakia worked, things came poking out of the wall. First tentacles came out. Kyan jumped forward with his word and got busy slicing them before they could get to Zakia. Then weird bird things. But they didn't look like any birds they had ever seen before. They had scales and fangs. Palas knew right away they were carnivorous. Palas launched himself up into the air slashing out with his talons, they swerving to keep the weird things away from him.
As Zakia worked, his voice grew louder and louder until he was screaming but still twisting the bands of the spell. He worked harder and harder yanking and pulling with all his might. Soon he was down to the last bands. As he touched the band, there was a loud grumble. Zakia kept working because a moments distraction could not only cause him to fail, but it could kill him.
While Zakia worked on the spell, Kyan and Palas got ready for whatever came out of the spell next. First, the palace shook with heavy vibrations. Then a head came out of the wall and bawled a horrible cry as it pulled the rest of its body through the wall. With a quick look, the giant swung its club down at Kyan and Palas.

As Aggar and Pitch started toward the gates of Tinpa, there was a noise like rolling thunder, then a lightning bolt struck down in the middle of the battlefield. Pitch and Aggar turned to find Mulu Amin and his Demondog army standing there watching them.
"So you beat my dog warriors," Mulu said as he slammed his staff down causing a tremor that made our warriors to stumble and fall. "You thought the fighting was over. You thought you had won, didn't you? You have not faced me or my Demondogs and trust me. We will not be so easy to beat."
"We beat your dogs," Pitch said as Aggar and their forces spread out to be ready to fight. "We will beat you too."
"Ha ha ha ha ha!!" Mulu threw back his head to laugh. "They were nothing. Drones made for you to toy with while I sat back to watch. I knew the Hyenen could never beat you. But they served me well, Now you will face the true me.  Kill them!"
Like puppets, the Demondogs charged across the field heading for Aggar and all his warriors. Pitch made the shift and launched himself into the sky where he would have better access to the charging Demons
Unknown to him, the Demon's had a surprise for them.
As Pitch dived on the oncoming Demon horde, wings unfolded from their back and they launched into the sky coming after him. Surprised, Pitch banked left and let out a scream that tore through the oncoming horde. Again he backed left and dived at the Demons. After taking a deep breath, he sent a barrier of sound at the Demons.  Flapping his wings at high speed, Pitch created a sonic field around himself and let the Demons come in to attack. Like bees, they came in to attack. Buzzing backward. Pitch watched as they hit the sonic field and the vibrations tore them apart. Spinning around, Pitch sent out bolts of sound that burrowed holes through their shields and into their bodies. As his sonics rose in pitch, a blue glow surrounded his body and bolts of ultra shot out blowing Demons out of the sky.
On the ground Aggar and Kifedi went from Demon to Demon stabbing and slicing, throwing punches and kicks. A Demon leaped into air casting fire out over the Lycaon army. Shields were raised to block the fire but many fell from the Demon heat. As Deja watched the fire take here warriors, she called out to Kifedi then pointed up to the Demon. With a nodded he got himself ready for what she had in mind. With a quick stab and a push, he was dining with his foe and ready for her. As she gathered her wits, Deja leaped at Kifedi. He clasped his hands together to catch her. Deja slipped her knives from their place and spun them in her hands and leaped at her disfigured mate. As her foot caught his hand, Kifedi threw her up in the air at the Demon. Her knives flashed as she stabbed out piercing the Demons chest then did a backflip away before it blew away.
In a dark mood, Mulu Amin kicked out at a Lycaon warrior breaking its back then he kicked it out of his way as he started towards the Tigaren city gate. He lashed out sending a shot of energy at a trio of Jaguars hurrying to try and stop him. There was no power he thought that could stop him. All these weak Cats had no chance against a power like Mulu Amin.
As he reached the city gate he looked up at the spell that kept the gate closed. There were green, brown and traces of red in the gate spell. Mulu thought it might take time, but he was confident he could break the spell.
As he reached for the first band, he sensed danger and spun around with a shield spell that blocked a power from hitting him.
"Who dares?" He said as he turned to searched for his enemy. Are sure you want to face me? You could join me. I'd give you a place where you can be together."
"You mean betray our people?" Sakura frowned. "Leave them to your tender mercy."
"No," Astan said. "You couldn't give us enough to do that."
"But I do need someone to keep you company while Astan and I talk," Mulu said.  "I don't want this to be a one-sided conversation.
"What's the matter Mulu?" Sakura called. "Scared I'll put a sword in your back? Of course, I would."
Mulu smiled giving them a devious look.
"Then meet a friend." Mulu took a finger full of dust from his stash in his belt around his waist and flicked it out in the air. There was a spark of light, then a flash, and Clav Do' gon appeared in front of Mulu.
"General Do'gon, this is your chance to prove yourself to me," Mulu turned his head to look at Sakura. "Kill him."
"Yes my Lord."
Do'gon looked at Sakura with his soulless eyes then took out his swords and jumped in front of him ready to fight.
"Are you sure we can do this?" Astan asked staring at Mulu.
"Scared?" Sakura asked.
"About to piss my pants," Astan said.
"Don't worry," Sakura rubbed the front of Astan's pants. " I have faith in you. You won't let them hurt me."
[Never Love.] Sakura heard with warm feelings of love and arousal. [I'll fight for you, any day I have to."
As Do'gon walked out to meet Sakura, he studied his walk. A slight limp in his left leg, and blood on his shoulder. Sakura jumped forward with a stab out to draw him in. Do'gon dodged the stab and countered with a swing for Sakura's head. Sakura pulled his head away and spun around with a kick to Do'gon's side just as he moved back to avoid the blow. Continuing the spin, Sakura jumped back to keep Do'gon from knifing his back.
As Sakura and Do'gon moved in and out of battle, Mulu looked at Astan with red contemptuous eyes. "You really should have escaped Aspana when you had the chance." Mulu rumbled. "Now I have no choice but to kill you."
"You can try Dog master," Astan said as his magic gathered about him. "But I am not the weak child I was when this all started. I have something to fight for, and I warn you. I won't let you harm my people or my mate."
"Then shall we dance?" Mulu lifted his staff and cast out a rain of power pellets at Astan. Spinning around, Astan waved away the pellets, then attacked with a blast of energy. As the power blast hit Mulu's shield, Mulu fell down to his knees but held the shield tightly. When he got to his feet, Mulu growled and sent his blast at Astan. Astan moved aside then tripped over a root and fell on his face.
This was it. Mulu's chance to be rid of the pain in the ass Tigaren. He readied a power ball and moved himself over to stand right over Astan.
"Any last words?" Mulu snickered. Astan pushed his way up so he could look Mulu in his eyes. He started to say something, but he was cut off by the Dog lord. "Die Feline!!!"
With glowing eyes, Astan got up on his knees. With the power ball hot and ready. Mulu raised his hand over the Tigaren. In one swift move, Mulu slammed it down into Astan's chest. Astan screamed as the mystical energy burned its way into the young Tigaren. His eyes popped open and magical energy seeped out of his mouth and eyes. Mulu stepped back away Astan. This wasn't going to be as easy as Mulu thought it would be. With glowing eyes, Astan stood and turned to stand to face his enemy. Calmly Astan tilted head and raised his hand to point at Mulu. Sharp points of light shot out at Mulu. With his shield up, only one made it's the way through to stab into his chest. With a flick of his wrist, Mulu turned the attack back at Astan who dispatched it with a wave of his hand.
As the Dog Lord walked in a slow circle opposite his opponent, he knew this battle had become much harder than he wanted it to be. Astan Kinya wasn't going to be an easy mark. His magic might be equal to or better than Mulu's.
"I will not let you stop me," Mulu said as him and Astan circled ready to strike. "I have come too far and sacrificed too much to lose now."
"What have you sacrificed Mulu?" Astan asked. His head tilted, he had a blank look with his glowing eyes. "You take what you want. You don't care what others think. You don't care who gets hurt. All you care about is what you can get. You are no king. You can't rule here. You're just another tyrant to be disposed of."
"And you think you and your mate can bring me down!!" Mulu shouted as saliva ran down from his maw. "Then try it, you fucking rat catcher!!"
With a wave of his hand, Mulu sent a blast of frigid frost at Astan. Astan took a fighting stance then thrust out his hands and blew a gout of flames strong enough to overcome Mulu's cold.
"You think you can kill me, we'll see about that."
Mulu spun his hands round and round gathering more and more magic. Soon, he was wrapped in so much magic, you could barely see him. Astan stood ready and waiting for whatever evil Mulu could conjure.

"Kyan, move!!" Palas leaped into the air ducking the next swing. Kyan rolled then jumped up out of the giants reach. The giant had to be close to fifteen feet. His hair was dirty and filled with matted debris. There were scars all over its body from a lifetime of battles. Its arm and legs looked strong enough to tire a hole on the world. As it reached for Kyan, the boy swung down with his sword and cut in its arm. The giant howled and kicked out it Kyan sending him flying across the room. His cat-like reflexes turned him as he hit the wall and Kyan launched himself back at the giant with his claws out and ready. As he hit the giant, Kyan shifted to his lion form scratched deep grooves in his chest.
"Cat boy hurt Dunzig. Now Dunzig hurt cat boy bad!!!"
Like it was lite as a feather, Dunzig lifted his club and slammed it down where Kyan had been standing. Kyan jumped back and picked up a broken cup and threw it in Dunzig's face. The giant roared and pounded the ground with his fist then picked his up club again and leaped at Kyan snarling. From above, Palas circled the room looking for something he could use as a weapon against the giant. There was nothing here but books and China. Things from the table and the shelves of the library. Diving down, Palas grabbed knives and forks then took off back into the air. As he circled above, he looked for spots on the giant that would be tender to attack. Gripping the knives, Palas dived again. This time aiming for the spot behind Dunzig's neck, his spinal cord. Slamming the knives in, Dunzig screamed in pain then reached back trying to dislodge the knives. Unfortunately, they were stuck in deep and getting them out would not be an easy task.
Dunzig ran back and forth in the room trying to either smash Kyan or swat Palas. Either way. he wasn't having much luck. Then there was a bright explosion of light, and Zakia ripped lose the last band. As the door opened, something streaked out and hit Dunzig like a bolt of lightning. He staggered back away from Zakia and Kyan, then fell dead before the open door. As the dust cleared, Yonas held Aryonna as they made their way out from the dark trap. Behind them, Kapor staggered out shaking his head to clear his mind from his three days of captivity.
"Zakia!" The king called. "How fares my house tonight?"
"Not as bad as one might think, your highness." Zakia bowed. "Astan and Sukura have returned to save the day. But the battle isn't over yet. There are still enemies that need to be destroyed. Astan is here outside battling to get in. It's up to us to defeat the invaders in the palace. By us, I mean you, me Kapor, Kyan and Palas."

Lions, Tigars and Dragons, Oh my. 31

As the morning sun peaked over the mountains behind New Keanna, Jandar tossed and turned in the fit if a nightmare.
"No!," He moaned over and over until Rage woke up and pulled him into a warm embrace. "No, get away from my son!"
"Wake up Love," Rage ran his hand across his hairless sweat covered chest then touched him between his eyes to wake him up. "It's only a dream."
With a jolt, Jandar opened his eyes and looked up into Rage's eyes. Rage smiled and hugged him close kissing his ear, sliding his tongue over the lobe.
"The boys will be OK," He said with a squeeze. "Don't worry so much."
"Don't be so sure of that," Jandar sat up in bed. "If my dreams are right, Aspana could be in a lot of trouble."
"Aspana?"
"That's where they are." Jandar pulled away from the covers and sat on the side of the bed and grabbed his robe.
"Where are you going?" Rage asked.
"I need to talk to Athene." He slid his feet into his slippers. "Her dreams are more accurate than mine.
"You really are worried?" Rage pushed away from the covers and hurried around to Jandar's side of the bed. "Wait for a second and I'll get dressed."
As Rage pulled on underwear, Jandar tossed him his robe and they left their suite. They ran down two floors and down the hallway and made a left to find Adam and Athene's apartment. As they approached, Adam opened the door. He was dressed in bed clothing. He was just about to get some rest. He had been on duty at the gate last night.
"Come in," He stepped to the side to let them in. As the kings of New Keanna entered the apartment, Athene was standing there dressed in green and blue silks looking lovely as the midnight stars.
"I know why your here," she said.
"Then you can answer my question?" Jandar looked at her with worried eyes. "Are they OK?"
"Right now there is a lot of danger." Athene offered them seats so she could explain. "There is a war going on in Aspana, and this Mulu Amin is very very dangerous. I......"
Suddenly the door burst open and Tara Rudd and Rose Avenda ran in with tears in her eyes. Athene went to her and took the crying woman in her arms.
"Tara," she said. "What's wrong?"
"Our children are gone!!" Rose cried.
"What?" Jandar said
"We can't find them," She cried."They weren't in bed when we went to wake them up this morning."
"Could they be spending the night with someone?" Rage asked. "Maybe Graym or Dancyia?"
"They would have told me before going," Tara said. "They're welcome to do overnights as long as I get an OK from the parent they are staying with. They know that."
"Calm down Tara, we'll find them." Athene led her to a couch and sat her down. "I'm sure of that. Can I get you something hot to drink?"
"How do you know?" Rose cried. "They could be hurt or in trouble out there somewhere. I wish Tomar was here, he'd know what to do."
"We'll find them, Rose." Rage said patting her on the shoulder. "Call the Shadoe's and Cheshire. We'll start searching in an hour. They can't have gone that far."
"Adam and I will help," Athene said. "Just let us get dressed and we'll meet you downstairs."
"OK." Rage said."I'll call the others and get Ariel to stay with Tara. We'll see you downstairs in ten minutes."
As Jandar and Rage left Athere's rooms, Rage still had Quynn and Sky on his mind,
"Aren't we forgetting something?"
"No," Jandar said. "I'm not forgetting our son. He's always on my mind."
"You mean like you forgot to tell me they were going to Aspana? We need to talk later" Rage said. " Then what are we going to do?
"We are responsible for all the people of New Keanna," Jandar said sadly. "That's what being kings mean. Our subjects come first. We'll have to hold off on looking for them until Tara's children are found."
I know you're right," Rage said as lite puffs of smoke rose from his breath. "But my mind will be on him while we search."
"I know Love," Jandar said patting Rage's bottom. "I'm worried too, but we are kings and they are our princes. They have to take care of themselves and we must trust them to take care of their own problems."
With smoke rising from his head and shoulders, Rage hurried down to there suite with Jandar right behind him. Dressing in their leathers, they called out for Graym, Jayce, and Pelic to meet them down in the courtyard. As they reached the first floor, they made their way to the main entrance. Once outside Jandar put two fingers to his lips and sent out a loud whistle. Moments later a loud pair of howls came back to answer his call.
From the front stairs of the manor, Jandar and Rage walk down and around to the side and into the rose garden. Red, pink, blue, green, and yellow roses bloomed along with many different cross species of the flower of all colors filled the garden thanks to Dreik. As they made their way to the center, Graym and Pelic came drifting over the flower wall to land beside them.
"Has there been any word?" Jandar asked.
"No," Graym answered. "I should have been watching them closely. Rose will never forgive me."
"It's not your fault," Pelic said, his voice was gentile coming from beneath his gray hood. "They are children and they will get themselves into things no matter what you do."
Just then there was a bright flash of light and Jayce dropped down to join them.
"Aiya your majesties." He bowed to Rage and Jandar. "What can I do for you today?"
Jandar gave him stern look then turned as the others joined them from town.
"I'm sorry to pull you all from your busy day, but we have a problem. Four of our children are missing and they must be found immediately. They disappeared last night between 9 M.A. and 6 S.A.  Graym, and Jayce, fly out south. Search Winterhaven and the Darkforest. Call out to me if you find anything.
With a nod. Graym and Jayce took off.
"That leaves west and north. Rage, Dreik, and Blink will take west over the Kolvir. Search the trails, the forest, and the Durmista caves. I will take Cheshire and the Snowdogs and go north. Does anyone have any questions?
"What about the east?" Sara asked.
As he turned to Sara, the wind blew his dark hair over his face. Jandar wasn't sure where the kids had gone, but he was doubtful that they had gone out to sea. How could he tell that to Sara? She had been left out of so many missions, he knew she wanted to do her part. It wouldn't hurt to let her try.
"Your right Sara," Jandar gave her a smile with his twinkling eyes. "Message down and have Caldar Dylani send someone to join you as a guide, Anything else?"
No one spoke out.
"Then let's get going,"

From Deneg in the north to Torbid in the south, war raged all across Aspana. Lines of displaced refugees hid by day from Mulu's bands of Dog raiders who struck out at anything that moved. Mulu's slave pens grew larger every day as his warriors dragged wounded and scared refugees back to be put in chains. The sounds of their screams could be heard for miles all around. In Torbid, the Sealen city had a rich trade center and its seaport was second to none. Their fleet counted over forty and was usually spread all across the southern hemisphere of Keanna shipping exotic fruit and animals. The Sealen people were master tradesmen with customers from Aquilona under the western sea to Liamiport in the exotic east.
The Sealen had fought bravely against the Hyenens. The battle was going in their favor until the Demondogs arrived and joined the fray. As the battle raged, the first Demondog charged in blasting the line of Sealen scattering the warriors across the battlefield. Bravely the Sealen climbed back on their feet ran back at the Demondog. With his spear raised the first Sealen stabbed up into the Demons back and shoved the barbed head in. As the Demon screamed in pain, the Sealen pulled his sword and chopped down into it's back. Weakened by the attack the Demondog fell convulsing to the ground. As the Sealen took that chance to attack, the Demondog was up with an evil grin slashing at his enemies.  Seeing their comrades fall, the Sealen rallied themselves for a new offensive. With some of Aspana's finest wizards on the city wall sending out their strongest spells, the Sealen attacked Mulu's ships. They hacked and tore out the bottoms of the invading ships sending them to the bottom of the bay. Hyenen warriors dived out of the ships thinking to swim for their lives. Unfortunately, Hyenen weren't too much for swimming. Most of them sank right to the bottom. Only the Demondogs were able to make it to land without drowning.
With their weapons drawn and their determination set, the Sealen charged into battle. Swords flashed in brave comradely as Demondogs fell under the assault. Jackals rushed in to take up the place of the fallen Demons. As the two enemies clashed, the Sealen's courage rose to a high point. They had finally overcome Mulu and his Demon's, now it was time to launch their final attack and drive the dogs away from their city.
Like their brothers the Dolphins, Sealen warriors leaped from the water armed and ready to decimate their enemy. The Hyenen pulled back with fear in their eyes until they had all made it to cover. As the Hyenen's cowered in fear the Sealen charged in to reap their glorious win. All of a sudden a cry came from beyond the battlefield and Nereus and his Griffin brothers dropped down out of the sky to attack the Sealen. Sealen warriors screamed as Griffin's hot claws ripped into their bodies. Soon, countless Sealen had fallen under the Griffin assault. The Sealen commanders screamed for their warriors to retreat. As the brave Sealen turned away from the battle, they cursed the laughing Griffin's as they limped away carrying their wounded comrades. Today they lost the battle because of Mulu's pact with his dark god, but there would be a day when the Sealen and the rest of Aspana would triumph and put Mulu and his god down.
As Nereus made his way to Mulu's tent, he watched as Mulu turned his dark magic on his own warriors. As they begged for mercy, Mulu cursed each one causing flames to break out all around them.
"Who are you stranger and why have you come to help me?"
"I am Nereus." Nereus bowed to Mulu never taking his eyes off the Warlock. "I am here to help you take control of Aspana and make it yours."
"I hope you can do a better job then they did." Mulu motioned to the burning piles to their side. "I don't take well to failure."
"I never fail," Nereus said insulted.
"That's what they said." Mulu laughed. "What makes you so sure you can help me?"
"I can bring you Dragons."
"Come." Mulu waved him over. "Let's talk."

Zakia Manzi was in a very dark mood. The Tigaren capital palace had been raided and their royal family was taken captive. Zakia had no idea where. But there was one clue. The palace reeked of dark magic. Zakia could feel it all around him. That was Mulu's mistake. With a smile, Zakia raised his hands and weaved a spell that would trace the spell used on the palace. As he sat down and spun his tracer spell, red and blue lights flashed, then the room settled with a green haze as the spell took effect. Zakia's eyes glazed over and a grim look settled on his face.
As Zakia got to his feet, two Hyenen warriors rushed into the room. With a quick turn, Zakia cast out a simple force spell that grabbed the warriors and slammed them into the palace wall. As the warriors fell, Zakia turned and calmly made his way to the room's exit. He went from the throne room to the hall and down two flights of stairs to an audience room where he stopped at a stone wall and placed his hand on the wall. Bright blue lights flashed as the wall accepted him as a member of the royals.
As Zakia stepped in a bright light flashed as he stepped through a force wall set up by the enemy Warlock. Through the force barrier, Zakia looked up to find a familiar enemy standing at the Tigaren wall near a vault where the family jewels and weapons could be found. Jaffa Uda, a sly and aggressive wharf Rat with one golden eye and a broken tail from a battle he had won against an Elf back in his early days.
Dressed in a gray hooded robe with stars that danced all over him, and his amulet of Ragamon glowing around his neck, Jaffa stopped his spells and looked toward Zakia.
"Myumbo Jaffa Uda," Zakia said as he entered the room. "It has been a long time since we last met."
"Yes, Zakia." Jaffa walled out from the wall where he had been tried to break a spell. "I see you are still faithful to Yonas and the Tigaren kingdom. Tis a shame I will have to kill you. There's so much we could learn from each other."
"Like loyalty and honor?" Zakia through back his head laughing. "Master Stevn always said that would be your downfall. Gold could never be a master to standby. an incentive to learn or be faithful."
"And you think the Tigaren's better?"
"Oh yes." Zakia smiled as his staff started to glow. "Tigar is where my heart will always belong. They are my friends and my family. I will die before I let anyone kill my king or my nephew.."
"Then today is the day you will die, old friend." As Jaffa stepped forward, a bolt of green power shot out from his hands. Spreading his hands, Zakia formed a pulse shield that sent the bolt back at Jaffa. Leaning out, Jaffa caught the bolt and took it in his hands and spun more power into it, then he sent it streaking at Zakia. As the bolt came at its target, Zakia lifted his staff and swung batting the bolt high over their heads into the jungle.
With his staff over his shoulder, Zakia stepped closer to Jaffa. The Warlocks amulet glowed brightly from their battle.
"You didn't think Mulu would send an apprentice, did you?" Smoke rose steadily from Jaffa's hooded robe.
"Your experience doesn't matter," Zakia said. "You fight for gold and that's just a thing with no honor or meaning. I could give you all the gold you want with a snap of my fingers."
Turning around, Zakia snapped his fingers and conjured a pile of gold that was stacked to the ceiling.
In a few steps, Zakia had a hand full and he tossed it to Jaffa.
"This doesn't mean anything to me." With another snap, The gold was gone, all Jaffa had was what Zakia had tossed to him. "You risk your life for that? That's nothing to lose your life over. You have no honor."
"Maybe I don't," Jaffa said as he stuffed his pockets. "But it will be your downfall."
"I doubt it." Zakia leaned forward with his arms at his side wrapped around his staff. "You may attack first.
Laughing at Zakia's confidence, Jaffa raised his hand and spoke a few soft words that sent a storm of gray static at Zakia. Bubbling and boiling the gray clouds of static came at Zakia, he took his staff and started to spin it around and around. In less than a second he stopped and pushed the static up into the air. Like dark specks of rain, it fell down on Jaffa burning its way into his robe. Jaffa screamed and fell to his knees shooting the specks away from him leaving his robe torn in spots.
Lifting his head, Jaffa stared back at Zakia with glowing menacing eyes. Getting to his feet, he shot a beam of concentrated power at Zakia. Holding his hands in a fist before him, the beam came in and struck. Zakia screamed holding his glowing fist over his head. The pain ran through him frying nerves and searing muscled all through his body. As his blood started to boil in his veins, he gasped some kind of healing spell that reached out to heal his body. Zakia fell limp to the ground. Staggering forward, Jaffa looked over his downed enemy. There were no life signs, Zakia looked as if he wasn't breathing but that could be a trick. As Jaffa moved forward, a spark of life slipped into Zakia and his eyes slowly opened, Confident of his success, Jaffa reached down and grabbed Jaffa by his throat. Blood ran from his mouth and his eyes had no life shine.
"It's over." Jaffa lifted Zakia in triumph. "I win and you can take your honor with you to the underworld!!"
"I think not!"
Suddenly Zakia opened his eyes and lifted his staff. A bolt of lightning erupted all around Zakia throwing Jaffa to the ground as Zakia rose high over him.
"This is far from over." Zakia settled to the ground.
Hurrying to his feet, Jaffa threw a wave of dust and dirt at Zakia then followed with a powerful blast. With his power shield still up, Zakia let the blast hit the shield then countered with a swift hammer blast pile driver blow that sent Jaffa flying off his feet. As he shook his head to focus his power, Jaffa threw his hands up casting a wide field of dark energy at Zakia. As he shook out his dreadlocks, Zakia raised his hands and watched the darkness descend upon him. As far as he knew, there was no way to counter the darkness that was coming toward him. Darkness was the ultimate of evil spells and Master Stevn had never taught the dark craft or how to counter it. The only thing Zakia could think of was to rely on his faith and his honor to drive the darkness back. As the darkness crept toward him, Zakia calmed his mind and set himself down folding his legs beneath him. This would be his last chance. He hoped they would all be with him tonight. With his staff held out, he called out for help.

"I CALL UPON ALL THE MASTERS OF
 TIGAREN PEOPLE.
STEVN AND WHAYU.
LAMU AND FARAJI.
KHALFINI AND MBITI.
BAYANA AND MSHINDI.
THE DARKNESS THREATENS
OUR PEOPLE AND IT IS
ONLY WITH YOUR HELP
WILL WE PREVAIL? WE NEED
 YOUR RIGHT TO FIGHT
THE DARKNESS."

As Jaffa's darkness spread through the room, Zakia was pulled up off the ground to hover four feet in the air surrounded by a savage light. Lightning flashed in colors unknown to the normal sight as the darkness fought the light for supremacy. To Zakia it looked as if the light and darkness had become vicious beings fighting for their own place in the world. Back and forth the battle raged as the war of light and darkness went on with each blow vibrating with blinding flashes of pain. As the war went on, Zakia could feel his strength grow with each blow. The light struck harder and harder making sparks explode in the air. Soon Zakia could see Jaffa convulse as each blow absorbed more and more of his strength. The light grew stronger and stronger until soon it was so bright that there was an explosion that threw the two combatants apart.
When Zakia got to his feet, he could feel the raw strength running through his body. The bone staff that he carried now was made of pure silver and light. There was something different about him. He could feel the change that ran through his body. As he looked out he saw Jaffa laying broken against the wall and Yonas and Kapor were sitting up staring at him with a bewildered look on their face.

"What's going on?" Yonas said. "We're in the treasure room. What are we doing here? The last thing I remember was we were under attack? What happened?"
"Many things happened," Zakia said. " "We're still being attacked. Follow me and I'll explain."