Epilogue. A New Goddess is Born. 70

The sun rose bright and shining on the Wolves Lair as the dragons brought the Tyr family back home. All the carnage from the day before had been cleaned up and Tof had decided to keep the wall Dreik had built. The pits were filled in burying the remainders of the warriors. Things were finally back to normal. The only thing left to do was to start the repairs on Yadessa. Winterhaven, Tir Na and New Keanna had promised to give Valkar and his people all the help they needed to fix their homes. Drake was still lost in himself worrying about Ono. He just couldn't find his way out his private hell. His only hope was to find his pup. And that Jandar would do if it killed him.

Down in the underworld Angela was finally going to meet her father. She had been allowed entry along with Athene, Tanis, Arturus and Adam for a private ceremony. She had no idea what it was for, she was just glad to have her family together at last.
" The underworld!" Tanis said as they walked up the stairs of Nestor's palace. " It's not as creepy as I expected."
" Well that's because this is considered heaven." Athene told him. " Mother, what are we doing her?"
" Your grandmother asked us to come." She told them. " Your going to meet your grandfather."
" Wait." Tanis stopped. " Grandmother is the goddess of the moon, right? Well who's grandfather?"
They all stopped and looked at Angela and waited for her answer. She looked at them and smiled.
" Your grandfather is Nestor, Lord of the Underworld." She waited for their reaction.
" Your serious?" Athene looked deep into her mothers eyes.
" Yes I am." She said. " Now your on your best behavior. All of you."
Angela walked into the palace in the lead followed by her children, then Arturus and Adam. Trumpets began to sound as the approached the main room. All along the hall spirits dressed in dark tunics and trousers with gold lapels and buttons stood at attention. At the end of the hall they came into a grand hall filled with marble statuary of heroes and different gods. Sitting in two thrones backed by Aramis, Atol, Alee Karis and Jax sat Alea and her husband Lord Nestor.
Angela bowed before the thrones. Adam, Arturus and her children followed suit.
" Step forward and be recognized. my daughter" Nestor called to her. Angela stood and walked forward and stopped and bowed again. Alea and Nestor stood and stepped down form their thrones and stood next to their daughter, then bowed with her.
Angela wondered what was going on. Why were they knelling beside her? Suddenly a light began to glow over the thrones. Angela felt the change in the atmosphere. She was in the presents of something much more powerful that Aramis or Alea.
RISE ALEA AND NESTOR. Thundered through the grand hall. IS THIS OUR GRANDDAUGHTER? SHE WHO SENT BALTHAZAR GAELICH TO HIS FINAL REST?
" Yes father." Alea said. " This is her."
WE ARE PLEASE TO MEET YOU GRAND DAUGHTER. She heard. STAND BEFORE US.
Angela climbed to her feet with the help of her father and stood before her grandparent, Rimnar and Saila.
(You are as beautiful as you mother.) Saila said. ( Do you know why you are here?)
" No." She answered. " I don't."
DO YOU KNOW WHO WE ARE? Rimnar asked.
" Rimnar and Saila." She said.
ANGELA GAELICH Rimnar called to her. ARE YOU WILLING TO TAKE ON THE MANTLE OF A GODDESS?
She looked at her mother for advice. Alea nodded at he. She was happy her daughter had been asked to take this position.
" Yes."
She said. " I will accept the mantle."
THEN BOW BEFORE US. Rimnar's orb began to glow much brighter. WE GIVE TO YOU THIS POWER OVER DEATH. THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL BE ABSORBED BE DEATH LIKE MUERTE. BUT THAT YOU WILL RULE DEATH WITH YOUR FATHER.
A glowing orb split off from Rimnar and settled over Angela.
RISE ANGELA AND TOUCH THE ORB.
Angela stood up and reached out. the orb settled down into her hand and flashed out to cover her. When the blinding glow dimmed, Angela stood there looking radiant. Her hair was no longer white. All the lines in her face cleared and she looked years younger. She smiled at them all.
BEHOLD. Rimnar announced. WELCOME ANGELA, GODDESS OF DEATH!!
( Welcome granddaughter) Saila and Rimnar began to fade. ( We are pleased.)

The next day back in New Keanna, Jax appeared in Jandar and Rages study with Karis.
" Jandar." Jax walked over and sat with the worried mage. " This is my brother Karis. He is the messenger of my father. He has access to many different realms. My father has granted us permission to search for Ono and Shayn."
" Thank you." Jandar grasped his hand and shook it.
" Don't worry my friend." Karis smiled at him. " We'll find them. No matter where we have to search."
" And we'll bring them home." Jax said. " I promise."


THE END.

Death of a Goddess. 69

Muerte sat high on Balthazar's throne In deep contemplation. The invasion of the Wolves Lair had failed miserably. Sure, a few werewolves and vampires had died. And Valkar had been injured, but not one dragon had died. None had even been hurt. But there was still the night walkers, they may still do the job. Balthazar had sent all he created at the Lair. The only problem was, she couldn't see the outcome. She slammed her fist down on the arm of the throne and broke it off. These dragons were going to die if she had to kill them herself, one by one. She got up from the ruined throne and called for someone to attend her. One of Balthazar's staff came in and dropped down to his knees bowing before her.
" You called My Lady?" His eyes never rose from the floor to face her.
"Yes. I did." She grabbed the man from the floor her eyes blazing and her fangs extended.
" Mercy my lady!" He cried in fear as she raised him to her mouth.
" Mercy?" She said. " This is mercy!"
And she tore into his throat and drank replenishing her strength with his life force. The vampire struggled against her to no avail. Soon his body went limp and she dropped him to the floor. She had things to do, like prepare for the arrival of her guest. They would be here soon to rescue their mother. She smiled as she tossed the dead body on the pile of her other victims in the corner.This would be the end of everything she had planned. Once she took the moon goddess's daughters life and her children, she would have all the power she needed to end the lived of everyone in the world. Including the dragons. Once that was done, it was on to the other gods. Her brothers and sisters and her parents the High gods. That thought brought a smile to her bloody lips. Muerte looked over to the altar where Angela lay confined. She walked over and smiled down at her.
" Don't my little moonling." She walked around the altar." They'll be here soon and all this will be over. For everyone."
" Your plan won't work." Angela spat at her. " They'll stop you."
" Who? Your children?" She laughed. " You think they could possibly have the power to stop me?"
" They won't be alone." Angela struggled against her magical bond without any success.
" You expect the dragons to come running to your aid don't you." Muerte leaned down and stroked her hair. " I think they'll be a little busy licking their wounds."
" What do you mean?" She stop her struggling and looked up at her enemy. Muerte turned to the door.
" BALTHAZAR!!"
Slowly walking into the throne room, Balthazar avoided looking at his goddess. Like all the others he kept his eyes lowered until he was reached the altar.Then he went to his knees before her.
" Yes Mistress?"
" She wants to know why the dragons won't be coming to save her." Muerte walked back to the throne. " Tell her."
" I've sent my entire army of warriors and night walkers against them." He told his wife. " They should be overwhelmed by now. Maybe even dead."
" No!" Angela cried. " This can't be!!"
" Ah but it is." The death goddess said. " And news of the final outcome should be here soon. As will your children."
Angela couldn't believe any of this to be true. The dragons can't be dead. What of her mother? What of the father she had yet to meet. She had to stop Athene and Tanis from coming here and throwing their lives away. She closed her eyes and called out to them.
[ Athene! Tanis!] She sent with all her might. [ Stay away! Don't come here! They will kill you!]
[ We come mother.] Came back to her. [ We'll save you!]
[NOOOOOOOOO!!!!] She screamed in her mind. But the contact was broke and they were gone. Muerte had blocked her from contacting anyone else.
" Their close." She said. " I can feel them. Can't you Balthazar my sweet. Your children are coming."
Turning to her husband. Angela pleaded with him to stop this before it was to late for any of them.
" Balthazar." She called him. " These are your children. You raised Tanis yourself. Doesn't his life mean anything to you? Stop her. Save our children I beg of you!!"
Balthazar walked over to the altar and looked at his wife bound there. He still thought she was so beautiful. But that didn't matter. Muerte would give him all the power he deserved. She would make him her consort and a god like her. Angela and the children were the price of his godhood. A price he was glad to pay. They meant nothing compared to that.
" You are nothing to me." He said as he slapped her face. " She is my goddess. She is my life now and she wants yours. And that, I'm happy to give."

Across the lake from the castle high on the cliff. Two lone figures stood. They were on a mission to free someone very important to them from the hands of the mad goddess and her minion Balthazar. they looked at each one last time. 
" Ready?" Tanis said.
" Yes." His sister answered.
They spread their arms and shifted to her raven and his hawk and took off toward the castle.it didn't take them long to get there. No more then a few minutes and they were settled in the throne rooms open window watching their enemy. Muerte sat on her throne while Balthazar. stood beside her.
" You can come down now." Muerte called. " I know your there."
Launching themselves into the room they flew down and shifted back to their selves and stood by their mother at the altar.
" Free her." Tanis told them. " You have us. Free our mother."
" But I want you all." Muerte said smiling at them. " I think a family should die together. Don't you Balthazar?"
" if that is your wish Mistress." He looked at his family with contempt.
" It my wish." She stood and stepped down from her broken throne. " You three will give me the power to carry out my plans."
" And what is that?" Athene asked.
" Why to go on my death walk and spread death to everyone on Keanna." She said. " Sweet death , dark oblivion for everyone."
" Your mad." Tanis shouted. " We can't let you do this."
" But how will you stop me?" She laughed. " Your insects compared to me. A goddess. What can you do?"
" This." Tanis said as he brought his hand together in a thunderous clap. The air shimmered around them and their images faded. Where Tanis and Athene once stood, now stood Aramis and Alea. Muerte stepped back in shock at seeing her sister and her husband standing there. " Surprised to see us? You were expecting two helpless kids to destroy weren't you? Well that's not going to happen."
Alea walked over to her daughter and touched her bindings and they snapped and disappeared. She climbed off the table and hugged her mother.
" Where are Athene and Tanis?" She asked. " Are they safe?"
" Yes they are." Alea told her. " They're in New Keanna."
" And the dragons?"
" They're all fine." Aramis said. " You failed Muerte. All your warriors and night walkers are dead. There's nothing left but the two of you."
" Then I'll start all over again." Muerte fumed,her anger showed in her glowing eyes. " Death will prevail."
" I'm afraid not my wife." Aramis pulled Hazard from behind his back, the flames bellowing out. " This is the end. I can't let you go any further."
Muerte's face showed her shock as she saw Hazard in his hand. Selena's death blade.
" KILL THEM!!" She screamed at Balthazar and pushed him forward toward Aramis.
" NO!!" Angela shouted. " He's mine!"
She stepped out to face her husband. Her hands began to glow with power as her anger grew.
" You thought to sacrifice our children to your death bitch. You imprisoned me for over twenty years denying me my freedom." Her hands formed glowing blades from her magic. " You will join her in death."
Balthazar had that wicked grin on his face. He stepped out to confront his wife and held out his hands to flex his claws. It looked like six inch knives extending from his fingers. He looked up from his claws into Angela's eyes.
" I'm going to enjoy this." He began circling around her.
" Not as much as I will." She sneered at him
Balthazar charged at her swinging out to slash at her face. Angela ducked and sent a sweeping kick into his mid section that knocked the air out of him and doubled him over.
"You thought I would be an easy target didn't you." She said as he stood back up. " Guess again."
Balthazar summoned a power ball and threw it at her then came in and to grab her. She swung her glowing hand out and batted the power ball away and spun on her heels avoiding his reach. Quickly she sent her elbow into the back of his neck and sent him sprawling to the floor. Balthazar howled his rage and jumped to his feet. How could this weak witch be beating him?
Enraged, Balthazar started sending blast after blast of red bolts at her. Quickly Angela created a shield in front of her to reflect his magic away her her.
" Is this the best the mighty Balthazar can do?" She laughed and sent her own back at him. Red and blue blasts streak across the throne room. Balthazar tried raising his own shields, but her blasts were to strong and tore it down. He couldn't believe how powerful she had become. Fear of losing was now beginning to creep into his mind. Balthazar looked to Muerte for help, but she had her own problems to deal with. He was on his own and probably doomed.
Muerte took her place back on the throne as Aramis and Alea came to stand in front of her. Her beautiful hair flowing and framing her lovely face. Aramis could tell she was pumping herself up to be as alluring as she could be to him. Her smile told him she thought it was working.
" You never could resist me my husband." She said seductively. " Even after I had destroyed thousands in some useless war or catastrophe. You've always been so forgiving of me."
" Maybe he has." Alea said stepping in front of Aramis to block whatever magic she was casting on him. "But I haven't. And neither has mother or father. They always saw you for the monster you are."
" You mean the monster you made me!!" Muerte stood and screamed back at her. " You did this to me!!"
" No!" Alea said. " This is you and always has been. A destroyer! A taker of life and anything you wanted without care for those you took it from. Death doesn't mean you go out and kill. It comes to all these mortals and some of us immortals when the time is right. But you couldn't let things happen naturally could you. You had to bring your death to everyone you could, didn't you! Well not anymore!!"
" ENOUGH!!" Aramis thundered. " I'm taking us home where this will end. Home to Fortis!!"
In a flash of light the three gods disappeared leaving Angela and Balthazar to finish there battle without them. Angela knew her mother would be back once there battle was over. Now all she need to worry about, was Balthazar, and he would get what was coming to him.

" Your goddess has abandoned you." Angela stared at him smugly. "Everything you planned and hoped for is gone."
" There's always your death to look forward to." He moved toward her raising his claws ready to continue their fight. She smiled and waved him on. She raised her glowing hand. Balthazar hissed and rushed at her slashing wildly. He connected and slashed across her chest. She bought her hand up and stabbed him in his shoulder. He howled and pulled back. Quickly she kicked out and hit him in the face knocking him flat on his back. In a flash she jumped on him stabbing down for his chest. He raised his hands and sent a blast at her to end the battle. Angela crossed her power blades in front of her and blocked it but still fell forward at him. As she fell she stabbed down and sent the blades into his chest.
"Nooooooooo!!!!" He screamed as she stabbed down again and again and again.
" You will never threaten our children again!!"
With a swift slashed at his neck, she decapitated him and his head rolled away from his body and burst into flames. Angela climbed to her feet and walked from the room as his body burned to ashes and blew away.The gleaming city of Fortis, home of the god was once a wonderful beautiful place before Muerte returned. Now it was just a blazing star in the night sky. But in the center of that star Rimnar's palace still stood free of the burning flame that surrounded it. Until now no one but the mighty god and his mate could enter it. But that was about to change.
In a flash of magic and light, three gods appeared in the center garden of Rimnar's palace before the two throne. Alea and Aramis bowed to the thrones and the glowing orbs that sat in them in respect of their parents. Muerte spit at them. Thunder rolled as her expectorant hit the ground.
" Rumble all you want old ones." She called out. " You have no power over me!"
I HAVE POWER OVER ALL. Thundered the high god. YOU FORGET YOUR PLACE!
" I forget nothing!" She said. " Even you must bow before death!"
WE SHALL SEE BOLD ONE. Aramis and Alea had never heard their father so anger before. He was the most forgiving of gods, but not now. He had reached his limit.
WE WILL GIVE YOU ONE LAST CHANCE TO REPENT FROM YOUR EVIL WAYS, DAUGHTER.
" Or what?" She laughed. " You'll banish me again? Remove my power? We both know I'll find a way to get it back, don't we."
SILENCE!! Thunder and lightning crashed overhead. IS THAT YOUR ANSWER?
" This is my answer!" She raised her hand and sent a blast of dark energy at the thrones.
HA! HA! HA! HA!. Laughter echoed through out the halls. YOU THINK TO CHALLENGE ME? SO BE IT!! ARAMIS, ALEA. CHOOSE WHICH ONE OF YOU SHALL BE OUR CHAMPION.
" Father." Aramis called to him. " Is there no other way?"
" You plead for me husband." Muerte smiled. " How sweet of you. Why don't you just come and enjoy my embrace of death."
Alea looked at Muerte with such disgust. As Aramis begged for her life she thought only to end his. She had had enough.
" It will be me, Father." Alea walked to Aramis and put her hand on his shoulder. " Give me Hazard."
Sadly he handed her the now quiet scimitar. Soon as it was in Alea's hand it burst into flame ready for a fight.
" Come sister." Muerte said as she conjured her own blade. " The moon shall glow red with your blood tonight."
"Maybe witch!" Alea said. " Maybe not."
In an instant Muerte charged at her opponent swinging her sword for her head. Alea brought Hazard up to counter it and the swords met with a clash of sparks. Spinning around quickly, Muerte tried to slash at her mid section. Hazard moved with anticipation of ever move Muerte tried. It was like the blade had a mind of it's own. What she didn't know was that it did. Hazard was the perfect weapon. As long as Alea had the will to fight, it would fight almost for her. As fast as she could, Muerte reached out to touch her and send death in to the moon goddess. Pulling back, she sent her fist into Muerte's face for two quick blows. Muerte backed up shocked that anyone would dare hit her like that. Angry from the assault, Muerte stabbed at her then bought her sword up in a upward slash trying to disembowel her. Alea jumped back avoiding the strike. Pushing on at Alea, she swung her sword like a bat trying to bring her down. Ducking beneath a blow, Alea kicked out and connected with her knee. Down she fell to the floor of the palace. With another swift kick to Muerte's chest, the death goddess screamed out and dropped her blade. Alea looked at her evil sister laying there on the floor defeated. This was her chance to be rid of her. She raised Hazard for the final blow but could do it.
" Its done." She said lowering her blade and turning to the throne. " It's in you hands now Father."
" Not quite." Muerte grabbed her sword from the ground and rushed at Alea.
" ALEA!!" Aramis jumped to stop Muerte. Alea turned and sent Hazard into Muerte's chest. Muerte dropped her sword and staggered back. She couldn't believe what she saw extending from her chest. She looked at Aramis, then up to the thrones.
" Father?" She cried." Mother?"
She fell to the floor her life slipping away. Aramis went to her and bent to hold her as she began to slip away.
"I'm sorry love." He said. " I didn't what this."
She reached up to touch his face tears running from her eyes. He took her hand.
" Forgive me?" She whispered.
" I do my Love." He bent down to kiss her lips. She smiled it him and died in his arms. It was over. Alea went to her brother weeping and knelt at his side.
" I'm sorry." Alea said. " She gave me no choice."
" I know Alea." He smiled. " This was her destiny."
GRIEVE FOR HER MY CHILDREN. Rimnar said. BUT YOU ARE RIGHT. IT WAS HER DESTINY. NOTHING COULD CHANGE THAT.
Aramis and Alea stood and stepped away from her body as Rimnar lifted it up and sent it into the heaven.
LOOK UP. He said as he placed her in the sky as a group of stars that resemble her in all her glory. SHE IS AT PEACE NOW. FINALLY SHE CAN REST. YOU WILL FOREVER FIND HER THERE.
" Thank you Father for honoring her." Aramis bowed to the throne.
SHE WAS MY CHILD TOO. He told them.
(SO ALEA.) Saila spoke out. ( WE HEAR WE HAVE GRAND CHILDREN. BRING THEM BEFORE US IN THE UNDERWORLD PLEASE.)
" As you wish mother." Alea smiled as they left to go back to New Keanna.

The Battle for The Wolves Lair. 68

As the sun began to sink out of the sky, Jayce and the Shadows flew patrol over the Wolves Lair. They had met Valkar, Azeal and Cutter coming in and sent them to Tyr manor to see Jandar and Rage. Valkar told them the warriors wouldn't be far behind. Jayce thanked them and took the Shadows higher into the sky. There they spotted them crashing through the forest toward there destination.
[ Rage.] He sent out. [They're almost here!]
[Get back down to the wall. We want you to keep us inform about what they're doing out there.] Rage said. [ I don't want you or Graym fighting from the air. I don't want your wings damaged.]
[ We're on our way.] He sent. Signaling the others to follow him back to the Lair, he dropped down to fly above the approaching enemies as they neared the wall. Dreik had dig many pits out side the wall to slow them down. He knew it wouldn't stop them. They would just scramble up the other side. But it would give them time for final preparations. As Jayce watched, Ariel and Toric flew in. He sent them on to the manor too.
From over the wall, Jayce watched the warrior arrival. They were massive great insect like creatures with huge claws and pincers. Gray armor covered their bodies. They looked very formidable and deadly. From inside the city you could hear their roars quite loudly.
[ Their here!!] Jayce sent to everyone. [ Only a few miles away!]
Jandar and Rage ran from the council room where they were checking the city plans and headed for the gate. There had to be more they could do to protect his parents home he thought. But he didn't know what. They had strengthened the perimeter. He had called in help from all around. Now, all they could do was fight. And that they planned to do.
Outside the council building they ran into Dreik, Ariel and Toric heading for the gate.
" Is everything ready?" Rage asked.
" My wall is strong." Dreik told them. " But sooner or later they will breach it."
" That's ok." Jandar said. " We're not planning on a siege. I want this done tonight one way or the other."
" What about Alee or Jax?" Toric asked. " They could be a big help."
" This is our fight." Valkar said as he and Azeal walked up. " We have to do this ourselves."
" I agree." Rage nodded his head. " Besides, I sent Jax after Ono and Shayn, and Aramis and Alea have their own problems to deal with."
[ That doesn't mean I can't help.] Came from the air as a bright ball of light flew in. It hovered in the air then flashed out blinding them all for a second.
" Alee." Jandar smiled. " What are you doing here?"
" My rides over." He said. " You didn't think I'd let you down did you?"
" No, I didn't." Rage shook his hot hand. " But as Valkar said. This is one we should handle. You've all done so much for us."
" Not just for you." Alee told them. " This is our home to and my sister is the cause of all of this."
" Not Balthazar." Azeal stepped in. " We would have had to deal with him anyway."
" He's in league with her, young prince." The sun god showed his bright smile. " And your enemy is our enemy. Aramis, Jax, All of us. Aramis asked me to watch over you. Your all important to us."
" Then do as he says and watch over us." Rage said. " Let us deal with the vampires. Don't step in unless Muerte shows up. Trust us."
" As you wish King Rage." He said as he began to glow and become the ball of light. [ I'll be watching.] And off he streaked into the sky.
As they watched him fly off, Jayce called out to them.
[ Here they come!!] He said. [ They're almost to the wall!]
" Lets get up on the wall." Rage shouted as they all ran for battle.The forest around the Wolves Lair was totally devoid of all natural animal life. No birds flew in the air or slept in the trees. There were no rabbits or small animals scrying through the brush. All had fled from the things that now approached the newly walled city. Trees fell and bushes were ripped out of the ground to make way for the lumbering beast. From the wall they watch them roaring and screaming their way forward. Dreik had built a deep moat around the Lair and filling it with creeping vines. To anyone looking at it, they would think it was just a carpet of vegetation. Something they could easily walk over for there was only one way around it. And that lane was hidden. If you didn't know where it was, you'd never find it. Soon they reached the moat and began falling in. One after the other they went in screaming and struggling with the vines that wrapped around them and tried to keep them there. These were Dreik's plants under his control. They were all covered with thorns that tried to rip into their armor but were unsuccessful so Dreik began closing the pits and crushing and burying the few he caught. Like insects they began climbing the walls to get into the city,their claws and pincers stabbing in as the moved up. At the top of the wall Jandar, Rage and the others started blasting fire and magical bolts at the oncoming warriors. Rage sent streams of flame down at them burning them off the wall. Screaming in pain they fell to the ground bellow. Next to him Jandar stood with his staff blazing. Bolt after bolt shot from his staff striking the monsters killing them quickly. The loud vibratory blasts of Banshee ring out as he used his sonic blast on them. Slowly but surely the warriors were dying. But there were so many they couldn't stop them all before the reached the top. The first one over the wall was close to Rage. Quickly he shifted to his dragon form and grabbed it as it tried to stab him with one of it's sword sharp legs. Rage grabbed it with his teeth and threw it to the ground. With a roar he launched himself at it and dropped down on it's chest and tore into it in a frenzied attack.
The warriors carapace cracked as he bashed at it. Soon it was dead on the ground and Rage turned to find the next enemy. By this time everyone had abandoned the wall and were fighting in the streets of the city. He looked to the left and saw Icicle in dragon form freezing warriors and shattering them into pieces with a single blow. Azeal and Valkar fought like madmen going from warrior to warrior. Azeal fighting with Justice glowing blue as it sliced into the monsters. Valkar at his back using magic and force to keep his son safe. As another warrior came it him, Rage saw Tof and his fellow werewolves rip into the enemies like the pack wolves they had shifted to. With a mighty blast of flame, Rage blasted the oncoming warrior in the face burning it to death then looked for Jandar. He found him at the wall with his staff raised casting spell after spell into the fray.
[ Love!] He sent out. [ Take your dragon form before you ran out of energy! Use your rage to shift!]
Jandar threw back his head and howl and began to shift. In seconds he was roaring and swatting at warriors. Rage jumped to his side and battled beside him.
Suddenly a loud noise caused them to look up just in time to see Blink and Eheren come flying in. Both of them blasting away at warriors as they dropped to the ground. Lightning bolts and Blinks dark energy dispatched warriors swiftly as they moved into the courtyard.
All through the city battles raged. Jayce armed with Salvation fought his way threw the yard with Graym and Pelic. Many warriors were sent into the dark oblivion of Pelic's cloak to add their life energy to his while Retribution and Salvation hacked warriors to pieces. On and on the fight went for hours until only a few warriors were left. Many vampires and werewolves were killed in the fighting but luckily none of the dragons. But they were growing exhausted from fighting and slowing down.
The battle was almost over. Only three warriors remained at the top of the wall. Two leaped down to engage Rage and Jandar, while the last advanced on Azeals back. He had just dispatched a warrior and was about to turn in the direction of the oncoming threat. But he would not make it. He father the king of the vampire nation knew that.
" NOOOOOO!!!" Valkar screamed as he launched himself at the warrior to protect his newly found son. The warrior raised it's claw to strike at Azeal when Valkar intercepted the blow with his sword. His eyes glowed red with anger and he extended his own claws and jumped in the warriors face slashing at its eyes. Azeal turned and saw his father battling for his life. With a sudden swing the warrior pushed the vampire king back. But Valkar recovered fast and sent blow after blow onto the warriors armor to no affect. This was a very strong warrior. Balthazar had made this ones armor very strong. Howling in pain and swinging blind, the warrior was able to knock the sword from Valkar's hand. Seeing his father without a weapon, Azeal threw Retribution to him.
" Father, catch!!"
Leaping high to avoid the strike, Valkar caught Retribution and stabbed down as he landed into the warriors head sending it hurling off the wall. Azeal went to his father and hugged him.
" I thought it was going to kill you." Azeal cried.
" Not today." Valkar hugged him back and patted him on the back.
Down below, Jandar and Rage had just finished killing the last two warriors when Ariel called a message to them.
[ Jandar, Rage.] She sent. [ We have big trouble.]
[ What now?] Rage asked.
[ Nightwalkers.] Toric sent.
[ How many? Jandar asked.
[All of them.] He said. [ There are hundreds of them coming. They'll be here in a second.]
Jandar looked around the courtyard. Everyone was totally exhausted from the battle. They didn't expect another wave of enemies and he wasn't sure if they could handle this. Not hundreds of enemies.
As Azeal and Valkar released each other, a breeze blew across Valkar's back. He turned and Cort was standing in front of him smiling. Valkar relaxed when he saw his old friend.
" What took you so long to get here?" He asked reaching to gasp his hand. Suddenly Cort thrust a sword into his stomach. Valkar's eyes opened wide as he fell against his son.
" I came when my Lord Balthazar told me to come." He laughed. " At your weakest moment."
" FATHER!!" Azeal screamed in shock as he held his father and laid him down.
" Your next young Prince!" Cort raised his sword to strike.
" Fuck you Traitor!" Azeal grabbed Retribution from his fathers hand and sent it straight through Cort's vampire heart. " Fuck you and your Lord!!"
" Arghhhhh!!!" Cort yelled as he burst into blue flames from the salvation stone in the blade. Soon he was nothing but ashes raining down over the wall. That was the moment the night walkers came flying over the wall.
[ Here they come again everyone.] Rage sent out to them. [ Get up! We're not done yet!]
[ Yes you are!] They all heard. It was Alee the sun god. [You've proved yourself. Now it's my turn. Shield your eyes!]
Suddenly Alee's small glowing orb became as bright as the sun. Screaming from the sight of their worst enemy the sun, every night walker burst into flames and fell to the ground as nothing but ash. The battle was over. They had won and every single night walker and warrior Balthazar had made was dead. Rage and all the rest of them howled or roared in victory. Jandar looked up and saw Azeal holding Valkar,
[ Rage!] He sent to him. [ Valkar's hurt!]
Together both shifted back to their normal forms and ran up onto the wall. Azeal was holding his father and crying.
" Help him." He looked up at them with tearful eyes. " Please!!"
Jandar took off his chain mail and opened his shirt. The wound was in his stomach. Thank god it wasn't in his chest. He would recover in time. The wound was even closing as they watched.
" Azeal look!" He pointed to his wound. " It's closing. He's going to be fine. Just get him fed and in the house to sleep and he'll be fine in a few days."
" He is?" Azeal looked closer and saw he was right. He hugged his father close to them.
" I thought I was losing you." He cried into his shoulder. Jandar helped Azeal to his feet and Rage picked Valkar up. He carrying him back to the manor as everyone cheered.
" Balthazar sent all this at us." Azeal opened the door to the manor and they took Valkar up to a guest room. " We have to stop him or this won't end."
" Don't worry." Jandar said as Rage put Valkar in the bed. " I think he's about to get everything that's coming to him."

Lost in Another Place. 67

Panic filled his mind as Ozmun ran through the forest. He could hear the howls of the tracker beast on his scent chasing after him. From the sound of the howls he knew they were close and he didn't have much time before they caught him. If only he could get the collar off, then he could change and get away. But it was locked on him tight. Where should he go? Where could he hide from the high ones. They controlled everything and everyone. There was no where he could go where they wouldn't recognize him in the collar. Ozmun was 5' 7" dressed in a cloak and rags from working in the mines. He was broad shouldered and he had a lithely matted chest. His head was bald and his face had a ragged beard he tried to keep short. But shaving wasn't easy as a slave. All blades were not allowed. It was death for any slave caught with one.
Hearing the sounds of his pursuers snapped him back to reality. He had to find some way to lose the trackers on him. Pushing through the dense bush, Ozmun was surprised when he fell off a ridge and landed in a ravine in a stream. Rising up on his knees he wiped the water from his face and looked around. Under the ridge he saw a cave and he smelled something foul. He got to his feet and walked closer to investigate. He was right. The smell was coming from in there. There must be something dead in there rotting. Ozmun stepped in,holding his nose to try and keep the overwhelming smell out. He thought the smell might cover his scent and throw off the trackers after him. He moved a little ways in, far enough that he wouldn't be seen but close enough that he could watch the entrance.
The sounds of his pursuers grew closer as he waited quietly. Ozmun looked for some kind of weapon to fight with. He found a long thin stalactite hanging from the ceiling. He reached up and grabbed it by the base and pull until it broke loose. He weighed it in his hand and swung it around. It would do as a weapon.
He could hear them outside of the cave searching for him. He stepped back a little more and readied himself for a fight. Even though he knew he didn't have much of a chance against them. Sweat ran down his face as he waited to see what they would do. If only he could get this damned collar off. Then he could change his form and become something that could fight them off. Quietly he listened to what was going on outside of the cave. With hope, they might move off and he would have his chance to run.

Outside the cave mounted on their huge tracker beast, two Overseers climbed down and searched the grounds looking for their query. They were dressed in loose fitting trousers and boots. A heavy jacket like coat with a hood with there faces covered all in black. The huge saurian tracker beast had gotten them to the ravine, but there the tracks and scent disappeared. They found no footsteps showing which way he went. All they knew was that he had been there.
" Which way do we go?" The taller one asked looking around. He sniffed the air and all he could scent was the smell of death. The shorter one looked toward the cave. He walked to the entrance and screwed up his face and pulled back coughing.
" Ugh!!!!" He ran back from the cave. "Nas. He can not be in there! Nothing could survive in there! That stench would destroy our sense of smell and the trackers would be useless for days or worst."
" I think we should check it. Kru" His partner said. " We are charged with returning the escaped beast to Daru. If we fail, we will end up taking the beast place in the mine."
" Then you go in." Kru pulled down his face covering revealing his reptilian nature. " But I warn you. What is in that cave could carry the Laris disease. And you know what that means."
" Lose of our minds and death." Nas said as he stepped back away from the cave and thought about the disease.
" We tell Lord Daru it is dead. We say it was trampled by our tracker beast and killed as it ran from us."
" We can find another human."Kru said. " Trample it and no one will know the difference. There just animals anyway for us to feed on."
" So we abandon this hunt?" Nas asked.
" If you want to go in there." He said. " I will wait out here. But I am not letting you anywhere near me once you come out. And I will tell everyone where you have been and what was probably in there with you."
" Then we will never talk of this again." Nas looked at Kru. " Our failure. Pledge to me now with blood. It is dead, we saw it die."
" I swear." Kru told him. " I saw it die under the feet of this very tracker beast."
Nas reached to his side and pulled out a wicked blade with a razor sharp edge. He ran the blade across his hand and watch the green liquid flow free. He looked over to Kru and gave him the blade. Kru took it and slashed his hand and held it out. Nas grabbed his bloody hand and there oath was sealed as there hand began to glow.
" If either of us breaks this vow." Nas growled. " Dead will follow on swift wings."
With out looking back at the cave, or another thought about the human. Nas and Kru climbed back on their Saurian tracker and rode off.

As they left, Ozmun stumbled out of the cave gasping for air. He crawled across the stream and lay on his back taking in huge gulps of air. They had abandoned the search for. But that didn't really mean much. If he gets spotted by any other Savonti, he'll be right back in the pens or on a plate for Daru or some other lords dinner. He sat there with his head in his hands wondering what to do next. Their had to be a way to end the slavery of the people of Pentanthin. He couldn't be the only one that wanted to be free and rid of the people that enslaved them. All these years of being victims of the reptilian race that made food of them. Ozmun got to his feet and made a decision. He was done running and being afraid of them. He would fight them even if it meant he would end up dead. He would free Pentanthin from bondage no matter what it cost. And the first thing he had to do, was get this damn collar off.

Ono opened his eyes to bright sunlight shining in his face. He raised his hands to cover his eyes and sat up. His head was pounding with a headache and the bright suns in the sky blinding his didn't help. Then it hit him. Suns? Did he just think there was more then one sun in the sky?
He uncovered his eyes and looked up. He did see two suns blazing in the sky. Where the hell was he? Then he remembered Shayn. He jumped to his feet and screamed his name
" SHAYN!!!"
He looked around panic beginning to settle in. Where was he? He had to find him.
" I'm here." He heard off to the left of him. Quickly he turned in the direction and saw him laying under a stand of trees. Ono ran to his side and knelt and hugged him with tears filling his eyes.
" I thought I had lost you for a second." He held him tight against him.
" You can't lose me." Shayn kissed his cheek. " Your stuck with me for the rest of our lives."
" Thank Rimnar for that." Ono helped his mate to his feet. As Shayn bushed himself off he looked around. They were in a dense forest that looked totally unfamiliar to him. Then he looked up and saw the suns and his mouth dropped open in shock.
" Ono." He said. " Where are we?"
" I don't know." Ono told him. " But we're not on Keanna that's for sure."
" Then where are we?"
" I don't know!" Ono said. " But don't worry. We'll find a way home. Or they'll come find us. We just have to keep our wits together."
" How do you feel?" Shayn asked him as he turned him around to inspect him. he found many cuts and scratches.
" I've got one terrible headache." Ono said smiling.
" Let me fix that." Shayn reached over and placed his hand on his forehead and sent his healing powers into him. Seconds later the headache was gone and all the cuts and scratches were healed.
" Better?" He asked.
" Much." Ono reached for him and kissed him.
" What now?" The blond boy asked.
" We look around I guess." Ono shrugged. " There has to be somebody here somewhere."

Preparations. 66

High on the ridge over Balthazar's castle, Valkar woke up. Azeal was on watch observing the castle while Cutter slept sitting in his meditative position. Feeling the fullness of his bladder, he got up and walked around the side of the cliff and relieved himself. He had a decision to make. He didn't have the forces to take Balthazar on himself. Yadessa was in ruins and what was left of his people were being cared for by the werewolves. But they would end this. Either him,or his allies. Balthazar Gaelich would not hold them in his grip much longer.
" FATHER!!" He heard Azeal calling.
Quickly he retied the fastening on his pants and hurried out to see what his son wanted. As he turned the corner, Azeal waved him towards the ridge where he was watching from.
" Look!!" he pointed out towards the castle. Valkar held up his hand to shade his eyes from the sun and saw what frighten Azeal. There he saw strange creatures he had never seen before heading toward the border of Yadessa. There were going to Tir Na. Valkar knew what was happening. They looked like what Angela had described her friend Sting to look like. These were Balthazar's new warriors. They were huge scorpion creature with deadly looking stingers and claws. There bodies were covered with what looked like grey shells. He could see human parts on the bodies to, arms and legs. Monsters, Balthazar was creating monsters. Valkar thought that knowledge had been lost in the century's. Hi ancestors once used magic like this.
" Father." Azeal said " What the hell are they?"
" Something out of our past the I thought we'd never see again." He told his son. "Go wake Cutter. We have to beat them to there destination. Hurry!"
Azeal ran back to wake the dragon from he sleep. Valkar knew he had to warn Jandar and Drake of what was coming.
[ Jandar!] He sent out.
[ Valkar.] Came his answer. [ Hows things in Yadessa?]
[ In ruins.] He said. [ But that's not the problem. You remember the stories of Baron Valkar's monster warriors?]
[ Yes.] He could feel Jandar's confusion.
[ They're real.] Valkar concentrated and sent Jandar the scene he had just witnessed. [ There on there way to Tir Na. I'm taking Azeal and Cutter and heading there to help. All my people are there.]
[ We're on our way. I'll warn them.]
" Azeal!" Valkar called. " We have to find Cort. He should come with us."
" He was here before we went to sleep last night." Cutter and Azeal came walking out of the small cave shelter.
" We have to get to Tir Na." Valkar told them.
" Father, what are those things out there?" Azeal insisted his father tell him.
" Those are horror's from deep in our past." He said. " Long ago our ancestors learn magic that could make strong deadly warriors by mixing different creatures with men or vampires to make horrors to use in battle. I thought that knowledge had died long ago in the past. But there they are heading to Tir Na. We can't let these things get there. All our people are there. Ranjer's there."
Azeals complexion was usually pale, but the thought of Ranjer in the path of those things was most frightening.
" You see what I mean now?"
" I understand." Azeal grabbed his scabbard holding Justice and strapped it to his side then looked at his father and Cutter.
" Lets go!" He said.
Cutter shifted to dragon and they climbed on his back. Taking a running leap off the cliff, Cutter spread his wings and they were off for Tir Na.
[ Cort!] Valkar sent out. [ Balthazar is attacking Tir Na. Meet us there.]
Valkar listened for his answer for a few minutes. Nothing came. He thought it strange that one of his most loyal companions didn't answer. But he didn't have time to worry about it now. He had more important things to worry about. So on they flew.

Deep in the dungeon of Balthazar's castle, Angela sat alone in her cell. Balthazar hadn't come down to visit her yet, but she knew he would very soon. As far as he knew, he had her. That meant he had won. And to a point, he was right. He did have her. But he hadn't won and she wasn't the weak wife he had dominated for so many years. She was much stronger now. She had more confidence in herself. At last she knew who she was and he couldn't take that away from him.
Angela stood and walked around the cell. It was the same cell Adam had helped her escape from months ago. Angela looked up and saw all the runes that kept her from using her magic. She wondered if she was strong enough to defy them. She raised her hand closed her eyes and concentrated. In her mind she picture a light forming in her palm. She opened her eyes and there it was shining brightly. A smile spread across her face as she made it grow brighter. Suddenly the sound of footsteps echoed down through the dungeon. He was coming. She closed her hand and killed the light and sat back down.
" Wake up my sweet wife!" He called as he stepped in front of her cell. " Welcome home my sweet. I've missed you."
" I haven't missed you." She said looking into his eyes. " You sick bastard."
" Ohh!!" He made a sad face. " Is that any way to talk to your loving husband?"
" You never loved me!" She spat at him. " I was just something to use to you. You have no idea what love is. You never did!"
" Don't anger me bitch!" His face twisted in anger,
" Or what?" She said. " You'll kill me now? Your bitch goddess won't like that will she?"
She could see the anger building on his face and wondered how far she could push him. Her dazzling white hair flowing out making her look radiant, she walked over to the cell door and smiled at him.
" Has anyone ever truly loved you, my husband?" She asked him. " A pet? You mother? Have you ever even had a friend? No? Doesn't that tell you something about yourself? Your a fucking monster. Far worst the those things you made and you deserve that witch you call your goddess. She's all you'll ever have and know this. She'll never love you, she can't."
Balthazar's eyes glowed with rage as his hands shook and he reached for the door and through it open. She stepped back smiling and raised her hands ready to do battle with him. He stepped into the cell towering over her with murder in his eyes.
" STOP!!" Thundered all through the castle as Muerte appeared outside the door. Both Balthazar and Angela looked out at the flawless evil goddess standing there. She was dressed in a long red silk gown the color of blood. Her hair almost the same shade and her eyes glowing red, she stared furiously at them. Quickly Balthazar fell to his knees and averted his eyes from her in fear of her wraith. But not Angela. She stood tall and faced her in defiance.
" So your here at last." Angela said walking past Balthazar to confront her.
" Yes I am daughter of the moon." Muerte said. " And you should be on your knees before me."
" I have no fear or respect for you." She turned her back to the death goddess. " All you can do is kill me. Then you will deal with my parents."
" HOW DARE YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON ME!!" Muerte raged. " I CAN DO FAR MORE THEN KILL YOU BITCH!!"
" Then do it!! Angela turned and screamed at her. " Do your worst! My father will welcome me in the underworld. And if you try hiding me like you did to them. I will be found and freed. It may take time but many won't rest until they find me. But you and Balthazar will be put down by then. So do as you wish Hag!!"
" Its not you I want. Well not you alone." Muerte waved her hand at Angela and bands of magic wrapped around her confining her. " It's your children I want."
Struggling against her bindings, Angela fell to the cold stone floor. She didn't understand. She thought Muerte wanted her for revenge against her parents. What could she want Athene and Tanis for?
" You look puzzled moon child." Muerte smiled at her. " You want to know what I want with your children?"
" It doesn't matter." Angela sneered at her. " You'll never get them. I sent them to safety."
" Oh, I'll have them my dear. " Muerte laughed. " You can bet they'll come to save you. In fact, I think there on there way now. So why don't we get you ready for a family reunion."
" Nooo!!!" Angela struggled against her bonds. Muerte threw back her head and laughed as she turned from her. She looked at Balthazar.
" Bring her."
" As you command." He gestured at his struggling wife and she rose into the air and floated behind him as they left the dungeon. Fear filled Angela's heart for the first time. She wasn't afraid for herself, but Athene and Tanis. She had to find a way to stop this. She couldn't let them died. In her head she screamed for her mother and the father she had yet and may never meet.

Flying would take to long so Jandar used magic to get them all to Tir Na. in the city center he appeared along with Rage, Dreik, Blink, Icicle, Banshee and Jayce and the shadows. As they took there first steps, Jandar stumbled. He was very tired from transporting so many at once. Rage reached out and caught his mate and pulled him close to him.
" Are you alright?" Rage asked.
" I'm fine. Jandar said. " It just took a lot of magic to get us here."
" Then you will rest at your parent place for now." His arm around his waist they all walked up the cobbled lane.
" I don't have time to rest." Jandar pushed himself away from Rage and tried to walked on his unsteady feet. Rage stopped him.
" You will get some rest and let me take care of this." Rage told him. This is my family to. I won't let any of them get hurt. You understand me?"
Jandar opened his mouth to answer but he saw the seriousness in Rage's eyes and stopped. He knew better then to argue with Rage when he looked like that. besides, he needed to recharge.
" I'll do as you say." He pulled into a kiss.
" Pelic, take him to the manor." Rage let Jandar go and watch as him and Pelic walked away. then he turned to the others.
" We're about to be invaded by Balthazar's warriors." He said. " You all know what they are. Strong scorpion creatures fast but stupid. Watch out for there stingers, the poison is fatal and Shayn isn't here to heal us. Jayce, I want you and the shadows in the air. None of them can fly and since the suns still up for a few hours, we won't have to worry about nightwalkers. I want to know the minute you see them."
" We won't let you down." Jayce and Graym spread their wings and took a running start and launched themselves into the air. Rage knew they would do there jobs well.
" Dreik." He turned to the dwarf dressed in brown. " I want a wall around the Wolves Lair. i want it high and wide. i want it as impenetrable as you can make it."
" I have a few ideas that will help." Dreik smile and run off pumping his short legs.
" Blink." The dour man cocked his head when he heard his name. " Once it gets dark. The three of us will have the job of protecting everyone left here. I'm going to try and get as many as we can out. But they'll be here soon. So in counting on both on you."
" Its just going to be us fighting?" Banshee asked.
" Hell no!" Rage turned and led them through town. " Drake has werewolf troops and Valkar sent his people here to. we should have plenty of help."
As the talked Jandar brother Tof walked out of the council building and met them.
" Rage, Im glad your here." He shook the dragons hand." Wheres Jandar?"
" At the manor." He said. As they talked they headed for the manor" Tof, we have to get the woman and children out of here. How's Drake doing?"
" He's a bit lost." Tof looked worried. " I've never seen him like this before. Where can Ono be?"
" We'll find him." Rage told his brother in law. " Don't worry. In the mean time, we have to move these people out of here."
All around the Wolves Lair troop were rounding up the people. Werewolves and vampires working together for the first time in century's. Rage was amazed to see it. He knew Valkar would be to. He wonder when Valkar was. Last he had heard, he was on his way to Tir Na. Where could he be?
[ Valkar!!] He sent out.
[ Yes Rage.]
[ Where are you?] He asked.
[ Following the warriors.] Valkar sent. [We are a few hours away.]
[ How many are there?] Rage walked in to the manor with Tof. Drake was sitting at a window staring out at nothing. Jandar came over with Sharone at his side.
[ Valkar?] Rage held up his hand to stop them from talking for a second.
[ Less then one hundred.] Valkar sent back. [ We'll slow them down.]
[ No, just get here. I want us all together.]
" Sharone." Rage looked at Jandars beautiful sister. " Why are you still here?"
" I have to take care of father." She walked over to her father carrying a drink for him. He looked up and smiled and took the drink.
" You have to take them and go." Jandar said." Its not safe here."
" No." she said adamantly. " This is our home. We'll fight for it if we have to."
" And I'll put you all to sleep and send you on your way if I have to." Sternly Jandar faced her. " I mean it. Either you take Mother and Father and get to safety, or I'll send you, and you know I can do it."
" No you won't." She said as her husband Aggar and Tof joined them.
" Whats going on?" Aggar asked. Tof looked at everyone in the room. Like Aggar he wanted to know why they looked so upset.
" Aggar." He turned to him. " Take them to safety. I'm putting you in charge. Wheres Ranjer?"
" In his room." Sharone said. " With Mother."
" We don't have much time." Rage told Jandar.
" Get Blink." Jandar said as he started for Ranjer's room. " He can get them out quickest. Tell him to take them to our manor and hurry back. I'll get Mother and Ranjer."
" Now see here!" Sharone yelled at them. " I'm not..."
" Yes you are!!' Aggar stopped her, pulling her to the side. " There right. You have to go and now. We.re being invaded, you understand? We can't defend the Lair knowing your here and could get hurt. Take them and go, please."
" OK." She reached up and kissed her husband, " I'll do as you ask."
As they talked there was a knock at the door. Tof answered it to find Blink there waiting. Rage waved the dark man over.
" How are things going?" Rage asked.
" Jayce hasn't seen anything yet." Blink told him. " I told them to fly out further then report back. Dreik built a wall around the Lair that rivals the one we have at home. It will hold them for a while. But were not in this for a long siege, right?"
" Right." Rage said looking over as Jandar carried Ranjer down the stairs with Tressandra following them.
" Blink, Im glad your here." Jandar put Ranjer down. He looked up at Bink and scurried behind his big brother hiding from the stranger." I need you to take my family back to New Keanna where they'll be safe."
" No!" Ranjer cried. " Im scared."
Blink knelt down in front of Ranjer, pushed the hair from his face to show the dragon tattoo and smiled. Rage and Jandar looked at each other in surprise. This was the first time they had ever seen him smile. He had a nice smile hidden behind that scowl.
" Little one." He said. " I'll let you fly on my back all the way there. And maybe I'll show you how to hide in the dark. would you like that?"
" Can I Jandar?" He asked pulling his hand. " Please!"
" Your not scared?" Blink asked. " Its gonna be dark?"
" I like the dark." Ranjer smiled. " I can see in the dark real good."
" You'll hold on tight and be good?" Tressandra asked him.
" Yes Mother I will."
" Then you can go." Jandar said. Ranjer hugged his leg and smiled his thanks. " I don't want him riding on your back through shadow. You hold onto him just in case he gets scared."
" Don't worry." Blink smiled at them. " I'll take care of him as if he were from my own egg. Who else am I taking?"
" Me and my husband and daughter." Tressandra went and stood by her husband in his chair.
" Then lets get you out of here." He walked over to help Drake from his chair.
" Come on dear." Tressandra whispered to him. " We're going on a trip."
" Have you found Ono?" He asked getting more agitated as they tried to get him up. " Wheres my boy? We have to find him. Jandar where is he!! Help me find him!!"
Jandar and Tof hurried to there fathers side to help him. He was getting stronger as he became more upset. Jandar placed his hand on His fathers head.
" Quiet now father." He whispered to him. " Everything will be alright. Sleep and dream of us in better days. Dream of Ono as a cub. Rest now."
Drakes slowly stopped struggling and fell back in his chair. His eyes grew tired and he fell asleep. Jandar bent over and kissed his fathers forehead then looked up at Blink.
" Get them out of here." He said. " Mother, ask for Rose. She's Blaze wife. She'll get you rooms and all settled in. This won't take long."
Jandar stood with his mother and Rage as Blink carried Drake out. With tears in her eyes, Tressandra kissed Jandar good bye.
" Be careful." She said and walked out the door.

Confessions. 65

Running down the stairs two at a time, Sting found the front door knocked in and bodies in the entryway. Usher seemed to have fought much harder then they thought. The three ran to the door and looked out. The house was ablaze in moonlight. Angela had said that all they had to do was to get in the light and they would be safe. None of them understood what she meant, but they leaped out into the light anyway. Off in the shadows they saw the warriors running towards them. As they hit the moonlight they were all knocked back. It looked like they had just hit a wall. As they entered the light, magic flowed all around them as it lifted them and took them away to safety.

Standing out on the balcony over looking the lake, Balthazar watch as his warriors departed for Tir Na. Yadessa was now in ruins so he needed a new place to make his base. Once he remove the werewolves, Tir Na would be perfect. He sent almost every warrior he made into Tir Na. A small army. They had done so well in retrieving Angela this morning. She was now waiting in the dungeon for him to do as wished with her. And after all that had happened, her death was what he wished. Balthazar turned and walked back into the castle. Different painful was to kill her was all he could think of at the moment. Typical vampire deaths were not good enough. It had to be a sacrificial death. Dismemberment on Muerte's altar he knew would please his goddess. But that wouldn't be enough. Athene had to die too. He knew he had to fulfill his original promise to Muerte and sacrifice her. But how would he get her here? Would she be stupid enough to try and save her mother? She tried once. He had no doubt Tanis and that lummox first experimental warrior would try. An evil grin spread across his face as he walked down the stairs towards the dungeon. It was time to see his dear wife. He knew he would enjoy this.

Arriving in a flash of moonlight, Athene, Tanis and Sting looked around to see where they where. Off in the distance Athene saw the dragons Manor. She knew where they were.
[ What is this place?] Sting asked.
" This is New Keanna." Tanis told him. " The dragons home."
" Come on." Athene pulled them toward the Manor. " We have to get mother help."
Sting changed his form back to Adam and ran after Athene and Tanis.
[ Jandar!] Athene sent out as she ran. [ Theres trouble in Prafa. We need your help!]
[ Where are you Athene?] He sent Back. [What happened?]
[ We're in the foyer heading up to your study.]
Jandar and Rage's study was on the second floor of the manor. It didn't take them long to reach it. Knocking at the door Jandar opened it and ushered them in. Sitting around the table they found Jandar and Rage dressed in the traveling clothes. Jax was there with Eheren.
Jandar looked at them standing in the doorway dressed in their sleeping clothes. Athene in a nightgown, Tanis in short pants and a grey blood stained shirt and Adam in just a loin cloth.
" My god!" He said. " What happened?"
" Prafa is no more." Tanis said hugging himself and shivering.
" Balthazar?" Rage asked.
" Yes." Adam said his face red in embarrassment. " They came just before dawn."
" Your freezing." Jandar waved his hand and clothing appeared on the table for each on them. Rage handed each of them something to put on.
" Tell us what happened." Jax said sitting up listening.
" We're not quite sure what really happened." Tanis pulled on a pair of leathers as he talked. " All I know is mother woke me and said we were under attack. I went to wake Adam and ran into nightwalkers on the way. How they got in we later learned was through the front. We found three dead ones Usher killed downstairs. I had no idea Usher was such a fierce warrior. He killed six before before then got him. He was truly amazing."
" He'll be honored in the underworld." Jax told him. " Go on."
" After we found Usher." Athene continued. " Mother insisted we leave. She refused any help from us. She told Adam to get us out into the moonlight. Why? Whats moonlight got to do with anything?"
Jandar, Rage and Jax looked at each other as if they shared a secret some of the others knew nothing about.
" Why didn't she come with you?" Jandar asked sitting down next to Rage.
" She had to get to get Uncle out." Athene said. " He was still upstairs. He's here right?"
" No he's not." Jandar gave it some thought. " Arturus has never been here. Neither has your mother. She would send him somewhere he feels comfortable. Like to my father. There close friends."
" We have to save her." Athene pleaded with them." Father will kill her. I know it."
Suddenly a bright flash of illuminating light filled the room and surprised them all. When it faded Alea was standing there among them. Jax climbed to his feet and held out his hand to her.
" Gentlemen. This is Alea, goddess of the moon."
Everyone stood and bowed to her showing their respect. Jandar and Rage stepped forward hands held out.
" We're all glad your free Lady."
" Thank you all." She said. She looked at Athene and Tanis, then back at Jandar and Rage. "But we have more important problems to handle."
" We know sister." Jax said. " What do you want to do?"
" Take my grandchildren and free my daughter." She walked over to Athene and Tanis and smiled at them.
" Us?" Tanis looked shocked. " Your grandchildren? Whats she talking about?"
" This is your grandmother." Jax came and stood with them. " There's a lot you should know. You mother just learned of this too. By its true."
" Its why he took your mother." Alea looked from one to the other. She could tell they still didn't believe her. " Listen to me. For years I've been watching you both. Helping out as much as I could from my ride across the sky. Athene, your dreams. Where did you think they were coming from? And Tanis. At night whenever you fought. Didn't you feel so much stronger at night then during the day? Did you think that was because you were a vampire? Your only half vampire. Neither of you every really needed blood to live. Your the grandchild of the goddess of the night and the moon. That's where your power really comes from. Adam, When Balthazar changed you, he tried to wipe your mind clean so only he could command you. Take away your will. Why do you think it didn't work? Why do you think you still had a connection to Angela? I interfered with his spells and kept your mind from being totally overwhelmed. Now its up to the three of you to trust me. Can you?"
Athene Tanis and Adam looked around the room for help. They weren't sure what they should do.
" Give her your hand." Jax told Athene.
" Why?"
" You'll see." He said. " Please."
Athene reached out and placed her hand in Alea's. As they touched she felt something familiar come over her. Visions began to run through her mind. She saw Alea curse Muerte and the birth of her daughter. She saw Alea and Nestor give the baby to someone to hide her. Then she saw her own birth and Alea looking down on her and uncle as he took her into hiding. It was all true she knew at that moment. This is her grandmother. Athene released her hand and through her arms around Alea.
" Its true!" She cried. " You are my grandmother. Tanis its all true."
Tanis walked and hugged them both rubbing Athenes back.
" This is all great and fine." Adam broke in. " But Lady Angela is still in Balthazar's dungeon waiting to be executed. How are we going to get her out?"
" Simple." Came a voice from no where. In a swirl of magic, Aramis appeared. " We give him what he really want."
" Aramis!!" Jax hugged his older brother and squeezed him tight."Where have you been?"
" I had a few errands to take care of." He smiled as Jax released him. " So things aren't going so well I see."
" Muerte is out there somewhere." Rage said. " And Shayn and Ono are missing."
" The prophesy." Aramis looked at Alea. She nodded her head. " I know about Muerte. I was with Nestor when she yield power to him in the underworld.
" He's safe?" Alea asked.
" He's in power and repairing the damage she did down there." Aramis went and sat with Jandar and Rage. " I'm sorry. Shayn and Ono, that's my fault. I should have woke you myself."
" Nonsense." Rage said. " They probably would have went anyway. Jax has an idea how to find. We're trusting him to find them."
" We'll talk about that later." Jax said. " What did you mean by giving him what he wants?"
" Whats he really want?" Aramis asked.
" Power." Tanis said.
" And who's he getting power from?"
Everyone looked at each other a little puzzled by the question he asked.
" From her." Alea said. " I think I know what you mean."
" What?" Jandar asked.
" She wants me." Alea told them. " She wants to be free of her curse and to kill me. Only I can free her. So I'll give myself to him for Angela."
" This will work." Eheren smiled. " He's so power mad he thinks she won't kill him if he gives her what she wants. But we know better."
" Yes we do." Aramis said. "She plans to kill us all."
" Does she have that much power?" Jandar asked.
" YES!!" Jax, Aramis and Alea said together.
" But I have a plan." Aramis smiled.

Prafa Falls. 64

It was a quiet night in Prafa as the sleepy guards sipped warm cattle blood on the wall and talked about what was going on in Yadessa. Many of there relatives had been sent to Tir Na by Valkar for there protection. Many had also died in the attacks by the dragons. It had been explained to them how Muerte had taken control of the dragons and made them attack the city. They understood and couldn't hold a grudge against them for some of them had also been controlled by Balthazar when he seized dominion of Vasag. Remembering the feeling of being held in someone else s power made them cringe. But it was different for the dragons. Dominance for them meant searing pain as dragons brains fought for control. But they were free now and couldn't be controlled again. For that they were all thankful. So it was just another boring night on watch they thought. Unknown to them, things were about to change.
Overhead in the sky many bats flew watching the men on guard. They relay back there low numbers to those waiting at the edge of the forest waiting to attack. In the forest Balthazar had sent twenty of his altered warriors on a mission to capture his family and bring them back to him.
[Master.] A nightwalker in charge sent to him. [ There are no more then three on the wall guarding the gate. What are your wishes?]
[ Destroy that city and bring my family to me.] Came the answer. [ Send those in the sky down to silence the guards.]
[ We obey.]

Along the the wall three guards patrolled there eyes almost closed in boredom. At the rear of the gate two vampire bats flew down and came to rest on the deck of the wall behind the guards post. Shifting form, they stood and slowly crept up on the guard and grabbed him. Pulling a sword with a silver blade they quietly slit his throat and lowered him to the deck. One down, the nightwalker held up the sword and sent a flash of reflected light into the sky to send down the next ambush. Minutes late the second guard was also laying face down dead. All that was left was the guard at the gate. He stood and looked around the wall checking on the others. He saw each of them wave to him. He assumed everything was well. A sudden noise from below the wall caught his attention. He looked out and saw a huge dog down in front of the gate barking.
" Quiet mutt!" he yelled.
Turning around a hand closed on his mouth silencing him as the blade was drawn across his throat ending his life. Hurrying over to the gate controls the invader pulled the switch and let the rest of Balthazar's forces in. Quietly they made there way through town from house to house killing everyone then found. Prafa was falling.

Lost in her dreams Angela slept soundly until a voice stirred her awake.
[ Angela, wake up!!] She heard Alea calling to her. [ Prafa is being invaded]
Angela instantly came awake and jumped from her bed. She had to get to Athene and Tanis. Dressed only in her nightgown she ran fron the room and down the hall to there rooms. She bust into Tanis's room and touched his forehead. his eyes open and looked up at her.
" Mother?" He blinked. " Whats the matter?"
" Trouble my sweet." She told him. " Get Adam And Usher. We have to go now!"
Quickly they both were out of the room and Angela was into Athene's room. There she found a nightwalker bending over her daughter.
" GET AWAY FROM HER!! She screamed.
Looking up the nightwalker hissed at her. Angela raised her hand and sent a bolt of energy at the dead thing and blasted it to dust. As the dust settled she ran to the bed and touched her forehead waking her.
" Mother?" Athene opened her eyes. " I was dreaming we were under attack."
" We are Thene." She pulled back the covers and helped her out of bed. " We have to get to the dragons. Hurry!]
As they made there way to the door, Adam and Tanis came running to them carrying Ushers body.
" Oh no!" Athene cried.
" He's dead." Adam told them. " We found him at the top of the stairs with a sword battling a warrior. He killed two nightwalkers before they got him."
Angela reached out and touched his face and closed his eyes. Suddenly crashing noises came from bellow them and they heard footsteps on the stairs.
" Leave him." She said. " You have to go."
" No mother I won't leave you!" Tanis cried.
" None of us all." Adam put Usher down the shifted to his warrior for. coming around the corner, two warriors advanced on them. Sting roared and ran at them grabbing one with his claw and pinning it to the wall. His stinger whipped around and stabbed it twice through its hard shell. Tanis leaped at the second one sending a high kick at its exposed face. He knocked it back as his long talon like nails grew and he thrust them into its brain through its eyes. Both warriors fell dead to the ground.
[ Angela. I can hold them for a few minute.] Alea told her daughter. [ But I'm still on my nightly ride. I can't come help you. Once my ride is over I will find you. Get out of there now!!]
[ Mother I have to get to Arturus.] She sent out. [ I'm sending the children away. Can you help them escape?]
[ Yes but it has to be now.]
"Adam." Angela called to him. " You have to get them to safety for me."
" No!!" Athene cried. " I can't lose you again!"
" Listen to me all of you." She said. " I love you and I'll come to you in New Keanna. But I have to get Uncle out of here to. Get outside into the moonlight and you will be safe."
" What are you talking about?" Tanis asked.
" I don't have time to explain." Angela kissed all three of them. " Go now or I'll send you myself. Go!!"
Sting grabbed Tanis and Athene and pushed them towards the stair as they protested. Turning and running the other way. She ran to a staircase that went up to the next floor. There in his room she found a warrior drooling about to rip into him.
" Oh no you don't!" She whispered a spell that put a force field around Arturus knocked out body. Again and again the warrior tried to stab through her field with no success. Howling he dropped him and turned to her. Angela smiled at it.
" Come on." She waved at it. The warrior charged hard at Angela bringing its claw swinging at her head. She summoned her shields to surround her like armor and blocked the blow then using her shield as a weapon, she swiped low at its armored leg knocking it off its feet. Scrambling like a crab, it came at her its claws open and ready to snap her in two. Wedging her field in between the claws she grabbed hold and started to force them apart. Wider and wider she forced the edges until the was a loud crack and the warrior howl out in pain. Quickly she raised her hands making the shield needle sharp and bought it down to pierce its shell and cut into its heart. Dropping her shield she ran to Arturus as the warrior died with a last shudder.
She pulled him into her arms and touched the waking spot. He didn't respond. She shook him, still nothing. Angela laid him down then stood.

POWER FLOWS AND SENDS YOU OUT.
SAFE YOU'LL BE I HAVE NO DOUBT
TO HEAL AND SLEEP THE TIME IS RIGHT.
I SEND YOU OFF TO AVOID THIS FIGHT.

Magic flashed and a glow began to surround Arturus as he disappeared from the room.
" Get better my brother."
Loud crashing noises began to climbed the stairs as Angela turned to the door. She didn't have the time to fashion a spell to get herself free. This was it she knew. Balthazar had finally found her. But he wouldn't get the weak wife he had before. This time she had the power to fight him. She smiled as the warriors and nightwalkers crashed into the room.
" I am Angela Gaelich." She said. " Take me to my husband."