The sewers smelled worse and worse, the further Irish and his two men went into them. They followed the faint sound of their prey until the echoing stopped, meaning they had left the sewers or stopped. signalling his men, Irish continued down the tunnel silently, ahead of the others. Of course, three men in full armor dont move too silently. He found the opening into the fresh air and wasted no time climbing through the hole. Sweet, cool air touched his cheek and Irish let out a sigh of relief, then scanned the area but didnt see anyone. Hoping there wasnt a corssbowman in their group, Irish grunted and pulled himself up as quickly as he could. When he stood up fully, the last thing he expected was for the people he was chasing to call out to him. But then it happened

Irish!

his own name cut the air like a knife, and it cut his heart as well. The voice he has longed to hear while he was in that tomb of a mine. His queens voice.

No. was all that irish could whisper before he turned to his the worst sigth he could think of right then. Somber and Vaalic were both standing in a clump of brush several yards away, excited to see him. He was happy to see them too, but that immediatly changed to dismay since he could hear his men closing the gap inside the sewer and knew what he wore now.

"Irish! What are you doing here, and by the gods what were you doing in the sewer? There must have been rats as big as me down there."

Vaalic then began to walk towards irish, and with each step Irish's heart sank lower and lower. This was a position he had never been in before, and it was tearing his soul apart.

"We were worried about you when the dragons attacked, but I see you've made it out. Its good to see another familiar face."

One one hand, Irish had sworn fealty to the flurin and taken oaths to follow them. Irish had never broken his word nore gone against an oath. He owed the Lady Vental his allegiance, and probaly his life. On the other hand, Vaalic was his friend, and each had saved the others life an unknown number of times. Somber was his Queen, and his friend as well. And it was her that had saved his life and his sanity, believing in him when no one else would. He had helped train her young son and was her personal bodygaurd for a time. His heart and mind were being split in two, and he nearly broke down into tears.

"What's wrong?"

It was then that the two men who had followed him began climbing out. Vaalic drew his sword, and Irish drew his out of reflex, ready to turn and face this foe who had come against the two of them...then he caught himself and sighed.

"Irish, behind you, watch out."


Vaalic began to rush past Irish to take on the troops, and Irish had to make a choice now. With a single tear forming in the corner of his eye, he held out his blade, horizontally. If Vaalic went any further he would slice himself across his chest. Vaalic looked questioningly at Irish before finally taking in his new armor.

"Irish... no..."

Irish dropped his head and could not reply.

Lord irish, do you know these criminals? He is obviously the one who killed our men in the alley. What should we do?

Irish could just stare at the ground.

Lord Irish? what should we do.

Sigh, we take them in. They are to be...questioned for their information...and in accordance with Flurin law........
Mi'Lord?

...They will be sentanced to death for high murder, the killing of represntatives of the Flurin Empire.

Allright Lord Irish, hows bout we rough them up a little bit before we take them in. I knew one of the men in the alley!

NO! we fight with honor, and we live by it! No man serving under me will ever be unhonorable! They will not be harmed...I can give them that much at least. The last part was said low enough for Vaalic to barely make it out.

Vaalic simply looked at Irish with unreadable eyes, and then shot a glance at Somber who was frozen where she stood, unable to take her eyes away from the scene in front of her.

Look! theres a woman in the trees! Ill go get her while you deal with this piece of scum!

With that, the other man began towards Somber, with a hungry look in his eyes.

Dont harm her!

I dont plan on harming her, just having a bit o fun, eh!

With that, logic snapped in Irish. The man was walking towards Somber with his hands already outstrechted. While Irish was holding his sword to the right where Vaalic stood, the man started on the left side of him. With a wordless snarl, Irish spun on his heel, wheeling his sword with all of his might. It connected with the mans back, and bone snapped as the force if Irish's swing sliced through his spine, and continued through his organs and slid out his gut. A horrible mess began to pour forth from all side as blood and entrails spilled out of the seperating body.

...L L Lord Irrrish?

Irish's spin finished with him facing the other soldier who was obviously scared and confused. Irish threw out his large hand and grabbed the man around his throat and began to squeeze. This man had done nothing, he was an innocent, but he had seen Irish talk to Vaalic and kill his own soldier. The poor man struggled uselessly against Irish's steel grip and slowly began to try and grip his own sword.

Give me your weapon.

Vaalic just stared at Irish suspisiously.

Give it too me now, or you and I will both die!

Irish grabbed Vaalics sword and Skewered The man in his hand through. After Wiping it off, he handed it back.

There is no time to explain everything I have done both today and while yall were gone. You must run now, more will be on their way soon, Ill take care of this. Meet me at what used to be the Thieves Den Pub tomorrow night, and all will be explained. RUN!

With that irish grabbed his belt knife and placed it on his cheek, and spilt his own blood. He dabbed into the pile of blood that was his former soldier and matted some into his hair. Then he began to rearrange the scene a little, trying to come up with a story to convince the others before he was found. He refused to even look at his old friends because he could not bear to see them again, or look into his eyes. They bore a suffering that had not been there since the time of his madness.
_________________
May ten thousand tiny hamsters have their way with your fluffy slippers

Nuanni explained that she was the only one to survive, and it was through pure luck. She did not know if Kitiara was dead but it was likely in her opinion.

Jake sat back from his knee to his rump in utter silence. Nuanni studied Jake's expresions and guestures. He was a mess of mumbling and uncontrolable shaking.

"I can summon enough power to bring down a town, yet I can not save a single women..."

Nuanni now sees her enemy in a new light. The stone cold Jake was not that cold and not that hard. But still she contained her self. Because either way Jake was still a enemy. And as she looked on to the almost crying Elven warrior she thinks of her loved ones. Her Rider was now gone and all lost.

"What can I do now? I'm not even sure if i want to fight any more. If the flurin take over this place what then? What are your people like? I mean as rulers. Their armies are great and powerful and can protect great masses of land."

"Your not giving up on your friends are you?"

"No, I just... I just want to know that if this battle is lost and there is great chance of it then I would like to know what the future holds for the people of this land. Do the flurin just wish to take over and make theor wealth as the surrent government does or do they want to destroy it all?"

"Vaalic and Somber fight so hard for so long and look what they have now. Sure their was a peace for a time and we saved the world and thats all good. But there were many battles before that. The land of Faith has been fought over for centuries. The city of Faith has been destoryed. Somber is quenn of her people, but who are her people? they all live in Freeport. Somber has not governing powers here. Her crown is but a hat now. And Vaalic. He was a blood thristy warrior out to get back what is his at one point and now look at him. Running around planting flowers for his wife and helping out as a royal guard to Freeport. I know bar tenders with a more dangerous job, he has lost his edge."

"So your friendship is not all what you want it to be?" Nuanni said leaning forward letting her face be brightened by the flame of the fire.

"What are you getting at dragon? They are my friends and my allies. The fact that I think Vaalic should be be in a more importaint job earning so real money and be able to use his skills instead of throwing it all away just because Angel shed s a tear at the drop of a hat. Dont get me wrong I dont mind Angel but the slightest surguestion that Vaalic might do something with a bit of danger or excitment makes Angel think of Somber and then it's an ocean of tears. Oh incase you didn't know Somber and Vaalic years ago so i am told used to have a thing but her queenly duties got in the way of something I dont know."

Nuanni was could not help but listen to all of this.

"I dont know why I am telling you all of this, at the least it is clearing my mind...."

Just then it happened! Jake picked up on Kitiara's presence. It was faint and was hard to track. It was either that she was far away or near to death...
Jake sprung to his feet. Nuanni got up her legs were now more solid on the ground. She grabbed a cloak to cover her self up a bit more and proceeded to follow Jake out of the rear of the cave.

"Jake what is it?" Nuanni spoke to him as she followed him through some tree's to a clearing.

"I can sence her somewhere... it is faint.."
"who?"
"Kit..."

"It's moving... It's her she is getting closer... She must have ran a fair way... BUT WAIT!"

Jake walked looking around him the clearing became bigger and they came to a gorge with a old bridge. Nuanni looked down over the edge to see a river with a fast current far below.

"I can feel something else now... what is it... is it Vaalic and the others?"

"How can you sence all of this?" Nuanni asked...
Jake searched out with his mind trying to pick up on their emotion and feelings. Kitiara's faded out as another presence came closer, Jake could only focus on one at a time. And then he realised...

"Get down!!" Jake pushed Nuanni to the ground hard and moved to the side only to narrowly escape the point of an arrow. He powered up, his hair became white and his skin pale. An energy ball formed in his right hand, his looked about the tree line for the enemy.

"Can you see them?" Jake whispered to Nuanni who still stayed low to the ground and slightly behind Jake.

"There!" she screamed as one of them appeared from the growth. The soilder running with his bow loaded and his sword out and ready to attack, he charged at Jake and Nuanni.

"Fool!" Jake yelled out as he blasted through the attacker. Another arrow was shot from the tree line striking Jake's leg, he tuned to see another charging at him with a sword. Nuanni dived out of their way as Jake engaged the Flurin Soilder.
Jake dodged the swinging blade, ducking under the Flurin's guard and removing the arrow from his leg. Jake slipped right around him and pushed the arrow through the back of the Flurin's neck.

"JAKE!!" Nuanni screamed, Jake's attention turned to her and then to what she was pointing at, many more of them started to appear from the tree's all armed with cross bows and ready to fire.
Jake ran to Nuanni and stood over her, "stay close to me now.."

A wave of arrows cam towards them. Jake focused his mind, and a wall of unseen force blow away all of the attacking arrows. "My Turn!" Jake screamed Running into the pack.
The fight was on, it was rare to have to fight so many. Jake ducted and dived, blasting away who ever he could and fought his way through the rest. But their numbers were proving to be harder then first thought.
At one point thay al ahd Jake down and all surrouded him coming in together to hack him to bits only to be blow back by another wave of unseen power.

Nuanni watched as the soilders continued to attack Jake, was cutting them down as they come but was taking his fair share of hit too. Jake's boot kicked one of thier heads in, Jake fist crushed one of thier face's Jake's elbow pushed in one of thier ribs... and on it went. She watched on until suddenly a hand grabbed her and lifted her from the ground. The cold of the steel could be felt agents his neck as she now looked into the eyes of her killer...

Nuanni's face was covered in spilts of blood and ash, her killer feel away from her, his body hitting the ground, his head partly blown away in a beam of light. She simply looked down at the faceless half skull with it's burnt flesh and hints of blackened bone.

Jake managed to break free of the soilders and returned to Nuanni, "Quick we must cross the bridge"
Nuanni did not move for a moment before looking to Jake... "COME ON!!"

Jake blown back the soilders again with his power to make his escape with Nuanni to the bridge as they reached it a blur of mass passed by them through the gorge, the bridge was cut from from the ledge... It was a rider and his dragon.
"He must have seen the fighting from above" Nuanni said as he eyes followed the dragon as it turned to make another sweep.

"Dame you!!" Jake screamed pulling his hands together to bring his energies into a physical form once more. A larger energy attack was needed for this... and so it will be done....

The Dragon roared in it's rider almost standing up on it's back comming in for the kill with his crossbow and long spear. Jake could see the gums of the dragon now as it opened it's mouth, closer and closer...

"JAKE!!" Nuanni screamed

Jake unleashed his power seeding a large ball of energy up at the Dragon. The ball of light went into the dragon's mouth and exploded through the back of it's head barely mising the rider on it's back.
Pipment s of red filled the sky as the massive body fell, passing right by both Nuanni and Jake and into the gorge. The Rider could be heard screaming as they passed them and at the last moment the rider turned and fired hos bow... The arrow struck Jake in the side of the gut. The shot made him lose his balance and fall through the two poles that once held the bridge. Nuanni leaped forward taking hold of Jake's boot at the last second. but his weight dragged both her off with him... The two of them fell..... falling and falling... SPLASH!!!!

*Angel*

"Do you want him to face the same consequences?" Angel looked at him in desbelief..

"You can not take my son."

"Than he will die as well."

"No.. please." She pleaded endlessly with him, but the only way to save him was to let them take him. Her body screamed as she watched the soldier leave with her child. Now she felt alone, though in a full cell occupied by those who had been captured. Jasmine knelt beside her trying to help her calm down, the tears just couldn't stop, and any attempt, any words spoken to her she didn't hear.

It would be hours later when they came to them. Two soldiers stood just behind the door of the cell, as another fitted the key and opened. The two men stepped in and grabbed the woman closest to them... Angel. She didn't struggle, she had come to grips with her fate hours earlier. To her suprise they took her to what seemed to be the General's Quarters, and sat her in a chair facing his desk.

"Are you their Queen?" The old man's voice was soft and hoarse, but it was his manner of question that suprised her most. She looked at him dumfounded. "Are you their Queen?" he repeated himself, louder.

"Are you saying you do not know her appearance?"

"It would seem so..." His voice quivered...as it often had when others made him feel inadequate. "Allow me to introduce myself, General Rhuaka at your service madam." She just looked at him, not recongizing his pleasantries. Her child drifting in her mind. "You are the one with the child, are you not?" Than it hit her, he would bargain... her hopes raised, she would give him what he needed, but not before her own.

"Angel Demonshire, Sir. No I am not their Queen." A crooked smile crossed his face, pleased.

"Than you are of no use to me." He stated this more as a question than a statement.

"Yes, I am sir. I know things you could only dream to know of her. I know her weaknesses and her strengths, I know her where abouts, as well as her companions. I know her name, her family, who they are, where they reside. I know where she will go to hide."

"How do you know all this?"

"I am her sister." It was a desperate cry, not something she liked, and not something even her husband knew, she wasn't even sure if it was true, so she said it.. She could tell she now had his attention.. if she must lie, than she will lie, she thought. He seemed amused at this thought. "I will give you the information, and all I ask in return is my son and protection from retaliation." Rhuaka thought a moment, he didn't have many choices, he was failing as General and knew the Flurin grew tired of him. Than he smiled, "You have a deal, tell me everything you know." What was the harm in giving her protection, if it would mean showing his commander their queen, it was more than worth it.

"I want proof before I say a word." Rhuaka took his quill in hand and scribbled directions on it. Calling to a guard, he handed him the letter.

"Now the information lady, before we take you to your son." She told him everything.


*SOMBER*


Somber turned from them, her heart swallowed with grief, why she thought, as she felt her stomach churn and twist inside her as the vomit rose and escaped through her lips.

"Ill take care of this. Meet me at what used to be the Thieves Den Pub tomorrow night, and all will be explained. RUN!"

Her eyes pleaded with him as Vaalic grabbed her by the hand urging her to follow him. It took until he pulled her for her legs to start working...she went where Vaalic led her without her eyes leaving Irish.

"IRISH!" she screamed out to him one last time.



*Arimas*

He followed the footprints to the sewers, even in the darkness he could hear the clash of their armor as they walked. With no armor on himself it was easy to remain hidden. When they all climbed out of the sewer, Arimas remained behind, for only moments, when he heard his mother scream..."IRISH!" His anger grew and he ascended from the sewer.

What he saw he was not ready for. Their were bodies and blood and insides everywhere, and in the middle stood one man. His sword already with drawn Arimas was ready.

"What have you done with my mother?"
_________________
-Fall into my Rift

The feeling of her plummeting towards the water was nothing unusual. She was a dragon, and she was comfortable with the feeling. This was, however, the first time she had fallen without her wings to ease a landing. She knew full well that her human body was fragile, and her landing would be painful, if she managed to survive it. She still held onto Jake, as she hit the water, but failed to hold him longer. The force of the water and the temperature were enough for her to lose her senses. She opened her eyes, still beneath the surface. She couldn't tell which way she was facing, or which way would take her to the surface. The hard landing had knocked whatever air was left in her lungs from her, as she began to gasp for breath. She only managed to suck in water, which made her condition all the worse. Desperately she tried to get to the surface, though she had never been in the water as a human. She flailed around and made it to the air above, gasping and choking. They had fallen far, and the water was deep where she had landed, but the shore was difficult to reach. She managed to crawl onto the muddy shoreline and cough up the remaining water she had ingested. She looked around, knowing that Jake could not have fared well. He was wounded and most likely drowned. She couldn't understand it. The power he possessed was like nothing she had ever seen. He had killed a dragon knight, which was a seemingly impossible feet if one were to take him at face value. The dragon he had killed was not the one she had expected to find them. It had been another blue, similar to her. She knew the dragon as one of her own; a nearly undefeatable war bread beast. Jake had succeeded where countless others had failed. She wanted to know more of him and how he came to hold such power, but it seemed she would never have the chance. She knew Lenox would not be far off once he realized what had happened. It also occured to her that she had underestimated the General. He had sent two dragons after her and as skilled as she was, faced with both Lenox and any other foe she would be outmatched. Lenox himself would prove to be a challenge, if it ever came to that. It was then that she saw him; farther down the river clinging to a fallen log. He was holding his own, but showed no signs of being able to pull himself out. She made her way over to him, considering her options. If she left him his strength would soon fail and he would be taken down the river to a watery grave. He was powerful enough to challenge even her, and she seriously considered leaving him to die. Then she argued with herself. If she pulled him from the water she would have a chance to question him about his powers. She walked onto the log and out to within an arms reach. She looked down on him. Blood was still flowing from his arrow wound, and she could see the pain and determination on his face as he continued to hold. She watched him for a moment, to see if he would beg for her help. They both knew why she hesitated and his determination grew stronger. It was obvious he would sooner be taken into the water than ask for her help. He tried to pull himself up again, but with his wound, and everything that had happened he was still unable. She had gained a fair amount of respect for him through his defiance. Making her decision, she extended her hand. He accepted it, knowing his choices were limited. He had not asked for her help, but she had given it as he pulled himself out of the water to lie on the rotting log. His wound looked painful, and it needed to be bound quickly. They sat beside each other, neither speaking as Jake caught his breath, still holding his side.
_________________

" I think I'll be alright, the wound is not deep. It may slow me down a bit but nothing serious. "

Jake sits on the bank with Nuanni. He leans forward and removes his long coat, undoing the steal buckels and outer belt. It's bark brown tan was wet wet and stained.
The arrow had broken off leaving a small part of it still sticking out from his sleevless shirt and leather vest. More buckels undone and the vest carfully taken off and his shirt undone and free of the arrow.
The arrow head was stuck low on his left side. A quick twist and pull and the arrow was removed. He watched his hand shake as he held the bloody arrow head in his hand.

Placing his finger on the small hole in his side he closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as the change of his our energy burnt his flash and sealed the hole. He scrambled to the waters edge grabbing at the water and cooling his wound.

"Who are you Jake?"

A voice said behind him. Nuanni stood there over him as he sat back on his knees. He thought he had walked far enough away to make it clear that he wanted to be alone. but yet there she stood in defiance of him.

Jake stood and slowly walked past her, she watched him walk. A slight limp was still there but she dare not try to show it. She followed Jake until he sat down. He studied the surroundings, looking for a way off the bank. It was a small bank of sand and mud surrounded with fast waters and agents a solid wall of stone reaching up into the sky. It was a fair fall and he was feeling it's results all over. His eyes slowly shifted to look at Nuanni, her thinly warn clothes were showing their ware in all the action. But at least she had dryed out. Jake's boots still sat out on the warm sands to dry. His long hair was in knots and in all he just wasn't having a good day.

Nuanni sat down beside him, the sun had been up now for some time and still they were stuck there. It seemed not to far of noon. There was no sign of any one coming to look for them and even if they did they would not see them from the bridge. When they fell they had drifted so distane from there and it was impossible to see them from the cliff.

"Who are you Jake?", Nuanni asked again.

"What do you mean by that? and besides you should be looking for a way off this sand bank and back up there."

Nuanni looked up hight and then looked back to him.
"I dont think we will be going any where for a while yet... So let us rest and regain out strength while we can."
Jake grumbled to her words but replied no arguements.

"So then, while we are here... who are you?"
"Why do you keep asking that, I am Jake, Jake Miller... are you happy now women..?"

"No, I dont understand you Jake."

"Why do you want to understand me? Is this because I killed that dragon, one of your kind? are you scared of me?" Jake's eyes staired straight into hers, the bright green seemed to call out his origins, his dragon origins...

Nuanni was picking up on this, being herself dragon it was strange to sense such things from an elven. She could not help but want to ask him why he was this way, why he had these powers, why he was giving off this sense.

Meanwhile, Jake was thinking. Thinking of Nuanni and her body..... She was a dragon yet she is now a women in every aspect. Something then ocurred to Jake that sent his mind spinning. His past was comming back to him from his youth as a small boy. The stories of his beginning was more a ledgand or myth to him then any one else who knew him. He was told it was magic yet now he seemed to be shadding light on the secrets of the old council. The society and it's darkness will forever be a plague in the back of Jake's mind. Even the all powerful Surrac Terra or The Dark One as he is now known does not know the full story of their people. The black book of the society was filled with infomation about becomming a warrior and dark magics beyond mortal use but it told nothing of their peolpe not even the place in which the society stood.

"Nuanni I will make you a deal since it seems we are going to be here a while yet. I will tell you who I am IF..... you tell me about you first. I want to know... about your powers, your transformation... As a women can you... can you stay a women? I mean well... (Jake starts to go red in the face) In this form are you able to have children??"

Last edited by Jake on 05 Aug 2003 06:49, edited 1 time in total

This was almost too difficult to handle. Somber's last call to him sent a chill down his spine. He pulled her away from the bodies, where they were leaving their friend, and enemy. Which was it, Vaalic couldn't help but wonder. He was now joined with the Flurin, but he had risked everything to buy their freedom. Vaalic wanted to thank him for giving them the chance to escape, but the words never came. His only thought now was to take Somber safely away. She was in danger, and Irish was right. More men would arrive soon, and they must be gone when they did. Vaalic looked back only once before they were out of sight. Irish was still planning his story. Vaalic wished his friend good luck before they continued out of sight. Both Vaalic and Somber were visibly shaken. That sight was not something either of them had ever wanted to see. Strife stayed with them as they hurriedly made their way into the forest.

"What will we do?"
Somber asked Vaalic and Strife, though he was new to the group he could sense the questions swirling about, and though he wondered at the moment he kept quiet just waiting to see what would happen now.

"I suppose we meet him tomorrow night at the Pub."
Vaalic didn't know any other answer. This seemed the only logical thing to say. They had fought at each other's side for so long, how could he not trust his judgment; after all he had saved them.

"Is that wise Vaalic, he is with the Flurin."
Strife finally spoke up; he didn't know what they had been through together, though his question did propose the obvious. Vaalic stopped in his tracks, his face full of question.
"Your right Strife, but even if the threat is great, my trust in him is greater, I must go, I must find out what he has to say. I don't expect either of you to come. I don't know what to expect, and I know it will be dangerous, and that is why I should go alone."
Somber grew flush with anger, and her voice was edged enough to show him just how offended she was.
"I am going with you!"
She could see he was about to argue, but refused to give him the opportunity.
"I deserve to know what has happened to him as much as anyone. It is something I will hear from him myself."
Vaalic paused, and let out a sigh. He knew there was no use arguing with her. Her resolve would only grow stronger if he tried. She knew the dangers that could be, and he knew she accepted them.
"If that is what you want, then we will go together."
He could see her about to argue, until she realized he had agreed. Vaalic needed some time to think, but time had been scarce lately. Strife would have to decide what he would do, but a decision didn't need to be made until the morning.
"We need to find the others. I am worried about what Jake said. If something has happened I should be there."
They had nothing else they could do. They began the travel back to the cave. Vaalic was nervous, hating every moment of the trip. He could not stop thinking about what could be happening. If Jake had been correct, and the others were in danger, Vaalic only prayed that he made it to them in time. The trip felt longer than it was, and when they finally returned it was as though all his fears had become reality. Bodies lay scattered throughout the cave. He could see just by looking at them that Angel was not among them, which was a blessing, but now he wondered where she had gone, along with everyone else. The bodies all belonged to soldiers of the Flurin. He could recognize none of them, and for that he was grateful. Jake was nowhere to be seen. Vaalic hoped that Jake had leaded everyone away to safety, but he couldn't convince himself of it.

"They're gone..."
Somber spoke as she looked around the camp, and Vaalic finished her thought.
"Jake did this. I don't think the others could have... The bodies seem to be only soldiers, so they must be alive. We need to look for any signs of which way they went."
"You might want to look at this..."
Strife spoke to them, looking at something on the ground. Both Vaalic and Somber went to his side to see what he had found. A large claw mark imbedded in the soft earth showed the presence of a dragon. One much larger than the one they had left behind. Vaalic tried not to jump to any conclusions, but it was difficult.
"That is too large to belong to Nuanni... Could it be that Sil has returned?"
His words spoke of a hope he did not feel. If the mark did not belong the silver dragon they were all in a great deal of danger. He tried to find any indication that the others had escaped. He wanted to find them before he had to go to the Thieves Den tomorrow.
_________________

What have you done with my mother?

Irish merely stood where he was, not even recognizing that someone had spoke. Or noticing that that voice came from an armed youth behind him.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HER!

Wha... who the... mother? .....oh...... bloody hell and great Renbeards ghost. Just bloody wonderful .

Answer me or i swear i will make you pay.

This way, quickly! i know this is the way they went.

The sound from the tunnels echoed oddly, but it was plain that they were not too far down them. Irish had recognized the youth in front of him as Aramis, all grown up apparently. How long had it been since he had seen the boy. He was growing up finely. By the way he looked here, he would fill out to be a fairly large man who might be a match for Irish. Now however, he did not realize who he was facing with his sword drawn. Irish had played with Aramis when he was a small small child. Carrying him upon his shoulders and begining his training. Before Irish had left, he had taught the boy about every weapon they could get ahold of to train. The boy had ate up it all, and was doing excellent at the sword. Irish was feeling something he had never really felt before. Age was closing in on him, he wasnt as young as he used to be, and all the injuries he had stockpiled now began to manifest themselves. Today had sapped his strength more than any battle ever had though.

Your friends will only come to find your bloody remains!

Without a word, Irish saluted Aramis as he had taught him to do, and set himself into a stance. Aramis blinked in suprise, but still did not know why this man tickled his mind. He then charged Irish with a fury borne from desperation mixed with rage. Irish parried several times admiring how the boy was advancing, he must have continued his studies as much as Irish had pushed him before. He still had the same flaw that he had always possessed and never really believed. His attacks always were superb, but he was weak on the defense, believing to beat the opponent without needing to block. And his defense was particularly weak on his right side. The sounds from the tunnels were drawing nearer, Irish had to do something quickly or Aramis would be doomed. Irish moved from a defensive stance to an offensive strike so quickly that Aramis almost fell. After three consecutive strikes at Aramis's left side, he switched midswing to go to his right. Aramis clumsily underhanded blocked, but that was what Irish had planned on. Using his greater size and momentum, Irish bore Aramis's sword down and stepped on the blade, and then slamme Aramis in the side of his head with his hilt. "Im sorry boy, It must be " As he began to sag into unconsciousness Irish caught him and quickly tossed him into a thick strand of brush, hiding him. Then he raced to another clump and dove into it, rolling as he landed. When he finished he stood and limped back into the clearing. Men were coming out of the sewers now. It was the two he had started out with followed by around 10 others. They saw the mess of their comrades and their commander limping out of the trees towards them

What happened Lord Irish?

Ambush...Several armed men jumped out from the trees as they got out into the open, I was climbing out when a crossbow knicked my cheek and i fell back into the sewer and hit my head. When i came to i got out to find this mess you see here. I tracked the men by following their voices, and snuck up upon them laughing about "cleaning the area of Flurin scum" luckily i was downwind. I killed two before they knew i was there and fought the other two until one kicked my knee from the side and they ran off because i couldnt follow as quickly. I came back here to see go get reinforcements, but i got lost on the way back. I heard yall shouting, and good thing too, i was heading the wrong direction.

The story was poor and hastily made up, but it was the best Irish could do under the circumstances. luckily he had most of it figured out before Aramis had interupted him.

What should we do Mi'lord?

There is no way i can retrace my steps now, my head is pounding and and i cant see straight. But i did injure one badly enough to need a surgeon. Tomorrow we hunt the hospitals for a man with a hole in his kidney the size of my blade. I was so furious the first man i killed was spilt shoulder to spleen. I saw him slice poor Orrack like that. No one deserves to be split in two escept a man that would do it. four of you can attempt to track them, but good luck, thieving bastards. I believe it was that way.

Irish pointed directly opposite where aramis lay.

The two alive both wore black shirts and had brown hats, no doubt some resistance group.

Oh, my lord, i almost forgot. The lady Vental wishes to speak to you after you have cleaned up.
So with a growing fear of being found, irish and the remaining men headed towards the city.
_________________
May ten thousand tiny hamsters have their way with your fluffy slippers

Everything had become far too real. Khell had no true purpose in life, besides living from day to day. He had joined with these people, who he still hardly knew only because he seemed to be thrown into them. He had always believed in fate, and let it take him where it may. He didn't see how any good could come of this, though. They were so few, and now they were captured. There were not nearly enough people on the outside that could organize an escape, and he knew he would spend the rest of his life in a cage. Khell had surrendered to the soldiers after slaying a few and he was surprised when they did not finish him there. They had taken him prisoner, with the rest. The thought made him sick. He could not imagine living his life out in a prison. He would die before long in the confines, and that was a death he would not accept. He needed to be free, but was unable. He was left in a small cell with the others. Jasmine, Vindao and Angel all looked about as miserable as he did. They were there for some time, before guards came to take Angel to be questioned. It left the rest unsettled and worried. The cell was small, which kept them fairly close together and confined. The smell of the dungeon was repulsive, but it was something they were forced to tolerate. Moving over to sit beside Vindao, Khell spoke in a low voice. The prison was full of prisoners, and he did not want to be overheard, though he couldn't say why.

"What is to happen to us? You were once one of them, right? Is there anything we can do?"

Vindao looked to him, his eyes and expression emotionless.
"I doubt you want the truth."

"Please... tell us."
Jasmine urged him. Though they both knew what he would say would be difficult to hear, it was still better than not knowing. Vindao looked between the two of them, and then spoke to Khell.

"My fate is already decided, as is yours."

"How so?"

"The laws of the Flurin are strong and tough. It is the way they must be if they wish to bring order to the lands. You have killed several of their soldiers, and you will be punished for it."

"What is the punishment?"

"The murder of the Emperor's soldiers is punishable by death. You will be beheaded."

Vindao spoke without any sign of sympathy. Khell suddenly grew white, as the blood drained from his face. He would rather have not known. There was nothing he could say, as he still tried to come to terms with this news.

"My fate, however, will be far worse. I am guilty of treason, and desertion. I too will be publicly beheaded, most likely in the same day as you, but they will not let me leave this world so easily. I will be tortured with all to witness, until I break... and I will break... no man can stand what they do. They have perfected the art of it, and they will force me to beg for mercy, and plead forgiveness."

Khell could see his emotionless mask waver as a sign of sorrow escaped. Khell took it as a sign that the Knight feared the death he knew was coming. What he didn't realize was that Vindao had already come to terms with what would happen to him. His sadness came from knowing that Nuanni would come for him, and in doing so they would both perish. Vindao looked to Jasmine, and could see that she was waiting for his response as to what would happen with her. He could see her eyes questioning him.

"You will not share the fate we have, M'Lady."
He put her worries to ease, and she let out her breath.

"They will show mercy on you, if you ask it. The worst that could happen would be to stay here for the rest of your life, though they are often willing to put you to work doing chores. At best you will become a servant catering to the needs of the soldiers or officers. It is far better than what both Khell and I face. You are fortunate, though you may not believe me now."

Nuanni hesitated a moment after Jake had asked his question. She had been caught off guard by his choice of topic, but his offer was interesting. She considered it, and finally decided she would tell him. It would do her no harm, and she would learn what she wished.

"Fine. I will tell you, but I warn you. Do not back down from your end of it."

She thought about the easiest way of explaining this to him. It was not difficult to understand, but she didn't want to bring any confusion if she could avoid it.

"As I'm sure you know I was born a dragon; the natural rulers of the skies. The magic of the land runs through my veins, as with all dragons. It grants me the power to change my form. There is nothing more to know about my transformation. It is something any dragon could do, but it is not commonly accepted amongst us. Humans, or elves, such as you, are weak and inferior. Though I wish to know why you are different. Vindao is different from any human I have ever known, and he is the only one I would call my equal. A dragon is a proud and noble creature, and it is rare for us to lower ourselves to the guise of the lesser races. I would revert back now, if I could... but the change is difficult and draining. I will need to rest and gather my strength. I can remain as you see me, if I wished it, though..."

She hesitated now not because she was unsure of her wording, but because she had never spoken of this matter before.

"...to stay like this would be a curse. It is possible for me to conceive a child as I am, but that is not something I would wish for it. If I chose to do so I would be forced to stay as I am until the child is born and once it is free it will forever be cursed in its human body. It could never become the magnificent creature it should have been."
She paused, as Jake reflected on her words.

"I have told you what you wanted to know. Now, tell me about your powers and how you came to control them."
_________________

"Then it is possible...", Jake's words passed from his lips as his head sunk and eyes closed.

"What is possble?" nuanni asked wanting to know the significance in the infomation he wanted from her.

Jake raised his head his eyes rolling over into a plain stair.

"Ok, so you want to know why I am this way? Well I guess it will all have to start with a myth...

Many years ago there was three kingdoms that waged war on each other for the control of Faith. During this time the kings and rulers used to use outside help to influence the result of the war. They did this but employing the skills of the Society. The Society as it was known to most were trained assasins and warriors of the dark arts. They lived in harmony with all three kingdoms because they all used them. To this effct the Society became very whealthy and their power grow but thier numnbers did not. The society was not just a band of soilders. It was a grand village or town filled with families breeding what they called pure bloods. The people of the Society seemed at first a mixture of Elven and Human and of course half breeds between the both. The details I can not tell you because I cant remember I was still young when I left. Most I learnt from anicent texts. But I will continue....

The town eldars known as the high coucil ruled the town and made the deals needed to make whealth from the kingdoms. They did the dirty work, the hard to do things in this world. They never failed a mission not once in over a hundred years. It was thier power you see. They appeared Elven and human but they were not... I beleave that they were thier own race, and that they were neither Elven nor Human.

You ask me how I got these powers, well I was born with them... or created with them I am not sure...
Every Society memeber from eldar to child has the blood lines of the old race or so it is told. Many mistake my powers for magic because of thier appearence of method. But yet I can still summon my energies at sea.

We are born with the power of thought over elements. Basicly we can concentrate our mind to archive a reaction. For instance we can move things, objects with our mind with needed. The stronger the mind and body the more you can do."

"But why does the body matter if it is just your mind being used??" Nuanni asked.

"The body is always needed. You see if I were to use this power of mine in large amounts of very strongly it would tire me. Beacuse it uses energy. Life is enegery we all make it and with out it there is no life."

"But what about the blast of light or energy that you cast from your hands??"

Jake raised his hand up and open with his palm facing the sky.

"This is another way of useing our energy. We can focus our energies so much that we can give them physical form. It always appears in the form of light. The colour of the light can vary as far as I know from person to person. But since there is not many of us around any more it is hard to tell."

A small spark burst from his palm and thus a ball of pure energy is born.

"But like I said it uses your energy. They stronger you are as a whole the more powerful your energies become and the more of it you gain. This does not mean you or any one can do it. You have to have my blood lines to control this kind of power."

"OK, I am starting to understand you a bit better but why does your hair change like that?"

"Well in a way it is a result of raising my energies to a point where my body must addapt to hand the power. If your body can not contain the power then it can either drain you very quickly trying to hold onto that level of power or it can kill you. You can also die if you over use your energy because the energy you use is your life, your being. Not to say it wont come back but if you use it to the point of no return then you die. Kitiara got a taste of my owers in the land of Terra, I gave them to her for a short period of time she was so tired afterwards.
You have not even seen my final form yet... beleave it or not my hair turns bright red ha ha ha... thats when my dragon side can not hind..."

"Dragon side?? Jake what are you on about now?? this is becoming confusing."

"This is where the myth starts. What you see before you is result of a quest by my father who was one of the then current eldar in the coucil, to create the perfect warrior. It is still unknown to this day whow he did it but he some how merged Elven and Dragon, that is why I appaer Elven like my father along with my peoples natural powers, I was also gifted with many dragon powers. If I charge up enough I can grow wings, my skin can change colour and even scales can appaer on my skin in places. But that is only when I am at my peak I can not hold that form for long, it drains me so."

"So that is why you asked me that odd question?"

"Yes, my mother died when I was but a baby I can no memory of her and my secrets died with her along with the rest of the Society... of yes did I mention I am one of three Society left in this world. Seth is not pure he is half Socety. I am a full blood and there is the ruler of Terra's Edge far north east His name is Surrac Terra. I remeber when I was youth my father always pitted me agents him as some sort of rivaly with Surrac's father. Surrac was born with anatural ability. I was the only one to keep along side him, well for a while until... well that's another story. But Surrac is the most power Society member ever to have lived. He could defeat me in my final form well before he reached his. Infact I have only every seen him at his peak once in my whole life... The city of Corsa was destoryed that day.... by one man. And it make things even worse he is a human. The elven side of the Society always had stronger powers. As you know Elven as more gifted with magic as to Humans well it is the same with our power but for some reason Surrac is all powerful. It is safe to say he is the most powerful human in the world.... It was only he and I who escaped with his father... You see the three kingdoms didn't like the position the Society were comming into and in fear they came togther for the first time and set a surprise attack on the Villige and killed every one but me Surrac and his Father. I grow up with them. So yes you are talking to the last of a great race... when Surrac and I are gone from this world there will be no more... I only wish Iknow more about my people and unlock thier secrets. I dont even know where the village even stood.

No matter, that is my story are you happy now. Do you understand me more? I hope you do because i dont want to go through that again. It tire me out ha ha ha...mmmm.."

Nuanni smiled and Jake realised he was talking openly and not hidding a thing to who he seen as his enemy or who he thought was his enemy?

The dragon walked into the mouth of the cave, Kit realized now it was much too big to be the dragon they had been dealing with, it seemed to have caught her sent, it walked towards her then stopped suddenly. It must have heard something, turning it instantly took to the sky, chasing after some poor soul, she only hoped they would be luckier then her unfortunate traveling companions.

Walking out into the forest again she began to examine the marks left from the fight, the large prints of the dragon, the allen soldiers, but these soldiers were not just killed they had been burned, intense energy had flown threw here.

JAKE

could it be he was here and she missd him, was he with the others, no it was not possible, it was not possible for Jake to be captured, not by soldiers. he must have escaped.. the dragon, thats what it had gone after, it was after Jake.[i]

Kit heard voices, more were coming, they must not have gotten what they came for. She hid once again awaiting there approach, the voices seemed familiar, but she was not going to give herself away.

[i]Valic, and Somber? Yes it was them, and a third member, must be the man they went to meet, did they say he controled the weather?

The dragon might come back they needed to be out of this place. Uncloaking herself she walked out from under the shadows, startling the new man just a lil.

Valic Somber, it is not safe here we must leave, the others have beencaptured, I believe Jake came later, the dragon appeared after the battle, but heard something and left suddenly, he headed towards the river, It might have been Jake he was after, if he manages to find Jake and... He might be back soon, if we stay to the trees for cover I think I can camoflage us at least until the bridge


Watching Valic and Somber she waited for thier decision, the tracks of the soldiers lead off in one direction, but the dragon went in the other, would they want to find what had happened to Jake, or be more concerned with the rest of the party, wich included Valics wife and son.

I'm sorry I have not introduced myeslf, I am Kitiara Mistletoe

Turning to the weather bringer she extended her hand.

Last edited by Kitiara Mistletoe on 15 Aug 2003 06:16, edited 5 times in total

The more he took in the scene around him the more confident he became that the others were alive, but the more he believed they were still in danger. The ground was soft from the rain they had been having recently, and it showed the boot prints of the soldiers clearly. A familiar voice spoke from behind him and he turned. Kitiara had appeared out of the shadows, and her sudden appearance startled him, though it had not shown. He was relieved to see her safe, and her words answered his questions but caused him to worry. The others had been captured, and a dragon was even now hunting Jake. Somber came to his side as Kitiara introduced herself to Stryfe. He could see that Somber understood their dilemma as well as he did. They spoke quietly, trying to sort out their options.

"Our choices are limited, but we must do something."

"I know."

"If the others are captured they will be guarded. We have no idea how many armed guards are with them and if we try to help them we may just be taken captive ourselves. If we leave them they will undoubtedly be imprisoned and become nearly unattainable. It will not be an easy task to get them back if we let them go now, but I know that nothing is impossible. Then there is Jake. If what Kitiara says is true, as I believe it is, a dragon is hunting him. If we try to find him and are discovered by the dragon it would mean our deaths. That is, if we reach him in time. I know Jake is not one to be killed easily, but neither is a dragon. If we follow them we will find a body, I am sure of that. I can only hope that it is that of the dragon, not of Jake. If we could find him he could greatly increase our chances of rescuing the others."

They paused and thought about their options. Neither option Vaalic mentioned seemed appealing, but they had no choice but to face this. It was only a question of how they would do it.

"I will agree with anything you decide is best."

His confidence in her had never wavered and though Vaalic wanted nothing more than to find his wife and keep her from harm he knew his judgment was clouded. It would not have been the first time he would have rushed blindly to find her, but this time he was not convinced he could succeed; not without help. He could trust Somber to guide him. She had never before let him down and he was confident she could get them through this.
_________________

Nuanni had left Jake to rest as she tried to take in all of Jake's story and in that decided to taste the waters that trapped them there. Jake on the other hand was baffled as to why he told of himself in such detail. Maybe it was to make it more clear to himself as well. Nuanni and her kind plagued Jake's mind with thoughts as to his own comming into this world. But his thoughts soon turned to slumber, his body was tired and he just couldn;t help but rest his eyes....if only for a while.....

------------------------------------------------------------

"What are you doing?"

"what do you mean?"

"What are you doing?"

"I dont understand the question, what am I doing?"

A face appaered followed by a figure that was blurred, the face was blank. All was dark yet his being was clear. His hands his skin. The face was that or man, Surrac... The Dark One, living shadow to the gods I am the butcher....

And from the figure came clear that of a powerful hand around his neck. His neck being that of himself... Jake.
Jake's body pushed agents the wall, a wall not visable yet so very real.

"You can not hurt me I am powerful... AARRHHHH", the hand tightens and the screams of pian madded the senses.

"What are you doing?"

"Who are you? what do you want from me???"

A field of flowers as far as the eye can see, her face, her figure naked to the eye yet blind to the soul. She is dead to his plain now but alive in this place for all time. Hunted....
The pritty Elvenish face smiles, "what are you doing?" she asks. Jake looks away.
"She is gone, I do not have to protect her any more..."

The flowers age and die, the dirt is dry and all that remains is a small man with white hair.

The fall of Faith in all it's firey glory, a voice speaks not of man is this tougue. The remains of the Lizard man stands before Jake. Towering over him taller then ever before.

"You killed me before I even got to know you...who are you?"

"I am Jake, Jake Miller"

"You let me kill your wife before she even got to know you." She stands beside him... and asks "who are you Jake, Jake the butcher...."

The face returns and the gripping hand of death once more holds Jake to the wall. The face of Surrac flashes and changed as his fair flowered over his cold face of scares. Yet there is no wind in this place of darkness.

"Dark One why?"

"What are you doing?"

The Face changes to that of Seth, the connectiong is clear.

"Jake, origins are importaint but not as much as you like to believe. You can not be there to change the past but you can be there to change the present and alter those around and your own future. Hear me Jake..."

The hand tightens more and the sensation of the crush becomes more real, the face becomes that of Vaalic...

"What are you doing?"

"This can not be... weakling.....AARRRHHHH!"

"Butcher of souls to who I no longer owe my loyalty, be dead with you and your legacy of betrayal...."

"AARRHHH!!"

The voice changes and the face becomes blank while the figure is that of a women. A women of power, strength and leadership.

"Be weak to them and they will live, be stong for them and they will die. It is I which will change your name, Butcher of Souls is that which you became. not yet my warry boy of last past and pride of blood. We will meet soon and so it shall be done my lover to loyalty and stabber of none. Save her Jake Miller for I have already won...."

"I dont understand!!!..... Kitiara.... where are you... I feel you so, a evil is coming in the form of that I do not know.... save me...."

The flowers grow once more and the warmth retruns. Her skin is soft and smooth, Lovers grasp at life through fagile bodies that no one knew. Her strength returns and crushes him, "Jake you are stronger than this I know, but strength is not needed to save me... be wise in your actions think long hard."
"Kitiara, what do I do?"

"What are you doing Butcher of souls, Jake the Crow...."

"Dont call me that... Please... DONT CALL ME THAT!!!"

-----------------------------------------------------------

Jake jumps to Nuanni's touch, whats wrong Jake your sweating... It's nothing just a bad dream.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Else where.....

Kitiara falls to her knees pulling at her hair. "Make it stop!!!" she screamed as the words and thoughts enetered her head.

The image of flowers and two people arm in arm holding each other up... it was Jake and herself but from a different view, it was Jake's view.... And the words became clear...

"The butcher of souls, Jake the crow..."

The vision was gone, but it gave some indercation that Jake was alive.

Darkness that surrounded Jasmine started to fade away as she began to regain consciousness. She groaned and opened her eyes and found herself lying down on the cold hard ground in a jail cell. Jasmine slowly started to stand up when everything around her started to get dizzy. Jasmine put her hand against the side of the wall to steady herself. Jasmine felt the back of her head and found a small lump on her head. "That's gonna hurt for a while" she thought. Jasmine looked around and saw that the soldiers took her bag with her belongings. She frowned and sighed, she was hungry and wanted to see if she can get access to some supplies. Jasmine also saw that everyone that was in the cave was with her in the jail cell, except the dragon/human woman was not there, just the rider, Vindao was without her. Jasmine was glad that everyone was alright, but was also wondering if Vindao's companion escaped or what happened to her. Jasmine decided not to ask him since he seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

Jasmine finally regained her balance and saw Angel by herself with her baby. Jasmine knelt down next to Angel to keep her company. Suddenly, a soldier entered the cell and after words were exchanged between Angel and the soldier, he took the baby away from Angel and she started crying uncontrollably. Jasmine felt terrible for Angel and put her arm around Angel, trying to comfort her.
Jasmine murmered to Angel,
"Don't worry, he's going to be fine. You'll get him back when this whole thing is dealt with".
Angel continued crying and didn't seem to pay attention to what Jasmine just said. Jasmine decided to let Angel to be by herself and sat down, and closed her eyes.

Time went by as everyone was just left to sit in the cell, wondering what will happen to them. Jasmine heard the door unlock as she woke up and watched 2 soldiers come in and grab Angel. She didn't struggle at all as she followed them outside the jail cell. Jasmine wondered what they are doing with her, and most of all, where is she going. Jasmine hoped that she will be safe and wondered what will happen to the rest of them. Jasmine turned her attention now to Khell, who was moving towards Vindao. Jasmine joined them and sat down and listened in to their conversation. Khell was wondering of what the future holds for the group left in the cell. Jasmine urged Vindao trying to find out what they are going to encounter. After Khell found out his future, Jasmine felt horrible. She wondered what would happen to her, and looked at Vindao for answers. Jasmine heard that she potentially didn't share the same fate of being executed, which made her feel better but she didn't like his response to her being a slave to the Flurin. Jasmine frowned and looked towards the ground with a wave of anger overtaking her emotions.

"I will never be a slave to anyone, especially to those savages."
Jasmine turned towards to Khell, who was still white in the face. His news about his upcoming death still left his speachless. Jasmine looked to Vindao for more information.

"But I killed 3 of their soldier's before being knocked out. Wouldn't they punish me with the same sentence also?"
Vindao looked at her expressionless.
"I am not sure, I guess it all depends on how you do during their questioning when they take you."

Just at that moment, the jail cell opened and 2 soldiers threw Angel back in. She looked troubled and went by herself in the cell without saying a word. Jasmine started to get up to see Angel when the 2 soldiers advanced on Jasmine and grabbed her wrists. Jasmine started to struggle and try and get away, but she was no match to their strength. Jasmine got dragged out of the jail cell and looked at Khell with a troubled look on her face and felt helpless. That could have been the last time she saw Khell. Jasmine bowed her head and followed the soldiers.

After walking down several halls, Jasmine was led into a large room. Several soldiers lined the room as it seemed like it was the General's office. They forced her to sit in the chair in front of a large desk. The large man sat before her, and looked at Jasmine with discontent. One of the soldiers whispered something in the large man's ear and then went away. The man had anger written all across his face and he got up, towering over Jasmine.

"So, you are one of the prisioners that killed a couple of my soldiers." His voice was hoarse and with tension in it.
He continued staring at Jasmine with a frown across his face.
"I am General Rhuaka, leader of the Flurin. The laws of our country is the murder of my soldiers is punishable by death."

He sat down and leaned back in his chair and put his hands together in his lap. Jasmine felt sick to her stomach and blood drained from her face. The general continued talking..
"But I want to ask you a couple things. First of all, are you their queen?"
Jasmine looked at him, confused. Jasmine looked down at her torn clothes and thought that she would never be something of that status. Jasmine realized why her life was spared at the cave. They thought that either herself or Angel was the Queen.

Jasmine let out a sigh.
"No, I am not."
The General looked interested in what Jasmine had to say.
"Do you know where she is?"
Jasmine looked at him and looked into his eyes.
"No, I don't know, they took off from the cave a long time ago and we haven't heard anything from them since then. I don't even know if they are still alive or not."
The General had a smile across his face and started writting down something on a piece of paper.
"Now, do you know where they were going?"
Jasmine paused and looked at him and shrugged his shoulders.
"I am not sure, they could be anywhere now. I don't know anything else, I barely know these people." Which was true, but Jasmine didn't want to give out too much information.
The general got up and looked very angry.
"Don't lie to me!" He slammed his hand against the desk which made Jasmine jump.
"I'm not lying to you. I swear." Jasmine pleaded.

The General sighed and looked at Jasmine.
"Since you barely know these people, you wouldn't mind leaving them. To spare your life, you will work for me. You will be given Flurin status and will do my errands and doings." A huge smile spread across his face.
Jasmine looked at him blankly and thought of her options. Unfortunately, being a slave wasn't something she didn't want to do. Jasmine looked up at the General and wondered what his next action is going to be.

"No, I will never work for you." Jasmine said furiously.
The General was very angry again.
"Very well, you have chosen your fate. You will be beheaded with the rest of your so called friends. If you change your mind, now is your chance."
Jasmine bowed her head and said nothing.
The General was fusterated and wrote something else on the piece of paper.
"Guards! Take her away and get her away from my sight."

The soldiers advanced on Jasmine and forcefully pushed her out of her chair and dragged her out of the room. Jasmine wondered when her death would occur as she was being led back to the jail cell.

Last edited by Jasmine_Eclipse on 26 Aug 2003 22:47, edited 1 time in total

She found everything Jake had told her fascinating. She was surprised at what she was hearing but the more she listened the more it seemed to fit. By the time he reached the end of his story she felt that she knew him better, though she knew better than to trust him. He rested on the rocks as she went to the waters edge for a drink. She stayed there, thinking about everything that was happening. Jake had the potential to be a great ally, but right now he was still a threat. She believed he viewed her in the same way. She planned to go to Vindao's rescue and she knew it would be difficult, but it could be done. If Jake were willing to follow her she would not refuse but she was not about to ask for his help. If he wanted to rescue his allies they would do best by combining their efforts. Her only goal was securing Vindao's freedom. The others meant nothing to her, and if Jake tried to save the others he would make an excellent distraction. She hoped he would buy her enough time to escape with Vindao, but she couldn't count on Jake going with her. She would undoubtedly escape by air while Jake was left with the others on the ground. Of course she would not tell him of her plan to abandon them, but if leaving them meant keeping Vindao alive she would not hesitate. She began to go over a plan in her mind as to the best approach in getting to where her rider was held. She had never been to the place he was being kept and without knowing the layout of the building she would be going in blind. If she planned to escape with him safely they would have to be swift, but unless she knew exactly where to go she may never find him in time. Turning around she saw Jake with his eyes closed, sweat beginning to soak his form. She approached him slowly, watching his actions. He moved only slightly in quick twitches that stopped abruptly when she laid her hand on him. His eyes opened with shock.

"What's wrong Jake, you're sweating?"

"It's nothing just a bad dream."

She moved back to keep some space between them and sat down again. She watched as Jake became calm, as if by willing it so. She guessed that his heart still raced, but he showed her nothing more than his natural solid front.

"What did you dream?"

She looked concerned when she asked him, but she asked only because she wanted to know what someone so powerful would fear. She played the part of the concerned companion well; though her motive was no more than to find a weakness she could exploit.

"It was nothing."

He left it at that, and she could see he would say no more on the subject. Jake got to his feet and she rose as well; disappointed he had not let anything slip. She would wait until later to question Jake of his intention towards his captured companions. For now they need to find somewhere to go. She did not intend on spending much more time down in this chasm.

"We should not stay here. I think it is time we move on but we must remain hidden to the eyes above."
_________________

Reports had been coming in steadily throughout the day. It seemed that a good many small rebel groups escaped into the surroundings outside of the city before the soldiers could take control. There were too many for him to contain, but he would root out those he could. The force General Ruakha had been given to secure the town was spread thin chasing the bandits, and meeting with a good amount of success. In the last few days his soldiers had slain no less than eighty rebels, and have brought twice that number as captives. Unfortunately that was little more than a fraction that remained. The losses to them were troubling. His soldiers had done an excellent job, and though many were wounded, few were killed. His concern came from knowing that he would not be receiving reinforcements for a long while, and the men he had with him were all that would come. There was no telling when more soldiers would arrive, and every one that died diminished his power over the city. He knew he was unopposed inside the city, but he feared leaving it, knowing that rebel bandits surrounded him. The reports confirmed that the groups were all small and unorganized. They were not a threat now, but he would not give them the opportunity to unite.

One report troubled him the most. It came from the force he sent after a dragon. The dragon he sent them for could not be found, though men remained to await its return. They had captured the renegade Knight, and he was sure to boast that success to his superiors. He anxiously awaited the news of the dragon's death. He had sent his best battle-bred dragon along with another dragon scout to ensure the victory. The captives they found in the dragon's lair had slain several of his men. The soldier's moral was beginning to diminish, and he would make an example of the murderers to bring the spirits of his men back up. He ordered his attendant to fetch one of the women. He would question them first. He must have the Queen. They returned and he watched her as she was made to sit. As he began to question her he learned early on that she was not the queen. He was disappointed and ready to send her away until she changed his mind. She had introduced herself as Angel Demonshire, sister to the Queen of Faith. Many men and women, when speaking for their lives or freedom would often lie, and he knew that from experience. He let her speak to hear what she had to say but he hoped that she was being truthful. If she were honest, this would be the only lead he would have as to the whereabouts of the Queen. She would prove valuable. If the Queen were killed she would be the next to take the throne. He listened to her speak, and tell him everything she knew. The more she talked the more he began to believe her. She spoke as though she knew the Queen, as a sister would, and everything she said seemed to flow perfectly. He knew she was betraying her sister to save her son. He honestly couldn't blame her. He was caught off guard when she mentioned the Queen's companions. The list was short. It was the only weakness he could see in her story.

"There are so few with the Queen? I have trouble believing that. If you are to lie to me, then at least show me the dignity of telling a believable story."

She paled at his words. She could see the freedom of both herself and her son slipping from her.

"It is the truth. She has no one left. You have taken all of us that were hiding with her. She will be with only two others."
"Her bodyguards."

She didn't like hearing that word spoken in regards to her husband, but she realized it was as good as true.

"Yes, Jake and..."
She stopped, realizing what she was doing. She would do whatever it took to keep her son safe, but emotion caught her throat and she couldn't continue. The General could see her struggle, but would not let up. There was something she was holding back, and he would know it.

"Tell me. Who is the other?"
At first she couldn't speak. A tear rolled down her cheek, and finally she gave in. Vaalic had chosen his own path, and now she would do what she must.

"Vaalic... his name is Vaalic."
Wiping away the tear, she set herself in her choice. They had her son and she would not see him taken from her.

"Tell me of him."

It was obvious that this man, Vaalic, was the cause of her sadness. He knew it was not necessary to ask further, but he was curious and wished to know.

"He is my husband, and an excellent swordsman. He will be with the Queen when you find her."

Leaning back in his chair, the General imagined the scene: His soldiers overwhelming a mere two bodyguards to take the Queen. He had expected her to surround herself with whatever was left of her army, but then he considered. The rest of her army was most likely the scattered rebels he had been finding so irritating. As if seeing into his thought Angel leaned forward to plead with him.

"Please, don't hurt him! I beg of you. Take him alive."
She knew her plea fell on deaf ears as the general regarded her with his emotionless steel blue eyes, but still she tried.

"I have told you everything I know. Please, spare him."

The General did not respond, but only shrugged his shoulders as if to say he would consider it, though they both knew he wouldn't. The thought of Vaalic being killed because of her made her weak with fear. She knew her husband well enough to know that he would not let himself be taken, and at that moment she hated him for it. She didn't know what was to come of him, or herself, as she waited for the General to speak to her once more.

"I will learn if what you say is true soon enough. I pray for the sake of your son that it is."

Calling his attendant the General ordered the soldier to prepare a room, befitting a lady. As if in response to the man's puzzled look, he explained.

"I will have you taken back to your cell for a short while. My attendant will prepare a room for you. I am sure you will find it much more comfortable than the cells. By helping me you help the Empire, and that will not go un-rewarded. With your help we will bring the Queen here, and you will have your son, as well as your freedom to live in any Flurin city of your choosing. You have done the right thing, for you and your son."

Turning his attention to his attendant he spoke quietly, into his ear, though Angel could still make out his words.
"Have her son brought to her, and bring me the key to her room."

With a wave of his hand she was taken away and brought back to the cell to wait for her new accommodations. Jasmine was the next to be taken, though she did not go as willingly as Angel. The General planned to speak to all of the ones who were with the Queen. The next woman was brought in, and he could see she was still full of fight. He was very angry, knowing that she had killed his men, though by looking at her he began to doubt the soldiers. She was a pretty little thing, but defiantly not a warrior. He was not sure she could have done what his men had told him. He told her where she stood, and that she would be executed for her crimes. It was Flurin law, but seeing the color leaving her cheeks he reconsidered. He questioned her briefly, trying to see if her story contradicted Angel's. He did not go into great depth, knowing that he already had an informant. Satisfied with what little she said he decided to give her the honor of becoming his new attendant. He could not help but show his grin as he offered her life back to her. He expected her to throw herself at his feet and praise him for the kind merciful lord he was. Instead she refused his offer as though it was an insult. He was furious, but only aloud it to slip a little. He ordered her to be executed with the others, and then she was taken away. Once she was out of the room he waited for his guard to return.

"Have her be the last to face the block. Once she sees the other's heads roll I am sure she will reconsider my offer."

"A very generous offer it was, General."

"I will not question the men today. They can wait. Has our guest been situated yet?"

"Yes, General. I brought her to her new quarters as you requested. She is locked in and secure."
Taking the key, he handed to it his General before being dismissed.

Last edited by Ruakha on 27 Aug 2003 07:18, edited 2 times in total

He knew that he was putting her in a difficult position. He was asking her to decide who they would try and help. He didn't know what her decision would be, but he would accept it. She didn't answer him at first, and he waited for her to consider her options. Finally she let out a deep breath, and looked at him. She was troubled, and he knew her decision did not come easily. The look in her eyes revealed her thoughts before she spoke.

"How can I decide? I will not willingly leave anyone, but we cannot afford to separate. We are facing overwhelming odds and our only hope rests with one another. Together we can do more than any of us alone. As you said, those that have been captured will be heavily guarded and I don't think we can do much for them... not yet. I pray that Jake still lives, and if he does we must find him. With his strength we will find some way to reach the others. If he is no longer with us... we will have done what we could."

It took Vaalic a moment to respond. He tried to hide the pain he felt at leaving his wife. Angel knew he would come for her, and he would, but it would take time. He understood why Somber made her decision, and he only hoped it was the best thing to do. He would go to Angel with or without Jake, but he would do everything he could to find Jake first. If he could be found, Jake would give them the hope they needed.

"Let's go. We haven't much time."
The small group came together as Vaalic explained to Kitiara and Strife what they intended to do.
"We will go in search of Jake and once we find him we will work on a way to free the others."
The plan was rough, and without detail, but it was all they had and it would have to do. Kitiara was able to find what could have been Jake's boot prints in the soft earth, but they were with another. She had difficulty telling if they belonged to him or not, but it was all they had to go on. Vaalic was impressed at the way Kitiara could read the forest in ways he had never thought possible. It had been so long since they last seen each other and he was sure she had many stories to tell. He wanted to know where she learnt such skills, but that would wait. Kitiara led them through the forest, and eventually to a cliffside.

"This is where it ends..."

Even to Vaalic's untrained eye he could see the marks of someone slipping and falling. If this had been Jake that they were following, he had taken a fall over the cliff. Vaalic was the first to walk to the edge and look over. The first thing he could see was the body of a dragon lifelessly sprawled between both the shore and the water. His first reaction was to back away, but he stayed for a moment. The river ran quickly here and if Jake had fallen, which seemed likely, his body would have been washed away. The corpse of the dragon was far too heavy for the water to move, and it was also too far away to see what had been the fatal wound, though Vaalic could guess. Seeing his reaction, curiosity took hold of the others as they went to look as well. Vaalic looked at Kitiara, who was searching the water and shore for any sign of movement.

"This is where his path ends..."
It was difficult to admit, but Vaalic could not hope that Jake would survive such a fall, though he could see that Kitiara was not yet convinced.
_________________

Jasmine kept quiet the whole time as she was brought back to the cold, putrid smelling jail cell. A wave of nauseaness came over her; either by the thought of going back to the jail cell, or the thought of that she was going to be killed, but she could not tell which one. The soldiers pushed her inside the cell and locked the cell door. They just looked at her with a cold stare and turned around and went away. Jasmine looked around the jail cell as she tried to find Angel and ask her what happened during her meeting. However, Angel was nowhere to be found. Jasmine felt really worried and saw Khell and Vindao sitting in the corner of the room. Jasmine walked up and sat down beside them, with mixed emotions all inside her. Jasmine looked at Khell for answers.

"Where is Angel? When I left she was brought back here but now shes gone.." Jasmines voice drifted away.
Khell looked at Jasmine with a blank look on his face and seemed to be thinking back for a moment.
"I'm not sure, when you left, Angel was with us but she seemed to be avoiding us and didn't say a single word." He paused. "Then a few moments later, a soldier came in again and retrieved Angel and took her away. We don't know where she went, or even if she's alright."
Jasmine looked down at the dirty floor, and felt hopeless. She hoped that Angel was alright. Maybe they let her go, or maybe she managed to escape.. or maybe.. Many thoughts were going through Jasmine's head, and she came up with no answers. Jasmine was silent for a moment with Khell spoke up.

"So what happened when you were taken away?" he had a curious look on his face.
Jasmine looked down and felt the same nauseaous feeling again. Jasmine gulped and looked at Khell.
"Well, I was taken to the General's Quarters and meet General Rhuaka. He wanted to know where the others were, but I wasn't able to tell him anything. At the end, he offered me a job to work for him.. I refused to work for him. So.." Jasmine suddenly felt really sorry for herself, she wasn't ready to die yet. "He sentenced me to death. I now share the same fate as you guys."

At that point, Jasmine was choked up with emotions. She tried really hard to fight the tears from coming. Khell looked deep in her eyes, showing concern. He put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"Don't worry, I'm sure they will make an exception for you, I doubt they will want to execute a lady."
Jasmine analyzed Khell's face and realized he was serious. Maybe she did have a chance she thought. Jasmine laid down on the ground, facing Khell's direction.
Jasmine put her head up for a second to talk to Khell,
"It's been a long day, for all of us. I'm going to go to sleep now, we'll see what happens to us in the morning."
Khell nodded his head and laid down on the ground also. Jasmine tossed and turned for a while, trying to find a comfortable position, and after a while she drifted into a deep sleep.

Vindao was not much for conversation, which at the moment suited Khell perfectly. He had nothing to say. He was worried while Jasmine was gone, and he hoped she was not in danger. He admired her innocence and spirit. He knew that she deserved better than this, but he was hardly in a position to help her, or himself. Angel had been taken from them again without reason. He did not ask why they came for her again, and he doubted they would have told him if he had. Silence passed between the two men, left behind in the cell. Vindao was content in his thoughts, and so too was Khell. He was relieved when Jasmine was brought back to them, though she looked terrible. All color had left her face, and she looked as though she would be sick. Considering the circumstances, he couldn't blame her. His heart sank when she told him about her sentence. He refused to believe it. The thought of something as delicate and beautiful as her life being unjustly taken from her was not something he could hear. Surely they would reconsider. Jasmine decided to lie down and he did the same. He knew he would not sleep. Not until his body was too exhausted to keep his eyes open. He laid there for some time, and eventually he could hear Jasmine’s soft breath as she slept. Vindao had remained awake, silently bidding his time. Sitting up, Khell moved to rest his back against the wall. He sat facing Vindao, but left the knight to his thoughts. It wasn't until Vindao spoke that he paid him any attention.

"Is this worth it for you?"

His voice was low, hardly over a whisper. His eyes turned to Khell after he had asked his question. Khell had not understood the question, and hesitated a moment.

"What do you mean?"
"Is defying the Flurin worth your life?"

Khell did not have to think about the question to know the answer.
"No... This is not where I belong."
"Why then, are you here?"
"It is not that simple..."

Vindao didn't say anything. He wasn't trying to interrogate the elf, but he was curious about his motives. If he wanted to tell him, he would.
"This is not my homeland. I am here now because I met her, and these others. I never thought this would go so far. The first time I had ever used a sword was when we were captured. I found it along my travels and took it. It was more for show than anything. If I met anyone along the road they assumed I new how to use it and never caused me any trouble. I am no warrior. I know the bow, but only for hunting. I have never before killed anyone until recently and that thought makes me ill. All I want is to live my life in peace."
"Isn't that what most want? To live in peace?"
"I believe so. Why does this Empire spread so much war and hate?"
"The Empire does bring war, but with it they bring peace. Men don't know what they want and they only think of themselves. They will resist change, even if it is for the better. The Empire has brought wealth and prosperity to a great many nations who they now protect. All resist at first, but in time they come to realize the greatness of the Flurin."
"You speak as though you still fight for them."
"In a way I do. I will never again go to battle for them, but it was my home and I have seen the greatness of the Empire. I have done more in my years for them than most could accomplish in a lifetime. It was they who made an enemy of me, and by doing so they have set me free. My life is now mine to control."
"You call yourself free, but here you sit in a cell awaiting your execution."
"I am free. It may be that this is where I shall die, and if it is, I die as my own master. I have not yet given up hope."

"OOOHHHHH SH......."

Jake crawls from the fast flowing water onto a grassy bank, Nuanni close behind. Jake slowly stood and looked around. His eyes looked skyward to take in the height of the water fall they had just came down. His skin was covered in bumps and scratches from all the small rock that were in the water. But in all he felt... SMASH!

The cold wet nuckles slaming into Jake face sent him to the ground, his body starfished.
"You idiot! that would have to be the most stupidest plan ever, it was not even a plan it was just, oh look jump! You fool. Just because to see someone on the ledge above us does mean we try to kill our selves! who knows those people up there wpould have been our friends."

"And what if they weren't we would have been sitting duck for them to shot at, look we are a live arn't we...yes so shut up and relax for a moment will you."

Nuanni pointed her finger but did not see the point in agruing it would be like talking to a stone wall. She feel to her knees and rolled around onto her back to look at the sky, it was noon about now, the sky was blue and calm.

Jake was tire and sick of all this running around, if only he sould make them run around. But he was all out of ideas. His mind soon became fool of Kitiara and that strang dream he had earlier.
His thoughts were chnaged are a voice spoke to him.

"So are you always like this?"
"like what?"
"Such a asshole all the time...."
"shut up and rest women...dragon...what ever you are!"
"Well the same goes to you too them to stupid man... dragon what ever you are!!"

Nuanni tunred back to the sky as did Jake.