CRASH SNAP BANG RUMBLE. 34

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some kind of Victory. 33

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

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

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

Tinpa. 32

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

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

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

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

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

Lions, Tigars and Dragons, Oh my. 31

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

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

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

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

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

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

And Death to you all. 30

As Ranjer looked up, there on the hill sitting on the backs of dog beasts sat a line of short furred, long-eared Dog men in neat gold and silver band like armor. Each one was armed with a spear, a long sword, a short sword and either a bow or a club for short range fighting.
"Move away from the Master's pits Human." Snarled the lead warrior. Ranjer looked at the others, then stood up to face them.
"Who are you?" Ranjer called out with his hand on his hilt. "My orders were to bring them in to be judged by the Master. He never said anything about an escort."
"That's because he never gave you those orders," He yelled as he climbed down off his mount. "I am General Clav Do' gon. I am in charge of all of Mancora's armies and troops. Mulu took a chance on you thinking you might be some help with destroying the Tigaren's and Pantheren's but that doesn't seem to be the case. You will stand forward and allow my warriors to take you into our custody, or we will take you by force. What will it be?"
[Listen everyone.] Ranjer sent out. [This isn't going as easy as I thought it would. Deja, you free out friends trapped in the pits while Kifedi, Ferel and I hold these troop back. Move as fast as you can, I get the feeling we might need a little help. I don't think General Do' gon is going to take my bullshit for very long.]
[Be fast my love,] Kifedi kissed Deja. [Do'gon is known for his cruelty. I will not allow him to take us. I will kill to prevent that.]
As Ranjer looked up and down at the troop Do'gon had brought with him, he had to admit to himself that these warriors looked ready and able to do some real damage on him and the others. Ranjer couldn't let that happen. He also couldn't allow Quynn, Sky and the others to spend one more night in the hands of that Aspanan dictator. Mulu had destroyed many communities all across Aspana and they had no idea what he would do next. But there is one thing they all knew. He had to be stopped before his army was so big that he was a treat to the reason of Keanna.
Turning his charm up, Ranjer walked out to stand mere feet away from the Hyenen General. His aura of manliness and sexuality flowed out to overwhelm the general's senses. To Do'gon, Ranjer suddenly seemed taller and more muscular. He was more than handsome with a sparkle in his eyes and smile that had the General's heart pumping like mad.
"There must be some mistake," Ranjer said with an innocent look. "I'm not the dangerous one here. It wasn't me that attacked Starspeak and burned the Aerie to ash. I didn't order Goren's wife beaten and beheaded. I didn't order you and your troops to butcher innocent towns and villages. Mulu did this. He's the one that betrayed you, but here you are now ready to attack me."
General Do' gon stared at Ranjer unsure of what to say or how to react. He felt a sudden surge of adrenaline and the rise of his penis in his armor. He was turned on by the Human. There was no doubt about that, but what should he do about it? He had to find a way to get him alone, then he could make his advance toward him.
With his hand up, he signaled his lieutenant to stand at ease, then he started forward toward Ranjer and his rebels.
"General?" Lieutenant Osten called. "What are you doing?"
"Take the others." Do'gon ordered. "Leave him to me."
"NOW!"
Spreading his arms, Ranjer blasted the warrior line taking down five Dog warriors then leaped into the air shifting to his Eagle form. Behind him, Ferel pulled his sword and dived in slicing left then right, a stab to the center as he flipped and cut down his fourth victim. Kifedi howled and took his Demondog form. With extended arms, he grabbed two warriors and threw them at the line where they crashed down into the crowd knocking out another two warriors. From high above, Ranjer streaked then dived down slashing at a warrior as he pulled his sword to defend himself. He slashed high over his head trying to cut the eagle down. Shifting again, Ranjer fell hard stabbing down with his sword. The warrior gasped as blood bubbled out from his dying lips.
Standing at the lip of the pit, Deja searched the rim for a way to break the spell holding the prisoner in. She couldn't tell who was in the pit. But she knew whoever it was, they were an enemy of Mulu. That made them a possible friend to her. Breaking them free might give them a reason to join with them against the Hyenen. Scattered all around the top of the pit, Deja saw bones scattered like small rocks. Embedded into the ground in four even places, there were yellow crystals that glowed with power. That had to be it. Reaching out she grabbed a stone and slammed it down into a crystal and scattered it. With a flash of light, the spell broke freeing its prisoner. Stepping closer to the rim, Deja gazed down to see who the prisoner in the pit was. Suddenly there was a roar and something leaped out over Deja's head. Turning around, Deja found herself standing face to face with a five-foot tan lion.
"Sakura? Is that you?"
[Yes.] He sent as he leaped into battle. [Get the others out. We'll take care of these Mutts.]
Snarling with anger, Sakura smacked a warrior dragging his claws across his chest. As he spun around, a warrior raised his sword aiming to drive it through Sakura's back. With a mighty thrust, the sword fell and snapped into three pieces and fell clattering to the floor. Confused, the warrior stood there opened mouthed. Then Ranjer was on him, appearing out of the mist where he had deflected the blow on Sakura's back.
[My thanks. friend.] Sakura sent as he shifted back to his normal form and grabbed a warrior and punched him twice in the face and then in his gut, as it fell, Sakura reached down and grabbed its sword. Armed and ready, Sakura jumped to Ferel's side and helped him keep the warriors from interrupting the battle being fought by the two leaders.
Armed with the Punisher, a weapon forged and created in Settlement by Jandar and Dreik. Ranjer and General Do'gon faced off.
"Your spell has worn off Human," Do' gon said as they walked in a circle. "I know who you are now."
"You know nothing General." Ranjer laughed as his eyes started to glow. "I am not what you think I am. I am much more than a Human. I am Ranjer Davelo Zlenka Tyr, prince of Vasagi and Tir Na. I will give you this chance to turn and leave and it will be as if we never met. But if you raise your sword to me, your life will end here. Is Mulu really worth all that? Decide now."
Without any further conversation, Do' gon charged in with his sword raised and ready to fight. His sword swung down slamming into Punisher then he spun slamming twice at Ranger's side. Punisher followed Do'gon's swing with an effortless style then swung around to deliver and blow to Do'gon's side slicing through his chainmail. With a groan, Do' gon stabbed in then kicked out into Ranjer's knee. For a second his knee buckled but as Do' gon tried to take advantage, Punisher was there to counter his blow.
As Mulu's troops fell and Quynn, Sky, and Astan made their way out of the pits, Do'gon backed away from Ranjer. He had lost and Mancoro was now in the enemies hands. Mulu's outrage could be heard echoing through the hills and the streets and home of what was once his home.
[YOU HAVE FAILED ME DO'GON AND LOST MY HOME!!]
"I'm sorry Master!" He screamed. "I tried but they were more powerful than my troops and I."
[YOU WANT POWER?]
"Yes." He yelled. "To defeat your enemies, give me the power!!!"
[Very well.] Mulu said. [I will give you what you want. I will give you more than you can handle.]
As Do' gon backed away laughing, his body started to give off a strange glow. Ready to continue their battle, Ranjer stepped up and started spinning his hands as he launched his next spell. Blue bolts of power shot from his hands. They hit like hammers rocking Do'gon as he absorbed the energy. Curious, Astan sent two shots at Do'gon and watched as they were taken into him.
"No more!" Kifedi grabbed Ranjer. "Get away! Mulu is filling him with some kind of deadly energy. We must run and get away from here!"
Looking around, Sakura notices there was still one pit that hadn't been opened and his father wasn't there with them. Taking off in a run, he screamed to Astan.
"Love, there's one more pit there! It must be my father! We have to get him out!"
Together Sakura and Astan dived to the ground at the rim of the pit. This one was different than the one they had been in. There was no crystal generating power to keep its prisoner in. This one was being held by a complex spell that only Astan could see. Turning quickly, Astan grabbed Sakura.
"You must take the others and go." He gave him a quick kiss. "I will stay to break the spell."
"No!" Sakura cried. "We can do it together. I won't leave you!"
"You have to Love." Astan weaved a spell and cast it at Sakura. "I will need all my concentration to unweave the spell. I won’t have the power to protect us both. I love you Sakura. Now go!"
As Sakura disappeared, Astan reached out and took the strings of power in separated the reds from the green.
Out on the field, Do'gon had grown to ten feet as he reached for Kifedi who was last away right behind Deja. As Do'gon's hand wrapped around Kifedi, he lifted him then squeezed his hand close. Turning back, Deja screamed as she watched her love disappear in the hands of the monster. Seeing Deja scream, Quynn grabbed her and pulled her away while she yelled to let her go back for him.
"I WILL BRING DEATH TO YOU ALL!!!!!!"
Now Do'gon stood close to twenty feet tall and he was glowing so bright that he scared the people of Mancoro out of the village and into the jungle. With thunder like steps, Do' gon turned and saw Astan busy unraveling the strand of Msia's prison. In two steps he was there towering over the Tigaren who never stopped. With a maniacal burst of laughter, Do'gon slammed his foot down on the pit. Just then, Do' gon blew up, the explosion blasted an area of fifty feet around the pit devastating the village and all the jungle around it.
As Sakura sat up and brushed away the debris, he looked into the into where his mate had been working to free his father. There was nothing there except the burned remains of the Hyenen village.
"ASTAN!!!!!"
Getting to their feet, Sakura, Quynn, Sky, Ferel, and Deja ran hoping over debris and around potholes that covered the ground.
"Where is he?" Sakura said frantically digging and throwing debris as he searched for his love. Deja stood to the side crying, mourning the loss of her Hyenen mate. As Quynn and Sky joined the search, a shadow dropped down from above.
"I'm here Love," Astan called out. "So is Kifedi. We're safe."
As Inferno came down to land, Astan and Kifedi jumped down off his back. With tears in their eyes, Deja and Sakura ran to their mates and grabbed then in a tight hug and held on tight.
"I thought I lost you," Sakura said in his ear. "Please don't scare me like that again."
"But it’s Ok for you to go jumping into every battle you can find." Astan pushed away from Sakura. "I love you but I'm not an innocent child."
"Astan." Sakura frowned. "I'm the prince of Panthera and I have to protect both you and my country."
"Right, and I'm the Prince of Tigar and I have the same duties. I'm not a child, I'm a fully powered warlock and I can protect myself. I trust you to be a warrior, why can't you trust me?"
"I'm sorry Love." Sakura pulled him into his arms and kissed him. "I'll try and do better from now on."
"You better." Astan smiled.
"As Quynn and Sky watched, Sky turned to Quynn with an accusing look.
"I know," Quynn said. "I'll do better too."
After a hug and a kiss, Quynn went over to where Ranjer stood with Ferel.
"What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you," Ranjer frowned. "What did you expect your parents would do? You lucky it’s not Dreik, Denner and Tomar."
"So. What are we doing now?" Ferel asked.
"We go and finish this war," Msia said. "We go home, I'm sure that's where Mulu is."
After a search of what was left of Mulu's house, they started on their way north to Tigaress and Panthera. In a blasted tree outside the gate of Mancoro, something dark watched then left to report back to its Master. Now the hard part will begin.

On a hill over the border of Jameri, Aggar studied the maps of the region. There were Hyenens to the right and Jackals to the left. The only way to go was straight up the middle but there could be Jackals and Hyenens already there waiting for them. As he looked out at the horizon, Pretoni Janks, the chief of a Jaguar clan came up to stand at his side.
"What troubles you, my friend?"
"This." Aggar pointed at the map. "We're trapped here. The Hyenens are here and here while the Jackel’s are here blocking our way."
"Well, can't we go here straight up the middle?" Pretoni traced a line straight through the Elephant grazing land.
"Yeah, we could." Aggar nodded with a frown. "But we don't know what's in there. It could be a trap. Perfect place for it, don't you agree?"
"Yes." Pretoni agreed. "They could be stationed right behind that ridge. What do you suggest?"
"I have a friend who might be able to help."  Turning away from Pretoni, Aggar told him to wait here, then he started up to his white tent. There, he found Akani staring blindly into space. Aggar knew that look wasn't good, he had seen it before."
"What is it?"
"We haven't made any headway into finding a new place for a Dragon. Dread not happy."
"Right now Akani," Aggar said, "I'm not sure we can find five people we can trust. Granting someone with Dragon status is not easy, we have to find the right one. Explain that to Dread. Tell him we are searching."
As Akani turned and looked to the west, his eyes glazed over as he lost contact with Aggar. He mumbled something then nodded and his eyes cleared.
"Dread understands and he says he'll give us more time. But he won't wait forever. He wants us to find two candidates within the next month. I think we can do it."
"So do I." Aggar shook his hand. "If we can end the war. Right now I need your help. We have to get back to Msia and my daughter Deja. To do that, we'll have to get our warriors through and back on the road to Tigaress."
"It won't be easy." Akani said. "As a matter of fact, it could be impossible."
"Have faith, my friend. Aspana still has heroes to protect it. Mulu hasn't won yet."
"Then let’s get on with it." Akani stood up and shook Aggar's hand. "We have a war to win."
After explaining their plan to Pretoni, Aggar and Akani headed out onto the savanna to open the way for their warriors to advance.

As the noon sun shined down on Tigaress, Palas dropped down from the sky at the city's main gate. He was surprised to find it open and unguarded. Hyenen's could walk in and take the city with very little effort. Something was wrong here and he was going to find out what it was. With his talons out and ready to fight, Palas entered the gate. The city was quiet, there was no one out and moving around the usually busy streets. As he looked to his left, Palas saw three Tigaren warriors laid out outside of the gatehouse. Hurrying over, he checked for a pulse. It was strong and steady. They were alive, unconscious, and not dead.
Moving on. Palas headed into the market place. There were Tigarens everywhere. It looked as if they had been going on with their normal day, and suddenly they dropped right where they were, bags and packages right at their sides. From the marketplace, Palas moved into the suburbs and the outer homes of Tinpa. It was clean and properly kept with fountains and parks and more of its citizens lying about asleep in the grass.
As Palas searched the city, an ominous feeling came over him. He knew Mulu and his troops were on their way to Tinpa. This might not be his work, but it had to be the work of one of his minions and for sure he would be coming to take advantage of it.
Spreading his wings, Palas shifted to his hawk form and took off for the palace. He flew high over the noble section of Tinpa heading straight for Yonas castle. Outside of the castle, Palas saw five tall heavily armed warriors working to fortify the palace against attack. From high over the palace, he couldn't tell if they were Tigaren or invading Hyenen. As he dropped down to circle the towers, he saw the warriors pointing then run into the palace. Diving down, Palas searched the windows looking for an easy egress into the palace. He saw the royal bedrooms, outer chambers, and several studies. In each room, he saw warriors and palace staff laid out among broken tables, dishes, and cutlery. Tipping his wings, Palas flew lower and found the windows of the throne room. With a quick flutter, he set down in the window and peered down into the throne room. In the Tigaren throne room, Palas saw four Tigarens passed out on the floor and four Pantheren standing there watching them.
"Thror." A Pantheren warrior called. "Take the king and his brother out and lock them in the dungeon."
"Why Deisis?" Thror asked in a demanding voice. "They won't be putting up much of a fight. Let them stay there."
"You do as you're told boy!" Deisis grabbed him and shook him. "The spell works now but it may not work tomorrow. We have to be ready for all courses."
Thror grumbled then called the other two warriors over to help him. As they lifted Yonas and Kapor over their shoulders, Thror nudged Zakia Manzi.
"What about them?"
"The old one is no threat to us." Deisis took his cloak off the throne and started out. "Leave them. Meet me down in the king’s office when you're done."
"Yes, Sir."
As they left the throne room, Palas hopped in and dropped down to land on the king's throne. Pantheren warriors, what are they doing here? Nyo had said there was going to be an invasion but by the Pantherens? They are our allies. This makes no sense. As he hopped down, Palas shifted to his normal form. The old one and the boy lay there with a look of fear and confusion on their faces. Palas wasn't sure what he should do or how he could bring them out of their coma state, but he knew it was Tinpa's only chance. As he kneeled down next to Zakia Manzi, he felt a surge of power run through his him. Surprised, he fell back. It felt like a bolt of electricity burning through his body. Crawling forward, Palas reached his hand out to touch the warlock. Suddenly his fingers began to tingle. Balling his hand into a fist, Palas pulled back then kneeled in to look Zakia Manzi in his eyes. A burst of blue energy glowed deeply in his eyes. Tilting his head, Palas thought about what his next move should be. He knew the warlock was there trapped deep in his mind, somehow he had to get him out. Looking up, Palas said a prayer.
"Tyree, Nurisha. Aspana is in deep peril. The Hyenen's are on the march and they mean to make slaves of all our people. I am alone, all my people are gone, but there are others who fight at my side. Help us. Help us to overcome our enemy. Help us to free Aspana. I beg of thee."
As Palas finished his prayer, a soft glow spread out all over Zakia Manzi and Kyan. With shaking hands, Palas reached out and grabbed the Warlock. Power fulled Palas as he threw back his head in a silent scream. As they're bodies shook, Zakia Manzi shot up and was held high by the staff he was holding. Lightning struck down through the window striking Kyan and the warlock. In a flash of lightning, Zakia, Kyan, and Palas were thrown to the ground. Dizzy from his impact with the wall, Palas sat up and shook off the effects of the lightning. As he looked around the throne room, he saw Zakia Manzi climb up and go to where the Tigaren boy sat.
"You alright boy?" Zakia asked.
"Yes, Sir." He got up on his feet. "What happened?"
"I'm not sure," Zakia said as he turned to face Palas. "Who are you and why are you here?"
"My name is Palas Astraeus," Palas bowed his head in respect. "I came here to warn the king about a stranger my friends and I came upon in the Domina jungle."
"Domina?" Zakia looked at him confused. "What's Gorillas have to do with us?"
"You know of Igoro Baba?"
"Yes," Zakia's face turned cold as if he was dreading what Palas was about to say.
"The Gorilla warlock made a pact with a stranger outside of the gates of Domina. The stranger’s part was to kill Yonas Kinya."
"And what of Igoro?" Zakia asked. "What was his part?"
"His part was to kill Astan and Sakura. I was sent here to stop the assassin's plot. To keep Tigaress from losing its king. I pray I'm not to late.
As Zakia heard the facts from Palas, he folded his arms behind started to pace the floor in front of the throne. This news was unexpected. With Yonas and Astan dead, Kapor would inherit the throne. He can’t be behind this, can he? Only one way to find out.
"Kyan." Zakia turned to the boy. "Are you fit to fight?"
"Yes, Sir!" Kyan crossed his arms and made fists of his hands to salute the warlock.
"Now, if we only knew where they took the king, we would know where to start."
"Your king is in the dungeon." Palas told them, "I heard them talking as I came in."
"Good," Zakia said. "You take our friend Palas here to the dungeon. Free the king and Kapor, but watch Kapor. He might be the one behind this."
"Where are you going?" Kyan asked.
"I am going after their warlock," Zakia said slapping his staff against his hand causing it to glow with power. "To wake our people. He must be dealt with.