Legends of Belariath

Lindsay Farmer

The Last Aegis

Day One

The library's sanctuary was shattered by high-pitched squeals and half-hearted complaints. One table of people, situated by the doors, was causing all the commotion. Seven friends were seated around a small hexagonal table in the center of the library. They sat on thin metal chairs with green-speckled seats around the squalid table. Thin beams of light filtered onto their table through the high windows, with occasional shadows passing, as students walked by in the second floor hallways. The school's library was the main center of the high school and on both the lower and upper floor were windows into hallways that allowed the struggling light in. One of the girls around the table stood up, the light shining brightly on her face.

Nicki sighed and glared resolutely at her friends. “Would you guys be quiet! We're going to get kicked out!” then setting her hands on her hips she watched as her six schoolmates turned and winced. She met them all with an icy glare. Although she was trying to look tough she only appeared annoyed, a smile trying to worm it's way onto her round, friendly face. Hair fell gently around that face, a frame of deep brown and pale blonde. Kyle leaned his chair back, allowing it to rest on it's two rear legs. With an impish smile he spoke, “We've only been kicked out twice Nose is clear” he paused then, stretching his arms out and setting them behind his head. “You should be more like me. Relax!” he chided her, his dark eyes sparkling fiendishly. His hair was spiked up and left a strange jagged shadow running across his face.

Moving his book away from his face, Jordan glanced skeptically at Kyle, his dark hazel eyes trained to the much smaller boy's face. “You know trouble always comes in three's, right?” he asked, his deep voice sounding insidious, then not waiting for a response he returned to his book. Kyle snorted, set his chair back on the ground and sighed.

”Heh ..” Jon laughed, grinning wickedly at Kyle in amusement, then he looked over at the others soberly, “I wouldn't worry about the librarian today...I think she's ignoring us now...” he shrugged then sprawled his arms out across the table, the bright yellow of his shirt a vivid contrast to the dull brown of the table. “I am so tired!” he whined, his voice grating. “Get your hands off my stuff!” Amber squeaked, snatching her sketchbook away and clutching it to her chest. A few papers slipped from her grasp and floated daintily to the ground. With a quick swipe of her hand Amber gathered the fugitive papers back into her sketchbook. Jon pulled his hands back and made a face at her. “Mine!” she said defensively, tucking a strand of dark black hair behind her ear with her free hand and setting the papers back down on the table and proceeding to draw again.

Noticing the commotion, Josh slid up behind Amber and leaned over her shoulder. “What are you drawing now?” he asked brightly, an endearing smile appearing on his face as he pulled a chair up beside her and reached out for her papers. “Lemme see...please?” Amber pulled a face and turned away from him. “Hey..! Come on Amber...I only want to see...” he stood and attempted to snatch the papers from her. When he failed to retrieve the papers he aimed one well-placed poke at her side.

”Eeeppp!” she squeaked, falling to the ground, the papers flying off of the table and scattering all across the library floor.

Sighing and closing her binder, Lindsay rolled her eyes skyward. “Incoming.” she warned, “Librarian headed this way.” she said absentmindedly, shoving her binder into her battered orange knapsack and depositing the bag on her back, getting ready to leave. She stood up and her bored gray eyes watched the librarian, a short stout woman who looked more accustomed to taking care of prisoners than students, as she stormed over to the table.

”Get OUT!”

”What was that you were saying about trouble coming in three's?” Nicki asked tucking her hair behind her ears as she leaned against the doors into the library. Her face was a painful shade of red and her vengeful eyes were set on Kyle. “This is your fault in some way, isn't it?” she snapped, glowering at him.

Kyle coughed. “My fault? I didn't even do anything...” he stammered watching Nicki with a pained expression. He clasped his hands in front of his chest, “Of course you're right Nicki!...I'm sorry, it was all my fault! Will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?” he begged mockingly. She laughed warmly, then frowned as her laughter turned to dry, hacking coughs. Her hands moved instinctively to her throat as she bent over, the coughs sounding worse and worse.

”Nicki? Are you alright?” Lindsay questioned, patting Nic's back. Her short blonde hair fell into her eyes she leaned to look at Nicki. “Deep breaths...deep...” she stopped talking as she saw Kyle start shuddering and hacking, just like Nicki. “What is going o...augh” her shoulders shook as the coughs racked her body. It felt as if she were ripping to pieces from the inside out. Her hands flew to her neck, in an effort to soothe the vile barking. Her mind was so involved with the searing pain that she didn't see Josh, Amber, Jon or Jordan as they too started the violent coughing and dropped to the ground.

But as quickly as the terrible hacking had started, it vanished, along with the pain it had brought. They all were quiet as they felt the inquiring eyes of their peers on them. A girl walked up to Kyle and patted his back. He glanced up, nervously, at her. “Are you all right?” she asked, looking at them as if they were some sort of criminals. Kyle nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah. I'm fine.” he waved his hand at the others, a subtle way of telling them to 'scram'. Kyle didn't notice the horrified look on the girls' face until he turned back to her. Her eyes had gone wide and the color was quickly draining from her face.

”You're bleeding...” she snapped, turning and nearly running away. Kyle's' brow creased in thought as he ran his fingers across his lips. Sure enough, a few streaks of blood clung to his fingertips. He spun to his friends, his lips loose and his teeth showing. They were stained a gleaming shade of red. Nicki grimaced, disgusted, then checked her own mouth. No blood. Josh glanced over at Kyle and shook his head. “You must've bit your tongue.” he said disapprovingly, then he pushed him towards the restroom. “Go clean up before the bell goes. You look frightening.” Kyle nodded dumbly and ambled off towards the bathroom.

”That was really weird!” Amber proclaimed, picking up her sketchbook and her papers, which had scattered all across the hallway. Everywhere she went she left a trail of half finished sketches and doodles behind. The others nodded their agreement as they helped collect her scattered art. Kyle emerged from the bathroom, his teeth back to their normal shade of ivory. He scratched the back of his head.

”Wonder what that was all about? My tongue is fine...” he sighed letting his arms flop to his sides. Jon leaned on Kyle's shoulder and grinned venomously.

”Maybe we're all allergic to someone...I mean something...” he grinned, watching and waiting for Kyle's' reaction. Kyle shrugged Jon off. “Get off!” he laughed, “Anyways Christi's the only one who's allergic to me...” Christi was a distant friend of Nicki and Lindsay's. Lately though she had abandoned their friendship to befriend a newer group of friends. They weren't exactly friendly and had quickly taken to harassing Kyle, Christi included. The sad part, really, was that Christi, at one point, had dated Kyle. She had seriously hurt him. “You guys must be immune.” he said quietly.

With silent steps, Jordan walked up behind Lindsay. “You okay?” she nodded, spinning on her heel and smiling happily. She stepped towards him and poked him gently in the side. He grabbed her hand and was about to poke her back when Kyle and Jon started making gagging noises. Lindsay sighed and spun to glare at them.

”What are you two? Three years old?” she accused. They glanced sidelong at each other and nodded, giggling like idiots, “I figured as much...” she stopped talking as the bell rang, drowning out her voice. She waved at them and headed off down the corridor. Jon's eyes rested on her for a time almost inappropriate.

Josh caught up beside her and tapped her shoulder. “What class do you have now?” she adjusted her backpack and looked up thoughtfully. The paneled ceiling of the hallway had numerous stains and holes in it and Lindsay examined them briefly while she thought.

”Math, I think...you?” she grimaced at the thought of numbers and looked over at Josh. His face was as bright as ever and he paused a moment before replying.

”Spare...” he smiled and dodged the punch she aimed at him. He laughed mockingly and took care to walk just out of her reach. His bright blue eyes seemed to glow, in even this poor light. The white-blonde hair, that fell in waves to his forehead only accentuated his brilliant eyes further. Those eyes were usually trained to the ground. Josh had never been too social, his shy streak sometimes prevented those eyes from shining. Only around his friends did the true splendor of his eyes honestly show.

”Not fair!” Lindsay called, sauntering up the stairs and rounding the corner towards the crowded upper hallway. “You'd better at least come interrupt my class!” With one last laugh she disappeared into the large swarm of people. Josh sighed and shook his head, treading up the stairs with no real purpose. For a moment he entertained the thought of actually crashing her class, then dismissed it as fast. It wasn't his style to be pesky, Kyle had the monopoly on that. A soft laugh fell from under his breath.

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

Lindsay squinted up at the white board, trying to make sense of the numbers and letters scrawled against it's grimy expanse. Her hand was moving furiously across her paper, scribbling notes down as soon as she heard them, instead of trying to make sense of the confusing messages on the board. Kyle was having an even harder time following the teacher, he'd been lost the class before and he had no desire to stop Mr. MacDonald when he was in the middle of a lesson. Kyle sighed and decided to copy Lindsay's notes later as he flipped his paper over and started doodling. MacDonald shot him an icy glare. Kyle rolled his eyes and turned back to his notes. He leaned forward, planning to complain to Lindsay about the new math stuff but his breath caught in his throat when he glanced at her notes.

Her hands were slick with blood and it was smeared all over her binder and paper. She was so intent on Mr. MacDonald, she hadn't glanced at her notes yet, he guessed, swallowing the lump that had rose in his throat. He blinked, telling himself that she was fine, that he was just being stupid, and when he looked again the blood was gone. He shook his head and gave a furtive glance back to her paper. It was a crisp white. Not trusting his own sight, he turned to Jon, who sat behind him, and tapped his shoulder. “What do you want?” Jon asked sleepily, watching Kyle with half-closed eyes, his head resting on his hand. IT didn't look like he'd been awake very long, if at all. Kyle's brow creased.

”Is Lindsay bleeding or am I imagining things?” he asked, whispering hoarsely and pointing at Lindsay. Jon lifted his head and peered over at her. Kyle's face contorted into a look of horror. The side of Jon's face had a large smear of blood on it and he could see a thin stream of blood issuing from Jon's ear. He glanced back to Lindsay and saw the grotesque smears of blood all over her work again.

”Holy...yeah she's bleeding.” Jon answered, rubbing his face with his bloody hand. “What the...?” he stared at his hand suspiciously. He gingerly touched his other hand to his ear and stared at the dot of blood on his finger. “I'm bleeding too aren't I?” Kyle nodded, biting his lip. He hoped Jon hadn't noticed how pale he'd just become. The sight of blood always made him a little woozy.

Kyle turned back to Lindsay and tapped her shoulder. She glared back at him for interrupting her notes then turned back around. He heard her gasp and drop her pencil. Raising a trembling hand she waited for Mr. MacDonald to pause. “I need to see the nurse...” she said quietly, thick drops of blood falling from her hand and pooling on her notes. The class turned to gawk at her. Jon stood up and scratched his good ear.

”I better go too.” he said, a tightlipped smile appearing on his ashen face. Lindsay looked back at Jon and smiled weakly. She hated being gawked at, it was like they were judging her for something she didn't understand. Mr. MacDonald looked like he was going to faint. After stumbling over his words for a moment, he blanched and quietly told them they could go. Kyle helped Lindsay up and she grabbed his shirt, whispering into his ear that 'he was coming with her and Jon or else', and the trio left the classroom, looking like they had been attacked by some wrathful ghost. The blood seeped from wounds that were not there.

They all heard the vicious whispers and startled gasps of the other students as they walked down the hallway to the stairs. Lindsay was shaking her head and watching her hands with a sort of morbid interest. “They aren't cut anywhere, you know?' she said puzzled, holding her hands palms up, watching the blood pool. “I don't see where all this is coming from...” Jon looked just as confused.

”I know, and my ear doesn't hurt at all. I can even hear out of it.” he glanced over at Kyle. “What do you think?”

”I think my tongue did the same thing this morning.” his stuck his tongue out at them to prove his point. “Tsee! I's hine! Hi hidn't ite it.”

Lindsay and Jon shook their heads sadly. “Let's just get to...Hey...is that Josh?” Lindsay yelped running over to a figure hunched up against the wall, his shirt stained red. “Josh?! Are you okay? What happened?” she asked quickly, reaching her arm around under his and hoisting him up. It didn't look like he would mind if she got a little blood on his shirt.

Josh glanced up at her with his calm blue eyes and shook his head “I'm all right. I don't know what happened to my back though...it just started...” “...bleeding and it didn't hurt, right?” Jon finished for him, smug at his explanation. Josh nodded and leaned away from Lindsay and glanced at her arms.

”Is that from me?” Josh asked softly, a horrified look on his face. She shook her head and brandished her hand around, sending fat drops of blood onto the walls of the hallway. He watched the blood splatter in a dazed sort of way, as if he did not quite believe what he could see. She sighed and clasped her hands together in front of herself.

A sadistic grin crossed her face, “You aren't the only one Josh.” her voice quivered softly and she let her hands drop to her sides. More blood went flying across the hallways, finding it's mark on Kyle.

”Can we go?” Kyle asked disgusted, glancing at the dark stain that Lindsay had made on his shirt. Without a word they all began walking towards the stairs.

Lindsay stopped and glanced into the doorway of the computer lab. Mr.McNiff was yelling at someone rather venomously and she paused, curious to what had ticked the eccentric old teacher off. She heard a rather familiar voice drawl from the back of the class room “I can't help it if I'm bleeding. I wouldn't do that on purpose Niff...” the bass voice snapped.

”My name is MR. McNiff!...and look what you've done to that keyboard! It's ruined. Just get out. Go see the nurse.” the teacher snapped back, jabbing his hand at the door. She watched as the mystery student walked towards the door, but then she remembered the state she was in and rushed ahead to catch up with the others. Although she did glance back to see who the victim was. They all recognized Jordan as he walked out of the classroom and turned towards them, his arms slick with blood. “You too, eh?” Jon speculated, scratching his good ear. He felt a dampness and looked at his hand. More blood. 'This is unbelievable. Everyone is bleeding.' he thought numbly. ' What the hell did we do to deserve this?' the question burned in his mind. Jordan and Jon shared a challenging glance and the thought dropped from his mind. 'Why is this happening to us?'

Jordan nodded, glancing from one friend to another. “Are you guys hurt?” they shook their heads. “Good...neither am I. But this blood...” he stared down at his left arm, “...it just doesn't stop... “He glanced around at them. “Maybe we should go check on Nicki and Amber? It looks like our whole little group is afflicted with...whatever this is.” Lindsay nodded and rubbed her neck, remembering the earlier pain. The five people turned towards the staircase and slowly made their way down the steps, trying not to bleed on anything.

”This is so strange...” Kyle shook his head and closed his eyes, still walking, “Why is this happening?” he crossed his arms across his chest and looked at his four friends, covered in gore and grimaced as he detected the steely tang of blood in his mouth.

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

With a racking sob, Nicki clung to Amber. “What is going on?” she questioned her friend, running her hand through her matted, bloody hair. Amber was silent as she leaned against the doors out of the school. Two fat tears of blood ran down Amber's pale face, leaving crimson trails. The two girls stood outside in the cold, as they had been for a long time now. They had been kicked out of art class and told to see the nurse, but they had instead walked out the side exit, trying to calm down. Nicki had started crying when Amber had gone into a dreamy state and stopped talking to her. “What's happening?” Nicki sobbed, trying to shake some sense back into her friend. Her cries hung as tiny clouds of condensation in the cold winter air.

Without really thinking, Amber knew the 'others' would be here soon. Her mind was abuzz with a million questions, and she felt powerless to try and answer Nicki's pleads for answers. Amber didn't rouse as she heard Josh, Lindsay, Jon, Kyle and Jordan walk up behind them. Already she knew that they too, were probably bleeding. Nicki turned to her friends and began sobbing anew, terrified of this strange blood appearing from nowhere. “It's the spell...” Amber muttered quietly. That earned her a fiery glare from Nicki.

”What do you mean 'the spell'?” she demanded, peering around at her friends who were now all clustered around Amber. Her voice still shook with internal terror.

Suddenly Amber's face took on an expression of calmness. “I honestly don't understand how this is happening but,” she paused, staring out into nothing, “, he cast a spell on us to bring us back to our 'real' world and, in casting it he is ripping us from this world to his. We bleed because our powers are re-asserting themselves back into us.” she frowned. “I know that doesn't make any sense but..” her voice trailed off. “ ..but that's what I just know.”

”Him? Who? Amber...what do you mean?” Jordan asked, staring at her, as if trying to strangle the answer out of her. His stomach was twisting slowly into knots as he waited for her to reply. To not understand this seemed to be tearing him apart. She shook her head.

”I could hear him talking to himself. He's standing right there...” she muttered pointing out to a snow bank. “I must be going crazy...” her voice quivered and she laughed bitterly at herself.

Jordan's mouth gaped and he shook his head, “Unless we're both insane...” the same hint of laughter crept into his voice, “I can see him, too.” He was staring at the transparent outline of a man standing above a snow bank. They all turned to look. A shock of gasps and silence assured him, they could all see the strange transparent man. Nicki looked particularly startled.

He was dressed in strange dark robes with gold embossed on the sleeves and collar, in twisting patterns. Chanting something softly, he moved his hands in circles around his face. His piercing purple eyes stared out at them, unseeing. His body was transparent, as if he wasn't really there. The snow underneath him was undisturbed and his bare feet hovered over the ground. The seven quietly watched, awestruck. Josh grunted, shaking his head and walked up to the ghostly figure.

A shaking hand reached out to stop him. “Josh don't...” Nicki warned quietly, grabbing onto his shirt. Her hand slipped and Josh continued forward. “We don't know what that is!” she proclaimed, then panicked and began following him.

”HEY!” Josh yelled at phantasm. The translucent man made no sign of recognition. “HELLO?” he called again. Nicki and the others watched nervously as Josh continued yelling. He threw his hands skyward and turned back to his friends. “He's deaf...” he mumbled, shrugging and shaking his head. “Or group hallucinations don't talk?” The crazy laughter had crept into his voice as well.

”Hi!” a light voice bubbled up from the set of doors across from the friends. “What are you guys doing out here?” Christi called, stepping out of the main doors and waving to them. She walked towards them slowly. Her curly, blonde hair bounced as she wagged her finger at them, “Skipping class? Tch, tch, tch...you guys are so bad...” she chattered on as she walked over to them, passing right through the ghostly figure. The people gawked at her. “...and then you'll...What?” she looked startled. “What?” she glared at Nicki and Lindsay. “Are you two still mad at me?!”

”You mean you can't see him?” Lindsay asked walking up beside Nicki and Josh. Christi laughed and slapped her back. Lindsay stepped away from her and glared.

”Speak normally Lindsay! Come on.” she smiled and laughed again, looking pleased with herself. “What are you guys doing out here anyways?” “I am speaking English, Christi...now can you see him or not!” Lindsay asked again, irritated. She clenched her hands into fists in frustration, “Quit playing games!”

”Stop it!” Christi demanded, setting her hands on her hips. “I know you guys are mad at me, but you can talk to me you know! I don't need to be treated like a child!” An angry shade of red was rising up Christi's cheeks. Her breath hung heavy in the cold sky.

”I'm not playing...Christi?” Lindsay waved her hand in Christi's face and watched her angry face just get angrier. “She can't see the blood...can she?” Lindsay realized, waving both her hands in front of Christi's face. That only provoked a bigger frown out of Christi.

”Ha ha, Lindsay. Very funny.” Christi's face approached becoming purple and she jabbed an angry fist at Lindsay. “ Now talk normal or I'm leaving! And stop trying to hit me!” she demanded, glaring at her.

Nicki tapped Lindsay's shoulder. “Amber says she knows what's going on again.” she whispered, trying not to upset Christi any further. “She said that she heard the guy muttering something about speaking the true tongue and finishing the 'final stage' of transportation...so she thinks we're..”

”..speaking another language and disappearing like him?!” Lindsay growled, leaning foreword and holding her head in her hands. “I should have stayed home today...” Christi's face was violet and getting darker.

She threw her hands in the air. “Fine! Be that way! See if I care! Maybe you'll learn how to talk when I'm gone, huh?” Christi stormed away, walking through the ghostly figure again, who seemed to be getting more and more solid by the minute. They all watched Christi leave, her form became more and more transparent as she stormed away. Amber walked up beside Lindsay and pointed meekly at the man.

”I can hear him speak,” she shrugged, “ I don't know what is going on but whenever he says something about us - it happens. First the bloody powers thing and then the 'true tongue' and now the 'Final transition'.. I don't know what is going on Lindsay.” Amber sighed, her eyes never leaving the man. “And is it just me, or is the scenery getting transparent too?” she finally let her eyes wander over the terrain. The school was transparent now, like the man had been, a mere shadow of it's former self. Huge trees emerged from where it should have stood. Soon they were surrounded by the giant trees and a thick layer of deadfall appeared underfoot. The smell of rotting leaves was almost overpowering. It fell dank and heavy in the air. A new damp heat began to settle in too. The sharp winter air slowly faded away.

”This is so bizarre...” Lindsay shook her head sadly. A few pieces of hair poked out from between her fingers. The blood had stained her hair an orange tone. Jordan brooded quietly, taking in the new sights, sounds and smells. Jon watched Lindsay with an intense look of worry. She ignored them both, lost in an angry confusion.

Josh grunted and stepped forward. “Well, if this guy is the one making this happen, I'm going to find out what he wants!” he threw his head back and begin walking towards the man again.

His eyes passed right through them. Those purple eyes stared off into space. The once ghostly man was now as real as anyone of them. Still chanting softly, he wove his hands in front of his face. His strange robes clung to his arms, like silk, but they looked more like a coarse wool. A shock of black hair sat on his head, out of place against his pallid skin. His whole appearance looked fake and dead. Lindsay couldn't shake the feeling that those menacing eyes were waiting. Glancing out from in-between her hands she watched Josh walking up to him. With a grunt she brought her hands away from her face. “Hey - the blood's gone...” she muttered, peering at her friends to see that they too were no longer bloody. It had vanished entirely, it no longer stained their bodies or clothes. It was a relief to have that gore gone, it had been starting to make her stomach turn.

As everyone had known, Josh yelled, screamed, shouted and cursed, but got no response from the man. This attempt had been executed with more vigor than he had shown before, but it made no difference. The man was as oblivious as ever. Josh stepped back and glared at the man. “I really think he's deaf...”

Blinking out of his trance, the man's vision locked onto Jordan and a smile grew on his waxy face. Jordan stared back at the man, with identical malice. The man's chanting abruptly stopped and his hands fell to rest at his sides. The smile plastered on his face seemed unnatural. He stopped hovering and his feet daintily touched the ground.

”Welcome, my Aegis...” he purred, his voice like velvet, as his glanced from one friend to the next. His gaze lingered on Josh the longest and when he caught sight of Jordan he paled. “My, my, my... Sorcerer...” the smile grew again and the color returned to his face as he surveyed the rest of them.

”Who are you?” Kyle asked angrily, stepping up to stand beside Lindsay, Nicki and Josh. His face was as pale as the snow had been. He too felt the malice in this strangers gaze and was doing his best to return it. Jon stood behind him watching the exchange with interest, his eyes locked on the stranger. Amber bit her lip and stepped behind Lindsay. The man's eyes followed her sharply.

His voice was like silk, “I am Thelis Grante, Heir of Dian, wizard of the fourth degree, Son of Ann and Frasen Rolwing, sorcerers of the second and third degree. “They all fell silent at his flowery introduction.”And I know all about you...the Last Aegis...” Thelis gaze turned to Jordan and again he spoke, “Josarin is a sorcerer, but much more powerful than I am...and so is Nivan, “ he turned to Nicki, who looked bewildered, “...she's just as strong, a sorceress.” he let a small giggle escape his snake-like lips and watched them, absolutely delighted with himself.

Grating his teeth Josh leant and whispered to Lindsay, “I don't think he's deaf...I think he's insane. What do you make of him?” he waited as she turned her head a little to reply.

”I think whatever he is, he's dangerous. Probably crazy too. He thinks he's a wizard...” she gasped as Thelis glided up to her and stood only inches from her face. She felt Josh tense beside her and she heard a grunt from Jordan. Jon even took a warning step towards him. Everyone was tense, warily eyeing Thelis.

Thelis shook his head disapprovingly. “Jayce! I thought you would have more reason than that... but I suppose you all know nothing of your homeland. It was so many years ago the last generation was here.” he tilted his head as he studied Luka. “You know nothing of your real world...” he touched her chin, mournfully, she recoiled. “But that was on the sins of your bloodlines... perhaps they can be redeemed?” he let her go, his lips moving as if he were whispering. Lindsay had gone rigid when he'd touched her. His fingers had felt cold and clammy - dead - just like he looked. She stood unmoving, her gaze dumbly on the ground.

”KYAH!!” a battle cry echoed through the woods as a large osprey came careening down through the trees. Thelis glared upwards at the bird and began yelling as he moved his hands around in front of his face, somewhat like before but now his movements were rushed and sharp.

Ice God Shiva-Heed my orders-Shatter marrow-Bleed the soul-ICE LANCE FLY!!” Thelis's velvet voice rang out as he cast the spell. Lindsay guessed it was a spell, she had never heard anyone chant something like that in real life, but she had read enough fantasy to recognize a spell when she heard one. The air around Thelis's hand seemed to become thick and shimmer as she watched, fascinated, while the air pushed itself together and formed a long deadly-looking lance.

He heaved the lance back, preparing to toss it at the bird. On some long forgotten impulse, Lindsay seized up a branch from the ground and swung at Thelis's hand. He stared at her wildly when the lance fell from his grasp and shattered on the warm earth below. The large bird screeched in triumph and dove in, to tear at Thelis with it's razor sharp talons.

A cry went up from Thelis and his hands flew to hold his face as the bird swooped up and away. Small drips of blood fell through the man's thin fingers. He dropped to his knees, small sounds of pain escaping his lips. His left eye was hidden under a tangle of ripped flesh. Nicki gaped at her then snared the stick from Lindsay's white knuckled hand.

”What are you doing?!” her voice cracked.”He's hurt now and that thing is going to come back for us...he was probably trying to save us!” Nicki stuttered, color rapidly draining from her face. She clenched the stick with a death grip. Her gaze was up at the trees where the osprey had disappeared. Lindsay looked just as surprised.

”I...I.. I just did. I think the bird is here to help though...he stopped Thelis from casting that spell on me...” she said shakily, glancing at the stick in Nicki's hand, actually seeing it for the first time. “What spell?” Jon asked, leaning over Kyle's shoulder, looking puzzled. “That ice thing?”

Peering down at the sniveling Thelis, she shook her head. “No, that was after. When he touched me he started a different one. It was something that sounded like Latin...I couldn't move...it was hideous!” she glared at Thelis. Her gaze turned to the skies and watched for the osprey. “And the bird asked me to help...”

Josh glanced at Lindsay. “Are you sure you're okay?” he glanced up and added under his breath, “...A talking bird?”

Thelis let one hand drop to glare at Josh. Has was left of the left side of his face was a mess. “Yes, a talking bird. Who's more trouble than he's worth!” he pointed up, “SARET! I KNOW IT WAS YOU!” he called jabbing his finger at the air. “GET DOWN HERE WHERE I CAN SEE YOU!”

With a sniffle, Amber tapped Thelis's shoulder. “What do you mean he's a talking bird?” she watched the angry sorcerer from behind Lindsay. Thelis turned to glare at her. She glared back, disliking Thelis more and more by the minute. She was even so bold as to step up beside Lindsay. He ignored her question and scowled up at the trees once again. “I asked you a question!” she growled, shaking his shoulder.

Thelis never got a chance to reply, the bird was upon him again. It moved with impossible speed, diving and tearing at anything Thelis left open. The man was yelling curses at the top of his lungs, words that were unfrimiliar but sounded as vile as all curses are. The osprey tore at him mercilessly. Lindsay watched quietly from the side for a moment, then she gently pulled her friends back and away.

”Nicki, I don't think you'll want to watch...” Lindsay muttered, staring off into the woods. “She should be here by now..” the distance in her voice rang with the same cold understanding as Amber had had. The cold chill it sent down her companion's backs was a universal recognition of fear. Placing a hand on Lindsay's shoulder, Jordan leaned up to her ear. “What's happening?” he asked softly, watching the beating that Thelis was receiving with dim interest. Saret swung in neat dives, careening and ripping, then fleeing to the trees.

”Well...as far as I can tell, from what Saret told me, Thelis is a wizard that intends to control us with magic. Saret is trying to stop that from happening... he said something about not letting the true Aegis be controlled by a wizard like Thelis...his mistress in the woods is coming to help the fight. He just warned me to stay away...I guess that means you guys too...” she shrugged and kept scanning the woods. Jordan looked at her and sighed, not wanting to argue. Right about now, he'd believe anything. “What the hell is Aegis? They've all said it now...” Kyle piped up, watching the bird and frowning.

Lindsay turned to him, disgusted “Watch your language!” she glared at him momentarily and he shrunk apologetically. “It means protection...it's strange the way they use it though...they are calling us by it as if we're an entity...it's a noun but they use it like a name...I think it isn't supposed to be used in context like that but then again if you use the...” she stopped muttering and glanced to see if they had made any sense of her words. Everyone was frowning. “It means protect...like to be under someone's protection.” she mumbled, feeling embarrassed.

”When did you hear all that from the bird?” Jon asked, peering over at Lindsay. “I didn't hear him talk.” his voice scraped laboriously and he raised one skeptical eyebrow.

Rolling her eyes, Lindsay replied, “He wasn't actually talking...it was more of...well...it was in my head.” she said sheepishly, glancing at the warrior bird and blushing bright pink. Her face burned and she refused to meet anyone's eye. Her companions all gawked at her.

”Saret? SARET?” a soft voice called from the forest. Everyone, including Saret and Thelis, turned to see a short girl come running out of the woods towards them. Her long blond hair was in a ponytail, and it flowed smoothly behind her. She wore robes similar to Thelis's, but hers looked more like a drab gown. A plate of jewel-embellished armor adorned her middle. Two large blue eyes stared at the feathered fiend and Thelis. She scowled and set her small hands on her hips. “Well?” she said mildly, giving them a withering look. The bird took flight and Thelis stood up, not bothering to hold his wounds. Thelis looked pleased and frightened at the same time.

”Madame Waval I presume?... “ Thelis choked out, staring at the woman. “I have succeeded in summoning Aegis...” he bowed deeply and took her hand, planting a feathery kiss on it. She pulled her hand away tactfully and smiled scornfully at him. She wiped the blood he had smeared on her on Thelis's robes. He looked about as happy as she was. Her disdain was barely hidden, if at all. Thelis's eye's had a hint of cold terror in them. Only Waval noticed.

”Saret? Saret...” she ignored Thelis and looked up at the tree Saret was perched in. “Are they the truebloods?” the bird nodded and she grinned. “Oh good! And Thelis,” she turned back to him. He cringed and stood tall, as if under inspection. “I can't thank you enough! But if I could offer one word of advice to you...” she said quietly, turning her face down. Thelis stepped back, cautiously. She lifted her hand to rest on his shoulder and drew him closer. “Never ever believe your vow to Wila is protection from us...” she looked up at him and dug her fingernails into the soft flesh of his arm.. “...because the first bound will always be stronger.” she finished quietly, pulling a dagger from her robes and thrusting it through Thelis's viscera. A small cough caught on Thelis's lips. He looked questioningly at her, then fell down on his knees, clenching his midsection. She smiled mirthlessly as she pulled her dagger out of him and wiped the bloody blade on his shoulder. “I always thought you were a coward...” he said, disdainfully, glaring up at her, “...one of those soulless monsters...” he scowled at her, one last time, and dropped over. He landed in the damp ground, making a sickening thud. Wind blew up around Madame Waval, tossing her hair. If you looked closely enough at it, it seemed to have a slightly crimson taint to it. A few dead leaves danced past her face. She glanced at them and then gazed over at Josh, who coughed uncomfortably.

”Uhmm...” Josh gawked at Waval and scratched his head. “What just happened here.” he asked, staring at the wounded wizard sprawled over the ground and then back to the striking short woman. Nicki, Kyle, Amber and Jordan stared too, horrified. None of them had seen such an act committed before. The shock settled uneasily over them. Lindsay had knelt down and was feeling Thelis's neck for a pulse. Madame Waval sheathed her sword then turned up to Saret.

”Nicely done Saret. What type Aegis are they anyways? Top? They look powerful...” she said proudly and glanced appraisingly at them. The six people huddled and watched her. Lindsay was still looking for a pulse and ignored the mysterious woman. Jordan watched her and Waval, glancing from one to the other. Amber stared darkly at the woman.

Saret flew obediently from the trees. “They are the Last Aegis.” he said quietly, watching them with an almost reverent eye. Ruffling his feathers and twisting in a jerky bow, he made a quiet moan and gave Waval a hateful look.

”Okay. The bird talks...” Jon said apologetically to Lindsay, watching the bird with awe. Madame Waval's eyes opened wide and she turned to them. Her face was twisted into a giant grin.

”THE LAST AEGIS!” she yelped happily, hugging Jon. His eyes were riveted on Thelis's body, he could see it just over her shoulder. “You must be Jarit! “ she released him and pointed to the others in turn. “And there's Alvie and Nivan and Josarin and Kale!!...Those must be...Luka and Jayce? Oh thank the gods!” she hugged Jon again, blubbering nonsense. “We have to get you ready...come on...” she mumbled, regaining her bearings. Kyle and Josh gave her a sidelong glance and nodded to each other, confirming that they both thought she was insane.

”Excuse me, but what are you talking about? And why did you stab Thelis? And why can that bird talk? And what is going ON?!” Amber demanded, looking deranged, jabbing her finger into Madame Waval's face. The short woman turned to her and smiled, sickeningly calm. She tilted her head and giggled as she replied.

”I'll tell you, don't worry Alvie. You'll have your answers...” she shook her head, laughing softly. “The Last Aegis!” she began walking into the forest again. Amber glanced back and shrugged. “Follow me! Camp is this way.” Waval commanded after a short pause.

Sauntering away from the group and leaning against a tree, Nicki spoke up. “If she knows what's going on maybe we should follow her.” she suggested. A soft frightened light glimmered in her eyes. “She can't be any worse to be around than him.” she pointed at Thelis. Her pleading eyes met Jon and Kyle. “This is insane.” Josh remarked, glancing at the body. “She killed him and you want to go with her? You don't even feel a little threatened? She's a cold blooded murderer!” Amber nodded as he spoke. The truth was harder to take than Nicki wanted it to be. She wanted to be safe and figure out what was happening. The cold truth was that no one knew who was a better captor. The dying man, or the cold woman.

”No I don't...and I don't know why! It's not like we know what's happening here anyways.” she answered, glaring at Josh and Amber, then she spun on her heel to follow Waval. “But I'm going. She might have answers.” Nicki walked swiftly behind Waval, stretching her steps to catch up.

”Crazy...” Jon muttered, following suit. His feet fell heavily on the dying leaves beneath his feet. Amber, Kyle and Josh stood around for a moment then after glancing at one another they started after Waval too. Jordan watched them leave with little concern.

”He's not dead yet.” Lindsay said quietly, after they had left. She still knelt beside Thelis. “Can you help him?” she asked Jordan, tugging on his sleeve. “He said you were a sorcerer!”

”You're buying this?” Jordan snorted, watching Thelis then letting his eyes turn back to Lindsay. “This is craz...”

”NO!...” Thelis managed to protest weakly, “No...He'd kill me...” a thin trickle of blood ran from the corner of his mouth down to his chin. His voice seemed to fail him and a light cough escaped his lips, bringing a light mist of blood up. His mournful eyes met Lindsay's and she shook her head.

Lindsay glanced sidelong at Jordan. “You wouldn't do that would you? You aren't a killer.” his expression didn't change and his eyes didn't leave her face. He completely ignored Thelis. Lindsay's face contorted into angry impatience. Lindsay gently rolled him onto his back, grimacing at the dirt encrusted wound.

Oblivious to Jordan, Thelis tugged on Lindsay sleeve. “No...you don't understand...” he mumbled, his breaths only coming in short gasps. “A sorcerer's power is destructive...he'd kill me before he'd help me...Kale is the healer...” he looked forlornly out at the patch of trees that Waval and the others disappeared into. Lindsay set a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. Blood seeped from his wound, pooling underneath him. Her gaze avoided the gore. Closing her eyes she moved her hand to his wound. Jordan watched from a distance, curious. A soft yellow glow enveloped Thelis, Lindsay still had her eyes closed. Jordan watched cautiously and stepped forward.

”What's going on?” he demanded, glaring at Thelis. Thelis had a look of surprise about him. “What are you doing to her?!” he knelt beside Lindsay, trying to pull her hands away. She turned to him with fanatical eyes. The next thing he knew, he was sprawled out a good thirty feet from Thelis and Lindsay, his back to a tree. He grabbed his chest, trying to get his breath back. Last thing he had seen was Lindsay's other hand reaching out to swat at him. “Lindsay?”

His words never reached her ears. As soon as she had touched Thelis's wound a painfully loud alarm had gone off in her head and, all of a sudden, she knew what she was supposed to do. After she had felt the extent of his injury, she imagined a light surrounding him, surrounding his pain and dissolving it. Then, with a loud snap, the light poured back into her. She gasped and opened her eyes, looking up in shock. Memories of a mother, of a father, of a brother, flashed in her mind, she saw them all as clear as day. She saw the first book he had read, the first girl he'd liked, his wedding and wife. She saw his initiation into sorcerer hood and the first man he'd killed. Lindsay saw his enemies, his friends and last of all, she saw Waval plunging the blade into him. She cried out, a swelling pain crashing into her stomach. She stumbled to her feet, wanting to distance herself from Thelis, whose body had gone still. Her feet trembled beneath her as the pain exploded into her mind. Letting it have its way, her eyes rolled back into her head and she fell back.

Grunting as he caught her, Jordan gently tapped her side. “Lindsay?...” after a long pause his words reached her. Lindsay's eyes shot open. She brought one of her hands up to rest on his and brought her eyes to his face. The mind shattering pain was gone, as was Thelis. His body lay cold beside them. Jordan was watching her expectantly. “What did he do to you?” his eyes crossed to Thelis's corpse then back to her.

Blinking, she let the two tears that had welled up in her eyes fall. “I took away his pain...” she answered softly. “..but it didn't help...” her gaze turned back to Thelis. “I used battle magic...” Struggling away from Jordan's grasp, she staggered over to the carcass and set her hands on Thelis's face, staring mournfully into his lifeless eyes.

”You used what?” Jordan asked, completely baffled. He was still trying to recover his breath from the blow she had dealt him. He watched her with quiet calculation, his dark eyes absorbing all they saw.

”Battle magic...” she repeated quietly, “He knew what it was...an Archerlord has the power to take people's pain as their own, to free them of it. And when they take pain they take memories. “ she closed her eyes and turned her head, standing up to face him. “If the pain is powerful, so are the memories. I know everything from Thelis now...that wound was death itself. Waval had him dead the minute she saw him.”

”Lindsay, are you feeling all right? You're talking strang...” he stopped talking and stared into her eyes. She looked back at him coolly. “An Archerlord, huh? So what does that make you? A really good archer?” he sighed, resigning himself to the fact that she wasn't lying - crazy maybe - but she wasn't lying, her eyes said that much. Maybe he was a little crazy too, he didn't find it so hard to believe.

”The best.” she replied, smiling faintly. “But not just with a bow. According to Thelis I can use any weapon. And be good at it.” she picked up the branch from earlier and glanced at it. It wasn't just a stick, it was half of a club, the carving marks around the sides and the splinters on the back giving it away. Lindsay gawked, amazed. “Whoa...” she hefted the weight of it in her hand. “Now we have to go save Nicki and them.” “ ”Pardon?” Jordan coughed.

”Waval is probably going to skin them alive.” Lindsay answered, humorlessly. “And Raune will be all too eager to help.” she grimaced and attempted to take a few wobbly steps. She still clutched at her stomach in phantom pain. Jordan stood, shadowing her and then stopping, to give her room to stumble.

”Who? You lost me. Why would Waval hurt them? Who's Raune?” Jordan was slowly starting to breath normally again. He scratched his head and watched Lindsay as she paced around the clearing, regaining her bearings. “Come on...I'll tell you on the way. Just promise you'll listen.” she stared intensely into his eyes. He nodded as she took his hand and started dragging him along. The phantom wound had subsided. “Okay. I have to start a few centuries ago though...don't lose me...we don't have time for that.” she muttered, glancing up at the slowly setting sun. Long shadows of monstrous trees clawed out towards the duo as Lindsay continued dragging Jordan through the desolate woodland. “In the beginning of the Empire of Fivore, which is where we are right now, there where families of people who were assigned certain roles. The first Archerlord, Priestess of Fivore and Animal shaman were named. They were granted special magic by their respective gods. The Archerlord had all knowledge of war and Battle magic from Belame, the god of fire and war. The Priestess of Fivore had her knowledge and telepathy from Fiala, the mother of the gods. The Animal shaman was given the ability to change his form to communicate with creatures from Tobayn, the earth goddess.” she paused and glanced at Jordan. “Got that?”

He closed his eyes and held up his hand. “Archerlord - Belame, Priestess - Fiala, Animal - Tobayn.” he opened one eye to look at her. Lindsay nodded. “Who named them?”

”The gods did. And their power passed down through their bloodlines, so only a few direct descendants had power. There were other people with magic too. And it could only be used by direct descendants. There were the Dragonblood, who were able to fly and breathe fire because they were dragon half breeds. The sorcerers, and sorceresses who were born with the power of Jacin, the father of the gods. Usually they were his children. “ she paused then, glancing around the patch of trees, then continued on. “And then there were the wizards and witches. They weren't restricted by bloodline. They weren't born with power - but they had taken a sorcerers power.” Jordan grunted and shook his head.

”How would they take a sorcerer's power?” he asked, picking a leaf from a nearby tree and kneading it with his hand until it fell into pieces.

Fidgeting was a fondly held habit of his. Even now, with his mind nearly bursting with strange new thoughts and bizarre events, still he had to find a way to fiddle. And he did, crushing leaves in his palms until they became dust. “They were born with the powers inborn so...”

”They eat Aegis to gain their powers.” Lindsay replied, glancing back at him. “They could do that to any of the magic families. It's sick. For the powers to be transferred, the aegis must be alive while eaten...” she shuddered, “Thelis ate about twelve sorcerers. That's why he was seventh degree. But I'm getting ahead of myself. What was I saying?”

Scratching his back, Jordan stopped. “Why would the gods let their magic be taken so easily? It doesn't make any sense. Why hand power out anyways?” Frowning, Lindsay glanced back at him. “The magic families always lived together, no one with magic was allowed to live alone. They usually lived with their families anyways - who would want to attack a clan of Aegis?” she glanced around the trees for a moment. “The gods had to find a way to protect their people. The only way they could interfere was to pass bits of their power to humans themselves. If they interfered directly, nothing good ever came of it. Even the gods couldn't understand human motivation. So they let people govern people.” A broken twig in a shrub caught her eye and she headed off towards it. “It wasn't Jacin's idea to have the magic be stolen at all. But Wila, the god of the dead, resented the fact that Jacin had done all this without her council and she created the first few Wizards with her power. After that Jacin killed Wila and left her children, Niche and Shasy, the goddesses of destruction, in control of the dead. Jacin couldn't destroy the Wizards because Wila had left a curse on them with her death. If Jacin so much as touched one, he would become mortal. A divine curse. Wizards were rare for a very long time because Fiala had enough influence to keep them in check. The Aegis were adored by the people. They were their divine protection. The gods had created the Aegis to be their voices and help the people, and that was all they ever did, so they were well respected. But...” Holding up a hand Jordan stopped her. “Lindsay, did you see that?” his eyes glared off into a copse of trees.

”See what?” Lindsay glanced at the spot.

He shook his head. “Nothing...probably just a bird...go on.” They began moving again.

”Uhmm...oh right. Wizards were rare because of Fiala's diligence. She kept her Aegis busy hunting them out.. Around 1000 years ago, the god's council declared the threat of Wizards gone. They were unaware that a large clan of Aegis had been turned to Wila's cause. The scorned Aegis worked to create new wizards and started the black wars. After that Aegis were being hunted down and slaughtered, by the people and wizards had come into full power. Fiala, the mother god, decided the only way to eradicate the wizards was to strengthen the true Aegis bloodlines, to have the Aegis do their dirty work, and that could only be accomplished with time. So Jacin sent almost all of the Aegis to earth, a world light years away from the reach of the wizards so they could breed stronger Aegis. Got that so far?” he nodded, still looking spooked. “Earth has a magic field around it, that would seal the Aegis's powers so they could co-exist with the locals. Earth's gods have a fear of magic so they were happy to help Jacin. They thought that this meant he had given up on his magic. The opposite was true, he was breeding the strongest magic ever, it could possibly end up rivaling the gods. Back here though the Wizards controlled the people entirely. A few wizards were compelled by Fiala to repent and help Jacin's cause. They would summon Aegis from earth and allow them to try and destroy the wizards.

A few of the wizards would summon Aegis to control them and use them, after they discovered how. That's what Thelis wanted. And Waval is one of the other kind of wizards, who summon Aegis to eat them.” she sad quietly. “That's why she was so happy to see us. We are the strongest of each of the bloodlines. That's why we hung around each other on earth. That's why we are a threat. That's why Thelis was scared of us, and that's why Waval wants to kill us.” Jordan's face had gone white.

”All right. So we stop Waval. “ he pulled Lindsay's arm back, and she stumbled, falling back beside him. “but first we have to get rid of those things.” he whispered in her ear, nodding at a clearing in the trees. She looked at him first then turned her gaze to the tiny meadow. Dark, black, twisted shapes were huddled on the ground in the tall grass. On closer inspection Lindsay could make out their olive faces, with hollow eyes. Their skin was a waxy green color and they wore crude leather. They looked like they may have been human - once. “Berserkers.” he said softly, answering her unasked question., “I've read about them before. At least I think I have. They're thugs.”

”So what do we do about them?” Lindsay asked quietly, hefting the weight of the half-club in her hand. Jordan looked over at her and shook his head direly.

”Nothing for now, I think. Let's see how close we can get to Waval before we try anything okay?” Lindsay nodded and continued walking. Her lip curled in disgust at their clumsy stalkers.

The air was noticeably darker and Jordan imagined he could smell the Berserkers. A creeping acidic smell that made his nose tingle and his mind swim. Already he was confused at how natural this seemed. The shock and disbelief that should have appeared by now - hadn't. Lindsay had fallen into her role as soon as she touched Thelis. Jordan wanted to understand it all as simply as Lindsay had grasped this strange world. 'Fivore? I think that's what she called it.' he thought absently, watching the Berserkers stalk them. They really weren't all that quiet, he should have noticed them before. They were clumsy, walking loudly, moving around, even grunting to one another. A chill went down his spine. Maybe they weren't there to hurt them...

Jordan squeezed Lindsay's hand and she turned to him. Her face was pale but her mouth was set in a grim smile. “Yes?” he leaned forward and whispered his suspicions into her ear. Her eyes opened wider. “Then let's try an experiment.” she turned away from the path, “Well then, I think we should try that route!” she said loudly, pointing at a large oak in the forest up ahead. The Berserkers went into a flurry of action. The two in the lead began making a new twisting path from the oak back to their trail. The two others stayed behind them, covering their trails. Lindsay glanced at Jordan, “Get the two behind the tree, I'll get the other two.” she whispered, looked pleased with herself. Jordan glared down at her.

”I can pin you in a fight Lindsay. These things want to kill us, let's just take another path and see if we can get aw...” his voice was dark and heavy with worry.

”You used to be able to.” she grinned mischievously. “Thelis had training in hand-to-hand combat. I'll be fine...Do you want the club?” she offered the puny looking twig to Jordan. Sighing in resignation, Jordan shook his head.

His gut churned at the smell of the Berserkers that drifted back to his nostrils. “Be careful.” he warned, feeling his insides twist into a familiar feeling of dread. She just smiled. 'At least she's confident...' he thought glumly as he turned to the Berserker behind him and planted his fist between it's eyes.

It squealed, a thoroughly hideous noise, like a cross between a pig and a dying cat. He leapt away from it's hairy fist and rolled backwards, taking the other Berserker's feet out from under it. This one didn't make a noise but spat angrily and grabbed his arm. Jordan wretched his arm back and slammed his elbow into it's hollow eye. With a sickening pop the Berserker's face collapsed, like a grotesque balloon. That didn't stop it though, and not missing a beat it nailed it's fist into Jordan's side.

A bright red flash danced in Jordan's mind and vision. He saw himself grab the Berserker by it's throat and then his vision failed him. He felt a surge of electricity flow through his body, unbidden. When his vision returned and he felt nothing in his hand, he glanced about for the fugitive Berserker. Lindsay was relaxed, leaning against a tree, the club hanging at her side in a slack hand, all splintered and dented. She looked down at the pile of ashes at his feet with awe. His gaze followed hers and he realized where the Berserker had gone.

”You ended that quick.” she said quietly, pushing up off the tree and walking over to brush the ash of his shirt. “ You managed to get all five when you did that. Now quit playing and help me find the path.” Cough...cough. “I did what?”

”I told you to listen before! You're the strongest sorcerer alive, that's just the first time you've touched your power.” Lindsay glanced off into the distance. “Do you feel better now?” he shook his head yes. “Then let's move.” she said, dragging him off into the towering copse of trees. The shadows were almost non-existent now, twilight was falling quickly. And so were their chances of saving Nicki, Josh, Amber, Kyle and Jon.

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

”OWWWW!” Amber screamed, kicking Waval with all her might. Waval didn't flinch but she did lower her face to glower. Amber turned away and squinted her eyes shut in defeat. All five of them were tied up by their hands to a long post that, in turn, was tied between two trees. The tiny woman leaned in close to Amber's ear and whispered venomously, “Just for that I'll let you go last. After you've watched all the others die.” she patted Amber's cheek. “Won't that be fun?” Amber whimpered and let her head droop. Raune walked up behind Waval and wrapped his arms around her middle and lifted her up. She giggled and mussed up his dirty blonde hair with her free hand.

”What a night, tonight will be.” he purred into her ear as he set her down. His eyes strayed to the captives, like a moth to the light and a grin lit his face. Taking broad steps he strutted over to inspect the hostages. Raune had not always been a wizard, in his youth he'd been an innocent farmer. He aspired to be a priest of Tobayn. His father has a farmer and had wished nothing more than to please the earth goddess so he sent his youngest boy to the city, without worry. But Raune never made it to the city. Camping one night he had chanced to see Waval, capturing an Aegis. He thought she was Wila herself until she caught him. With only a few lies and promises of power she had won him over, and to prove she was serious she had offered the Aegis's power to him. He botched up the ritual and the Aegis nearly escaped, but Waval cursed it to ensure it's silence. (And to save it for another meal.) Days after that the two had gotten married and ever since they had traveled Fivore, in search of Aegis. Or summoners to retrieve the elusive magical people.

Digging her knees into the dirt, Nicki refused to look at Raune as he passed her. She was wracked with guilt, 'It's my fault we're here...I just had to follow her...what an idiot!' her thoughts were increasingly depressing. She had felt compelled to follow Waval. When Raune appeared and started tying Josh up she had realized her mistake. She remembered it too clearly....Jon shouting at them to run, Kyle jumping at Waval and never hitting the ground, suspended by her magic, Amber shrieking as Waval slammed Jon into a tree, the horror of being caught by some dead looking green-men, watching Jon being beat and not being able to help. Josh had taken on Raune and come out just as bad as Jon. They had threatened - tied them up - and drug them back to camp. That's when the fight had left Nicki but she still held to the desperate hope that Lindsay and Jordan could find them. Raune shoved her back, making her look up. She glared coldly at him as he passed.

'I didn't run fast enough, maybe if I'd hit harder or maybe I should have distracted him so the girls could get away or maybe...' Kyle's' thoughts circled in his head, making him dizzy. He was in far better shape than Jon and Josh though. He glanced over at Jon, who was tied beside him. He could almost see the bruises swelling. He poked Jon with his foot and got no response. He sighed through the gag Waval had tied on him and leaned back. Earlier she had decided he would be a better captive if he were a silent one. The gag tasted of dried blood and rotten dirt and Kyle tried his best not to touch it with his tongue. Raune watched him for a moment, and Kyle began to utter a few choice words, “Fuph hu!” that only earned him a scornful laugh.

His body burned painfully. Jon groaned and squinted his eyes. The last thing he'd known Waval had been hammering away at his sides and now looked up to see his arms tethered to a pole. He could feel the ropes burning into his hands. He noticed that his shirt was torn in several places and he could see bruises through the tears. 'No cuts though...' he thought sickly, '...they don't want a bloody supper.' Glancing up, just in time to see Raune walking past him, Jon spat at his foot. “You can't do this...!” he grunted as Raune kicked him soundly in the side. The tall man ignored his sounds of pain and continued walking on. Jon closed his eyes once more, trying to ignore the agony.

A bead of sweat dripped from Josh's nose and he became frightfully awake. His vision was hazy and all he could see was a red glow, with dark shapes shifting in and out of it. Blinking furiously he saw the giant bonfire leaping up into the sky in front of him instead of a hellish glow. Waval smiled at him as she tossed another log on the fire. He felt a snarl forming on his lips as Raune passed him by. 'Jon's right, he won't get away with this...as soon as I get out of these ropes...” thoughts of revenge calmed his mind and he managed to stop himself from repeating Jon's mistake. He shook his head and grunted. That wasn't like him, he thought, squirming a little. He turned to wipe his face against his shirt and sighed. Being kidnapped by people who wanted to eat him wasn't normal either, but he seemed to be dealing with that fine.

The flames licked the air in front of them and Raune kept up his incessant pacing. Sweat dripped from his arms as the fire grew and the captives cowered. 'As if the two who're free are any problem.' Raune thought scornfully, watching Nicki as she stared hopefully out into the woods. He laughed in spite of himself. Waval glanced questioningly at him. “What is it, dear?” she asked, sliding up beside him and patting his arm.

”I think Nivan thinks her friends will save her..” he said softly, relishing the look of terror he received from Nicki. “The Berzerkers should have those two by now, shouldn't they?” he asked turning to Waval, letting his eyes move from Nicki.

Nicki felt the bile rising to the back of her throat as she watched Raune and Waval talk softly. Nicki shuddered, remembering her encounter with those green dead-looking things. They had just leapt on her and waited until she couldn't fight anymore before they delivered her to Waval. Her hands shook as she tried to stop the mental images of Jordan and Lindsay being attacked by those things. She could almost see them being caught. 'That won't happen! Jordan can fight. I know they'll make it.' she jutted her chin out and smiled weakly. She would let them know that she would not be disheartened that easily. Kyle glanced over at her and grunted softly. She turned to him and watched as he jerked his jaw around, moving the gag out of his mouth.

”Do you think they'll get here?” he asked quietly licking his lips, “I mean it's just not a meal without seven courses.”

”Kyle!” Nicki snapped, her face going even paler. “That's not funny!” he looked away ashamed.

”I'm sorry, I'm just worried. How are we supposed to get away from these two?” he said weakly, trying to smile. Nicki sighed and leaned back. A grin crossed her lips momentarily and she turned to Kyle. “We make a distraction and let the two smart ones untie us.” she nodded towards the bushes and Kyle beamed as he saw Jordan gesture at him to be quiet. “Pass it on..” Nicki whispered into Kyle's ear. The impromptu game of telephone continued down the ranks of the captured. Waval and Raune were none the wiser.

Raune was turning red, “I still think the Berzerkers should be back by now!” he grumbled, crossing his muscular arms. Waval moved closer to him and patted his shoulder, her hand looking terribly petite on him. She turned to glanced at her captives and frowned. Shuffling over to Kyle, she tied the gag back up around his mouth. Giving him a spiteful slap on the cheek, she returned to Raune.

”Then we just let out a couple Essariss. If the Berzerkers don't get them, the Essariss will. Don't you worry.” she said, grinning from ear to ear and extracting a vial from her robes. She pulled the cork out and laughed. “Now why don't you go get us some fresh parsley for supper?” he watched as two shadowy forms emerged from the vial and let out hissing noises. They were all teeth. Tremendous, thick, spiked teeth. Their breath made whistling noises as it passed those hideous fangs. Their bodies were slim, purple, and they had long, thin arms that ended in clawlike hands that dangled limply at their sides. Since they had no feet that could be seen, just a wispy purple veil to the ground, they floated a few feet from the ground. Jon choked on his words as one hovered over to him, hissing and gurgling. Raune laughed again and wandered off into the woods. Waval made a clucking noise with her teeth.

”Not them, Essariss. I want the two free ones. Get them for me and you can have the leftovers.” the thing hissed and laughed, running it's hand past Jon's face and winking, like a promise. Then they sped off into the woods, Nicki gasped aloud as one passed by where Lindsay and Jordan were hidden. An idea sprung up in her mind.

”Wa...Waval!” Nicki demanded loudly, standing up on her knees. The short woman spun around to her and glared. “You...you won't catch them you know.” she said timidly. Kyle knelt up beside her, his face set in a mocking smile. He had shifted the gag out of his mouth again.

”Yeah. They know all about his stuff. They'll chew you up and spit you out. You don't have a hope. You don't stand a...”

”Don't overdo it...” Jon growled under his breath, kneeling up beside him. “He's right though, you know.” he glared up at her. “They aren't stupid. they'll...”

”..tear you limb from limb.” Josh added, snarling and standing on his knees beside them. Jon shot him a surprised look. “And you...” “..you are a joke.” Amber added loftily. “A midget with a mental problem!” They continued on their verbal abuse as Lindsay and Jordan quickly planned their escape.

The two hiding in the bushes were whispering excitedly and planning the escape quickly, using the only plan that seemed possible to them. “You circle the camp, and try not to get to close to those purple things. I'll make a distraction while you untie the others.” Jordan whispered quietly. Lindsay set her hands on her hips and scowled at him.

”And what, exactly, are you going to do to make a distraction?” she demanded, glancing at him sideways. “You don't know how to use your powers. Waval does, and what are you going to do when she...” he interrupted her. “I'll play it by ear okay? It doesn't really matter anyways, we just have to get them out of there.” Lindsay nodded her agreement. “Watch yourself.” he added as she trudged off into the trees. She glanced back at him and scowled again.

”Watch yourself...” she grumbled, stepping lightly over fallen twigs and branches. She listened halfheartedly to the insults her friends were throwing at Waval and followed the noise in a broad circle. She stopped dead in her tacks when she heard a twig snap behind her. “Jordan?” she hissed quietly.

No response.

She hefted the half-club in her hand and continued foreword. Every few moments her head would twitch as she heard more twigs snapping. Finally she dropped to the ground behind a tree when the noises got too close. Lindsay held her breath.

The bird from earlier, Saret, came stalking along in the clearing. It looked straight into her eyes and spread it's wings out, threateningly. Lindsay bit her lip and jabbed her half-club imploringly out to Saret. The bird shrugged and folded it's wings back. “Well, she can't say I didn't try.” Saret said impatiently. “Now just don't get caught.” he added glancing around. “I'll stall Raune. That should even out the fight - if there is one. Don't let the Essariss touch you.”

She swung the club over the osprey's head. “Why would you help us?” she growled softly, pinning his pinfeathers to the ground with a downswing of the club. Saret cringed.

”Because I hate her as much as you do. You think I want to help her kill Aegis? I was one once. Now let me go. I'll help.” the bird snapped back, flapping his wings excitedly. “The Essariss are almost here...I've got to go! “ he grunted, flapping down and dragging his tail out from under her club. “Good luck, Fool Archer?..archerlordess now is it?...” She watched helplessly as he flew away into the treetops. A few stars twinkled down at her from between the branches and she watched them for a moment. Her hand sat limp on the ground as she inspected the stars.

”Not a constellation I know...” she mumbled sadly, shaking her head and watching the gossamer clouds skimming quickly overhead. The blue-black sky opened it's gaping mouth above her and suddenly Lindsay felt incredibly tiny. She was lost in a place she didn't understand and her closest friends were in the hands of an insane woman. Biting her lip apprehensively she looked over at the fire-lit area to her right. She could hear Nicki's voice rising above the silence and she took heart in it. If Nicki could summon the tremendous amounts of courage it took her to speak then surely Lindsay could untie a few ropes. Smiling up at the stars that glittered bitterly down at her, Lindsay pushed herself up off the ground and prayed fervently that Saret wouldn't betray her.

The bird's behavior was bizarre. Lindsay knew that he was Waval's lackey but he seemed to be disgusted by her. Lindsay couldn't make any sense of him. Her gaze followed the path he'd taken when he'd flown off. All she could see were trees.

A snarling noise caught her attention and brought her back down to earth. Instinct warned her that she could not be so lucky to find an ally creeping towards her twice so she reached out to the nearest tree and hauled herself up. Grunting sharply when she reached a thick branch, she glanced down at her leg. While climbing, her pants had snagged and a long scratch now ran up her leg. She sent a few cautious glances downward. Her breath caught in her throat when the dark specter came into view.

The Essariss skimmed along the ground, hissing to itself. Swallowing hard, Lindsay leant foreword to listen. The words 'meat', 'mistress promised' and 'catch wurms' slid continuously out of it's repulsive thin lips. Lindsay leaned back and sat clinging against the tree. She searched Thelis's memories for any knowledge of the disgusting creature.

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

Lindsay could have screamed. Thelis had never even heard of an Essariss, let alone know how to deal with it. Her stomach turned as she watched it shuffling around under the tree. 'Is it a ghost?' she thought absently, pulling a sliver off her club. She rubbed the sliver down to a point as her mind mulled over thoughts. If it was a ghost she would run. But if it was an animal (in the loosest definition of the term) she'd would just have to kill it. Saret's last warning rang through her head as she dangled the sliver above the Essariss's shadowy form. “Don't let the Essariss touch you.” The sliver dropped from her hand and stuck solidly in the creature's back. It's jawless face snapped up and twisted into a toothy sneer as it's cold, dead eyes found her.

”MEAT!” it hissed triumphantly. Lindsay brandished her club at it. The Essariss's eye's followed it's movement, transfixed. She leapt from the tree and landed hard on her knees a good distance away from the Essariss. It took the beast a few moments to realize what had happened before it speed off after her.

Lindsay had rummaged around the ground for a moment to find a stick to twin her club and now held two thick hunks of wood in her hands, white knuckled. The bird's words reverberated in her head loudly, confusing her. 'Why shouldn't I touch it?' her mind demanded as the Essariss rocketed towards her. Driving both of the makeshift clubs into the side of its head, the Essariss tumbled to the side and fell, dazed, against a tree.

”Sour meat...” it hissed leaping at her. Lindsay barley swung in time to drive it's long claw-like hands away. It reached for her again and she sidestepped, slamming the clubs into it, like cymbals. It merely choked and set it's hand's against the clubs. Lindsay struggled to hold them but the Essariss pulled them from her hands. Her mind screamed.

In seemingly slow motion it reached out to her. Lindsay stood frozen, watching in horror. It's long hand reached out to her chest - onto her chest - into her chest. She could feel it's cold, wet fingers as they slid into her chest, not breaking the skin, and grabbed hold of her heart. A sound of horror escaped her lips as it pulled itself into her mind. One last coherent thought ran through her head, 'It isn't a ghost, it's a demon.' then all she knew was the Essariss's thoughts. 'Fresh meat...'

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

Jordan shifted his weight from foot to foot, nervously watching the fire dancing only a few feet away. He stood behind a rather convenient tree and watched Josh as he stood up fully, his arms twisted behind him. The Josh that Jordan knew was quiet. A nice guy that laughed a lot and listened when someone talked. This seemed to be an entirely different person. Josh was practically yelling at Waval, a thick current of insults streaming from his mouth. Josh was drenched in sweat - all the captives were. Waval's bonfire was giant, it's huge red teeth biting into the sky. Amber sat in a trance, watching the fire wearily, as if she expected it to turn and consume her. The near truth was close enough, Waval's intent had been made crystal clear.

A feeling that had manifested in Jordan's gut nudged at him. It was only an inkling but it made him nervous and frightened to believe what it meant. A wisp of cold air caressed his back, accompanied by a thick gurgling noise. Allowing his lips to form the snarl that waited impatiently on them, he turned slowly around.

The Essariss was a goodly distance away but closing in on him fast. Jordan held out one hand, trying to concentrate on what he thought Lindsay had told him, 'You're the most powerful sorcerer alive! That was just the first time you've touched your power...the children of Jacin, father of the gods.' Another name she had mentioned sprang to his mind, 'Wila, who was the god of the dead...she created the first few Wizards with her power.' If anything could look like death embodied, the creature floating towards him was the ideal brute.

A soft white glow was surrounding his hand now, but he ignored it, watching the Essariss pause and watch him. The light reached out towards the creature, seeking it and the black ghost tilted it's head, watching the light with a childlike curiosity.

Blinking it's dirty gray eyes the Essariss hissed, “...meat?” reaching it's hand out to imitate Jordan. Inky black smoke issued from it's palm. The two looked pretend, like two chess pawns, both poised to move and make the first kill. A bishop and...a demon.

The inkling in Jordan refused to quiet down - even though he could see the Essariss now. The creature seemed content to sit and mock him so he took the precious moments to feel out the edges of his discontent. Something about what Lindsay had told him set off bell's in his head, an idea formed and he brought his other hand up. He seemed to chew over the thought in his head for a moment before he pushed his hands out, the white glow blasting from them to envelope the creature.

It gurgled in surprise when the white light encompassed it, shooting out from Jordan's outstretched palms. The black fog on its hand twisted in disgust and squirmed but stayed firmly in place. Jordan muttered softly under his breath and the encased creature began to shrink, along with the white light. The white became a smoky gray as it shriveled up into a small crystal like rock, the Essariss just a speck of black in the center. Jordan bent to pick it up, missing Lindsay's grand entrance.

”LINDSAY?!” Nicki called out in terror as Lindsay walked stiffly into the clearing, the Essariss behind her. It's arm was immersed in her back and Lindsay's eye's were glazed over. Waval looked rather pleased. She grinned venomously at the silent captives as she shoved the gag back in Kyle's mouth. Josh fell back down onto the ground, slack jawed.

”Good pet...very good.” she glanced smugly at Nicki. Nic was trying to hold back a scream that threatened to rip out of her throat. “I'll tie her.

Bring her over by the others.” Lindsay (and the Essariss controlling her) shuffled over to an empty spot on the captive's row. Waval drew a length of chain out of a bag nearby. Lindsay fell back onto the ground beside Josh, her face expressionless. He gaped at her for a moment and shifted away, weary of the grinning ghoul looming behind her. The Essariss gurgled and watched him intently with it's dead eyes. Waval strang Lindsay's hand's up with the chain and closed the links with a thick lock. She spoke softly to the Essariss and produced the vial it had emerged from. It grudgingly nodded and drew it's hand away from Lindsay's heart as it slipped back into it's vial, hissing incessantly.

Gasping loudly, Lindsay coughed and shook. “Belfire!” she growled, glaring at Waval. The entire time the Essariss had held her heart, it had pushed her mind into a back corner. She had been able to watch, but not control herself. Waval giggled and tucked the vial back into her robe.

”Six down, one to go.” she murmured happily, tossing back her long blonde hair, the firelight turning it a bright crimson. Lindsay's head lolled onto her shoulder and she passed out. Jordan looked on silently, wanting to cry, scream and kill all in the same moment. He burst out from the trees, growling like a madman, his eyes wild and the light on his arms flaming in rage.

The white light that emanated from his hands had turned a blinding ivory, and tiny flames licked out from his finger tips. He held his hands out in front of him, as if to ward Waval away. She twirled around quietly and glowered at him. Her eyes rested for a moment on the small stone he clutched in his one hand, then they narrowed to slits as she met his angry gaze. The fire burned angrily between them.

”So you think you can beat me?” she asked sweetly, smiling serenely. She stood with her back to the captives, an arm's length away. Jordan only watched her wearily, the flames on his hands growing ever so slightly to blend with the red light of the bonfire.

Jon rose to his knees and jabbed Josh in the side. Josh glanced over at him. Their eyes met for a moment and Jon's intent became clear. With frightening speed they kicked their legs out, striking Waval. She stumbled and Jordan seized the moment. The flames from his hand licked out towards her, engulfing her for a moment. She gasped as her hair ignited. Ignoring Jordan she muttered softly under her breath, Born of need and death of Belame's fury - Water Delven - Surround! As she finished speaking drops appeared on her hands and arms, and continued to grow until she was entirely engulfed in water. Defeated, the flames sputtered and died. The water refused to cling to Waval any longer and fell away in a rush. Her expression was cold as she looked back to Jordan. “Try that again and one of you friends dies.” she drew a dagger from somewhere in her robes and stepped back, holding it flat against Amber's throat. Amber bit her lip and made no noise, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

Josh's gaze darted to the blade and back, “Leave her alone...” he croaked, his voice suddenly rough. Amber blinked gratefully, sending the tears down her cheeks. Waval ignored them.

”Your bird is a traitor, Waval. It was trying to...” Raune stopped at the edge of the clearing, seeing Jordan and Waval in a stalemate. Neither one looked at him. Raune held Saret upside-down by one thick leg, the bird hanging nearly on the ground in Raune's grasp.. The man looked startled and made no movement towards his wife or his enemy.

”Raune - do we really want that one alive?” Waval asked, nodding towards Jordan. Her face was drawn back into a tight scowl. Raune shook his head yes.

”Meat is meat.” he said shrugging and turning towards Jordan. Saret dropped from his hand to the ground, thudding softly against the thick deadfall. The bird righted itself and stumbled away. Raune grinned and stretched his arms out over his head. “I haven't had a free range meal in a long time.” he smiled wolfishly at Jordan. The flames still burning on Jordan's hand's flared up, engulfing what was left of the white light. Raune let his hands drop to his sides.

Jon twisted uncomfortably, pulling his feet back under himself. The bruises were throbbing painfully as he watched Jordan in amazement. He wondered if he was imagining the fire on Jordan's hands or if it was a part of this whole twisted world. 'But if can get us out of here then I hope he's going to burn Waval to a crisp.' he thought smugly, silently cheering Jordan on. Raune's pupil's lengthened and his eyes distorted to bright yellow. His body rippled and contorted, great patches of mottled brown fur emerging from his skin. His legs and arms shuddered, twitching violently as they lengthened and splayed out, forming ridiculously large paws. Long dark claws slid out from his arms and legs and he dropped foreword on all fours. His nose jutted out and darkened to form a wicked looking snout, his teeth too were longer and dangerously sharp.

Jordan watched Raune's transformation calmly, nursing the flames on his hands until they had grown down to his elbows and spouted blue flames in places. The flames did not burn him, but seemed to caress his skin, gliding over it.

Raune's new shape was huge, he was easily twice Jordan's size. Raune had taken on the form of a huge wolf-like creature. It had three tails, each ending in barbed bone and it's claws were so long that they had to be retracted for the beast to move. It's snout was pointed and it's eyes were placed on the front of the face, instead of the sides, giving it a demonic appearance.

Leaping foreword, over the bonfire, it landed heavily beside Jordan. “Runnnn...” it demanded, it's mouth clumsily forming the words. Jordan snarled and darted off into the trees, not yet ready to fight. Waval grinned wholeheartedly and walked around the fire to pat the Raune-beast's shoulder, since it was all she could reach.

”Have a good hunt Raune.” she said softly as he loped off into the woods, following the faint light of Jordan's fire.

Jordan practically flew from step to step and his breath came in short gasps as he sprinted away. The flames on his arms pulled at him, forcing him foreword. Clumps of dead leaves flew out from under his feet as he ran, leaving a painfully obvious trial. Jordan was oblivious to it. His only thoughts were of how to get rid of Raune. Using his flames was out of the question, he would have to be in it's mouth before he could harm it. He toyed momentarily with the idea of finding a sharp stick to use as a weapon but he scrapped that too, time wasn't a luxury he had at the moment. The Raune-beast was closing fast. Trees flashed past his vision and the deadfall beneath him sparked something in his mind. He had no time to mull it out further though. Raune had caught up behind him.

He could fell the beast's hot breath on his neck and his flames reached towards it, seeking a target. Abandoning his earlier assumption, Jordan spun round and caught the beast in a rough bearhug. The flames grazed it's flesh hungrily and the beast twisted and roared in surprise. With one buck of it's neck Jordan's grip gave out and he went soaring into the woods, landing hard against a tree. The flames that still burned on Raune went out quietly. The beast chuckled deeply.

A whirling daze awaited Jordan when he finally opened his eyes. Sharp pains shot up his left leg when he tried to stand. His knees buckled and fell out from under him. The sound of water washing gently reached his ears. He wasn't sure if it was real or just an aftereffect of the blow. All he could see were dark blurs above him and tiny little dots...stars that watched him coldly, disdain in their glittering. Jordan closed his eyes and ground his teeth. He held his arms out in front of him and imagined the tiny flames that still must cling to his fingertips. 'I must be hurt,' he thought tranquilly, 'if I can't keep the flames strong...but I can't just let him kill the others. I won't let him.' his mind steeled to the thought and he stood suddenly, ignoring the searing pain in his leg. The stars seemed satisfied, their glow gently lighting the woods. Raune had sat back on his haunches, watching to see if Jordan was still alive. His shining yellow eyes gleamed hungrily when Jordan rose stiffly from the ground. He paused, wondering if it was a trick. Raune had trouble believing that Jordan, (who he had only heard of in legends, but as Josarin - his true name) the sorcerer, who could destroy entire cities with a thought - was this easy to kill. Jordan watched Raune with blank eyes. The beast had second thoughts but rose and loped slowly towards Jordan. The boy didn't move. Raune stood an inch from his face and snorted. Jordan stood fast. The Raune-beast tapped him experimentally with his paw. Jordan only stumbled and continued his glaring match. Bored with Jordan's silence Raune pushed him back and pinned him to the ground with one paw on his chest. The beast wanted screams or bribes, anything but this silence. Jordan smiled and lifted one hand, the flame on it waving back and forth. Raune eased back a little and Jordan plunged his hand deep into the deadfall. Flames licked out around his arm and took hold of the leaves. Raune took a step back, watching Jordan dubiously.

The whomp of air, as the peat underneath the deadfall lit up, was deafening. Raune let out a cry, a mangled sound of human and inhuman terror as the flames rippled down the forest floor at him. Jordan turned and leapt into the dark abyss, praying that the water he had heard earlier was real. A resounding splash as Jordan hit the water was music to his ears. He dove under the water, drowning out the sounds of Raune's pain and missing the fingers of flame that waved over the small river. After what seemed an eternity he pushed himself to the surface, his lungs burning for air. The trees closest to where he had started the inferno were burning but the fire had, for the most part, moved on to ravage the rest of the forest. Raune was lying on his side on the burnt forest floor, near a tangle of exposed roots. He was caked in ash but Jordan could make out the blisters forming on his now hairless skin. Small sounds escaped the beast’s mouth, betraying it's pain.

Jordan knelt beside Raune as his body shriveled and contorted back to it's human form. His clothes were burnt to him in places and the blisters were fully formed on his softer human skin. Raune brought his tearful eyes to Jordan's face and saw no pity there. His own face contorted into a scowl as he brought one hand to his face.

'Nights of darkness - light my path unto the day - And bleed the life from our mother Fiala - To feed the heart of Neris - Nightmare wav...' Jordan jumped back when Raune had began his spell but collapsed with the pain of his leg. Raune laid there, with his mouth still open, unable to finish. His eyes suddenly glazed over and he shrieked out, like a man possessed. Then he flopped on the ground, dead as far as Jordan could tell. A loud squawking behind him startled Jordan. He twisted around and saw a bird, No, not just a bird, Saret, watching Raune in a trance-like state. Jordan reached out and gently tapped the bird's side. “What is going on?” he asked watching the bird suspiciously.

Saret tore his eyes away from Raune and latched them onto Jordan. “You're hurt.” it said simply, walking out towards him. Jordan had neither the power or the will left to run so he laid there as Saret reached him, setting his wings on Jordan's leg. Jordan looked away, not know quite what to expect from the bird. His leg twitched and Jordan grunted, as the pain moved up and down his limb. Then as quickly as the pain had flared up, it vanished, leaving his leg throbbing. Intact and whole, but throbbing. Jordan set his jaw and stood up, trying to get away from the bird.

”Get away from me! What is going on?” he demanded, gingerly testing his leg. It no longer felt as painful and he left little weight on it. It didn't feel broken but, damn, did it ache.

The bird watched him tiredly. “I save your life, heal you and this is the thanks I get...” it muttered, shaking it's head. The bird sighed melodramatically, “I am Saret Ke'vhir Lov'tash. I am a priest of Fivore.” he said, as if that would explain everything. When Jordan showed no signs of relaxing Saret continued on. “I was cursed by Waval. She turned me into a bird because she couldn't eat me.” Jordan blinked. The osprey's words were finally hitting home.

”What did you do to Raune? I know that wasn't natural.” Jordan asked, looking at the corpse cautiously. Saret sighed and replied. “I ripped his mind apart. From the inside out.”

”And you healed me from the outside in....” Jordan ventured. Saret nodded. “We have to get back and stop Waval. I'll explain everything after.” the bird said, finality in his tone. Jordan didn't bother to argue. They both headed off into the woods, the bird gliding slowly and Jordan ambling behind him. They were framed by the firelight, lighting them from the trees above. Ash drifted abysmally in the air around them as they headed determinedly back to the bonfire, flickering brightly in the night ahead.

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

When the flames had ripped towards the camp, Waval had thrown out a spell of protection and as the fire surrounded the camp it was blown back by a ring of wind. The fire in the center of the camp had flared up, as if in protest and then settled back into it's own domain. Waval stood for a moment, studying the darkness and twirling a strand of hair around her finger absently.

Amber turned to her side and glanced at Lindsay. Her friend was breathing very shallowly, drawing in ragged gasps. The chains around her hands were cutting into her wrists . Amber could feel the constant pressure of the ropes on her own hands all the more sharply.

Waval turned, suddenly, and grabbed Nicki by the throat. Amber and Kyle tensed up and watched the witch vigilantly. Josh and Jon turned, unable to reach Waval, and sat fuming. The short woman reached into her robes with her free hand and drew out a long knife. She placed it at Nicki's throat. The younger girl did not flinch or even look at Waval. Her gaze was out at the forest, waiting patiently.

Waval began untying Nicki and growled harshly at her, “I don't want you to move unless I tell you to. All right?” her tone was as sharp as the blade she held. Nicki sighed softly and mumbled affirmatively. Her former fear had vanished. A revelation had come to her, plucking a different tune on the strings of fate. Waval would kill her if she disobeyed, Waval would kill her if she complied - the melody was set. But perhaps she could put something into motion that would delay the big finish. Nicki smiled as Waval pulled her to her feet. “Come on.”

Waval threw a challenging glance to the other captives. “Don't think about trying anything. I'll kill her if you're gone when I get back.” Josh cleared his throat and glared back at Waval.

”Where are you going?” he demanded with a sneer. A malicious grin swept across her face.

”To make sure that little pestilence is dead.”

”Ours or yours?” Amber asked cautiously, trying to get Waval riled up. Waval barely batted an eye. She spun on her heel and (dragging Nicki along with her) tromped out into the forest. The fire flared up angrily behind her. Waval ignored it.

”...aaggg...” Lindsay groaned, peeling open one eye. “What's going on?” she asked groggily, glancing around the camp, slowly. Her movements were lethargic as she drug herself to her knees. “Where's Nicki?” she said, her head clearing and her voice strengthening. Panic had crept into her voice. “Waval took her. She's out checking on Raune and Jordan.” Jon replied glumly, a black eye only now starting to form on his face. “Wanted to make sure he was dead.”

Josh looked like he was going to laugh. “Hey...I think our ropes are loose...” he mumbled, twisting his arms around over his head. The ropes rubbed at his arms, but no longer bit into them. He grinned crazily when his hands twisted free of the thick ropes. He wasted no time and began working on Jon's ropes next. Amber's jaw had dropped.

”What are you doing?!” she demanded, the color draining from her face.

”What about Nicki!”

”Goh Greglax, “ Kyle snapped, rolling his eyes and speaking through his gag.

”No! What do you think Waval will do to her when she gets back here and we're gone?” Amber growled helplessly.

”The same thing she would do if we were here.” Josh said impatiently, talking slowly, as if to a child. “, kill Nicki. At least this way, “ he turned and locked his gaze on her for good measure, “...we'll be able to try and stop her.” Amber looked away from him, abashed.

”Phold hu.” Kyle said smugly, as Jon, who was now free, started working on his ropes. “Gurri gup!” he ordered Jon. Jon glared at him for a moment before rolling his eyes and shaking his head.

”Can we leave the gag on Kyle?” Jon asked hopefully, but was overruled by a chorus of 'No, just untie him.'

Soon Josh, Amber, Jon and Kyle were free and they stood puzzling over Lindsay's chains. She had hung her head. “I can't believe none of you know how to pick a lock.” she muttered incredulously.

”It's not a skill any of us have really needed before now...” Jon complained. Lindsay raised her head up, her face scrunched into a glare. “Well then. I hope you learn fast.” she replied through clenched teeth. Kyle had knelt beside her and was tinkering with a pin in the lock. His brow was creased in concentration.

”Hey...” he said quietly, tugging on the lock. It opened. “Who's the man?!” he chanted, doing a little victory dance. Jon smacked Kyle upside the head and Kyle stopped, rubbing the back of his head mournfully.

Lindsay brought her hands down and rubbed her cut-up wrists. “Thank you Kyle.” she pulled the chain from the ground and wrapped it around her left hand before standing up with her friends and letting the chain dangle loosely at her side.

Josh half-snorted, half-laughed. “Let's go get Jordan and Nicki before something else shows up.” he growled, staring impatiently out into the forest. He scanned the woods for a moment before making a choking noise and squawking, “Hide!”, as he caught sight of a figure racing towards them. He dove into the forest and shuffled under an exposed root. Amber and Kyle scrambled up one of the nearby trees, scrambling up the giant trunks. Lindsay and Jon followed Josh, finding their own cover in the claw-like roots and ash. They all watched the human figure limping in nervously. The fire light reached out, making a dark silhouette.

”Jordan?!” Lindsay exclaimed, jumping up and rushing to his side. “What happened? Where's Raune? Are you all right? What...” she fired off her questions, one after the other, while poking and prodding at the bruise forming on his chest, his leg and the light scorches on his face and hands. “Did you see Waval?” she asked finally, glancing up at his face. He shook his head no. She sighed. “Waval took Nicki with her to go and check on Raune. Josh just got us all untied.” Josh, Amber, Jon and Kyle had emerged from their cover and watched him carefully.

He grunted unhappily as Lindsay set her hands on his shoulders and he saw a familiar light bathing his body. The ache in his body flared up for a moment and then vanished. His thoughts cleared and his sprits fell. At first he had assumed that his friends had beaten Waval and were now free, ready to go looking for him. The reality was far more disheartening. Nicki was a captive and Waval was still very much in control. He clenched his fists helplessly. Something sharp bit into his hand and he glanced down at it. The crystallized Essariss was still in his hand, rocking gently in his palm. He scowled at it and tossed the stone into the fire, disgusted with it and everything it stood for.

The fire twisted towards the stone and engulfed it. Josh and the others had crowded around Lindsay, demanding to know what had just happened. She ignored them, staring into the fire. Jordan watched the exchange for a moment before he too glanced at the flames. The sight that awaited him there nearly knocked him off his feet.

The fire was no longer just a huge bonfire, it had turned into an inferno, reaching extraordinarily high into the sky. It moved with purpose and thought. The flames suddenly compressed into a tiny ball and exploded out to form a human shape.

The fire (turned man) gazed around at the friends and then nodded his head at Lindsay and Josh. They glanced at one another and then stepped foreword, closer to the fire-man. Neither of them looked very surprised when it opened it's fiery mouth to speak.

”Aegis, “ he bowed formally and turned his burning head around to look at them each in turn. “, Aegis, “he said again, nodding to himself , “I am Belame...”

Lindsay continued for him, “..the god of fire and war. The patron god of the warrior Aegis.” she bowed deeply and the others followed suit, their bows looking stiff compared to the grace of Belame. The god nodded approvingly to Lindsay.

”My Archerlord learns well. “he smiled and turned to Josh, “The Dragonblood does not know me yet.” he said quietly, as if disappointed. “No matter. Jacin charged me with your safety, death will not claim you yet.” he tilted his head and gazed at Jordan. “The sorcerer has already dealt with one...rather well. A warrior's wisdom.” Jordan stared unbelieving at the god.

Amber stepped forward and gave the god a speculative glance. “What are you going to do?” she asked, setting her hands on her hips. The god glanced at her, amused.

”The priestess does not know her place I see...” he chuckled to himself. Amber frowned at him. “I shall return the sorceress to you and send you on your quest.” he answered graciously, the flames on his body beginning to burn a bright blue. “I will return your lost sorceress.” he said simply, gliding out and over the fire-pit. A tiny flame was left flickering on the thick pile of wood as he walked gracefully out into the woods. Kyle coughed. “What was that all about?” he thought out loud. Josh turned to him and grabbed the front of his shirt, lifting him about a foot off the ground.

Kyle sputtered as Josh snapped at him, “He's a god, you moron. Show some respect.” Lindsay nodded in agreement. Kyle blinked and nodded. “I'm sorry. Geeze. Chill Josh.” Kyle grunted as Josh dropped him roughly on the ground. Josh turned to Lindsay and half-nodded.

”I understand now...” he said quietly, glancing at the fire Belame had left for them. The moment when Belame had looked at him his mind had become clear. He was a Dragonblood, one of the warrior Aegis. Destined to protect Fivore. He glanced at each of his friends, only now understanding their roles.

Amber was sputtering. “I don't know MY place! What did he mean by that?” she snorted, kicking at the ground spitefully. Josh turned around and glanced at her.

”You aren't one of the warrior Aegis. Belame doesn't owe you anything...” he explained scratching his head. Amber's face reddened.

”What are you babbling about?! We are not 'Aegis' whatever that means! We are seven people who were taken prisoner by a cannibal and ...”

”When was the last time you saw a forest like this?” Lindsay interrupted, gesturing out with her hands. “...or the last time you saw people dressed like that, or even met a cannibal?” she shook her head. “I don't know how to explain it to you Amber. But this isn't earth and we are the gods chosen Aegis.” Amber coughed and crossed her arms.

”Maybe we're hallucinating?” Jon suggested, sitting down beside the fire. “Mass hysteria... We breath in some fumes by the library, they kick in and...WHAM! We think were in another place being held captive by a cannibal.” he clapped his hands for emphasis.

Josh shook his head. “Then how do you explain the bruises?” he slapped Jon's shoulder and watched as his friend winced in pain. “They seem real enough to me...”

Jon rubbed his shoulder and looked accusingly at Lindsay. “Fine. Say we are on another world. What did Lindsay just do to Jordan? What was that light all about?”

She looked unruffled as she replied. “I used battle magic. I took his pain. And this world is called Fivore. We are currently in the province of Dian, under the rule of Ann and Frasen Rolwing.”

”Battle magic?” Kyle asked, inching away from Josh and Lindsay. “Yes, Battle magic.” Lindsay said impatiently. “I can take a person's pain into myself so they don't feel it. It comes with being an Archerlord.” “An archerlord is a magical warrior, they can use any weapon perfectly.” Jordan added, sinking to the ground beside Kyle. He put his hands out towards the fire. “And I'm a Sorcerer.”

Jon nodded his head. “Defiantly a hallucination.” Jordan, Lindsay and Josh didn't bother to correct him. They knew he would eventually understand. He had to. They settled down beside the fire. Amber was pacing around the edge of the clearing and watching the slowly glowing fires. She had lost track of which flickering light was the god, and now, she just watched for movement. Her nerves were a mess, she jumped at any noise. Her mind moved a mile a minute as she tried to believe what Lindsay, Josh and Jordan were telling her. She nervously watched the dark horizon and prayed fervently to nothing in particular that Nicki would be safe. She was unaware that every last one of her prayers were being listened to and taken to heart.

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

”Let her go, Witch, and I will allow you to live.” Belame roared at Waval, who held Nicki in front of her like a body shield. The blade was pressed flat against Nicki's throat. The witch was sweating profusely and had gone white.

Waval sneered at the god. “I do not fear death. My soul belongs to Wila herself, they will welcome me in the underworld as a loyal servant.” Her voice did not waver, but her eyes darted around in terror, betraying her fear. Belame stepped forewords, reaching out to Nicki. “I am one of the original witches! I have killed hundreds of your pathetic Aegis!” She snapped, stepping back and away from the fiery god. Belame's face contorted as he tried to control his rage, wishing nothing more than to engulf the witch in fire and let the ungrateful underworld have her. She would know her real place there. She would become one of their demons, abused into insanity and used to torment the dead. “YOU CAN'T TOUCH ME!” she cried, Wila's ancient curse the only thing protecting her from Belame's flame. The god stopped moving and leaned contemplatively against a tree.

”Perhaps I can't Waval. But the sorceress has more warrior sprit in her than you may think. I may not be your greatest worry.” he speculated, a grin crossing his fiery face. “Care to find out?” A long blue flame shot out from his hand, engulfing the blade at Nicki's throat. Nicki gasped and struggled against Waval's grasp. Waval screeched and dropped the dagger, burn marks appearing on her palm. Nicki broke free of Waval and rushed over behind Belame. The fire god glanced approvingly at her. “Your comrades are waiting for you. Go to them. Saret will guide you, if he can keep himself whole...I'll stall Waval as long as I can, sorceress. Shasy's speed girl. Go.” Nicki nodded at him, still confused. She had no clue who he was, other than a large flaming man who was helping her get away. She wasn't about to waste her chance. She bolted towards the distant camp.

In the distance behind her she could hear Waval's anguished screams. She wasn't quite sure if it was because she had gotten away or if the fire-man had decided to attack her after all. Her mind had built a kind of wall up that let her take all this insanity in and not question it, she hoped that later someone would be able to tell her what was going on. The clearing seemed to be getting closer and she sprinted towards it, nervous and hopeful of what she would find there. She cried out happily to see everyone sitting quietly around the fire. They all turned to her, looking rather unsurprised. “Where's the bird?” she asked, wanting to get as far away from Waval as possible. She didn't bother with asking the other questions that burned in her mind, yet anyways. Her only goal was to escape. Belame's orders still sat fresh in her mind. Jordan stood up and glanced around the woods.

”SARET?” Jordan called, cupping his hands around his mouth. “SARET?” he waited calmly as the others stood up. Amber and Kyle rushed over to her. Lindsay limped along behind them, holding her leg peculiarly. The group huddled around Nicki, full of questions.

”What happened out there? Where's Belame?” Kyle asked, glancing out into the forest and then looking Nicki over (for injuries, of course). Amber hovered over his shoulder and shared a pained glance with Nicki. “Better question - Where is Waval?” Amber asked tersely, handing Nicki a Tylenol from her sweater's pouch. Lindsay shook her head and thought inanely 'Lindsay - the human Tylenol...' as the ache in her leg and head throbbed. Nicki accepted the pill and swallowed it thankfully. Her head was starting to pound too.

”This guy made out of fire...”she began.

”Belame.” Lindsay, Kyle, Josh and Jordan chorused together. Jon, Amber and Nicki shot them a sideways glance.

”Okay...Well, - Belame - got her to drop the knife and told me to get you guys. He's stalling Waval. He wants us to follow the bird.” she blinked, a bead of sweat trickling down her brow. “Where's the bird?” Nicki repeated. “SARET!” Jordan called again, irritation sounding sharply in his tone. A rustling in the trees quieted him. The bird emerged from the branches of a nearby tree and swooped down to them. It's eyes were wild and he was breathing strangely.

”The scorned deus himself... I can't believe it!” the bird shook it's small head. “I'll get you to the monastery...” It glanced at them. “Well don't just stand there!” he complained. “We have to go! He won't keep Waval away forever.” he muttered to himself as he took flight and began moving steadily through the forest. After the seven friends shared a confused glance, they followed along after Saret. They ran along behind, struggling to keep up. The fires still burning in the trees flickered blue and red, heating up as they passed. Ash danced in the air as they ran, their heels kicking up great clouds of it. Saret moved along ceaselessly, seemingly ignoring his followers. A twisted grin was set on the bird's beak, making it look like it was snarling. It sped up into the canopy. The humanity seemed to drain from his features as he glided. Then, throwing a startled glance back at the crew behind him, he dove higher into the trees.

”SARET!!” Josh howled, biting off the last syllable of the bird's name, as the bird swooped and dove up above the treeline, out of their line of view. “WAIT!” his voice never reached the osprey. It continued to soar up, up and away. They stopped running and glared hopelessly up in to the trees. Amber began wailing. “WE'RE LOST!!” she sobbed, grabbing onto a nearby tree. “...Waval is going to get me and eat me and I'll never live to...”

”Shut up Amber!” Jon snapped, rubbing his temples. “Now what?” he turned accusingly to Jordan. The two stood glowering at one another until Nicki let out a soft whistle. They both turned to look at her. Nicki blinked innocently and shrugged, pointing out towards the horizon.

It looked like the sun was rising, but hadn't it just set? All seven of the friends turned to watch the bright light in the distance. It flickered and waved about...like a flame...

Josh sighed deeply. “It doesn't really matter where we're going, as long as we get away right?” he waited for the others to respond. He received a few nods and some halfhearted 'uh-huh's'. “Then forget about Saret and let's just go.” Josh walked forward smoothly over the ash and soot. The fire had reached far out into the forest and he decided to follow where the fire had gone - after all, weren't they being saved by fire, after all? He strode confidently away and heard the comforting noise of feet padding along behind him.

”Josh.” Lindsay said softly, catching up beside him and turning to look him in the eye. “I'm going to cover our rear okay? I think Waval may have more Berzerkers out there and I don't want to be caught unaware. I'll send Jordan to the center of the group, I think we'll be able to fend anything that shows up off.” she brushed her hair away from her face. “Are you going to be able to help?”

Josh twisted around and shook his head mockingly. “Yeah, I will. Nothing out there I can't handle.” he replied quietly. He turned his face down and stared apathetically into the ash at his feet. “What are we going to do?” he asked. Lindsay looked back at him with a tight-lipped smile and shrugged. “Doesn't matter, Josh. We'll find something. Maybe we'll find that monastery on our own? Or Saret could come back to his senses...” she patted Josh on the shoulder and spun around, walking to the back of the group. Josh watched her walk away, wondering why she was being so damn abrupt. Josh watched the dark ash beneath his feet become lighter, the fire having had little effect so far away from it's source. He glanced up to see a giant tree fallen over in the way of the path they were on. 'Some path...' he thought mirthlessly, grabbing a handhold on the trunk and pulling himself up and on top of it. He paused, standing on the top of the tree's massive trunk and surveyed the forest. It seemed to go on forever, an endless sea of brown and green.

A sharp cracking sound from under the tree drifted up to Josh's ears. He knelt down to peer at whatever was making the strange noise and made out the form of a woman crouched under the tree, holding something, but then his feet slid out from underneath him and went flying, landing with a sudden thud on the ground beside the tree. The girl's form gaped over at him, startled, and growled. Josh groaned and watched the silhouette, making out more of the girl's figure. She was easily bigger than him, and her arms and legs were heavily defined. A long mane of shock red hair fell past her shoulders, nearly to her elbows and hung in delicate dreadlocks. She wore little leather clothing, a small square tied around her chest with a green stone in the center of it and a long skirt, slit far up the leg on both sides with the same stone sewn into the front. Whatever she was holding in her hand was still twitching. Josh gasped as he finally regained his breath from the fall.

”Josh? Are you all right?” Amber called, her face appearing over the trunk of the tree. She squeaked in surprise at the girl who spun quickly to watch her. Amber had the advantage of more light from the horizon and she saw the girl's particular coloring. The girl's skin was a normal peach color with stripes of reddish-brown running across everywhere Amber could see. The other thing Amber saw was the girl's long pointed cat-like ears, but she did not have the chance to tell the others, seeing as she fell over in a dead faint at approximately that moment.

Josh scrambled to his feet and the cat-girl turned back to watch him. He examined her again, this time finally realizing what was in her hand. A rabbit in it's death throws squirmed helplessly in the girl's paw-like hand. Bile rose to the back of his throat and he coughed politely, wanting to avoid a fight. “Who are you?” he asked, unable to tear his eye's away from the dying rabbit. The girl snorted and squinted at him, sizing him up. Finally she asked, “Who are you?” her voice as close to a purr as a voice could be. She held the rabbit tightly and watched Josh's fascination with it attentively. The rabbit finally shuddered and ceased moving.

”Josh.” he answered, holding out his hand. “Josh Schindel.” Her eyebrows rose and she looked at his hand tentatively. The hand she held the rabbit in rose slowly and her eyes darted from Josh's hand to the rabbit. Finally she jutted her chin out and clutched the bloody rabbit to her chest.

”I'm not sharing!”

”What?”

”Look, I haven't eaten today and it took me an hour to just catch this. Game is getting scarce. I'm not sharing!” the girl replied, clutching the dead rabbit even closer to her chest. Josh coughed again and shook his head. “No...it's just...I mean I don't want your rabbit. I just wanted to shake hands.” he said, pushing his hand closer to her. She eyed his hand with open suspicion. “Who are you?” he repeated.

”Cuarodri.” she answered, grabbing his wrist with her free hand. “of the blacktiger clan.” she grinned wolfishly at him as he grasped her wrist. “,and since you declined so nicely, maybe I will share my rabbit.” Josh paled and glanced down at the carcass. She beamed approvingly at him. “What's going on over there?!” Lindsay barked, her face appearing over the trunk of the tree. When she caught sight of Josh and Cuarodri she blinked and pulled herself up onto the tree trunk. “Well...you sure scared Amber. She's out cold.” Lindsay slid down the tree and landed on the ground beside Josh. After a reassuring glance from Josh she stepped towards Cuarodri. “I'm Lindsay.”

Cuarodri noted that Lindsay did not extend her hand and thankfully let go of Josh to clutch the rabbit with both hands. “How many of you are there?” she asked Josh.

Josh sighed at Cuarodri. “Seven. But don't worry, none of us like rabbit.” Lindsay shot him an inquiring glance that he ignored. “This is Cuarodri.” Lindsay nodded her head to Cuarodri and then proceeded to pull herself back onto the tree trunk.

”It's fine. Josh just found a new friend. Her name is Cuarodri, and she's...Uh...a friend.” Lindsay stuttered, glancing back at the strange girl. She knew better than to ask a stupid question at a time like this. They had just made a new friend and she wanted to keep it that way. She would find out later, she was sure, about the girl's coloring and catty features. For now it was best to just ignore it.

Kyle and Jon hoisted Amber's limp form up and over the tree, Lindsay caught her and laid her out on the ground beside a tree. The others all climbed the tree and stood near Josh, watching the newcomer with restrained interest. Lindsay was slapping Amber roughly on the cheek, to no avail. Amber wouldn't revive. Cuarodri watched her curiously for a moment then moved swiftly over to kneel beside Amber. Lindsay glanced over at her and shrugged. “She's out cold...” Lindsay said helplessly, unsure of what the girl was going to do. Cuarodri tilted her head and held the rabbit out in front of Amber's face. Amber miraculously grimaced and made a disgusted noise.

”What is that smell? It's like something just crawled up a tree somewhere and die...” Amber shrieked painfully as she opened her eyes to find the limp rabbit staring at her. Cuarodri pulled the rabbit away, content, and smiled at Lindsay, who was doing her best not to laugh. Amber looked pale, but awake. “Who's that?” she whimpered, shuffling up onto her feet and standing behind Lindsay.

Cuarodri laughed wholeheartedly. “If I didn't know better I think you'd never seen an Akaonain before!” she grinned over at Josh. “I'm Cuarodri.” she answered and turned around to Josh. “Are you sure there are only seven of you Joshh-he?” she asked playfully, dragging out Josh's name. Josh nodded and smiled back.

”I'm Nicki. And this is Kyle, Jordan, and Jon.” Nicki gestured at each of them in turn, “And this is Amber.” she said pleasantly. Amber was watching Cuarodri with horror, staring at the rabbit corpse. “Nice to meet you.” It was Cuarodri's turn to look horrified. Her jaw dropped and she stared at them each in turn. “Josarin, Kale, Nivan...” she muttered softly under her breath, then she spun to Josh. “Luka?” she choked out, her voice suddenly sounding hoarse. Her pupils had shrunk to mere dots and she looked as if she were about to scream.

”What?” Josh asked, stepping closer to her, “Are you all right?” Cuarodri stepped back and away. Her eyes darted rapidly around the seven people and her expression took on a look of absolute terror. Josh's mind raced as he watched the cat-woman hold the rabbit out to him. “Just take it...” she cried, shoving it into Josh's hand.”Just take it. I'll go. I'll leave. I'm sorry...I didn't know you were Aegis. Akaona forgive me!” she murmured, shaking her head and backing away. “I didn't mean to dis-respect you...I thought you were travelers...” she looked close to tears. Josh blinked, finally realizing the source of her fears.

”No, Cuarodri. It's all right. Don't go.” he said softly, holding the rabbit back out to her. “You didn't disrespect us. The rabbit is yours...but we need your help.” Cuarodri made no move towards the rabbit but she did stop glancing about. Her eye's locked onto his.

”My help, Luka?” she asked incredulously, her jaw hanging, “Why?” the terror was still in her but Josh's words had bought him some time. She listened quietly as he relayed their story. The others watched the exchange with hope. If Josh could get Cuarodri to stay she might be able to lead them to the monastery. Cuarodri relaxed slightly as Josh finished their story and glanced around at them.

”Waval is here?!'” she said in alarm, “We must go then. We can talk of all this with the temple guardians. By Akaona, I shall get you to the Temple of Fivore.” she beat her hand to her chest, over her heart. “I swear it.” she grabbed the rabbit from Josh's hand and gave him a daring glare. “And I'm not sharing! Even with you.”

All seven sighed a giant breath of relief. “Fast now. Belame is a god, he can't keep her away forever!” she began to run through the woods with the seven in file behind her. They did not speak for a long time, devoting all their breath to the escape. They had wasted time, who knew how close Waval could be to them? With only three of the Aegis able to use their powers, they would be helpless against her. Cuarodri glanced back every once and a while at Josh, to make sure he was keeping up. Josh and the others had broken into a sweat and were running hard but Cuarodri wasn't even winded yet and ran easily ahead of them.

Josh ran behind her, afraid to miss her and be lost again. He couldn't believe their luck! To find Cuarodri, a girl willing to help them? It seemed impossible, but then there she was, sprinting ahead of him. A grin lit up his face and his voice rang with laughter. 'We are going to be allright!' he thought cheerily, leaping ahead to run beside her. She glanced over at him surprised.

”Is there something wrong Luka?” she asked in bursts, her face a picture of confusion.

”Nothing is wrong.” he said grinning again, “...but my name is Josh. Not Luka...”

Cuarodri shook her head and frowned. “You are Jayce? We'll see...” she sprinted ahead of him. 'Crazy boy! One of Wila's chosen is after us and he says nothing is wrong? They can't be the Last Aegis. Aegis for sure, but they are so...' she thought grimly, watching the seven running behind her. ' ...so weak?' Cuarodri dismissed the thought and pressed ahead into the thinning forest. 'Akaona, pray I'm wrong!'

The huge trees that had once surrounded them were thinning out, replaced by thick shrubs and small twig-like tree sprouts. They were nearing one of the main clearings in the forest, the home of the Temple of Fivore. Wila herself would not have been able to follow them there. Fiala, the mother god, had placed so many rings of protection around it that not even a mosquito with evil intentions could pass into it's sanctuary. The Temple was a haven of Aegis and commoners alike. No one was ever turned away from the Temples gates. But then, no one of ill repute could get to the temple in the first place.

Cuarodri was sure that the Temple was just ahead so she stopped and turned to inform the others. She was struck speechless as they ran past her with shouts of 'She's here!'. Waval was standing in the distance, her red-blonde hair whipping in the dim light of the moon. Her dainty hands sat on her hips and a scowl ran across her face. Cuarodri could not be sure but she imagined she saw scorch marks on the small woman's face, and her clothes looked blackened. Cuarodri shot the woman a spiteful smile and then turned to join the others standing at the gate.

”Why isn't she following us anymore?” Jon asked pulling at the giant wooden door into the Temple courtyard. It didn't budge. He jammed his feet into the ground and jerked at the door. Cuarodri stretched her hands up over her head and sighed.

”Fiala has this place protected. Only those with good intentions may enter.” a mischievous little grin flashed across her face. “Waval can't get within a mile of this place.” she pushed Jon away from the door. “And would you stop that? You'll hurt the wood!” she sighed and turned to the door. “OPEN!” she commanded.

”That's cool...” Kyle gawked, his face turned up at the giant doors. “Really cool.”

”Oh my god...” Amber stammered, as the giant doors in front of them twitched and shuddered, becoming large walls of water. Cuarodri walked foreword into one of them and slid right through the watery gates. Josh shrugged again and followed her through. When he reached the other side he waved to them. Nicki and Kyle were the next to enter, the water sliding around them comfortingly, as if it knew of the horrors they had just escaped. Nicki clung to Kyle's arm and he finally managed to drag her through.

Amber flung herself at Lindsay and they shared a look of worry. “It's just water...” Amber chanted to herself, a newfound mantra. They slid into the doors with no problem, Lindsay felt slightly chilled but made no mention of it. Both breathed a sigh of relief on the other side. The girls were both completely dry. They glanced back at the two left on the other side. Jordan glared over at Jon. “Go through on your own.” he growled, stepping away from Jon.

Jon stuck his bottom lip out. “What - you don't want to hold my hand?” he stepped up to the wall, discreetly, and poked his hand into it. When his hand came out the other side unscathed, he abandoned his fears and jumped through, landing with a thump on the other side.

Jordan stepped foreword to the wall and cringed. He hated water, and this 'wall' looked extremely menacing, like some giant trap. He raised his hand up to it but hesitated, not wanting to touch it. Lindsay pushed her hand out through the wall and smiled hopefully at him. Chuckling softly he grasped her hand and closed his eyes as she pulled him through the wall. The water felt like ice, chilling his bones and he emerged on the other side shivering intensely. Cuarodri rushed to his side, muttering under her breath, “..forgot about that...Delven and Belame....” he didn't understand her words clearly, and he tumbled to the ground, feeling nothing but the intense cold. A large group of hooded people came rushing out of a nearby building and picked him up. They were all speaking to one another in hushed tones. “You will be safe here Jordan. We will take care of you.” one of the figures said, throwing a blanket over him. The man's voice was light, not what Jordan had excepted. And he had used his name... He could hear Lindsay's muffled voice somewhere behind him, demanding to know what had happened to him. The man who had put the blanket on him seemed to be directing the hooded figures around. Jordan closed his eyes. He was so cold, impossibly cold, all he wanted to do was sleep.

Lindsay and the others followed the figures carrying Jordan to a large building beside the gates. They took Jordan inside and placed him on a cot near a roaring fire. The walls of the hall were made of a dark wood, looking suspiciously like tree trunks. The hall was massive and looked like it was used as an infirmary. Row upon row of people were laid out in neat lines across the walls and eight giant fireplaces roared all around the room. People in white robes scurried from bed to bed but came scuttling over to Jordan once he was wrapped up. They poked and prodded him momentarily, then talked amongst themselves. Finally one of the smaller robed people walked over to the group of friends, who were huddled near Jordan's cot.

”What exactly is your friend?” a feminine voice asked, as she drew closer, pulling back her hood to reveal the same sort of coloring Cuarodri had. Cat-like ears and all. Josh took a furtive step foreword.

”He's a sorcerer miss.” he said politely. The woman nodded and turned back to her fellow white-robed workers.

Jon was shaking his head. “I hope those fumes wear off soon, cause this is getting scary...” he yawned, stretching his hands out behind his head. Amber hit him soundly in the side. He bent over, and turned accusingly to her. “What was that for?!”

”Oh -shut up Jon. This is real...” she snapped, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. “I hope he's okay.” she had gained some of the color back in her face and had an angry bruise growing on her cheek. Amber sniffled quietly and gazed at Jordan mournfully. After all they had been through, would it be this that got him? Amber hoped not, and set a comforting hand on Lindsay's shoulder. Lindsay was frowning.

”They won't even let me talk to him.” she pouted, watching the white robes darting swiftly around him. “I wonder if they're all like Cuarodri?” she pondered aloud, rubbing the welt on her leg. She had forgotten about it entirely and glanced down to see a faint red scratch running from her ankle to her kneecap. After taking the pain from Jordan's wounds and Thelis's death she had just lost track of which pains were her own and which were others. Blinking furiously, she slid down the wall and sat watching the robes work. Amber plunked down beside her. Nicki was soon to join them. “What are they going to do with us?” Nicki asked, curling her knees up in front of her. Her hair fell in front of her face, covering her eyes.

”Cuarodri seems to like them...and Belame told us to come here, right?” her voice wavered, unsure.

”At least we're safe from Waval here...” Amber added, the same quaver in her own voice. “I am so confused right now...this is weird!” she huffed. Lindsay leaned her head over on Amber's shoulder.

”Ignorance is bliss, just wait till you hear what's going on in this world ...” Lindsay sighed. “I'm going to go check on the guys. I'll be back.” then she stood and gave Nicki and Amber a comforting glance. She ambled over to where Kyle, Jon and Josh were huddled. “Are you all right?”

”Fine...Just fine...” Jon grinned mockingly, his tone sarcastic,”...WHAT the hell is going on here?!” Jon yelped. The entire hall fell silent and the white robes turned to watch him. He was oblivious to their inquiring eyes. “I just want to know where we are and how we get home.” he glowered, lowering his voice to a growl. “You seem to know a lot about this place, after all...”

Kyle was looking at her with the same resentment. He was nodding in agreement. Lindsay stepped back from them. Josh swung around to her side, his head held high against them. They stood in a silent contest for a long time. The white robes watched curiously and made no moves towards them. Some muttered quietly. Cuarodri looked bored, and ignored the whole thing, trying to carry on a conversation with one of the robes. Finally it was Nicki who broke the silence.

”Jon! I can't believe you!” she snapped, standing up and stalking over to him. “It's not her fault! We don't need to be fighting right now, this is not the time. I'm sure these people will be able to tell us where we are! And as for going home? I hope you can last this long without your mummy, cause it might be a while!” Nicki set her hands on her hips and glared at him. “That answer your question?” her forwardness caught even her by surprise and her voice trailed off.

”No...” he said, glancing away from her, “But I suppose it'll work for now...” the white robes returned to their flurry of action and Lindsay, Jon, Kyle and Josh relaxed. “I don't know how much more I can take of this...” he mumbled, shuffling over with Nicki to sit against the wall.

”I guess we're all a little on edge.” Lindsay muttered, wandering over to Jordan's cot. The white robes didn't tell her to leave this time, so she shoved through them and stood watching Jordan. His eye's were closed, but he didn't look asleep. She knelt beside the bed and took his hand in her own. “You'll be okay...” she cooed softly. One of the white robes set his hand on her shoulder.

”Lindsay?” he said quietly, unsure. She turned and looked at him, a dreary look upon her face. The white robe continued. “Jordan is a sorcerer.” he began, his voice light for a man of his size, “ and that gate that allows visitors into our Temple are made by Delven. A sorcerer draws his power almost entirely from Jacin and Belame. Delven is...” the man paused and scratched his neck. “Delven is the god of water. Belame is the god of fire. When Jordan passed through those doors it was like dousing a flame. He will be all right but the experience of it was none too pleasant.” the man clasped his hands in front of him. “I am Devroth, priest of Eaneuda, the high goddess of protection.” he bowed deeply.

”Why are you using our real names?” Lindsay asked quietly, looking back to Jordan. “Everyone else here insists on calling me Luka...” the priest cut her short.

”You are from earth. Anyone who comes here from earth is an Aegis. The Aegis...”

”You can skip the dramatics. I used battle magic on Thelis and I know who you think we are.” her tone was daring. “I know we're Aegis. They, “ she motioned towards Jon, Kyle, Nicki and Amber. “, don't. And I would appreciate it if someone would explain to us exactly what is going on here!” Devroth shook his head. “Let Josarin sleep. I will show you all to the archpreist of Fiala.” he ignored the disgusted noise Lindsay made. “She has been waiting for you.” he breezed out of the doors into the courtyard. “Follow me please.” Lindsay glanced at him again and was stunned to see a huge warax strapped to his back, her friends seemed just as surprised. They all had assumed priests were peaceful.

Kyle sighed and picked up Nicki and Amber from their spots against the wall. “Let's go.” his eyes sparkled dimly as he lead the two girls behind Devroth. Jon, Josh and Lindsay followed close behind, Lindsay throwing a last cautious look towards Jordan before they left the hall. As if on cue, he stirred and glanced over just in time to see them walking out the door. The temple's courtyard was gigantic, Jon noted, following Kyle and the girls. He stared at the outer walls and grunted in astonishment. Those weren't walls, they were just very tall, very thick, very scary trees. His gaze followed one long vine of ivy up one of the walls until it blurred into a green smudge. Blinking furiously he scrutinized the rest of the open courtyard. A large sandy area occupied the space next to the building they had just left and a tall building sat in the center. The building to it's left was short and stocky, again made up of giant trees, but these had grown in a weaving pattern, creating imposing walls and a roof.

Devroth coughed and Jon lost his concentration. Lindsay was walking silently to his side and he absently watched her feet hit the gravel ground. A few shoots of green plants struggled out from the harsh ground. He watched as Lindsay's foot drove them into the ground. Twisting violently, his stomach protested and Jon grunted. She glanced over at him suspiciously.

”What?”

”Don't do that...” he mumbled, almost cringing as she stepped on another young growth. Her face contorted for a moment then she stopped dead in her tracks and covered her mouth with her hand, in horror.

”Belfire! I forgot about that...” she glanced down at the crushed plants under her feet. “I'm sorry Jon. I forgot...” a different look panic crossed her face. “Thelis knew that...why am I forgetting things Thelis knew...” with a slight nod to Jon she continued on, avoiding the greenery, and mumbled to herself. “That means something...Belfire! I know that means something!” Jon sighed gratefully and slouched forward.

'What is wrong with me?' he wondered absently. 'It's like, I can feel those plants dying? I'm turning into a wuss...' he asked of himself, still not quite sure of anything anymore. It seemed like days since anything had made sense. But it had only been a few hours, at most. Jon yawned again and examined Devroth.

The tall priest (And giant ax on his back) were intimidating, that was for sure. He brought new meaning to the saying 'walk lightly and carry a big stick.' He was huge! His arms were at least the size of Jon's legs and he could only guess what that white robe hid. Another ax? Jon had no time to ponder, as they had reached another giant building at the opposite side of the clearing and the priest turned to speak again.

”This is one of the temples of the gods. I will warn you now that all the gods have priests and followers here. Ignore anyone dressed in black - those are the followers of the wizards god's. I will get us around them. Follow me.” he finished, walking calmly trough another water gate. Everyone but Lindsay and Josh jumped through. They shared a look of 'I-don't-wanna-You-can't-make-me' before shouting after Devroth. “Is there another way in?” Josh inquired loudly. Devroth spun, a dark look shadowing his face, visible even through the cascade of water. His hand danced over his shoulder to rest threateningly on the axe handle. “You can walk through here.” he said finally, after a painfully long staring match with Josh. Lindsay cleared her throat and Devroth's hand dropped.

”Where is the other entrance?” Lindsay demanded coolly, her eyes shooting daggers at Devroth, who looked ready to reach after his ax again. After another long pause he exited the water gate and stood frowning at her. “Go around the corner. You will see the wall of flame. It may allow you passage.” he growled softly. Josh's face lit up in a grin. With a grunt almost as practiced as Jon's, Devroth trudged back through the gate. “We'll meet you on the other side.” with that he stomped away, the others scrambling to follow.

”Well, isn't he a polite fella.” Lindsay murmured, glancing around the corner of the massive stone building. “That must be the gate there.” she pointed out a flickering section of stone. Josh nodded and walked confidently ahead. Lindsay rolled her eyes and followed, at a slower pace. Josh's gait was brisk, he reached the gate far before Lindsay. He stood examining it while waiting for her to arrive. It seemed simple enough, a few blocks of stone had been removed and the fire gate stood burning brightly in-between them. The flames were orange, flaring up into blue near the top. Extending his hand towards it, Josh felt little heat.

”What do you think?” Lindsay asked, catching up behind him. She tucked a rouge piece of hair behind her ear and stared into the flames. They seemed to flare up in her presence. Where they had once been orange, they now burned a brilliant blue. Josh pulled his hand away, heat radiating painfully from the once inauspicious gate.

Throwing a brazen grin to Lindsay he replied, “This one seems just as bad as the other one.” he shrugged, “I hope Devroth wasn't serious about it maybe allowing...” he fell silent as two voices floated out of the gate.

”Who be you?” they asked, their voices ringing in a haunting harmony. The friends stared into the flames, in search of the speakers. After a moment they made out two figures standing just inside the gate. “Who be you?” they asked again, in perfect sync. Lindsay and Josh hesitated, noticing the dark robes they wore.

”Archerlord and Dragonblood. We are here to see the priest of Fiala. Let us pass.” Lindsay barked, her voice carrying the same velvet tones as Thelis's once had. Josh shot her an angry glare, which she ignored. The two figures seemed shaken and took a furtive step away.

”I am Josh.” he said, bowing deeply. Then with a sweeping gesture towards his friend he added, “This is Lindsay.” she merely rolled her eyes at him and the two dark robed figures. Their resolve strengthened and they nodded, stepping back to allow them passage. Josh stepped forward. “See?” he challenged quietly. “If you're civil to people they won't try to kill you.” She set her hands on her hips, standing akimbo. “So if we would have been nicer to Waval she would have let us go?” her expression was mocking. He shook his head and stepped towards the gate. Lindsay slid ahead of him and stepped into the fiery wall. “Wait just one minute, Josh.” she ordered, entering the gate zealously.

It was surprisingly enjoyable. The fire caressed her, warming her to the bone. Reluctantly she stepped out, a rush of adrenaline filling her veins. The hooded figures rushed towards her. Without thinking she growled and crouched down into a fighting stance. They gasped and stumbled back, nearly tripping over each other.

Josh was greeted by a tense scene when he arrived on the other side of the gate. Lindsay was menacing, ready to attack. The two dark robed figures were cowering away from her, their backs against the black stone of the hallway. The hallways didn't lighten the mood any. The walls were a deep obsidian black and the only light was from the gate. Awkward shadows lined the walls. Josh glanced at Lindsay.

”They rushed me.” Lindsay said darkly. The two hooded figures backed further into the wall. Josh rolled his eyes and set a hand on Lindsay's arm. She glanced inquiringly at him, but he ignored her. He trained his eyes to the robed figures.

”We were told that anyone in black robes worshiped the wizard's gods. “ he stated, drawing his hand away from Lindsay's arm. She relaxed a little and straightened up, watching him curiously. “Who are you?” his voice rumbled comfortingly out into the barren air.

The robed figures stepped forward. “I am Kliss, high priestess of Neris.” the taller of the two bowed stiffly. She drew back her hood to reveal a sharp face, with startling red eyes. Her voice sounded strange and hollow. The other figure bowed gracefully. “I am Hiaddu, the high priestess of Shasy.” she pulled back her hood and revealed a stunningly beautiful face. “We wear these robes only because the priest of Fiala decreed it. I assure you, we are here to help you.” she spoke alone, her voice sounding empty without the harmony of her fellow priestess.

”Help us?” Lindsay ventured, watching Kliss closely. The red-eyed priestess clasped her hands in front of her and gave Lindsay a curt smile.

Hiaddu and Kliss nodded together. “Yes.” they spoke simultaneously again. “You are in danger. We want to warn you. Thelis...”

”What about Thelis?” Lindsay demanded, an deep overtone wavering in her voice. Josh opened his mouth and shut it again, a careful eye on Lindsay. Her fighting stance had returned, her hands slowly raising up. “What about him?” she demanded again, her tone smothered in menace. Hiaddu and Kliss glanced sideways at each other and then at the main hallway entrance to the room. They shook their heads mournfully.

”We must go now, but do not worry. We will find you again. Be cautious ArcherLord Jayce. And you Dragonblood Luka.” they warned, drawing up their hoods and rushing away into the hallway. The stunned silence lasted a short while. Josh and Lindsay stayed silent, listening to the heavy patter of feet in the corridor. After what seemed like an eternity, Devroth and the others appeared at the opening.

Devroth gave them an appraising glance and grunted. “I see you made it.” turning back to the corridor, he continued walking. Josh and Lindsay shared a glance before joining the group. In silent decision they agreed to keep quiet about Hiaddu and Kliss, both had the feeling Devroth would not be pleased with the priestesses actions, or their own. Josh imagined the giant man would be somewhat irritable about the entire situation, although he really had no idea why. Kyle waved ecstatically at them as they joined the group.

”This place is amazing!” Kyle was grinning from ear to ear. “You should have seen the entrance back there! It was this huge carving of all the gods...life-size. Went from the wall to the roof.” he was positively ecstatic.

”That's nice.” Josh grumbled, plodding along in the back of the group. Kyle continued talking, but his words fell on deaf ears. Josh stared up at the walls. The hall he had entered from had been bare and dark. The hall they were presently in was bright (by what means he could not determine, there were no torches or lights anywhere) and the walls were covered in tapestries and carvings. The black stone seemed somehow sharper here, a gleaming shade of indigo.

Nicki groaned, ready to scream at Kyle. He had not shut up since they had entered the temple. Trying to escape from his voice, she walked up beside Devroth. He looked down momentarily and turned his eyes ahead. Nicki marveled at the darkness of his eyes, they had seemed a lighter shade of brown in the other building, now they were a steeled hazel.

They continued walking, Kyle's voice the only noise breaking the silence. Her eyes strayed to the passages. Over every corridor that branched off the main one was a picture of a god. Nicki recognized Belame, but all the others looked foreign to her.

She passed one that was a tall female, with scars all over her face and body. Another was a frail old hag with the outline of a curvaceous woman around her. They were all intricately carved and gleamed in the strange light that emanated, seemingly, from the rock itself. One relief of a rather lean and handsome man seemed to call to her and she stopped, to stare. “That's Delven. The god of water. “ Devroth stated, stopping to stand with her. “You draw power from him. Did you want to go inside?” he asked gently, unsure. His voice sounded muffled.

Almost painfully she turned away from the corridor. “I will later.” she said decisively. “But we have to go see the priest of Fiala first, right?” Devroth nodded and they all began walking again. Her fascination with the relief grew, soon she could pick Delven out in the tapestries that lined the walls in-between the passageways.

Clearing his throat, Devroth stopped at a bare passage. “I cannot join you in this temple. She wishes to see you alone. I'll wait here until you return.” he spoke so quietly they were scarce sure they heard him. 'Go on.” he urged, leading Nicki ahead, into the passage.

Shuffling forward, they covered little ground. All seven of them bunched into a tight group and Kyle's incessant talking ceased. Nicki smiled in spite of herself. Blessed silence. The light at the end of the tunnel looked like sunlight and shone brightly, lighting the way. Amber grabbed Jon's arm. “Don't you get any ideas!” she hissed angrily at him. “I just don't want to get lost.” her grip on his arm was cutting off circulation but Jon stayed silent. He dragged her along beside him. Kyle was in the center of the group and offered his arm to Nicki. She scowled at him and walked ahead swiftly. Lindsay rounded up the rear and Josh was only slightly ahead of her. They emerged from the end of the tunnel, blinking into the brilliant light.

”Jordan?” Lindsay gasped, noticing him sitting on a large pillow on the floor. He didn't look nearly as pale as he had only minutes ago and he glanced back at them with a stalwart smirk on his face.

”Took you guys long enough. I've been here for ages.” his voice verged on laughter. “Come on in, have a seat, Klidred will be back in a minute. She left to go get you.” he grinned as they converged on him.

”How did you get here?” Jon demanded, sitting on one of the pillows beside him.

”Are you all right?” Lindsay asked, claiming his other side. The others drug pillows over from all around the room to sit by them.

The room was gigantic and boasted ivory white walls, unlike the passages. A large ostentatious chair sat against one wall, and pillows, blankets and numerous other soft coverings lined the floor. The walls had many murals of a woman in white in various heroic situations. It felt and looked more like a home than a temple.

After they had quieted down Jordan answered, “I'm fine, the healers fed me some cider and it warmed me right up. A few of them lead me here after.” his voice was soft. “Klidred wants to talk to us. She was waiting for you guys. What took you so long?”

Josh and Lindsay shared a look. “Tell you later...” she whispered into his ear. Then in a much more audible voice she answered, “Josh and I had to use an alternate entrance.” Jordan nodded and did not inquire into it. Nicki noted the whispered message but remained silent.

”You went through the firegate too? It's so much warmer than the watergates...” he shivered, in memory of the chilling sensation. Then he snuggled into the pillow. “Klidred should be here soon. I'd advise you get comfortable, she plans on lecturing us I think.”

”I am not lecturing, I am teaching. And it would serve you well to pay attention.” a light voice filled the room. The friends turned to watch an older woman entering the shrine. Her auburn hair was tied back into two long buns, at the top of her head. A deep blue mantle sat at her neck and her hands were concealed by gloves of the same color. Her face was severe, her cheekbones jutting out angrily. “I assume this is all of you now? Of course it is - there are only seven...” she began mumbling under her breath to herself. “You.” she said, pointing at Jon. “Get up.”

Jon stared at the woman for a moment before rising to his feet. She stalked over to him and circled him, scrutinizing him. “You are Jon?” she asked staring up at him. He nodded. “Your name is really Jarit.” he opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by Klidred. “You are the Animal shaman. Your powers granted to you by Tobyan, the goddess of the earth.” she poked him roughly in the side. “Hmm, a little pudgy?” she was muttering again. “Excuse me?” Jon squeaked and twisted away from her. “I am not!” his face was pulled into a frown. The others stifled a laugh as she poked him again. “I said you are a little pudgy.” her jaw was set defensively. “Do you have a problem with that?” he simply glared at her. “If you would just be complacent, we can get this over with and explain a few things.” Jon's glare melted and he nodded, everything but his pride intact.

Klidred placed her hands on his shoulders. “You are supposed to be more animal like...” she muttered incessantly to herself. Jon yelped as her hands began to glow. “What were they feeding you on earth?...” her mutterings were constant.

Jon's body was enveloped by the glow. His hair began to change color and grow long, nearly past his ears. His body slimmed too, he became lean and his skin attained a healthy tan. Klidred removed her hands and the glow dissipated.

”There. Much more befitting of Tobyan's chosen.” she smiled and examined her work. “Much better...” Jon was a picture of surprise, he stared down at himself in horror. He turned his frightened gaze to Klidred. “Don't you look at me like that.” she ordered. “I just made you look like what you should be. Not some soft earthling, an Animal shaman of Fivore.” Pride shone in her voice. “Next.”

Jon shuffled back to his pillow, still stunned. “What just happened?” he mumbled sitting down and running his hands over his face. He touched his black eye a little too hard, and winced back. “Did she just do what I think she did?” the others nodded. “I wanna wake up!” he complained.

”You.” this time she singled out Nicki. “Come here dear, we have to get you ready!” Klidred chuckled under her breath. Nicki rose and stood wearily in front of the old woman. “You are Nivan.” her voice was warmer now. “You are a great granddaughter of Jacin, father of the gods. A sorceress of supreme power. This one should be good.” the old woman set her hands on Nicki's shoulders.

The glow almost immediately enveloped her. Nicki's hair trembled and stretched, all the way down to the floor. Her body lengthened and she grew taller, overshadowing Klidred. As the glow faded, Nicki ran her hands through her hair and giggled.

”I like this.” Nicki was beaming as she joined her friends on the floor. The procession continued. She called Josh up and told him he was Jayce, a Dragonblood. His hair turned shock red and his eyes turned an even lighter blue when she changed him. Taught muscles appeared on his arms and legs. His height increased too, he towered over the small woman. He staggered back to his seat, his legs shaky.

Kyle was next. Klidred said he was Kale, a priest of Fivore, great grandson of Fiala. After scrutinizing him for a long time she finally surrounded him in the glow. His hair turned strawberry blonde and his form turned lean. To his disappointment, he gained no height. She chuckled under her breath as she sent him back to his seat.

After Klidred rested for a moment before she called Lindsay forward. Her expression was grave as she pronounced that Lindsay was Luka, an Archerlord, chosen of Belame. When the glow encompassed her, Lindsay's hair shuddered and lengthened, well past her jaw. It turned a dull orange. Her body turned lean, svelte muscles forming. Klidred sighed listlessly as Lindsay stumbled back to her pillow.

Jordan was after Lindsay. Klidred pronounced him Josarin, great grandson of Jacin. A sorcerer of great strength. The glow encircled him, lengthening his hair and turning it a warn brown on the fringes and the rest a deep hazel. He too heightened, an absolute giant compared to poor Klidred. The last up was Amber, who the old woman doted over. She was fascinated with her. After a long pause, in which Klidred muttered continuously, she pronounced Amber - Alvie, a Priestess of Fivore, great granddaughter of Fiala. Klidred's glow seemed brighter as it enveloped Amber. Her hair grew furiously, reaching down her back. Her eyes took on a midnight blue color. And she shrunk to the same height as Klidred. The old woman was pleased. Amber was infuriated.

”What the...?” Amber's voice cracked and she stared venomously at Klidred. “This is not fair!” she huffed, stalking back to her pillow. “Everybody else gets taller and what do I get? To be a midget!” it was her turn to mutter. Her voice seemed to be constant stream of foul language.

Klidred was unaffected, at best. There wasn't the least pity in her for the incredible shrinking girl. “There. At least you all look right now.” Klidred paused as Amber snorted in disagreement. “I can start the real fun now.” even Amber fell silent at that statement. If Klidred thought this was fun, what was she planning now? It sent shivers down Amber spine.

”Alvie, come here please.” the old woman's voice hung in the air. Amber had no intention of getting up. “Come on now, we don't have all night.”

”Are you going to shrink me again?” Amber demanded skeptically, her body planted firmly on the floor. She had no intention of going up to the crazy old bat again. Klidred's face turned stern and she stormed over to Amber. “I don't want to!” Amber yelped unhappily as she was drug up off the floor. “Why aren't any of you helping me?” Amber grumbled to her friends. She was now in front of Klidred again.

The old woman sighed and clasped her hands behind her back. “No more changes. I promise.” Amber squinted at the woman, her face all scrunched up. After examining Klidred for a moment she 'humph'ed in acceptance. With a wide grin Klidred set her hand on Amber's shoulder. “I just want to show you something now. Close your eyes please.”

Throwing a worried glance to the others, she complied. “What now?” she asked, her tone dull.

”What can you hear?” Klidred's voice rang in through her mind. Amber was startled by it and jerked away. “What can you hear Alvie?” Amber sighed and closed her eyes.

Too afraid of the old woman to stay, and too proud to run, Amber listened. She could hear a faint hum, like hushed voices. It grew stronger and soon she could pick faint words out of the jumble. Klidred was making soft laughing noises. “She hears...I think she may have it.” Amber ignored the woman. The voices sounded familiar. They grew louder and louder, until finally she could hear every word clearly.

'That old bag...wonder what she's doing to poor Amber?' Nicki's voice murmured. 'I'm hungry and I want to go to bed.' Jon's voice whined. 'Something smells funny in here...' This one was Josh, Amber decided. 'Hey...I can almost see through Amber's shirt...'

”KYLE!” Amber screeched, clutching her arms over her chest. He blinked and stared at her.

”What?” he asked, his brow creased. A blush crept inauspiciously up his neck. A tight-lipped smile was pasted on his face.

Klidred leaned over to Amber and whispered to her. “You could hear their thoughts, couldn't you?” she grinned triumphant. Amber's face lost all it's color.

”That's what those were?” she asked gently, her voice inaudible. Klidred nodded and her grin grew. Amber threw another glare at Kyle. “You are such a pervert.” Amber set one delicate hand to her forehead. “This is...so...ugh!” she closed her eyes again and the voices flooded back, clearer and stronger than before. Everyone was wondering what Kyle had been thinking. Kyle was, on the other hand, thinking only of baseball?

Klidred patted Amber gently on the shoulder. “That's only the beginning dear. Tomorrow we'll start training for all of you.” the old woman's eyes glimmered. “That's all Alvie. You can sit again, if you'd like.” Amber was rather speechless and shuffled back to her pillow gladly. “Now...Kale. Come here.” she beckoned him with one wrinkled hand.

Kyle laughed nervously, staring at the old woman. “Me?” his voice cracked and his blush crept further up his cheeks. He rose to his feet, painfully slow and grimaced. “So what can I do? Shoot lasers out of my eyes?”

She looked puzzled. “Lass -iers?” she struggled with the word for a moment. “No...I don't think you can.” Klidred was a picture of confusion. “Lasiers? Hmm...” she began muttering under her breath, Kyle managed a weak laugh. His blush was slowly subsiding. Finally she shook her head, remembering the task at hand. She tugged at one of her fingers and then slowly bent it back. Kyle winced as her finger crackled and popped, obviously broken. She grimaced. “What are you doing?” Lindsay yelped, jumping up, unsteadily. Klidred waved her away with her unbroken hand. Abashed, Lindsay plopped back onto her pillow. Klidred held her hand, with mangled finger, out to Kyle.

He stared at it for a solid minute before raising his gaze to her face. “What?” he croaked. She gently pushed her broken hand into his. “What am I supposed to do?” he grimaced, holding her hand away.

”Close your eyes Kale. Feel the break.” she ordered, suddenly looking very old. Kyle swallowed hard and closed his hands around hers. “Can you feel where it is broken?” she asked, her voice low. Kyle nodded. “Think about...” Klidred was cut short by Amber.

”...think about wholeness...” she interrupted, a smug smirk appearing. Amber set her hands on her chin and sighed contentedly. “I could get used to this.” she mumbled, laying back on her pillow. Klidred glared in her general direction.

Clearing his throat, Kyle's fingers traced over the woman's taught old skin. It felt like soft leather, well worn in. The comparison seemed to stick in his mind. Finally his fingers found the break. It sent cold sparks through his hand as his fingers brushed it. Steeling his hand, he clasped his hands around hers. A vision of a young tree entered his mind, growing older and older until it fell to it's side in splinters. It disturbed Kyle and he slowly made himself return it to it's younger state. Young green leaves blossomed from the shreds and slowly pulled together to form another tree. This one was far better than even the first tree. Small flowers blossomed in it's fresh boughs. Content, he opened his eyes.

Klidred had pulled her hand away and was flexing her fingers. Allowing a small nod of appreciation she grasped Kyle by the shoulders. “You are a healer, Kale. Natural born. They'll have a fit over you in the healer's hall tomorrow.” he blinked and she sighed. “Go sit.”

Josh stood up, a strange expression on his face. “What can I do?” he crossed his arms uncomfortably as she looked him over again. Their eyes met and they stared at one another for what seemed an eternity. Finally Klidred broke the silence.

”What do you think dragons do Jayce?”

He looked away, puzzled. “Well...” he mumbled, “They fly and breathe fire...” he spoke in a mere whisper. His eyes were locked on the floor. Josh scratched his arm and shrugged, returning his gaze to her. Klidred laughed. “They fight! And fly and breathe flame...and you are half dragon.” she wove her head to the side. “Yawn, Jayce.” she smirked, looking young again. Her wrinkles seemed to melt back into her face. Josh glanced around the room.

”Yawn?”

”Doesn't have to be a real yawn. Just bring up air from the pit of your gut.” curiously, she sidestepped, leaving an open space before him. Josh rubbed his neck.

'What harm can it do...?' he thought, opening his mouth. A yawn came naturally, to his surprise. He felt a strange bubble rising up his throat and nearly choked on it. The thing continued upward until it rose into his mouth. It tasted of cinnamon and spice. Finally he blew it out. A thin stream of flame erupted from his mouth. Josh stumbled backwards. His eyes shot wide open and he stared at the smoke that trailed from his lips. Bringing a thoughtful finger to her chin, Klidred spoke. “Not bad for a first try. We'll put you on the range tomorrow.” she waved him away. He stumbled back to his seat, rubbing his mouth. “Do I have another volunteer?” She met Nicki, Jordan, Jon and Lindsay's gaze, daring them to speak. Nicki was the first.

Tossing her hair back, Nicki stood. “I will?” she said calmly. Klidred set one hand to her temple, as if in thought. The old woman began muttering again, and walked across the room to retrieve a small vase. It was a plain clay vase, glazed a dull red. Nicki was absently wringing her hands, looking at the vase darkly. Klidred set it down on a bare patch of floor, a few feet from Nicki.

”Hold out your hand Nivan.” The old woman ordered. Nicki held her hand up. Klidred took hold of her arm and twisted it to the side, so that Nicki's palm was aimed towards the vase. Then she stepped back and glanced at the vase. Her muttering began again. “I'll miss that...” then out of the blue, she screamed and jumped at Nicki.

Yelping and sliding forward out of the way, Nicki dodged her. Klidred slid across the ground and stopped against the wall. The others watched the old woman rise to her feet and dust her robes off casually. Klidred glared at them challengingly. “Usually when startled, a sorceress will use her powers.” she paused, watching the small cloud of dust that had risen from her robes that floated around her lazily. “Nivan is an exception to that I see.” Klidred lifted her chin and moaned. A small bump was forming on her forehead. “What should I know of sorceresses’ abilities...?”

Nicki giggled and smiled at the woman. “I'm sorry - I didn't know...”

Klidred dismissed her words with a wave of her hand. The nervous laughter stopped abruptly. Nicki went back to wringing her hands. “Now what?” Glancing up at the empty chair at the head of the room, Klidred sighed. “It's time I let you all go to bed, I suppose. Training can wait until tomorrow.” she gazed around the room at them. “You've had a long day.” she allowed herself to smile at them. “You'll learn more from those of your own kind, I imagine...” she nearly began to mutter, but caught herself and continued on, “Devroth will take you to the barracks and find you a warm meal. Sleep well my Aegis...” her voice melted into a motherly tone as she waited for them to stand and scurried them out. “Fiala be with you.” her goodbye was starchily formal.

”Thank you Klidred. Goodnight.” Jon replied, a bout of politeness possessing him. The group wandered out into the hallway. “Wonder if he's still there?” he mumbled, walking along at the back of the group.

A soft, growled reply met his ears. “He better be, that bed and meal are all that are keeping me walking!” Jordan snorted, glancing back at him. Jon grinned in agreement.

”I would not abandon my charge.” Devroth interrupted rigidly, appearing at the end of the tunnel. He blinked and glanced around at the small group. “You've changed” he muttered, looking up at Jordan. “And you found Josarin...I should have guessed as much.” The huge man turned, “Let's go, Eris will be waiting.” and with that he strode off into the hallway. Amber giggled and set her hand over her mouth.

”I wonder how I turn this mind reading thing off?” her laughter echoed merrily off the obsidian walls. Kyle blushed again and stared intently at the floor. A deep grumble from Jon's stomach finally reminded them of the promised food and beds. They raced off behind Devroth.

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

Eris was a young woman. Her shock black hair was tied back loosely and she constantly brushed it back and away from her face. It seemed to always fall into her eyes. She was the head of the kitchen in The Temple and prided herself in her food. There were even rumors of a new cooking hall to be constructed, with her as the resident master. Her wares were nothing less than exquisite.

The Aegis were seated around a thick oak table in the corner of a large room. The walls gleamed a bright white. They appeared to be made of one solid stone. Eris watched the Aegis eat in silence. She went scurrying back and forth from the kitchen, bringing leftovers to the bedraggled group. Devroth refused to eat anything, he preferred to lean against the wall and watch.

”This is...” Jon slurred between bites, “...really phood!” he nodded vigorously and sent tiny bits of food flying. He was presently gnawing on a chicken leg. The others were silent, shoveling food into their mouths. Eris had a strained look about her, and constantly tugged at one rouge piece of hair.

”I'm so sorry about this food! It's the leftovers from today...I'll have a feast ready for you all tomorrow, I promise. I just hope this will be allright...” she babbled, disappearing into the kitchen again. Amber's gaze followed her.

”She's one nervous girl.” Amber stated, taking a big bite out of the pear slice she held to her lips. “She thinks if the foods not good enough, we'll eat her...” she scoffed. “These people are so weird...” she shoveled another pear into her mouth, slurping noisily. Nicki glared at her.

”Stop that! It's not polite to be...mindreading everyone you see!” Nicki stammered. “Anyways, you're creeping me out.” a timid blush rose up Nicki's cheeks. Refusing to look at Amber, (Who was grinning like a Cheshire cat), she nibbled on a piece of bread.

Licking her lips, Amber leant across the table at Nicki. “I don't know how to turn this off. I guess you'll just have to live with it, huh?” her tone was mocking. A devious grin spread across her face, “And some of the things you think about...” Nicki stood, cutting Amber off, and frowned. “Mr. Devroth? I'd like to go to the barracks now, if it's all right...” Nicki stopped and watched in awe as Devroth drew his axe and held it threateningly at Amber. “What are you...?”

Bowing his head gently, he spoke in a quiet voice. “Alvie, please stop.” Amber's jaw dropped. The axe hovered a mere breath from her face. The razor-edged blade rang with deadly promise. She swallowed hesitantly. Grinning pleasantly, Eris emerged from the kitchen. “I found a few better dishes. I think you'll like these much better than.. EEEee!” the platter she had been carrying dropped to the floor with a bang! Food splattered across the floor and up the walls in crazy patterns. She ran over to Devroth and pulled uselessly on his arm. “Are you crazy?! What in Belfire are you doing?!” her cries were shrill and demanding. Devroth's arm didn't budge, in fact, it barely moved.

”Are you done Alvie?” he asked softly. Amber blinked and shrunk back. “I can't hear a thing.” she muttered, glancing apprehensively at Devroth. Her brow knit. “I can't hear a thing.” she glared at him as he sheathed the axe. “How did you do that?” Amber demanded.

Devroth smiled and shrugged. “The right persuasion can make anything happen.”

Jon dropped his chicken leg and started laughing. Hysterically. Lindsay coughed and began laughing along with him. Jordan and Kyle grinned and succumbed too, sniggering away. Josh couldn't help but join. Nicki was nearly in tears from her giggles. Amber stared at them all in disdain. “Stupid...” she mumbled, glaring down at the floor. Bright red splotches rose onto her cheeks.

After wringing her hands for a while and staring at the roomful of giggling fools, Eris sighed and knelt, throwing the ruined food back onto the platter. She paused, startled, as Kyle knelt beside her and began helping. She smiled thankfully, unwilling to refuse his help. After all, there was a lot of food on the floor.

”Are The Last Aegis always like this?” she asked him, throwing a particularly ruined piece of meat onto the platter. Kyle answered with a grin.

A mysterious twinkle returning to his eyes, Kyle nodded. “You mean us? Yeah, we're always messing around.” he laughed wholeheartedly. Throwing, he missed the platter and managed to hit Eris with a large gob of mashed potatoes. She brushed them away and cleared her throat. “Well, I'll remember to find a drop cloth.”

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

'I want to go home...' Kyle thought dully, as Devroth lead them out into the courtyard again. 'I'm tired, I'm confused and I'd like to go to sleep, wake up, and find out this was just some strange little dream...' Kyle shook his head and kicked the dirt underneath his feet. 'Yeah...right...' a self mocking laugh escaped his lips. Nicki turned and raised an eyebrow. “What?” she demanded, her voice close to a whisper. Her blue eyes were shining dimly in the light of the moon. For a moment Kyle was struck by the wavering light in her eyes. They looked like oceans of pure water, washing gently against her pupils. Kyle blinked and looked at her again. The illusion of water was gone.

”Just thinking. Nothing really...” he shrugged, not volunteering anything. Nicki held his gaze for a moment longer then sighed in disgust. She turned away and stared up into the sky.

The breath in her throat caught as she took in what shone above her. Three beaming moons shone brightly in the night sky. Swallowing her surprise she gawked up at them in wonder, her jaw falling slack. The largest of the three was shining bright blue. The smaller moon shone yellow and the smallest of the three shimmered brilliant white. They formed a triangle in the night sky. Nicki shut her mouth and ran her hand through her hair. 'Where are we?' she thought uneasily, the moons shining daringly above her. A shiver ran down her spine as a howl pierced the night's silence.

Devroth glanced back at her, reassuringly. “We are safe here. There's no need to worry about the wildlife, Nivan.” A gentle smile came to his face and Nicki was suddenly reminded of her mother. They both had a look of quiet amusement when they smiled at her like that. She glanced away, feeling stupid. Devroth pointed at a small building across the yard. “That's the Aegis's quarters. You'll all be staying there tonight.” with a sidelong look he pointed to a larger building beside the barracks. “That's the hall of knowledge. If you find the need to ..Uh...” for a moment his voice faltered and a timid blush rose up his white cheeks. “To, Uh... to relive yourself, there are facilities within.” he finished weakly.

When they reached the barracks Devroth ushered them all inside. The place was simple enough. Two rows of beds lined the walls and at the back wall a large fireplace roared warmly. The bunks, upon further inspection were not as simple as they first appeared. Delicate carvings and painted murals covered the dark wood. Like all the other buildings in the compound, everything in the building seemed to be made of one solid tree. The floor was a flawless black stone and light from the fire bounced off it, giving the room a homey feel.

”Oh...” Nicki mumbled, running her fingers across the front of a bunk. In sprawling letters the name ‘Nivan’ was carved, with an image of a woman in green and gold robes behind it. She stared at the picture in awe. “Is this one mine?” she asked quietly, noticing that everyone else had found a bunk and was staring at them in amazement. “I guess so...” she sighed, feeling stupid again.

Turning around she was startled to find Devroth kneeling at the door. His eyes were closed and he wove his hands around his face. He held a sprig of some plant in his hand. After a few sharp movements he stood. Then walked over to Nivan. He pressed the sprig into her palm. “Nivan...” he caught her gaze and held it, a religious fanaticism entering his expression. “Eaneuda grants a protection to those who need it.” the light in his eyes slowly faded. “This will prevent Alvie from reading you for a while.” A grin lit his face. “She may be the Priestess of Fivore, but all of Eaneuda’s alliance is to you.” his teeth showed in an even larger grin. “Plus she is a bit of a brat isn’t she?”

A laugh escaped, and Nicki quickly stifled it. She grinned back at him conspiratorially and wrapped her fingers around the slip. She glanced quickly around the room. If anyone had heard, they showed no signs of it. Devroth cleared his throat and they all turned to him.

”If everything here is all right..” he paused, and when no one spoke up, he continued, “Then I bid you all good-night.” he bowed his head and backed out of the barracks, closing the door behind himself. It shut with a dull thud. Falling back onto his bed, Kyle laughed. “This isn’t so bad. Pretty comfortable if you ask me.” he bounced up and down for a moment then sat on the edge of the bed. “So...Is anyone going to actually sleep tonight?” he glimpsed around the room. “Uhhh...”

Jordan had lain down on his bunk, covered himself up and was lying with his hands crossed over his chest. He, for all intensive purposes, looked asleep. Apparently the evening's events had been a little hard on him. Thin bruises were forming along his arms. Amber prodded at his shoulder, to no effect. She shrugged and sat down on her own bunk, a dreary expression finding it's place on her face. The day had been no more relaxing for her.

”Okay...” Kyle drawled skeptically, glancing apprehensively at his two weary friends. “Who’s up for roaming around tonight?” he asked, rubbing his hands together. As usual, no matter what happened, Kyle was still Kyle. As full of energy as a two year old. Sadly he had the perceptive skills of one too. “Jordan! Come on! You too Amber!” he was answered by a tired silence. Although Jon chuckled and nodded, flopping down beside Kyle.

”I'll come. Sounds like fun.” a devious grin plastered across his face. He too, was childish at times, and this was one of them. His one black eye was swollen nearly shut and the bruise on his badly injured body throbbed painfully. Still, he was smiling like a fool, and that made the pain seem all the more trivial.

Shaking her head, Lindsay sighed, “Hey, what do you think happened here?” she asked, too quietly. The carvings on her bunk had been rubbed out in places and the figure behind her name was completely gone. “It’s like this on yours too Josh.” Her face darkened and she laid down on her bunk. “Wonder if they made a mistake...”

Kyle coughed uncomfortably, covering his mouth with his fist. “Fine...” Lindsay grumbled. “I’ll come, but only to keep you two out of trouble.” A happy cackle answered her.

”No one else wants to come?” Kyle whined, jutting his lower lip out and staring around pleadingly at the others. He threw his arms out imploringly. “Oh, you know you want to...Nicki! You want to come with us don't you?” his brightest smile appeared as he strolled over to Nicki.

”Don't you mean Nivan?” she asked slyly, standing up and tilting her head. “Let's get going!” Kyle laughed softly and began towards the door. His step was light, he almost glided across the obsidian stone at his feet. Nicki shivered and grabbed a light blanket from her bunk, draping it around her shoulders. Lindsay stood and ran her hands through her hair, then strode after Kyle. Nicki walked at her side. Jon finally rose up and shuffled after them. The door shut heavily behind them.

”They are going to get us in trouble...” Jordan mumbled. Josh nodded, all curled up in his bunk. Amber moaned in agreement and drew the covers up over her face.

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

”Where to?” Kyle whispered to Nicki, a smile hanging on his lips. Nicki simply stared at him for a moment. Their faces were a breath apart, so close she could feel the breeze of his words on her face. He smelled slightly sweet, and she found it hard to concentrate on what he was saying.

”Uh..” sudden inspiration struck her. “Back to the temple. I want to go look at a few of the...the...you know...those rooms where...”

”Shrines?” Lindsay suggested, a grin finally worming its way onto her face. “Sounds good, I'd like to go see...” she furrowed her brow.”Uh..you know...that god...Bev...Bet...” she stumbled.

”Belame?” Jon drawled, raising an eyebrow. “What's wrong with you? I thought you knew all this stuff from Thelis?” he watched as her brow furrowed further. “Lindsay?”

She scratched her neck and stared at the ground. “That's his name?” she paused, “I guess I forgot. Weird...”her voice trailed off as she stared blankly ahead. “Let's just get going okay?” she mumbled, striding ahead of them in the dim light of the moons.

Jon, Nicki and Kyle glanced sidelong at each other, then ran after her. “Hey! HEY!” Jon yawlped, worry growing in his stomach. She had forgotten something earlier too and it had been a big deal. Now she didn't seem too worried about it. It didn't feel right. He watched in a dazed sort of alarm as she walked into the shadow of a large building. The shadow slid around her and then she was gone, lost in the darkness. Jon rushed headlong into it, shoving his hands out in front of him, to prevent any collisions. He didn't trust her to be lost in that darkness alone.

A cold hand reached out to grab his arm and he recoiled away. He opened his mouth to yell at the others but the twin to the hand that held his arm reached up to cover his mouth. “What are you doing moron!” Lindsay hissed, her features dimly showing in the weak light. “Keep yelling like that and everyone is gonna know we are out here! Get a grip. It's just a shadow!” she let him go and stepped away. Jon rolled his eyes and rubbed the mark on his arm.

”You don't have to be so mean.” he grumbled as Nicki and Kyle caught up. Ignoring Jon, Nicki sprinted to catch up with Lindsay. Kyle spoke in low tones to Jon for a moment, then winked and ran to catch up with the girls. Jon glared at him for a moment before catching up. “Mean lady.” Jon mumbled to Lindsay. “I was just worried...”

She merely shrugged and stared at the ground in front of her as she walked, lost in thought. 'Wasn't that important?' her mind was in turmoil, 'I'm always forgetting what's important! What is wrong with me!? That could have ... ' her train of thought derailed. A very cold chill danced on her spine and around her head, breaking what little concentration she had mustered. 'Something bad is supposed to happen when I can't remember things...' the dim remembrance came with deep warning. She grimaced inwardly and continued along. 'Why bother them with this?' she glanced around at her companions and smiled fondly. 'They don't need my problems on top of their own.'

Catching her smile, Jon grinned and winked back. “We're here...” he announced, staring at the temple towering over them. The water gate shivered in it's framing in front of them, a black sheet of ice. “Where's that fire gate?” he asked, peering around the corner of the building. “I wanna see it.” he began walking away, leaving his comrades standing at the lonely waters.

Grinning fiendishly Kyle hastened to catch up with him. “Sounds fun...” Pausing too long to stare at the gate, Lindsay became ensnared by Nicki's whispered questions.

”Are you all right? You look like you're going to cry. Are they bugging you? Did Kyle say something, because if he did you know I can yell at...” Lindsay set a heavy hand on Nicki's shoulder. “Don't worry about it. Kyle didn't do anything.” she was smiling. A forced and painful smile, but a smile nonetheless. “Forget about it. I'm just a little tired.” A faint white glow seeped from Nicki to Lindsay, unnoticed by both. Lindsay yawned. “Geeze. I'd better start moving before I fall asleep!” she grinned for real this time and pulled Nicki towards Jon and Kyle.

”I could go all night!” Nicki mumbled, half-surprised at her own wakefulness.

They caught up with the boys, who were standing transfixed at the fire gate. The fire flared up in Lindsay's presence, as it had before. Jon and Kyle stepped back in alarm. “Did you see that?” Jon stammered.

”That's because it likes me.” Lindsay said cryptically, leaping through the gate. It caressed her body, like a long lost lover. She stepped out of it reluctantly and turned to encourage the others. “Come on now. It won't bite.” She was proud to see Nicki emerge through the gate first, a little too warm, but otherwise fine. Kyle leaped through next without any damage. Although he did begin to laugh incessantly when he exited to their side. Something about 'tickling'. Hesitation on Jon's part made them all nervous. The fire gate stood motionless for a solid minute before he appeared on their side, a sad look on his face.

”That was the most amazing thing I've ever...” he stammered, glancing back at the gate in reverence. “That was incredible!” he reached out to it and the flames danced brightly out towards him. “They're almost...alive...” he was in total awe. Lindsay grinned. That feeling was all to familiar to her. With a knowing smile, she patted his shoulder. “Come on. Let's get moving.” Lindsay glanced wearily around the dark room. An eerie feeling danced on her back again as she watched the shadows jump and dance in the firelight. Shrugging it off, she walked ahead, holding her head higher than it wanted to be.

The others followed. They strolled down the corridor easily, at a pace so slow they might not have been moving at all. All attention was focused on the fancy entryways. Nicki ran her fingers over several of the faces dazedly. The bumps and curves were flawless, creating strangely alive faces. Nicki imagined that they all were watching her, even though she knew better. After her encounters today, she wasn't sure what was reality and what was not.

”Hey...look at this!” Kyle called. They grouped around him to stare at an intricate carving of a woman. “Doesn't she look just like Christi?” he asked jabbing his finger into the eye of the portrait. Lindsay had bent down to read the inscribed name. Her fingers danced over the engraved words.

”Spread across the lands,
To cleanse the world in death,
A price of
life must be spared.
No man immune,
No life untouched,
She comes on
winds of chance...

Nougni” Lindsay read woodenly. “Sounds like Christi too.” she stood and tapped the forehead of the sculpture. “Should we go inside?” her gaze turned to Nicki, whose face had gone pale white. Everyone else turned to her.

Nicki shuddered and wrapped her blanket around herself tighter. “Huh? I'm sorry...I must've been daydreaming...I thought I saw that thing. “She pointed to the bust, “, move.” her hand drifted closer. Then she slapped it, hard. Pulling back her throbbing hand, she laughed weakly. “Guess not, huh?” ...Nivan...' A weak whisper startled them all. Jon and Kyle jumped. Nicki spun around, while Lindsay lunged at the noise. She landed hard against another portrait.

”Ow...” she murmured, rubbing her arm. She glared at the statue and bent to read it's engraving.

”One of the true four,
Life after, yet nothing
before,
Clear in nature,
Murk in creature,
Truth in nothing
Lies in
truth,
Delven. “

Lindsay grunted. “I can't say I like these inscriptions. They make no sense!”

Her words fell on deaf ears. Nicki stared fixedly at the bust, her eyes crawling over it. She was shuffling forward into the temple in a daze. “I'm gonna go in okay?” Nicki mumbled. It was more demand than request. They watched as she walked into the arch, approaching a Watergate, the entrance to the shrine. The Watergate reached out to her and Nicki stepped into it, leaving ripples running across the gate as she vanished into it.

”Someone has to go with her I suppose?” Lindsay grumbled, as the boys pushed her forwards towards the gate. They stepped back, staring expectantly at her. Her shoulders slumped as she trudged to the Watergate. Reaching out one, unwilling, hand she touched the gate...and was amazed to find it hard as stone. It wasn't quite ice but it had completely solidified on the outside, Lindsay could still see the ripples waving on the inside of the wall. “Oh you're kidding...” she beat her fists up against the wall. “NICKI!”

The wavering figure in the water turned and looked back at her. A smile lit her face. “Come on Lindsay. It' beautiful in here...” Nicki's voice drifted through the water as if it wasn't there. Then she turned away, staring at the marvels around her. Again Lindsay slammed her fists against the water, anger rising in her eyes.

Laying a hand on Lindsay's shoulder, Kyle pulled her back. She spun and nearly slammed a fist into his face. “Whoa! Calm down Lindsay.” he stuttered, leaning back and away from her. Her body shook. Kyle stared at her blankly. She slowly unclenched her fists, leaving white patches on her hands. “What was that all about?” he asked smoothly, his eyes as clear as the gate behind him. Lindsay scowled at him and jabbed her hand at the gate.

”It's like ice. I can't get through.” she growled into his face. “Cold too..” she seethed, rubbing her hands together and blowing on them. “I don't know how Nicki got in there, cause I sure as Belfire can't.” Her shoulders shook and she clasped her hands around them, locking her eyes on Kyle. “Very cold.” She regarded the Watergate, then turned back to Kyle.

Raising an eyebrow, Jon took off his sweater, (Tattered and bloody though it was), then held it out to Lindsay. She took it and wrapped it around her arms hastily. Color began returning to her limbs and she nodded at Jon, clad now in an bloody grey T-shirt. He shrugged and pushed Kyle towards the Watergate. “Come on. It's our turn buddy.” Sighing, Kyle went along grudgingly. “You first.” Jon ordered, heaving Kyle into the gate.

”HEY!” Kyle squawked, tumbling through the gate headfirst. The water slid around him, leaving a contrasting set of ripples on the gate. His squeals turned to bubbles as he passed through the gate and became audible as he fell out to the ground on the other side. “THAT was not nice Jon!” he grumbled, twisting his jaw around and rubbing it mournfully. “That hurt!” Sniggering happily Jon turned back to Lindsay. “Kyle made it.” he bubbled. She rolled her eyes and unwrapped the sweater from her arms, putting it on. Circling back to the gate Jon called , “Hey Kyle! Can you get out of there?” Nicki's voice traveled through the gate, clear as a bell. “Oh we're fine!” she sounded annoyed. “You are so...melodramatical, Jon!” she huffed, poking her head back through the gate. “Are you coming in or not?” her eyes narrowed as she took in Lindsay's new clothing. “Or maybe you two would rather stay out here?” she snapped disapprovingly. Following Nicki's gaze, Lindsay shook her head.

”That's not even funny Nicki.” Lindsay grumbled, crossing her arms. Jon stared at the floor intently. “And I can't go in there.” Nicki stepped out of the gate and grabbed Lindsay's arm.

”Don't be silly, it's just a little water...”she scolded, walking back through the gate. Nicki slid through just fine. Lindsay slammed into the same barrier as before.

”OW!” Lindsay stood up, rubbing the new lump on her head. “I told you! It won't let me in.” she hissed, glaring at the water wall.

Nicki shoved her head through again. She had a confused look on her face. “I guess you can't go through, huh. Wonder why?” she paused as Kyle appeared in the gate beside her. He was grinning like a imbecile. Nicki glanced over and him and sighed. “So what do we do now?” her voice was low and slightly disgruntled. The temple was so beautiful , but now she would probably have to leave just because Lindsay couldn't come in. It wasn't fair!

Shaking the water out of his hair like dog, Kyle piped up. “I'll stay here with Nic...Nivan.” he smiled at her, “We can meet back at the barracks later.” he added, dodging a glare from Nicki and disappearing back into the gate. “See you...” drifting through the gate, his voice sounded almost musical.

A smirk twisted it's way onto Nicki's face. “Yeah...That way I can check in here and you can go look for Belame. Perfect! Bye!” Oblivious to the protest on Lindsay and Jon's faces, she spun round and waltzed back into the shrine. Back into the flawless temple. Back to the first place she had even began to enjoy in this strange new world.

Water bubbled and rushed in small streams and fountains, carved in the walls and the floor of the stone temple. The stone was a grey-blue, reflecting the teal light of the water to the ceiling creating shadows that made the stone itself look like billowing waters. A gentle stream of water ran from the peak of each wall, into the waiting pools. Thin streams of water spouted up from elegant fountains. Fish and mermaids were the main motif, with the same almost living qualities all the statues in the temples had. One single bench of rounded stone sat on the center of the temple, with a few smaller slabs to the side. Nicki stepped over to the nearest and ran her hand over it, admiring the perfection of the curve.

Allowing a satisfied sigh to escape her lips, she smiled. Nivan...yes, Nivan she thought. Nicki no longer seemed an appropriate name. Too simple, too harsh, Nicki blasted it's way from her throat while Nivan flowed over the lips like sweet drops of honey. Forgetting Kyle's presence she said it aloud, “Nivan...” relishing the melodious sound that echoed in the cool shrine. Twisting, she sat down on the cold stone. Kyle slipped over onto the one across from her and stared around in wonder. An approving smile touched her face.

”Who would have thought, “he marveled, setting his hands on the bench. “, that in one night we could be transported to another world, nearly killed, proclaimed 'aegis' and then on top of all that find a place like this, that doesn't even seem real? It's like a dream in here Nic...Nivan.” he met her eyes and laughed at himself. “I sound like an idiot again, don't I?” a timid blush rose to his cheeks and he cast his eyes down.

”For once, you don't.” she said quietly, not intending to say it quite so coldly. Kyle snorted and continued to stare at the floor. She gnawed at her lip momentarily, contemplating weather or not to apologize. 'Dumb kid. He takes everything I say so literally. He should know that I don't always mean it the way I say it...' Nivan thought, stealing a glance at Kyle's slumped shoulders and red face. “Kyle,” she paused, waiting for some response. There was none. “, I mean you don't always sound stupid.” she stumbled over her words. “ ,only when you're really trying.” she ended lamely, with a strained smirk. Rather dully, Kyle glanced up at her.

Softly chanting, a chorus of voices seemed to rise from the waters. The song was simple, a few lines of a strange language over and over again, crescendoing and decrescendoing in harmony. The suddenness of their chorusing startled Nivan and Kyle both, and they glanced at one another , as if for answers. The voices reached a resounding crescendo and one of the fountains rose up in response. The water of the fountain gushed out, forming a large curtain of water in the corner of the temple. Breaking their gaze, the two aegis looked to the water.

As they watched, a shadow appeared in the flowing water, swaying side to side as it moved. First a delicate hand emerged from the waterfall, the skin the color of fresh fallen snow. Following it an arm, a shoulder, a man, emerged from the cascade. His lightly woven hair fell across his forehead in waves, like the water he had emerged from. His eyes caught Nivan's and she gawked unabashedly. They were the brightest color of shifting blues and whites possible, she could not draw herself to look away. His form was lithe and fragile, he was clothed in a simple armless tunic and leggings. Both were blue and shifted round, as if they too were made of water. His eyes glimmered when he beamed at Nivan.

”Hello Nivan Sorceress.” the man spoke, the sound was akin to the wash of an ocean to a shore, soft and strong at the same time. “I have been a long time waiting.” he stepped forward gracefully and took Nivan's hand, daintily kissing her palm. Nivan stuttered, overwhelmed, and drew her hand back and away. Once this evening she had seen a beautiful individual, but she had turned out to be a killer. Who was to say this man, however stunning he was, could not be as dangerous. 'Sugar is sweet but poison is easily hidden within.' she thought uneasily, standing and nodding curtly at Kyle to do the same.

Frowning and knitting his brow, the man stared at Nivan. “You have had an evening to be reckoned with. But I assure you Sorceress, I am not as 'sweet' as Waval.” he winked and smiled candidly. Nivan faltered and reached into her pocket to touch the green sprig from Devroth. Kyle laughed and stuck his hand out to the man.

”Hey there.” Kyle gushed, trying to pry the man's attention from Nivan. “I'm Kyle...” he continued on, speaking vivaciously, to little effect. The man never even acknowledged him. Kyle allowed his voice to drift into silence as he turned helplessly to Nivan. He mouthed 'I don't know?' and shrugged, giving the man a cautious glimpse.

Sighing almost inaudibly, the man tilted his head and ran his eyes over Nivan. A blush went climbing up her cheeks and she shuffled over beside Kyle. “My name,” the man drawled, amused, “, is Delven.” A gasp escaped Nivan's lips and she stepped foreword, her eyes doing the roving this pass. “I am no priest of Eaneuda. Only a god. If that is enough to win your trust.” he smirked. “Bough of Lichena with a minor prayer entwined in. Naturally it only numbs the mind, but with the spell intertwined...I must remember to keep my eye on Devroth. He sometimes learns too well for his own good.” his eye dropped to her pocket.

Kyle raised an unruffled eyebrow. “Is that supposed to impress us?” he mumbled under his breath. This was ridiculous, some 'god'. He was acting more like some pretty boy. Not to mention the way Nicki looked at him. It made his stomach twist in revulsion. Then and there he decided that Delven would be no ally of his. God, or no god. Lindsay's curse drifted into his mind. “Belfire...”

Delven's features twisted into an angry glare and he raised one of his lithe hands to point at Kyle. “A simple priest of Fivore names the scorned?” the roar of an angry sea boiled in his voice. “And dares to demean me in my own shrine?!” The pureness in his eyes had been broken by a brackish torrent of gray's and navy's. “What Aegis are you, boy, to even dare?” he demanded, drifting up to glare eye to eye with Kyle.

Sudden inspiration struck. “Strongest great-grandson of your mother, dear brother.” A vicious smile from Kyle bit into Delven's anger. Kyle felt ready to burst with euphoria at the baffled look on Delven's face. It lasted only moments.

Delven blinked, and as suddenly as his eyes had been murky, they became clear again. “You have her wit, Last one.” he glanced thoughtfully at the ceiling. “The scorned deus did not say that all the last ones had been found. He only mentioned he had 'rescued' my dear sorceress. But then, the truth of the flame is never the truth you think you hear.” a wry grin crossed his face. “No mind to the wretched fire. Glad to see you well, bloodbrother Priest.”

Trying his best not to scowl, Kyle nodded heavily. 'Changes his mood at the drop of a hat. I can see why Nick...Nivan and him get along...' he thought contemptuously. Nicki seemed unrattled by Delven's sudden outburst. Her attention was all still concentrated upon his eyes. She was lost in them. Flotsam and jetsam in an ocean of perfection. “You too, Delven. You too.” Kyle muttered dark, a green tinge lighting his features.

”Scorned one?” Nivan repeated quietly, finally finding her voice again. “Why is he not to be named?” her gaze became questioning and her eyes shifted to a cloudy blue. Delven returned her stare with eyes to match. Kyle felt suddenly, terribly alone. Unexplainable as it was, he felt as if he were trapped and could not breathe. Dropping down to sit on the floor, his ease, and breath, returned. Neither god nor girl seemed to notice.

Lifting one delicate hand to his forehead, Delven sighed. “Klidred has taught you nothing? A shame.” Delven retired to the floor, sitting placidly with his feet crossed and his arms dangling over his knees. At a shake of his hand, Nivan did the same. She sat with her back to the stone bench, her legs curled in front of her and her arms wrapped around them. “He is the source of the flame and the fire. Fiala allowed him life in the beginning only to serve humankind with his gift of fire. She did not know of his other passion then.” he sighed, even stooping so low as to give Kyle a mournful glance. “All great gifts come with great price. I myself give to life, but also tear away at Tobyan's realm of earth.” another groan escaped his lips. “We were all born the same day. Micha, of the air; Tobyan, of the earth; Myself, of the water, and him. The scorned one, of the fires. Humankind would have perished without his flame. But at the cost of his greatest dereliction, mankind kills itself. It is he who watched over the first war. Took it upon himself to guide those who chose to kill their own kind. He is the patron god of war.” his voice trembled, whether in fear or sorrow was unclear. “His death would end all wars. His death would end all life. His name calls him to you. He may decide to use you for a pawn in some great scheme. He may kill you, to further the cause. His name brings danger to any who utters it. That is why he is scorned. Both a savior, “he shuddered. “, and a devil.”

Nivan frowned and turned her gaze to the floor. “He wasn't all that bad. He saved me and he seemed genuinely devoted to help. Not to mention that he stayed behind to hold Waval off while we escaped.” she began to twist her hair around her hands, letting the softness of it lull her mind into a less confused state. “I suppose that makes some sense though. War is war, after all.” Kyle scoffed, and shook his head.

”So looking after people who choose to fight is a fault? Doesn't matter to you if they have a valiant cause or not, just that Belame is looking after them and it's war. No logic there if you ask me, he's only making sure that someone is looking after them. But what does that matter, right?” Kyle snapped, almost surprising himself with the venom in his words. “You add to life. And you take it away in your absence. You need people to be dependent on you, don't you?” his eyes flashed dangerously.

Delven threw a cold glance his way. “You have no idea BrotherPriest. The Aegis live to look after those matters. It was never meant for Belame. He took responsibility for all human action, just to be able to watch his accursed Archerlords.” Scowling heavily, he continued, “Wretched creatures, Archerlords. They relish death almost as much as Wila did. As close to a witch as Aegis can be.” Delven shuddered and rose to his feet. “I need no one. My mere existence is to be guardian over the waters, not to assure all long life. I need not explain such eternal matters to you. I am a God. Do not challenge me, BrotherPriest. You have my assurance that you will lose.” Kyle's brows dropped at this and he turned to Nivan in a huff.

”See. You. Back. At. Barracks. Bye.” he snarled, stomping out the watergate. His blood boiled and a thin mist of steam rose from his body when he passed through the watergate. Nivan watched him in mute confusion. Delven glided over to the entrance and stared out after him with unnerving repose. A thin finger was set to his temple.

”I suppose I should not be so hard on the priest. He is ignorant of our ways, as all the bred Aegis are.” A light smile danced across his lips. “But at least now we may talk, Nivan Sorceress.” he drifted back over to the stone bench. “There is much that only you and I may know.” the tenor of his voice sent an involuntary shiver down Nivan's back. He watched her patiently, waiting for a response.

Sudden realization struck Nivan in the gut. She was alone. Completely alone. With him. A nervous blush crept up her cheeks. It wasn't like her to fawn so heavily over anyone. Back home she had managed to hide her feelings around pretty boys, but here, with him? All traces of inhibition left her, making her feel foolish and fallacious for her own advances. She wasn't sure why she felt something so strongly towards him, it was a connection of something more than puppy love. She wasn't sure that it was even lust, it was just there. And that it was, made her all the more frightened of being alone with him.

Running her hands through her hair, to try and settle her mind, a discrepancy arose in her memory. “What do you mean Archerlords are almost witches?” Vaguely she remembered Klidred telling Lindsay she was an Archerlord, back in the other temple. Even Klidred had seemed sad, or scared, to name her one. Surely they must be wrong, Lindsay was not some monster. Granted she was a little mean and pushy at times, but that was only when someone was threatened. Nivan could not picture her best friend as someone like Waval. Delven merely blinked at her in mock surprise. He clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth and wagged one lean finger at her. “Archerlords are of the flame. Blood of the scorned runs in their veins. They are as devious, only they are mortals. You sound as if you do not believe me either, Nivan.” he shook his head. “Of anyone, I am the one you can trust, Sorceress. To put trust in the flame is to throw away your life. And the time for that is not now. Too much is at stake.” he was still smiling but his tone was grave. Nivan's mouth tightened and she stared coldly back at Delven.

Finally she understood why Kyle had been so annoyed by Delven. This God could accept nothing but his own ideas as the truth. It was a rather trying habit, even she admitted. But it was nothing to get so upset over. She gave one strand of her hair a sharp tug and continued running her hand through her hair. “Oh. I see. You'll have to meet Lindsay then. She is not quite what you say she is, but you'll have to decide that, won't you?” The god stared back at her dubiously.

”She? What do you mean 'she'?” For once Delven looked unsure. The expression appeared foreign on his smooth face. “He. The Archerlord Jayce.” he looked far too serious for Nivan's tastes. Such a confused look on his face almost made him look 'human'. Grinning at her own thoughts, he squinted at her. “Nivan?”

She waved her hands in front of her face. “Oh, it's nothing. Nothing really. Just that Lindsay is Luka. And Klidred said she was an Archerlord.” as she finished she imagined a cold breeze drifting through the temple. Glancing at Delven, he looked paler and more concerned. “I think she's still in the temple, I could go get her if you'd like...”

”NO. No..that would not be wise.” a thin smile graced his face. “Again the scorned deus hides mysteries from us. He knew and said nothing...I suppose Drognin knows as well. Just as bad. That reptile probably wanted to hide this from all of us.” Nivan stared at Delven, as lost as possible. “Such secrets when the time of reckoning awaits. Some foolishness with see this world to it's end.” his mumbled, returning his attention to Nivan. “Speaking of secrets, there are a few things I must teach you tonight.”

Blinking and giving her hair another annoyed tug, she shook her head. “Teach me what?” The God of water merely smiled and held out his hand to her.

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

Alvie stared at the glowing embers in the fireplace in a vain attempt to calm her mind. She could not sleep. Every time she closed her eyes she was in a dream, but not one of her making. As she drifted deeper into sleep, the dreams changed, flitting from one person to the next. Her eyes shot open once more, a sigh drifting from her lips. The embers burned brighter in her breath. It seemed hopeless. Once more, her eyes shut and she entered into the foreign world of someone else's making.

Wind blew gently around her ankles as she stood in a vast plain. In the distance she could see a crowd. Wishing to see what was going on, she blinked, and found herself in the throngs of people. The shock at this type of action was gone. In any dream, even one that was not hers, she still had control of herself. Until the dreamer found her. She shuddered at her earlier experiences with one of the Akaonians.

The crowd was watching a game. She stood on tiptoe, to get a clear view. Football? What on earth would anyone...' she stopped and watched the player with the ball, an amused grin worming onto her face. Of course it was Josh. Who else in this crazy world would have dreams about earth games? There were differences from normal dreams, she knew. The crowd was comprised of Akaonians, and strange people with scaled wings. Some were so beautiful, her hands itched for a pencil. She wanted to capture this moment. The beauty of dreams was unmatched, if she could just draw them, to remember while she was awake.

A sudden outburst from the crowd turned her attentions back to the game. The players had sprouted the crazy scaled wings and now wove in the air. Alvie shook her head. He was getting some strange ideas. She stopped herself again and laughed out loud. No one noticed.

He was getting strange ideas? She was walking around in his dream! Strange ideas were the least of her worries. Her gloomy mood returned in a flash. She could almost see her mother's worried face. What would they think? Her heart tightened as she watched Josh soaring in and out of the clouds. Would they try to find her? Would they think she was dead? 'Will I ever see them again?' she thought coarsely.

The dream faded around her, and she found herself in one of her own dreams. A most fondly remembered moment. “What am I going to do John?” she sobbed, rushing into his arms. The boy wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair comfortingly. “I'll never see you again!” she pulled away and stared into his face.

John Kennedy had been one of her closest friends on earth. In her heart, she had always had a place for him, but he had never returned the feelings. She had stayed his friend though, cherishing the friendship. He loved another and she supported him in that. But in her dreams... He was fair-skinned and lithe. His short chocolate hair was always tussled, his mischievous blue eyes danced in the light. Amber sighed and shivered, realizing for the first time what it was that she had left behind.

”You'll be all right.” John cooed. “You'll be fine Alive.” in her sadness she did not notice that she stood on an endless plain of water, and John's eyes were a shade too blue to be real. With his arms around her and his words soothing the ache she felt inside, she wouldn't have cared anyways.

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

Tracing behind Jon, Lindsay laughed to herself. She knew they had been this way before, the statuette to her right was Nougni, again. The building had been built in a circle, with the exits concealed behind the temples, she guessed. If they ever found their way out she planned on asking Devroth about it. Jon's humor had vanished around the time they had made their fourth circle. A growing frustration heaved his steps and darkened his face. Lindsay made no move to lead, she was enjoying the scenery of the temple. Of the hundreds of wall hangings and sculptures, she came to recognize seven people, drawn over and over again. Her mind drew a conclusion she wanted to ignore. In all the pictures there were three women. One with hair to her ankles, usually surrounded in light and holding water in her hands. Another with black hair pinned back to her head, one hand always at her forehead, the other raised to the sky. The last woman, with her black eyes and fire-red hair, had the wings of a dragon and always flew in the front. She was the only one of the women who ever carried a weapon.

There were four men appearing over and over again too. One always appeared in the center of an animal, as if he were one. Muscular in form, he stood in front of an army of beasts. Another, tall and wiry, almost sick-looking, always held his arms out. In some pictures he held tiny people in his palms, in others red light emanated from them. One was invariably kneeling at the black-haired woman's side. His hands were slick with blood and white light surrounded him. The last was terrible. In every picture his face was twisted into rage and he was covered in blood. He stood away from the others. Some implement of war was always in his hands. He confused her, as did the winged woman. They were out of place among the others. If they were Aegis as she thought they were.

Lindsay stumbled into Jon, he had stopped. “What now?” she yawned. Her exhaustion was catching up to her, and by the look looks of the bags under Jon's eyes, it was catching up to him as well. His black eye was purple and swollen nearly shut. His nose was darkening up nicely as well, she knew it was broken.

”I think this is the one.” he declared. Lindsay examined the gateway. No Watergate? She was game for this. “It's Tobyan's shrine, I think...the writing is really blurry.” he mumbled, rubbing his clear eye. She shook her head.

”Do you still have your contacts in?” she asked. He paused and prodded at his eyes. A dejected sigh told her as much. “We spent three hours walking around because you couldn't read the names?” she laughed a hollow laugh and swatted him on the back. “Well let's go in then. We can go back after this right?” then, making sure he wasn't looking, she bent to read the inscription.

Jon walked ahead, into the darkened hallway that lead to Tobyan's shrine. The stone turned to earth as he continued down the corridor. The air here seemed fresher, more alive with the smells of life. It made sweet contrast to the ecclesiastic smell the temple itself had. Here he could smell warm ground, running water and plants. Just a plain green smell. He filled his lungs hungrily. He heard Lindsay shuffling behind him. A faint smell of sweet smoke emanated from her. It blended into a redolent aroma.

A wall of thin gravel met him at the end of the passageway. He pressed his palms against it, feeling the stones shift under the weight. The earth gate seemed far less spectacular than it's water and fire counterparts, but Jon felt as if the stones passed through him, not around, as he stepped through. The smells of life intensified as he entered the shrine. He took in the multitude of plants and ponds with an unblinking eye. Small creatures darted around the cavernous room in the dim light of...he glanced up at the moon and blinked. The cavernous room seemed to have no roof.

”JON!” Lindsay growled, pounding on the earth gate. She had suspected as much. Just as the water had outright froze on her, the earth had turned back into a solid wall of rock. Her patience with these gates was growing thin. She slammed her shoulder against the wall and growled. The creatures inside scurried to safety. Jon watched the life shrunk back from the noise.

Although not eager to leave he turned to the exit with all intent of going. 'Nivan' may have had the pomp to leave Lindsay out, but he did not plan on repeating her actions.

”Leaving so soon?”

He jumped and spun round, unable to find the speaker. The voice had been decidedly feminine, and close, as far as he could tell. Nothing in the room moved. The moon in the ceiling vanished, casting thick shadows around the room. He spun again, an animalistic growl rumbling from his throat. She was playing with him. Dull thuds from the entranceway became more frantic and rushed.

”What's going on in there? Jon? JON!” Lindsay barked, hurling herself at the door again. “Are you all right?” He stayed silent and backed up to the door. He could feel the vibrations of Lindsay's pounding through his entire body. He could feel everything in the room, he realized in shock. He knew where each of the creatures had hidden themselves, where secret hollows in the ground were. But the woman that he knew was there, he could not feel.

”JON!”

A sharp rush of adrenaline filled his veins as he began shuffling across the room, his back to the wall. The shadows were midnight black, what little light was left showed a scanty area. He was feeling around for a dead spot. A borough where he could feel nothing. The woman had to be concealing herself that way. The only answer. His eyes shut as his back touched the wall. He saw what he needed in the depths of his mind. The shadow in a world of light. He dove for her and felt...nothing.

”Passable.” the voice spoke again, from behind him. Jon scrambled to his feet and reached out in the darkness. He could faintly see her form in the darkness. “Calm yourself Jerit. This is no battle. Only a test.” the sun appeared in the 'sky' above and Jon shielded his eyes from the sudden light. “You are a true shaman.” she sounded pleased.

Finally opening his eyes to the brilliance, he saw her. Not human. Not human at all. More plant or bird or fish than human. He could not tear his eyes away. Her form was that of a human woman, bipedal, but her skin was most definitely not. A bright plume of feathers ran from her forehead to her back, tapering to a shaggy tail. Her face was covered in a bristly fur. Scales covered her from her bellybutton to her cheeks. One leg had the scales of a fish, with an elongated, webbed paw. The other had long wispy hair and ended in a hoof. She had one arm and one wing, both were snowy white. Her right hand, was rather plain and human-like compared to the rest of her. Her eyes were large and round. The pupil shifted from flat to round to oval and back again, in colors that were unbelievable. She was strange and beautiful. And had been hunting him only moments ago.

A smile grew on her cattish lips. “You stare like a child Jerit.” she chortled, smoothing down the feathers on her head. “My name is Tobyan.” she added gently. His eyes bulged a little more.

”JONATHAN EDWARD TRARBACK!!” Lindsay hollered. Jon snapped back to reality and winced at the crashing noises form the gate. Small stones fell from the earthgate and Tobyan turned to Lindsay with a birdlike twist of her head. The thudding stopped abruptly. “What in Belfire is that?” her voice sounded strained. “Mmmphh!” one more thud was heard before the room grew silent again. Jon curled around to Tobyan and shook his head.

”What did you...”

She tilted her birdlike head again and raised her wing to the gate. Following her direction Jon saw Lindsay entangled in a mess of vines on the floor outside the cavern. Her dark glare was aimed towards the gate as it shifted to allow her a view of the room. Her anger flicked to surprise for a moment, then settled back into pure fury.

Tobyan stretched her neck out, “Do you know this girl? She was doing quite a lot of damage to my door looking for you. I assume she is your companion here?” she guessed absently, running her hand over one of the plants, caressing it's leaves. They seemed to grow greener under her touch. Jon scratched the back of his head staring from woman to woman.

”Lindsay...That's Lindsay. Is she all right?” Jon mumbled, hoping she could not hear him. Her fury darkened her face further and he winced, know the tongue lashing he would receive for not freeing her immediately. Tobyan suddenly bolted to the door and lifted Lindsay up, carrying her into the shrine. Jon's brow creased as he watched Tobyan's face sadden.

Recoiling from around her mouth, the vines slid back into the foliage. Lindsay coughed and sputtered, stumbling to her feet. “What on earth did you do that for?!” she demanded of Tobyan. Jon shambled back into the greenery, hoping to find one of those crevices. Tobyan set her snowy white arm on Lindsay's shoulder and the two fell silent. “You are Bel's sister.” Lindsay spoke very airily, a newfound respect growing in her eyes. “Earthsister...” she knelt and bowed deeply, her forehead nearly touching the ground. “The compassionate of the children.” she muttered, standing again.

”My brother...” Tobyan began, them seemed to choke on her words. “Archerlord, it is ones like you who make me wonder what Delven hates so.” Jon continued on his search for a crevice. Their words were lost on him. Tobyan cut his pursuit short. “Jon.” she called, “That is what you called him, Luka, isn't it?” her feathers shifted in waves down her back.

”Earthling names are so strange. Who would ever name a poor child Jon?” The feathers on her head stood up and she puffed her chest out. “Now, Jerit is a name fit for an Aegis. Do you know what Jerit means in my tongue?” she asked, knowing the answer. Lindsay shook her head fondly. Tobyan may look bizarre, but she acted like a proud grandmother. “Jerit means lifebringer.” she nodded to Lindsay as if it meant something. Jon drifted back, intrigued by the mention of his 'new' name.

”Lifebringer?” he repeated, sounding somewhat incredulous. “What does Luka mean?” he inquired, watching Tobyan's plume fall.

She licked her lips. “It means nothing in my tongue. Nothing at all.” she answered hastily, her words slurring together.

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