Stormcatcher's Dagger. 32

Of all the places in the world, this was the last place Jandar expected to find a dragon talisman. Tir Na, home of the Dark Wolf Clan and the place where Jandar was expelled from. Tir Na was a beautiful land, with great forest and lakes and his family. During the flight to Tir Na, Jandar explained to Rage why he had been banished. For loving a forbidden one. Rejek the vampire. He told him about his hatred for his father Drake, the man that ordered his loves death. Yes, Jandar knew about the hatred his people had for vampires. But Rejek had been a lone vampire meaning them no harm. He had been sent here as a punishment. His people wanted the werewolves to do just what his father had done. And what was his crime? Tolerance. Rejek wanted to end the hatred between the werewolves and the vampires. And he was right. No one even knew why they hated each other any more. But Rejek died trying to bring peace to both their people. And Jandar was banished for helping and loving him.
" So now you know my sin." Jandar told Rage as they flew." I just gave up and left. I swore to help anyone being oppressed. And we have. My brothers and I have done all we could to free people and help in anyway we could."
[ I know love.] Rage sent to him. [I've seen what you will let me in your mind. Rejek was a good man. And he had the right ideas. Peace is the only way. Hate never works for anyone. But you said brothers? What happened to your other brother.]
" Tof." He said. " Tof will be there. He went home to help our sister Sharone. With all her brothers gone, she had no real protection. No one to fight for her honor and to keep suitors she denied from taking her against her will."
[ Your father would stand for that?] Rage asked.
[ It was my job to protect her. As I  was banished, It fell to my younger brothers. Since they were with me. I had to send Christof back to protect her.]
[Have you heard anything from them?] Rage understood protecting your family, since that's how this all started.
" No.' Jandar told him. " But if there was anything Tof couldn't handle, he would have let me know. All I know is that they're safe, and Sharone will soon marry. It seems she has made her choice and Tof accepts whoever he is. Since I trust Tof, I wont interfere.]
" There it is!!" Ono called from Shayn's back." Tir Na!!"
Up ahead Rage saw the most beautiful forest ever. It was even more amazing then the elf forest. High trees that spread out and reached for the sky. Below he could see a lake sparkling blue in the sun. From up here Rage could see animals running through fields and in the forest. Jandar must miss this place. That's way he came. Banishment or not, he had to protect Tir Na. Rage and Shayn came down and land in the clearing. It was early afternoon and the Sun was high. Shayn looked around amazed at the beauty here.
" This is beautiful!!" Shayn said.
" It's home." Ono smiled.
" You miss it don't you?" He asked.
" Yeah, a little." Ono told him. " But I've seen wonderful places with Jandar. And met people I really like. People I hope like me too."
Shayn blushed and smiled back it Ono. How does he say how much he likes Ono? Maybe ill just tell him and get it over with.
" How do you want to do this?" Rage asked Jandar. " This one, you lead."
" Thanks." Jandar said. " I'll talk to Tof from here. I want Ono to take you and Shayn to talk to my father. He has the dagger. I've seen it."
" So have I." Ono said. "Why don't I go in first. I'll talk to father and Tof. I don't know how he will feel about dragons around. You know father."
" Stubborn." Jandar said.
" Just like you." Rage kissed Jandar and smiled.
" We'll wait till you call."Ono looked at Shayn. Shayn motioned him aside. They walked over beyond a near stand of trees.
" I want to go with you." He said.
" Why?" Ono asked.
" I have a bad feeling about this." Shayn said. " I don't want you alone here."
" Your worried?" Ono said. " About me? This is my family I'm going to see. What could happen?"
" I don't know. That's what bothers me." Shayn told him
." Ill be safe." Ono said as he reached over and touched Shayn's face. He turned to go.
"WAIT!!"
Ono turned back to see what Shayn wanted. Shayn reached over and took his hand. He looked into Ono's brown eyes.
" You said before you hope people liked you. I do. I like you very much. There I said it."
Shayn turned away from Ono. He was afraid of want he might say next. He wanted to run right now and hide. Ono put his hand on Shayn's shoulder. He turned him back to face him. Then he pulled Shayn into his arms and kissed him. Shayn's eyes flew open, then he settled into Ono's arms and the kiss. Rage and Jandar watch and smiled at them.
" There growing up so fast. Rage said.
" Ahem!"
Jandar made a noise in his throat. then laughed as Rage nudged his arm. Shayn and Ono pulled apart smiling at each other.
" We'll finish this later." Ono kissed him again. " I'll be back."
Before Shayn could object, Ono shifted to wolf and was gone into the forest. Shayn sat and watched as he vanished from sight.
" You think he'll be OK?" He asked Jandar.
Jandar sat next to Shayn and hugged him.
" My Mother would never let anything happen to him." He said. " Nor I hope would father."
" I hope you're right." Shayn watched the spot where Ono disappeared.

Asleep in the family Manor, Tof dreamed of his brothers.They were running through a field chasing a pair of bucks. All three were running full speed as Tof suddenly felt something. A familiar feeling came over him. He know this feeling. He sat up awake.
" There back!!" He whispered.
Tof jumped out of bed and pulled on his pants and boots. He raced out of his room and ran to his parents room. His Mother sat at the window staring out.
" Mother!!" He called to her. " Jandar and Ono's back!!"
She looked up in surprise. Could it be? Is he going to be the answer to her prayers? Tof hurried to her side as she got up.
" Go to him." She told him. " We have to warn them not to come here. Hurry!!"
Tof ran out of the house and through the Tir Na. He knew Ono was close, he wanted to catch him before he came into town. Tof shifted to his grey wolf form and ran.
[Ono, go back!!] He sent to his brother, [ Don't come into town!!!]
To late. Ono had made it to the middle of town. He stopped and turned back to the forest.
" You stop!!" He heard. He turned around and three guards were standing there.
[ Tof whats going on?] He sent. [ Why are stopping me?]
" I'm here." He said running up to him.
" Whats the problem here?"
" This is your brother?" One of the guards stepped forward. " He's under arrest."
" For what?" Ono asked.
The three guards moved in to surround him. Tof's eyes flashed with anger. He stepped up to free Ono from there grasp.
" No!!" Ono said. " Don't fight them. It will only make it worse. Ill go with them. Tell Jandar what happened."
The guards made to take him away and Tof stopped them.
" He is a Prince of the House of Tyr." Tof warned them. His eyes flashing yellow " Treat him as such or suffer the wraith of our family. We'll come for you as soon as we can."
" You better." Ono called as they led him away.Watching Ono being led away angered Tof. His body shook and he howled.
" Awroooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"Running off into the forest, Tof sent his Mother a message telling her want happened. The he went to find Jandar.

Back in the clearing Jandar and Rage talked about how things were turning out when he heard Tof's howl. Jandar jumped to his feet and clutched Rage's arm.
" There's something wrong,!!" He said. "That was Tof calling. He's coming now."
Shayn heard them talking and knew something was wrong. It had to be Ono. He went over to them.
" What's happened to him?" Shayn demanded. Jandar and Rage looked at each other then at Shayn.
"How do you know anythings happened to Ono?" Rage asked.
" He's in trouble. I know it!! Shayn told them." I can feel his fear."
" Can you talk to him?" Jandar asked.
" I don't know."Shayn answered.
" Try." Shayn concentrated on Ono. He could feel where he was. In a dungeon. He called out to him.
[Ono?] He sent.
[ Shayn? Where are you?]
[ With Jandar and Rage, Back at the clearing.]
[ Shayn, tell them they have to get me out. There want to kill us all. We need to get Mother and Sharone to safety]
Shayn relayed what Ono told them as Tof came into the clearing.
" Christof!!" Jandar hugged him. " What the hell is going on here? What has Father done now?"
" Its not Father." He said. " Its Uncle. I think."
Rage walked up beside Jandar. Tof looked at him close.
" A dragon?" Tof said. He looked at Shayn talking to himself on the side. "Two dragon?"
"Actually, its seven dragons." Jandar said. " They're very noble and I'm a part off their family now. This is King Rage And Prince Shayn. Rage, this is my brother Christof."
" I'm honored to meet you Prince Christof." Rage held out his hand and Tof shook it.
" These are bad time King Rage." Tof said. " Fighting in family, Brother fighting brother over a throne. We are sorry to drag you into this."
" Nonsense." Rage said. " We will fight for Jandar and Ono with our life. The have fought for mine. So we will fight for your family."
" This is whats happened. " Tof said. " My uncle, Tyken Ro Has been envious of my father being in line before him for years. This is well known. There has been a few attempts, but we could never prove he was behind them. Now my father is missing and I know my uncle is behind it."
" There's more." Shayn said as he walked up to them." Ono says they going to arrest all your family for heresy. And that includes your mother and sister. He say we have to get him out and the woman away and safe."
" HERESY?" Tof said. "That's a lie!"
" We need to get to Mother and Sharone." Jandar said. "Tof, take Shayn and take Mother and Sharone to someplace safe. Rage and I will free Ono."
" No!!" Shayn said. " I want to go to him."
" SHAYN!!" Rage stopped him. " We will save him and bring him to you. Do as Jandar says and help his family. Protect them, my son"
" I will do as you say, Sire." Shayn looked down.
" Go now." Jandar told them." We have work to do."

Rage and Jandar walked calmly out of the Forest. There were people coming to and fro all over the village. Going about there business. Not many really knew what was going on in there village politics. But Jandar understood it all. Right now his family was being hunted and Jandar wouldn't have that. Not for one second. He walked proudly down the center of town with Rage following. In his hand he held his staff. On his face was a scowl that not many had seen before. Certainly not Rage. In his mind, Rage knew how mad he could get when his family was threatened. Now he would see Jandar's rage. He was afraid for his love. In front of them three wolf men came running toward them. Jandar swept his staff in front of them and changed them back to men. His hand swung up and the three men were tossed aside. They kept moving.
" Don't hurt any of them to bad." Jandar said as he walked.
" Me? Ill try not to." Rage said.
All around them people pointed. Everyone here knew Jandar. They knew what happened. Not all of them agreed with his father. Most were tired of the fighting and wanted a chance at peace with the Vampires. So Jandar and Rage walked on. Two wolf men tried to come up behind them. But its not easy to sneak up on a dragon. Rage turned and blasted them with his flame. Rage has total control of his flame. He singed all the fur off them, then he roared, They took off smoking, leaving a trail of smoke as they ran. Ahead was the council building, there destination. This is where Ono was being held.
[ Ono?] he called.
[ Jandar?] They heard in there heads.
[ Rage and I will be there in a moment to free you.]
Jandar started up the stairs. Behind him many wolf men officers began to gather. They all had spears and swords. Not a threat to Rage or Jandar.
" Do you want me to come in or keep everyone out?" Rage asked.
" Come in." Jandar said as they passed though the entrance. He clapped his hands and gestured to the door. A bright light flashed and surrounded the door.
" No one else will come in or leave this building until I say so. Come on"
" There's still a lot of people in here." Rage said.
" Your point?"" Jandar asked with a smile.Rage laughed as they moved on. A large group of wolf men came around the corner. They spotted them and charged. Rage exhaled a large burst of flame, then he used his fingers and made a circle. The flame began to circle the wolf men trapping them.
" If you move, these flames will burn you to dust." Rage told them. "So don't move."
They moved on down the stairs to the cell rooms. There they found two guards. Quickly Jandar held up his hands and shook them, the guards froze in place.
" Ono" Jandar yelled running into the room. He found him two cells down.
" I'm here!!' Ono got up and came to the door.
" Hows Shayn?"
" No Jandar, I'm glad you're here, or get me out?" Jandar said. He motioned Rage to the door.
" I am glad you're here." He said. He backed away as Rage ripped the door off the hinges.
" He's with your family, protecting them." Rage told him. Ono hugged them both.
" Did you see Uncle?" Jandar asked.
" Yeah, He was here." Ono said. " He wanted to know where you were."
" You should have told him." Jandar put his arm around his brother as the walked back out.
" I was going to." Ono told them. " But he wouldn't shut up and let me. I swear that man loves to hear his own voice."
" Now we have to find father." Jandar said.
" I know where he is." Ono told them. Jandar and Rage stopped and looked at Ono. Drake had been missing for two months. Ono's back a few hours and he knows where he is already?
" Where?" Jandar asked.
" 'Where's the one place father hated most?" Ono asked. He looked at Jandar and smiled.
" The old Baron's Castle!!" Jandar laughed. " HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"

High above the town sat a lone castle. It was the castle of Baron Valkar, the vampire. Long ago Baron Valkar and his vampire clan ruled all these lands. The werewolves were nothing more then there underlings. Back then werewolves weren't suppose to use or know magic, only the vampire by there laws could. They treated them like dogs. Werewolves were created by vampire magic to do there bidding. But one day things changed. And it was a single spell that changed at all. And the death of an innocent. Hundreds of years ago a werewolf named Azeal Tyr was leader of all of Valkar's wolf pack. He was the most trusted of all his werewolves. So high a place he held that the Baron gave him rooms in the castle. He had access to all the rooms and libraries where the Baron kept his magic lore. Werewolves couldn't use magic they thought. But they were wrong. Some could, they just didn't know it. Azeal read his books. He tried many times to cast spells but was unable. Baron Valkar Zlenka was a mean master. Who loved to punish others. He treated most werewolves like they were beneath him and Azeal saw this. His hatred grew over time for the Baron and the rest of the vampires. A cruel lot they were. Then one day Azeal's son Danik was playing in the courtyard as he walked up. He saw his father coming and smiled. Azeal walked to his son. planning to pick him up and take him to his mother. Before he reached Danik, the Baron came out of the castle. Not watching where he was going he tripped and fell over the little one. Valkar looked down at the young werewolf and in his anger, he cast a spell that killed the boy where he stood. Azeal had just seen his youngest son killed for being in the Barons way. He screamed and words came to him. Azeal spoke those words and cast his first spell. The Baron was burned by the fireball Azeal had cast. That was the beginning of the Vampire Werewolf war. Eventually the werewolves drove the vampire far away from this land with Azeal leading them. Baron Valkar died by Azeal's hand. Beheaded and staked out then burned. No one ever lived again in the castle. Secretly all the were children played there. But if they were caught in the castle, there parents punished them severely. This was the place Jandar hid Rejek. The courtyard was where Rejek died. Now Jandar must go back there to rescue the man that ordered his lovers death, with his new love, a dragon. Fathers going to love this.

Back at the clearing, Tof and Shayn guarded Tof's Mother and sister. Jandar had sent them a message telling them Ono was free and they were on there way. Shayn was in constant contact with Ono, relieved that he was free. Sharone and mother where out of contact with both of them. Neither one having had contact with either in over a year." Where are they? Sharone asked. She paced back and forth. Sharone missed her brothers. She and Jandar were a year apart. Tof and Ono were much younger but Ono was like hers. The little brother she couldn't get rid of no matter what she did or where she went.
" They will be here soon Sweetheart." Tresandra told her daughter. " Sit, your making me nervous."
" Nervous?!!" Sharone said. "Mother, Father's been missing for months. Jandar just busted Ono from the dungeon, and your nervous? "
" Jandar did what?" He asked as he walked out of the woods. Rage followed him and a grey wolf shot past Jandar an launch itself at Sharone. Ono changed back to himself and hugged her.
" Puppy!!" She laughed holding him in her arms. "I've missed you!! I've missed you both."
" So who is he?" Ono asked. "This Aggar?"
" He's a wonderful man." She said smiling. "You'll like him."
" Mother." Jandar walked over and hugged her.
" We've missed you so much." She cried as she hugged him.
" Just you or father to?" Jandar asked.
" He loves you Jandar." She said.
" I don't care any more." He said. "I'll help him. then I never want to see him again."
" Jandar." She said. "I know you think his crime is great."
Everyone looked at her in surprise as to what she had just said.
" Do you understand what you just said?" Sharone asked. " Do you even really understand what father did? He had someone kill out of prejudice. For an old hate that our people have for another. He killed someone because of what he was, not anything he had done. He killed someone his son loved!!!"
" Forget it Sharone." Jandar told her. "All this is more important to them. I'll finish my business here then ill be gone. And they can have there precious kingdom."
" But we're your family?" Tresandra said. She had tears in her eyes. " You can't just walk away!!"
" These are my family." Jandar told her. " Sharone and Tof, Ono and Rage and Shayn and the rest of the Dragons. They love me and stand with me and I'll stand with them. We didn't come here to save father from uncle Tyken. I'd sooner let him suffer and deal with it himself. But the people of Tir Na deserve better then what Tyken Ro will give them. And I guess that's father. But be warned. They won't take it forever. They will see through all this, and then it will be you both facing them. I'm going for father now. I need someone to stay with mother. "
" Aggar will be here soon." Sharone told them. " Can I talk to you a minute?"
Sharone and Jandar walked off to the side for a private talk.
"I'm sorry about all this." She said.
" Its not your fault." He said.
" Let me finish." She put a finger to Jandar's lips. "Once Aggar and I are married, we're leaving here. We've discussed this. We had planned to come and find you and Ono. If these dragon's matter to you, then I'll love them like brothers."
" Thank you." He said. " They are my family.They're Good people. You're gonna like them."
" I see Ono's happy." They looked over and saw Ono and Shayn sitting together and laughing.
" I think they've bonded like Rage and I. They can hear each other over long distances. You now what that means."
" What father did was absolutely wrong, and unforgivable, and I won't make excuses for him." She said. " But after you three left. I want you to know that nothing matter to him but knowing you were safe. He sent familiars after you to watch out for you."
" How do you know this?" He asked. " How do you know he wasn't making sure I wasn't coming back for revenge?"
" Because he made peace with the vampires." She said. "And Rejek now rest in a shrine he created with his own hands. He didn't have it made. He worked for months on it alone. Then put a spell on it. The flame will burn forever and his tears created the fountain."
" Father did this?" Jandar's eyes teared up.
" That's why your uncle's trying to take the country. He thinks fathers become weak because of the peace he made. There's something else you need to know."
" What?" He asked.
" Rejek's only family was two younger brothers." She said. " Father adopted the youngest, Ranjer. He loves that boy so much. I haven't seen him so happy since Ono was born. Jandar he was taken with father. We have to find them."
At that moment a silver timber wolf came into the clearing. He looked around and saw Sharone.
" AGGAR!!!" She ran to him as he shifted to a handsome grey haired man. He held out his arms and she ran into them and they kissed.
" Aggar. This is Jandar. my eldest brother." Sharone introduced them. " He leads the guards in the city."
" We finally meet." He said holding out his hand. " I'm glad your here."
" I'm glad to meet you to." Jandar shook his hand. "And I'm sorry for what we did at the Council building. I had to get Ono out."
" Im glad you did." He said. " It saves me from having to do it. I was upstairs arguing to free him all morning. But Tyken Ro would have none of it. Now there's a arrest order out for me to."
" We have to go for father now." Jandar said.
" Go where?" Tof said." Ive search everywhere."
" Have you searched the castle grounds?" Ono asked.
Tof looked at him with his mouth open. The one place he never even thought to look. The perfect place to hide him cause no one would think to go there to look.
"I haven't been in there since we were pups." Tof said. " I never thought to check there."
" We need to go now." Jandar said. " Aggar ill feel safer if you stay out of this and with Sharone and mother."
" I will protect them." He said. "Don't worry."
" I want Shayn to stay to." Ono said.
" If you go, I go." Shayn told him. " Will you stay here?"
" I have to go, Its my father." Ono said holding his hand. " But I want you safe. Your important. Think of your people."
" I am." He said. " I'm thinking of you and Rage and Jandar. Your gonna need me. I'm the best healer here.Someone may get hurt."
" He's right." Rage said. " A dragon knows his duty."
" Lets go." Jandar said. "The five of us. We meet at the castle."
With that Jandar shifted and took off into the forest.
[ Rage, Are you coming?]
[ Yes love. I'll be flying right behind you.] Rage jumped into the sky and shifted then flew toward the castle with Shayn right behind him. Tof and Ono ran after Jandar.

The moon was full and the castle dark as they all arrived at the castle . No sound could be heard around the castle and that was strange. The forest was usually very busy with animal life. Now it was quiet.
" Tof, Ono." Jandar said. "You take Shayn and find the young vampire. I want him safe. Or i want to know where his body is. Rage and I will get father. Don't wait for us. Take him to the clearing and stay there."
Ono started to say something and Jandar stopped him.
" Ill get him." He said. "Whats the boys name?
"" His name is Ranjer." Tof told them." We'll find him. I know his scent."
" OK, You three go now." Jandar hugged them all.
" Be careful."Shayn hugged Rage and left with Ono and Tof. Jandar stepped up to Rage.
" I'm not going to ask you to go easy." He said. " There going to try and kill us. We do what we have to."
Rage took Jandar in his arms and kissed him deeply." I love you." Rage said " Since the day we met."
" I love you too." Jandar said. " Forever."

Tof, Ono and Shayn slowly walked into the castle. The boys hadn't been in there in years. But they knew every inch of the place from the dungeons below to all the apartments above. After going in,Tof sniffed around trying to pick up Ranjer's scent. At the door he caught something so he knew he was here. He walked in and over to the stairs. Father was downstairs, that was Jandar's mission. Ranjer was upstairs, his scent led up.
" Come on. He's upstairs." Tof told them.
" Hold on." Shayn said. " I want to know what else is up there."
" What are you going to do?" Tof asked.
" Shhhh" Ono said. " Watch."
Shayn whispered a few words and a firefly appeared. Shayn waved it upstairs. On it flew up the stairs and around through the castle. It passed strange men, men in Black armor. Polan's men. On it flew into every apartment. At last it flew into a room with werewolves and a young boy. It had found him. The firefly went out the window and winked out. Back downstairs Shayn opened his eyes.
" We have a problem." He said. "There are Black armors up there."
" Damn!!" Ono said. "We cant get away from them."
" Are they a problem?" Tof asked.
" Yes." Ono explained the war and some of the things that led up to this point.
"Look, There are six Black armors and four more werewolves." Shayn told them. " What do you want to do? Rip and tear or magic?"
" Magic?" Tof said. " How talented is he?"
" I can put most of them to sleep." Shayn said." Or paralyze them."
" Cast you spell." Ono said.

LULLABY E AND GOOD NIGHT
GO TO SLEEP EVIL AGENTS
THE TIME IS RIGHT
TO FREE LITTLE RANJER"

" Now we wait a minute." Shayn said. "It will work on the Black armors but they're not really evil. We'll have to fight them.
" Not a problem." Tof smiled. Seconds later he had shifted to his wolf man form. Ono stayed in human form.
" Lets go." Together they crept up the stairs. At the floor where Ranjer was being held they came on two Black armors laying on the floor. They stepped over them and kept going.
[That way.] Shayn pointed. Down the corridor they moved silently. A were in human form stepped out of a room, Ono punched him in the jaw and dropped him. Shayn caught him and laid him down. Tof took the lead as they moved.
" Duck!!" Ono whispered.
Quickly they ducked into a room as another Were walked out of the room Ranjer was being kept in. He saw the men on the floor and rushed to see what happened. As he reached the room they were in, he saw Tof and slash at him. Tof raised his arm and was cut with the knife he held. Shayn reached out and grabbed him. He swung the man against the wall and cracked his head. Two down.
" Tof is hurt." Ono said quietly." I want to try something." Shayn said to them. He shifted to his white dragon form. Being the size of a horse Shayn was the smallest of all the dragons.
[ Back up.] He told them. [I'm going to use my breath.]
After taking a deep breath he exhaled toward the room the last two werewolves were holding Ranjer. Then Shayn licked Tof's wound and healed him. Shifting back to Shayn he checked Tof's arm. Nothing but a scar remained.
" Come on." He said." What was that?" Tof asked.
" My dragon breath has many effects." Shayn said walking down the hall. " It can flame like Rage or poison like Polan."
The walked into the room and found the to Lycans and Ranger asleep.
" Or send you to dreamland like Cutter." Shayn smiled. " Go get him and lets get out of here.

Together they walked to the castle entrance. Jandar summoned his staff, It appeared and he reached out and took it. Before them was the courtyard that Rejak died in. His shrine stood on the spot where he died. The shrine was a beautiful fountain . The base was a marble pool with a centerpiece that stood up in the middle. On top was fixed another bowl. water spread out and ran over into the lower base. In the middle of the bowl stood Jandar and Rejek. A flame burned over there heads.
" Its beautiful." Rage whisper to Jandar.
" Father did this all himself by hand." A tear appeared in Jandar's eyes. " Lets go get him ." Snapping his fingers an orb of light appeared before them . It moved in front of them as the walked. The doors to the castle were open. They moved into the foyer, from there Jandar sent a probe to search the castle.
" Dont bother." Rage said. " There in the dungeon. I can hear them talking. Someone talking about how the people have been betrayed. And that that abomination has no place here."
Jandar took off to the right and down some stairs.Two flights down they saw light on the bottom floor. Rage stopped Jandar.
[ Theres more then ten people down here.] He sent. [We go slow.]
" I wont hate anymore." Jandar heard. "Its cost me all of my children. I banished my son. My Jandar! Do you have any idea how proud I am of him? The things he's done since he left. My son helped bring down a God!! A God Tyken!! How could I be so stupid?"
Drake Tyr was tied to a rack on the far wall. Tyken Ro walked up to him and smacked him.
" He deserves to have been executed for loving a vampire!!!" He screamed in his face."There our born enemies!! How dare he heal one."
" No." Drake said. "They were right. That war ended hundreds of years ago. Let it go."
" NEVER!!!" He hit Drake again and again." I'LL KILL EVERY VAMPIRE UNTIL NOT ONE OF THE UNDEAD THINGS WALK THE WORLD!!"
Jandar stepped out. He'd seen and heard enough.
" Hit him again and I swear ill make you burn for hundreds of years!!! He said calmly. "JANDAR!!!" Drake called to his son.
Tyken turned and saw his nephew and and the man in red standing there.
" Kill them!!" He ordered. Wolfmen came running from all directions. Rage shifted to dragon and waded in. Slashing and biting, Ripping werewolves apart. Some were armed , but it didn't matter. He flamed them and fought on. Jandar walked to the rack and freed his father. Tyken had run for a dais and grabbed something.
" Jandar." Drake said as he fell into his son's arms. "I'm sorry. I know you'll never forgive me for what I've done, but I am so sorry.
" I love you dad." He said. " its alright."
" He has the Dagger." Drake told him. "Be careful!"
" I will." Jandar waved his staff over his father and sent him to a safer place out of the way of the fighting. Then he turned to his uncle. His anger was murderous.
" Well if the Traitor hasnt returned to us." Tyken Ro said walking in front of the torture table. "Why have you come back?"
"I'm back for that dagger your holding." Jandar walked out to the middle of the floor. Rage tossed the last of the wolfmen aside and came over to Jandar.
" Take my father to safety." He told him.
[ Are you sure?] Rage said. He flexed his wings then smoke escaped from his nose.
" Yes, I can handle him."Jandar reached out and ran his hand along his snout. "Go."
[ I will wait outside with your father.] Rage turned and walked over to where Drake was laying. He picked him up and put him on his back and carried him upstairs.
" A dragon?" Tyken said. " This time its a dragon? Have you no shame?"
"None, Rage is a better man then you will ever be." He said. " And who I love is none of your affair."
" I always wanted to slay a dragon. Ill take care of him and your father after I kill you." Tyken said with an evil grin. The dagger glowing in his hand.
" Do your worse." Jandars staff began to glow as he centered his power.Tyken swung the dagger around and lightning flashed and shot out at Jandar. He held out his staff and it took the strike. Jandar pointed at Tyken and showered him with magic darts. Circling the dagger over his head the darts were deflected. Holding out his palm, Tyken caused the wind to roar through the dungeon, battering at Jandar. He stood straight up against the winds.
" You better do a lot better then that if you want to kill me." Jandar told him. "I'll show you power."
Jandar spun his staff and began to rise into the air. He folded his legs in a lotus position and sent fire blasting out it his uncle. He tried to dodge but was hit a few times. He slapped at the burning places then looked up to see Jandar pointing at him.
" Give up." Jandar told him. " You have a very powerful item there. But your no magic user. You have no idea how to use it."
" I'LL KILL YOU WITH IT!!" Tyken swirled the dagger around till a vortex appeared. He sent it at Jandar. Jandar held out his hand and the vortex stopped in place. He held it there while he floated.
" Last chance." Jandar told him." Give me the dagger. Leave Tir Na forever and I wont kill you. Your family, I owe you that."
" YOU CANT KILL ME." He screamed back. "I HOLD THE STORMCATCHER'S DAGGER!! ITS MINE!!
" But I can control it from here! " Jandar touched his temple and the dagger glowed brighter. Lightning flashed out of the dagger, burning his hand. He dropped the dagger. Jandar held out his open hand and it flew to him. The vortex began to move again. This time toward Tyken Ro. His eyes openned wider knowing what was about to happen. He tried to run but he was caught in its suction.
" NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He screamed as he was pulled in and torn apart. Jandar settled back down to the ground as the vortex dissipated. He looked around at all the dead or wounded men laying around. The walked up to the stairs and began to make his way out of the castle.
[ Mother, Sharone. I'm bring Father home. Its over. Come home.]

Back at the Manor everyone gathered around. Father was safe and Ranger was in his own bed. Jandar sat at his side and looked at him. He looked so much like Rejek. Rage walked in and stood next to him.
" He's a handsome lad" He said.
" That he is." Jandar looked up and smiled at Rage." Can I ask you something?"
"Anything." Rage bent over and kissed the side of his face.
" What happens when this is all over?" He asked. " You go back to your cave?"
" Not without you." He sat down next to Jandar and put his hand over Jandars.
"I cant live in a cave." Jandar said. " I have to be in the open. We werewolves need open space." " Then no cave for us.." Rage said. " I don't have to go back and stay. I have to get the spirit back, Yes. But we can start somewhere else. Here if you want."
" No not here." Jandar said. " I love my parents, and I forgive my father. He's made a lot of changes for me. But i cant live here."
" Then you better tell him." Rage said. " Come on. he's awake now."
Together they left Ranjer's room. Jandar looked back to see the boy sleeping.
" I'll be back little one."As they left the room, Tresandra came out of their room. She stopped and looked at her eldest son.
" I owe you an apology Mother." He said. " There's so much I didn't know."
She smiled to him and touched his face.
" Rage, do you mind we talk for a minute?" She asked him.
" Not at all M'lady." He bowed and winked at Jandar.
" Come with me." She walked back into Ranjer's room and shut the door.
" Look at him." She smiled. " He's our hope for the future. He's here because of you."
" Tell me what happened," They sat on a couch by the window.
" After you left your Father was anger. He was mad at the world and nothing I said or anyone else mattered. All because of the Vampires. He walked around in a daze. He loves you so much. One day he made his way to the castle without even knowing where he was going. Then it hit him. What had he done? He killed someone you loved. What if someone had killed you? That thought was almost more then he could bare. You were gone and it was his fault. And he might never see you again. All because of a stupid prejudice. Rejek was only trying to end the hate between our two people. That's when he made the decision to do what Rejek was trying to do. He came home and told me he was going to the Vampires. I begged him not to. I was afraid they were as stupid as we were. But you know your father, Hes not afraid of anything. And once he's made up his mind, there's no turning back. He went. When he came home, he was beaten and carrying Ranjer. The second most beautiful little boy I've ever seen. No babies cuter then Ono."
They both laughed.
" Did he tell you what happened there?" Jandar asked.
" Not only did he tell me." She said. " He took me there with him when he went back. When he arrived in Yadessa, he was taken captive. Think about it, a lone werewolf appears in a vampire city,holding the ring from a family crest of one of there leading clans. Some thought him mad. He was beaten then brought before there king Valkar. Your father laid down his life before Valkar. He told him everything. He said his son had fallen in love with this vampire and took a chance on being put to death to save him. Now here he was begging there forgiveness for killing him. Somehow Valkar saw the truth in him. What a wise man he is. We owe him your fathers life. And I thanked him with tears in my eyes. He promise that the vampires would never raid or come into our lands without coming to us first. We promised friendship as long as we ruled. Then he ask your father to raise Ranjer. That way we would remember Rejek always. When we came home, he built Rejek's shrine. He brought Ranjer before the council and told them what he had done. Some were angry. Your uncle, his own brother.That's when this all started."
" Mother?" A voice came from the bed.
Tresandra got up and went to the bed. She smiled when she saw him awake.
" Here's my little one." She hugged him. " How do you feel?"
" Hungry." He said.
" I'll get you something in a minute. I want you to meet you big brother Jandar. Say hello."
She waved Jandar over.
" Hi little brother!!" Jandar smiled at him. " I'm glad to meet you."
" Hi" He said. " You know what happened? Some bad men took me and father away. I was scared. But father kept telling me you were gonna come get us. Is father ok?"
" Yes little one he's gonna come in to see you soon." Jandar told him. " You get some rest and something to eat. Ill be back before I go."
" Ok." he said. Jandar went to the door and opened it." Jandar." He called.
" Yes?" Jandar stopped and looked back."Thank you for helping father and me. "Ranjer smiled." " That's what big brothers do." He went back to the bed. " Ranjer. You remember when father was talking to you in your head?"
" Yes."
" If you ever need me. Or you want to talk. If your ever in trouble and you need help. I want you to call me, just like went you talked to father. Ok?" A tear rolled down Jandar's face.
" Ok." He said. " I will."
Tresandra smiles as her son left the room. Outside the room Rage waited. One look at Jandar and he knew things would be alright here.
" Go see your father." He told him. "Ill be downstairs."
Jandar nodded and went into his parents room. Father was in bed, Sharone was talking to him. She smiled as he came in.
" Give us a few minutes Princess." Drake said.
As she left she hugged Jandar and whispered " Thank you." Then she ran out.
" Its been a long day Huh?" Jandar sat at his side. Drake held out his hand." Help me up." Jandar took his hand and helped him to sit up. Drake put his arms around his son and started to cry.
" No father don't cry." He said as his tears began. They both sat there holding each other crying.
" I knew you would come." Drake told him. " Rejek kept telling me you were coming to save us."
" What?" Jandar asked.
" Over and over I kept hearing Rejek say, Hes coming for you. Hes coming for you both. " Drake laid back on his pillow.
" Rejek is out there at the shrine."
" Ok, father. I believe you." Jandar said. " That's the kind of man he was."
" I'm sorry I didn't see him for what he was. I was blinded by hate." Drake said. " Can you forgive me?"
" I already have." Jandar said. " I heard what you told Uncle, and I saw the shrine. And I've seen Ranjer. I'm proud of you father. And I love you very much."
" I had to make amends for my stupidity." He said. "Even Valkar agrees, That war is in the past. We have to move on. It wasn't him that Rejek was running from. It was grandfather. And he's been taken care of by Valkar."
" Its ok father. All that is over now." Jandar took his father's hand.
" So King Rage huh?" Drake smiled. " And this Shayn is a King too?"
" You don't miss much do you?" Jandar smiled.
" Its good to be the king." They both laughed.
" Father." Jandar said. " You have to get back on your feet fast. I'm sending Shayn in here to heal you. Theres a war coming and Polan's men were helping Uncle. They wanted the dagger."
" You have it?"He asked.
" Yes ,and I need it to destroy the enemy." Jandar showed it to him.
" Take it." He said. " We don't need it. Just come back after its over. We'll miss you."
" I will, I promise." He bent and kissed his father's forehead. "I need to get going."
" Take good care of Ono." Drake called to his son as he turned to leave.
" Don't worry." Jandar said. " Shayn will. You take care of my littlest brother. He's our future."

The Frost Belt of the Dragon King. 31

Jayce, Ariel and Nautica were the next team sent out. There destination was the country of Kensor. A isolated country to the north. It was a frigid place covered with ice and snow. Usually ice bound so not many ships came here. Why would they? There wasn't much here to export. The people here learned to provide everything they needed themselves. During the winter all the inhabitants lived under ground with heat provided by thermal vents. Magic was practically unknown here and the people were simple. There were not many wars here. The only thing they feared were the wild Kensi and the real snowmen that roamed the lands. The Kensi were tall white furred tribal men that hunted with huge white furred dogs. So big they rode them. Kensi lived in the high caves and in the mountains. They hunted cave bears and the seal like creatures that swam in the rivers and ocean. They also hunted people. No one in Kensor traveled alone or without weapons. The most useful weapon up here was called a blaststone. The Blaststone was a magical weapon. Developed to fight the snowmen. Heat was there only weakness. Everybody learned to use one as a child and always carried one. The snowmen were really snowmen, made of snow and ice and magic. Intelligent with a real hate for anything warm blooded. There touch could freeze any warm bloods. They made there homes in ice cities hidden in the glaciers. That was where they hid during the warm seasons. But now, ice and snow fell, so they were out on the ice trying to find a way into the human underground city of Torcin. Torcin was one of seven underground cities in Kensor. It was the largest city in the north and had the biggest population. Down below they had farms and livestock breed to survive in colder climates. The most popular means of travel down there was ice skates and spiked shoes. It was a pretty happy place. and things were about to change.
" Thank god for Jandar's heating spell." Jayce said as they flew on. " Without it I'd have froze be now."
" I think it feels good." Nautica said riding on Ariel's back. " Almost like the bottom of the ocean. I'm good with cold and I have limited ice powers."
[That could be a big help here.] Ariel sent. [ Either of you see any cities or towns?]
" Not a soul." Jayce peered out and scanned the lands they passed over. " I've seen a few caves and some pretty big animals. Hell if I know what they are. But no people so far."
" We're pretty close to where Insa said to go." Nautica said.
" Look over there!!" Jayce pointed. There were two people running from something. Whatever it was, it was huge, furry and fast.
" Come on!!" Jayce said pulling his sword. " We have to help!!"
Angling his wings, Jayce went into a dive. As they got closer they realized it was one of the Kensi on his dog chasing two people. Jayce flew over his head and swung down and smacked the rider on the head. He rolled off and crashed into a snowbank. Jayce landed in front of the two men who had stopped. The Kensi rose up to his feet and stood over seven feet tall. He beat his chest and roared. From his mount he pulled a spear and drew back to throw. Suddenly a lightning bolt struck the ground at his feet. The Kensi jumped back and looked up. Ariel and Nautica were coming down fast. Growling the Kensi grabbed his mount and climbed on and the dog took off.
" Are you all right?" Jayce asked turning to the two men in white fur coats. Both men pushed back there hoods to reveal two young boys. One of sixteen the other about twelve smiling at them.
" We thank you winged man. " One said. " My name is Xander Corden. This is Drew my younger brother. We are returning from Amon to the east. If you hadn't come alone we might have been the Kensi's tribes dinner tonight."
Beside Jayce, Nautica stood with Ariel still in her dragon form.
" Is that a dragon?" Drew asked from behind his brother.
" Yes. Her name is Ariel." Jayce told them. "Watch her."
With a flash of lightning Ariel shifted to her Elven form, the beautiful Seven. She stepped up to Drew and knelt and extended her hand.
" It's nice to meet you both." She said.
" WOW!!!!" Drew said.
" What are you two doing in the middle of nowhere?" Nautica asked.
" Nowhere? " Xandar said. "Our cities right over there."
He pointed over to the cliffs behind them. Jayce and the others saw nothing, Xandar could tell by the looks on there faces.
" Come on." He said."Ill show you."
Together they walked towards the cliff Jayce looked ahead. There were cave openings. But he didn't see any city. The boys had to come from somewhere out here. He purposed the city could be hidden by magic. But he didn't feel any magic. Jayce didn't do magic, but he had a feel for it. He could tell when hes around it, and here he felt nothing.They made it to the cliff wall and stopped. Jayce looked around, now what? Form his pocket Xandar took an oval stone. He placed it in a hole on the cliff face. And pushed it in. Light shone from under and all round the stone. There was a creaking noise and a doorway opened in the ice cliff.
" Magic?" Jayce asked as he looked over the opening.
" No." Xandar said ushering them in. " It's science. Mechanical. springs and weights that are activated by my blaststone. The stone provides power. That's magic."
Together they all walked in being careful on the ice. The corridor they walked was brightly lit by reflected light from up high. Jayce and the dragons looked around there were carved images on the walls. Pictures of scenes from the city's history. From the carving of the city to strange creatures they encountered on the ice. There were pictures of both the Kensi and the snowmen, Both of them frightening. Up ahead they saw some kind of metal contraption. Drew walked in and Xandar held thew door for them. Jayce looked at Nautica. Then shrugged and walked in. Xandar shut the door and placed his blaststone in its place. The cage lurched to life and began to move.
" Hold on." Drew said. " It moves pretty fast." Sliding down a ramp the cage picked up speed. Ariel looked from Jayce to Xandar. Xandar and Drew didn't have any fear in there eyes so she relaxed a little. Nautica was scared to death, and Jayce loved it. Moving around curves and going higher then a steep dive, the cage slowed to a stop. Xandar took his stone as he opened the door.Nautica stumbled out on shaking legs looking green. The rest followed, Jayce with a look of pure delight.
" Lets do that again!!!" He said.

On an icy plain, Taren and the Shadows came to ground. This had been a long cold flight for Taren. The only thing that keep him warm was the heat from Terror. As a demon, Terror's body produced large amounts of heat. Enough to keep him warm as long as he stayed close. Graym to was cold. He was wrapped in his wings to fight the cold. But he wasn't as cold as Taren, his shadow abilities partly made him immune to the cold. Pelic and Velusia didn't seem to feel it at all.
" Which way do we go? " Pelic asked.
Taren opened the map and took a look at it. There was a flashing spot a little to the west. That was there destination.
" It's that way. West." He pointed.
" Good. Lets go." Pelic started forward.
" But were not alone." Taren stopped him.
" What do you mean?" Graym asked.
" The dragons are here to." He said. " I can feel them."
" Which way?" Pelic asked.
" See those cliffs? They went that way."Taren motioned to the north.
" That's the wrong way."Graym looked at Pelic. " They're on the wrong track."
" I think we should slow them down if we can." Taren said. " Or kill them. Polan would be pleased."
" Lets see where they went." Pelic said. " Then we can see what we can do."
" Why don't you three head west." Taren suggested. " Terror and I can check it out, then meet you. If there's any why to slow them, we will.
Pelic thought for a minute. There was no way he could stop Taren. He was right. Slowing the dragons was the right thing to do. But he must try and warn them. He could send Mags to find them.[I HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS. I'LL FIND THEM.]
Off Mags went to search for the dragons. Mags sailed off to the cliffs. He sensed the dragons here.But he didn't see a entrance. No matter , he'd go through the wall of ice. He reached out to pass through and met resistance. These walls where imbued with some kind of magic that stopped him from passing through. He had to find a way in. He searched all along the wall and found nothing. No way in. He went back to the place where the dragons entered to wait and see what Taren would do.
" Do what you can to slow or stop them then meet us." Pelic told Taren.
" Keep west." Taren said." You'll run into a glacier, that's your destination."
" We'll wait for you to enter." Graym told him. "Hurry."
Terror took off as did the Shadows. Terror flew north to the cliffs. Using his elven sight, he could see there tracks. There's two dragons and three others. The tracks end at a wall. There he could see many other tracks. Mostly human, but a lot of something else. Something that didn't get in through the wall.
[SOMETHING HUNTS HERE] Terror sent. [SOMETHING BIG]
" I see that." Taren frowned. "This is a human settlement. Whatever it is, its hunting the people."
[THEN WE HELP THEM IN.] Terror suggests. [ THEN THEY WILL BE TO BUSY HELPING THE HUMANS TO GET IN OUR WAY.]
" Can the smash through this wall?" Taren asks.
[ WE'LL SEE.]
Terror blew fire out and melted the ice all over the entrance way. It was thick so it took time but finally he was through to the stone doors. These he smashed with his hooves. Soon the was a large opening. Large enough for Terror to pass through. Then Terror roared a call to the Kensi.[ THAT WILL BRING THEM HERE. WE GO NOW.]
Taren climbed back onto Terror and they were off to the west. Mags watched Terror bring down the wall. What power the horse has!! This was the opening he needed. He flew in and settled for a seconds to orient on the dragons. There they are. He made his way down through the maze of tunnels to the city cavern. Now to find the dragons.

Torcin was one of the most beautiful places Jayce and the dragons had ever seen. Down there they had marvelous white stoned buildings, stone paved roads, and ice roads. The buildings were tall up to five stories. Lighting was provide by the sun and mirrors. Reflected light and some kind of solar powered batteries. These people had achieved a level of science that was unknown to the most of the world. Jayce had been to many places and seen many things,which included science. Everything here was clean and beautiful. They kept it that way. The people laughed and everyone seemed happy. Xandar took them to see the city manager. Maybe he knew of the belt. His name was Janos. He was a tall man and very busy. He saw them in his office.
" Thank you so much for saving the boys." He said shaking there hands.
" Your welcome." Jayce said. " There great boys. But we need your help."
" Sure. What can i do for you?" Janos sat down and motioned them to sit to.
" Where looking for something that might be here." Ariel said. " Its a belt."
[ JAYCE!!] Mags flew in the window. Jayce turned as he heard his name called in his head.
[ WE HAVE TROUBLE. THE SHADOWS TORE DOWN THE DOOR AND NOW THIS PLACE IS NO LONGER SECURE.]
Then a loud roar echoed through the city.
" What was that?" Nautica and the rest jump to there feet.
" That's the Kensi." Janos said as he rushed to the door.
" Somehow they got in."
On the wall by the wall there way a switch for a speaker system, Janos turned it on.
" ATTENTION!!. ALL MEN AND WOMEN. THE KENSI HAVE BROKEN IN. DEFEND THE CITY. THEY MUST BE REPELLED."
" We want to help." Jayce told him. He pulled his sword from its scabbard.
" Go back to the entrance." Janos told them." That's where they're coming in. We have to get them out."
" Follow me. " Xandar said as he ran out. Reaching in his pocket he pulled his blaststone.
"This way"
They made there way quickly through the city. They could hear howls and screams from everywhere. People ran in a panic to fight.
" Lets hit them Ladies!"
Jayce took of into the air. His wings took him high and he scanned around for the Kensi. Ariel and Nautica shifted and went to work, Ariel in the air with Jayce and Nautica on the ground. There were many men fighting and being tossed like dolls. Jayce dived down and slashed about them. Ariel flew over head and sent lightning down on them. Kensi ran crazy creating havoc in the city. Men used there blaststones and shot heat beams at them. Kensi died everywhere. Nautica ripped and tore through them,roaring. Xandar pushed Drew into a room and blocked the door so none could get in.. He stood there blasting any Kensi that came near. One of there dogs rushed at Xandar. From above Jayce saw Xandar was in trouble. He dived down and came between Xandar and the dog. Jayce slashed at its legs to bring it dowm Snapping at him the dog lunged for Jayce. Screaming his rage Jayce thrust out and stabbed the dog in the throat. It fell dead it his feet. Looking around he saw that the Kensi were running back to the entrance. But a few still fought. In the corner Janos was backed in.
" Stay here. Protect your brother."
Jayce took off to help Janos. He came in behind the two Kensi. One turned to attack him and he drove his sword into its chest. It screamed and fell away. Jayce slashed it the others back. With a back hand it sent him flying back. Enraged the Kensi turned on Jayce. With bloody claws It reached down to grab him. Suddenly a heat bean caught it in the shoulder and spun it around. A large shadow appeared over the beast man. It looked up in time to see Nautica snap it up shake it and toss it dead to the floor. Janos went to Jayce to help him up.
" Are you alright?" He asked as Jayce got to his feet.
" Yeah." He said shaking his head. Jayce looked around. It all was over. All the Kensi were gone. There were a lot of hurt and wounded men laying around. And many more dead Kensi.
" Xandar!!" He said.
" Relax." Janos told him. " He's fine. He saved your life."
Xandar and Drew walked over to see both men smiling at them.
" What?" Xandar said.
" Your my hero!!" Jayce said. He reached out and ruffled his hair. Nautica and Ariel came over to stand with Jayce.
" I couldn't let him hurt you." Xandar said.
" You are one brave young man." Jayce told him. " The way you stood an protected your brother. No Kensi stood a chance against you."
Xandar smiled at the praise he was receiving.
" Now we have to get back to the job we came here for." Jayce told them. " We'll help you secure the city, then were off on our search."
[ITS TO LATE JAYCE.] Mags sent. [THE SHADOWS ARE THERE. THEY WILL FIND IT. MOVE ON TO THE NEXT ONE.]

Taren caught up with the others at the glacier. He told them what he and Terror had done.
" You should have let me go in." Velusia laughed at the damage the Kensi had to have caused.
" Relax, You can come with me this time." Pelic said. " But as smoke."
" What are you planning?" Graym asked.
" To slip in as a shadow and see what we can find." Pelic told him. " It's in there somewhere. I have to find it."
" How will i know it?" Velusia asked. " Whats it look like?"
" I don't know." Pelic said.
" It will give off some kind of magic effect." Taren told them." What, I don't know. Its a belt. It may be in a tomb or something. Or even frozen in the glacier. But its there."
" Unless you find a way in, I want you two to stay here. " Pelic said. " The dragons may still find there way here. If they do. Stall them, kill them, do what you have to."
All along he wall there was a series of cracks. Velusia became smoke and seeped into them. These cracks ran all the way through the glacier. Slowly she made her way in while Pelic just walked through the wall. At was a dense wall, about Fifteen feet deep then they were in what seemed to be a cave system. But not just any ice caves, more like rooms. Pelic and Velusia found tables and chairs, furniture made of ice. All around they found statues of ice. At looked like men and woman made of ice and snow. But who could carved all this? And why? Certainly not the people of the city. Its to far away, and way to cold for them to spend more then a few minutes there at a time, and all this would have taken years to carve.
[What is all this?] Velusia asked.
[ I don't know.] Pelic sent. [But keep looking, and can you become a clear gas? There my be someone here. I don't want the smoke to draw attention to you."
Velusia shifted to form of hydrogen, A clear flammable gas that would not be very detectable.[ That's better.] He said. [ Go in that direction, and be careful.]
[ Why?] She said. [ Nothing here can hurt us]
[ Just do as I say.] Pelic silently floated away.The caves were really magnificent. Almost perfectly carved.Stairways and halls,tables and chairs, but no beds. On the tables where plates of snow and ice, like someone used that for food. then Pelic found a fountain with running water. The statues he inspected were that of huge bearded ice men and beautiful women naked. The further he moved in, Pelic began to feel something. It was the magic effect Taren told them about. He followed it and found himself in front of a large set of doors, like the doors of kings hall leading to a throne room. Pelic passed through the doors. On the other side he found just what he expected. A throne room with the king carved on his throne. He had to be eight to nine feet tall. In his hand he held a long rod made of ice. Around his waste he wore a belt. A large silver belt studded with diamonds and one blue sapphire in the center. The gems were in the shape of a snow flake. This was The Frost Belt.
[ Ive found it.] He sent to Velusia and the others.
[ I'll come to you.] Velusia sent.Pelic looked back at the Ice King. It seemed like his head had moved. Like now he was looking straight at him.
[That cant be!!] Pelic thought.
[What?] Taren asked.
[ Nothing.] He said.
[ It's my imagination.]
Pelic floated around the throne. Looking to see if he could reach the back of the belt. He could. He moved back to the front. This time the Kings face had a different look.
[ Whats going on here?] He thought.
[ Whats going on in there?] Graym asked.
Loud crackling noises began to come from all around. Sounds of ice breaking. Pelic looked back to the King. He was standing now.
" WHY HAVE YOU COME HERE?"
He stepped down from the throne. He held out his hand and sent a cloud of frost that would have frozen any living being. Pelic moved aside
." YOU HAVE COME HERE TO DESTROY US!!"
He swung his staff at Pelic. It passed through him. Ice men began to wake everywhere. Velusia switched to a acid cloud and swirled around them ,melting them one at a time.
[ Were coming in.] Graym sent. [We found a place where the ice is thinner. Terror is breaking it down now.]
Pelic could hear noises of things breaking. Terrors roars were loud enough to hear deep in the mountain. More ice man came in as Pelic wove spells to defend himself. He sent energy bolts flying at them as they advanced. Each time one hit ,the ice man exploded. But more came. The King stood on his dais directing them in the fight. Then Pelic heard Terrors roars coming closer. They were in the mountain. Graym and Taren came in, Graym sending his steel like feathers flying at the ice men. Like diamond drills they shattered the ice men as they made contact.
" This is fun." Velusia shouted.
She became a volcanic cloud and rushed at a number of ice men moving on Pelic. When she hit them they vaporized instantly. She kept laughing as she moved on to the next group.
" Taren over here!!" He called.
Terror kicked out and smashed two ice men as he made his way to Pelic.
" Where is it?" Taren asked.
" On the throne. The King!!" Pelic pointed. " Have Terror use his flame on him."
Taren had Terror advance on the King. As he saw the demon horse coming he tried to back away. Terror reared up and exhaled his flame. The King held his arms in front of his face and screamed as the flames hit him.
" NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"The king melted on his throne, Soon there was nothing left but the belt and a large puddle of water. With thew Kings death, the rest of the ice men crumbled. Soon a rumble began in the hall. Pelic ran forward and grabbed the belt.
" Lets go!!"
Pelic rose up and sailed through the walls with Velusia following through the hole Terror made. Graym and Taren followed her up as the cave came crashing in behind them.
" Polan will be please." Taren said.
" Yes he will." Pelic said as he put the belt into his cloak. " We go find the next one."

Chameleon Ring. 30

Ardia is a very hostile place. Filled with wild animals of a like no one's seen before, very magical and dangerous. And Orcs, many tribes, and always fighting each other. Fighting over land and food and females and anything that one could take from another. Wars were fought here over a buck or some other animal that some hunting Orcs were after. Its not that there's not enough to eat, they just loved to fight and kill. The strongest Orc ruled each tribe and could be challenged at anytime, even in his sleep. This is the place Rage and Jandar sent Blaze, Cutter and Denner after the first of the Dragon Talismans. Insa had explained that the Chameleon Ring would be found in Ardia. The smoke dragon had said it would be in a tomb. The tomb of an ancient king of Ardia by the name of Navar Ren in an old abandoned human city.
They arrived in Ardia early in the morning. Denner rode on Blaze's back as they flew in with Cutter beside him.
" Do you see a city?" Denner asked.
[ No, not yet.] Blaze sent as they landed in a clearing in the dense forest.
Denner climbed down then the dragons made the shift to human form.
" Do you sense anything Cutter?" Blaze asked.
"Oh yes." He said. " These Orcs may be fierce, but it seems they live in fear of each other."
" What about the city?" Denner asked. " How far away is it?"
Cutter sent out a probe to find it. A small part of his consciousness sped out and Cutter could feel the surrounding area. The forest was dense and he sensed many Orcs and strange animals around them. There were Orc villages out there, he could feel them. There it was. Many miles to the east of where they were now.
" I found it!" Cutter said. " It's east of us. And we can't fly there. That will bring every Orc in Ardia after us."
" Then we walk." Blaze said as he pushed his way into the thick bush..
Together they started walking east. It was hot in this forest and strange insects and birds flew about. Denner spotted a bird with four wings and pointed it out to the others.
" I wonder why the animals are so weird here." Denner asked.
" I think it's the Ring." Cutter said. "I can feel it even now. Its magic is very powerful."
" Wait!" Blaze stopped. " We're immune to strong magic., but your not." He said to Denner.
" I doubt if it will affect him in any way." Cutter told them. " He'll have to be in contact with it for a long period of time. These animals have lived here for all there lives and that's why there affected."
" I don't really care." Denner said. " We need to do this and quick. If Polan finds it I can't imagine what he will do."
" Then lets go." They started walking again with Cutter in the lead. Pushing through bushes and climbing hills, it was hard work. Cutter stopped as he heard something.
" What is it?" Blaze asked. He moved up to Cutter.
" There's something over there." Cutter pointed to a wall of bushes.
They backed a bit for room to fight. But Cutter didn't move. His senses told him what was there. Then they heard a roar and something lunged out. Blaze inhaled, ready to use his flame on what ever it was.
" STOP!!!"
Cutter held up his hand to stop Blaze. Before them stood a large cat, but not like any cat any of them had ever seen before. It was like a tiger, only it didn't have fur. It had scales and a forked tongue. A reptilian cat. It roared again and slowly advanced toward them hissing.
" Let me kill it Cutter." Blaze called to him. " Get out of the way."
" Quiet!!" Cutter stepped forward holding out his hand for the beast to smell. Denner tried to push forward with his sword drawn and the beast roared again.
[Peace brothers.] Cutter sent. [ It won't harm me and your scaring it. ]
The beast walked forward and sniffed Cutters hand, then it purred as it pushed its muzzle against his hand to be petted. Its tongue wrapped around his hand. Cutter hugged the beast and rubbed its neck and laughed.
" I'll call it Cheshire, its very intelligent." Cutter told them.
" It's scary too" Denner said. Cheshire walked over to Blaze and Denner and sniffed them both then he rubbed against there legs.
" See." Cutter smiled. " He likes you both."
" What do we do with him?" Blaze asked.
" Well, He knows this forest. He can lead us to the city." Cheshire roared.
" He says there are Orcs near. They hunt him. And there are others here to. I think they're Polan's men."
" Where?" Denner asked. Cheshire roared.
" To the south and moving toward the city." Cutter told them.
" You understand him?" Denner said.
" Yeah, I've always had a way with animals. Now, I can understand them completely." Cutter ran his hand along Cheshire's back. Cheshire started to move off to the east then looked back and growled.
" He wants us to follow him. Lets go." Cheshire and Cutter dashed off into the forest followed by Blaze and Denner.

After flying in and landing on the coast of Ardia they got ready to move inland. Terror was a huge jet black horse. So black it seemed to swallow light. Its eyes were like flames in the night with sharp cloven hooves. His tail was that of a whip. A cat o nine tails able to peel the skin off any living creature. Terror's hide was as tough as armor and just as strong. And he flew with two massive demon bat wings. One look from the eyes of this creature could freeze one in place as it devoured them. Taren and Terror were bonded but blood. Polan controlled it with magic, but in Taren, Terror found a soul that was close to its own heart. They would be together from this day until there last days of life.
[Terror,We walk from here on.] Taren sent to his steed. [ This is a dangerous place.]
[NOT FOR US.] Terror said to his bonded one. [THERES NOTHING HERE THAT CAN HARM US.]
[I know.] Taren took off the bridle and saddle and put them aside.
[But we want to come in quiet. If we fly, all will see us coming. You hunt while I'm away. I'll call when I need you.]
[ I
"I WILL STAY CLOSE.] Terror took off into the forest to hunt. [I WILL BE NEAR BROTHER.]
Together they walked into the forest. There were strange noises all around them, Taren could feel eyes on them. He could sense that there were others watching them. Then things came out and attacked. Orcs were everywhere. With clubs and heavy swords and spears. The Four Shadows battled the Orcs. Graym flexed his arm and sent his deadly feathers flying at a group of advancing Orcs, they fell to the ground bleeding. His feathers had a paralyzing affect on them. Taren slashed his way through them and Velusia burned them as a acid cloud. Opening his cloak Pelic commanded Shadow beast to attack. Six came running out and tore into the Orcs. Unable to fight the magic of the Four the Orcs turned and ran into the forest. They would be back later with more.
" Ok " Graym said. " We have a break. Let's find this talisman. Which way Taren?"
Taren opened up the map and studied at.
It seemed they were to the south of the place they needed to be.
" We go north." Taren told them.
" Then let's go." Velusia took off in to the air.
" Come back here." Pelic yelled.
She rose above the trees and suddenly she was attacked by large insects. She screamed and tried to bat them away but there were to many. They were trying to sting her. Quickly she became smoke that burned there wings but still that came. Velusia made her way back down to the others and the insects flew off. It seemed they attack anything in the air.
" That's the last time you will disobey." Pelic told her. " You do as we say, when we say. Understand?"
"Or?" She stood there with her hands on her hip. " You can't hurt me. I'll just become smoke and take off and do this alone."
" Will you?" Pelic held out his hands and clapped them together. Velusia froze in place solid. She couldn't move, Or dissolve to smoke. Her eyes widened as she realized the state she was in. Pelic walked over to her and whispered in her ear.
" I could put you down right here and now. And I don't have a problem with that." Pelic said. " It's up to you."
Pelic released her and she relaxed.
" I will do as you say." She said.
" Can we get moving?"Graym turned to Taren.
" Which way?"
Tarens hunting abilities gave him the knowledge of where he was at all time. Once he oriented on something or one, he couldn't lose them. He pointed in a northern direction and they moved on.

After speeding through the forest, the dragons came out following Cheshire. The dead city was huge and old. There were crumbling towers and a long wall surrounding the city.The walls had big gaping holes where the Orcs used battering rams to get in. The people that lived here must have been overrun by Orcs and taken. That means they were eaten. Orcs don't take prisoners, they take meat.
" Here it is." Denner said. He started to walk out and Cheshire grabbed his arm.
" What?" he said. Cutter grabbed him and covered his mouth.
" Orcs." Cutter pointed out movement in the distance.. There was a group of Orcs out by the city gates. Cutter wondered if the city was full of them.
" Before we go in I want to see how many are in there." Cutter told them.
" How?" Denner asked.
" Their fear." He said. " It shines like a beacon."
Cutter sat down and cast out his mind to feel the fear in the city. Spreading through the city he located every Orc in every corner awake or asleep. There were many. This was going to be tough. Using his abilities Cutter searched for the tomb. Being a kings tomb he figured it would be one of the biggest in the cemetery. He found two that fit the description.
" I think I found it." Cutter rose up and told his comrades.
" How do we get in?" Blaze asked.
" We fight." Denner said pulling his sword.
" No." Cutter said." There's to many. We couldn't do it."
" Then how?" Denner re sheathed his sword.
" I'll scare them out." Cutter said.
" You think it will work?" Blaze asked.
" I've seen their fear." Cutter said. " Orcs are bold in numbers, but I'll put something in their minds that will make them run and hide. Don't worry I'll keep broadcasting as we move. But we better hurry."
Cutter closed his eyes and concentrated. Blaze and Denner watched the Orcs in the distances. Suddenly they started screaming and running into the forest. A few seconds later many more came out. They ran over each other trying to get away. Many were trampled to death in there panic.
" Let's go." Cutter called out as he and Cheshire began to run toward the gates. All together they ran in. They saw other Orcs, but none paid them any attention. The closer Cutter came to them the worse there fear. Some died of fright when they came to close to them.
" What are they seeing?" Blaze asked as they ran.
" Cheshire." Cutter said. "Five times bigger then Rage in dragon form ripping through them. This way."
Vegetation over grew the city and the smell of the Orcs was horrible. Bones litter the ground they ran over and no other animals could be seen. Soon, Cutter found the cemetery he was looking for.
" There, the two tombs." He said. " Denner check them out. "The kings name was Naver Ran."
Denner ran over and checked the one on the left. It was Navar's queen, Lessa.
" It's the other one." He said. Blaze went to the other tomb. It read Naver Ran and had a golden crown on the door. He tried the door. It was rusted stuck, it wouldn't budge. Blaze shifted to dragon form an butted the door with his head. The door crashed in. Cutter sat down exhausted from the effort of projecting fear. But he had to keep it up or the Orcs hiding in the city would come out.
" Cutter you stay here." Blaze told him. " Denner and I will get it."
Quickly the pair ran in. The tomb consisted of four rooms. The furthest one in would hold the body. The rooms were filled with all kinds of treasure. They ignored it and kept going. They weren't here for that. The last room was the largest of them all. There they found the sarcophagus of Navar Ran. It was beautiful, Made of gold and silver with many large rubys an diamonds on it. On the cover, Navar Ran's image was carved. Denner tried to push it open. It was to heavy for him.
" It's a good thing this room is so large." Blaze said. " Stand back."
Again Blaze took his dragon form. He walked up to the coffin and gripped it with his claws. Then with a hard pull he lifted the cover.
[ Get it.] He sent to Denner.
Denner looked into the coffin and saw the dead king. On his finger was a glowing ring.
" Forgive us my lord." Denner said. " But we have need of this."
{TAKE IT MY SON. PROTECT THE LANDS}Denner's eyes opened wide as the hand thrust out to him. He took the ring from the finger.
{NOW GO! AND HURRY}
" Thank you your highness." Denner said to the dead king." " I will do as you say."
" Let's go." They ran out and back to Cutter.
" Blaze." Denner said as they emerged and meet up with Cutter. " Did you hear that?"
" What?" He asked.
" The King talked to you." Cutter said as he stood. " I heard him. We should hurry."
" Yes." Denner said. " He told me to protect the land."
" We know you will." Cutter told him. " But we need to go. Polan's people are coming."
" I think we should fight them." Denner told them.
" Denner. I know your eager to fight Polan. But this is not the the time or the place." Cutter said. " To fight them , I'll have to drop the fear I'm projecting. then we'll have to fight them and the Orcs. We won't win. We need to go now."
Cutter tried to get up and fell back. Blaze rushed to his side to help him.
" We need to go now." Cutter tried to shift to dragon, but he was to weak. "Polan's men are close."
" CUTTER!" Blaze said. He shifted to dragon and put Cutter on his back.
[ Climb on. Hurry!] Blaze sent.
" Can you fly with us both on your back?" Denner asked. Then he looked at Cheshire. "And what about Cheshire?"
[I don't know. We'll find out.] Blaze told him. [ And we'll have to leave him. He'll be fine.]
{USE THE RING. MY SON.}
Denner looked at the ring he held in his hand. This ring is suppose to give him the ability to change his form at will. Quickly he put the ring on. He needed to fly now like a dragon. Suddenly his body felt all tingly. It was like electricity ran through his body. He was changing! In seconds he was the twin of Blaze. He grabbed up Cheshire and took off into the air. Blaze looked at him in surprise and took off after him. Cutter relaxed as they flew into the clouds and were hidden. He dropped his fear projection releasing the Orcs.
[WHOA!!] Denner sent to them both. [ This is what its like! I love it!!]

Entering the city, the Four Shadows looked around. They knew what they were looking for. Polan had told them about Navar Ran and his tomb. All they had to do was find it and retrieve the object. So they searched the cemeteries for his tomb. As they searched Taren felt eyes on them. He knew something was about to happen. Slowly he drew his blades and made ready to fight. Navar's tomb was ahead. It was open. This is bad. Someone had been here.
" Taren." Pelic said." Go check out the tomb."
Walking to the tomb door and noticed there was no dust around the edges of the door
" This is recent." He said. " Someones been in here recently."
" Go check it." Pelic told him.Mags sped into the tomb and found Navar's sarcophagus. It was open and the ring was gone. Mags sensed the dragons had been here. That was good. They got the ring. Mags when back and told Pelic. Minutes later Taren came back and told him the same news. Then Taren heard a noise, something moved in the building behind them. Then over to the left and the right. There were noises coming from all around them. And the smell of Orcs filled the air.They were surrounded.
" We have a problem." Taren said pulling his swords. "Orcs everywhere."
[ Terror come!!] He sent out.
[I COME.]
Graym looked around. He didn't see or hear the Orcs, but he knew Taren was right.
" The ring is gone. It's time to go." He said.
Suddenly an Orc came running at them. Before anyone could move, Terror flew over the wall and grabbed it by the shoulder. It screamed as Terror tore into it, then tossed it aside. The demon horse quickly trotted over to Taren and he climbed on. Then they charged. Hundreds of Orcs came running toward them. All armed and ready to tear them apart. Velusia began to laugh as she became a cloud, her smoke began to cover them as she spread out and the Orcs ran into to her cloud.
[ Go![ She said. [ I'll hide you all.]
Terror took off and Graym spread his wings and launched himself skyward. Pelic became a shadow and floated up. Velusia's laugh could still be heard as they climbed higher.
[By the way.] They heard. [ May I feed?]

Polan's Four Shadoe's. 29

The sun was setting as Pelic appeared in Dansport. Another bleak port village of Polan's. That's just what he wants, despair and hopelessness all around. He must feed on it or something. Pelic was a little scared. He was worried Polan might discover his intentions to betray him as soon as he can. In his hands he carried a basket. In the basket was the body of the smallest dragon. Shine. He wasn't dead though, just out of body. Pelic could see Mags the spirit just ahead thanks to one of Jandar's spells. Shine was to stay with Pelic at all times, only returning to his body for an hour a day. And to report back to Rage and Jandar when they found something.
Pelic walked down the street unchallenged. No soldiers, no children playing, nothing. But he did feel eyes on him. Pelic sent out his senses and probed the area. There were dead men here. That was no surprise to Pelic. He was in one of the cities of a necromancer, what else would you expect.
[WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE HERE?] Mags sent to him.
[ These people have run for the hill.] Pelic sent. [ Polan scares them. As long as he's here, you won't see the people.]
[ WE HAVE TO GET HIM OUT OF HERE.] Mags drifted closer to Pelic.
[ We has to destroy that monster or no one's going to be safe.] Pelic thought.
[ AGREED. HE SHOULD BE IN THE PALACE UP ON THE HILL.]
[ Then that's where we have to go.] Pelis sent. [ You sure he won't detect you?]
[ YES, MY MAGIC AND JANDAR'S TOGETHER ARE STRONGER THEN HIS. AND I KNOW MAGIC HE'LL NEVER UNDERSTAND.]
[ Then why can't you destroy him?] Pelic asked.
[ I DON'T HAVE THE POWER.] Mags told him. [NONE OF US DO. POLAN IS POWERFUL AND IT'S GOING TO TAKE ALL OF US TO DEFEAT HIM AND A LOT OF LUCK. REMEMBER HE'S TAKING SOULS AS HE KILLS AND THAT ADDS TO HIS POWER.]
[ What if he try's to take mine? I don't want to be under his power again.] Pelic looked worried.
[HE CAN'T TAKE YOUR MIND OR YOUR SOUL. I'VE MADE SURE OF THAT. AND I WON'T LET HIM.]

Up on the hill a man came walking out of the palace. He looked down at them and then started toward them. He was a middle age man with short brown hair, a handsone face dressed in dirty clothes. Pelic and Mags walked up to him.
" I am Graym." He told Pelic. "What are you doing here? Don't you know who's city this is?"
" Of course I do!!" Pelic said. " I have something for the Master. Tell him Pelic would have an audience with him."
Graym looked at him in wonder. He though this man must be a fool to seek out Polan. Could he really think Polan would treat him as a equal? He's going to be a tool for Polan to use then death will be his reward. Graym knew because he was in the same position. But he would do anything to keep his people from harm.
" As you wish." He told Pelic. " Follow me."
Together they walked up the road to the palace. Pelic was surprized, dreay as it seemed, there were no bodies about and the city was clean. Something was different about this part of the city. Pelic looked around. He saw all the things found in most cities. Homes, shops trees budding and green grass on the lawns. Wait, budding trees and grass? In one of Polans cities? That was unsual, the poison he spreads kills most growing things. Along the way Pelic saw flowers. There was a rose bush actually blooming.
[THERE'S SOMETHINBG STRANGE HAPPENING HERE.] Mags sent to Pelic. [ THERE'S NO POISON IN THE GROUND OR IN THE VEGETATION.]
[I know.] Pelic sent. [ Polans spared this city for some reason. You think maybe he couldn't poison the city?]
[NO.] Mags sent. [YOUR RIGHT. HE SPARED THIS PLACE. LOOK HOW NEW THE GRASS IS. THE TREES SHOULD BE FULL OF LIFE AT THIS TIME, BUT ITS JUST BUDDING. I THINK HE REMOVED THE POISON FOR SOME REASON.]
[We need to find out what happened.] Pelic said.
[WE WILL. JUST BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY HERE.]
As they passed over the bridge into the palace. Pelic noticed frogs and life in the water. Clean fresh water, it was good to see , but Polan had to have a reason to have done this. Pelic knew he didn't do it out of the kindness of his heart. Polan had no heart or kindness in whatevers he does have in there. Pelic followed Graym thought the palace. The palace was beautifully furnised. Tapestries and all kinds of wealth could be seen everywhere. Greselia must have been a very wealthy country before Polan killed the rulers. Ahead were two large doors with two of the Black Armors standing in front. Graym nodded to them and they opened the doors for them. Graym walked in with Pelic following. Polan sat in a throne in the center of the room. When he saw Pelic he sat up with interest.
" Well,well well." He said." I sent you out to bring me back an angel. You come back empty handed!"
Mags drifted up towards the ceiling as Pelic bowed to him. Polan rose from his throne and stomped down to Pelic. His eyes were pitch black and his nails grew as he came closer.
" WHY SHOULD I LET YOU LIVE???" Polan raised his hand to slash Pelic. Pelic through open the basket and showed him Shines body laying there. Polan looked into the basket and saw the small dragon. His eyes lit up.
" You did this?" Polan asked lowering his hand.
" Yes my lord." He said. " The angel wasn't there. I thought you might like to see this one dead too."
" You were right. This one caused me a lot of pain." Polan poked at the body. Mags watched the necromancer tease his body. He felt it every time he touched it. A bit of fear ran though him. If Polan decides to do something, he was going to be in trouble. That was his biggest fear. Pelic would have to talk him out of it very carefully. Polan looked at Pelic, he had an idea.
" Are you mine to command?" Polan asked.
" Yes my lord." He answered his eyes down..
" Will you do what I wish?" He went on. Polan walked around the two men in front of him.
" Anything you ask my lord." He said.
" Graym?." Polan called him.
" As will I my lord." He answered.
Polan had a wicked look on his face. He was up to something, what, was anybody's guess.
" I want you two to find something for me. A few somethings actually. Some rare dragon items I've been searching for that will help me to conquer this world.
" What are they?" Graym asked. Polan looked at Graym in annoyance. His hand twitch to reach for Graym but he held himself back from hurting Graym. He needed Graym unharmed and willing to do his bidding. Torture wouldn't work with Graym. There was no fear in Graym's eyes, maybe there were others he can torture that will have more of an effect on him.
" That's not something you have to worry about." Polan said. " Your King asks something of you. Will you deny me?"
" I will do as you ask Majesty." Graym bowed.
"Both of you stand there."
Polan walked back a little then turned and pointed at candles on the ground surrounding the pair. One at a time each candle burst into light as he pointed at them. The pair look around. Pelic had an idea what was about to happen. Up above Mags saw what was going to happen. He reached out to Graym and probed his heart. Mags knew that Graym was being forced into this. His question when they arrived was a warning to Pelic to get away from this city and Polan. He knew he couldn't stop what Polan was doing, but he could change the spell slightly. How he wasn't sure. But maybe he could stop Graym from losing his soul to Polan. Quickly Mags came down and filled his mind with his essence, protecting his mind from what ever Polan did to him.

TWILIGHT, MOONLIGHT,STARLIGHT SHINE.
SHADOWS I CALL TO YOU TO BE MINE.
FILL MY MEN AND GIVE THEM POWER.
ABILITIES TO MAKE ALL MEN COWER.
GIVE WINGS TO ONE AND CLOAK THE OTHER.
BIND THEM TO ME AND NO OTHER.
MAKE THEM CHANGE AND FIT TO WORK MY NEEDS.
DO THIS NOW I PLANT MY SEEDS.

The room filled with total darkness as the ceiling seemed to disappear and the stars glowed. Both men felt coldness cover there bodies. It was so numbing this cold. Neither man could move an inch. There bodies became dark as sack cloth. Graym became more muscular as dark wings sprouted from his back. Sharp feathers sparkled as his wings moved. He wore a dark tunic now and long tight pants. Talons grew as he looked at his hands. More sharp feathers grew along his forearms and legs. His dark features became young and handsome, his hair in a long ponytail. Soon he could move again. He flexed his arm and feathers shot out and stabbed into the wall. Graym looked at his hands. He felt his body.
[ What have I become?] Graym thought. [ I'm a monster!! He made a monster of me!!!]
Still in Graym's head, Mags heard his hatred of what hes become. He knew Graym was about to lose control and attack Polan. If he did that, Polan would kill him and use his body anyway. He had to stop him from acting, talk with him and calm him down.
[ GRAYM, I AM MAGS. I AM THE DRAGON IN THE BASKET. BE CALM, I'M HERE TO HELP. MY KING AND FAMILY WANT TO HELP BRING DOWN POLAN. WE'LL NEED YOUR HELP.]
[ What has he done to me?] Graym asked as his mind tried to cope with what was happening to him..
[ POLAN HAS CHANGED YOU. FILLED YOU WITH SHADOW. BUT NOT YOUR MIND. I HAVE PROTECTED THAT PART OF YOU. YOU ARE NOT BOUND TO HIS WILL. BUT YOU MUST MAKE HIM BELIEVE YOU ARE. UNDERSTAND? SO PLEASE, YOU MUST BE CALM NOW!]
[Are you with the angel?] Graym asked as he got a better hold on himself.
[JAYCE? YES HE'S WITH US. I'VE SEEN HIM IN YOUR MIND. PELIC IS WITH US TOO. TRUST HIM. I WILL BE NEAR TOO.]
[I don't like being like this. I"m a horror now. How can I face my family like this?] Graym complained.
[WE HAVE MANY POWERFUL MAGES WITH US. WE'LL FIND A WAY TO HELP YOU GET BACK TO NORMAL. THAT IS A PROMISE.]
[I will do as you ask. Polan must be stopped.]
[ I MUST CHECK ON PELIC. I CAN FEEL HIS FEAR.]
Pelic's body began to was filled with shadow magic. He stood there totally black as night in a dark gray cloak. It bellowed all around him. He still felt cold. He know it was the cold of shadows. His cloak of shadows. What had Polan done to him?
[EVERYTHING THAT GOES INTO YOUR CLOAK WILL FEEL THE COLDNESS OF SHADOW AND BE TRAPPED THERE TILL YOU RELEASE THEM. IVE PROBE YOU.]
[Oh god!!!} Pelic screamed to mags.
[HE DOESN'T CONTROL YOU. THIS CAN BE UNDONE. JANDAR AND I MIGHT BE ABLE CHANGE YOU BACK ONCE WE DESTROY HIM. CALM DOWN OR POLAN WILL KNOW SOMETHINGS NOT RIGHT.]
[I'm alright.] Pelic sent back. [Just give me a second.]
" You two will be two of my Four Shadows." Polan told them. " You will be rewarded far beyond your comprehension when you succeed."
"Thank you Master." Graym said.
" As you wish Master." Pelic bowed. " Master, The little dragon May I dispose of it?"
"Yes you may, and there's a vampire loose here." Polan walked back to his throne and sat down.
" The shadow beast are after her. You now command them, both of you. Bring her back to me."
Graym spread his wings and leaped to the sky as Pelic took the basket into his cloak and sailed up to the ceiling. At the ceiling they passed through like any shadow would. Outside in the air Graym flew close to Pelic.
" You are with Mags?" He asked.
" Yes." The chilled voice said to him.
" Can they really change us back? " Graym asked.
" I believe in them." Pelic said. " Or I wouldn't be here. Once Polan is dead, his magic can be disrupted. Yes we can be changed back I think. But we're going to have to do as he says, make him trust us and see what he's doing. That's the only way were going to win."
[WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY BODY?] Mags asked as they flew towards the abandoned part of the city.
" The only way to keep it safe is to keep it with me." Pelic sent. " Do you feel the cold as I do?"
[NOT UNLESS I GET BACK INTO MY BODY.]
" Don't worry." Pelic said. " I'll take it out so you can get back in. Now we must find that vampire."
" The shadow beast have not found it yet." Graym said.
" Mags while we search. Go tell Rage whats happened. Maybe he knows these dragon items Polan wants." Pelic said. "And fill Jandar in too."

Mags took off for the settlement to find Rage and Jandar. In an instant he was back with Rage. He told them what happened. Rage and Jandar had been talking to Insa when Mags arrived. After hearing Mags report Insa spoke.
" Rage." Insa said leaning forward in his chair. " Do you know of the Dragon Talismans?"
"Of course I do." Rage said.
" Dragon Talismans? " Jandar asked. " Whats that?"
" Long ago five dragon kings had special talismans made during a time when there was a dragon war going on." Rage said. " The war had been started by a dragon, believe it or not, a shadow dragon. He tried to take over all of dragon kind and he almost did. Only the five talismans held by a special dragon could defeat him."
" Six." Insa interrupted. " There are six talismans"
"What kind of dragon?" Jandar asked.
" No one knows." Insa shrugged.
"Well then do you know where these Talismans are?" Jandar looked at them. " Sounds like that's just what we might need to destroy Polan."
" No." Said Rage.
" I know where they are." Insa said.
Rage looked at Insa in shock. The talismans had been hidden for over one thousand years. How old was Insa Rage wondered.
" I know where all of them are." He said. " My king told me before he died. He knew one day I would need them. He was very old and a seer. He told me one day another shadow would rise, and I would help fight it. That's why I was so shocked when you told me Polan was a shadow dragon. All he told me is coming true."
" I think we should get on this now love." Jandar said. " We don't know how much Polan knows about these talismans, only that he hasn't found any yet."
" How do we know that?" Rage asked.
" I think he would have used them if he had them." Jandar said leaning on Rages shoulder.
" Good point." Rage told him as Jandar wrapped his arms around him.
" We'll need your help Insa. Your clues are our only hope."
" One more thing." Insa said walking around and sitting down. " There's a map. It shows the places they were hidden. I don't know where it is. Just that it exists."
" That's not good." Jandar said. " We have to assume Polan has it and he'll be sending Pelic and Graym after them."
Rage paced around the fire absorbing what they had said. Things were getting worse. Polan could take the whole world if he got the talismans.
" Pelic and Graym can't just bring the items back to us." He said." I'm sure Polan won't send them alone. They'll need to keep their loyalties hidden."
Rage turned back to Mags.
" Father, stay with Pelic. They're going to need your help. Tell them they will have our support when they need it."
[I GO.]

Mags rose back into the air and made contact with Pelic. He found them outside an old castle somewhere north of Sandor. He floated down to find them surrounded by shadow beast.
[It's in here.] Graym sent to him.
[I SUGGEST YOU BE CAREFUL.]
[ We will.] Pelic sent.
He waved his hand at the beast and sent them in. Streaking forward they moved into the castle searching every floor and room one by one. There were hundreds of them so it didn't take long to find her in the dungeon resting. Her mouth was covered in blood. She must have fed again during the night. Walking silently they made there way forward. They expected to find her in a coffin, but she slept in a bed with four others laying on the floor around her. As they came closer the eyes opened on those on the floor. Graym and Pelic stopped. The three men and one woman on the floor stood and snarled at them. Behind Pelic and Graym came the shadow beast, there growls could be heard over the young fledgling vampires. Pelic raised his hand to silence the shadows. Velusia sat up on the bed. She was beautiful Pelic thought. Blond lush hair and the body of the perfect seductress, Her lips were pale with a drop of blood that rolled down from the cornor. She swung her legs over the edge and stood. What a beautiful smile Pelic thought.
" Come to me." She said.
Pelic started forward. Graym held out his hand to stop him from going any further.
" I don't think so hag." Graym said as he smacked Pelic's face lightly. Pelic shook his head and came out of the trance he was in.
" GET THEM!!" She ordered. Her vampires rushed for them, fangs showing and claws ready to rip them to pieces. Graym waved his shadows forward. In a flash they charged at them, pulling them down and ripping them apart. Velusia looked on as her thralls were destroyed.
" NOOOOOOO!!!" She screamed and she rush at them.
" Pelic!!" Graym called. " Open your cloak and take her.!!"
As she came at them Pelic stepped up and opened his cloak. Velusia ran right in screaming and disappeared. Pelic let it close and she was gone,swallowed up into the cold darkness. Not much was left of her thralls. A little blood pool was all there was.
" Let's go." Pelic said.
Together they left the castle and took to the air. They flew in silence as Mags told them what happened to the settlement. Mags told them about the talismans and what Insa had said.
" These talisman will make him stronger, More dangerous." Graym said.
" How can we help him do that?"
" It won't be easy." Pelic said. " We can try holding back and sending them the wrong way. But we must be careful not to arouse suspicion."
" I don't know if I can do this. He's killed so many of my people. Sandor use to be so lively, now its almost a ghost town." Graym told him as they flew.
" If you don't do what he wants it will be a ghost town. Full of his zombies, Your people. You want that?" Pelic asked. "He'll poison everything again and this time lethal. I know what it's like to have done horrible things for him. His poison made me hunt innocent people down and kill them. That's why I fight him now. To make up for the horrors he made me do. Fight with us Graym. Be our Dark Angel."
" I will." Graym said as Sandor came into view. Together they descended to Sandor Castle and made there way in.

Passing through the castle they found their way to the throne room. On the the floor there was a man withering in pain and aging quickly. His body crumbled to dust as he died there. Graym turned his face and looked away as Polan laughed. At that moment he noticed the new arrivals.
" Well?" Polan demanded. " What have you found?"
" We have her." Pelic said.
Graym opened his cloak and Velusia came falling out. She lay there on the floor looking around, trying to find a way out. Polan walked down off his throne and walked toward her. Velusia hissed and made ready to launch herself at Polan. With a quick gesture from Polan ,Velusia found herself froze in place.
" I will kill you all!!" She spat at them struggling to free herself.
" Well, well, well, The pretty ladies not happy to be here." Polan walked around her. He reach out to her and she tried to bite him. Polan ran his hands across her shoulders and scratched her. Velusia screamed out in pain as the poison moved through her body.
" You came into my lands and took things from me." Polan said. " You owe me now. Your wretched life belongs to me. Right now you have one chance. Serve me or die here on this floor."
The pain surging through her body building every second stronger and stronger. She screamed again. Sweat ran off her face as she suffered. Pelic and Graym watch her trying to break free of the spell. It was hopeless, Polan's spell was strong.
" Well what do you say?" Polan asked enjoying her pain.
" I WILL SERVE YOU!!!" She screamed. " JUST STOP THE PAIN!!"
Polan licked his finger and spread it over the scratch. Her pain stopped immediately and she relaxed.
" That's better." Polan said. "So you know. My poison now runs all through you. The fact that your a vampire makes no difference to me, In fact it's better for me being a necromancer. Your not quite dead, but being a nightwalker, your almost there. Let's see, what shall I do with you."
Polan looked around for an idea. Over in the corner he saw a torch burning and smoke rising and moving across the ceiling.
" That's it!!" He said clapping his hands in joy..
He walked over to Velusia and placed pieces of wood around her. He lit them. Velusia's eyes widened. Being a vampire she was deathly afraid of fire.
" Your not going to like this." Polan said as he kicked the wood all over her. Velusia screamed as she burst into flames. Her dress and body began to burn. She was held in place by the spell as she burned. Pelic and Graym turned away and covered there ears as she screamed. Polan watched her burn with a smile on his evil face. He spread his arms.

A SPARK STARTS THE FIRE.
THE FLAMES GROW HIGHER.
HER BODY BEGINS TO BURN.
AND UNDEAD FLESH BLACKENS AND TURNS.
SMOKE NOW STARTS TO RISE.
FILLING ALL THE SKIES.
FROM DUSK TO DAWN.
AS GAS YOU'LL ROAM.
IN THE SHADED SORROW.
YOU SHALL MOAN.

On the ceiling smoke began to boil and turn, sparks and color flashed through the cloud of smoke. Velisia's body was ashes now but her screams could still be heard ringing through the room. The cloud of smoke began to condense in size until it form the shape of a woman, then it came drifting down and settled on the floor. Her features started to show. First she looked like the hag, then she reshaped and became the beautiful woman she liked to appear as in her wispy silks. Flesh formed and Velusia sat up. Smoke still seeped from her eyes and hair. She looked up at Polan and opened her mouth. Smoke poured our and streamed at Polan. He held up his hand and deflected the stream. He walked to her and smacked her face. His hand passed through her face but she screamed as she felt his touch and the pain it caused.
" Do I have to teach you a new lesson?"
Polan grabbed her arm and she became smoke but he held on. He pulled her to her feet his touch burning her arm.
" Concentrate and reform now!!" Polan yelled. She did as he told her. " Do I put you down now or will you serve me? Make up your mind cause we'll have a lot of fun over the years that I torture you."
" I'll serve you." she cried.
" You know what happens if you betray me?" Polan puts his finger under her chin and pulls her up to him. Her lower body turns to smoke as she is rose up.
" Yes I know what happens." She screamed. Still being undead his touch was agony.
" Good." He dropped her. " You will take orders from Pelic and Graym. You will do as they say. You will rest when they say. You will eat when they say. You will come when I call. And I'm giving them the means to control you. So beware."
Polan turned and walked to his desk. On the desk there were all kinds of scrolls and books spread out. Mags drifted down to see what was there. He saw Polan's spell books and ancient texts on magic. He also saw a list. It was a list of the Dragon Talismans and hints as to where they could be found. Polan looked up suddenly. Mags pulled back afraid Polan had sensed him.
" Your still here?" He said looking back at them. " Get out. Go find Taren Ender the Dark Elf. I will be needing his abilities. He'll be waiting out in the camp on the edge of the city. Tell him I want him here"
" Come." Pelic said to Velusia.
They walked out of the throne room with Velusia drifting behind them, her lower half all smoke. Soon as they reached the hall. Velusia spoke.
" We have to kill him." She said. They both looked at her.
" Shut up." They both said.

On the edge of Sandor there was a Army camp for Black Armors. It was a hard place where all kinds of vile people could be found. Woman were not safe here. There were no children here. But there was gambling, thieves, assassins,wine and rum at every turn. Graym had sent Velusia here to get Taren Ender. She was ordered to bring him back and not to harm or touch anyone else. As a cloud of smoke she drifted through the camp searching for Taren. Through tents and gambling areas she roamed. She found him in a tent with three dead men stealing there gold and belongings. She reformed outside and walked in. Taren turned and saw a beautiful blond woman dressed in gray silks standing in the entrance way. Taren was a Dark elf of the house of Darkshade. He was tall with a greyish hue to his skin. He had long white hair and long features to his face. All Dark Elves were carnivores with long fangs. As a hunter he wore browns and dark colors to blend with dark places. At his side he wore two long curved blades and he was quick and talented when he used them.
" Well, well, What have we here?" He said walking toward her. Taren walked around her looking her up and down.
" I have a message for you." She said.
" I hope it's from you." He smiled. He reached out to touch her and burned his finger. He drew back his hand and wiped his finger. Velusia could excrete acid through her skin. She laughed at him her eyes glowing bright yellow.
" Your lucky that's all I did." She said. " Polan wants you to come to him now."
He looked at her with hate in his eyes. He was not use to women hurting him. Usually it was the other way around.
" Bitch. I'll get my horse." Taren said walking to the tent opening.
" Don't bother." Velusia changed her form to smoke and swirled around him. She enveloped him leaving a pocket of air to breath and took off for the castle. It didn't take her long to get there. Taren tumbled around in her until he was dumped in front of the gates.
" You bitch!!!" He yelled as he pulled his swords and slashed at her. The blades passed right through her as she laughed.
" I think it's time to feed." She became a cloud and began to surround him as he choked on her fumes.
" STOP!!!!!" Graym screamed as he flew down on her. Velusia pulled back and reformed into her beautiful self.
" Don't give me a reason to punish you." Graym frown at her. He looked at Taren.
" You are Taren Ender?" Graym's wings folded back on his back.
" Yes I am." He dusted himself off.
" The Master wants you now. Go in." He turned to Velusia.
" The Master has something for you in the stables. He says you are not to make vampires and you will suffer if you do. Go."

Velusia drifted up over the castle and back to the stables. There she found a man chained to a wall. He was a handsome man naked from the waist up. He looked at her and was puzzled.
" Why are you here?" He asked.
" Why does Polan want you dead?" She asked walking over to him touching his chest. " You are a wonderful treat."
" Does it matter why he wants me dead?" He said trying to pull away.
" No." Her eyes blazes and she saw the fear in his eyes. " I hunger."
Velusia dissolved into smoke and covered him as he screamed. He choked as she absorbed his life force. When she was done,there was nothing left of him but and old wrinkled corpse that fell to the ground.
" Mmmmmmmmm!!!." Was all that was heard as she drifted away

Taren walked into the study and found Polan hunched over his desk studying some maps.
" You called for me?" Taren bowed as he stepped in.
" Come here." Polan told him. Taren walked over to the desk and stood with him. Power was something Dark Elves respected. Taren was loal to the Darkshades first but, he would worship Polan as long as he held power and turn on him if he appeared weak. Polan pointed to an area on the map.
" Do you know this place" He asked. He pointed to a spot on a map
" Yes." Taren said. " It's a dangerous place. Orcs live there."
" There's something there I want you and the others to bring me." He said. " And here."
He pointed to an island that also was a very dangerous place.
" No one's ever comes back from there." Taren said.
" Are you afraid?" Polan looked at him with a stern look.
" Dark Elves fear nothing Master." He said.
" Not even me?" Polan asked.
" I serve you Master." He said. " Always."
" Good." Polan rolled up the map and handed it to him. " This map will serve you. It will show you the area where you'll find what I want. But not the exact spot. You'll have to find them. I will be in contact with you all. Do not fail me Elf."
" I won't Master." Taren bowed." How do I keep up with them. I can not fly like them."
" Take my horse, Terror. I have no need of him anymore. Just feed him your blood and he will serve you. He has many abilities you might find useful. Watch out for the dragons." He said as Taren stepped out of his throne room. " They may try and stop you. Don't let them."

Shadoe, Sucubus and Things. 28

Later that evening Shadoe flew into the country of Greselia. This was a country he conquered after Maveta. He noticed the streets were empty, that pleased him. He loved the fear he installed into his lands. Polan thought that was the best way to rule. He walked down the halls of his palace and everyone went down on their knees to him. Polan had ordered all of his things moved to Maveta. His throne now sat in the throne room. It was made of some black wood in the shape of a skull with large crystal eyes, and he sat in the mouth. But in Greselia, he lived in the royal palace.
" What business must I tend with today." He said looking bored.
" Sire." one of his aides bowed be fore him." The village man wants to see you."
He backed away. "He says its important."
" How important can the cattle's lives be? Polan asked. "Very well. Show him in."
The aide walked to the back and let Graym Avenda in. Graym walked in keeping his eyes to the floor so he wouldn't offend Polan. Fear gripped his soul as he stopped in front of Polan.
" Well?" Polan said. " I don't have time to be bothered with your petty problems. Out with it."
" There is a problem in our lands Sire." Graym told him.
" And what would that be?" Polan reached for a drink off his table.
"Someone or something is killing people." Graym said.
" Why should I care about this? Polan asked.
" I think its a vampire my Lord." Graym looked up to him. Polan's eyes suddenly became dark. You could see the anger on his face. He stood up and walked down to Graym. Graym's fear rose again to a higher level. He turned to his aides.
" What is he saying?" Polan shouted. "What is going on here?"
Polan grabbed one of his aides and pulled him close to his face. His noxious breath blow at the man as Polan screamed at him. The man choked and began to wither and die in his hands. Polan tossed him aside looking for someone else to torture.
" Someone better have something to tell me!!!" He yelled. Everyone in the room scrambled to get away. No one wanted to stay there with Polan so mad, except Graym. He didn't move. He really didn't have that much to lose anymore. At that moment he realized his fear was gone. He was totally calm now. Polan waved his hand and all the doors slammed shut. Everyone in the room was now trapped there.
"I want some answers now!!!" Polan yelled.
" Sire." He said. " Many people have been found with there life force drained from them. Dried and desiccated bodies found with a look of pleasure on there face. Men, woman and children. and I've seen her."
" You have?" Polan returned to his throne. He stared it Graym. He thought this one could give him answers, more then he'll get from the rest. Polan settled in his throne.
" Tell me what you saw." He leaned forward and listened. Graym told him everything that happened, except he left out Jayce in his story. Instead he said a dark shadow flew over them that scared her away. Polan pondered his story, then stood and walked around Graym. This one doesn't seem scared anymore he thought. Maybe he can use him.
" Your pretty brave to come here." Polan said with that dark smile showing.
" I thought this was something you needed to know. Graym said. "Someone's invading your lands. My people are dying."
Polan raised his eyebrow at him. " You are right."
" Excuse me Sire." Graym bowed. " Your people. I meant no disrespect."
Polan sat back down in his throne. He motioned Graym closer to him.
" I have a new job for you." He told him. " And if you agree to take this position, your people will be well cared for. I will remove all the poisons and when your done, leave this land for you to have complete control of. But you will always answer to me. What do you say?"
Graym didn't want the job if it meant he would have to cause the people any harm. he would be Polan's puppet. Then again that was the only real way he would have any chance of helping get rid of the evil bastard, or getting the people any real food.
" I can help my people? He asked.
" Do as you like." Polan said. " But remember who rules here. And I will be leaving many eyes on you. Dead eyes which I see through. Make one move that displeases me and I think you know what will happen to you and your people."
" What of the vampire?"Graym asked.
" Leave her to me." Polan smiled again climbing down again."
"Dowse the torches and close the windows, I need darkness."
From the corners of the room they were hiding in, his aides ran to do his bidding. One by one all the doors and windows were closed or blocked. The room became cold and dark. Polan stood in the center of the room and raised his hands. A heavy feeling filled the room, and that sick smell rolled off of Polan. He was about to cast some powerful dark magic. Graym stood there not sure what to do but unafraid. The angel had promised help, he just needed to hang on and keep the people as safe as he could until they came to destroy this monster. Weird sounds stared coming out of the shadows, movement here and there caught his eye. Then Polan started his spell.

TO ME I CALL THE SHADOW BEAST THAT ROAM THE NIGHT.
DARKNESS AND HATE I CALL BY RIGHT
ALL MY COMMANDS YOU MUST OBEY
DO MY BIDDING AND ALL I SAY
THE TIME IS OURS SO COME TO ME
TO FIGHT MY FOES LET NO ONE FLEE

Out of every crack and crevasse, out of every dark corner came the shadow beast. Shaped like a large wolves and made of shadows they came. The room filled with them snarling and growling at all that lived accept Polan. Screams could be heard around the room as they began to fed on all the frightened men that ran around. One began to advance on Graym, still he had no fear. If this was to be it, so be it.
" Not that one." Polan pointed at Graym." He lives on. Go find this vampire. I want it alive. GO NOW!!"
Like shadows they all streaked out. Passing through walls and doors, leaving behind the remains of everyone the had just devoured. Graym looked around. He could see the bodies of six people ripped apart all over the room. That sickened Graym.
" Now you see what happens if you upset me?" Polan began to laugh. " Go feed your people. Ill heal your lands, but remember. You are mine, and soon I will call for you to begin the errand I have in mind.