Dragon Riders

Azrayel-

Ray panted, sweat coated his body and plastered the shirt to his chest. There were about a dozen long cuts on his body, none of them serious. Kale was a bit worse off, if Ray was tired, he was exhausted, from swinging that huge axe. The two had been fighting since dawn, and it was now well on the way to midday.

"Enough." Ray snarled. "Time to end this." He slashed one scimitar across Kale's chest in a faint. When he jumped back to dodge Kale leaped in and pulled both scimitars upwards, slashing him all across the torso. The cuts were deep and too close together for anyone but the most skilled healer to fix. The wounds weren't fatal, but given time Kale would eventually bleed out.

Enraged Kale tossed his axe, and when Ray dodged he charged him. The pair grappled for awhile, and it looked like Kale had the upperhand. When he smashed his fist into Ray's arm, Ray winced feeling the bone in his wrist break.

Snarling he kicked the other boy down and placed both scimitars on either side of Kale's neck. Pausing, he stared into Kale's eyes. "What are you waitng for? Kill me Ray, it's the only way you'll ever be free. But you've, never killed a human before. Cross the ultimate line that divides all man, and once you cross it, you can never, go back to the way things were."

Ray shouted his voice breaking with rage, and the loss of his one time best friend. "I am not like you!" He pulled the scimitars together and slit Kale's throat. Closing his eyes Ray fought the revulsion. Always, always, always, he had used his voice to force compliance, so that no matter what he was stealing, no one died. It had never occured to him to use his voice to kill.

He felt Taiou and Yoru touching his mind, not saying anything but oddly comforting. Taking a deep breath Ray knelt by Kale's body, he closed his friend's eyes, defiant even in death, before removing the circlet from Kale's brow.

Ray heard a rustling behind him and turned to see the entire tribe kneeling, and then it hit him, really hit him. He, Azrayel Terrinas, bandit and outcast, was now the High Prince of the desert. Glancing down at the circlet Ray stiffened, the crown was just a simple band of Topaz, carved with symbols, a side ways figure eight in the center, the mark of infinity. But it was different in Ray's hands the crown shone, light racing along the edges. Proof of the true ruler.

Slipped the band onto his brow he turned to one of the men. His father's old captain. "Rajal. There's something else I have to do. So I want you to lead in my place. Go to Kettia, and light the beacon." Murmurs raced through the camp, Kettia was the only city the nomadic tribes had ever built, large enough to house there entire nation in troubled times. The beacon, a huge torch in the tallest tower of the citadel was only to be lit, when all the tribes were to gather. It's light could be seen across the entire desert.

Rajal looked shocked, smiling Ray pulled on an ew shirt and his cloak. "I'm sure you know about the new king of Athansia. He's insane, and a mad king bent on conquest won't stop at just one or two countries. And the quickest way to the inland countries is through the desert. Which means, if Damali falls we're next.

Taiou and Yoru shifted forms, and Ray climbed onto Yoru's back. "I'm going to Damali's capitol Ragal, get to Kettia, and light the beacon. The tribes must gather for a council of war." Taiou and Yoru took off, racing through the sky towards Damali. It wasn't long before the city came into sight, the pair circled above the Saviour's courtyard before diving in and landing.

Viedna


Rather than returning with the Saviours, Viedna lagged behind and entered the capitol unnoticed. Realising that he needed a base of operations, he rented a room in a local inn, The Kestrel. Viedna examined the scrolls he had stollen from Ianeil's tents.

Many were logistical, or detailing the routes taken by the Athanasian army through the desert seperating it from Damali. These were perfectly fine to give to the Saviours, as were the new king's orders to recruit from Damalian lands. There was also a reference to the large garrison remaining in Athanasia due to recent battles with seafaring raiders. While interesting, it was irrelevant unless the Saviours planned an offensive into Athanasia and so Viedna saw no reason to share it.

There were also other messages, too precious to the Dark Knights for Viedna to share. Exiled he may be, but even the Saviours could not be trusted with such knowledge. Not yet anyway. When he had stored the dangerous scrolls in a chest hidden under the floorboards of his room, Viedna left the city to fly Roslyn, before promptly returning to the city, and the Saviours base therein.

By the time he arrived it was well after midday. He asked to be shown to Ariadne and when show to her, he was surprised to find her berating stablehand. Even with her arm in a sling she struck a terrifying figure; perfect to be in charge of a group as insubordinate as the saviours.

Though she had turned toward him as he approached, Viedna profferred the scrolls before she could unleash a blast of reprimand relating to his abandonment of the battle.

"Detailed plans of the Dark Knight's intended invasion, including invasion routes, troop positioning and battle strategy."

Ianeil

I was perched on a limb, high above the ground, and facing the west. The sun was starting to go down. At last. This day is finally over. I sighed.

Shyen was sprawled lazily on the ground beneath me, having chosen to follow me wherever until time for bed. Now that I was alone, calming down exponentially, and thinking, I realized I was indeed tired and sore.

Ariadne did a number on me. Can you believe it? Someone who gave me a challenge, I scoffed, directing the thought at Shyen.

I say about time. You've been getting too bold, if you ask me.

I chuckled, groaning when my sides hurt. She had slapped me with the hilt of her sword several times; she may have bruised my ribs. At least I could sleep it off later that night...

"General? I have a report," Ciru stepped into the clearing, speaking.

"How many did we lose? Just tell me."

He cleared his throat. "There were four-hundred thirty-seven casualties, and, of those, one-hundred eighteen died. There were about forty more left on the field."

I put my head down. "Shit. That's equal to two companies dead, and almost half the bloody army out of commission!" I dropped from the limb, landing feet first next to Shyen's head. "How the hell did everything go wrong?"

"It appears we have more problems, sir. Someone, not a Dark Knight, confiscated your instructions, from the tent."

I growled, levitating a pebble and crushing it to fine sand. The news was not helping my already shortened patience and nerves. Still, I nodded. "Thank you, Ciru. Does the king know?"

"I've sent a messenger to him."

"Fine. You're dismissed, Lieutenant Colonel."

I heard his footsteps fall short. "Sir?"

"What? You don't want a promotion? Because, as far as I'm concerned, you're a damn good officer." I chanced a glance over my shoulder, and I didn't know what to think of his reaction. What was he thinking? Either way, it was done. "That will be all. Get some rest, Ciru; you deserve it."

*I would have posted earlier, you see, but I went swimming! you're all doing a terrific job! keep it up! You guys rock!*

~Ariadne~

"Detailed plans of the Dark Knight's intended invasion, including invasion routes, troop positioning and battle strategy," Viedna said uncomfortably. He shifted his feet.

Ari stood there, shocked. She didn't really know what to make of this at the moment. She shook her head, snapping out of her daze.

"That's probably the best damn news I've hear all day," she said, walking out of the stables. She took them from Viedna's hand as he followed her. "So, how long are you planning on staying?"

Viedna stopped in his tracks. "What?"

Ari stopped, too, and turned to him. In his den, Gautier sighed, glad Ari had finally calmed down after Viedna had given her the news. "Well, you did help us, after all. You ought to be rewarded. I mean, you are a rogue, are you not? And I'm sure you won't have enough money to keep staying at wherever your staying, right? Here you'll have free food and a free room to stay in, and I'm sure Rosyln wouldn't mind staying in a place where she could actually fit inside. It's your choice."

Viedna rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I-"

"General! General Ariadne!" a man, the rank of captain by the badge on his shoulders, ran up to them, out of breath. Nevertheless, he stood at attention and saluted out of respect and rank. When Ari gave him permisson to continue, he said, "A man by the name of Azrayel has requested to speak with you in the courtyard, ma'am. He says it's urgent."

Ari sighed. "Thank you, captain. And take these up to my room. If you take so much as one peek, I'll make you wish you were never born," she growled, putting the plans in the mans hand. The man went white as a sheet and saluted as Ari walked past him, having no doubt in his mind that she wouldn't be able to do just that.

"Viedna," Ari said, looking over her shoulder. "It's your decision. You can stay here or you can stay in an inn; either way I'm going to need your answer by tonight." And with that, she left for the courtyard.

Ciru

Lieutenant Colonel? It was a rank he'd been avoiding for some time, but with the war brewing and all, he had a feeling he wouldn't just be sitting behind a desk to plan an attack. He strode across the wall of the castle, looking out over the desert.

He frowned, and his one remaining eye narrowed as a bright light filled the sky. A beacon had been lit - almost certainly in the fabled desert city. It looked like the tribes finally had a real king again, and this would give them the chance to contact him. Well, he had acted as an emissary to the desert boy Azrayel, perhaps now he would act the same role for their king.

Otraol swooped down to perch on the wall beside him, and Ciru clambered up into the saddle, signalling for another pair of riders to accompany him, Tell Shyen that I'm going to try to make contact with the king of the desert. No doubt Ian will want to accompany us, or recall us. Either way, we must leave immediately, so that we can reach him before the Saviours do.

And if he's already gone to the Saviours? Or if he refuses to pledge allegiance to Hanik?

We'll not ask him to pledge allegiance, simply to agree to an alliance with us. And as to any alliance with the Saviours...well, we'll simply inform him of the inevitability of their downfall. Damali will not hold against us, their king is a fool.

And ours is insane.

Ciru growled, Even so, his tactics are somewhat sound. The Damalian army will simply deploy in a block. They won't last fifteen minutes against a dragon attack.

They have our plans, Ciru. We can't forget that.

He smiled slightly, Well, those plans can be changed. In the meantime, let them think that we'll keep to them. If they think we will, they'll be completely open to another kind of attack.

*Just so everyone knows, the city of Kettia was built by magic, it can't be entered unless you're one of the Desert Tribes. Or unless you've been given permission by one of the high chiefs, or the high prince.*

Azrayel-

Ray rubbed Taiou and Yoru. The pair were still young, and tired from the long ride. The Saviours were looking at him with a mixure of curiosity and mistrust. Many of them sported healing injuries some serious, some minor. Which reminded Ray he needed to splint his wrist, before the bone set funny.

There was a commotion behind him and he turned to see Ari soming out of one of the Dragon Halls, where the dragon lived and slept. Her arm was in a sling, but that didn't detract from the air of power she carried like a second skin. She stopped in front of him but before she could speak she noticed the circlet.

Amused, Ray watched Ari's eyes go wide in amazement. Clearly the Saviour's general recognized the Desert Crown. Yoru and Taiou shifted their minds arcing with silent laughter. "I love shocking people don't you? Their reactions are always so funny." Yoru asked.

Ignoring the brothers banter Ray watched Ari. Judging her reaction while she came to grips with this latest development.

Ianeil

I stared at the darkening sky, my thoughts racing. How did it come to this? This isn't even a real war, yet people are dying! One-hundred eighteen were killed! For what?!

Because of Hanik. Him and his crazy thirst for power, world domination! This isn't fighting for unity, but for dominance! That's all he's ever wanted!

And I'll be damned if I let him conquer me!

Shyen shifted, looking at me with her green eyes. Ian, please, calm down. It's been a long day, and I know that you are as tired as I am. Let's head back to the castle.

I sighed. She was right. I stood and walked away, patting her wedge-shaped head as I passed. I would go to my room and crash.

~Ariadne~

For the third time today, Ari had been caught off gaurd. She looked around at all of the soldiers staring at the new High Prince, murmuring, some with looks of curiosity, some with looks of mistrust.

She looked back at Azrayel, bowing. "I'm sorry for my battalion's rudeness, Your Highness. Might we go someplace that's quieter and with more privacy?" Gautier, once we get inside the castle, block the door.

Once Ray, Yoru and Taiou passed, Ari followed them inside, pausing only for a moment to turn back to her batallion. "Don't you good-for-nothings have something better to do, like getting ready for the meeting tonight?!" she barked. "Show some respect!" She turned once more towards the castle before cussing them all out. Gautier roared and landed in the entranceway once they were inside, growling and hissing, daring anyone to come and try getting in.

"Actually," Ray said, "I need to speak with you and the King of Damali, if it's no trouble."

"No, Your Highness. No trouble at all. I just need to speak with the King and see if we can use the Royal Family's private room, if the topic is of major importance."

"Thank you, General Ariadne. I would greatly appreciate it."

"Your welcome. If you could just wait here for one moment," Ari said, bowing. She knocked on a nearby door, and was let in.

Out in the hall, Yoru cocked his head to the side and turned to his brother. Boy, she sure does change moods fast.

Well, she can't just snap at anybody, explained Taiou, using logic. She's probably fuming like crazy, but is keeping her head on straight out of respect.

Hush, you two, said Ray. The other dragons can hear you. We're not alone, here, remember.

Ari bowed while exiting the room. Turning to Azrayel once again, she said, "The King sends his apologies that he couldn't have greeted you right when you got here, but he will be ready as fast as he can. In the meantime, he asks that we wait in the Royal Family's private room, like I had suggested, and enjoy some refreshments that will be brought down momentarily. I would also like to apologize for my rude behavior of making you wait out in the hall. If you would follow me, please." Ari turned and walked further down the hallway, keeping a steady pace. After they turned some corners and went up a flight of stairs, Ari opened a door and bowed, allowing Ray, Yoru and Taiou to enter first.

The room was lined with books on shelves, going all the way around the room from the floor to the ceiling. Only one side of the wall was bare of books, but had a fireplace and a tapestry of a golden dragon above it. There was a rug on the floor and four comfortable chairs; Ari waited for Ray to sit down in one of the chairs before she sat herself. Together, they waited for the king.

Azrayel-

"Gads, I hate court politics." Ray thought wryly, the respect Ari gave him was a surprise, but one he should have expected. The Saviour's general had not struck him as the diplomatic type. He leaned back in the chair and glanced around the room, clearly the Damail King enjoyed his creature comforts.

It was strange having to deal with people this way again, everyone said one thing and meant at least three others. No one ever said what they were really after. Ray was out of practice and he had never been one for diplomacy either. But the King's tactic was obvious and childish, making them wait on his favour in a show of superiority.

Taiou and Yoru curled up together by the fire, their coats gleaming softly. Ari was sitting down but she looked ready to jump up and start pacing any minute. Being injured hadn't dimmed her energy one bit. "One other thing General. There's an issue I must speak with you privately about."

"Oh, and what would that be?" She looked curious but it also looked like the days work was catching up with her.

"Not here. Let's just say, it has to do with my people's Sacred Grounds."

A few minutes later a herald came and admitted them into the meeting hall.

Ciru

A thought occurs, Ciru.

The Dark Knight looked down at his dragon, What is it now?

Earlier, when we were discussing Hanik, and I called him insane. You didn't deny it.

Ciru grunted, hoping Otraol wouldn't delve deeper into this line of thought. In spite of everything, the dragon might just decide that it was possible to swing Ciru more towards the Saviours' philosophy. He couldn't let that happen, more for Ianeil's sake than his own. He disagreed with this war, it was true, but if he took to thinking like a Saviour, it was entirely possible that he would betray his general's trust, even to the point of letting an assassin slip past. He shook his head, even that thought was dangerous.

Ciru?

That doesn't matter. He's not even the general anymore, if Ian decided to take the Dark Knights in a new direction, Hanik couldn't stop him. He relinquished his command of us when he crowned himself king of Athanasia.

Otraol veered suddenly, moving deliberately away from the beacon. Ciru could see the other two riders doing the same, What's going on? Why are we changing direction? Is this just you being stubborn again?

The dragon shook his head, No, I don't understand it! There's something keeping us out of the city.

Ciru thought for a long moment, in the meantime angling Otraol down towards the gates, Perhaps we must enter through those? They were there in a moment, the three riders dismounting and moving towards the gates.

A pair of guards blocked their way, "You cannot enter, dragon rider. Not without the permission of a chief."

Ciru smiled, seeing the guard grimace at the twist of his scars, "Very well, friend. I'll not presume to test your people's customs. Regardless, I must speak with your king as soon as he can see me." The two guards looked at each other uneasily. Ciru's smile widened a touch, "We mean you no harm, simply convey my message to the king when you feel able."

Viedna

As Viedna saw Ariadne lead Azrael, now wearing the circlet of topaz, toward an audience chamber he smirked.
Well this explains his aura.

Yes Roslyn, but it throws another factor into the mix. Without dragon riders of their own, the desert tribes are horribly vulnerable to the Dark Knights, or indeed to the Saviours if Azrayel proves a poor negotiator.

Well, we're at the bottom of the ladder now, such things are beyond us. There was a hint of irony in Roslyn's thoughts.

"Viedna?" asked an unfamiliar voice.
He turned around to find an unfamiliar human waiting on him. Before he could respond, the human continued, "I'm Captain Garrel, the General informed me as to your circumstances. I'd like to welcome you into the Saviours. It's our policy to test the limits of new recruits so that we can find a fitting place for them within our ranks."

"Test my limits? Hasn't there been enough fighting today?" Viedna replied to Garrel, though shared a private thought with Roslyn, we may not have to start at the bottom of the ladder after all.

As Garrel led Viedna toward the training grounds he explained further. "It would be foolish for us to send all of our forces on an offensive without leaving a garrison in Damali in case of a surprise attack. Those soldiers are more than itching for a fight given their brothers have come back bruised and bloody." He paused, and that paused led Viedna to guess his next question, "If I may ask, why the mask and robes? The general explained you'd been living in the desert, surely such clothing would be restrictive and..."

"In my younger years I was involved in an accident, the mask and clothing is a neccesary precaution."
"Very well," Garrel looked slightly abashed at Viedna's response. He indicated a younger warrior standing nearby. "Simon recently passed his final tests to become a fully-fledged initiate. Should you be able to best him, we can assume you are read to take your place in our ranks.We can do further tests for a more accurate reading."

Viedna removed his colourful and ornate overrobe, which was a little scorched from the fires in the Dark Knight camp. Beneath it he wore a vest of hardened animal leather and a long sleeve shirt and pants. Coupled with his mask and gloves, not a single square inch of skin was showing.

As Simon unsheathed his sword, Viedna unwound the rope binding his own blade and approached him, assuming a martial stance.

Ten minutes later, having defeated Simon and three of his superiors, Viedna prepared to cross blades with Garrel. It seemed he would not have to work his way up from the lowest ranks in the Saviours after all.

*Have we lost Bella and Haven? I'm introducing secondary characters because we need an infrastructure. Given that both Dark Knights might be a little dissatisfied with their group, we need some Dark Knight NPC's*

Ianeil

I sighed as I sprawled across my bed, kicking my cloak and sword off the foot to give me more leg room. I put two fingers to my temple, lightly massassing it as my headache persisted.

What a day, I told myself as I closed my eyes. One I hope to never relive.

The battle had been hard; I was exhausted and sore, a result of fighting with that general from the Saviours. She had surprised me; a beauty, certainly, but fierce and powerful. She had given me a long awaited challenge, and I had actually been thrilled by it.

Shyen, I can actually admit I might like the woman, I told my dragon.

I heard her growl in agitation. A foolish decision, Ian. Even if she liked you, it would never work out, you being sworn enemies and all.

I chuckled. I know. But I never said that much, did I?

Shut up and go to sleep, Ian.

I wanted to laugh at the aggravation in her tone, but I refrained. I merely sighed again and shifted into a more relaxed position. I lay there forever, eventually slipping into a mild doze. I never fully fell asleep, though, for my mind lingered on Ariadne...Why couldn't I get her out of my mind? There were other beauties in the world, and other women who could be that aggressive, that strong, that dominant. What was so special about her?

I jumped, eyes flying open, when there was a knock on my door. I exhaled sharply as I turned my gaze to the door. There was a moment, then the knocking again. I used my telekenisis to open it.

"What?" I asked flatly.

A private shifted nervously, and with good reason. I was irritable when tired, and I had already shown my temper once today. "If it's not too much to ask, King Hanik wants to see you."

I groaned, letting my hand fall away from my head. "Now?"

"Preferably."

I considered it for a moment, then sat up. The movement made my body ache and head spin, but I could tolerate it. "I'll be there shortly. Thank you."

"Yes, General." He left. I rose to my feet, put on my black leather vest, with its gold-dyed seams and ties and protective padding in the left shoulder. I put my boots back on, fastening the gold-dyed shin guards. Lastly, I put on my scabbard belt and put the scimitar's sheathe through the holder. I draped my cloak over one arm, and left the room.

**This post was so long, I broke it into parts. Sorry, guys!**

Ianeil

I stepped into the throne room to see the king seated, a bowl of glazed nuts on one arm of the regal chair, the chair he had succeeded through mutiny and betrayal.

He looked up when he heard my approach. "General Ianeil! I'm glad you could come!" He beckoned to the chair next to his. "Have a seat, son."

I reluctantly obeyed. I only behaved because of my rank and job; if I had been a civilian, I would have flatly refused. This man did not have my respect. He was a traitor, a crazy man, but I knew better than to show it to anyone but Shyen. I would have been put to death at the start, otherwise.

He looked at me for a moment, thoughtful. "You look terrible. Is everything all right?"

I shrugged half-heartedly. "I'm dead on my feet, sire. I can barely move without it leaving me sore and dizzy."

He shook his head, frowning. "I'm sorry to hear that. If I had known you were so tired, I wouldn't have called on you."

I waved that aside. "No, it's fine, sir. My duty comes first."

He seemed to consider that, for it was another while before he continued. "Very well, then. But I won't keep you too long. Just tell me how the campaign turned out."

I nodded and relayed the entire campaign, from the new recruits, the suspicions Ciru and I had had, to the battle with the Damalian army. Of course, I left out my interests and opinions of Ariadne and how I secretly wanted nothing more to do with the entire war. King Hanik nodded every so often, and his eyes widened at certain, shocking points, but he was stoic otherwise.

"And now here we are," I concluded.

He nodded again. "Thank you for that very interesting report, General. It is so much better when you tell it yourself."

I smiled at his compliment. "Thank you, sire."

He laughed with me, and even reached over to pat me on the shoulder. "That'll be all, then. You may return to your chambers and rest. You could certainly use it. But, when you are restored, I have another campaign for you."

I waited. "Like what, sire?"

"You want to know it now?"

"Yes, milord."

"Very well, then. Alpha is to sweep around the southeastern borders of Damali, destroying all the resources and defenses. Bravo is to do the same along the northern borders. You, then, will lead Charlie, Delta, and Echo into Damali and destroy the capital."

"Um, destroy all resources and defenses? Why not just take all five companies into the city, from different angles?"

"Well, it's quite simple. When the Damalians find that their homes, food, animals, and families are no longer existent, what have they got left to fight for? What's the point in protecting nothing?"

My heart stopped. My blood ran cold. Wipe out families? Women and children? Unarmed civilians? Just...kill them all? I began to tremble in my oncoming rage, and I merely glared at the king.

He frowned. "What?"

"You're insane," I whispered, tightening a fist until my knuckles turned white.

He drew away. "I beg your pardon?"

"You must be out of your mind. Do you really think I will go through with this madness?" I slowly got to my feet, my movements careful and dangerous, my voice getting exponentially louder.

He turned his own glare on me. "You have no choice, Ianeil. Those are the orders, and you will do it."

"I will not" - I slammed my fist against the arm of his chair - "agree to this! I will not issue that order to the captains! This is murder, not an attempt at unity!"

"Ianeil, calm yourself! Stand down at once!"

"Not anymore! This flag..." I brought my right hand up to the flag sewn onto my scabbard belt, "...has never been yours!" To emphasize my next point, I ripped it off and dangled it before his face, using my telekenisis to shred it. "You are no king to me! You never have been!"

"A fool and traitor at heart, just like your father, then?"

"Yes. And listen to me: I will die before I do anymore of your foul, insane campaigns!"

He nodded, jaw set firmly. I was breathing heavily as I stared at him, trembling violently in my rage and terror. I had just blown it; I had finally revealed my true feelings of it all, that I hated it and him. I could hear murmurs behind me, in the corridor. My shouting had drawn attention, and everyone had heard me. So that was it. I had finally done it. I was finally a rogue. And I would probably die for it.

The king stared past me and rose, reaching for the sword next to his chair. "Do not interfere. If Ianeil wants death over duty, I'll issue it myself!"

He swung at me then, drawing his long sword with the speed and skill he was feared for. I drew my scimitar, and the battle for my life began.

Ianeil

We lunged, swung, blocked, and countered incessantly, driving against each other with nothing but murder in our hearts. My arm and thigh had been slashed, but it was not going to stop me.

I lashed out, at his head, but he easily popped my sword away. There was a split second, and I almost didn't stop his sword from severing my head. We stood there, my scimitar held vertically next to my head, blocking his long sword from my neck. We pushed against each other, hopefully to break each other’s holds or swords.

"I never would have thought..." King Hanik growled, "that you would be so skilled."

I just stared at him. I knew better than to fall for his tricks.

"But that won't save you."

I groaned, my grip loosening as he drove all of his power into me, pushing me back and making my sword bend. This was not good! Shyen, get to the throne room!

What's going on?

I turned rogue!

You what?!

Just get your ass in here!

I yelped when my sword shattered, the largest fragment - still connected to my hilt - digging into the side of my head. The force knocked me down and sent me rolling, and it took me a moment to regain my footing.

Pain blinded me as a shout escaped my lips again. I froze where I stood, my body paralyzed as blood streamed from where his sword protruded completely through my right shoulder.

"I finally got you, but damn it! I missed!" he snarled, putting more pressure on his blade.

It was hard, but I finally managed to use my magic to shatter his sword, and I lunged forward. King Hanik swore as he dropped his useless weapon, and I turned.

"Don't forget about magic!" I shouted. Then it was all a blur. Everything happened so fast, but I knew I had done it. I slammed him with my telekenisis before collapsing the walls and ceiling...Shyen dove in and picked me up in her claws, carrying me away...no one could follow, due to the mess I'd created.

I pat her on the paw, steadily weakening. God, I was in pain! And feeling so sick! I closed my mouth and eyes, forcing myself to breathe deeply.

Ian? she asked after a moment.

Go to Damali...tell them everything.

I fainted.