MOUNTAIN MASTERS

Summary: Five years after the events of Drow Masters. More trouble with the Drow.

NOTE: If you have not read, Fairy Bond, Dragon Masters and Drow Masters, you might have some trouble understanding parts of this. There are quite a few reintroduced characters as well as assumptions made about the kingdom and tribe and development of characters. This may be confusing if you haven't read the previous three stories in this series. I would love it if you did!

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City of Shar
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Prologue
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Jhultrin Xun faked a smile as her mother, Irae announced, "The babe will come soon. I am proud of you. The women of our house are strong."

Five years of constant battling had kept House Xun as the ruling House of the City of Shar. House Cor was Second House, and to prevent a coup, now that their resources had been so diminished by constant infighting, she had been married off to Umrae Cor, the ruler of House Cor. He was an older, seasoned warrior, and most would have been grateful to receive him. Jhultrin wasn't. What her mother didn't know – what nobody knew was that prior to her marriage, she'd been secretly seeing Tartree from the House of Vic. They were third house, and he would not have been considered worthy of the ruling House's first daughter, but she loved him.

He loved her too, or said he did. Everyone thought the child in her belly was Umrae's. He was walking around like the cock of the walk, bragging to all his friends about how he'd gotten the young Jhultrin pregnant on their wedding night. He was old enough to be her father and she hated him.

Having babies was a top priority for all of the remaining three houses. The humiliating defeat at the hands of the puta five years ago had been the end of House Ardul and House Teken. While it had ensured that her mother Irae was the undisputed leader of the Drow, it had also crippled them as a viable fighting force against the surface puta.

One had escaped. Her mother was still fuming about Vincenza Ardul escaping her wrath. The woman had, as her mate, Angaste, apparently opposed the coup, and for that Irae thought she was smart, but she had done the unthinkable and defected to the surface, never to return. Silent ones reported that she was living among the humans and elves. How she'd managed that was anyone's guess.

Jhultrin had moved home to be cared for by the women of House Xun for the last months of her pregnancy. Umrae had agreed as he had few female servants. Jhultrin knew it would be easier to slip away unnoticed from her home than the Cor complex, so she had convinced him to let her go home by saying if something went wrong, she would need the Xun midwife and he didn't want to take a chance with his new heir, did he? He'd finally agreed.

"Are you alright?" Irae asked.

"I'm fine, mother, but I am a bit tired. The closer my time comes, the more I tire easily."

"Of course, darling. You're excused. Go rest up."

She was now seven months pregnant and starting to feel unwieldy, but she was still strong. She took a shaky breath, thinking about what she planned to do. If she stayed, she was doomed to a life with the horrid Umrae. She entered her room and blinked back tears that stung her eyes.

She had dinner delivered to her chambers and ate alone, counting the hours. It was finally time. It was mid-morning and most were sleeping. The streets would be deserted. She peered into her mother's room and saw her sleeping, her latest consort curled up behind her. She went next to her sister's room. Issua was out cold as well. She returned to her room, and retrieved the backpack and weapons she'd hid under her bed and strapped them on.

She wrapped black silk over her head and face and shrouded herself in a black cape that reached the top of her black knee-high boots. She took a deep breath and stole out of the house on silent feet. She kept to the shadows of the buildings as she reached the city square and darted silently across to the tunnel leading out of the City. She was half-way to the exit. She gasped as a figure stepped out in front of her.

"Shhhh," he whispered.

"You almost gave me a heart attack," she whispered.

"No more words," Tartree whispered. He took her hand and they began trotting further into the tunnel.

JHULTRIN XUN


TARTREE VIC

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Chapter 1
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In the five years since her defection, Vincenza spent many hours deciding what she wanted to do. Seeking was all she'd ever known, although she was good at designing jewelry. Lessons on Elven traditions and the various Gods had given her much to think about. The crisis of faith that the Oracle predicted came about a year and half after the defeat of the Drow. Shifting her entire paradigm was not easy. While she'd never believed whole-heartedly in everything she'd been taught, she was a Drow, born and bred.

She'd become a Seeker because she was stealthy and good at it. She often stole into Dwarven mines at night and took what she could before they returned in the mornings. Others stole from Villages and mines also, but she had never feared hard manual labor or looked for the easy way out. Thus, she had actually taken pick axes to veins of silver, gold and mithral rather than just gathering loose debris. This had been her secret and it had catapulted her to the position of Prime Seeker, easily outstripping the three other seekers for her House.

Yvette had asked her for details of her previous life and occupation. At first, she'd thought it was just curiosity. Later she realized there was a purpose in her questions when she began making suggestions for possible careers that would utilize some of her skills.

After careful thought and much discussion, she'd decided to become a ranger. Her learned stealth served her well stalking prey in the forest. After training with Yvette she had to admit her prowess with a bow was less than stellar at first. While she'd brought down the occasional buck, she'd used traps and carried bread and fruit with her to feed herself while seeking. Yvette had taught her the habits and feeding preferences of various wildlife, something she never would have bothered to pay attention to in her old life. She taught her how to anticipate movements and take shots. While she was a good shot, Yvette's training had her able to hit moving targets.

While she still wasn't a Master Ranger, she was competent and confident that she would reach Master status soon. She had no plans to every try to be a Beast Master. She didn't know if she would ever be comfortable with the familiars but she respected the Beast Masters' relationship with them.

While she was technically an Elf, although a dark one, she felt no affinity with Sehanine. After finally accepting that she needed to choose another form of worship, her crises ensued. In the end, she chose to honor Methandru as she was the goddess of nature and if she was to be a ranger, it made sense to her.

She would always revere the dragon as a powerful and majestic creature; however, she did come to see them as a creature of a nature who shared the Drow's love of territory and wealth. She still wore the large dragon scale as a belt buckle and probably always would.

Her time on the surface gave her hair long wide streaks of sunflower yellow. In addition, unlike humans that tanned in the sun, her skin was becoming lighter. Her light skin was a characteristic of her family. She was the only one left now. She had moments of sadness over that fact, but realized true emotion or caring had never developed for her for her family. Only Angaste had every shown her love, and tenderness of any kind. He was a man so secure with himself that he did not fear showing tenderness. When he'd done something nice for her like commissioning an ornate saloral necklace from one of the jewelers, she asked him why. He'd said simply, 'Because I love you.' When she'd replied, 'That's sweet,' he'd mock growled and said, 'Don’t tell anyone. It'll ruin my reputation.' She'd laughed knowing how fierce a warrior he was.

She converted to Methandru, and concentrated on her training and hunting. Every once in a while, she would think about the fairy's other prediction, that she would find love again. Now, after five years, she wondered if she'd meant it literally, or meant she would find love in her new profession. True to Yvette's prediction, she had acquired a few friends over the last five years. People in Dawnrest had grown used to her and slowly accepted her. Little by little they began to talk to her and share parts of themselves with her. Yvette would always be her best friend though. If she was honest, she'd never had a best friend before, and she couldn't deny that she liked having someone she could trust with her innermost thoughts.

In addition to her hunting for the village, she tended a huge vegetable garden containing tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, onions, and potatoes. She recently decided to begin planting an herb garden and was still gathering a variety. Wyeth had also allowed her to plant one acre of maize. She made bi-weekly trips to Fourth Station, as it was called on the Pass with her bounty.

She carefully stored her coin that she earned in a box under her floorboards in her bedroom. She still lived in Yvette's home with her and her husband, Edward, but she wanted a place of her own eventually. She'd spent very little of what she'd earned. Yvette had taken her once to Maruk where she had purchased three new outfits and a new pair of boots. She'd also paid Yvette back for the money she'd spent on the books for her education. Now she felt her debts were paid, those that could be paid anyway. There was no price tag on her life being spared or Yvette's friendship.

VINCENZA ARDUL

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Chapter 2
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Vincenza and Yvette stalked through the forest and came to the edge of the tree line on the eastern side of Amazon territory.

"Well, this day has been a bust," Yvette said. It was mid-afternoon and they hadn't been able to bring down any game.

Vincenza shrugged. "I found some wild herbs for my garden. Not a total loss."

Yvette held up her finger to her lips.

Vincenza looked at her and then gazed around, tuning into the forest around her as she had been taught. They could hear heavy breathing some distance off. Whoever it was, they weren't making an effort to be quiet. The sound of snapping twigs and crunching leaves were coming closer.

Yvette pointed and they slinked back into the trees. A couple of hand signals had them both climbing a densely branched tree. They perched on the branches and drew their bows. In another minute, two shrouded figures stumbled into view.

"I have to rest," a soft accented voice filtered through the trees.

Vincenza looked at Yvette and mouthed, 'Drow'."

A soft male voice said, "Here, sit on this log."

They came into view and the one figure helped the other to sit. He took off his pack and dug a canteen out of it, handing it to her. She took several deep swallows and rubbed her legs. "I'm sorry," she said quietly.

"Don’t worry about it. We still have several hours before they miss us," the man said.

"I'm scared," the woman said.

"I know, but it was this or spend our lives apart. Eventually, we would be caught."

"Even if we were apart, this babe is not going to look like Umrae. Eventually, someone would notice, unless it happens to look exactly like me."

The man said, "Then he or she will be blessed."

The woman said, "Okay, let's keep moving."

He helped her up and she seemed unsteady. "How are we going to find her?"

"I don't know. The molael oli said she is with the humans. If we stay on the fringes, maybe we can spot a human and ask for her."

"If they don't kill us first," he said.

Vincenza motioned down and they both dropped silently to the ground. Yvette circled around behind the couple and Vincenza took cover behind a tree in the direction they were heading. Once they were walking again, Yvette stepped out behind them and said, "Stop right where you are."

They both spun toward her and reached for weapons to find her bow drawn and aimed at the man. They froze and Vincenza stepped out behind them. "I wouldn't pull that knife if I were you."

The woman turned and saw Vincenza. She held up her hands to show they were empty. "Vincenza, malesia. We seek malesia." Sanctuary.

Yvette said, "Drop your weapons. All of them."

The woman threw her knives and bow on the ground. The man divested himself of his double long-swords and daggers.

"Step away from them, nice and slow," Yvette said. They did as instructed. "That's far enough. Who are you?"

The woman brushed her hood back, and removed the black silk from her hair. White hair tumbled down around her shoulders. Yvette could see now that she was young. The man did the same. Vincenza said, "Jhultrin Xun?"

The girl smiled. "You remember me."

"You were a girl of thirteen when I left," Vincenza answered.

"I am a girl no longer. I was married off to Umrae Cor."

Vincenza looked at the boy. "You are not a Cor," she said.

"No, I'm Tartree Vic."

"Why do you want sanctuary?"

The girl untied the knot in her cape below her breasts and opened her cape. She was big with child. "Oh dear," Vincenza said.

The girl nodded.

"What?" Yvette asked. "I'm missing something."

Vincenza said, "I'm assuming that is not Umrae's child."

The girl nodded. "It is Tartree's, conceived just before I was married. Umrae thinks it is his."

Vincenza looked at Yvette. "This isn't good."

"Explain," Yvette said.

"She is from the ruling house. He is not. Her husband is from Second House. Young Tartree here is from Third House."

"What will happen?" Yvette said.

"If she stays, and they come to realize the babe is not Umrae's, it could be killed. They'd probably execute Tartree also if they found out it was his."

The girl said, "That is why we left. I cannot let that happen. I'm in love with Tartree. Our love was secret, but I hoped to take him as a consort once I was given power, but then my mother decided to marry me to House Cor to try and prevent any more coup attempts."

Vincenza nodded, but then looked at Yvette. "She is the first daughter of the ruling house."

"What does that mean to us?" Yvette said.

Vincenza sighed. "It means they will come after her."

"They didn't come after you," Yvette pointed out.

Vincenza smiled. "There was no one left to come after me. Am I right?" she asked the girl.

Jhultrin frowned but nodded. "My mother exterminated House Ardul and House Teken when the avatar, Zoggar told her of their betrayal. Please! I was inspired by your escape, Vincenza. You were a Prime Seeker! We have nowhere else to go. Please help us!"

Vincenza smiled sadly. "It's not up to me, child. I hold no power here. It is the price you will pay for exile as well."

The girl turned to Yvette. "Please," she begged. She hugged her bulging stomach with her arms.

Yvette sighed. "My parents are going to love this."

YVETTE "LALA" SANCHEZ


EDWARD VALDAR

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Chapter 3
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Brevan Village
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Alec Valin stared at Valanna Satana where she sat next to his mother, Alice. His mother was laughing at something Lanna had said.

Garth watched with an amused smirk on his face as he gnawed on a chicken leg. Dinner was in full swing but Alec had hardly touched his plate. He elbowed his big brother and Alec gave him a dirty look. "You're going to drool in a minute."

"Shut up," Alec barked.

Garth shook his head. "Subtle isn't your thing, bro. Just ask her out."

"To do what?" he asked.

Garth snorted. "Aren't you the one supposed to be giving me advice? Sheesh. She a ranger like you. Ask her to go on a hunt with you."

"You think she'll go out with me?"

Garth sighed. "Only one way to find out. Please, do something. You're driving me crazy."

They watched as Valanna stood up and went over to the water barrel and dunked her mug in it. Alec hopped up and walked swiftly up to her. He took a deep breath and smiled. "Hey, Lanna."

"Oh, hi Alec. How are you?"

"Good. Umm, I was wondering if, uh, if, well, I was planning to hunt tomorrow."

Valanna raised her eyebrows in question. "And?"

"Well, would you want to go with me?" he blurted out.

She smiled and said, "Yeah, that would be great. I've wanted to go, but Dad won't let me go by myself yet."

"Will he have a problem with you going out with me?"

"I don't think so. I'll ask and let you know, okay?" she replied.

"Uh, yeah. You know where to find me."

They parted and went back to their respective seats.

"Well?" Garth asked.

Alec looked at his brother. "She said she would if her father says its okay."

"Uh oh, gotta get past Papa Remos, huh?"

Alec frowned at him. "Garth, I'm so close to putting my fist in your face."

Garth just laughed.

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After dinner they returned home. Val was making tea in the kitchen and Remos was standing in the doorway, leaning his shoulder on the door jamb.

Valanna tapped him on the shoulder. "Dad?"

He turned to look at his youngest daughter. "What's up?"

"Alec asked me to hunt with him tomorrow," she blurted.

Remos frowned.

Valanna blurted out. "Please, dad. I haven't been hunting in over two weeks." Ever since her run-in with the Drow five years ago, her father had been over protective of all of them. Not that she could blame him, but it was past time for him to loosen the apron strings.

"Anyone else going?"

"He didn't say. You said I couldn't go alone, but I'd be safe with Alec."

"I don't know about that," he said sarcastically.

Val giggled. "Oh Remos, let her go."

"Val, Alec Valin is a man, not a boy. He's twenty years old."

Valanna said, "And I'm not a child! I'm 17, for goodness sakes. C'mon dad."

Val smiled softly. "She's right, Remos. She's a young lady now. And Alec is a good guy and he's a Master Ranger now."

Remos frowned. "Alright."

Valanna's face bloomed into a big smile and she leapt at him, throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you, thank you!" she squealed.

He chuckled. "One condition."

"Uh oh," she said.

"You're back by dusk."

"I promise. Thank you, Daddy." She smooched him loudly on the cheek.

He smiled, shaking his head as she scampered off to her room. He turned to Valasca. "I'm going to regret that," he said flatly.

Val laughed. "Better get used to it, Dad," she teased. "You have two beautiful, young daughters."

"Methandru help me," he said, hanging head.

She handed him his cup of tea and he followed her into the living room where they sat on the couch. "She'll be fine, Remos."

"When did they get so grown up?" he asked.

ALEC VALIN


VALANNA SATANA


GARTH VALIN


REMOS SATANA


VALASCA SATANA

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Chapter 4
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Womb of Methandru
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Derek strolled into the library and handed his book to the adept who was sorting through things to return to the shelves. He looked up as Marianna approached him. "What are you studying?"

"Treatments for poisons," he replied.

She gave him a questioning look. "What made you go there?" she asked.

He shrugged. "I've shied away from it since what happened. I guess I didn't want to know how close I came to checking out. But now it's time. I want to know. Senira said she'd help me."

"Good. Can't slack off just because you're a Master."

Kyruby walked in just then and overheard. "No, you can't. That said, Derek, guess what?"

He smiled at her. "What?"

"You're getting your first adept."

"I am?" he asked, excited. He'd taught elementary classes to some acolytes, but after five years as a Master, he still hadn't been assigned an adept to train to be a Master.

"Yes, and she's good. Already an adept before she came here."

"Not a student we already have?" he asked. Usually mages started as acolytes, progressed to adepts, and then were assigned a Master for advanced training to become a Master.

"Not this time."

"She learned on her own?" he asked, astonished.

Kyruby smiled. "No, her mother schooled her."

"Who's her mother?"

"Lyzea Tahl."

"Lyzea … you're assigning me Lyzea Tahl's child?"

Kyruby smiled. "She's no longer a child. She's a woman and an accomplished one at that. She's worked in the hospital with her mother since she was a small girl."

"What's her name?" he asked.

"Kaliska."

"Whew. Lyzea Tahl. That's some big shoes to fill."

Kyruby smiled. "I wouldn't do it if I didn't think you were ready, Derek. Plus, the rest of us already have one adept, some of us have two. Time to earn your keep," she teased.

He smiled. "Okay, when do I meet her?"

"She'll be here by nightfall."

He looked pensive. "Okay."

Kyruby approached him and laid a hand on his shoulder. "You'll do fine. If you have any questions, come to me, or Marianna. You went through it; you know how it's done. Test her, see where she is on all the various skills and make a list of what she needs to work on. Then concentrate on one area at a time. Take your time. She asked to come here."

"She did?"

"Yes, her mother could have schooled her, but she wants to go the route everyone else does. Plus, I think she's afraid her mother will be soft on her and she wants to feel confident that she's really as good as her mother thinks she is."

He smiled. "Okay, bring it on."

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It was after dark when she finally arrived. Kyruby and Vigoth went to greet her outside. He waited in the council chamber in the womb. He was nervous but tried not to show it. He was a Master and had been for five years, but he was still nervous. Part of being a Master was training others to be a Master. He'd known that, and expected it to come as soon as a new acolyte made adept status.

What he hadn't expected was to be assigned Lyzea Tahl's daughter. Lyzea was famous, and she was also Kyruby's prize pupil and beloved daughter. He knew Kyruby considered this girl to be her granddaughter. He hoped he could live up to their standards.

When they walked in, his breath caught in his throat. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Her hair was a rich burnt auburn and hung in thick waves to the middle of her back. There was no denying she was Lyzea's daughter, but he could see the human rogue in her too. Her nose and lips were fuller than Lyzea's, more like her father's. Those bright green eyes and hair were from her mother. So was her h eight. She was an even five feet tall. Derek, at six feet, two inches, towered over her.

He stood in front of his chair and bowed at the waist as they approached him. Kyruby said, "Kaliska Tahl – this is Derek Depota. He will be your Master and instructor."

She smiled at him. "Honored to meet you," she said.

"The honor is mine," he said. "I just hope I can live up to your mother's expectations."

Lyzea laughed. "I'm sure she's in fine hands."

"Can you stay?" Kyruby asked.

"Just tonight. I have to get back to the hospital."

"Okay, let's all have dinner together then." She indicated Kaliska and Derek. "You two can get to know each other a bit."

"I'd like that," Kaliska said and beamed him a smile that made his toes curl. As they made their way to the dining hall he thought to himself that this was going to be harder than he thought. She was going to wreak havoc on his concentration.

DEREK DEPOTA


MARIANNA FOSTER


KYRUBY IPDORN


LYZEA TAHL


KALISKA TAHL

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Chapter 5
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Isic Vorelor Aeraes Myr
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Suli Carlin looked at his student, a lovely little Wood Elf named Prisane Driz. "We're done for today," he said.

She sighed. "I don't know what I'm doing wrong."

"You're trying too hard. You need to relax. The katar neeners come to your call. You can do this, but you are still aware of me when making the call. Your trance is not complete. Stop looking for my approval and validation. You must be able to tune out everything, absolutely everything around you to call the martyrs."

"And I won't be a Master until I do."

He nodded. "And you won't be a Master until you do," he repeated.

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Zestoria looked up from her desk as Suli entered. "How'd she do?"

He shook his head. "She's so close, but she is not yet free of my guidance."

"She still looks to you for approval?"

"Yes, as though everything depends on it. As though if I nod with approval, she will be able to do it, but she can't seem to grasp that the whole point is to not need my validation. She must have total confidence in her own ability."

Zestoria smiled. "I'll take her tomorrow."

He frowned. "Why?"

"Because she needs separation from you," she stated bluntly.

"Have I done something wrong?"

"No, but she cares for you. You are like a second father to her, Suli. She can't separate herself from you. She loves you."

"She loves you too," he countered.

Zestoria smiled and shook her head. "No, she feels inferior to me."

"Fear will not help her," he argued.

"No, but anger will. Suli, you care for her too much to push her where she needs to go."

"I suppose you're right."

"Leave her to me, tomorrow. Work with Eli." Eli Gemedes was an Elf from Elvin that had joined the school over five years ago. He was on the verge of becoming a Master as Prisane was.

"Okay."

"Suli, you didn't do anything wrong."

He nodded but didn't look convinced.

She stood and came around her desk. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're heart is just too soft."

He laughed. "I lived alone for too long. It's amazing how quickly I got attached to them."

"They brought you back to life, my friend. That's not a bad thing, neither is caring. We just need different things at different times."

"I understand."

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Zestoria looked at her student. "Go ahead."

Prisane concentrated, felt the trance wash over her and she called the spiritual fathers. Two appeared and bowed for her. She thanked them for coming to her call. They disappeared.

"Now, call the martyrs," Zestoria commanded.

Prisane shot her a look of uncertainty.

"Don't look at me, young lady. Call them!" she shouted.

The girl looked away, raised her iron blade and began trying to call the martyrs that guard the ether. The ether swirled around her but none appeared. She watched as Prisane frowned.

"Forget the mechanics! Call them from your heart! Need them!" she shouted.

"I'm trying!" the girl cried out.

"No, you're memorizing the script. You're worrying about me watching. You're wondering why Suli isn't here. SCREW THAT!" she shouted. "FEEL THEM! Call them from your heart! For Grenth's sake, you're never going to be a Master looking over your shoulder to see if you're doing it right. Maybe you don't have what it takes."

"I do! I'm trying!" she cried out again.

"DON'T TRY, DO IT!" Zestoria shouted at her.

Prisane felt a wave of unreasonable anger wash over her. The woman was impossible. She would be a Master. She had what it took, she knew it. She felt the ether swirl around her again and she called out, "Tysti sai ti taseis os si eilol tys." Come to me, martyrs of the ancient court. "Ei taraes tar." A Master calls! The last was shouted, almost in anger, but with utter spiteful conviction.

Zestoria felt the window open and smiled.

Three martyrs appeared, dressed in the ancient armor of paragons, glowing yellow, their gigantic white wings spread out behind them. The smile on Prisane's face lit up the room.

She intoned, "Ai talaer o mai shor cyrn ei baern tareas. Sal o thys I eilaesol tia tar." I call you so you will know a new Master. Thank you for answering my call.

They bowed to her with one hand across their waist and then faded back into the ether. Prisane's eyes washed green again and she turned to Zestoria.

Zestoria was grinning from ear to ear.

Prisane suddenly realized what the Head Mistress had done. "You made me angry with you on purpose!" she accused.

Zestoria nodded. "Yes. It worked, didn't it?"

Prisane's jaw dropped, but then a slow smile crawled across her face. "Yes, it did. Does this mean?" she broke off.

"Congratulations. You are now nearly a Master. This doesn't mean you can slack off. That isn't the last time you'll do that."

"I understand."

"You must do it for Suli."

She frowned. "Why did you take me today?"

Zestoria explained. "Because Suli loves you too much to scold you."

Prisane smiled softly. "He is a dear."

"Yes, but that wasn't the push you needed."

She nodded. "Thank you, Mistress Thaer."

"You're welcome, Prisane. You call the martyrs for Suli, and I will pronounce you a Master and we will hold the ceremony."

"I did it. I really did it," she said.

"Yes, you really did."

SULI CARLIN


PRISANE DRIZ


ZESTORIA ISIC THAYER


ELI GEMEDES

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Chapter 6
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Northland Marshes
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Zoggar jerked his head up catching Quetzacoatl's attention. He then relaxed when Zoganna, his daughter walked into their chamber. She was mated now with Quetzacoatl's son, Orion. He had found Quetzacoatl and she'd nearly attacked him. He'd roared that he brought her a gift, and she had allowed him to approach. That was five years ago.

She was so grateful to have her egg back that she'd allowed him to mate with her. She had hatched her daughter long ago and she'd left for another territory far to the west. Like him, Quetzacoatl had thought she was the last of her kind, other than her daughter and that her line would die with her. With no males in the known world, there would be no more.

She had hatched her son from the returned egg and then his daughter. She'd spent the next two years raising them. Her territory was vast, nearly twice the size of Zoggar's, so she'd had no qualms about splitting it with her offspring and his new mate. She'd also allowed Zoggar to stay. She had laid two more eggs, one female and one male, but they sat in the nest they'd built in a private chamber in the vast complex she'd bored out of the mountainside above the marsh. They decided not to hatch them. Should something ever happen to one of their children, they would hatch them as replacement mates.

The entrance was in the sheer face of a cliff that no humanoid could scale. Zoggar had returned to Morin to tell his heir that he was leaving the area and left the entire territory to him and Olima. Quetzacoatl's territory was marshland as far as the eye could see. At the western side, there was one small village of humans, called Marshville, which they left unmolested.

"What is it, Zoganna?" he asked.

"A shaman of Marshville wishes to speak with you and Mother."

Quetzacoatl peered at her daughter. "Whatever for?"

"She says she has had a vision and wishes to discuss it with you."

"Why?" she asked again.

"It involves the Drow."

Zoggar snarled. "Drow are not welcome on the surface."

"In Morin," Zoganna said calmly. "They have never come here before. However, they know of your ban in Morin, and don't wish to make a wrong decision."

"What else do you know?" Zoggar asked.

"That's it, really. She said she didn't want to anger you or Mother, so she seeks your advice."

"How did she contact you?" Quetzacoatl asked.

"She was brave, climbed as high as she could toward our lair and left a note. I smelled her on my return home and tracked her back to the Village. When I landed outside their gates, she emerged and told of the note and that she wishes to meet with you."

"Quetz?" he asked, using his affectionate shortening of her name.

"The people of Marshville have always respected me and never given me cause to act against them. We have lived in harmony for ages. I see no reason not to honor her request. They would not ask if it were not very important."

Zoggar turned to her. "Very well. Tell her we will meet them tomorrow at sunrise outside the village."

"I'll go let her know right away." Zoganna turned and left the lair.

Xxxxxxxxxx
City of Shar
Xxxxxxxxxx

Irae was in a fury of epic proportions. "What do you mean, she's gone?" she bellowed at the house guard.

He was on his knees before her. "I'm sorry, Mistress. She often leaves for daily walks since her pregnancy, but she always returned within a couple hours. When she didn't, I sent an entire myr kyr to track her and make sure she was okay."

"Where did it lead?"

"They lost her trail in the city square."

"Did they check all the exits?"

"Yes, and went house to house here and in the Cor complex. She has vanished."

"No one vanishes!" she shrieked. "You incompetent fool!"

"What do you wish me to do, Mistress?" he asked.

"Nothing," she snarled.

"We can retrace our steps. We are still searching. We will find her!"

"There is one thing you can do for me," she said, her voice leveling out.

"What Mistress? Anything!" he implored.

"You can DIE!" she roared.

Her long sword swung in an arc and took his head off. It fell to the floor and his body toppled, sprawled out in front of her. She looked up at the second in command of the guard. "You've just been promoted Petyr," she said calmly.

"Yes, Mistress. We've also sent the guards to the Vic complex."

"Vic? Why?"

"Because we didn't find her anywhere else."

Issua sighed heavily, garnering her mother's attention. "What?"

Issua smiled slyly. "Oh mother."

"Don't you get snotty with me. What do you know?" she demanded.

"Petyr, give us the room," she said calmly.

Irae growled. "I say when he leaves," she growled.

Issue looked at her blandly. "Mother, trust me, you don't want others to hear what I have to say."

Irae hesitated but then turned to Petyr who awaited his Mistress' command. "Give us the room. Keep searching. I want every house in the city searched."

"Yes, Mistress." He turned and fled the room, knowing he was lucky to escape with his life.

Both women ignored the decapitated body at their feet. Irae turned and said, "Speak, damn you."

Issua said, "Mother, you are a great ruler, but you sometimes miss the details."

"You clear the room to insult me?" she asked testily.

Issua replied, "How long have Umrae and Jhultrin been married?"

"Six months. What's that got to do with it?"

Issua smiled slyly again. "What would you say if I told you that Jhultrin is seven months pregnant?"

"WHAT?" Irae roared.

"Little Miss Perfect isn't so perfect, Mother. I've tried to tell you that. She married Umrae because she knew she had no choice but she hates the man's guts."

"I hate him. So what? It was the politically expedient thing to do."

"That may be, but Jhultrin's heart has lain elsewhere for a long time."

"So what? She could have any consort she wished."

"Maybe, in time, but Umrae would never take kindly to competition. He's too proud of his conquest, marrying her. He wouldn't allow her to take other lovers for some time. She is young and he is old. He wouldn't lose interest in her for some time, and she had this little problem. Time was not something she could afford."

"Who is the father?"

Issua shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I do know it's not Umrae."

"Are you sure about this?" Irae hissed.

"Oh yes, she's been sneaking out for assignations with a lover for nearly a year."

"So do you. I don't care about lovers."

"No, but she messed up and got pregnant."

"How do you know?"

"Because I watched her and she was acting funny. We always get our menses at the same time. That first month I checked her waste basket in the bath. There was never any evidence. I knew then she was probably pregnant and wondered when she would tell you. Then you married her off to Umrae and she never said a word."

"What do you think has happened here, Issua? Speak!"

"I think she ran off with her lover."

"She wouldn't," Irae immediately contradicted.

"Oh yes, she would. Jhultrin cares nothing for politics. She's hid it from you pretty well though, I will give her that."

"I would have taken the babe, no matter whose it was!" she exclaimed.

"You would, but Umrae might not be so kind if he were to learn it wasn't his. After all, his manhood would come into question, no?" she said slyly. "A cuckold before he even married her? That baby wouldn't last a moon if he knew it wasn't his," she stated with finality.

Irae's lip curled up in disgust. "WHO IS THE FATHER?" she shrieked.

Issua just smiled. "I don't know, but I bet he's a Vic."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because, I followed her on some of her nightly excursions. She went to the Vic complex."

"Why would you do such a thing?"

"Because information is power. You taught me that, Mother." She paused. "I've always been more politic and smarter than Jhultrin, but she is first daughter, so you never wanted to see it."

Irae growled again and shook her head. "You're a jealous, little bitch."

"I'm a smart, jealous, little bitch. And I'm here, aren't I? Where is she?"

"What am I going to tell Umrae if we can't find her? He will want restitution. This is a breaking of our deal. DAMN HER!"

Issua smiled. "I have no such qualms or a soft heart, Mother. Give me to him. I'm only 16, even younger than Jhultrin." She paused. "And I'll sex him up so bad, he won't be able to walk, much less plan a coup."

Irae laughed in spite of her anger. "Maybe I have underestimated your value," she said. "We have to find her first."

Issua shrugged. "Good luck with that." She turned on her heel and left, snickering silently to herself. If Jhultrin did return, she might have to find a way to poison her and the third rate get in her belly. All was fair in love and war and Issua planned to be the next ruler of House Xun.

ZOGGAR


QUETZACOATL


ZOGANNA


ORION


PETYR


UMRAE COR


IRAE/ISSUA XUN

Xxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 7
Xxxxxxxxxx
Morin
Midnight Forest
Xxxxxxxxxxx

Alec pointed and Valanna followed his line of sight. She saw the bushes move and a wild boar emerged, snuffling in the ground, rooting up leaves and twigs. She watched as Alec drew his bow and sighted the hog. A small creak of his bowstring had the boar looking up. He froze, waiting for her attention to return to the ground. They were upwind of her at the moment. As soon as it lowered its head, he released the arrow which flew with incredible accuracy and speared it right in the eye and into its brain. It squealed once and fell over dead.

She smiled at him and said, "That was a perfect shot! God, I hope I can do that someday."

He smiled. "You will, I'll bet you could do it now. Next thing we spot is yours."

She trotted up to it with him and they knelt and said a prayer to Methandru, thanking her for her bounty. They gutted it, but left the rest of the work for when they returned to the village. They found a stream nearby and washed the dirt and gore off their arms and knives.

They were kneeling near the stream and she turned and smiled up at him. "Thank you for asking me to go with you. I don't get out enough, that's part of the reason I haven't mastered things yet. It's like stop and go with my training."

He turned to look at her and found his face inches from hers. He swallowed heavily and stared at her. Her smile left her face and she felt nervous all of a sudden. He reached up slowly and tucked a strand of fallen hair behind her ear. She hadn't expected the move and couldn't stop the shiver that visibly raced through her. "You're so beautiful," he whispered.

"Oh! Thank you," she breathed out and smiled shyly, blushing a lovely shade of pink. She'd always thought Alec was unbearably handsome, but hadn't thought he was interested in her. His dark hair and blue eyes were a stunning combination, not to mention his body which moved with grace and stealth even when he was just sauntering across the village. When she'd caught him looking, she'd always been with her sister and thought he was eyeing Rachelle. She'd been surprised when he'd asked her to go hunting. She'd been so upset when she thought her father was going to refuse to let her go.

He stood and she followed suit. They stared at each other awkwardly for a few moments and then he chuckled. "I won't get any prizes for being suave," he said, his self-deprecating making her smile.

"Well, thank you for the compliment. I catch you looking at Rachelle. She's the beautiful one."

He impulsively reached out and cupped the back of her neck. She gasped as he leaned down toward her face. "She is blessed as well, but I'm not looking at Rachelle. I'm looking at you."

"You are?" she asked, barely audible.

He nodded. "Do you think I'm a bumbling suitor?"

She swallowed. "Are you a suitor?" she asked quietly.

"I'd like to be," he admitted. "Although, I must say, you seem to rob me of all my smooth moves."

"You're doing okay so far," she said.

"Can I try one more thing?"

"I guess so. What'd you have in mind?" she asked, trying to sound saucy, but it just came out breathless.

"This," he said and bent down and closed his lips over hers.

She gasped and his tongue slid inside her mouth, painting her cheeks. He hummed and she clung to his shoulders instinctively. He stepped into her, wrapping his free arm around her waist and pressing her to his torso. Her arms went around his neck. His tongue rolled around hers and she moaned, unable to help herself and then she was kissing him back.

She worried her inexperience would turn him off, but he didn't seem to mind so far. He kissed her softly, then harshly, then explored her lips with his tongue. He lifted his head slightly and she murmured, "You're so sexy."

He grunted and then he was suckling her lips, and then kissing her slowly and deeply again.

She shifted and he groaned. It was then that she felt the press of his arousal against her stomach. He released his grip on her so they were separated by just a hair and panted a couple of times. "Whoa, that's dangerous," he said.

She laughed and lowered her head. "Yeah, it is. My father didn't want to let me come at first. I think this is what he was worried about. I thought he was crazy."

Alec said, "Your father's a smart man, and a big man. I wouldn't want to tick him off."

Valanna looked up at him and frowned. "Does that mean you won't court me?"

He ran his fingers through her hair at her temples and cupped her face gently. "I'll take my chances," he said and kissed her softly this time. She began to respond but he pulled away. "Let's keep it this side of obscene this time. I'm strong, but I'm not that strong."

She blushed again. "We better get moving if we're going to bag anything else today."

He nodded. "Let's go."

She felt a dart of joy when he took her hand and laced his fingers through hers. A bit later, they disturbed a clutch of pheasants and she took down two. He dumped the boar off his shoulders and he took down three. "See, you even hit those moving targets. You'll be a Master in no time."

"If I get some more practice." After a pause she said, "We might want to keep this secret for a while," she said nervously.

He nodded, frowning.

"I mean, my birthday is in two months. Then I'll be 18, and my father won't have anything more to say about it."

Alec snorted. "Oh, he'll have plenty to say, but he won't be able to stop me." He sighed. "Okay, we keep it a secret till your birthday," he agreed. He met her gaze. "Then all bets are off. I'm serious about you, Lanna."

She licked her lips. "Good," she replied, and then turned to carefully wrap the pheasant eggs in a hide and pack them in a drawstring pouch. While she did that, he tied the feet of the pheasants together. "I'll carry those if you can get the boar," she said, changing the subject.

"Sure," he said, trying to suppress his excitement. She'd agreed to accept him as a suitor. Two months and he could court her openly. It wasn't a long time, but right now it seemed like forever. He'd just have to deal with it, he thought.

They went back. He gave her one last kiss before they crossed the river. "I'll see you soon," he said. "Ready to face the music?"

She grinned and winked at him. "Let's do it."

They exited the tree line and walked toward the gates. It was a full hour before dusk, but Remos was waiting at the gate when they appeared in the meadow. Lanna suppressed a groan of frustration and pasted a smile on her face as they approached. "Guess what?" she asked cheerfully.

"What?" Remos asked.

"I took down two of these," she said, indicating the pheasants hanging around her neck. "Moving targets!"

Remos smiled, "Good job." He looked at Alec, who stood casually, even though he had a boar draped over his shoulders. "Looks like you got lucky too," he commented.

Alec smiled. "No luck involved, Sir. I got skills!" he teased.

Valanna snorted and laughed, watching Alec grin and her father actually chuckle. "Okay, thanks for getting back early. I was worried."

Alec met his stare. "She's safe with me, Mr. Satana. I'm always looking out. Hunting is just always more fun with company. I hate to go out alone."

Remos nodded. "Okay, let's get these beasties to the larder."

They followed him to the slaughter hut where they brought game to be skinned, plucked and smoked for storage. He helped them, watching his daughter and Alec work diligently to pluck the pheasants, and then to cut up the boar and spit it over a fire and salt it.

Valanna sighed. She was tired. The excitement of the day was taking its toll. She figured it couldn't hurt to seem disinterested, so she said, "Dad, can we separate the feathers later? I'm exhausted. I want to go home."

Alec said, "I'll finish up. Go ahead. Thanks for the company today, Lanna. We'll have to do it again sometime." He paused. "If that's alright with your dad." He looked at Remos expectantly, hoping he held an innocent look on his face.

Remos nodded. "I don't see why not, as long you don't have her out after dark."

"No, sir. Too risky," he said immediately.

"Okay, Lanna, let's go home," Remos said.

Xxxxxxxxx
Chapter 8
xxxxxxxxxx
Womb of Methandru
Xxxxxxxxxx

They started with herbs and poisons testing. Derek feared that Kaliska might actually know more than he did in that regard, but he was able to point out a few things to add to her knowledge. She seemed grateful, but he quickly realized she knew most of this from working in the hospital. This was not a weak point.

They quickly moved on to creating fire, lightening and water and ice. She didn't know many spells, but she had tremendous power. Despite that, she was undisciplined and her control was shaky at best. He made notes as he ran her through the spells she knew then gave her some others to try out. She was able to create fire rain but he'd had to step in to banish it and douse it with water when it almost went wild on her and reached the trees.

She sighed. "Damn," she cursed and turned to him.

He smiled. "Don't worry about it."

"I should be better than this," she groused.

"Why? Because you're Lyzea's daughter? Relax. You're doing fantastic."

"I almost caught the forest on fire!" she exclaimed.

He chuckled. "No chance."

"Because you were here."

He shrugged. "Calm down, Kaliska. That's why you're here, right? All this is just preliminary. It gives me an idea of where you are, and what we need to work on. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. We need to find yours. That's the whole point of these exercises."

"Well, clearly I need to work on that," she said sarcastically.

"You did fine. It told me what I need to know."

"What's that?"

"You have tremendous power. You're a natural."

"But?" she asked.

He sighed. "But, you need to work on your control. You need to learn to harness that power and dole it out in smaller doses, concentrate the area of effect, give it boundaries." He paused. "We will do that. I will teach you how."

"Just like that?"

He chuckled. "Did someone tell you this was going to be easy?" he asked facetiously.

She laughed then. "No, I guess not. It's just frustrating."

"I know, believe me. I've been where you are."

"So this isn't the tough part?" she asked slyly.

He grinned. "Oh no, lady. This is just the testing phase. It hasn't begun to get hard."

"I'm in trouble," she muttered.

"No, you're not. That's what I'm here for."

She smiled gently at him this time. "Will you still be here when I burn your eyebrows off?" she joked.

He snorted. "Never happen."

"Oh really. And just what would you do if I made a fire wall that came too close by accident?"

"Try it," he said suddenly.

"What?"

"You heard me. Try it."

She whirled and aimed her staff, calling a fire wall. It flared inches from Derek's robes. He was ready and as soon as it flared up, water fell from sky like someone had turned over barrels of water over their heads. Not only did the fire go out but Kaliska got completely drenched. She dropped her staff and her hair hung in ropes and her robes clung to her shapely body. She sputtered and wiped hair out of her eyes and glared at him.

Derek was completely dry. He burst out laughing at her. "You sod!" she shrieked.

He got his laughing under control and chortled, "That's Master Sod to you -- Adept Tahl. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to test a Master?"

"You'll pay for that," she threatened, but he could tell it was in jest.

He chuckled, still unable to suppress his humor. "I doubt it. We're done for today. Tomorrow we get to play with earth and mud. You might want to wear pants for that," he suggested.

"Uhhhhhh," she growled. She picked up her staff and turned to head back into the womb.

"Adept Tahl, I didn't dismiss you yet," he barked. She turned, looking confused. "One last lesson for today."

"What?" she asked.

"Never, EVER, drop your staff," he bellowed, dead serious.

She frowned and then yelped as he stuck out his hand and her staff yanked out of her hand and flew into his. He stood with his own staff in his right hand and hers in his left.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, almost afraid of him for the first time.

He raised her wooden staff in front of him. "This is the conduit of your power. THIS is your control. Without it, magic runs wild. So if you don't want to kill someone by accident, Adept Tahl" he said, pausing. Then he growled, "Don't ever let me see you drop or throw your staff again."

He tossed it to her and she caught it. "Yes, Master," she said humbly.

"Now you're dismissed," he said curtly. She turned and walked away.

Xxxxxxxxx

He stood there for a full minute, wondering if he'd been too hard on her. Kyruby appeared at the gate to the practice field and opened it, stepping through. He knew she'd been watching and listening but out of sight. They stared at each other for a few long moments.

Finally he asked, "Was that too harsh?"

"No. She needed to be brought down a peg or two. And your assessment was correct. She's powerful, but without control she's dangerous. Just like her mother was. Lyzea had the same problem."

"She did?"

"Yes, the Wood Elves have innate magic, it makes them more powerful than us in some ways, early on, but our magic is refined by the Womb and channeled and controlled through the crystal staffs. The crystal gives us power equal to the Wood Elves, but control only comes from training and practice. She has been raised with magic, Derek; been around it her whole life. It's natural to her but in some ways; she's arrogant and casual about it. Most of it was the healing magic though."

"Her power is immense," he said.

"Yes, but her control is abysmal," she stated. "Despite what you said to her, be careful. She could hurt you by accident. Be ready for her to go over the top with every spell until she gains some measure of discretion and control."

He nodded. "So, save the earth spikes spell for last?" he said, smiling.

Kyruby laughed. "Yeah, build up to that one." She patted him on the shoulder and they walked back to the Womb together.

xxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 9
Xxxxxxxxxx
Isic Vorelor Aeraes Myr
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Both Prisane and Eli, and two other classmates, finally graduated to Master Ritualists. Draco Sage was an Amazon from Wyantinock. Although he'd been raised to revere Venus and learned her lessons well, he'd never felt the desire to play the field with the woman from his home. He'd had plenty of bedmates, but always felt something was missing. With each encounter, he felt like he was putting a band-aid on a weeping wound that never really healed.

He'd been a medium from the time he hit puberty, but without anyone to direct him, he'd simply listened to the voices he could interpret and passed the information along to those he thought it might help. When he'd heard of the Isic Ritualist Ether School, he immediately petitioned to be accepted. He was sad to be leaving, but relieved as well. It had been a long, hard eight years of training, but he was finally a Master and had control over his abilities.

A human woman, Vidette Essence, from Dawnrest, was the other to reach Master status. All four graduated in a ceremony presided over by Zestoria Isic. They were all presented with onyx staffs, commissioned from the dwarves, each bearing gold inlay of their family crests. Their teachers and parents and friends were in attendance and a huge banquet followed.

They had a week to pack. Then they would each begin the journey back home. Zestoria told them that new students were arriving. While they had the room to house them, it was time for them to take their talent and go out into the world. She hoped that each of them would show Grenth's grace to their brethren and encourage any other mediums of talent to seek out the school in the future.

Draco stood listening to Vidette's mother, Morgaine Essence, who was a member of the Dawnrest council tell Zestoria that there was more trouble brewing with the Drow. She explained that Wyeth Eloon was traveling to Elvin to meet with Amandine regarding the appearance of two Drow that had surfaced asking for sanctuary. While Vincenza was well-known, she was an anomaly; they were hesitant to take her in. Vincenza's family was gone, but they expected Drow from the House of Xun to seek out these two and Dawnrest was not equipped to repel a large Drow force should they come looking for their runaway family members. He was hoping that since they had originally taken Vincenza, the Elves of Elvin would take the new couple in.

"Why are they even considering it?" Draco asked.

Morgaine looked at him. "Normally, they wouldn't. It's a totally different situation than Vincenza. They come with no benefit."

"Then why?" he asked.

"Because the girl is pregnant and claims they will kill her baby if they find out it's not her husband's child."

While monogamy wasn't a big thing among Amazons, he frowned. If you did commit, adultery was frowned upon. "She cheated on her husband?" he asked.

Morgaine said. "Not really. She was pregnant already by her lover. Then her mother married her off to the ruler of the second house to prevent a coup."

"She's a consolation prize?" he asked with disgust.

Morgaine smiled. "The Drow arrange marriages all the time. It's politics to them. The girl is a pawn, and she doesn't want to be, nor does she want to have her child killed if it's discovered that it is not her husband's. She travels with her lover, claims she loves him."

"If Elvin accepts, wouldn't that bring the Drow to their door?"

"It might, and Dawnrest would assist, but Elvin has a much larger army that is battle ready. We have soldiers, but we are a small village."

Zestoria said. "Well, if Elvin feels they need help, let us know. We could assist in any battle."

"I will do that. I leave here to meet up with Wyeth and Emma."

"They are traveling alone to Elvin?" he asked.

"No, Vincenza and Wyeth's daughter, Yvette, and her husband, Edward Volgar were with them as well."

"Still, not much protection."

"They idea was to get them there quickly," Morgaine said.

"I could go and assist."

"You haven't even been home yet," Zestoria commented.

He shrugged. "I've visited my family. It's not like they haven't seen me in months. They are here now. I can always return home after Elvin is certain any pending attacks are not forthcoming. Plus, Madam Essence shouldn't travel alone if there is a possibility of Drow surfacing again."

Zestoria smiled at him and turned to Morgaine. "Take Draco with you then. It can't hurt. He is a Master now. However, if they feel a need for more assistance, contact me as soon as you can."

"I will, and thank you. I will feel better with company on my trip."

They left the next morning for Elvin, only a day behind Wyeth and his group.

ELI GEMEDES


VIDETTE ESSENCE/PRISANE DRIZ


DRACO SAGE


MORGAINE ESSENCE


DELIA MARSH

xxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 10
xxxxxxxxxx
Road to Elvin
Xxxxxxxxxx

They walked at a brisk pace, as Jhultrin could not jog. After about a mile, Yvette said, "Jhultrin?"

"Yes?" she asked.

"You could ride Thimisor. That would save your strength."

The young Drow's eyes got huge and everyone stopped while she eyed the huge stallion. "I … I don't know."

Yvette smiled. "I'll ride with you, okay? Then we can jog. It will get us there faster, and you won't be exhausted at the end of our trip."

The girl looked at Vincenza and saw her nod slightly. "Okay," she said quietly, clearly still afraid and not wanting to show it.

Yvette lithely mounted the gigantic stallion and said, "Dad, help her up." They approached the stallion, and Yvette asked, "Can you lift your leg up?"

With a little help she did, and Wyeth grasped her waist and boosted her up as she clung to the horse's mane. Yvette leaned back until the girl was seated firmly. Then she scooted in against her back and picked up the reins. He wasn't wearing a saddle, but she was an expert rider now.

She patted him on the neck and said, "An easy trot, Thimisor." Then she nudged him with her knees and clucked her tongue. The stallion broke into a smooth trot that didn't jar the young woman. She whimpered but held on tight to the handfuls of mane and she felt better having the other woman's arms around her. Everyone else broke into a fast jog and they proceeded to Elvin.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

They were a couple miles from Elvin when a perfect robin's call split the air, it repeated in a pattern and Yvette said, "Whooaa." Thimisor stopped.

Her father looked at her and said, "What?"

Yvette pointed off the side of the road and after a couple of seconds, Nixie appeared. "Hail, friend Yvette," she greeted them. The two had maintained their friendship that had been forged during the Dragon Quest years ago. Yvette had grown older, but the little Wood Elf still looked exactly the same.

Yvette smiled at her. "What are you doing out here?" she asked.

"I travel to Elvin with a message from the Diad."

Both Drow were waiting for her to say something about their presence but she merely looked at them.

"We are also," Yvette replied. "Travel with us."

"I would appreciate it. Hail, Sir Eloon," she greeted Yvette's father.

He bowed at the waist. "Hello, Nixie. Let's go. We mean to make the village before nightfall."

"Lead on," she said pluckily and they proceeded.

Tartree leaned over and asked Vincenza, "Why didn't she say anything about us? She didn't even look surprised to see us."

Vincenza smirked at him. "Because she wasn't," she stated baldly.

He crunched his brow in question.

"You have much to learn if you are to stay on the surface, Tartree. The Wood Elves see many things. I'm sure Nixie knew of our approach and planned her trip to meet up with us on purpose."

"How in blazes did she do that? And how did Yvette know she was there?"

"That bird call was not a bird, Tartree. That was Nixie announcing her approach to Yvette."

"What?"

"Too much to explain right now. Just go with it."

He frowned but didn't ask any more questions.

WYETH ELOON


EMMA SANCHEZ


NIXIE


THIMISOR

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Chapter 11
Xxxxxxxxxx
Brevan
Xxxxxxxxxx

Tristan and Bamba had been married a few months after he mated her before Methandru. In the end, Amarisa built her own house and moved out. She didn't want to intrude on the newly weds. They decided to live in Brevan and keep Bamba's house in Forest Haven for when they were visiting. Because Tristan was expected to be the next Warlord of Brevan, Bamba thought he should stay in Brevan. That was a long way in the future, but she still felt it wasn't right to have him live apart from the people he would one day lead. His father had added him and Bamba, as well as Amarisa to the council. Brock felt that her knowledge of both the city and Forest Haven was valuable.

Since she'd grown up in the city, she didn't feel that she was a true resident of Forest Haven, more like a transplant. While she loved Forest Haven and the people, she didn't really care if she moved.

So for the last five years, they'd lived in Brevan. Once every few months they went to the City and visited her parents. They were packing for a trip to the City when the council bell sounded. They looked up and turned together to go to the square.

Once assembled, Brock announced, "The Oracle has news."

Pandora was perched on his shoulder. "Methandru has spoken. A group will come to Kongel through the Pass, escorting two Drow, one pregnant, that have defected as Vincenza defected. Until a permanent place can be found for them, they will seek refuge in Kongel. Methandru tells me that Sehanine has requested that the Drow be taken to Ocelot. While they will have an escort, one of us should volunteer to go with the group. She did not specify whom, so I'm going to ask for a volunteer."

Just then, Kethtia sucked in her breath and her eyes washed white. Everyone turned their attention to her, used to this odd display now. Her voice was flat when she finally spoke, "The Beast Master with two familiars should be the one to go. Grenth and Methandru work together to reward her for her service. But beware, there is trouble to be found on the way to Ocelot, a monk and a newly minted paragon will perish if the Beast Master takes a detour." Her eyes washed blue again and she swayed, grasping the bench on which she sat.

She looked up and said, "Guess you go, Amarisa."

"Do you know what Grenth meant by taking a detour, mother?" she asked.

Kethtia shook her head. "No, but I got the feeling it involved a man."

Amarisa frowned. "That's helpful," she said sarcastically.

The Oracle said, "I'd advise that you stick to the roads and the purpose of your journey. It sounds like you may be offered alternatives that would delay you. I can't be sure, but that is my advice."

Amarisa nodded. "I shall follow it."

"Should we delay our trip?" Tristan asked.

The Oracle shook her head. "I didn't see a need for you in the coming events. Kethtia?" she asked.

Kethtia said, "No, just Amarisa. Be alert for sounds and signs of trouble on the trip." She paused. "And keep Shorikos and Shorshai close."

Amarisa frowned, but nodded that she understood.

They dispersed and Tristan and Bamba finished packing and headed out for their trip to the City.

xxxxxxxx
Elvin
Xxxxxxxx

Draco and Morgaine arrived just shortly after the others and joined the meeting that had just started. Riding double on his mountain stallion, they'd been able to catch up with the others. The massive stallion had easily carried their weight.

Amandine presided over the council meeting. Wyeth presented the case of the two intrepid Drow that were seeking sanctuary. "I don't relish another battle with the Drow," Amandine said.

Garen, her mate, and head of the Elvin army said, "On the other hand, we can't sanction sending them back, or the girl into exile when she carries a child."

Nixie raised her hand. Amandine nodded at her. "I come with a message from the Diad. They advised that a group be formed to take the Drow to Ocelot in Kongel Kingdom for the time being. The purpose of the trip is two-fold. One, to get them out of Morin."

"That will not stop an attack," Garen said.

Nixie nodded. "No, but it will keep the girl safe until she gives birth. She should be delivered into the care of a Ritualist named Shania Took, who dwells in Ocelot."

"And the second purpose?" Amandine inquired.

"On the way, a Dragon Master needs be sent back to Morin."

"Why?"

"The Diad sees an offensive heading for Elvin in search of the pair. However, if the Dragon Master returns, we will prevail with no loss of life. If not, then we may still prevail, but lives will be lost."

Tartree and Jhultrin both looked confused and alarmed. "What is a Dragon Master?" Tartree whispered to Vincenza.

Vincenza said, "Later."

"Was there more?" Amandine asked.

Nixie said, "One more item. After sending the Dragon Master, the escorts should proceed to the Barbarian Village of Brevan before going to Ocelot. Someone there will join them, a Beast Master. She will be important on the journey."

There was silence for a few moments. Then Amandine said, "While I don't like the idea of another battle, forewarned is forearmed. We have never shrunk from a fight, and we're not going to start now." She paused and looked at the young couple. "Are you prepared for the consequences of your defection?"

Yvette said, "Perhaps Vincenza could explain a bit more to them."

Amandine nodded. "Fine. For now, understand that if we protect you and then bring you back here after the birth of your child, it may be that your House has been destroyed."

Jhultrin, despite her intentions, smirked and snorted. "Highly unlikely."

Vincenza leaned over and snatched up the front of the girl's tunic and yanked her face to within an inch of her nose. The girl yelped. "Lose the arrogance, child. You think you know things, but you don't know anything."

Tartree leaped out his chair, ready to defend Jhultrin. He was stopped in mid-lunge as a fierce funnel of tornado-like wind wrapped around him and held him motionless as he struggled. Yvette pressed her lips together as she watched Nixie twirling her fingers in the air to contain the Drow.

Vincenza growled, "These people command power you have never dreamed of in your short, pathetic life. You're asking for help and sanctuary, so unless you want your pregnant ass tossed back to wolves of House Xun, smarten up, child. Do as you're told and lose the sarcasm."

She shoved the girl back into her seat. Nixie tossed the male Drow backwards and released the funnel, dumping him unceremoniously into his chair. The girl was furious but nodded.

Amandine stared at them for a few moments more. "We do not seek wealth, power or the death of our brethren as you do. But make no mistake. We will defend what's ours and defend it well. Harken back to the battles of House Ardul and House Teken. We didn't lose any of those battles on this side of the mountain or the other. Think about that before you test my patience again, child."

Jhultrin looked down. "I'm sorry," she said quietly.

"Apology accepted. Let's move on. I shall not go counter to the Diad's vision from Gaea. Who shall we send with them to Morin?"

Eli raised his hand. "I'll go." Amandine nodded at him.

Wyeth said, "I can't go. I have to return to Dawnrest and reinforce our defenses in case of an attack."

Yvette said, "I'll go. It would be good to have Vincenza go as well. She can begin educating them on the trip on how we do things around here." Vincenza smiled at her and nodded her agreement.

Edward turned to Yvette and said, "If you're going, I'm going. I wouldn't mind visiting Ocelot again anyway."

Nixie said, "I'd be willing to go."

Amandine peered at her. "Are you sure, Nixie? You've never left Morin."

Nixie nodded. "Yes, I wish to see Kongel. I'm no longer the scared girl I was twenty years ago."

Amandine sighed. "Very well. Five of you." Nixie was a druid, but like all Wood Elves had innate magic and mage skills if needed. While she wasn't a master mage like those that chose the profession, such as Lillith, she could hold her own with most basic nature spells that used the elements. She'd aptly just demonstrated that by containing Tartree.

Nixie said, "Just while in the Pass, where there are paragons if needed. Also, a Beast Master will join us from Brevan. That's six of us to guard two. We should be fine."

"Alright. We'll set you up for the night. Garen and I must plan our defenses. Draco, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Yes, ma'am?" he asked politely.

"I would be grateful if you could make haste to Wyantinock and ask if any of your warriors would be willing to come here and aid us."

He nodded. "I'd be glad to. I brought my horse, so I can be back in the Amazon in about four days."

Eli said, "I have an idea."

"What's that?" Garen asked.

"Delia Marsh, the instructor at our school comes from a village far to the northwest of the Amazon territory. It might be a place to stash these two if they would take them. The Drow would never find them there."

Garen said, "We'll send a rider to ask her if that is a possibility. But that will come after."

TRISTAN WOLFSBANE


BAMBA DEPOTA WOLFSBANE


EBONY


AMARISA WOLFSBANE


BROCK WOLFSBANE


PANDORA (THE ORACLE)


KETHTIA WOLFSBANE


SHIRIKOS


SHORSHAI


AMANDINE


GAREN

Xxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 12
Xxxxxxxxxx
City of Maruk
Xxxxxxxxxxx

Tamatha McKent reported to Tiebolt Sklar, her great uncle one week after her graduation ceremony. Her parents had attended and then left for home the next day. They couldn't be away from the lodge for too long. He smiled as she stood at attention in front of his desk. "At ease," he said.

She relaxed and laced her fingers together in front of her. "So where are you sending me?" she asked pluckily.

He grinned. "Well, I'll give you a choice."

"Really? I get a choice?"

He said, "Your father wants you to return home and serve at First Lodge," he said. She lost her smile but didn't frown. "I've decided to give you a couple of tasks before that, however," he added.

She smiled again.

He chuckled. "The Crystal Mages have decided to place wards and spells on the tunnel exit that the Drow used five years ago. Booby trap it, so to speak, so that if they try to come through there again, they'll get a nasty surprise."

"I thought they blocked it up."

"They did, with earth and rocks but it could be dug out again. Kyruby Ipdorn had a vision that there may be more trouble brewing with the Drow. The King has granted permission for them to trap and ward the exit."

"Did they need the King's permission?" she asked.

"Well, the exit is in Fongel Forest. I think it was more of a courtesy to ask him, not that he would refuse."

Tamatha nodded. "What is it you wish me to do?"

"The King requested that Meadow Abbey monks participate in the project as well. The mages will leave their wards, but the monks have powerful anti-evil spells as well. They have sent a monk, Kiera Nilani here to be briefed. I want you to accompany her to the cave."

"You suspect trouble?"

"I don't know, but if we have Drow coming, no one should travel alone. I want that monk guarded. If something were to happen to her, it would look awful for the King since he requested their participation."

"He trusts them more than the mages?"

"I don't know if its trust. He just has always had a closer relationship with the Meadow Abbey than with the Womb of Methandru. They don't live in Fongel Forest so he has never had any real power over them, only their cooperation."

Tamatha nodded, realizing it was politics. "Okay, when do we leave?" she asked.

"Tomorrow morning. She has quarters here in the palace. I'll introduce you to her at dinner. I want you to accompany her to complete her task and then escort her home to the abbey. After that, you can go home and serve at First Station, or you can choose to do a sentinel duty at the mountain tunnel for a moon. This little assignment will give you some time to think about what you want to do after."

"Okay."

He smiled. "I'm very proud of you, Tamatha. You're so much like your father at his age."

She smiled. "I think he always thought Morgan would be the one to go into service for the palace." Her seventeen year old brother had broke ranks and decided to rebel the year before, asking to serve at the Alley Rogues Guild. Jemby Monroe had retired and Kashmir Tahl now ran the guild for the City.

Tiebolt laughed. "He likes to break the rules too much."

Tamatha chuckled. "Yes, he'll make a good rogue though. He has honor."

"Well, I think you're father only agreed to it because Kashmir said he would train him personally."

"You're probably right," she said.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

They set out the next morning. Tamatha watched the monk from the corner of her eye. She'd grown up with stories of Gil Tyuth all her life. Her father had a lot of respect for the monks of Meadow Abbey. This one was younger than she had expected.

She guessed she was probably in her thirties but couldn't be sure. She had blond hair. She carried a mace and shield strapped to her back under her knapsack. Her belt was laden with pouches carrying all manner of things she didn't even want to guess at.

"So, how long have you been at the Abbey?" she asked to start conversation.

Kiera smiled. "Since I was a child. I was abandoned on their doorstep when I was just a baby, maybe ten months old. The monks suspect that my parents died of the fever and someone took pity on me; or another relative just didn't want to care for me." She shrugged.

"I can't imagine. I've had my family around me my entire life."

"Yes, well, the monks became my family. When I was about ten years old, they offered to try and place me with a family in the City, but the Abbey was all I'd ever known. I asked to study with them and they agreed. They wanted to give me the choice."

"It's not an easy life."

"No, Tamatha, but neither is a paragon's," she said, smiling.

"My friends call me, Tammy."

"Is that what you would prefer?"

"I would like to think we will become friends."

"Then I shall call you Tammy," she said.

"Was this your first trip to the City?"

"Oh, no. I often make trips with loads of bananas to sell to the fruit vendors. It's the staple crop for the Abbey and how we make most of our money. Although we do have extensive herb gardens and sometimes sell to apothecaries as well. We make healing salves and unguents, grow mint and other such things."

"What do you use the money for?"

She smiled. "We hire blacksmiths to make our weapons and purchase our meat from the market in the city."

"You do not have hunters?"

"A few, but not many."

"Tell me about Tyr. My father has told me some, but just the basics."

"Well, he is known as the maimed God. He teaches us that things that are sometimes viewed as handicaps, are not. When one is presented with a hardship, there is always a way to work around it. He requires us to resourceful and problem solvers. He values practicality and ingenuity. We must learn to fight and defend the weak, the maimed, or those otherwise less fortunate to us. He teaches us that to aid others is holy, to live simply is holy, but he does not scorn preparedness."

"Hence all the pouches on your belt?" she asked lightly.

Kiera laughed. "Yes, I try to be prepared to fight, to heal, to aid. That is my purpose. In return for my simple life, he lends me his might in battle that I may use it to protect those in need. It brings me serenity."

"Similar in many ways to Balthazar. Our mission is to protect the weak and render justice; to die in battle in honorable, so long as we are protecting the weak or rendering justice."

"Ah, but what is justice? It can be slippery thing, no?"

"I don't see it that way. I have a very clear idea of right and wrong."

Kiera merely smiled a close-lipped smile. "Ah, but what is right for one, is wrong for another."

Tamatha frowned. "My father says that too. Must have learned it from Gil," she said.

Kiera chuckled. "We must always make decisions, even if it is to choose the lesser of two evils. In this way, we contribute to the lives of those about us. If our intentions are pure, there is no penalty for a choice that has bad consequences."

"That doesn't make sense," Tamatha argued.

"Wait until you have lived some more, young Tammy, and you will come to see what I say is true. Death is rarely honorable. Sometimes it's better to flee and live to fight another day. You must choose your battles wisely."

TAMATHA MCKENT


KIERA NALANI

Xxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 13
xxxxxxxxxxx
City of Shar
Xxxxxxxxxxx

Irae was considering her options. Every house in the City, even the abandoned ones of House Ardul and House Teken had been searched and there was no sign of her daughter. Naricon Vic had come forward to tell her that his son was also missing. Umrae had turned his fury to Naricon and they had nearly come to blows over it, each blaming the other. Irae had stepped in and claimed that her daughter was the most important issue here and they would all help her to locate the errant pair.

On the sly, she assured Umrae that Tartree wouldn't survive if caught. To further mollify him, she'd offered Issua as a concubine until Jhultrin could be found. Issua had done admirably in keeping him off her back. She was beginning to see that she was possibly a better candidate as her successor than Jhultrin, whether she returned to the fold or not. She didn't want to tell her that yet though. The little bitch would probably try to poison her. Of course, she had three servants that tasted every dish before she did to avoid such an accident.

She'd had such high hopes for Jhultrin, but she was weak. If retrieved, her punishment would be severe once the babe was born. She wanted that baby. If she named it her heir, she could skip both her daughters and groom the child to be a true leader from birth. It would also extend her reign.

She called Petyr, the new head of her house guard. "Yes, Mistress?" he inquired.

"I want you to assemble a platoon, seventy-five or so warriors to go to the surface and find my daughter. Check Dawnrest and Elvin first." He looked concerned. "What concerns you?" she asked.

"I don't wish to leave our numbers here in the City so diminished."

"You think they would attack while you're gone?" she asked.

"I don't know, but I wouldn't want to take the chance."

She nodded. "What would you suggest?"

"If you approve, Mistress, I could take fifteen or so of our men, and take the rest from House Cor and House Vic. They have a stake in this also. Umrae wants his wife back. Naricon wants his son back. That way House Xun still has the largest army here in the City while I'm not here to keep my ear to the ground."

She smiled at him. He meant that he collected information from informants on possible attacks and coup attempts from the other camps. Many warriors had trysts with females from other houses and would garner information from them on the inner workings of the other two houses and report back to Petyr. He'd already executed one possible traitor from House Vic.

"Excellent suggestion, Petyr."

He smiled and bowed. "I'm at your service, Mistress."

She did something she rarely did and gave him a compliment. She wanted him at the top of his game on this mission. "You've done well so far, Petyr. I'm glad I promoted you."

"Thank you, Mistress. It's an honor to serve you."

"Gather your platoon. If you can have them committed to move out by dusk, I'll reward you."

"Yes, Mistress."

"Dismissed," she said, waving her hand at him.

He tore out her quarters and she smiled. She had a leisurely dinner and discussed House security with her servants while she waited for him to return.

He appeared shortly after her meal. "It's all arranged, Mistress. Fifteen from House Xun. Umrae committed thirty and Naricon committed thirty as well. I'll be sending a myr kyr from our fifteen to scout the villages to see if they can ascertain her location. They are assembling now."

She stood and approached him. He tensed when she ran her finger down his face. "Very good, Petyr. I have one last thing for you to do before you leave."

"What's that, Mistress?"

She leaned over to whisper in his ear. "Warm my bed."

"Mistress?" he gasped, unable to believe she would grant him such a privilege.

"Unless you don't want to?" she asked coyly.

He grabbed her with both hands and yanked her to him. He kissed her hard, his sharp teeth nearly drawing blood from her lip. She threw her head back and laughed. "Enthusiastic, I like it," she cooed.

*****
He dragged her to her bed chamber and ravished her hard for nearly an hour. He rose from her bed and dressed. He went straight to his quarters, donned his leather armor that would withstand daylight and went out to meet his assembled army in the city square. They'd been waiting for nearly an hour and were restless.

His second in command, Beval asked, "What's the hold up? We wondered if she'd lopped off your head," he said nonchalantly.

Petyr grinned. "Not hardly."

"Then what? Your face is bleeding."

He leaned over to talk into the man's ear. "I got to bang the boss," he boasted.

Beval's jaw dropped. "No way," he gasped.

Petyr grinned. "Let's move out!" he shouted.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 14
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Brevan
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

The day Valanna turned 18, Alec began his courtship in earnest. He brought her hunting at least twice a week. They sat with each other at dinner every night in the square. He brought her candy, a new tunic with an eagle embroidered on the chest that he had his mother help him make, flowers to braid into her hair. He had his father, Sogarth, make her a new set of bracers and a quiver to match.

Every time they hunted, they traveled out into the forest, spent an hour or so chatting and making out before getting serious about hunting. They always brought something home though, and Alec always had her back before dark. Remos grumbled to Val about the man's intense courtship, but she'd told him there was nothing to be done about it. She was a young woman now, and of age. He would just have to deal with it. She also pointed out that Alec Valin was a nice man and Lanna could do a lot worse.

Remos had been friends with Sogarth since they were teens and knew his friend's son was a good man. It was just so hard to let go. Hearing that the Drow were searching for two new defectors set his teeth on edge. He was pacing near the gates an hour before sunset. Val walked up to him and said, "Remos, you have to stop doing this."

He sighed heavily. "There are Drow coming," he said.

Val put her arms around his waist. "Defectors, like Vincenza."

"We both know there will be more."

"Maybe, but not today. You can't protect her twenty-four/seven, Remos. She's grown up."

"I don't think any of you realize how scared I was that day," he said.

She smiled. "Oh, I think I do. It was no fun for me either."

He frowned. "I'm sorry. Of course you know, I just mean that … I don't know what I'd do if something ever happened to one of you. You're my girls," he finished quietly.

She smiled and kissed him softly. "We feel the same way about you. But we have to let them grow up."

"I know. You're right, and I'm probably irritating the hell out of her, right?" he asked.

She smiled and nodded. "Yeah, you probably are. So come home with me. Don't let her see you here waiting again. That's got to suck for Alec too."

He chuckled. "I didn't have to face your daddy, did I?"

She shook her head. "No, both my parents were gone from the fever long before I met you."

They turned and started back toward the house holding hands. "Think this will get easier?" he asked.

"What? Waiting for them to return?"

"Yeah," he clarified.

She chuckled. "No, probably not."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Alec put his buck on the ground and stared at the downed moose. "Lanna, good grief. How are we going to get all this back to the village by dark?"

"I don't know. It's too big to gut and drag back."

"Even with my extra bags, if we cut it up, we'll never get it all back."

"If we leave it, scavengers will get it."

"I know, but … crap."

"Well, let's cut it up. We take the biggest hunks we can," she suggested. "We carry all we can back and ask if someone will come out with us and help get the rest."

"And hope some bear or cat doesn't make off with it in the meantime," he said.

They worked diligently but it was still dusk by the time they finished packing every bag and hide they had with chunks of meat. They were both sweaty and miserable. "We have to head back," Lanna said.

"You're father's probably pitching a fit by now," he said.

She sighed. "I'm sorry he gives you such a hard time," she said.

"Don't worry about it. He's just concerned, I don't blame him."

"We're close to the main road," Lanna said.

"What are you thinking?"

"If we can drag what's left to the side of the road, and cover it with that last hide, it might not get taken. The animals tend to avoid the roads now."

"Okay, let's do it."

With huge sections removed, it was still heavy. Lanna cut away some of the hide and they both dragged it toward the road. They had to stop and rest several times. They heard a whinny and looked up just as they reached the ditch off the side of the main road. They were just below the crossroads and still five miles from the village, plus they still had to go back and get Alex's buck that he'd taken down earlier.

Tristan and Bamba pulled up short and peered off the road. "What the hell?"

Alec climbed up the embankment onto the road. "Tristan, is that you?"

"Yeah, what's going on? It's after dark, dude," he warned, knowing how Remos got when Lanna wasn't back before dark.

"I know. We've got a problem."

He and Bamba slid out of their saddles. "What's up?"

"I got a buck, but Lanna bagged her first moose. It's a small female but it's still huge. We've packed all we can, but we were going to leave the rest here with a hide over it and try to come back for it."

Bamba said, "That's a lot of meat to leave."

Alec nodded. "I know, but I wasn't prepared for this."

"What do you think?" Tristan asked.

"I think Methandru is trying to tell us we shouldn't go to the city yet," she joked. "This is the second interruption of our trip."

Tristan chuckled. "Well, let's see what we have that we can pack more meat in and we'll help you get it back."

Alec sighed. "I don't want to hold you guys up."

Bamba shrugged. "The Village could use the meat. We'll help. We'll head out tomorrow."

Lanna had now climbed up to the road and panted. "I'd really appreciate it. If you come back with us, my father won't be such a nutcase if he knows we weren't alone."

Bamba laughed. "Let's get to work."

Alec said, "I'm going to go get my buck."

"We still have those bags of meat back there too," Lanna said.

Bamba said, "Go get them. Tristan and I will finish cutting this up."

"Maddox can carry a lot of weight if I'm not riding too."

Alec and Lanna disappeared into the tree line and Tristan hauled the moose up to the side of the side on level ground. He began cutting up what was left while Bamba pulled out hide bags. They always carried some on them, along with waterproof bladders for extra water for the horses. Bamba had learned a long time ago to be prepared for many contingencies. When opportunity knocked, you didn't want to be caught unprepared. A moose was a big kill and not one you got a chance for often.

By the time Lanna and Alec returned with their bounty, Tristan and Bamba were packing up what was left of the moose. They rolled the hide and bones off the side of the road, deciding they would come back for that tomorrow if they could. If not, they would have to forego the hide. Tristan draped the heavy bags, tied together like saddle bags over Maddox's saddle. Bamba did the same with Mahogany. Alec shouldered his buck and they began the five mile hike back to the village.

About a mile from the village a loud squawk sounded above their heads. It was full dark now. They all looked up as Nyoka flew in low and squawked again. Lanna shook her head, knowing her father was going to be in a snit. Brasca appeared on the road next ahead of them. Within two minutes, horse hooves could be heard loping down the road. Remos and Val appeared. Remos cried out, "Thank Methandru."

He slid out of the saddle and looked them over. They were dirty but unhurt. Before he could say anything else, Tristan spoke up. "We came upon them on the way out."

"What happened?" Remos said. He'd raised his voice, but hadn't shouted.

Lanna sighed. Bamba said, "She brought down a moose, Remos. By the time they cut it up, it was late. They dragged it to the road, and we met up. We helped them finish cutting it up and decided to help them get it back or we'd lose half the meat."

"Oh … okay, Goddess, I was worried. You're always back by nightfall."

Lanna hugged him. "I'm sorry you worried, Dad."

They helped them move some of the weight onto their horses, and then set out for the final leg back to the village. "I'm sorry, Mr. Satana. I always mean to be back by dark. We weren't prepared for such a big kill."

Remos nodded and clapped him on the shoulder. "It's alright. I probably overreacted."

Brock and Kethtia heard Marina call out from the watchtower that they were back. They went out to greet them. Everyone was tolerant of Remos' over protectiveness of his family since the Drow incident, but even they had been worried when night fell, dinner finished and they still weren't back, knowing that the pair were always back by dark.

Everybody congratulated Lanna on her bounty and they pitched in to help get the meat smoked and stored. When they were finished, Alec quickly kissed Lanna on the forehead before she headed home. Everyone else had walked away. He called out, "Mr. Satana?"

Remos stopped and turned. "Yes?"

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure, Alec. What's up?" he asked.

He glanced over to see Lanna eyeing them nervously, but then her mother put her hand on her back and continued them walking toward their house. He turned back to Remos and said, "I'm truly sorry I didn't have her back by dark. I know I promised. She was so excited that she'd brought it down. We just happened on it and I let her take the shot. I wasn't thinking about the time or how long it would take to get it back here."

Remos sighed. "I know. It's alright. Val told me I'm being a jerk about this." He chuckled. "I wasn't waiting at the gate today," he said ruefully.

Alec smiled. "Darn, and I missed it," he joked. "Guess I blew it, huh?"

They both laughed quietly. "No, I didn't really get worried till dinner started. Val convinced me you were probably just delayed, but when you weren't back after dinner, I started to panic."

Alec said, "I just want to say something to you. I'm not sure how to say it."

Remos stared at him. "I know you're a good kid, Alec. Just say it."

He swallowed heavily and said, "I'm not a kid, Mr. Satana. I'm a man, and your daughter is a woman. I don't say that to be rebellious or difficult. I just want you to understand something."

"What's that?"

He met Remos' gaze and said, "I'm in love with Valanna. I'm serious about her, Mr. Satana."

Remos nodded curtly. "And?"

"And I take her safety very seriously, probably as seriously as you do."

Remos just stared at him, unsure how to respond. "Okay, I hear you."

"Do you?" he asked. "If we ever run into trouble, I don't care what kind – I'll protect her with my life, Mr. Satana. You have my word on that." After a pause, he asked, "Do you believe me?"

Remos nodded. "Yes, I believe you."

Alec held out his hand. After a moment's hesitation, Remos shook it. Alec smiled, "Good night, Mr. S."

"Good night, Alec."

Remos smiled to himself as he walked away. The kid had balls. Normally that would irritate him, but for some reason he couldn't define, it made him feel a little better about the guy courting his daughter. He would always worry, but Val was right. He had to let go, a little bit anyway.

xxxxxxxxxx

He entered the house and all three women looked up at him. "Everything okay?" Lanna asked nervously.

Remos smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "Yes, everything's fine. Alec and I just had a little man to man talk."

"Oh Goddess help me," she said under her breath.

Remos chuckled. "Not to worry, darlin'. It was all good."

BRASCA


NYOKA

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Chapter 15
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City of Maruk
Alley Rogue Guild Hall
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

The practice room was pitch-black. Morgan whirled and then yelped as Kashmir grabbed his wrist. "Damn!" he exclaimed.

Lyzea produced a glowing ball of dim light and approached.

Kashmir said, "You did well that time. You detected me."

"Not soon enough."

"No, but you were turning. Your other senses are getting more sensitive."

Lyzea asked. "How does he pass the test?"

Kashmir said, "When I grab for him and I grab air – meaning he detected my approach and moved before I could grab him."

"You're tough," she teased.

Kashmir said, "If I was an assassin, he'd of been dead, or at least injured."

Morgan said, "He's right. I'm getting better, but I'm not there yet."

"We'll keep practicing. It's enough for tonight though."

"Same time tomorrow?" Morgan asked.

"Yes, meet with Aslan after breakfast for climbing lessons."

"Okay, boss," he said. He left the practice room.

Lyzea smiled but said, "You're being tough on him. I know you have rogues that can't best you."

Kashmir smiled. "He's Colby's son. I want him to the best. If he ever got hurt on a mission – a mission I sent him on, unprepared, or inadequately trained," he said.

"You don't think Colby would ever forgive you?"

"I'd never forgive myself, Lyzea."

"Well, just make sure you're giving him credit where credit is due as well."

He smiled and kissed her. "Says the woman who sent her daughter to the Crystal Womb because she has a hard time scolding her," he teased.

"She wanted to go," she protested.

Kashmir laughed. "You're too soft, and I'm too hard. Is that it?"

"I like you hard," she said saucily.

He snorted. "Then I better you get you home," he teased.
*******
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Mountain Pass
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Eli, Vincenza, Yvette, Edward, and Nixie stopped at Second Station two weeks into their trip. They'd pushed hard to make it here in two weeks. Another week and they'd be in Kongel. While they felt relatively safe in the Pass, they were eager to make it to the other side. Vincenza and Yvette were the only ones that had ever been to this side of the mountain. They planned to stop at Narissa's Lodge as well.

They spent just one night at Second Station and headed out early in the morning. They were all on horseback. Even Vincenza had learned to ride. The two Drow were nervous around the horses and didn't know how to ride. They'd hooked up Eli's mare to a wagon, and the Drow rode in it, with Eli at the helm.

Three days later they arrived at First Station and got a great meal. Yvette had visited their home on the way back to Morin five years ago and then again when she'd taken Vincenza to Maruk for clothes shopping. It was only about a day and half from the pass and she led the way.

Even though they explained why they were traveling with Drow, the two kept themselves covered and cowls around their faces. They were afraid someone might try to strike at them not knowing their situation. Vincenza tried to explain that people didn't attack unprovoked here, but they didn't want to trust that. Throughout the trip, Vincenza told her tale of meeting the dragons, fighting alongside the Dragon Masters. They'd had a hard time believing her, but then she showed them her belt buckle and they'd been amazed. They were still uncertain whether to believe anyone could call a dragon, even after having it explained that the two Beast Masters had actually hatched and raised them.

In fact, Runenesima had received a vision from Sehanine. A rider was sent out from Forest Haven to let Ellory and Flynx know that company was coming from Morin. When they arrived, Flynx and Ellory were already packed and ready to go. The two Drow had gaped at the two bears that lounged casually next to the couple.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Flynx had given them a tour of their home, wished them good luck and promised to see Yvette when she returned. As long as they had to go to Morin, they would stay a while. The group had traveled on for another half a day and then made camp off to the side of the road. The roads were so well traveled now that camp sites were established in various places along the roads that traversed the Midnight Forest.

MORGAN MCKENT


KASHMIR TAHL


RUNENESIMA


ELLORY/FLYNX STARBORNE

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Chapter 16
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Draco stopped in Dawnrest on his way home. It was dusk when he rode up to the gates. Five years ago, they had built a stockade wall all around the village connecting the four watchtowers that had been there. They'd asked the Dwarves for help and dug out an underground bunker that could house nearly two-hundred people, twice the population of the village. Wyeth welcomed him and he ate dinner at their home. They were just finishing up when a horn blasted across the Village. It was the alert. Wyeth and Draco leaped up from the table.

Wyeth looked at Emma and said, "Get the women and children in the bunker."

They rushed out and ran across the square to the gates. Wyeth scrambled up the ladder to the catwalk and looked out. He saw three warriors engaging in hand to hand combat with Drow. "How many?" he asked the watchman.

"I don't know."

Draco raised his staff and called for the spiritual fathers. "Katar neeners, caer tia tar. Tari si aelor thys sor bolandri." Spiritual fathers, heed my call. Chase the evil from this village.

Blue wisps appeared and charged out from the wall. They attacked the three Drow that could be seen first, and then flew off to the side.

"Check the eastern wall!" Wyeth shouted.

Warriors on that side drew bows and peered out, trying to see. There was no moon and it was nearly impossible to see. The spirits alerted them to the Drow's location and three more were taken down.

All was quiet and the spirits returned to the wall in front of Draco. He intoned, "Sal o thys os maesoli." Thank you for your service.

They bowed and disappeared. The warriors came back in through the gate. "Are we sure there are no more?"

Draco said, "The spiritual fathers returned to me. They would not have if there were more near the village."

"A myr kyr only," Wyeth said. Scout group. "More will come when they do not return. Keep two guards on each watch tower. The rest of you, keep your armor and weapons handy."

They dispersed and Wyeth turned to Draco. "Thank you. Although we have enough warriors to take down a myr kyr, that's tough when you can't see them."

Draco said, "You're welcome. I think they wore cowls. That's why you couldn't even see their white hair.

Wyeth nodded. "Probably."

"I'll leave first thing in the morning. I'm to send warriors to Elvin, but I'll see if some will come here to back you up as well. I have to go by the school as well. Do you want me to see if Zestoria can send a ritualist?"

"I would appreciate it. We are only about a hundred people here. We have only about twenty five warriors, and some of those are not seasoned."

"Very well. If she can't, I'll return after I dispatch the warriors."

Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Marshville
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Zoggar peered at the small woman before him. "You requested a meeting?"

"Yes, I thank you coming."

"What is your name?" Quetzacoatl asked.

"Gabrielle."

"Speak, Gabrielle," Quetzacoatl requested.

"I received a vision. Two Drow have defected to the surface. While they are secreted away for now, the families are searching for them. A request will come for sanctuary here in the village. From whence? I do not know. Grenth says they will do us no harm. One is pregnant and will bear a child before they come here if we grant them sanctuary. I know of Zoggar's prohibition on Drow in Morin proper. I need to know if you object to their presence. If so; I will refuse sanctuary."

Quetzacoatl said, "I have never had trouble with them, so it's Zoggar's decision."

"I think I should speak with my son, and find out more. He and his mate granted protection to one that defected. I know nothing of these two of which you speak, but they probably will know more. I will get back to you with an answer after I speak with him."

"Very well. I will await your decision," she said.

GABRIELLE CLIFTON

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Chapter 17
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Brevan
Xxxxxxxxxxx

"Hail friends!" Brock greeted the group as they arrived outside the gates of Brevan. Once again, the Drow were confused. The Warlord, his wife and the rest of the Barbarian council had been waiting outside the gates for them when they appeared in the meadow below the village.

"I don't understand," Tartree said.

Vincenza said, "They have shamans and fairies, both of whom were probably informed by their Gods of our arrival days ago."

"They have this communion with their Gods?"

"Some do. The fairies are the chosen of Methandru. The head shaman is Ritualist that serves Grenth and can call for the spirits of the dead to fight for her."

"I'd say you were trying to fool me but everything else you've said so far has been true."

Vincenza looked pointedly at him. "You have much to learn, as I did. There is much more to these tribes than we ever imagined. And they cooperate, Tartree. There is no 'us versus them' mentality. The Elves will aid the Barbarians and Humans and vice-versa."

"That makes no sense," he sputtered.

"It didn't to me either at first, but we have made many erroneous assumptions about them."

"They are puta," he said, sounding confused.

She looked at him. "No, Tartree, that's one of the false assumptions. They are not lesser than us, just very different."

"You say this?" he said.

She stared at him. "I am one of them now, Tartree, as you will be if you decide to go through with your defection. So put aside all you know, and merely listen and learn. Our ways, they will get you killed here."

He nodded, remembering how easily the little Wood Elf had contained him in Elvin with her magical funnel of wind. He swallowed and began looking over the welcoming party.

Brock approached the wagon when Tartree and Jhultrin disembarked from it. He towered over both of them with his arms crossed over his massive chest. He was wearing his gigantic broadsword. They looked up at him and he merely stared at them until they both bowed jerkily at the waist and peered back up at him.

"I am Brock Wolfsbane, Warlord of the Barbarians," he began. "That may not mean anything to you, but it means a lot here."

They merely looked at him confused.

"It means that I have two-hundred trained warriors and nearly a hundred rangers at my beck and call."

They looked nervously to Vincenza and the rest of the party who merely stood silently.

"If you mean no harm, you will be protected." He bent down quickly and got close to Tartree. "However, if you harm one of my people," he began. He met the young man's gaze, "I'll take your head off with one strike of my sword. Is that clear?"

The young Drow nodded. "We mean no harm," he said quietly.

Brock stood back. "Then we understand one another. Amarisa," he called.

Both Drow gasped as a young Barbarian woman with flowing dark hair came out of the gates. She was flanked on either side by two enormous lions. She advanced toward them and they looked around nervously, but she stopped about ten feet away. A flick of her hands, palm up, had both lions sitting obediently at her side.

While they had seen Flynx and Ellory with their bears, and even Yvette with her stallion, this was a startling sight. Bamba appeared with Ebony and Val followed with Brasca. Jhultrin said, "What is this about?"

Amarisa smiled. "I have been assigned to accompany you on your trip to temporary sanctuary in Ocelot. My name is Amarisa. I am a Beast Master, like your friend Yvette. These are my familiars, Shirokos and Shorshai. I hear the Drow like white fur," she said pointedly. "Drow killed their mother, in fact. I killed those Drow. You would be ill-advised to try and harm either one of them. Try to hurt them and they will kill you. They will fight to the death anyone that tries to harm me. Likewise, anyone I ask them to protect. For now, that includes you. Believe me, you want them on your side."

Jhultrin said, "You Beast Masters truly control these animals to that extent?"

Amarisa smiled. "Yes, but is not so much control as friendship. The animals trust us. We would also fight for them."

Vincenza said, "You'll get used to it."

"I doubt it," Tartree mumbled.

Brock said, "We have guest quarters prepared for you. Come, spend the night and you will set out in the morning."

They joined the Barbarians for their dinner in the Village square. Eli approached Amarisa and bowed where she sat on a hay bale with her plate in her lap. "Hail, I am Eli Gemedes. I wished to introduce myself."

She smiled and looked up at him. "I'm Amarisa."

"I saw and heard." He glanced at her familiars that were lounging off to the side in the shade of a tree. "They are truly magnificent creatures. Even we have never seen a Beast Master with two familiars."

She smiled at the handsome red-headed Elf. "It was a trick of fate, I suppose. I found them very young. Drow mortally wounded their mother. I had to kill her. It was awful. I couldn't leave them, and they both bonded with me. Duvan thinks it's because they were both so young."

"You've had them since they were cubs then?"

"Yes, still being nursed. I had to nurse them for a time before they could eat meat."

She scooted over and patted the hay bale. "Sit down, eat your dinner."

He graciously sat next to her. She looked at the staff in a holster on his back that he hung over the back of the seat. The staff was pure smooth, black onyx, inlaid with gold relief. "You are a Ritualist."

He smiled. "Yes, just graduated to Master."

"Who was your teacher at the Isicville?"

"The grand dame herself, Zestoria."

"You were fortunate then. She trained my mother as well."

"You're Kethtia's daughter?" he asked.

She nodded. "Indeed, I am."

"Wow. Zestoria told many stories of your mother."

"Would you like to meet my mother?"

"I'd be honored."

"Finish your food. Then I'll introduce you."

Xxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 18
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Midnight Forest
Xxxxxxxxxxx

After dinner, the council held a meeting. It was decided that Duvan should be informed that Ellory and Flynx had gone to Morin to summon the dragons. Tristan and Bamba volunteered to go. Although Brock and Kethtia knew where they were, few others did, and they couldn’t leave the village at this time. Bamba knew where their home was and they once again postponed their trip to the City.

In the morning, they all prepared to leave for Ocelot. Tristan and Bamba headed out for Duvan and Cyrida's home. Pander went with them.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Alec and Valanna were on their bi-weekly hunting trip. They'd wandered further south than usual in a search for game. The sudden crashing of fleet hooves had them both stopping in their tracks and looking around. They both detected the direction of the sound at the same time and waited.

A startled doe crashed through the forest. Alec took aim and tracked the doe. Just before he released the shot, Valanna gasped and plowed into him, her arms wrapping around his waist. He grunted as they both tumbled to the ground and rolled. "Lanna, what the …?"

An arrow whizzed by and sunk into a tree over their heads. "Drow!" she whispered fiercely.

He leaped to his feet, threw his bow into its sling and ripped his fighting knives out of their sheaths. "Stay low," he hissed.

She crouched, her bow at the ready and looked around, but all was silent. She saw a flash of movement and tapped his arm and pointed. Alec lurched into a run and let loose his battle cry, "Ahhhahhhyihai!"

Lanna took off after him, looking left and right. He was hot on the trail of one of them. She spotted another blur to her left and saw it stop, taking shape as a man with a bow. He was aiming for Alec. "ALEC, RIGHT!" she shouted.

He dodged right sharply and an arrow flew past his shoulder. Her shout had attracted the Drow's attention and he turned to her, readying another arrow. She let her arrow go. She hit him right in the eye and he dropped where he fell.

She could hear the clank of metal and ran toward Alec. He came into sight after a few yards. Two dead Drow lay at his feet. He circled another Drow, eyeing another that was closing in on his left. Valanna nimbly climbed a tree and spotted two others closing behind him. As Alec lunged at the Drow with a spear in front of him, she let loose another arrow, taking out one of the Drow closing behind him. His lunge had slit the Drow's throat.

He spun, realizing there were more coming. He screeched with rage and spun, slicing the neck of another Drow. That was five so far.

Valanna dropped silently from the tree and hollered. "The road, Alec!"

He hesitated but then spun towards her and they took off for the road, which was only about a quarter mile away. They could hear the Drow in pursuit and they were gaining ground. He was tiring and roared his battle cry again to bring on the rage and keep him going. "Ahhhahhhyihai!"

An eighth of a mile from the road, his cry echoed from the forest. He shouted, "Lanna, RUN!"

He skidded to halt and faced the oncoming attackers, knowing if he didn't fight the rage would wear off and leave him vulnerable. She skidded to halt when she saw him charge one of the attackers. She turned and readying a shot, waiting for them to come within range. She felt cold wash through her as she saw Drow appearing in the trees from both sides while Alec waited for the first one to come at him. They were going to completely circle him. There must be at least six more.

Then all hell broke loose.

PANDER


DROW

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Chapter 19
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Midnight Forest
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

The protection group traveled slowly with the Drow in the wagon. They still refused to ride horses and Jhultrin couldn't keep up a jog in her condition. The sound of a battle cry suddenly had them halting in their tracks.

"What in blazes was that?" Jhultrin asked.

Amarisa said, "Battle cry! Oh, Goddess. Yvette, Vincenza, stay here. The rest of you, with me."

Without another word, she gave a flip of her hands, cried, out, "Ahhyiihaiyiihai!" She plunged into the forest, both cats lunging after her.

Eli and Edward followed close on her heals and Nixie wasn't far behind. It didn't take them long to catch up, hearing the sounds of clanking swords and the thuds of a fight in progress.

Amarisa directed them with hand signals to spread out. She and Eli went one way, Nixie and Edward went another, and they came at the circling Drow from two sides. Alex was a whirlwind with his fighting knives but he would soon be overcome. He slashed, kicked, dodged and tripped his opponents, trying to position himself so he could take out one at a time.

Valanna was releasing two arrows at a time, trying to distract and throw off his attackers. She shouted, "Not this time, you bastards!"

Amarisa hissed, "Shorikos, Shorshai, ATTACK!" Both cats roared and leaped into the fray, knocking down Drow and tearing at their throats. She and Nixie began releasing arrows, trying to pick off the ones closest to Alec without hitting him.

Eli raised his staff and called on the martyrs and katar neeners. They appeared, blue and yellow figures and raced into the battle. Edward made his way to Alec and went back to back with him while the others picked off the ones darting around the outside of the battle. In minutes it was over. Eli thanked the spirits for their help and they dissipated.

Alec collapsed to his knees, struggling for breath. He looked around frantically and shouted, "Lanna!"

She ran to him and knelt in front of him. "I'm here. I'm alright."

He clutched her to his chest. Amarisa slung her pack off her shoulders and dug out two power bars, as they called them now and handed one to him. He nodded his thanks. Nixie approached and said, "I'm Nixie. Lanna, let me look at those wounds."

His tunic was torn and there were several deep cuts on his biceps and on eon his leg. Amarisa ripped away what was left of his tunic and they saw he had a deep slash across his abdomen. Canteens of water were passed forward. Nixie cleaned and healed up his cuts while the others looked around, making sure all the Drow were dead. Twelve of them lay there.

Amarisa asked, "How many did he take out before we got here?"

"Four back that way, and one here," Lanna pointed out. "I took out two back there."

"Wow. Eighteen. They were serious."

She yanked the necklaces and rings off a few and stuffed them in her knapsack. "Let's get them to the road. We can't burn them here. The forest is too thick. Plus, I want to check on our charges."

They nodded, and all began dragging the Drow to the edge of the tree line and onto the road. Jhultrin and Tartree looked stunned as body after body was dragged out of the forest and dumped on the side of the road in a big pile. Once they were done, Amarisa walked up to Vincenza and pulled out the necklaces and rings she'd taken, and dumped them on the tailgate of the wagon. "Who's are they?"

The three Drow looked at them. "Only one is Xun," Jhultrin said in a shaky voice.

Tartree said, "The others are House Vic." Then he picked up one necklace and held it up. "But this one is House Cor."

Jhultrin looked shocked. "All three houses?"

Vincenza sighed. "Your mother must be on a rampage."

Tartree said, "My father, Naricon, might have sent troops to look for me as well."

Jhultrin said, "House Cor would follow my mother. Umrae will want me back."

Nixie intoned a spell and the bodies burst into flame. Jhultrin and Tartree jerked in surprise, but the rest of them stood unaffected.

Vincenza pointed at the bonfire of the bodies and said, "That's what may happen to most of your house, children."

Amarisa looked at Alec and Lanna. "Do you two want company on the trip back?"

Alec said, "We'll be fine, as long as we don't run into another group like that."

Amarisa frowned. "I was told not to detour on my journey. But damn it, I don't like leaving you two on your own."

Just then they heard horse hooves pounding down the main road. They were just north of the road to the Womb of Methandru, which they would pass before entering Fongel Forest and heading to Ocelot. They all turned.

Alice, Sogarth, Remos and Val appeared. Arianna, Nilex, Luna and Dermott were with them, as well as Nyoka, perched on Remos' other shoulder, and Brasca loping behind the horses. They slid out of the saddles and eyed the group, and the smoking bonfire of bodies.

Alice said, "The Oracle saw you were in trouble."

Remos ran up to Lanna and snatched her up into a tight hug. "Thank Methandru you're alright."

Alice looked Alec over from head to toe and said, "You're injured."

"Nixie healed me up. I'm bruised and tired, but I'll be alright."

Amarisa turned to Sogarth and Alice. "We heard his battle cry. He took out five of them before we reached them. Lanna took out two on her own. She was doing a fair job of distracting his attackers so too many didn't set on him at once."

Remos turned to her. Amarisa said, "He fought righteous, Remos." She pointed to the pile of burning bodies. "There are eighteen bodies there."

Remos paled but nodded.

"Let's get you home," he croaked. He boosted her into the saddle of his horse, Zues. Alice let Alec take her mare, Fedra. She mounted behind him, and Remos mounted behind Lanna. "Thank you," he said to the assembled group.

"Fare well," Amarisa said.

They turned and began the trip back to the village. She turned and realized everyone was looking at her. Somehow she'd become the unofficial leader of this group. "Let's move out. I'd like to make the road to the Womb by nightfall. There's a nice campsite there."

They all nodded and continued their journey.

NARICON VIC


ZEUS


FEDRA

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 20
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Eastern side of Midnight Forest
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Bamba led Tristan to Duvan and Cyrida's home. Before entering she lifted her head and wolf howled. Losse barked from inside and then howled back to her. She grinned and they waited.

Cyrida parted the vines and waved them in. They stepped through and followed her back into the cave. "What brings you here? I thought you were going to the City soon," she said to Bamba.

"We were delayed. There's more trouble brewing, Cyrida. Do you know where Duvan is?"

"Not exactly, but you lucked out. He's due back tonight. He was just doing an area hunt and checking all his snares today. I'll fix us something to eat while we wait.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They reached the road to the Womb and Amarisa called a halt to the journey for the day. It was dusk and there a nice, big campsite just off the side of the road. They pitched tents. She gave a signal to her cats and they slinked off into the woods.

"Where did they go?" Jhultrin asked.

Amarisa smiled. "To fetch dinner."

"What?"

"You'll see," she said, and proceeded to pitch her tent.

They gathered some dry wood and started a fire. Edward and Yvette stripped some green branches to use as a spit and set it up.

A half hour later the two cats returned and dumped two pheasants at Amarisa's feet and disappeared again. Fifteen minutes later they appeared with two more, and slinked off again. Then they returned, each with a rabbit. Shorshai left one more time and came back again with a fifth pheasant. She ruffled their fur and kissed their foreheads.

Yvette, Vincenza and Amarisa skinned the birds and spit them. Yvette and Vincenza plucked feathers while the meat cooked. Amarisa skinned the rabbits and tossed them, one to each cat.

Jhultrin and Tartree were amazed by nearly everything that was going on around them. Secretly they'd agreed to just observe for a while. Despite all the surprises, the biggest one was Vincenza, who acted nothing like a Drow, except for the few flares of her temper they'd seen. She was a completely different person, laughing and joking with the others.

Before they'd left Morin, Vincenza had borrowed a couple outfits from Vanwen and clothed Jhultrin in more modest attire. The Drow's habit of going around half-naked when not on a job was unacceptable on the surface. Jhultrin noticed that she wore fine, butter soft buckskin pants and a suede tunic. Her belt was thick, braided leather that attached to her big blue dragon scale belt buckle. She had quite a few pouches hanging off it, along with her fighting knives on each side, and a dagger in the back of her belt. She wore her bow and quiver on her back and put her knapsack right on top of them. She usually bloused her tunic over the buckle so you didn't see it, but she noticed that she never was without that belt.

Vincenza said, "The fact that they are on this side of the mountain already is bad news."

Yvette nodded. "Yes, it means that somehow they suspect we took them out of Morin."

Tartree said, "Most of them were House Vic. My dad may be taking a gamble, and sending his own troops here to see if we came over the mountain."

"I just hope they didn't capture anyone from Elvin or Dawnrest to acquire that information," Vincenza commented.

Yvette nodded. "Yeah, let's hope a molael oli found it out somehow."

They all understood the implication. If someone was captured, they'd probably been tortured for the information.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Evver Cave
Eastern Midnight Forest
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Duvan strode into the cave and nodded at Tristan and Bamba. He'd spotted Ebony outside on the cliff and knew they were there. He went into the back room and dumped his equipment, then went to the larder and dumped his bounty from his snares. He hadn't brought back any big game.

He cleaned up and joined them in the main room, plunking down in a chair. "I assume you're not here with good news."

Bamba said, "Unfortunately, no." She proceeded to give the story of the two defectors and their plan to house them in Ocelot. "Ellory and Flynx were recalled to Morin. The Diad expects an attack on Elvin and said they would only prevail with no loss of life if a Dragon Master returned."

"They've left already?"

"Yes, a few days ago. The group escorting the Drow, which includes Yvette, stopped there on their way in to Brevan. Amarisa went with the escort group. We were sent to let you know what's going on."

"Do they want me in Morin?"

"They didn't specify that both of you had to go, but we wanted to give you the choice."

He looked at Cyrida. "It's up to you. I hate to leave it all to Ellory, but Zaheng will follow Olima."

Cyrida smiled. "You'll go nuts not knowing if she's alright."

"Flynx is with her, right?"

Tristan nodded. "Of course, and they'll be in Elvin with the army ready. I'm more worried about Dawnrest. According to Yvette, they don't have a lot of warriors. One of the new Ritualists, Draco Sage was going back to Wyantinock to see if the Amazons would assist."

"Damn, are these Drow ever going to leave us alone?"

"Not our doing this time. I think they all felt the same. No one wants another battle with the Drow, but they couldn't send a pregnant woman into exile or toss her back to the Drow to be killed, or worse, have her baby killed," Tristan said.

Cyrida said, "Let's go, Duvan. You know you want to."

"I'm getting too old for this crap," he grumbled.

Cyrida laughed. "No you're not. Let's go join up with your sister."

He sighed. "These last five years have been nice. Back to the old routine."

Bamba joked, "Maybe it's Methandru's way of telling you that you're getting lazy."

He snorted. "Watch it, pip-squeak," he retorted. Bamba laughed.

"So are we going?" Cyrida asked.

He sighed. "Yeah, we're going."

"Can we stay here tonight?" Bamba asked.

"Of course," he said.

DUVAN EVVER


CYRIDA EVVER

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 21
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dragon Clearing
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Zoggar and Quetzacoatl arrived in Morin and went straight to the cave of Zaheng and Olima. They waited for them to return. Near nightfall, they appeared, having smelled them before entering. "Father, what brings you here?" Zaheng asked.

"Has there been trouble with the Drow?"

"Not to my knowledge. I think the humans of Dawnrest had a minor scuffle with a myr kyr a few days ago."

"A shaman from Marshville said a request for sanctuary for two Drow was forthcoming," Quetzacoatl explained. "They want our permission to take them in. They didn't wish to upset Zoggar. He told her he would check with you first."

Just then Olima raised her head. "Mother calls. Maybe she will have the answers you seek," Olima said.

All four dragons left the cave and flew toward the meeting clearing.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Ellory and Flynx had traversed the tunnel and went straight to Elvin, where they met with Amandine and Garen. Having been told of the Diad's prediction, they made haste to the clearing. Ellory set out her yellow scale and called to Olima in her mind.

Vanwen and Losara had accompanied them along with two Elven soldiers, just to be safe. They were surprised when four dragons appeared. They suspected Zaheng would come, but seeing Quetzacoatl and Zoggar was a shock.

"You called, Mother?" Olima said, after they had landed.

"Yes, thank you for coming. Welcome, Quetzacoatl. We've never met," Ellory said politely. "It's an honor."

"Thank you," Quetzacoatl said.

After a long discussion, they were advised of the defectors, the runner that had been sent to Delia Marsh to see if Marshville would accept the Drow, and of the impending attack Gaia saw by the Drow and her prediction that the dragons would be needed to avoid loss of life.

Not knowing exactly when the battle was to commence, all four dragons agreed to stay in Morin and wait for Ellory's call. Zoggar would decide about sanctuary after meeting the two that requested haven.

Xxxxxxxxxxx
Dawnrest
Xxxxxxxxxxx

Draco arrived at Dawnrest with fifty warriors and twenty archers at his back. The village was nearly empty and he was concerned until he saw Wyeth striding toward him with a smile. "Hail, Draco!"

"Hail. Where is everyone?"

"I've sent those that cannot fight to the dwarves. I didn't want them in the village if we were attacked. Our warriors and archers are heading to Elvin to join their army. A runner tells me that their mages see the battle centered on Elvin."

"Okay, well, we'll follow your troops then," Draco said. Some twenty soldiers and fifteen archers from Dawnrest joined his band of Amazons and they headed out for Elvin. As they traveled, Draco informed Wyeth, "Zestoria said she would send what help she could. She's sent someone to retrieve Prisane from the Sacred Forest. I see Vidette is already with you."

"Yes, I'm sure Elvin will be grateful. If we pool our resources, we should be able to repel them. It's liable to be a bloody battle though."

"Unfortunately, most of them are," he commented.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A day later, Prisane arrived with several friends from the Wood. Two days after that Duvan and Cyrida arrived. The council was meeting every day and redistributing troops and making a defensive battle plan for the village. They tried to disperse the mages and ritualists throughout the groups of warriors and archers so they would have various support on all three exposed sides of the village. The back of the village butted into the mountain. Their combined troops were quite impressive.

They were even more surprised the next day when a platoon of fifty Dwarven warriors showed up and volunteered to help. They gladly accepted and assigned them battle stations. Vanwen fell into a trance the next day and said the Drow were on the move and headed for Elvin. After the decimation of their myr kyr at Dawnrest, they had returned to Shar, gathered a larger force and set out again. They numbered a hundred, fifty warriors, and some fifty or sixty archers along with mages and assassins. She didn't know how many of them. Vanwen said they must have nearly emptied the City of Shar.

Ellory and Duvan called to the Dragons and gave them a report. The Drow were expected to attack at dusk on the following day.

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Tamatha McKent and Kiera Nalani arrived at the Drow tunnel exit. The shrubbery was torn away from the entrance and there was no illusion hiding it.

"I don't like it," Tamatha said. "Do you think Kyruby has been here yet?"

"I don't know if it was her personally that was coming, but I don't like it either."

"Let me take a look inside. I'll be right back."

"Wait, just in case," Kiera said. She muttered a spell under her breath and a circle of bright lights surrounded Tamatha like a wind shield. "Protection," she stated calmly. "It will throw off any missile attacks."

"Thank you," Tamatha responded. She darted inside the dark cave and waited for her eyes to adjust. Footprints were everywhere in the sand. A few discarded chicken legs and bits of fruit were left rotting on the ground. A sparkle caught her eye and she crept forward. She bent down and pushed some dirt aside, revealing a ring. She picked it up and peered at it. It was nothing she recognized.

She ventured further back into the cave and couldn't see a thing. She retreated and Kiera asked, "Trouble?"

"Footprints everywhere, and I found this. I need a torch." While Kiera looked at the ring, she extracted a torch from her knapsack and lit it with her fire kit, pieces of flint and pyrite she struck together to make a spark.

She stood once it was lit and Kiera said, "This is a Drow house crest, but I don't know which one. It could have been from the previous battle here."

"Maybe. Hang onto it. There's an Elven mage in Forest Haven that can identify them, I think."

"What are you looking for?"

"I couldn't see to the back. I want to see if they've dug out the tunnel again." She turned and reentered the cave.

Kiera had a really bad feeling about this. She was about to follow the young paragon when she heard running feet, retreating from the tunnel. Tamatha burst out of the entrance, dowsed her torch in the sand, and stuck it in her sack, flinging the knapsack onto her shoulders. She "Oh yeah, they reopened it, and they are coming! Right now. I could hear them."

"How many?"

"Too many to fight – live to fight another day! RUN!"

Tamatha and Kiera turned and took off into the forest, heading toward the main road.


ZEHENG


OLIMA

Xxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 22
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Tristan and Bamba left Duvan's home and headed south toward the City. Rather than use the roads, they cut through the forest, Bamba keeping an eye out for game. It was maybe another mile or so to the main road when they heard something running in the forest.

They both stopped and Bamba gave a hand signal to Ebony. The big panther crouched and waited, listening with them. She detected the direction of the sound first and spun. Bamba and Tristan turned with her.

Two women came charging toward them. Judging by their dress, one was a monk and one was a paragon. Tamatha recognized Tristan. She'd visited Breven with her parents many times growing up. They didn't even slow down as they approached. She shouted, "Tristan, to the road, Drow on our heels."

They didn't question the young paragon, just spun and ran with them. "How many?" he asked, as they ran.

"I don't know, more than we could handle. I heard them coming up the cave exit, running in step."

A few minutes later, they could hear the crunching of feet running in the forest behind them. They poured on the speed. When they hit the road, Tristan said, "Head North!"

They panted. "Not to the City?" Tamatha huffed.

"Too far. Amarisa is heading toward Ocelot with the protection group. If we can catch them, they can help."

"Got my vote," Kiera said.

"Let's go," Bamba said. They took off running again. Bamba carried various pieces of cloth belonging Barbarians of the council. She opened a drawstring pouch as she ran and pulled out a burnt red piece of Amarisa's robe. She held it out to Ebony. "Find her, girl."

The cat sniffed the cloth, took it in her teeth and took off ahead of them, faster than any of them could run. She was out of sight in seconds.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

The protection group had gone south from the road that cut east to the Womb. After a mile, they turned east again on the road to Ocelot. They'd only gone about an a quarter mile.

Tartree gasped and Jhultrin shrieked as they saw a huge black panther leap onto the road behind the wagon. Jhultrin grabbed her bow and knocked an arrow while kneeling in the wagon. Amarisa spun and shouted, "Don't shoot!"

Jhultrin hesitated and the procession stopped. Amarisa trotted up to the big cat. It snarled and dropped the red cloth at her feet. "Are you crazy?" Jhultrin hissed.

Amarisa picked up the cloth and recognized it. It came from an old cloak of hers. "Which way, girl?" she asked.

The cat snarled paced away from her and back, away from her and back. "Same deal. Vincenza, Yvette -- stay with them. Everyone else, we follow Ebony."

"What's going on?" Eli asked.

"Bamba and Tristan are in trouble. That's Bamba's familiar."

Amarisa looked at Ebony. "Show us, girl, take us to them."

The cat leapt back toward the main road they'd just turned on to and they followed.

Jhultrin sighed. "This is getting downright creepy. And I don't say that lightly."

Vincenza laughed. "I don't like waiting, knowing there's a fight back there."

"How did she know?" Tartree said.

Yvette said, "That piece of cloth was most likely from something Amarisa wore. Bamba used it to have Ebony track her."

Vincenza said, "Not that anyone takes my advice, but I have a feeling its more Drow. Let's get off the road."

Yvette looked around. "Yeah, let's." They unhitched the wagon, dragged it to the side of the road, and then took the horses and faded into the tree line.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Amarisa, Eli, Nixie and Edward, along with Shorikos and Shorshai charged after Ebony. She cut into the woods just before reaching the main road and they followed her south. They were running for nearly a half mile when they heard people on the road and Ebony shot to the right. They followed.

They emerged to find Tristan, Bamba, and Tamatha and a monk, jogging up the road. They were obviously tired and sweaty and had been running for quite a while. "What's up?" Amarisa said.

"More Drow," Tamatha gasped. "On our heels. I don't know how many."

"Crap," said.

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Tristan. "Where are your charges?"

"I left them back on the road to Ocelot with Yvette and Vincenza."

They heard footfalls coming out of the forest. "Here they come, spread out."

They scattered into a wide semi-circle, hiding behind trees.

Amarisa scurried up a tree and the lions waited at the base of the tree. Bamba did the same and Ebony waited at the base of her tree. Amarisa flashed her hand with fingers out 3 times, then one finger to Tamatha.

The girl nodded and whispered to Edward. "She sees sixteen at least."

He nodded and gulped. Then he took a deep breath and cleared his mind. As soon as they were in sight, running in two columns of eight, Amarisa and Tristan let loose with battle cries and everyone plunged into the fray.

Amarisa, Bamba and Nixie showered them with arrows from both sides. Edward, Tristan, and Tamatha lunged at the closest foes. Tamatha hurled short spears with lightening quickness, using both hands. Her aim was good with both hands. She had two quivers of short spears and two large ones on her back. When one finally got close enough, she ripped her long spear off her back and used it as a fighting stick for hand-to-hand, parrying blows, and stabbing deep into their guts if she got a shot.

Eli called on the spiritual fathers. They confused the Drow and made them weak, some dropping their weapons, others bending over to be sick and making themselves easy targets.

The three cats watched their backs, tackling any Drow that tried to flank the fighters. Kiera was whipping off protection spells and spells that send damage back to the Drow on the fighters. "Tyr, hear my call!" she shouted. "Burn the righteous with your holy light! Bring your judgment upon them. Smite them for your faithful servant."

A funnel of blinding white light shot out of the dusky sky and lit up the area. Drow screamed in pain and tried to run out of the light as their skin blistered and began to peel from their bodies. Some dropped their weapons, others tried to run, but they were easily picked off after that. Dead and smoking bodies lay everywhere.

Edward gagged and slapped his hand over his mouth and nose. "Yeah, they stink," Amarisa said. Nixie conjured a gentle wind that blew the smell away from them. "Thanks," Amarisa said and nodded at her.

Eli thanked and dismissed the spirits quietly.

"Let's get them to the road. We can't burn them here. Too much chance of catching the trees on fire," Tristan said.

"They're already burned," Edward commented.

Tristan said, "Yeah, but that burn won't hurt the trees." He grabbed a power bar out of his knapsack and munched on it. Amarisa did the same.

After a short rest, they hauled the bodies to the dirt road and Nixie set them on fire. "Edward, would you head back? Make sure they are all right," Amarisa requested.

He nodded and took off up the road. "What are you guys doing together?" Amarisa asked.

Tristan said, "We came upon them running from the Drow. Tammy heard them coming out of the tunnel exit."

"What were you doing at the exit?" Amarisa asked.

Kiera explained. "The King sent us. I was to put wards and trigger spells on it to trap them inside. Word was that Kyruby or someone from the Womb was going to do the same. The King sent Tamatha with me for protection. Good thing. She saved my skin. We got a head start running or we would have been toast."

Amarisa nodded. "And if we'd taken Alec and Lanna back to the Village, I wouldn't have been close enough to help, just as predicted," she confirmed.

Bamba sighed and said ruefully, "Somebody is trying to tell me its not time to go to the City."

Tristan chuckled. "I think you're right. That's the third time our trip has been interrupted. I think we should go with them the rest of the way to Ocelot."

Kiera said, "Well, my mission is a bust. I'm not going back there without a lot more back up in case more are coming. I'll go with you as well." She turned to the young paragon. "Tamatha?"

"I'll go as well. My mission is to protect you. If you go, I go. We'll have to explain to the King and arrange for the wards on a different trip."

Amarisa said, "I know we're protecting those Drow, but let's not tell them about sealing up the exit. Just in case things go sideways, they don't need to know we plan to do that."

"You think they'd tip off their families?" Tristan asked.

"I don't know. I don't think so. Then again, if they are captured and taken from us, who knows what they'll spill to save their lives."

They all nodded in agreement and headed back to the others at a sedate pace.

Xxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 23
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Elvin
Xxxxxxxxxxx

When the Drow attacked, they were ready. Warriors charged them from the gates of the village. Archers rained arrows down on them from the watchtowers and catwalk surrounding the village. Prisane and Draco and Vidette called martyr, spiritual fathers and mothers to assist in disorienting and fighting the enemies. Mages picked off stragglers with fire darts and lightening bolts. When the warriors were in danger of being overwhelmed, the mages threw up fire walls preventing the enemy troops from advancing.

The dwarves fought fiercely alongside the Elves and men, wielding double bladed axes mostly. The Wood Elves that had come with Prisane were mages and they threw up wind walls to deflect arrows and spears from the enemy Drow that were aimed at their own archers and warriors.

If it hadn't been so serious, it might have been funny to watch the Drow freak out when not one, not two, but four dragons appeared on the scene, three of them blowing fire, and one blowing ice. Quetzacoatl sprayed the ground with sheets of ice. The Drow slipped and fell and then were burned by the other three circling the battle field and careful not to hit anyone but the Drow.

In the end, a few managed to slip away from the back of the battle field, but most lay dead and dying. The dragons flew over the field, ending the life of any wounded Drow they found. Then they helped to scoop up the bodies and dump them in a big pile which they then set on fire, burning them to ash.

Ellory and Duvan said they would meet the dragons the next day to discuss sanctuary for the two Drow in Kongel at the moment.

Xxxxxxxxxxx
City of Shar
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

"YOU DID WHAT?" Irae shrieked at Naricon Vic.

"They took the egg to Kongel, so I figured they might take Jhultrin and Tartree there as well."

"How many did you send?"

"60, my lady."

"You idiot. That leaves this City nearly defenseless with the bulk of the army advancing on Elvin."

"They never attack here."

"If you weren't the head of one of only three houses left, I'd have your head, Naricon! You should have coordinated with Petyr. He might have been able to use those troops."

"I'm sorry, my lady."

"Have they returned?"

"Not yet, but it’s a long trip to Kongel."

"Report to me as soon as you know anything. If I hear that you did anything else stupid without consulting me first, I'll have your head anyway. Are we clear?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Get out of my sight, you idiot," she growled.

He turned and hurried from the Xun complex. He was worried. He didn't tell Irae, but his myr kyr, at least one of them should have reported back by now. He didn't dare send anyone to check on them.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 24
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Ocelot
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

They came upon the village abruptly and looked down the long, sandy lane that served as the boulevard. A watchman shouted, "Who comes?"

"Amarisa Wolfsbane and friends. We wish to see Shania Took."

"Wait there."

They waited about ten minutes and then a beautiful woman appeared. Her hair was the color of mahogany and covered the ears of her half-elven heritage. "Amarisa, Tristan! Good to see you. How's your mother?"

"Good, Shania. We need you to help us out for a spell."

"Yes, I know. Grenth has spoken. You travel with two who need sanctuary." She walked to the rear of the wagon and peered at Jhultrin and Tartree. "Remove your cowls," she commanded.

Amarisa nodded at them and they pulled their hoods and silk scarves away from their heads and faces.

"You two follow me. I'll show you around. The rest of you, head to Adonna's. I'll meet you there shortly."

They nodded and Jhultrin said, "You're leaving us with her?"

Shania smirked. "Do I scare you?"

"I don't know you," Jhultrin snapped.

"And I don't know you. So we're even. You want sanctuary. This is my home."

Edward said, "Shania is the unspoken leader of this village, Jhultrin, and a Master Ritualist like Eli here. You'll be safe with her."

"How would you know?" she said.

Edward smiled. "I've known Shania most of my life."

Shania said, "Grenth has spoken. He has told me to aid you. I will do so. I do not disobey my God. Come. Or sleep in the street. It's up to you." She winked at Edward.

She turned on her heel and strode off up the street. They scrambled out of the wagon, grabbing their packs and weapons and followed the tall woman down the street.

Yvette snickered. "Oh, they are in for some rude awakenings here."

Edward laughed. "If Shania gave them pause, wait till they see the half-orcs."

Everyone chuckled and then made their way to Adonna and Kethtia's old cabin. Adonna had kept her cabin and lent it out to anyone visiting Ocelot. Amarisa and Tristan had been there several times. Once they were settled, Eli asked Amarisa and Tristan to tell of the village and their mother's childhood.

They spent a while telling stories. After checking the larder, they found that Shania had stocked them up with venison and fruits and vegetables. They set about making a meal and were just settling down to it when she arrived and knocked on the door.

She entered and looked around at the group. "Anywhere else, this would be an odd group," she commented. She walked up to Eli. "Congratulations on earning your Master staff, Eli."

"Thank you. Zestoria speaks highly of you."

"I would have said something earlier, but I didn't want to break my stride with our intrepid guests."

He chuckled. "Don't worry about it."

"Did you leave them alone?" Tristan said.

"Oh no, Brunus is watching them. I figured I'd break them in right."

Tristan snorted. "You can be cruel, Shania."

"Now, tell me. How long do I have the two run-aways."

Amarisa said, "We're not sure. Probably until she gives birth, which should be less than two months from now. By then, we hope to know what's going on over on the other side of the mountain. We've already run into two groups of Drow on our way here. We have no idea how many more there may be."

"I'll alert the guard to be on the look out," she said.

Xxxxxxxxxx
Adonna's Cabin
Xxxxxxxxxx
Ocelot
Xxxxxxxxxx

Amarisa went out to the chicken coop that was maintained by Brunus and Phoebe, two half-orcs that lived next door and watched out for Adonna's cabin and shared in the bounty of chickens and eggs. She was collecting eggs for breakfast the next morning. Eli asked if he could come with her.

They strolled out into the barnyard that no longer held any horses normally, but now held the ones they'd been traveling with, including Thimisor. The cats were put in the barn stalls and the doors closed so they wouldn't spook any other horses about or draw to much attention.

"So you're mother grew up here?" Eli asked. "Amazing."

She smiled shyly at him. "And here I thought you might want to spend some time with me, and all you want to know about is my mother. It's only fair to warn you, she's taken, and my father can get a might testy if anyone crowds too close to my mother."

He laughed. "Caught. Actually, I did want to spend time with you. I just wasn't sure what to talk about."

"Tell me about yourself," she suggested.

"Not much to tell. I grew up in Elvin, became a medium when I hit puberty and struggled to deal with it. Then Zestoria set up the school and I ran as fast as I could to beg to be accepted. I was twenty then. The rest is history. Eight years later, I gained my staff and was sent home, only to find out we were about to be attacked by Drow. I almost wish I could have been there for that battle."

"You think it already happened?"

"Yes, I doubt they would have waited long to go searching for those two."

"You're probably right."

"You were impressive. Two fights in three days and you took charge like a pro."

She said, "I didn't ask to lead this group, it just happened."

"Well, you know the area, you know the people, and you have two very large cats to back you up. Pretty good qualifications, I'd say. You're people have lived here for generations. Nobody knows this place like you do. You're the masters of the mountain."

She smiled. "Thank you."

"So tell me, how come a beautiful woman like you hasn't found a mate yet?" he asked, watching her place eggs in a basket.

She paused and looked up at him. "Haven't found the right man, I guess. I think my familiars frighten them off."

"I don't frighten easily," he teased.

"No, most Ritualists don't," she said.

"And you would know," he said pointedly, referring to growing up with her mother.

"Yes, I would know. So are you trying to tell me something, Eli?"

He swallowed. "Yeah, I guess I am."

She turned and faced him, realizing they were the same height; six feet, two inches tall. "Spell it out for me. I'm not good with subtle," she said.

He laughed. "Okay, I'll do my best. Here goes." He paused. "I find you a beautiful, talented, and fascinating woman. I'd like to spend as much time as I can with you and get to know you better. That is, if you're willing to have me around for a bit when this is all over."

She smiled. "Before, during and after, Eli. I'd like that."

"Good."

They stared at each other for another couple of moments and she set her basket of eggs down on the ground. "Before I make a final decision, would you do something for me?"

"Uh oh, she's back-skidding already. What can I do for you, lovely Amarisa?"

"Would you kiss me?"

He sucked in his breath. "Yes, I would," he whispered.

He lowered his face to hers, paused, and then kissed her gently. When her mouth opened, his tongue slid inside and he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. Her arms went around his neck and she kissed him back. For several minutes they explored each other's mouths. She finally pulled away and blew air out of pursed lips. "Okay, that went well," she said in a breathy tone.

He chuckled again. "Yes, it did. Did I pass the test?"

She picked up her egg basket. "With flying colors, Eli. Stick around if you can."

"Count on it, lady."

He turned and followed her back into the house. Tristan raised an eyebrow as he watched her go into the kitchen. Eli went to get his bedroll and lay it out on the floor with the others. Tristan came up behind her in the kitchen. "Hey sis."

She spun and gasped. "Damn it, Tristan, don't sneak up on me like that," she hissed.

He smiled. "Do you have a suitor?" he asked bluntly.

She pursed her lips. "I think so. So don't blow it for me."

He laid his hand in mock horror on his chest. "Me?"

"Yes, you. I'm twenty-seven years old. Save the big brother routine." Even though he'd only been born minutes before her, he teased about being her big brother.

"I wouldn't dream of it," he said innocently.

She snorted. "Yeah, right."

He put his hands on her shoulders. "Risa, if you've found someone, I'm thrilled for you," he said sincerely.

"I don't know for sure, but he's interested."

"He'd be a fool not to be."

"Lots of fools in Brevan then, I guess."

"Yes, there are. Some men don't like strong women. I, for one, love them."

Amarisa smiled. "Yes, you do. You're just like Daddy."

"You and Bamba and Mom are the three strongest women I know and I love you all."

She hugged him. "I'm lonely, Tristan," she whispered.

He hugged her and patted her back. "I know and I'm sorry."

"Not your fault."

"I up and got married. Chased you right out of the house."

"No, you didn't. I chased myself out. I thought maybe if I was on my own, you wouldn't scare guys away."

He chuckled. "Never, just beat them to a pulp if they ever hurt you."

She backed up and slapped his shoulder. "Tristan Wolfsbane, you leave him alone. So help me, if you scare this one away, I'll never forgive you."

"You like him that much, huh?" he asked.

She nodded. "I feel something … special about him."

"I won't get in the way. Maybe your time has come."

"Goddess, I hope so."

SHANIA TOOK


ELI GEMEDES

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Chapter 25
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Brevan
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Alec knocked on the Satana's door and waited. Remos opened the door, took one look at him and stood aside, gesturing for hi to come in. Remos looked at the bruise on his cheek, his cut lip and skinned knuckles. The kid had fought like a demon. Man, he reminded himself. He had killed five Drow on his own before Amarisa's group had showed up. Lanna had told him the first thing he did after the battle was over was to scream her name, before even looking at his injuries. "How you feeling?" he asked quietly.

Alec huffed. "Like I got the crap beat out of me," he joked.

Remos smiled. "Thank you, Alec. You fought well. I couldn't have done better myself."

Alec started to smile but then winced as his lip pulled and his cut opened. He licked the blood and Remos went into the kitchen and returned with a hand towel, handing it to him. "Thanks. I told her to run, but she followed me. Probably saved my life too."

"Alec, you told me you would protect her with your life, and you did. I just wanted to say thank you."

"You're welcome." He paused. "I love her."

"I know."

"I want to marry her, Mr. S," he said quietly. He met Remos' gaze. "I'd like to have your blessing."

Remos smiled. "Alec, she'll always be my little girl, but as far as I'm concerned, she couldn't do better than you. I'd be proud to have you as a son-in-law."

They shook hands. "I'll always take care of her."

"I know you will, son." He turned and hollered down the hall. "Lanna, you've got company."

She came trotting out and ran right up to Alec and wrapped her arms around him. He cradled her gently. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. I've been worried about you."

"I'll be fine. Just wanted to clean up before I saw you again."

She looked him over from head to toe. "And you rushed it by the looks. Follows me," she said sternly.

"Where are we going?' he asked.

"The med hut so I can clean those knuckles and get you something for that lip. Nixie didn't fix those."

"I'm fine, Lanna," he groused.

Remos chuckled. "Lesson number one, don't argue when they want to take care of you."

"Good advice," Valanna said, raising an eyebrow.

Alec licked his lips again. "Lead the way," he said, giving in.

Remos winked at him. Alec stifled his amusement and followed her out the door.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 26
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Womb of Methandru
xxxxxxxxxxxx

Derek was putting Kaliska through her paces. His serious scolding of her regarding dropping her staff had wrought a profound change in her attitude. She was serious and listened attentively to everything he said, practicing his corrections obsessively until she could do them perfectly.

She was frustrated as she tried for about the fifteenth time to widen and then retract a funnel of wind. She could retract it to a smaller size but then couldn't hold it and it would flare into a huge whirling dervish. Derek stood watching, seeing her face contort with concentration. Her lips began to wobble with frustration and then tears began to stream down her cheeks.

"Enough. Banish it," he commanded.

"One more try," she blurted out.

Sternly, he said, "No, I said banish it or I will."

She pulled her staff back and dropped her spell. Even then little eddies of wind scattered dirt and leaves across the practice yard. Derek calmly waved his staff across his body and the air went still.

"I'm sorry," she said, hanging her head.

"Nothing to apologize for."

She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Why can't I get this?" she asked.

He sighed. "You're trying too hard."

"Not hard enough, apparently."

"Come with me," he requested, waving his hand for her to follow.

"Where are we going?"

"For a walk."

"A walk?" she asked skeptically.

"Yes." He held the gate open and walked toward the road. She followed. She never argued much with him or got sassy anymore. They walked in silence for a while and then he veered off the road and onto a foot path into the woods.

"Is there something I need to see out here?" she inquired.

"Yes," he said simply. In a few minutes they came upon a lovely little pond. There were several huge boulders around the edge of it and he climbed up on one and patted the rock beside him. "Sheath your staff and climb up here."

She did as he asked and sat down beside him. "What now?"

"Listen."

"To what?"

"Everything. Close your eyes, open your ears, and listen to mother nature."

They sat in quiet for several long minutes. She could hear the gentle lap of some small waves hitting the edge of the shore as wind sent water scudding across the pond. She heard leaves tapping one another in the breeze, the snap of a twig now and then. She relaxed and turned her face up to the sun, feeling its gentle warmth on her skin. After about a half an hour, Derek said softly, "Open your eyes slowly."

She did and looked around. The colors seemed brighter, the sun warmer and she was relaxed. She shook her arms and realized they were sore, probably from gripping her staff so tightly. "Are you relaxed?" he asked, barely audible.

"Yes."

"Good."

"Why did we come here?"

"So you could relax. Every morning after breakfast, I want you to come here and sit on this rock and commune with nature for about a half an hour before you meet me in the practice field."

"This your way of telling me I'm too uptight?" she asked lightly.

"You do need to relax, but its more than that. Magic comes from nature. To control it, you must feel it."

"And know the spell," she added wryly.

"Yes, but if you can't feel nature, the spell is just a bunch of words."

"You said my staff was my magic."

"No, I said your staff is your control, without it magic runs wild. Your staff is a focal point for you, a way to harness and direct the magic. Nature is magic. To make it obey you, you must feel it in here." He placed his hand lightly below her breast over her heart.

She covered her gasp, but felt warmth steel through her. She felt her heart speed up to a gallop and he removed his hand. She was at once glad and sad at the same time.

He continued. "You are focusing to hard on the mechanics, the words of the spell, the position of your staff, whether or not I'm approving or not."

"Aren't those things important?"

"Yes, to a point, but they are all tools to help you focus your magic, the magic that comes from your heart."

"Easy for you to say, you're perfect at all this," she said, but it wasn't said with resentment.

He laughed then. "Far from it. I want to tell you a story."

"About you?"

"Yes, about me and a horrible mistake I made."

"This I've got to hear," she said.

He smiled. "Five years ago, I had just passed my final tests to become a Master when Drow attacked the Womb."

"I heard about that."

"Yes, well, the battle was over and then I saw this blur of a cape headed for Marianna's flank. I hollered at her to get down and she dropped like a stone. It was a Drow assassin, his blade missed her and we all fired fire darts at him. It was dark and so hard to see, but one of us hit him and he fell. To this day, we don't know which one of us hit him."

Kaliska could tell that wasn't the end of the story. "What happened?"

"I ran to Marianna and grabbed her, feeling her arms, asking if she was alright. In a fit of irony, I hollered at ten seasoned Masters not to let their guard down."

Kaliska snickered.

"But I was thinking that there would be other assassins about. They wear black capes with hoods and wrap their heads in black silk, so you can't see their hair. At night, they are nearly invisible."

"Was there another?"

"No, but the one that dropped wasn't dead, and none of us thought to make sure. We were all so focused on making sure Marianna was okay." He paused. "That's when it happened."

"Your mistake? What happened?"

"The assassin sat up suddenly and swung a blade at Marianna. He was wounded by playing dead."

"Oh my goodness! Did he hurt her?"

Derek turned and looked at her. "No, he hurt me, because I flung my body in front of her. His blade sliced across my chest."

Kaliska gasped.

"It was poisoned," he added.

"Poison! Oh Goddess! You survived obviously but why on earth did you throw yourself in front of her?"

"You mean why didn't I fire off a fire dart or a lightening bolt? Or use the wind to push him back or the earth to disarm him?"

"Yes," she said quietly.

He stared at her for a moment and then said, "Because when I'd rushed to Marianna, I'd tossed my staff on the ground. I was unarmed and had nothing but my body to shield her with. But guess what?"

"What?' she asked quietly, swallowing hard. His harsh reprimand suddenly making a lot more sense.

"Marianna, the true Master, had never let go of her staff – not when she dove to the ground, not when she sat up and I was pawing her in panic; and not even when I fell from a poisoned blade. Kneeling on the ground, she scrambled his insides with a fire dart at point blank range … with her staff."

"And you?" she asked in whisper.

"And I almost paid with my life for that stupid mistake. If not for Senira, I wouldn't be here. She tended me night and day for three days without rest. And my Master, Marianna Foster, taught me my final and most important lesson on the last day of my training."

"Never, ever, drop your staff," Kaliska repeated.

He smiled at her. "I'm sorry if I scared you that day."

"It's alright. I deserved it."

"You needed to know, but I was a bit harsh and you've been way too concerned with upsetting me ever since."

"Maybe."

"I never wanted you to be afraid of me, Kaliska. It's getting in the way, distracting you. I just over reacted. I never want you to make the same stupid mistake I did, the one that almost cost me everything."

"That's why you told me the story?"

"Yes, I wanted you to understand why I was so upset. It wasn't fair of me to be so harsh. On the other hand, it's an important lesion to remember. You were a bit cavalier about your power when we began, and you needed to understand that magic can be dangerous if not properly harnessed." He paused. "I also wanted you to see this place. It's very peaceful here. I come here myself to meditate and you needed a break."

"So recap today's lesson for me, Master," she said, a tiny lilt in her voice.

He grinned. "One, relax around me. I'm not going to bite."

She giggled.

"Two, try to feel what you want in your heart. Visualize what you want before you even utter the spell. The words and your staff will follow your heart, not the other way around. And three, come here and tune into the elements before you come see me each day."

"Done, done, and done," she said.

"That's the spirit," he said.

"What're we doing for the rest of the afternoon?" she inquired.

He waggled his eyebrows. "How does a horseback ride sound?"

"A horseback ride? For fun?"

"Yeah, we're taking the rest of the day off. There are horses in the stable that need exercise. You up for it?"

"Absolutely, Master," she said immediately.

"When we're not working, call me Derek," he requested.

She smiled. "Okay … Derek. Let's go."

He slid off the boulder and extended his hand. She grasped it and he helped her down. He went to release her and she squeezed his hand. "Thanks for telling me that story and bringing me here. You're a good teacher, Derek."

"You're welcome." He let go of her hand, reminding himself that she was his adept and he shouldn't feel more than friendship for her. He had to maintain the student/teacher relationship. It was so hard to steel himself when she smiled at him like that. He'd felt her heart start to race when he'd placed his hand on her chest. Knowing his touch had affected her in any way had made his pants tighten. Fortunately, he'd been able to tamp it down. He had to get thinking about something else. "While we ride, you can tell me about life at Tahl Manor."

"Oh boy."

He laughed. "I've been to the hospital, but I want to hear about the infamous Tahl Manor."

"Sure you do," she said sarcastically, sounding like her old perky self.

"I do. My father works for yours."

"He does?"

"Yes, my father's name is Nothar Depota. He's a rogue in the guild. I owe your father a great deal. When I was a baby, a fairy diagnosed me. I used to convulse. She told my parents to feed me bananas every day. Your father arranged to have bananas delivered to them every week. He paid for them and for the delivery. He never asked for anything in return." He paused. "Goddess, he did that for nearly fourteen years till I grew out of it around fifteen."

"I didn't know that."

He smiled. "Your father is a generous man, a great man in my book."

"Your mother run's Amarizi's Apothecary?" she asked.

He nodded. "That's the one."

"My mother gets all her herbs and tinctures and unguents from there!"

"Of course, everyone knows your mother."

"Of course," she said, rolling her eyes.

He smiled. "When I heard you were going to be my new adept, I was a little nervous."

"Why?"

"The great Lyzea Tahl's daughter. Kyruby was assigning you with me? What the devil was she thinking?" he said in an exaggerated fashion.

Kaliska laughed now. "Having famous parents can suck sometimes, you know?"

"I imagine it could, but you definitely lucked out with those two."

"Yeah, I did. Small world."

"Indeed."

Xxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 27
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Ocelot
Fongel Forest
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After some discussion, they decided Yvette, Edward, Vincenza and Nixie would stay in Ocelot with Jhultrin and Tartree until they received word that it was safe to leave and a place had been found for them. Amarisa, Eli, Tristan, Bamba, Tamatha, and Kiera would travel to the Womb of Methandru and find out the status of the mages intention to booby trap the Drow exit. This would give Bamba a chance to visit her brother as well. Kiera liked the idea of going back with the mages. If they had been there and gone then the Drow had been able to detect and remove their spells and that was bad news.

Kiera hoped they simply hadn't been there yet. They moved Jhultrin and Tartee into Adonna's house where they would stay. There were three bedrooms. One had been Adonna's, one had been Kethtia's and the third had been for guests. Yvette and Edward took one, Jhultrin and Tartree took the second, and Vincenza took the third. Nixie agreeably said she'd camp out on the couch. Shania Took was also a midwife and would be on hand when Jhultrin's time came to give birth.

The others left, glad to be without the wagon and able to ride. They would make it to the Womb in much better time. Having been given the kiss of encouragement, Eli rode beside Amarisa and peppered her with questions. Between she and Tristan, they kept the group entertained with stories of Brevan and it's various residents. The twins asked about Gil, who was their parents' friend, and Colby McKent's mentor since their journey over twenty years ago. Kiera told them he was now 75 years old but still vital. He was on the monk's Council of Elders and one of the revered voices of wisdom at Meadow Abbey. He spent his days gardening and tinkering in his private herb garden, and tending the banana groves.

Xxxxxxxxxx

They camped one night at the turn to the Womb off the main road. Everyone else had crawled into their tents. Eli stood and held out his hand to Amarisa. She stood and took his hand. "Would you come to my tent tonight?" he asked.

"I don't know, Eli," she said, hesitating.

"I do not expect to be your lover tonight. I'm just not ready to sleep. Just let me hold you for a while. Let's see how it feels," he coaxed.

She nodded and he led her to his tent. They crawled in and she stripped down to her tunic, which unbelted, covered everything. He left his pants on and they crawled under the furs. He lay on his back and she curled into his side, laying her head on his shoulder. Her thigh hitched up over his and he sighed, squeezing her with the arm around her back.

She tilted her head up to look at him. "Will you kiss me again?" she whispered.

"Thought you'd never ask." He rolled to his side and they made out for a long while until they were both breathless. He finally pulled back. "I have to stop if I'm to remain a gentleman. I want to court you properly, Amarisa."

"I don't care about proper," she replied.

"Don't make this harder, no pun intended, than it already is," he teased.

She groaned at his bad joke and buried her face in his neck.

"I know, I feel the same way. But if this is meant to be, it will still be there for us later."

"Not too much later I hope," she mumbled.

He chuckled ruefully. "You could tempt a God, Amarisa. Don't worry. I won't be able to wait very long if you keep this up."

"Keep what up?"

"Smooching on me," he clarified.

She grinned. "Then I'll have to keep it up."

"Oh Grenth, I'm doomed," he teased in mock horror.

They rearranged themselves and he spooned up behind her. Despite their suggestive banter, they both managed to curl up and fall sleep.

Xxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 28
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City of Shar
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Petyr and ten other soldiers had escaped the battle at Elvin. Five were from House Xun, three from House Cor, and two from House Vic. He had failed miserably. Not only had they lost the battle and over a hundred soldiers and archers, they had failed to find Jhultrin. He was unsure if his life expectancy would last beyond the end of the day.

Irae had railed in fury, demanding to know what happened, and all the details. He'd told of the Elves joining forces with Dwarves, Humans and Amazons. He told of the witches summoning spirits that weakened the warriors. And then he told of the dragons. She'd gaped at him, hardly able to believe that not one, but four dragons had assaulted the army and decimated what was left of the troops.

She ranted that she should take his head for this failure. Her daughter, Issua had stepped in at that point, risking her mother's wrath and saying that unfortunately, they were going to need all the soldiers they had left. All three houses were now diminished to an alarming degree and until they replenished their population, which could take years, they couldn't afford to execute people, failure or not. She was clearly unhappy about not being able to vent her rage, but Irae had agreed with her daughter.

A day later, a silent one had returned. He informed Irae that there were two humans that the Elves called 'the Dragon Masters'. It was rumored that they could call the dragons to aid them. He hadn't believed it himself at first, but after seeing what happened during the battle, he could only assume that the rumors were true. How else could four dragons show up at a battle? Was it not a bad omen from Kalai-pahoa that they were siding with the surface putas? He also advised that rumor had it that her daughter had been taken to Kongel in the company of Vincenza Ardul.

She asked him, "Do you have a recommendation, malael oli?"

"I recommend you count your daughter as lost and stop looking for her."

"Stop looking for her?"

"Yes, Mistress. Almost all troops have been wiped out. Confidentially, even the troops sent to Kongel by Naricon Vic have not returned or reported back to him. This does not bode well. I fear they met the same fate as our warriors that attacked Elvin. If that is the case, or until we know, we must be careful not to diminish our house any further. If those troops survive and return, they will outnumber our own."

"Are you saying House Vic might attempt a coup?"

"It is possible, but only if their troops return. If not, we will remain in power, but all of us are reaching a critical point. I recommend waiting a bit longer to see if those troops return. If not, then I would accept our losses and regroup. Perhaps your other daughter could be designated as your successor?"

Irae stood silent, still seething with fury. She wanted to kill someone, if only to vent her rage, but she understood what they were saying. She was in danger of losing power if Vic's troops returned. If not, she retained power, but the entire Drow race was so diminished that it would be more than impolitic to continue looking for Jhultrin, it would be foolhardy. She was many things, but a fool wasn't one of them. As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn't afford to lose any more men. If they didn't start having babies soon, they were in danger of dying out. It was a situation they had never faced before.

The fact that Kalai-pahoa's avatars were fighting against them was not good either. The malael oli said he was sure one of the dragons was Quetzacoatl. House Helvi had earned her scorn generations ago. If she had returned, it could only be bad news for them as well. While Zoggar had banned Drow from the surface, she thought that his ire may have cooled by now. She'd never told the other houses of the ban. If their Seekers and silent ones were killed while on the surface, it was nothing to her. So, at least two of the four dragons were against them with reason.

The two younger avatars would probably follow Zoggar's lead. Why would their God turn against them? She didn't understand. "We will follow your advice," she said finally. "You're dismissed."

He nodded and left. She turned to Issua. "Where is Kole?" He was her latest consort.

Petyr said, "He is one that didn't return, Mistress."

"Damn!" she swore. Then she turned to Petyr. "It's your lucky day, Petyr. Instead of your head lying on my floor, it's going to lie on my pillow."

"Yes, Mistress. Whatever you wish."

She turned to Issua again. "You are my new successor. Post a bann in the city square. All women of child bearing age are to cease all contraception. We need to start making babies."

"Even you, Mother?" she asked.

Irae peered at Petyr. "Yes, even me."

Xxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 29
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Drow Cave Exit
Xxxxxxxxxxx

Kiera and Tamatha teamed up with Kyruby and Senira to trek back to the Drow cave exit and lay spells. Tristan, Bamba, Eli and Amarisa went with them for protection.

Kiera went first and placed her spells near the rear of the cave where the tunnel entered the cave. Her smiting spells would trigger once anyone stepped out of the tunnel into the cave. Kyruby laid trap spells at the entrance to the cave. If there were Drow in Kongel and they tried to return, her spells would trigger upon entering the cave.

It took them hours and it was mid-afternoon by the time they finished. Pander suddenly said, "I have an idea. I'm going to cast some illusion spells in this area. Maybe we can have them going in circles trying to find this again if they try to return this way."

Tristan smiled. "Like the spells that used to blanket the Forsaken Mountain?"

"Yes, back when the fairies were bound to the lake, they cast spells of misdirection and optical illusions that prevented people from finding the lake and disturbing the fairies holding vigil there. I can do the same thing here."

"You weren't even alive then," Amarisa commented.

He grinned. "No, but we all learn that history. And I know the spells. I'll start here, and we'll circle out."

Kiera asked, "Can you make it so they only affect Drow? We don't want hunters blundering around in this forest if we can help it."

"Good point," Tristan said.

Pander frowned. "No, I can't make it specific to Drow, but I can make it specific to those with impure hearts or bad intentions."

"That should cover it," Amarisa said.

They spent the next two hours walking in a widening circle as Pander cast illusion after illusion and spells of misdirection. When he was done he blew air out of his pursed lips. "Whew, I'm exhausted."

Tristan pulled out a jar of peanut paste and a eucalyptus leaf for him, and fed him honey from thimble.

Kyruby said, "We need to inform the councils of each area that these spells exist here, just in case. I can tell the mages, obviously."

"I can inform the Abbey, not that they would have any reason to come here anyway."

Tamatha said, "I have to report back to the King anyway when this is over. I'll tell my uncle. He can make sure the Alley Rogues know."

"Bamba and I can inform Brevan and Forest Haven."

Amarisa said, "That just leaves Ocelot and the Mill Valley Caves. At some point, we'll have to return to Ocelot anyway. In the meantime, I can go to Mill Valley and inform Cafedra."

Eli said, "I'll go with you."

She smiled. Tristan winked at her. It would give the pair some time alone.

"What now?" Tristan asked.

"I know it seems wasteful, but I don't think any of us should travel alone just yet. The groups we've run into have been anywhere from six to eighteen. Those are bad odds if we travel two by two."

Bamba said, "I agree. It may take more time. But I suggest we stick together for now. Let's take Kiera home first. That'll put Tamatha less than a day from the City."

Kyruby said, "Senira and I can go back to the Womb ourselves."

Amarisa frowned. "No, I know you both are powerful mages, but anyone can be overwhelmed by numbers. We have no idea how many are here."

"All right," she acquiesced. "Can we go to the Womb after dropping Kiera at the Meadow Abbey?"

"Yes, and we'll try to hurry. We don't want them to worry about you."

That settled, they all began the trek to the Meadow Abbey. It was on the western side of Fongel Forest and would take about a day and half to get there. They mounted and headed for the Abbey.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Fongel Forest
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

They had crossed the main road and headed southwest toward Meadow Abbey. They'd startled a deer out of hiding and Amarisa had taken it down from the back of her horse. She'd gutted it and draped the carcass over the back of her saddle. It was getting dark and Amarisa called a halt. "We'd better make camp. It's almost dark."

They found a clearing off the path and pitched their tents close together. Kyruby and Senira gathered wood and made a fire pit surrounded by rocks. Amarisa and Bamba skinned the deer and Tristan cut some flank steaks off it and they cooked them on a spit over the fire. Kiera produced a bag of bananas from her pack and handed them out. They were cleaning up when Shorshai leaped to his feet and growled. In seconds, Shorikos and Ebony were on their feet. They were all looking north of the camp.

Amarisa hissed, "Head's up!"

Everyone stood and grabbed their weapons. Eli raised his staff. His eyes washed white and he began to mutter under his breath. Amarisa and Bamba slinked into the trees and disappeared. The rest waited. A couple seconds later, blue and white wisps appeared in front of Eli and darted northwest into the trees.

A shout was heard and then they saw them. They were fanned out in a semi-circle. Tristan released a battle cry and plunged toward the nearest foe. Pander duplicated him and blurred his form. Tristan leaped into the air, kicked his foe in the chest, staggering him. Then he swung his broadsword in an arc and slashed his throat. He repeated this tactic as more came for him. A few were hit so hard, they were minus their heads.

Kiera muttered a spell and her body enshrouded with a golden aura. She shrieked and followed Tristan, flanking him. She swung her mace with fury, holding a shield in her left hand. She would smash the shield into a Drow's face, making them stagger and then whirl her mace while they stumbled. She broke one's arm and he dropped his spear. Her second swing smashed his head like a pumpkin. Another came at her from the side, grabbed her arm while swinging a long sword. He shrieked in pain upon contact. Her aura had burned the skin right off his hand. She bashed him in the face and crushed his chest with a swing of her mace. At five feet, two inches, she didn't even reach Tristan's shoulder but was doing a credible job of protecting his back.

Kyruby and Senira followed. Kyruby picked some off with fire darts. Senira's forte was lightening and she fired bolts of lightening at their weapon arms, disarming them and Kyruby would kill them with fire darts.

The big cats would herd Drow toward Bamba and Amarisa and they would fire arrows at them from the trees they'd climbed.

They kept coming. In the dark, it was impossible to tell how many there were. Eli called the martyrs and golden spirits with wings appeared, and swept into the battle. They spread out into the trees and chased the enemies into a ball toward the fighters. Some they killed with spears of light.

Amarisa saw a Drow bearing down on Shorshai. She shrieked, "Shorshai, heel!"

He lunged toward the base of her tree. The Drow raised his spear and cocked his arm back. Amarisa scrambled to get another arrow prepped. Just before he could release his throw, Tamatha was there and hurled a short spear over-handed. It lodged in his throat. He coughed up blood and fell where he stood.

There was no time to thank her. The young paragon whirled, ran full tilt about ten feet and leaped into the air, hurling another short spear in the opposite direction. It lodged in a Drow's side and he staggered. Ebony leapt on him and tore out his throat.

It was quiet suddenly and they all looked around, alert for any other enemies. Eli muttered, directing the spirits to find any other evil nearby. A shriek was heard and everyone turned, looking up to see a spirit in a tree. It rushed a black blob and a body dropped from the tree to the ground. Kyruby shot him with a fire dart and he fell.

A few seconds later, spirits and martyrs gathered together and surrounded Eli. He thanked them for their service, confident there were no more enemies and they dissipated like smoke. They gathered back near their tents, bloody and dirty, but relatively unscathed.

Kiera pulled out her first aid kit. Kyruby and Senira began cleaning cuts and scrapes. Kiera began muttering healing spells to close up cuts and scrapes once they were cleaned out. She looked at Eli and noticed him rubbing his forehead. "Headache?"

"Yeah," he croaked.

She pulled a small metal pot out of her pack, filled it with water and put it on the fire to heat. She pulled out mint leaves and crushed them up, then strained the water, once hot through a fine cheese cloth into a mug. She added a pinch of bitters and handed it to him. "Drink that, it will help your head."

He sipped, made a face, but said, "Thanks." He continued sipping the tea. "What are we going to do about the bodies?"

Amarisa said, "We'll pile them up tomorrow."

Kyruby said, "I can burn them, but I don't want to stumble around in the woods right now gathering them up."

"Me either," Amarisa said. "But they stink."

Senira opened one of the pouches on her belt and pulled out a small jar. She opened it and dipped her finger in it and smeared a small amount of the salve under her nose. She handed it to Amarisa. It was eucalyptus paste. She followed Senira's example and they passed it around. It would suffice to keep the smell from making them sick till morning. "You sure you're okay, Tristan?" Amarisa asked. "I'm wishing we had Edward or another warrior with us."

He grinned. "I'm fine. I had my own pocket monk here watching my back." He patted her on the head. It amused her as much as it did his mother, which is to say, not at all. "Watch it, big man or I'll heal you last next time," she threatened. "Good things come in small packages."

Tristan laughed and hugged Bamba to his side with one arm. "Oh, I know."

Kiera snorted. "She's not small. You're just a giant."

Amid amused chuckles, Amarisa said, "Okay. That's enough. Let's get some sleep."

They crawled into their tents after throwing sand on the fire and fell into an exhausted sleep.

They found twenty-six bodies in the morning and piled them up. They placed rocks around the pyre and swept leaves away from the piled bodies. Kyruby created a concentrated fire rain over the pile and set them all on fire. Senira created a gentle wind to blow the smoke away. They waited till they were burnt up to ash, making sure that no stray sparks lit anything in the forest on fire.

Then they packed up and traveled the rest of the way to Meadow Abbey. They didn't know it yet, but that was the last of the Vic troops that had been sent to Kongel.

SENIRA TYL

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Chapter 30
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Womb of Methandru
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

They delivered Kiera safely back to the Abbey. Tamatha decided to visit with Gil with a day or two. Kiera assured them that they would send someone with her when she returned to the City to report in so that she didn't have to travel alone. Gil expressed a desire to visit Colby, so Tamatha decided she would report to the King, then escort Gil to First Station before doing her month long stint at the Mountain Tunnel.

The group went to the Womb of Methandru and saw Kyruby and Senira home. They stayed an extra day so Bamba could visit with Derek. He gave Kaliska the day off from training and the four of them ended up spending the day together. They were leaving in the morning. They stopped outside Derek's quarters and Bamba said, "I need to talk to Derek for a minute. I'll meet you in our guest room."

Tristan nodded. "Okay. Good night. Good to see you again, Derek."

"You also. Have a good trip back." Tristan shook his hand and walked off down the hall.

Kaliska said, "Good night. Nice to meet you, Bamba."

"You too."

Bamba followed Derek inside his quarters. They didn't realize that the door hadn't shut all the way. It was open a crack. Kaliska knew she should go to her room but she stood quietly outside the door.

Bamba asked, "So what's the deal with Kaliska?"

"What do you mean?"

Bamba smiled. "I see the way you look at her. You like her don't you?"

"She's my adept, Bamba."

"I know that. So what?"

"So, it would be inappropriate for me to have romantic feelings for her."

Bamba smiled. "That doesn't mean you don't."

He clucked his tongue. "Let it go, Bamba. It's not going to happen."

"Says who?"

"Says me, and the entire mage's council. It's against the rules."

"She won't be an adept forever."

He swallowed. "I'm her teacher. She doesn't feel that way about me anyway, even if I was so inclined, which I'm not."

"Liar," she said bluntly. "Derek, you might fool everyone else, but you don't fool me. You can't take your eyes off her."

He talked through his teeth. "Bamba, for once, just let it go."

She sighed. "I just want you to be happy."

"Yeah, well. We don't always get what we want, do we?" he said in a snarky tone.

"So you do want her," she stated.

He sighed heavily. "She's beautiful, yes. Anybody can see that. She's powerful and smart and charming and will be as great a Master as her mother some day. Yes, she fascinates me sometimes, but she's still my student."

"Until she becomes a Master."

"Yes."

"And then?"

"And then, I don't know. We'll see."

"How close is she?"

"Close. She needs more control."

"Derek, I understand the rules, but sometimes … rules can be broken. You're not the only Master here."

"She was assigned to me. My first adept and I will finish training her, damn it. I'm not going to fail my first time out of the gate. She's Kyruby's granddaughter, for Goddess sake!"

"Even a Revered Mother's granddaughter needs love," she said.

He snorted. "I will not break the rules. Especially not with her. Kyruby would flay me alive."

"Then get her trained."

"Sure, I'll just snap my fingers and make that happen," he said sarcastically.

"Derek, all I'm saying is … follow your heart. You won't be sorry."

"Speaking from experience?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Life is so much fuller with someone to share it with. I thought my life was complete until I met Tristan. Then I realized how much I was missing. I want that for you. You're lonely. You've been lonely for a long time. Don’t think I haven't noticed. Damn it, Derek, you deserve to be happy."

He swallowed hard. "She won't take as long to train as most. She had a wicked head start with Lyzea training her early on, but she still needs work. Lonely or not, I'll find the right woman or I won't. There's nothing I can do about it either way."

"I think you already found her. Derek, just don't let her leave here without finding out if she's the one."

Kaliska slipped away down the hall, her heart pounding.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Before breakfast the next morning, Kaliska knocked on their door. Bamba opened it and waved her in. Tristan kissed her and said he'd meet her in the cafeteria, suspecting the two girls wanted to talk privately.

"Bamba?"

"Yes?"

"Your brother, um, what would he do if, you know, if I were to try and have a relationship with him?

Bamba smiled. "Derek is a passionate man, Kaliska, but he never met a rule worth breaking."

Kaliska chuckled. "He can be a very stern teacher."

"Are you asking my advice?"

"Yes."

"Become a Master first. Give it everything you've got and make it happen. It's important to him that he succeed in his first training assignment. If he fails or you leave before that happens or transfer to another Master, he will blame himself, but he also might end up resenting you for that. But once you are no longer his student, go for it. Derek is a perfectionist. He doesn't do anything half way once he decides to do it, but he doesn't take a lot of risks."

"Why?"

"He convulsed as a child. He learned to take care of himself, sacrifice and do a lot of things he didn't want to do. It made him incredibly disciplined and focused."

"He's an amazing Master. He makes it seem effortless."

"Yes, but it also scarred him, Kaliska. He learned that he has limitations, and he won't take a risk unless he's fairly certain of success."

"So you're saying he would have to be sure I wouldn't reject him."

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. You'll have to be the one to make the first move, whether you're no longer his student or not. But he cares for you. I know my brother, and it's taking everything he has to stick to the rules with you."

Kaliska smiled. "Thanks for talking with me."

"No problem. Oh, one last tip."

"What's that?"

"Don't EVER offer him a banana. You'll make him throw up."

Kaliska's eyes got wide and she nodded, but then she remembered him telling her of having to eat bananas every day as a kid—bananas her father paid for and had delivered to his parents.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tristan, Bamba, Amarisa and Eli left the next morning. When they reached the crossroads, Tristan and Bamba continued north toward Brevan and Amarisa and Eli went southeast to Mill Valley.

Once they delivered their message to Cafedra, the Head Necromancer at Mill Valley, they decided to head back to Brevan. Cafedra offered them quarters for the night and they accepted. They slept together again but still didn't make love. Once under way the next morning, Amarisa said, "I can't wait much longer. Once we get to Brevan, you and me are going to have a serious talk. I don't want our first time to be in a tent, but this is getting ridiculous."

He laughed and smiled at her. "I can't wait."

Xxxxxxxxx
Brevan
Xxxxxxxxxx

Amarisa and Eli arrived home in Brevan to find out Tristan and Bamba had already left for Forest Haven to give them an update on what was going on and inform them of the spells surrounding the Drow cave exit. Kethtia asked if they needed to prepare a guest cottage for Eli. Amarisa boldly told her, "No, Eli will be staying with me."

Kethtia responded, "Oh … oh!" Then she smiled widely, glad her daughter had found someone finally. She'd wondered if she'd ever find a mate. She was a late bloomer, like her mother. That night she invited the pair over to their house after dinner.

Eli said, "It's an honor to meet you, Mrs. Wolfsbane."

She smiled. "You as well."

"Zestoria talks of you often. I think she compares all of us to you, and we all fall short."

She laughed. "Nonsense, I was just her first success. That sticks with you, I think. You earned your staff and that's all that matters."

Amarisa and Kethtia drifted into the kitchen to make tea. Eli sat looking at Brock. He was uncomfortable. Brock Wolfsbane was an enormous man and he wondered if he should have accepted Amarisa's invitation to stay at her home. The man was staring at him like he'd like to relieve him of his head. "Sir, is something wrong? Have I unwittingly violated some Barbarian custom or moray?"

Brock huffed. "No. I just don't know you yet."

Eli nodded. "I'd like to ask you some things."

Brock raised his eyebrows, waiting.

"I wish to court your daughter properly, but I'm afraid I'm a bit ignorant of Barbarian customs."

Brock pursed his lips. "Well, if you're serious about her, you first give her a shodai'urai."

"The Elves do that."

Brock nodded. "It is a statement of intention. Then you usually bring her gifts, the more practical the better – but jewelry or frivolous things are alright as well." He paused. "How serious are you?" he asked.

Eli met his gaze. "Very. I'm in love with her already."

"Has she taken you as a lover?" he asked boldly.

Eli jerked in surprise. "No! Uh, not yet."

"Well, when the time comes, we have a special ritual. It is a commitment to marry. If she accepts, it means she rejects all other suitors and commits to marry you at a future date. We call it 'mating before Methandru'. Look, she's my daughter, it's hard for me to talk about this with you."

"I understand."

"Ask Tristan, or any of the men here. They'll give you the details."

"Thank you, sir. I just want to do it right."

"Just don't ever betray or hurt her."

"I promise I won't. I'm not a man who makes women a conquest. I've only been with one other, a long time ago."

Brock nodded. "Just treat her well, love her and respect her. That's all I ask. I know she's overdue to find a mate, but its still hard for me think about her as a grown woman sometimes."

"I understand." The women returned at that point and cut off any further discussion.

Xxxxxxxxxx

That night, they finally made love. Sparks flew and Amarisa was sure she'd finally found the one. In the two months that followed, Eli gave her a ring that he designed with Kendall and had Wolfer make for him. Amarisa had a solaral made into a necklace, much like the one Tristan had given Bamba and gave it to him to wear. They spent their days talking and telling stories about their life.

After asking several men to explain the engagement process, the time finally came. He led her into the bedroom and surprised her by uttering the words. "I mate in holy union before Methandru. Do you accept me willingly?"

She'd cried but then said, "Yes! Oh Goddess, yes. Make me yours." And he did.

Eli's mother lived in Elvin. His father had passed away. He would want to return to visit his mother and let her know he was moving to Brevan. As well, he wanted to pack up some of his belongings and bring them back with him. He figured he would go with the group that brought Jhultrin and Tartree back to Morin and he would make use of that trip to accomplish both missions.

Xxxxxxxxx
Chapter 31
Xxxxxxxx
Ocelot
Xxxxxxxx

Two months later, Jhultrin gave birth to a healthy, seven pound baby girl, Kaes, which meant 'gem' in Elven. During their tenure in Ocelot, they had been subjected to lessons about life on the surface on a daily basis. Vincenza, having gone through it all before, understood their confusion and reluctance to accept some things.

The Oracle received a vision that the baby had been born and Methandru guided her to have the Drow retrieved and returned to Morin. In the end, it was all very anti-climactic. Amarisa joined them on their return trip, going with Eli to Ocelot and then on to Morin, to meet his mother.

Xxxxxxxxx
Morin
Xxxxxxxxxx

The whole group packed them up and headed for the Pass. Upon returning to Morin, Jhultrin and Tartree were brought to the Dragon clearing. Ellory and Duvan called the dragons. Their reaction was much the same as Vincenza's had been; shock and awe.

Zoggar agreed to let them seek sanctuary in Marshville if they swore an oath to the Village. They agreed and their oath was taken. Delia Marsh, along with Draco and several Amazons agreed to make the trip and they were escorted to Marshville, which was a long tiring, month-long trip.

Zoggar and Quetzacoatl returned ahead of them and informed Gabrielle, the shaman of the village that the two Drow had been granted sanctuary and were to swear fealty to her, the leader of the village.

Duvan and Cyrida returned to Kongel and their cave home. Ellory and Flynx decided to stay a bit longer and visit with Yvette, Wyeth, and Emma. They would head back to Kongel for the summer months. The people of the village had returned to Dawnrest after their sequestering in the mountain with the Dwarves. Life resumed a normal pace.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Remos' blessing in hand, Alec proposed to Valanna. He mated her before Methandru and he moved her into his home with him. The wedding was planned for summertime. He wasn't going to waste any more time. His battle with the Drow brought into stark focus how short life could be. They married as soon as everything could be arranged.

"Are you happy, Mrs. Valin?" he asked, as they relaxed on the couch after dinner one night.

"Deliriously happy," she said, giggling. He loved to call her Mrs. Valin.

"I can't believe you're finally mine. And you're father never even beat me up once," he teased.

She laughed. "He's always like you, Alec. But that Drow attack when I was twelve changed him. He got so protective, and not just of me, of all three of us."

"I understood that. I respected that."

"He had a hard time letting my safety be turned over to someone else. Not because he didn't think you were capable, just because he was scared of failing himself."

"I know. I was afraid of the same thing. I was so scared when I thought I was going to be overwhelmed by those Drow and I might fail to protect you."

"You are my hero," she teased.

He laughed and leaned over to kiss her. Then he said, "Here's to hoping I never have to be again."

She nodded. "I'd be just fine with that.

Xxxxxxxxx

Six months later, Derek declared Kaliska a Master. He had Kyruby test her as well to make sure. It was fastest anyone had ever gone from adept to Master. She was awarded her crystal staff. That very night, she knocked on his bedroom door.

When he opened it, she walked in, closed it behind her. "Is everything alright?" he asked.

"Yes, fine."

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

"I want to talk about you and me."

"What about you and me?"

"You don't know?"

"No."

"Derek, I've been attracted to you since the day we met."

His eyes bored into her now.

"Remember the day you took me to the pond and you placed your hand here," she said, taking his hand and placing it on her chest. "You had to feel my heart start to race."

"Yeah, I thought you were afraid of me."

"I was never afraid of you, only humbled by you. I was afraid only of letting you down. I wanted to impress you. Instead, it seemed that I was failing every time I turned around."

He walked to his desk and faced away from her, leaning his hands on the desktop. "You never disappointed me."

She walked up behind him, so close he could feel her body heat. He tensed, but she placed her hands on his hips anyway. He sucked in air, hissing through his teeth as his body reacted to her touch. "Bamba told me I would have to make the first move."

He whirled to face her and she dropped her hands. "Bamba? What did she say?" he nearly shouted.

"Don't be angry. I asked her what you would do if I tried to start a relationship with you. She said to wait."

"Why?"

Kaliska said. "She said you'd never met a rule worth breaking."

He chuffed with amusement.

"She also said that succeeding with me was very important to you, so I should become a Master first." She stepped into him and looked up into his face. "Have I read you all wrong, Derek? Is this just all on my side? I need to know."

He backed up again and sat in his desk chair facing her, looking up at her, unsure what to say. "Kaliska, what do you want me say? What do you want me to do?"

She walked up to him and straddled his legs, sitting firmly in his lap and said, "You can kiss me."

He'd gulped but then said, "Are you sure?"

"Very sure. I'm no longer your student."

It was last words spoken for a long time. As she reached her peak she shouted, "I love you!"

xxxxxxxxx

When it was over and they were curled up together, she smiled. "Oh yeah, that was worth the wait," she mumbled.

He began to laugh and kissed her again. "I'm in trouble Kaliska."

"Why's that?"

"Cause I fell in love with my student."

"I'm not your student anymore," she reminded him.

"Then what are you?"

"I don't know, but I know what you are to me."

"What's that?"

"The love of my life," she announced.

"I can work with that," he said in a voice rough with satisfaction.

He kissed her again and rolled to the side. They cleaned up and then changed the sheets on the bed. They slid back in and he spooned up behind her. She fit perfectly into the cradle of his body. Her head on his bicep, his knees behind hers. Her feet only reached his mid-calf and he realized how small she was. He'd never considered himself a big man, just a tall, skinny one, but Kaliska made him feel monstrous. He felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him and he squeezed her tightly, nosing the damp skin at the base of her neck. "Damn me for a fool, but I'm so in love with you," he whispered.

She smiled slyly. "I love you too, Derek. How do you feel about Maruk?"

He chuckled. "I grew up there."

"Ever think about leaving the Womb and returning?"

"I think that could be arranged." He paused. "Kyruby is going to flip out."

She giggled. "Maybe not so much. She sees much more than most give her credit for."

"Yeah, she probably knows you're in here right now."

"Yup. And if she had a problem with it, she would have come in here after me and interrupted us, but she didn't."

"And what does that tell you?"

"She approves."

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

A month after that, they both left the Womb and moved to Tahl Manor. Kashmir had five rooms upstairs converted into an apartment for them. They both worked in the hospital and oversaw adepts sent by Kyruby for their training. They were married the following summer.


KAES VIC


ALEC/VALANNA

Xxxxxxxxxx
Epilogue
xxxxxxxxxx

The Drow were suspiciously absent. No one would let their guard down for some time but many wondered just how deep a blow they had struck to the Drow. Little did they know, it would be generations before they would be a threat again.

The Gods appeared in the ether. "Kalai-pahoa is not a threat at present," Grenth announced. "He is down to a handful of worshippers. I have rewarded one of mine with one of yours," he said to Methandru. She nodded. "More students are going to the school in Morin. My influence is spreading."

Lyssa said, "More rogues are being trained and the faithful are rewarded with positions of trust and administration so they can spend more time with their families."

They all gave their reports on the various changes and rewards that had bestowed on their followers.

"Seems everything is in order," Methandru announced. "Call a meet if anyone detects trouble from the Drow or elsewhere. "Ceshar. A'Laena Sar." Good-bye. Until we meet again.

THE END.

Thanks, Lala. Was hoping to catch you online. Hope we see more of Warlords soon!

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