The Crown Of Unity 562v2n

THE CROWN OF UNITY

Lisa Boomhower

Copyright © 2019 by Lisa Boomhower.

ISBN:

Softcover eBook

978-1-7960-7417-8 978-1-7960-7416-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only. Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 11/25/2019

Xlibris 1-888-795-4274 www.Xlibris.com 800537

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue: Chapter 21

Prologue

Four hooded figures stood in a dark empty room. They were talking, they had something to tell the king and he wasn’t going to like it. Two more men entered the room. They bowed to the last man, he was short and balleding. The first man could sence the bad news. “So have you found me the perfect queen?” The king asked reagusting his belt around his thick midsackion. “Yes she’s a young sea witch that lives on the Island of Spirt.” They showed them an image of a tall dark haired, very pale girl with silver streaks in her hair. With bright green eyes, she was wearing a light green and silver dress. She had bare feet, silver arm and leg bands that looked like tentacles running up and down her arms and legs. “She’s perfect, now let’s see her dragon. Slasher needs a mate that is perfect.” They showed a pale green and silver dragon, long and thin with long horns on its head. That went back in a wave shape. “Lovely, Raver find that girl and bring her to me.” The king turned and started to leave the room. One of the hooded figures stepped forward but Raver stopped him. “But your majesty!!!” It was too late the king left the room. “What is it?” Raver asked the figure he had stopped. “She won’t be his queen…” The figure said shaking his head. “What do you mean?” Raver grabbed the figure by the hood of his robes and lifted him off the floor. “She’ll be queen just not his, the sea witches will rule the kingdom once more.”

Then a second figure ed in. “The two blood lines will come together.” Then the last two ed in. “The profficy will come to flourishion.” Raver dropped the figure he never put any stock in profficies but this stopped him cold. He took a long look at the girl. He would have to see and speak to her himself. He wondered what could make them so sure this was the one. He left the room but Raver didn’t lock the door. He did it so they could escape and go back to where they had came from. This was the time he was going to free his people once and for all. But first he had to do as the king asked. He couldn’t let the king find out who he was or what he was doing.

Chapter 1

It was a sunny day on the island, there was a coming of age ceremony. Young witches and wizards are gathered in the ruins of an old castle to battle to see who they’re soul mate is. The witches battle then their strongest is mate with the strongest of the wizards and so on. There’s just one problem all of them must be there. “All right where’s Misty?” A tall heavy woman asked. “I think she’s with the merpeople and her dragon on the beach.” a blond water witch with purple streaks in her hair said. “Thank you Breeze…” The woman started toward the beach. Misty always loved spending time with her dragon and the merpeople. All witches and wizards have dragons, a dragon egg hatches the same time a witch and wizard are born. Misty wanted to see the world, and the island was so boring. She loved the island but she felt like she needed to be else where. Today was going to be the day but she got playing with the merpeople. Misty seen the woman coming, she wanted to dive into the water. Just dive in and swim off to who knows where. Misty didn’t want to go back this wasn’t what she wanted. Misty turned to face the beautiful sapphire colored water. It would be so easy all she had to do was jump in and swim away. “Misty! You have to be at the ruins with the others. You know…” Misty then put her hand up to stop her. “All witches and wizards must go to the ruins on their twentieth birth day.” She took a deep breath and turned to face the woman. “I’m coming, I don’t see why there’s only going to be an odd number of us. And us witches and wizards are like elves we live forever. I can always find a man and I want to see the world before I settle down.” Misty never could understand the rush. “Come on deary, maybe your husband will take you some where?” The woman started to pull Misty toward the ruins.

Misty douted it, very few people left the island since the war. Misty’s parents were causalties of the war. Breeze’s family took her in, they were never friends. They didn’t even like each other very much. It wasn’t like they didn’t try, Breeze got jealous very easily. Misty learned faster, she was always doing something people loved. She could sing, dance, she even played the flute, she could also paint. Breeze couldn’t do any of that she couldn’t even cook. Their dragons were the same way. When they got back to the ruins there were three soldiers waiting for them. The leader had on black armor with blue hidden through out. The helmet was in the shape of a dragon. His dark blue cape was flying in the wind as he walked towards them. He removed his helmet, he had almost golden colored hair with pure black streaks. His eyes were dark almost black in color, his skin was very pale. Misty thought he was handsome despite the long scar going a cross his face. He pulled out a paper and handed it to the woman. “I have orders from the king to bring her to him.” He said pointing to Misty. “Me, why me of all women?” Misty was very surprised. “To be his queen and if I have to I’ll take you by force.” He moved closer to Misty. “No, I’ll go any where’s better than here.” Misty could tell he wasn’t going to make the threat a realty. “I just need to get my dragon Icy and despite her name she’s very sweet and friendly. Icy’s down at the beach.” Misty turned back towards the beach and she started to walk. Misty looked over her shoulder to see him signalling the other two soldiers to go else where. She presumed they were heading they were heading back to their ship. Misy couldn’t help but to want him to fallow her. She could hear his foot steps behind her. What was it about him that made her feel safe and nervous all at the same time. The woman started to fallow them till Misty and the man turned to face her.

* * *

When they got to the beach Icy was there with another dragon. A large black and blue dragon with large shield like scales on its legs. And two large horns that curved around to the front then curved to the back. Its wings were massive, the two dragons seemed to be enjoying them selves. When they finally got to the dragons, Icy took her nose and nuzzled Misty’s face. Misty looked at the other dragon. “Is he yours?” She asked petting Icy. “Yes, this is Archer and I’m Raver.” Raver and Archer both bowed. “Misty and of course this is Icy.” Misty and Icy kerseied. “I’ll go meet the king but I can’t make promise about being his queen. Come Icy we’re leaving…” Misty then stepped away from Icy. Icy pulled herself out of the water, her fins started to turn into legs. Then the fin on her back turned into two long thin wings. You could tell Icy had never used her wings. Icy’s wings were sparkling in the bright summer sun. Raver almost fell back wards from the shock. “How is that possable?” “It’s a spell I found a couple of years ago, I thought it would come in handy. When she goes back into the water she goes back to normal.” Misty liked seeing Raver nervous. “Let’s go, the bout is waiting for us.” Raver held out his hand. Misty took it and let him lead her to the boat. They walked in silence for some time, Misty watched the sun hit Raver’s hair. She couldn’t help but to feel this wouldn’t be their last walk together. Misty could hear Icy and Archer walking behind them. “So why do you call your dragon Archer?” Misty asked looking back at the dragons. “I’ll show you, do you see that big rock in the distance?” Raver pointed to a huge rock, Misty nodded. “Archer show Misty and Icy how you got your name.” Misty could hear Archer take along hard breath. Then Archer let loose with a large fire ball. It hit the rock dead center, Misty was impressed. Raver’s dragon had clearly earned his name. But how well would the fire hold up to the freezing

cold of the ice. “Why Icy?” Raver asked in a I showed you mine now show me yours attitude. “Icy please show them there’s more to you then beauty.” Misty turned and watched Icy let loose with a beam of ice at the still burning rock. When the beam hit the flames there was a flash of white light. The fire was frozen solid, the flames were stuck in their fluent dancing motions. The fire still held its colors, it looked like a strange stain glass. The sun seemed to dance through the flames. With every ray of light the colors danced on the ground. Almost like they were playing with each other. “No wonder you named her Icy.” “Icy can freeze any fire, water anything… Want to look at her handy work?” Misty started to pull Raver towards the rock. Misty didn’t know why but she wanted to show off Icy’s power. Misty wanted to show Raver everything her and Icy could do. Raver made her feel good about herself, he treated her like an equal but he was just so serious. When they got closer Misty ran to the rock and touched it. Raver wasn’t far behind, he touched the ice. Misty walked around the frozen flame, she stopped in one spot. Misty was wearing a silver crown with many different stone in it, each one a different color. Misty didn’t notice Raver coming to her side, not till his hand touched hers. “I’m impressed its not even worm to the touch. We should go they’re waiting.” Raver looked at where his hand was and removed it. They started to walk away but Misty couldn’t stop thinking about that crown. She had heard stories about the Crown of Unity. A crown created for the true queen, the king’s crown was the Crown of Trust. It was gold with the same stones it was shaped like flames. The king’s crown was made for the true king but the crown had disappeared during the war. The stones in the queen’s crown had lost their colors. The queen’s crown looked like the tentacles of an octopus. The crowns were said to be so beautiful the first king and queen cried when they were precedented to them.

* * *

Misty was happy to see the boat, this was the end of her old life. The wood of the boat was almost red in color. The sails were so big they seemed to dwarf the clouds. The flag was a ice blue with a black octopus in front of golden flames. Raver helped Misty on to the boat, Icy had gone back into the sea. “It’s beautiful what’s the ships name?” Misty asked still holding Raver’s hand. “It’s called the Octahedral it’s called that because it has eight port holes on both sides. It also has eight cannons, it’s the only ship like it in the fleet.” Raver started to lead her below deck. “What about Archer?” Misty asked more to slow him down then anything else. “He’ll fly with us…” Raver did slow down. “Won’t he get tired?” “No, this isn’t the first long distance flight his done.” Misty didn’t want to let go of his hand. It felt so right, Misty was hoping the voyage would never end. “Well here’s your room, it’s not the best but it’ll do.” Raver sounded disappointed as he opened the door. The room had a big bed, no windows, ice blue rug and a small table. It felt more like a tomb then a bed room. “If I had it my way you would have the caption’s chambers.” Raver said letting go of Misty’s hand. “I heard that Raver!” A giant of a man yelled to Raver. “I’m Caption Bobhiko, I’m sorry about the room.” Bobhiko was very large, heavy muscled and very tall. With greying red hair with pale almost grey green eyes. His clothes were torn and faded, he also had two

deep scars around his neck. Misty could tell the scars were from a rope, you could see all the twist and turns. “I’m Misty and that’s alright I don’t mind.” “Don’t be silly, you’ll stay in our room.” A tall thin woman came up behind Bobhiko. She had reddish brown hair that had been cut clean off just above her shoulders. Like Bobhiko she had almost grey eyes and earrings that were shaped like two small anchors. “This is my wife and first mate Olympia and she’s right take our room.” Bobhiko placed his arm around her waist. “No, I couldn’t…” “Of course you can we insist!” Before Misty could object again Olympia was pulling her by the arm.

Chapter 2

That night Misty was standing alone on deck looking at the sea. The island seemed so far away, the moon was bright and beautiful over the sea. But Misty couldn’t stop thinking about the image she had seen in the ice. That had never happened before, why would that happen? Misty didn’t know the king, she wasn’t even sure she aould like him. “Beautiful isn’t it?” Olympia said in Misty’s ear. Misty jumped and seeing it was Olympia she let out a small laugh. “Oh Olympia, yes and so peaceful. So how did you meet Bobhiko?” “Well it’s a funny story I got cought on his anchor.” Olympia waited for a little bit. “I use to be a mermaid.” Olympia said looking down at her legs. Misty wasn’t sure what to say, she never knew a mermaid that had stayed human. She had heard stories but that was about it. Misty often wondered what did it feel like for a mermaid to stand on their legs for the first time. She imagined those first steps must feel like walking on glass shards. Or like walking on lily pads not very steady and very strange. “Before I knew it I was getting myself cought on propose. And here we are, we’ve been married for three years now. What do you think about Raver?” Olympia said tilting her head. “His nice but he comes off a little distant…” Misty wondered about what he thought of her. “He will till he gets to know you better. His been stabbed in the back one too many time so he finds it a little hard to open up and trust any one. The first witch he fell in love with slept with his best friend. That’s when he went into the kings service.” “Why are you telling me this?” Misty turned to face Olympia.

“So you’ll understand and I can tell he likes you. And you like him to I can tell.” “I don’t know how I feel… I’m being taken to the king but I have a bad feeling.” Misty just didn’t feel right about the king. “I just can’t shake this feeling of dread.” Misty thought it was strange that the king didn’t go to meet her himself. Plus he told his men to take her by force. And the truth was Misty did know how she felt about Raver she did like him. But other then that only time would tell “Did you ever hear of the dragoons?” Olympia climbed up and sat down on the edge of the bout. “No, who are, what are they?” “They were a group of heavy armored knights from all the kingdoms. They use to ride dragons into battle, they were created to protect the king and queen. They just vanished one day after the last king and queen were killed. The crowns just went dark, the stones in them lost their color. Their light, when the dragoons vanished as did the king’s crown and their child. They took the child to save her from the same fate as her parents. Nobody knows what became of her that night.” Olympia turned her head. “Before that a dragoon and his wife ruled, the king was killed the queen ran off with their son to save him. Raver was his name, our Raver, your Raver his the heir to the throne. His been hiding in the shadows all this time and the king has no idea. The king and queen from before them had over thrown him the last time. And some ones going to do it again I don’t know who but I hope I’m there when it happens.” “Maybe Raver will, he looks strong enough to do it.” Misty felt thrilled at this thought. “He is in every way his magic and with a sword. He just needs an opening, stay by his side just incase.” Olympia walked away. It was a lot to take in, Misty had stayed out on the deck. It seemed so unreal the whole story Raver, the dragoons all of it. Icy was just under her swimming next to the bout. “What do you think Icy? The dragoons, Raver all of it, it feels like a dream. That poor pincess I wonder what happened to her. Where ever she is I hope she’s safe

and happy.” “I hope she is to.” Raver said standing behind Misty. Misty spun around and almost hit Raver “I’m sorry Raver, I was just talking to Icy.” Raver stepped back. “And Olympia well you know about me. What about you?” “I don’t know about my parents they died in the war.” Misty turned to face the sea again. Raver went to her side. “I’m sorry, my mother was killed when I was five. The king’s knights found us and she told me to run and I did. One of the dragoons found me hiding in the one place they didn’t look. He took me in and raise me as their own along with their six children. My scar is from a training accident between me and their youngest.” “You really love them don’t you?” Misty moved closer to Raver. “Yes they took me in and they didn’t have to. I think about my mother from time to time. I don’t much about her.” “I’m sorry…” Misty just didn’t know what else to say. “Don’t be, good night Misty…” Raver rapped his cape around her. Misty looked up at the sky wondering what the kingdom would look like. A star shot across the night sky, Misty wished she knew what happened to the princess. And wondered why she had a bad feeling about seeing the king.

Chapter 3

It had been two months since leaving the island. They had finally made it to the kingdom. The kingdom looked so empty so deserted, the castle that had once been so beautiful was now dead. The out side of the castle had fallen into extreme disrepair. The walls around the castle just looked like random rocks. All the towers except one were gone, it was very clear some one wasn’t too concerned with repairs. “Misty welcome to the one kingdom welcome to Azure.” Raver helped Misty down from the bout. “This is horrable how can a king let his castle fall into that kind of shape. And the kingdom its self is so quiet, no people in the streets, no children playing. And no dragons in the sky or any where else. There aren’t even any animals running around.” “I’m afraid the king keeps the dragons else where and his dragon terrorizes the people. They don’t dare leave their homes and businesses unless they have to. The witches and wizards are drained of their powers so they can’t fight back. There are a very small few that still have their powers or their dragons.” Raver helped Misty into a stage-coach. Misty felt sad and angry this wasn’t a kingdom it was a prison. A large hate and terror filled prison completely absent of life, love and freedom. This was all wrong there should have been laughter, people talking, kids playing just life in general. This wasn’t the kingdom she had read about or heard about this was a shell no a shadow of what it use to be. All the buildings looked like they were rotting in more ways then one. Even the stage-coach seemed to be decaying around them. While riding through the streets Misty could feel and see people watching them. They were all so thin and sickly looking. Misty was wondering how could some of them still be alive. Icy and Archer were flying over head, Icy was letting out a sad sourful cry. Then Misty seen two small children in a small alley way the little girl was holding her arm. Misty had to do something these people had seen

and gone through enough. She felt a need to end at least some of the pain. “STOP THE CARRIAGE!” The stage-coach didn’t stop so Misty opened the door and jumped out. The kids hudled against the wall of one of the building. They were crying and sobbing against each other. The little boy held and cradled the little girl. Misty got down to their level. “What’s wrong little girl?” “The king’s dragon burnt her…please miss help my sister please.” Misty took the little girl’s arm. “This is going to hurt sweetie and I’m sorry for that.” Misty started to rub the girl’s arm. The little girl wanted to scream but she didn’t. Misty removed her hand and the burns were gone. The girl hugged Misty then her brother did the same. “Thank you miss…” The girl whispered in Misty’s ear. The boy took his sister’s hand and lead her away. They both turned and waved to her. Misty waved back she didn’t know Raver was now behind her. “How were you able to do that?” He helped Misty to her feet. “I don’t know one day I was just able to do it. One day one of the children had broken their arm and I did what I just did for that little girl. I almost ed out the first time but it’s gotten better.” “Let’s go I need to get you to the castle.” Raver started to lead her back to the stage-coach. Misty could feel the people still watching them. Misty looked up into one of the windows above her. And there were two figures watching her intensely. She couldn’t see their faces but she could tell one was a man and the other was a woman. Then a gust of wind blew open the window and the wind caught the woman’s hair, it was pure white with light pink streaks. The woman was wearing a white cape, her male companion was wearing a blood red cape. Who are they and why are they watching them no her? They seemed familiar to her but why, she had never known any one from the kingdom. As they climbed back into the

stage-coach Misty realized the kingdom its self felt familiar. Misty wanted no needed to know more about the kingdom. “Why do they call it the One Kingdom?” “There use to be hundreds of them but the king made it so they would never have a real king and queen. But the jokes on him they have them, his losing his grip and he knows it. I want to be the one to put his head on a pike.” “I hope to be there when you do…” Misty said moving closer to Raver. “I want you to be there with me too.” Raver turned and grabbed her hands. They could both feel a power course through them. They both let go of each other and they didn’t speak for a while. What was this power between them, this strange yet wonderful power what is it? There was still lover in the kingdom, a strong will to fight to live there was still hope. The fire hadn’t been put out it was still there hiding. Waiting for its time to burn again.

Chapter 4

The inside of the castle wasn’t much better it felt more like a tomb. It was so cold, so dark and damp, there was a large hole in the ceiling. But that wasn’t the reason for the entrance feeling like it did. It only played a small role, what Misty was feeling was pure sadness. The thrones were rusted and about to collapse under their own weight. The two stair cases well one now was half gone. The walls that use to hold beautiful paintings were now bare. The only proof they were ever there were faint out lines of where they had been. The doors closed with a loud sicking squeak, squeal and then one loud thunk. Almost all of the windows were smashed, some of them were missing all together. The pieces left where of the windows use to be looked so sad. The light from the remaining glass made them looked like the windows and walls were crying. The king was coming down what was left of the one stair case. “Well you are the most beautiful flower to grace this throne room. You must excuse the state of the kingdom and my castle. The men that have been working on the them have been very lazy.” He took Misty’s hand and kissed it. Misty didn’t want him to touch her something was wrong with him. She could see it in his eyes there was no light or hope just lies. Misty knew a real king would never have let things get this bad. This was just disgusting what was happening to the castle and the kingdom. “I will see you tonight, Raver show our guest to her room.” He walked away. When the king left the room Misty was glad he made her skin crawl. Raver started to lead her to her room. Misty preferred it that way, she really didn’t want to be left alone with the king. Something was wrong very wrong.

* * *

The room was large with white curtains and one window but that was the only nice thing about the room. The bed was small with only one blanket. There were dead vines all over the floor. Raver went over to the vines, picked them up and they sprong back to life some of them started to form a thick blanket. Raver took out a silver dagger with gold mixed into the handle. He cut off the blanket and then he placed it on the bed. The vines then restored the pieces that were cut off. “You aren’t the only one who can bring life back to the damned. Saddly I can only do plants and animals. I can’t heal people some day maybe.” Raver stood there staring at the vines in his hand. Misty went to the vines, took them from Raver and Misty breathed on them. A series of roses appeared on the vines, then Raver placed a hand on hers. Then thorns appeared on the vines except for one. “All roses need protection, just like a kingdom needs life. I must go, I’ll see you tonight as well.” Raver pulled a rose off and placed it in Misty’s hair. “Good bye for now.” Raver left the room. Misty touched the rose in her hair, she wanted Raver to come back. But Misty knew that would make her visitor uncomfortable. Misty just knew she wasn’t alone even after Raver left. Misty turned to face the spot next to the door. “You can come out now…” A figure made its self visible, it was the woman from before Misty recognized the cape. “I’m sorry miss I didn’t mean to scare you.” The woman removed her hood. “I’m Chiyo, I’m a light witch.” A small light pink dragon climbed on to Chiyo’s head. “This is Blossom, she’s a money pouch dragon… I was hoping to be your handmadden well and to restore the kingdom.” “Alright if he ask I’ll tell him you’re a friend of mine from the island. Where’s the man you were with?” “Lao, he left his heading back to his kingdom…his a fire wizard. Lao was going to be the king’s right hand but he didn’t know the former prince was already there. The king had Lao locked away because he tried to kill him. But Raver placed him in the tower.” “How do you know Raver is the prince?”

“Because I’m well I was a forseer and you would be amazed by what I know. As long as the four of us are out of that damn room in that tower we’re normal witches and wizards. It’s those damn gem stones in it, they’re in every stone of that room. Raver left the room unlocked so we could get out, Lao burnt the locks once we were out of the room. Lao did it so the king would never know what Raver did. His a good man just like his father, I was just a child when they ruled. But I everything about them…” “What was the queen like?” Misty had to know. “Beautiful, powerful and scarie smart…they loved each other very much. Every one could see and feel it… That love echoed through out the kingdom especially after Raver was born. I think they would have loved him no matter what.” “What about the second king and queen?” Misty didn’t know why but she felt a little sad asking. “They took over after they had defeated the king. They tried to find Raver and his mother but they had no luck. They wanted the royal family back on the throne but after not finding them the people chose them. Then this king came back and killed them to, he fed them to his dragon… They were a force to be reckoned with, I only seen the princess once just before the war. She was so small and quiet always watching, learning. She was only a couple of weeks old when it happened. The king and queen fought hard to protect her but in the end… The dragoons had to take her but nobody knows where she is.” “Maybe that’s a good thing, if the king found out where she was he would kill her and if he finds out Raver is the former prince he’ll have him killed to.” “You’re right that’s why he can’t know and I know you won’t tell him.” “Aren’t you afraid the king will recognize you?” Misty said sitting down on the bed. “No, the room we where in was dark enough to hide our capes and faces. The only one that actually talked or showed him self to the king was Paschal a air wizard. His just a boy, his only four teen and his scared to death of the king.” Chiyo went to the window. “He got cought trying to free some of the prisoners. Paschal has gone with Bizarrie a darkness witch, she’s the oldest of us and she took care of us. She’s still here but not for long she’s leaving tonight. The king is

going to attack her people she’s going to warn them before it happens.” “I hope she does, would you mind coming with me to explore the castle and the grounds?” “Misty I would be happy to, after being kept in that tower I need to get out of here. And it isn’t all that easy hiding here in the castle.”

* * *

They had manged to make it out to a very large garden area. Misty could see this use to be a very beautiful garden despite all the dead plants. A tall, thin woman stood in front of a large stone fountain well what was left. What hadn’t fallen off was over taken by dirt and vines. The womanrobes were a very dark purple with stars on it. The woman removed her hood exsposing long beautiful curly black hair with dark purple streaks. “Bizarrie what are you doing here and where’s Paschal?” Chiyo ran up to Bizarrie and hugged her. “Don’t worry my baby sister his gone to get our dragons not all of us are lucky enough to have small dragons. Who’s this?” Bizarrie clearly knew who Misty was. “This is Misty and she knows who we are…” Chiyo looked a little embarrassed. Misty realized that Chiyo never should have told her who they were. In a small way Misty could understand why Bizarrie wouldn’t want any one to know who they were. Misty could have told some one any one. And if it got back to the king he could of had them killed and possible Raver. “Sorry small force of habit, we usually don’t tell people who we are. Of course we were never let out of the tower, except that once but as you can tell we didn’t get very far.” “That’s alright it can’t be easy to know the future.”

“It really isn’t be careful Misty somethings wrong with the king.” Bizarrie said placing a thin finger to her head. “I know I can see and feel it he has no right to call himself king.” “That my dear is something we can all agrea on.” Bizarrie pulled away from the hug. “I have to leave good bye and good luck, don’t let your guards down.” Bizarrie turned to walk away her and Chiyo started talking to each other in their heads. “Chiyo does she know who she is?” “No, she has no idea…” “That might be a good thing, protect her baby sister.” “I don’t think she’ll need much of it she has so much power. Plus Raver already loves her I could feel it when they were together and she loves him. He’ll kill any one who tries to harm her.” “Good, when it’s time she’ll know everything.” “I’ll bring her to your kingdom.” “No not so soon, they must unite the kingdoms first.” “Good bye big sister for now…”

Chapter 5

That night Misty and Chiyo had made their way to the dinning room. Misty was wairing a silver dress with green sleeves and beads from her hips to her feet and a matching pair of shoes. The table was long and narrow with pieces taken out of it. Only two chairs one at the front and one at the back. For some reason this room made Misty sick something about it felt unnatural. And there it was a large metal cage with a black cloth covering it. Misty went over and removed the cloth, there was a very sick blood red bird. Misty didn’t need to be told what this bird was she just knew. She could be blind and know what this bird was, a phoenix. She could feel its pain, it reverberated off it just like the heat coming off its body. Parts of the cage were warped and burnt from constant burning. This wasn’t a natural death for this bird, this poor bird was being forced to die. And some one was getting a sick pleasure out of watching the phoenix die. The poor bird was covered with its own shit and blood. “The king has been killing that poor phoenix for too long.” Chiyo got down to the bird’s level. “Not any more, Chiyo could you get me some wine or water I know a spell that can turn any liquid into an acid.” Chiyo left, while little Blossom stayed by Misty. “I know Blossom but I can’t help the phoenix. All I can do is make it conformable for now at least till it turnes to ashes. But don’t worry it’ll come back from the ashes.” “Got it!” Chiyo gave Misty a small glass of wine. “Alright, stay with us a little longer Hope at least till we get you out.” Misty tilted the lock to exspose the keyhole, she then took out some of the old ashes and put them into the wine. Misty had to act fast before the mix could eat through the steel cup she was holding. Misty then poored the acid into the lock, she could hear the acid eating away at the gears inside the lock. Then the lock popped open, Misty tossed it away. Hope was so hot she couldn’t touch her with her bare hands. But Misty had a trick for that to, she put her hands together like she was praying. Misty’s

hands started to get covered in a thick blue green almost gelatine like substance. Misty reached into the cage and took Hope out. the gelatine started to spread to her body, Misty then brought the bird closer to her and put it in her lap. “It’s okay Hope let go just close your eyes, you’re free.” Misty stroked Hope’s head and she closed her eyes. There was a momentary burst of fire, then Hope decentagrated into a pile of ashes. A few moments later small peeping could be heard inside the ashes. The heat was gone, Misty made the gelatine diseappered and took the ashes to the table. She then gentlely removed the ashes to exspose a pale orange chick. “Welcome back Hope, Blossom can you go get our new friend some food?” Blossom did as she was asked and ran off to find food. Chiyo reached over and touched Hope’s head. “I can’t believe it this little one came back when it easly could have burnt this place down.” “Becouse Hope knows we won’t hurt her,” “How do you know it’s a her?” Chiyo tilted her head in a quizzical manner. “The males are bright orange in color she was blood red. Hope’s color will come back, you’ll be beautiful again.” Misty stroked Hope’s tiny head. “We just need to feed her, clean her and keep her warm and safe…” She tore off a piece of her dress and rapped it around Hope. “It’ll keep you warm till we can do better.” “We’ll need to hide her.” “Hope and Blossom will stay with my dragon Icy, she’ll look after them for us.” Blossom came back with a rat in her mouth. “Ew Blossom why a rat?!” Chiyo asked with disgust. “Don’t complane it’s the best she could do, you’ll have to chew it for her Blossom.” Blossom looked up at Misty confused. “Hope’s too small to do it her self. I’m sorry Chiyo but Blossom did what she was asked to.” Blossom started to tare apart the rat and started to chew it. “When she’s done we’ll take them to Icy.” Then Misty heard foot steps coming their way. “But first we need to hide them some ones coming!”

Chiyo grabed Blossom and Hope and hid them in her cape. Misty then cleaned off the table but in her rush she forgot the rat. Then Misty ran to the cage and covered it back up. She then ran back to the table, Raver came in and they both took a deep breath. “The king won’t be here for some time… He just found out that Chiyo and the others are out.” Raver looked over Misty’s shoulder. “Why is there a dead rat on the table?” Chiyo handed Misty Hope, while she held on to Blossom. Who at the time was still chewing the rat she had cought. They placed them back on to the table and Blossom went back to feeding Hope. Misty was surprised by how fast a tiny dragon could tare apart a small rat. Well small isn’t very appropriate the rat was almost twice Blossom’s size. “Well she’s in much better hands now but…” Raver placed both hands on the table. “Her and Blossom will hide with Icy and I’m going to interduce Chiyo as my handmadden.” “I’ll take them to Icy when the phoenix is done eating.” Raver lightly stroked Blossom. “Hope that’s her name and one day I’ll return her to where she belongs.” Misty found herself leaning towards Raver. “Back to the kingdom of Flambeau the place the phoenix was born from.” Raver picked Hope and Blossom up and took them out of the room. Misty really didn’t want Raver to leave, then her and Chiyo were left waiting for hours. The food and drinks had came and went. “I wish he showed that much concern for his kingdom. I could have flooded this room ten times by now.” Misty said ajusting her self in the chair. “Please do I’m so bored!” Chiyo sat down on the table. “And I’ve been stuck in a room with three other people. We’ve had every conversation you can think of.” She clearly heard the foot steps because she jumped off the table.

The king pushed open the door. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. And who is this?” He stopped walking when he got to Chiyo. “This is my handmadden, I hope you don’t mind that she came with me.” “Of course not, she wouldn’t be doing her job if she had let you come here by your self.” He touched Chiyo’s hair and she pulled away. “Well I hope you’ve already eaten. Because I can’t stay some dangers prisoners have excaped. I will see you tomarrow if all goes well.” He left the room but not before he got unconformably close to Misty and touching her leg. Misty wanted to take that dagger off his balt and stab him with it. Misty had never wanted to harm some one before but for the king she would gladely make an exception. He was the only man that made her skin, Misty wanted to run away and wash her self till she bled. “Next time he does that I’m taking that hand off.” Misty said getting up from the table. “Just when I thought he couldn’t get any creepier.” “I’m not going to be that basterds queen, tomorrow night we’re leaving.” Misty knew Raver would leave with them. Neither of them heard Raver enter the room. But he had been there for a little while. Raver stepped out of the shadows. “I’m glad to hear it I need you’re help first though, come here both of you please.” “Raver how did you get in here with out us hearing or seeing you?” Misty and Chiyo went over to where Raver was standing. “There’s a hiden age way behind this tapestry.” Raver pulled back a dirty red half rotted away tapestry to exspose the wall behind it. Raver gave the center brick a hard punch with the side of his hand. The wall pulled back and it made a grinding noise as it went off to the side. “It leads down into the dungeons, I’m going to release the prisoners.” Raver said

in a very matter of fact tone. “Are you sure about this?” Chiyo said very sheepishly. “Yes many of them are innocences and I’m not leaving till my people are free.” Raver said in a very matter of fact tone. “I agree, Chiyo do you know where the dragons are kept?” “Yes, I over heard the guards one day so I know right where they are.” Chiyo looked worried. “Good go get them and be careful.” Misty realized that she sounded like she was giving orders. Chiyo nodded and left through the door to the room. Misty and Raver disappeared into the age way, the age way was cold, dark, wet and very narrow. Misty and Raver had to go through one at a time, Raver was leading the way. Misty wasn’t sure how long they had been walking but it felt like days. Misty could finally see another hidden door in what very little light there was. Raver pushed it open, instantly Misty could smell rotting flesh, blood, human and animal waste. She almost puked but manged to stop her self. Raver helped her out of the age way, he took a torch off the wall. Misty also took a torch from the wall. “Where do we start?” “We flood this place…” Raver said turning to face Misty. “What?!” Misty took a step back, she was hoping she had heard him wrong. “Easy first we’ll go through and warn everyone. Second we seal up all the windows so the water doesn’t run out. Let’s split up we’ll cover more ground that way.” “Okay but isn’t there a better way to free them?” Misty place a hand on Raver’s shoulder. Raver touched her hand with his. “I wish there was but the keys to this place are around the king’s dragon’s neck. If you had ever seen Slasher you would understand why I didn’t dare. Of course his so fat he probably can’t even run

never mind fly.” Misty started to laugh. “I’m sorry I know that’s some ones dragon but it’s just his such an ass for a dragon.” “Well his master isn’t much better, he actually tried to put the moves on me and Chiyo.” “I’m not surprised you two weren’t the first. You’re actually his nineth attempt at a queen.” “What happened to the first eight?” Misty was afraid to hear the answer. “The first three he had killed, two escaped one of them is some where down here. I don’t know about number seven and one was kept in the tower with Chiyo and the others.” “You mean Bizarrie she was…” Misty couldn’t believe it. “Yes, I’ll explain later lets get everyone out of this hell hole.” They went their saprate ways, Misty felt more then a little uncomfortable in the dungeons. But this had to be done Misty just hoped she had the power. The dongeons were damp enough but the energy it was the worse kind. Misty’s magic always reacted in different ways it all depended on the feel of the room. And how she felt under the circumstances, in this case she wasn’t sure about what would happen.

Chapter 6

Misty came to the very last cell, at first she didn’t see anyone. But than she heard a clapping sound like hooves hitting the floor. At first Misty thought she was hearing things but then she heard it again. “Hello is anyone in there?” Misty waited for some one to answer. “I’m not here to hurt you but me and my…friend are here to help you. We’re going to flood this place…” She waited but again no answer. “I’m sorry but it’s the only way to get everyone out of here.” Misty then sealed up the window in the cell with the same gel she used to hold Hope. She then started to make her way back to where her and Raver were originaly. Misty could hear the rats running along the walls and floor. Her foot steps sounded almost hallow with each step. The walls were covered in blood and what looked like shit.

* * *

Misty got back to the age way and Raver was there waiting. She couldn’t help but to be happy to see him standing there. “Did you warn everyone?” Raver asked playing with something under his cape. “Yes, I just hope we can pull this off.” “Let me show you something.” Raver took out a shield. “Where did you get that?” “I found it not to far from here and it’s a good thing, watch.” Raver tossed the shield up into the air.

It hovered in mid-air not too far from their heads. Invisible rings started to appear around the shield, each ring was getting bigger and bigger till they hit the floor. “I’m impressed, my turn…” Misty got down and touched the floor. Misty could feel him watching her. The water started to come up through the floor like hundreds of snakes. They like the rings started to increase in size, the room was filling very quickly. The dungeons weren’t even fully flooded and Misty could hear doors popping off their hinges. When the dungeons were finally filled there was so much pressure the shield above them started to cave in on its self. She could hear the muffled sounds of doors and stones coming lose. Than there was one last sound it was so far away Misty couldn’t make it out. But she soon found out, a few seconds later the water rushed out of the dungeons. The water rushed out so fast it sounded like a hurricane hitting the barrier. Doors, bones and rocks were hitting the barrier like hail hitting glass. The shield fell to the floor and the barrier holding it up was gone. Misty started to stand but she lost her balance, Raver grabbed her by the waist to stop her from falling. Raver helped Misty up. “Are you alright?” “Yes I’ve just never done a room this big before.” Misty placed a hand on Raver’s shoulder to pull herself up. “Let’s go help them out, can you walk?” Raver finished helping Misty to her feet. “Yes I think so…” Misty was fine for a little bit till she went to take a step. Misty almost fell again but Raver manged to cautch her again. “Maybe you should stay here?” “No I helped release them I’m helping them walk out of here.” “Okay, I’ll help you walk till you get your legs back. Let’s go, we’ll do your side first.” Raver placed Misty’s arm around his neck. They started walking, Raver kept an arm around her waist. This had never happened to Misty before, her whole body felt numb there wasn’t any strength left in her.

Misty needed to know. “So tell me about Bizarrie why her?” “Simple she’s beautiful, smart, powerful and she belonged to some one else?” “So you think she’s beautiful?” Misty couldn’t help but to feel jealous even though she didn’t know why. “Yes but to be honest your more my type…” Raver’s cheeks started to turn red. “Any way she belonged to someone else his name was Nobu. The king of the darkness wizard and witches, the king slit Nobu’s throut well they were visiting. He tired to rape Bizarrie and she stabbed him. So he had her locked away but the dungeons were full so they stuck her in the tower. The guard before me had put her there and told the king he had put her down here.” “So the king doesn’t know?” “No he doesn’t even know what makes the forseers see the future.” “The stones in the walls…” “Yes they’re harmless apart together well you know.” “Poor Bizarrie she had her whole life taken from her.” Misty didn’t want to it it but she knew just how Bizarrie must feel. They got to the first cell, the door was laying on the floor. Aman slowly staggered out and fell against the wall. He was so frail looking, Misty was surprised he could even walk. His black hair had red streaks with some grey hairs. You could see all his bones, his eyes were sunken in, his hair and beard serverly matted. Misty finally got her legs back, she touched Raver’s shoulder to let him know he could let go. Misty was still a little shakie but she made her way to the man. Raver wasn’t very far away from her, they helped the man to his feet. He had a deep jagged scar around his neck like some sick choker. “Can you talk?” The man shook his head and pointed to his scar. “Whoever did it must have damaged his throat.” Misty took out a napkin she had hidden on her person. At the same time Raver was pulling out a small sack from under his cape. Misty

had a small piece of meat and some bread it was for Hope. But Misty gave the man the bread. “I’m sorry I can’t give you the meat it’s for a phoenix.” The man pointed to the bread and nodded. “I think his trying to say that’s alright.” The man was practically inhaling the bred. “Take it easy your stomack needs to get use to food again.” “What’s in the sack?” “It’s just some food I stole from the kitchen I’ve also got some water.” No sooner did he pull out a large jug the man grabbed it and started drinking. “Easy we’ve got to have some of that for the others.” The man gave it back to Raver. “We’re going to help you stand if we’re hurting you tap one of us to let us know.” Raver made a tapping motion. Misty and Raver placed the man’s arms around their necks. Raver held on to the sack and jug as they helped the man to his feet. He was dead wieght and it wasn’t like he wasn’t trying. Of course Misty wasn’t doing much better but at least she still had muscles to work with. The second cell had a long time dead body what was left of the flesh, body organs and clothes had been eaten away by rats. Half the head was missing, Misty looked at the wall and seen a large blood stain with a small dry piece of brain. By the look of the clothes it use to be a woman. “I think we know what happened to one of the women.” Misty said in a low whisper, the man started to swing his head. “She killed herself by ramming her head into the wall.” The man nodded his head and pointed to Misty’s stomack. “She was pregnant, it was the king’s wasn’t it?” He nodded again and let out a small shy. “She desided she would rather die then have his child.” Raver turned away from the cell. “She would have been killed, he doesn’t want any one else to have the throne. Plus with the lack of food she would have lost the baby and bled to death.” “Then why is he trying to find a queen?” “Because in five years if he doesn’t have a queen all his victims can come back and take him to the underworld with them. Raver turned to look at Misty. “It will

also happen when the true king and queen take the throne back from him.” “I can’t believe that stain stayed there after all that water.” “She must have been an earth witch their blood stains everything, permanently. No matter how hard you try that stain will stay there. Let’s go we can’t help her now and he can’t hurt her any more.” They started to walk again then Misty heard something. It was a woman’s voice telling her to grab the crown and run. Misty stopped dead in her tracks and looked around. “Are you alright?” Misty shook her head. “Yes I thought I heard something let’s keep going.” They started walking but that voice still haunted her. Misty couldn’t say for sure but she was possive that it was the dead witch. And Misty wasn’t going to leave the crown with the king. She knew she would have been a fool to not listen. Two men came out of the next cell, they had clearly been beaten. One of the men was missing his left hand and the other man had a serere limp. The man missing his hand was helping the other man walk. You could tell something had happened to his knee. Misty could see he couldn’t bend his knee. “What happened to you two?” Raver handed the men the food and water. “I stoled some food to feed my family and others.” He looked down at his missing hand. “I don’t even know if they’re still alive.” “I was one of the kings guard, I had beat him in a fake sword fight. And well you see the end result.” “Would you like us to help your wounds?” “You can miss but I don’t see what good it will do.” The man showed Misty his arm. “I can’t give you back your hand but I can give you a replacement.” A series of black vines came out of the man’s stump and formed a hand.

He moved it and bent the fingers, the vines moved and twisted with every movement. Misty could never understand the vines, every time she did this it was vines. “I can’t give you back your knee the bones are fused together. But I can give you movement not much but some. This is going to hurt I thought you should know.” “It can’t hurt any more then it does now.” Misty touched his leg, there was a sicking pop. The man bit down on his lower lip hard enough to draw blood. You could see a small knee cap like thing developing. “It’s not much but it should work, it’ll hurt till you get use to it.” Raver gave them some food and water. “Thank you both of you.” They took the food and the water. “You should get out of here.” Raver took back the water. “If there’s anything either of us can do anything for you please tell us.” The one man said looking at his new hand. “Do you think you could steal something for us?” Misty asked. “I can try what do you need me to steal?” “The queens crown we have plans to leave tomorrow night. And I can’t stand the thought of leaving it here with him.” “I’ll see what I can do but I’m not making any promises.” “Even if you can’t thank you and please try to get some of the people out of the kingdom.” “Of course it’s the least we can do, I need to start getting use to having a knee again.” “Take as long as you need to I just want to get them out of here. Out of the kingdom and far away from him.”

“Again thank you both.” The men started to walk away. “Be-careful both of you.” Raver called after them. A man and woman came out of the next cell, Raver handed them some food. As they ed Misty could see the woman’s right eye was missing. The wound had healed but there was still a hole where the eye use to be. The woman tried to hide it with her hair as she walked by them. The woman’s hair was caked in blood and who knows what else. Misty was shocked that they all hadn’t died of some kind of infection. She had a feeling some of them probably wished they were dead. But at least the men and women were walking out on their own two feet. The man had a massive burn scar running from his neck all the way to his hips. More people were coming out of the cells. Witches, wizards, humans, elves even dwarves were coming out of the cells there was also a small hand full of children.

Chapter 7

Misty and Raver continued to check the cells even after the people had left. Then Misty heard it again the clapping sound of hoves. The sound was getting closer and louder, it stopped just out of reach of the light. Then it came into the light, it was a male centaur. The horse half was dark brown in color, the human half of him was very pale from the lack of sun light. His hair was almost the same color as his horse half, his eyes were a very pale blue. “Thank you for our freedom, if you want I can take that man out of here.” “Yes thank you but could you help us look in the other cells?” Misty wasn’t sure why but the centaur needed to come with them. “Of course just put your friend on my back.” He got down low enough for Misty and Raver to put the man on his back. It took the centaur a little while to get himself back to his full hieght. “I’m Wikstrom…” “I’m Raver and this is Misty, we don’t know his name.” “I wish the four of us had met under different .” Misty could see Wikstrom had two white lines on his back side. The lines looked like half loops like some one had draped a white rope over him. “What happened to you?” Misty asked trying not to stare. “The king’s dragon tried to use me as a toy. The worst part is the bastard was going to let him.” Wikstrom looked at the scars. “I’m lucky that’s all I walked away with.”

* * *

When they were done searching the cells they left through the main entrance. They thought it was the safes way to go for Wikstrom and the man. Whatever guards were there would be long gone due to the water. If they had gone through the age way some one could have seen them. Or found them when they got back to the dinning room. And they were sure Wikstrom wouldn’t have been able to get through. The two massive doors to the entrance were laying on the ground. “I hope the guards are alright.” Misty placed the tourch in one of the holders. “They most likeky are, they probably ran to the king.” Raver did the same with his tourch. “We should get out of here before he sends them back with reenforcement.” Raver handed what was left of the food and water to Wikstrom. “Wikstrom could you take our friend into the kingdom for us?” “Of course I’ll even take him with me when I leave.” “Thank you it won’t be safe here for any one. Could you also find two other friends of ours?” Misty asked. “I can try what are their names?” “Bobhiko and his wife Olympia they live down by the docks. Tell them they need to get out of here and to please take some of the people with them.” Raver took off his cape and raped it around Misty. “And tell them to please be careful and maybe if they can take the people to the Island of Spirit. I know the people will be welcome and taken care of.” “What if they’ve already left?” “Then you should do the same…” Raver and Wikstrom shook hands. Wikstrom nodded and walked away, he looked like he was having a hard time going down the hill. It was no wonder the ground was wet to the point he almost sank in up to his ankles. Misty turned to face Raver and her foot slipped. Raver grabbed her but he to lost his footing. Misty manged to get her footing but Raver fell over the side of the door they were standing on taking Misty with him. They

rolled down the hill getting covered in mud, grass and getting cut. Till they hit a tree, Raver was on top of Misty. “Are you alright?” Raver asked removing some of the mud from Misty’s face. “I’m fine…” A small branch came down and hit Raver in the head. The force brought his head down and their lips touched. Neither one of them pulled away at first but then there was a snap of a twig. Raver jumped almost two feet in the air and Misty couldn’t get to her feet fast enough. Only to see a small cream colored dragon running past them. They both stood there for some time in complete silence for awhile. “Well… maybe we should go back to the castle.” “Maybe you’re right…” The truth was Misty didn’t want to go back to the castle. “Should we go back through to the hidden age way?” “We probably should just in case the guards come back.” They started to climb back up the hill. Misty could feel the mud drying on her skin. She looked up to the sky, a giant black figure flow in front of the moon. Misty all of a sudden got a feeling of dread, something about it didn’t feel right. Then she smelt it, smoke there was a fire not far from where they were. Raver could smell it to. “We need to put out that fire!” Raver was the first to start running. Misty and Raver ran towards the fire, they didn’t have to run very far. The fire was spreading fast almost too fast, the fire seemed to jump from tree to tree. If Misty didn’t know better she would have sworn the fire had a mind of its own. “We’ve got to do something!” Misty watched the fire. “Can you do what you did back in the dungeons?” “No it’s to dry, it’s not like the dungeons where it’s damp.” Misty didn’t want to say it but she probably couldn’t do it again if she tried.

Then she felt it a cool breeze and a stronge gust of wind. Misty and Raver looked up, hundreds of dragons filled the sky. Many turning the flames to ice with very little success. Some of the ice just melted away do to the heat of the fire. The others were using their wings to blow out the fire. Then there was a large beam of ice this time the ice didn’t melt. Then there was another gust of wind, this time some of the flames went out. Exsposing a large pile of burnt sticks and rocks. Misty realized it was a nest the whole area was a giant nesting ground. Some of the fire had been put out due to the water from the melting ice. Misty sat down on the ground, she then placed both of her hands on the ground. Water started to come up between her fingers, it started gethering around her. Misty stood up and the water fallowed the water fallowed her. It started to surround her creating a large tower. More and more water started to gether around the original tower. The water became a vortex swirling and twisting, the top part of the vortex fell to the ground and like a giant snake it turned and slivered. Eating all the flames as it went, then on the final one it rapped its self around the flame and squeezed till the fire was out. When the water was done it disappeared into the ground. The tower around Misty did the same. Misty turned to face Raver. “It’s…out…” She collapsed. The last thing she ed was Raver catching her, Icy and Archer landing next to them. Misty was just so tired she couldn’t even keep her eyes open. Her whole body felt numb, Misty had used to much of her power. Misty wanted to stay awake and see Raver and all the dragons. Misty kept trying to wake up but she just couldn’t.

Chapter 8

The next day the sun was beaming through the window of Misty’s room. Misty woke to find herself still in her clothes from the night before. And her head was killing her, there was a knock at the door. “Come in…” Misty very slowly sat up. Chiyo poked her head into the room. “Good you’re awake…are you alright?” She walked in. “Yes where’s Raver?” Misty sat on the edge of the bed. “He wanted to stay till you woke up but the king wanted him.” “It’s probably about all those people we help escape last night.” Misty placed her head in her hands. “And the fire at the nesting grounds.” “You went to the nesting grounds?” “It’s along story…” “Well some of the servants have started a bath for you. I’m going out to check on the dragons. Can you stand by your self?” “I think so but can you help me up any way?” “Of course put your arm around my neck.” Chiyo helped Misty to her feet. “Thank you, I over did it last night. Go on I’ll be okay.” “Are you sure?” “Yes go check on the dragons.” “Okay just be careful if the king finds out what we’ve been up to the three of us are dead.”

“After tonight we won’t have to worry about him finding out because we’ll be long gone.” “What will we do after we leave?” “We warn the other kingdoms and try to build up an army.” Misty turned to look out the window. “I’ll meet you out there I’ve got to something to take care of.” Misty and Chiyo started towards the door. Then a small piece of paper came through the bottom of the door. Chiyo went to the door and opened it just enough to look out. Chiyo picked up the note and gave it to Misty. “What does it say?” “Only that I don’t have to worry about that thing any more.”

* * *

After Misty got washed up she went to the garden. One of the men from the night before was waiting next to the fountain. He was holding a small sack in his fake hand. “Good you got it!” Misty ran towards the man. “Yes and it was easier then I thought, he didn’t have any guards watching it.” He handed Misty the sack. Misty reached in and pulled out the crown. It wasn’t like she had seen in the ice or like she had heard about. What was once beautiful silver was now a dark almost mud color. The stones that had once been many beautiful colors were now black soulless marbles. What once were metal tentacles were broken off pieces of rusted metal. It broke Misty’s heart to see what time had done to the crown. She brought the crown close to her chest, she could feel what little power was left. The crown hadn’t given up the fight some part of it still had life. “Thank you, now please help get the people out of the kingdom.”

“I will but be careful just because there weren’t any guards doesn’t mean he won’t find out.” “I know, I hope you find your family.” The man walked away and waved good bye, Misty looked down at the crown, she lightly touched the broken parts. One was so sharp she cut her finger. Misty then put the crown back in the sack. She healed her finger and started walking to the fountain. Misty wondered what the garden, the castle and the kingdom looked like back then. What was it like to see all the dragons in the sky on a nice sunny summer day. “I’m pleased to see you up and about.” Misty turned around so fast she almost fell into the fountain. “I didn’t mean to startle you, how are you feeling?” Raver helped Misty get her balance. “Like I got hit in the head by a dragons tail. The only up side is that the pain is letting up.” “Is that???” Raver asked pointing to the sack. “Yes we can take it with us when we leave.” “I agrea, let’s go to the nesting grounds and see how much damage was done.” “I think I did more damage then the fire.” “No you stopped the fire from spreading. The only way you could have made it worse is if you didn’t do anything.” Raver took both of her hands. Misty couldn’t help but to blush, nobody had ever made her feel this way. She couldn’t stop thinking about the night before. Misty wanted him to kiss her again. But for now she would settle for walking with him. Now Misty would get to see the dragons, even if they weren’t in the best of shape she still wanted to see them.

Chapter 9

When they got to the nesting grounds Chiyo was stroking a medium size almost pure white dragon. It’s tail had been cut off and the poor dragon just looked so sickly. They all did except Archer, Icy and Blossom, it was really no wonder the dragons couldn’t put out the fire. Their colors were faded from not being out in the sun. Icy had her tail around Hope. Icy and Archer flow over to Raver and Misty. Hope was still tucked away in Icy’s tail. “I know Icy they have to leave this place, first let’s get them some food.” Misty stroked Icy’s nose. “Already done but there just isn’t much around here especially for dragons.” Chiyo turned and pointed to a couple of dear. “Archer you know where to take them.” Raver and Archer nodded to each other. “Go with him Icy it’s not safe here for you either.” Misty placed her head against Icy’s nose. “We’ll see you two again some day, take little Blossom and Hope with you.” Archer had started gethering the other dragons, some of the smaller dragons climbed on to Archer’s back. Misty broke off a piece of a branch, she turned it into a make-shift basket. It was big enough to fit Blossom and Hope plus one more. Misty placed the basket around Icy’s neck, then she placed Blossom and Hope in the basket. Then the dragons started to fly away with Archer and Icy leading them. It was braking Misty’s heart but she knew it had to be done. She looked around and seen all the nest that had once been used to bring hundreds of dragons into the world. And now it was just a sad reminder of what had been. “Some day they’ll come back and there will be plenty of hatchlings here just like before. But we must start getting prepared for our journey. The next kingdom is miles from here the sooner we get prepared the better.” Misty knew he was right but it didn’t change how she felt. They started to head back to the castle, Misty just couldn’t shake the feeling of dread from the night

before. Something was horribly wrong with that dragon and the king. Misty just hoped they could get out of the kingdom before the king could find out about what they were doing. This was all happening so fast, Misty kept expecting to wake up on the island. But Misty knew this wasn’t a dream it was all too real. “We need food for our journey so we need to go to the kitchen and steal some food. Then we need to go to the armory and get you two some weapons. And well we need to change how you both look.” Raver stopped and started to rub the back of his neck. “What does that mean?” Chiyo turned to look at him. “He means we have to look like men or hopefully towns people.” “I’m afraid it has to be towns people the only one out of the two of you who can as a man would be Chiyo.” “Oh thanks!” Chiyo started to cry but quickly stopped herself. “I’m sorry but it’s true…” “Well excuse me for not being built like Misty!” Chiyo walked away mumbling to herself. “I didn’t mean to…” “I know, you really don’t know a thing about women.” “That’s an understatement, let’s go we have things to do.” Raver started to walk away but Misty stepped in front of him. “Are you doing this to save the people or vengeance?” “If I just want vengeance I would have taken it by now. I would have brought an army with me or I would have killed him in his sleep ages ago.” Raver took a deep breath. “My adopted parents tought me me better then that.” He looked Misty in the eyes. Misty could see the honesty in his eyes and the pain. “I believe you but if you miss use my trust I won’t forgive you. I will leave and you will never see me

again.” She turned to walk away.

* * *

They were in the kitchen looking for food to put in the sacks. There was just one problem there wasn’t any food. There weren’t even any greens laying around. “Some one must have already taken all the food.” Chiyo said throwing the sack she was holding on to the floor. “Not quite!” A tall mousie blond woman stood in the door way. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to startle all of you. There isn’t any food never has been not since the last king and queen.” The woman walked to a small table. “What are you talking about we’ve seen the food?” Raver took a step closer to the woman. “Me and Chiyo have ate it hell me and Raver handed it out to people.” “It was all fake the bread was mushrooms, the greens dead grass and cobwebs, the meat was rat parts, worm and bugs.” The woman said in a very cool voice, her hair changed to a mousie red. “You’re a Allusioner but I thought your kind were…” Raver looked the woman over. “No and I prefer the term Trickster, there are still some of us left.” Her tone stayed the same as before. “We’ve been in hiding since the last king and queen were killed. I’m the last one in the kingdom at the moment.” The woman changed her hair back to it’s original color. “I have a husband and four little ones to worry about. I’m leaving and I suggest the three of you do the same. This kingdom has been damned for so long I don’t even know if it can be saved.” She left. Misty hoped she was wrong but that wasn’t all now they knew there was no real food. Their plan was going down in flames, Misty wasn’t sure how this could get

any worse. When they tried to leave the kitchen but there was a guard walking toward them. “Sir the king wants to see Miss Misty alone in the old library.” All Misty could think was it just got worse. “I’ll take her thank you for telling us.” The guard walked away from them. Chiyo turned to Raver. “You’re not reall going to take her to him?!” “I don’t want to but I really have no choose if I don’t he’ll send soldiers to find us. Then we may never get out of here if he does that.” “Raver’s right, I don’t want to but let’s go.” “I’ll stay outside the doors just in case. Chiyo please go get us some weapons and horses if you can.” “I’ll try but we know there may not be any weapons and horses.” “I know but please try if there aren’t any than we’ll have to go on foot.” Raver placed his hand on Misty’s shoulder. “And find other weapons to protect our selves with.” Him and Misty walked out of the room.

Chapter 10

Misty and Raver were standing in front of two very large wooden doors. The doors were rotted and had moss growing on them. Raver slowly opened one of the doors, Misty could see that one of the doors had a broken hing. Which ment Raver had to lift the door to open it. The handle almost broke off the moment Raver touched it. The wood around the handle was crumbling into dust as Misty watched. “If anything happens knock something over. I’ll come running in.” Misty nodded and went inside, she was scared to death of what she might see. The room was pure un-adulterated black, you couldn’t see two feet in front of your face. The only light in the room was from the holes in the doors and the door Raver had open just enough for him to come in. And yet the room was so dark Misty didn’t dare go too far in. All she could smell in the room was decay, blood, rotting human and animal flash. Misty started to rub her arms, she was cold but not in the since like when you go out into the cold winter air. But like the way you feel when you’re sick from the flue or cold. “I’m glad you came, I mustapologies for my absents of late.” Misty could feel her heart racing. “I understand completely…” She knew she had to lie or she wouldn’t be walking out. “My dragon Slasher has been sick lately, I just seen him.” “I’m sorry to hear that…do you know what’s wrong with him?” As hard as they tried Misty’s eyes couldn’t adjust to the darkness. “No but I’m sure he’ll be fine.” Misty knew he was lying he knew what was wrong and he wasn’t going to do anything about it. His dragon was in pain and he wasn’t going to help. In fact Misty was sure he was incouraging it.

“I had you brought here to show you my collection. If you’re going to be my queen we shouldn’t have any secrets.” Before Misty could stop him there was a flash of sickly rust colored flames. Misty didn’t think fire could look so rotten. She couldn’t see for a little while after but when Misty got her sight back. Well let’s just say she wished she was still blind. Book shelves that had once held thousands of books were covered in blood old and new. And had what seemed like millions of jars on them each holding body parts. Where there wasn’t a jar there were dead animals of all species. There were organs all over the floor it was staind with old and very fresh blood. There were two dead dragon heads on the back wall. They looked like they had been there for years but they weren’t rotting like everything else in the room. For a moment Misty could have sworn she had seen one of the heads move. The king was standing in front of her with a dead unicorn head in his hands. It’s spine sticking out and silver blood just running out of it. The unicorn’s mouth was open almost like it was trying to scream. The eyes were so wide they looked like they were going to fall out. The king pulled its horn out. “Poor animal is the last of its kind, I could never stand the damn things.” He throw the head to the floor. The head rolled till it was two feet in front of Misty. She turned to run but he some how got in front of her. Misty couldn’t understand it, then her foot slipped on some blood. Misty tried to crawl away but her hands kept slipping out from under her. “Don’t worry I’ll let you live for a little while after we’re married.” Misty was so scared she couldn’t scream she just looked at the shelf next to her. Misty grabbed one of the smaller jars and hit so hard on to the floor it shattered. Some of the glass had cut into her hand. But Misty didn’t care as long as Raver knew she needed him. Raver came running in just like he said he would. “Your majesty!!!” The king turned and Raver brought his sword down on to the king’s head. The sword went right through the king like a knife through butter. You would think the bones would have gave the sword some resistance but they didn’t. The two halves layed face down on the floor. Instead of blood squirting out of his body it was disgusting puss like substance. The bones looked out of place especially

when maggots and cockroaches started to foam out of the body. Raver jumped over the king’s body and grabbed Misty. Before she knew it they were half way down the hall when they had to stop. Misty started throw in up. “I’m sorry I know we need to keep going.” “No that’s okay but when you’re done we reall have to get the hell out of here.” “What the hell is he?!” Misty turned to face Raver. “There’s no name for what he is… We’ve got to go before he puts himself back together!” They started running again, Misty was really hoping she had heard Raver wrong. But Misty knew she didn’t hear him wrong. Misty kept looking around for the guards. Strangely there weren’t any, nobody was trying to stop them. Then they got to the throne room and there they were the soldiers. They were all squeezed together like books on a shelf. None of them were moving except the helmets on their heads. They were moving like some sick heart beat. Misty and Raver didn’t dare try to go past them. “How do we get past them?” Misty took a couple of steps back. “I could make a thunder storm but we would probably get hit by the lightning.” “I could flood the room but it’s so dry in here.” “Well I could start a fire but…” Raver wasn’t sure on how to say it. “This room would burn up too fast for us to get out. I hope Chiyo is alright…” All of a sudden pieces of the ceiling started to fall. Then a massive reddish brown dragon came crashing through. It started attacking the army then the soldiers turned their attentions on the dragon. It had already killed half the soldiers before they had even started attacking. “I never thought I would be happy to see Slasher in my life! Let’s go before he desides we’re next!” Raver didn’t need to say it twice Misty was already starting to run and was

pulling Raver behind her. There was no way she was staying to watch the dragon he had called Slasher tare the soldiers apart. As they ran past the dragon Misty could see what looked like a large masses on Slasher’s shoulders. They had just made it to the main door of the castle when Misty turned back and seen the king at the top of the stairs. His head was still cut in half, the two parts were waving wildly in an attempt at putting its self back together. As they were closing the doors one of the soldiers grabbed Misty’s ankle. The soldiers helmet fell off his head and Misty could see a large slug like creature attached to his head. Raver kicked the soldier over and over to get him to let go. Then one of the kicks landed on the slug and it burst open like some disgusting water balloon. The soldier’s hand had let go of her ankle and he layed there lifeless. Misty couldn’t tell if the soldier was alive or dead. But then again she didn’t care at this point. Misty gave the soldier a quick in order to shut the door. The soldier’s arm broke off when she kicked it and landed on their side of the door. Raver shut the door as soon as the arm broke off. They started to run again, Misty didn’t care where they went just as long as they weren’t there.

Chapter 11

Misty and Raver ran to a inn in the kingdom. They barricaded the door just out of the hope they wouldn’t have to worry about the soldiers getting them. Misty looked at the windows they already had thick heavy boards. The place looked like it hadn’t been touched in years. The tables, chairs everything was covered in dust. Raver looked out the window. “Are you okay?” “Yes what was that? What were those things…those slugs?” Misty sat down on one of the tables. “I really don’t know and I’ll be honest I don’t want to know.” Truth was Misty couldn’t blame him. “I hope Chiyo’s alright…” “I hope she is to, I promissed the others I would keep her safe.” There was a loud bang, it came from the kitchen area. Raver pulled his sword and he started to make his way to the kitchen. Raver pulled his sword and he started to make his way to the kitchen. Misty fallowed behind making sure she stayed far enough back. Whoever it was had started towards them very slowly. “Misty, Raver is that you?” Chiyo came out very slowly. “Chiyo what are you doing here?” Raver said putting his sword back in its sheath. “The same as you two hiding, I went to the armory. When I was done in there I went to the main entrance but when I got there the soldiers… They were just standing there and I didn’t dare try to go past them. It was just so creepy…” “We must have just missed you, I’ll tell you what happened.” Misty went on to explain what had happened. The color drained from Chiyo’s

face, they were all looking for some food. “That’s why…” Chiyo started to shake. “It doesn’t matter we need to get out of here.” Raver manged to find some bread. “Is there a back door?” “Yes but it’s blocked up…” “That’s not a problem, let’s go.” Raver pumped some water and filled four jugs. The three of them went towards the back room just off the kitchen. Misty could see what Chiyo ment by blocked up. The door was covered with boards, Misty and Raver looked out the windows of the kitchen. The outside of the door was also covered with boards. “Why would some one board up the inside and the outside of a door?” Misty pulled away from the window. “I don’t know but…” Raver put his sword against the door. When the tip of his sword touched the door it was reduced to splinters. Raver was the first out of the room. He stuck his hand back into the room and waved for them to fallow. Chiyo took out a couple of swords and gave one of them to Misty. Chiyo’s sword was a very pale silver with reddish pink leather on the handle. Misty’s was a gold and silver mix with a sea green colored handle. Her and Chiyo fallowed Raver out of the room. The door didn’t lead out to the street but to an above ground tunnel. “Who would build a tunnel above ground?” Chiyo touched the wall of the tunnel. “I don’t know but the sooner we get out of here the better.” Raver nodded his head towards the door. There were holes in the tunnels walls and the sun was coming through them. It gave them more then enough light to see. Misty heard a sicking crunch under her feet. She stopped and looked down at her feet. Misty was standing on the remains of human bones.

“Raver, Chiyo look…” Misty said in a very meek voice. Raver looked down at the ground and a look of devastation came over his face. “Oh my goddes I know where we are. Durning the war some of the humans barricaded them selves in these tunnels. But he dwarves never finished cutting them out. The door was sealed as away to keep the king’s soldiers out. Unknowingly the people who sealed it up sealed all the humans in. The plan was all the humans would escape out the rear of the tunnels. And get them selves out of the kingdom well the other species fought. The dwarves were killed before they could finish.” “And the humans just presumed they had finished. Of course how were the other species suppose to know.” Chiyo looked at where Misty was standing. “They couldn’t have but that means.” “Don’t worry about it I destroyed that door this shouldn’t be any different.” Misty felt Raver was being more than a little over confident. But she didn’t dare tell him that the way Misty seen it Raver could at least try. She just had to trust him and they would get out safely. Misty looked over to Chiyo, she was whispering under her breath. Misty realized Chiyo was praying, Misty wasn’t a religious person but at this point they needed all the help they could get. But once Misty got thinking about everything she knew and was told the goddes were either dead. Stopped caring or they had left and never came back.

* * *

It felt like years till they got to the end of the tunnel. There was a massive boulder blocking their path. Misty could see why the dwarves hadn’t finished the tunnel. “The dwarves have specal pick axes the metal they’re made from can brake even the hardest diamond. My sword is a mix of that metal and pure silver.”

Misty hadn’t noticed before but Raver’s sword was a dark silver with what looked like black veins. She could also see silver veins running along the black ones. Almost like one wasn’t going any where with out the other. Raver picked his sword up and started hacking away at the rock. The sword was cutting the stone but it was only cutting three inches at a time. Then Misty thought of something but she wasn’t sure if she could do it. “Let me try something…” Misty placed her hand on the rock. Chiyo stood on her toes to see what was going on. “What are you doing?” “Some times rocks have water trapped inside. If there is any then it should freeze…” Chiyo started to jump up and down. “And the rock should start to crack or at least weaken it.” Chiyo stopped. “But your not an ice witch…” “No but there’s not much of a differents, ice and snow are just water exsposed to extreme cold. So if I focus enough energy I can make the water cold enough where it should freeze.” Misty closed her eyes and thought about Icy’s cold breath. It looked like it was working because cracks started to appear in the rock. Then a very large chunk of the rock broke off. “Well it didn’t do as much damage as I thought it would. Misty removed her hand from the rock. “Why didn’t the whole thing brake?” Chiyo sat down on the ground. Raver picked up a piece of the rook. “The dirt around the rock is holding it together.” He tossed the rock. “Because the dwarves dug out around the front of the rock they relieved it of any pressure from the dirt.” “So what do we do now?” Chiyo asked. Raver turned to Misty. “Do you what I did with the shield?” “Of course…”

“Well maybe if I use the same spell on the walls maybe I can dig the tunnel in a sence.” Raver looked at the top of the rock. “Once I get above the rock and past it we should be able to dig our way out of here.” Chiyo stood up. “But Raver that could take days!” Raver turned to her. “Do you have an better ideas?” Chiyo stood there not saying anything. “That’s what I thought…Misty could you do that again?” “Of course it doesn’t take much power to be honest it’s a lot hard to flood a small room then to do this.” Raver walked over to the wall and touched it. Then just like the shield rings started to form above the rock. Than they started to spread out. They disappeared past the rock, Misty looked up and seen the rings above had also gone past where they were standing. “Okay it should hold for a while… Chiyo why don’t you go stand guard? One of us needs to keep a look out…” Chiyo put her hand up to stop Raver. “And because I can’t help brake the rock. I can at least keep an eye out for the king and his men…” Chiyo then let out a small shy and walked away. Misty turned to the rock. “I think she wishes she could do more…” She touched the rock. “So do I but Chiyo doesn’t have a weapon that can brake a rock. Unless she has one of those pick axes on her…” After some more of the rock broke off Raver swang his sword. “Plus Chiyo is a light witch it takes them longer to learn attack and protection spells. Years and we don’t have years and sadly we also don’t have the time to teach her.”

Chapter 12

To their surprise it didn’t take days but it was very dark out. They had set up camp, after Raver had wondered off to find food. Misty and Chiyo had gotten a fire started. Then they got some fire wood and Misty made sure the crown was still in the sack. More to make sure it was really there than anything else. From what Misty could see finding food wasn’t going to be easy. Raver came back with two snakes. “Well here’s our food…” He sat down and started to removed the skins. Misty got up and sat next to him. “Is that reall all you could find?” “Sadly yes there’s not even a bat out here.” “We would have to be pretty desprate to eat a bat.” Chiyo moved closer to the fire. “Yes but we don’t have very many options do we.” Raver said pulling off the first snakes skin. “I guess you’re right…what are you going to do with the skins?” Chiyo tossed a small stick into the fire. “There a village not far from here if we’re lucky we can get some money for them. Or at least get a fair trade for them.” Raver stuffed a stick into the first snake. “What could you possibly get for them?” Misty picked up the skin. Raver placed the snake over the fire. “I don’t know but it’s got to be better than what we have.” Raver held up a small pouch. Misty looked at the pouch then to the sack that had the bread. “I agrea after we eat all of us should try to get some sleep.”

Raver placed the snake over the fire. “We should take turns standing guard. I’ll go first, Chiyo you can be next then Misty.” Then he did the same thing as the first. When Misty’s turn came she couldn’t help but to feel uneasy. She reached for the sack with the crown inside it. Misty wanted to see it one more time, she held the crown up. In the moon light Misty could see a very tiny silver spot. She was possitive it wasn’t there before, Misty touched it. All of a sudden it felt like she had been struck by lightning. When Misty opened her eyes she found herself amongst hundreds of people. But nobody seemed to notice she was there. Misty noticed two men holding a very large piece of paper. It was a very detailed blueprint of a castle. One man was very tall with green streaks in his bright red hair. His robes were gold gold in color with green vines stitched through out. The second man was a little shorter with beautiful black hair. His streaks were a reddish orange and on his head was a gold crown. It was shaped like flames and the biggest stone had a orange spot in the middle that looked like a small flame. His robes were red with orange flames and a gold breast plate. “Who do you think the true king and queen will be?” The man in the gold robes asked placing two big rocks on the corners. “Well if you believe the rumors Tammor and his new bride Mistiera.” The man in the red robes said as he un-rolled the rest of the paper. “A ice wizard and a sea witch… You know Firenze if some one had told me when I was a lad ‘ere would be a mix couple. I would have laughed myself sick. But I know better now that I’m older.” “Tyga have you heard about a group called the Dragoons?” Firenze placed two more rocks on the paper. “Yes they’re a group made up of the best fighters from each of the kingdoms.” Tyga started to add more to the blue-print. “Not just that when this castle is built they’ll be deffending it and the king and queen.” Two massive dragons landed behind Firenze and Tyga. One dragon was gold and green with short stubby horns. The other one was red and orange with a massive blade like horn in the middle of its head. A small boy jumped off the red ones

back. The boy had brown greasy looking hair, Misty couldn’t see any streaks or a dragon. The boy ran to the man named Firenze. “I’ll be king some day.” Tyga placed a hand on the boys head. “Sorry kiddo the only way we’ll get a new king or queen is if something happens to them.” He turned to his green dragon. “And besides you don’t have a dragon, you can’t be a king of wizards and witches if you don’t have a dragon by your side.” “I’ll get one and…” Firenze picked the boy up. “Sorry but a bond is stronger if the dragon is hatched the same day you were born. It’s a crime against nature to take one that doesn’t belong to you even if it is a wild one. Unless it chooses you or if it’s been orphaned.” “And sadly yours died before it was even out of its egg. That’s why unlike the rest of us you don’t have streaks in your hair.” Tyga tugged on some of the boy’s hair. Tyga’s dragon poked him in the shoulder with its short stubby horns. Firenze placed the boy back on the ground. Firenze and Tyga walked away and started taking to other people. The boy stood there watching them then he wondered off. Misty tried to fallow him but then there was another flash. She was back with Raver and Chiyo, Misty wasn’t sure about what had just happened. But she was sure of one thing, that she had some how gone back in time. Misty looked around, Raver and Chiyo were still sound asleep. Misty looked at the crown. “Did you just show me the events leading up to today? But what did all that have to do with today?” She waited and put it back into the sack. “Why didn’t that boy’s dragon hatch and why are you showing me this?” Misty looked up, the sun was coming up. That for some reason didn’t make her feel better. Misty felt as if some one had just pushed her into a ice cold river. This was like a dream and a nightmare all rolled into one. Misty was off the island and she was happy about that. But now Misty had been thrown into something she never could have dreamed of.

* * *

In the morning they started to head to the nearest village. And Misty still couldn’t get what happened out of her mind. She didn’t either Tammor or Mistiera’s names being in any of the the history books she had read. But than again the history books on the island mostly contained the history of the island. “Raver who are Tammor and Mistiera?” Misty asked. “I haven’t heard those names in a long time. They were the very first king and queen but something happened to them. Ten years into their rule a strange disease went through the kingdoms. Them and their three kids were the first to die.” “Doesn’t any one find that more then a little strange?” Chiyo asked she had to almost run to keep up with them. “All the kings and queens are killed along with their children.” “Of course everybody found it strange but back then the humans were poisoning our water supplies. They thought after we had chosen our king and queen, built our new kingdom we would invade and take their lands.” Misty couldn’t stop herself. “But that’s not!!!” “Of course it’s not true but the humans didn’t even listen. Their so insane and other creatures taking their lands they’ve almost forced them selves into extinction. In fact one king locked himself his damily and all their people in the kingdom inside the castle and set fire to the place.” “I had heard stories but for some one to do that…” Chiyo looked like she was going to be sick. “I know what you mean but it happened that’s why our kind don’t don’t ever interact with them. The only ones that knew better were the ones living in the kingdom. And had seen or met the king and queen.” Raver started to rub his

head. “Oh no please don’t tell me we’re going to a human village!” Misty couldn’t help how it came out. “Sorry ladies but yes we are going to a human village. It’s going to be a long walk I had hoped we would have gotten our hands on some horses. In away it’s a good thing we don’t have our dragons. Humans alone have killed almost all the wild dragons plus other creatures.” Raver pulled out a map. “And going into one of their villages is a good idea why?” Misty still couldn’t help the tone of her voice. “It’s not but it’s the nearest village and we need supplies.” “I’ve got a very bad feeling about this.” Chiyo said ajusting her new sword. Misty stopped to let her catch up. “So do I but his right…” Misty and Chiyo didn’t know how right they were. Misty was dreading what would be waiting for them. She had gotten a look at the map the name didn’t make her feel better. Armipotent something about that name didn’t feel right. Later that night Misty was having a hard time falling asleep. She was thinking about what she seen and what she now knew. But something didn’t feel right, why would the crown show her that if it didn’t have anything to do with what was happening? Why would a wizarding child not have a dragon? In fact why would the crown show her any of this? What part could she play in any of this? Raver she could understand he was the prince, she was a nobody. An orphan nobody special, no family nothing, on the island she always got treated like a child. Misty never got to do much of anything, her adopted family always treated her like something that could brake. Misty kept having this one horrible nightmare it started when she was ten. She’s not very old just a baby, some one or something keeps trying to kill her. But there’s a blast of cold air and rush of water forming a soild wall of ice. It surrounds her, protecting her, Misty was all alone the only thing she can hear is her own cries. Each year more and more details would come to the light. Before she would cry after but now Misty just tries to laugh it off. It’s not easy faking and over time she had found herself doing it a lot. But Misty wasn’t faking any more, nobody to protect her. And it felt good, if she wanted any one to protect her it would be Raver.

Chapter 13

That same night in the human village of Armipotent. Screams could be heard and then there was dead silence. Then rivers of blood came out of every building.

* * *

The ten weeks they were travelling were rainy and horrible. All they could find to eat were snakes, rats and nobody would it it bugs. Misty couldn’t wait to see real food again not to mantion beds. Hell at this point she would be happy to fight the soldiers. And Misty could tell Raver and Chiyo were thinking the same thing. “Not to sound like a spoiled prince but I really miss beds.” Raver pulled out the map. “I miss food, bathes and changing clothes…” “I miss all that but I miss our dragons more.” Misty looked at the sack the crown was in. Chiyo turned to look at her. “Are you okay you’ve been looking at the crown a lot?” “I’m find I was just thinking…” “We should be coming to the village very soon.” Raver looked at the map. “Good now we can finally get some food and sleep.” Chiyo said rubbing her shoulder. “We need to get there before dark.” Misty wasn’t sure what would make her say

that. “Why???” Raver and Chiyo asked together. “I don’t know why if I did I would say so.” Misty looked up to the sky. Which wasn’t easy because of all the trees. Misty was dreading getting to the village. She even found herself looking over her shoulder. More to see if they were being fallowed. Of course she didn’t see the point as far as they could tell no one was fallowing them. “Well we’ll be there soon enough with any luck we can get some food first.” Raver said putting the map away. “Food the magic word I’m storving…” Then Misty got hit with a horrible smell. “Oh what is that smell?” Then she realized what the smell was and where she knew it from. “No it’s coming from the village…” Raver started to run. Before Misty and Chiyo could respond Raver was gone. “Raver wait!” They yelled together. “We don’t know what’s waiting for us!” Misty screamed at the top of her lugs. Then her and Chiyo started to run after Raver. When they got there Raver was gone and it was quiet too quiet then Misty looked up to one of the windows. There was a dead body half hanging out of the window. A little ways down there was another dead body laying face down on the ground just outside an open door. Chiyo ran up to the body. “Chiyo don’t!” But it was too late Chiyo rolled the body over and then the head fell off. The skin deflated like a balloon being relieved of air. There was no blood, no visible bones or body organs. Chiyo screamed and fell back on to the ground. “What the hell?!” Raver came running out of the other building. “Well that explains what I just seen in there.”

Misty helped Chiyo to her feet. “What do you mean?” “There’s a big pile of rotting organs that’s what the smell is.” “That’s not possible the bodies should be rotting away to…” Chiyo took a step back. “That body felt like…leather…” She clung on to her robes just like a child clinging on to a blanket. “You mean like when people gut and clean animal skins that leather.” Misty asked and Chiyo slowly nodded her head. “What or who would take the heads off then remove all the bones and the organs?” Then a thought struck Misty. “How many people were living here?” “The last time I was here over a thousand and that was six years ago.” Raver got down to have a better look at the body. “I don’t get it why???” Misty wasn’t even sure what she was asking. “I don’t see any cuts except the neck. When you kill and skin an animal you take out all the organs and bones. But first you cut it open but look for your self no cuts not even a sign that the body was stitched back together.” Raver stood up. “Skin walkers they decapitate the body and remove everything in it. Their bodies get to a high temperature and scorch the inside of the skin. They do their dirty work at night.” Misty could tell Chiyo didn’t want to ask him this but some one had to. “Are they still here?” “I can’t say for sure some times they move on. Other times they stay to try to get more victims.” “What do we do now?” Chiyo asked still clearly shaken. “We have to destroy the bodies if they don’t have bodies than there’s not a lot they can do.” “Won’t they just move on?” Misty hated the thought of the skin walkers moving on.

“Not if we find them and destroy them to. When we find them we have to drop their body temperature. Be careful though when you see them they’ll look like a clump of green flowers. They huddle together during the day to restore their body heat. They’ll be in a very sunny spot.” Misty could see one problem with that last piece of information. “Raver look around sunny spots aren’t very common around here. Thanks to the trees and the shadows of the mountains this place is covered in shadows.” “We’ll just have to look around.” “What if we come a cross people?” Chiyo finally let go of her robes. “They’ll most likely be hine but keep an eye on them just incase. Let’s split up first though let’s get rid of these bodies. We need a fire to burn the bodies. And yes Chiyo I know the fact that insides being sorched makes burning the bodies sound strang.” After they got the fire built they started to clear out the buildings. Misty had taken the first one they had seen. There were five people to use the term lightly dead inside. The good news was with out their organs and bones the bodies were very light. The first three bodies were on the first floor so she just carried them out. The last two were on the second floor. Misty opened one of the windows so she didn’t have to carry them down the stairs. And Misty tossed the bodies out when she turned to leave Misty noticed a smaller room just off the one she was in. Misty went in and in the room was a small crib. There were signs that there had been a baby there. A dirty linen diper and some old spit up stains on the blanket. But there was no baby in the room. Misty just hoped some one any one had grabbed the baby and ran. She started down the stairs each one gave off a high pitch squeak. Once Misty got outside she dragged the bodies to where the fire was. Chiyo had four bodies two adults and two small children. Raver showed up with at least nine bodies and two other people. Misty recognized them right away they were the first people her and Raver had seen leave the dungeons. The woman had a baby strapped to her back. Misty hadn’t noticed before But the woman. Had dark red hair and a hazel color eye. The man had pale brown hair with a streak of grey hairs. His eyes were grass green with a ring around the pupil. Their clothes were falling apart but some how they stayed together. Her clothes were dark purple with many stains. His were brown with more than a few tares.

Chiyo walked up to the woman. “Is she yours?” “No we found her…” The woman said looking over her shoulder. “Brycen and Shanta are two of the people me and Misty released from the dungeons. How have you two been able to feed her?” “We foud a goat the first day we got here. The good news is she’s almost old enough to start eating food. Those things don’t seem to like hearing her cry. They seem to avoid us when Emilia starts crying.” “That’s what we’ve been calling her… We don’t know where those things are but our group has been trying to clean out the village. But those things keep moving and abandoning the bodies till the next night. But like Brycen said they’ve been leaving us alone because of Emilia’s crying.” Shanta reached over her shoulder and rubbed Emilia’s head. Emilia had beautiful minit green eyes and straw colored blond hair. She also had a small birth mark under her ear. “Right now everybody is searching for bodies and for those things.” Brycen said reaching over and rubbing Emilia’s head. “They’re skin walkers, where’s the sunnest spot here?” “Skin walkers are you sure?” Brycen turned to Raver. Raver nodded. “I’m positive Emilia is very lucky not a lot of people survive these things. In fact if you two hadn’t gotten here when you did they would have gotten her to.” “In that case we better hurry Shanta…” “I know go warn the others, what are we looking for?” “They should look like a clump of milky green flowers. But instead of green leaves they’ll appear as a reddish tan color. And don’t touch them they’ll atack.” Shanta went to walk away. “I’ll go with Shanta…” Misty said walking up to Shanta. “I’m Misty…” They started walking.

“I know Raver told us about you and Chiyo.” “If you don’t mind me asking what happened to your eye?” “My father…I informed him I was leaving our kingdom to see the world.” Shanta put her hand over her eye. “And he informed me I couldn’t if I was blind. My older sister had manged to stop him from fishing the job… I should have stayed to help her.” “There was nothing you could have done, if you had stayed then her sacrifice would have ment nothing. The way I see it you can let what happened define you or you can say it won’t have any power over you.” “That’s easy for you to say your father clearly didn’t try to blind you. And than killed the only person you cared about.” “No my parents were killed in the war… The family that took me in were so over protective I didn’t use the bath room by myself till I was fifth-teen. Their daughter still hates me for it. Hell the only friends I have are Raver, Chiyo and the merpeople back on my island. Not to mantion my dragon Icy…” Misty noticed Shanta’s reaction. “What’s wrong?” “I have a dragon I found her all alone… I waited to see if any one would come and get her…it started out small. I would bring her food but then one day she fallowed me into the casle. I was afraid of what people would think. Us humans fear dragons because of what they can do but we fear everything we don’t understand. A lot of us would rather kill something than learn about it. Any way if it wasn’t for the fact she was so tiny I never would have been able to hide her.” “Tiny?” “Yea I don’t know what your kind call them but she’s a little cream colored dragon.” “There aren’t any names in of species. But we call little dragons like that money pouch dragons.” Misty turned to look at the sack the crown was in. “Well she’s back with our group, everybody looks after her when she’s not with me. I named her Abigail I don’t know how it works in your world.”

“We name our dragons once we and them are three years old. Dragons develop their personalities early. I named mine Icy because she can make the most beautiful ice.” Just talking about Icy made Misty miss her more. “Where is she now?” Shanta started to look around. “We sent her and the others away so they’ll be safe. Plus there’s not a lot of food around here.” “I wish my little Abigail had gone with them. But I also couldn’t imagine not having her with me.” Shanta took out a small sack of food. “You’re right about there not being any food around here. Our group found some food but it was mostly stuff that was already here. But that’s about it I wonder why that is?” “Has it been unusually dry even after it’s rained?” Misty asked more to see if any one else had noticed. “Yes and the plants have been drying up.” “The Elementals are gone…” “The elementals what are they?” Shanta stopped walking. Misty stopped. “You know about the elements earth, fire, water and air?” “Of course but they’re still here…” “No they’re not you don’t understand!” Misty stopped to calm herself down. “Humans only see their work but our kind see them al the time. Well we use to they come in all shapes and sizes. But they mostly look like horses, they help keep the world in balance. With out them the world just falls apart. That’s why there aren’t any animals around here. Why even after all the rain the ground is still dry. Stop and think about it have you felt the wind lately?” Shanta didn’t say anything at first. “Now that you mantion it no I haven’t… How bad will get?” “If this keeps up no life at all, not even a bug could live here. Water from the oceans, lakes and rivers even the rain will dry up. The ice in the north will melt and then that water will dry up. Then the sand in the south will turn cold.” Misty

looked up to the sky. “The world will die, it’ll become cold and empty just like the sand in the south.” “Is there any way to stop it?” “If we get rid of the king, if the elementals feel safe then they’ll come back.” “Shanta!!!” “Over here Burgh!” Burgh was a dwarf, he looked to be five-four. His right ear was missing along with a chunk of hair. His smokie black hair and beard looked more like the mane on a lion. The small cream colored dragon had made herself comfortable in his beard. Misty recognized Abigail as the little dragon her and Raver had seen after they fell down the hill. “Whose this?” Burgh asked looking at Misty. “This is Misty what’s wrong?” Shanta took Abigail out of Burgh’s beard. “We found some strange flowers Abigail went near them. And it’s a very good thing dragons have very thick hides.” “Where are they?” Misty asked. “Over by the tavern I was lucky enough to grab her before they could.” “MISTY WAIT!” Misty ran off to find the tavern, she didn’t know where she was going but Misty had no doubt she would find them. Misty wasn’t sure what she was going to do. But Misty knew she had to do something. Water wasn’t going to be easy to produce but she was going to make it happened. Misty found the tavern and she could see a beam of sun light. Misty ran around to the back and there they were. The side of the building was badly charred from the skin walkers body heat. It was a miracle the building didn’t burn down. Before Misty could think of what to do when one of the plants grabbed her wrist. It felt like some one had hit her with a whip and then set it on fire. With out thinking Misty grabbed the plant. When she did that Misty felt a blast of cold energy came out of her hand. The

flowers then let out a deathing scream. Then it stopped the flowers were frozen soiled. Misty broke off the plant that was on her wrist. The burn had a deep cut in the center of it. Misty placed her hand on the burn. She could feel the skin stitching it’s self back together. The burn was gone but the cut had left a scar. Misty looked at the flowers they looked like they had an extreme case of frostbit. Misty took a couple of steps back from where she was standing. Misty had never frozen anything like plants or animals before. She turned to walk away but Raver and the others were behind her. Along with at least twenty other people. They were all standing there staring at her.

Chapter 14

That night Misty had wondered away from the others. She had gone into the tavern so she could have some time to herself. There was a stone harpy just above the bar. The bar it self was carved to look like giant wings. The stone harpy looked pretty human except her arms were covered in long feathers. In place of human hair was more feathers and instead of a human nose and mouth there was a beak. “My father had this whole place designed around my mother.” A young harpy girl slowly stepped into the light. She looked a lot like the statue, her feathers were silverish grey. And her eyes were a haunting pale blue. “You’re a harpy…” Misty couldn’t stop staring. “Part but yes, harpies use to live here before the humans. The king came and killed almost all of them. My harpy ancestors went into hiding and ten years later he came back. Unlucky for him my human ancestors had started building this town. When they realized harpies were still in the area they went to find them. Not to kill them but to save them. After what my fathers family and their people had been through… They just couldn’t sit back and watch another group of people get slaughtered. They took the harpies in and never looked back. The people took in every creature that needed help. Our town specialized in weapons, armor and fighting that’s how we got our name. I’m Sky my parents named me that to remind me of where I can from.” “I’m Misty I just needed a little space.” “I get it Raver asked me to find you.” Sky started up at the stone harpy. “Tell him I’ll be there oh and before you go can you tell me some thing Sky?” Sky turned to Misty. “Sure what is it?”

“Are there any other villages or kingdoms around here?” “The dwarves live up in the mountains and some of the harpies have a little village a little ways from here.” “Thank you…” Sky left. Misty turned to look at the stone harpy, she could tell who ever carved it had taken their time. Misty took out the crown and put it on the bar. “Well if you have something to say nows the time.” Misty waited. “Not going to say anything… Fine then you can go back in the sack.” She placed the crown back in the sack. Misty turned and started for the door. Now Misty knew why she was so nervous about the village. Now they could start repairing the world. The question was how long would it take? When Misty got back to the giant fire pit the others had built she sat next to Chiyo. “I know none of you know us but that’s Misty, Chiyo and I’m Raver. I know everybody here is hungry, frightened and maybe more then a little angry.” “Damn right some of us are angry!” Every time that basterd is beaten he comes back stronger and with greater numbers!” A human man yelled. Raver turned to face the man. “That’s because every king and queen didn’t have all the kingdoms backing them. I’m going to go to all the kingdoms and ask them to the fight.” “Ha good luck the other kingdoms haven’t been to Azure since King Tammor and Queen Mistiera.” A tall sickly looking male elf said in a almost musical voice. “That’s right and now their afread to come with in two feet of the place.” The human man said. “Just leave it to us please trust us…” Raver started to look around. “Please fight a long side us…” People were whispering to each other. Misty stood up. “I know it sounds impossible but look around… If we don’t do something his going to win. And I don’t know about any of you but I would

rather go down fighting. I’ve seen some of what his capable of, if I get killed fighting then at least I can say I tried. I can say I tried to free the world… We can run away but his going to find and kill all of us.” “What do we need to do?” The male elf asked. “That’s easy help us build an army… Let’s start by building a wall I know many of you don’t like the idea. But if he comes back here it will at least it’ll buy us time.” Raver looked down at his sword. “Does any one know how to forge armor and weapons?” Burgh and the male elf stood up. “I do but if you want the best then you should talk to the dwarves in those mountains. I’ll take you but first let’s work on that wall.” Burgh said then him and the elf nodded to each other. “Okay but we also need to train long and hard. And I’m sorry but that includes children.” Raver clearly didn’t like saying that. “I agrea with Raver many of the children have already had their childhood stolen from them.” Shanta had little Emilia in her arms. “They’re right these children should be running, laughing and playing. Not locked up or scared to death of something happening.” Brycen placed a hand on a small boys head. “Let’s get some sleep everyone, we can get started in the morning.” Misty moved closer to Raver. Everybody left but Raver, Misty, Chiyo, Sky, Burgh, Shanta and Brycen. They waited a while to make sure they were alone. Misty turned to Raver. “I think we need to talk to the harpies first.” “Why?” Chiyo asked. “Because we need some one to keep an eye on Armipotent well we’re gone. Sky can harpies fly” Misty turned to face Sky. “Yes of course…oh I see where you’re going with this. They can watch from the sky and because flying is so much faster then walking. They can fly straight

back here before anything can happen.” Raver placed a hand on Misty’s shoulder. “Okay after that we’ll go talk to the dwarves. But like I said we need to work on the wall first. Let’s try to sleep tonight we have a lot of work to get to in the morning.” After everyone had gone to bed Sky had snuck out of town. Well more like she flow out of the village. Mean while Misty was a sleep but not soundly, her nightmare started just like it usually did but something was different. Misty’s just a baby being held by a woman with beautiful black hair. Her streaks were a beautiful frosty blue. She had giant sea shells covering her like special armor. There was also a man he was holding Misty and the woman tightly. His hair was a very light blond hair with silver streaks. His eyes were a bright green, he had on beautiful silver and mint green body armor. “Myrna take Misty and get her out of here!” The man yelled using a sheild to deflect hundreds of arrows. “Not with out you Cress I will not raise her by myself!” Myrna had put up a wall of water and then froze it. “I won’t have our daughter grow up with out at least one of her parents.” “And I will not have her grow up thinking I just left you.” Myrna turned and handed baby Misty off to some one. “Willow, Ramos take Misty and please take care of her.” Myrna kissed Misty’s head. “Good bye my beautiful daughter…” Then a very tiny Icy was placed with her.

Chapter 15

Misty woke up to the sound of wood being chopped. She got off the bed and for a moment Misty had forgotten where she was. Misty grabbed her sword before heading out of the room. When Misty left the room she could hear foot steps. “Misty!” Raver ran up to her. “Raver what’s wrong?” Misty said closing the door. “Have you seen the harpy girl Sky?” “No I haven’t why?” “Me and some of the others have been looking for her. But clearly we can’t find her I was hoping she was here with you…” At that moment Chiyo came running up the stairs. “Raver, Sky’s back and she brought the harpies with her.” There was a brief flash of light. “What was that?” Raver said looking around. Misty knew that flash any where it was the crown. She reached into the sack and pulled out the crown. One of the stones had gone from cold black to a pale grey. With what looked like a small feather inside. “What the hell weren’t all of those stones black?” Raver asked. “They must turn back the closer we get to uniting the kingdoms.” Misty said staring at the one stone. “We better get out there before they leave.” Raver and Chiyo started to leave. Chiyo turned to face Misty. “Are you coming Misty?” “Yes just give me a moment.” They left. “Ha well you’re just full of surprises.” Misty lightly touched the stone.

And sure enough there was another flash. Misty started to look around she was standing next to a male harpy. His feathers were a very light grey color. His beak looked almost out of place. But when Misty got a better look there was a large crack going a cross it. His eyes were a dark sunflower yellow. Misty could see he was wairing a crown. The crown was in the shape of wings. With stones just like the one in the Crown of Unity. “‘ere you are Fri I ‘ought you were starting one of the towers?” A dwarf with red hair asked. “I was but me and the others ran out of stones. Is it true what I’ve heard, a three headed dragon was born.” Fri turned to face the dwarf. “Yea cute little guy as far as dragons go. ‘ose dragons are very rare but they say ‘ose dragons are a good sign. A sign of perfect balance in the world. And goddes help any one who removes two or even one of ‘ose heads.” “I almost feel bad for Grand and Rella’s oldest boy. Is it true his dragon didn’t hatch?” “It’s true as far as I know it was the first and only time ‘at had ever happened.” “Even to us harpies it’s unusual I wonder what could cause that.” Before Misty knew it she was back where she had been standing before. Misty placed the crown back into the sack. She started down the stairs now Misty had even more questions. Fri why did she know that name? And now a three headed dragon where was it now? When Misty got outside she could see hundreds of male, female, young and old harpies. The leader was taller then Raver, he had a commanding presence. He had beautiful almost silver and black feathers. With haunting golden eyes he also had a lot of scars on his beak. “My niece Sky told us of your plan. Me and my people are here to help in any way we can.” “We could use some help with the wall. And sadly we’re running low on food.” “You heard the man and as far as food we have quite a lot of it our selves. Sadly it wasn’t easy to find and it’s getting harder. I’m afraid if the elementals don’t return it will only get worse.”

“I agrea that’s why we’re doing this, that and we need to end that bastard’s reign once and for all.” The harpy nodded. “Hopefully this time will be the last time.” “Dex if this goes as well as I hope it will be the last time.” Misty placed a hand on Raver’s shoulder. “Dex did the harpies ever have a crown?” “Yes two of them just like every one else. They were in the shape of wings with grey stones that had feathers. Well clearly not real ones if we did that than all us harpies would be bald.” Misty couldn’t help but to laugh. “The reason I asked is because…” She pulled out the crown. “Oh my…it’s been so long, our king and queen gave those stones to symbolize the unification of the kingdoms all the kings and queens did.” Dex took the crown. “That bastard did something to all the crowns. Any one who wears them dies instantly. Except of course the Crown of Unity and Trust by the grace of the goddes they weren’t touched.” Dex looked at the crown. “It’s a shame the elves had put so much work into them…” He handed the crown back to Misty. “Take good care of it miss…” “I’m Misty and I will… I’ll help some of your people get settled in.” Misty placed the crown back in the sack. “That would be a great help thank you.” “It’s the least I can do you and your people came here to help.” After Misty helped the harpies get settled in she went to look at the wall. Thanks to the harpies they had gotten a lot done. Sky’s uncle was helping with the wall. While some of the humans were at the bottom digging away at some of the dirt. So the wall would sit in the ground, then the rope Dex was broke and he was sent flying. Misty a long with others went looking for Dex. Well every one else stayed behind to secure the wall. Misty found Dex unconscious in one of the trees.

“Sky your uncle’s over here!” Sky went over to where Misty was. “Uncle Dex!” “He must have hit his head on the tree.” “I’m going to get him down.” Misty grabbed Sky’s hand to stop her. “Sky his heavier then you if you try to do this by yourself then you and Dex might get hurt. Why don’t…” A huge male harpy landed next to Sky. “Sky is Dex alright?” “We don’t know Kinz his unconscious, could you help me get him down?” Sky grabbed Kinz hands. “Of course let’s go…” Sky and Kinz flow up to where Dex was. Sky helped Kinz get Dex on to his back. Kinz started to fly down with Dex on his back. It wasn’t easy but they got him down. “Is he alive?” Misty asked looking Dex over. “Yes his just unconscious let’s get him back to the village.” Kinz body wise looked almost like a small gorilla with feathers. His fathers were a blue black with white ones mixed in.

Chapter 16

Dex had come to once they got him back to the village. It turned out the rope he was pulling was in worse shape then it looked. Sadly Dex wasn’t the only victim of the rope. But nobody was seriously hurt but some of them had to stop helping. Misty was now looking for Raver to tell him about what had happened. Raver was with Burgh and the male elf from the night before. The elf was holding a strange helmet it was designed for a harpy’s head. With almost hinge like armor at the bottom of the helmet. It was thin almost paper thin and dented. “Do you think you can make more of them?” Raver asked pointing to the helmet. “I think so, the elf who made this was very skilled.” The elf was looking at the helmet. “It isn’t easy making armor this thin and light. But I’m pretty sure I can do it.” The elf had long blackish hair and reddish brown eyes. His ears came to a fine point sticking out of his hair. He had on rose gold armor with an elk head carved on it. His cape was a milkie white with two elks fighting. Burgh was sitting next to the elf and he slapped the elf on the back. “What did I tell you if any one can make armor like that it’s an elf. They can make armor lighter then air perfect for the harpies. And horses if we can get any.” “Some of the harpies said they had seen some horses not far from here.” Raver took off his cape. “It won’t be easy to tame them but it can be done.” The elf was rubbing his back. “Taming animals comes as easy as breathing for us elves. The same can be said about the earth wizards and witches.” “Where are they?” Misty asked more to make her presence known. “I’m afraid miss nobody knows their kingdom was destroyed a very long time ago. Sence then they’ve been wondering and hiding. They’re like the light and

ice wizards and witches they don’t like to fight.” “Albien is right they’re not fighters.” Burgh picked up an axe and started to sharpen it. “Maybe not but we need them…” Misty placed her hand on Raver’s shoulder to stop him. “Raver hold on, Albien why don’t they fight any of them?” “The light wizards and witches just can’t learn attack spells very fast. They have great healing powers but they see it as if they can’t protect them selves or others than what’s the point.” “Well that makes a little sence but they can at least learn how to use weapons.” “Agread the earth wizards and witches can’t bring them selves to hurt any one or anything. And it’s just sad to say but they use to be great fighters. The ice wizards and witches just…it’s like they lost the ability to care. When Tammor and his queen were killed. Their king just…well he just couldn’t take it he just left. But I know if he ever returned they would welcome him back with open arms.” Albien looked down at the ring he was wairing. “It doesn’t matter how long a leader has been gone. Or what they’ve done the leader is always the leader.” “But he could be dead for all they know.” Misty didn’t want to it it but she respected how they felt. “It doesn’t matter unless they find a body…” Albien said. “Till then their loyalty belongs to him and only him.” Raver said finishing Albien’s thought. Misty had to know. “But why was he so upset about Tammor?” “Because Tammor was his only son. Glacia his queen is still there waiting for him.” “After all this time?” Misty couldn’t help but to feel sorry for Glacia.

“Sad to say yes in fact their seven daughters have been looking for him.” “Seven daughters that sounds tiring…” Burgh said sharpening some of the weapons. Albien turned to look at Burgh. “Maybe but that’s their family and if you cross their oldest Icia you’ll wish you were dead. She’s not as forgiving as her sisters. But Icia is the most beautiful of the seven.” “So you’ve met her or at least seen her.” Misty said teasing Albien. “No I just heard stories…” Albien’s face started to turn red. “Well me and Burgh have to go back to work.” He looked back down at his ring. “Okay we’ll let you two get back to work.” Raver and Misty walked away. “I don’t think he just heard stories… I think Albien has meet her.” Misty just knew. “I agree but when and where?” “Only he knows and I don’t think his going to tell us. At least not till we can prove to him that he can trust us.” Misty then explained what had happened with the ropes. “Is Dex alright?” Raver stopped walking. Misty stopped. “His fine but I think his going to have a headache for a little while.” They started walking again. “Well thanks to Dex and his people we got a lot more done. Then we would have with out them. There’s still a lot that still needs to be done. I think we need to hold off on going to the mountains.” “I agree at least till the wall is built.” “Me, Burgh and Albien found quite a lot of armor and weapons. Some of them weren’t in the best shape.” “I could tell just by looking at that helmet.” Misty tossed her hair back. “I hope

the harpy that wore it survived.” “I agree once the wall is up we’ll head for the mountains. We should also start training Chiyo with magic. And I’ll training you two with swords.” “I’m ready when you are.” Truth was Misty had always wanted to learn how to use a sword. “Well let’s go to the training area.” Raver started to lead her towards the training area.

Chapter 17

The training area had twelve dummies and just as many targets for bows and arrows. Quite a few people and harpies were there including Chiyo. She didn’t seem capable of lifting her sword. Every time she would swing it the sword would hit the dummy with a sad thud. Chiyo fell to her knees then she throw a rock at the dummy. Sadly the sword had better luck. Raver rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve got my work cut out for me.” They started towards Chiyo. “You know Chiyo you might get better results if you train with real people.” “Raver I can’t even lift the sword.” Chiyo stood up. “That comes with time I’ll help you train. But first you should take a brake while I help Misty.” “Sounds good to me…” Chiyo walked away. “Okay Misty let’s get started see how I’m holding the sword. Your dominant hand has to be on top. All right let’s start nothing fancy just try to block my attacks.” Raver started to attack. Misty did as Raver told her with every swing her sword felt heavier. But instead of giving into the weight of the sword. Misty started to focus all her energy into keeping her sword up. Then all of a sudden there was a blast of water. Raver was knocked over from the blast. Misty turned to look only to see a very wet Chiyo along with every one else in the area. “Sorry!!! Is every one alright!” Misty turned back to Raver. “We’re okay!” Everybody yelled back. Raver stood up. “I don’t know what that was but it had one hell of an effect.” Misty looked at her sword. “All I was trying to do was keep my sword up. I

don’t even know how I did that.” Raver picked his sword up. “It doesn’t metter it’s a new power and that wasn’t why we were training. Take a brake, your turn Chiyo.” “Okay…” Chiyo did just exactly like Misty did but the only thing she had manged to do was fall on her butt. Misty could tell Chiyo was getting frustrated. Raver helped Chiyo to her feet. “Next time focus your energy. I’m not sure but I think that’s how Misty did what she did. Other then that you did pretty good. Let’s move pn to attacking go take a brake Chiyo.” Chiyo went and sat down. Misty picked up her sword and went over to Raver. She wasted no time in her attacks, with every clang of the swords Misty could feel a cold. This was odd because it was a very warm day. Misty looked down at her hands and they were covered in a very light frost. “Are you alright?” Raver asked putting down his sword. Misty looked up from her hands. “Yes I’m fine…” When she looked at her hands again all they had on them was water. ‘What the hell is going on?’ Misty was thinking. “Let’s take a brake for a little bit. Then Chiyo it’ll be your turn again. Then we’ll work on magic attack and defense spells.” “What’s the difference attack spells can be used for defence. Defence spells can be used for attackeds.” Chiyo walked up to Raver. “Yes but you need to learn them Chiyo.” Raver started to walk away. “Or have you forgetten light witches as well as their male counter parts don’t…” He turned back to them. “Don’t learn magic the same way others do. I am so tired of hearing that!!!” Chiyo’s forehead started to glow. Then there was a beam of light pink light, Raver used his sword to block the light. Raver’s sword seemed to swallow the light but then he started to swing his

sword. The once pink light was now black, with each swing the light broke off into individual blades went flying past Chiyo’s head. And trust this if Raver wanted to hit her he very easily could have. Raver kept swinging till the light was gone. Raver stopped swinging. “Good you did learn something from Bizarrie and the others. Keep in mind though water wizards and witches can learn oh let’s say fire spells. But it takes them longer then if they were to learn healing spells. Unless one of their parents is a fire wizard or witch.” “And that would make it a little easier for them to learn different kinds of magic.” Misty said looking at her hands again. “Yes unless they’re dragoons they can learn spells almost five times faster than all others. They are skilled with everything under the sun.” Chiyo was shaking. “I find that impossible…” “Some day Chiyo you’ll see for your self.” Chiyo walked away. “You did that on purpose didn’t you?” Misty asked crossing her arms. “Sadly yes I did I knew that would be the only way to get her to show any magic.” “Just be careful don’t push her too hard or too much. If you do she’ll walk away and you know it. And you can’t lose any ones trust no ones.” “I just wanted to know she could protect herself and others.” “I know and I respect that but how hard do you think you can push her. Before Chiyo just says to hell with you. I think you need to think about how to earn peoples trust. Training them is all well and good but they need to hear and see more than that from you.” A hooded figure walked up to them. “Misty’s right a leader needs to be more then one thing. They need to be a warrior, protector, friend, brother, sister, father, mother and to their partner a lover.” Raver turned to the man. “Well you have the advantage because we don’t know

your name.” “How rude of me my name is Lucius.” Lucius removed his silver and white cape. He had blond almost silver looking hair. With white streaks and his eyes were bright green. Lucius finished taking off his cape exposing silver and pale blue armor. Despite how clean everything looked you could see that it had all seen better days. Misty could see a handle sticking up behind Lucius’ head. Raver looked Lucius over. “You’re a ice wizard but what are you doing down here?” “A very long time long time ago I lost my son and his family. The king killed them and I was hoping to get revenge but I didn’t get get very far.” Lucius said trying to hide his wrist. “Back then though nobody knew what a sick little bastard he was. We were just so blind to it all of it.” He put his hand on the handle behind his head. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have some training of my own to do. But Raver if you want to train with me I would appreciate it. And who knows you might learn something.” “Okay but I won’t hold back…” Raver twirled his sword. “That Raver is exactly what I’m counting on.” Lucius started to pull the handle. Lucius pulled out a very long handled axe, he started to twirl it and toss it from one hand to the other. Misty couldn’t help but to watch Lucius. The axe was pure snow white with a icy blue handle. There was a dark blue sapphire smask dab in the middle of the axe’s blade. Lucius slammed the blade into the ground. The instant he did this a second blade appeared on the other side. Lucius pulled his axe out of the ground, the second blade was made out of pure ice. Lucius made the first move and Raver had manged to block it. Raver took a swing at Lucius but he got Raver first. Lucius had frozen Raver’s legs and feet to the ground. Raver almost fell over but he manged to keep his balance. Raver then focused his energy causing the ice to splinter, the splinters went flying towards Lucius but he blocked them. Lucius took the opportunity to freeze Raver’s hands and arms. There was a sudden blast of heat coming off Raver. But before the ice could melt Lucius brought the axe back down on to the ground. Only this time the ice covered Raver’s whole body except for his head. Then a storm cloud started to form but before the cloud could do anything Lucius throw his axe into

it. The cloud froze and fell to the ground, when the cloud hit the ground. When the cloud hit the ground it broke. Exposing Lucius’ axe right in the middle of the cloud. “Wow…” Chiyo said looking at Raver and Lucius in surprise. Lucius placed a hand on Raver’s shoulder. “You’re good Raver but I’ve been at this a long time, it’s not easy fusing magic with weapons. But I’ll show you something that’s even harder.” Before any one knew it Lucius had produced a bow and arrow made of pure ice. The bow and arrow glistened like diamonds in the sun light. Then Lucius fired the arrow at one of the dummies. The arrow had hit the dummy square in the head, when the arrow hit it froze the dummy’s head. Lucius then put the bow on the ground, then Lucius grabbed his axe and used it to brake the ice. “It’s even harder to forge weapons from magic.” Lucius throw his axe in the air. Misty and Chiyo walked up to them. “Misty can flood rooms…” Chiyo said looking at Misty. “I know all baout the dungeons and I find that very impressive. I’ve only known one person who could do that…my daughter in-law she was very gifted in many things.” Lucius turned his attention back to a very shocked Raver. “Well next time we fight I expect a little more of a challenge.” His axe landed back where it had came from. Misty watched Lucius walk away. “His a little conceited but I did love watching that.” Misty turned to Chiyo. “I know what you mean…” Chiyo said with a smirk. “If all of his kind are as good as he is then we definitely need them on our side.” Misty patted Raver on the shoulder. Raver stood where he had been frozen, he was looking around in shock of what had just happened. The ice that had held him was still frozen despite the heat. It seemed to be sitting there mocking him. When the sun hit the ice’s beautiful pale blue glass like surface. A beautiful rainbow appeared on the ground, the broken cloud laid not far from Raver. Frozen in it’s dark grey color, Lucius mean while

was taking on other people. From what Misty could see Lucius could beat them with out even blinking. Misty almost wanted to fallow him and watch.

Chapter 18

That night everybody was in the tavern eating, Lucius was sitting by himself. He had his axe off to the side so it wasn’t in the way. Albien and Burgh were sitting together looking over a large heavy axe. They were whispering amongst them selves, Shanta, Brycen and Sky sat down with them. Raver stood up. “We’ve gotten a lot of work done today thanks to Dex and the other harpies.” Everybody started to clap. “But for now let’s eat and rest.” Misty went over to Albien, Burgh, Shanta, Brycen and Sky. “What’s wrong?” Shanta elbowed Albien. “Well tell Misty what you two told us.” Albien rubbed where Shanta had elbowed him. “We might have a problem.” Misty sat down. “What do you mean?” “This axe is a giants axe if they’re down here that’s not a good sign.” Burgh said looking at the axe. “Because they only live in the mountains, it’s only when they run out of food. They come down here…” Albien said playing with his ring. “They will eat anything even dragons if they’re hungry enough. But the one thing they love to eat more then anything is dwarves.” “Are you saying when we get to the mountains there may not be any one there?” “If there is then there’s no way in hell you will ever find them.” Albien said looking at the axe. “Well we still have to try.” “I didn’t say not to I’m just saying don’t get your hopes up. With any luck the dwarves are alive and well but honestily I wouldn’t get my hopes up.” Albien turned to look at Burgh. “Sorry Burgh…”

“That’s alright I know the odds are slim that they’re still alive.” “Hey Misty whose that ice wizard over there by himself?” Sky asked looking in Lucius direction. Misty looked to see who she was asking about. “Oh that’s Lucius…” She turned back to the group. Shanta stood up to look. “Wow that’s a ice wizard…” She looked at Albien. “Albien are you alright you look like you’ve just seen just seen a ghost?” Albien looked at Shanta. “I’m fine, Misty was he the one who beat Raver?” “Yea and his scarie good…” Albien got up from the table. “I’ll be right back…” He left the table. Misty watched Albien walked over to Lucius, the two men went out side. Misty was going to fallow but Raver and Chiyo sat down with her and the others. Misty told them what she was just told, mean while outside Albien and Lucius were walking away from the village. Albien created little balls of light so they could see. They looked around to make sure they hadn’t been fallowed. Albien turned to Lucius. “Where the hell have you been?!” He walked up to Lucius. “I don’t know what you’re…” Lucius noticed the ring on Albien’s hand. “Where did you get that ring?” He grabbed Albien’s hand. Albien pulled his hand out of Lucius’. “Your daughter gave it to me, now if you really didn’t know what I was talking about. You wouldn’t have recognized the ring.” He held his hand up so Lucius could see the ring. “You this ring right you gave it to Icia. On her tenth birth day along with a small bow made of pure ice. Icia you’re second born the oldest of your seven girls.” “Icia said she would only give that ring to…” Lucius was staring at Albien. “Her future husband and I gave her mine, Icia didn’t want to get married till you were found. And like a fool I agreed, I let her go to the south. For all I know she’s dead and for your sake you better hope she’s safe.” Albien went to grab

Lucius. Lucius took a step back. “Let me explain…” “You left your queen and children to run your kingdom. What kind of man runs away from his responsibilities?” “One that just lost his family ! My son was killed along with my daughter in-law was killed. Along with my grandchildren, all dead because of that little bastard. Dead because I wasn’t able to protect them and I pry you never know that pain.” “I won’t tell any one who you are but if you pull the same stunt here I will tell everybody.” Albien turned to walk away. “Just answer me this how was Icia the last time you seen her?” “Desperate to find you but other than that she was fine.” All of a sudden the earth began to shake, Albien and Lucius looked up to see trees being pushed over. A massive twenty foot giant shoved his way through the trees. “I hope you’re a good fighter…” Lucius said pulling out his axe. “I hope you’re as good as the stories say.” Albien pulled out a sword. The giant seen them and started to attack, Albien made a series of vines appear. The vines started to rap them selves around the giants feet. Lucius went to throw his axe at the giant but the giant used its club to knock Lucius’ axe out of his hand. When the club hit there was a sickening crack, Lucius fell back but he quickly got back to his feet. Albien ran to get the axe to use on the giant, but there’s just one problem in Albien’s hands it’s just a fancy axe. The giant swung again only to this time, it was aiming for Albien who had his back turned. Then there was a blast of cold air, Albien turned to see a frozen giant. Lucius walked towards Albien. “Don’t judge people till you know them and the whole story.” He took the axe out of Albien’s hands. Lucius started to walk away from Albien, he then turned to the giant and was

looking it over. And then he swung his axe at the giant’s leg. Cracks started to appear through out the ice then the ice broke apart and started to fall. As the ice fell Lucius started to swing at the still falling pieces. He didn’t stop till every piece had been reduced to dust.

Chapter 19

The next morning everybody was looking at what was left of the giant. Misty couldn’t believe it when she had seen the dust. Yes even as dust Lucius’ ice was still frozen. Why wasn’t the dust gone, easy because with out the element of air. There wasn’t any wind so the dust just sits there, plus the elementals of fire were leaving which ment. The sun light can’t bring the heat to the summer days. With out fire volcanos don’t erupt, which sounds good but when things like trees burn. They give nutritions back to the soil which helps everything come back greener and healthier then before. “Where’s Lucius?” Misty asked Shanta. “Chiyo’s treating his broken hand, and Albien is working on some of the weapons and armor.” “Thank’s…” Misty started to walk away. “Hey Misty…” Misty stopped and turned. “What is it?” Shanta turned. “That Lucius must have alot of power.” “What makes you say that?” “He took down a fully grown giant… Not too many people have done that and lived to tell.” Shanta walked up to Misty. “Maybe when you, Raver and Chiyo leave you should consider. Having Lucius do all the training.” “I’ll talk it over with Raver.” Misty started for where they had been treating the wounded. When she got there she started looking around for Lucius. Then Misty found him Lucius was talking to Dex.

Chiyo walked up to Misty. “He doesn’t let that axe out of his sight.” “That just might be a good thing but I wonder why?” “I don’t know but him and Dex have been talking like old friends.” Chiyo said tying her hair back. Misty walked over to where they were but she stopped. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to see harpies after everything that has happened around here. I thought for sure your kind were long gone. Happily I was wrong…” “I can understand why you would think that, our people have been in hiding for a long time. At least till we got our numbers up, now we’re ready to fight once more but this time we’ll be ready.” “Nobody can be ready for anything but I respect a leader whose willing to do anything. Just be careful some times you’ll find yourself doing things. That people won’t understand but you have to.” Lucius started to walk away. “You talk like a man whose had more than enough experience with that.” “I have but there’s on thing I wish I had done.” “It’s always painful looking back at what you should have done.” Lucius nodded to Dex and walked away. “Oh Misty hello what are you doing here?” “I heard you were here and I thought I would come check on you.” Misty and Lucius started to walk together. “Just a broken hand your friend Chiyo fixed me up. I just need to wair a bandage for a little while. Just till my hand stops swelling.” Lucius said holding his bandaged hand. “Do you know Dex?” “No but he reminds me of an old friend of mine. His been dead for many years now.”

Misty looked at the axe. “Why do you keep that axe with you at all time?” “Why shouldn’t I, why should I put Storm Bringer down?” “Storm Bringer?” Misty looked at Lucius. “That’s what I call my axe every good weapon needs a name and good warriors keep their weapons with them. I discovered that on my sixteenth birth day. When my people were attacked by humans.” Lucius looked at his axe. “I always thought it was unnecessary to have your weapon. Near you at all times till the humans atacked our home. I had left my axe in my bed chambers well I was playing with my dragon. While we were playing an army of humans broke into our home. When I realized this I ran and tried to get back to my bed chambers to get my axe. But I was captured along with my dragon Ice. And my mother tried to save us but…she and her dragon were killed. If my father hadn’t came home I don’t know what would have happened. From that moment on I kept my axe with me at all times. I was amazed he didn’t disown me but after that he was never the same. And neither was I after the attack I started training… Every day when I was done with my studdies I would train till my body hurt and my hands bled. One day the fire wizards and witches came to visit. All of us were dueling just for fun, it was my turn and my challenger was the son of their king. He was almost twice my size and only a year older. I had never realized how hard it was to fight till then. He had me beat not just because he could use fire but in skill he had me pinned to the ground. Then I looked up and there was a cloud just above him. And I knew that even if I had gotten to my feet I could never get a ice beam near it. Then I looked at Storm Bringer…I don’t know why or how I did it. But I got out from being pinned and I throw my axe to be honest I wasn’t even sure if it would reach. But Storm Bringer did and when it hit. Storm Bringer started a massive hail storm, this one piece came down and hit him in between the sholders. That piece must have been the size of this sapphire.” He said looking over his shoulder. “Was he alright?” Lucius turned to look at Misty. “He was fine but he was more then a little sore. Not to mention he had a very large bruise, in fact we became very good friends after…” He seemed lost in thought. “Where is he now?”

“He was killed many years ago on the same day as my son and his family. One of his men found him with his throut slit.” “I’m so sorry Lucius…” “Why you weren’t the one who killed them, the day I caused that hail storm…” Lucius looked up to the sky. “I realized what my weapons name was and that I had developed a new skill.” He took a deep breath before looking at Misty. “Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to get myself some food.” When Lucius said this Misty stopped fallowing him, she looked at her sword still in it’s sheath. Then Misty started thinking about before, what if that was what was happening to her? But why ice of course it wasn’t all that weird. For water wizards and witches to learn spells from other elements. But this was new for Misty she had never really had magic do what hers had been. In that moment she decided to do just what Lucius did. Misty was going to train till she couldn’t any more. She started for the training area but first she had something to do.

Chapter 20

Misty had gone to a large well that was in the town square. This was the perfect spot for part of her training. Misty looked into the well, she could see the water but it wasn’t much at least what she could see. With out the water elementals water its self doesn’t stay put. It disappears almost as soon as it appears, Misty placed both hands on the well. She started to focus her energy on the well and the water started to rise very quickly. When the water got half way up the well Misty started to feel dizzy but she kept going. Misty stopped once the water was to the top, she fell to her knees but she forced herself to stand. Misty’s next trip was to the training grounds. She was going to see if anything would happen but most of all Misty knew she needed to get use to using her sword. But something just didn’t feel right in of her and the sword. But Misty figured it was because she had never used one. When Misty got to the training area Albien was there. And by the look of things he was testing some of the weapons, Albien turned to pick up the next weapon. “Hello Albien…” Albien jumped. “Oh hello Misty what are you doing here?” He picked up a small dagger. “I’m just trying to get some training done.” Misty started swinging her sword. “I didn’t know elves could use magic.” “That’s under standable but we can use it. We just don’t have a lot of magic.” Albien started stabbing the dummy. “In fact what magic some of us have. Are used for our lands and some healing.” “But the vines…” “Some of us train with magic so we have more than others. It’s not like with wizards and witches, we’re not bond by the elements like you are.” Albien stopped stabbing the dummy. “Well we aren’t except the fact that I know more water spells then ice or light

spells. I could learn fire spells but it would take awhile.” “I didn’t mean to affend you…” Misty stopped and looked at Albien. “You didn’t so what did you and Lucius talk about?” Albien looked at her nervously. “Oh it was just a case of mistaken ideantity. I thought he was some one else that’s all.” He picked up a bow and some arrows. Albien walked away with them till he was a good distance from the targes. Misty didn’t believe him but she chose to say nothing. Albien started firing off arrows, Misty looked at the weapons on the ground. Then one cought her eye it was along blade with sea shells running down the blade with one large one covering the handle. When Albien was done he went up to the dummy and started pulling out the arrows. “What’s the story with this one?” Misty asked pointing to the sword. “It’s a sea wizard or sea witches sword.” “So this is a sea sword…” Misty picked the sword up. “If you don’t mind me asking what is the difference between water and sea witches?” “There really isn’t one but sea wizards and witches are said to have almost double the power of water wizard and witches.” Misty gentlely rubbed the large shell. “Descendants of the sea goddess her self they have the power of land and sea. On land they have legs in the water fins like mermaids. You know Albien I’ve always wanted to be a sea witch.” Misty handed the sword to Albien. Albien took the sword. “Why?” “You know I don’t know why…” Misty tossed her hair back. “they say when their true power fully awakens their hair changes color. But nobody knows what happened to them.” “Maybe they’re in hiding…” Albien looked at the sword. “Take the sword Misty…” He put the sword in Misty’s hand and took the other one.

“No I couldn’t I’m not a sea witch I have no right to it.” Misty tried to give him the sword back. Albien shook his head. “So just think of it as you’re just holding on to it till you can return it to its true home.” Misty took the sword she was looking it over. Something about it felt right in her hands, Misty turned and started using it on the dummy. Raver and Chiyo at the time were starting for the training area. Raver stopped Chiyo. “Chiyo are you sure we shouldn’t tell her?” “Which part that she’s a sea witch or the other?” Chiyo started walking again. “Both…” Raver said trying to get a head of Chiyo. “We can’t Bizarrie said to wait till we got to her kingdom.” “And what if some how she finds out before then?” “She won’t…” Truth was Chiyo didn’t believe those words. “But if she does?” Chiyo didn’t answer Raver. “That’s what I thought…” He got a head of her. “Look who got here before us.” Raver said making sure Chiyo seen Misty. “Raver we can’t tell her…Misty would never under stand. Please don’t tell her…” Chiyo sounded desperate. Raver didn’t answer her instead he walked away. He wanted Chiyo to sweat just so she knew how he felt. Albien noticed them. “Oh hello Raver, Chiyo…” “Oh hello you two, Raver can I ask you something?” “Sure what is it?” Raver walked up to Misty. “What do you think of Lucius doing all the training when we leave?” Misty placed her new sword in her hand.

“I have no problem with that and who knows he could probably create one hell of an army.” Raver turned to look at Albien and Chiyo. Misty noticed the looks on their faces. “What’s wrong with you two?” “It’s nothing I just ed something.” Albien started to pick up the weapons. “I promised to help tame the horses when they get here.” He left. Chiyo was looking at the sword. “Misty is that a sea sword?” Her voice sounded a little shakie. “Beautiful isn’t it?” Misty didn’t seem to notice. “Yea I’m just surprised to see one here.” Chiyo kept staring at the sword. ‘Or any sea weapons for that matter.’ She thought to herself.

Epilogue

Chapter 21

The king was standing in the Library looking at the two dragon heads. He pulled out a dagger and draged it a cross the wall. He then stabbed the neck of one of the heads. He left the dagger there and started walking away. “So the little island flower and Raver are gone. Along with the people in the kingdom and the crown.” He started back towards the heads. “Oh well who needs them and besides if they think they can stop me. The jokes on them because they’ll be to late. By the time they come back with an army.” He stopped at the heads and removed the dagger. “With every drop of magical blood I’m given more and more power.” He pulled out a small chalice. He removed the dagger and the blood ran down out of the wound. He then let the blood fill the chalice to the point the blood started to run out of it. Then he started to walk to another part of the library. He started to drink the blood as he want, out side a dragon’s roar could be heard. “Roar as much as you want Slasher or should I call you Triad.” He finished drinking the blood. “After all that was your name once.” He throw the chalice to the floor. “And there’s only one person who would know that.” A door could be heard. “That annoying Lucius oh well some day he’ll be in here with the very souls he tried so hard to save.” He throw the door open. “But his magic can’t last forever no matter how powerful he is.” He entered the room. “He’ll fall just like his friends, son, daughter in-law and grandchildren.” Ice was covering the room. “Now as to the matter of a queen.” A soldier entered the room. “If I may your majesty… When we went to fetch the sea witch there was one water witch. That seemed more then happy to see her leave.” “Oh really tell me do you what she looked like?” He Turned and

removed the soldiers helmet. A very large slug sat on the soldiers head. “Yes I’ll even bring her to you.” The slug said glowing. “Yes go fetch her…” The king placed the helmet back on the slug.