Reconciliations (C) 1997-2005 by J Lynn Danis

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-11 23:51:41

Okay, so I thought I'd put this here....I hope I'm not off. *Shuffles uncomfortably* I'm not very....I don't like posting my novel online, for fear it would be used improperly. Not by you guys but...other people, y'know? I just don't like that thought. With that being said, this is copyrighted 1997-2005 by me J Lynn Danis. I'm CURRENTLY working on rewriting my work up to Chapter Seven, so please bear with me. IT's VERY rough. I know I will need description in several places and need to kill it in others. I am currently just pressing forward.

NOTE: THE PROLOGUE--With the necklace part, it will be rewritten, so please don't grade it, cuz I haven't..fixed it yet.

ON ANOTHER NOTE, THE GRAMMAR HASN'T BEEN CORRECTED. Feel free to point anything out....

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-11 23:58:14

TABLE OF CONTENTS (as of October 11, 2005)

PART ONE: THE GATHERING

Prologue
The Sword and the Ship
Analora's Sword
Foreboding
Path of the Dragons
The Guardian Who Was No More
Inscribed With Fire
On the Way to Vallandore-Working title, still in progress
The Waking Dream-being rewritten
Ropes of the Sea--being rewritten

PART ONE NOT FINISHED...OBVIOUSLY

Part Two, Burning Diligence

Part Three, The Edge of the World

--The Phantom Ship--

Part Four, The Garden of Nightshade

Part Five, On the Wings of War

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-11 23:59:43

Part One:
The Gathering

Shadows removed from winter?s throe
Ushers in the troubled spring
Where the heart is a mystery
And some the darkness bring

Ever falls the change of more than three
One with silver eyes who wields a half-sword
One who follows the path of the moons
Another upon who?s hands the fate of the world is moored
And still yet one more-one of darkness, born of light, a lord

All who wander, all who walk
Will pay a price for sin
A battle against the greatest monster
That comes from more than just within

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 00:01:01

ON A SIDENOTE, THERE ARE NOT ITALICS WHERE THINGS SHOULD BE ITALICS.....JUST KEEP THAT IN MIND, K?

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 00:02:21

PROLOGUE

The summer season had just begun in Taldour, Arendina. However, with this turning of the seasons, a great darkness shrouded the land as the Revolt, a terrible war against Torkainia from the broken treaty, sprung up into existence.
A land of its own laying in the Far East, always being forgotten, thought by some just to be a legend, some a fantasy of the First Explorers, such was Torkainia.
The Torikainians became known as, later in the history of Arendina, the feral clans of all human beings. Savages with strategic forces and minds of strange capacities, they swept through the land, a tidal wave of evil, ransacking villages and committing all kinds of terrible deeds.
At this time, Taldour became a refuge place for all who were in need. She, the Great City of Arendina, would never shun its people. From all sides came the poor, the destitute, and the hungry. All fled to the West Coast.
Meanwhile, the Torikainian armies marched onward towards Varkonna where the armies of Arendina were holed up. The land that was once green and peaceful became torn and shred. The sky, once blue as a polished zircon, was now covered with an evil smog that reeked like the smell of old, rotting dungeons.
The Arendina armies gathered in Varkonna, to protect their homes, their country, and their loved ones. From all the corners of the land, men came to fight, with supplies to support them, and a burning feeling in their hearts to protect their freedom.
   One lonely night during the Revolt, the leader of the Torikainians, Chadan, and his savage men traveled quietly to the castle also known as Mayrissa Palace. The main force of Chadan?s men would siege Varkonna while the rest of them made their way down to Taldour to attack the Palace.
Once they reached the moat of Palace, Chadan gave out orders to his faithful followers.
?All shall wait here for me. Make no sound as to give away our position, should one of the guards see us before I dispose of them. Take any passerby captive. Sark, Deri, and Farran, come with me.?
He left silently as the rest gathered themselves into clumps behind the bushes and trees that surrounded them. Sark, Deri, and Farran followed close behind Chadan.
?Take the guards. Let no man be heard,? he handed Sark the Black Serpent Orb.
They grunted, and went off into the night.
Chadan sauntered like a panther closing in on its prey up to the moat. From its seemingly bottomless waters, small ripples floated to its dark surface from the flesh-eating creatures that made this place their home. He disappeared into thin air as the sleek body of a freshwater pike rose into the air to greet the night filled with the scent of fresh meat.
In an efficient rush and a few puffs of dark smoke, Chadan appeared in the Ruby Hall, a satisfied huff shooting out from his bent nose. A half smile was visible beneath the forested cowl as his darting eyes observed the richness of the hall. Gold framed portraits adorned the walls, studded with rubies owned by the deceased persons who had had them painted. Ornate figurines were placed below every other picture, made out of the finest metals. Sprawling before him lay plush, soft carpet the color of the ripest red apples from the orchards. Suddenly, his sharp hearing caught the distant sound of talking coming from the Throne Room.
Chadan yanked his dark green velvet cloak about him and stepped into the shadows away from the bright, red-flamed torches that lit the hall.
Silently, he stole from corner to corner in the eerie light brought by the torches. Shadows danced and flared across the walls, creating images of roaring monsters fighting valiant angels and stories never told, ages old.
After some time, he reached the Throne Room. The door was slightly ajar. He peered in, and saw the royal family conversing. Queen Brianne was on a tirade.
   ?Rubie needs safety and this place?your beloved castle you won?t leave?could be surrounded at this very moment! She must go somewhere where these Torikainians, who have invaded our land, our country, are less likely to find her.? Queen Brianne dramatically then fixed her calculating eyes on her husband. ?Even if it means sending her to Ceadurich where Queen Ka?dena may watch over her.?
?Ceadurich? That?s a completely different country!? The King said and bent over, rubbing a hand through his graying hair.
?And this place is any better?? Brianne snapped. ?I will not risk our daughter?s life to your way of thinking.?
A small girl who stood nervously by her father?s side looked up at her pacing mother.
?Must I, Mother??
   ?See? She doesn?t even want to go,? King Kaidian gestured towards his daughter with a vagrant scowl.
?It?s you who won?t let her go,? Brianne retorted, standing stock still in front of the king. ?Normally we would be going at this time of year anyway.?
?We?re in the middle of a war.?
?And that justifies the innocent life of our daughter?? Brianne spat out.
?Even if Ka?dena can place a spell to send her into the future, what good would it do us if this war ends soon? Are we to send her off, never to see her again??
?We?re going and that?s final.?
Queen Brianne regally snatched up her daughter?s hand and gave her a smile fixed with courage.
?But mother,? Analora?s Rubie protested, looking at her with honest eyes, ?how will we get there??
?I don?t know, Ana, but it?s up to us to see it through. Now let?s pack your things. We must be on the road before dawn.?
Chadan, still lurking in the shadows, spoke up. ?Ceadurich is beautiful this time of year.?
Brianne?s head snapped towards the sound and she pulled her daughter behind her. Kaidian raised his head and with tired eyes looked towards the door, as if he had expected this to happen.
?Who is it?? Brainne snarled.
?Oh, just a visitor, you know...sorry for the late-night calling, but I just couldn?t make it in the daytime, so here I am,? Chadan said mildly as he stepped out from the torch-lit hallway, fingers coiling about the rim of the cowl, removing in a single snatch of movement. It was almost like he hadn?t moved at all, and yet...There he stood, unhooded.
?I see you?re still around,? King Kaidian said icily and shifted in his chair.
?Charming...just charming. Your speech dulls me, King Kaidian,? he yawned, ?And frankly, I?m getting rather tired of our little war. So I decided to hurry up and get it over with.? He grinned maliciously.
?Get out of here!? Kaidian commanded.
Chadan laughed at the outburst. ?Oh, really? No, no, no. You?ve got it all wrong! You see, after our little game, you?ll be the one to leave, and it?s,? he waved his hand in the
air, ?about to end, you see.?
   ?Guards! Guards!? Kaidian yelled bearishly.
?There?s no use, Kaidian-?
?Do not call me by my first name!? Kaidian interrupted.
?DO NOT INTERRUPT WHEN YOUR ELDERS ARE SPEAKING TO YOU!? Chadan roared, then resumed his composure, ?Now, I shall call you what I will, when I will. And when I have no use for mere puppets like you, I shall get rid of you, just like your guards. I shall go as far as to say that they are gone, and they won?t come back for a very long time. In fact, never is more like it. I don?t think any of them, even with all their foul valor, could get past what I?ve put them up against,? he waved his hand in the air, conjuring up the sign for the Black Serpent. It disappeared as quickly as it had come. He gave a short, cruel laugh that sent chills rolling madly through their spines. Kaidian gasped.
?You?ll pay for this, Chadan!? the King gaped out acidly.
Chadan?s eyes grew a brilliant evil. ?Oh my, aren?t we feisty today? You are trying my patience, King! And you,? he turned to the Queen and her daughter, ?will be staying here...? he paused a moment, then looked the Queen straight in the eye, ?You, at least.?
?Are you sure you won?t take me with you?? the Queen replied with a wild grin.
?Three?s a crowd.?
Chadan slapped his palms together and from the floor stone vines disgorged, snaking around the Queen as she squirmed to get away and pushed her daughter back. Analora?s? face was a blank void, the flames of horror vanishing in her eyes. Stripped of all protection, her jaw dropped, the tears flowing from her wide eyes.
?Mother!? Analora cried and tugged at her mother?s sleeve. Brianne turned, a calming smile upon her face.
?Find Ka?dena. Your father and I love you.?
Analora whirled to find comfort from her father but found his was nothing but a stone statue covered in rocky foliage. Her limbs shook, the incredible amount of fear tossing her heart up and down. Her parents, gone! And this man...this powerful, evil man, was before her and there was nothing to loose. Realizing she was powerless, she turned and touched her father?s hand, her tears dropping on the statue. Chadan ignored her for the moment.
?King, I know you can hear me, so I have some words for you. Never underestimate your enemy. Your Queen was right. Palace is surrounded at this very moment. And don?t bother looking for us, because, you see, you shall never find us.?
Chadan smirked, gnarled hands fishing into his thickly woven robes. Pulling out his hand, a minuscule pendant came with it. Uncurling his fingers, the wizard tossed the heart-shaped emerald into the air. The coiled, silver serpent wound about the stone waved a claw daintily at Chadan, molten lava eyes like flaming lamps in a dark abyss. Tail snaking ?round the pointed base, the dragon raised his shining muzzle in a non-objecting nod, angular jaw parting slightly. Shards of flame discharged from his jaw, scorching hot. It flared down the pendant, spiraling towards Chadan?s open palm, icicles of flames dripping from the stairwell.
The beast snapped its tiny maw shut, liquid eyes turning opaque as they slid shut. He crawled back into a more restful position, muscles reverting to unmovable stone as the flames turned into an orb of dim, glowing light in the crevasse of Chadan?s cupped palm.
Chadan gave a low hiss, stocky but frail features raking with maniacal laughter. The orb sputtered and began to spin, liquid ink swimming inside until it became a glob of black goo. Like a flower that opens and wilts, slits formed and the arms bloomed, pulling slowly away from the center. There, in the heart when the darkness pulsed, lay a silver, beaded chain. The ?flower? wilted, its crumbling petals sifting to the floor in despair.
   Chadan snatched up at the dragon pendant, holding it between his fore and thumb. Fingers grating against the chain, he put it through the tiny hole beneath the dragon?s sleeping head. The duo of evil was complete.
Chadan?s eyes turned to the child who stood glaring at him, the tears falling from her resolute face.
?You can?t scare me.?
?No need to fear me, child, you are safe,? he said smoothly, and placed the necklace around her. Immediately, the child wiped the tears from her face and turned to sneer at the statues.
?Why do these people have to fight us, father?? she smirked at the statues and brushed her dark velveteen robes.
?Because they?re from Arendina, my child. We are Torikainians.? He held out his hand for her gently. ?Come, Rubie, my child. We simply can?t keep them waiting. It would be rude.?
Rubie nodded pertly, and followed. At that moment, there came a tremendous roar that shook the very foundations of Palace?the Red Dragons of Death, servants of Chadan until the Dragonet had learned to control them and obtained the Sword. Rubie?s pert smile grew as a feeling of calmness spread over her. Her Dragons were calling her!
Chadan and Analora?s Rubie swiftly made their way out of Mayrissa to where Chadan?s silent men lay watching, waiting...
The drawbridge dropped without warning. Chadan spoke aloud, ?Men! Arise, and meet my renewed daughter, future leader and Queen!?
They arose everywhere, some from the ground itself. From behind them, the rest of the Torikainians appeared like silent wraiths, as many as the leaves scattered on an autumn?s day.
Chadan lifted up his head, rose his arms high above the sky where the dragons circled, and sung out as rain began to pelt out of the sky and lightning lashed:

?Oh ye dragons, see your Queen,
Noble, bright, and true,
Listen for when she
Calls for you.

?Bring forth your dragon armies,
Come to war,
And bring your true Queen!
Dragon Master! Dragon Queen!
All hail the dragons!?

The men roared out loud, like the storm itself, as thunder boomed, lightning seared, and dark silhouettes circled the black and foreboding sky.

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 00:03:37

Chapter One

The Sword and the Ship

In the dimension-world of Slyvanlyre, the pale moons shone in full colors against the velvet black sky covered with misty veils of cloud and thousands of marble-like stars that were scattered to and fro across its surface. Twilight?s steel and blue splattered orb coursed across the veiled sky frosted with stars. Following closely behind came its brothers and sisters?Suncloud, Forestin, Romell, Felhi, Erelin, V?leha, and Vinpira.
All this glittered back at the heavens from the lulling waves of a great lake known as the Gem Sea. The Excalibur?s Wings, a humongous ship holding captives from Torikainian glided quietly through the blue-black water. All was silent, almost desolate, except for the soft lapping of the small rippling waves against the wooden ship.
A warm southern wind drifted into the sails, giving it an extra push on homeward to the West Coast of Arendina.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, dark clouds covered the sky as a brisk gale pushed them onward into chaos. A mad shriek echoed in the wind and a monstrous roar vibrated above the surprised crew.
?All hands on deck!? the captain bellowed as the gentle waves turned into small maelstroms and dark, chopping tidal waves. The icy wind howled its presence to all, whipping around in small, swirling cyclones and tremendous gusts. Huge, hard hailstones pounded down in torrents like nails being driven by a thousand hammers going faster than the speed of light.
Men scrambled all around, trying to tie down the sails, but to no avail. Waves crashed over the sides with the sea?s icy cold fingers. Doom spread as the sounds of certain death rang in their ears.
With a mighty crash, something hit the ship, and it began its decent among the triumphant sea. The captain shouted orders everywhere, as if it could help. Finally, he gave up.
?To the life boats, everyone!? he began, but was cut off as he was knocked to the ground. The clouds parted, the wind stopped, and the sea was calm. The ship rose on a rising column of sea, the prow meeting head on with the night sky.
As the pale halos of the moons arose, Chadan came with them, riding on the diamond-colored serpent Iceglaze with his assistant, known as the Dragon?s Keeper, or Dragonet, astride an emerald-colored dragon by the name of Evil Emerald.
Something between and horrific bellow and an undignified shriek ruptured out of Evil Emerald?s snarling maw of jagged teeth. Spliced tongue tasting the fear that rived in the air, he snapped his powerful wings with an ear-splitting thrum. Steeling claws uncoiling, the darkened jade dragon dropped like a lead weight, tail lashing as a counterpoint of howls slithered from his throat. With a tremendous swipe, the air-borne leviathan ripped off the mast, sending it splintering off into the sea far below.
Gyrating like a pedestal as his hard scales glowed in the ethereal light, Evil Emerald swooped dizzily below the massive boat, winding about the revolving pillar of water.
The young girl held on with one arm as she took out her sword and gave the water a small lance with it, then laughed as the ship gave a couple of spins above her.
All the men scrambled below, except for one, sopping wet lad of about thirteen. He was gripping what was left of the mast, holding on for dear life, his pale face scrunched.
Iceglaze?s pearlescent bat wings whispered up and down like a course wind, hollow bones breathing in the fear of the boy as a chilling wind ushered about his so-called prey. Liquid gold eyes fringed with crimson fire within pierced their way towards the shuddering form until he was compelled to look.
Chadan?s heavy fingers cupped the snow colored dragon?s muscles, sending the beast lunging foreword with a few creaks. Looming, his blunt nose reached a few inches from the terrified form that sucked its breath in to avoid it even more.
Turning to the giant behemoth, he nearly lost all his courage, meeting the eyes that stared straight into his soul. He gulped, ran a hand through his matted, sandy hair, and pulled out an old, very clean, and rather wet, sword.
The dragon?s lethal fissure parted slightly, flickering tongue zigzagging about the round surfaces of its noxious teeth.
?Calm down,? Chadan commanded as Iceglaze flicked his fervent tongue in and out. ?Go on, move,? he snapped out, and Iceglaze sulkily backed off, coming to the side of the great emerald dragon.
?You are a very foolish boy, trying to defy a dragon-serpent; but I must admit, you are brave.?
The boy made no comment.
?May I see the weapon you dare fight my transportation with?? he stretched out a
frail, but muscular boned hand as wisps of his dark brown and silver streaked hair failed in the wind.
The boy simply gaped at him in amazement, but finally found his voice, which was rather shaky, ?N-no. It?s...it...was my father?s, and I p-promised never to give it to-to anyone e-els-se.....?
?I see,? Chadan replied, and folded his arms much like a sturdy old grandfather. ?What....are you going to do with me...?? the boy squeaked out.
Chadan grinned, ?Well, that?s your choice, lad. Either you choose death of yourself by the sea, or my serpent, or, (which I should tell you, this is the better choice), come with me, and , oh, I?ll spare your life. Of course,? he said loftily, ?The choice is your?s to make. But make it wisely. But, after all, you?ve never experience this, so I understand that you may resent all these facts...?
?I?ll...come with you. But no one takes my sword!? the boy shivered as he spat out the words in a courageous rush.
Chadan made it look as if he really was considering it, then said, ?Alright. Fine. You come with us, your life is spared, and you keep your sword. Deal??
?Deal.?
?Alright then. Before you go one, we really should introduce ourselves. I?m Chadan, that?s my daughter Analora, and you are...??
?Brian.?
?Brian, eh? That?s all, just Brian??
?Brian Farell.?
?Oh, a Farell. Well, nice to meet you and all, but we really do have to get going.
Do you know how to ride a dragon, while we?re off the subject??
?Yes.?
?Good,? Chadan said gleefully and closed his eyes.
The murky green dragon heard Chadan?s mind-call. Leathery wings flapping silently with a great whoosh of air, the he-dragon approached. Analora gave a smug grin, jumping off the dragon in a jaunty swing.
She was a tall thing with unusual orange eyes that snapped like a viper?s jaws around its helpless victim. Moving like a frothing sea, the intense woman curled back a feisty lock of charcoal hair, nudging it back with her strands of honey-gold. Curious, she stepped like a doe in front of the alligator?s pond, leather ebon boots clacking sharply upon the deck as it gave audible creaks.
Brushing a few wrinkles from her pearl shirt, the fierce girl studied Brian, noting his apparent stupidity. Giving a flick of her head, she nodded towards Chadan, gloved fingers playing with her sword belt.
?Is he to ride with me?? she questioned with a hint of disdain.
?No,? he responded cunningly, ?But you are to show him the way...with any you may choose.?
Analora?s eyes glinted, showing no mercy.
?Why, thank-you, father,? she responded with sincerity.
Chadan left and climbed back upon his serpent, wheeled off, and circled back.
?I?m Analora?s Rubie,? she stated to Brian, ?which my father probably told you. Call me Analora. Now, do I have to ask for your name, or would you be cordial enough
to tell me??
?Brian Ferall.?
?Thank-you. Well then, Brian, you will ride one of my dragons, Brimstone. He will be a challenge, no mistaking that. I, however, shall see that he doesn?t trouble you too much, since Father wants you all in one piece. Oh, and may I assure you, this will only be the first test, mind you. But enough talk, we must ride!?
She grasped the small emerald heart on a silver, beaded chain with a silver serpent would around it, and thrust her other hand into the sky. She shouted something, then began to chant.

?Dragon King, I hear you,
Dragon Queen, I fear you,
With the powers of Wind,
Fire, Shadow, and Earth,
Put this spell to worth!
Fire and Brimstone!?

Out of the starry heavens came a dark, black shape, the shape of a dragon spiraling downward. It hovered by the Evil Emerald.
?Meet Brimstone, one of the Dragons of Death, Brian.?
Brian gave a visible gulp as the flame-borne behemoth snaked down from the sky that was overcast with castles of dark purple clouds. With wicked, gleaming talons and molten-colored eyes, Brimstone floated down like an angel of death. With cruel, ivory spikes jutting from his neck crest and tattered wings, Brimstone was far beyond a user-friendly dragon. In fact, he was the complete opposite.
?Well, get on,? Analora commanded, taking a rabid leap and scaling up Evil Emerald?s side. ?He needs no bridle.?
She watched in amusement as the naive adolescent clambered on the fearful dragon?s back, muttering encouragements to himself.
?Having fun??
?Loads,? Brian said squeamishly and they were off into the starry expanse of night.

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 00:04:59

Chapter Two
Analora?s Sword

At first, Brimstone gave Brian quite a bit of trouble by bellowing out in anger, spiraling like a spinning top until his rider was dizzy, and snorting out balls of flame .
Finally, tiring of his games, Chadan flew back to the end of the line and berated the fellow. As Chadan resumed his leading position, Brimstone sucked in his pride and began to obey, just enough to let Brian, in some kind of way, enjoy the ride.
Below, Brimstone?s tattered shadow roiled over the expanse of snow-covered peaks that punctured the irregular landscape. Old and wise trees shuddered in the stillness as the shadows passed, making Brian feel all the more uneasy.
Chadan mind-signaled, telling them to speed up. Brimstone complied, foretalons clawing at the endless plane of atmosphere that crept before them. Brian ducked, sucking in his breath slowly. He shivered from the wind that whisked past him in his wet, sticky clothes, making his whole body numb. His white hands grasped the dragon with every grain of life that had not fled from his drowning soul.
Brian?s eyes felt like lead and he tried to fight the persisting voice tell him to go sleep but it came back even stronger, his whole body demanding rest, while he grew weaker.
He strangled on with the weariness, trying to keep one eye open. A blast of hot air hit Brian with full force and he felt as if he was on fire. His limbs began to tingle as they received the comforting warmth as Brian looked onward through his blurry vision to see volcanos rising in the distance. With a feeble gasp of thankfulness for the warmth, at the max of exhaustion, he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Analora sighed and stretched her muscles. They had been flying for hours without a single stop, which was, of course, Chadan?s will. She reigned in Evil Emerald, slowing him down to a more suitable pace. With a sigh, she turned back to see Brian?s limp form and immediately began to wish she hadn?t.
?Brimstone,? she looked sternly at the grinning dragon, ?Don?t get any ideas-especially when he?s asleep!?
She swivelled back to talk to her dragon. ?I wish I could fall asleep like that.?
Suddenly, Brimstone snorted, and Analora whirled around.
?No fooling now, I mean it. And don?t pretend you don?t want to throw him off into space. Just let him sleep, and-?she stopped at the dejected look on the dragon?s face.
?I?m sorry, Brimstone. Tell you what, when we land, you can give him a real spiral, okay??
Brimstone grinned happily.
?What it takes to make a dragon happy,? Analora muttered under her breath, then said loudly, ?But keep him alive, okay? Otherwise, this trip would have no purpose at all and you wouldn?t have very happy masters. Is that clear??
Brimstone shook his head in agreement.

Brian drifted on the wild roads of his mind, quite pleased with his existence in ?dream land.? Lips smacking in pleasure, the cramped boy found his position suddenly uncomfortable. He began to slip, slip, slip away...
?GYAH!?
Brian?s heart thudded wildly, eyes wide with shock. Brimstone laughed heartily in silence. His quarry was having fun.
Brian Ferral turned his surprised and innocent gaze to his view below. They were gliding over a rippling lake with highly metallic waves. At its breach stood a keep of solid stone, pointed turrets piercing the well-lit sky. Gnarled evergreens crawled like snakes about the forbidding citadel, caressing its dark reaches.
Brimstone launched forward, passing Evil Emerald, wings free from dubious strokes, streams of boiling breath shooting out from his nostrils. Brian?s knees clenched upon the dragon?s sides, fear crawling under his prickling skin as the gap between the dragon and castle became rapidly uncomfortable.
Brimstone heaved up and down to the upcoming panic of his rider. He only had to keep that thing alive....
By rotting seasons! Is this the end of me? Brian cried inside. After all that acting and after such a lovely nap, am I to become squashed human on that citadel? Surely the landscaper or window washer wouldn?t like that at all. But then again, he thought as his eyes swept over the castle, I hope the interior decorator has more taste.
At the last moment, when Brian had scrunched his eyes closed and it appeared they would be squished, Brimstone took a sharp flection towards the sky. Muscles churning like a pit of rattlesnakes, the dragon sought a place to land?the middle of the lake.
Feeling the ascent, Brian carefully nudged open his eyes. What had been the lake was now a large, rocky valley of rocks and cracked dirt that looked as it if hadn?t felt a drop of water for over a century.
Reckless, the Death wielding beast clamped his brazen muzzle shut, wings billowing out in bowed positions as his willing claws scraped forward to absorb the shock. Brimstone hit the ground like a sledge hammer, the earth giving a pronounced shake as he fumbled purposely.
Evil Emerald, on the other claw, made a smooth, faultless landing. Why should he get dirty for nothing?
?What happened to Chadan?? Brian asked as he climbed clumsily down from Brimstone and fell to the ground with a thud, watching Analora dismount gracefully. He had ridden dragons before, but not for this long!
?You?ll see,? Analora replied, and pulled her sword from its sheath. ?Now, for our new transportation....? she began, but Brian broke in.
?Transportation??
?Yes, transportation? Do you actually think we?re going to walk all that way?? she pointed to the castle with her sword, which looked miles away from where they were.
Brian was dumfounded. Analora ignored him, thrusting her sword deep into the earth. Between and far beyond the ancient ruins of the foreboding castle, came a low, deep rumble as the still air began to swirl about them.
Lightning wriggled from the sky like a tiger raking mercilessly upon its convulsing prey. It jumped down upon the sword, an electric jolt singing through the air. The Sword responded, a vibrant light emitting from its unblunted blade.
?Lightning, bring me fire,? she commanded, her eyes shifting to a deep sea blue. Analora pried out a blood-red ruby and tossed it up in the air as it exploded. A searing molten ring of fire burst into the sky and then it was gone.
?Shadow, bring me a veil of darkness,? she spoke, slender fingers coiling about a black opal. With a flick of her wrist, Analora yanked it out of its hold, chucking it into the air.
A quilt of darkness descended, so thick that it could not be penetrated by even the brightest light. Moments later it vanished.
Analora grabbed out a simple, clear diamond and thrust her hand out over the sword, palm up. ?Wind,? she said just above a whisper, ?send me a slicing rush to cut the clouds.?
Visible wisps of wind shot up to the clouds, cutting out a hollow into the darkness beyond. Brian shied away from the intense glory, nearly doubling over.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Yeah, I need to combine some chapters. Forgive me? I'm...slow. *Sweatdrop*

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 00:06:24

Chapter Three
Foreboding

?Earth, rise to my sword,? Analora commanded. The earth shook and trembled as the sword rose on a small mound of earth. Brian blinked, unimpressed. Analora didn?t notice. She was too busy with her spell-chanting even to notice the blinding flash that came in the general direction of the castle.
?I don?t suppose-?
?Just watch,? Analora snapped and pulled the sword away from the earth. By now all the gemstones had returned from wherever they had disappeared to. The ground began to shake ominously, the dry cracks shivering and splitting. Where the sword had stood a giant hold yawned open. Dirt shifted to reveal hard rock beneath. If that had been the only problem, Brian would have simply stumbled away stunned. If only there wasn?t a dark, oily, frothing wave coming in their general direction.
?Great seasons of bilge water, why aren?t we running?? Brian said, gaping.
Analora?s shoulders shook with malevolent laughter. ?Truly,? she said mockingly, ?you have no faith in the draygonns.?
Brian?s eyes rose and twitched. I had better act stupid, though I?ve already blown it twice. Thank the stars she?s egotistical and so therefore wouldn?t notice me.
?B-b-but that?s water!? He yelped, pointing towards the ever-rushing water. ?That big..big blue wet thing!?
Big..blue..wet thing? That?s all you could come up with? He pulled a face that Analora did not see.
At that moment, a long, slender, white head popped out of the water. It had two horns, abysmal eyes and sharp teeth. Raising its head it gave a chortle-squeak and rose above the crest of the waves, its rubber-like wings flapping to make its four legs and slim tail rise with the rest of it. Sooner than three flickers of lightning the water enclosed around them in a spinning maelstrom. Roaring and crashing it grew higher and higher around them. All of a sudden, the draygonn leader screeched and leapt from the swirling waters and into the hole where the earth was becoming slightly muddy. It landed with a boom, its deer-like ears in a neutral position.
?This is a draygonn, a lower beast of the Dragons. They can live anywhere-earth, fire, water, shadow..name them all and each of these creatures could live those extremities...?
The draygonn was approximately seven and a half feet tall with long hind legs and arms similar to those of humans except for the fine webbing between the fingers. It had skin much like a dolphin?s except for the rubbery scales along its neck, limbs, and underbelly.
?This is Owen, leader of these draygonns.?
The draygonn?s head swivelled towards Brian, tail twitching. Brian instinctively bowed to it. It blinked once, hissed, and lowered its massive body so that Analora could mount. She settled comfortably on its back, placing her hands on its withers lightly. Owen?s long neck stretched out and he called out for another to assist Brian in reaching the castle.

Bloodseer?s pointed nose quivered and wrinkled, breathing in the silvery mists. Mud and soft loam squelched beneath his footpaws. Despite the pleasantry of the forest, there was the slight acidic smell of fear buried into the veins of the earth. Every rock, every sprawling branch and prickly bush thrummed with premonition. Not far away a few birds chirruped, their voices distorted in the damp air. Where the forest should be slumbering, the dim fingers of Twilight lit the path for the age-old ghost hound and his companion, a human.
Padding around the thick undergrowth, he spoke, his voice quiet, hoping the whispering would not carry far.
?We must hurry, Ryan. The wood shall not protect us long from the Dark Eagles.?
Ryan grunted, treading quickly now, not worrying about the soft snap of branches. His ice-blue eyes glimmered as he spoke.
?You are right, my friend. Dawn may come all too soon.?
Bloodseer?s ears flickered up, twitching, and turning. Somewhere up ahead the flutter of small wings echoed. The hairs along his spine straightened. Placing paw upon paw, he nudged the human onward to Armareth?s cave. On, onward towards the wise dragon of the forest. Surely he would understand the reason for the forest?s disturbance.
The leaves broke out to open moonlight and the sheer, slippery ledge that lead up to the cave. Ryan twisted around, his eyes searching. Breathlessly he started up the narrow incline. Rocks tumbled down thousands of feet below into the jet black pine trees.
?Quickly! Quickly!? Bloodseer urged, grappling for his own footing. ?That rock, over there. See if you can climb it.?
Ryan struggled up the rock face, his boots slipping easily across the smooth blue-grey rocks. And then he saw it. A black cave yawning open in front of them.
Bloodseer scampered upward and dashed into the blackness, Ryan at his heels. Two nitid nephrite eyes watched them with a flicker of hunger.

The lazy morning sun filtered through the small swatch of trees and onto the nose of a man resting easily on a bed of fine undergrowth. Every once in a while bugs or color butterflies rested on his creamy frame or fluttered and walked across the white headband across his forehead. He stirred every now and then, mumbling about how nature was against him sleeping in inaudible words. Settling against the dirt he forced a yawn and turned over onto his side. Until someone dropped a pod of rellenberries onto his leaf-strewn black hair, that is. Grudgingly he opened his eyes and found blur of whiskers leading up to the face of a horse attempting to wake her master after his overdue amount of rest. Snorting, she moved over and began nibbling at his bangs.
Janus Almond Rennat sighed and buried his head into the crook of his arm away from the nibbling equine.
?The grass is in that direction,? he said and pointed in a random direction. The man turned over on his stomach, blatantly ignoring Everad. The time she found her way into the food sack, rummaging about for another rellenberry pod or on apple to drop on her master?s head. Before she could complete her quest, Janus bounded up and snatched the snack away from the normally patient horse.
?I?m up. Now go do something useful.? Everad leaned forward and nibbled at her master?s black vest. ?I said useful.?
Soon enough he had quaffed down an apple, some cold chicken, a hunk of bread, and a wedge of cheese after shoving the belligerent horse out of the way. Wiping the crumbs off his black breeches and washing his hands on the dewy grass, he whistled to Everad. She plodded over to him, tail streaming in the cool morning breeze. Everything smelled of renewal, strength, and the promise of a fine spring day in the saddle.

The hide of the draygonn slipped against Brian?s numb, chilly hands. All around him the dark water rose and fell as he dealt with the bucking swim of his mount. Every once in a while his head dropped below the surface and he came up with a sour expression, shivering. Analora was not far ahead, equally drenched, and stiff as her companion. Both of their nerves were wearing thin as the early dawn light stretched over the treetops of the Millinmyst Forest. The draygonns seemed to take no notice of their rider?s discomfort. Brian had the sinking feeling they didn?t care if their passengers were soggy and rigid.
As the pale damson and golden light filtered through the chilly morning, they finally reached the shore, wobbly and exhausted. Chadan stood at the steps of Silvers Key and in his hand he carried a thorny key made of ice. Chattering Brian stumbled up on the shore, gulping, his stomach grumbling with hunger. His sandy hair dripped across his cheeks as he stared at the awesome citadel with its twelve foot stones and black, thorny ivy that coiled around the blue-gray stone. It was even colder here than in the water. It seemed the stones breathed in the coldness, as if it were somehow alive. And yet all of these things Brian could not comprehend for now all he wished for was a cot and a nice, long rest. He could hear Chadan speaking but the words in which he said fell not upon Brian?s ears in understanding. He did not hear the warning nor did he realize he had done something wrong until his palm scraped the surface of the stone surface as Chadan hurried to open the door. He froze instantly for beyond Chadan but a small ways was a beast of fang and claw, so terrible and so cold that he stood as if he were turned to stone, eyes wide, locked on the amber eyes of the wolf like creature from which a deathly mist poured from its mouth. It was Analora who caught the boy swathed in a deathly blue light. She jerked him inside as tendrils of frost licked his already pale skin. The world around Brian slammed back and forth until it went black and everything faded into a distant memory he could not recall.

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 00:11:26

Chapter Four
Path of the Dragons

The twinkling eyes that watched the pair silently laughed. The hooked beak snapped together. Turning its calculating head the great black gryphon surveyed the forest below. It chucked low, spreading its frosty blue ringed wings as the cool night breeze rippled through his plumage. It was an idllyc place that would soon come to face with a full force so great that it would take more than the denizens Dusk-May-Fall to stand against it. Or so the gryphon thought. For even in the darkest hour, the smallest bit of light prevails. The gravity of the road they already tread was great enough. And even if this place was awash with a rain of shadows and hope seemed washed away, the smallest number could prevail against the greatest army known and unknown. But Black Ice assured himself he would be there to see it that the darkness grew and that the light did not prevail. To he, Black Ice, leader of the Dark Eagles, the darkness would always win.
Coiling himself, the large gryphon slid down the rock face and winged off into the half-night, a melancholy melange of death.

The light of the moons were dim inside the entrance of the cave. Some of the rocks gave off a slight phosphorous blue glow. Bloodseer?s salmon tongue licked against his very sharp teeth. His long, slender tail was slightly curved, just enough to show respect and pride at the same time. The Hound tightened his neck muscles and shook his head, the ache between his shoulder blades causing him to wince. He paused, the dusty scent of Armareth pummeling his nose. Eye twitching, he bowed his head, struggling not to sneeze in front of the Wise One, who?s backside was coming into their view.
Armareth?s scraggly white beard, tangled about his claws, was the first to appear before the large, scaled head with one broken horn. His red scales, night black in the glow of the cave, rasped heavily against the rock floor as he turned to look at his visitors. To say the Wise One was portly was polite but to the honest eye he was outrageously fat and not planning to do anything about it.
?It?s about proper time you got here,? he said, untangling his steel-coated claws from his beard. Tapping his claws against the floor, he stretched out his bat like wings, causing a cool whoosh of air to ripple over Bloodseer?s mottled colored hide. Shuffling his backside around, his spiked tail twitched as if he was nervous. Still, the blatantly calm, eyelid sagging eyes denoted an air of esteem.
?We wandered a little off the path, sir. The Dark Eagles were on the lookout,? Ryan explained.
Armareth laughed-a low, wizened laugh. ?Dark Eagles? My boy, even if those feathered pincushions had a brain for each strand of fur, they?d never have the wit or ability to catch you. On the other claw, you do well to be cautious of those birdbrains. Sometimes they get lucky.?
Bloodseer restrained from giving a very disdained hint of disapproval. The hackles upon his backside rose impatiently. ?Let us not prattle about them.?
Armareth?s eyes turned slowly over Bloodseer with his extra long back legs and thick neck. The creature stood unmoved, his pointer slightly below a self-important level. He did not quail beneath the stare but rather boldly spoke again.
?Tell us why we are here.?
Armareth?s eyes closed lazily, slowly, and then the faint hint of a smile played at the corners of his lips.
?Bold one, you need not have me tell you that this world is avidly growing darker. Neither must I tell you, young swordsman Ryan Blackstar, that your sword will be needed to honor the light. You, the bright generation of Slyvanlyre, are counseled as such to fight against those who would destroy what peace this world has obtained through the hearts of the people. And it is because of the hearts of the people that the Ancients wrote the poem known as ?Be Ye Gone.?
?Begone, ye seeds of evil, subtle woes to bind us
Hold forth ye captains of truth and raise the Sword against the foe
Drive ye to the heart of those whom are corrupt
Unite and bring harmony to this holy war
The darkness is binding, so deep, so thick
Those who are ensnared seek to drive us down
Look around that your heart may sorrow yet take courage
To defend honor and the brightness of truth
Let ye stand in holy places that ye might obtain that which is good
And tread not on broken roads that are not the straight and narrow
Seek not for vengeance but pray for deliverance
Walk upon the shores of light that ye might be a beacon
And guide others to their rightful place.?
Ryan?s thin lips pursued together, his stance rigid. He nodded silently, brushing an overly steady hand through his strawberry blond hair. Shifting the weight to his heels and brushing against the pommel of his sword, he said, ?Be it under the design of the greater good of this people, I offer my services.?
?Then you owe no service to me, but to your true desire to do what is right. Remember your goals, young one, and carefully follow the steps that will lead you to the right place and not the wrong one.?
?I will only fight for the truth.?
?And you of the Beijir of the Shadowbllood, need I ask of your loyalties??
?If you need to ask, you have no faith in me.?
The Dragon closed his eyes and drank in the cool silence of the cave as he poured his peace upon the stone that even here was affected by the shift of forces. The rocks tilted and glowed and from outside the fresh breeze filtered through the cavern.
?In the moments which seem lost, in those moments that we are unsure, there is always peace to be found within the soul. Right here.? He raised an old talon and tapped it slowly over his chest. ?You young ones, even as fiery as you are, do not let the boldness of battle reach into your heart so that you seek revenge. In ages past we can learn that this will never be the solution and that feelings can unite us rather than bind us apart. Come and rest now, weary ones, and I shall tell you more of what is to come. There is one called Silver Lyre of Epona?s Navel that has come to aid us. No doubt her name is known to you. I believe she is resting in the crystal hall. If you wish to wait until the morrow to learn, then you may take a gryphon feather stuffed cot by the hall.?
Silver Lyre....he couldn?t really mean her, could he? Ryan?s eyes closed for a moment in the darkness. He listened to the hall and the steady beat of footsteps in front of him. Silver Lyre, the Elven Huntress. And yet, Armareth himself is a bit of a historical figure himself. No doubt in his long years he would know one such as she. And as for rest, I?m afraid my body and soul cannot help but yearn for more knowledge then sleep. His gaze sneakily peeked over at Bloodseer, who padded along silently, alone with his thoughts. Still, Bloodseer cannot be much younger than Armareth here. I cannot afford to loose such a valuable friend. Perhaps I shall rest unless he objects to it too sternly. He wants to know as much as I do, probably more.
The old dragon flipped back his long deer like ears and turned ever so slowly down the tunnel, his movements rough. Every moment or so he gave a harsh jerk when he stepped on his left hindpaw. In the light, Ryan could see that it was somewhat badly bandaged and dirty at that. It was soaked through the blood and was torn terrible. Ryan moved swiftly, passing the dragon?s awesome tail and running up to his head.
?Armareth, sir, if I might, before we rest, may I take a look at your footpaw??
?If you must. A Dark Eagle was being...a bit..pesty. I ended up swatting the brute on the head but managed to pry loose a scale while I was at it.? He said this with what appeared with difficulty, his words halting but light. ?I don?t have much time left here. I am old, Ryan, but I have yet to fulfill what I must do here on this earth.?
?Then, shall we not rest??
Armareth paused, his great neck swivelling. In the Wise One?s eyes he could see the softness thereof ringed by a tired heart. A warm smile slipped across the old Dragon?s face, a smile that told of the joys of the rain in summer, winter?s snowy bite, fall?s golden array, of children laughing, of love, of life.
?I do not wish to quicken death. My time is at hand and my soul shall rest in peace. This world has offered and taken much but I would not give anything to learn what wisdom I have. Those mornings I have spent watching the sun raise through the smoked veils of clouds from battle or watching young ones grow and become great leaders of our Peoples. In every moment there is something to be found, something profound, something we can learn to aid us through our trails. Death is not the end. No, it is a new beginning, an age where sorrow will end and adventures will continue. Plus, it?s very rude to die on guests.?
Armareth?s paw twitched and he began to walk again, even slower this time, pausing every now and then to catch his breath. ?We go through life day by day, watching, listening, and praying for a better world. Sometimes we get caught up in that ideal that we forget to do our part. We forget that life isn?t all about the good times but the bad times as well. Without this, we could not grow. Slyvanlyre could not exist with both sides. We are mortals, bound to live out our lives in whatever way we choose. But the end of it...the end of our choices never really end.
?But even though I am the Wise One, the One who is the wisest of beasts, I am but a Dragon. I am like you, with weaknesses, with strengths. And it?s better to work on our weaknesses than add another strength. But I am rambling now. Even for an old one, I do get lonely here. Being Wise makes everyone think you?re untouchable.?
Bloodseer pricked up his ears and dodged past the Dragon?s tail. Instead of stopping where duo were speaking, he loped past them with a grace that did not betray his age. His claws clicked on the floor smoothed by years of Dragon scales. Easily he placed one paw in front of the other, his nose tipped downward, as if following an invisible scent. Pulling back his ears he stopped at the fork, turning his ghostly white head to stare into the darkness which was growing far more black than before. Every few paces there was a cluster of glowing stones but no more. The patches of white among the colors of dried blood and earth red took an unearthly sheen on his coat in the darkness.
I shall never forget the day when Lady Elsa showed me this place. We walked many days and traveled over sea to bring tidings unto Armareth from the Council of the Shadowbllood. As I pass through these halls, my heart yearns to turn from this decaying world and to find my soul with her. And yet, I guard as I should. It seems the Dark Gods are playing their pitiful cards subtly but now...the verge of war is here. Now it seems that there is greater peril than I imagined before. I shall have to inform the Council of this. Shaddowra and the Draggen Foremaster cannot be ignored. If Armareth senses it, then we will soon have the very men of Torkain resident again in Arendina. If so, there would be songs of madness sung. The world would, once again, face the dominion of the Draggen Foremaster. And the thought of so much darkness against pockets of light seems troubling. With as many years as Bloodseer had walked upon Slyvanlyre he had watched the people come and go, the darkness and light battle heartily against each other. There had always been a struggle and there would always be a struggle between truth and its adversary. But what would come, would come, and battle he would, as soon as Armareth told them of why they had arrived.
The Ghost Hound?s nose was the first to find one of the greasy feathered cots. Presumably he would wait here. It was rather small but accommodating for the Hound?s rather large size. The pad was wrapped in burlap sack with creases all over the place. There was a pellet of packed moss and dried clay beneath it to act as a buffer against the hard rock flooring. But the burlap was surprisingly soft because it had been rubbed against dragon scale oil for so many years. Bloodseer pressed his velveteen nose into the smooth weaving, sniffing in gently. He leapt up, paws delighting in the softness of the mattress. Round and around he circled, patting the creases out of the way, and giving a rather untidy yawn which caused him to pull back his ears and squint. Ignoring all the noise generated by Ryan and Armareth, who were still quite a ways away, the large beast prestigiously laid down, his jaw resting on his long, slender forepaws. His claws kneaded the cloth almost impatiently. Bloodseer?s ears flipped up, his silence blending in with the darkness. Armareth would find it an insult if his home was not taken in full guest-at-home mode. If you did not do so, he would make sure you knew that you must take full advantage of the luxuries he provided. So Bloodseer sat, half sleepily, half awake, waiting for Armareth.

Warmth covered him in pleasure. Soft, fuzzy blankets were piled high on top of him, and the delicious aroma of food brought his senses to the surface. Warmth covered him in pleasure. Soft, fuzzy blankets were piled high on top of him, and the delicious aroma of food brought his senses to the surface. Brian coughed, and breathed in sharply. Pain shot through his body as he tried to pull himself up on the giant, fluffy pillows his head and shoulders rested upon.
?Ooohhhh,? he moaned and placed a hand behind his neck to pop it. ?Remind me to not sleep halfway up on these things. He moaned again, his lips turning into a pouting frown. ?Oi...?
He plopped backward, pinching his shoulders so that the back of his spine cracked. He rubbed his hands with a screwed expression against his neck, picking and kneading the very stiff muscles beneath. Gagging, he tried to sit up again, moaning piteously. Rubbing his fists into his eyes, his stanched stomach gave a mighty roar of disapproval.
?Oh! I?m rather stiff. Jolly good fun, eh?? Brain questioned the large, scantily decorated room. Far above him tapestries of green lined with silver with the emblem of the Black Serpent hung as if they were on the verge of falling down on his poor head. But far more disturbing than that thought of being maimed was the emblem. The Black Serpent. It wasn?t just the tales told out it nor the hollowed look it its eyes. The very name seemed to denote an ancient evil and that?s what it was-evil. But no matter, for there were cheery things to focus on like the friendly fire dancing merrily in the fireplace and the grandfatherly oak chair beside it. But even better than all of those was a silver, tarnished tray laden with what his nose told him was breakfast.
Saliva gathered in Brian?s mouth. He shoved back the fur covers and instantly shivered as the cool air rested upon him. His spine arched and a shiver sparked up his spine. Tensing, he rubbed his hands together, touched his cold nose, and bent over the side of the bed as it creaked. Soon his fumbling fingers managed to grasp something fuzzy. He clasped the heavy bed sheets for support and pulled himself up. Shaking his head as the blood flowed back down, Brian looked at the something. And that something Brian would have called horrible to anyone nearby but discreetly, he would have said it was the ugliest pair of pink and white speckled, frayed slippers he had ever seen in his life. In fact, he would have paid someone else to own them so that he could save himself the embarrassment of being seen in such a ridiculous get up-the long, pointy night cap that could have doubled as a bird beak, an overly large night shift with white cord lacing and material that dragged on the ground plus those overly tasteless slippers. It was enough to make even a dragon gag. Of course, a dragon might have thought it was funny.
Wriggling his toes into the itchy material, Brain stiffly slid down onto the cold stone floor. Scuffling lazily he wandered over to the brown chair and flopped down. Crossing his legs, Brian turned his attention to the steaming, jalape?o dotted cheesy omelet accompanied by a gargantuan goblet of rellenberry juice. With a slight grin of amusement he picked up the thick slave of homemade bread dappled with powdered sugar and took a dainty bite. Savoring the toast, he loftily picked up the juice and took a majestic sip. This was the life. Ah, yes, the life he deserved. And the juice had a perfectly creamy blueberry taste and what was this? Jam. Preserved rellenberry jam. However did they come up with such exotic foods in what looked like such a dreary, wintery place? And secondly, was that royal snob with her haughty flounce the cook? If so, she might be worth befriending.

Analora?s deft hands scooped up a handful of sweetened cocoa powder and spread it nonchalantly into the pot of boiling water, taking a crudely carved spoon and stirring it. Tapping the spoon against the pan, she set in on the counter top. Rapidly opening a wooden drawer carved and set into the stone, she pulled out a jar of dried mint, unscrewed the top, scooped out a handful and crushed it, then sprinkled it into the hot mixture. She wiped her brow and threw back a lock of honey gold hair that had strayed from her ponytail. A week and a half ago she had brewed a powerful potion over this fire-heat stove to wake him out of his deep sleep. Despite the spell Chadan had cast on him to preserve his life along with several small droughts of liquid food, he had not seemed to stir until yesterday in which he had moaned and turned over. So now he should be awake and healthily hungry.
Analora pulled the pot off the iron grill that was fixed over and open hole carved in the stone. Pulling down her puffed sleeves, the woman?s tiger eyes flickered before she reached down and smoothed the blue thick skirt she wore and fingered the black dragon hide belt around her muscular waist. Clearing her throat she used a ladle to fill a wood pitcher and placed it on a tray along with tree cups. Her hands did not strain under the weight of the platter as she picked up. Rather, she spread her fingers wide and lifted the tray high above her head and made her way towards the lower study rooms.
She swept in and came out like a bull on a rampage. Pulling up her sleeves she marched up to Brian?s room, flung open the door and glowered at the figure who had dozed off in the comfortable, large chair.
?Brian Ferral, if you sleep one more moment, I?ll have your head in a pot of boiling mint chocolate!?
The figure twitched and moaned.
?Why can?t I sleep?? he begged and sagged deeply into the chair, turning his head to look at her with wanton green eyes. Analora covered the distance in a few seconds and stood poised, ready to crash the goblet over his poor head.
?Chadan awaits you,? she said, practically fuming, and added a frosty glare to her eyes. ?Now, if you don?t move your stump, Brimstone will come and eat you and then you?ll be no use to us at all.? The glitter in her eyes faded and she brushed a surprisingly soft hand over his cheek and placed the goblet back on the trolley. ?There now,? she said and placed her hand on the trolley handle, ?I?ll go ahead and get this out of your way.?
Brian rubbed his bed head and nodded dumbly. If he wasn?t careful, he would get clobbered, no matter how innocent or stupid he acted.
?As for those slippers...? Analora said with a half grin, motioning to them, ?Please don?t honor us by wearing them. If you look under the chair you?ll find some green slippers. I had a hard time getting those slippers away from Chadan while I made another pair. We?ll meet you in the lower study area, so hop to it!?
Brian jumped up and saluted clumsily. ?Of course!? He practically shouted and then placed a hand on his chin and worriedly shuffled his feet. ?I don?t know what a study is. Is it..a...big room with..where there?s...I...? His visage fell completely and he looked down, ashamed.
?It?s down the hall, three doors to your left.? Analora?s smile brought a slight bit of color to her cheeks. In fact, it made the roguish Dragonet look far more sweet and caring than the stories of a wild girl who could command dragons. ?See you in a few.?
Brian let his mouth gape as she left. Fathomless depths, she?s an unpredictable one! Flounce here, flounce there, crack my dear ole head open-you don?t care. They?re as crazy as you say.
She?s just as wild and unpredictable as you.
Brian shook his head rapidly, twitching and turning, looking frantically for his sword. Tensely he stopped and tiptoed around the chair, looking for the speaker. ?Is that an insult?? he asked the open air, expecting someone to appear at any moment.
No. A warning. Chadan may use you for purposes which you known not about.
?Well, grandfatherly or not, he?s still formidable,? Brian agreed amiably and pressed his hands against the back of the chair, kicking off those wretched pink slippers and easing his feet under the chair to fish out the other ones. ?Where are you??
You cannot see me, young one. Find us yet again, the People of the Dagger. We seek to help you. From hence forth your mouth shall be shut should you try to speak of this to anyone else. Find us. Farewell.
?Brian, shuffle your hide!? Analora screamed from somewhere down the hallway. Brian jolted and shoved on the green slippers without so much as looking at them, shivers running madly all over him. Creepy voices, flesh-eating dragons, and feisty girls. What next, a room full of draygonns juggling? Rubbing his forehead, not having much more time to think, he raced down the hallway.

Analora sat primly in her chair, clasping a cup of her own mint chocolate, and staring at the vapors that wafted up like white ghosts. She sighed and turned to look at her father. Chadan stirred a bit, and blew a bit of air through his white, long, combed beard. His wrinkled black robe began to fall off his shoulders. Chadan straightened it and turned his calculating eyes towards his daughter. She was quite a girl when not rampaging about. Of course, he had no one to blame but himself. All in all, though, he thought he had raised her quite well. But he was happy with the way she had grown. She would be able to rule with a just hand as easily as cruel one. Whatever she chose, Chadan would be happy with her decision.
?Where is that boy?? Analora asked impatiently, waving a delicate hand before Chadan?s eyes. Before answering, Chadan brushed a lock of light brown and silver-streaked hair out of his face, then announced his reply sleepily.
?He?ll come soon enough...I suppose...or at least, he had better.?
The scuffling of feet echoed in the hallway.
?Here he comes, o my father,? Analora addressed him promptly.
He glared at her. ?I am not deaf, I know he is coming,? he retorted to her, ?You?re getting a bit big for your breeches, Ana.?
?I?m not wearing breeches,? Analora replied, insulted, and patted her skirt before sniffing airily. ? I am wearing a skirt.?
?You know what I mean!? Chadan told her sternly, ?I can?t have you ruing my relationship with that...boy. You know how important this is. And stop trying to talk that way. That kind of talk is beginning to bore my very soul, and I can?t have that in my house.?
?House?? she replied calmly, ?I would not call this a house, father. It is a castle. Small technicalities may ruin you in the end if you ignore them, as you always tell me.?
Before Chadan could make his reply, Brian strode in looking furiously strained, afraid of Analora, and his clothes as wrinkled as an old hag. Chadan straightened his shoulders and coughed, his eyes dancing with mirth.
?About time, Brian. We were afraid you might have gotten lost,? Analora commented cooly.
Brian looked at her in shock, as if he just realized he was no longer a cabin boy aboard a ship headed for the Southwest, but with an old man and his daughter.
?Ah, yes, Brian. Come sit down, please. I have waited a long time for this. I have a few things to tell you about our world.?

The Dragons and the Jewels

Before the land had shaped and formed the great lake which stood afore the footsteps of a great castle, there had been a sanctuary, a cathedral for the Sword of Elements, the sacred sword of all time.
This sword recommenced all time with each element of the world.
From the Four Points of the world lay different stones of magic. Small particles of these, shards of the Jewels, chipped from the Call of the Good Dragons to help the world persevere for it life time.
They rebuilt the castle as a watchtower for the great sword, in which only the true in heart could now inhabit to watch over the sword. For many years the castle stood, but none sought it out.
A curse fell upon the castle and the cathedral as the Derggon Lake was formed. Vile spirits came and took possession. All this happened as the dragons, too, were put under a spell...the spell of sleep, to which they would awaken when the child of noble blood would come and take the sword from the island where the deserted cathedral stood.
And when the Sword of Elements was taken by that child, it would become that Child?s, and the Dragons would serve under it....so that the balance would tip, into jet blackness, until the dragon?s god, Mikrakkin, would awaken from his sleep and restore peace upon the land.
The Emerald Green would be the first to wake, the first to seek out the one who held the chain and the sword. The others would not come, only he. They would have to be found.
One gift was given, the words, ?Beware the silver lobed one, for he shall make ye serve also....? as the castle returned to its true state, a haven of evil.

The Four Points held them all. The Jaden Emerald, Burning Ruby, Sapphire Blue, and the Crystal Diamonds, the Jewels of the Ancient Dragons. The Emerald Dragon held the Jaden Emerald far beneath its sunken lair; Burning Ash hovered over its Ruby laden in the hold of boiling lava. Islic Wind carried its wings aloft, searching for intruders by day and sleeping near it at night; Tranzic Shadow sat in the shadows like a transparent wraith, guarding its precious treasure...awaiting the Call of their god, Mikrakkin.
Mikrakkin, who helped the single beasts of immortality to gain power in their own rights. But when too many of the Gods berated him foolishly for this, he began to loose his grip on these Creatures of Fantasy...the drakes, the gryphons, harpies, unicorns, and even the life-giving phoenix also.
His power was still with them, but in their hearts they knew he would not be with them, for the Call had not come within many thousands of years, for which these Good Dragons had stayed awake for. Their bodies grew tired, their eyes yearning for sleep in the sun, yet they durst not do so.
In frustration they made the draygonns, creatures who would help them when there was need, creatures who would find the Lost Two. But it seemed all in vain.
The Dragons began to prowl in their lairs, anxious, hungry, and tired. Tired of watching the Jewels. At last, the Emerald Green broke away, rushing out of his home of the sunken caverns which held no light, save the dim glow that emitted from the walls.
He knew the light would hurt at first, but something deep inside of him whispered that this was no place for a dragon. It said, ?Why? My God has left me...I am not bound to anyone.? It continued to tempt the dragon until he consulted. He could see if anybeast were to enter the cavern.
He thundered out and into the sunshine, stretching out his wings, anxious to fly once again.
The grass was ever so green, the sky so blue. White, wispy clouds being sent on a brisk, summer wind across the heavens. In front of the Emerald Green lay a great valley, like one of the Gods, when creating the world, had stuck in his thumb and made a thumbprint there in the mountains. A river strung itself across the landprint, with rills that formed into huge pools of crystal clear water.
It was a perfect oasis. This beauty astounded the dragon?s soul as with his eyes, he glanced around at the world like a newborn child. Why had he not done this before? Suddenly, his heart stopped, and he remembered.
An overgrown castle struck out the earth before him amongst the evergreen trees, cold, hard, and very still compared to its lively surroundings. Here mighty vines of frost-thorn ivy climbed the walls, snaking here and there. Many towers jutted from the top, which was still lost in a vague fog that hovered above it. Cold mists swirled before the Closen Door, being forever renewed by the demons that guarded its entrance.
The Draggen Foremaster holds the keys to the world beyond, the Emerald Green recalled. Draggen Foremaster, the way to sin and evil. That is all we know about her that remains clear to us...had I known she was so close....There must be a way to stop her...I must find a way to protect the Jewels..The Call...it is the only way I can let them know...
Lifting his head into the air, the Emerald Green bellowed out his Call. The air vibrated, and suddenly, the earth began to shake.
The others heard, and answered. One part of each of the Jewels shattered and formed the Sword of Elements. And there, the Cathedral was formed in the Emerald Green?s home, and the light and goodness of the Sword changed the castle and discarded the demons guarding it. Even the Draggen Foremaster could no longer enter.

?That is what we know of the Dragons, boy,? Chadan said and looked plainly at him. Brian seemed stunned and weary sitting half crookedly in the chair of the large study room.
?But what does this have to do with me?? Brian stared at him with far more intelligent eyes than this boy should have had. Chadan leaned over the arm of the chair and swept his arm. Around the study the shelves upon shelves were books large and small, torn and new.
?Even with all this knowledge, we cannot touch the Dragons without you. You are a Child of this Prophecy.?
Chadan wheezed as an icy breeze swept back his neck.
This Child will not know all. For what he knows now, he would Wake the Dragons for Good. Keep it simple, or...a deadly voice hissed inside him, like a snake wriggling under his skin.
Brian ducked his head. So basically what you?re saying is that you want to wake these Dragons, set up the Balance of the World again, and you need me to do it? Well, I guess I don?t object.
?So you..you won?t kill me, then?? he looked up, pleading.
?Kill you?? Chadan snorted through his bent nose, ?Why, no. Well, I leave you and Analora to talk. I have my own dealings to deal with.?
With that, he straightened and tucked the loose cloth in his belt, and walked out the door.

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 00:13:09

Chapter Five
The Guardian Who Was No More

By the time mid-morning came, Alexandria was filled with the shouts of merchants exclaiming the rarity and excellent price of their products. Somewhere amid the shoving and pushing of the throng, Janus and Everad arrived.
People scraped by, patting the rider?s legs as well as Everad?s flanks. Thankfully, Everad was not the sort to be disturbed by such an invasion upon her personal space.
Nosing their way among the disturbingly bright colors and the lazy scent of warm baked goods they passed somewhat unnoticed. Threading through the less-crowded alleyways, Janus could hear the reassuring clip-clop of his mount?s hooves. Easing her past the familiar buzz of the city, they approached the mid-gate two hours past the entrance of Alexandria.
The guard stood roughly in front of it and you could see a frown bristling beneath his shaggy beard. His eyes were practically bulging, focused on two ragged children scampering back and forth in front of the gate. In their rough hands they held fist-sized chunks of wood with fading letters painted on them. Giggling, they started to throw the blocks over the wall. But when they realized they could not get their prizes back, they began to cry.
?Scat! Can?t you see we have a guest?? he roared and the children stopped crying in fright.
Janus rubbed the cantle for good luck and dismounted. Petting the mare heartily he walked up to the guard.
?What is it that you wish, sir?? the guard said gutturally.
?Janus Almond Rennat,? he swept back his hair, ?Is there a toll??
?Toll?? the guard blanched. ?No. Business??
?Hans Stellar.?
The guard?s bear bristled as he puffed up his chest. ?Verification??
?None. Hans will deal with any problems that might arise.?
Flustered, the guard opened gate and Janus passed through. Picking up the blocks he returned them to the star-struck children and whistled for Everad to pass through.
Giving a hesitant snort, she flickered her ears back and forth, placing her weight on her hocks before whickering and passing through. Janus Almond mounted and they were off.

Chadan wiped a weary hand across his face and straightened his shoulders. In a few minutes he would have to deal with that so-called gryphon who would be snoring like yesterday?s boars come tonight. Wishing to prolonge the inevitable, he made his way off to the kitchen where the smell of fresh blueberry muffins was passing by.
Happily he snuck up to the door, knowing Analora mustn?t catch him snooping on her cooking, and slyly walked in innocently. Rubbing his hands almost gleefully, Chadan tip toed up to the muffins and sniffed at them through his bent nose.
?Ahh,? he said and poked one, testing for heat. It felt so fluffy he could almost taste its texture in his mouth.
?Righto...you won?t be missed, my dear fellow,? he snatched up a muffin with the delicacy of a king and popped it into his mouth. Crumbs cascaded into his beard and he quickly wiped them away, chewing swiftly. Unfortunately, some had fallen onto the counter and not only that, but a rather tiny, worn looking book.
Normally Analora would keep her books, no doubt, in the library. And, it looked slightly water-marked and there was a bit of salt ingrained on its tattered brown surface. So who else would have it but that little dense fellow, Brian? But could the lad write? Chadan furrowed his brows and snatched another muffin from the tray.
He sat down, forgetting his intrusion, and opened up to the middle of the book, and read a seemingly innocent entry, which read:

Friday, J13, 2032 AE

Gosh! I swear these people are so stupid. I woke up a week and a half ago and they still don?t get that I?m awake. Or am I just all that sly?
Playing stupid is kind of fun, though, but it makes me rather hungry. Or should we say starving? It?s good thing I had so much practice as a cabin boy. I could fake it out most of the time unless my boss saw me and told me to hightail it to working.
Did you know that Analora puts on a melon mask each night? Don?t ask me how she got the melons, though. Oops, I spilled apple juice on that. Sorry. Anyway, doesn?t this kind of weather not promote those sort of fruits or whatchamadillies? Mom used to grow them, even though she was a seamstress. I mean, you don?t exactly picture a seamstress working out there with a straw bonnet and pigtails, now do you?
I can?t say that I don?t miss her, even though she whacked me a lot with those hoes when I stole strawberries out of the patches. Of course, I could only do that when she was in there because the garden was bewitched and I couldn?t get in there without her. Hm, I wonder, would mom have whacked Analora?
She seems really stuffy, kind of like a finicky cat who thinks she?s all that. I bet my pet cobrake could deal with her. Of course, he wasn?t exactly my pet but a friend named Theodrian the III. He was a bard, too. I bet she can?t sing like he does!
And that Chadan...what?s with the broken nose? It looks like he ran into a tree or something. But he?s powerful. I don?t think he?s all that sly and has a soft spot for that little...eh, she?s just not my type, okay? And she tries to act like a girl. Disgusting!
I mean, obviously she can kick my behind with those dragons but honestly, can she try to tone down that ego?

One day of mischief at a time,

Brian Ferral

From the time he began the entry to the end of it, he was holding the muffin in front of his halfway open mouth. Coughing sternly, he pursed his lips before swallowing the muffin whole.
The little scapegoat! But...it would be better to play a game with him and get revenge than it would be to anger so quickly. Plus, this was an extremely good advantage. If he could fool the Great Black Sorcerer Chadan, then he could probably fool others as well.
In fact, he wondered, did the Draggen Foremaster know of this?
In fact, he could bet his muffin crumbs she knew about the little thief and was waiting for him, the old miser, to figure it out.
Curious, he flipped to another page.

J27, 2032 AE

Woo! I?m a child of the Prophecy, just like everyone else! Look, I?m famous. Just wait until my picture is in the news. Then, of course, I?d be hunted by those bounty hunter dudes with the red cloaks. That would be so cool. Cooler than that dragon dude that wanted me off his back.
I mean, I was tired, don?t get me wrong, and I was kind of stupid cuz I was all numb and all that fun stuff but now....
THAT WAS COOL!
Except for that Analora part. I bet she never told Brimstone that I wanted him to act up on my account just for the hay of it.
Well, the secret?s out, folks. I?m just your friendly neighborhood shyster. I should have stole a better looking sword, though. Everybody was on deck and I knew no one would notice until later but why didn?t I pillage a different one?
Remember that guy Bart? That guy that was always playing hooky from his duties and so I had to do them? Well, his dad gave him a sword for the Autumn Solstice. I never really said who?s dad it was, now did I?

?Hmm,? Chadan was snatching muffins up like popcorn now, ?That?s pretty sad. Stealing a sword from your buddy. How cantankerous. Kind of like me.?
Chadan licked his fingers, unaware of the footsteps echoing from the hallway.

Maybe I should have just bought one, huh? It?s not like I don?t have enough money. Well, I would have more if Bart hadn?t stolen it from me, so fair?s fair.

At that point, Chadan roared out in laughter and Analora came in, her eyes slitted, and noticed all the muffins were gone and criminal crumbs were in her father?s beard. At the same time, there came a loud thud from the door and lo and behold, Chadan stood prestigiously and slipped passed his daughter to open the door for their guest., taking the book with him.

The black gryphon fought the currents, thrashing his wings, fighting to stay aloft. His eyes had been gathering tears for quite some time and even though his eyes were slitted, he could hardly see. Fatigued and blinded, he sloppily drove towards the protection of the castle.
It was such a sloppy dive that, in fact, he even missed his original landing point. Instead of knocking politely after landing, he slammed into the door in a whirlwind of feathers. And as you might suspect, his silver beak was wedged nicely into the door. Nonetheless, squawking, Black Ice pulled himself free in time for a sarcastic-looking Chadan to open the door.
?Master, I have news,? he cawed.
Chadan nodded and allowed him to enter. ?Ana, prepare dinner for our guest. He needs it after such a long flight.?
Analora nodded sharply, her eyes scornfully looking over the arrogant, one-track minded gryphon. She turned and motioned to Brian with her palm downward.
?Come.?
Once they were out of earshot, Analora started ranting. ?What a greasy goosebeak that huge baby is! Feed him? Ugh. That wretch could eat out this castle and three more. Dreaded famine beak that freak is.?
Brian stared at his stomach as he walked and gave a timid nod. ?What do gryphons eat?? he asked earnestly. Analora stared at him as if she wished to pound him for his stupidity.
?Everything.?
She tried to keep the exasperation from her voice. Her expression softened as he asked with a worried face, ?Even me?? Analora couldn?t help it. In a matter of moments she was leaning against the castle wall clutching her stomach and giggling helplessly.

Everad trotted crisply towards Han?s home, her nose pulsing as the early spring air brought the scent of pollinated flowers brushing by in the lukewarm breeze. They passed through elaborate gardens laden with trellises and climbing vines with blossoming flowers. The comfortable but luxurious white mansions gave way to a large statue and fountain in the middle of an large, open square.
Janus reigned in Everad to stare at it. It was Princess Tiara of Arendina, holding a sheep, which was the symbol of peace. Not quite two hundred years ago the first Princess Tiara of Ceadurich, daughter of Queen Ka?dena, had saved the dreaded Torikainians. Back then, the leaders of Arendina had been lost-found dead with tear streaked faces in Mayrissa Palace. It was Tiara who had traveled from Ceadurich and saved those who still lived in Taldour. Now her legacy had been passed on through the royal family and in honor of her, Mayrissa was turned into a sacred place and a new palace built.
Tiara had carried on this legacy of peace here in Alexandria. She was as beautiful as the first, with grace and beauty that was so much like her.
Drifting in his thoughts, Janus paced Everad forward. In time they reached the High District gate where the guard was sleeping soundly on a stool.
?Excuse me, sir, but could you let me through? Sir, excuse me??
The guard jerked awake to see Janus staring at him hopefully. ?I don?t suppose you could let me through? I?m going to Hans Stellar?s.?
?Of..of course,? the man grunted and opened the gate. ?Are you Janus Rennat??
?Indeed.?
?You..you won?t tell them I was asleep, will you??
Janus chuckled. ?No, I won?t.?
?Thanks.?

The moonlight licked at Silver Lyre?s face as she stood staring out at the misted night. It was so still, the fog resting on the tall spindled trees, the creatures of the night falling and melting into the shadows. The Elf ran her slender fingers methodically through her purple hair. She rested her head on her shoulder, her legs hanging off the side of the outcropping.
She had seen the others arrive, but there was a sort of feeling about her-a feeling of soft silence that whispered for her to wait. She pulled her knees together and flicked her braided hair behind her. Elves were hardly welcome in this place, much like any other creature that wasn?t a cobrake or some sly beast that rested in the shadows of this world.
She pulled her legs up and curled up on the rock, her head resting on her elbow as she often did. Right here, right now, there was peace, even if it was on the brink of shattering. There would be few moments like these left, and down in Silver Lyre?s heart she wished this moment would stay but a little longer. Just a little longer before everything tumbled down into that void of darkness where it was sure some of the weak would be lost. How many of them could be saved? And how could she save them if she, too, was frail? Would she, like others, fall, or would the knowledge of her people survive? And if she did not, her only hope was to pass on the records of the Elves so that others might come to know of things that had happened in the past and prophecies of what was to come.
?Oh, sweet Mother Jewelyn, hear my prayer and protect this land. Great Beings of Light, my soul aches for comfort. I will do all I can to save this people. I am the only one...the only one...?
Silver Lyre pressed her face against the crook of her arm and closed her starlight eyes. She breathed again and a slight shiver passed between her shoulder blades. She rubbed her nose against her white sleeves and sat up. Placing her chin across her bent knees, she clasped her hands around her legs for warmth. She couldn?t go inside-no, not yet. This moment..she wanted it to last a little longer, even if it meant being a little chilly. Still, she might be able to...Yes, that was it.
The Elven librarian clapped her palms together. She began to speak, her voice like a soft golden bell flitting across a snowy landscape.
?Light of the moons, fill me with hope. Shape and fashion light within my soul.? She rubbed her palms together, soaking in the moonlight. Soon her limbs began to heat as her spell changed the warmth of the moonlight touching her body. A feeling of peace stole over her and she lay down once more to rest, her long bangs falling across her oval face. Slowly she closed her eyes, her mind berating her, pummeling her with thoughts that fought off sleep.

The soft glow of morning sunshine stole over the mountainous forest, melting away the colors of dark blue with pale yellow and fresh pink colors. Dew dripped from the branches of the trees, the moist droplets twinkling in the new light. Silver Lyre shifted as the dawn brushed its light upon her, causing the moonlight spell to fade away and bring a new chill to the Elf?s body. Already tired from her half-sleep, the Elf struggled to opened her eyes as if some heavy weight lay upon her. Already tired from her half-sleep, the Elf struggled to opened her eyes as if some heavy weight lay upon her. She rubbed her gritty eyes and moaned softly. Twisting and turning she gradually sat up, loose strands of hair drifting across her face.

Somehow the Elf staggered up and numbly made her way down the passage to the nearest cot. She was vaguely aware of Bloodseer-only noticing his dark, dog like form-and Ryan sleeping on an adjacent bed. Half-awake, she looked around somewhat desperately and found another feather-stuffed mat. Stumbling, she fell upon it and was soon fast asleep.
The next thing she was aware of was the soft pressing of hot air against her face and her bangs tickling her forehead. Keeping her eyes closed, the Elf scratched at her forehead and snuggled comfortably against her arm.
?Maybe we should let her sleep,? Ryan whispered to Armareth softly. Armareth silently nodded.
?In the meantime, then,? Armareth replied softly, ?I will tell you more of my kind..the Dragons.?

Some hours later, past mid morning and almost into the broad warmth of noon, Silver Lyre was awakened by a very stern but persuasive voice.
?Lady Lyre, please awaken. I have brought you food and my guests await thy knowledge. It is not grand but it will do.?
Armareth nudged a tray of various roots, herbs, and tubers with a hunk of cooked meat, and a tin cup filled with fresh cave water, beside her. ?I gave up most of my horde long ago. The simple things keep me along nowadays.?
Silver Lyre shook her head and instantly her eyes opened. She rubbed the grit out of her eyes and whisked back her unruly bangs and politely refrained from stretching and yawning without placing a hand over her mouth.
?Excuse me,? she said and swung her legs over the side. ?What time is it, Armareth, sir??
?Near to noon,? the ancient Dragon replied with a calm smile. ?You were so deeply asleep that we did not want to wake you.?
?I apologize for sleeping so long,? Silver Lyre said and bowed her head in prayer. Armareth waited as she prayed and then nodded politely afterward.
?I will leave you to your breakfast. Please come to the Western Pools when you have finished.?
Silver Lyre turned her attention to the water and delicately sipped from it, then looked around for utensils but found none. She gave a quaint shrug and took a large bite of one of the crunchy tubers and grinned. There was no one around. There was no reason to be polite. With gusto, she picked up the hot piece of meat and bit in.

Soon afterward Silver Lyre met with the others at the Western Pools. After making some awkward introductions, Silver Lyre launched into her tale.
?As you know, I come from Epona?s Navel where Elven Hunters and Librarians thrive. Though I am known as a Huntress, I am a historian as well. Epona is filled with thousands upon thousands of books ranging from prophecies, legends, and reference material. Most of our books are made up with historical non-fiction, biographies, and atlases. It is possibly Slyvanlyre?s most valuable library. And perhaps it was because of that that Lady Fanys Joysword joined our ranks.
?She was a brilliant Half-Elf, Half-Vampire with flaming red hair and an equally dominant personality. As you know, Vampiric Elves aren?t to be trusted but Fanys seemed to be the exception. Even I came to trust her and her knowledge of Slyvanlyre. And yet, I was not so entranced to realize our library was in danger.
?Lady Joysword became the Head librarian where she infiltrated our knowledge and began to secretly rewrite prophecies and other such knowledge, such as the Prophecy of the Dragons. I discovered it one day while I was reviewing books that had not been used for quite some time. She had recently been stacking a few oddly placed books in the wrong places and I soon realized that the copy contained a spell to make it look like the original one. I took it upon myself to bring this issue to the Council of Epona?s Navel. Instead of the support I had hoped for, I realized the corruption ran deeper than just Fanys Joysword.
?There was a book....the Eboire Epistasthai enn H?lan in which I was to take to the Council as proof but they waved it away. I have a copy of this book in its true form...but they would not believe me.
?There are things the Council would keep from the people of Slyvanlyre. And the knowledge is this: There was once a young daughter of Taldour who was kidnaped by the Torikainians. What should have happened was that Torkain would have been defeated if this child had not been stolen. She was to have saved the world but in the hands of the Torikainians, this was not possible. If she had been destroyed, the prophecy would have disappeared, as is the way with broken or fulfilled prophecies.? The Elf looked down upon the floor thoughtfully and took a deep breath. ?That means she is alive, and in order to save the world, she must be found.?
?This girl,? Ryan mused, ?is what you brought us here for. Right, Armareth??
?Yes, Ryan. We must find her and help her,? Armareth replied.
?Then we must not waste time.? Bloodseer said. ?If we start now we can make it to the gorge before late afternoon.?
?I have prepared packs for all of you, each with a map of Arendina. You must journey to Epona?s Navel and obtain the maps of Torkain. Only then will you be able to travel to Torkain and find the past.? Armareth turned his head slightly in Silver Lyre?s direction. ?She has agreed to take you.?
Silver Lyre touched her left ear respectfully and nodded to the others.
?Then let us proceed ere night falls.?

The cool wind was comforting in the Dusk-May-Fall Woods, the scent of pine and leaves refreshing. Before them was a small clearing with springs of mint and clumps of dock. Every now and then a lone bird chirped in the swaying leaves but beyond the clearing there seemed to be less life for a great abyss yawned open out of the earth. Spawned across it was a rickety old bridge held up by large stumps and rope that looked none too safe. After peering over the side of the chasm, Ryan suggested they rest before proceeding.
Silver Lyre sat down in the grassy stubble, fingering a sprig of mint between her fingers and then crushing it before placing a little bit of it on her palate. She sat against a quaking aspen, listening to the sounds of branches sighing against each other with the rustling of the forest and the occasional flutter of wings.
?The easiest way to reach the Navel is by ship. We should be able to get one at Felden Glen. The problem is this?me remaining hidden. The security is very tight at the Navel, so I may have to spend some time off-board. If we are able to get our own crew, we?ll be a lot better off,? Silver Lyre said after finishing the first bite of her sandwich.
Bloodseer nodded, his snout fully engrossed in the sandwich between his paws. Silver Lyre tossed him a hunk of cheese as if he were a pet but spoke nothing of it. ?It should take us most of the day tomorrow to reach the shoreline. We can most certainly pass as hungry, tired travelers.? After gulping down the food, he stood, his notable horse-like size diminishing his appearance as a ?pet.?
?We?ll cross the gorge and then make our way along the river. If we press on until dusk, we will have more time tomorrow to plan,? Ryan said, chewing on a hunk of cheese. Bloodseer began to pace, his hackles slightly raised. There was a light sulfurous smell in the air. Kneading his claws into the earth, his crimson eyes swept through the trees. The shadows seemed still. And yet, that smell...
?We?ll just have to hope the cobrakes aren?t in season,? Silver Lyre said wearily. ?If they are, or the Dark Eagles spot us, it will make things rather difficult.?
Without warning, a two foot ebony creature with four webbed feet, long spiked tail and filmy purple wings slithered out of the brush. It had a long, hooked nose, slitted nostrils, and two slender horns. Out of its nose black and purple smoke billowed when it snorted at them. Silver Lyre was already up, her bow taught and a look of contempt upon her face. Ryan had yanked out his sword and held it dangerously close to the cobrake?s nose.
?One move should you make your lives I will take,? the poisonous cobrake hissed, the cobra markings on her sides and face clearly warning of death.
?Do you think you can threaten us, cobrake!?? the Ghost Hound said and licked his reddish brown muzzle, thinking about how cobrake pie would taste. The strain in the air seemed to be as strong as iron but easily swept away as a spider?s cobweb.
?I am Nezdriss Pawclaff and pass you not unless you pay the toll.?
?Why should we pay a toll?? Silver Lyre asked, never shifting her feet, eye constantly locked with the cobrake?s.
?Because without this pact you?ll not be free in cobrake territory.? Nezdriss raised a silver claw and tapped the ear. She began to sway back and forth methodically. ?There is much safety needed in the Dusk-May-Fall Woods...?
?And what?s there to stop us from harming you?? Silver Lyre said flatly, drawing the bow tighter as the yew bow creaked.
?My scales are much harder than what your bow may penetrate so don?t you dare deviate. If you have another design, let me know and perhaps safe passage will I show.?
Bloodseer?s nose quivered, his claws raking softly into the earth. His ears were back, lips curled up. He looked at Silver Lyre, who?s eyes never left the cobrake?s. He tried to bore his glare into the drake?s eyes but found a soothing sensation passing over him. His legs began to loosen a little, as if he was a bit sleepy.
?Stop!? Ryan bellowed and pressed a rough hand across his chest. He tapped the cobrake on the nose, who instantly recoiled with a venomous hiss.
?Ryan,? Silver Lyre said, her voice low, ?look in my pack. There?s a black opal in there. Pull it out and give it to her.? Ryan straightened himself, sliding the blade in the sheath. He cautiously crept over to the pack and began to rummaging through it, feeling for the coolness of the stone rather than looking for it with his eyes. Brushing back his read hair, he pulled out the stone and tossed it to the cobrake, who?s tongue was flickering in and out. One paw was held up, as if in a questioning position. Nostrils flaring, she snatched the opal from where it lay in the dirt and scampered up a nearby tree as they packed up and made their way across the bridge. As soon as they reached the middle, Nezdriss poked the gem into her mouth and moved it over to her cheek. In a matter of seconds she had climbed down from the tree and shredded the cords that held the bridge in place. She quietly chuckled and slid off into the undergrowth, not looking back, ignoring the shouts as the bridge collapsed. Nezdriss Pawclaff would be guardian of this bridge no more.

Bloodfleck?s hand grasped the claw attached to the side of the large oval chair he sat in, menace emanating from his scarlet eyes. A look of mere contempt showed on his thin black muzzle. His eyes roved about the sullen, moist cavern, searching, searching.
?Did I not give my orders?? the vulpine dragon hissed to himself, his words soft and cajoling. A loud snap echoed as Bloodfleck broke off the obsidian claw, sneering at it before chucking it across the room with contempt. A clearly malevolent growl emanated from his thin throat. ?Harlequin, I?m waiting,? he said, a genial tone in his voice.
A rag-tag vulpine dragon appeared out of the darkness, his bat like wings dyed a shimmering silver. One eye was completely blind and the other was surrounded by a red diamond marking that indicated his ability as a seer. In his gloved, human-like palms he held the claw and extended it to his master with a taciturn smile.
?Narmissa would be disturbed,? he said with a sly smile.
Bloodfleck lunged forward and slashed at Harlequin?s blind side. Harlequin pulled his hand back and brushed the wounds before speaking once more.
?So nice of you to thank me with this gift.?
Bloodfleck slipped back onto the velveteen cushion and looked thoughtfully at his claws. He turned to look at Harlequin but he had satisfactorily vanished. In his place there was a greyish vulpine dragon followed by two female reds.
?Ah, Narmissa?s personal regime.?
The fennec dragon?s? mouths curled up in unison, their large ears flipping back with disdain. There was a silent seething in their eyes towards Bloodfleck.
?Shaddowra has called you three to go to Alexandria and bring that half-immortal wretch to the Aldertree Isles. Make her way smooth if you cannot kill her right off. Knifestone,? Bloodfleck said, ?will be the leader of you two girls. Now get your carcasses out of my way.? He waved them away and rested his chin on his hand, waiting for Harlequin to appear. Out of the darkness he came once more, bowing regally.
?Yes, sir??
?Harle, follow them after I return from Zeria. Follow them and follow them hard.?
The grandeur of Hans Stellar?s mansion was bigger than Janus had expected, though his house did reside in the High District. It was fairly close to the Gate, which meant that Hans probably shopped in the Mid-Level District but he had the sort of money to buy things up here. The house itself was four stories tall surrounded by gardens, a stable, and pastures with all the sorts of equine equipment one needs to use at a ranch. It was bigger than the other houses around it, especially with its five foot tall hedges that lined the white brick fence.
Janus wiped his brow and adjusted his shirt, which was completely wrinkled at this point. Slipping out of the saddle, he lifted the packs off the saddle horn and stuffed his bed roll under his arm. Janus walked through the gate as people mysteriously appeared and took Everad without a word, nudging her along with a bag of oats. He was ushered into the library, stripped of his belongings, and told to wait until someone took him to the parlor room. Meanwhile, they stored his things in his new room and while the servants toiled, Janus was busy thumbing through the books. He smiled half cattishly at the titles Twenty Ways to Make Dragon Flame Candy and Hair Potion: the man?s way of avoiding baldness. He couldn?t resist chuckling as he placed the books back in their proper places as soon as the maid came and lead him to the parlor room.
Hans was a very rotund man dressed in wizardly green robes with a very distinguished moustache. On his nose perched a pair of gold-rimmed reading glasses, which the man placed down on the table as Janus appeared.
?Janus, my dear boy!? Hans cried and leapt out of his soft rocking chair, ?I see you made it safely.? He grasped Janus?s warm hand and studied him. ?Those are pretty worn clothes. If you?re up to it, I?ll take you shopping with me tomorrow morning after breakfast. How does that sound, my dear man?? he clapped Janus on the back heartily.
?Of course. I?ve been needing new pants,? Janus said, looking down them, studying the fraying cuffs.
?It?s good you?re putting on weight. Are you hungry?? Hans continued and motion for him to sit down.
?Yes, sir,? Janus replied. ?You wouldn?t have any rellenberry juice, would you??
?Why, yes, of course!? He rang a small bell and eventually Janus had quaffed no less than three cupfuls of the cool juice.
?How was your trip, Janus??
?Oh, it was quite good, thank-you,? Janus smiled, placing a hand against his forehead to help the cold chills. Content to carry on their friendly conversation, Janus and Hans did not know that many miles away three vulpine dragons advanced on them.

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 00:15:44

Chapter Six
Inscribed With Fire

Flames seared the night sky. Fire crackled, spit, and fed on the brittle trees like a starving monster. It jumped through the windows of cottages and licked up the wood with ravenous hunger, burning anything in its path except for three lions-two males with flaming manes, and one female with lightning creasing sporadically across her body. In their foreheads twelve chunks of tombstone were stapled into their skulls and from their shoulders large ebon wings trailed. Their claws shifting the ground beneath them, their mouths opening, soft roars coming from them as they spoke to one another. They stood then, the female looking over her shoulder at the males and then strode off through the village, pink noses searching for any bodies.

?It?s gone, it?s all gone. Everyone. Everyone except for us,? a woman with black hair in purple robes said, rocking back and forth on the ground. ?Mother Mirrian, Aunt Josephine..they?re all gone.? She wiped a heavily draining nose on her robes. A hand touched her shoulder as she placed her head between her knees.
?We all have our losses, Kerin Angel,? he said and looked around the forest. ?And it won?t be long before they find us, too.?
?Oh, Father Demeral,? Kerin looked up at him and for once, she looked old, ?do you think we can summon the riolin to save us from them? I know...I?m not helping..but we?ve got to do something. We should have left with Hans and forgot our immortality.?
?Reality is a lot harsher than here in this utopia,? a woman with proud green eyes and brown hair said, walking towards them brushing off her singed robes.
?Rayphala,? Brother Demeral said, his tone stiff, ?you don?t have to make this harder. Where are the others??
Rayphala shot him a look of contempt, folding her arms across her chest.
?What am I, their keepers? Find your own sheep,? she snapped and swept past him.
?If you want to live, you?ll help me find the others.? Demeral retorted, his kind voice completely forgotten, and looked at the faces of the rest of the Council-two were missing. ?We must summon the riolin.?
?Fine,? Rayphala said, ?I?ll help you find your stupid Council.? She looked around the dark forest and then began down the slope once more.
?Thank-you,? he replied quietly and began to go among the others who had survived, struggling to comfort them.

The female actone pressed her salmon tongue against her lips and clipped one male on his ear, her nose pulsating. She loped forward, ignoring the pains in her sagging flesh and old scars that had never completely heal rubbing against her body. Her crooked tail was stiff as she loped through the forest, following the scent of burning pine.
Time passed, perhaps half an hour, after moving through the still warm ash, shifting through the moonlight, they came face to face with the Council, who were linked together. A slight sneer passed the female?s lips and the younger male moved forward as if to rush them but the female slash his nose, knowing that they had already been spotted due to the vast amount of electricity and flames coming off of their bodies.
She sat down on her haunches and proceeded to lick her paw. Rayphala was the first to notice, her eyes cursing the big brutes.
?They?re going to let us summon the riolin,? she said. ?But why would those currs help aid us??
?We make good hostages,? Kerin said mutely.
?There?s nothing we can do but continue,? Demeral stated, his hold on Rayphala tightening. ?Let us summon the riolin.?

The cold breeze zipped through the windows, billowing out the gossamer curtains. Rain had come that evening and the earth was tinged with electricity and legions of dark blue moon clouds. Janus?s eyes glinted silver in the light, safely tucked behind the shadows. He turned his great body and tested the locks on the doors, scales rustling. Curling up beside the bed, the creature folded his paws and rested thoughtfully on his elbows.
Dawn came and passed a brilliant flaming orange, the clouds from the last remnants of the night?s storm in the distance. He awoke suddenly, slender ears flickering back and forth. Shaking his mane, he reached with one hindpaw and scratched thoughtfully at his neck, feeling slightly cramped. The room was a bit small for something his size but there was not much he could do. He snorted softly and soon was ready, dressed in a large but holy cream shirt with a golden dragon embezzled upon it and simple brown pants. He stumbled down the stairway and walked across the entryway, hands sliding against the cherry banister. His feet were bare, save for some ragged socks, and the plush carpet beneath him was pleasant to the touch. Still rubbing the grit out of his eyes, the man yawned loudly and proceeded to the dining hall.
?Why am I so tired?? he wondered aloud and looked around. The long tabled was covered with muffins, doughnuts, and the like. There were even gargantuan waffles. Still feeling slightly precocious, he snatched up a chocolate muffin and sat down stiffly, peeling at the wrapper in the almost frosty air of the room. He poured himself a tall glass of orange juice, he sat down, tapping one foot. Downing the juice he looked around, shrugged, and selected a blueberry muffin from the chintzy tableware. Wiping his hands on his pants he bit into the muffin, eyes still darting. His eyebrows pulled together as he listened for any other sound besides his own quiet chewing. The mansion was beyond sound proof. Perhaps Hans would be sleeping until mid-morning and that Janus was to go down to the market as he wished? But then why the breakfast all prepared?
Janus stood, forgetting to move the chair back into its place as he rapidly crossed the room and went upstairs to his room. The quietness was most certainly unsettling. However, even he forgot it as he brushed his teeth and went to ponder things on a plush red couch by the bathroom door. He rested his head against the armchair, his long legs curled under him. He slept deeper than during his night-rest, curled tightly together, softly mewing every once in a while, until he began to dream of a girl with long light brown hair clutching a small stuffed cougar to her chest. She was resting in a bedroll besides a half-awake silver dragolf, who turned his chocolate eyes towards where Janus watched. In her sleep the girl twitched and moaned, as if a fever were upon her. Her brow was, indeed, dabbled by sweat. The dragolf watched her patiently, quietly, his eyes focused on Janus.
He reached out a filmy dream hand to touch her cheek and a shock of pain rippled through him, straight to his heart. A protection barrier! But why? Slowly he knelt, shivering. Where was she and what was troubling her so? He had kept close watch, had he not? This woman...
Janus was wrenched from his sleep by a fairly large bang upon his doors. He clutched his heart a moment, only aware of the deep coursing ache, closing his eyes again. Why, of all souls, was he not there to solve this problem? He shook his head and turned his attention to the window. Warm sunlight was streaming through the room now, filling it like an aurora of gold.
Once again the knock came, which sounded more like someone shooting off explosives, and Janus leapt up to open the door.
"Janus? Janus?" Hans bellowed.
"I'm coming, sir!" Janus replied, opening the door. "Are you alright?" he asked the man whose cheeks were puffy and red.
"Why, yes, my boy," Hans said and blinked rapidly. "I was out in the garden when I thought I saw some sort of beast through the window this morning. I haven't seen you all afternoon and since this house is so sound proof, I wondered if you were alright."
Janus whirled around, studying the room. "No one has been up here except for me." He opened the door wider to let Hans see into the bedroom. "I'm sorry I didn't see you this morning."
"Oh, it's quite alright." He coughed, his belly shaking. "Now, I don't suppose you'd like some lunch? It's a fairly nice day and I can bet you're hungry."
"Yes," Janus smiled and nodded. "I'll...see you in a bit." He closed the door without much thought and walked briskly over to his things, rummaging around for a sack of money he had been saving for this trip. He furrowed his brows and breathed in heavily. He would have to be more careful.

Lunch was a simple meal, much to Janus' delight, which allowed him more time to shop. Hans offered to drive him downtown. Because Janus felt that Everad needed a break, he gracefully accepted and they were downtown by one o'clock.
The day was rather warm for such an early spring day, but Janus was enjoying the sun, compared to the long, lonely winter nights he had spent wrapped up, Everad sluggishly plodding through the snow drifts. It was also quieter. Merchants were less flamboyant, for they knew their customers well, and their customers expected excellence, not bargaining skills that made you in the negative for buying something. There were no cheap wares but light magic-infused items, such as miracle grows and mystical mulches for the budding herbalist and gardener. There were also practical things, like bug sprays made of wormwood and desert sage, plus several potent garlic sprays.
Hans stopped the carriage and tied up the horses on a post, putting grain bags over their noses. He slapped his hands together and smiled.
?It?s just about time for me to really get down to working on my herb garden. Most people don?t think of using herbs for landscape purposes but I have found that herbs can help the rest of my plants grow. Come her, my boy, let?s go over to Maria?s Herbs.?
Hans strode forward, his cane swinging joyously beside him. They crossed the road over to a store that had a large green sign with leaves on it proclaiming ?Maria?s Herbs.? Ropes of fake garlic were hanging down from the sign. Inside it was bright, much like a greenhouse. It was also steamy and pressingly warm. The wood creaked as they rubbed their feet against the rush dirt mat.
Fanning himself, Janus stepped in beside Hans, who waved his cane at the thin, tall woman at the counter.
?Maria, did you get in some of that apple, eggshell, and garlic mulch?? Hans asked and nodded his head brightly at her. She peered over her glasses at him and smiled.
?Why, yes sir, just this morning.? She said and turned to the large transparent cabinet case. She opened the glass doors and rummaged around for a burlap sack which held the mulch. She hefted it op on the counter. ?I also believe I have some basil seeds for those tomatoes of yours. Care to have a look??
Hans nodded, ?Of course. Please, show the way.? He waited until Maria opened the small gate between them and the counter, and motioned to him.
?I see you have a new guest, Hans. Are you hiring some new green thumbs??
Janus waved his hands, ?Oh, no...Miss..Maria? I?m just a friend.?
Hans tapped Janus?s leg. ?He?s a good one at that. Maria, meet Janus Almond Rennat. Janus, Miss Maria.?
?Good to meet you, Janus,? Maria said and firmly shook his hand.
?And to you the same,? Janus replied courteously and stiffly smiled.
She looked at him oddly but twirled around, her hand putting a few swaying hairs back in the bun on the top of her head. ?Off we go.?
Janus kept his eyes towards the ceiling, staring at the real garlands of garlic bulbs and dried tansy. Pots of dill and sage dangled from the rafters. His eyes wandered downward to look at the cacti near a rather fake rock waterfall where a few dappled fish swam. Patches of sunlight came through the roof to shine on beds of mint and cabbages, rue and raspberries, pigweed and potatoes, all neatly labeled and growing healthily. Up ahead Maria was talking to hands about how plants were her children as she carefully stopped to turn on a small watering system to help the plants grow.
Janus stopped and ran his hands through a bed of soil, feeling the deep coolness of the earth. He had never been much of a green thumb but he did enjoy plants and animals as a whole. He did know that some plants like wormwood kept animals away from gardens from reading a few books. He was smart but did not often speak of his hobbies to many or how he felt about the world around him. In fact, Janus sometimes felt that he could hardly feel his own feelings, especially because he felt only half-alive.
Without his knowledge, Maria and Hans had moved on up ahead and had turned a corner to where the basil was kept. Janus smiled thoughtfully at the plants and plunged his hand further into the earth. He could feel the life springing into the roots. He breathed deeply and pressed his hands near the roots. They tingled at his touch and seemed to grow a little taller, a little brighter.
?Janus? Janus!?
Hans was standing beside him. Janus jerked his hand out of the soil and wiped it on his pants, blinking rapidly.
?Y-yes??
?We?re ready to go, my boy,? Hans said and turned to Maria who was peering at Janus thoughtfully.
?Oh, yes. Then let?s go.?
Hans handed the bag of coins to Maria, who politely told him thank-you. She watched as they left, Hans babbling on about his garden now.
?Have a good day, Maria!? Hans told her over his shoulder and out the door they went. Maria waved and then turned to her plants. To her surprise, she saw the rue and raspberries had each nearly grown two inches bigger. She stared at them and touched the sunlit leaves. That boy. Quiet. Reserved. Yet cordial. Who was he?

?You sure are the silent one,? Hans said and chuckled after he had loaded the carriage. Janus hopped in and pulled the old man in his velvet red tailcoat and white plantoons into the driver?s seat. Hans released the break and clucked, pulling the team back and then sending them forward at a gentle walk. ?Off we go to the jewelry circuit. You need to get a ring for that girl.?
Janus felt himself blushing at the comment. But the blush had faded by the time they reached the small jewelry shop that Hans generally went to.
?Here you go, lad. I?ll let yourself look around. Be sure to call me when you want to pay for it, though. I?ll be able to get you a lesser price.?
Janus nodded and silently jumped out of the carriage. He approached the stall and began to look around. It didn?t take long for him to find the ring he wanted. He picked it out. It was a 14k gold ring and smooth, cool to the touch. He held up his hand and stared at it in the sunshine, turning it this way and that. It was engraved with small leaves and little swirls. She..she would love this.
...Akorra. His mind drifted back to the dream. Will you accept me for what I really am? He wondered and thought back upon the dream. Because if you don?t, I do not know how I will go on without you...
?Hans! Hans!? Janus held up the ring. ?I found it!?
?Alright! Then let?s go inside...?

A very meaty gryphon waved his claws in front of the white Clan-Mother, Mayla. ?I am the true leader! Why do you follow this gyphlet Black Ice?? Mayla gave him a perturbed, frosty glare. ?I will prove my strength to you, Clan-Mother. I will conquer the Forbidden Lands and then I shall defeat Black Ice.? Avaron?s eyes grew slitted. Mayla spat at him.
?You are a fool!? Mayla began to preen her feathers, carefully watching the unruly brute she called a hatchling. ?You know it is forbidden even to speak of such things. You will be exiled.?
Avaron hissed, murderous beak clacking together as he spoke, ?I will wipe the Forbidden Lands free of cobrakes. I will send them to exile.?
Mayla stopped preening her feathers and clawed at the edge of her nest in disgust. Her eyes swept the great forest before them and encircling them the great free sky. Then her aquamarine eyes rested on the trembling hatchling with eyes who knew not mercy.
?You speak ill of your elders. Get your tailscut from my sight. Go get your hide scalded. Return to us and you will find yourself on trial for treason.?
Mayla rose from her nest from where she was protecting three robin blue, huge eggs and unfolded her wings. She opened her mouth and hissed, screeching like an eagle. Avaron lurched backward. Several other Clan-Mothers rose from their nests and joined in the cacophony, as if their voices were herding him off of the nesting cliffs.
?You won?t forget me!? Avaron snapped and leapt off the cliff, spiraling down to the dark forest below.

Chadan placed his hands placidly in front of him in order to keep from fingering his earring. He stared at Black Ice in disgust, who was devouring a rather large tart. Crumbs were not only scattered on the floor but were littered all over the gryphon?s plumage. Chadan glowered at the pieces that had managed to get tangled in his beard.
?Black Ice!?
Black Ice straightened and nervously gulped down a rather large bite.
?What do you have to report??
Black Ice tilted his head, ?What will you give us in return??
?No more than usual,? Chadan snorted.
Black Ice tentatively moved towards the tart then paused. ?Armareth gathers friends. I moved swiftly, lest the cobrakes fell upon me.?
Chadan sneered. ?How can you be afraid of those small brutes? They?re easier to crush than leaves.? Chadan waved his hand. ?Very well. You will be given your payment in the morning. This room is for you. Keep it well.?
Chadan left and Black Ice finished his meal. He then stared at the crackling flames in fireplace and slowly lay down.

Sari and Sarra had bedecked themselves with green dye markings-a clawmark under the left eye and dots down their reddish brown noses. Twirling purple cloaks about themselves they disguised their wings and shoved their sais underneath their clothing.
?The terois are on the move,? Sari said and hid the battleaxe beneath her cloak.
?It seems there is a caravan they plan to attack,? Sarra replied.
?Then we should take advantage of the situation. Loot is always useful,? Knifestone said, his red eyes sparkling in the darkness of the cave.
?Pillage and plunder?? Sari snapped. ?We?re not robbers. Narmissa would be troubled by your actions.?
?Narmissa is far blacker than any thief.?
?And you?re any better?? Sarra asked smugly.
?Let?s go, you two. Narmissa says Shaddowra approves of the plan. We are to follow her and kill her if possible. If not, we must guard her until we can take her prisoner. Is that clear?? Sari glared across at Knifestone, her copper fur bristling. ?Now let?s get going before that blabbering oaf Bloodfleck finds we haven?t gone. He?s probably whimpering to that Harlequin of his.?
?Harlequin is no fool.? Sarra replied and whisked past her sister out into the fetid swamp.
Rayell swiped at a passing mosquito, pulling at the donkey who was carrying her canvas packs through the fetid swamp. She pulled back a lock of soppy, mud-caked auburn hair. Digging her feet into the muddy earth, her unnaturally pale yellow eyes tried to see the caravan up ahead. Ever since the funeral rights of the caravan leader?s sister, they had trudged on without must rest. Rayell didn?t care about the death of Ma Carantilla. She had been a bitter soul with nothing better to do than nag and cheat honest people out of their money. But even so, everyone was taking the brunt of her death, especially of the rites, which had to be preformed in three places, according the custom before the burning. If that had been the end of it, Rayell wouldn?t have complained as much. The worst thing was that her chauvinistic uncle, Simon, was blaming her for letting Ma Carantilla die. It wasn?t Rayell?s problem that the old biddy had died of heart failure. Just how can one do that? There was nothing left to do but dream of fair beaches and iced lemonade when they were trudging on, trudging on.
Rayell tugged on the rope of the jennet, wiping the sheen of sweat off her forehead. Her stomach rumbled oddly, forcing her to recall she had not had a very full breakfast. She began to focus on her surroundings instead of the constant nagging of her stomach. The path was hedged by twisted trees and heavy foliage that draped down from the branches in green sheets. The heat was amazing pressing for early spring, though Rayell knew the reason was because of the vast amount of geysers and bubbling ponds throughout the swamp.
Rayell turned her head to stare at Tyler, who had fallen more than once in the sludge.
?My dear brother, you look like a bear like that,? Rayell said almost breathlessly and leaned her head against the jennet?s dirty neck. ?I don?t know how we?re supposed to make our way to Alexandria to finish the rites like this.?
Tyler raised his palms and looked at her with a grin. ?Well, it can?t be any worse than you, sister dear. I don?t seem to be a beauty yourself.?
Rayell scowled. ?At least I try to be beautiful. You look like you live in a terois?s home!?
Tyler stopped and bent over, heaving as he pressed his hands on his knees. ?Terois! You don?t even know what they look like,? he scoffed.
Rayell stopped and numbly stared at her brother. Behind him, three pairs of eyes glittered ominously from the shrubbery. The jennet screeched and tried to side step past the burning yellow eyes. Rayell tugged on the reins. The jennet screamed again, kicking and bucking, struggling to get away from Rayell?s firm grasp. Then the eyes disappeared. Tyler whirled around and shouted, ?What was that??
?Terois,? she said, just above a whisper, stroking the quivering donkey, still gaping at where the eyes had been. She ran a hand through her caked hair, the sogginess of the swamp gone from her mind. The heat seemed to swell within her. There was dead silence. You could taste the fringe of death upon the air.
The silence was broken by shouts and screams up ahead. Rayell gave one last look at her brother and grasped the stirrups. She launched herself into the saddle, yanking the reins up so the donkey could not buck. The jennet sagged beneath the weight and he-hawwed. She stamped her foot in the mud and brayed again. Mud splattered every which way. Rayell kicked her heels into the donkey?s sides, sending the jennet sloppily running ahead. It finally retained some balance and lurched forward at a speed Rayell did not know it could possess. The beast was all too welcome now to comply.
Rayell looked back to see her brother not so far behind, running from what was now a great tidal wave of terois. Each one of them had four spiny tails and three snake-like heads. Their bodies were covered in electric green scale armor and their feet were that of a raptor?s. They screeched and roared, their red tongues flickering in and out of their mouths with their sharp, long fangs.
?Oh my dragon licked stars,? Rayell whispered. ?RUN FASTER, TYLER!? she yelled and leaned over the jennet?s neck. They passed the caravan. Some wagons had rolled over and were in the mud. Others were simply broken. She didn?t notice anyone as she passed. Everything was just a blur of green and brown. Sweat poured freely down her face now. She leaned over further and closed her eyes. She felt the muscles move beneath her mount, pulling, straining, moving. Her breath caught in her throat. Everything felt iron tense. Numbly, she held the reins.
They were thundering through the swamp now. The jennet had left the path, left all of the caravan behind. Rayell shook her head and bent down over the donkey?s neck. The only person she actually cared about was Tyler and from previous experiences, she knew her little brother would be fine.
The screams faded away. Now it was nearly silent, save for the dogged gait of the donkey and the sound of her hooves hitting the wet mud. She had begun to heave now and there was a slight lather on her gray fur. She slowed a bit as the rushes caught on her, then as a toad croaked, lurched forward in the water once more. Once again on firm earth, the jennet staggered and jumped over a fallen log on the path.
Rayell yelled as one of the bags came off the saddlehorn and beat her in the stomach. She fell out of the saddle and hit the ground with a squishy thud, her head smacking against the side of the log. The jennet, free of her burden, loped onward, coughing and hacking, leaving Rayell strewn on the swamp earth, unconscious.

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 00:17:51

I'm writing chapter seven, as I said. I know this is a fairly long read....so I can understand if you're not interested in reading it, lol...that's fine with me. As you wish..but it's there....so far. ^_^ I'll take any comments.....I know my story is REALLY choppy right now..that's what I get for rewriting the whole thing.

jerbl · 2005-10-12 14:15:19

Wow, now that its here, I'll try and read it soon. But I gotta go to Missouri first and visit my brother...

Monisawa · 2005-10-12 17:56:51

#1. With you worrying about copyrights.....print off what you have written so far, or a good and detailed small summary of the story and the characters and mail it to yourself through USPS...and NEVER open it. That way you can prove that you created it first. That is what I did with teamclaw SEVERAL times. oh...and don't forget to hide it. Just as a note, put the address and the stamp on the side that you seal. Write the address and put the stamp on, after you have put the printed off parts....or summary of your story and the characters, in the envelope.

#2. Just as a side note, your post title says 1995-1005 ......-_- I thinks it should be 2005, but whatever works for you. I don't know if you plan to go back in time and write it....or just wait for the year 11005 AD. Whatever comes first.

#3. ME ME ME ME ME ME ME MEEEEE!!!! JEREMY IS COMING TO VISISISISIIIIIIIIT ME!!! agaiin.....geez I thought we had just done this. -_- *Smiles evily.

#4. With this posted here, I will be able to more easily sort though your story. Thanks for posting it here. ^_^ mucha mucha!!!

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-12 21:53:22

De nada! XDXD I DID NOT NOTICE THE TITLE. *Giggles* Whoopppppppppppppppppppps. >_> <_< Right! Left, ho! *Runs into a wall* Marg. Someday, even if it's in heaven, I'm gonna meet ya, Mike, cuz you're awesome. ^_^

But remember...THIS BE NOT EDITED!

Monisawa · 2005-10-13 15:29:12

If you want a lame example of what I might be like....just think of Jeremy. I say lame because we are opposites in what we do and how some of our personality is....but whenever we were at the same place and people would see us, they would say..."Oh, are you guys twins????" Psha!!! No WAY!!!! They also say that about me and my younger brother too. So we are a family of triplets. Even though I am 3 years younger than Jeremy and Jeff is 2 years younger than me.

BTW, just as a side note, I am not calling Jeremy lame. I just wanted to feel special and use a new vocabulary word for the day!!!

thanks
mike

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-13 15:30:49

Lol! Hey...well..in the way you post it's rather similiar. I'm sure you guys are VERY different, lol, but ya'll are awesome anyway. Deal. ^_^ I'm very glad Jeremy let me join. *Bows*

Talduras · 2005-10-13 17:37:00

The way I see it, you (Mike) and Jeremy just have several similar wavelengths you get onto personality wise, despite how different you two are on other wavelengths. If you put it all on a straight line, there'd be some parts in the middle where you'd overlap, and a few that are unique to you.

...and now for some reason I'm remembering that wavelength line that had stuff like x-rays, microwaves, ultra violet, infra-red, visible light, and gamma rays (not in that order). Good thing I didn't go too far with my wavelength analogy, or I'd really be confusing you all. Whahahahahaha!

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-13 17:46:08

I Wanna Hear More!

Monisawa · 2005-10-13 18:02:03

Speaking of waves, after reading that I feel like I have been out on the ocean (not like I have ever been out there) I feel rather seasick.

I thought that it kind of turned itself in a wandering circle.......*_* -_- o_0

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-10-13 18:09:14

WHAM! There's a wall! -_-

So..this has NOTHING to do with my story...lol. That's okay.

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-11-25 22:55:06

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER IS SO SAPPY YOU CAN HEAR IT OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOZZZING. So just skip those parts while you can, I suppose.

..............

So, if you're a guy, skip to the end...

....or ask me what happened........

CLEAR AS SOAP SUDS, right?

It's a rought draft...

If you're a guy, you shouldn't read this....

REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLYY CONSIDER THAT IT'S SAPPY AND DRAFT-NESS!!

okay, so...

Chapter Seven
?On the Way to Vallandore?

Down in the blue darkness of the abyss a creature with very stiff, thick fur clung to the rock. Her bat like wings were clinging to her mouse-like sides. Her nose quivered in the frozen air. Beside her an elder mauslair clung to the sides of the pit.
?Truly the warmth will feel welcome, father.?
The mauslair chieftain looked down at her father, whose trembling paws clasped the rock, the suckers on his three fingers holding shakily to the cliff-face.
?If only you could fly, father. Our wings are never stiff enough not to,? she said wistfully and took a moment to look pleadingly at her father. The elder of the two grunted.
?It looks like we may have to,? he stated gruffly, looking up at the blurred figures of Bloodseer, Ryan, and Silver Lyre. Turning his head he looked down to a guard below. ?Quickly, be ready to catch them if they fall.?

Ryan, plunging downward, closed his eyes. The darkness surmounted, the endless cold wind buffeting him every which way . He spiraled and fell deeper into the darkness. Then the claws raked into his shoulders and the twirling stopped. He opened his eyes in the blackness to see something pulling him steadily upward, wings beating furiously. It took a great deal of time to rise to where the blinding sunlight was. He was shivering everywhere, the sudden plunge having a great deal of effect on his strength.
Ryan was set gently upon the earth, where he clung and rolled over to look and thank whoever had saved him. A mauslair stood bent, panting, white chest heaving, beside him.
?There...you go.? She said and knelt on the ground. ?That...was a bit of a strain. Are you alright??
Ryan coughed and nodded. The heat of the sun was washing away the shock of the drop and a cool sense of calm surrounded him.
?Yes, ma?am. I thank you for your assistance...greatly. I am Ryan Blackstar.?
The mauslair touched her round ear in greeting. She was two heads taller than Ryan with honey colored coat of stiff yet silky fur sprinkled with spots and a very long, fuzzy tail. She unfolded her great, feather-fur wings and smiled. Ryan smiled back and looked into her eyes. Her eyes were the color of autumn fires, deep and passionate. ?I am Remtha Morgan, Chieftain of the Mauslairs. This is my father, Maze.? She motioned to the shaggy, graying mauslair with large bushy white eyebrows who was grunting at Bloodseer, who was firmly planted on the ground, stiff as a rock.
?Buck up, boy, we?re out of there.? He looked down at the abyss. ?We cannot stand...bones and all those things down in our abyss. Dratted cobrake. Now we?ll have to build the bridge again, Morgan.?
?Not if I can help it!? Remtha said. ?I have had enough of these cobrakes. Ever since they came into the woods, they?ve blasted nearly everyone out besides us with their toxins. The only reason we?re still here is because they lack the ability to survive in such a cold area.? Remtha snorted.
The last mauslair appeared, holding Silver Lyre, who gratefully knelt and offered her prayer to the Ancient One, then stood. ?The world turns in turmoil.?
Remtha?s eyes found Silver Lyre?s. She held the gaze for a moment, then nodded. ?Yes. I can only hope the ones who are meant to gather will gather and in the right place. Farewell until next time, wanderers of light.?
Remtha politely touched her ear and with the other two, set of into the Dusk-May-Fall Woods towards the sea port Felden Glen.

Akorra's hands ran across the silk cloak embroidered with the moons of Slyvanlyre at its hem. It was an emerald forest color, slightly impractical, but more than a novelty because of its rain proof coating and mesh-fleece inside layering. Plus, it was rare to see this sort of cloak, much less for Akorra, who never got the chance to travel in Arendina for several years. After all, Akorra had grown up in Elride Village, and had been rather poor most of her life.
She carefully folded the cloak and gazed at the price tag. Fifteen gallors and two imers!? Just how long had this thing been hanging on this rack? She stared at the clearance sign and then back at the cloak and shrugged. It was below the regular bargain price. That you couldn't exactly beat.
She pressed the cloak against her chest and moved on through the store to the footware, looking down at her tattered boots dotted with dirt, dust, and who knew what else. If she was going to make it to Aldertree Islands, these boots would have to go. She was actually amazed at how far she had gotten in them period, as they were neigh three years old. Having spent those three years saving for footware and other various things, Akorra was quite ready to splurge.
Skipping past the stilettoes (dragons forbid anyone that wore those) and feather-fringed pumps, (which were beyond impractical or silly) she concentrated on the hiking boots. She bent over them, staring at the boots, looking none too please. A golden sheen in the corner attracted her attention. Shoved between various tall boots was a pair of golden brown dragonhide boots. She plucked them out, being careful not to let the other boots on the low shelf fall. Most dragon hide boots were beyond Akorra's price range....for they generally started at 300 gallors a pair, and that was low-end. But there wasn't a price tag, and Akorra was dreadfully curious as to why they had been stashed away so.
Akorra made her way over to the counter where a gray haired lady stood balancing some sort of tablet.
"Excuse me, how much are these?"
The old woman shook her head and peered at the boots with a look of disgust. "45 gallors."
Akorra peered at the woman over her own oval glasses and brushed back her nut brown hair. "Why 45?" Popped out of her mouth before she could stop the words.
"I've been trying to sell those boots for three years. Paid 250 gallors for them and priced them at 375. The 'one size fits all' didn't work but I didn't know that until a few unsatisfied folks came back complaining that they didn't fit. The company that made them went out of business shortly after I bought them for some reason or another, so I never got a refund or replacement." The woman looked up into Akorra's face, mouth twitching. "Go ahead and try them on. They choose their owner, so I'm not sure if they'll fit, but go ahead and try them."
Akorra shrugged, then sat the cloak upon the wooden counter. If the boots ditched her, she could always rely on the old ones. Forty-five gallors was enough to make her head spin. She shed her boots and set them on the counter with a wry grin. "These could use a repair shop." The clerk raised her eyebrows and nodded solemnly, then turned back to her work, trying not too look too interested. ?In fact, they could use more than a repair shop. A nice bonfire ought to do them good.? She waved her hand in front of her nose. ?Phew! Wow, these boots reek! Even more of a reason to turn them back to the earth.? The clerk laughed. ?Well, here goes nothing. Or something. Whatever.?
Akorra pulled the boots tentatively towards her and then plunged her feet into them. She looked down at the boots. They didn?t seem..magical at all. Suddenly the boots squeezed and tightened and Akorra?s eyes bulged. Sorry for the insult! she yelled at the boots and they instantly relaxed. She turned and stared at the clerk. ?They have a personality, too.?
?But it looks like they fit,? the woman replied, albeit a still bit skeptical.
Akorra stood and walked around. ?Yes, I believe they do. And at this moment, I don?t think they plan on coming off because every time I think about taking them off, they squeeze me.? She scowled at the boots momentarily.
?Well, at least they know who their owner is,? replied the woman in no attempt to comfort Akorra.
?Even if I haven?t paid for them yet?? Akorra asked and began to rummage in her bag for the correct coins. ?Sixty gallors and two imers..is that correct?? She peered at the woman and she nodded.
?Yes...? she rang up the total and handed Akorra the receipt. ?Enjoy...?
Akorra shoved her other purchases, plus her old boots in the bag. She picked up the other packages around the door and left. She struggled to hold her packages. Just one more place. A treat for Balum, Tinkytag, and herself. They wouldn?t have many treats along the way, at any rate.
The evening was cool. Lamps lined the quiet street up towards the Starlight Lion Inn. The last fiery colors of the sunset were fading, replacing brightness with dull grays and soft blues. Stars had begun to appear, scattered across the sky. Twilight would soon begin its waning into a new moon. Every seven years all the moons gradually ?disappeared? and one moon, the eighth moon, Hailgas Retributionem, commonly known as the Holy Star, would appear. No one quite knew what happened. Some had spawned myths that the Dragons swallowed the moons but that was far beyond impractical.
Somewhere, up there, far beyond the moons, out past open space, perhaps her father was watching over her. And maybe, just maybe, her mother was looking at those same stars, thinking of her daughter. And even if they weren?t, perhaps, in spirit, they we watching out for each other.
Akorra stepped down the creaky stairs and walked down the cobblestone street, carrying the packages haphazardly. She looked at the candy store and entered, noting that it was almost time for closing. She walked inside and looked around. The shop was small, stacked with all different kinds of candies and cures. To her left, there was a huge counter that held all different kinds of sweets, some she had never seen before. Taking interest, Akorra wandered over. There were so many different kinds...gold apple frizzballs, rainy day jawbreakers, cobrake mints, exploding peach frizzballs...and each of them seemed to be the sort of thing Balum or Tinkytag might want to try. Picking up a pamphlet, she finally decided on buying some of the gold apple frizzballs, exploding peach frizzballs, firecracker candy canes, and some candied cloud bon bons.
She exited the store in a bit of a rush and went back out into the blossoming night. Her thoughts returned to the night. She began to sing, slowly at first, her soprano voice low, honey-like.

Loukim w?zherch w?chi kyyseehr la?whym,
Elh w?chi suzeh E chyzeh kumavo,
Ruchem, Ruchem, tess E kejb avo?
El kushen chimen sulu?
Beh E m?yssa behmezher ouk Nanzhus?
Tess zhi lyjr re?
Ruchem...Ruchem...E suzeh clear lu...
Ruchem...Ruchem...E suzeh clear lu...

?Perhaps I?ll find you, your voice whispering in the darkness, to bring me peace. Maybe I?ll find a star to wish on.? She looked for the brightest one in the sky she could find and made a wish, stepping out into the street once more. That?s when Janus saw her.
He had been sitting, watching the moon slowly trial up into the sky, having a small evening walk in the small business circuit in the High Level District, trying to wear off the big meal he and Hans had enjoyed. He saw her, head slightly tilted, staring up at the stars, with a forlorn look that spoke of subtle pain. She walked up to the fountain edge where Janus sat and tried to readjust her packages, without even noticing Janus beside her. He stood and quietly watched her staring at the stars. Akorra turned and nearly screamed.
?Janus! Janus Almond Rennat!?
?Shh!? Janus reached across and placed and hand over her mouth. He pulled her against him and removed his hand, then pulled her in a vice-like hug. It took Akorra?s breath away. Tears of relief began to pour down her cheeks. She pulled him closer, enjoying the hug of friendship.
?Janus...Janus...Janus...? she whispered over and over and kissed him several times on the cheek. Janus poked her in the side, startling a giggle out of her.
?Yes?? he asked and pressed his nose into her shoulder.
?How...did...you know I was here??
?I didn?t,? he replied softly, ?but I knew you would come. I promised you I would see you again, didn?t I??
?Yes.? Akorra released him and touched his face and ran her hands through his silky hair. ?Where are you staying??
Janus flashed her a smile. ?Hans Stellar?s. We need to talk, Orakins.?
?We?ll... I need to get these packages back...home. I?m..staying at the Starlight Lion Inn.?
Janus moved around her, still keeping his arm around her, and scooped up the packages, then kissed her on the cheek. ?Then I?ll walk you there.?
Akorra picked up Janus?s hand and kissed it. ?I need to talk to you.?
?I know.? He took her land and looked up at the stars. ?The night is far shorter than I would have it,? he muttered. He gave her a goofy grin. ? Talk, talk Tonight we can talk as long as you want.?
?But don?t you need sleep!??
Janus set down her packages and pulled her into a hug again. ?I haven?t seen you in months, Akorra. One night won?t hurt.? Akorra felt her heart give a tug. ?Unless you would rather we didn?t talk...? he trailed off.
?ACK!? Akorra yelped and struggled to get out of the hug. ?Nooo!? she whimpered and Janus laughed.
?Okay, okay. Let?s walk slow, though, Akorra Lynn, until we must retire, otherwise we?ll start babbling like two old women who haven?t seen each other in a month.? Janus said with a grin. Akorra giggled. The giggle made a blanket of warmth swarm over Janus until he almost stopped in the street just gazing at Akorra.
?I missed you a lot,? Akorra said, looking into his bold, fierce, and yet caring eyes.
?I know.? Janus re-arranged his grip on the parcels and picked them up once more, then began to walk slowly down the street, passing under the soft lights that had recently been lit down the street. ?Just how many things did you buy, Akorra??
Akorra looked down at her boots and then kicked up her leg, showing them off. ?Well, I got these for only forty-five gallors.?
?Sweet. You are a real penny-pincher, Akorra.?
?No more than you, you great, fluffy goose!? she glared mockingly at him and poked him in the side a few times.
?Heeey, are you trying to make me drop these?? He squealed, squirming as she poked him.
?Well, then I could say you fell for me,? Akorra replied coyly. There was a stunned silence from Janus. Akorra had to keep her mouth shut to keep from laughing.
?Are you sassing me!?? Janus asked mockingly.
?Yes! Of course I am!? Akorra replied, arms akimbo.
?That?s awesome! In fact, it?s the greatest thing since doughnuts and muffins!?
Akorra nearly choked. ?Doughnuts...and..muffins!??
?Of course! You prefer strudels?? he asked with a flippant grin.
?Gah! Aren?t I better than doughnuts, muffins, or strudels??
?Sorry, no.? Akorra gaped at him and slapped him lightly on the shoulder. ?Wait! Wait!? he protested. ?You didn?t let me finish.? He paused and pinched her under her chin. ?You?re in a far higher category than doughnuts, glazed or not, blueberry muffins, or strudels.?
Akorra sniffed and then began to pout. ?I can?t believe you said no...? she whined.
?Akorra, if you stop pouting, I?ll give you hugs and kisses.?
Akorra obediently stopped and looked at him longingly. ?Can we go to the Silver Moon Park and talk??
?After we take care of these.? Janus said, and hefted the bags, which were slipping, back into a better grip.
?Are you sure I can?t take one of those??
?I?ll carry them. You just lead the way.?

Nigh an hour later, when twilight was past and the moons had begun to rise, they were sitting calmly on a silver bench in the Silver Moon Park. Akorra and Janus sat together, holding hands, heads bent together as they spoke.
"More than anything else in the world, I've dreamed of being with you. It's no secret to us but my heart aches that I have not been able to show my love unto you," Akorra placed her head against his, clutching his hand and speaking against him, keeping cheek to cheek. "I've always loved you. From the moment I saw you, I knew we'd be friends. And now I'm here with you, free from the Elders of Elride who would have stopped our relationship if they had known it."
"They would have never had stopped me," Janus replied and played softly with her fingers. "I haven't fully been able to express my feelings to you openly but you know, Akorra, that I love you. I've longed to see you so very badly." He rubbed his nose in her hair and closed his eyes, then chuckled. "You're all dreamy." Akorra mumbled a soft yes and basked in his warmth, his voice, his scent.
Akorra rubbed against his, then slowly turned and gave him an innocent kiss on the cheek. He stopped a moment and pulled her over to a park bench, his hand under her chin. He tilted her head and gently kissed her back, then smiled back at her. Akorra drew close to him away from the chill of the night, letting his head rest on her shoulder. "Why did you come to Alexandria?"
"I was looking for you." He stopped and breathed in then said slowly, "I couldn't bear the thought of not being with you anymore. I came..I came to find you...and...ask you for your hand in marriage...when the time is right."
Akorra's eyes snapped open and she felt as if something had pierced her to her very soul Every part of her caught on fire and in seconds she was rapidly blinking away tears. Without warning she threw her arms around him, caressing his hair, pulling him close. He held her then, waiting, wondering, his heart filled with some kind of fire he had never felt before.
"Yes." She pulled back, wiping away the sticky water, "But I can't wear rings."
Janus burst out into laughter. "I know..that's..why they have necklaces." From his pocket he pulled out a small ring of gold carved into leaves and flowers on a golden chain. He reached up and pulled her hair back and snapped the ring around her neck, smiling adoringly at her.
?I thought...you?d..never...ask..after...?
?Put it behind you, Akorra, put it behind you.? He tugged her hair affectionately. ?I?m here for you...To be your shoulder to cry on and talk into, though it?s the ear that picks up the sound, not the shoulder. Don?t let your feelings, your words, your thoughts...swirl around until they hurt you. I?m here for you.? He held her in the warm silence. ?Please, tell me what?s wrong. Why do you seem so sad? Even though we sit and talk, you are still troubled. Talk to me.?
Akorra closed her eyes tightly and grasped him, shoving her nose into his shoulder. ?My mother. They captured her. I was...looking for her.?
Janus?s eyes grew slitted and he tried to pull up her chin but she wouldn?t let him. ?I thought your mother died of the fever neigh two falls ago. Akorra. Look at me. Please.?
But she clung to him even harder and spoke nothing.
?Will you please promise to tell me? Because right now, my heart is breaking. You know I can?t stand it when you don?t speak!? he successfully pulled up her chin. ?I won?t force you to talk but if you?re quiet, I?ll be quiet.? Akorra?s eyes glittered with tears. He stroked her cheeks and held her. ?Please, don?t go silent..please??
?Y-y-yes....?
?Then you?re coming to Han?s place with me. You can pick up your things tomorrow. I?m sure Hans will let you stay. In fact, he said that if I ever saw you, to bring you along with me, okay? Plus, the Starlight Lion Inn is expensive.? He tugged at her chin, his own heart beating like thunder. ?Akorra, Akorra, Akorra...?
?Just hold me...Just..hold me...?
He held her tightly and tighter until she had nearly fallen asleep in his arms. ?Let?s get back to Han?s place...?
?Oh!? Akorra jerked awake. ?I couldn?t possibly...Balum..and Tinkytag...?
?Balum..and..Tinkytag??
?Yes...my friend, the dragolf, and my horse. They?re staying there, too.?
?You can send a message to them. I?m sure Balum could actually pay for you and come to Hans?s in the morning.?
Akorra nodded her head thoughtfully. ?Yes, I guess you?re right. Alright, then..let?s go. Are you sure Hans won?t mind??
?I?ve very sure he won?t.?

Meanwhile, Balum Baskulum, the dragolf, paced slowly about the room in and out of the moonlight that came from the window. He was a great beast, much like a hyena, but with a long tail, a very shaggy main, thin, long ears and curved spikes that came from his spines. His mammothian paws made the floor creak as he paced back and forth, grunting, cat-like claws drumming against the floor. A low snarl came from his mouth. Where was she? He looked over to the moonlight and pressed his nose against the glass, ears turning, listening. If she did not arrive soon, he would have to Call her. No matter. He would have to do it.
He sat down upon the ground, his silvery white fur glowing in the moonlight. His tail twitched periodically. He closed his eyes and slowly slipped down into the colors of his mind, down, deep, drifting past sunny beaches and dark, cold waters, until he reached a sense of calming peace.
Akorra......
He thought. It was a single thought, a single ripple in the pool of his mind. It crossed and criss-crossed.
Akorra...Yizhelphim re!
Balum! Anou, E yr lu lumma; tess lazheeb temba! Tyeu!
Balum drowsily opened his chocolate eyes and sniffed. That child. She had better hurry....

Akorra yawned lazily, stumbling against Janus? sweet-smelling side, holding on to him halfway. Her boots thudded softly against the cobblestone street as she wobbled along. Janus watched her, pulling her even close to his side so she did not fall, one arm around her waist.
?We?re here.? Janus said. Akorra mumbled something in response, her mouth half open. He tilted her head, noticing the amount of drool that had gathered on his shirt. ?Akorra? Akorra....hellllllllloooo??
?I dunn wanna wake up,? she replied, half-awake, clutching on to his sleeve.
?If you don?t, you won?t get a bed, you won?t get a goodnight hug, and you won?t get an ?I love you? unless you wake up.?
Akorra jerked awake, the look on her face so awe-struck, dismal, and whiny that Janus couldn?t help but turn his head and snort.
?Ahem, anyway,? Janus said, ?the gate is open. Hans said he might wait up or me, but that he would leave a key around here in case he didn?t and went to bed.? Janus pressed open the huge gate, letting it swing silently shut. He turned and had to let go of Akorra, who now stood, oddly awake, beside him. He bolted it and locked it, then took Akorra?s hand and lead her up to the well-lit porch.
?Nn,? Akorra said, ?then let?s go in, shall we? I?ve been here once before and I remember it quite well.?
Janus touched the doorknob and found it was most surely locked. He looked around for the key in the potted plants next to the door and finally found one. He unlocked the door and let Akorra pass.
?Are you sure it?s alright? I don?t...want to intrude.? She said, standing in the dim entryway.
?Yes. Let?s find one of the night-guards and see if we can send those friends of yours a message, right??
?Yes.?

Balum lay half-snoring on the bed, covered in the crumpled sheets when the knock at the door came very softly. He instantly awoke, ears twitching, and jumped down from the bed. He lumbered over to the door and opened, not bothering to turn on the light, seeing as his night vision was exceptional, even for his species.
There in the doorway stood a boy holding a candle and a piece of parchment.
?For...Balum, sir,? he said very hesitantly.
?I...am he,? replied Balum in his gruff, low voice. He took the parchment with his paws and read the long, scrolling script.
?Would you..like to reply??
?...No.?
The boy waited for a moment, as if expecting a tip for the message, even though his father, the innkeeper, had already been paid. Balum raised his brows and then turned and closed the door, trotting up to the bed and laying on it once more.
?Akorra, do you have no tact?? Balum began to Call once more.
?Of course I do! But...but...?
?Really? That?s interesting.?
?Just pay with the money I gave you and come tomorrow.?
?I will. But haven?t you forgot someone you?re supposed to see??
Balum could almost hear the wincing in her mind.
? I didn?t forget.....!?
?Then go.?

Akorra turned the ivory handles of door and closed them after saying goodnight to Janus and nervously surveyed the room. It was pleasant, especially with the fresh scent of peach and vanilla that loomed in the air from the candles Janus had lit for her. She did not notice that the door was partially ajar, for it had not closed completely.
There was a mahogany desk, ornate rugs, tapestries, and all sorts of porcelain and crystal bowls and candle holders. The bed was made of cherry oak and had wrap-around curtains and gold cord sashes. It was piled high with fluffy pillows and dreamy quilts. A dresser with a tall looking glass stood by a pillow-seated chair, waiting to be used. There were two deep-chested bureaus and three closets. In all, it was quite splendid. In fact, it was rather comforting, but it wasn?t something Akorra really noticed right off. Instead, she noticed the very tall windows with their gossamer curtains. She unlocked them, and threw them open to reveal a light breeze that had decided to come up and cool off the night. Almost instantly the candles flickered and puffed out.
Akorra grasped the edge of the window sill. It was a little past midnight now. She looked out upon the stars and whispered in a tongue few knew, ?I hope you are watching, too, sister...?
A blue glow surrounded Akorra. Slowly her fingers changed to claws and her nose became the beak of a west taiga owl. The glow dissipated. Akorra ruffled her gray wings and leapt off the edge of the window sill, bright yellow eyes flickering over the landscape, searching for any hidden eyes. She zoomed up on the air currents, languidly flapping her wings, soaring across the landscape. She floated towards the castle, who?s spire looked like it was stuck in Twilight?s silvery orb.
The owl flapped her silent wings and landed on the parapet below the spire, eyes darting, looking towards the doorway. Out of the blackness a young girl came, carrying a lantern in front of her. She gracefully bowed to the owl and set the lantern down so it would not be seen, unless it be by air, for the castle was dark with its sleeping denizens.
The taiga owl bowed in return before the girl threw her arms around her and nestled her nose in her sister?s soft feathers.
You?re right on time, Kizmentia, Princess Tiara said and then sat down on her knees, staring at her sister.
Akorra spread her gray wings, It has been long, Altheal. How does the kingdom fair?
We are headed towards past times and beyond, replied Tiara, folding her arms in her lap.
I head to the Aldertree Islands to save Mother. I have come to say goodbye, for we may not meet for many a year again, Akorra folded her wings and ducked her head. I travel with Balum and Tinkytag.
The wind is fair, sister dear, but pray, weep a while with me, for whilst you go, you shall be in my heart. The thorn in my side shall be that prison in which Mother has been bound in. Tiara brushed back her head and looked at her sibling.
I shall not know how long it will take, but we will see her again, Altheal, we shall. But weep not, for the night is short. Keep the kingdom well at peace, for soon there shall not be peace upon this land. Freedom is not won simply by treaties, but by our daily actions. Pray for me...pray with all your might, so that we might obtain Mother?s freedom.
?So...shall it be,? Tiara replied and stood, shaking. She reached out and touched her sister?s head, the tears dripping down her face. Yet she kept serenity in her eye, though it was strained. ?Send word if you can. We?ll be alright.?
Yes...I?m sure we will, Akorra said and pecked her softly on the cheek.
?I shall watch the moons and await for your return.? Tiara reached down and pulled her skirts away from her ankles. ?Here is the token. May it aid you on your journey.? She touched her ankle. Around it was an anklet of roses and running wolves intertwined together, made of pure gold. She unclasped it and held it out to Akorra. She took it in her claws very carefully, using her wings to balance herself.
May the beauty of the night shine upon you and the heavens shine down upon you, Altheal Avery Eboire Epistasthai enn H?lan. Akorra bowed her head, her wide pupils reflecting solemnity.
And to you may your journey be filled with light Kizmentia Verona Eboire Epistasthai enn H?lan. Tiara raised her hands, palms up, gesturing to the moons. Go well.
Akorra flicked the bracelet upward and caught it in her beak, then hopped around and dropped off the parapet, her wings silently unfolding. Tiara watched her go, then took the lantern and went back inside the castle. It would surely be many a year before she saw her sister again.

Janus cocked his head and rested against the wall, feeling slightly achy. He rubbed his neck and sighed. She sure was taking a long time! And he wasn?t surprised about her shape changing abilities, either. When he was a child, Akorra played with him all the time. They foraged together, built wooden boats to float along the stream that ran through the village. When the sunsets came they would climb the great pinnacle of rocks near the village to watch the fiery sunset fade. Sometimes when it rained they would stay inside and drink hot cocoa made by Janus? mother. If they were especially good, she would bring out one of her rellenberry pies from the pantry and each cut them a small slice. When Akorra?s mother died, Janus? mother had been very kind to Akorra, but because Akorra still had a father, she was left home, accept for when she came over to play. Her father eventually came down with a roiling fever in Zeria and they had received word of the tragedy about a week after Akorra?s eighteenth birthday. Ever since Akorra?s mother had died, Akorra had become a bit of a recluse. She spent more time in the forest. Everyone thought she just needed time to herself but they didn?t try to comfort her and keep up on how she was feeling. They all had too much to do?and not enough time to spend with the girl who was starving for attention. They muttered and whispered about the poor girl with the lonely eyes and occasionally some of the old woman would take her a basket of scones, and tell her they were her and her father, then they?d be off on their own way?on to home where they would idle away their time by staring into the fire or actually doing something like spinning the wool of the maeshan.
When Janus tried to coax her into talking, she would become silent and solemn and Janus had really hated that. So he had followed her in the forest and found that she had begun to build a small hut at the base of a pool from which seven waterfalls streamed down into. Not wanting Akorra to know who he was, he transformed into what he really was?a lesser Dragon.
He had slowly come up to her, wings folded behind him, silvery eyes speaking of untold love. He stood on the edge of the bank, his paws sinking into the soft sand. When she saw him, she jumped up and stared. But instead of running away, she bounded across the rocks and wrapped her arms about his neck and ran her fingers through his silvery mane. Her touch was comforting but scared, but she planted her nose in his neck and held him endearingly tight, stroking him, holding him.
Beb Ruchem lezhub avo lyjr re? Beb Ruchem lezhub avo lyjr re!? she cried, sobbing softly. Beb...Ruchem..lezhub avo lyjr...re? She looked at him. Moments before he had caught himself staring at her in wonder. The language of the Dragons...
Janus? arms had wrapped around Akorra and he had rested his head on her back.
Ail. Ail...E yr chimen wu lyjr yazh sulu avo, Akorra.
Akorra breathed in the sweet and yet tangy scent of the dragon?much like mint and sandalwood mix together with nutmeg and other hidden spices. It was the most wonderful smell that she had smelt upon any Dragon before.
Why...do you call me Akorra? Akorra looked up at him, continuing in the Dragon tongue, her eyes turning shrewd even though she still leaked tears.
Is it not your name, dear? He replied carefully, keeping his tone light.
Yes...Akorra hung her head. Yes...I suppose it is. Dragon, what may I call you?
Janus turned his head back and forth in thought. His eyes roved over the peaceful forest, listening to the birds talk in the trees and the whispering of leaves brushing together. The babbling of the water and the soft roar of the waterfalls and their crystalline spume.
You may call me...Velvel Orion...or just...Orion. Janus replied
Orion....it fits you, she said, and I like it. Orion...will you hold me?
Yes...I will.
Months had passed and eventually those months turned into years. Whenever there was free time, and even when there wasn?t, much to Akorra?s shame, she spent her times in the woods with ?Orion,? her one true friend. She had slowly began to draw away from the human Janus. When they were at school, she barely noticed him, too intent on her work. She improved and became top of the class. But she was a loner and oddly silent. Most of the kids just ignored her but Janus still tried. She would come over and they would play but often, he found her just staring off into the woods, wishing for something else, which he knew to be himself. There was a great pain there, a great twist. Not only was he with her but her spirit had left her. Everyone discouraged their relationship anyway. Janus? mother remained kind as ever, though Janus knew that his mother was worried about Akorra.
On a particular year, after Akorra only came over to Janus? house maybe once every two or three weeks, Janus found himself wondering when it would be time to loose his other Dragon self. It had come too far. He was the only one who knew how much it hurt to see her slipping away from reality and hiding herself, even to his Dragon form. It was autumn time then, on the breadth of winter. Janus? coat had turned a soft golden brown to match the season. He would tell her today. Yes, today.
He sat on the edge of the bank of where they had met for so many years. He had to save her somehow. In taking this form he had helped console her heart but without a balance, it seemed to be hurting Akorra more than helping her. He felt like a failure in many ways and only wished that she could be happy. He knew he had to take care of her and that Akorra often didn?t care about her physical well-being during the winter months. She?d track through a blizzard to see him and although that made him feel special, it worried him a great deal. He couldn?t stand if she caught a cold or pneumonia. And it broke his heart, because he was, in a way, lying to her about who he was.
Her father wasn?t there to take care of her. He came to visit every few months, bringing gifts and money and other such goods to trade with the village. He stayed for a week and then was gone, though he faithfully wrote his daughter. She treasured his letters, having no friends except her father and Janus.
Janus pulled away a pebble from between some tree roots, feeling the cold earth before he tossed it across the water and watched it sink into the clear pool. Leaves danced across the water in the crisp wind. It was a dim day and the sun did not shine a promising ray through the gray sky to bless the last dying leaves that littered the forest floor. Then he heard the sound of leaves snapping in the icy silence. He raised his chilled nose and looked towards the other side of the river, where a very layered Akorra came, wrapped in maeshan wool.
?It is rather chilly this afternoon,? Janus called and leapt across the river bank using a few large gray rocks as stepping stones. He was, after all, nearly eight feet in length, and about seven feet tall, though very small for his kind.
?Yes,? Akorra replied breathlessly. Ever since the first summer, she and Orion had lapsed into the common tongue. ?But walking in all of this wool really makes one hot.?
Orion stiffled a giggle. ?And how are you this fine day, m?lady, besides roasting??
?Oh,? Akorra said, ?I?m alright, Orion, dear.?
Inside, Janus? heart winced and his throat tightened. It was hard enough not being able to talk with Akorra as a man and not a Dragon. Every time she said Orion, Janus felt oozing with deceit and what was worse was that as a human, Janus was loosing Akorra.
?But,? Akorra continued, ?I think it will be a wet winter compared to the past few years. We?re due for a fairly wet winter.? Akorra plopped down on the ground beside him, using Janus as a shelter from the wind.
?Akorra, you know I can?t stay.?
She rubbed her palms together and pulled her beanie over her ears more. ?I know. You?ll be fine. I thought you might go soon. I just didn?t want to believe it.
?I?ll be seventeen this winter. Father says I?ll be a woman before I know it. I suppose Mother would think that as well.?
Mother? Janus felt himself asking him the same question again...Mother? Just who was this Mother that Akorra talked so much about? Did she mean her biological mother? But Akorra had been adopted as a child, so how could she remember her? And could he risk her knowing that he didn?t know what she was actually talking about?
?You go every winter and come back every spring. But you won?t be coming back, will you? I?m too old to be...baby-sitted by a Dragon. And I don?t mean that as an insult.?
?I know,? Janus said quietly. For a few minutes, there was silence. Janus could not force himself to speak.
?So, you?ll be going, then? I won?t...have anyone else.?
Janus?s head shot up. ?But what about Nanzhus?? he asked, surprised.
?Janus?? Akorra looked away and pulled her knees up to her stomach. ?I?ve lost him. I?ve ignored him so much. Every time I look at him, all I can see is pain. I hardly ever see him anymore, even in the winter. He?s so busy and I...I?m always with you. I think that?s what hurts him the most is that...I love him...and I?m ignoring him.?
?Then why don?t you go to him?? Janus asked simply. ?If you really care about him that much, why don?t you show him you care? You?re not being fair to yourself, Akorra. Why continue to hurt yourself and him when you could be happy??
?But...you?re leaving me.?
?Not forever,? Janus said, burrowing his eyes. ?I?ll always be with you, no matter what. I have...spoken with this Nanzhus of yours.?
?You have!?? Akorra nearly shrieked and jumped up. ?You told him about us??
?Akorra, I had to. You keep on talking about him and you wouldn?t go to him. He?s hurt very deeply by your ignoring him and he wants you back.?
?Is that why you?re leaving??
?No. But he needs you, Akorra. I can?t offer you the kind of comfort that he can. I can?t make you happy like he can.?
?How do you know??
?Because I?ve watched you two. Can?t you see how he looks at you? Can?t you tell the love in his voice when he hugs you, even though it?s so hard for him to express his love when you won?t return it??
?Because...I?m scared. After all that has happened, after all I?ve done to him, how do I know I won?t hurt him??
?The best way to end the hurting is to start loving him again.? Janus looked away. ?I must go, Akorra. In seasons to come, I will watch over you but you..must give yourself unto this Janus...this..Nanzhus.?
He reached forward and nuzzled Akorra?s chin and then turned and ran across the bitter cold stream before she could even say goodbye. He was waiting for her at her house when she came home. She came into the house and found him by the fire.
?He..told you to..come here, didn?t he?? was her first words.
?Yes.?
Then she ran to him and hugged him and wept. She poured out her feelings, her whole heart. She told him everything that had passed within the past years. She talked about how much she had missed him and how she thought that Janus would be like the other kids at school. He smiled and listened, and laughed with her and loved her. And that is where things began to change. She became less of a recluse and spent more and more and more time with Janus. On her eighteenth birthday, Janus had bought her a stuffed cougar when he and his family had gone on a trip to Alexandria. She had hugged the cougar like crazy and was thanking him when she got distracted by a piece of lime pie. The memory just made him grin from ear to ear.
And speaking of that woman he loved so much, she was about to arrive, or so the shadow across the floor said. In a matter of moments, he had transformed into that same dragon he had years ago. She alighted on the windowsill and hopped down, changing with a bright white light. She shook her hair and pulled her head back, stretching. Then she saw ?Orion.? She blinked at him. The color drained from her face.
Janus stepped forward. ?Akorra...I?ve missed you.? He bowed and then stepped forward, kneeling on the ground. ?I ask you for your forgiveness for what I am about to do because after these many years, I?ve watched over you, you never showed me who you are. On this night I have found out that you are, indeed, a shape-shifter.? He looked up at her but she had not moved. ?It?s no surprise, so it is now time that I show you who I am, Akorra Lynn. And it doesn?t change my feelings about you.?
He stood on his hindpaws.
?O..Orion..? Akorra said softly and shook her head, ?But...O..Orion...?
?Don?t...call me Orion anymore. Please. Just trust me.? He shook his silvery mane. ?Akorra, with this night, the name Velvel Orion dies. I am not Orion. I never was Orion. I was always...? he paused and held out his arms, ?Janus....?
She gasped and bit her lip, tensing every which way. Memories swirled before her eyes, dizzy, lonely, heartache, and truth. Every moment passed agonizingly slow until she felt something, someone against her, holding her hand, taking the token of her sister and tossing it on her bed. Her vision cleared and before her Janus held her once more.
?I thought...I thought...but...you...you were Janus, all this time??
?You rejected me when you most needed me and so I had nothing to do but to become myself.? His words were firm but he regretted them as soon as he said them. She jerked away but he pulled her back. ?I loved you the most and you ran away...you ran away! I don?t hurt you because I hate you but because of love you. Please, Akorra, try to understand. Do you think I wanted to betray your trust? You?re a shape-changer and you didn?t tell me. I don?t care what you are, Akorra Lynn, because you haven?t scared me and you haven?t hurt me. You hurt me by hurting yourself.?
?I?m...? Akorra licked her lips, keeping her eyes firmly shut. ?I thought you didn?t want to be around me.? What a lame excuse! she thought.
?Akorra, you didn?t want to be around yourself. But I do. Earlier tonight I asked you to marry me. Are you going to back out on that offer??
Akorra shut her eyes even tighter. ?How could you think that I would?? she responded and ripped away from him. ?Do you think...I?m that shallow?? she asked softly, her back turned.
?Do you think I?m so shallow I wasn?t hurt by you? It?s in the past, Akorra, and all I want is you because of that. I want to hold you and to keep you, to kiss you and to hug you. I want to be your shelter when it rains and I don?t care if you can change shape. I?m a Dragon! No one else knows this secret save for you, Akorra. Akorra...? he tugged at her hair, then reached around and kissed her softly on her tear-stained cheeks. ?I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you,? he murmured over and over.
Akorra began to feel a light which warmed her whole soul and pierced her deeply. The moments of sadness that night seemed to wash away. His whole spirit was crying out to her, begging for her love, her comfort. She turned and gave it to him, answering every I love you until they both wound up just standing breathing by each other.
?Janus....I?m sorry. I?m so sorry.?
?I?m sorry...if my words hurt you,? he returned. ?Please, will you be my wife??
She giggled. ?I already said yes. You know what?s great about this?? she said and grinned up at him. ?I won?t ever have to make a wool coat again. I?ll just use Dragon fur!?
Janus poked her lightly in the side. ?Just because I?ll be your husband doesn?t mean you get to gather my fur.?
?I?ll give you head rubs.?
?Ooo...? he paused a moment. ?Then that?s a deal. Don?t you think we should be getting to bed??
Akorra looked over at the sky. ?Yes, considering the fact that it?s nearly three in the blinking morning, I think so, yes. We?ll talk more tomorrow, okay??
?Okay. I love you.? He gave her another hug and went off to bed. Akorra flopped on hers and was out within about two minutes, her mind too tired to worry. If there was anything to worry about, she would have to attend to the issue in the morning. That is, after she attacked Janus with a hug, that is.

Morning came and went and settled into afternoon and then to dusk. Pretty soon Janus and Akorra had worked the first part of their relationship out. Janus trusted Akorra completely with his secret and though Akorra trusted in Janus, part of her still wished to keep most things secret. She did not tell Janus of the visit with her sister, nor did he ask where he had gone. It really didn?t matter to him. And her new boots accommodated a better size for her left foot where she kept the bracelet.
Hans was delighted Akorra had come and said so several times during a lengthy lunch. They were speaking of Balum and Tinkytag when without warning, there was a large explosion in the middle of the table. Akorra jumped straight out of her chair, yelping and Janus just stared at it, a muffin halfway to his mouth. In the center of it was a turquoise colored creature with very large ears, small paws, a very long tail with spikes and fins, and gills. In its head, a very large ruby glowed sporadically. It hovered in the air a moment then swirled towards an ashen-faced Hans.
?The riolin!? Hans whispered. Akorra ducked under the table, grabbing Janus?s legs.
It nodded at him and produced a very crisp, burnt parchment, then with a flick of its tail, it wormed through the air and vanished when it touched the ceiling, dropping the parchment into Hans? withered hands. Janus pulled Akorra out from under the table amid the clattering of silverware as she knocked into the table.
?What is it?? Akorra asked, sniffing. She wrinkled her nose, as if she were about to sneeze. ?I smell smoke.?
Hans fumbled to open the parchment. He stared at it for a good while, rereading it over and over.
It couldn?t possibly be your brain on fire, could it? someone said in Akorra?s mind and she knew it was Balum.
My brain does not currently contain the element of fire, Akorra retorted.
Then perhaps you ought to see what?s going on because I am still waiting on the doorstep to be let in. I think I?ve scared the servants. Balum, who was, indeed, waiting outside, scrunched his eyebrows. And I doubt I?ll be let in until Hans is done with his business. They seem to have taken to Tinkytag, though. He stared sarcastically at the horse, who was getting a great amount of attention.
Inside, it had grown quiet. Hans had his head bent, a wrinkled hand pressed against his brow. He slowly set down the parchment and said in a husky voice, ?I did always wonder what became of my family. I lived in a place near the Aldertree Islands, a sort of paradise. But I was young and impetuous. In a rush to see the world, I did get to know my family well enough and left at an early age never to see them again. I?ve regretted it ever since?and I have never been able to return there for various reasons.
?I did not take the time to get to know my family. I did not want to live for extended periods of time. I didn?t want to sit around and be a village bumpkin. Those in the Aldertree Islands live a time and a half of what normal humans do. I didn?t feel like I?d like living that long, so I just left. And now I am too old to make such a journey.
?When I lived there, a female Actone was the Chieftess. They don?t speak like we do, so when she visited, I could never understand. But just as I left, she died and her mother took over. She was a terrible sagging brute and I nowise would I wish to fight her, nor could my family, it seems.?
?So, what does that mean?? Janus asked.
?It means that there is nothing I can do. Those whom I trust to go help I would not wish to put in such danger.?
?Hans, begging you pardon,? Akorra said, ?but I am going to the Aldertree Islands.?
?You are going to the Aldertree Islands? You? But I thought you had no powers. You couldn?t possible stand against an Actone.?
?Who needs powers when you have Balum?? she replied.
?She?s got a point there,? Janus said.
I feel so deeply appreciated. Now open the door. The butler is beginning to annoy me. At that moment there was the sound of a crash, a few screams, and pottery breaking on the floor. Nevermind. This is more fun.
?Balum!? Akorra cried and shot out of the room. ?What are you doing??
Balum stood hunched over the butler, sniffing him curiously, tail stiff. Walking in. I believe he didn?t want me to open the door. Akorra trotted up to him and glared, then motioned for him to move. The butler was shaking on the floor. Akorra grasped his wrinkled palm, pulled him up, and then dashed back into the dining room. Balum followed at liberty.
?Hans, meet Balum.?
Balum bowed his imposing head but said to Akorra, Oh, goodie. He smells like the Islands to me, only stuffier than old people.
?He says it?s a pleasure to meet you,? Akorra nodded her head.
Balum looked at her somewhat solemnly. Hey, politeness, politeness, Balum.
Politeness? I could teach you three times your amount of teaching about politeness. You?re being rather brash with the man. See how shocked he is?
?A very...sturdy...? Hans paused, as if grappling for what to call Balum, ?person you are. You are...traveling to the Aldertree Islands?? He looked from Akorra to Janus to Balum.
?I?ll be going with her,? Janus butted in. ?We?ll be fine, Hans.?
Balum curtly nodded and said slowly, ?Actones taste good.? Hans placed a trembling hand on his chest and coughed. Janus burst out into laughter and wrapped his one arm around Akorra.
?She will come to no harm, Hans.?
?Then I must pay your expenses!?
?Not all,? Janus said, ?but if you wish to give, you may do so.?
?Then I must also tell you the way and by what advantages you might have....Let us go into my study. We have a lot of talking to do.?

By late evening, Akorra was left to herself, boots propped up on a nearby table. She was thumbing through the yellow, faded pages of a book. Balum had gone with Janus to pack their provisions and so she sat with sharp eyes, looking over the text. It contained many characters of Slyvanlyre?s first language and was a bit difficult to understand. It told of the Actones and of the Aldertree Isles. Apparently the air was filled with a vapor that prolonged health and life and the only way to approach it was by boat, albeit it was a dangerous passage and even the well-educated sailor, hardened by the hard brine and bellows of the sea, would have difficulty passing through. The only thing left to do...Well, she would get to that later.
She felt somewhat immune to Hans? plight, for she herself had just as heavy matters upon her back. It appeared she and the others would simply rescue what villagers they could and send them back by boat or some such thing. Either way, they would have to get off the Islands and somewhere safe. Perhaps they could even avoid the Actones, if possible.
Akorra felt her eyelids beginning to droop. It was simply so warm and comfortable and the clock was muted enough that it was easy to relax in the silence of the study. She scooted back into the chair more, her fingers idly closing the book. Even if she fell asleep here, she?d awake with a cramp but at that moment, that wasn?t about to stop her...
She awoke somewhat hazily, moving slowly as she tried to sit upright. The candle beside her on the oak table had gone out and she sat in the still darkness. Moonlight shifted through the window panes, silver in the soundlessness study. Akorra shoved her cold hands underneath her, her eyes rapidly looking about her. A sense of forgotten enmity seemed blanketed around her. A feeling so familiar and yet so far away, with a hint of brine and rotting trees in the air, that it made her even more uneasy. A sneeze began to reach up and she plugged her nose hastily, the sound of her breath echoing. Then the shadows crossed the window pane, bat-like wings gliding so swiftly that it was hard to tell just what was flapping outside. Akorra bolted up and dropped to the marble floor. She scurried under the table, knocking it accidently. The candle teetered on the edge of the table and fell like a thunderbolt upon the floor. Akorra sucked in her breath, every muscle teeming to move as stealthily and quickly as possible. She backed out from the table, kneeling, and then slowly looked up and around, listening. Not a sound! Not a sound!
She felt her hands growing fur, her paws stretching as she grew. Her claws tapped on the marble flooring and suddenly the world became a dim world of blue and she could see most everything in the study that the moonlight did not shine upon. She focused her xanthic eyes upon the doorknob, fully expecting it to turn any moment. Sadly, she had not noticed Sari, who was kneeling, cloak wrapped about her, on top of one of the bookcases. She had been watching Akorra for some time, memorizing her every move, calculating. She looked insecure enough? simple prey?but Narmissa had stated she had power far beyond theirs to comprehend. Just as easily as this woman could turn into a dragolf could this woman turn into a vulpine dragon.
But prayers said for Akorra?s safety were in effect.
Sari leapt down from the bookcase, but the creaking bookcase gave her away. Akorra leapt backward to see the battleaxe drive itself deep into the floor.
?I see you moved just in time,? Sari said, bent, clutching the steel battleaxe, ripping it out of the stone.. She raised her head and with one hand, moved her fingers about the hasp of her cloak. She rose, letting it slide off her and looked at Akorra with a smile of mordant confidence. ?You are Kizmentia Verona Eboire Epistasthai enn H?lan, sister of Altheal Avery Eboire Epistasthai enn H?lan.? She jerked her head in Akorra?s direction. ?Eboire Epistasthai enn H?lan. The sound of it burns mine tongue.? She swung the battleaxe over her shoulder.
?Then why do you say it, Enemy of Eboire Epistasthai enn H?lan? For were you good it would taste like living water upon your tongue.?
?Thy living water is ash in my mouth, Eboire Epistasthai enn H?lan. Curse you, for I must address you as you are.? She stepped forward and Akorra skittered back against the wall beneath the window. Two other vulpine dragons dropped down from the ceiling but Sari held up her paw. ?Knifestone, do us well and engage her in combat.? Sari stepped back with her sister and vanished.
?You and I, Child of the Moons, you and I.? He said and lunged. Akorra swiftly reared on her hind legs, her claws catching the javelin, sparks flying. She thrust her paws upward, her weight and force outweighing the vulpine dragon?s. He staggered back and Akorra used that opportunity to dash past him. He swung his javelin towards her but it caught a spike and chipped it off.
?You shouldn?t hit a lady in the back!?
?Lady? You?re a beast, not a lady.?
?Well, then,? Akorra replied, ?You?re not fit to be in my presence.? She ripped open the door and went speeding up the stairwell.
Oh, Balum, mind getting out of your dozy sleep and helping a running maaaiden? Vulpine dragons, three of them. Two left, one is after me. They?ve got axes and javelins. Mind helping? Akorra bounded swiftly down the hallway, the soft thump of her feet almost lost in the silence. Behind her Knifestone flew languidly. Akorra turned her head to see where he was and nearly tripped over her own four paws.
You mean this guy? Balum launched himself at the vulpine dragon?s tail and yanked downward. Knifestone screamed and snarled and in a mess of wings fell to the floor. Akorra turned her head, not wanting to watch. Can?t this thing be still? Balum cuffed Knifestone until he was still.
You..killed him. Akorra stood rigid, head near to the carpet.
No. I knocked him out. Balum said and Akorra whirled around. He doesn?t taste good.
?I?m rather glad about that,? Akorra said. She slipped into her human form, rubbing her bumpy arms.
Say that for yourself. I?m hungry.
?After all that food you ate??
How much doesn?t matter. What matters is that I need more. And this thing is not a delectable delight.
The handles on a nearby set of doors rattled and out popped Janus.
?What?s going on??
?Someone must have left a window open and let three vulpine dragons in,? Akorra explained. ?Let?s call the guard. We leave tomorrow morning.?

They started out the next morning, having written maps of the Aldertree Islands and money enough for purses. Knifestone had, indeed, been imprisoned but the action of the night before was soon placed behind them as they began their journey.
Three days passed uneventfully. The weather was pleasant; a cool breeze continually zipping about them and washing away the warmth of the sun. But it was only a slight chill and the road was almost empty for the better part of the afternoons. They passed a camp of gypsies once but clearly avoided them, as Balum said that there were death rites going on.
As the days passed on, Akorra road a little closer to Janus day by day until once she clasped his hand as they lazily passed between rolling grassy hills dotted with buttercups and pansies. She found herself giving him secret, mischievous smiles. The thoughts of her mother did not trouble her nor did she give them much heed as she passed on with him and Balum. It was Janus who she owed this to, for his loving-kindness, he secrets, hugs, and smiles, were what she needed to go on. One can share comfort with a friend but with a loved one, nothing is impossible. The gravity of the road was now dotted with leaves of sunshine and now hope was more than just a memory.
By the fourth day the road had become steeper and the landscape harsher, full of crags and mossy boulders choking heather. Passing through the scrubland and onto the foothills of the Elfordian Mountains they made their way towards the pass. By the time sunset had crisscrossed the sky and fled behind the peaks, they had begun to make camp in a little clearing, surrounded by shade-loving conifers. Akorra cleared the bunches of mushrooms, setting the packs down and turning towards the breeze. There was a slightly unpleasant smell in the air, something acidic, rotting, but not so much that it bothered the horses or herself.
Janus removed the horse?s tack and went in search of a nearby stream, taking the canteens with them and a small cooking pot. Akorra pulled out a small knife and cut off branches, first checking how green they were before cutting out a hole in the earth to place them in. Placing dry nettle with it, she started a fire and then looked around for fresh mint and rellenberries, both of which were abundant in this area. Balum had vanished, off to find his own food while Akorra took a large rock and crushed the mint on a fresh stone, then scooped it up into a bowl and then stood.
She stretched and touched her aching back, then smelled the silvery smoke coming from the fire and in the dim light, began to search around for charim, a reddish tuber that produced a sweet milky sap when boiled and was tasty with butter and seasonings. But butter, of course, was not easily obtained out in the wilderness Then she waited for Janus to return, watching the violet-green swallows chitter among the branches of nearby trees, rubbing the pine needles in her hands.
Soon enough he returned, having turned the horses loose, and put him to work crushing the rellenberries and mint under Akorra?s fine eye. He looked skeptical, his eyebrows slightly raised.
?Trust me,? she told him, instructing him to add honey to the mixture.
He looked at the food as if it would eat him alive. ?Why aren?t we using the food Hans gave us??
?Because we don?t have enough provisions to get to Vallandore. Remember, we didn?t tell him what way we were going just in case someone tried to get information out of him.?
Janus nodded, blinking with a look that said ?I?m clueless.?
?Tomorrow will be hard riding,? Akorra said, ?so we?ll want to be prepared for that. Charim will help with that. Its milky sap staves off hunger and gives strength. Tomorrow we may end up walking if the branches get too low.?
?We haven?t seen those vulpine dragons but they should be after us soon,? Janus said and handed the bowl to Akorra.
?Well, they?ll be back soon, that?s for sure. It?s only a matter of time,? Akorra replied, glaring off in the general direction from whence they came.
?I?m sorry if that sounded insulting,? Janus said imploringly. He touched her hand then held it, holding her gaze.
?It?s okay,? she replied and pulled him up close against her and hugged him. ?I love you.?
?I love you, too.? He picked up a piece of her hair and smiled at her, then reached over and took the charim from her and began to peel as she protested. ?You worry about that,? he looked at the rellenberry mix.
?Okay,? she replied and kissed him on the cheek before returning to the mixture and began adding various things to it, all of which Janus did not know what they were. ?Don?t you think it?s odd that we haven?t seen many people about?? Akorra looked at him with scrunched eyebrows. ?It does seem rather mysterious.?
?No more mysterious than previous events. But you are right; it is far too quiet for my liking.?
Akorra fingered a charim bulb and then tossed it into the small pot that was now boiling with water. She pulled a small knife from one of the packs and began to peel, tossing the excess into the fire. They produced a burning smell that was not precisely unpleasant nor was it pleasant. Akorra turned her nose to the wind and the smell almost made her gag. She curled over and instantly Janus? arms were around her, cautiously pulling back her hair so he could see her face.
?Are you alright??
?What is that smell?? Akorra asked, coughing. ?It wasn?t so horrible a while ago.?
?Let?s ask Balum. He went on ahead, didn?t he?? Janus asked. Akorra reached up and touched her temple and then her throat, attempting to soothe her repulsion and nodded. Janus patted her fondly on the head then turned and he himself made a face at the foul smell. ?It smells like a dead carcass. Or a few of them.?
?I?ll ask Balum..but let?s wait until he comes back.?
?Why??

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-12-01 12:53:43

whee, beginning of Chapter 8....

Chapter Eight
?The Waking Dream?

Rayell awoke with a pounding head. She shivered, drawing breath from the still, chilly swamp air. She carefully touched her throbbing temple, picking automatically at the dried blood on her forehead.
?Owww,? she moaned piteously, clutching her stomach as she rose to her knees. She clenched her fist and coughed, shaking, staring at the fungi-covered log and noted the large crack in it. Something in the back of her mind ignited when she saw the pair of eyes staring at her from inside the log but she chose to ignore it. Something fluttered in the branches of the mossy trees. Rayell looked upward and saw a red-tailed hawk in the branches, staring at her with its glossy black eyes. Only a hawk...a sharp hunter, probably looking for food, she thought. Oh, my head is throbbing. Wretched log. Well, no log is going to stop me. Rayell flung back her mud-caked hair and stood, ignoring the squeezing pain of her stomach. For a moment the world spun but she calmly took a deep breath, telling herself this was no time to be a weakling. Not even a caiman could stop me at this point. She shook her head hiked up her skirts, stepping over the large log, thankful for her boots. Once over the log, she strode forward into the swamp.
The land was green and soggy, and the mud not all too friendly. The mist made it even harder to see where she was going and the small plants constantly were pulling at her skirts. Pushing aside some very tall plants with some sort of soft powder puffs on the top she found a broken one and twisted it off then tested it on the ground and began to swing it in front of her, hoping to avoid any quicksand or other such dangers.
She continued on, breaking through the foliage, not caring about her tracks. The snapping of the plants echoed sharply. Occasionally she would hear a faint chatter of birds and then it would go still. The swamp seemed to get warmer as she continued and she figured that she was near some boiling mud pits or some such but no matter how much she traversed deeper into the swamp, the more troubled and the colder she became. Her body felt numb despite the warm air and the plants were getting thicker and taller. Where could the jennet be? Rayell was no professional tracker and even if she was, she would have given up on looking for her mount in the first place.
As she was about to sit down and rest, she broke through the weeds and saw a rather stained green lake littered with logs but not much algae at all. Here the trees reached up to the sky and the fog had vanished, for here the sun touched the lake from the open sky. She stuck the stick into the bank and flopped down on the spongy ground then almost instantly shot up, yelping. Down on the ground were broken egg shells, all sharp and hard.
?Eggs...that?s not good.? She bent over and stared at them, kicking a half-shell. It rolled down the bank and plopped into the still black-water. She raised a brow, watching it bob up and down and then turned her attention back to the eggs. ?I?d better move on. Someone could be watching.?
She pulled back uneasily, scanning the slimy looking water, her amber eyes seeming to glow. Anyone watching would have noticed but not Rayell. Something slithered in the water, something large gathering from the ripples.
?If I hadn?t been noticed already, that is.?
She flung the stick out into the water and up roared a unusually long, serpentine caiman. The water roared upward and the caiman snapped the stick in half.
?Hwah!? Rayell yelled. ?That?s no ordinary caiman!? Rayell gaped as the water once again went still. But now she knew for sure she had attracted its attention. And further more, it would know how to hunt her and where to lie in wait. If it was hungry. And there wasn?t much she could do against those teeth. Running in a swamp wasn?t good either....
Until they decide to come ashore! Rayell moved just in a time as the serpentine caiman shot out of the water and onto the bank. Rayell started to book it, glancing back to see...nothing. She ran faster along the edge of the lake and screamed when it launched itself into the bank in front of her.
?I don?t suppose you want to eat me, do you!?? she yelled at it and shook her head when it looked at her with even a more careful, cunning smile. ?I don?t suppose I should look...? There was another splash behind her. ?I don?t suppose you have a friend, do you?? she looked into the large yellow eyes of the magically enhanced caiman. The craftiness was literally dripping from its black pupils. ?But I can still run into...? her head whipped to the side and she about leapt into the lake. Quicksand!
Crack! Crack! Something blue smacked the head of the caiman in front of her. Wham! Wham! Thunk! The caiman behind her gave a screaming roar and shook itself, rolling over and tumbling into the water.
?Get thee into the trees, lady!?
Smack! The caiman in front of her tried to retreat backwards.
?Hurry!?
Rayell looked at the nearest tree and scrambled up, her eyes on the scene below. A medium built, tawny colored creature with a very long whip that seemed to emit electricity was standing on one of the caiman?s heads, constantly beating it on the nose.
?Thou art a great brute! I will still thy tongue forever if thou touchest another friend again!? she cried and leapt off at it gave a piercing call and dashed into the water like a beaten dog. ?That takes care of that,? she said, and flicked the switch on the whip, where promptly the lightning stopped. She rolled the whip around and fastened it to the leather belt around her waist.
?Thou art lost, art thou not?? she asked, rubbing her tall, faun-like ears. She gave her butterfly wings a flutter and flitted up to the tree.
?A...a..aye.? Rayell stuttered. ?Thank-you....I am...Rayell Saulballdrin.?
?Maria. Just plain Maria.? She flicked her long, slender ears backward and then nodded curtly. ?We must go before the Caiman Brothers decide to attack again. They may be afraid of my whip but it?s best to avoid them entirely.? The deer-like woman tugged at Rayell?s skirts. ?Quickly now.? She fluttered down and alighted softly on the ground. Rayell closed her eyes and began to climb down from the tree. ?You won?t fall as easily if you keep your eyes open.? Rayell decided to keep her eyes open. ?Would you have seen a pack animal running through this swamp?? Rayell asked after shimming down the tree onto the squishy ground.
?Yes,? Maria replied and then strode forward like a whirlwind, leaving Rayell to run behind her.
They passed the lake and went into the dense trees on the other side of the swamp. Here it began to grow warmer but the air was a lot drier. The plants became brittle and bent less easily.
?Where are we going?? Rayell asked, trying not to step on the brittle ground.
?Zeria.?
?You mean the city that was destroyed by the terois??
?Yes.?
?But I thought that was all swampy.?
?Is,? Maria corrected and stopped suddenly. They were standing in amongst the black, tall trees and in front of them a patch of long grass blocked their view. ?Be careful now, for it will get extremely cold soon.? Maria pulled back the grasses and motioned for Rayell to look. They were standing on the top of a cliff and below, surrounded by black swamp water, and littered witch moss, was the ruined city of Zeria.

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-12-14 22:31:15

I'm rewriting the prologue...I know this could be better and I'll be able to make it less choppy later...but what do you all think so far?

Seraphim Moonshadow · 2005-12-20 17:21:02

The dialogue is going to killll meee!

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