Turnabout. 20

As the dark hour struck, Igoro Baba made his way out of Domina and into the wild jungle that surrounded his Gorilla city. He had no weapons on him to fight the wild creatures of the jungle. That was because he no fear of anything that lived near Domina. He knew nothing wild would dare to attack him. Not even the Dreadfoots would dare come near him. With his hand raised he sparked a flame to show him the way through the jungle.
Tonight he was to meet with his most important ally. Mulu Amin had called and ordered Igoro out to a meeting deep away in the darkness of the jungle.
As he walked, Igoro went over what had just happened in Domina. The resistance of his son Goren and Lady Shauri had been put to an end. He hadn't dealt with his rebellious son, but his witch of a wife had been dealt with and would no longer give him any trouble. That was to bad he thought. Lady Shauri had been a beauty. If it wasn't for her mouth, he could have made a great deal on her in the slave market. But Goren would never have let him get his hands on her. He should have taken care of Goren when he dealt with his other two traitorous children. Goren thought that Hodari and Maia had died fighting Humans inj the battle of Jerika, but that was not true. Hodari and Maia were growing far to powerful as they were backed by the white Apes of one of the south Mountain clans. If they had continued to live, there was no doubt they would soon challenge Igoro for leadership of all the Hominids. Igoro couldn't have that. Goren's popularity with the eldars was enough. Hodari and the White Apes would threaten all his plans so they had to be dealt with. And they were. Igoro ordered them to march on the Humans, but they never made it very far from Domina. They were caught in a trap between Igoro's guards and the Hyenens who killed them leaving their bodies surrounded by Human swords and spears. With the Human's getting thew blame, Igoro was free to continue on with his plans to raid and enslave the weaker people of Aspana.
But that was then. Things were different how. Now he had a much better hold on Domina and Goren was on the run as a traitor. here was nothing standing in his way of taking as much of Aspana as he could. Mulu Amin might even soon be bowing at Igoro's feet.
With conquest on his mind, Igoro stepped out of the jungle and into a clearing were Mulu sat  waiting for him. As Igoro stared at the Hyenen warlock, he was impressed by the armor Mulu was wearing. It was made of some dark netal that seemed to absorb the light and energy from all around him. He wore a breast plate of the shiny dark metal with leggings and a dark cloak wrapped around his back. He looked like he was ready for war.
"Myumbo Mulu Amin." Igoro held out his hand in a salute to the Hyenen chieftain. "All goes as we planned. The Tigarens are on the march. So are the Rhinon while there is no sign of the Pantherans anywhere."
"Do not be fooled Igoro." Mulu said as he stood up. "G'ania G'azini is no fool. He will come."
"Then we all crush him and anyone else he brings into the battle."
"What about Astan Kinya?" Mulu looked at him with raised eye brows. "I was told you had him in chains in your dungeon. Where is he?"
"He escaped with that bastard son of mine."
"What?" Mulu screamed. He took a step forward will energy into his fist to strike at Igoro. "You let his escape!!"
"Have a care Hyenen." Igoro said with glowing eyes. "I am not one of your Demondogs. You do not have command over me."
"Your right." Mulu said simmering down. "I don"t have command over you or your Gorilla army."
"And you need me if you want our plans to work." Igoro's eyes lost their glow. "Astan will return. I know this because he and Goren have no where else to go. My traitorous son will bring back and put him tight into our hands.
"And what of Sakura?" Mulu asked. "Will he be walking into a trap too?"
"Sakura will come." Igoro said with a devious smile. "Once we have Astan back, he will fall to us just like a Spider monkey. He will do anything to get his love back His emotions will betray him."
"You think Sakura weak because he loves Astan?"
"Yes." Igoro sneered. "Sentiments are a weakness. Have no love for a brother or a son. They will always let you down and be your downfall. Females are to be used and tossed aside when your done. Power is the only thing take matters."

What a silly Ape, Mulu thought. His cold heart will be his down fall. There will be no one there when he needs help and that is how I will destroy him.
"Find your son." Mulu said is he turned to walk away. "Find them both and have them chained in the dungeon. I will return once the Tigarens and the Rhinons get here."
With that said, Mulu swept his arm around him and disappeared.
"I will find them Dog master." Igoro smiled. "And I will be waiting for you with a surprised of my own."
As Igoro disappeared transporting back to Domina, Xuthulu's laughter could be heard ringing through the dark jungle.
[These mortals. What fools they can be over a little thing like power. Once I have what I need, it will be so easy to crush them all.]

As Msia led Akani and Aggar from the cave, he felt a strange tingling running down his spine. He never had it before, but he knew instinctively what it was. It was a feeling of danger. He held up his hand and put a finger to his lips to quiet them.
 [What is it?] Aggar asked as he pulled his knives from there place across the front of  his chest.
[There is danger out there ahead of us.] He said as a low growl started low in his chest. [Both of you keep quiet as we leave.]
[I feel the vibrations.] Akani said. [There are three of them, and they are heading right for us.]
Like preying cats, they got down and moved away from the cave. Msia could smell something that was like the Hyenens but different. There was something strong and repugnant about the smell. Moving slowly, Msia walked out through the tall guess then jumped to his left. As he watched, a strange group of Hyenens went pass him. These Hyenens had long saber like teeth with mottled fur and red blazing eyes. They were much taller then average the Hyenen and much wider. They look stronger and more fierce then any Hyenen that Msia had seen before.
As he watched, he pulled his sword free from its scabbard. One passed followed by another. The third stopped and looked around sniffing the air for a scent he knew was here somewhere. As it looked around, it caught the scent it was looking for. Barking out it's challenge, the Demondog leaped it to the grass at Msia. Diving to the side, Msia rolled through the grass and leaped at the Demondog. Their swords clashed with a loud clang. The Demondog swung high going for a head slice at Msia. Msia leaned back and let the strike safely go over his head With a kick kidney, followed by three jabs Msia sent his opponent down to the grass. As the Demondog fell, Msia readied him self to deliver a final strike; He raised his sword and sent plunging down into the grass and mud. The Demondog and quickly rolled to the side then jumped up to try and wrestle Msia to the ground.
To the left of him, Akani had shifted to Pitch. Roared in anger, Pitch sent a volley of sonic blasts at his opponent. As they hit the Demondog, it fell to the ground and rolled to the side. As it jumped up to its feet, the Demondog dived at Pitch with its claws bared. It slashed at at Pitch's chest looked for a weak spot in the Dragons armor, but he didn't have one. his armor was reinforced by a layer of sound they covered him entirely. With a swing of his tail, Picth sent the Demondog flying. Pitched roared then dived at his opponent sending a ear piercing thin razor sharp beam of sound right at the Demons chest. It screamed as the beam cut into it sending blood out to splash over Pitch. Looking around, Pitch saw Aggar deep in battle with another Demondog. He was just about to leap in to push the Demondog off of Aggar when he heard a warning to stay out of the fight ring through his head.
[This is my fight.] Aggar said. [I am no use to you if I can't handle it on my own.]
In his Man wolf form, Aggar leaped high slashing down at the Demondog. As he came down to land, he grabbed his knives and leaped back into the fight. Aggar moved so fast there wasn't much the Demon could do to defend itself. As it roared out a stream of hell fire, Aggar slid down beneath it raising his knives to split the Demon open from its throat all the way to its crotch. As the Demondog fell, Aggar stood up and looked out to Msia to see how he fared in his battle. He saw Pitch standing over a dead a Demondog, but Msia was not there.
"Where is Msia?" Aggar asked is he went over to join Akani.
"I don't know." Akani looked at him with fear in his eyes. "He was here in battle with one of these Demon things. I got busy with my battle and lost sight of him."
As they looked around, they both knew what had happened. A second, third and fourth must have joined in on Msia's fight. He had been overwhelmed and they took him away.
"You know what this mean?" Akani said. "He is back in Mulu's hands."
"Then we have to go get him."
"Yes." Aggar agreed as he kicked the corpse of one of the dead Demomdogs. As they watched, the Demon began to shrivel and return to its former Hyenen form.
"There is something strange here." Akani said as he knelt at the side of the reformed Hyenen..
"Mulu is powerful and very formidable. But he does not control Demons. That is beyond his powers . There is a new enemy out there that we know nothing about.
"Then we will have to be careful." Aggar said. "But first, we have to find him and get him free.""
"I know the way to Mancoro." Akani said as he shifted to Pitch. [Climb on and I will fly us there.]

It was early in the evening when Ranjer stepped from the Academy showers to find Bly Sharpwing sitting on a bench waiting for him.
"Aiya." She said as she took flight and zipped up to hover in front of him. "I have a message for you from Jandar and Rage."
"Hmmm!" Ranjer frowned. "I wonder what they want."
"I don't know, but Jandar said it was urgent."
Landing on Ranjer's shoulder. Bly took a small piece of from one of her pockets and dropped it in Ranjer's hand. As she launched herself back into the air, the parchment grew in size to something he could read.

Ranjer.
Something has come up that we need your help with. Can you please come to Settlement so we can explain.
                                                                                          Jandar Tyr.

After reading the message twice, Ranjer folded it up and stuck in it his breast pocket. From the shower room, Ranjer heading up to the main floor of the Academy. There he met Dack Rainer giving six new cadets a tour of the school.
"Where are you heading?" Dack asked.
"My brother Jandar sent a request for me to come see him in Settlement. I thought I might get a quick bite before I left."
"Have you been practicing all evening?" Dack looked at him with a surprised look on his face. "You missed dinner. The commissary is closed. You might get bread and some meat and cheese, but that's it. Your bettor off waiting until you get to Settlement."
"I guess that will have to do." Ranjer smiled at  the cadets who stood there staring at him like they knew who he was. He ruffled a blond kids head and asked him how his visit to the Academy was going.
"Sir." He said "Its been OK, but my father doesn't have the money for me to come here for school. We're from a poor village on the western edge of Tir Na. I might not even have the time to come here for school, It's almost harvest season back and and I'll be needed to pick my share before the grapes wither die."
"Don't worry about that." Ranjer smiled. "If your here on this tour, then everything has been arranged.
Tir Na sends five of it's best students here every years. And there's no charge. Everything will be paid for by the crown, You can thank King Tof when you see him after orientation."
The boy's smile lit up his face as he thanked Ranjer. With a wave, Ranjer went on his way. As he walked away, he heard another boy ask if he knew who he had just been talking to?
"That was Prince Ranjer." He said. "He lives at the palace. One day I want to be just like him."
High praise Ranjer thought. He hoped one day he could live up to it.
From the main hall, Ranjer hurried out into the Academy's foyer when he stopped for a minute to tell Jovan where he was going.
"Be careful." Jovan said from the the Academy front door. "There's been a lot of talk about strange Dog men out raiding the last few nights. Keep your eyes open."
As Ranjer waved he started to shift to his wolf form and headed out  on his way. From the gates of the Academy, Ranjer ran west then north following the road Dreik fashioned around the perimeter of the island. From the Savonti camp, he stopped to pay a small tribute to Yaru and Xanu the two Savonti lords that had choose to come to Keanna, From the Savonti camp, Ranjer made the shift to his eagle form and headed out to sea.
Ranjer always loved his time spent watched the sun set back on the beach in Tir Na. From here, Danyet Island it was even more beautiful. The way the sun went from gold to amber and the dark blue always calmed his mind and helped him to relax.
As Ranjer left the Island, he had a strange feeling that someone was watching him. He looked around searching the sky's but for any threats but the horizon was clear, there was nothing dangerous anywhere near him. Still he thought he should be careful, There were many ways to spy on someone. visuals was just the easiest.
From the island, Ranjer beat his wing and and gained some altitude taking him high up over the clouds. Settlement was to the west about a three hour flight. He thought if he had time,, he might stop in Vasagi to see how his father and brother was doing. He hadn't them since Azeal and Tanis had their commitment ceremony.
As the sun sank over the western mountains, Ranjer found himself flying over the Dark Elf territory. Dark elf territory meant he had to keep an extra close watch on his surrounds. Though Talsara Darkshade was dead, there were still many enemies out there among the Dark Elves. In fact the Dark Elves could be the reason Jandar had called him. From Gaylia in the south, Ranjer turned north and headed into Aspara Baugh, He had many friends here being is was so close to Tir Na.
As he flew over Tir Na, Ranjer saw the bright lights of home. He wanted to stop to say Aiya to Tof and Mother. He especially wanted to look in on his sister Sharone seeing as the new was that she had just given birth to her first cub. From mother's last message, the cub looked just like Ono when he was born. Ranjer was very anxious to stop and give baby Ransan his blessing. But since Jandar had said it was urgent, Ranjer kept on course for Settlement.
As he passed over Winterhaven and Vasagi, Ranger saw the high towers of Settlement right in front of him. Spiraling down, he headed straight for the gates an roared to announce his entrance into the city. Dropping down, Ranjer heard Blaze roar back a greeting and permission to land and enter the city.
Minutes later, Ranjer stepped down into the city gate to be greeted by Blink who was on gate watch for the night.
"Aiya!!" Blink said as he wrapped his arms around Ranjer in an affectionate thug. "What brings you home? I thought you were deep in study at the academy.
"A call from Jandar." He said as he grasped Blink's arm. "Do you have any idea what he wants? I'm not in trouble, am I?"
"Not that I've been told." Blink said as they walked down from the city's wall. "But think about it. Your brother hasn't seen you in two years. Could it be that he misses you?"
"You're right." Ranjer said as his mind began to relax. "Its probably nothing. I guess I'll know in a few minutes."
With a wave good bye, Ranjer was off to the Manor to see what he had been summoned for. Suddenly a thought hit him. Something was different about the feel of the city. Settlement usually felt like a second home. But today it was different. Something was missing. What could it bde? The maonr looked the same. Gird and the Snow dogs were sitting out side of the Dragon cave while Dreik hover over had making a change the peak on top. That hadn't changed that much. There were plenty of children running and playing in the school yard while Rose and Tara stood out front watching with Mozig the Ogre. Mozig smiled as Ranjer passes and waved hello.
As Ranjer made it to thde front gate of the Manor, a pretty woman in a long green gown stood in the garden waving her hands as if she were leading an orchestra in a beautiful ballad. Roses moved and swayed to her movements as blue bells and irises danced in the background. As Ranjer started up the stairs to the manors front door, Ranjer bowed to Blaze who stood there teaching a young dragon the alphabet.
"Good evening Ranjer." Blaze smiled. "His majesties are waiting for you in their main study."
"Am I in trouble?"
"Heavens no." Blaze said as the young dragon blew out a circle of flames that drifted off into the sky, "Jandar has something important he wants you to do. Hurry upstairs and they will explain it all themselves."
Taken the stairs two at a time, Ranjer hurried on up heading for the top two floors which were the private rooms of the kings and their closest family. As Ranjer climbed, he thought about days in the past when he was younger. He always loved his visit playing here. Jandar and Rage always made time for him taking him flying and out on runs. Sometimes they even took him out to meet kings and queens of far off lands. He loved their trips to Aquilona, Dree. Swimming with the Mer people and the Sea elves.Eventide, Darkshade and Cridia, hunting an mining. His youth had been a happy one. He wished Quynn had been there to share it with him.
As Ranjer climbed the stairs, a thought hit him like a blow to the gut. Whenever he flew in for a visit to Settlement, the first one to greet him was always his nephew Quynn. He and Quynn had a familiar bond that always let them knew when they were anywhere close to each other. Now for some reason, he didn't feel Quynn or his mate Sky anywhere near Settlement.
[That is why I've asked you to come.] Jandar in his head. [Quynn and Sky are not here.]

The Power of Darkness. 19

It was late after midnight when Sky sat up awake and screamed our a warning. Next, to him, Quynn jumped up and roared his challenge. Sky had woke him up with his scream and Quynn was ready to defend his love. With an energy bolt ready to burn anyone near them, Quynn looked for whoever was attacking. He looked down to see Sky shaking with tears in his eyes.

"What is it Snowbird?" He asked as he sat down and pulled him into his arms. "It's OK. It was only a dream."
"No." Sky said with his face buried in Quynn's shoulder. "It wasn't a dream. It was something else."
"What was it?" Quynn asked as he stroked Sky's back.
"I don't know." Sky said. "But it was dark and very old. Older than the first Dragon. I know because I felt its darkness. It's coming for us."
"I will protect you," Quynn said is he kissed his mate. "I promise I won't let anything hurt you."
"I don't know if we can stop it." Sky cried. "I'm not sure if anyone can stop it,"

It was late in the night as Mulu Amin appeared on the dark mountain cliff. He had just left that fool Igoro Baba outside of his Gorilla city and it was time he put an end to all the running and chasing all over Aspana. As he appeared there was a great bolt of lightning that flashed then crashed down into the side of the mountain. He listened as the thunder rolled across the sky and was replaced by the sound of deep hideous laughter. As he looked out into the dark clouds, he saw Xuthulu the master of death push his way out of the clouds.
"I am here Master," Mulu said as he bowed and put his head down. "As always I come when you call."
[THE TIME FOR DOMINATION IS HERE.]  Boomed out the darkness. [I HAVE WAITED FAR TO LONG TRAPPED HERE IN MY DARK DIMENSION TO BE STOPPED BY TWO MORTALS. MY EXILE ENDS HERE AND I WILL HAVE MY FREEDOM. BRING ALL FOUR OF THEM HERE AND GIVE THEIR SOUL OVER TO ME. I WILL BATH IN THEIR BLOOD AND DELIGHT IN THEIR PAIN.  WE WILL BRING ASPANA TO ITS KNEES.]
"Yes Master." Mulu said with a trembling voice. "It shall be as you command. What of Igoro?"
[WHAT ABOUT HIM?]
"Do I keep my pact with him?" Mulu asked.
[HE IS STILL IMPORTANT TO ME. FOR NOW, WATCH HIM. BUT BE CAREFUL. HE HAS FAR TO MUCH AMBITION FOR ME.]
"It will be as you command." Mulu bowed down with his forehead touching the ground. As he got back up on his feet, lightning flashed as the thunder echoed out through the sky. Mulu could hear his master's insane laughter as it drifted off in the night sky.
"Soon everything will be set and the time of our final triumph will be upon us." Mulu raised his hand to cast his transport spell. "Aspana will be ours and nothing can stop us!!"

As the sun slipped up over the horizon, Sky rolled over and opened his eyes. The dream from last night still haunted his waking mind. He couldn't forget the feeling of evil that had touched his mind. He wasn't sure if the dream had been one of his premonitions, But it felt as real as when he first dreamed about Sakura and Aspana  Somehow there was something about the dream that he thought was a threat. He could still feel those cold fingers as they caressed his sleeping mind.Sky hugged himself a shivered then turned to look down at Quynn. The sight of his handsome face always made his heart take an extra beat. He looked so peaceful lying there snoring. There was no way he could ever let anything hurt him.
Quietly Sky got up and made his way over to the riverside. It was going to be a long day and he wanted to get washed up before the others woke up.Dropping his pants and throwing his tunic onto the river bank, Sky dived in and swam out into the lake. The cold water felt so comfortable to him. Though he would never leave Quynn, he missed the days in Pollex. He loved dancing in the snow and flying in the crisp frigid air. He remembered the days when his Grandfather taught him to hunt caribou and elk on the frozen tundra. They would find a trail and follow it back until they found their prey. Sometimes they would go in for the kill and bring home the fresh meat. And sometimes it was just about the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of the catch. Snow Phoenix didn't really eat that often. They lived more for the energy of the sun than anything else.
As Sky swan, he let his mind wander back to the days in Pollex. The last thing his father had said to im before the city was destroyed was that he had a really special destiny to fulfill. It might not be here in Pollex, but there was something special in line for him. That was two days before Janx Develos attack and Pollex was burned down. Sky knew that one day the people of  Pollex would be resurrected. They would be reborn from the ashes of the city. Until that day came, Sky would be a citizen of  New Keanna and proudly fight at his mate's side.
In the middle of the river, Sky stopped ti look around the tranquil jungle. It all looked so beautiful and peaceful. When this was over, He thought he should bring Insa and a few others down here. This would make a great site for the new Academy they were planning to build. As he floated along loving the peaceful beauty of the jungle, he felt a though echo through his mind. He stopped to wade
and listen. There was something out there calling, but he could barely hear it.
[Help.] It said [Please help!!]
[Who calls?] Sky sent.
[My name is Aoelus.] It said. [I have been captured by Harpies. They plan to rip me apart and feed on me if I don't escape.]
[Where are you Aoelus. I will bring help.]
[I don't know.] He said. [I can't see anything.]
[I can follow your minds signal if you keep sending. I will bring help.]
[I don't think there is much time.] Aoelus sent. [I thank thee for trying. I mean a lot to me.]
With that, Aoelus went silent but Sky could still feel the fear and pain coming out of him.
As Sky shifted he launching up into the air. Sky felt the easterly pull of his mind and turned in that direction. He flew east over a vast jungle straight for a mountain in the eastern province of Aspana. He and the others had worked there way around the jungle after D'aryl told of the danger of the mysterious mountain. Many had made out heading for the mountain D'aryl told them, but very few had returned. And the few that made it back told tails of something dropping from the sky and attacking in the darkness. No one knows what it was that lived on the mysterious mountain and no one really cared to find out. The Pantherans decreed the mountain the land of no return and kept as far away from it as possible. He thought the Tigarans had done the same. What the Hyenens and Hominids did was unknown to him. But that was exactly where Sky was going with no time to inform the others of what he was doing.
As Sky entered the eastern mountain, he smelled something. It was rot and some kind of body waste and it was everywhere. Flying lower to the ground, Sky concentrated of Aoelus signal. I had grown weaker but it was still there. Sky wasn't of what that meant. This could be a trap he thought for a second, then dismissed the idea. No one could fake the fear that had been in that call. Aoelus was real and the danger had to be real too.
Keeping his mind open for Aoelus but closed to any other, Sky started his search. The land was very green and fertile. The plants here were very beautiful and strangely big. There were violets and orchard that stood tall stretching out for the sunlight. The trees here were massive almost as big as the trees of Eventide. As Sky flew, the signal got stronger and stronger. Soon Sky had to close down the intensity of the call to keep it from damaging his mind.
Dropping down to land, Sky shifted back to his Human form and summoned his star gauntlet to be ready for trouble. Slowly he pushed his in through the jungle. Strange he thought of how hot it was here. Much hotter then anywhere else they had been. There must be some kind of volcanic activity near there. The air still smelled of the waste and he could hear the sounds of birds coming from all around him Strange he thought. He could hear the birds but he hadn't seen one since he flew over the mountain. He also had this strange feeling that someone was watching him.
From high off to the side, something opened its eyes to watch as Sky dropped down to land. Who is this intruder it thought and why is he here? The eyes burned with hate. It wanted to reach out and crush the insignificant bug as it entered his dark jungle, but he was to weak. All he could do was use whatever was there on the mountain to kill the intruder. With a dark thought, it sent out its command to the jungle to attack.
As Sky pushed his way through the forest, a scream came out from all around. He raised his gauntlet just as the first one attacked. It was dark, long and it had teeth like razors. It jumped out of the jungle and attacked. Sky swung his gauntlet high as the four-legged snake dived at him. With a quick lash, he cut its head off. Without much time, Sky turned as two more came in from behind him. He ducked and roll and brought his gauntlet around to slash at his next attacker. Jumping to his feet, he sent a wave of frigid cold at the two snakes, With a swift kick he shattered them just as five more leaped at him. His cold took out two as a third dived for Sky's throat. Bringing his gauntlet around, Sky split the snake right down the center and pushed out with a wave of force throwing the snakes away before their venom could touch him. Looking around, Sky saw two more snakes as they got ready to attack him. Raising his hand he shot two small bursts of cold at the two snakes. As the cold hit them, they screamed as their bodies frozen and fell to the ground shattering int a thousand pieces.
Looking quickly around, Sky started back on the trail Aoelus had left him. It wasn't long before he came out of the jungle to start his way up into the highlands of the mountain.
[Stop!] Aoelus called to Sky. [There is danger here for you. There is no hope for me but I don't want you to die trying to save me.]
[If I can't save you.] Sky sent. [Then I will avenge you.]
[No one has ever cared that mush for me.] He cried. [I am not important. Please save yourself.]
[You are important to me.] Sky sent. [Show me where you are.]
[Here.] Aoelus sent showing him a set of caves that were off to the left. [I am in here tied down and blindfolded.]
Looking out carefully, Sky slowly made his way from the jungle edge to a line of caves that peppered the mountain side. That smell of waste was almost more than he could take. Covering his nose, Sky slipping into the first cave adjust his eyes as he moved deeper in. Being a Phoenix, Sky could recognize most different species by their smell. But this one was confusing. He knew it was a Avian smell, but like nothing he has smelled before. As he moved deeper in, he came tol a split in the road, The smell went both ways so he had to dig a little deeper to separate the two different scents. One was Avian and sour while the other had a more musky smell. That had to be Aoelus. That was the trail he needed and he had been move faster before its to late.
As Sky moved deeper in, the thing in the dark direct his minions in to attack him. He sent  them straight into the trail Sky was on from both ends. His rats scampered in from the front scaring Sky into battle. Huge rats through themselves at Sky by the tens. Sky thrashed and cut at them sending pieces rat bodies flying away from him. As hr fought, he heard squealing coming from behind him. With Phoenix reflexes, Sky shot a wave of cold energy behind him freezing them in a group. As another group of rat attached, Sky snapped his cold wave out in front of him and charged into the attack. He didn't have anymore fear in him. From this point on it was fight or die.
Seeing another chamber in front of him, Sky charged in slashing at the rat as he ran. Once he entered the chamber, he had a few minutes to look around. Over in the south cornor Sky saw something strange. The entire corner was cloaked in darkness, but hot so dark that he couldn't see through it. Trapped and immobilize, Sky saw what he thought had to be Aoelus. Surprised, Aoelus wasn't just another animal from Aspana. Sky thought he was something he had see in old  legends, but never thought he would see in real life. His body was small, like that of a young lion except he had the wings of an eagle stretching out from his back. This was a young Griffin, there was no mistake about that. Standing all around him, there was something else Sky thought he would never see. There were ten Harpies squawking and looking for an open spot in the Griffins defenses.
Shifted to his full Phoenix form with his talons ready to kill, Sky dived into battle. Cold radiated out all around Sky freezing the first Harpies into solid ice. With a wave of his wing, Sky smashed it into a thousand pieces and moved on to his next opponent. As the Harpy turned, Sky snapped out and grabbed it with his talons. Spinning around, he threw the filthy bird into the wall breaking its back then he dived at the next one. Hovering about twenty feet off the ground, he sent his freezing winds out at the next two Harpies, then dived into to peek at then sending his ever sharp beak right into their hearts.
Seeing the Phoenix attack, Aoelus roared and dived at the nearest Harpy. He grabbed it out of the air and started to tear into its body, As the Harpy died, the last two tried to take to the air and escape. Spreading his wings, Aoelus launched himself up and sent a gout of flames out to burn the dirty beast from the sky. As the last of the Harpies died, a loud moan could be heard echoing through the cave.
Shifting back to his Human form, Sky dropped down and ran to the young Griffin.

"You are Aoelus?"

[Yes I am.] He said as he shifted his form. There before Sky stood a young boy that looked no more then thirteen or fourteen dressed in tan skinned pants and a soft skin tunic. "You are Sky? I thank you so much for rescuing me. I really thought it was my time to die."

"You have many more bright days to come my friend." Sky said as he looked around for the next attack. "But I think we should be getting out of here before they come back."
"Yes.' Aoelus said. "If you follow, I can get us out safely."

As the Griffin and the Phoenix left the chamber, something in the dark screamed. It had tried to destroy them, but it had failed. With the vast amount of power it possessed, It had failed. It wasn't used to failing at anything it did. Surely these two insignificant mortals were not as powerful as Xuthulu of the dark beyond. There must be something out there powerful protecting them. Xuthulu would have to keep watching them. Their protector will soon reveal itself, then Xuthulu can destroy it and be done with all of then. Then he could rise and take this world back, and nothing will ever trap it again.

When Quynn opened his eyes, he knew something was wrong. For two years every morning he woke up to the feeling of Sky all wrapped up in his dreams. This morning he was alone with no sense of Sky anywhere near him. Panicking he jumped up and looked around for his mate. But he wasn't anywhere in the camp. Closing his eyes he sent out a call for him
[Sky.] He sent. [Where are you?]
[Almost back at camp.] He heard. [I have a surprise for all of you]
[What is it?] Quynn asked. [After all that's happened, I'm not sure my heart can take a surprise.]
[It's nothing. Just a new friend. We'll be there in just a few minutes.]
Opening his eyes, Quynn got up and walked over to where Sakura and Dar'yl sat drink a cup of hot coffee.
"Is there anymore?" He asked.
"Of course." Dar'yl pointed to the brew pot on the fire. "By the way. Where's Sky?"
"Off on one of his quest." Quynn said as he took his first sip of the hot brew. "Something woke him early this morning and he decided to go check it out."
"You know that can be very dangerous." Sakura threw the last of his coffe and pack the cup in the pack. "He could get hurt doing that."
"Oh I know that." Quynn said. "Don't worry, we will be having a serious talk about that. Here he comes."
As Quynn turned, Sky walked into camp with Aoelus following him.
"Quynn." He started the introductions. "This is Aoelus. I found him in a cave surrounded by Harpies who were about to make him breakfast."
"Aiya Aoelus." Quynn said reaching out his hand. "Welcome to our band. Though I'm not sure if you would want to  stay with us. There will be danger where we are going."
"Myumbo." Aoelus sad as he looked strangely at Quynn's offered hand. "Sky told me of the journey you are on. I am young but after he saved my life, I am I debt to Sky, it is only proper that I serve him until my debt is paid."
"What's that mean?" Sky asked.
"It mean he will follow you until he feels he has paid his debt." Dar'yl said.
"How long will that be?" Quynn ask.
"Who knows." Sakura shrugged. "It could be a month or a year or a lifetime."
"Try not to rescue anyone else." Quynn whispered to Sky. Sky smiled and lightly smacked Quynn's bottom.
"Is everything ready to go?" Sky asked as he picked up his pack and put it over his shoulder.
"We were just waiting for you." Quynn said throwing his arm around Sky's shoulder.
"Then lets be off." Sakura took the front and they started out again on their journey to find and bring Astan home.
As they left the camp ground, a Griffin in grey stepped our of the jungle and watched as they left.
[Nereus, they are moving again. Do I follow?]
[Yes.] Nereus answered. [I would know where all of my enemy are at all times, but they must not know you are following.]
As they left the camp, Aoelus thought he heard something. It was a voice that rattled around in his head. He heard the words but he couldn't understand them and he had no idea where they were coming from. They seem to be getting louder and louder. Maybe this is something he should talk to Sky about. It might be important.

Danger, Danger! 18

As Igoro roamed the dungeons of Domina, he thought back to his trip to Starspeak. The destruction of the Avian's was easy. Those simple minded feathered fools had no idea how dangerous he could be. Even after he stole their young for the slave market, they didn't put up a fight and that surprise him. He knew he would have no problem with the weaker species, but the Avian predators should have put up much more of a fight. But Eagles fell just like the  Doves, quick and easy with no resistance. From there, Igoro felt a familiar presence. It was that accursed Omerion Zucia, his fathers old and trusted friend. Igoro hadn't seen him since the day his father was defeated and put to death. That was the same day Igoro gained the rule over the Hominids but lost his fathers staff.
The Staff of Kiama was the magical staff held by the men of the Baba family for two centuries. Not only was it the staff of power, but every chief over the last two centuries had carried it. It was a sign of status to all of the Simian people of Aspana. Igoro's father had held, but his father did not did. Igoro and Mahad so far had been the only Baba chief that did not hold the staff. But there was something that not many of them knew. It had taken Anon years of research, somewhere buried deep in the dungeon store room, Anon found a secret library filled with tombs and books the chiefs had saved over the years. After weeks of study, Anon had found a number of books that told the history of the staff. The staff of Kiama had once been a spear held by Bursar Baba, He had carried it all through his reign in all wars and battles over a twenty year period. He was holding it the day Rhinons attacked and was forced to cast his first spell. With forty Rhinons facing him, Bursar called to his ancestor to come and help him defeat his enemies. As Bursar faced the Rhinons there was a sudden flash of lightning. The skies became grey and  rocked th e field. Bursar looked out, the Rhinons that had been facing him were all down laying in the mud to weak and burned to continue on with the battle. As the Rhinons saw their fellow warriors, a Rhinon dressed in bronze armor\ stepped and shouted a command for his warriors to move in and attack. The ground shook as the great thunder beast . The Gorillas thought this was going to be their end, but Bursar stood firm raising his staff into the air.
"Do not lose faith." He said. "We are strong and our ancestor are with us. We will not fall. This is the day we Gorillas stand against our enemies and make them pay! Come brothers, our future is before us!"
As they charged in, Bursar's staff lit up and started sending bolt after bolt into the Rhinons The Gorillas tore into the Rhinons taking the down one after another by hand. They used hammers, maces and anything else they could find. Sometimes the Rhinons found themselves facing Gorillas armed with Rhinon weapons. The battle was fierce, and it took all night, but by the morning, the field was littered with  the bodies of the dead. And to Bursar's surprise, most of  the dead were Rhinon. A cheer went up through the Gorilla racks as the Rhinons turned and limped away. A few days later the Rhinon chief came into the gorilla camp carrying the white flag of peace and an offering of land that gave the Gorillas the rights Hami oasis and everything around it for five miles. Bursar accepted the treaty and promised friendship between them for the rest of his reign.
As the war settled down and there was peace in the nation, Bursar sort out many different wisemen that could teach him more about this thing called magic. He learned that his was one of the few Gorilla families that had the capacity to use magic. They said there were many benefits to the use of magic, but there would also be limits and consequences. It would all depend on who yield the power. If the person used his abilities with honor, the gods would look down on them and smile. If they used them for selfish or criminal endeavor, there will a price to pay.
The Baba family had held the power in Domina for years. Bursar's father had been chief, just as his father before him. But Bursar had been the first to use the magic of staffs. Over the years had learned to use force spells and he learned the scepters secrets of its powers over fire and air. He learned how to focus his spells through the staff and more importantly, he learned that the staff was not infallible. It had its strength and weaknesses just like people. One of his aides had always admired the staff, he once said to him how great it must be to hold the staff during a battle.
"The greatness is not in the staff," Bursar said. "Its in the person that holds it and how he chooses to use it."
The aide bowed and stepped away in awe of the Gorilla chieftain. He hoped that he to could one day grow to be so wise.
After Bursar came Daudi. He was a stern Gorilla who built schools and tried to lead his people into a less aggressive way of life. His greatest accomplishment was the building of Domina's hospital. After Daudi came Mhina, then Tian and on and on and on until Mahad who was the son of Bawai.
Mahad Baba was always quiet Gorillla that kept to himself. He never had many friend and wasn't much into socializing, but he was very intelligent. Even at a young age, Mahad knew his purpose in life. He was to be the next chief in the city of Domina. That put him high above everyone else and gave him freedoms that know one else could claim. As a young Gorilla, Mahad learned to hunt at the feet of  Fanaki Adia. He learned the boundaries of all the lands around Domina. He learned their defenses and the high points of each species. The Rhinons and the Elephants had strength, but he didn't think either species was quick minded. The Water Buffalo had high endurance, but they were singled minded. It was hard for them to hold more then one idea at a time in their minds. Another slow witted neighbor. Hhe knew about the Pantherans and Tiigarens, but as a youngling, he had never met anyone from either species. He had seen the Avians as the flew around Ayss mountain, but none of them had ever come out on the savanna or into the jungle.
As a youngling, Mahad learned early about the past Chiefs and the magic they possessed. It took him a few years but one day he did cast his first spell. The more magic he used, the stronger he got. Mahad had only one fault his father could see. With his magic and his hunting abilities, Mahad never learned his fathers most important lesson. Compassion and empathy were foreign to Mahad, just as were the concept of  peace and mercy, it had no meaning fore him. All he could think of was conquest and in the direction he turn his life and the fate of Domina,
From the first days of slave hunting to the day he took the Chief's position from his father, Mahad ruled Domina with a strong heavy fist. Bawai had been a fair chief. He decided the course of Domina with honor and a righteous rule. Arguments that came before him were always ruled in a proper method. He would sat at his throne with the his father's staff always there to help steer him in the right direction. Not once did he see the jealous looks Mahad would give him from the side beyond the royal throne. Then came the day Mahad made his move.
While Bawai was distracted by an argument from to chiefs from a lower tribe, Mahad cast his spell on his father sending the sound of a hundred buzzing ants through his brain. Bawai screamed grabbing his head falling to the ground of Domina's courtyard. Bawai's warriors rushed out to help him but it was to late. Mahad's warriors were already there surrounding the chief.
"What madness is this?" Bawai said as he looked up at Madhad smiling down at him. "Move aside. Let my healers through."
"I'm sorry father but there will be no healers for you. The time has come for you to step aside and allow a much better Gorilla to us into the next course of Domina's history."
"You?" Bawai said shocked. "It is too soon for you to be chief. There are many thing left for you to learn. Your day will come, but not yet. Step aside."
As Bawai tried to climb back up on his feet, Mahad thrust out his hand and give his wrist a little twist. The pain in Bawai's head increased by ten sending him screaming again to the ground.
"That was not a request, Father." Mahad stood over him with a grim look on his face. "Your days as Chief of Domina have come to an end. I have a much better future in mind for our people."
Bawai got up back on his feet and looked at the warriors assembled there against him. Many were armed with short swords, clubs and spears.
"What you are attempting is a bold move my son. But neither you nor Domina is ready for such a future. Aggression is not the way to take our people. It will only end in sorrow and death for us. Have not learned anything from the teachings of our fore fathers?"
"Yes, I have." Mahad said with a sneer. "I learned of the weakness that you and many of our ancestors have had in the past. We Hominids could had been the masters of Aspana. All others could be bowing in our presence, But no, you all sought peace when you should have been fighting to make us stronger. I will not make that mistake. I will make us a people to be feared.I will make Domina strong and rich and it will all start today. Stand down father and pass the staff over to me. I will let you retire and go live in exile."
"The staff is right here my son." Bawai said as he held the staff out. "If you think you are strong enough, take it."
Stepping forward, Mahad reached out to take the staff from his father. As he touched if, a pulse of energy blasted out from the staff burning his hand and sending pain rippling through his body. Bawai smiled at him.
"The staff of Baba doesn't seem to think your way is right for Domina." Bawai said as he looked back at the would be future master of Domina. "You are the future of our people. But there are many lessons you still have to learn if you want to be chief. Turn from your violent path and take walk the path of peace. It is the only way the staff will accept you."
"I don't need the staff." Mahad screamed as he held his burned hand. "I accept these burns as a mark that points to my future! A future ruled by hate and fear!"
Stretching out his hand, Mahad sent a burst of energy straight at his father. Surprised at his sons move. Bawai tried to duck and step aside. He raised his staff and sent his own blast at Mahad. As the blue energy streaked at Mahad, he rolled to the side and grabbed a dagger that was lying there and threw as he rolled back to his feet. As the dagger hit Bawai, Mahad sent his second blast at his father. Blue energy pulsed out at Bawai striking him sending his body into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, Mahad walked over to him. He took a spear from one of his warriors.
"Your path ends here father. No more peace, there's only the dark silence of death for you."
"I am ready to die my son." Bawai said. "But don't think this is the end. Slavery will not lead you to where you want to go. It is not the true future for Aspana. Turn off this path and walk in the bright path of peace. It is the only way."
"For you maybe." Mahad took the spear and sent it straight through his father's heart. "Myumbo Father."
As Bawai died, the staff raised up from his hands and disappeared. Gone to find the next worthy Baba to wield it.

For years Mahad was on his path of hate collecting his slaves for his slave market. He sent raids all through Aspana capturing anyone that got in his way. He captured Hyenens, Rhinons, Elephants and Zebrens. He caught Tigrens and Sealens and a few of the rare Peacock species that lived in small settlements on the grassy plains north of the savanna. He had the slave market and the dungeons built from the old bathhouse that sat unused in the center of Domina. He taught the young warriors a new way to hunt. He taught them how to creep to towns at night and quietly take as many of the citizens they could without raising an alarm. Soon the the citizens in Mahad circle started to profit while the rest of Domina that was against this thing called slavery started to weaken and disappear, Housin the Gorilla that once held title to the bathhouse and the area around it. Nyma the weapons master and many more. All gone as Mahad purged the city of what he called useless and unwanted citizens that hung on to Domina causing unwarranted stress on our society. The people all knew it had to end. But no one was brave or powerful enough to go against Mahad Baba the untouchable.
Then the day came when Mahad tried to invade the land of Panthera. He had his cages all ready. He had all exists to the village blocked and he sent his warriors quietly in. From house to house they went rushing in to chain and gag all the citizens they get them out and into the cages. Everything had been perfect. There was very little sound and in less than a few hours they had everyone in a cage and it was time to celebrate. Unfortunately, something happened that night that Mahad did not expect. Someone had made it out of the first village and back through the jungle to Msia in Kimburi. Msia Duma changed his whole theory on conquest. Nothing was the same after they met. There was ho more easy conquests. The people of Aspana knew of Mahad and what he had been doing. Every village from there on was ready when Mahad and his slavers attacked. He started to take more loses than victories. On the seas Mer men of Kaerio and Adria rose from their underwater cities to attack his ships and send them spinning down to the ocean floor. His noble allies saw this as a failure of Mahad and started to rise against him. As rebellion started to rise, Mahad sat there on his stolen throne and watched. His dark armored guard's whispered treachery behind his back as the rich and noble members of Domina made plots against him to bring him down. Nothing looked very good for Mahad's future as the darkness of his soul started to close in around him.
On the fifth day on the year of the Jackal, Lady Imani gave birth to a strong new son to the house of Baba. His name was Anon Baba and he was the hope for peace amongst the Hominid people of Aspana. On that day, Mahad gave the order for his Hyenen lackeys to move on the Pantheran village of Cougars. From that day on, nothing went right for the Dominian chief. His attack on Pantheran was defeated and he was chased from the Pantheran grass lands back into the jungle where he was caught weak from battle and killed by a young Hyenen by the name of Mulu Amin.

Now that we are all caught up with Baba and Domina history, I think we should get on with the story.
As Palas circled the campsite, a pair of dark evil eyes kept watch on them. Keyami wasn't sure what it was he was looking at Was it some new breed of Dragon or another type of Griffin? It had the wings of the Griffins but the body was more bird like. Then again he had never seen a bird of this size. Nor did its mind feel like anything he had felt before. He could feel there was Avian in it, but that was all.
As Palas dropped down into the campsite, Keyami made his way in to get a much better look at this stranger to the jungle. As he approached, he stopped. The fur along his neck began to stand and a growl started deep down in his chest. Whoever the stranger was, he was no alone. Keyami could feel the presence of a Dragon there with him. Slowly Keyami crept forward with his claws ready to fight Asw he pushed his way through the bush, he saw three Gorillas there talking to what had to be some new kind of Avian's and a dragon. It took all the strength he could muster to keep his natural instincts from rushing forward and attacking the beast.
"I returned at your call." Palas said. "What is it that calls me back?"
"We have decided to stop running."Sky said to his friend. "Goren wants to go home and end the feud with Igoro."
"You know exactly what that will mean, right?" Palas asked as he stepped to Goren. "It will mean doing battle with your father. Are you ready for that battle?"
"Yes." Goren shook his head. "Igoro and I are destined to fight. This is the way it was foretold."
"Good." Palas put a hand to his friends shoulder. "I will be there at your side."
"As will I." Astan said. "Then we can start back to Tigaress. I must return to end this thing with Mulu Amin."
"Are you sure?" Goren asked. "Mulu Amin is very powerful. He may have forces that none of us have ever encounters at his side. Dark forces that once dwelled below."
"I don't care." Astan said. "I am Tigaren. I was taught by my father that we are the hand of Tyree. Tyree will protect us if we promise to always fight at his side. I have always held Tyree strong in my heart and I will always fight for him. Mulu Amin will not defeat me and Sakura if we can get back together. And I will find my way back to my love. Nothing he can do will keep us apart."
"Then let's get back to Domina." Goren said with smile. "We have a future to win!"

The Enemy, of my Enemy is my Friend. 17

It was dark when Nereus returned to the cave. He had been out all day watching Msia, Aggar and Akani after they left the Dragon cave, There were two Dragons know. He would have to work quickly before there were Dragons everywhere. With only two Dragon's, Nereus thought it would be an easy battle, With the Dragons best kept secret, the location of their cave in mind. Nereus went back to his cave to wake up a few of his brothers. The war with the Dragons will be on again.
As he dropped down to land, many battle scenarios ran through his mind. He would look at one then dismiss it and move on to the next one. Once at the cave entrance, Nereus made the shift to human form. Dressed all in black, he started in then stopped. There was something wrong here. Something felt different then earlier. He could feel his brothers and sisters sleeping inside. But there was something else. There was something alive in there. With his claws extended, Nereus started into the cave. He knew it wasn't a Dragon in there, the smell was different. With his eyes adjusted for the dark, Nereus walked on past his sleeping brothers Zaharia and Notus. Past his sister the golden Hestria who was so at home in the sky, she could fly almost twice the speed of any other Griffin. Beyond her were two of the eldest Griffins of the clutch. Eurus and Pita who lay sleeping on a private shelf high above all the rest. They had not been awake in century's. Not even during the time of their last war with the Dragon's. Nereus knew their time was growing near. They may never wake to fly with the others again. But that wasn't important right now. Neither was that strange smell. It was time to get the clutch up and out in the air again.
"Rise and let the sweet mountain air full your lungs." He shouted. "It is time for the brothers and sisters of the wing to go forth and again claim the lands that we once ruled. Wake up and sleep no more. We have enemies destroy!"
One by once the Griffins asleep in the cavern opened their eyes and raised their heads. They shook out their wings to stretch their long dormant muscled then climbed up on their feet and roared.
Zaharia walked up and bowed before Nereus, showing respect to their leader.
[Hail proud Nereus.] He said, [It is good feel the ground under my paws again.]
[Aye.] Notus said as he joined them. [It will be good to be in the air hunting again. In fact, my stomach growls with hunger. I would hunt for something warm to fill my belly.]
As all the Griffins gathered at the cave entrance, Stormcrest stepped out of the shadows to join them.
Nereus looked up and noticed the grey and white Griffin and went to greet him.
"Hail Brother." He said as he bowed. "You are newly hatched. I bid you welcome to our clutch. What is your name?"
[I am Stormcrest.] Beno said as he nodded his white eagle head never taking his eyes off of Nereus. Something deep inside didn't trust Nereus. Maybe it was the Griffin cub, and maybe it was what was left of Beno. But until he knew what these Griffins were about, he was going to be reluctant to throw his future in with them. [I am newly hatched. I'm not sure where I am or what happened to me.]
"Relax." Nereus said as walked over stroked Stormcrest neck. "We are going out to hunt for dinner. Then there is something important we have to tend to. There are Dragon's here. We must destroy them. Follow me."
Nereus dived off the cliff and made the shift while he fell. With his wings spread, Nereus turned the dive and soared up high in the air. Instinctively knowing what to do, Stormcrest spread his wings and leaped in to the air. The feeling of flying was amazing. Beno had never felt such freedom before. In his heart he thanked Stormcrest for his gift of life.
As the Griffins flew high over the island, Nereus took the lead. He lead them from Assassa north across the straight and into Aspana. They passed over the tip of the continent then stopped and watched as an Elephant clan moved north along a widely used trail. From there, they turned east and entered Gorilla country. At that point Beno started getting nervous. They were getting very close to Domina. Though he was not the same Gorilla he had been the day before, Beno's loyalty hadn't changed. He knew if Nereus or any of the Griffins attacked any of the Gorilla settlements, he would have to do what he could to stop them. In a few minutes Domina was right in front of them. Nereus started to drop down into the forest out beyond the city. Stormcrest came down and set himself down right beside Nereus so he could be ready to fight if he gave an order to attack. Deep down he could hear Stormcrest reassuring Beno that he was right to worry. Nereus and the Griffins were very dangerous and volatile. They were use to being the top predators in their lands, They didn't share anything and those that lived around them and they never cared for anyone beside their own.
As Beno sat and watched Nereus, a thought crossed his mind. These Griffins were dangerous. Everyone of them. If that was so, why was Stormcrest so ready to betray them. Shouldn't his loyalty lay with them? His own kind?
[Like Dragons.] Stormcrest explained. [My mind and intelligence lay with whoever I bond with. The leader of the clan is usually very careful who they let bond with our young. You would not be normally allowed to bond with me. But it was fate that sent you, so my loyalty is with you and no one else. I have your sense of honor, your allegiance and your devotion to the Hominid people of Aspana. I will not fail you.]
Satisfied by Stormcrest's answer, Beno slowly made his way closer to Nereus. He had to get him away from Domina or they would attack and he knew Stormcrest could not stand against fifteen deranged and hungry Griffins. They would tear him up then move on to the city.
[Why are we here?] Stormcrest asked. [I thought we were hunting for food.]
[Aye.] Nereus shook his head. [There is food beyond these walls. All we have to do is attack and our bellies will be full.]
[You want to eat them?] Stormcrest with a sickening tone. [They are hairy, dirty animals. Even worst then Humans. I will not eat that.]
Nereus looked out at the city walls, then back to Stormcrest. His eyes narrowed. He didn't like to be questioned. And certainly not by anyone newly hatched. He was supposed to follow, do what he's told and keep his mouth shut. But he did have a point though it was minor. Gorilla;s weren't their normal choice for food.
[What do you suggest?]
[Follow me.] Stormcrest took off diving up into the trees then he launched himself into the sky.
On the ground, Krotus stepped up next to Nereus.
[Rather bold of him don't you think?]
[Yes.] Nereus said. [Keep a close watch on this one. I don't trust him.]
[Do we follow?]
[Yes.] Nereus leaping up into the tree's to follow. With the Griffin's following behind him, Stormcrest led them out onto the savanna and to a great herd of Water Buffalo's. Picking one, Stormcrest dived down and grabbed his catch then found a quiet place to eat. All through the herd, the Griffins fall upon them like a Dragon clan picking and choosing from the fattest of the herd. He could hear the water buffalo all around him scream out with their last breath as the Griffins settled down  to eat. Through he was usually a vegetarian, Beno enjoyed his first taste of meat. He had to admit to himself that he had enjoyed the feel of hunting. The excitement had been almost unbearable. And that first taste of blood as he bit down. It was such an intense feeling. A shiver passed through his body as he took the last bite and pushed the carcass away
As Stormcrest watched them eat, he wondered what Nereus had meant when he said there were Dragon's here. There hadn't been a Dragon in Aspana for over three hundred years. Were they to go north across the sea, or had Dragon's somehow come south to Aspana. Beno had no idea, but it wouldn't take long for him to find out.

As the morning sun rose out of the western mountains, Sakura, Deja and Dar'yl woke up to find Sky and Quynn sitting by the fire waiting for them to rise. It had been late when Quynn came back to join them. He explained what had happened in Domina between him and Shumo. Most of the Hominid people wanted peace, they were tired of all the war, death and destruction. They said only Igoro and his circle profited by the sale of slave and they wanted no part of it. But Igoro ruled here and his power was absolute. They were powerless to go against him and the price of disobedience was to high for them to pay. But if we could destroy Igoro's right to rule, they would support Goren as the next Chief.
"So that means we have the honor of bringing Igoro down," Deja said as she flipped one of her knives up and caught it. "Is that it"
"Yes." Quynn nodded. "Can you blame them? If any of them get caught conspiring against my father, it won't be just that one person who will pay. He will torture and kill a whole family line, just to make a point.."
"And what about Goren?" Deja asked. "Will he treat him the same way?"
"Without a moments hesitation," Quynn said. "He's already killed his wife. Goren is just an itch that needs to be scratched. He'll use his death to show everyone that there will be no exceptions."
"How can anybody be so cold hearted?" Sky asked as a cold shiver went through him. "And I thought Aster Telor was evil."
"Who?" Deja asked. She threw her knife and sent it straight into the trunk of a palm tree.
"Just an old enemy Quynn disposed of a few years ago. He tried to give me over to be someone's sex slave. He's dead now."
"Then we are off to Starspeak after Igoro? Dar'yl asked.
"No." Sakura said. "We are off to Starspeak to find Astan." He is our highest priority. We find him first, then we go for Igoro. I'm sorry but Domina's leadership problem is not why we're out  here. I'll be glad to help, after we find Astan."
"Agreed." Quynn said."Is everything ready to go?"
"Yes." Dar'yl said as he grabbed his pack and hoisted it onto his back, Sky and Quynn moved to a clear spot and made the shift. Sakura and Dar'yl climbed on Quynn's back while Deja made herself comfortable on Sky. With a nod, Sky spread his wings and launched himself into the sky leaving a bright trail of ice crystals behind him.
From Domina, they flew south then west towards the Ayss Mountains. Dar'yl and Sakura explained the different lands and people that passed below them. They passed a field of grass were Orangutan warriors were fighting some savage type of Canins. Sakura told Quynn he had never seen anything like them anywhere on Aspana. Dar'yl thought they looked familiar but he didn't recognize them. They looked like some cross between Hyenen and something wild and unknown. As they reached the shore, Dar'yl spotted six ships that bore Igoro's sign. A white Simian skull on a field of black. He explained that these were the ships he used to raid cities and villages up and down the coast. He could also use them to supply arms and warriors to his ally Mulu. Quynn wanted to go down and blast them from the water but Sakura said no. It would take just one volley of arrows from any of those ships to hit one of them and slow them down. They were to close to Astan to take that chance.
Further on as they flew into the Starspeak Mountain area, villages and towns were getting more and more sparse the deeper in they flew. There were no Gorilla's or Zebran, No Tigarns or Pantheran in these mountains. There were only goats and birds. Many different multi colored birds of all kinds.
"Astan told me this is Avian country." Sakura explained. "He said they were taking a friend back here."
"Yes." Dar'yl said as he pointed down to a charred black great oak that stood void of its limbs and branches. "I think Igoro has been here."
As they looked down they saw what was left of what must have been some kind of huge Aerie. Scattered at the base of the tree and all around its trunk were the bodies of the Avians that had made the tree their home. Sakura saw eagles, condors, swallows and crows all dead and spread out under the burned tree. There had to be hundreds of bodies down there some in bird form and in the state between bird and human. there were young and old, there were even broken shells and what was left on the unhatched.
"There must have been a horrible battle here." Deja said with a shaky voice. "I hope they took a lot of enemies with them as they fell."
"I'm sorry to tell you Deja." Dar'yl said. "But only Avians died here."
"How do you know that?" She asked.
"Look around. Do you see the bodies of anything but Avians here? No that's because Igoro did this all by himself. This was a night attack. He caught then while they slept and he killed them all."
"I wish we had time to stop and bury them." Sakura said. "But we have to move on."
From the Aerie Sky and Quynn and Quynn came down to land. There were carrion birds everywhere picking the meat from the dead bodies. It made Sky sick and he turned and buried his face in Quynn's chest.
"Be brave Snowbird." He whispered in his ear. "They're at rest now. Nothing can ever hurt them again."
As they moved from tree to tree, it was always the same. Adults with children either buried beneath them or some where close. No one could've survived this massacre. Igoro had gone to far this time. Somehow they had to stop him and they all knew.
"Which way?" Deja asked.
There were no tracks to follow, there was nothing here but death and the slightest scent of something foreign. Sakura shifted to his lion form and walked around getting the scents from the area. He could smell the fear the had raged through all of the Avians as they died. Then he smelled something that didn't belong there. It was a familial smell. It was the scent of the one he was looking for.
[Astan was here.] He sent to them. [And it was after the slaughter. He wasn't alone, there were a number of Gorillas with him. They went that way.]

As they walked in silence, Sky kept a close watch on Goren. He wasn't sure if he even wanted to continue on with the fight for Domina or Aspana. There had been so much and so many lost in his past history. His brother and sister, lost in some battle over some stupid piece of land. Land that know one but Igoro thought was at all useful. They there was Shauri, Goren's beautiful star of the night. Dead. He knew what had  happened. She probably bickered over some minor event with Igoro until he had had enough. Her temper, he always told her it would get her in trouble. But he knew the fight really would have been about him. Igoro probably came to their house insisting on seeing Goren. He probably accursed them of being traitors and Shauri just couldn't stop herself. But it was just a rouge to get at Goren. His father had hated him for years since the day he choose Grand father over him. In other words, peace over war. But he couldn't stop thinking about what he had lost. First Mara and Hodari, then Beno's parents. Now Shauri and Beno? There was no one left of his family except little Awiya, Mara's one and only son. Goren had tried to stay away from him so his father couldn't use him in some scheme to get at Goren, but knew it was only a matter of time until Igoro came up with some plot didn't. Eventually Goren had to get the young one and away before Igoro did something they all would regret.
As they stepped out of the jungle and onto a rocky terrain, Quynn looked ahead to see Palas flying over head circling a slope over a small mountain. Beneath Goren come out of the jungle as three of his warriors ran out to greet them.
"The cave." Hayani said as he fell to his knees and covered his face. "We found it!"
"How do you know it's Omerian's cave?" Goren asked. "Was he there? Whats the matter with you too?"
"Yes, he was there." Nyo said. Something had scared them. Nyo was shaking so bad Goren was surprised he was still on his feet.
"What is it? Where is he?"
"He's dead." Hayani said. "We found him with stab wounds all through his body. Someone must have attacked during the night, and caught him while he was sleeping."
Quynn, Sky, Deja, Dar'yl and Sakura looked at the two Gorilla's stunned. They weren't sure what to think. Could it have been Igoro? Is he that far ahead of them? Goren didn't think so but it was possible. But if he was, why hasn't he found us yet? Then a sudden thought hit him. Or has he?
"Hayani. Nyo." He called to his warriors. "Find Palas and get him back here immediately. We may be in trouble."
Without thinking, both Hayani and Nyo both turned and leaped into the trees to start their search for Palas. Looking confused, Astan hurried over to Goren to see what had frighten him so much.
"Goren." Quynn said. "What is it? Are we in trouble?"
"Yes." He said nodding his head. "I think we are. It's my father. I think was been here. Omerion's death is a warning for us."
[Yes. It is.] A voice boomed out through their minds. Sky and Quynn both jump with surprise. They hadn't been expecting Omerion's sudden call. [Igoro was here. He caught me unprepared to do battle. But there are ways for my consciousness to stay and deliver this massage to you.]
"I am sorry Omerion." Goren said sadly. "I didn't mean to lead him here to you. It was not my intention to bring Domina's trouble to your door."
[My death was foretold long before you were born young Goren. Just like your Grand sire. We both knew when our end was near. But I don't think its your time. You Goren Baba are our hope for a more peaceful existence for our Hominid people. The future I see for you is cloudy right now, as is your fathers though that does not mean it is hopeless. There is always for those with honor and bravery."
"What am I to do Omerion? We have lost so many. How am I supposed to overcome my fathers ruthless rule?"
[Have courage Goren.] Omerion's voice started to fade. [You are strong and you are not alone. Go home, You must face your fears before you can overcome them.]
With that said, Omerion's voice faded out into the winds. As Goren looked up into Quynn's face. Quynn shook him trying to bring Goren out of Omerion's trance.
"Wake up!" Astan slapped his cheek lightly. "Wake up Goren!"
"I'm here, I'm here." He pushed Astan away from him then grabbed a water skin and took a deep drink.
"What happened? Your eyes glazed over and you started to mumble something about your father. Is he here or not."
"No." Goren said. "He isn't here anymore. But I know where we have to go."
"Where?" Palas asked as he dropped down to land.
"We are going back to Domina. Back to confront my father in the hell he's made for us."

For Whom the bell tolls. 16

Deep down in a dark place that no one living, dead, mortal, or immortal ever goes something stirred. It snapped it's tentacles and whipped its clawed hand around as one of if its many blood red eyes slipped opened. It heaved and hauled its massive tentacled body up from the dark pit out between reality and the void where Rimnar and his accursed brothers had trapped him long before time and light was created. Xuthulu the hideous, horrendous lord of the nameless dark place where nothing lives but him and his horrifying hate for those that trapped him there in his private world of death. He through back his head and screamed the names of the gods, his own brothers that sentenced him to his eternal death so many eons ago for losing the battle between death, reality, torture and existence. Xuthulu the master of dark emotions and pain, the lord of insanity and chaos is awake. But what was it that woke him and caught his attention? Unknown to Rimnar or any of the other gods, Xuthlulu was not totally blind to things that went on in the world of reality. There was one eye that could still see the world of mortals and another that could spy on the Gods.  Xuthulu knew about the death of his most hated enemy Rimnar. In fact, he was partly responsible for Rimnar's death. How do you think Extremus got the power to kill him? It was all due to nudges and the prodding of the darkest of lords. With Rimnar dead, Xuthlulu flexed his muscles and felt himself move just a tiny bit. His power to affect the surface world had grown just a little. Aramis, Nestor, Sazar and Karis had not checked on Xuthlulu's death dimension in over a thousand years. They didn't know that Rimnar's death had weakened his dark deathly prison. He wasn't strong enough yet to break free but with a little more evil and hate in the mortal world, he could at last be free. and as Xuthlulu watched what was going on in Aspana, he knew his time would come soon.
SOON. Xuthlulu breathed these silent words out to the darkness. VERY SOON! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.

It was late in the afternoon as Mbutu Asami stepped out onto the balcony of the Kimburi's royal palace. The Panthera capital city was the second biggest city in all of Aspana. It housed more the twenty thousand Pantherans from the felidae family including lions, panthers, jaguars and cougar. Though carnivores, the Pantherans were one of the first species to organize from prides roaming the savanna to a society with tools that built themselves a city. They built magnificent three and four story buildings with indoor and outdoor plumbing. There was a communal bath house with hot and cold pools, stream rooms and showers. The Pantherans also had beautifully decorated architecture with mosaic tiled murals and fabulously painted scenes of some of there past history spread all over the city. Kimburi was one of Aspana's shining examples of growing progress. Now back to the story.
As Mbutu stepped through the glass doors of Duma palace, he took a deep breath inhaling the fragrant smell of the violets and the honeysuckle that grew in such abundance all through Duma palace. There was goats foot and blue squill. Morning glory and foxglove. All arranged in sections around the palace garden. As Mbtutu looked around,, he found Regent G'ania Gazzini going from section to section with his water can watering the flowers. Mbutu walking out to meet him.
Ahhh Mbutu." He said. "Are they not glorious? See how the violets are so vibrant? And the squill. So bell like I can almost hear them ring."
"The flowers are beautiful Regent." Mbutu said. "Your garden is lovely."
"Its Duma's flowers, they are not mine." The Regent puts down the water can. "I am only the gardener. Is everything ready?"
"Yes Regent. The Tigars will be marching from the west and the Rhinons will come from the south. If we come in from the north, we will meet near the Dominian jungle."
"We will surprise them." G'ania said with a smile. "And we will be a finishing blow. Have the troops ready to march this evening. We'll find Sakura, and we will get him back."
"YES REGENT!"
After Mbutu left, G'ania thought about how he had got in this predicament. More than twenty years ago, a wounded and exhausted Cougar had been found just outside of Kimburi in the sugar cane fields. He was loaded on to a cart and taken in to the best healer in the city who fed him, took care of his wounds and listened to his story. Knowing desperately his tribe needed help, they heal and had him taken immediately to the palace for an audience with the king. Once Msia heard about the cougar, he had him taken in to a private room where he could make his petition for help from the crown. Msia listen to his story very carefully than ordered his palace guard unit to arm themselves and be ready to march withing the hour. G'ania Gazini had been Msia's oldest and closest friend. They had grown up together like brothers even though their fathers had been rivals for the throne of Panthera. When Musa Duma was coronated as the king of Panthera, he kept Faraji Gazini as he most honored adviser. They were together for many years until Faraji was killed in defense on the crown To honor his friend, G'ania was taken in to the palace to be raise with the royal family. He was givin the best tutors and studied right at Msia's side.When it was time for Msia to take the crown, G'ania was picked to be the one to present it to Msia and place it on his head. For years they fought side by side to keep Panthera safe. They fought pirates and and slavers. They fought all trouble from within and from outside of their home nation. G'ania was the one that pushed Msia to make and keep the peace with the Tigarans and the Rhinons.
As Msia walked down the palace stairway, G'ania was waiting at the bottom with his troop of Pantheran warrior. Once Msia joined them, G'ania give the signal to head out. It was more then a day and a nights march to get to the lands the Cougars had made their homes. Msia sent scouts out to keep a watch on the Hyenen force that was holding the city while G'ania and Msia had a temporary camp set up so their troops could rest up from the long march. After a few hours, one of the scouts came back to report on the Hyenens. It would seem they were not really on watch for anyone that might come to the Cougars rescue. They had taken the Cougars, men women and children and put them in a large group of caged wagons which they gather on the south end of the village. With the Cougars safely locked away, the Hyenens went on with their pillaging. They tore into the Cougars yearly harvest and stored away all their food and livestock. A cheer went up when they found the Cougars stills and vineyards. Within a few hours the Hyenens were all drunk and running crazy through the village. Msia sent five warriors out to protect the caged Cougars until his men were all rested and ready to go.
Three hours before dawn, the Pantheran warriors creeped out of the jungle to the torn down gates of the Cougar village. Msia split his troops into five parts. He sent one to the north, east, south, and west sides of the village leave one behind just in case the Hyenens had a surprise somewhere waiting for them. When all his warriors were in place, G'ania gave the signal to attack.
Like avenging angels the Pantherans attacked. The Hyenens were caught asleep and drunk from a night of celebrating. The attack didn't last very long. After about an hour, the Hyenen forces were routed out and running from the village. Cheers went up from both the Pantherans and the Cougars as the caged wagons the torn apart they were set free. As the leaders of the village came out to give thanks to their saviors, they notice that something was wrong. Msia Duma was nowhere to be found. Somehow, the Hyenens had come up from behind and grabbed him during the fighting. All they found was his helmet and sword Oblivion laying there buried beneath eight dead Hyenens.
In immediate response, G'ania sent warriors out in all directions to find their king. He sent word to the Tigarans. the Rhinons and the Elephants for them to be on the look out for the Hyenens who captured the king. G'ania even had a spy in Mancoro alerted. They searched for months and waited for a response from their allies but no one know where Msia had been taken. After a years, all hope of recovering the king was lost and G'ania took over as Regent until Sakura was older and wise enough to take his place as the king of the Panthers.
That day was here, but Sakura was no where to be found. If Sakura was not found soon, Panthera might fall into a civil war that could tear the great nation apart. G'ania could hold it together for a little while but the people would not wait to long before they started to look for someone else that could keep the nation safe and prosperous.

[Astan?] Sakura sent out. [My love where are you?]
[Here.] Astan replied. [I escaped from Domina along with a group trying to free the Gorilla city.]
[Are you hurt?]
[No.] He said. [But there is someone here hurt very badly. We are looking for a shamen. A healer that can help us. Where are you?]
[We just left Domina.] Sakura sent. [We have agreed to find this Igoro Baba and put an end to his domination over the Gorillas.]
[Be careful Love. He is very skilled and very evil. He won't stop until all of Aspana is in his grasp.]
[And Mulu Amin?] Sakura asked. [What of the Hyenen?]
[He is more dangerous then Igoro. Beware of him.]
After the warning, Astan sent out a caressing thought that wrapped itself around Sakura's mind. It felt to Sakura as if Astan was there touching his body. Sakura closed his eyes and imagine he and Astan were there together. With a moan, Sakura reached out and pulled Astan's body close to him. He slide off the tunic he was wearing and felt for those oh so familiar nipples on his chest. Astan moaned and smiled with pleasure. He pulled closer to Sakura and gave his body over to his mate. Sakura purred in Astan's ear sending erotic vibrations into his brain. Astan let out a short groan as Sakura's hand slipped into his pants and wrapped around his member. His touch was like silk as he stroked slowly up then down. Astan's knees started to go weak so Sakura lowered him down to lay and pushed his pants down his legs. With his legs free, Astan spread them allowing Sakura access to the most intimate parts of his body.
[YES!] Astan moaned. [Please don't stop!]
With a smile Sakura's hand slid down between Astan's quivering legs. It stroked up and down between his cheeks as it searched for the magic spot on Astan's body. When he found it he slowly put pressure on it until his finger slipped in. As his finger pushed in, Astan let out a loud yell of orgasmic pleasure. Sakura grabbed his member and held it close to his stomach and flicked his prostate with his finger. Ropes of pleasure exploded from his body as Sakura buried his face in his neither region. While this went on, Sakura's organ started shooting out his pleasure. They lay together as their bodies slowly finished there mating.
As Astan came back to his senses, he sent Sakura sensations of satisfaction.
[Thank you my Love. Now hurry, I don't think we have very much time. We are in Starspeak. Out beyond the Ayss Mountains.]
[We will be there soon. Stay safe,]
As he got up, two of Goren's warriors were coming back into the camp. They seemed excited about something. Sakura wonder what it could be. Goren jumped up and called them all over. He seemed excited.
"Come." Goren waved at them. "There is news."
"What is it?" Palas asked while he brushed leaves from his feathers and hair.
"My warriors have found Omeron's cave." Goren explained. "Its ten miles west of here out beyond a swamp."
"Then we should get moving." Astan said. "Igoro is here somewhere searching for us. I can feel him out getting closer. We should hurry."
"I will take to the air and try and find him." Palas said with a nod. "If I can, I will try and move him off in another direction. Away from the cave more to the east."
"Be careful." Astan said. "If he see's you he won't think twice about blasting you out of the air."
"I won't let him get that close." Palas flexed his muscles and spread his wings. For a second his image blurred then he shifted to a blue, black and grey falcon. He hopped up in to a tree right at their side. [Igoro can look for me in the sky, but he won't recognize this form. He defeated all my people, but he doesn't know all our secrets.]
With that said, Palas launched himself off the branch and up into the sky. Sky and Quynn finished cleaning up the camp site while Goren, Moyo and Tamu got Beno ready to travel. Once all the packs were collected and was straightened, Goren took the lead and they started out and back on the trail.
There was very little talk as the moved through the jungle. Goren was busy trying to keep to the sparse trail while Quynn watched there back. At one point while they walked, a strange noise caught Quynn's attention. It was like thew hiss of a snake only soft at first, t was hardly audible, but to his Dragon hearing it was clear as a bell.
"What are you looking for?" Sky asked.
."Don't you hear it?" He said with his back to the group. "There's something back there."
"We're being followed?"
"Yes, but its not Igoro or Mulu. its something else."
"Come on." Sky pulled at his arm. "We don't want to let them get to far ahead."
Quynn nodded and together they ran to catch up with Goren and Beno.

Off in the shadows of the jungle, a eight foot long Dreadfoot came clawing through the trees. It had hungry and had a scent of something moving through its jungle. As saliva dripped from its huge mouth, it howls its silent call to the other Dreadfoots in this part of the jungle. Iy stopped for a minute and listened as the others answered his call. One, two, three howled back. They had heard him and were coming in to hunt with him. The Dreadfoot barked three short bursts of sound telling them to come in from the west and the south while he would attack from the east leaving them no where to go but to head north. Quickening his pace, the Dreadfoot hurried in to what he hope was going to be a easy catch.
Dreadfoot's are huge ten foot reptiles with a body more bear like then reptilian.They run just as fast as a house and they climbed like a monkey. They had tails that could grab and hold on to prey as they bite or squeezed the life out of them. Their jaws could snap shut with unbelievable strength. They saw better on the infrared level meaning they hunted by heat signatures. Their nose was used merely for breathing while their tongue lashed out to taste their preys scent in the air. Dreadfoot's stayed close to tropical regions of Aspana leaving the cold north and northern islands alone.
As Quynn and Sky caught up with Goren, they grabbed the stretched and yelled for them to run. The Gorillas had no idea why they were running, but if the two from the north thought they should run, they would trust them and get moving. As they ran, it wasn't long before Goren heard the howling of the following Dreadfoot's. He hurried to keep up with Quynn and Sky while his warriors were right behind him.
"Leave me." Beno said as he reached out and grabbed Goren's arm. "Carrying my stretcher is slowing you down. Those are Dreadfoots behind us. You know what will happen if they catch us."
"No Beno!" Goren yelled down to him. "I will not leave you here to be eaten by those things. We'll take our chances together."
From the barking and howling Beno could tell that the Dreadfoots were close. They were coming in from the south,east and the west leaving them no where to go but to the north. There was probably a trap waiting for them. Beno had to get them to change directions and they better do it soon. With a strong heave, Beno rolled out of the stretcher and crashed into the growth of the jungle. Sky and Quynn swtopped and reached down to grab him. Beno pushed them away.
"Go!" He yelled as he pulled his sword from its scabbard. "I will hold them off as long as I can. Take my cousin and get him away from here.
"No!!" Goren yelled as Sky and Quynn pulled him away. "I won't leave you!"
"Myumbo Cousin. May your jungles always be green." With that, Beno got to his feet and stumbled away into the jungle.
"NOOOO!!"
Grabbing Goren by his arms, Sky and Quynn ran off into the thick jungle leaving Beno there to fight the Dreadfoot's alone.

As Beno pushed his way through the jungle, he could hear the Dreadfoots getting closer and closer. He needed a place he could defend without worrying about getting attacked from behind. Pushing further in, he came to a great crevasse in the side of a cliff that ran up high over his head. This would do, the Dreadfoots could only attack from the front. Beno took a deep breath as the first Dreadfoot of many came howling out of the jungle going right for him
"Come on beastie." He yelled. "Let us see how fearsome you really are."
As the front Dreadfoot lunged at Beno, he struck out with his sword and cut a deep slice across its maw. The beast howled and for a second stepped back shaking its head. As it reared up on its hind legs, the Dreadfoot kicked out clipping Beno on his chin and slamming his head back. As he lost consciousness, Beno fall forward, easy prey for the beast and all of its pride. Howling its victory, the Dreadfoot stepped in to claim its prize. With a final roar, the beast reached down to grab him out of the crevasse and pull him out. Suddenly there was a big flash of light that blinded the Dreadfoot. It stepped back shaking its head to clear its vision. When it looked back, there was tall Satyr with huge rams horns on its head standing there in front of Beno holding a staff made of gnarled wood..
"Hold beast." It said. " I am Tyree. You will have to find something else for dinner. This one is under my protection."
The Dreadfoot's howling and pawed at the ground as they came in to surround the Satyr. The Satyr puffed out his chest and let out a tremendous roar that rocked the ground. Unafraid, the Dreadfoot's attacked. The first one came in snapping at Tyree's legs as another launched its front hooves in for a blow at his chest. Tyree kicked out hitting the first one on in its snort. They he reached out and grabbed the second one by its front hoove and threw it out beyond the ring of snarling reptiles. As the third and fourth beast attacked, Tyree took his staff and slammed it down on the ground causing a tremor the run out knocking the Dreadfoot's off their hooves.
"I am Tyree, god of the wild and I command you to STOP!!
Like scared puppies four of the Dreadfoot's slinked back with their tails between their legs leaving the biggest of them all standing there snarling. Holding out one hand, Tyree stepped forward with a grim look on his face.
"You will leave now or you will suffer my wrath. And it will be long and painful. Begone!!"
Tyree's voice had a thundering effect that scared the last of the reptilian beast off. As he turned back to Beno, he reached down and easily picked the Gorilla up.
"Sleep my son." He stroked the hair on Beno's head. "For when you wake up, there will be a new destiny for you. One filled with wonder and excitement."
With a wave of his staff they were going.

When Beno woke up it was late in the evening. He looked up to see stars twinkling in the night sky. He sat up and looked are, but he didn't recognize where he was. He was in the jungle, but all of his senses told him this wasn't the same he had battle the Dreadfoot's in. Then he remembered the Dreadfoot's. What had happened? The last thing he remembered was the Dreadfoot lashing out and kicking him in him chin. He reached up and put his hand to his chin. It was sore but not broken. That mean he really had face the great beasties. If that was true, why was he still alive? He should be dead and in the stomachs of the whole pride. As Beno tried to get up, pain lanced out from his chest and legs. He felt dizzy and a little nauseous. As he felt his chest, he started to bleed again. Astan's healing was wearing off. Beno looked around. He wanted somewhere he could rest and live out his last moments. He knew he was dying and he wanted it to be as peaceful as it could be and here, who knows what wild things were roaming here in this jungle. Off to the left he spotted what could be a cave.
"That will do." He said to himself. On his hands and knees he crawled into the cave. It was dark in there but that didn't matter. He wasn't expecting to be here for very long. He thought within an hour, Tyree would be taking him up to meet his ancestors for the final eternal rest.
As he made his way in, Beno could hear the chirping of bats rousting up in the cave ceiling. The cave smelled damp with a tiny touch of mold in the air. From the entrance, Beno pushed himself up on his feet and staggered deeper into the cave. Looking around, he noticed the patches of phosphorescent glow that ran all along the ceiling and walls lighting the cave with a eerie glow.
As Beno's pain got worst, he stumbled into a small chamber filled with strange glowing orbs. Beno flopped down after taking his last step. This was as far as he would go. This wound due for his final resting place. He sat back and thought about his life. The parents he loved so much that was killed by Igoro. His cousins Hodari, Goren and Mara and their hunting trips on the savanna. So many memories flashed through his minds. He wished he could have lived to see Igoro's bloody reign come to its end. He would have loved to been there to see him grovel in defeat. But it didn't look like that was going to be possible.
"Myumbo Cousin. I hope you reign in peace."
With that, Beno turned his head and made himself comfortable for the last moments of life. As he closed his eyes, Beno thought he saw something flicker with light. It was one of the orbs that were blinking through the room. Beno cocked his head and watched as it grew bright then flicker on and off. He sat up and reached out and picked up the orb.
"What is this?"
[I feel your pain.] A voice said in his head. [I can take it away.]
Startled. he dropped it in his lap.
[Have no fear.] The voice said. [I can feel your heart. Its getting slower and slower with every beat. Let me make it better.]
"Who are you?" Beno asked as he picked it up again.
[I am your future if that is what you want.] It said. [I can make us whole again. All you have to do is ask.]
As Beno's eyes began to closer and he took one final breath of air. He said yes to the voice.
Before his last breath escaped his body, the orb cracked open and a small Griffen cub popped out and buried itself in Beno's chest. As the cub entered, Beno's eyes opened and his body started to convulse. Hie eyes took on a golden glow as feathers grew and his body started to change. Wings grew as hands and feet turned to paws. His head took the shape of a grey eagle and he shrieked out his birth announcement to the world.
[We are Stormcrest and we are born to fly!!]

Dragons Rise. 15

As Mulu stepped into the chamber and saw all the eggs spread all through the cave, he threw back his head and sent out a bone chilling rack of laughter. He howled and jumped around celebrating his success.
"I did it!" he screamed. "I did it! They are mine and there's nothing Msia or any of the fools in Panthera can do now to stop me!!"
Grinning pleased with his success, Mulu started in to collect his reward. Dragon power would now be his. He would be the most powerful Dragon was ever hatched. As he reached down to collect his first egg, there was a great rumble that ran through the mountain. Mulu took a few steps back as he tried to keep steady on his feet and ride out the tremor.
Suddenly he heard a great roar that seemed to be coming from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. As Mulu backed up, a billowing wind came flooring into the chamber all around him. With one last tremor, Mulu fell to his knees and the chambers shaking calmed down to a few weak shudders. Thinking this was his chance, Mulu scrambled to his feet and started again for the eggs.
[HOLD INTRUDER!] Said a booming voice from nowhere. [YOU DO NOT BELONG HERE. THIS IS A SACRED PLACE WHERE ONLY DRAGONS MAY WALK. TURN AND LEAVE NOW AND WE WILL TAKE NO OFFENSE.]
"I am Mulu Amin," He said pounding his chest. "Warlord and master of the great Hyenen nation and soon, all of Aspana. I claim these eggs as my own. The fruit of my long search. Step away and let me collect my reward."
Suddenly the rumbling started again as the voice began to laugh.
[HAVE A CARE DEMON. YOU ARE POWERFUL, BUT AS I SAID. THIS IS A PLACE OF DRAGONS. YOU HOLD NO POWER HERE. WE WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO STEAL ANY OF OUR EGGS.]
"And what will you do Worm?" Mulu laughed. "There are no Dragons in Aspana. The time of Dragons was long ago. Aspana has not been the home to a Dragon in a thousand years. You do not scare me. I will take what I want and there is nothing you can do about it!"
As Mulu looked around, there was a beautiful fist sized ruby sitting a few feet away from him with two topaz, a garnet, three sapphires and giant pearl. He took a step forward and reached down to grab the gem and suddenly there was a ear shattering roar. Mulu turned quick and standing across from him in the chamber entrance was Msia dressed in handsome ruby red leathers and Akani and a stranger.
"Your wrong Mulu." He said. "There are still Dragons here in Aspana, Would you like to meet one?"
Msia took a big deep breathe and blew out a great plumb of flame that engulfed his whole body setting him on fire. As the heat grew to volcanic heat, Mulu stepped back and tried to shield himself from the flames. As the heat and flames dowsed, there standing in front of Mulu was a huge red Dragon. It roared as it started toward the Hyenen.
As Inferno started toward him, Mulu moved bake and gave Msia a curious smile.
"There has been many changes since you escaped from my pit." Mulu said. "You found the Star of Hakima I see. I've done a little improving too.  Watch what I can do."
Holding out his arms, Mulu started to spin around and around. Thick black smoke started seeping out from him until he was nothing but a great cloud of smoke. Then in a flash of eerie blue light, Mulu exploded and the cloud started to break apart.
"Behold Dragon!" Mulu said as his Demon form stepped out of the cloud. "You are about to take your last breath."
With that said, Mulu launched himself at Inferno with his claws ready to kill. Inferno roared again as Mulu attacked. He spread his wings and dived at Mulu. Flames surrounded him as he attacked.
[NO!!] The voice screamed. [THERE WILL BE NO COMBAT IN THIS SACRED PLACE!! BEGONE HYENEN FILTH!!!]
A bolt of lightning came flying out from the back of the cave, and like a flaming arrow struck Mulu in his chest. Mulu screamed and threw up his arms and started to shake. He stood there frozen in place for a few seconds, then disappeared in a great explosion of smoke. Inferno pulled himself up out of his dive and did a quick circle around the room. Not knowing what had happened to his enemy, he came back to land a few yards out from Akani and Aggar.
"Where is he?" Msia asked. "Where did Mulu go?"
[HE HAS BEEN SENT BACK TO HIS HYENEN CITY.] The voice said. [I COULD NOT ALLOW YOU TO DO BATTLE HERE. THE EGGS WOULD BE DESTROYED. I MUST PROTECT THE EGGS HERE.]
"Who are you?" Akani asked. "And why have you been calling me?"
[IT IS NOT ME THAT HAS BEEN CALLING YOU AKANI.] The voice said. [I AM DREAD, THE FEAR DRAGON, I HAVE BEEN PLACED HERE IN THE DRAGON SPIRIT TO PROTECT THE LAST OF ASPANA'S DRAGON EGGS.]
"Myumbo Dread." Msia bowed. "I thought my sire Terra was the last of the Dragons here?"
[HE WAS.] Dread said. [HE WAS THE LAST OF THE LIVING DRAGONS. I AM JUST A SPIRIT PUT HERE TO PROTECT THE EGGS UNTIL THE NEXT GENERATION IS BORN. THAT GENERATION WILL START WITH YOU INFERNO AND YOU AKANI.]
"Me?" Akani looked from Aggar to Msia feeling unworthy. "I am not Dragon. I am not worthy."
[YOU HAVE STOOD WITH MSIA ALMOST FROM THE MOMENT YOU MET HIM. YOU HAVE FOUGHT BY HIS SIDE AND FOUGHT TO PROTECT HIM. YOU HAVE A DRAGONS HEART, MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT THAT. IF YOU WERE NOT WORTHY, PITCH WOULD NOT BE CALLING YOU.]
"Pitch?" Akani looked to Msia and scratched his head. "I don't understand."
"Pitch is the Dragonet that's calling you." Msia explained. "The voice you keep hearing."
[I am Pitch.] He heard in his head. [If you agree, soon we will be Pitch. I will share my existence with you. There is no reason to fear.]
"Once Pitch hatches and merges with you." Msia said as he moved to Akani's side. "You will understand everything."
Akani was confused by all this talk of him becoming a dragon. Though Msia was now a dragon, he still didn't understand how it is that dragons weren't monsters. The story's told of dragons in his youth still haunted his memories. He remembered the stories about villages being eaten and the field that were burned. We're the elders wrong? Was that not a true history?
[Some was true.] Pitch said. [Some was just made to scare you. I will tell you everything once we are joined.]
"Is this what you want Sire?" Akani looked at Msia fright in his eyes.
"This cannot be my decision." Msia said. "This has to be your choice. But it will make you stronger and give you the ability to help save Aspana."
"Then I will do it." Akani said. "If it can help to stop my people from being Mulu's dog soldiers, I will do it. What must I do?"
[THERE IS A GREEN VERDITE STONE THERE AT YOUR FEET.] Dread sent. [PICK IT UP.]
Akani stepped forward and looked down at a beautiful fist sized verdite. He picked it up and held it and looked deeply in the flashing sparks of reflected light.
"What happens now?" He asked.
[We merge!!]
In a flash of light the verdite cracked into two pieces in his hand and the Dragonet jumped into Akani's heart. His ears started to buzz and scream as the dragon started to merge with him. He fell to his knee as his body began to grow and change. Wings sprouted from his back and started to vibrate and throw off a sound that was almost hypnotic to anyone near that could hear it. His arms and legs stretched as they became scaly with long sharp talons. A tail grew from his rear with a long fin that stuck out like a fan. Pitch through back his head and roared his first challenge out to the world announcing the birth of a new Dragon.
[WE ARE PITCH! THE DRAGON OF SOUND!!]
Pitch was a dark green slender dragon with great broad wings and a massive tail with two small horns placed just over his eyes. As his wings moved, they made a curious sound quite pleasant to hear. He told them that it was a part of the song he sang of the joy of being joined. As he moved out to join them. he shifted back to Akani dressed in forest green leathers.
"I understand now." He said with a smile. "Its all so clear. Myumbo my king and friend Aggar."
"Welcome Pitch." Aggar reached out to clasp his arm in friendship. "Now Aspana has two Dragons."
"But what about Aggar?" Msia asked. "Surely he had great honor. He brought my egg to me. Shouldn't he be a Dragon too?"
[AGGAR HAS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF KEANNA.] Dread told them. [HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. BUT FOR NOW IT IS UP TO YOU TO HELP BREAK ASPANA FROM ITS FUTURE OF BONDAGE. THERE ARE MANY THINGS TO BE DONE AND VERY LITTLE TIME. MULU MUST BE STOPPED AND THERE IS ANOTHER WHO THREATENS ALL DRAGONS.]

When Mulu opened his eyes and sat, he looked around and realized he was back in the jungle right outside of Mancoro's walls. There were no Dragons and he didn't have any eggs. He knew he had just been in the Dragon cave about to do battle with Msia in a Dragon form. But he couldn't remember anything about where that cave had been. Somehow either Msia or the owner of that voice had the power to send him back here to Mancoro. Mulu stood up with mad burning eyes. He was very angry. No one had ever had power enough to do something like that to him before and he swore no one ever will again. As he walked out to the front gates of his city, two Hyenen warriors came running out to meet him. They bowed and reached out to take his arm and to help him into the city.
"DO NOT TOUCH ME!!" He screamed as he sent a bolt of energy out to consume both warriors. They died screaming in a burning pyre of hate and flames as Mulu walked on into the city. As he passed two quivering guards, he called out an order.
"Have that cleaned up immediately."
From the city gates, Mulu walked on through the city ignoring everyone around him. At the front of his place, one of his Demondogs hurried out to greet his master. Mulu looked at him with pure hate in his eyes. The Demondog cringed with pain as the hate started eating him alive. Mulu kicked the dead body out of the way as he entered his manor.
"Basara!" He called out as he made his way to his private study. "Attend your master. We have people to kill."
It took only a minute for Basara to answer the call. He ran in and through himself down at the feet of Mulu's throne.
"We await your orders" The demondog said with his horned head down. "How may I serve you today?"
"I want all my ships ready to launch." Mulu said. "Today we start out to conquer Aspana and the rest of the world. Gather my armor and my weapons. We launch at dawn."
"Yes master." Basara said. "My lord. A message came for you while you were out. It is from the Gorilla, Igoro Baba."
"What does he want?"
"He said he still holds Asatn." Basara said. "He awaits your orders."
"Does he?" Mulu smiled. Here was another chance at the Tigerens and the Panthrens. He would have to make it count. "Get my armor. I will deal with the Gorilla myself.
Bowing, Basara got up and hurried out to carry out his masters orders. Mulu waited a few minutes then rose from his throne and walked down to a huge mirror set in the east wall of his throne room. As hyenen slaves came in carrying his armor, Mulu spread his legs and held out his arms so he could be dressed. Bronze greaves were placed on his legs and strapped in place as chainmail pants were put in place and strapped down. A leather kilt with leopard skin sides were wrapped around Mulu's waist as a chainmail shirt was fitted over his head fitted to him comfortably.  Bronze gauntlets were fitted on his arms then he was handed a Hyenen robe to put around his shoulders. Now Mulu was ready. All he needed was his head piece and weapons. As the head piece was placed on his head, Mulu turned and looked at his reflection in the mirror.
"Yes." He said. "But I don't need this helmet. Take it off,"
Dressed and ready for war, Mulu grabbed his staff with the blue wildebeest skull and Tigaren canines and started for the door.
"Have my first ships ready to launch at dawn." Mulu raised his staff over his head. "I will return by then."
Circling the staff over his head he disappeared. He had a Tigaren to find and a whole world to crush under his thumb.

After a eight hour trek through the forest, Astan called a stop to their journey. He set two of Goren's warriors to be on watch while everyone else got something to eat and a good rest. Beno for the moment was in much better shape then when they arrived at Starspeak. With the help of Astan's healing ability, he no longer had to be carried. But that was only temporary. Beno's wounds had been really severe and beyond Astan's ability to completely heal. Goren had suggested they find Omeron Zucia, an old friend of his grandsire.
"Do you know where we we find him?" Astan asked as he chewed on a piece of dried meat Goren had passed around.
"Grandfather always said I could find him deep in the forest out beyond the Ayss. He never said where. Just that if my need was great, he would come find me."
"Then maybe we should stay put." Astan said. "So he can find us."
Goren agreed. So that set up a small camp for the day.

While Astan and Goren were setting up camp, Palas dreamed he was high in the sky absorbing energy from the sun. He dived and turned doing flips as he soared through the clouds. It felt good being up in the heavens after all the time he spent locked away in Igoro's dungeon. But his mine was still set deep in turmoil. His Aerie had been destroyed and all of his brood mates were dead. The Gorilla had destroyed everything that mattered to Palas. All he had left was his great need for revenge which burned like the sun in his heart. As he sailed through the daytime sky a strange feeling of peace started to seep in with the suns energy. Was it the sun that eased his mind and heart?
[No.] A voice said in his head. [I feel the trouble that burns deep within you. But vengeance will not clear away the pain. Your Aerie now fly's here in the heart of the underworld in a divine place made just for them. Do not weep, for one day you will join them, but not today. If all goes right, I have a very special future for you and your friends. So get some rest my noble warrior, the days to come will be very hard. I am counting on all of you to help bring peace to Aspana.]
As Palas opened his eyes, he looked up to see a rainbow spreading out across the sky. Was a dream he had just had? Or had he really just heard from Tyree? Only time will tell. He curled up and went back to sleep with peaceful dreams.

As the sun slipped down behind the Ayss Mountains, Shumo lead Quynn into the city of Domina. All around them the city's citizen came out from their homes to get a peek at the Human. Quynn watched as the pointed and snickered to each other. Being so deep in the jungle, most of them had never seen aq human before. They marveled at how close the similarity was between their two species, From the gate, Shumo lead him down the main concourse of the city then took a left to the market place to head toward Domina's slave market. As they approached Quynn saw many different species of Aspana locked and chained in the slave yard. There were two Rhinon warriors chained next to a trio of proud Pachyderms. In the next caged area there was five Sealens diving in and out of a small pit filled with muddy water. Further down he saw two very thin Tigarens laying in the sun in their Tiger form. From where Quynn walked, he could tell they were dehydrated and hungry. He also saw Jackels and Hyenens huddled in a cages looking like they were plotting a escape attempt. Giraffes, Antolopes, Babbons, Gorillas thers there that he couldn't identify. The smell here of all the slaves was overwhelming. Something had to be done about this. Quynn knew he couldn't leave while Aspana was so deep in the hands of a society ruled by slavery.
Once at the slave market. Quynn was lead into two story building and placed in a chair in a small office wre he was told to sit and wait. After a few minutes, Shumo came in and told the guards to leave. As the two guards left, Shumo came around the desk and sat down.
"Why are you here Human?"
"I came to buy a slave." Quynn said. "Just as I told you in the forest."
"A slave?" Shumo said as he narrowed his eyes. "Really? What kind of slave are you in the market for? A strong Rhinon or maybe a female cheetah for pleasure? How about a group of Orangutans, they make great builders. Or maybe you have fields that need working, we have Chyimps that are good at field work. What exactly are you in need of?"
Quynn stopped and thought about what his answer would be. He couldn't tell the truth. That would alert him and Igoro to what was to come. He had to find a convincing answer that wouldn't arouse suspicion.
"Your not here to buy a slave." Shumo said quietly. "Your here for something else."
"Why would you think that?"
"Your not much of a liar, are you Prince Quynn." Shumo said as he sat forward to stare deeply in Quynn's eyes. "You don't have the eyes for it. Your here for something else. Do you want to tell me what it is, or should I guess?"
"I have no idea what you mean." Quynn said with a shocked look. "I have traveled long and hard to get here."
"All by yourself? Shumo said. "With no guards or any kind or protection. Our forest is very dangerous for a lone Human to travel. We have spiders that can kill you with one bite, not to mention that you would have to travel through the Hyenen territory to get here. I think you came here with others that are waiting in the forest, I'm just not sure why.But I can guess. You came here looking for Prince Astan, am I correct?"
Now Quynn had a trapped look on his face. He looked from Shumo to the door to judge if it was possible to overcome the Gorilla quickly and get away.
"Don't worry." Shumo as he nodded his head. "No one else knows your secret. Just me, and I want that bastard Igoro dead too."
"With Astan gone." Quynn said. "There's only one reason for me to be here."
"The slave. You want us to free the slaves."
"Yes." Quynn nodded. "Domina is not a poor kingdom, you don't need to relay on the sale of slaves to survive. Free them and show the world the real honor of the Gorillas."
"As long as Igoro Baba is master here, there will be slaves. If you can give us peace and take Igoro down, then we will free all the slave. I give you my word on this."
"We will hold you to that promise." Quynn stood up and pushed his chair away. "We will return with Igoro's head. Myumbo Shumo."
"Not so fast." Shumo got up out of his chair. "It won't be so easy to get out of Domina. Everyone saw you enter. Igoro will be told you were here. He probably already knows and is coming back to see the Human that came knocking on his city's gates. How am I to explain how it is that you are not here in the dungeons?

"Tell him..." Quynn thought for a minute. "Tell him the truth. Tell him I came here looking for Astan. Tell him you put me in the dungeons but I was so powerful, your dungeons couldn't hold me."

"You want me to lie?" Shumo said in disbelief. "I can't lie to Igoro. He will see right through it and have me put to death."
"You won't be lying. "Quynn said as he stepped back away from Shumo and started to shift. [Tell him we will be looking for him. Aspana will have justice for all his crimes. Tell him that he and Mulu will pay for what they have done to Aspana.]
With a final roar, Quynn blew out a gout of flame that blew out the wall behind him.
In three steps he leaped into the night sky and was gone leaving Shumo standing there with his mouth open in disbelief.