Back at Settlement everyone gathered at Rage Manor, Jandar and Rages home. Mortimer had been brought in to represent the lake people of Mythioes. Azeal was staying with them to. Valkar had sent him to represent the vampires. He had to stay in Yadessa incase the war reached their country. Drake had come in with Tof,Ranjer, and Tressandra. Sharone and her Aggar were still in Tir Na taking care of things there.This was to be an important meeting so all involved were here. Even the council of Winterhaven was represented. Polan had moved his forces so far that more then this continent was at risk. The world was in danger. Black Armours could be found on Islands to the east and as far north as the Ice Kingdoms of Kensor. Word had been sent to Settlement of the fate of some of the Ice cities being over run. Following Rages orders, the council of Winterhaven had sent fairies and pixies to watch Polans advance. They wanted to know what was going on all the time. Any and all information was passed on to Settlement.The Elven city of Eventide had been taken by Polans people. Cutters father and two brothers were killed in the assault. The rest of his family and the people that made it out were here. Jaipor, the dwarven city was abandoned as the Black Armours moved in to the area. Dwarfs made great warriors. They were welcome and eagar to help in the war. The whole world was at risk now. No one else seemed to have much of a chance against Polan and his power. Armies were falling everyday. His pox infected whole countries. So many dead and dying. It was time to move against him. First free Maveta. Then the rest of the world.
Azeal sat on a bench in the courtyard of Rage Manor deep in thought, His evil mother was on his mind. He wanted so much to revenge Rejeks death. He loved his brothers so much. Now Rejek was dead and he hardly ever saw Ranjer. He missed them so much.
"Azeal."
He heard. He turned and King Drake was coming toward him. Azeal stood to meet him. drake smiled.
"Whats wrong young one?" He asked.
"I miss my family." Azeal said looking down. "Mother destroyed us."
"Come with me." Drake guide him by the shoulder into the manor. "You know you still have family."
"Valkar, Me, Jandar and..."
"Zeal!!!"
Ranjer ran down the hall and jumped into his arms. The brothers hugged, Azeal looked up at Drake.
"Thank you for bring my brother to me." Azeal said with tears in his eyes.
"You know your welcome in our house to see him whenever you want?" Drake knealt down and sat with them.
"Yes, I do." He said. "Why did Valkar send Ranjer away?"
"Valkar is a very wise man." Drake told him. "He wanted the same thing Rejek wanted. Peace between us. He knew that with Ranjer with us, we'd fall in love with him, and we have. Also, Ranjer can help bring our people together, and thats important. And Ranjer needs someone to look after him constantly."
"But Azeal." Drake looked him in his eyes. "What do you what?"
Azeal thought for a minute. There's only one thing he wanted right now. Azeal looked up at Drake.
"I want her dead." He said. "And I want to be the one to kill her."
Everybody gathered in the courtyard of the Manor at Rage and Jandar's request. There where Dragons and werewolves, vampires and mages. Anyone from any place threated by the war was here. Jandar and Rage stepped from the house and stood before the crowd. They looked over the people gathered there. There families were here ready to fight for them. Ono and Shayn, Denner and Nautica, Gaia stood with Cutter,Ariel, and Cheshire. All looking to them for hope. Jandar stepped up in front.
" Rage and I want to welcome you all to our Settlement and our home. Those of you that have no where to go because of this damn war are welcome to stay as long as you need. All we ask is that you work hard and help anyone that needs it. But you should know the war may come here. Polan knows were his enemy and will try and take this place to if he can. But we will fight him with all we have."
Cheers went up through the crowd as Jandar spoke. Rage looked out over the crowd. There are so many people here now. What started as a small hide away, was now a small town. There was no hiding anymore. As Jandar said, Polan will eventually come here. Only way to stop him was to go to him. After this meeting Rage knew what he had to do. It was time to take this war back to Polan.
"So we want everyone to enjoy the Gathering. Theres food for everyone." Jandar said with a smile.
"Rage needs to speak to some of you. Those he's contacted please stay behind. We hope you all have a wonderful day"
People began to drift away off to the food tables. Kids ran and played as grownups talked and ate. Jandar looked out pleased at what he saw. Others moved over to Rage to hear what he had to say.
" Its time we try and end all this fighting." Rage said. "We have to stop Polan now before he can get any more power. Ive called you all here for just that reason. Our homes have been destroyed. Some of us have lost family to that monster. Soon he'll be unstoppable, then there will be no where to hide."
" But what do we do?" Mortimer asked.
" We free the lands he's taken then destroy him." Drake said. " Im with Rage and my son. I know what a tyrant's like, and I wont let my people live under on."
" I agree." Janos of Kensor stepped up." His men have destroyed many of our Ice cities and now were being hunted by snowmen for food. Kensor is almost a dead land now. He wont live there so he doesnt want anyone there."
" The vampires all not accept him as our ruler." Azeal told everyone. " We've had evil in our past and we wont ever go back to that life again."
" Neither will the Werewolves." Drake said." How about the Elves and Dwarves." Rage asked.
Gaia and Cutter stepped up eith an older dwarf and a young elf.
" This is my father." Gaia said.
" Im Grek." The proud Dwarf said. " This Polan fella doesnt want us dwarves around. He's tearing apart our comunties and taking our mines for his own. Our warriors are yours. We stand wit cha."
Cutter and Ariel stood with their brother as he spoke.
" Eventide is gone." Ryel said. " So are my brother and my father. He sent Dark Elves against us and we werent prepared for war. He's moving on all the elven cities. Our magic and swords are with you to."
" So are the Centaurs." came a call from the back. A tall centaur walked through the crowd towards the front. Everyone looked at him. He was tall and handsome. He held himself as if he was a king, and he was. As he came closer to the steps he smiled up at Jandar.
" Braddoc?" Jandar rushed down to meet him. He gripped his forearm then hugged him.
" Its been so long." He said. " So glad to see you."
" As am I my friend." The Centaur said.
" What brings you here?" Jandar asked.Braddoc looked at him with a grim look. At that moment he knew why he was here.
" This war has reached my home. My plains are no longer safe for my people." He told him.
" I've lost many warriors to these Black Armoured devils. I've come to join you. My bow, and my warriors."
" Im sorry to hear that." Jandar said. " But we're glad to have you here."
" I have another surprize for you."
Braddoc moved to the side and behind him stood a beautiful woman dressed in black. She had long dark hair and pale features. Jandar knew her the moment he saw her.
" Athene!!!"
He grabbed her in a hug and swung her around.
" Im so happy to see you!!" He said as he put her down.
" Rage, Ono, Jayce, come quick!!"
The three men ran quickly to Jandar, think he was in trouble. As Jayce and Ono saw them they broke in to a run to hug them both. Ono jumped on Braddoc's back and hugged him. The centaur had saved him once in the past, he had carried him to safety from imprisonment. Jayce hugged Athene, he was eager to hear of JP and his family.
" Im glad to see you all to." She said laughing. " You all look so well."
Rage walked up and took Athene's hand, he kissed her hand.
"King Rage,This is Athene." Jandar said. " One of the most powerful friends I could ever have. And Braddoc, chieftian of the High Plains Centaurs. He and his warriors are excellent fighters."
" Im glad to meet you all." Rage said. " And we glad to have you here, Please accept our home and hospitality."
"We both thank you, your majesty." Braddoc shook his hand. " We are at your command. With us we brought many people. Centaurs, faire, witches, and other beings. All come to join in your fight and free there homes."
" We welcome you all." He said. " Now that our new guess are welcomed, lets get back to it. Our first job will be to free the Country of Maveta, Polan's throne is kept there. We have to free the people and make sure he never returns. This job im giving to Jandar, Shayn,Lady Athene, Cutter and Jayce. Take anyone one else you may need. Jandar, I need to see you."
Rage and Jandar walked up the front steps in into the house. Rage took his hand and lead him into their study.
" Love." He said. " Theres something I need you to do."
" Anything." Jandar said.
"You know how this all started." Rage said. " Polan has something very important to my brothers and sisters back in the cave."
Rage took the pendant from around his neck. It was almost totally red." " When this is completely red." He said. " There will be no way to save them. They will all die. I need you to bring back the Dragonspirit now. I can trust only you to do this. You know how important they are to me."
" Of course I will." Jandar told him.
" Good." Rage pulled him into his arms and they kissed.
" Hurry Love." He whispered in his ear. " Theres not much time. Take take the pendant. it will lead you to the Spirit."
" I'll be back soon." Jandar turned and left.
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