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Wolftrine A New Beginning

Rough Draft by GtWolf [email protected] All Rights reserved

Wolftrine

Wolftrine is a vast land with seamlessly unending resources rich for all. Even so violence is present in the land of Wolftrine, plagued with civil wars clans have fought for 25 years. But in the Spring of 301 SY (Sun Year) the vast civil wars ended entirely. And escalated into a Wolftrine Wide War between the three largest and there neighboring clans within there territories. The Silver Moon clan is the largest territory in all of Wolftrine, Wolchur is second in size fallowed by Mirrior. The war began with a conflict between Wolftrine and Mirrior, seeking help the leaders of both Wolchur and Mirrior sought the help of the Silver Moon. Upon reaching the boarder of the Silver Moon territory the two groups were met by the Samowik, the leader of Silver Moon and his guards. Unpleased with Samowik's decline to help end the war Mirrior and Wolchur declared war on Silver Moon in result Samowik was murdered at the meeting. The guards of Samowik were sent back to the heart of Silver Moon. Believing the death of Samowik left the Silver Moon venerable to an easy victory. The two enemies were now allied to destroy the territory of the Silver Moon. The combined armies of Mirrior and Wolchur were deep into the Silver Moon territory upon reaching a large lake the allies were meet by a single warrior. "Hold, what is your intentshion here?", the warrior. "I am Harmic, clan leader of Wolchur and this is ...", replied Harmic "Celerex leader of the Mirrior clan, and we are here to join our lands.",interjected Celerex "That will not happen, even with the death of my father. I am the new leader of he Silver Moon clan, I am Xau. Here is where the war shale end in blood.", boasted Xau. It was from here The awesome might and size of the Silver Moon clan consumed the armies of Mirrior and Wolchur in darkness, fear and certain doom of the allied armies. "One day to end the war, one day to gain more power, one day to change hands.", Xau. Standing on a hill in the center of the battle field Xau piked the heads of Harmic and Celerex for all who dared to attack the territory of Silver Moon. It was from here new leaders came to power for the betterment of the three clans and the rest of Wolftrine. In the year 302 SY a peace spread like a power fragrance throughout the land. Xau was a new and primate leader of the Silver Moon clan, the first female leader named Luna took power of Mirrior. Lutharnaz took power violently to become leader of Wolchur. Not all in the territory of Silver Moon were happy with the action Xau took upon the threat of Harmic and Celerex. Xau had not taken council with his fellow village elders in doing this Xau was labeled a a dangerous radical. Many assassination attempts were taken upon Xau, each one was stopped. Fearing the assassins could hurt his people he began executing the elders in his villages in a public and indecent manner. For this the people began to fear Xau so greatly they began to move into the wilds of Wolftrine and the territories of Mirrior and Wolchur. With a shrinking population the vast territory of Silver Moon was venerable to attack and land grabbing. Xau was the most hated leader in all of Wolftrinedom. Even the Silver Army was questioning Xau thanks to Darmsho the army stayed loyal to Xau or even more to Darmsho. Xau could see the power shifting well before his people began leaving. So Xau took one last action on the last day of 302 SY Xau fled his territory. Soon after his leaving Darmsho took power over the Silver Moon territory and began searching for his friend Xau. Rumors sent scouts searching in southern Wolftrine near the Gaussian Mountain range in the northern peaks. The scouts were that of revenge seekers for the Elders of Silver Moon or ordered by Darmsho to bring Xau back home. No matter Xau was on the move somewhere towards the possibly in search of a new beginning. In 303 SY Xau was reported to have been seen in the farthest reach south of the main land and far east reach of Maurian Mountain range. Every time Xau was reported to be seen scouts rushed to reach him before he disappeared again like a ghost. For a time the search and the sightings of Xau ended. Until 305 SY Xau's trail went cold, "My King! We found him, we really found him this time." "Who?" "Darmsho we found Xau, he is said to be on the island in the South." "Who found him there?" "Rainia, Estra and Danthrou" "What is that pup doing without Thomous?" "I was decided by Thomous for him to go" "No matter, I going this time. Bring me the Hunters." "At once sir." "Thank you, Marcush",said Darmsho as he turned and faced an open window facing a snow covered birch forest below the castle tower. "My old friend we are coming closer to bringing you back home",said Darmsho to himself as he was thumbing a ring in his palm. Some time passed until the halls doors opened slowly and in walked Marcush fallowed by three others. "My King this is Maliar, Knok and Blitz they are the new Hunters" announced Marcush "How good are they?",questioned Darmsho "King I have survived through the civil wars and the war by killing and surviving",boasted Blitz. "You are not to take violent action on the target or you will be killed",replied Darmsho with a smile. "What is the target?",questioned Knok "Your target is Xau. You are not to harm him.",replied Darmsho as he walked to the Hunters. "That joke of a leader ..." "HOLD YOUR TOUNGE OR I SHALE REMOVE IT FROM YOUR THROAT!",roared Darmsho angrily as he grabbed Maliar's throat. Darmsho released Maliar's throat and walked and sat in his throne. Maliar rubbed his throat,"Please forgive him Darmsho" pled Blitz. "If either of you dare speak of Xau like that again I will end you three myself",growled Darmsho, "Marcush you shale go with the Hunters also you are in command." "Yes, my King.",said Marcush gratefully. Darmsho waved the group of four out as he sat back down in his throne.

Chapter 1

"Rainia are you sure we will find Xau?",asked Danthrou "Kid if I knew we would find Xau I'd leave you behind" ,laughed Rainia Estra giggled, Danthrou looked at her seriously causing another giggle from Estra. "OK, you two quit playing around",said Rainia "Oh come on Rainia you cannot say you never joke around" ,replied Estra "Never",smiled Rainia The trio made there way through the giant Oaks and Maples when the spotted a stream. "Danthrou how are we set for water?",asked Estra "Well, we are half full ..." "Smart ass" whispered Rainia "What was that Rainia?",said Danthrou as he moved towards her. "Get away from me you punk before I kick your little ass" "Oh, come on Rainia you like me to much to do that" "OK I admit your ok, for a kid",said Rainia The trio kept moving with Rainia, distracted Danthrou opened the water contained snuck up behind Rainia and poured the water all over her. "YOU LITTLE SON OF A ..." Rainia broke out in shivers "RAINIA! Look a deer near the stream.",whispered Estra "You shit head I'll take care of you later, just you wait",said Rainia before she took out her bow and knocked an arrow on. Rainia crawled through the tall grass and crawled closer and closer until the moment was right. Rainia slowly got up to a knee and took aim and released the arrow. The deer when do where it stood. Rainia rushed to the side of the deer and began gutting it. Danthrou began moving towards Rainia as he shook the container upside down. "Hey Rainia, I think we're out of water" "I wonder how?",giggled Estra Rainia took a hand full of innards and threw them and hit Danthrou right in the mouth and chest. "I taste shit!",yelled Danthrou "Hey you and the innards have a thing in common",said Rainia with a straight face while she cleaned out the deer. Estra went to Rainia's side and began separating the meat. Danthrou went up stream and began to fill the containers. Danthrou began heading back to Estra and Rainia when he found a bag of gold coins. "Hey guys look what I found!",yelled Danthrou as he moved to Estra "I am not a guy, but what",replied Estra "Look what I found" as he moved closer to Estra "Where is Rain-I-A!!",yelled Danthrou as he fell into a hole. "What the fuck is this",exclaimed Danthrou as he pulled skin, guts, and veins off as he stood up. "I told you that I would get you back" laughed Rainia with a grin. "What you never seen a deer carcass before, give me your hand.",said Rainia as she helped pull up Danthrou from the hole. Danthrou cleaned himself up a little and handed the bag of coins to Rainia. "Rainia check out what I found" "Where did you find this?" "Right over there",said Danthrou as he pointed where it was found "Well, I guess we can wait till first light tomorrow then we will figure this out until then we will camp here for tonight, Danthrou you and Estra go get some dry wood for a fire" "Estra, we're on wood duty again" "Oh joy fun",said Estra sarcastically Estra and Danthrou headed off into the woods in search of fire wood. Rainia turned his back towards the pair and took out a coin. On closer examination Rainia found the mark of Xau on the coin, "Xau are you out here?",whispered Rainia Soon as the pair came back with a load of wood each they quickly began a fire and squires for the meat. "Thank you Rainia",said both Estra and Danthrou as they both took a bite of meat. Rainia did not reply but only nodded slightly, her mind was to full of thoughts of Xau. A few hours passed after the sun went down,"Lights out kids",said Rainia as she poured dirt onto the fire. The smoke curled through the night sky visible only when caught by the moon's rays.

Chapter 2

3 MONTHS LATER

Knok, Maliar, Blitz and Marcush were now near the Heart Plain of Wolftrine. "Maybe we should get some horses", said Knok "Why are your feet hurting?",laughed Blitz "Marcush I hope you can run horses better than the manhood you have",grumbled Maliar "Your just pissed about Darmsho putting you in your place", laughed Blitz "I will put you in place, six foot down in the ground",rumbled Marcush as he shoved Maliar "You want to do this he?",said Maliar angrily "Bring it!",smiled Marcush Maliar lunged towards Marcush to take him down to the ground but Marcush dodged and shoved Maliar to the ground. "You old dog!",yelled Marcush Maliar leapt up and grabbed Marcush by the throat, "Old am I" smiled Maliar A low grunt came from Maliar, Marcush smiled "No more need for you, Darmsho said Thank you for coming out of hiding" Maliar released this hold on Marcush's throat his hands were pushing on his chest. Slowly lowered a blood soaked short blade, Marcush walked closer to Maliar and slashed his throat. Maliar's lifeless body collapsed knees first to the ground. Marcush faced the others and boomed,"Anyone have a problem with my command" The group remained quiet for a while,"Good I hope we won't have anymore problems. Now lets go get some horses." "Sir, there is a small village two miles south west of here",replied Knok "Good",replied Marcush The Hunters sprinted to the village, soon the Hunters reached the village. "This is a village?",laughed Knok "Hey ass hole this is the village I grew up in",replied Blitz "Ok calm down",said Marcush The Hunters walked around the empty village, "Marcush, look" pointed out the Silver Moon banner. "So, what.",said Marcush as he turned to Knok with his hair on edge. "Back off", replied Knok "What is your problem?!",yelled Blitz "I am going to be killed if I do not find Xau", yelled Marcush Blitz looked at Knok and then at Marcush "What, why?" "Darmsho is threatened by Xau, he wants to end him",replied Marcush "I though that Xau and Darmsho were best friends", said Knok "No, not after Darmsho took Rainia from him", said Marcush "So why would Darmsho kill you?", replied Blitz "Every lead he had I was sent and failed, he is done with his failure and blames me." Marcush moved through the village further and startled a few horses "He found some horses",said Knok happily The Hunters mounted and raced to the southern ocean of Wolftrine

Chapter 3

The morning air was crisp with the scent of burnt Maple woods from the pervious day. Danthrou began to shake off the frost when he noticed Rainia was gone along with the bag of coins. "Estra",said Danthrou as he shook Estra "What, what, is, it?",replied Estra sleepily "Rainia is gone, along with the gold coins" Estra quickly stood up and began questioning Danthrou,"What golden coins? Where is who? A tricking me again?" "No, this is not a joke, this time",exclaimed Danthrou Estra began brushing off frost from her arm as Danthrou started a fire. A snap of a twig grabbed the pair's attention. It was Rainia walking in from the woods," Awake at last" "Where are the coins?",questioned Danthrou "Oh, they are not by the tree?" "No",said in a somewhat angered voice "We must have been robbed in the night sometime or another",replied "Bull shit!",boasted Danthrou Rainia shivered,"Kid stop this now" "What am I doing I am certainly not accusing you of Stealing the coins for ..." Rainia silenced Danthrou by slapping his face, Danthrou lowered his head "Listen hear pup, I did not take the bag of coins" "He ..." "Stop!",yelled Rainia as she cut off Estra. "We are wasting precious time",said Rainia as stomped out the fresh fire and readied her items and began walking alone. Rainia looked behind to see Estra and Danthrou moving slowly as they gathered their items. "Come on or I am leaving you behind",boasted Rainia to the pair. Soon after Estra and Danthrou were only a few feet behind Rainia. The three of them They remained quiet as they made their way east. Upon reaching the vast valley between the Greater and Lesser Mountain ranges a covey of quails took flight. Danthrou was startled by the sudden rush of sound,"Damn birds",said Danthrou. The whistle of an arrow flew through the air and the thud as the arrow hit a quail in flight. "Yes",said Estra proudly "Go get it and gut it, we are not stopping to eat until night",ordered Rainia "Alright",replied Estra lowly "Danthrou gather edible plants as we travel",said Rainia A still quiet fell over the group once more until they reached a pond. Danthrou searched for moving water near the pond, Danthrou found a small flowing vein of water and knelt down to collect the water. As he filled the container he noticed a foot print, Danthrou slowly stood up and walked back to Rainia. Estra and Rainia were busy starting a fire to cook the quail and some of the deer meat. As Danthrou got closer to the pair he began to speak softly,"Rainia I think we have a problem" "What is it now",replied Rainia as she cut the dried meat from the rest of the cuts. Danthrou knelt down next of Rainia and began speaking,"I found a track near the stream on the other side of the pond" Rainia stood up with a chunk of meat at hand and walked over to Estra. "Estra take up your bow and arrows we have an unwelcome visitor" "Understood" Estra sung her bow and quiver over her shoulder, "I'll be back from the hunt" "Happy hunting",said Danthrou as he brought over a chunk of meat over to the fire. Estra began heading towards a thick patch of saplings and tall grasses and was out of view. "Kid you go to the pine clump" "No, I will not leave you unprotected" "Just go, now" "Yes, Rainia" With Danthrou gone Rainia hoped the mystery person would come out and show himself. Rainia knelt down and arranged her bow and arrow so if a potential attacker appeared she could take them out. To her luck someone did show them self, "Who are you",yelled Rainia "I am Rox and I am your death, I saw the gold in your bag" "I no longer have it, it was stolen",said Rainia "Likely story",replied Rox as he moved towards Rainia with a blade at hand. "You will give me your coins, NOW!", yelled Rox Rainia took her bow and stood up, the thief Rox threw his blade and hit her in the chest. Rainia fell to the ground, "I told you I was your death",smiled Rox Rox moved closer to Rainia the thief went to the packs and began throwing out items. Once he was done he knelt next to Rainia and began searching her for any hidden valuables. "What is this", said Rox as he took a gold coin from Rainia "I knew you had the gold, no matter. I'll kill your friends if they don't tell me where the gold is. Maybe I'll start with the boy, now where did ..." Rox's mouth was gapped open as he was choking. Rainia had sunk her fangs deep into Rox, another grunt came from the suffering thief. Rainia released Rox and stood up," You bastard you would have killed me if it were not for the steel baking",said Rainia as she wiped the blood from her mouth then pulled the blade from her chest,"Ump" Rainia rolled Rox over,"You bitch",said Rox. "Not me, her" pointed Rainia to Estra as she made her way back to the camp. Rox breathing began to shorten,"End me now",begged Rox as he sat himself up. "No, you don't deserve a easy death",said Estra as she knocked another arrow "However I will give you this." "Oh, You bitch!",yelled Rox in horrendous pain Danthrou ran up to the scene of a testicle wounded Rox,"Holy shit what the fuck?" "He tried to kill Rainia",said Estra "What, you stupid son of a ...", said an angry Danthrou as he pulled out his long blade on Rox. "Wait, let him suffer",said Rainia as she held Danthrou's arm back. Rox began threatening and cursing the trio as they packed up and began moving away. They traveled for hours until they reached a modest village deep in a willow grove. "Halt!",yelled a voice from in a clump of shaded brush. Surprised the trio took on an attack formation,"Who calls?" questioned Rainia A dark covered figure emerged from it's cover and called,"I, I am Halgren. I am charged to guard the entrance of this village" as he removed his cloak. Danthrou, Rainia and Estra lowered their weapons, "We are Rainia, Danthrou and Estra and we are here to find Xau." "You may pass through as soon as you hand me those weapons to me. Safe passage or fight, your choice", said Halgren as he pressed his spear tip into the ground. Halgren opened a fiber sack Rainia, Estra and Danthrou placed their weapons in the sack. "Thank you for choosing this path, I have had to kill many who choose to keep their weapons", said Halgren "So do you know Xau?" asked Estra as she walked past Halgren, she was fallowed by Danthrou and Rainia. "What would happen if I said yes that I knew where he was. What do you plan on doing to him?" questioned Halgren " We were sent on our own will, we seek to put him back into power of the Silver Moon" replied Rainia " Estra do you have a boyfriend back home" asked Halgren as he moved beside Estra " No" " I don't see why you don't" smiled Halgren as Estra blushed " Enough we are here to do a job and don't have time for his" "Fine, we will what the Elder says. Then maybe Estra we can talk more", said Halgren with a smile. Halgren moved up front and lead the group before they entered the village. As they traveled through the village the people stared at the new comers in curiosity. Children stayed close to their mothers or hide back into their homes to safety. "Why do they hide?" ask Danthrou "They are not used to seeing new comers" answered Halgren As they approached a black tent lined with red fabric. Halgren turned around and faced Estra, Rainia and Danthrou. "Now when the Elder comes out you are to knell, do not look him in the eyes" said Halgren as he placed his hand on a fold of fabric. Halgren pulled back the fabric and entered the dark tent. Small muffled sounds came from within the tent, then all went silent inside. A few moments later out walked Halgren. Halgren pulled back the fabric and out walked a half masked figure in golden armor. Halgren released the fabric, "All knell before the Elder" announced Halgren. "Who are the three you have brought to me?" calmly spoke the Elder "Elder this ..." the Elder lifted his hand and stopped Halgren from speaking further. "I want to here them speak for myself", said the Elder While looking down the trio began saying their names but the Elder had them look into his visible eye. Rainia was the first to introduce herself, next Danthrou and Estra last. "Stand, Rainia please fallow me. Halgren get the other two food and get them a place to sleep for the night",said the Elder "Yes, Elder" replied Halgren Estra and Danthrou looked at each other discretely. Rainia stood up and walked to the Elder as he motioned. The Elder lead Rainia into his tent as Estra and Danthrou were escorted to a meal hall. In the tent the Elder and Rainia talked,"Rainia do you know who I am?" asked the Elder "I think I do, you were once the man I loved" replied Rainia "I too loved you once too until you betrayed my love my trust in you" the Elder's voice began to grumble louder as he talked "I did not betray you!" shouted Rainia "You ended everything you were part of my soul you were the thing that brought me any kind of peace. Do you know what that does to a person! DO YOU!" roared the Elder "XAU! I am truly sorry for what pain you went through but I did not betray you" cried Rainia Xau placed his hands on Rainia's face,"Darmsho, shall feel my wrath" "What have you done" question Rainia as she pulled from Xau's hands "Darmsho sent out his little Hunters after me no doubt to kill me, so I sent a message. He should have it at this time, after the Hunters are dead" grinned Xau Xau walked over to a what looked to be cabinet, a squeak of a door rang. "Stay still Rainia I'm getting a candle, I will not hurt you I wish to be gone of you", said Xau as he struck a match and lit the wick, "You and your friends must go back to where you came, oh and tell Thomous hi for me. Now go" "NO!" "What did you say to me?" "I, said no. We have traveled all this way just to find you" "I guess you wasted your time, I seek only making Darmsho's life a living hell" "You will not change anything and only make things worse for you and everyone near you" "Who, who is near me. These people, I couldn't care less for them" "They listen to you" cried Rainia "They fear me, that is why they listen to me" growled Xau as he walked towards Rainia "Please" begged Rainia as she grabbed his hands and stood up "You do not have to do this" "It's too late now to change what is about to happen, the Hunters will die. This is all I can promise to you and also you will leave me." "You know that I still love you, don't you" questioned Rainia "I do, but I no longer feel the same love for you as I did before", said Xau as he opened the tent, "Please go, in the morning you may collect your weapons and leave" "Take care of yourself, Xau", said after she kissed Xau's cheek. Rainia touched Xau's shoulder and touched her nose to his chin and slowly shed walked out trailing her hand over his shoulder and chest. "Live well" whispered Xau as he closed the tent. Rainia walked around asking for directions to the meal tent, she finally found the tent. Inside the well lite tent was filled with music, song and dance. Danthrou stumbled up to Rainia and placed his arm around her shoulder,"Rainia, you goat to tie this stuff", said Danthrou in slurred speech. Rainia took Danthrou to a seat and placed him in it. "Your very pretty lady" laughed Danthrou "Hush Danthrou and drink, where is Estra?" "We, we ate and drank, yes. She went with a, a man alone" "Who!", said Rainia as she shook Danthrou " Hal, Halgren" " Where did they go?" yelled Rainia as she picked up Danthrou " To the woods" replied after he stopped laughing " Son of a BITCH!" yelled Rainia as she tore through the tent moving towards the woods. Rainia stopped around the dark cold woods for any sight of Halgren and Estra. Rainia came upon a creek suddenly the cold was ripped by a scream of shear pain and terror. " Oh God no" said Rainia as she ran towards where the scream sounded. A few more screams sound once and a while it seemed like forever until Rainia found a patch of blood. Rainia drew her bow and knocked an arrow and began chasing the screams. The blood trail was lost and the screams ended. " Estra!" yelled Rainia " Rainia!" sounded a soft female voice Rainia chased towards the voice, she crossed over a few hills and found Estra with Xau. Estra ran to Rainia crying, "Rainia I am so sorry, I didn't mean to ..." as she wrapped her arms round Rainia " Stop it is not your fault, it's not your fault", said Rainia as she hugged Estra back Rainia let go of Estra and went up to Xau and pushed him back, "You knew! You sick bastard!" " Stop Rainia, he helped me he stopped Halgren before he could ..." " What", said Rainia as she face Xau " He stopped Halgren" Rainia looked back a Xau only to see him disappear into the woods. " Come, Estra let's get back to the village" Estra wiped tears from her eyes, Rainia put away her bow and arrow. Rainia walked beside Estra and walked her home. " That way" pointed Estra The pair walked through the woods until they came up to a horribly mutilated hanging body in a tree. Estra let out a shrill,"It's ok, it's ok. He cannot harm you" reassured Rainia " I am not him I'm afraid of the Elder he scares me. I have been afraid before but not like this. " Xau is one of the most feared of all of Wolftrine' " Who" " The Elder is Xau",said Estra shocked " Come lets leave this place",said Rainia A wind picked up and caused the bowels to spill out to the forest floor. Rainia and Estra walked up to their tent, Rainia opened the flap to the tent and gestured Estra into the tent. " You get some sleep now Estra" " Yes, Rainia" Rainia began heading back to Xau's tent to find it empty, Rainia turned around to head back to her tent. " What are you doing here" said Xau Rainia gasped,"Looking for you" " What do you want" asked Xau " I wanted to thank you for protecting Estra" breathed Rainia " No thanks needed. Rainia you don't sound like your usual collective self" " It has been a while" " What has been a while" " Many things and the fear you cause to friends and foes alike" the night moon shown through the thick snow clouds past by. " You can stay longer, if you want to" Xau removed his mask, the large scare on this left eye seemed to glow blue in the moonlight, " I almost forgot your scare" " Sure, how could anyone forget this scare" lightly deeply laughed Xau Xau waved on Rainia, " You still act like a king" smiled Rainia as she turned and walked to her tent. Xau slowly turned and entered his tent as well.

Chapter 4

4 MONTHS LATER

In the late morning sun the Hunters had made it to the Southeast ocean coast. "Hold!" commanded Marcush Knok and Blitz got off their horses to find anything to eat along the shore line. As Blitz turned around to look at Marcush he saw his horse fall down. " God, no!" yelled Blitz Blitz ran to the side of his horse, he took his two fingers and touched its nose. He looked at his fingers,"Blood, Marcush we need to stop for one day or else we are going to lose the horses" begged Blitz "Why should we stop, just so you can let your horse live. I think not" said Marcush as he got off his horse. "Look, it is not only my horse but Knok and yours too" "Did you find any food" asked Marcush "Not yet" "How can you not, it's right there" "Where?" questioned Blitz Marcush took his bow and arrow off the saddle and strung the arrow. Blitz looked around and realized what he was talking about, "Don't you do it" "Or what, are you going to kill me" "I just might" replied Blitz as he took up his sword "You will go down before you get a chance, don't be stupid. Blitz stepped forward and Marcush pulled the arrow back. The string creaked with tension. "MAKE YOUR MOVE!" yelled Blitz "Ok, you ready" "Bring it" Blitz took a batters stance with his sword, the bow creaked again as Marcush pulled back the arrow further. Marcush's eyes were fixed on Blitz then on Knok's horse then Knok and back to Blitz. "NO!" yelled Knok as he ran back along the shore towards Marcush The arrow whistled as it fell through the air and "Splash!" a shark began thrashing in the water 10 feet away from Blitz. "There's dinner",said Marcush as he put his bow back on the saddle. "Knok" "Yes?" "Get some dry wood would you" "Yah, sure" replied an out of breath Knok Blitz went to his horse and took a blanket from his saddle bag and soaked it in the water. Then he went to his horse and cover it with the wet blanker. "Rest now" said Blitz to his horse seeming, to know what he meant it grunted back. Blitz then went to the shark and pulled it into onto his shoulder,"Damn Marcush nice catch, for a minute I though you were going to kill Knok" "I planned on it, you keep him away from me. I don't trust him" "Alright, you want to bring the horses up to the trees and tie them up" Marcush walked up to Blitz,"No problem" replied Marcush Knok returned to the camp with the wood. "Over here" yelled Blitz. Knok walked towards Blitz,"Where are the horses" Blitz pointed his bloody finger to the tied horses, Blitz took his sword and "Thud!" and blood splattered and the sharks head fell to the ground. "I thought for a second Marcush was going to kill my horse" "He was going to worse, you just stay away from him. Understand" "Yes, why does he not trust me" "He said you are to green" "What" "You are unexperienced" "So" "Hunters usually have previous training in assassinations, wars and battles. You have never been in anything like them" "SO What!" yelled Knok as he followed Blitz around with the shark "What the fire is not going yet!" yelled Marcush "Knok was just getting to it, go" ordered Blitz pointing to the pile of wood "Right away, sir" in a cocky manner. Knok walk sluggishly to the pile as Blitz washed out the shark and took it back up to the fire pit site that was just started. "How the hell did you start that so quick?" asked Marcush "Birch bark, it starts up in fire in no time" "Good job" said Marcush as he patted Knok on the shoulder Marcush walked over to the horses and took off a pot from Knok's saddle. Marcush walked to the the shoreline. Blitz walked over to Knok with the shark, "Don't trust him",said Blitz as he stuck the shark on spike near the fire. "How long do you think horses need to rest" "In my opinion I'd say two days time since we rode them hard for four days" "But, in my opinion we better get a move on when we get done eating" announced Marcush as he walked up with a filled pot. Marcush covered the pot and pushed it amongst the red hot coals. "Blitz go into the woods and find some fresh water for the horses",asked Marcush "Sure" replied Blitz Knok watched Blitz as he disappeared into the forest. Knok slowly turned away from where he was starring to the fire, Marcush pulled out his sword and poked the shark. Knok tried not to notice but when he put the blade into the sand and walked near Knok. "Come here damn you" ordered Marcush "Back off" Marcush dropped his sword and picked up Knok by the scruff of this neck, "You will stand, NOW!" ,yelled Marcush Knok punched Marcush in the face with a right blow knocking him down to the ground. Marcush quickly stood up and drew his sword and backed away from Marcush. "Come ON! I'm not taking your shit anymore!" yelled Knok Marcush stood up and shook his head. "Good, now I see who you really are" said Marcush as he pulled his sword Knok stormed after Marcush with his sword raised high, Marcush countered with his sword. "How did you ever earn the title Hunter" "I am engaged to Heather" "How would she take you as her mate, why you!" yelled Marcush as he low high swung his sword. Knok was barley able to block the attack. "She liked my spirit" As he spoke the two continued there battle,"You are weak, you are nothing, why would Darmsho allow you engage Heather." "I will kill you here and now" boasted Knok The two fought with great ferocity, they traded blows equally. The horses bayed as they got close, the horses kicked. Dust flew through the air, Marcush's sword sliced through a horses neck. Blood sprayed over the two, the battle stopped for a minute. The dust settled down, the two warriors were breathing hard. Blood sapped from there wounds. The battle once ensued once more. Knok went for a straight attack and it hit Marcush in the gut. Marcush swung his sword as he fell to his knees and cut Knok's sternum. Knok swung his sword and cut off Marcush's left arm, loud screams of pain filled the shore line. "It's time to end you" said the triumphant Knok. Knok swung his sword down to halve Marcush's head. "THUNK!" "How, who, Blitz?" Blitz walked to the side of Knok and Marcush, "You fought good Knok" said Blitz as he knocked another arrow. "Please in the back of my head" plead Knok "Sure, close your eyes" said Blitz as he unsheathed his sword and made his way around behind Knok. The blade shined in the sun then sung it's way through and appeared again in crimson red. "Blitz, help me up." "No" "Fuck you!" said Marcush as he pushed himself with his sword. "There you go, be careful your loosing blood" "I cannot take this shit" said Marcush as he gripped his sword in his right hand a swung. Blitz easily blocked the strike, "I warned you" Marcush dropper to his knees and released his sword, Blitz walked over in front of Marcush and kicked away the sword and knelt down. "You know I would have helped you if I was not working with Xau" "You bastard you knew where Xau was this whole time" "I didn't just know where he was I lied to Darmsho where Xau was" Blitz leaned closer to Marcush, "Knok was right, you are going to die" Marcush began coughing blood and laughing "What is so, FUNNY?" said Blitz as he bit his lower lip and grabbed Marcush's face forcefully and squeezed. But, Marcush kept laughing and spit blood in Blitz's face. "I'm going to enjoy this, uh" Blitz fell to the sand, blood dribbled on his chin. When Blitz got up and pulled a piece of drift wood from his upper sternum. Marcush laughed and Blitz grabbed his head and began pulling and twisting. "Crack, crack, POP!" Blitz had ripped Marcush's head off. Blitz dropped the head and stumbled up to the horses and cut them free and got up on one. Blitz's breathing grew shallow, "Fuck me" said Blitz as he got on the horse, Blitz kicked the horse to get it moving. Blitz rode the horse along the shore line in hopes of finding a village. With each step Blitz's wound became worse causing him to cough more blood soon the horse's neck was bathed in his blood. Blitz decided to lay down on top of the horse. "This, is, the end" said Blitz before he was lost to the ocean. Back at Darmsho's palace the he had just retired for the night as an army mobilized. The pounding of armor rang through the castle halls, battle formation commands echoed over the lands.

Chapter 5

"Estra" whispered Xau to her. Xau stood up from her side and went to the pan of water that was sitting on a table beside Estra. "Estra wake UP" said Xau forcefully before he poured the near freezing water on top on Estra. Estra sprang wake trembling in her soaked blanket, "What the hell!" said Estra with her arms covering her chest. "Now you wake up" "I am so sorry" Xau walked over to the wood stove and started a fire, "Get warmed up and come out to the horse barns, ok" "Yes sir" Xau walked out of the tent and walked out to the horse barns where he met Danthrou. "How is Thomous these days?" "He was good until four years ago" "What do you mean?" "He died defending me from raiders, he killed them all before his wounds took ill. "He did not deserve to die to sickness" said Danthrou as a couple tears traced down his cheek. "I knew your brother as my friend, and my brother. I have taken the liberty of giving you 1300 acres of land." said Xau as he handed a scroll to Danthrou "I had promised the land to your brother it is only right" Danthrou took the scroll and looked Xau in the face then back down, "Your right it does not matter, my brother will never be here" "Not true he is buried on the land in the house he wanted to live in" said Xau "Can I ask ..." "How I got this scare" "Yes" "I had taken on a small group of soldiers of 15. I had an ax and a sword at hand at the time. They fought valiantly but they were not trained and easily defeated. My friend Darmsho was riding down the hill with his long sword and charged at me. I blocked this attack, he turned his horse and charged once more. That time I thrusted my sword and cut deep into his abdomen, the sword fell down as he turned in towards me with the horse. He fell off his horse, he laid on the ground as I approached him I threw my ax into the ground and picked up my sword. I stood beside him, as I bent over to check his pulse he took his knife and cut my face. I backed away from him to recover, I had dropped my sword. When I turned around I saw him walk towards me with two swords at hand. I ran to my ax and took it up, I deflected Darmsho's attacks. Darmsho pinned me between two trees, I was sure I was dead" "What did you do" "I threw my ax at his feet, with him looking down I rushed and grabbed his wrists and forced him to release the swords. Once the swords dropped I pushed my hand deep into his thigh and the other hand I gripped his throat. Darmsho cried and begged for me to release him, I picked him up and threw him into a tree in hopes of breaking his back. I left him to die, unfortunately he lived" "Why did you leave the Silver Fang territories?" asked Danthrou "To many memories of my past that I no longer wanted, so I left and tried a new beginning here." "Makes since" "Come let us quit talking of this matter" "Sure" "What are you talking about, me" said Estra in a red cloth "No. We weren't talking about you" replied Danthrou nervously Xau smiled, "Come you two" said Xau as he opened the door. The smell of fresh hay, straw and horse filled the air around them as they walked into the barn. Horses grunted and bayed as the three of them walked through the hall of stalls. They walked for a distances until they came up to a stall with a carved door. Xau stopped and faced the two, "Estra I wish you to have my prized horse" Xau opened the door to reveal midnight colored horse. "Xau, I cannot take this" "I insist that you do you should not have gone through what you did last night" "What happened?" asked Danthrou "She will tell you when or if she wants to" Estra hugged Xau deeply, Xau breathed deep in shock. Danthrou hid a laugh. "Thank you" said Estra as she walked over to the horse and stroked it's nose. "Danthrou you can take these horses and some of my guards" "Where am I going?" asked Danthrou warily "You are going to your land" "Xau, I am eternally grateful to you Xau" Xau put his hand at his stomach and nodded. Xau walked out of the horse barn as the two were admiring Estra's new horse. Rainia walked up behind the two and spoke, "What are you two doing in the stall" The pair jumped in surprise of hearing Rainia talking, "Don't do that Rainia" laughed Estra "Are you trying to kill us" asked Danthrou as he tried to catch his breath "You didn't answer my question what are you doing in the stall" aske Rainia as she crossed her arms an leaned against the door beam. "Xau gave me 1300 acres of land and guards" said Danthrou in excitement "He gave me this beautiful horse" Rainia stood up, "Where did he go" "Why" asked "NOW, WHERE did he, GO!" snarled Rainia Estra and Danthrou stood back in shock. "WHERE!" yelled Rainia as she punched the beam. The horses bayed, stomped and kicked in there stalls. The beam creaked, "He went out that door" pointed Danthrou Rainia stormed out the barn and headed towards Xau's tent. Rainia entered the tent and found it clean and empty besides a letter in the middle of the floor. Rainia went to the letter, as she knelt down a tear landed on the letter. She took the letter in hand and walked outside and read to herself, "Rainia I have grown too close to the two you traveled with. You have brought back too much memories of the past that may jeprodize what I have worked so hard towards." Rainia ripped the letter into pieces and stormed back to the horse barns. She slammed the doors open and went to the nearest stale and robe the horse out as if the fires of hell were hot on it's tail. Rainia ran the horse north, Rainia found Xau after a couple hours of running the horse hard. As Rainia got closer and Xau turned to see who was running towards him. Rainia got closer until she jumped and tackled Xau to the ground. Rainia pushed him to the ground, "You are a fucking coward, is this all you are going to do is run. Where is the old Xau I used to know" screamed Rainia. Xau flipped over Rainia to the ground and pressed her arms to the ground, "He is locked away, until I am ready to let him out" ,replied Xau as he stood up. Rainia laid on the ground looking at Xau, "Where will you go?" "To the Vel'Heir" Rainia stood up and looked to see where Xau was but nothing gave evidence of where he traveled. As she turned around something struck her neck, her vision became darkened and her heart began to beat in fear, then nothing.

Chapter 6

7 MONTHS LATER

"My King" said a guard as he entered the great hall. "What is it now?" asked Darmsho as he wrapped his old wounds and stitched his large wound on his abdomen. "My King the Hunters are dead" said the guard as he knelt on the floor "It has been four years and these wounds have not healed, today I feel pain. I know how killed the Hunters." "Who if I may ask my King" "Xau. Is my army ready" "Yes, my King" "Good, Bron, good. Ready my horse" Bron stood up and walked out the doors and closed them before he left. Bron ran down the halls to a spiral staircase and ran up to the top of a tower. On the roof was a hawk, Bron took a piece of paper out of is pocket and tied it to the hawk's leg. Bron perched the hawk on this arm, as he raised his arm the hawk began to flap it's wings and fly away into the sky. Bron watched the hawk until it flew into the sun, Bron turned and headed down the staircase. Once down to ground level Bron went to the barracks and talked with other village leaders and commanders that were loyal to Xau. Before they could make a plan Darmsho walked in and the room went silent, "Ah good, you are going over battle plans" All in the room knelt down, "Yes my King" spoke a commander "Now we will move to where the Hunters were killed then we move on after we gain more information on Xau's position. "Darmsho, my King. He must be gone by now" ,said Bron As Darmsho walked towards Bron he began taping on his sword's handle with his fingers. He walked around the room until coming to Bron and stopped, "Good idea" said Darmsho as he quit tapping "You shale take your territories' army and you can lead them and bring Crystal with you too" "Yes my King" "Rise, all of you" The commanders stood up, "To the rise of Silver Moon" Darmsho smiled and walked out of the room. Bron put his short blade back into his sheath. "We need to end his conquest, now before it is to late" said a commander to the others after he locked the door. "I agree, who else feels this way" asked a second commander "I will see if I can rally support within the Wolchur and her surrounding territories" "Bron be careful, Wolchur may take you as an attacker. You are now under Darmsho's control" "This is known" replied Bron Before Bron left the room he added,"We will continue this meeting later, until then we are all under Falzure" Bron slammed the door shut as he left. As he made his way to the horse stall he was met by a female warrior in blood colored armor. "Crystal?" The warrior nodded her head in acknowledgement. "Come with me. What is the problem with you, cat got your tongue?" Bron looked at her to see she had opened her mouth to reveal her tongue was missing. Bron turned his head and looked forward. Bron and Crystal walked into he horse stalls and readied Darmsho's horse and there own. "Crystal would you be able to get some dried meats, water and some heavy blankets" asked Bron Crystal nodded and walked into the store room while Bron saddled the horses and checked the ropes. Crystal came back and put the bags of supplies on the horses. While Bron was tying the last leather strap in walked Darmsho. "Is my horse ready" "Yes Darmsho" I conversation to themselves Bron asked, "Cannot Crystal speak" "She has taken some sort of vow" Bron leaned back away from Darmsho. "Your horse my King" ,said Bron as he handed the ranges to Darmsho. As he got atop of his horse and rode out into the yard of his castle then out the gates. Crystal pushed away Bron and walked over to the horse with a white face and black body. She took her bow and arrow from the saddle on the horse's back. She knocked an arrow a pulled back, the arrow aimed at the back of Darmsho was is site. Bron saw this in time and moved into the direction of the arrow making Crystal lower her arrow. Crystal slowly released the tension on her bow and threw it down in anger. Crystal stomped her foot to the ground breaking the bow then turned and walked towards a beam. Crystal punched the beam with such power she split it. Crystal placed her forehead to the beam and began crying. Bron went to her, he placed hand on her shoulder. Crystal stopped her crying and looked towards Bron. "He will die. But not here not now" Crystal stood up and turned to Bron "I promise you this" ,said Bron as he put his finger to his lips in hush. Crystal hugged Bron. "Come come on lets get a move on" Bron broke the hug and got on his horse, Crystal too got on her horse and began there journey to the village of Aspen.

5 MONTHS LATER

Bron and Crystal have finally made it to the territory of the Aspen Village. "You know what Crystal, I think I like you better than my wife" Crystal gave a questioning look to Bron, as he laughed he said "You don't speak much" Crystal rode her horse closer to Bron then punched him in the shoulder "Ow, that hurt" said Bron as he smiled and Crystal smiled back "Wow, look at that. You can smile" Crystal blushed and hurried her horse forward. As the entered the village a group of children rushed to the pair and welcomed them to the village with open arms. As the pair rode on the children were asking questions. "Where are you from?" "Who are you?" "What are you doing here?" Bron and Crystal smiled at the children as they jumped up and down reaching to pet the horses. Bron answered,"I am Bron and this is my friend Crystal we are traveling from the Silver Fang" "Can I have a coin begged a small boy" "What for" asked Bron as he took out a gold coin and showed it to the boy "Food sir" replied the boy "Fallow me and you can earn more" "Yes! Sir" Bron and Crystal rode there horses to the horse stable. "Boy, tie the horses up" "Yes sir" "Crystal come with me" said Bron as he put his hand out to help Crystal off her horse. Bron got off his horse next and took a small and a large leather bag from his travel bag. "Boy, watch these horses until we come back to collect them I will give you this bag filled with gold coins" as he showed the boy the bag "I can do better than that I'll feed and water them" "My young friend you got yourself a deal" "What is your name sir if I may ask" "I am Bron, the leader of the village I am here to free us from Darmsho" said Bron softly. Bron walked towards the crowded village center "Attention I am Bron. I have returned to deliver some news" The crowd stopped and surrounded Bron giving him a 10 foot radius of clear space. The crowd was silent except for one individual "Why now have you returned, while we fight to take more land for your Darmsho! Why is it we are dressed in rags while you are in the fine armor" the crowd started to murmur. "Calm, calm my friends. Things are bad now I know, but plans are in action to change your lives. Your children's lives and all the lives in Wolftrine." "How?" questioned the individual "I cannot say, all I ask is that you stay compliant with me for one more year" "No! We have been compliant for far to long. Rise with me my brothers together we will end Bron and then Darmsho once Wolchur takes us back" The crowd cheered in approval, the individual kept ramping up the crowd until a arrow entered his chest. The individual disappeared amongst the crowd. Bron looked back where the arrow might have originated to find Crystal on the roof of a building near Bron. "Now will you comply or do you want to end up like him killed by a soldier of Darmsho" said Bron as he pointed out Crystal The crowd yelled in anger and ran to the building and rushed inside in hope of catching the murderer. Bron smiled as he watched Crystal jump roof top to roof top. The last he saw of Crystal was her heading East into the woods. Bron went to the building yelling, "NO! TO THE WOODS TO THE WEST!" "GET THE ASSASSIN!" yelled another A flood of villagers came swarming out of the house and into the woods. Bron quietly made his way East back to where the horses were tied. Upon reaching the the horses he saw the boy and Crystal sitting. Crystal had spotted Bron and began walking towards him. "I'm glade you got away safe, I though they might have g ..." said Bron before he was caught off guard by Crystal's powerful punch to the face. "I know I should have included you in on the plan" Crystal turned around and went to get on the horse, "Hang on Crystal" said Bron as he walked up to his and took out a length of rope "I have another plan" Crystal tilted her head in questioning "Let me take you back into town as a prisoner" Crystal gave a cold stare and made a fist"Once you are taken prisoner I will have you taken to the palace prison from their you breakout and ride two days east. From there I shale meet you in one day's time, sound like a plan" asked Bron Crystal nodded "Ok, come on" Crystal walked up to Bron and turned around and held her hands together while Bron tied her wrists. Bron tied a little tight and Crystal growled, "Sorry" replied Bron "Now to warn you you might get hurt I will try and protect you as much as I can" Crystal nodded in acknowledgement. Bron lead Crystal into the village square with her hands held behind her head. A villager saw them entering the village and yelled for all to hear "Bron captured the assassin!" A couple villagers came out from the woods and ran up towards Bron. As they reached for the rope that bound her wrists together. "I have her, just take me to the palace prison" "Why" "It is your palace" "She could have scouts" The two villagers looked at each other in knowing of there moronic thinking. "We are sorry Bron we though you were not who you said you were" ,said one villager as he turned to Bron. Bron began walking to his palace fallowed by the two villagers.

CHAPTER 7

Rainia awoke from a deep sleep, as her eyes adjusted to the morning light she looked around paniced. She pulled the blanket off and stretched her body, she looked down a the seat of a chair next yo the bed to see a small package. She sat down on the bed and took the package in her hands and opened it to reveal a letter and golden necklace as Rainia read the letter a tear ran down her eye. Rainia took the necklace in hand and squeezed it tight. Rainia took a quick breath, Rainia put on her undergarment and walked out of the room down to the caretaker's desk. "Can I help you" ,asked the young women "I need two things" "Ok" "Where is the nearest pub and a hot bath." "Here is a sack that he left for you ..." ,said the caretaker as she pulled a large leather sack from under her desk, "as for the bath you can go down that hall and left the fifth hall on the right" ,said the caretaker as she pointed to the hall. "Which direction did the man travel" "What man?" Rainia grabbed the caretaker by her shoulders "WHERE IS HE!" ,yelled Rainia as she shook the women "Do you want to kill him" ,asked the caretaker "Not at this moment" "I see, you love him don't you" Rainia released the women and stepped back, the caretaker looked at Rainia for a moment. "You have to realize this he cannot show weakness. Just leave him alone until he his done doing what he must" Rainia began to head down the hall with her head held low. "I can tell you this" said the caretaker with some volume which made Rainia stop and turn her head "he is ready to take back what is his" "How do you know?" ,asked Rainia "He has many friends around in secret" ,replied the caretaker. Rainia was filled with happiness at the knowledge of this. After a few minutes out walked Rainia into the hallway with a little cheer to her steps. Until she could see looked down the hallway to the desk of the caretaker to see her body laying lifeless a floor in blood. Rainia ran to the caretakers' side "Who did this to you" "I don't know" Rainia put pressure on the wound on her side. The caretaker began to look around the room, Rainia wrapped cloth tight across the wound. "Stay here, don't move" said Rainia calmly as she handed the women a short blade Rainia went to her room. Rainia came to find the women sitting in the corner behind desk. Rainia went to the side of the women with a box. Rainia opened the box to reveal medicines and tools. "Please lay back down" The caretaker moved away from the wall and laid down on the floor. Rainia began to clean the wound only to be stopped a couple times for when he women coughed in pain. Rainia began dressing the wound as soon as she was done stitching the wound. "Where did you get that medical box" ,asked the women "A healer in the room across from my room" "Remind my to give him a free night" smiled the caretaker Rainia smiled back. Rainia help stand up the caretaker, "Please go call for my mate. My mate will take care of me" "Where is he" "Room 23" Rainia sat the caretaker down in a chair, Rainia walked back to where she had laid and picked up the blade and placed it in the women's' hand. "I'll be back with him soon as I can" The caretaker nodded, Rainia turned and went down the hall to room 23. Upon reaching room 23 Rainia could hear a man and woman moaning in pleasure. Rainia looked back at the caretaker and saw her with her head down. Rainia broke through the door as the caretaker's mate covered himself and the female with a blanket. Rainia walked into the room and pulled the man out of the bed. "YOUR MATE WAS JUST ATTACKED, GET YOUR ASS OUT THERE AND HELP HER!" yelled a ferious Rainia "I am not her mate" said the scared male "I am" said the female "I don't care get out there now" The female stood up and took a blanket and covered up and ran to her mate. "Are you ok" asked the female as she dropped to her knees The caretaker nodded her head "I will be leaving now, will you be alright" announced Rainia as she walked up to the couple. "She will be alright",said the kneeling female Rainia went up to her room and put on her armor and her other belongings. Rainia opened the door and was met by the caretaker with her mate. "He went North" said the caretaker in a soft voice "Who, the thief" "Your friend" "Thank you" said Rainia as she handed her the sack that Xau left her. "We don't need this it was a gift to you" "But the money that was stolen from you" "It was not much actually, mostly cheap metal with a few gold coins" "They might come back" "You want me to stay" "No, June and Mark can handle the thief. June please leave us alone for a while" "Sure" ,said June in a worried tone. "Please come in" said Rainia as he lead the caretaker in to sit on the bed. The women sat down with a breath of pain. Rainia grabbed a chair and sat in front of the women. They sat silent for a time, Rainia looked out the window to see it nearly eight suns above the tree tops. "I really have to get a move on, do you want to talk to me or not" "My name is Xellia, please take me with you" "Why" "I am sick of June being untrue to me" "Do you know how to ride" "Yes" Rainia leaned towards Xellia, "Can you get packed quickly" "Yes, I can" "Thank you" said Xellia as she hugged Rainia "I suggest you get ready now, are you well enough to leave now" ,replied Rainia "Better than you or the others think I am" Rainia stood up and walked to the door as she turned around she took in a breath in shock that Xellia was standing right in front of her. Rainia faced the hallway and walked out Xellia soon fallowed. "You didn't get robbed did you" "Yes I did, but it was my mate that attacked me" "Get your stuff now" "I'm ready" Rainia turned and began heading to the exit of the tavern, upon reaching the door June yelled down the hall. "Where the hell do you think your going Xellia" "I'm leaving" "The hell you are" said June as she walked right up to Xellia and raised her hand. Rainia stepped in between the two and quickly June lowered her hand. "She is leaving" "No she is not, she is my mate and she will do as I say" "I AM LEAVING NOW!" yelled Xellia with her hands clenched June tried to push Rainia out of the way as she went after Xellia. Rainia pushed back June from Xellia. "You do not own me!, if I want to leave she can leave" June pulled out a dagger, "You are not leaving me" Rainia grabbed June's hand to stop the thought in her mind. "If she is your mate why do you fuck around with others" June tightened her grip on the dagger, "I am her Alpha! I make the rules!" "NO!" yelled Xellia as she punched June to the ground "Enough, I am done with you" ,said June as she cried. Xellia walked out of the tavern and was soon fallowed by Rainia "Good for you, now let's go get some supplies" Xellia grabbed the cloth around her wound and tightened it. Xellia and Rainia went to the nearest market and bought what they needed for the long trip ahead. "I have not been to the market in such a long time" ,said Xellia "Why not" asked Rainia as she was picking smoked fish. "June was too controlling, I gave me a home and she took my freedom" Rainia and Xellia began moving vendor to vendor, pushing past the crowd. The market smelled rich in smoke, fresh breads, meats and pies. Rainia looked around the market, "Beg my pardon but this village is mostly populated by females" "That is why I want to leave. I want to start a new life" "You can get that where we are traveling" "Where are we going" ,asked Xellia as she paid the the vendors. "First we will go to the Mirrior territory, then to find Xau" So began a one year journey to the Mirrior territory.

CHAPTER 8

Bron walked down a dark stone hall lined by equally dim and depressing stone doors. He continued walking until he walked to a door with a lit torch next to it, Bron pushed a panel on the door. As the door opened a hand reached out and pulled him inside. "Crystal, wait. It's me" yelled Bron inside the cell Bron walked out with Crystal dressed in prisoner cloths right behind him. Crystal's face was bloodied, Bron took out a moist cloth from his right side sack and dabbed her face. "I'm so sorry, who did this to you. A guard" asked Bron Crystal nodded her head in acknowledgment. Bron placed his hands on her face when he did Crystal pushed her face into his hands. "It is time to go, take this" said Bron as he handed her a stone knuckle brace. Crystal took the knuckle brace and put it on, as Crystal moved her fingers around until if fit just right. "I'll get the guard ..." said Bron before Crystal knocked him out cold. Crystal dragged Bron into the cell just in time. "Bron!" came a voice from down the hall A guard entered the hall and walked down the cell where Crystal was being held. "My Lord?" As the guard got closer to the cell he noticed the door was open and he drew his sword. "Hello, are you here my silent lady" asked the guard with a happy tone. The guard lowered his sword to the ground and proceeded to approach the cell. He took the torch at hand and entered the cell and found Bron bloodied laying on the hard stone floor. The guard rushed to his side and checked the wound on his side. "Huu ..." moaned Bron as the guard touched the wound. "Hang on I'll get you out" said the guard as he looked to the door to see Crystal. "Hello my dear, want to play", grinned the guard as he stood up and began to draw his sword. Crystal growled. The two opponents stood no more than a few feet apart. "I don't want to kill a beautiful creature like you, but I will if I must", said the guard as he pointed the sword at Crystal. Crystal spat in the guard's face, "Fine, have it your way" said the guard in a saddened tone. The guard took a stance and lunged towards Crystal's chest. As she dodged Crystal moved closer. The sword whistled through the air as it sliced the air. "Clang!" rang the blade of the sword as it stuck into the stone wall. Crystal took a rock in hand and bean a vicious attack on the guard. Hands reached under Crystal's arms and pulled her off the guard, "Enough." Crystal broke free and turned around ready to attack once more. Bron grabbed her hand with the rock, "Enough", said Bron calmly. Crystal dropped the rock, "Come let us leave now. I have horses waiting in the stable." Crystal waked away towards the door out of the prison. "I am sorry for what happen" said Bron to the guard as he dragged the body into the cell and locked him inside. Bron chased after Crystal, once to the stables he saw Crystal finishing loading supplies onto the horses. "That's enough" said Bron as he wiped the fake blood from his fur. Bron got seated on the horse. Crystal walked over to the doors and opened them. As she got on a horse Bron said, "We move to the Eastern boarder of Hazel"

Chapter 9

A fire blazed a brilliant orange in the cool darkness of the night. A dark shadow sat silent facing away from the blinding light of the fire as a young pig cooked. Juices dewed on the crisp golden skin of the animal, the seated shadow rose slowly and turned to the pig and applied a thick matter from a small container on the skin. The shadow returned to it's former position. The moon's rays penitrtated the tree canopies as leaves dance their shadows over the forest floor. A loud snap from deep within the forest caused the shadow to lean towards the sound and then vanish into the darkness of the trees. "Stomp" "Stomp" "Crack" "Snap!" Then nothing for a time then, "Crack" "Snap" "Stump" All the while the sounds moved ever closer towards the fire a silent shadow moved from tree to tree. A feminine face seemed to melt through the the veil of darkness and into the light of the fire. "Hello. Anyone here?" asked the women cautiously as she approached the fire. The women knelt down by the fire with hands open towards the flames. A sizzle came every few moments as the fat droplets landed on the red hot coals. The sweet smell of fatty oils filled the night sky. A cloud past in front of the moon and all went dark in the forest except the area around the fire. A chill swept the area along with a slight wind. "Don't move or you will die" ,said a man's voice "Estra, my name is Estra" "What are you doing here, Estra?" "Nothing, just traveling" "Where is Danthrou?" Estra turned with a sharp stick at hand, "Xau?" The cloud in front of the cloud had past and luminated the forest. Estra's eyes adjusted to the light. "Never face the fire, that's a good way to get killed" Estra went over to Xau and hugged him, "It is good to see you" "It's good to see you too" ,replied Xau as he pushed her back and looked into her eyes. "Why are you here at Vel'Heir?" "Please, sit" ,said Xau as he gestured as he sheathed a blackened blade. Xau sat down next to Estra facing away from the fire, "Where is Danthrou?" ,asked Xau. "He went to the northwest in search of a teacher" "For?" "The art of assassination" Xau turned his head away from Estra and punched the ground, "Damn" "What is wrong" ,asked Estra as she placed her hand on his shoulder. Xau looked to Estra, "He will become a man for hire, no one is safe. No one is friend or foe, just a sack of gold sitting on the shoulders." "No, not Danthrou. He wouldn't, he's ..." Xau lifted his hand, "Enough of him" ,said Xau with a pained tone to his voice, "Now you look hungry" "I am a little" ,replied Estra as she placed a hand on her stomach. "Please, take what you want" "Can I use your blade" ,asked Estra as she pointed to the black bladed dagger. Xau pulled a dagger from the other side of his body,"Here you are" Estra gave a questioning look, "You don't want this one" pointed Xau to the black dagger, "No one must use it but me" "Ok" ,replied Estra. Estra got on her knee and began cutting off a hindquarter. As the blade sliced through the flesh juices poured onto the hot coals causing delicious steam to fill the air. Drool began to form around the corners of her mouth as the smell reached her nose. Estra sat back down and began to eat the hindquarter eagerly. Xau watched her eat happily, "Good I take it" said Xau smiling. "Very, good" ,replied Estra in between breaths "Ok, give me the dagger" replied Xau with a laugh. Xau cut off the head and took it back to his patch of warm grass and began eating on the head. Estra looked over to Xau with her lips glistening from the juices of the pig. "That's the nastiest thing I have ever seen" Xau took out an eye ball, "Eye see what you mean" then he ate it. A shrill came from Estra, "That's nasty!" Xau and Estra laughed and looked into each others eyes. "Do, do you, have you ever" ,stumbled Estra as she tried to talk. "What" ,replied Xau calmly with a little laugh in his voice. Estra turned away from Xau's gaze only to have Xau turn her o face him. A questioning burned deep in Estra's eyes. "What?" again asked Xau Spits and snaps came from the fire, "Do you, love Rainia?" Xau backed away and stared into the woods, "I care for Rainia but I am not sure if I love her her. She may have the feelings of love for me, I must put my duty first before my personal pleasures." "I see" replied Estra as she laid down. Xau soon too laid down, the two laid and fell into the darkness of sleep. Estra awoke to the the songs of birds in the air. Vapor cheeped from her mouth as she breathed out. Ice crystals were formed on her body except for her feet which were warmed by the fire. As she stretched she noticed that Xau was gone even any trace of Xau's impression on the ground. The dagger that was used to cut the pig was left on a stone next to the smoldering fire. Estra began to stand up when she heard the shrilling bugle of a bull elk from across the Vel'Heir. Estra walked to the edge of the deep abyss and looked down. The darkness of the Vel'Heir seemed to consume the light as soon as it reached the edge. "Estra!" ,called a women Estra turned around to see a cloaked figure with an arrow knocked back. "Yes, please don't shoot" begged Estra as she put her hands out. The women released the tension on the arrow and bow. With the other hand she removed the hood which concealed her face from sight. "Rainia?" "In the flesh" Estra ran to Rainia, "I'm so happy to see you" ,said Estra as she hugged Rainia. Xellia walked out from behind a tree and walked up to the two. "Who is your friend?" asked Estra "This is Xellia, she and I have been traveling since the Southern Island" "Nice to meet you" ,said Xellia as she walked up to Estra. "You, too" ,replied Estra Estra and Xellia began talking as Rainia walked over to the edge of the Vel'Heir. As she was looking around she noticed a figure across the way. "Who is that?" ,question Rainia Xellia and Estra walked over to Rainia's side, "It could be Xau" "He's here" ,said Rainia in an excited tone,"Xau!" ,yelled Rainia across the way. As Rainia began walking over to Xau a second figure appeared behind Xau. Rainia began running to the aid of Xau. "XAU!" screamed Rainia at the top of her lungs. Xau turned around sword drawn the second figure mimiced Xau. A battle began between the two. Rainia's eyes swelled with tears, Estra and Xellia chased after Rainia with weapons drawn. Rainia caught glimpses of the fight as her tears continually clouded her vision. The clash of swords began to become louder as she got closer. A loud cry of pain filled the air causing Rainia to stop in her tracks to look. Rainia caught a glimpse of Xau falling into the the darkness of the Vel'Heir. "NO!" ,cried Rainia in pain and collapsed to the ground reaching towards the darkness in hope of a hand grabbing hold. Sorrow, fear and pain now became a pure anger. Rainia stood back up and ran to the one who killed Xau. The figure dashed into the woods before she could catch a glimpse of the murders face. Rainia sopped and walked over to the battle site. Rainia walked to the edge of the Vel'Heir and screamed a loud howl as she could into the chasm. Rainia fell to her knees, as she looked down a piece of fabric was caught on a lone root. As she reached for the fabric the ledge began to crumble. "I won't lose this" ,said Rainia to herself. The rock began to give way, Rainia began to fall in. As she clamored to grab hold of anything stable what she found was Xellia and Estra's hands as she grabbed hold the ledge fell into the deep. "Come on Rainia we have you" ,called Estra "We cannot do this forever, come on" ,added Xellia Rainia reached her other arm up and found hold of rock and bean to pull herself up with the help of Xellia and Estra. Rainia bent over took in a couple deep breaths. "Are you ok Rainia?" ,asked Xellia Rainia opened her hand to reveal the fabric. "You almost died for that useless piece of fabric" ,asked Estra Rainia stood up and took hold of Estra's collar "This is a piece of Xau's shoulder cloth" ,replied Rainia as she shook Estra. Xellia put her hand on Rainia's shoulder, "Enough" Rainia released Estra, "I am, sorry" said Rainia as she put the fabric to her heart with her head lowered. "Rainia" "What is it Estra" ,replied Rainia softly "I found this on the ground" ,said Estra as she handed Rainia the black bladed dagger. "Plague" "What?" ,asked Xellia Rainia looked at Xellia, "That is what he named it, be careful not to touch the blade" Estra laid the dagger on Rainia's palm. Rainia wrapped the blade with the fabric from Xau's shoulder cloth and packed it into a side bag on her hip. Rainia walked into the woods with sword drawn ready for a fight while Xellia and Estra piled up rocks near where Xau fell to his death. Rainia soon walked out of the woods with some dry timbers and laid them before the stone pile and set it a blaze. The three women stood silent for a few moments. Rainia broke the silence, "I will continue Xau's work and find his killer. Xellia, Estra. You two don't need to come with me I can do this myself" "I owe him my life" ,said Estra "I will help. I cannot let my best friend do this all by herself" ,replied Xellia "Come, let us travel to find the assassin" ,said Rainia before leaving the fire.

Chapter 10

The fires of war burner wild through the lands of Wolchur and her surrounding territories. Screams of widowed and fatherless children filled the blackening sky. "How do we progress" ,asked Darmsho to a commander from on his horse. "We have taken the Feran leader" ,replied the commander. "Good, good bring him to me at once" "Yes my King" ,replied the commander as he bowed The commander and a few troops went forward into the capital of the city to retrieve the leader. Darmsho stepped off his horse onto the cobble stone road. Darmsho began breaking into homes with the help of his guards. They broke into a home and found a young women cowering in a corner. Darmsho walked past the girl without noticing her, as he past the girl revealed a knife a began to sneak upon Darmsho. Her grip tightened as she steadied her nerve. As she engaged the strike a guard apprehended her. The girl began kicking and screaming, scaring Darmsho. "Now, now. Good catch guard. Young women what were you hoping to do with that knife, kill me. What would you do if you did, my guards would have just killed you." The girl twisted, "A lot better to do something than nothing" "Come now don't be that way. I am here to free you from the rule of Wolchur" ,said Darmsho with a wicked smile. The girl spat in Darmsho's face. "How becoming of a whore's daughter, perhaps I shale teach you a lesson." Darmsho removed his sword and dagger,"Search her good" ,he ordered The guards patted her down,"She's clean" "Good, bind her legs and arms" As soon as the guards were done Darmsho grabbed the rope and began pulling her up the flight of stairs. "When the commander comes tell him I'll be down in a few" The girl was pulling and crying as Darmsho pulled her towards a room. The two entered the room and the door closed. The guards remained still ever with the crys of a pain coming from inside the room. A man walked into the home "What is going on in here?!" "The King is taking care of a prisoner. Who are you?" ,question a guard "I am Bron, out of my way" ordered Bron as he walked in between the guards. "We cannot allow that" ,replied a guard a they drew their swords. "Very well" ,replied Bron as he pulled out two short swords. Bron deflected an attack towards his stomached and returned one to the guard's heart. The guard fell to the ground floor, flurries of attacks resulted in two more dead guards and a badly cut Bron. "It's just you and me" ,said Bron as he took in a deep breath. The guard stood tall, "Appears so" Bron lunged towards his opponent he was met by a fist to his face knocking him to the floor. Bron dodged the blade as it cut into the floor, Bron stood up and landed a hit of his own as the guard tried pulling out his sword. Bron hurried and sank his sword into the guard's chest. Bron pulled out the sword an sheathed it, the cries subsided when he reached the door. Bron kicked in the door to find Darmsho standing over the girl drenched in blood. Darmsho wiped the blood from blade of his sword on the girl tail. "Feisty one that girl was, is the commander here" "Fortunately, no" Darmsho turn o see Bron, "Bron I though you were supposed to be in Aspen. Where is Crystal." "I was hoping you would tell me" "What?" ,replied Darmsho as he sat on the bed. "Where is she?" ,said Bron in a angered tone. "Take it easy my guards swill come up here" "Don't worry I killed them, It's just you and me" "Don't do anything stupid ..." Darmsho stood up and made his way to a metal beam "... "I will forgive you for killing my guards if you just leave the room now." Bron turned and closed the door, "Where is she?" "I told you I don't know" Bron unsheathed his blood soaked sword, "Last chance" Darmsho grabbed the post and pulled it down, Bron raised his sword high and went for a full power attack. Darmsho raised the post to block the attack, the sword broke the post in half. Darmsho began spinning and twisting the two pieces blocking Bron's blows. Bron used powerful attacks causing Darmsho to drop the posts each piece. Bron had Darmsho sniveling in a corner, "Now you die" Bron raised is sword high for a swift final blow. "I know where she is" Bron paused and looked a Darmsho, "You lie" As he lifted his sword Bron coughed and dropped his sword, then fell to the floor revealing a black dressed being. Darmsho stood up and took the sword in his hand pointing the tip of the blade to Bron's neck. The being moved around to the front of Darmsho and looked at Bron. "Not here, not now" "Give me one good reason not to kill him here now" "Make him a spectacle. Some all what happens to those that betray you" ,replied the being as he removed a dart from Bron's back. "Tell me did you kill Xau" "Yes, here is his sword" ,replied the being as he unsheathed the sword and offered it to Darmsho. Darmsho dropped Bron's sword, as he reached for Xau's sword the commander walked in. "My, King" Darmsho pulled back his hand and faced the commander with blank expression. Darmsho began to walk out the door when the commander stopped him. "Sir, the Feran leader" "Assassin, kill the Feran leader" The assassin nodded and stood, "What about the sword?" "Keep it as a trophy, sell it melt it for all I care" ,replied Darmsho "Yes, my King" ,said the assassin and walked up to the commander. "Where is the Feran?" "At the bottom the stairway" The assassin walked with the sword over his shoulder down the stairs and up to a soldier. "Do you know what this sword is?" ,asked the assassin "No" "That is Xau's how did you get it" "You must be the Feran leader" "Yes" "Simple, I killed him" "Impossible a lowly man like you could not kill him" The assassin took in a deep breath and approached the Feran. The assassin dropped Xau's sword and slowly approached the Feran. "How dare you, I am Danthrou. I killed Xau now I will kill you" Danthrou lunged with a slime bladed dagger into the Feran's abdomen repeatedly before he fell to the ground coughing in agony. Danthrou laid on the floor looking into the eyes of the dyeing man, Danthrou tilted his head as he watched the light fade from his eyes. During the Feran's final moments he heard in a watery voice, "Sorry" Danthrou stood up and looked at the commander, "What?" The commander turned and walked out onto the into the town street. Danthrou picked up Xau's sword and started at it for a moment then rested it upon his shoulder. As he walked out a group of troops walked into the building. "Be sure to check him for weapons, the poison will only last an hour" Danthrou continued to the street. "You, assassin" "What do you want" ,replied Danthrou as he looked to the armored man. "The King wishes you to come to his tent within this hour" "I better get a move on" .boasted Danthrou as he walked past the man. Danthrou reached a tent protected by dozens of heavily armored guards around the tent and door. Whistling a tune he walked to the guards protecting the door. Boldly he said, "Well aren't you going to open the door for me?" The guard growled and the other questioned, "What's your business" "The King wishes to see me" "Stay here assassin" The guard walked into the tent, while the other stepped between Danthrou and the door. Making short talk Danthrou asked, "How long have you been a guard" The guard said nothing. "You have a wife and kids? No? Me neither. Now what do you get paid? What region are you from, me never had a one place home ..." "Shut UP!" ,yelled the guard. "Enough, the King is ready for you" ,ordered the guard as he exited the tent. Danthrou smiled at the previous guard he was annoying, as he bounced Xau's sword on his shoulder. "That reminds me, your weapons, remove them" "Ok" ,replied Danthrou as he began handing the guards dagger after dagger, his sword and Xau's sword. "Is that all?" ,asked the left guard with a smile. "Oh, here" ,as he handed over a razor wire. Danthrou walked into the tent to see Darmsho weighing gold and jewels on great silver and gold scales. Danthrou walked up to a table full o fine foods fresh suckling pig, goose and vegetables of every variety. "Try the suckling pig it's to die for" Danthrou laughed as he reached for the hindquarter and began tearing it off. As he began eating the leg Darmsho looked up, "Use a PLATE! DAMN YOU!" he yelled as he hit his fists on the table bouncing gold and jewels to the ground. Guards moved in with swords drawn, "Sheath your swords" ,ordered Darmsho as he stood up and walked over to Danthrou and knocked the leg out of his hand. "If you wish to eat like an animal you will feed like an animal. Go on eat." "I will not" Darmsho struck a blow to Danthrou's abdomen causing him to fall to his knees. Danthrou snarled at Darmsho and was answered with a kick to his head. "You will eat, now" Danthrou crawled to the leg and picked it up and held it to his mouth. Darmsho looked to the guards to the guards, "You can leave" As the guards left the tent Darmsho looked down at Danthrou, "What at are you doing" "Pulling the meat off" Darmsho knelt and looked to see, Danthrou turned his head looking at Darmsho. "Look it's raw" Darmsho leaned closer and Danthrou jammed the leg into Darmsho's mouth and punched him in the jaw causing a "Pop!" Darmsho laid still on the ground. As Danthrou stood up he looked at Darmsho and whispered, "Filthy animal" and spat on him. Danthrou walked over to the table and began putting, coins and jewels in small sacks. As he walked out of the tent and collected his weapons he limped away with guards chuckling. Danthrou hid in the shadows not far from the the tent. Danthrou saw a guard enter the tent, yelling ensued. Danthrou lingered around the town until the next morning when all the guards that were publicly executed.

Chapter 11

To Be Continued ...