Ch 17: Assault

Kali walked until she was 50 feet from the warding and stopped. She stared at the third tower and its shape seemed to lovingly caress her eyes. She inhaled deeply as she stared at it, tracing the elegant shape of its spires. The dragon that was locked in her heart by a wall of light stirred and whispered, “It is not ours to alter our destiny,” Kali felt alone, though there were a thousand people directly behind her she saw nothing but herself standing in an empty field facing the towers by herself. “No, we have the ability to make choices, the gods give free will.”

The dragon laughed mockingly and whispered, “Just because you have the choice doesn’t mean you are living to our true potential.” She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, whispering, “And what is potential?”

The dragon locked eyes with her, “Power.” She smiled and nodded, “True, but what good is that power if it destroys the very world you live in?” The dragon looked at her, narrowing her eyes and whispering, “There are many worlds, Krynn is but the stepping stone.”

Kali froze where she stood, suddenly she could see what the purpose of these towers was, it wasn’t about conquering Krynn, it was…” She looked the dragon dead in the eye, she stared back through the golden sphere that caged her and her yellow eyes glistened as the two began their conquest of will. Kali spoke, “There is no balance in destroying Krynn.” The dragon laughed and hissed as its tongue flicked, “When are you going to stop living in this delusion, there is no creating balance, balance is as natural as the tide and the wind or the rising and setting of the sun. You do not control the clouds or the schedule of the moon, you do nothing to contribute to their existence, yet they exist, and have before you were born, and will after you are gone. Balance occurs with the tipping and resetting of the scales, not by the actions of those living on Krynn. The arrogance of those who seek to restore it are swimming against the spring run offs, being swept downstream while thinking they are doing something noble. Balance is not your to give or take.”

Kali felt panic in her mind… was the voice correct. The dragon stepped back and faded from view, her voice echoing in Kali’s mind, “Go now, fight your war, see if you can bring balance back to the water rushing from the broken dam.”

Kali opened her eyes, she was suddenly aware that the army had advanced up behind her, they were waiting, it was 12:01. Trystan watched her from his mount and assumed she was concentrating, as did the rest of the Knights.

Her hands came up and she began to hiss the ancient language of magic. Her voice rose as she began to create a well of energy in front of her. At that sign Rayann who was 75 feet to her right and Ceridwyn who was seventy five feet to her left began to cast. As the three of them worked together, weaving magic to break the warding, Ceridwyn and Rayann focused their spells on the warding directly before them. Kali channeled energy from the well to Rayann and Ceridwyn. It was dark magic, a spitting cloud of purple and black. Small shock waves of blue light moved through it, looking like a sinister thundercloud hovering inches from the ground. Kali parted the storm and it split, moving and lacing with the spells the other two were casting and in synch all three pressed their hands forward, the spell hit the warding and burst the shielding open. A golden glow arched over the area that the hole in the warding had been created and the army, lead by the Knights rushed through. All advanced except for the three wizard’s and their warrior escorts. The assault of the towers had begun.



Pela had dismounted the beautiful white horse the Knights had provided her. When one of the men approached her and asked her if the mount was insufficient she merely pointe to Bad Rock and spoke, "That is the only mount I have ever ridden into battler." The Knight was perplexed and grabbed the animals reigns, leading it away. Pela made her way over to Bad Rock and climbed atop his shoulders as she had so many times in the past before they went into battle.

When the charge began, Bad Rock moved with incredible speed, keeping pace with the horses as the army charged forth. He and Pela were at the front of the advance, the “tip of the spear” as Kali had called them. Pela was on his shoulders, the special harness they had created was strapped across his chest and around his shoulders. She stood in the stiff stirrups and her legs pumped with the motion of his body as he ran with the horses, bounding across the soft grass. As they got closer the third tower seemed to become alive with awareness and the molten magma around it churned and bubbled. The army yelled in response, blades and spears pointed in its direction and Bad Rock unclasped the mysterious staff he always carried from the side of the harness.

His pace slowed slightly but they remained directly in front of the horses. They came up over a small rise and the ground suddenly turned to hardened lava rock. They had not been able to see the downside of the hill and a mere 50 feet away was a massive earthen elemental ascending the hill with amazing speed. Pela felt Bad Rocks shoulders ripple and because of their many years of experience together she knew what was coming.

Bad Rock headed straight for the creature who seemed to also narrow in right on them. The thing was among the larger of the elementals they had seen, towering into the air at approximately 40 feet in height. It’s hand weren’t really hands but twisting cones of razor sharp rock that tore into the ground each time they made impact. The thing was coming at them much like a monkey would thrust itself along, propelling itself with its arms and legs. There was no face to speak of, just a twisted heap of rock with two fiery orbs that hovered in a deep slit along the front. It was obvious those were the eyes, and they were focused right on Pela and Bad Rock.


Pela felt the stiffening of his shoulder muscles, she hopped from the stirrups and still grabbing the hand held reigns of the harness jumped nimbly onto his shoulders. He flexed and pushed and she was launched high into the air. The creature tracked her with his eyes, exactly as planned. Bad Rock moved the staff in front of him, and as always, though he didn’t understand why, the golden arc of light shot forth and smashed into the beasts leg. Shards of rock flew in all directions as the magic impacted and the creature shifted focus from Pela to him. Pela was soaring through the air and her voice screeched her magic, the ice spell hit the creature in its burning eyes.

It swung blindly as it reacted and the blow never came near Pela, Bad Rock slide under the creature and unsheating his huge blade, enchanted with the ice spell, smashed into the creatures leg where the arc of light had hit it. The “foot” broke off and the creature lumbered forward and hit the ground with a massive thud, Bad Rock finished his slide and extended his arm, Pela fell right into it and he lifted her up onto his shoulders again. The army descended on the creature and began to bang away at it as it swung wildly. Turning to look up at Pela Bad Rock had a look of slight concern on his face, though they had knocked this one down, there were hundreds of these things, and although they weren’t all as big they could not keep up this pace and aerobatics indefinitely.



Trystan and the warriors assigned to escort the wizards advanced last, and then Kali, Ceridwyn and Rayann stopped channeling their magic, as per the plan the three of them were the very last through the warding. Their spell was holding and they all jumped on their mounts and moved at breakneck speed towards the front line. The army was advancing quickly and the earthen and fire elementals were coming fast. Kali watched as the ground seemed to erupt all over and the creatures began spawning all around them, “In the name of the Abyss…,”

The creatures which broke forth from the ground were much smaller than the giant ones advancing from the base of the tower, but their numbers easily matched that of the army. She screamed to Aeolis over the sounds of battle, “WE NEED TO SPREAD OUT! THE WIZARDS CAN’T BE IN ONE PLACE, WE NEED TO BE THE SUPPORT NOT THE CONCENTRATION!”

Trystan whistled loudly, Aeolis and Myth responded by yanking their reigns and breaking into a wide sweeping “Y” formation. Kali yanked hard on the regins as the ground beneath her split open and an earthen elemental burst up, ripping the guts out of her horse, Trystan heard the horse scream and pulled hard on Glaive who protested with an angry whinny and spun the great grey warhorse around, “KALI!”

Kali was thrown to the ground and the elemental was pummeling the horse into a pulp, seemingly unaware the animal was dead before it hit the ground. Trystan moved fast as Kali stood up and she yelled, “STRIKE! NOW!”

Trystan rode past her, lifting his sword high over his head, Kali focused on his blade and hissed the words of magic. The spell hit the blade and it was accelerated with his swing, the metal sheered the creature’s head in half and it broke into a hundred pieces that rolled lifelessly across the ground. Trystan spun Glaive around again and rode fast towards Kali. Sheathing his blade he reached down, she grasped his forearm as he came by and he lifted her up onto the back of his saddle. Moving swiftly they rode straight into the heart of the melee.



Ceridwyn and Aeolis were advancing fast. As the elementals began to emerge she hissed small spells as Aeolis drew his bow on each one. Enchanting his arrows with true light, each found their mark by his aim and destroyed the creature by her magic. Already the dead were lying on the field, there were none injured, these creatures simply pounded and pounded and pounded on them until there was nothing but mush.

Ceridwyn got her horse right up beside his so they were almost touching and the two rode straight into the fray.

Pela shared the concern with Bad Rock. They’d been in many fights before but there was always an end in sight. As it was now, it seemed to be an endless battle and she knew they weren’t made of endless energy like these creatures were. Still, she refused to let herself think on that right now. She had a task to do and she was going to do it. Not to mention she was actually enjoying this moment.

In her glory, she and Bad Rock worked like cogs and gears found in the lumbering gates used to keep enemy forces out of large castles and Keeps. With each turn Bad Rock made, Pela adjusted her weight by flexing her legs and her slight frame and nimbleness made it easy for her to flip easily through the air and cast her spells.

She and Bad Rock were in the thick of it when she flipped up and was getting ready to cast her ice spell on one of the creatures when she was suddenly swatted from behind like one would swat an insect away. She went tumbling away from Bad Rock and directly into the path of another creature.

At the last minute, she tucked and used her momentum to flip again allowing herself to land somewhat on her feet and slow the speed of her impact with the ground down. She ended up tumbling forward on the ground and she heard Bad Rock yell her name. She glanced up just in time to see one of the razor sharp hands coming straight for her. Quickly rolling to her right, the things just barely missed her. She didn’t have time to breathe as the other hand headed straight for her prone form. This time she drew her legs up and rolled backwards standing directly under the creature.

Casting a spell, she shoved her hand upwards, palm facing the beast, as a spear of ice erupted from her hand and practically cleaved the creature in half. It fell on either side of her and she glanced around frantically trying to find Bad Rock. She couldn’t see him anywhere and she didn’t have time to look anymore. All around her the creatures were still coming and she had to fight her way against them on her own now.

It was the first time, ever, Pela had to fight by herself without Bad Rock being near her.






Aeolis fired his bow constantly. No sooner would a bolt leave his string than another was being knocked and fired again. He’d never seen so many elementals swarm like this in his life. There seemed to be a never ending supply of them. Rayann was right. As long as the ground beneath them remained, these things would keep spawning. He looked over at Ceri and yelled at her as he kept firing.

”THESE THINGS KEEP SPAWNING FROM THE VERY GROUND WE’RE ON. WE NEED TO SOMEHOW STO….”

His words were cut short when he suddenly felt himself flying through the air like a rag doll. He heard the screams of the horse he’d been riding followed by a sickening crunch and squish that silenced the horses screams. He quickly rolled to his feet and drew back his bow to fire when he saw Ceri picking herself up off the ground. He saw the creature behind her pulling its massive arm back to strike her down just as it had his horse.

”NO! CERI LOOK OUT!”

He let the bolt go knowing it would have done no good and then rushed forward. As the bolt hit the now downward thrusting arm of the creature, the arm shattered into a million brilliant pieces. He blinked but never stopped running as the creatures balance was thrown off by the lack of impact and forward motion energy. He reached Ceri and had no choice but to tackle her then roll as the creature lumbered forward and fell. He shielded her with his body as the thing fell and, like the arm, shattered into a million pieces.

He quickly looked up to see there was just enough time to get up before the next creature was on them. Peeling himself off Ceri, he reached down and helped her up then locked gazes with her to make sure she was alright. When she nodded quickly to him, he placed his back to hers and yelled over the sounds of the battle.

”THERE’S NO STOPPING THESE THINGS!”







Rayann stayed with Myth and she heard Blue Moons song over and over as her husband protected her against the onslaught of the creatures. Casting spells to bring the creatures down she would also enchant Blue Moon when Myth faced one of the larger creatures. Like they had practiced since they first met, she could see his anticipated moves and when he struck out with Blue Moon, she would enchant the blade with a spell that would help bring it down.

She lost sight of Kali, Ceri and Trystan. From time to time she saw Saul and when she could, she would enchant his bolts with true light helping him bring down as many of the creatures as she could. As she saw them spawn from the very ground beneath them, she felt a moments panic rise up in her. If this kept up, they would have ne energy to fight whatever was yet to come. These thing were just the beginning, of that she was certain.

Already she could see the casualties of the Knights mounting up as the smashed remains of mount and Knight alike covered the ground around them. She shared a concerned look with Myth but was unable to say anything as the creatures came at them again.

By the Gods, she thought, at this rate, there won’t be any forces left to fight against the mages.

Bad Rock was surrounded, Pela was out of his sight and he was concerned. He had seen her get hit and as he approached her he was cut off and swarmed. Light exploded from his staff and he swung the sword with precise savagery, each swipe would fall an elemental, but it seemed there was always another in its place within seconds. He was trying his best to move in the direction that Pela had fallen and he saw the blue flash of her ice spell erupt into the sky followed by shards of rock, he knew, at least for the moment that she was alive.

A bolder came down on his back and he was shoved forward, the harness that he wore for Pela was severed in half and the chain maille armor under it was gashed open, but his back was more bruised than anything. He spun and one of his metal wrapped horns smashed the creature to bits. He grunted loudly, his voice rising above the noise and as he resheathed his blade he dropped his head and charged in the direction he knew Pela was at. Bursting through the crowd of elementals he scooped her up and his head smashed into a medium sized creature that was coming towards her. The impact knocked him off balance and he fell, slipping in the soft ground. He got back to his feet and though slightly dizzy he waved the staff and another arc of light erupted from between its tips, the creature he had knocked back was shattered and he cradled Pela.

He looked down at her and he saw the fear in her eyes receding and he spoke, “There, there my Pela, we are together.” He removed the harness and threw it to the ground and grabbed Pela bringing her in front of him. He pushed the staff forward and a blast of light exploded in a cone shape decimating everything in front of them for 60 feet, he yelled, “GO!”

At first Pela wasn’t sure why but would quickly see that Kali was about 100 meters away with Trystan, Bad Rock was attempting to regroup.



Ceridwyn felt the impact of Aeolis on her small body and she hit the ground with a shuddering impact the sent the wind from her body. She coughed into the soil as he stood and grabbed her, pulling her to her feet. Both their horses were shredded and lay dead on the field. She was about to speak when she turned and saw Kali and Trystan through the heads of the creatures and she had an idea. She sent a missive that both Kali and Rayann would hear, ~ “Kali, create another shadow well of energy, Rayann, shimmering orb, aim for Kali’s spell, wait 20 seconds while she channels…” ~

Both of them would understand. Though they had never done it she was applying the same principals of the warding break to a protective spell that would create a safe area. It would give them time to regroup and adjust. Rayann knew the spell, as did Ceridwyn and she spoke to Aeolis. “Keep them off me while I cast.”

Kali began to chant and hiss the language of magic, the energy well formed and sputtered in front of her, blue flashes of energy shot from within and she drew as much magic as she could into it. Twenty seconds seemed an eternity, the sounds of the battle going soft as she concentrated, it was as if everything was happening in slow motion. She grit her teeth and focused, the pull of energy was so intense that even the blades of grass began to bend towards her. As Rayann and Ceridwyns spells hit the energy well simultaneously from both sides and explosion of light rocked the area, sending earthen elementals in all directions and forming a massive sphere of protective light that went in a wide radius. The elementals within were destroyed, the ones outside pounded on the glowing shell of light as they attempted to break through. Kali fell to her chest as the stress of the magic on her body took over.



Trystan reached down and picked her up, she was pale and weak, coughing, “This… how long can this go on?” Ceridwyn ran up and hit the ground as she dropped a few golden drips of an elixir from a crystal vile. It caused the color to almost instantly return to Kali’s face and she spit on the ground, “By the gods it tastes like piss.” Ceridwyn stood and spoke, “Perhaps, but it will give you strength.”

Rayann and Myth gathered quickly and they all turned as the thundering sound of Bad Rock’s steps approached, he and Pela had made it just inside the perimeter as the spell fired off. Bad Rock was gashed open between the horns and blood was running into his eyes but other than that he seemed fine. Kali looked around quickly and saw that the elementals were hammering on the shield with incredible intensity, they would be through in a couple minutes not to mention there were still hundreds of men outside its protection.

Kali turned to Pela, “Kellan told me how you almost froze her solid when you first met… can you remember that spell?” Pela nodded and Kali spoke, “Bad Rock, give me your staff.” He looked at Pela curiously, and hesitated a moment but handed it over. He had never known the origin of the staff, only that he had taken it from a wizard he managed to kill and it had added to his lethality on the battlefield. He had no idea how it worked save for when he did certain motions with it, things happened. Unclasping the Staff of Cells from her back she then slammed it into the ground and motioned for Rayann and Ceridwyn to do the same with theirs. She looked at Pela, when you see all four staff tips glowing cast your freezing spell into the middle of the staves directly at my spell.

She looked at her curiously and Kali responded, “We don’t have time, you have to trust me!” Pela nodded and Kali spoke to her mother, “Feed my mind with energy…”

She began to chant, the area in the middle of the staves rumbled softly as she hissed and spoke the ancient language of magic, a minute passed and the area in the middle of the staves began to blur like a heat mirage, wisping and swirling, the staves suddenly illuminated and began to glow like stars, Pela cast her spell and the ground beneath their feet cracked and froze, spreading out across the landscape as the staves drew power out of the air. The frozen ground extended well beyond the sphere of protection and all the elementals became stuck as their mother earth bound them down and held them fast. Kali gasped for breath and screamed, “HIT THEM NOW!!!”

The rally cry went out and the soldiers erupted in a fury, smashing the elementals to pieces as they couldn’t move now, after a minute the battle was over, the smaller elementals were destroyed. Kali clutched at her robe and looked at Ceridwyn, “Got anymore of that crap?” Ceridwyn nodded but responded, “Yes, but if I give it to you again the effects will be more harmful than good.”

Kali coughed and stood up, Trystan assisted her and she spoke, “I will be fine, I just need a minute.” They walked towards the top of the hill that went into the cauldron where the towers sat, the troops were rallying quickly and regrouping, the sound of thunder echoed off the hills as the group came to the top of the rise. Down below the magma bubbled and hissed, over a hundred of the much larger elementals, constructed of both fire and stone were lumbering up the hills toward them. Though they were much slower the grasses below them ignited from the heat they emitted and their roars spewed fire from their mouths. About a third of the army was already decimated and those that lived were feeling the fatigue of battle. Kali turned to Trystan, “We must fight, we must get to the base of the tower if we are to bring it down!”

Trystan nodded and with Aeolis, Rose and Myth began to bolster the men’s confidence. Kali looked at the other wizard’s and Bad Rock, slight concern on her face, “I grossly miscalculated the defenses, pray that it doesn’t cost us more lives.”

Saul knelt in a pool of black blood, looked up at Commander Rose and asked "If we appear at the place to which the enemy won't come; attack a place where the enemy does not expect us. If we can lead our troops to where the enemy has not set up defenses.
We are certain to take what we attack is because the enemy cannot fortify it. That we are certain of success in holding what we defend is because the enemy cannot attack it.
So with those who are adept in attack, the enemy does not know where and how to defend; and with those who are adept in defense, the enemy does not know where and how to attack. If we are extremely subtle, so subtle that no one can find any trace; be extremely mysterious, so mysterious that no one can hear any information. If we can do so, we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands. Can the wizards conceal us and find us such a place?" Saul then rose swiftly and yelled "FALL COMMANDER!" as the commader fell flat to the ground, Saul swung his blade, severing the head of an elemental, whose body burst info a brilliant shower of firey light and fell into a pile of ashes.

Pela had never been so glad to see Bad Rock in all her life but at the same time something truly amazing happened. Her fear gave way to instinct and she found she could stand on her own if that time ever came. She found she was even able to aid others as she did when Aeolis and Ceri were about to be crushed. And while she didn’t like this feeling of isolation on the battle field, at least now she was gaining the confidence needed to one day make it on her own.

As they reached Kali and Trystan just before the protective ward was erected, Pela fired her spells at the elementals and when aided with Bad Rock’s staff or sword they were able to meet up with the pair. It was like being in the middle of an angry bee hive attack. Everywhere you turned there were more of the elementals smashing and pummeling the Knights and their horses until nothing but gooey mush remained.

When Kali had suggested she fire her freeze spell in the middle of the glowing staff’s, Pela was uncertain but trusted the mage to know what had to be done. As she cast her spell, Pela had drawn as much of the magic around her as she could to bolster the power of that spell and as it left her body and hit the staff’s, she felt as though all the air had been forced from her lungs as well. As the spell had the desired effect, she leaned over putting her hands on her knees and breathing heavy.

As the group moved up the hill and gazed down at the larger, lumbering, hot elementals that were starting to head their direction, Pela’s eyes grew wide. She could already feel the heat from these things and she knew she would have to be extremely careful not to let herself get hit by one of these things.






Aeolis remained close to Ceri knowing things were about to go from bad to worse. They had just breached the outer defenses and had met up with that much resistance. They had yet to get closer to the tower and discover what awaited them there. He didn’t like this one bit. It seemed as though there were many more elementals than had been estimated and he knew this misjudgment was going to be costly. As he glanced around to see the remains of the fallen Knights, he corrected himself. More costly than it already has been.

Once they reached the top of the hell and he saw the elementals coming at them, he grit his teeth and glanced over at Ceri then looked up at Myth. He saw the look on their faces as well and knew he didn’t share this worry alone. They weren’t able to hold up against these odds. The Knights had already taken heavy casualties. It was just a matter of time before despair set in and what troops were left were brought down. He glanced at Trystan and Myth and nodded his head slightly.

”It is better to be brave in the face of adversity then it is to show that which we know to be true.”

Turning, he raised his bow and shouted at the troops that were regrouping.

”FOR KELLAN AND SOLAMNIA!!!”

Behind them the troops raised their weapons and shouted back in kind feeling a wave of energy wash over them for the next round of fighting.






Rayann was growing fatigued like her magical counterparts. If it hadn’t been for Myth’s help a few times she would have stumbled and fallen. Thankfully he was right there with her and made sure she remained unhurt. As the protective sphere and ice spell did their jobs, she was able to catch a few precious moments rest but it ended all too soon. As she approached the hill with the others she saw Saul joining them and was glad the young man had not fallen in the battle. Returning a nod he gave her, she saw he was winded like the rest and knew it was only a matter of time before they all grew too tired to defend themselves let alone attack anything.

Looking up at Myth, she let her lavender gaze hold his emerald one for a moment then nodded. Whatever the outcome of this battle, she would accept. But she was committed to following through what they had started even if the odds were stacked incredibly high against them.

As Aeolis yelled and he, Rose and Myth rallied the troops,. Rayann glanced at Pela, Kali, Ceri and Saul and nodded.

”May the Gods bless you all.”

Glancing at the oncoming elementals, she took a deep breath and prepared to cast once more.

Saul, reached down and helped Commander Rose, whose side he had never left, up. Then looked over at the others, the look in their eyes told him he did not need for the commander to answer him. Saul looked at the forces advancing, if this be what fate required of him to clear his family name, so be it, Saul thought to himself. He then looked back at the troops srayed behind he and Commander Rose. He turned towards the troops, raised his sword and shouted ....... "I came to you as a thief in the night......was imprisoned and released with the help of Lady Kellan, my first friend at Heartlund ....... Now I stand with you my fellow Kyrnn's ...... In your eyes I see the fear that would bring the mightiest foe of the underworld to its knees ........ But I say to you now ....... Perhaps there might be a time when we shall all cease to stand together in this world ....... BUT I ALSO SAY NOT THIS DAY ....... There might be a time when we are but a memory in the annals of Krynn ....... BUT I SAY NOT THIS DAY!!!!!! ......... There may be a time when all that remains of us has been turned into myth ........ BUT I SAY NOT THIS DAY!!!!!!!!" he then tuned and stepped towards the advancing horde and shouted "FOR KRYNN !!!!! FOR SOLAMNIA!!!!!! FOR LADY KELLAN!!!!!!!!"

The army yelled as Saul, Aeolis, Rose and Myth brought them back to a frenzy. The field before them was bare dirt, lava rock scattered all over where magma had impacted and cooled was strewn all around. The Elementals lumbered up the hill and the army prepared. The group waited until the elementals were off the rock and the charge sounded. Hundreds of booted feet stomped into the ground as the army surged forward, the massive beasts looming up as the blue streak of enchanted weapons smashed and sparked. The creatures were slow, but their breath weapons caused the groups to have to split and outflank them while they attacked.

Kali rode on the back of Glaive into the mix and as they got close she leapt off the saddle and Trystan pulled his mount to a halt, spinning to look at her, “GO Trystan, I will be fine, I will cast behind these soldiers.”

“I won’t leave you!”

“Then stay, but I need to be out of the direct melee, one shot from that fire and I will be done for.”

He spun his horse in a circle, watching as the men battled the lumbering elementals. The sound of ferocious gurgling roars and the smell of burnt flesh filled the air as the battle raged and finally Trystan spun…, “I will be close, I am going to go assist Bad Rock.”

Kali nodded as she began to chant a spell, Trystan rode at full speed towards Pela and Bad Rock who were dead in the thick of the battle. Pela had frozen the arm of one of the beasts and Bad Rock had just shattered it with his sword. Trystan rode up and caught the elemental in the mid section with the full speed of glaive behind him and then spun the horse to come back and catch it below the knee. The beast lumbered and lurched before it fell forward. Bad Rock side stepped and leapt into the air, breaking the head free of its body.

Pela, knowing that elemental would be finished in seconds already had turned and was casting on a new target. The mid-sized creature caught her ice bolt to the chest and was staggering as the hole in its chest oozed molten hot magma. Bad Rock charged and the beast swung, narrowly missing as Bad Rock tore into the fiend with his blade, the rock below the knee shattering as his sword glowed with the power enchanted on it. As the creature fell forward Bad Rock leapt onto it’s back and drove his blade into the back of its head.

Jumping down he looked at Pela, she was sweating, and he could tell the heat all around them was getting to her, but she smiled as she nodded that she was alright for now. He had it on his mind that he could take her to the frozen ground if need be to cool off, but for now, she seemed fine. He turned and looked at Trystan who nodded and pointed to Bad Rock’s right, another of the elemental’s was cresting the hill and Trystan dug his heels into Glaives side, his trusted mount more than happy to gallop at full speed into the monsters path.

Kali fired her inertia spell, she was beginning to draw power from the tower to supplement her own strength, it was dark magic, magic she was familiar with and it felt like a warm blanket on a cold night as she let it envelop her. She maintained control and did not lose her focus, but the pulse of the tower was constantly felt as she wove her magic. There was a fire in her eyes and as she fire spells and each elemental burst into sparks and red hot rock she felt the strength of magic within her unlike she had felt since the day she advanced on Silvanost.

She grit her teeth and there was a wild excitement in her eyes, her face was dirty and the lines from her grimace were etched deep with the soot that was finding its way onto her lily pale skin. Her blue eyes flashed brilliantly as each spell left her body and she seemed to be getting stronger with each cast rather than weaker. She could anticipate her enemies movements again, she was seeing 5 seconds into the future, the lumbering elemental who’s head was just about to crest the hill, she spun and blew it to pieces with a shadow orb, the form that was closing in behind her, she spun and a blast of arcane energy blew it in half, she felt comfortable, alive, in the moment and where she belonged.

Suddenly Ceridwyn’s voice called out, she could hear a familiar name, ‘Trystan… Bad Rock!!! ….’ he turned and her eyes focused quickly on the image of him, Bad Rock at his side, Pela beside Bad Rock, the three were charging and elemental that had just crested the gorge, it’s eyes were focused on them and Pela was thrusting her hand forward as a shimmering blue explosion of frost and snow erupted from her hands. What they didn’t see was the winged fire beast that had landed behind them. It reared its head back and as it was about to breath a blast of holy light hit it in the side. The creature lumbered and never lost its focus, regaining its stance the creature of flame reared its head back and blew forth molten death.

Bad Rock had turned to see the creature and its attack, realizing that Pela was still coming out of her casting and would have time he grabbed her and spun her underneath him, covering her with his own, massive body. The flame melted the flesh right off his back and his spine was almost instantly visible, blackened and scorched. He howled in pain and collapsed on top of Pela, still able to hold his weight off her but he whispered. Blood was dripping from his eyes and mouth, his back was completely engulfed in flame as he gurgled…. “Run…. My…… Pela….”

Trystan had turned when the light erupted behind him and yanked Glaive to avoid the fire, but the right hand of the rock elemental behind him now came across and smashed into the side of his mount, as well as himself. He and his horse went sailing over Bad Rock and landed in a crash of metal and stone, sliding across the ground. He was unconscious and his body was twisted slightly, his leg obviously broken and Glaive twitched ever so slightly before resting his head on the burnt grass and took his last breath. Glaive had reared up at the last second and managed to take the brunt of the blow, protecting his master, sacrificing himself.

Kali screamed, her voice rang out as she called his name and she fired a spell so dark that Ceridwyn and Rayann felt the nausea of Ambient magic for a brief second as she laced the spell together. The fire fiend evaporated and the spell still had so much power in it that the rock elemental behind it was hit and blown off the rock face and down into the cauldron. She dashed across the field and slid to a halt at Trystan’s side, his broken body lay on the ground. He was breathing, though shallow, and blood was oozing out of his mouth. She buried her head in his chest and screamed his name.



Ceridwyn ran up having witnessed the impact and turned, Pela was holding Bad Rock’s limp, dead body and pulling on it, trying to get him clear of the area, but to no avail. Her heels were digging into the soft dirt but even with all her strength his body was too heavy for her. Ceridwyn sent a missive to Commander Rose, her voice was sharp and crisp, ~” We are down to a handful of men, sound the retreat NOW!” ~

The horn blared telling the men to fall back and Ceridwyn pressed her hand on Trystan’s body and brought her other hand up and palm forward towards Pela, she screamed to Aeolis, “Grab my shoulder!!!”

Aeolis did and she hissed the words, the six of them vanished almost instantly, reappearing in the courtyard of Heartlund Keep. Pela let go of Bad Rock and fell backwards, his lifeless eyes stared into nothing, his back still smoldering and his internal organs exposed through the ribs, burned to a crisp. Kali was sobbing into Trystan’s chest, mad with grief and Ceridwyn stood clutching at Aeolis, “Get a horse! Ride! Lead the others back!!”

Myth was a silent sentinel at his wife's side as the wards were taken down. Unlike many that were present Myth remained on foot and when the time came he kept pace with the riders as they charged into the battle. Myth's armor was unique in its design and here on the battlefield is were it showed. At first glance it appeared restrictive and cumbersome but as Myth moved without restriction the genius of the design showed.

As the elementals erupted form the ground laying siege to the army assaulting the tower Myth remained near his wife. Emerald eyes followed the motions of the battle as it raged on. Mounds of flaming earth were making their way towards Rayann but they were met by Myth and Blue Moon. He was nimble and fast darting around the lumbering things the runes upon the sword blazing as he struck out. More than once he twisted away from the blow at the last possible moment twisting bringing around his sword to sever an arm before dismembering the body.

Myth's view of things were grim. They had grossly miscalculated the resistance these beasts would provide and were paying for it. While he had not sustained any dire injury his armor showed the evidence of how close the blows were coming. He knew his luck would only last for so long when everyone was called together. He was grateful for the moments to catch his breath but he could see that everyone was tiring. This was not going to end well if they did not make headway or retreat soon. Looking over he watched as Rose dropped to the earth as Saul sprang taking out the elemental before they two came to the circle before the spell fired off.

Both Myth and Rose were looking over what they had left as the knights swarmed the frozen elementals. They both shared a glance that showed they had a similar view of the situation. They moved on to the rim of the cauldron as they looked into the dark depths looking at the largest creatures they had seen yet they knew it would be only a matter of time. Words were spoken and the troops were rallied and with a roar from the pits of their stomachs Myth and Rose both charged with the other knights. Rose remained within the center of her men with Saul and Sir Walter nearby and Myth defended Rayann's side.

Rose fought like a women possessed as she weaved through her men to help drop the beasts that they fought. She fought hard and watched as a soldier worked to remove his sword from a downed elemental oblivious to the danger behind him. Ignoring her guards she moved grabbing the man by the back of his armor yanking him hard away as a large rock hand crashed into the place he had been standing. Moments later she watched a great beast descend and attack Bad Rock and Pela. She could not see what happened but moments later as the beat exploded the missive from Ceridwyn came. With a whistle and a wave she caught a soldier's attention. With a nod the soldier disengaged his foe pulling a horn to his lips signaling the retreat.

"EVERYONE WITHDRAW AT ONCE!"

Rose continued to fight as her men began to pull back. She was helping a soldier move and with Walter to her back she began to withdraw as well. The man's leg was injured and Rose was doing her best to help the man move away but the shuddering of the earth beneath Rose's feat forced her to drop the man and duck as a rock hand swept over her head. She turned calling to Walter as she turned bringing up her blade to meet the the elemental. Walter came to bare on the living rock himself moving to evade the arm. She ducked missing another blow and struck out taking the arm but she tripped over the man at her feet. She called out as she fell looking to Walter her eyes going wide as the man sneered at her dodging away from the beast before moving away. The elemental swung its arms batting Rose and the knight she was laying on sending the both rolling across the ground. Roses side burned as she tried to move feeling that the thing was approaching to attack them again. The knight was still breathing but was hurt badly. Rose grimaced as she tried raising herself from the earth. There was another impact and she felt herself flying in the air and felt herself impact hard on the dirt. She heard voices but soon the world went black.

Myth was busy guarding Rayann but his eyes remained on Kali as she was helped away from the battle. He had seen Trystan go down and though it worried him what worried Myth more was the power that erupted from Kali in the last few minutes. Myth looked at Rayann his face full of concern. Moments later he heard shouts and realized they were calling for aid the commander had fallen. Looking away Myth was scanning and he quirked a brow as he saw a red head weaving through the knights at pace knew only few people could achieve. His eyebrow quirked as his eyes tried to follow but soon his attention shifted back to Rayann as they moved with the rest of the knights. He looked at her shaking his head "We were not prepared for the mel'amin.



Larrisa had tried to remain out of sight and out of mind during the battle. Dressed in her full battle gear and with her necklace removed no one recognized her as she fought alongside the knights of solomnia. She also was mindful of how close she came to the elven prince. With her disguise down she knew he would see her for who she was and there would be a world of trouble if that happened. Word spread like fire when Rose went to the ground and Larrisa forced her way through as quickly as she could. Knights were trying to fend off elementals as they tried to reach Rose who was unconscious upon the earth or so they hoped. Larrisa pushed passed but found herself blocked by one of the huge living rocks. Gritting her teeth she lept and vaulted off a soldiers shoulder landing on the moving elemental before flipping off it as well landing on the earth near her fallen mistress. She didn't have time to check the woman instead she hoisted her up with an arm over her shoulder. The elemental was turning shifting its attention and was hacked down in moments for its lack of intelligence A couple of knights were rushing to help move Rose away from the field of battle. Larrisa stayed at Rose's side but did her best to keep her face hidden.

Pela was casting like she had never casted before. Every ice spell she could think of was pulled from the reserves of her mind. She never strayed far from Bad Rock making sure he was always in her line of sight. When the fire beast behind hem attacked, Pela felt the heat before she saw the thing and as Bad Rock covered her body with his own, she screamed.

”FATHER! NO!!!!”

She pulled herself out from under his body as he struggled to keep himself up long enough for her to do so. Tears stung her eyes and she screamed for him to get up and try as she may, she simply couldn’t get him to move. She was barely aware of Ceridwyn behind her and when she was suddenly transported to the courtyard, she fell backwards and stared at the carnage that used to be Bad Rock. She quickly got to her feet and looked at his tormented body and felt tears fill her eyes. They fell unheeded down her face asshe walked up to his face and closed his lifeless black eyes then buried her fact against his cheek.




Aeolis had run out of bolts and was now just trying to make sure Ceri never got in the line of fire. He saw Bad Rock and Trystan fall and he felt the air rush from his lungs. He looked around and saw the high rate of casualties that had been racked up and he realized they had lost this battle and were now losing many more lives than he considered acceptable.

As Ceri yelled at him to get him out of his stupor, he ran with her and touched her shoulder. Instantly he found himself in the courtyard. As Pela began to realize Bad Rock was truly gone, he heard Ceri yell at him and he quickly found a steed that had escaped the carnage and was wondering around.

He let the horse start running then swung himself up into the saddle and dug his heels into horses ribs. The beast responded and Aeolis leaned way over in the saddle to let the beast get the maximum speed it could. With the gates still open. He yelled at the people as he rode past to get any healers they could and prepare of mass casualties. The people answered the call and soon the citizens were scrambling to get what ever they could to assist the Knights that had taken them in.

Aeolis rode like the Dark Queen herself was bearing down on him and without pause, he rode back into the fray, past the gore and mess that was left of the Knights. He guided the horse around through the fighting Knights and quickly gathered them up and headed them out of the fighting, using the horse to lead the Knights to the opening in the warding. As they all started filing out, he ordered them to the courtyard then turned to find Myth and those fighting with him.

Dodging the falling and flailing rock caused by the damage being done by his friends he headed towards Myth, Rose, Raytann and Saul. Guiding the horse to them, he pulled the horse to such a quick stop he thought he was going to go flying over the things head.

”The courtyard! Get to the courtyard! I’ll meet you there!!!!”

Seeing Myth nod, he swung the high spirited horse around and dug his heels back into the horses sides and headed out as fast as he could. As he was heading out, he heard the shouts of alarm that Rose had fallen. He searched frantically and his keen Elven eyes saw the huddled group. He rushed over to the group and jumped down off the horse.

He didn't recognize the red head carrying Rose right away but he quickly offered the steed to the fallen commander and her.....hand maiden? He didn't think about it anymore as he yelled at the woman while helping her get herself and the unconscious Rose up on the horse. Once he was sure Larissa and Rose were secure. He slapped the horses rump and sent it back the way it came knowing it would instinctively go for the Keep.

"Get on the horse and get her out of here now!"

Taking off on foot, he yelled at the Knights to follow him and quickly. They were more than glad to go wherever he would lead them and knew it would be away and out of this nightmarish hell they were in now.





Rayann, Myth, Rose and Saul were fighting their way back to the opening in the ward as best they could but it was getting harder and harder with each minute that passed. Rayann was certain Myth’s arms were going to fall off his body. Each swing he made with Blue Moon seemed more strained than the last.

When she saw Aeolis ride up and yell at them to get to the courtyard, she looked over at Myth and nodded as she yelled over the noise at the others.

Grab the arm of whoever you can! I’ll transport us there!”

As Myth grabbed a hold of Saul, Rayann chanted the spell and the light erupted into the sky just as two of the elementals crashed into each other that had been about to smash the group. Instantly they were standing in the courtyard and Rayann blinked as she looked around. She saw Kali laying on Trystan’s chest then looked at Pela as she sobbed quietly into Bad Rocks bloody cheek,

She looked over at Ceri and saw the worried look on her face looking towards the way Aeolis had gone. Rayann looked towards the way she knew the gates were then looked at Ceri.

”He’ll be back, Ceri…..he will…..”



Aeolis guided the Knights to the opening and the last of them were just about to the opening of the wardings when he felt a sudden heat. Glancing over his shoulder he saw another winged fire beast bearing down on him. As the beast spewed its molten death Aeolis held his breath. He dove through the opening as the molten heat sprayed and spattered the ground. It splashed up and hit ground splattering like thick water. Aeolis felt several places on his body erupt in excruciating pain, particularly his thigh and back. He made his way back towards the keep, joining the defeated soldiers. Several of them called out to him but he didn’t heed their call.

When he arrived at the Courtyard, Rayann, Myth, Rose and Saul were there. He grit his teeth to keep from crying out and almost fell if it hadn't been for Myth who was suddenly by his side. He glanced up at the Prince and gave half a smile.

”Thank you…..my friend.”

He finally got to look at his wounds and saw a rather large place on his right thigh that was now nothing but burnt, raw meat and a few more on his arms that were close to the same. But i t was the one on his back that brought the most pain. It was as bad as the thigh but it covered almost his entire back. He looked at Ceri and felt his own strength slipping away. He dropped to one knee and looked up at the faces of the others, feeling Ceri at his side. He whispered softly to her as he felt the blackness begin to take him over.

”We live……another day….mel’amin…..”

Saul, fell to one knee, using his bloodied sword to steady himself, as his stomach rolled from the effect of being transported to the courtyard of the fortress of Heatlund. Swallowing the bile that rose in his throat, Saul stood and looked around as the citizens and healers of Heartlund tended to the wounded and dying. His eyes fell upon Kali laying on Trystan’s chest, Pela as she sobbed quietly into Bad Rocks bloody cheek, then around for Aeolis and saw the concern upon Ceridwyn’s face, as she knelt at Aeolis’ side. Saul bowed his head slightly, with both respect and thanks, when he looked at Myth and Rayann looking towards the gates were. Seeing, Commander Rose lying on the courtyard ground with the red haired soldier, kneeing at her side, Saul reached out and took a stunned knight by the arm. He looked hard and cold into his face. “You, I would strongly suggest for you get some men and man the gate, if any enemy forces approach, when the last of of the men are inside close the gates and secure them ........ Get some men have them find some thick poles and be prepared to reinforce the gate against any assault. Gather as many men, squires and young boys to man the walls. The boys who are too young to wield a weapon can act as runners. The Knight looked at him and said defiantly “Who put you in command?” Saul glared at him, tightened his grip on the mans arm and dragged him to where Pela knelt at Bad Rocks side and the prone Commander Rose with the young woman kneeling next to her. An instant of recognition crossed Saul's face as he looked at the red haired woman, then it was gone.

“ Do you see this?” he shouted ... “Look around you!" Then Saul thought to himself .... and do as I say! Or I swear by all the Gods I will personally dispatch you to join your fellow knights, who lay even now dead and hacked to pieces on the field of battle! Saul stood but eight inches from the knight, as Saul’s hand, with lightening speed reached around his back and gripped the hilt of an Elven knife on his belt, Saul’s sapphire eyes were as cold as ice.

Ceridwyn ran to Aeolis and grabbed him as he arrived back at the Keep. He looked up at her and whispered his words. She could smell the burnt flesh and she cried as she brought her lips down to his. As they touched she felt him go slack. She moved up, he was breathing, though it was labored. She turned and looked across the large courtyard, dozens upon dozens of wounded were being laid out and the surgeons were frantically running to assist those that needed it the most. She turned and looked back at Aeolis, the tears coming from her eyes etched white lines through the soot and dirt that had collected on her cheeks.

Suddenly the guards on the battlements sounded their horns in alarm. Ceridwyn looked over at Kali and Rayann, she yelled, “Come on!” and the three of them ran across the courtyard, out to the east wall and up the stairs. The site that came over them was disheartening to say the least. In their haste to escape no one had thought to close the hole in the warding and several of the elemental’s were coming through. Ceridwyn turned and looked at Kali and Rayann, “we have to do something!”



Kali was weeping heavy sobs into Trystan’s chest when Ceridwyn called to her. She looked up and realized Ceridwyn wanted her and Rayann to go to the east side of town. She had never heard the horns sound and as they went up the wall to look out across the landscape her stomach instantly went to knots. Ceridwyn spoke and Kali nodded in agreement, as did Rayann. Kali spoke, “Too many have died this day, it is MY responsibility, I will go.”

She spun and Ceridwyn grabbed her by the sleeve and tugged her back, Kali was nearly yanked off her feet and Ceridwyn spoke forcefully, “Don’t you dare take this on yourself Kali! We are in this together, we came to the Keep as a team we face the enemy as a team!”

Kali looked slightly startled and her eyes drifted to Rayann, the look on her mother’s face could not have echoed Ceridwyn’s words more. She didn’t have time to argue and simply nodded. She turned back and looked, three of the creatures were through and a half a dozen or so were moving towards the warding slowly, about 100 meters away from the hole. She reached out her hand, hissing a word of magic. Her palm began to glow and she looked at her mother and Ceridwyn, they both knew what would happen the instant they touched her hand.

Aeolis fell into the blissful black pit of unconsciousness. He was barely alive and for how much longer remained to be seen. It would be only by a miracle he lived to see the morning light or longer.

Rayann looked around at the destruction that now surrounded her and she felt tears spring to her eyes. Swallowing hard several times, she blinked them away. Now wasn’t the time to grieve for losses, there was still too much to do and with Aeolis and Trystan gravely injured, her daughter and best friend needed her right now.

As the horns of alarm sounded on the battlements, she snapped her head in that direction then looked to Myth. He was looking in the direction of the towers then looked back to her. Quickly hiking up the hem of her dirt covered red robes, she darted across the complex to join Ceri and Kali on the East wall. As she saw the Elementals coming towards the Keep, she felt her heart catch in her throat. Myth was beside her as he too assessed the situation and she saw his jaw muscle flex as he clenched his jaw.

When Kali stated she would handle it because it was her responsibility, Rayann was glad Ceri was there to set her straight. She may have been tired but she would give her life to protect what was left of the Knights and the citizens of this normally peaceful land.

Just as Rayann and Ceri were getting ready to touch Kali’s hand, Pela appeared and fired an ice blast at the leading elemental then looked over at the others. Her face was smeared with blood, soot, dirt and tear streaks but her ice blue eyes were as clear as ever.

”Close the opening. I will take care of the advancing beasts.”

Another blast of ice, frost and snow erupted from her hands as she took out the next elemental. She looked over at Myth then and nodded.

”Care to join me?”

Before he could answer her, Pela scaled down the eastern wall of the keep and charged the Elementals head on. She needed the release the battle gave her as her grief consumed her. Rayann nodded to Myth that she would be safe. Sending him a missive that told him she would be fine and to be careful, she turned back to Ceri and Kali.

”Ready.”

As Rayann and Ceri touched Kali’s hand, like before, they chanted and used Kali as a conduit for their magic as Kali chanted to close the opening in the wardings around the tower. The lightning arced and the ground rumbled with the approaching elementals and the magic that was being pulled to the location to close the opening. Ever so slowly, the gaping whole began to close until finally there was no opening what so ever left.



Pela charged then saw an arc of blue light as she saw Myth making small work of yet another. Like the Elven Prince she was rather nimble and graceful in her own way. It seemed as though her concentration was even deeper now as she unleashed her fury on the beasts that were responsible for her Father’s death. With each spell that erupted from her hands it seemed as though they grew stronger and stronger.

She blasted another and saw one coming for Myth’s back. As he dispatched the one ahead of him, she had frozen the beast poised to strike him down from the back and when he hit the elemental with Blue Moon, the elemental exploded into millions of pieces of crystallized ice causing a sparkling ice crystal rain.

All in all there were eight of the beasts she and Myth destroyed. When the last beast was destroyed, Pela stood in the middle of the destruction and panted softly. Her chest and shoulders rose with the rapid intake and exhale of breath leaving a short plume of steam to evaporate from her mouth.

As Pela realized the battle was over, she blinked and looked around. Myth was waliking towards her and she gave him a crooked smile then felt her world spinning out of control. She dropped into a heap on the cold, blood stained snow as blackness finally claimed her young body.

Kali conjured forth another energy well, but this one was much darker and more sinister in feeling than the other two had been. As it materialized and took shape the cloud of energy moved and swayed, and a very subtle pulse of magic began to appear. The pulse moved at the same rate as the pulsing around the third tower. As Rayann and Ceri closed the opening in the ward around the towers, Kali almost felt like the world was falling in around her. She felt clarity of mind and she was barely concentrating to keep the well of power alive.

As they finished both Ceridwyn and Rayann had looks of absolute exhaustion on their faces, the days battle along with the strain of magic on their bodies had taken an obvious toll. They both moved and held themselves up using the tower wall as support, Kali simply tucked her hands into her robes and watched as Pela and Myth cleared the rest of the elementals off the field in front of the warding. When she saw they were both safe she inhaled deeply and turned as she pulled her hood up over her head, “I am going to check on Trystan.”

There was obvious sadness in her voice, grief beyond measure came out with her words and she descended the stairs and walked with haste through the streets until she got to the main square. Trystan was gone and she turned to one of the Knights who was aiding the surgeons, “You, where is Sir Trystan?” He shook his head and felt fear as he stared at her, “I… I don’t know ma’am… perhaps…” She turned sharply as one of the medical team spoke, “He was take to his room Miss, we are short on beds and since he has his own quarters and space they moved him there to continue working on him and give us more room down here.”

She looked at the moan from under the shadow of her hood and turned sharply, moving to the Keep and up into the living quarters. As she came to the bottom of the stairs two dirty, battle scared Knights were standing guard, they crossed their blades and spoke, “Surgeon says no one goes up the stairs while they work, there’s a dozen wounded up there and they need to concentrate.” Kali looked at him, she recognized him and he certainly recognized her, “Let me pass.”

He remained still a moment as he glances sideways to his partner, then back to her and he was about to speak when she interrupted, “You will let me pass one way or another Sir Henry, and by the gods you know I will get my way in getting up to see Sir Trystan.”

He dropped his head and the two men uncrossed blades, he spoke as she passed, “Please don’t tell them we let you through, say you magiked your way up or something.”

She ignored him and made her way to his room, opening the door and going inside. The Surgeons were already gone, he was bandaged in several places and his leg was plastered in a cast. She instantly began to weep as she moved to his side, kneeling at his bed and buried her face into his chest. Her tears came in waves as she screamed his name, hugging his unconscious body tightly.



After casting Ceridwyn leaned into the wall to keep herself upright. She watched as Pela and Myth single handedly destroyed eight of the lumbering elementals and then as Pela collapsed, she gasped and instinctively reached forward, but then withdrew her hand as Myth walked to her side and picked her up gingerly. She turned and looked at Rayann and then Kali. Kali turned to leave and Ceridwyn could sense the darkness in her voice. She turned and looked at Rayann who echoed the same expression Ceri gave her, they had both picked up on it.

Rayann began to move towards Kali and Ceri whispered, “Let her go… she is taking this harder than the rest of us. It was her plan… give her time, she needs to go see Trystan, not us.” Rayann nodded sadly but her eyes drifted back and watched Kali’s back until she was out of sight. Finally she turned to look back at Ceridwyn and Ceridwyn spoke, “I need to go find Aeolis, he was … oh by the gods Rayann… he was black and…” She began to sob and grabbed a hold of Rayann, crying into her dear friends shoulder. She clutched the back of Rayann’s robes as she let out her grief. The two of them stood on the battlements for a long while, holding each other and grieving the loss of today’s battle.

As Pela collapsed, Rayann let out a small cry and like Ceri had moved forward but saw Myth had the young girl in hand, literally. Knowing Pela was in good hands for the time being, she looked over at Kali as she turned as though she hadn’t been casting all day. Rayann felt the change in Kali more than heard it, although the sound in her voice was undeniable. AS Ceri stopped her form going to Kali, Rayann stood and looked at her friend for a moment then watched Klai disappear from view.

As Ceri turned to her friend and began to grieve, Rayann felt her emotions bubbling up from deep inside of her and like Ceri, she cried brokenhearted at the loss of life this battle brought today. She knew it was inevitable for something like this to happen but the number of dead wsa so much more than she expected. Than anyone expected.

For what seemed like forever, she cried with Ceri, clutching her friend as much as her friend was clutching her. Finally their tears stopped, for now, and they found the strength to move off the wall and return to the courtyard, each supporting the other.

When they arrived, Ceri was informed Aeolis had been moved to the infirmary and Rayann escorted her friend there. Aeolis was positioned on his side and the medical staff was doing the best they could to remove the burnt leather from his wounds while trying not to cause any more hurting. Even in his unconscious state he moaned as they reached certain areas of his body the burns were the worse. Finally the lead man stood and walked over to Ceri, his face grim.

“We’re working as best we can, Miss Ceridwyn. It’s difficult to tell where his leather stops and his flesh begins. There really is nothing more you can do right now. Why don’t you go rest for a while and if anything changes, we’ll send for you right away. I give you my word.”

Rayann looked at Aeolis and saw how pale his face was then looked at Ceri as the physician delivered the news.

”I’ll wait with you wherever you wish to be, Ceri.”

The physician was about to say something when he looked past Rayann and Ceri at something behind them. Rayann already knew for she could feel her husbands presence the instant he was close to her. As Myth walked up, the physician nodded his head respectfully knowing Aeolis was a subject in Myth’s kingdom.

“I will do all that I can but I’m not sure my efforts will be enough. I pray the Gods will give me the strength I need to make it through this night.”

The bitter smelling smoke of the incense drifted about the room, the smoke was invisible in the cool darkness but it's pungent smell was all around Gregor as he stood before his small shrine. Not that it could be seen in the dark room but a small but intricately carved statue of Tahkisis sat between two small smoldering piles of the rare and magical incense. It's sharp smell filled Gregor's nostrils, the smoke made his head swim and the pupils of his eyes grew larger.

"A small offering to you my Queen, a promise of more to come." Gregor said quietly as the darkness in his chamber seemed to grow heavier and thicker. Gregor slowly put his hands together as if he were trying to form a bowl in which to hold water and pulled them to his face drawing in more of the smoke as he breathed it deeply.

A large set of windows were open across the room from where Gregor stood, a mild but steady breeze had been crossing the room but now it came to a dead stop. Gregor turned from facing the small shrine and looked about the dark room. Gregor's eyes glowed red in the darkness, a side effect of his proficiency in the dark arts, but Gregor liked to think of this as a gift from The Dragon Queen, a sign that she favored him above all.

With the halting of the breeze around him a true silence came and fell all around Gregor. The darkness of his chamber became a sort of blindness and Gregor Askaan welcomed it.

"It pleases me greatly that you still make offerings every moonless night Commander." A voice hissed in the darkness. Gregor quickly turned his eyes to the floor and dropped to his knees. Gregor placed his hands open and flat on the black marble floor, showing his absolute submission and obedience.
"My Queen" Gregor uttered, as a smile grew wide across his scarred face.

"You have never forgotten the old ways Gregor, the very old ways. There are many who serve me, many who do it well but so few that still make offerings on moonless nights and even fewer that understand and keep the old ways, the very old ways." The voice was one but many, it was at the same time a nightmarish hiss and the warm sound of a loving mother. The voice was in the room, filling it up but it was also in Gregor's head doing the same.

"What other ways are to be kept and followed my Queen, there is but one path and you sit at the end of it my mistress." Gregor said looking at the reflection of his red eyes in the polished black floor.

"This path has served you well Commander, your gifts are many." Tahkisis hissed into the gloom.

"All I am YOU have made me mistress." Gregor said.

"Rise Commander, rise so I may look upon you."

Gregor rose to his feet, as he stood his black hood slipped from his head, he was now showing his face to his mistress and he felt fear and shame for doing so.

Gregor's hair was cut close to his head like a soldier, his face bore many scars. Gregor's ears were scarred as well, one was missing a small chunk. A jet black tattoo framed in Gregor's eyes, the tattoo wound around his eyes and mouth, it's design twisted and turned and looped around his eyes and mouth and traveled down his face beyond the stubble on his chin and down to his neck where it tangled like braided leather across his wide neck. The ink was deep black against Gregor's pale skin. The tattoo ended at his neck. The tattoo started as two separate lines, one at each eye and eventually came together in one broad band at his neck. The design at his neck bore a striking resemblance to a warrior's Torc, a necklace worn by those that have seen much death on the battlefield.

"You still bare my mark Commander and you wear it well." The Dragon hissed.

"I am proud to bear it my Queen, as long as I do none can take my head. Many have tried mistress but the marks stop their blades, a few foolish men have made short lived attempts to cut the marks from my flesh but none have seen this through." In this moment Gregor was remembering killing the few that had had tried, it pleased him greatly to recall their painful and bloody deaths.

"You must gather your guard commander, a small band of enemies have made an attempt to take my towers, they have failed -as all that move against me do and always shall. Secure their defeat, destroy the knights and turn the mages- they shall all know me and despair."

"It shall be done my lady." Gregor said, his eyes still trained at the floor.

"A few of my mages will aid you, all you need do is ask."

"Farewell Gregor." The dragon hissed and the heavy silence and blindness lifted from the room and once again Gregor was aware of the strong incense and the nighttime breezes.

Gregor cast a quick spell and one of his soldiers was instantly standing before him.

"Yes, commander?" The soldier said.

"Open the armory and ready the horses Wolfe, we have been chosen."

"At last Commander!" Wolfe said.

"Have everything ready by dawn, every man and every horse." Gregor barked, his back to the soldier.

"Right away Commander." Wolfe said.

"Ready the guest wagons and make them up right Wolfe."

"Commader?" Wolfe said confused.

"We will have true black mages among us." Gregor said smiling.

"Of course." Wolfe stuttered.

"And Wolfe, ready the three furies." Gregor said seriously.

"They will come with as as well."

"I will see it done..." Wolfe said with a grin of his own.

Myth did his best to help get the wounded settled as he left Aeolis to the care of the doctors. Emerald eyes were scanning the rows of wounded his eyes finally fixed upon the group gathered around what he assumed to be Lady Rose. Myth's keen eyes focused in on the group and for the briefest moment he thought he saw a familiar face. His brow furrowed as he headed towards the group but the horns on the battlements drew his attention away. Looking back the face he saw was gone and he frowned before rushing to the battlements.

He saw that Pela had heard the horn as well as she ascended the steps before him. He could see Kali, Rayann, and Ceridwyn quickly conversing a plan of action. Myth stepped up and saw the breach still open and as a spell erupted from Pela's hand he looked over at the young girl as she spoke before vaulting over the side. Myth shook his head sparing a glance to Rayann. He smiled and gave her a wink before he descended after Pela.

Myth kept a watchful eye on Pela as the two of them tore into the attacking elementals. Myth's mindful eye nearly landed him into trouble as it had allowed an enemy approach him from behind. A chill went up his back as the elemental froze in place behind him. Myth didn't even have to look to know what had happened as he spun shattering the the thing. The fighting was furious but over with in short order and as Myth sheathed his blade he looked to the young Pela and saw the exhaustion sweeping over her now that the battle was concluding, and as he expected she collapsed the the earth completely spent.

Myth was at Pela's side in moments lifting her from the snow covered ground. He was as gentle as he could be with the frail figure in his arms. The young mage had a fire in her that could lead her to great things if she found the proper guidance. Many had taken injury this day and many had lost their lives. Among them the father of the young girl in his arms. He was unsure how Pela was going to handle this change in her life, but he knew she would endure because she was clearly of strong will. As Myth entered into the walls he was greeted by the guard who sought to the young mage's care. The man saluted before bowing his head slightly "I can take her to her room if you would like me to Lord Myth.?"

Myth barely nodded before passing Pela into the man's arms. HE assured Myth she would be taken care of and quickly made his way to her quarters with her. Myth himself remained looking around before heading to join Rayann. He knew she would be near Ceridwyn who would in turn be near Aeolis. The sobs were easily discernible as Ceridwyn's and they brought a look of sadness to his face. One friend stood heartbroken and another lay at the edge of death's doors. Reluctantly he drew near and caught the eye of the physician working on Aeolis. Myth bowed in response to the comments made "I would ask no less and no more from you than that."

Aeolis was moved to the infirmary and the physicians worked on him until late in the night. Exhaustion had set in and they were forced to stop working on him in the wee hours of the morning. He still lived and while the doctors wouldn't tell Ceri, they knew the Elf Ranger was still alive only by sheer will alone. Ceri stayed with him and Rayann stayed with her after she placed a protective spell over Bad Rock's body obscuring it from view until the next morning when they can dispose of the body properly and Pela could say her final goodbyes. She checked in with Myth via missive as he moved around the Keep making sure the defenses were in place helping to guide the Knights until Commander Rose could retake command of her troops. Or what was left of them for the lack of a better term.

The night passed painfully slow for the citizens of Heartlund and the remaining Knights who had survived the assault on the towers. The guard that had been watching over Pela the last week had barely survived the assault but he did and had once more taken up his duty of staying with the ice wizard. True to his word to Myth, he took her to her room and laid her down on the mat she normally slept in. Building a fire in the hearth more for light than heat, he took up his seat near the fire and glanced over at her form time to time. A few times she stirred in her sleep and he walked over to try and calm her the best he could. Remembering what he said to his sister when she had bad dreams, he stroked her white head and went back to sitting near the fire when she would quiet once more. He knew she was going to have an uphill climb for a while without her protective Father, Bad Rock but he knew she was a strong young woman who would find her way in this world.

Kali sequestered herself in Trystan's room with him, holding his hand to try and let him know she was there with him. His breathing was steady and deep and it was clear he was in a deep sleep caused by his injuries. There was not even the slightest indication he was even dreaming as no thoughts or images could be found in his mind. No matter how many times Kali tried to make a mental connection with him, there simply wasn't any to be found. Like Trystan was there in body but not in mind.

Finally things around Heartlund settled down and became eerily quiet. Even the guards charged with guarding the Keep and patrolling the battlements were quiet and did their check ins with each other quietly. A nervous silence engulfed the Keep as even the sounds of the wounded quieted. The smell of smoke filled the air as fires to stave off the cold were lit in every building located within the protective walls. It still did nothing to hide the smell of burnt flesh and blood that lingered heavily in the night air.


*************

The sky was starting to slowly lighten as night was losing the battle to day. That eerily quietness that settled over the Keep was still lingering in the air as the smoke from the fires the night before hung in the air. The lone rider slowly moved over the snow covered ground near Heartlund silently barely visible in the predawn light. A thick, velvet, royal blue cloak covered the rider from head to saddle and draped out over the white horses rear flanks. The cloak was trimmed in delicate silver embroidery. A pair of tan, legging covered legs with matching tan, soft boots rested on the horses ribs and toes tucked into the stirrups. A bow rested on the right side of the horse while a quiver of arrows rested on the left. A pair of saddle bags draped behind the back of the saddle and a wool blanket was rolled neatly behind the seat of the saddle.

The air was chilled and steam rolled from the horses nostrils as it walked. The ears were perked and alert and the dark brown eyes glanced around. The sun would soon be peering over the East but the rider didn't need to see anything; they could smell the burnt flesh, blood and death in the air. Greenish-gold colored eyes looked around from beneath the cloaks protective hood as the gloved hands held the reins of the horse in check as the beast began to grow nervous with the smells it encountered.

As the light began to grow and the rider emerged from the tree line and rode up the ridge and looked out over the towers and stared down at the carnage left behind from the battle the day before. Even in this dim light the keen eyes could tell it went very bad for the Knights and their companions. With a heavy sigh, the rider turned the horse towards the Keep and could see the smoke that still hung heavy in the air. Horns of warning went out as the guards patrolling the battlements finally caught sight of the lone rider as the horse crested the Eastern hill and headed slowly towards the Keep. As the rider saw the destruction of the fallen elementals as they neared the gates, the thought of what happened to the Knights and their companions weighed heavily on their mind. Had they arrived too late? Was everyone dead? Had they traveled all this way for nothing? Please, Goddess, don't let that be the case. Over and over these thoughts filled the riders mind. Finally stopping close to the gates, the guards, who looked to be more like children, raised shaky bows and took careless aim at the rider called out.

"H-HALT! Come no further! Identify yourself."

Those greenish-gold colored eyes looked at both sides of the battlements from beneath the hood of the cloak looking for at least one face they would recognize. Finally, after a few nervous moments, causing the horse to paw anxiously at the ground with its front hooves, the rider saw the familiar brown head of a petite form on the battlements and peer out from the side of one of the guards soon followed by a taller, crimson colored head. As Ceri and Myth looked at the rider, something uncannily familiar would come to them. They'd seen that cloak before but it was many years ago.....in fact, they hadn't seen it since Aeolis' mother died. It had been Gilraen's robe and it bore the undeniable color and markings of Mishakal.

The rider reached up and slowly pushed the hood of the cloak back and sitting there, looking every bit like her mother was Tanjee, Aeolis' sister and it was clear, by the cloak she wore, she was there as a Cleric of Mishakal. Tanjee could see by the look on Ceri and Myth's faces the news was grave and she inclined her head respectfully to her Prince then looked back up at them and raised her hand in greeting, speaking first in Elven then in common so the humans would know she was no threat to them.

"Greetings, my Prince and Ceridwyn. My Name is Tanjee Súrion sister of Aeolis Súrion . I have come to offer my services, if I am not too late."

The sun was rising over the heavily fortified camp. Gregor walked out of his chambers into the sunlight, his black robes shifting with every step. Over his dark robes Gregor wore leather armor, a thin layer of the skin covered his chest, back and neck, beneath his robes Gregor's arms were clad in the dark leather. Gregor's robes were split beneath his heavy leather belt to allow him to ride like a knight. His legs were clad in the same dark leather all the way down to his heavy black boots. Gregor Askaan was a formidable blend of warrior and dark wizard and his clothing bore this out.

Gregor walked to his horse and climbed into the saddle and rode a short distance to the large open area near the barracks where the Knights that served him slept. None were asleep of course having been called to arms. The men were prepared and ready to march. The knights stood all around, in full armor from the mass of them Gregor could see his banner held high, a many headed dragon in black on a gray background.

Wolfe was in the mass of the men, he weaved his way to Gregor and approached his Commander carrying a large black box. Wolfe handed the box to Gregor and bowed and stepped away from him. Gregor ran his gloved hand over the glossy surface of the box, it looked much like a box to hold paper and inks for writing, but this box contained nothing of the kind.

Gregor open the box and inspected the contents, three clay bottles the size of wine decanters were inside, each one was sealed with fresh clay and tied at the top with a black cloth. Gregor closed the box and handed it back to Wolfe. Wolfe secured it to Gregor's saddle and took his place back in front of his commander.

"We make war with Solamnic Knights. This is not a border campaign nor an action to put down an uprising, we have been called. To war my knights, we will give no mercy and show no quarter, put them all to death. Leave none of these enemies behind."

The Knights were quiet as Gregor spoke, their bloodlust and determination was palpable, these men were ready to fight. Gregor waved his hand and the gates of the camp erupted into flames and quickly disintegrated into ash, Gregor and his forces rode into the opening and out to war.

Saul remained standing firmly as the Knight glared at him then, turned and walked off muttering about civilians and their illusions of grandeur. Saul looked down at the young red haired woman, kneeling beside Commander Rose. He slowly stepped over and said ...... “I think it would be wise to take the Commander to her chambers. There healers will be able to tend to her better. I would be honored to take her if you will show me the way, and perhaps I can offer some assistance to aide her recovery. The Knights need to see their Commander strong and in control. They need her guidance and steady hand.” he glanced towards the retreating Knight. ...... “If that is an example ......” his words trailed off, as he decided perhaps discretion was the better path at this point. Saul knelt down on one knee, to slide one of his arms under her neck, the other behind her knees, when two kights walked over and unceremoniously shoved him aside. They picked Commander Rose up and looked at the young woman. “If you would lead the way?” they said .......

As they began to walk off, Saul said softly so only the young woman could hear “You were the young woman that slipped into the shadows of the cell block, when Pela came to speak with me while I was in your prison. Were you sent by the Commander to speak with me ...... or simply to......shall we say observe, then report back to her your impressions?” ..... The young woman instructed the guards to take Commander Rose to her chambers and summon a physician .... as they began to move off, Saul said again so a only the young woman would hear “We shall speak later, tend to your commander.” he then turned and walked towards the dormitory. A strange unsettled quiet had descended upon the keep as the light of day faded. He was about to enter the dormitory, when he stopped, turned and walked across the courtyard, up the stone steps to the battlement. There Saul stared out over the battle field .......... the wizards had yet once again misjudged he thought to himself. Those that thought of themselves as so wise and superior in intellect had failed again. As the night deepened, fires were lit for warmth, Saul sought the shadowy corner between the gates upper barbican and the parapet's wall where he had hidden the first night he arrived at Heartlund. There he sat down on his heels, brought his open palms together at his chest, took several deep breaths, slowly placed the palms of his hands upon his thighs and bowed his head. Shortly, Saul was in a light slumber.

Just as dawn began to break, Saul awoke, rose slowly and performed an edited version of his morning exercises. Slipping his bow across his back, Saul slowly walked along the battlement looking out towards the east across the snow covered field. He glanced to the skies, searching for Tepas, then back across the field. There he saw a lone rider slowly move over the snow covered ground, barely visible in the predawn light. Horns of warning went out as the guards patrolling the battlements finally caught sight of the lone rider as the horse crested the Eastern hill and headed slowly towards the Keep. As the rider neared the gates, the young guards, young boys pressed into service, called out to the rider. ...... "H-HALT! Come no further! Identify yourself." When the rider stopped, Saul studied the thick, velvet, royal blue cloak that covered the rider from head to saddle and draped out over the white horses rear flanks. The cloak was trimmed in delicate silver embroidery. A pair of tan, legging covered legs with matching tan, soft boots rested on the horses ribs and toes tucked into the stirrups. A bow rested on the right side of the horse while a quiver of arrows rested on the left. A pair of saddle bags draped behind the back of the saddle and a wool blanket was rolled neatly behind the seat of the saddle.

The air was chilled and steam rolled from the horse’s nostrils as it walked. The ears were perked and alert and the dark brown eyes glanced around. The sun would soon be peering over the East. Greenish-gold colored eyes looked around from beneath the cloaks protective hood as the gloved hands held the reins of the horse in check as the beast began to grow nervous with the smells it encountered. After a few moments, as the stranger seemed to be searching the battlements for someone or something, Saul heard her soft, confident voice call out "Greetings, my Prince and Ceridwyn. My Name is Tanjee Súrion sister of Aeolis Súrion . I have come to offer my services, if I am not too late." The voice had a musical intonation that reminded Saul of Ommunis’, his Master’s voice.

Night came and the army made camp and Gregor was in his tent studying his battle plan, the flickering lantern light sputtered out from under the walls across the ground. Sharp glistening eyes emerged from the background of tents in the distance and the two guards who stood at attention didn’t make a single motion as he passed, pushing the flap aside and entering into the vestibule of the shelter. He stood, his ears listening to see if his master was engaged with female company or otherwise and when he heard only the soft rustle of parchment from time to time he finally spoke, “Master, I return.”

“Come.”

The single word was all he needed, he brushed the flaps aside and stepping into the large tent. It was warm and inviting, a welcome change from the cold winter air outside. His scales bristled slightly as he opened the gaps in them to allow the warmth to hit his skin and take the chill off. He never removed his traveling cloak, doing his best to insulate what warmth he was able to cling on to.

Greg turned from his maps and looked at the Draconian whom he trusted and motioned for him to sit. He spoke to Gregor as he bowed, “With respect Master, I have been sitting for four days journey on horseback, if I might stand it would be most appreciated.”

Gregor nodded and he walked over to the table, placing a large bundle of intelligence reports on top of the maps, “The Knights sent only a small force to North Keep, they didn’t take the bait and come in force to stop us. We thought we had killed one, the leader but then…” He paused, Gregor looked at him sternly and his tongue flicked nervously from his mouth. Though he was a powerful magic user he knew that Gregor had no problem smashing his skull in if he crossed the line. His master did not get to where he was because he was meek or mild mannered, “A silver dragon appeared and rescued her.”

Gregor glared at him and Nidhug recoiled slightly as he heard the creak of his masters leather gloves tighten into a fist. He spoke before Gregor said anything in response, “Yes master… it complicated matters immensely.”



Ceridwyn was on the gate battlements with Myth when the horns sounded. She braced herself for her worst fears as she ran with her Prince to the topmost wall. They looked out and saw the lone rider. Instantly she recognized the cloak as one of Elven make, and the colors of Mishikal, but it wasn’t until she saw the face under the hood and heard the voice that she felt a smile cross her weary face. Turning to Myth she whispered, “And a fleck of light brings a new dawn of hope.”

She and Myth went down the stairs and she spoke to the gate guard, “Open the gate, she is from Silvanost, she is who she claims to be.” The guard opened the small eye of the main gate, large enough for one horse to squeeze through and they waited as Tanjee rode through. It had been a very long time since Ceridwyn had seen her and as Tanjee looked down at her Ceridwyn could see the growth that had occurred in the young woman’s face. She was not the shy, quiet girl any longer, it was obvious immediately. She wore the medallion of Mishikal proudly on her chest and as she smiled Ceridwyn could see that a life time of maturity had happened in the last 10 months.

She stepped forward as Tanjee dismounted and spoke greeting her in their native tongue, “Cormamin lindua ele lle, elen sila lumenn' omentielvo” (My heart sings to see thee, a star shines in the hour of our meeting.)

Tanjee led the horse through the small eye and as her feet touched the ground beneath her, she saw Ceri and Myth had made their way down from the battlements and were standing close by waiting for her. As Ceri greeted her, Tanjee smiled and did so in kind then reached out to hug the petite Elven woman. As she stepped back and held Ceri at arms length, Tanjee studied her face then looked up at Myth and bowed her head respectfully once more then looked around as her smile faded. There was one more face she was looking for and the more she looked and didn’t see it, she began to realize the worst. Finally she turned her eyes to Ceri once more, her face somber and her eyes boring into Ceri’s.

”The lack of my brother’s presence can only mean one thing. I take it he fell in the battle.”

Her eyes moved from Ceri to Myth then back to Ceri as she searched their faces for the truth. What she was seeing pass between them then to her wasn’t good at all and she braced herself for the news when Myth stepped forward. His voice filled her ears as her hands curled into tight fists and held her breath.

”He is not dead, Tanjee, but how he still lives is beyond any of us here.”

Tanjee released the air she’d been holding as she looked from Ceri to Myth, stepping closer.

”Then we must not waste another moment. Take me to him, please.”

Myth and Ceri exchanged looks then looked back at Tanjee and the young woman leveled her gaze to both of them.

”It does not matter his condition. If it is the Goddess’ will he be restored then so be it. I am but the vessel in which to speak the words in his favor.”

Myth finally nodded and turned to a near by Squire.

“Please see to it her horse is taken to the stable and her things taken to mine and my wife’s room until we can secure a room for her.”

The young squire nodded then took the reins of Tanjee’s horse and guided it away towards the stables. Myth looked at Tanjee again and nodded then gestured for her to follow him turning on his heel heading back into the compound. As Tanjee turned to go she saw the face of a young man with unruly blond hair and the look in his eyes was nothing short of ice cold. Tanjee blinked at the young man’s gaze and would have greeted him but she had to quickly follow after Myth. Ceri moved up next to Tanjee and locked arms with her as they followed Myth. AS they walked along, Tanjee spoke quietly to Ceri in Elven.

”I saw the towers and the grounds around them. They are an ominous vision. Surely they are made by the darkest of evils. It is almost as though they are living, breathing things and not inanimate objects.”

Ceri nodded and tried to keep her voice even as she spoke back to Tanjee in Elven.

”Considering the mages that created them, you have no idea just how true your words ring. We tried to attack the third tower and now we are paying the price.”

Tanjee patted Ceri’s hand with her gloved one.

”War is always an expensive price.”

As they neared the infirmary, Ceri gripped Tanjee’s arm a little tighter and Tanjee could tell by the sudden silence what she was about to see would be nothing less than terrible. As soon as she entered the infirmary the smell of burnt flesh was so strong it caused her to gasp and she prayed she wouldn’t vomit. Myth wove his way throught he bodies littered all over the place and Tanjee saw the hurt and suffering of the wounded. She’d never seen anything quite like this before and she forced herself to keep moving.

When Myth stopped and pulled the curtain back from one of the beds, Rayann was standing near the person’s head and Tanjee nodded then looked down at the soul that laid on their side with their back, or what was left of it, facing her. Tanjee’s face showed the horror of what she was seeing. As Ceri walked around and knelt next to person, Tanjee furrowed her brows then moved closer to get a better look as she peered over the shoulder.

”By the Gods….”

It was Aeolis and she felt her heart drop to her knees then jump back to her heart. How he still lived was nothing short of a miracle. Now, she had to see if the Goddess would allow another one. Taking a deep breath, she calmed her own emotions and removed the Medallion of Mishakal from around her neck. Placing the Medallion on Aeolis, Tanjee gently knelt down next to him and placed her hand on his head and his chest, closing her eyes spoke the prayer to her Goddess.

"Mishikal, long ago you graced all of Krynn with your Priests and Priestess, the embodiment of your divine, healing light. You charged us to go into the world, to heal, cure, ease the load and reduce the suffering on our world. In your mercy, and by your will, if this Elf is to walk further still, restore his broken body and return him.”

The medallion began to glow blue, softly at first then slowly brightening as Tanjee fell into a trance like state.







Aeolis was in agony. He’d never felt pain like this before. Even in his comatose state he tried over and over to scream out his pain but his lips simply didn’t work. Now long he was in this pain he couldn’t tell but he began to see a light. Blue and faint at first then brighter and brighter. His pain began to ease he settled letting the light flow through his body. He knew what was happening. He’d seen his sister o this before. Had the Knights gone to get a Cleric of Mishakal? He didn’t think they allowed such things.




The burnt flesh on Aeolis’ body began to repair itself. The black, rough, charred skin and muscle began to repair itself into pristine condition. As his body took on that blue glow of the medallion all of his wounds began to heal and repair themselves leaving fresh, unscarred skin behind. As the physicians looked on they gasped and muttered words of disbelief among themselves.


Aeolis’ eyes fluttered open and he saw Ceri looking at him as the blue light slowly faded. Tears welled in her brown eyes and he reached out to touch her pale face and flushed cheeks. His voice croaked slightly when he talked to her in Elven.

”Mel’amin….do not cry. You are so much more beautiful when you are smiling. Especially at me.”

He glanced at the person next to Ceri and furrowed his brows. He recognized her immediately but she seemed….different.

”Tanjee?”



Tanjee’s eyes opened as she heard her brother’s voice and she blinked then locked gazes with her sibling. A smile formed on her lips and it grew as she realized her brother was going to be just fine now.

”Indeed it is me, brother. You did not think I would let you go without me tagging along as we did in our childhood, did you?”

Tanjee looked at Ceri and smiled, nodding as she removed the Medallion of Mishakal and placed it back over her neck.

Aeolis chuckled softly.

”For once, I am glad you did.”

He looked around and saw Myth and Rayann there and smiled at them as well.

”I believe we have work to do, yes?”

Rayann felt a lump form in her throat as she watched everything transpire then glanced up at Myth. Dark circles surrounded her eyes from her exhaustion but she refused to give into the urge to rest just yet. There was still so much left to do.

Tanjee looked at the others as she stood up taking a deep breath.

”Well….I believe it is time I made my rounds. Are there any others who are more critical than others?”

Rayann glanced at Myth then looked back to Tanjee.

”Yes….there is at least one that I know of. If you will see to him then we will start getting the others organized in order of severity.”

Tanjee nodded then looked back down at Aeolis. Leaning down she pressed a kiss to his cheek then stood back up.

”I will see you later, brother. Rest. You and Ceri need it.”

She looked back at Rayann and nodded.

”Take me to this person, please.”

Rayann nodded then turned and headed out of the infirmary with Myth by her side. She was grateful for his presence and when she locked arms with him she was using him more for strength than she wanted to admit. They stopped at Trystan’s door then Rayann stepped closer and knocked, quietly calling out to Kali.

”Kali….may we come in please? We have something for Trystan.”

Rayann stepped back and waited. She couldn’t hear anything and she glanced up at Myth to see if he could hear anything. He nodded ever so slightly as they waited for their daughter to come to the door.

Kali was asleep beside Trystan. Hours earlier she had became so weary while watching over him that she laid down to rest. Her hand was resting gently on his chest as she slept.

She was standing in a field of long emerald colored grass. The wind was swirling her hair as she stared out into the horizon. The sound of footsteps thundering on the ground behind her caused the ground to tremor and the great creature spoke to her before it stopped walking, “So my dear friend, where is the balance in what you have seen?”

Kali inhaled deeply as her hair whipped and flung itself across her face. She spoke softly, “Is it not enough that I caused the deaths of hundreds?” The dragon that had been speaking through the warding around her heart laid down beside her and looked at her almost sympathetically, “We are what we are Shulamite.”

She turned and looked at the scaled face of the creature beside her and shook her head, “Our path is what we choose.”

The dragon looked at her as it blinked slowly, a thin vapor trail of smoke ascending from its nostrils and dissipating quickly in the swirling breeze, “That was what you said before you choose to face a magic you did not understand. The power that is hidden in you returned, if even for that brief moment, and you moaned under its exotic presence.”

Kali closed her eyes tightly and felt the tears she was holding back squeeze through her eyelids. She spoke as she opened her eyes again, the white of her eyes slightly pink from the build up of saline, “I did what I had to do in order to save those I could.” The dragon’s face twisted into a sneer and she spoke, “Of course you did, you returned to your true nature, your hidden self. You didn’t allow your choice to come between you and your true nature.” Kali shook her head and spoke, “My emotions brought that out of me.” The dragon now shook her head and the grass rustled under her chin, “No child, your emotions simply reset the scales.”

Kali narrowed her eyes on the black slit pupils of the creature and she furrowed her brows, “I am the fulcrum of the scales, not swayed by the actions of others. I am the center point of the balance designed by the gods to keep Krynn from falling into chaos.”

The dragon chuckled softly as small puffs of smoke escaped her nose, “Your denial is only penning up the power within you Shulamite, and like the waters held behind the dam it is only a matter of time before the walls burst. Stick your fingers in the leaks all you like, once the wall cracks you will drown in your own denial.”

The dragon began to knock on the ground. Kali looked at her hand curiously as the sound of the dirt under her claw was like that of heavy oak. She shook her head in confusion, the dragon’s sneer twisted even deeper and her yellow eyes narrowed tightly on Kali’s own, she spoke, “We have something for Trystan.”

Kali sat up with a start and a slight squeal. She turned her head quickly as she heard another knock and the sound of feet stepping back slightly from the door, feeling the presence of her parents outside in the hall. Getting out of bed quickly she clutched the middle of her robes together and ran to the door, her bare feet slapping the stone floor. She pulled the door open and brushed her sweaty hair off her forehead. Her face was flush and Rayann would feel her emotions were bouncing all over the place.

“Mother, Father, please come in.”

She noted the elven woman behind them and was slightly confused as to who this woman was.”

Saul stood on the parapet, looking down, when he heard Ceridwyn say something to the guards, he heard the sliding of bolts and creaking of hinges, as the small gate was opened, and the cloaked and hooded rider rode thru. Saul walked across the parapet and down a few of the steps to get a closer look. As the small gate was closed and bolted once again, he watched as she was greeted by Myth and Ceridwyn. After they had spoken a few moments, Myth turned on his heels and Ceridwyn and the cloaked stranger followed. As she walked the stranger looked around, dismay and concerned was painted upon her face, for an instant her eyes met Saul's ice cold eyes. In that moment Saul saw a flicker of something he had not seen in anyone's eyes for close to thirteen years. He watched as the stranger hurried after Myth as they walked towards the infirmary, and vanished inside. Saul, stood for a moment, then turned and walked back up the steps, across the battlement and stared once again out over the snow covered field. It was then he heard the shrill squawk of Tepes, as the bird of prey circled overhead. Holding up his right gloved hand and reaching into the pocket of his tunic with his left. Tepes dove from the sky, flared at the last moment and landed on Saul's arm. Saul brought the small morsel of meat to the bird's beak and stroked the birds head gently ......... "Where have you been and what have you seen my old friend?" Saul asked the bird softly.

Gregor stared at the Draconian standing before him, the creature had served him well and was noticeably vexed to make his report.

"I have always enjoyed wintertime Nidhug..." Gregor said calmly. "It is the best time to make war." Gregor glared at the creature.
"You can see and hear your enemies coming for miles." Gregor stood from his small table and walked nearer to Nidhug.

"There is no place to hide in wintertime, the violence and blasphemy of our enemies is laid bare on the white fields of winter. It is the best of seasons."

A cold, strong gust of wind blew the heavy tent flaps open disturbing the papers at Gregor's small table and causing the lantern light to flicker casting strange shadows across the tent walls. The shadows danced behind Gregor, they seem to move with his words.

"Did you know that I was born in wintertime?" Gregor said quietly. His eyes were glowing red in the folds of his dark hood.

"Winter is a special time Nidhug, the bodies of our slain enemies do not decay, they simply lie there as if they were more than preserved by the cold. It is as if they remain frozen in time. The dead lie on the ground for weeks with their eyes and mouths open like a wonderful tribute to our military superiority."

Gregor relaxed his clenched hands but not his stare.

"They will learn the cost of their trespassing Nidhug." Gregor had the look of a wild beast in his eyes, the shadows shifted behind him like serpents in a pit.
"The Solamnic heretics will feed our lust for blood and the mages, priests, priestesses and other wielders of magiks will beg for death when presented to the Dark Queen."

Gregor turned his gaze away from his trusted aide and turned back to his table. The shadows returned to normal and some of the raw hatred cooled inside the tent.

"Get some food Nidhug, fill your belly and take some rest. Tomorrow we break camp and march to the black lake. There I will use it's power to take this army to the towers. We will make the four days journey in but a moment. Our victory is assured, who can stand against such power?"

Gregor's words were kinder now but the confidence of a battle hardened knight who commands many still lingered in his words.

"Some day Nidhug I will tell you the story of the winter of my birth."
With this Gregor's thoughts drifted to the report of the Silver Dragon. Putting down rebels and upstarts was one thing but waging battle against a dragon required a bit more research.

Gregor realized now that if he were to face the knights and the dragon on the same field that he would require more magic than he alone could draw upon. The Dark Queen must have foreseen this, it must be why she offered the aid of the unnamed mages.

Gregor smiled wide, he was lost in admiration of his Goddess and her wisdom.

Tanjee waited patiently outside the door. She watched the exchange between Myth and Rayann but didn’t say anything. When she heard the sound of footsteps across the floor followed soon after by the opening of the door, she remained behind Myth and Rayann and followed them inside when the young woman within granted permission. As Tanjee heard her call Myth and Rayann ‘mother and father’, Tanjee glanced at the young woman then to her parents and indeed, she could see characteristics of both in her youthful, beautiful face.


Rayann felt Kali’s swirling emotions the instant the door was opened and while she would have protected herself from them at other times, she didn’t this time. She needed to know what her daughter was feeling and what she felt from Kali was both a relief and disconcerting as well.

Myth noticed his wife’s reaction when the door was opened and knew what was happening. In a fluid motion as though nothing was happening, he gestured to Tanjee and made proper introductions.

”Kali, this is Aeolis’ sister Tanjee. She has traveled from Silvanost to offer her help. She is a Cleric of Mishakal and she has come to help Trystan before she moves on to aid others in need of her skills. Will you allow her to look at him?”

When Kali nodded, Tanjee walked up to the side of the bed where Trystan laid resting in a comatose like sleep. Her brow furrowed as she placed her hand on his head then on his chest then on his stomach. She could see his leg was placed in a cast which meant it was set to heal from a break. He was in bad shape but not as bad as Aeolis had been. Finally she looked up at the three faces anxiously waiting to hear from her and she nodded.

”He is hurt badly but I believe I will be able to heal him.”

She saw relief flood Klai’s face just before she turned and closed her eyes and took a deep breath as one hand rested on Trystan’s head and the other rested on his chest. She whispered soft words that were similar in nature to the words Kali and Rayann whispered during spell casting. Once again that blue light engulfed Trystan’s form as it had Aeolis’ as the healing nature of the spell Tanjee cast was beginning to take place.






Aeolis sat up and looked at Ceri as the charred leather that used to be his leather armor creaked softly. He crinkled his nose as he looked at himself then looked at Ceri. He smiled as he reached out and touched her cheek again.

”Your beauty is beyond compare, Mel’amin but I can tell you are exhausted. You stayed here all night, did you not?”

The sun bathed the room in its brilliance but he knew it was only going to enlighten the bitterness of their defeat from the assault. He glanced around then furrowed his brows before looking back at her.

”How bad did it turn out to be? What are the numbers down to? And most importantly, who do we count among the dead?”