The Wrong Side of the War. 24

The night was quiet as Ranjer winged his way across the ocean towards Aspana. His was a mission of mercy. He was supposed to be here looking for his cousin Quynn. The son of his brother Jandar and the Dragon Rage. They were here at the request of some dream Sky had. Sky's dreams. Ranjer and Quynn had learned long ago to trust Sky's dreams. Sky's dreaming ability had gotten them out of many dark situations in the past. As a matter of fact, it had been Sky's dreams that had brought them together in the first place.
With very little to go on except for Sky's dream, Jandar had sent the two off to save the southern lands. His only real hope had been that somewhere down on the southern continent there were Dragons that Quyyn might find to aid him in his battles. But for now, all he would have is Ranjer and Sky and the lessons his fathers had drilled into all of them.
From the northern ocean, Ranjer banked south looking for the lights of any Elven, Fairy, Human or Were settlement. Though the jungle seemed thick, there had to be settlers here somewhere. At least Sky thought there were. That is what brought them here, A war, but who was out here fighting who? And is this something they should even get involved in? With all the wars and battles the Dragons had been in, Ranjer wasn't sure it even made sense for them to even get involved down here. But the Dragons had sworn to protect Keanna, If there was the conflict here, and innocence was in danger, of course, they would get involved.
As Ranjer made his way south, he saw many small battles all across the savannah and through the jungle. There were a few cities under siege, but Ranjer kept moving south. As of now, the war wasn't his business, finding Quyyn and Sky main objective.
As Ranjer flew south, he felt a strange buzzing in his ear. At first, it was just an annoyance until it started getting stronger and more powerful. What the hell was it? He had never felt anything like it before. Then out of nowhere, he felt a sudden tug down and a voice calling out to him.
Like an arrow, Ranjer started down heading straight for the lights. As he got closer he realized it wasn't the lights of a settlement that he saw. It was the lights of war.
[Help us.] he heard. [Stop the Tigaren's!]
Amazed at what he saw, Ranjer dived in shouting a spell he had learned over the past year. Suddenly the skies grew gray and the winds began to rage. Streaks of lightning flew from the clouds right into the charging Tigaren army. One by one the Tigaren's where thrown about like toy dolls. Some were strong and shook it off, but many lay where they landed and never got up again. As Ranjer flew overhead a Tigaren in bright armor thrust out his weapon and called forth a blast of heat that just missed the young Vampire. Feeling the blast singe his side, Ranjer pulled up and did a turn that had him crash into the jungle just beyond where all the fighting was going on. As he tumbled through the jungle Ranjer did a quick shift and came charging out to attack the Tigaren's in the form of a small man-sized Dragon With a bellow of overheated smoke, Ranjer attacked. The first Tigaren was surrounded by smoke and fell overcome by the fumes. The next three were slashed and torn to pieces as Ranjer did a mid-air flip and dived at a group charging in at a bunch of Hyenen's backs. With his wings spread, Ranjer moved through the Tigaren's like a piranha. He snapped and ripped into the enemy with a ferocity that only a Vampire or Werewolf could.
With the sound of a bellowing roar, Ranjer looked out to see the Tigaren army retreat. As he looked up at the top of the hill, he saw the Tigaren chief putting his sword back into its scabbard.
[We will meet again Mnyama.] The Tigaren said with a strong mind blast. [When we do, one of us will surely die. Until then, Watch where you go. We Tigaren's have many allies that will be looking for you, so beware.]
As the Tigaren's ran off into the jungle, Ranjer slowly made his way down to the Hyenen camp. There was something about these Dog men that Ranjer didn't trust. They all had a sly look about them. Valkar had once warned him about anyone with that look. He said never trust them. It might be wise to listen closely to his father's advise in this strange new land.
As Ranjer started out for the Hyenen camp, a tall Hyenen dressed in bone armor walked out to meet him. On his head, he wore the skull of some horn-headed animal with bone plates covering his chest. On his lower parts, he wore a  black and green kilt. One would think his armor weak, but Ranjer had a feeling it was stronger than Dwarven enchanted gold.
"Myumbo." The Hyenen said walling out to greet him.
"Friend I hope," Ranjer answered with a smile. "But only time will tell."
"Then I will greet you as a friend and hope we continue as such." Mulu Amin bowed his head never taking his eyes off of Ranger. "I am Mulu Amin, Demon chief of all of Aspana. I bid you welcome to my lands and I hope you will join in to take Aspana as my own."
At that moment alarms went off in Ranjer's head. He had made a huge mistake. Somehow he had dropped into Aspana and fell into the wrong side of the war. His father had been right. The Hyenen were the invading army. He should have been fighting on the side of the Tigaren's but now here he wf as sharing a camp with what might turn out to be his worst foe. Where the hell was Quyyn when he needed him.

It was cool and dark as Astan woke up from the horrible nightmare. He had dreamed that Mulu had captured him, Sakura and Msia and trapped them all in a dark cave that sucked away every spell they tried to use to escape. Msia tried a power bolt that bounced back and slammed him into the cave wall. Then Astan tried using flames to propel himself up and out of the cave pit. But instead of propelling him, it lit him on fire and Astan woke up as the green flames began to engulf him. Breathing heavy, Astan sat and looked around the camp. The dream had scared him right down to his core, but he knew somewhere out in the darkness, Mulu was waiting for him.
Looking out into the dark jungle, Astan looked across the camp to where Nyo sat snoring in his sleeping covers by the fire. An alarm blared out in Astin's head. Something was wrong. Nyo shouldn't be asleep. He was supposed to be on watch protecting the camp from intruders.
With his staff at his side, Astan pushed away from the covers and got to his feet. His senses were alert ready to warn him of the slightest movement anywhere around him.  He could hear the sound of Owls hooting in the night as crickets dances all around. The roar of a night hunter rang out as he made his way through the darkness The fresh smells of the jungle filled his lungs as something else caught his attention. Feeling an attack about fall on him, Astan turned back towards the camp as something heavy fell hitting him in the back of his head. Astan fell into the arms of the Demondog as he dropped his club at his feet. With an evil smile, the Demondog turned and headed home to bring his prize to his master Mulu Amin.

"There is one more thing you need before we head to Mancoro." Aggar said as they moved through the thick jungle.
"What?" Akani asked.
"You'll find it here,"
"In there?" He pointed into the dark cave. He could hear strange sounds coming of the darkness. He wonders what could possibly be in there.
"I might be our salvation." Aggar smiled. "You should hurry. Mulu's getting more dangerous by the minute.
After a deep swallow, Akani started on his way in. After a few feet, he turned and looked back at Aggar. He stood and shoed him on. Moving on, Akani looked to his left, then right for any sign of danger. Hi stared ahead trying to see through the darkness, but could barely make out anything three feet in front of him. Strange, Akani thought. Jackals had excellent night vision. he should be able to see clearly in here, but he couldn't see anything.
[You will see only what I want you to see.]
Akani stopped. Did he really hear that? It must be his imagination.
[I am not a part of your imagination. I am your future.]
Akani started to shake. Whatever was in here didn't fear him. He had to push his fear back and continue on. Whatever was in here was important. Aggar wouldn't have sent him in if it wasn't
Ten more feet. Twenty, Thirty feet, then forty. It was getting cold in here. Akani pulled his vest tighter to himself.
[You don't fear me.] The voice said.[That is good. We will do many good things together.]
What could it be talking about? It talked as if Akani was going to join with it. That wasn't possible.
[It is more than possible. We are the future.]
Puzzled, Akani moved on. He went straight ahead then made a right turn.
[STOP!] The voice said as lights flared out revealing a small chamber in the cave.
[I am here.] Came from his left. [Pick me up.]
Looking down, Akani saw a clutch of broken eggs. Beneath the shattered shells, something was pushing its way out. He knelt and brushed the shells aside and found an unbroken egg laying there pulsing with life. Akani thought it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
[I am Flicker. Are you not for me?]

As Aggar sat outside waiting, he wondered exactly what would be coming out of the cave. He had heard the voice calling out to Akani, though he wasn't sure if Akani heard it. Now he understood that his job was to help the subjects get to, and get used to being a Dragon. It couldn't be easy sharing one's body with a Dragon. He had heard some went mad unable to get used to sharing their body.
Just then, Aggar heard a noise coming from the cave. He got to his feet and took a few steps toward the cave and looked into the cave. Suddenly there was a loud screech and something came flying out of the cave. Aggar dived to the side just in time to get under the wing as it took a swipe at him.
Getting back to his feet, Aggar reached behind him for his knives to be ready for the beast next charge. As Aggar waited, something else came flying out if the cave.
[Be still Aggar.] Pitch said. [I won't let it hurt you.]
As the bat thing squeaked, it did a turn then came flying at Aggar with its claws ready to rip into him.
Landing in front of Aggar, Pitch rose up on his hind legs and let out loud roar. A field of cold appeared in front of the bat. It tried to change directions but it was too late. It slammed into the freezing field and froze solid then crashed to the ground and shattered into a million pieces.
[We should go Aggar.] Akani said as he shifted forms. [There is a lot to do if we are to free Msia.]

It was late as Deja sat eating her dinner. She had Rabbit stew made from vegetables she had picked as she walked and her night's catch. She had been ducking battles all day trying to stay ahead of the Hyenens and the Demondogs. She was bone tired and not sure if it was safe to sleep and she missed her father very much. Last time she had seen him was back in the Canin village where they had split up. She had gone out to help the Canin's while Aggar went on to the Pumen village. The Canin had fought bravely and she didn't worry about them being invaded anymore. They knew how to fight now and they could always call out to her for assistance and she would come running.
As she finished off the last of her stew, she thought about Tof back at home. Had the talks with their Human neighbors gone well, or were they now at war at home again? From here she couldn't get much of a read on Tof. He was too far away. But usually, she could pick up his thoughts from ten miles away. She guessed it had something to do with her emotions. She never dared to call it love, since he was married to Lady Keya Thorn and that might bring scandal on the family name. But she had hopes and dreams and it couldn't hurt to have her private dreams. At least that's what her mother always told her. At that thought, Deja wondered if her mother knew her secret. Could she have seen the way Deja looked whenever Tof was around? Or maybe she had caught one of Deja's dreams. Mother was always the better at reading Deja then father or any of the rest of the family except Jandar and Ono.
As Deja wrapped herself for sleep, she heard footsteps from the jungle coming in her direction. In two swift moves she had her weapons out and water on the fire. Shifting to half wolf half woman she slipped off into the jungle to hunt whatever was hunting her.
In the dark of the night, Gurresh slipped from tree to tree keeping an eye on his query. The master had ordered she be taken to Mancoro tonight for an audience. An audience, Gurresh laughed. That wasn't what it really would be. It will be more of an interrogation. Mulu would ask the questions and if she wanted to live, she would answer quickly and truthfully. The master would know a lie if she told one. Honestly, Gurresh expected her to lie. But that would be it. One lie and that would be it. After she felt the punishment, she would not try it again. Not many would. Gurresh had seen what Mulu called punish. It was horrible. Mulu would use his magic to hold her high up over a pit of lake Vipers, then with each question, he would slice off a strip of her skin. He would start in the back, then move on to her front. By then the questions wouldn't be important. He would be doing it more for his own enjoyment. Most people don't last very long.
Looking closer, Gurresh couldn't help but notice how lovely she was. She had beautiful auburn hair braided and lashed together to sit in a bun on the back of her head. Her ears were dainty and pointed with no earrings. Her eyes were lovely with a sparkle that he could see from high up in the trees. Her mouth looked red naturally, He knew she wasn't wearing any kind of rouge. Rouge would not be a smart thing to wear in a foreign land. The makeup would give her a scent that would be easy to follow. She was dressed in some kind of leather that hugged her body showing her perfect form. Though her hair was strange color, Gurresh thought she was quite beautiful and would make someone a fine mate if she managed to live long enough to take a mate.
As Gurresh watched, he heard a snap come from out in the jungle. It was probably one of the others in the raiding party. As he looked down, he saw her jump up and douse the fire. Then she was gone into the jungle. Carefully, Gurresh made his way down out of the trees. He would have to hurry and catch up with the other. The woman looked dangerous. Though there were five warriors out there hunting her. She was alert to their presence. They would need his help to catch her.
Taking his Hyena form, Gurresh started into the jungle. His night vision was clear and had been enhanced by the master. He followed her scent which was different than the Hyenen and the rest of the jungle animals. To him, her scent was sweet like a like jasmine in full bloom. She was heading straight in towards the Hyenens who was lurking just beyond the clearing just ahead. Suddenly her scent change. It seemed more dangerous. She must have shifted to a more deadly form. From her scent, Gurresh could tell she was ready for battle. But if he could smell her, so could the others. and though they had been ordered to bring her safely back, those idiots might make a mistake and kill her.
As Gurresh ran, he could hear the sound of battle just ahead of him. Doubling his efforts he bore down and made the last hundred feet and dived through the trees to find the woman on the ground with five Hyenens standing over her about to deliver the killing blow.
"STOP!" He growled showing his teeth. "This one is under the protection of our master. He wants her alive. Hurt her and you will pay for your disobedience!"
"Look what she did!" Mwani lifted his head showing the cut on his neck. "She did this! She almost ripped my neck open! I will kill her!"
"No, you won't! You will obey Mulu Amin's orders and you will bring her to him and you will do it now!"
Mwani took a step forward with his fist raised. Gurresh knew he planned to attack them both if he had too. He raised his hand and looked Mwani straight into his eyes.
"Do what you have to." Gurresh said. "But revenge won't make you feel better. It will only make you more like Mulu. Is that what you want?"
Mwani thought about what Gurresh had said. He was right. He was sick of being a bully, one of Mulu's henchmen. It was time he moved on started to live his own life in peace.
"Take her." He said defeated. "Do whatever you have to. I'm not going back. There's a whole world out there and I'm going to find my place. Myumbo."
Mwani turned and started to walk away then stopped.
"Gurresh." He said. "Do yourself a favor. Walk away. Don't go back to Mancoro. There's nothing for you there but misery. Take her and find yourself somewhere away from Mulu and his war. It's not worth it."
As Mwani and the others started away, Gurresh reached down and helped Deja up to her feet.
"Thank you." She said. "I must be moving. My father is somewhere out there looking for me. I have to find him."
She turned to walk away and Gurresh grabbed her arm and pulled her back to face him.
"You misunderstand me. You're not free to go. The master is waiting for you. I have to bring you to him and that's what I'm going to do."

It was early morning as Quynn and Sky opened their eyes to a brand new day.  Dar'yl was sitting at the fire thinking about the past day's events. Quynn stretched then looked around the camp. He didn't see Sakura there anywhere. He turned and kissed Sky good morning.
"Morning Love." He smiled. "You sleep well?"
"Not really." Sky answered. "I kept dreaming about Sakura. He was lost and we couldn't find him."
With a glum look on his face, Quynn reached out to touch Sky.
"Are you sure it was a dream? He's not here in the camp.
Sky's face turned a sudden gray. At that moment he knew it wasn't a dream. It was Sakura reaching out to warn them of his abduction.And that's exactly what had happened. Sometime last night while they were sleeping, the Hyenen snuck into camp and took Sakura. How they did it was a total mystery. Dar'yl was on watch and there was no way he would have allowed his king to be taken away. Sky knew that as sure as he knew Quynn loved him. Now the question was, what do they do now?
"We go after him." Dar'yl said upset. "We can let him stay with Mulu. We have no idea what that bastard will do."
"Yes, we do." Sky said. "He'll kill him. That's why he's been after Sakura and Astan. He knows they are the only real threat to his reign as Aspana's master sorcerer."
"What about us?" Quynn asked. "We are not children. We are strong too."
"Yes, we are." Sky said. "But we are not native to Aspana, that might make the difference."
"I don't understand." Quynn said scratching his head.
"He means only a true king of Aspana will be able to destroy Mulu Amin." Dar'yl said as he looked into their eyes. He knew he would have to explain it to them plainly so they would understand. "The last time I was in Timpa, Zaki Manzi took me to the side and warned me about a possible future event. He said for me to take good care of Prince Sakura and to find Prince Astan. With Msia gone, only they can defeat Mulu Amin. He knew this might happen and he was preparing me. We must find Sakura even if we  have  to storm the gates of Mancoro."
"It might take some drastic action and I don't know if we all will survive." Quynn smiled. "But I have an idea. We should hurry to Mancoro."

All for one.. 23

The battle raged fiercely all across Aspana. Mulu and his Demondogs held the south in a sharp grasp moving from one village to the next. Xuthlu and his monsters traveled in from the east. Big cities or small village neither didn't matter, not to the Demons or the entity from below. Zatbi the ancestral home of the Zebren had been torn apart. Leaving the Zebren nowhere to go except to wander the plains or to join the Lions or the Tigrens.  Nothing still survive except rats out scavenging for the dead. From the west, two warriors fought a band of scavengers who's intent was to rob them and take them captive and hold them for ransom. Akani and Aggar knew where Msia had been taken, but saving him would be completely something else. Getting into Mancoro would not be an easy task.
Lying in the dark hidden by the wild growth of the plain, Aggar and Akani watched the gates of Mancoro.
"Now what?" Aggar whispered. "How do we even know he's in there?"
"This is where Mulu took my master, that I'm sure of." Akani said. "He's in there back in the pit."
"Pit? What pit?"
"Mulu has my master trapped in a deep pit with a spell he can't break or climb out of. This is where he kept him the last time he held him."
"A pit should be easy for Msia to escape." Aggar said. "His Dragon can get him out once he's awake."
"That will depend on what magics Mulu is using to hold him." Akani said quietly. "I can not enter, they would know me instantly."
"Then I'll go in." Aggar said. "They won't recognize me."
"They may not recognize you." Akani pointed out. "But they will know a stranger when they see one."
"Maybe." Aggar smiled. "Maybe not. You forget my wolf form is not my only form and that I am trained in magic"
"I do not understand." Akani said puzzled.
Looking out at the city, Aggar made sure there was no one watching. Then he turned and stood up closing his eyes. As Akani watched, Aggar shifted forms. There where once the noble master of Tir Na's armed forces once stood, now stood a magnificent Raven.
"You are right." Akani smiled. "You are full of surprises. No one will recognize you now."
[How do we find Msia?]
"Mancoro was built in three sets of circles. The front two are for warriors and worker Hynen's, the circle in the back is for those who held enough to make themselves important in Mulu's eyes. Mulu's  place was there in the back where it is protected by his Demons. We have to find someway in without getting captured. Find the pit where Msia is being held. Get him out and meet me here.
[You seem to know a lot about this place. Maybe you should go.]
"Me?" Akani stepped back surprised. "No, I'm nothing here. I'm his servant. It's not my place to stick my nose in there.]
[That's where you're wrong.] Aggar stepped up closer to him. [Your destiny is tied in with Msia. I'm not sure what it means but this is your beginning. I have it on good authority that you must keep Msia free or Aspana will be doomed.]
Akani looked at Aggar with suspicion. He had come to trust Aggar's advise, but this was different. Was he to believe that he could read the future? And if he could, why hadn't he done something to stop this war before it had started?
[No Akani. I can't read your mind or the future.] Aggar said as if he had peeked into his mind. "But I have friends that can sometimes peek in. Very powerful friends. You have to trust me on this. You have your Jackal form, now I will teach you how to control a new form. Something small, easy for you to control.]
Jumping into the air, Aggar settled on Akani's shoulder to think for a while.
[Maybe some kind of predator.] He said. [Something adapts to the night. Yes, an Owl would be very useful.]
Jumping off his shoulder, Aggar took his normal form and stepped out away from Akani.
"Clear your mind and relax." He said gentility. "A new form shouldn't be hard to achieve. But at first, it may be hard to control. Once you have the form you must take control and not let the animal in you rule the form."
"Ok." Akani said. "How do I get the form?"
"Form the Owl in your mind." Aggar told him. "Picture the Owl. Feel it's feathers. Left a wing and shake it out. Now left the other wing and shake it. Feel the air on your face? How does it feel?
"It feels comfortable." Akani smiled.
"Good." Aggar said. "Your getting into the form. Now take control and open your eye's and look at me."
Akani reached out with his mind and pulled the Owl in. It squawked, trying to fight for control, but Akani had a good hold and he was in control. Opening his eye's. Akani looked out to see through his new form.
[It feels good.] He said flapping his wings. [I can fly now?]
"Don't be so fast to take off." Aggar said. "The Owl is still fighting for control. You have to walk first before you fly."
Awkwardly Akani took his first step. He stumbled first than took control of himself and walked with more ease.
"That's it." Aggar said. "Relax and keep control. You're doing good. I know others that took a year getting the form."
With that done, Aggar taught him how to move then how to fly. Soon Akani was ready to be off on his mission to get his king free.

The night had been long with a lot of fighting. First Sakura had been surprised by a band of what looked like Elves, but they were different than the Elves back at home. They were faster and more deadly and organized. Which really surprised him. He had fought Dark Elves before. They were always smug and thought highly of themselves. But something was different. The Elves were more like dragons in human form. More confident, surer of themselves. Sakura could even feel the confidence radiating out from them even as he stood there facing them.
"If we're going to fight, we should get on with it." Quynn said from the side of his mouth.
"Indeed." Dar'yl said as he drew his sword from its sheath.
"Slow your roll boys. If we can get out of here without fighting, that works for me." Sky said as he picked his nails clean with one of his knives.
"I am Prince Cormac of house Ja'dam." One of the Elves said. "You have trespassed on our homelands. That must be answered with blood. What is your answer to our challenge?"
Quynn thought for a minute. From all his years with the Eventides, there must be a way out of this. The Ja'dam are very honor bound. There has to be something somewhere in his memory that would fit this situation. He searched back through his memories of Elven law and his knowledge of what he knew of the honor code, Honor battles are hard to break, but there was a way out of all battles. The elven law was set up that way. But he couldn't end it with marriage, and the battle seemed like the hard way out. Maybe a friendship pact. Quickly before Cormac could take the next step, Quynn reached out to Sakura.
"To get beyond this point, I need to know what you know of the Ja'dam family. Has your family ever encountered them before?"
"Yes." Sakura said. "My grandfather's brother knew them very well. He married a princess of the Ja'dam, then disappeared out of Panthera; Will that help?
"Yes." Quynn said slamming his sword back into its place. "It's perfect."
"What is your answer??"
"By right of marriage. We claim a family bond to the Ja'dam through Sakura Duma." Quynn shouted as he walked over and put his hand on Sakura's shoulder. "Princess Arrelia of the Ja'dam became the mate to Leonid of the Pantheran in the year of the toad. That makes you cousin to Sakura. Are we not welcome in the home of his uncle?"
Cormac stopped for a second then called to one of his family Priest.
"Is this true?
"Yes, Prince Cormac." The priest said while bowing. "Leonid lived out his life and fought many battles under the banner of Etis II. He is family."
"Then I welcome you as a friend." Cormac smiled then reached out and took his hand in friendship. That eased the minds of everyone in Sakura's party. Sky looked at Quynn and smiled.
"We thank you for your compassion," Sakura said. "How is my uncle doing today?"
"It is with deep sadness that I have to inform you that brave Leonid was killed in battle saving the king and queen from an attack by trespassers in our lands."
Cormac's eyes looked sad.
"But his mate and children do still live in Mayrill under our protection."
"That is an even sadder day." Quynn said. "We have come to tell you about a new threat to Aspana. There is a Hyenen with great ambition and power seeking to take control of Aspana. He is Mulu Amin and he is very dangerous."
I have heard of this Mulu Amin." Cormac said. "Word of his battles have reached us here in the western part of Aspana. We have allies from the north that just joined in the battles."
"And what of the Ja'dam? "Dar'yl said stepping up. "Are you to ignore the warnings or will you answer when your allies call for help?"
"The Ja'dam will always answer when a friend calls for help." Cormac said sternly. "But only the council can answer for the Ja'dam."
"Then let us be off to present your council with the news of the coming War." Quynn said. "Things are moving pretty fast now, The Hyenen or one of their allies could be here soon. I would not like them to catch you unaware."

It was quiet at the campfire as Deja cleaned up and did some work on her meager supplies. Dani and his people had turned out to make a very good fighting force. They were all fit and use to doing hard work. After the Canin won back there lands a force was picked to stay and keep their lands safe while the majority of them kept on the road moving to Tigaress to join in with King Yonas on the road to war.
As she cleaned away the dried blood and refuge of war, her mind drifted back to memories of home and her parents. Mother was always beautiful with her streaked black and silver hair set in two long braids down her back. Her eyes were gray like the rest of the family. There was a small scar up over her right eye. I once asked her how she had got it and she promised to tell when I was a little older. That meant it had something to do with sex. That was always the way the elders told the young of sexual things. Its like sometimes they thought we had no brain.
Mother had a lovely shape. Father always said all her curves were in the right places. She always smelled like a spring breeze with hints of lilac and foxglove. Ono once said her smell was enchanting. Not sure what that meant, but I guess it meant she was alluring, and that was good.
She was 5 feet 7 with what I thought to be the prettiest smiles. I have seen her turn men away from a battle with just a smile.
Then there was Grandfather and Grandmother, Drake and Tresandra Tyr. Sometimes I thought they had to have been born of the gods. They were both so regal and elegant. It was like they were born to be the king and queen of Tir Na. I've seen Grandfather perform miracles with his magic. He was that good, and Grandmother had the biggest heart in all of Tir Na. I remember her out once for a whole winter season searching for three of our cubs that had gotten lost in a snowstorm. Everyone else thought them lost, dead, but not Grandmother. She had sworn she would bring them back with the first days of spring, and she was right. When we opened the gates of Tir Na for the spring season, there she was. Carrying one while the other two played in a nearby field of snow. They amaze every time I see them.
That leaves Tof, Jandar, and Ono. All I can say is I've never been so proud to love someone and fight at their side. Tof who rules Tir Na with such ease and comfort. He holds the respect of all the Werewolves at home and probably here too. They all just hold themselves in ways that demand respect from Vampires and those around them. Tof in Tir Na and Jandar back at Settlement as the co-king of the Dragons. That leaves my one and only uncle Onasio Alexi Tyr. Brother to Jandar, Tof, and Sharona, Mate to  Tanis Gaelich son of the and Balthazar Gaelich and Lady. Angela the new goddess of death.
There are more things I could say about uncle Jandar's heroism and loyalty to the Dragons and the people of Keanna. But I think I should get on with the story. As the Canin's took a rest and got something to eat, the leaders took this time to plan their next move. Deja listened quietly as they planned on storming three human villages that reports said were in Mulu's hands. She knew these were important villages with strategic roads that led north and west into both Tigaress and Panthera. Sure that the two main cities of the north would be getting help, Deja packed her things and said goodbye to Dani and the others and set out to find her father and her destiny.

The night was quiet and the Owls could be heard stalking their nightly prey. As Quynn and Sky led their party through the jungle, Cormac quietly gave orders to his staff for the coming feast to honor
their guest. Cormac had heard the old stories of Dragons before but never in his short life had he met one. Father would be very proud of him for his find and worried about their news of the coming war. Though the Ja'dam was wise in the ways of war, it had been many years since the last time they lifted their hands in battle.
"Wait!" Sakura said holding out his hand. "This is the wrong way."
"What do you mean?" Quynn asked.
"I said this is the wrong way." Sakura said as they all gathered around. "I know where Astan is. If we leave now and hurry we can find him in Mancora."
"The Hyenen hole?" Dar'yl said confused. "But we can't go there. Mulu is hunting for both of you. If
go there it will be like dropping you right in his hands."
"That is a possibility." Sakura said "But that won't happen if we take him by surprise.
"What's going on?" Sky asked as he scratched his wavy white locks. "Who are they talking about?
"Not really sure." Quynn told him. "Let's just watch and see."
"I'm sorry Ja'dam but we have a war to stop." Sakura said. "And though I do want to meet your father, there's something else we have to do first."
Ja'dam listened for a while then the fog cleared from his eyes. He took a breathe then stepped up to Sky and Quynn to talk.
"Father says it  is important we stop in Ja'dam before you go on "He said "There have been many strange reports of trouble in my homeland. Father wants me to investigate. It seems your enemy may be our enemy."
"You are welcome to join us." Sakura said. "Have your men take the lead and show us the way, you know it better than us."
 As they made their way through the strange land, Sakura couldn't help but let his thoughts slip free. His worry about Astan and his fear that Mulu might catch him before they could find him.
[Dar'yl.] Quynn sent. [Walk with Sakura. He is scared right now. Perhaps you can ease his mind for  a while.]
[Sakura!]
Sakura stopped for a second to listen. He thought he had heard someone calling out to him. It was a named he hadn't heard in a long time.
[Yes my son.] The voice said weakly, [It has been a long time. I was under our enemy's control and kept weak. But if you can come, together we may be able to stand up and fight. With help, we can destroy him.]
[Father, we are coming.]

As Sakura, Dar'yl, Sky and Quynn entered Ja'dam, Cormac led the way. The House of Ja'dam wasn't to far from the border. As they walked, scouts came out to greet them and escort them. Sky was amazed. He  hadn't seen how Dark Eves lived down in Aspana.
"Its not that different from Dark Elves at home," Quynn said. "We have underground hollows all through the Dark Elven land. I've been to Nevarath, Darkshade, Asmoroth and Duskmore. My fathers had me visit and study the differences in our societies."
"My parents allowed my to spend three years with the Sun Phoenix's," Sky whispered smiling. "It was hot there, I could hardly take it."
"We are almost there," Cormac said. "Just another two miles."
The jungle here was full of multi colored flowers and plants. There were banana trees and coconut palms spread all through the forest. There were even fruit trees they didn't recognize. Dar'yl explained all the plants he knew as a small monkeys darted about all around them. Sky laughed at the playful scoundrels as one jumped down to land on Quynn's shoulder. Reaching in his pack, Quynn took out a morsel and fed it to the monkey. Minutes later Cormac came over to them.
"This is very unusual." He said. "'They don't usually come down for stranger. Mother Nurisha must have touched you with her blessing."
Just then another came down to land on Sky. It wrapped its tail around his neck and hugged him.
Wide eyed, Cormac stared at them. He hardly knew what to say.
"Maybe its a sign of good things to come," Sky reached up to scratch the monkeys head.
"I hope so." Quynn agreed.
Before Cormac could say anything else, the escort led them through a hidden tunnel of bushes and hanging foliage into the entrance to Ja'dam. As they made their way down a long tunnel underground, Quynn reached over and pulled Sky closer to him. Sky whimpered in fear. Closed in places scared him. Phoenix's were free creatures use to flying though the wintery nights. The heat here and the absolute dark was not to his liking.
"Don't worry." Cormac said. "It will get better."
And it did. Soon they came to another dark tunnel. Cormac walked out to the entrance and said a few words that Sky and Quynn didn't understand. As Cormac turned back to them the tunnel lit up with a phosphorescent glow.irlift
"Impressive," Quynn sad as they started in.
The tunnel had many twists and turns. There were also a lot of branches that led off in another direction. Cormac explained that there was a large amount of traps and pitfalls down here to stop unwanted guest from entering Ja'dam. Quynn thought that there was something else, like maybe tunnels to other Dark Elf communities.Dark Elf it took more than an hour to reach the land. When they exited the tunnel Whey were in a dark cavern with a  brightly glowing roof. The building here had a intricate design that they had never see. It wasn't  like the Elves up north, there were elaborate bridges and walkways with flowered balcony's and twisted peaks and domed buildings with marvelous glowing orbs that were magically suspended to cast light through glass windows and walls.
"Your home is very beautiful." Sky said as he looked around. Quynn looked awestruck. This was nothing like Dree or Winterhaven. Its beauty was more elaborate and breathtaking.
"Diola ll," Cormac said as he led them through the city. Dar'yl walked quietly behind wondering if these elves could be a threat to Panthera or Tigara. There seemed to be a rather large community here with an army with deadly warriors.
[Don't worry Friend Dar'yl," He heard. [We have no interest in the upper world. As long as you and your people leave us in peace, we will do the same for you.]
With a confident nod, Dar'yl followed them into the first airlift of the palace of Ja'dam. The palace was expertly furnished in the families house colors of brown and gold. Intricately designed woodworking with gold trim ran through all the d said they halls, dining rooms and audience halls. From the front hall, Cormac took them up through the house to his fathers study where they were told to have a seat and wait while he asked his father for a few minutes of his time.
Taking a seat in a  high backed chair with red and gold cushions, Quynn looked up at the five portraits that hung around the room. Cormac had said they were past rulers of Ja'dam. His uncles and grandfathers all famous in Ja'dam history. He said he hoped to follow in their footsteps if he could. It  was then that Quynn noticed that Sky was fidgeting in his seat. He reached out and took his hand.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm not sure," He said. "But I have a feeling we're in deep trouble."
"From what?" Quynn asked. "Cormac assured us we are safe here. He gave his word as a Prince of Ja'dam."
"It's not him," Sky said as he stood  up with trembling knees. "It's his father. He wants us dead."

Rhinons. 22

With Domina safe and Goren sworn in as their new chief, there was only one thing left for Astan to do. It was time he said Myumbo and found Sakura and got back home were they would both be safe. At least that was what he thought at that moment. Be he was forgetting something. For just that moment he had forgotten the person who had started all this war, to begin with. Somewhere out there Mulu Amin was still piloting some way to bring both the Pantherans and the Tigars down.
As Astan looked around he smiled at the Gorillas they were celebrating all around him. The fruit had been gathered and wine was poured. The whole city was bright with the lights of celebration. There had been speeches made by the elders and the leaders of many other clans. Grey and mountain gorillas attended the festival along with the Orangutans of the south and three Human villages from the north. Everyone came to celebrate the downfall of Igoro and the new Chieftain Goren.
As Astan lifted a glass of wine in salute, Goren came over and sat down beside him. He had the face of fear on him. It was all the thanks the people had heaped on him.
"You look worried my friend." Astan pushed a glass of wine into his hand. "The time for worrying is behind you. Igoro is gone and you are the new chief who is going to lead his people into a bright new future."
"I never really thought about what would happen after my father was defeated." Goren said with a nervous look, "I never planned to take the leadership myself."
"Then who did you propose to be the leader? No one has done anything like you did. You deserve the position. The people will  look to you for what they should do."
"And want about you?" Goren said. "What are you going to do? I could use your help here."
"Oh no!" Astan smiled waving the thought off. "I have to go home. I have to find Sakura. He must be worried sick about me."
"Alone?" Goren said. "You can't go alone. The jungle is a very dangerous place.
"He won't be alone." Palas said as he dropped down out of the sky. "I will be at his side."
"So will I." Nyo said as he placed his pack down. "Igoro killed my family. I have nothing holding me here. Nothing but sorrow and memories. It is time I got to see the world."
Goren had thought about it for a minute. The idea of roaming the jungle and the savanna was inciting.  There was still a lot of Aspana that hadn't been mapped yet and he did still feel the urge to be out with his friends exploring. But that would leave Domina without a leader and that could be trouble. It was up to him to steer them in the right direction away from slavery. Now without Igoro, this Domina was moving away from trouble to a more honorable life.
"You all be careful, all of you." Goren shook all of their hands and hugged Nyo. "If you need us, call me. I am forever indebted to you. I will hear you and hurry to your side."
As the walked out of Domina's gates, Nyo turned to Astan with a question.
"Do you know where your mate is?"
"Not at the moment." Astan said with a smile. "But don't worry, I will find him. Or he will find us I should say."

As day turned into night, Mulu Amin stepped out of the shadows outside of Domina's gate. He had seen Igoro's battle with his son Goren. He thought Goren should have been an easy victory. Igoro knew spells more advanced than anything a novice like Goren should be able to stand up to. He didn't understand how Goren had beaten him.
[It does not matter.] Said a deep voice in the Demonic hyena's head. [All will be set right very soon. Igoro and his son will meet again. The end of that battle will be much more to our liking. I want you to go north spreading your demon seed all over Aspana. Let them know that Xuthulu is coming.]
A flash of lightning ripped through the night sky as Xuthulu barked our a maniac fiendish cackle of a laugh. Mulu smiled as one hundred different possible ways to rip Xuthulu's power from him ran through his mind.
"My day will come." Mulu sneered. "And I will be ready."
With a flourish of his cape, Mulu disappeared in a cloud of dark smoke. and a horrible smell.

As Sakura slept, his mind ran through the endless miles of empty dreams. First, he was back at home in Atrua watching a parade from one of the balcony's of the royal palace, then he found himself running through the jungle screaming for Astan. He searched from Atrua down through the savanna, and up into the jungle outside of the Tigaress walls. Sometimes he saw a shadow that resembled Astan, and sometimes he heard his voice calling from somewhere out beyond sight.
His mind started to twist and turned. He saw a vision of his father trapped in some pit while Demon dogs teased him with short bursts of power that burned deeply as he tried to limp away. In his mind, he heard him calling for him.
[Sakura!!!]
[Where are you father? I will come and help you get free.]
[Find Aggar and Akani. They will lead you to me.]
[Who?] Sakura said confused, [Who are there? Where are they?]
[Friends my son.] Msia said weakly. [Find them and they will bring you to me, but you have to hurry Sakura. Time is running out for us. Aspana is soon to become very dark, If we want to stop it we must hurry.]
[I will find you, father, Hold on and have faith. I will find you.]
As Sakura sat up, he looked around the campsite to see Deja busy on watch sharping her knifes. Dar'yl was snoring off to the side, while Sky and Quynn lay quieting wrapped if each's arms. Quietly Sakura threw the blankets off and picked himself up off the ground. Last night they had no direction.
They were on course to find Astan, but somehow they had been turned around. Sakura could feel his mate out there waiting for him but something had turned them in another direction. I wasn't long before Dar'yl woke up and came over to join Sakura.
"We're heading south again." He said. "Where are we going? Astan and the Gorilla city is west of here."
"Yes." Sakura said with a strange look in his eyes. "I know. But there's something else we have to do."
"There's something more important than Astan?"
"Not something." Sakura said as he threw his pack over his shoulder. "Someone. I know you're going to think I'm crazy, but I think my father is out there being held captive."
"Msia?" Dar'yl said surprised. "It's not possible. He's been gone twenty seasons. If he was alive, he would have come home."
"Not if he was being held to weak to even move." Sakura turned to face Dar'yl. "I know what you're thinking. But I felt his call. It was the same as when I was a cub and he wanted to speak with me privately. It was him Dar'yl. I felt him."
Dar'yl looked into Sakura's eyes where he saw the truth coming from his heart. With a smile, Dar'yl had one more question.
"Which way do we go?"

As day turned into night, and night into day, a dread sorrow spread all through Aspana. Demondogs ran wild attacking everything that moved. Elephants were captured and taken to Mancoro where they were branded and kissed by the darkness that is Xuthulu. Their bodies were changed, corrupted and molded into something dark that Xuthulu could control.They retained their massive form but Xuthulu made their thick skin into armored plating. Their ears and trunk were fashioned into a mass of tentacles and stingers that hung down and stabbed out at their victims. Their body was made slender so they ran and hunted easier. The only thing that did not change was their tusk though they did seem sharper and more deadly. Standing at their side was the brown elephants. Almost completely overwhelmed by what he had seen stood Tyrax Greyside, the elder son of Tyrox of the southern Rhinon tribe.
After hearing his fathers call to arms, Tyrax gathered warriors and weapons and hurried out into the jungle to give aid to as many of his people as they could find. Armed with heavy clubs and enough ammo to drive the Demondogs all the way back to Mancoro, Tyrax ordered his warriors armed themselves for a very long fight quietly spread out through the thinning jungle. As the Demondogs slowly came bounding out chasing the Rynon young, Tyrax and his warriors attacked. The physical force did nothing in battle, the explosive pellets that shot from their horns did. Dropping their clubs, Tyrax grabbed his sword and ordered the young to keep them supplied as he waded into battle.
The first Demondog had red eyes and smoke steaming out as he huff and puffed toward Tyrax. With a sneer it screamed out as it advanced on the Rhinons. Tyrax pounded his chest and sent five stones at the Demondog. As the stones hit him he screamed out in pain.
"How dare you strike out at one of Xuthlulu's holy one's!!" The dog yelled at them.
"You can call yourself anything you want." Tyrax raised his sword and readied himself for the attack. "As far as I am concerned you are nothing but Mulu's lapdog. Come, attack me if you dare!"
With a howl, the demon leaped out to swat Tyrax down. Spinning on his heel, Tyrax came in with his first sword. He jabbed and hacked at the enormous beast cutting into his chest and his arms With a loud scream, Tyrax dived in and leaped on the Demondogs back. With his short sword, he stabbed down again and again. As he stood over the bleeding Demon, two more came rushing in at them. With a great huff, he sent a volley of stones at the Demons. One by after the other the Rhinons little sparkling stones streaked through the air and slammed into the Demondogs. Clubs had been useless against their Demonic, they just glanced off but the blaststones were completely different. There was something in them that was deadly to the Demondogs. Spit, Rhinon gases, or maybe their DNA.
With a refill of stones, Tyrax and his warriors shifted to full Rhinon form and charged at the Demondogs. Tyrax stabbed a demon in its chest, then tossed it away as he charged at the next one. Laughing hysterically, Tyrax charged blasting that moved. Two Demons fell as he turned to find a new advisory. As one of the little's ones poured the remains of a bag of down his gullet, four Demons appeared in front of them. They each grabbed one of the young and held them out in front of them with sharp claws at their neck.
"Drop your weapons or they die!" Tyrax shifts back to his human form and throws his swords down.
"Our weapons are down." Tyrax snarled. "Please let them go."
"See this is why you will fail." The Demon laughed. "You care about these, these worms.  You take no joy in killing."
The Demon walked closer dragging the crying Rhinon behind him.
"This thing means nothing to me." The Demon held it as it started to squeeze. The young Rynon's eyes bulged as it tried to get its breath. It kicked and it beat at the hand that held. "I learned my lesson well, and so will you. Soon you will be as bloodthirsty as I am,"
Tyrax watched as the boy died right in front of him. His small group was surrounded how so there was nothing he could do. But they weren't dead yet. One day Mulu or whoever this Xuthlu is, they will slip and there will be a minute where Tyrax will have his chance and he would be ready.

"You may subvert my mind until there's not much left of me, but there is something you should know. I will never be anything like you. Should I tell you why,"

The Demon snapped the boy's body in two and tossed it down at Tyrax feet. The anger at what he had witnessed in the past few days had his brain pulsing like an erupting volcano. Smoke and steamrolled down off his face. Tyrax had felt this feeling once before. It had been three years ago during a squeamish the Rhinons were having with a fleet of Orcs from the north. The Orcs he slipped in five ships at a time during the wild moon season that affected all Aspanins like a wild rage spreading through their blood.
"Yes, brave one." The Demon laughed. "Tell me what makes you so special."
"I have honor." Tyrax said as sparks started to spark from Tyrax eyes. "You kill for and pleasure. You love the blood and gore of battle. We Rhinons only kill in self-defense, or for love and to protect or revenge."
"And exactly what is that suppose to mean?" The Demon asked.
"It means I will do anything to free my people. Even if it means my life."
That was the last thing Tyrax said before he set off the last weapon he had that exploded are in the demons face. Standing off to the side, Xuthlu watched as the demons died. He walked out to where Tyrax and kicked him over. He was still breathing with smoke froing from his nose and mouth.
"Sleep well." Xuthlu said, "When you woke. I will make you the master of my horde.

The Mighty Gorilla Chieftain. 21

As Msia opened his eyes, he sat up and put his hand to his head. It hurt, the was a large bump there and an open laceration. There was blood running down his face as Msia looked around to see where he was. The last thing he remembered was being attack somewhere near the Dragon cave. Someone must have caught him from his blind side and taken him hostage. Well they will be disappointed when the realize what they had taken captive. me
With a snap of his fingers Msia ignited his hand into a torch. As he looked around, he saw a pile of straw and a small burned out camp fire. There were a few bones scattered around and a old Pantheran blanket. The second Msia saw the blanket, he knew where he was. The straw bed, the small camp fire, the marking on the wall. He knew this place better his throne room in his own country. This was the pit he called hell where Mulu had held him captive. He was back in Mancoro.
"Noooooo!!!" he screamed out as his eyes sparked with dragon fire.
"Yes my old friend." He heard laughing. "You are back where it all started. You thought you could get away from me. You thought you could get the star's power and keep it to yourself. Well you we're wrong. I am Mulu Mwinya Amin. There is no one more powerful then me in Aspana. This is my lands and you will all bow to me!!!!"
Msia let the mad Hyenen rant all he wanted. He didn't care about anything he wanted. All he wanted was to make Aspana a safe place for all the people. Tittles and ambition is not what would keep people safe. He needed courage and honor. Courage and honor must reign from Kimbari to the north, and down through Mancoro and Domina in the south to the lowest tip of Aspana.
"I will never bow to you Mulu." Msia's eyes lit up with Inferno's fire. "And neither will anyone else in Aspana. You can moan and make all the threats you want, we will never crown you as king."
"I think you will." Mulu shouted at him. "You won't have a choice. You think the Dragon's can save you? You are wrong. Not even the power of Terra could stop my ascension to the god I will become."
God? That's when Msia knew that Mulu had gone mad. All these years of fighting must have done something to his mind. Mulu looked at him and started to laugh.
"You think I'm crazy." He walked around to stand right in front of Msia."You think I've lost my mind don't you? Well your wrong. My mind is as strong as it's ever, but now I have the power to back up what I say."
"Panthera and Tigaress will never give in to you." Msia called up out of the pit. "We will fight you every step of the way. All of Aspana will fight you. There's no chance for you to succeed with this madness."
"Failure is not a possibility." Mulu laughed. "Just as success is not a possibility for. You and all your allies will bow before me. You have no choice, it's has all ready been written."
"No if I can help it." Msia stepped back into the shade of the cave and started his shift. His eyes began to glow as his body grew in size. He fell down to the ground and roared up a challenging call as his body shifted to that of Inferno, Aspana's new red dragon. As he blow a gout of flame, Inferno stepped out of the cave and leaped into the air. Shielding himself from Inferno's flame, Mulu stepped back away from the rim of the pit. He watched not sure what was about to happen as Inferno slammed into the energy field that covered the top of the pit. Msia screamed as he fell back to the entrance of the cave. As he got back to his feet, Mulu laughed hysterically at the Dragon's failure.
"You thought I didn't know my enemy?" Mulu stepped back to the pits edge and kicked a loose piece of grass to fall down in Msia's face. "This pit is stronger than it was the last time you were here. Not only will it sap your strength, but it will rip the dragon out of you and hold it here for me. Congratulate me, I will soon be a Dragon and the master of Aspana with the power to fulfill my wildest dreams, and you will be dead! Myumbo Msia. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!"

The jungle was quiet as Sakura led the way through a path heading towards the gorilla city Domina. They were coming back to confront Igoro Baba for his in the Aspana wars. They knew destroying Igoro wouldn't end the war. But it would make a good first step. Sakura was afraid that if he let Igoro go free, he attack later at a critical moment when his forces might have a weak opening.
For Goren it was different. Igoro had destroyed many people in Domina that he loved. His brother and sister Hodari and Mara. Beno and his mother and father dead. Gorillas were an aggressive, but they weren't savage. They weren't the thoughtless slavers that Igoro had made them. Igoro and his slave market had to be destroyed.
As they got closer to the city gates, Goren called for a stop and held out a hand to quiet everyone. Listening carefully, Goren pointed to the west as they all got down to keep from being noticed. Out to the west, a line of slave were being walked into the city. In front they were being lead by a small group of armed Gorillas. Thinking this might be a possible advantage, Quynn sent out a message .
[Astan, How good are you at illusions?]
[What do you mean?] Astan replied.
[Can you disguise Palas and yourself to look like Gorilla soldiers? It might not be necca]
[I think so.] Astan said. [It should be easy.]
[If you can disguise you and Palas, We might have a chance to get back into the city.]
[What about us?] Goren asked. [Hayami, Nyo and I would be recognized the minute we stepped through the gates.]
[Don't worry.] Astan said. [I'll still have enough to disguise you so know one would recognize you. But first we have to take out the guards. We'll take the fourth in front if you can get the one's in the middle and the rear guard. But we have to time this right. We don't want them to sound an alarm.]

With the snap of his whip, Fanka Jahar yelled for his captives to move on. There were Elephants, Lycaons and Rhinon all chained and walking in sets of two. It had been a long campaign. They were out hunting for two month. but it had been successful. They were returning home with two lines of twelve. Fanake livked his lips as he thought about the rewards Igoro would give him for his bounty. The Elephants had been slow to move but easy to catch. Being so big, he was surprised at how easy it had been to take them. The Rhinons had been different. Those single horned giants had to be drugged before they were taken. The Lycaons were a another story. They had been caught returning from some battle with the Hyenens. Fanaka and his warriors had come upon their camp late one evening catching them unprepared for battle. The two months had been, but very rewarding.
But now it was time to be home again. Fanaka thought he could use the rest. He was tired of old field rations and was looking forward to a hot meal and the attention of one of Domina's harbor females.
With another crack of his whip, Fanaka yelled at the stopped line to move on. Angry he charged to the front to find his lead Rhinons down on their knees.
"Get on your feet and move!"
One of the Rhinons lifted his head to look at Fanaka, then turned away.
"How dare you ignore me!" Fanaka screamed lifting his whip to strike at the tired Rhinon. "I said get moving!"
As the whip came down, a brown furred arm reached out and caught the shape tip and pulled Fanaka down to the ground. With two punches to the Gorillas jaw, Fanaka was down and out. As Sky dropped his illusion, Goren ran up the the front and started opening chains to get the captives free.
With the chains off, the captives started to run off, but Sky stopped them with a quick force shield gathering them all together.
"You can run for home." Astan said quietly. "Or you can stay and help us to break Domina from its days of slave trading. I can't tell you it will be easy, and I know some of us may die, but this has to be done, if we want Aspana free from its slave trading legacy."
"We were taken while we slept after a raid on our lands." Said a Lycaon as he rubbed the chafe marks from chains on his wrist. "I'm with you and so are my warriors."
The Rhinons agreed and the Elephants stood there looking confused until someone explained it to them. Then they joined in. With everyone ready, Astan sent the signal for Goren and his warriors to head in for the city's gate. For the Gorilla's, today they would be taking their first step into a peaceful future

Hyrd was tired of these night hours. Every night, back and forth, back and forth. And for what? Nothing ever happened here and, it was such a waste of his time. He could be at home with Neesia doing something passionate and wild. Instead he was here pacing back and forth at the gate. Yes, Domina had enemies.  Humans, Pantherns, the Tigars, even the Chimps and the Orangutan hated the Gorilla's. But none of them had ever been bold enough to attack. Not even after the Gorilla's had been raiding in their land.
 No one would dare to attack Domina, day or night. They were to afraid of what Mulu Amin would do to them. And they were right. Mulu was a vert powerful, more powerful then any of his ancestors.
And stronger then all of them. Now that he had taken the power of the Demon, no one could hope to stand against him. Mulu's Demondogs were ripping their their way through Domina's enemies one at a time. The first of the Rhinon clans had fallen before Domina's attack. Their lord now served as Mulu's lead chariot puller feeling his whip on his back to keep him moving. Then came the Zebran's in their flat plains. They had tried to escape, but Mulu and his shamans had put up a mystical wall leaving them no where to go but right into Domina's cages. Next came the people of Namemiua swamp. The fighting had been hard, but the Namemiauns were no match for Mulu's water breathing warriors. They swept in  by sea and took the Humans by surprise. The Humans fought valiantly, but Mulu's magic was just to strong for them. Within a single night, the Humans were beaten and caged in wagons and taken out of their city to be used in Mulu's deadly war.
With the west and the south under his control. Mulu started his move on the north and the west. The Pantherans and their allies would not be far off. Mulu had heard reports of their gathering and preparing to march. There day was about to be on them. Mulu was ready for a real enemy.
As Hyrd paced, a strange face appeared out of the jungle calling out for entrance into the city. Hyrd went to the gate and opened the door and stood at the porticliff.
"Who are you?" Hyrd asked. "I don't remember you from any of the practice sessions."
"I just arrived in Domina last night." Astan called trying to do his best at using a Gorilla dialect. "I was sent out on a mission this morning to find the Orangutan clan in the eastern hills."
"You were sent by yourself?" Hyrd looked down on him with doubt. "Catpain Bayana would never send anyone out by himself. It's too dangerous. The pygmy's would tear you apart and make a quick dinner of you. Your lying. Who are? Where do you come from?"
Moving closer to a stand where Hyrd could see him, Astan tried harder to convince the gorilla he wasn't lying.
"Look. I have proof." He stepped closer while he fished inside his mock armor for something." "Here it is." He said as he held something out to the Gorilla. "Captain Bayana's order in writing, Here, take a look."
Looking to his left and right, Hyrd saw the eight guards stepping out as they got ready to challenge the strange grey gorilla. As he looked back, Hryd saw something moving fast at his left. Something grabbed one of the guards and pulled him away into the darkness.
"What was that?" Hyrd called back to his comrades. Pulling knifes free, they all looked around determining not to fall to the same thing that hunted them in the tall grass. "Don't move. Someone get inside and bring Master Mulu out."
Frightened by the thing in the night, the city warriors moved to make a circle with Hyrd in the center. With their weapons put and ready to strike, they started forward toward thew grey gorilla.
"I am not here to battle." Astan said as he bowed down never taking his eyes of of Hyrd. "I come in peace, just like Mulu did as he slaughtered the people of Statrspeak. I promise you the same treatment that he GAVE THEM!!"
With a mighty leap, Astan shifted to his Man tiger form and attacked. His claws ripped into two Gorilla's as he jumped to his next victim. Scared, the Gorilla's raised their weapons to defend themselves as something fell from the sky like a flashing blade of death that tore into the warriors taking out three more.
As Hyrd looked around at his great band of Gorilla warriors, he realized that there was only three of them left. Puffing out his chest getting ready to charge, Hyrd raised his sword getting ready to give his life for his city,
"Stop!" Goren said as he stepped out of the jungle. "I know you Hyrd. You are very brave and you do not deserve to die here at the city gates fighting for a mad gorilla like my father. He brings nothing but sorrow and death to our people. He kills woman and children. Is he really the chief you and your warriors wish to die for?
Hyrd looked from Astan to Palas, then on to Goren. He knew of the honor less things Igoro had done. He had even participated in some of his attacks. He wanted to speak out, no, scream out how wrong it was, but he couldn't dare to disobey his chief. But if Goren was prepared to challenge him for the leadership of the Gorilla's there could still be hope.
"Are you prepared to challenge him?" Hyrd said as he lowered he sword. "Will you make the challenge?"
[Be careful Goren.] Astan sent. "If there's one thing Sakura and I have learned its that even a friend can stab you in the back.]
[What do you mean?]
[He means that Hyrd looks and talks like  friend, but you don't know what his intentions are.] Palas sent.  [He could lead us right into your father's trap.]
[I have known Hyrd since we both were young and clutching our mother's breast. He would never betray me. He has no more love for my father then I do.]
[OK.] Palas nodded. [Our lives are in you hands.]
"Yes," Goren said as Astan, Nyo and Hayami came out of the jungle to stand beside him. "I will make the challenge. I will stand as the chieftain for Domina."
Having made his challenge, By law the Gorilla's could not touch him or any of his followers. Goren and his group were silently marched into the city pass hundreds of gorilla bystanders.
From the front gate they passed through the commons. hundreds of eyes stared down on them. Some were strangers but many were friends Goren, Nyo and Hayami had lived and grown up with.
As Astan looked up, he could see them staring and whispering. The word of Goren's challenge would move fast, going from gorilla to gorilla straight into the royal palace where Igoro would be waiting for them.
"Keep your eyes open." Goren told them. "My father will try to separate us to get me alone. No matter what happens, stay together,"
As they walked, voices all around them started to mumble. It grew louder and louder until they could barely hear anything else. As Nyo stopped and put his hands  over his ears, the crowd swallowed him into its self. Hayami quickly dived in and pulled Nyo back into line. With a nod of thanks, they turned into the market place were the slaves were being sold. As they made their way through the square, everything stopped. Slaves stared out at Goren and his people. The guards that were keeping them in line looked out and frowned at Goren. Many of them knew who he was. Since they all worked for Igoro, Goren was the enemy. Over the years, there had been many encounters between Goren and Igoro's warriors. Given a chance, they would attack him on sight but Hyrd and the challenge prevented them from making a move.
From the market, they started into Treyvon hills where the houses where the nobles of Domina lived. Houses here were much more elaborate with fancy gardens and and high roofs built around tall trees. Word of Goren's challenge had moved far in front of them. There were richly dressed nobles standing in front of their homes and high up on garden balcony's. There where citizens whispering and quietly talking, betting on the outcome of the challenge. Some took Goren's side while others had more to lose if Igoro fell from power. These were the slave owners and brokers. They knew if Igoro lost, their days would be numbered.
From Treyvon Hills, they turned and  headed for the noble halls of Domina's palace where Igoro, the chieftain of Domina lived. As they started for the palace, there was a loud cheer coming from the peasants and the lower born. That was when a number of Igoro's tried to attack. A trio of gray haired gorillas in the armor of Domina jumped with their swords held high and rushed at them. Hyrd pulled his sword and put himself between the guards and Goren. As the guards stuck, Hyrd held his sword high in defense of Goren. as he held them back. Four of his comrades dove in to take down the attacking city guards.
"Have you no honor?" Hyrd shouted. "You would attack someone who made a challenge!! Are you dogs or gorillas?"
In minutes the fighting was all over and Hyrd's warriors had pulled Igoro's warriors off of Nyo and Hayami. Hyrd checked to see if there was any serious damage to Goren's warriors. Satisfied that they were ok, Hyrd turned to the three attackers."
"You have interfered with a honor challenge." Hryd said as the warriors were bound in iron cuff. "There is no excuse for such insolence. You will be dealt with by the winners of the challenge. You should prey that your master wins. Get them out of here."
As the warriors were lead off, they made their way into the yard of the palace where Igoro stood dressed in his green and gold armor.
"So you have at last come home to pay your respects to me." Igoro said with an evil sneer as he held out his hand for Goren to kiss and bow before him. "Bow and I will forgive all of your past transgressions."
"Bow?" Goren looked at his father with disgust. "I will never bow to you murderer. You killed my mate, and my brother and sister. You destroyed families, clans and made slaves of thousands of free people of Aspana. It is you who should be seeking forgiveness for your sins. I am here to make Domina the proud land it uses to be."
"How dare you speak that way to me!" Igoro screamed at Goren. "You forget who it is you are speaking with."
"No, I know who you are." Goren took a step forward as his eyes began to glow with wild magic. "You are Igoro Baba, my father and the chief of Domina. I am here to challenge you for the chieftain staff."
As Goren made his challenge, the silver staff of his Grandfather appeared high over his head and dropped down into his hand.
"Do you think that scares me?" Igoro laughed. "I don't need that trinket to defeat you. I have the true power of the gods.!"
"If that is what you think, then come father." Goren said as he twirled the staff in front of him. "Kill me if you can."
As Igoro roared he puffed out his chest and hammered it with his fist. Then with a twist of his hands, Igoro formed a power ball and sent it flying at Goren. New to the use of magic, Goren stepped back holding the staff out in front of him. Like an arrow of bright light the power ball few at Goren. As it struck the staff, Goren felt the power ball being absorbed by the silver staff. Thought Goren had studied battle plans since he was a child he had no idea how magic worked. Quickly he turned the staff on his father, but nothing happened.
[That's because you have to use your magic!] Astan sent. [Don't you know anything???]
[No.!!] Goren sent back loudly. [I have never done magic!! How does it work??]
[Your Grandfather swore that you had powerful magic in you.] Astan said. [This is your chance to prove he was right. Reach deep down into your soul. It's there like a bond fire. You have to grab it and take it. Take command of your power and send it at Igoro before he kills us all!!]
"Its a waste of time." Igoro laughed. "My son has no magic. He is as useless as his weak Grandfather was. It took me two weak blasts to kill him. It will only take you to kill you. Say hello to your brother and sister when you see them in the dark lands of death, and tell your mate, her head still decorates the door to my palace!"
Looking behind Igoro Goren saw Shauri's head posted on the gate. As he looked at her sweet face in its death stare. Something deep down inside Goren started to burn. It grew hotter and hotter as the tears ran down his face to fall and be absorbed int the silver staff.
"You will never again put anyone I love in danger again!!!!" As Goren pointed the staff at his laughing father, a bolt of intense power streaked out and burned right through Igoro's chest. As it burned into him he screamed out the name.
"Xuthulu!!"
Above his head a dark cloud formed. As they watched, a tentacled hand reached down and grabbed Igoro and pulled him screaming into the darkness. So died the terrible Igoro the master of Domina.
As Goren stepped back to Astan and Nyo. they stared blindly as the dark cloud disappeared into the mountains.
"What was that?" Nyo asked them.
"I'm not sure." Astan said. "But I have a feeling we'll see it again."

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.