The Diamond Rules. 23

" I bid you all Welcome to our city!!" The gray haired man said to them with a smile. " I am Pelic Spicer. I'm a member of The council of Twelve."
Jandar and Rage stepped up to Pelic and extended there hands to him.
" We thank you you for allowing us in to the city." Jandar shook his hand.
" I have a few questions I have to ask before you enter." Pelic said
" Of course." Jandar said as Pelic shook hands and bowed to Rage.
" What is the purpose of your visit?" He asked.
" Were in search of one of my children." Rage told him.
" Really?" Pelic looked at him in a curious way. " There are no dragons here. Well none being held against there will. We have a council member named Insa. He represents all the none humans in our city. He wishes to meet with you."
" We will be honored." Rage said to him. " But my mission? Can we proceed?"
" You will have to take that up with Insa." Pelic said staring at Jayce. " Perhaps he can help you."
" Where can we find him? Jandar asked.
" He comes now." Pelic stepped up to Jayce. " You are most welcome here."
Jayce was a little hesitant to shake his hand. There was something in the way he looked at him that scared him. But to be courteous, Jayce shook his hand and bowed. A dark shadow passed over there heads and a older gray dragon landed. In a huge cloud of smoke he shifted to human form and came over to greet them.
" Welcome my Lord." Insa bowed to Rage. He held his head down until Rage asked him to stand.
" Rise Grand sire." Rage said. " I should be bowing to you Elder."
" Nonsense young king." Insa held out his hand for Rage. " You and your clan are welcome in my home."
" We thank you for you hospitality." Rage said shaking his hand. As he touch Insa, Insa sent him a message.
[SIRE, THE WINGED ONE. GET HIM OUT OF HERE. HE IS NOT SAFE HERE AROUND PELIC.]
[THANK YOU. I WILL,] Rage sent back to him.
" Young man." Pelic said to Jayce. " Will you accept my invitation to visit my home?"
" I'm sorry." Rage said as he stepped between them. " But Jayce won't be staying."
Jayce started to say something but was stopped by a look from Rage. Jayce knew Rage must have a reason he wanted him out of the city, And he trusted Rage with his life.
" Yes." Jayce said. " There's something I have to do."
Jandar pulled Jayce aside to talk to him away from the others.
" You can hear me when I call you right?" Jandar said.
" Yeah I can. " He said.
" Rage wants you away from here." Jandar said. " It has to do with that man. Go back to the campsite on the shore, and take Shine and Blaze with you. I don't want you alone for a second. I wont lose another brother."
" You won't." Jayce hugged him. " I'll wait for you to call. Hurry and find that egg."
" We will." Jandar said letting him go. " Blaze!!"
" Yes?" He answered.
" Please take Shine and go with Jayce." He told him . " I don't want him here, its not safe. And I don't want him alone either."
" As you wish."
He held out his hand and Shine came to him. They all said good byes and they were off for the campsite. Jayce spread his wings and took off as Blaze shifted to dragon and launched himself into the skies with Shine following. Jandar watched them fly away. If something happens to Jayce, the world better watch out.
[ He'll be safe with them?] Jandar sent.
[ Yes love.] Rage sent back.

After getting rid of the sailor, Shayn made his way to the residential section of the city. His strumpet guise was all wrong for this area. A beautiful girl in silks would be noticed in a blink, so he switched back to the nobleman. Up and down different streets he went looking for an entrance he could use. Here there were beautiful homes of the rich. Palaces almost. Shayn knew what it was like living among these people, As a Prince he'd been sheltered all his life, kept away from what his father called lower class people. His father was a bit of a snob, but he took care of all his people. There were no homeless in Maveta. His father made sure no one went hungry. Shayn was really proud of the way his father ruled. He was just and fair. Rich or poor, His people loved there king and fought for there king and way of life. So what happened? Why was his family dead? The pain hit him at that moment. Tears streamed down his face as he saw the faces of his parents and his brothers in his mind. But he had to keep going for them, for all of them. Shayn had to find out what happened and who was responsible for all this. There was only one way to do that. He had to live. And now he had to get to the sewer and find whatever it was Drobi was talking about. Up ahead he saw an entrance hidden behind a stand of trees. He made for it. Suddenly he heard shouting behind him. He turned and saw the black armored men running toward him from down the lane. Shayn took off running for the entrance He didn't really know if they were after him but standing there to wait was not what he planned. Shayn reached the entrance way. There was a ramp that ran down and underground blocked by a locked gate. Shayn looked back to see the armored men getting closer. With the twist of his finger the lock fell apart, Shayn threw open the gate and ran down the ramp, his legs pumping fast. As he reached the bottom he looked back. The men were coming in, they were after him. Somehow no matter what disguise he used, they saw through it. How? There had to be some magic being used here. Shayn took off splashing through the water. He had to lose them to search these sewers. OK, he thought. Disguises don't work so invisibility probably won't work either. What's next? An idea popped into his head. As he ran he pulled out a dagger from his bag. With a swift motion Shayn cut his palm until he was bleeding. Then a quick spell
THREE OF ME TO RUN AND FLEE
COME TO ME ALL THREE OF ME
Three versions of Shayn appeared. He smeared all three of them with his blood giving them his scent. He then gave all three of them something of his. Then all four Shayn's moved out to where the men could see them and they split up running in different directions. Shayn stepped back into the shadows and with magic covered himself to hide. Staying quiet he listened as they came closer.
" Our master whats the prince dead, and he wants proof." The leader said." You to the left and you take the right. I'm going down the middle. Remember. He wants proof. Now both of you get moving."
The three men took off after Shayn's doppelgangers with sword in hand. There lives depended on this mission they knew it. Polan, there master wouldn't abide failure. Shayn watched as they ran off following him, He let out his breath and relaxed for a second. It worked, now he had some time to search without those men chasing him. He felt a warm feeling coming from his finger. It was Drobi's ring. It was showing him where to go. He moved to the left and to became colder, so he turned and moved the other way. The ring warmed up. So that's how it works. Shayn moved off following te rings directions With some luck, his replacements would keep them busy until he was finished.

" My eggs is here in this city." Rage told Insa. " You haven't felt anything?"
" Weeks ago." He said. " I thought i felt a dragon nearby, but sometimes others interfear with my senses. I'm afraid to say my king, I'm getting old."
" That's alright Insa." He said. " You have a very high position here. Without you I doubt i could have gotten in the city. We are in your debt."
" My pleasure majesty." Insa smiled. "I will escort you through the city."
" Thank you my friend." Rage smiled at him.
As they walked through the city, Rage could feel the egg. Getting closer with every step. He knew he would find it today.
" Insa." Jandar asked. "Whats with Pelic? What does he want with Jayce?"
" Pelic is a dark mage." He said. " Do you know whats going on? There's a war on its way."
Jandar turned a looked at Cutter. Cutter nodded to him
" Ive felt it." Cutter said. " The fear."
" A fear dragon?" Insa's eyes widen. "Impressive! I fear Pelic is in league with this dark man. I know hes been searching for a man with wings. Why I don't know. But he means to turn him over to his new master. We're not sure who this dark man is, but we wont side with him. But there are those that crave power and will help him.
"Insa." Rage said. " Hes a Shadow Dragon."
Insa stopped right there with a look of horror on his face. He knew what that meant. The only dragon that could become evil. He knew things were about to get real bad.
" One of yours? He asked.
" Yes." Rage told him. " Seven eggs were stolen. One was an Onyx. The one we're looking for is a diamond"
" And im guessing it was stolen by a powerful evil mage." he said.
" A necromancer." Jandar told him. " Polan Dressak."
" I have to tell the council."Insa said. " This is serious. Of all the magic users that could have merged with that egg a necromancer would be the most dangerous. We have work to do to get ready. You find your egg. A white dragon will be needed. Go find it."
Insa moved away then shifted into his smoke dragon form and flew off.
" We have to go underground." Rage told everybody.
" Rage." Ariel said. " Glance slowly to your left."
Rage turned as she said. He saw five men in black armor coming out of a shop there arms loaded with food.
" Those are Polan's men." Cutter said. " I can feel his touch in them."
" In them?" Nautica asked. " What do you mean?"
" I don't know." Cutter shook his head. " He guides them somehow."
" We can stop them." Ariel said. " I could send a few lightning bolt."
" No." Rage said. " The egg is more important. We have to find a way underground now. Come on, lets go."
It didn't take very long for them to find an entrance to the sewers or for them to get in. Rage had a real connection now to his egg. Being this close to the egg he knew which way to go so they ran.
" We are not alone down here." Cutter said as they ran.
" Don't tell me." Dreik said. " Polan's men."
" Yes, and another." Cutter shouted.

The ring in Shayn's hand was very hot now. He could hardly hold it. He turned a corner and heard someone call his name.
[SHAYN]
He stopped, not sure what he heard. Then he started moving again.
[SHAYN I'M FOR YOU]
" Who's there?" he called.
[I'M HERE]
Shayn looked around. Over in the corner trapped under some debris he saw something shining. What was it? He walked over and looked down. A diamond? Was this a diamond?
[NO, IT IS I. I AM FOR YOU.]
Shayn bent down to pick it up when he heard another voice.
" THERE HE IS!"
He looked up and saw ten men coming after him. Shayn grabbed the diamond and sent a fireball into the crowd. then he took off running away from them.
"AFTER HIM!!" The soldier with the red crest on his helmet shouted. "DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY!"
Shayn ran as fast as he could trying to out run them. He knew he could stop and fight, but he didn't have a chance against ten men with swords and bows. He also knew he couldn't out run them, but he had to try. So he ran on. Turning the corner he ran into somebody. Shayn fell to the ground clutching the diamond. Expecting more armed men he readied another more powerful fireball. He looked up and saw six people staring at the egg. Who were they? The people the owned the diamond? He had to warn them about the armored men.
"RUN!!" Shayn shouted to them. " THERE ARE ARMED MEN AFTER ME. JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!!"
"Get behind us and protect the egg." The man dressed in red said.
Just then the soldiers came around the and saw them.They stopped.
" Give him to us!!" The leader pushed his way out front. He wore the red crest. He must be in command.
" Who are you? Rage demanded.
" Someone you don't want trouble with." He said.
" I don't know" Dreik said. " We're always in trouble."
" If you hand over the boy. We'll let you go. And we wont hurt any of you." The man smiled and folded his arms, still holding his sword.
" If you leave we wont hurt you." Rage said. " I think that's fair."
All the men began to laugh. they felt no threat from these people.
" Guess were going to have to take him from you." He said." I don't see any weapons. I tire of this. Take him."
Three men came forward and went to push past them. One man raised his sword at Rage. Ariel quickly raised her hand and sent a blast of wind that pushed them all back off there feet.
" One last chance to leave alive," Rage said.
" Get Him!!"
They all charged at them. Jandar summoned his staff and waved it in front of them, again sending them all flying down the sewer to the other end. As they tried to get up, Nautica called up the water in the sewer into a wave that washed most of them away. Three men remained, Ariel called on a storm. Lightning flashed as bolts flew at them. Standing in water the last three men were blasted. There bodies flew through the air and landing burned at the other end. Shayn watched in amazement as they took care of the men that chased him all day. What magic he thought[
[ MY MAGIC IS YOUR MAGIC]
Shayn looked at diamond. What kind of magic is this? Rage walked over and stood with him. Hes going to be the youngest and hes going to have his egg. He could see his magic glow. This boy is very powerful.
" I am King Rage." He said. " I'm honored to meet you." he held out his hand to Shayn.
Shayn looked up at him.
" I am Prince Shayn Whitehall. Of Maveta." Shayn took his hand and shook it.
" What is it?" He looked down at the great stone in his hand.
" Your future." Rage told him.
" My future is so unsure." Shayn said sadly. He looked down at the diamond. It felt warm to him and it was shaking a little.
" If you want he can make you future brighter."
Rage put his hand on the young mans shoulder.
" How?" He asked. " I'm a Prince with out a kingdom. My family's been killed, My masters been killed. I have no one left."
[YOU HAVE ME]
Shayn stared down at the egg. Then up at Rage in wonder.
" Yes." He told him. " I heard him too."
" You said its my future. What do you mean?" Shayn asked.
" What did you mean about your family? Rage asked.
" My homes been invaded. Maveta." Shayn looked away. " The man that did it killed my family. He sent those men after me to make sure I'm dead. Now I'm alone and I have no way to help my people."
"[YOU ARE NOT ALONE SHAYN. I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.]
" Thank you." Shayn said. Then he laughed. " I must be going crazy. Im talking to a giant gem. Here." He tried to hand it to Rage.
" Shayn if you can avenge your family." Rage asked. " Do you want to?"
" Yes." He said.
" Will you help you people, even if you have to give up your crown? "Rage looked him in the eyes.
" Yes." He said. " Being king doesn't matter. The people do."
" Ariel!!" Rage called.
" Yes Sire?" She said.
" Show him."
Ariel backed up and shifted to dragon form. She became the beautiful golden tan weather dragon. She flexed her wings and moved her head to close to Shayn and Rage. Rage stood and rubbed her snout.
" Don't be afraid Shayn, We're all dragons." He said.
Ariel shifted back to human form.
" As you will be to." She said. " If you want. And we will be family. And you can be sure we will help you free your people."
"Will it hurt?" He asked.
[I WOULD NEVER HURT YOU SHAYN.]
" That is my egg you hold." Rage said.
" But your a man? Shayn said."How?"
Rage laughed a deep laugh, As did the others.
" All dragons lay eggs Shayn." He said. " It doesn't matter if your male or female."
" You mean i will to?"
" Not for hundreds of years." Rage told him. " Do you accept?"
" You promise to help free my people? He asked.
" Yes i do."Rage answered.
" Then yes i will accept." Shayn said.
"What must i do?"
[NOTHING SHAYN. JUST OPEN YOU HEART TO ME.]
The diamond began to break apart and a head poked out. It moved into Shayn's chest and merged with him.A look of pure joy overcame him a he felt the love the Gabriel filled him with. Shayn felt himself beginning to grow, his clothes started to shed. His skin turned totally white as his limbs became scaled. He's hands and feet became claws and talons. A long tail grew with a spade at the end. Along his spine short ridges grew and his wings. Last to change was his head. His maw extended and teeth grew. His eyes began to glow gold. Two horns grow now stood on his head. Gabriel roared his pleasure.
" Rise Gabriel, the White Dragon of Spirit!!!" Rage smiled." Welcome brother!!!"
They all shouted. Jandar stepped forward. Rage looked at him and knew what he wanted. Ono must be cure as soon as possible.
" Don't worry Love." He said. " That's where we're going next."