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Copyright Denver Demchuk 2007

Denver: Floating in bliss scented with arousal and release, I smiled as the images of the night danced behind my closed eye lids. I could feel the warmth of the sun, the energy of each ray of light that touched me as I lay upon the mattress with those I loved and had made love with last night. Besides Arosha and Iridell, I could feel another had joined us during the night, but the face of who it had been was blurred to me, lost as I had been in pleasure and desire to please those with me. Opening my eyes, I looked to see who was still joined with me and grinned wryly as I watched Lesanna shift slightly, her forked tongue flicking out from time to time as she slept peacefully. It was a surprise, yet not one at the same time to see her here, with Arosha and Iridell sleeping to either side.

Knowing them, they had probably been more than pleased to let Lesanna join in last nights activities. Carefully rolling to the side and sliding myself from King Sevran's daughter and to the edge of the bed, I stood and went to the pitcher and basin to wash my face. The cool water shocked me to full awareness of the day, sending shivers down my back as I splashed another handful over my face...

...In moments, I was dressed and ready to walk around the palace, closing the doors to my chamber silently to let the three beautiful females continue sleeping for a while longer. Everything was clearer and sharper to my vision, the light itself leaving few shadows for me to find, though I knew where they were as I walked. It was as if those places were only slightly darkened, even if there was little to know light around me. Each step seemed to make the stones beneath my feet hum slightly, the air itself bringing multiple scents to my nose, each one easily identified. Servants and guards that I passed seemed to have aura's of energy around them, moving like slow flames and changing colors depending on their moods. Not swiftly, but it was noticeable just the same. So many things about me had changed it seemed, yet...so much had remained the same in a sense. My thoughts and emotions were the same, and the wonders of this world were still surprising me, though they had gained an unusual familiarity.

A servant came running up to me from one corridor and informed me that King Sevran wished for me to join him at breaking his fast this morning. Nodding, I bade the Naga to take me to King Sevran as quickly as possible and we were soon walking swiftly towards another wing of the palace. The servant knocked first, and stepped inside to announce me before giving a deep bow and gesturing that I enter the room. Walking past the Naga with a thankful smile, I bowed to King Sevran and straightened saying, "Good Morning, Scaled King of the Naga."

"Indeed it is a good morning, Chosen One, Child of the Goddess and God," He replied, grinning and giving a deep bow in return. "I'm glad that you could join me and mine for breakfast this morning. Please, enough with the formalities. As you have proven yesterday, we are equals and more than that. This is indeed a great day."

"If you say it is, I have little reason to say otherwise, Sevran," I said, seeing that Assedo and Ysanna, and even Lesanna were here, the latter surprising me with her presence. Her gaze fell to the table as a smirk curved her lips, scales darkening slightly after she had looked me over. I wondered whether she had made mention of last nights activities then decided that it was within her right to do so if she wished to. Waiting until the others had already moved to their wicker chairs, I seated myself and was soon listening to conversation as the morning meal was served.

For me; fresh pastries, poached eggs that were the size of my fist, slices of smoked meat that had been cooked with cheese and mushrooms scattered over it. Assedo and Lesanna had choices of what I assumed to be pastry wrapped rodents as well as a few live critters for their dining pleasures. Ysanna ate slowly of her breads and thick vegetable stew, the smell of it only increasing my own appetite as a similar bowl of stew was set beside my plate.

"Seems that the events of yesterday didn't affect your appetite," Sevran remarked with a serpentine smile, eyes gleaming a little in the magickal lamp light of the room. I froze, spoon of steaming stew partway to my mouth as my eyes locked with his. I saw amusement and relief in them as well as something else that I couldn't quite place.

"If you mean what happened in the Pool of Elements, Sevran, I remember little of what happened after I..." I didn't finish my reply, gaze and spoon slowly coming to rest on the bowl before me.

"Died?" Sevran commented idly and I winced, left hand twitching for a moment as if I was nervous. For all meanings and forms of the word, I had died yesterday, though it was something I couldn't describe with words, and I wasn't sure if I wanted too. Darkness had embraced me and carried me off to someplace neither light nor dark, but still filled with a deep sense of peace. Forms of buildings and people were there, but not clearly defined, and before I had a chance to go closer to look, I had heard chanting, the darkness rushing up to envelop me again, only to wake up in my room with Arosha and Iridell. Whole and unmarked by any kind of scars.

"It was mentioned in the prophecy that you would be marked by Death, and now you have been. You are the one meant to come to us, foretold so many generations ago. And the latter part has also been fulfilled, or so Lesanna has told me." I looked at his daughter and felt my face burn though I couldn't think of anything to say. "You seem uneasy, Denver...Might I inquire as to the reason?"

"I...I didn't mean to take advantage of your family or hospitality, least of all your daughter, Lesanna," I said, picking my words carefully as I closed my eyes before looking at Sevran again unflinchingly. "Not after yesterday, or what was given to help restore my strength after your hunters kidnapped me. I apologize if I have offended you in any way by making love to your daughter. I wasn't in control of my desires last night."

"Which of us truly are?" Sevran said, laughing out loudly, his voice thunderous in the small dining chamber as he shook his head. "Desire is part of what all of us are, regardless of how much we try to control it. You have not offended me in any way, Young Denver. The last part of the prophecy clearly mentioned that you would sleep with a scaled daughter. Lesanna chose to go to your chambers last night, of her own free will. What she did there is no secret, at least the main fact of what happened isn't. Sometimes, instinct can help more than it can hinder and vice versa. The trick is knowing when and whether to trust the one your instinct is directing you to act with." There was a short pause as he sighed heavily and drank from his ivory goblet. "The only way you would offend me now is to refuse to take Lesanna with you as a mate. By Naga law, unless both agree that the night of passion was only a passing desire; the first male any female mates with is to be her husband from that day forth." I looked at Lesanna in surprise at this and saw her smile grow, the scales darkening even more as smug amusement gleamed in her eyes.

'Well, there goes that option,' I thought, drinking deeply from my chalice to try and gather my thoughts. 'When in Rome...'

Once breakfast ended, King Sevran and Queen Ysanna left, saying that they would personally make sure preparations for the departure of my companions and I were made and ready within a few hours. Assedo left as well, choosing to see to her own preparations for the return trip to Ryodan. I remained seated, swirling the contents of my goblet as I looked at Lesanna who likewise had remained behind, staring at the table as the servants silently and quickly carried the dishes and remains of the morning meal away. As soon as they were gone, I set down my drink, leaning back in my chair and sighed heavily.

"Why? Why choose me as your mate?" I asked, giving Lesanna an inquiring look.

"The prophecy-"

"To Hell with the prophecy!" I snapped, scowling at the Naga woman in frustration. "I want to know what reasons you had for choosing me as your mate last night. I'm not even one of your people or a person from this world. You knew about the law your father mentioned. I had little to no control over what I was doing last night, and you knew that too. Why mate with me then? Why force me to take you on as my wife?" She was silent, her expression hurt and defiant at the same time.

"I...I can't really say," She replied at last, looking down at the table again, her eyes closing after a moment. "You fascinated me ever since the first time I saw you, and the more that I was around you, waiting for you to wake up...I can't describe how it felt. You're different from what I expected in some ways. You feel and show emotion in thoughts and actions unlike others that have come to call on me for my hand as a mate. I can sense that there is more to you, and to the power within you, Denver, than anything or anyone I have ever met. Last night, I found another side of you in your chambers, one that I had imagined a little when I was away from your side. To see it though, how you shared the passion and desire with Iridell and Arosha...It was something that I wanted to feel and give as well. With Iridell's help and encouragement...last night was more than I had ever dreamed of, with anyone, let alone an outlander. I knew that you weren't in control, but now that I know the love you can give, I want to know you as a person. As a mate, if you are willing..." My world was growing and changing and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Leave Ku'tarass without Lesanna and damn myself for the dishonor and emotional harm it would bring to her and her family, or take her with me to an uncertain future and have the chance that she dies along the way, damning myself for being responsible in letting her come.

Standing up I walked over to her slowly and knelt, taking her hands in mine and feeling the scales, no longer strange or alien to me.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" I asked, gazing into her eyes and caressing the backs of her hands with my thumbs.

"Yes," Lesanna replied, her voice unwavering.

"Lady Lesanna of the Naga, First born of King Sevrans' and Queen Ysannas' second clutch," I intoned, feeling cold knot my guts as fire raced through my veins. "I, Denver, accept you as my mate. I give you my word that I will do everything in my power to protect you and show that I love you."

"Thank you," She whispered, sliding from the chair and embracing me tightly as I kissed her forehead and lips lightly.

'A fool, or wise man?' I thought, closing my eyes and cherishing the moment. 'Both, even if I do learn....'

***

Iridell: "I can't believe you let her join in last night!" Arosha growled, vigorously drying herself off with a towel from one cabinet in the bathing chamber. "Of all beings that I would even consider sharing a lover with, a Naga isn't one of them."

"Oh be quiet, Arosha," I replied, smirking as I remembered all of what happened last night with Denver. "It was meant to happen and there was little you could do about it. Especially once you passed out from pleasure, laying sprawled half on half off the bed. Besides, you didn't seem to complain when Denver woke you those few times after Lesanna joined us."

"If I hadn't been acting like a bitch in heat," she muttered, shooting me a dark look before shivering and wrapping the towel around her self. "I would have kicked that scaled wench out of the room and barred the door."

"My, my...Aren't we just a little jealous this morning," I chuckled, flicking my tail and sending a small wave of water over the edge of the stone tub and down her back. She yipped and whirled around to glare at me.

"I'm not jealous!" She snarled.

"Really? So it's ok to share a lover with your oldest friend, but not another female which just happens to complete part of the prophecy that marks that lover as the only chance this world has for surviving an approaching war?" I commented idly, standing up and shivering as the water made small rivers that ran down my scales, caressing every sensitive part of my form in the process. Growling, she stalked out of the bathing chamber and into the bedroom, leaving a trail of moist foot prints on the tiled floor. Laughing, I wrapped a towel around myself and followed her into the room, glancing at the mirrors for a moment before heading to my travel sack.

"Royal brat," Arosha muttered, tugging a comb through her hair and wincing every time she caught a knot in the ivory teeth. "I bet that King Sevran made up those last parts of the prophecy just so that his daughter could play the whore for Denver for a single night."

"As much as you may wish that to be the truth, Arosha," I remarked, pulling out a silk robe from my satchel and a few bracelets. "That isn't the case. Lesanna was in the vision I had when Denver first joined me in the Temple Scrying chamber. She was meant to meet and form a deep connection with him, just as we have." I heard her pause for a moment and looked up, meeting her gaze in the mirror without hesitation.

"Why though? Why her?" she asked, looking uncertain and torn between emotions.

"Why did we become Denver's lovers? Or mates, Arosha? I don't know. If you could change it though, would you want to?" She looked away and seemed to shiver, but whether from a chill or something else, I didn't know.

"No...Not if it would mean the loss of everything that has been gained," She said in a whisper, eyes closed as she shook her head. Standing up and embracing her from behind, I nuzzled her neck, trying to give comfort to my oldest friend.

"Neither would I...Neither would I..."

***

Denver: Looking out over the city, I was nearly blinded by the natural energy and that which was brought out by the populace. It was incredible the kinds of things I could see and sense, so much more than what I was able to see before. 'How do I keep from going mad or blind though?' I thought, glancing at the forest beyond and having to squint slightly to keep from being overwhelmed by the myriad of bright colors.

'Relax,' said a gentle voice in the back of my mind. 'Remember what it was like to see without the patterns of energy and magick. Relax and remember...' Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes, I exhaled slowly, feeling the awareness slowly fade into the background of my mind. Opening my eyes a few moments later, I smiled as everything seemed to have returned to normal. Yet, everything had been normal. Only my senses were changed so that I could see everything else. Reaching for the awareness again, I felt it come easily, and even gained a sense of control so that everything didn't seem as bright as before.

'My thanks,' I told the voice and felt something brush my face gently in response before vanishing.

"Denver!" Turning to see who had spoken, I smiled at Iridell and Arosha as they walked towards me from one of the balcony entrances. Iridell's blue scales gleamed in the sunlight as her violet hair trailed behind the dragoness in the light warm breeze. White silk robe billowed around her slightly, the fabric neatly embroidered with gem like flowers and a rune on the left side of her breast. The hem was slit on the back, from the waist down, forcing Iridell to wear what seemed to be light blue leggings.

Arosha's armored corset shone dully in the late morning sun, but she had left the plated kilt in the bedroom, choosing to go with black breeches that clung to her legs and hips like a second skin. White blouse had been added under the corset, the arms tugging this way and that in the wind.

"Hey! You both woke up finally," I said with a wry grin. "Guess it takes a lot of energy to snore as loudly as you two were when I left for breakfast."

"Snore!" Arosha snarled, leaping at me only to grasp at air as I danced out of the way with a laugh.

"Yes. You should have heard yourselves, the walls and floor was shaking," I replied innocently, backing away from the werewolf woman. Something smacked my legs from behind and I fell backwards, only to be caught by Iridell's hands, both of which grabbed my arms and pulled them behind my back.

"Snoring, huh?" Iridell remarked with a grin as she looked at Arosha. "I don't know, I think he was making more noise last night than either of us were. What's your opinion, Arosha?"

"I think he needs to be taught a lesson in respecting the sleeping habits of others, Iridell," she said, giving a toothy grin as she walked closer. "And I think I know just the thing to make Denver apologize."

"Why do I get the feeling that I'm not going to enjoy this?" I remarked, trying to break free of Iridell's grasp.

"Oh you will," Arosha replied, stopping before me and caressing my face lightly, then looking around.

"We're alone," Iridell said, snaking her neck around to give me a wink. Before I could say anything, Arosha dropped to her knees and started removing my breeches.

"Wha-" I started, then gasped as I felt Arosha suddenly start sucking on the head of my member, the effect of which was immediately noticeable. I struggled to break free of Iridell's grasp even as I felt my body reacting to Arosha's ministrations. The lupine female took me in completely and growled around my member as she sucked on it, making me shiver as I felt myself drawing closer to climax. Iridell whispered in my ear and nuzzled me, coaxing me to relax against her and let Arosha do what she would to me. I tensed as I felt my balls pulling up into my body, then gasped as I found release, Arosha's tongue teasing the tip of my shaft and triggering wave after wave of my seed to shoot forth. She moaned in delight around my pulsing member as she greedily swallowed everything I had to offer as I sagged against Iridell. Someone coughed from the nearby doorway and I looked up with glazed eyes to see Lesanna leaning against the doorway with a grin on her scaled lips and an eyebrow raised in question. Arosha turned and nearly choked on the mouthful of cum she had when she saw the Naga woman. Iridell let me go and I hastily put myself back in order, feeling my face burning from embarrassment.

"You know...There are other places to indulge in such pleasures," she remarked slowly, standing up and walking towards us. "Especially if you're that eager for something more filling to drink."

"Watch your forked tongue, Lesanna!" Arosha growled standing up and glaring at her.

"Arosha..." Iridell cautioned, stepping around me and placing a hand on her friends shoulder.

"Relax, Arosha," I said moving around to the other side of the lupine and also placing a hand on her arm. "Please..."

"I would follow my mate's advice, Lady Arosha," Lesanna added after a moment and I winced at the surprised questioning look that Arosha gave me.

"Mate?" Arosha whispered in disbelief, pain and disgust creeping into her expression.

"I had no choice, Arosha," I said, meeting her gaze without flinching. "I could accept her as a mate or dishonor her family by renouncing what happened last night..."

"You didn't even think of how I might feel about this?" She growled, backing away from me, her hackles rising. I could feel the emotions within her without trying, and I looked away for a moment, unsure what to do to correct the emotional harm I had caused.

SMACK!

I reeled from the force of Arosha's punch, but didn't fall, my left cheek numb from the impact. There was silence except for Aroshas' sobs and the wind that played witness to what was happening. I straightened up and looked at her with my own expression of torment. I hadn't chosen to do this to anyone, but it had happened. It was done...It was done. Stepping closer to Arosha, I knelt on the ground before her with my head bowed slightly as I gently took her right hand within my own.

"Arosha Moon-flow, I offer myself to you and swear to do everything in my power to protect and care for you as your mate," I intoned, voice just a little above a whisper, looking up so that she could see the honesty of my words in my eyes. "Do you accept me?" Tears welled up in her eyes and soon she was hugging me as tightly as possible, the burning droplets of love and pain flowing down her muzzle onto my shoulder and neck.

"Yes," she gasped between the shudders that passed through her body. "I accept you, you bloody human fool." I smiled a little and kissed her passionately before turning my gaze to Iridell who had moved to stand beside us. Taking her hand gently, she simply nodded, already knowing what I was going to ask her and accepting at the same moment...

***

By the time King Sevrans' servants informed us that preparations for our departure were finished, the four of us had relaxed from the emotional events of the morning. Arosha was still wary of Lesanna, but was making an attempt to look at her as an equal for the moment. Iridell was quiet for the most part and had stopped joking about the dark looks her long time friend kept giving the Naga Princess. Gathering in the courtyard, I stopped and stared in awe at the creatures saddled and waiting with our belongings and provisions. If there had ever been a dark cousin created for the unicorns, these creatures would have had to be those cousins.

Midnight black hides were streaked with bright blue lines, not the jagged ones sometimes seen on Zebra's, but elegant and flowing along their forms. Ember eyes burned as they looked around, either at the stable hands, or each other. With manes of pure white, their equine heads were crowned with a single backwards curving horn of the darkest violet, its edge gleaming silver in the sunlight.

"Alecrons," Iridell breathed, walking forward as if she was in a trance. Arosha swore under her breath as she looked from one of the beasts to another, Lesanna silently regarding us with a smug expression on her face.

"The finest mounts anyone can ever have next to feral Dragons," King Sevran boomed as he turned from one of the stable hands and walked towards us. "No offense to you and your kin meant, Lady Iridell."

"None taken," She replied, starting slightly before shaking her head and walking up to one of the Alecrons. Going over to one that held my own pack strapped behind the saddle, I carefully placed a hand on the flank of the 6'7" animal, the head easily matching Iridell's for height. The Alecron looked back at me, snorted and suddenly gave an ear piercing whinny, causing everyone but his own kin to cover their ears. Without another sound, the Alecrons broke away from the servants still checking their saddles and bags, and slowly surrounded me. I stood completely still, nervously glancing from one Alecron to another and trying to figure out what I had done to cause this.

"King Sevran, you bastard!" shouted an equally deep voice from the Alecron before me, the same one that had my belongings tied to it's back. "You never said that He was the reason we were summoned."

"I told you it was a surprise," the Naga ruler replied, laughing and shouldering his way to the center of the circle. "Now you know why."

"When did the Chosen One arrive? We demanded to be informed as soon as you knew the Prophecy was fulfilled," the dark stallion said gruffly, glaring at Sevran.

"He arrived only a few days ago, but was unable to be tested when he arrived. He only became the Chosen One yesterday, Lord Gidian," Sevran said, smiling and crossing his arms. The Alecron snorted again and chuckled before tossing his head and giving an unmistakable bow which all of his kin copied.

"It will be an honor to serve as your mount, Moon Child. I hereby swear to aid you when and where I can, as well any of my people," Lord Gidian said solemnly.

"My thanks to you and your people for the oath, Lord Gidian," I said in reply, bowing as well. "I hope I prove worthy of it and am able to help you and your kin in their time of need as well."

"Now that the formalities are done with, mount up. We have plenty of ground to cover if what King Sevran said is correct, and very little time to do so," the Alecron lord stated, his kin going back to the stable hands as the rest of the supplies arrived. I nodded and was preparing to do so when I felt a soft touch on my arm. Turning to find Ysanna had arrived as well, I took the scroll she held out to me gingerly, and raised an eyebrow in question.

"Sevran asked me to write a letter to my brother informing him of a War Council that he's planning on holding, provided there is time and we can contact our allies," she said, doe ears flicking slightly as she looked to her mate. "Give this to Quel'thalsed personally. It will help you gain his trust and prove that you speak the truth."

"Thank you," I said, bowing deeply and kissing Ysanna lightly on her forehead. "May the blessings of the Gods be with you, Queen Ysanna."

"As they are with you, Denver," she said, stepping back and joining her King.

Once mounted, the call went out for the gates to be opened and the Alecrons took off, running faster than any creature I could have imagined being capable of. Iridell's mount came up next to us and she told Lord Gidian where we needed to go, the Alecron nodding and changing his direction slightly once we left the Naga city of Ku'tarass. In the jungle, trees seemed to bend away from us or move completely to avoid hindering the Alecrons path, yet it was hard to tell. Soon, all I could see were the shadows of what passed us, for what lay ahead was already blurring into darkness...

***

Arosha: The Alecrons proved to be far faster than even I had guessed from the tales I had heard about their race. By early afternoon we had passed Carborough and not even an hour afterwards we arrived at the next trade town where the rest of the Cepheran envoy was waiting for us. The legends fell short of what these creatures were truly capable of, as for the others, it made me shiver to think how inaccurate they were. We stopped briefly, Iridell informing the envoy of what had happened before choosing a few of them to mount up on the rider less Alecrons and sending the others back to Olmanda with word that the Chosen One had indeed come. I noticed Denver's face darken slightly but he kept silent and waited for Iridell to mount up before gently kicking his mount into a trot out of town. As soon as we were out of sight of the small town, Iridell informed the Alecrons of where we had to go next and once again, we raced through shadows and darkness...

***

Denver: Ryodan, Kingdome of the lowlands and plains, of the fertile ground where crops prosper and the feral creatures continue to help support the families caring for them.

Ryodan, Silver City and pride of the eastern lands, home of Quel'thalsed, ruler and protector of the Eastern Gate to the sea. The late evening sun did little justice to the white marble and sand stone buildings that lay within the towering walls of the city. Most of the structures challenged the walls for height, if only to get a glimpse of what lay beyond them. The castle in the city's center was built upon a low hill that barely rose higher than most of the city's buildings. White and grey marble had not been placed or sculpted for beauty however, it had been built to defend, to offer safe haven for the people in case of an attack. The only beauty was in the gleaming towers that rose above the battlements, and even they had been built for a purpose...Or so Iridell and the others told me.

Dismounting the Alecrons a short distance from the city gates, Lord Gidian reared and let loose another harsh call before galloping away, the rest of his kin following until they faded from view into the approaching night. Swinging the strap of my pack over my left shoulder, I looked at the others and waited for them to do likewise. Iridell was already at the gate and talking quietly with the guards there. There was some laughter that quickly died down as the Seer drew something from the folds of her travel silks and offered it to the guards. In the fading light of the evening sun, the laughter was quickly exchanged for harsh shouts to open the gates and threats about what would happen to anyone too slow to comply. The massive iron doors groaned loudly before finally opening and revealing the road into the city, both pushed by more guards that seemed more than a little reluctant to be opening them this late in the day. Striding over to Iridell along with Assedo, Lesanna, Arosha and the rest of the Cepheran envoy, I smiled slightly as I saw the guards bow low as the dragoness announced who she was, their murmurings of blessings to her filling the air briefly. Turning, Iridell smiled to us and gestured for everyone to follow her into the city.

"Mounts will be ready to take you to the Castle in a few moments, Seer Iridell," said a human guard who gave a quick bow and vanished into a two story structure next to the city wall.

Moving over to her I raised an eyebrow and asked, "What did you show them?" Smiling, Iridell said nothing, but held up what appeared to be a coat of arms made from gems. Each one had been faceted and polished until it gleamed even in the torch light that the other guards were now bringing.

I looked up at her blankly and she said, "It's the seal of the Grand Temple Council, second only to the Kings council and with just as much influence throughout the kingdom. It is only used at great need and usually heralds the arrival of an important message for the temple and King alike." Before I could ask anything else the guard returned followed by a half dozen stable boys, each one leading two raptors into the street, all of them saddled and ready to ride.

With one of the guards serving as a guide, the hurried ride through Ryodan was little better that the one the Alecrons had given us to reach the city. Lit and unlit windows flashed past us, making it seem that we were more shadow than flesh and blood as we made our way to the castle gates. Once there, we were quickly allowed to enter and led through the grand halls and corridors by a servant in forest green attire.

If the Crystal Towers had been crafted to show beauty and flowing curves, Ryodan castle would have been an architects dream in my world. Not even the castles of England or the cathedral of Notre Dame could match what I was seeing here. Beauty and purpose had been mixed together, the former accomplished with tapestries and sculptures or paintings that lined the halls, most of which seemed to be related to the founding of the kingdom. There seemed to be few servants around, but given the time of day, it didn't seem to be that strange especially for a place this size. It would take a considerable amount of manpower to keeps such a structure clean and repaired to house a king, his family, and anyone else within the walls.

The servant requested us to stop outside a room that had muffled laughter and music coming from beyond the doors before he crept inside. The brief opening of the door allowed the scents of a feast to venture out to us as well as the honeyed voice of who ever happened to be singing. I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to relax and ignore the tension I felt now that I was here, in Ryodan and possibly about to meet with the King himself.

"You ok, Denver?" Iridell asked, gently placing a hand on my shoulder and giving a wry smile.

"I wish. Not even a month in this world and I already have three wives, and am the Chosen One of your prophecy," I said, chuckling darkly and shaking my head. "I'll survive, though I wish I knew what the hell I was supposed to do besides fight in a coming battle."

"I know how you feel in a sense," she whispered, laughing a little as well. "As for what you need to do right now, just keep silent for the moment unless the King or Queen speaks to you. The rest I will handle with the help of Queen Assedo. Ok?" I nodded and waited for the servant to return. When he did, the squirrel bowed low, opening the door and beckoning us to enter the room.

The dining chamber was massive compared to the one King Sevran had entertained us in, or the one I had been asked to come to for the breakfast this morning. Three sets of tables followed the side and back walls, each one hosting nobles of almost every hybrid race I could imagine. Conversation and song died down immediately as we entered, the nobles looking us over, some with curiosity, distaste, amusement, or anger, though I didn't understand why the latter would be directed at us. At the far end of the hall, seated behind the smaller set of tables were a group of incredibly well dressed beings. Ferret, Gryphon, Hawk, Unicorn, human, and what seemed to be a Nymph. In the center of this group and seated beside an equally ornate chair was King Quel'thalsed, the circlet on his tanned brow seeming to flow from the horns that naturally crowned his forehead. The stag looked us over, his attention turning from the Unicorn at his side as everyone bowed to him. Looking at my companions, I bowed slightly after a moment as a sign of respect before straightening. Some of the others gathered gasped slightly and started muttering amongst themselves while I noticed a slight smile appear on King Quel'thalsed's lips. His eyes turned to someone else in the group and he spoke with a deep powerful voice that wasn't exactly loud, but still carried through the hall.

"Welcome back, My Queen. I trust your journey was swift and uneventful?" he said, rising with his words as Assedo moved around to the back of the table and gave a small curtsey before smiling up at her mate.

"It was uneventful on the way to my brothers' home and back, My Lord," she said, taking the hand he offered to her. "There was truth to what he said though and I have brought that truth with me..."

"Indeed. Seer Iridell," Quel'thalsed intoned turning from his mate after guiding her gently to the empty chair beside his own. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Priestess, though I wish I had a little more forewarning that you were coming this night. I only learned yesterday that we were to expect an envoy from your respected temple. May I inquire as to the reason you have come to Ryodan?"

"King Quel'thalsed," Iridell said, curtseying again before stepping forward. "To put it simply, the Prophecy has been fulfilled. The Chosen One has come at last." Screams sounded from the females gathered while shouts of disbelief or anger rose around us. Everyone but those at the table before us reacted to Iridell's statement, and not in the best manner I noted. Turning to look at what happened, I shook my head in disbelief. If this kind of news caused this much commotion, what will it be like when the entire city learns that I'm here?

"SILENCE!" That alone was like thunder cracking overhead, shocking everyone in the hall into obeisance. Quel'thalsed waited for a long moment to make sure that he had their attention before returning his gaze to Iridell, eyes slightly narrowed. "Is this true?"

"It is, Sire. I witness his marking yesterday, as did three others that now stand in this hall. He has fulfilled the first Prophecy by being marked by the Gods," Iridell said, meeting his gaze without hesitation. "He stands in the hall at this moment. I introduce to you, Denver, the Chosen One of Prophecy!" Slowly, I pulled back the hood of my cloak and raised my eyes to look at Quel'thalsed as well as everyone else gathered before raising my right hand, the back of it to the King, revealing the silvery glove I also wore. Murmur's started up again, followed by strangled gasps from the women as they fainted once more.

"How can you be sure that this young man is the one spoken of in the Prophecy?" said the human woman that was seated to Quel'thalseds' left. Blond hair shimmered in waves as the candle light danced over her, smooth face unmarred by any lines that might make her seem unpleasant. Dark green eyes regarded me with curiosity, but nothing more, the rest of her face remaining impassive. On the left breast of the robe she wore were symbols similar to what I had seen on Furanin's own cloths. The central mark was different, but the others were the same. A Priestess of the Ryodan temple, and possibly one of the main council members I guessed.

"As I said four of us not including King Sevran and his Queen watched Denver be marked for the last time yesterday, High Priestess Elayna," Iridell intoned matter of factly. There was no challenge in her words, just simple truth.

"The glove he wears can be made by any magickal means, as can the change in the color of his hair and eyes," Elayna said, speaking as if she were trying to teach a child an important lesson. "The last mark can be given by any kind of illusions to persuade the mind of even the most talented Seer. I mean no disrespect to you, Seer Iridell for I have heard how accurately your abilities are, but still...there is the chance this young man is merely an imposter, trying to gain fame and fortune."

"Fame and fortune in a world that I never knew existed," I said silently, but the sound carried in the chamber and everyone stopped what they were doing to look at me and listen. "Fame and fortune, for no other purpose than a desire for power which I don't have. Is that what you believe, High Priestess Elayna?" For a moment, only breathing filled the room.

"Yes, at the moment, that is what I believe. There have been many more than you who have claimed to be the Chosen One throughout the ages," she said, smiling and giving a slight nod of her head in my direction. "I mean no insult to you, for you might just be a simple country lad that's been snared by a sorcerer for the same reasons I've already mentioned."

"If that is your belief, then I see no reason to remain here and disturb King Quel'thalsed or his guests any longer," I told her, taking a step closer to the woman and locking my eyes with her own. "I suppose I would bore everyone with how it feels to fight a Hydra. How it feels when the acid starts to eat away the flesh, burn skin, and cause your limbs to fall off one at a time before dying, but then again, it could just be another clever tale from a false savior...No, you wouldn't believe that either. Encalathan des mordane. Encala des ridena. Encala Cari novandes. Novandes Elesune!" The last words came to mind unbidden, and I spoke them without hesitation before I realized what I was doing. As each word left my mouth, Elayna paled visibly, her eyes growing wide as true terror twisted her face. I stepped back, shaking my head and looking at the shocked expressions of those around me, including my companions. Only two didn't seem surprised by what I had said. 'What the hell is happening to me?!' I demanded silently.

"Warriors of the sunlight. Eamon Sun Lord. Eamon Cari the Fierce. Beloved of Elesune!" Iridell said, stepping forward and looking at the High Priestess with pity. "The last cry the warriors of Eamon Cari, the first Lord and King of Ryodan, called out before meeting the onslaught of darkness that threatened to destroy their city, their land, and that of the other nations that had gathered to support them. For twenty days, they battled the darkness, and each time one of their noble men died, that call went up, reminding the darkness of who was still fighting, of whose blood flowed in the hearts of the men who fought. That darkness was beaten, but not before slaying King Eamon Cari and his entire army before the gates of Ryodan. That battle cry has not been used or known to commoners or even the most powerful sorcerers for over three thousand years. The dragons witnessed the battle and remembered the call, passing it down through blood memory so that it wouldn't be forgotten. We remember for we sacrificed as much as everyone else to defeat the darkness that had tried to destroy us. Do you still doubt that this young man is the Chosen One?"

"Leave us!" Quel'thalsed ordered, looking to the nobles before focusing his attention on us. The nobles left quickly, most of them muttering under their breaths and casting dark looks in my direction as I turned slightly to regard them. Once the doors were shut, the others who had stayed at the Kings table breathed a sigh of relief before glaring at me. "For over a hundred years, my family has kept this land safe for the most part. My people know the taste and carnage of war," the stag lord said, walking around from behind the table to stand before me, his face expressionless. "My parents were killed in the last one and it was only through the Gods own luck that it ended with them and King Sevrans own. Now you threaten this peace with talk of one of the final battles approaching. Why?"

"I don't know," I said simply, meeting his gaze without trouble. "I never asked to be the Chosen One. The herald of war, King Quel'thalsed. In truth, aside from a few things that I have gained while in this world, I'd rather be back in my own where there are no wars that I have to worry about. Where I can talk with friends about anything, including the newest book that's been printed. I know very little about war, except the death it brings, the pain of loss, and the thirst for vengeance. I never asked for any of this. Already though, I am responsible for the deaths of the innocent, slain by Greevus that had been sent to kill me. I killed them in turn, but not before they murdered for their own pleasures. If you believe me to be false, and just another glory seeker, then I will leave Ryodan and never return, no matter what happens..."

"How did you know of the battle cry, boy?" growled the Gryphon, rising as well and regarding me with eyes that could have screamed death.

"I didn't. The words came to mind and I spoke them before I could think what I was doing," I replied, looking at the Gryphon without emotion.

"High Priestess Elayna," Quel'thalsed intoned softly, not bothering to look at the priestess.

"Yes, Sire?"

"Is there any way that you might be able to prove...Denver isn't the Chosen One?" He asked carefully, regarding me with a searching look once more.

"There may be a way," Elayna said, moving around the table to stand before me as well, her face expressionless though her eyes shone with an emotion that I couldn't place. "It will require him to come with me to the Temple and stay there a few days away from the influence of those that share the belief that he is the Chosen One."

"Very well," Quel'thalsed intoned, looking to one of the servants that had remained and motioning for him to come forward. "Summon the Royal Guard and have them escort this young human to the temple with the High Priestess Elayna. Once that is done see that rooms are prepared for our guests, as well as hot baths drawn for them." With a slight wave of the Kings hand, the servant bowed and left the room quickly.

"Sire, I beg that you reconsider sending Denver to the temple just yet," Iridell said, glaring at Elayna briefly before returning her attention to the king. "Even your Queen witnessed the final mark being placed upon him by the Gods. I swear that he is the one spoken of in prophecy."

"That's what I fear and why I am sending him to the temple, Seer Iridell," King Quel'thalsed told her, crossing his arms and looking up at the dragoness as if she were only a child. "You witnessed the final marking, but what of the other two? As High Priestess Elayna pointed out, those could have been created by illusion or the magicks of a powerful sorcerer. I can't take the chance that this is the truth and not the fulfillment of the prophecy. There are other foretellings concerning the Chosen One, or have you forgotten them? 'He shall break the kingdoms and alliances with his arrival and forge them anew with the blood of the world. The Chosen One will be bathed in the blood of innocence and hatred as a child is bathed by a mother. His step shall reap destruction upon the land as His breath brings about paradise afterwards.' If even a small part of the Hyberian Chronicle is true, this particular section most of all, I want to be sure that it is the true Chosen One that will bring this about, not a pretender that will cause war between nations."

"Your Majesty-"

"That is final, Seer Iridell," he growled, glancing at the doorway as it opened to admit twelve Were and human guards. They were dressed in pale blue breeches and tunics, scale mail, studded leather gauntlets, and shining helms that seemed to have been molded to their heads, each one bearing King Quel'thalsed's coat of arms. "Denver, as of now you are in the care of High Priestess Elayna and the royal guard. You will remove your weapons and any other items you have now before you leave with them. If it turns out that you are the Chosen One, then your belongings will be returned to you. If this is not the case, pray that I have enough mercy to not sentence you to death." If I could have gathered the courage to hit the son of a bitch, I would have gladly done so. With the guards and my companions there to stop me or cause something else to happen, I didn't see much point in resisting. Undoing my sword belt, I let it drop to the stone floor with a clang along with my pack and other items I had been given by the Cepheran temple, and King Sevran. Reaching into one of my pockets, I hear multiple hisses as swords were drawn and pointed at me. Glaring at the guards, I slowly withdrew my hand and the letter I had been reaching for.

"If it is my death you wish, go ahead," I told Quel'thalsed. "As I said before, I never asked to be here or become the blasted Chosen One. However you might want to read this before you make your decision, Quel'thalsed." I tossed the letter on the floor at his feet and turned to leave with the guards, hearing Arosha give a slight whine behind me, as Iridell growled...

***

...The walk to the temple was quiet except for the clink of armor and scabbards against each other, or the hollow steps that echoed on the paving stones. The temple was another domed structure, hidden by the castle and set on a slightly smaller hill outside of the last bastion of stone. Those that witnessed our passing muttered to themselves, making unusual gestures or spitting as they hissed the word 'Shadow Fiend'. I almost stopped to ask what they meant, but from the glares, I refrained from doing so. High Priestess Elayna glided ahead of us, her face slightly raised and as expressionless as the ancient Greek statues of the Gods were.

"Where's Medusa when you want her?" I grumbled, receiving a sharp poke from the sword point of the guard behind me. Turning to look at the human, I glared at him until uncertainty warred with outward calm and he quickly dropped back a few steps. Picking up my own pace slightly until I walked in stride with Elayna, I asked my question. "What is a Shadow Fiend?"

"Shadow Fiend? Surely you know that already, Denver," she said, giving an amused laugh that quickly vanished as she took in my blank expression. "Don't you?"

"Let me guess, it's a pig fucking horse? Right?" Something struck me hard from behind and I staggered forward a few steps before I felt someone else grab hold of my cloak, preventing me from falling down completely.

"Watch your tongue, you blasted Shadow Fiend," snorted one of the guards, an equine that had his halberd raised.

"And you will watch what you do to this young man, or you will have the Temple Council and King Quel'thalsed to answer to, guardsman. Is that clear?" Elayna intoned coolly, helping me up carefully.

"Y-yes High Priestess," the guard replied with a slight stammer in his voice, kneeling momentarily before we continued on.

"As for you, Denver, it would be best to watch what you say, especially with such disregard for those around you."

"As if it matters," I said, meeting her gaze without flinching until she too seemed ready to look away to hide her uncertainty. "You've already convinced yourself that I'm not the Chosen One and know all I need to about this world so is there any point in me saying anything to make you believe me?" She was silent and continued on without another word or gesture. "I guess not..."

We reached the temple in short order and as soon as we were inside its walls, the Royal Guard was sent away, only to be replaced with the paladin guards of the temple. High Priestess Elayna spoke with one of them quietly and before I knew what was happening, something struck at the backs of my knees, effectively dropping me as powerful hands grabbed my arms and legs. I kept still, knowing that it would probably be useless to struggle with so many others holding me down. Chains and metal jingled together before I felt the shackles being closed around ankles and wrists alike, a fifth one, large enough to be called a collar was snapped around my throat, making it difficult to breath. My skin crawled at the chill touch of the metal, but not from that alone. Whatever had been done to these shackles after their forging, it sent chills throughout my body as the power within me was suppressed. "What's the meaning of this?" I demanded, being brought up into a kneeling position roughly, a hand tugging on the chain connected to the collar I now wore.

"A precaution, in case you do have some abilities that we aren't aware of," Elayna said with a slight smile. "As it is, I have no intention of seeing whether you are the Chosen One, Denver. I do, however, have every intention of learning the truth about whom you are and where you come from. If you are a servant of darkness sent to create panic and war, then I will personally sign the order to execute you as a traitor to Ryodan and King Quel'thalsed. First though, I want you to be punished for blatantly using my ancestors' sacred battle cry before me and those who were in His Majesties presence. That is something that I can never forgive you of."

"You fucking bitch!" I hissed before another blow, this time to the back of my head sent everything swimming into darkness...

***

Lesanna: I paced the corridor outside of King Quel'thalseds chambers, hissing irritably to myself as I waited for the audience Iridell had asked for after the guards left with Denver. The King had agreed to it gracefully, but only after we had freshened up and managed to get something into our bellies to silence the muffled growls they made. I had refused to eat anything before meeting with Quel'thalsed, but after Iridell's continued insistence that not doing so would make things more difficult for me, I agreed but still didn't eat that much. The two guards standing to either side of the doorway kept a wary watch on everything I did, the fear of tales from the last war with my people keeping them on edge. It was irritating, and made even worse by the waiting that we had to endure.

"Damn, why won't he just let us speak with him," I hissed, glaring at the doors once again and clenching my hands, knuckles popping slightly as I did so.

"Calm down, Lesanna," Iridell said, though I could hear a hint of frustration in her own voice. "You may be the daughter of his queens' brother, but some things have happened this evening that he needs to think about carefully before talking to anyone, even you. Quel'thalsed was raised on the prophecies and other legends of the last war with the darkness. He has been to the places devastated by those battles, places which have yet to heal completely, even after hundreds of years."

"That still doesn't-"

"My Lord will speak with you now," remarked Assedo from the doorway. I jumped slightly whirling around to face her, startled that I hadn't noticed the door opening. Iridell calmly rose and touched my shoulder a moment before heading towards the Kings study. Taking a deep breath, I followed her, giving a pleading look to Assedo as I approached her and receiving a slight shake of her head in answer. Emotions wouldn't help me know, but in a sense, they were all I had to go with.

The study was simple and large enough to be called a library in its own right. Every wall that could be spared for a book case had one, the shelves completely covered with books of every sort. A large oak table rested at one end of the rectangular room with maps neatly rolled in to cases at one end of it, while the other end of the room held a writing desk of the same material, gently and lovingly carved with forest plants and beautiful beings that seemed to dance in the firelight of the nearby blaze. The fireplace had a decent stack of wood burning, holding back the chill of the night that the plains sometimes had. Assedo closed the door just as quietly as she had opened it and went to sit in one of the chairs by the fireplace, hands clasped in her lap as she gazed at her mate, patiently waiting. Two other chairs stood before the desk, both of which Iridell and I quickly moved to and seated ourselves, also keeping silent until Quel'thalsed was ready to speak with us.

For a long moment, we watched the Kings eyes move across the roll parchment slowly, chin resting upon his right hand. Sighing, he lowered the parchment and looked out the window of the study towards the night, staring at something that I couldn't see.

"This is a message from your respected father, King Sevran, Princess Lesanna," Quel'thalsed intoned at last, turning to looking at me with respect and fondness. "In all the years that I have dealt with him, I've always found King Sevran to be an honorable and trustworthy Naga. As are his siblings and children. This letter however, comes from my own sister, written on behalf of her mate and Lord. The contents I won't read to you, but I need to hear you tell me about the man I sent with High Priestess Elayna. Do you believe that he is indeed the Chosen One?" I sat in shock for a moment before recovering my wits.

"Why ask me? You said yourself that you hoped he wasn't and didn't wish to cause chaos in your own city, Sire," I said, almost forgetting who I was talking with.

"And I still do, but...When more than one Seer or even a magickal artifact as powerful as the Crystal Towers of Ku'tarass show that he is...A King would have to be very foolish to ignore such things. I need to hear you say whether or not this Denver is indeed the Chosen One," the King said, asking gently and with all the hope that my answer was no...

"Denver is the Chosen One, Sire," I said softly, bowing my head, heart racing as I waited for some kind of outburst to come from him, denying my words as truth.

"Seer Iridell," he said softly, gaze going to the dragoness. "Would you swear on those who have helped shape your sight and the deities you pray to that Denver is the Chosen One?"

"I do swear that it is true, by all that has helped shape my abilities, and those that I call to beyond the Veil," she replied, also bowing her head a moment. "Believe me, My King, I hoped it wasn't true either. But when I first saw him and listened to him speak of what had happened since he came to this world, there was no sign of lies within his words or aura. Denver isn't here by choice, but he has been chosen regardless." Silence fell between us as Quel'thalsed stood up and walked over to the window, resting his hands on the sill.

"And if High Priestess Elayna claims otherwise?" He asked.

"I think that she will claim that regardless of what she finds, Sire," Iridell told him, shaking her head. "She fears this battle as all of us do, but is unwilling to face it. In truth, I believe that she took offence when Denver spoke the ancient battle cry and means to do him harm rather than seek the truth."

"Are you sure of this?"

"It's what I have foreseen around them both," she replied.

"As it is, I cannot just go to the temple and demand Denver's release from their questioning...I will wait three days and then go to speak with him and High Priestess Elayna," King Quel'thalsed said, turning back to us, his face grave. "It is then that I shall decide whether or not to believe that this man is truly the Chosen One."

***

Iridell: "That's all he wassh willing to do?" Arosha said, voice slightly slurred by the amount of brandy and ale she'd already consumed.

"That's all he can do for the moment. King Quel'thalsed has a great deal of respect for the Temple, and he feels that he must wait and have time for making a decision. One that could mean the death of thousands in the end," I said, leaning against the window sill and regarding my friend with sad amusement. Arosha usually didn't try getting drunk, but when she did, it was to try and hide her emotions about something or someone. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't...

"Royal pricks, won't take a shit wit' out bloody Priestessh approval," Arosha growled, getting up and staggering to her sword and armored kilt that lay on the bed nearby.

"Where do you think you're going?" Lesanna and I said at the same time.

"Ta get Denver, where elsh?" she told us, glaring at me before turning her gaze to the Naga princess as she fumbled with her sword belt.

"You're in no condition to do that, Arosha Moon-flow," Lesanna hissed, walking over to her and easily snatching the sword and belt from her hands. Arosha snarled and made to leap at Lesanna, only to have me knock her onto the bed as I glided between them and used my tail. Holding her down, I whispered a sleep spell over Arosha and waited for it to take hold. In a few moments, she was fast asleep and snoring from the alcohol in her belly. Rising I went over to the remaining bottles and picked one up, looking to Lesanna with a wry smile.

"I never thought I'd be drinking to help ease my mind," Lesanna remarked, picking up one of the spare goblets and holding it out to me to fill.

"Trust me," I replied, "Sometimes it's the only way to numb emotions and guarantee that you don't do anything foolish until morning. Even then, you have second thoughts and time to think things through." Once her glass was full, I raised the bottle in a mock toast and drank deeply from it...

***

Denver: I grunted in pain as the prison guards slammed me against the stone wall and pulled my arms roughly above my head, locking the length of chain running between my hands around a hook cemented into the wall. The chain between my ankles was secured to a similar hook in the floor to keep me from moving around too much more. As the Rats stepped back and away from me, their shining eyes gleamed in the dim torchlight of the hallway. One fingered a long dagger while the other unhooked a cat o' nine tails from his belt, the ends of each leather length tipped with wicked barbs of steel. I glared at them with contempt and anger, trying to ignore the pain that lanced through every muscle in my arms and back from the previous attention my keepers had shown. Footsteps sounded from the hallway, announcing the arrival of Elayna and two other rats, each one carrying a slightly different weapon, none of them meant to kill...at least not quickly.

"I've been told that you refuse to apologize for the insult you've given me and the claim of being the Chosen One," she stated, stopping a short distance from me, her face calm, thoughts and emotions hidden behind her mask of holy perfection. "I give you a chance now to do so, and you will be rewarded with a quick death or freedom. I have already made plans for a small wagon to bear you south towards the nomadic peoples of the desert lands. Perhaps you can find refuge there...if you are willing to refuse the foolish claims you've made-"

I spat, hitting Elayna right on the lips, the action rewarded with a swift reprisal of the cat, my scream barely held back as I felt the barbs dig into my flesh, followed by the High Priestess's own back hand as she struck me. Gulping in breaths of air, I never stopped glaring at the bitch, the thought of asking forgiveness and freedom never crossing my mind. "Very well then. I shall leave you to the Inquisitors in hopes that you'll find it in your heart to ask forgiveness. It would be very unfortunate if your companions came looking for you only to find a corpse."

"Corpses and death are all that you'll see, Elayna," I growled, as she turned from me. "Death shall become the Bride, Groom and salvation of all the peoples of this world if you don't look beyond your petty pride and the title you fuck every night!" She paused at the door but I didn't even see her leave. I was blind sided by one punch only to howl again as the other instruments of questioning were used, laughter coming from the gleeful fucks tormenting me...

*Three Days Later*

...Pain, torture, laughter and questions among cries of agony...It seemed that my world had become full of it, or rather all that there was for me to find between the darkness of unconsciousness and my waking moments. Sometimes I had to bite my tongue just to keep from whispering for mercy, for an end to pain. A part of me desperately wanted this to end and was willing to do anything, give anything for it to be so. Yet it was a whisper, drowned out by the rage and will to endure that yelled defiance at those who harmed me. I didn't know who it was, which one I was, but both seemed to be my own voices my own desires.

Why not give in and ask for mercy, apologize to her, claim innocence and refuse the claim of being their blasted Chosen One? It's not worth it!

IT IS! I KNOW WHO I AM, WHAT I AM! I WILL NOT BE MADE TO BOW TO THEM OR ANYONE ELSE! I REFUSE TO!

The pain, the torture, death would be a welcome release, just let yourself embrace it, let Us embrace it and find peace!

NO! WE HAVE ALREADY DIED ONCE! IT'S NOT TIME! NOT TIME! WE WILL FIGHT THEM! WE WILL WIN! PAIN IS MOMENTARY! PAIN CAN BE CONTROLLED! I screamed again as a glowing forge iron was once again pressed to my side, the pain nearly unbearable. Something broke in the back of my mind and a cold chill swept through me, driving away all the agony I felt and bringing calm cold clarity to my mind. I opened my mouth again, but no scream came out. Instead, a roar unlike anything I had ever heard before escaped me, the sound loud enough to cause the very stone to shake.

Bones ground against each other as they shifted, changing, some becoming putty and melting away to reform in other places as new ones appeared. I could feel energy surging through my veins, liquid fire that was pumped by the molten heart within my breast. I grabbed hold of the energy within and reveled in the extent of power I felt, willing it to do as I commanded. The torture table I lay upon burst asunder, shards ripping through those gathered like shrapnel from a bomb, the force sending them bouncing off the walls only to fall to the ground in pools of their own blood. There were no time for screams as the dying fell, their eyes filled with horror as they witnessed my transformation. I laughed, the sound distant thunder that echoed loudly in the chamber, the door bursting off its hinges as I looked towards it.

'Blood,' I thought, my lips curving into a grim smile. 'I will have blood for what's been done to me. Elayna's and no one else's. Time to pay the bitch back!' Roaring again, I leapt at the ceiling, my new wings giving a powerful down stroke and I broke through the stone like a mortar shell exploding through a plywood wall...

***

Quel'thalsed: "I wish to speak with Denver, High Priestess Elayna," I told the human woman after courtesies had been exchanged.

"Denver is weary from the questions and trials that we have put him through, King Quel'thalsed," Elayna replied respectfully, a slight smile crossing her lips. "He sleeps to regain his strength for this evenings trials."

"Then wake him," I said gruffly, tapping my fingers on the arm of the chair I was seated in. "I have no time to waste waiting for your questioners to prove or disprove what he is to you."

"Sire, you surely remember what to asked me to do when this young man arrived with his companions and claimed to be the Chosen One of Prophecy?"

"Does the High Priestess mean to imply that I am forgetting my commands already?" I said, voice low, eyes narrowing as I regarded the woman with frustration.

"Not at all, My Lord," She said, giving a hasty bow of her head before looking back up at me. "Just that I intend to carry out your wishes in this manner to the best of my abilities."

"Then there should be no problem in sending an Acolyte to wake Denver and bring him here as quickly as possible. Or am I missing something High Priestess Elayna?" I intoned, rising slowly from my chair and walking closer to her.

"No My Lord, I will-"

BOOM!

The floor shook as if it had been truck by one of the gods themselves, sending everyone scrambling to regain their footing.

"What in the name of Kitharan was that?" Arosha barked, already on her feet and looking around the room, her sword drawn and held at the ready.

"Whatever it was," Lesanna said, slowly looking from one balcony to another, then the door leading into the room. "It was from below us, not above." I was about to demand that Elayna tell me what was happening when I noticed Seer Iridell staring at the floor on one side of the room.

"Gods no...Denver," she said in a near whisper.

BOOOOOMM!

The tiled floor by the west balcony erupted without warning, sending shards of stone in every direction as other pieces crashed through the hole landing hollowly in the chamber below.

Silver shone in the early morning sunlight, sending glittering waves throughout the room as the creature before us moved, unfolding wings that had acted as its shield as it broke through the floor we stood upon. In all my years, I had never heard or seen such a majestic and terrifying creature.

Draconic in the greatest sense of the word, there was never the less a human quality to its nine foot tall appearance. Golden streaks ran along its face and neck, darkening in color upon reaching the dragons broad shoulders and wings. Though sleek of form, it radiated power and rage at the same time, the foot long talons gleaming in the light as did the scales. Eyes of blue fire looked us over and settled upon the High Priestess, scaled lips curving into a grin of triumph as it roared.

Denver: I could smell her fear, sickeningly sweet, her face as white as a sheet, eyes wide and staring with true paralyzing terror. This I wanted to savor, to remember each and every moment for a lifetime. I started towards her walking around those who were in my path as I extended my claws to their fullest. She broke from her trance and hurried backwards, forming complex signs with her hands and whispering. As soon as she reached the balcony, Elayna thrust her hands in my direction shouting, "So must it be!" White light lanced forth from her out stretched palms, striking me square in the chest-

Elayna: I smiled in triumph as the creature was bathed in the destructive powers of my chosen God and Goddess, and muffled explosion accompanying the blast before smoke and dust clouded everything before me. Raising my right arm, I waited, breathing through the silk to keep most of the debris from entering my mouth and throat. 'Its done...Whatever that thing was, I've destroyed it and the threat is over-'

Wing gusted from the cloud of stone and dust, blowing it away and revealing just the opposite. The Dragon was still there, unmarked by what I had done, and if anything emanating more rage than before. Stepping back, fear reasserted itself in my mind as I felt my legs turn to jelly and collapsed onto the balcony-

Iridell: -I was before the High Priestess in moments, standing straight and tall between her and the Dragon.

"Denver, Stop! Please!" I shouted to him in draconic, face pleading with him as I barred his way. I knew it was him, not some other creature. I could smell him, sense him within this creature, and my eyes saw him writhe in torment within, his cries of pain and vengeance all to clear to my ears. He stepped back and glared at me before giving a deep guttural hiss, eyes narrowing as his tail thrashed against the tiles, shattering them and leaving great dents in the stone floor. The next roar dwarfed the one before and I flinched, not from fear but pain, burning physical pain.

"She betrayed me, betrayed the Kings trust!" He screamed silently, stamping his foot and creating spider web cracks in the floor. "I bled for her hate, her anger. She will bleed for the injury and insult done to me!" I cried out in pain and staggered slightly, hands going to my stomach and breast. Drawing a shivering breath, I took my hands away and found my own blood staining them, fresh, the injuries deep and biting. I touched one deep gash that didn't bleed any more than a few drops and felt the cat strike me again and again, Denver's memories becoming part of my own as he shared them.

"Get away from her you Scaled Bastard!" Arosha howled as she suddenly appeared by my side, sword raised in one hand while her other gripped my arm. Someone gripped my other and I looked up to see Lesanna's concerned face looking at me, completely ignoring Denver.

"Arosha, Put your sword down!" I shouted as Denver roared again, taking another step back, glaring from us to his prey and back again. "That's not an ordinary dragon."

"What?" She growled, looking at me, her eyes widening as she took in my expression.

"That's Denver. Elayna betrayed him, tortured him for three days and nights. His powers...they've broken him free of that torment, but he's all emotion right now. His mind is feral and he doesn't understand why we're keeping him from Elayna!" Arosha and Lesanna both cried out as Denver roared a third time, deep wounds appearing on them as well and darkening their clothing, their eyes widening in surprise.

"No, please...Remember us, Denver! Remember who you are! Please!" Lesanna cried out, breaking away from Arosha and I and walking towards our mate. "She's not worth this! With all that she's done to you, she isn't worth this!" Denver backed away from her, head swaying from side to side, his hands reaching up to clutch at his skull as if in pain.

"Don't fight what you are, but don't give in to the rage either!" I called out, getting to my feet again with Arosha's help, walking forward with her and wincing with every step at the pain felt. Hissing, he made as if to sweep us out of his way with one taloned hand but hesitated, the fires in his eyes dimming noticeably as he looked from one face to another to another.

"Please..." whined Arosha, moving closer and tentatively reaching out with one paw to touch his leg. Shaking his head once more, Denver closed his eyes and howled again, this time without rage, just pain and sorrow, as if everything he'd been holding within he wanted to release at once.

Denver: Friends-Lovers-Mates! 'I WILL NOT HARM THEM!' I threw back my head and bellowed to the stone ceiling above, all of my emotions going into it as I felt the rage vanish from my mind, my body quivering as everything started to shift again. Falling to my knees, everything returned to normal so quickly that I didn't have the chance to grasp the change as a whole. I knelt there on the broken tiles, hugging myself and wincing as I cried in pain, sorrow, and the tormenting memories of the dungeon. The wounds were my own again, fresh and weeping blood as my eyes wept tears. Someone touched me gently and I jerked away from them, biting back another howl of pain as I shivered, feeling as if thousands of burning needles had been stuck into every part of my body. Soft furred hands took my head and gently pulled me closer, letting me carefully fall into the embrace offered. I clung to Arosha, wincing and shuddering with sobs of relief even as my wounds ached. I listened to her words of comfort, to those of Iridell, and Lesanna as they also hugged me carefully, one of them removing their cloak to spread it gently over my nude form.

"I'm sorry...I-I didn't-"

"Hush...No words now, Denver...No words...We know what you felt and still feel," Arosha whispered, kissing my forehead as if I were a child again. I closed my eyes and shuddered, wishing for nothing else but an end to the pain I felt and to hold all three of them as tightly as I possibly could...

Quel'thalsed: Keeping silent, I watched the four of them for a moment before catching a glimpse of someone rushing for the door as fists banged upon it from the other side.

"Hold it!" I shouted, reaching Elayna in a few long strides and grabbing her arm roughly.

"Let me go!" she screamed, raising a hand to strike me. I grabbed her other arm and slammed her against the wall.

"I will not let you go until you explain exactly what you did to Denver and why, High Priestess Elayna," I intoned, making sure to emphasis her title. "Though I think I already have a good guess as to what happened." The doors burst open and a handful of Paladin guards along with other Priests entered the room, taking in the devastation, Denver and those around him, as well as the High Priestess. "Take her to the castle dungeons and with two of your temples most trusted guards," I said, shoving her towards the armored guards. "She is to be held and kept under watch on the charges of mistreatment and assaulting a new comer to Ryodan. If I find that anyone has helped her to escape, I will personally send a prayer to the God of Justice and Goddess of vengeance that those responsible be captured by creatures of darkness and used for their pleasures before being slain painfully. Is that clear?" They nodded and took the screaming priestess away, the curses she shouted at me hollow and without power. Her Goddess having abandoned her once She saw what her own loyal human had done in her name...