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Those that plunder her are in her.

Chapter 6 - She's Coming

"The soul that has conceived one wickedness can nurse no good thereafter"--Sophocles
**Barracuda—by heart**
Paul paced rapidly from one side of the house to the other. Stupid stupid stupid. He scolded himself. She is going to let me have it. He eyed his favorite liquor then shook his head. Now is not the time! She is coming. Must be presentable, must be ready. He admired his reflection in the mirror. He wore his only tuxedo, his hair carefully combed in just the way she liked, his black eyes twinkled with mirth. She won't be able to resist me this time. He shuddered at the suspicious silence. I just won't tell Scelestra the girl ran; she will come back. She always does. She has nowhere else to go. There is time before the portal clears. A delicate knock rapped at his door. He swallowed hard, and despite his pep talk, his fingers trembled as he reached out for the handle. Paul swung the door wide and bowed deeply to the gorgeous creature before him. Scelestra's breasts gently swelled over her corseted dress; which swept the floor with whispering black lace. He gulped imagining long sensual and sleepless nights. It had been so long since he had gripped Scelestra's porcelain skin and kissed that cinnamon scented neck. She leveled a warm and lascivious gaze upon him. Her ebony hair swept up and to the side of her perfect face. Scelestra's long lashes fluttered unabashedly at him and bit lightly on the corner or her ruby lips. She was a master temptress and had Paul wrapped around her blood manicured fingernails. He whispered his voice as warm as honey, "My dear Sc—" She raised a manicured fingernail to his lips. Her face inches from his. "My dearest pet where is she we have mere minutes before the portal closes." She purred, the silk tones of her brought him to his knees. Scelestra's scarlet stained eyes were impossible to ignore. Paul grabbed her waist and pulled her to him. "I sent your prize on an errand my dear so that we could have some time alone." He leaned in seizing her luscious lips in his and pressed her into him. It had been too long. Gently she chuckled and gracefully removed herself from his grasp. He reached longingly for her; but, she had already crossed the room. She found the frying pan, and she could smell his blood on the rim. "What is this?" Suspicion crept into her melodious voice. Tossing the pan around as if checking its weight. "Why is there blood on it?" Paul turned white as a ghost. How could he tell her that a little girl bested him? He was sure his prize would come back. It was just matter of when. It was not the first time Alyenna had ran from him; but, it would be the last. It did not matter that she destroyed what he used to track her. He could still find her. He knew her scent. He had played this game of cat and mouse with the girl for years. This time though was different he could finally go home to Scelestra's bed. The girl's timing could not be worse. That brat had knocked him out right before the portal opened. If she thought he hit her hard before, a cruel smile twisted his lips as he thought of her punishment, little mouse will pay for this. "Paul!" Scelestra demanded, her eyes boring into him demanding an explanation. "She is not here." His voice trembled. "She" He paused thinking of an explanation "went for a walk." "A walk?" She shrieked, her scream shook debris loose from the rafters. "You insufferable buffoon! Don't lie to me!" I saw her go through the portal. You lazy good for nothing excuse of a demon! I caught sight of her just as a dwarf and elf pulled her through!

Paul's throat tightened, her magic cutting off his ability to breath. Paul was cowering in the corner of her house. She stood over him brandishing the ever-offensive frying pan. "You will retrieve her for me." Her eyes lit with fury, and at that moment the frying pan caught fire. "You lost her again! How could you be so careless?" She sidled up to him her voice deadly quiet "Does your love for me mean so little?" She threw the pan her eyes boring into his. The whole room smoldered as large hungry bursts of flame consumed the house. Paul felt the real pain of her statement, as he crawled to her. His desperate hands trembled as they grasped for the black lace of her dress. "My love," He pleaded, "how could you say such things. My love for you is an ocean. It is my world. As everlasting as the stars in the night sky. My love for you swallows me whole. I know no other love than yours."He continued to tremble with the weight of her rejection. Paul did not notice Scelestra roll her eyes. He was too focused on his own emotions and not being burned alive. Paul, unlike her other pets, was in love with Scelestra of his own accord. She did not need to possess his mind nor had any interest in expending the effort to do so. His dedication to her was unmatched, and for this reason alone she kept him alive. The Fire continued to advance the hungry flames crept closer to them. She bent down to meet his eyes, expertly feigning the affection he craved. She stroked his cheek. Pau leaned into her hand and moaned with monumental relief. Her voice then took on a dark rumbling tone that he rarely heard. A support beam came crashing down two feet from him. The sparks were flying everywhere burning his skin. Her nails dug into his face drawing specks of blood. "You will return with me to Tendaara, and you will find her and bring her to me as planned." her voice now a vicious hiss. With that, she grabbed his hand and dragged him from the house. As they left the entire house was caught up in a blaze and came crashing down.

******

"Damien!" Aly shrieked. His body was spasming, his eyes rolling into the back of his head pools of sweat forming all over his clothes. "Help! Someone, please help!" Aagi a vision of strength and fiery hair shoved her out of the way. He began throwing objects that Damien could hit in his spasm as far away from his body as he could. Then he grabbed Aly's shoulders and dragged her back. The throes of the seizure had buried Damien. There was yellow foam flaked with blood. After several minutes his body shuddered and stilled. Aagi released Aly and checked Damien's vital signs. " 'e'll be fine lass." he soothed "its all part o' 'is .... gift as it t'were." Aly threw herself at Damien double checking Aagi's assessment. He was indeed breathing softly almost peacefully. She sighed then turned the full force of her anxiety on Aagi. "What the hell was that?" She exclaimed. "Oi miss it twas nutin. 'e just 'ad a bad dream." Aagi heaved Damien's limp body over his shoulder and started to walk away. Damien's feet dragged on the ground behind him. Aly shadowed Aagi showering him with unanswerable questions. He politely let her spew nonsense until she calmed down when they arrived at what she could only assume was an infirmary. Aagi knocked impatiently at the door. "Oi! it 'appened again!" A patient looking middle-aged woman dressed in infirmary white cracked the door and glared at Aagi. "Was that really necessary?" She demanded. Aagi harumphed and shifted Damien's body on his shoulder in response to a comment. He captured her attention immediately.

The nurse was alarmed by the sight of Damien's nearly lifeless form. She swung the doors wide and hurried them inside. She gestured toward an empty bed, as she was busily running around the room gathering supplies and potions. Alyenna went to bed and stared worriedly over Damien. Cocky, confident Damien now pale and helpless. His mouth still covered in dried sweat and red-yellow foam. A gentle hand lightly rested on her shoulder, pulling her attention away. It was Baellnar. "he's okay Aly I promise." He whispered to her. The soothing tones of his voice seeping into her veins. She did not notice the glow in the air around her as he spoke. Aly visibly relaxed. She decided to make herself of use. She grabbed a wet cloth and started dabbing away at Damien's face. Aagi threw his hands up in frustration at the ease in which Aly was settled down. "Oh, o' course you listen to 'im. oi already tol' ya that!" "It's because you're a redhead. No one trusts redheads." Baellnar said shoving Aagi "everyone knows gingers have no soul." He beamed proudly at Aagi. Aagi glared at him and then started laughing hysterically and walked away saying something about weapons being more manageable than women. Alyenna's attention focused back on Damien whose breathing was getting stronger. Slowly his eyes opened, and he smiled at her. "Hey, beautiful like I said you don't have a class with Arienne today because I am in charge of your anatomy lesson." He winked. Alyenna stood frozen and uncomprehensive of what had just happened and even more so of Damien's immediate nonchalance. He then looked around the room, and a sudden realization hit him. He sank back into the pillow. "Well shit." He sighed. "What did I say then?" Then his face scrunched up, and he moaned in pain"God my head hurts." Damien shoved his face deep into the pillow. Aly continued to dab his forehead with a cold cloth as Baellnar sent for Allabandar. Moments later Allabandar entered the room. Aly suspected Aagi had already informed him of the situation. He walked silently up to Damien's bedside. His eyes were full of care and concern. "It's been a while since an attack Damien are you okay?" He said with all the care of a father with a child who skinned their knee. "Yeah, I am fine. Is Ruth around?" Said the nurse. "Ruth?" Aly asked confused. "Yes, as a dragon Ruth is especially talented for pulling prophecies out of seers and healing them. Prophecies are usually incredibly traumatic it is only Dragonkin that can bring our seers back quickly without harming them. We are not entirely certain how it works, but it does." I am right here young one. Said a beautiful and familiar voice in Aly's head. She turned toward the window, and there was one enormous serpentine eye. It swirled with colors of every jewel she had ever seen, surrounded by pearlescent scales. Alyenna worked to contain her shock as the drake;'s face shrank. More and more of the dragon appeared until the dragon's daunting sized evaporated and a small winged lizard, no impressive than a house cat, had appeared in its place. It carefully picked its way into the room and perched on the headboard of Damien's bed. The creature nuzzled Damien a faint golden glow circled both of them. He sighed in relief and sat up in bed. What did you do to him?
I healed him, hatchling. His visions take so much from him I just gave a little bit of his life force back. He should be able to remember now. How did you heal him? Aly asked. All dragonkin can heal. It comes from the fire within our souls. With that essence of fire, we both heal and destroy. What else can you do?

Each dragon has shapeshifting powers. The shapes we can take are largely determined by our birth element. I am of water so I can create a great storm or a summer rain and I can be any creature of the sea. This ability has protected us through the centuries both from Scelestra and from the age of dragon hunters. We only reveal our true form if we choose.
Damien oblivious to this mental conversation sighed and began to relay his vision. "a tower covered in thorns. There are red eyes everywhere. Death and darkness have swallowed the ground here. Then up to the top of the tower. There is a man a large man with black hair and black eyes. There are scars on his cheeks. He is kissing her feet. She hands him something a tracking stone I think and gestures to the door. She crosses the room and then all I see is her eyes her horrid red eyes. She is looking into the keep she can see us! She is speaking to someone here!" Again he fainted. Ruth the size of a small cat nestled herself onto his chest and closed her eyes. The glow around her tiny serpentine body pulsing and surrounding her and Damien. Allabandar's brow furrowed and he looked at Aly shaking his head in sadness. "It is too soon but you must go. We cannot trust anyone. Not where Scelestra is concerned, and she has a spy at the Fortress. It also sounds like she has someone hunting you. You must leave." He turned to Baellnar and Aagi "You two get provisions. You know where you leave by dawn."

*****

Their departure was kept a secret. No one could know that after only a day in the keep she had to leave. The plan had been she would stay for so much longer and prepare. There was no time for that now. Her remaining at the keep put too many lives at risk. Those who lived in the castle only knew that tonight would be a welcome Gala that evening. The party of the century. They did not know that their hero would leave them in the morning twilight. To quell any suspicions Aly was forced to attend. She was escorted back to her rooms after Damien was resting peacefully. When she opened the door she barely noticed that on her bed was a beautiful emerald lace dress trimmed with gold. Next to it was a lightly jeweled emerald necklace with a dragon pendant and teardrop emerald earrings. A maid waited for her as she entered and escorted her through the bureau into a luxurious bath. One that was impossible for her to enjoy. Worry crept through her veins. She knew nothing about this Scelestra but it was enough to send even a dragon into a panic. No one was willing to speak of her for fear she is listening. How is that possible? Scelestra is one woman and she is clearly not in the fortress. She is clearly notorious wouldn't it be obvious if she was? The maid scrubbed away some of the tensions of the day. Aly tried to enjoy it. She had a sinking feeling this would be the last bath she would have in a while. This was an old world one without electricity and plumbing. Out on the road, there would be very few resources. Aly still had no idea where she was, or even when she was; but, she was here and she would do what she could to survive. The maid stood beside the tub carrying a luxuriously fluffy terrycloth towel. She could not have been more 17. She shuffled about the room quietly expertly arranging the items needed to prepare her for the Gala. Aly was sworn to secrecy about their plans for the morning. So not knowing what else to talk to her maid about she strained for conversation. She did want someone to tell her where she was though but knew it would be weird to ask directly. She chose to start with softball questions. "Thank you so much for your help." She said testing the waters. The maid said nothing she just handed her the towel and gestured for her to step behind a changing screen. Aly tried again "what is your name?" "Emily." in a tone that clearly indicated she was not interested in conversation. "Emily that is a pretty name what does it mean?" She tried again. "My name miss? It's just the one my parents gave me." Alyenna frustrated with the lack of interest she was getting from Emily. One word answers would accomplish nothing. So she tried a more open-ended question. "So, how did you start working here?" "Allabandar took me in when I lost my family and our home was destroyed in a local skirmish," she said this so matter of factly it mystified Aly. How could something so devastating seem so casual to Emily? She waited for her to continue but Emily was too busy tending to the task of braiding her hair. Sighing in frustration she was almost ready to let Emily complete her work in peace. Then one more question pushed at her to be asked so she did. "Emily, what do you call this place?" Emily stopped and looked at her. "What do you mean miss? The fortress? It's called Kaelen's Keep" Aly Nodded that helped a little. "No, I mean where are we what is the name of this land?" "This land miss? Well, we live in the land of Tendaara." She said casually as she busied herself around Aly. That is inconceivable! No, it cannot be. "Sorry I must not have heard you. Where are we?" "Tendaara." The maid said clearly annoyed. Aly sunk forward in her chair. Her head tucked between her knees. "Are you okay miss? Miss?" Aly stared into the distant tiles. Oblivious to the maid worrying about her person. Nothing mattered in this moment. This is impossible. I accepted talking dragons, ridiculously handsome men, enormous caverns that are feats of architecture and art, but this is too much. This cannot be . . . how am I in my books!? When am I in my books!? How is this place real!? in the distance, she heard her name being called. Her mind was spinning. she continued to stare at the tiles. Her muscles unmoving. She lost herself in her own dimension her own time. She didn't care. She felt her body shake. She didn't care. Then everything got cold and wet. "Stop doing that!" Alyenna screamed at Aagi who held the offending bucket of water in his hand. "We were worried about you." Came a soft voice behind her. "I am fine. . . I was just thinking." "oi! Must o' been a' 'elluva thought miss!" "care to share?" Said the soft bell tones of Baellnar. "No, not particularly," Aly said defiantly. Then stared accusatorially at them, done with the nice way of getting information. Politics was never her thing anyway. " How about you care to share? What is really going on?" The three figures stared at each other for a while. Emily relieved she could continue with her task, no longer cared about their conversation. She continued to fuss around Aly fixing the sopping mess that was her head. Eventually, the men dismissed themselves. After that Aly was lost in thought, oblivious to the movements and ministration of Emily. She spent the rest of the evening in a daze. She ate very little and quickly excused herself from the celebration. She claimed the very valid excuse of exhaustion for her early departure which most understood. Baellnar rose with her concerned with her withdrawn and forlorn appearance, and escorted her gently back to her room. Alyenna crawled into bed. The flowers, pearls, jewels, and other trimmings for the gala stick thickly laid in her hair, and she finally slept, but not well. Aly awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of her own screams. Drenched in a cold sweat. Her sheets were strewn all over the floor. She sat wide awake. Her mind flashed back to the image. Blood covered her body. There was a gaping hole in her chest. Her heart was held aloft by a man with auburn hair, and it was on fire.


***Thank you for reading! Please don't forget to comment***

nice story.thanks op

I think we have something nice cooking here...

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thank for the update

The real op for this story was banned and he just inbox me with the updates. I think he'll be available on friday to continue by himself

Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend.

Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within." --The Temptations*

Emily's day couldn't end fast enough. She heard Damien had an incident. She wanted to run to him, wanted to make sure he was safe. She had loved him ever since she stepped foot in Kaelen's Keep. His soft green eyes, his loving smile, his playful personality. She knew he was a flirt; she was okay with that it was just for show.

She never actually saw him choose another lady before her. She always watched from a distance. Forever his shy shadow, his secret admirer. He always treated her with kindness, but he never seemed to notice her. Until a couple of weeks ago.

He found her one night while she was working. She dusted off an image of Eleanor, 'savior' of their people. She had been working quietly, too terrified to speak as he confessed his hidden feelings and how he knew she loved him as well.

He insisted that their love remain a secret. It had to, or she would find out. Emily agreed eagerly to their arrangement, and they have been meeting in secret ever since. He was such a gentleman. He always left her little gifts, or notes to demonstrate the purity of his affection. Emily mentally swooned at the thought of their first kiss.

 It was perfect. It was midnight in the garden. Damien had begged Emily to meet him for a secret rendezvous. The scene was straight from a romantic ballad. Moonlight lightly kissed the tropical flowers. Fairies danced lightly between the blooms of passion flowers and gardenias. The fountain water was still as glass framing their forms in a perfect liquid mirror.

He came up behind her his warm arms encircling her waist. He held her close and said something that made her laugh. She couldn't remember exactly what. The whole evening remained in a blissful haze. After a few minutes, he gently cupped her face in his palm. She leaned into his palm enjoying its warmth. Her eyes met his and held them. She was unable to look away from the sparkling soul contained within.

"Thank you so much for your help." The strange new girl said. Everyone was fussing and excited about her but Emily could not for the life of her figure out what for. Eleanor was the savior this was some girl that looked like her. She was more annoyed at the interruption of her blissful daydream than she was interested in answering questions. She wanted to complete her work quickly and check on Damien.

"what is your name?" The annoying new girl asked.

Exasperated at the continued interruption, she answered"Emily."

"Emily that is a pretty name what does it mean?" The girl probed. Emily realized, with exasperation, that her task this evening would take much longer than she originally planned. She choked back a sigh and put on her most hospitable expression. 

"My name miss? It's just the one my parents gave me." Keeping her answer short. Not like this girl cared, but she had more important things on her mind, well one thing, Damien.

Emily busied about the room the newcomer girl firing off irritating questions at her. She wanted nothing to do with her idle small talk she had to get to Damien. The faster she finished her tasks the sooner she could check on him. To look into his emerald eyes and make sure he was okay.

The girl interrupted her musings yet again with irritating questions. "No, I mean where are we what is the name of this land?"

"This land miss? Well, we live in the land of Tendaara." How could she not know that?

Suddenly the new girl lost her mind. She collapsed in the chair drool lolling out the side of her mouth. The girl was catatonic and unresponsive to Emily. Emily clapped and yelled trying to get her attention, but nothing happened. Worried that this would further delay her evening Emily called for help.

It did not take long for the noisy dwarf and silver elf to come in. Nice guys but nothing special as far as Emily was concerned. They threw water on the new girl wrecking Emily's braids. The girl sputtered and yelled but was utterly 'fine.' Relieved that the evening was finally progressing, despite having to re-do the girl's hair. Emily finished getting this troublesome girl ready for the gala and promptly left the room.

***

Emily ran to the garden in excitement. She ran with the enthusiasm of a small child smelling the aroma of fresh pies. Her pace picked up as the clock chimed the first stroke of midnight. She arrived in the garden and looked around frantically. She was alarmed that she may have missed his opportunity, but then his hands covered her eyes, and she smiled. Excitedly she turned around and there he was her handsome man. She held him so tight he grunted.

"Easy my midnight flower. What has you so excited." The deep baritone of his voice sent a thrill through her spine. She snuggled in deep to him.

"My love you, of course, you had me worried are you okay?" she said carefully stroking his cheek and running her fingers through his silky chocolate hair.

"Yes, my midnight flower why wouldn't I be?"

"My love you had an episode today!" Shocked that she had to remind him. "Then everyone started acting quite weird. The new girl especially."

A flash of red appeared in Damien's eyes and then vanished. Emily was too busy nestling into his embrace to notice.

"I am fine darling." He cooed "Tell me about the new girl." He pressed.

"Well, she is pretty I guess. Average height and all. I do not understand all the hubbub." Emily said downplaying her looks. Emily knew that her form was not much to look at, she always feared Damien would one day decide he could do better.

"Darling you know my episodes are hard for me to remember." He crooned at her. "Did you hear anything about what I said?" Placing her on his knee and covering her neck with sweet kisses. His hands traced her waist and gently grabbing her hips and her rump. All of it drove her wild with passionate distraction.

"No nothing." Emily thought hard on her about the strangeness of her day, 'Though everyone acted quite strangely after you did. The dwarf and elf  requested a surplus amount of dried goods to their quarters." She was pensive for a moment, "which is weird because they had a big gala planned tonight. Hardly the time for snacking in your room."

Her eyes popped open "unless they were planning on leaving?" She shook her head, "no, they are not supposed to leave for several weeks." Emily groaned and held her hand up to his face. "Which may make these meetings of ours a little less frequent."

Again Damiens' eyes flashed red as he pulled a bit of her hair. Emily was so focused on the moment and the depth of his affections that she did not notice. His kiss intoxicated her erasing her mind of any cognisant thought. All she knew at this moment was want. He asked more questions plying her caresses and kisses. Not all of them about the new girl, thankfully. Some were about Allabandar and the other nobility. After an hour or so he made some excuse about how the vision wore him out, and he disappeared into the night.

Emily was left staring longingly at his shadow. Her veins on fire with wanting.

****

In the infirmary, Damien slowly nursed a mighty headache. He stared at the midnight moon. There was a light knock on the infirmary door.

"Come in." He said weakly. A man stood in the doorway the most handsome man Damien knew. They grew up childhood friends together and then fell in love. "Kevin" he sighed in relief.

Kevin ran to him covering him in kisses, "I was so worried about you." Concern etched across his delicate features. "I am so angry at myself." He clutched Damien's hand, "for not being there when you needed me." Kevin said as he stroked Damien's hair. His eyes scanned him for any damage or weakness. 

Damien repeatedly tried to sooth Kevin's hysterics. Finally, he grabbed his face looked him directly in the eye and firmly said "I am Fine!" and kissed him. Kevin moaned into the kiss. Then crawled into Damien's infirmary bed and held him close. There they cuddled and slumbered until morning.

Hmm...

Nice story. Next pls

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HOLE IN THE WALL www.emperorblog.com.ng/hole-in-the-wall-part-1/
THE HANDSOME DEVIL I KNOW www.emperorblog.com.ng/the-handsome-devil-i-know/
and lot more

8: Last Hope
"All it takes is a beautiful smile to hide to hide an injured soul, and they will never notice how broken you really are"--Anonymous
By the time the sun gently rose over the whispering trees the trio had already traveled several miles. They had vanished from the keep early in the morning, so as to not arouse suspicion. Only Allabandar and Ruth knew of their departure. Baellnar led the group. He sat atop a beautiful chestnut mare. His enchanted elven yew wood bow was displayed prominently over his shoulder. Alyenna could not help but admire him from the corner of her eye. Her admiration was not lascivious in nature but even in her short time knowing him, she respected him. Even dressed in simple traveling clothes there was no hiding his strength, kindness, and intelligence.
Aagi sat stoically on his mount Roxanne. Agi had explained that she is a kind of dragonkin that exists only in caves. Her crystallized and granite skin was a form of camouflage for the elaborate underground roads that laced the underbelly of Tendaara, and because she is dragonkin she shares the ability to change her size, which is an ability that her kind evolved to navigate different styles of terrain in the underground caves.
Roxanne had chosen a size that dwarfed Baellnar's mare. Seeing as how Aagi was a dwarf and apparently didn't need her to be quite so enormous Aly giggled to herself Someone is compensating for something. You caught that eh? Roxanne's voice slipped into her head. Makes him feel 'manly.' Roxanne chortled, and to empathize their wordless conversation, Roxanne threw her serpentine head in the air and pranced mockingly. Aly's eyes settled back on Aagi trying to take in his "manly" look. His armor shone brightly in the sun almost blinding her. It too was an elaborate piece. The steel housing his body was twisted and contorted cleverly and beautifully perfectly fitting his frame, but the most shocking part was his arsenal.
He was weapons master for a reason. From his back alone protruded about 12 medieval style weapons. His saddle also came well equipped with several more massive armaments including an enormous crossbow mounted on the back of his seat. You would think he was a portable arsenal for a small contingent not just one 4 foot tall man. Alyenna looked at her measly saddle bag and depressing lack of armor. She still had the beautiful dragon sword she had forged yesterday; but, due to their quick retreat, she was not able to stay long enough to be fully outfitted. She stroked the hilt of her sword and gazed off into the distance comforted by its weight at her side.
It had been quite a while since Aly had ridden horseback. She remembered several summers where she would at camp but nothing more than a trot unless she could sneak in a canter when the counselors weren't looking. Alyenna loved to ride, but it was not a readily an available option for her growing up. She grimaced, definitely not once she moved in with Paul.
Aly sat silently for a while on her horse another chestnut mare. Her horses' name was Sadie. Sadie was incredibly responsive but as they meandered the long dusty silence began to even bore her. The horses head drooped lower and lower almost to the point where Aly believed she might be sleepwalking. Aly still had so many questions but she could cut the silence with a knife so she was not sure if she was even allowed to say anything.
Finally, her impatience got the best of her, and she blurted out. "So you kidnapped me, and some random guy sees a saw a lady with scary eyes, and now we are running from nothing." She paused dramatically grumbling. "could one of you warriors care to fill me in on what is happening to me!" Baellnar let loose a soft, airy chuckle. He looked back at her smiling. She scolded herself inwardly as she felt her resolve soften her mind started meandering into pleasant dreams of her and Baellnar cuddled up on a blanket by a tree somewhere. SNAP OUT OF IT she scolded herself C'mon you are better than that you were kidnapped get answers.

She stared determinedly at Baellnar hiding her momentary spell of weakness, an expectant look scrawled over her face. He sighed and said "what do you want to know?" his voice was soft it ran through her like the feeling of jumping into a pool on a really hot day. In a blissful way, it forced her to calm down. "Well, I have figured some of what I want to know. Somehow I am living inside one of my favorite books which are fantastic. Never ending story weirdness aside, I want to know why and yes I heard the prophecy bit but how do you know you didn't get it wrong?" A heavy pause followed her inquiry. There was silence for several minutes. The two gentlemen eyeing each other in some sort of wordless conversation. She waited to figure since she didn't know where she was going that she had plenty of time to wait. Finally, Baellnar spoke. "Well Aly, that is a very difficult question to answer. We aren't entirely sure but we are almost positive that you are the correct girl. Allabandar is never wrong and we have been watching you for quite a long time. The kicker Aly is whether or not you are the girl from the prophecy you will have to learn to be her anyway. There is no other chance for us. If you cannot save this kingdom than to put it lightly we are doomed." His voice no longer soothing. It was full of force and meaning that made it impossible for her to argue. Alyenna somehow realized that was all she was going to get from either of them, for now, she attempted a new way to glean information. "Honestly I would call your kidnapping more of a rescue." Aagi and Baellnar raised their eyebrows. "Well, I was not exactly in the best circumstance. You found me as I was running away anyway." Baellnar smiled softly. "We know." Dumbfounded she stared at both of them. "What do you mean you know." "Like I said we have been following you for some time now Aly." "How!? I was in another world, and the only route to me was a portal that only opens every 150 years. It is not possible that you could follow me." After the words escaped her mouth she realized the stupidity of her assumption she was now in a land with talking dragons, elves, and monsters, of course, there were other ways. "Oi girlie 'aven't ya realized we're in a land o' magic?" Aagi piped in looking up from polishing one of his many weapons. "Well yes but I do not exactly know what kind of magic do I?" She retorted, trying to cover her mistake. "Well, girlie all kinds o' magic o' in dis land," Aagi said like it would end the whole thing so he could go back to lovingly working on his arsenal like they were his brood. "You are being terribly non-specific Aagi," she said coolly. Baellnar sighed "Aly; you will find in time all the answers you seek. For now, know that there are ways for us to monitor dimensions other than our own. Know also that means others including Scelestra have that same capability for all of our stealth we could be watched at any time and never know." Aly was shocked. "So I have no privacy." Aagi let out a howl of laughter "oi girlie traveling' wid us privacy is da least o' your worries." He winked and let out a playfully lascivious growl, thus ending the conversation. Afterward, the trio rode in silence for several hours. When the sun had reached its pinnacle in the sky Baellnar raised a hand and all the horses stopped. Wordlessly he jumped down and put his hand on the road. He pointed to the woods and obediently the three followed. They led the horses away from the site of the highway Baellnar quietly whistled a couple notes and the horses laid on the ground and then Baellnar beckoned for Aagi and Alyenna to get down.

Aly lay there hunched in the grass her heart racing, and she had no idea why. She was vaguely aware of a rising aura of panic encompassing the group. Their alarm gave credence to her mounting anxiety. Even the whites of their mounts eyes were showing. All of the tension resonated in the simple thin line that formed on Baellnar's lips. Aagi silently pulled a blade from his pack and held it next to him close. Then Aly heard it. A low rumble of horse hooves on a dirt road. A black carriage roared by with am emblem of a roaring fire on the side. Aly never had the lessons about the culture of the land, but she had a broad sense of foreboding just looking at the carriage. She caught sight of a man in the carriage. She could not see him from a distance, but something familiar about him haunted her. Her eyes locked on the carriage as it thundered by. A chill coursed down her spine. Her horse sensing her did the opposite one would expect. It nuzzled her carefully and blew warm air on her face. The act did brighten her mood and oddly reassured her. Then her mind echoed again this time it was a new one this was deep but feminine. Similar to what she thought a conversation with Billie Holiday would be like. Do not fret little Philly no harm will come to you this day. Confused Aly looked around. It was only the three of them Roxanne was clearly focused on the road, not on her. All she saw was her horse looking at her calmly. Who is speaking? How she got so used to random voices in her head was alarming, but she decided to go with it. They call me Sadie. Shocked at this realization, she was speaking to her horse. Immediately confused thinking that this voice thing was a dragonkin thing but not wanting to offend her horse and upset some animal manners system she knew nothing about, she answered back with a normal sounding question. What do you mean they? Do you not call yourself Sadie? I had another name once, but Sadie works just fine for me. Human's change my name all the time. Human names do not matter to horses we have our own but you could never comprehend it. Our names are part of our smell and our rank in the herd. Our names are ever changing but to you, I can be Sadie. I rather like the simplicity of it. The sound of cracking underbrush startled Aly out of her conversation. She watched as their mounts and the two men slowly stood up. "What was that?" Aly asked. "That" Said Baellnar. "Was one of Scelestra's coaches. She knows we have left the Kaelen's Keep." They were off in a real hurry most likely following the road to our next obvious stopping point which is a town a little bit from here. So we must wait here and go deep into the wood we must take as they say in your world "The scenic route." The group pushed deeper into the brush. Aly was knocked with low-lying branches and tripped several times on raised roots. She kept her bruises to herself focusing now on the danger that she was slowly starting to realize she was in. "Okay so clearly Scelestra is a mean bitch and my sworn enemy according to you and the prophecy. If I am to conquer her and save everyone I need to know exactly what I am getting into. No one is actually this bad this has to all be an exaggeration." Aagi's face grew ashen his eyes started to well up with tears, and he looked away. She turned to Baellnar and waited. He looked at her a long time. "I was hoping to spare you from this part so soon," he whispered and signaled for the group to stop. "It's about time we made camp. Aly water the mounts and settled the ground for our bedrolls. I will work on getting firewood." "Are you sure we want a fire?" Alyenna shivered at the thought of a simple tendril of smoke revealing their position. "Remember what I told you about magic Aly?" He said "We can shield our camp and our fire from watchful eyes remember I have power over the element of air. So I can control our smoke. We are too far from anyone to catch sight of the blaze so we will keep it low." With that, he went off into the woods to work on his task.

Aly brushed down and watered their mounts fetching water from the nearby stream. The mounts were all grateful and exhausted. Once Aly had finally finished her task she turned to see Aagi patiently roasting some wild caught animal she didn't recognize over the fire. She sat by Aagi in silence and waited for Baellnar to return. When he came back Aagi solemnly and wordlessly passed out their portions of the meal. This attitude of his was alien to Aly. She was not sure how this normally boisterous man was so quiet. What had she said to offend him?

"Scelestra is the very essence of wicked." Baellnar began. "She has many powers and many forms, but it is not her power alone that is devastating it is what she does with it. She has the control of fire and wind, her own shape, and her victim's minds. But the last part she can only control if they are helplessly in love with her. Essentially they have to surrender to her entirely emotionally." He paused a while staring meaningfully at Aly.

"Well, that last part shouldn't be that big of a problem if she's such a bitch then no one would love her." With her words, Aagi got up and left camp. She looked to Baellnar for guidance as to why he was so upset but he just stared at the fire for a few minutes. Finally, he continued. "No one is in love with her Aly. What she does is take the form of the person you love most. In that form, she easily manipulates people into believing they are in love with her. While on the outside she wears the form of their wife, their girlfriend, their mother, their crush, their child, even their lover. She studies the form she takes before she does. She is telepathic Aly. She not only takes on their physical form but the personality. So whoever she is conning has no idea of the doppelganger deception.

Once they truly believe she is who she pretends to be. She slips into their mind stealing their free will. Once she has a person sworn to her she forces them to accept some sort of villainous task and until that task is completed she controls you entirely. She will slip unseen in and out of their mind. The claimed rarely know they have been captured. Which makes it impossible for those around them to identify what has happened. She becomes like a virus and will infect whoever she chooses. Silently taking down strongholds. We have some magic wards to identify people but they are almost impossible to acquire so we can only use them when we are almost positive a person has been claimed. It is because of this that we never know until it is too late and their task has been completed." Baellnar solemnly looked after Aagi's shadow in the forest.

"Usually the task involves killing that same person she pretended to be. They cannot complete that task until she says so. Up to the point that they do complete her task. She is free to manipulate them to do any number of tasks. Essentially it is only death that breaks her spell. There is no true loves kiss. It is only death." His hands balled up into fists. He pulled out his lute and began to play a soothing melody. Whether it was for her or for him Aly had no idea. She was now terrified of what he was saying was true then there was no happiness for anyone here. That old adage of love conquering all was wrong. It was love that destroyed so many lives.

He continued. "It is in this way that she has created an army of men and women bewitched by her. Their loved ones lost at home without them mourning their loss." Aly protested not allowing the sense of hopelessness to overtake her. " there has to be a way to identify the claimed? Everyone has a weakness."

Baellnar strummed harder his anger and loss becoming a part of the song. "The only way you know if someone is bewitched by her is to look them very closely in the eye. In moments of strong dark emotions like anger, greed, or jealousy their eyes flash red.

The single worst part of all of this is when the spells break and the claimed wake up. They have control over themselves the moment their loved one is murdered by their own hand. At the last sigh of death the spell breaks. Many of the victims have been so devastated by the loss that they take their own lives in that same moment. Scelestra has taken thousands of victims in this way over the centuries. No one is safe. No in any position of importance can openly admit they are in love. So many in this land will never marry, will never have that first kiss, will never raise a family for fear that they will be taken by Scelestra. Our people are isolated and alone and miserable. It is by your hand Aly that we can end this. So whether or not you believe you are the girl in the prophecy. We need you to be."

Baellnar then whispered firmly to her. "Aagi himself was taken by Scelestra once. He lost his wife and his entire family. He woke up to her lifeless body in his arms, her dead eyes staring at him in surprise, and her cooling blood in his hands. He has sworn since that day to bring about her downfall however he can.Aly, we need you as a country and as your friends. We all need you-you are the last hope of a dying nation."

***Thank you for reading! Please do not forget to comment***

so damien have been claimed oga o wahala dey o

GooseBump:
The real op for this story was banned and he just inbox me with the updates. I think he'll be available on friday to continue by himself

we waiting patiently

9: The Beginning of the End

"Beware the Kindness of Strangers Beware of the kindness of strangers it may be a minute too late ah, you have a lightbulb moment just a minute too late that they were just users and, Lions in wait when you find out the danger of trusting others who desire your favors ah, Just a minute too late justifying all of their hate."--Kirsselle S. Cosgrove.

Aagi returned sometime later while Aly lay awake staring off into the distant woods. He quietly shuffled into his bedroll and went to sleep. Aagvardak slept, well, unlike the Aly who was serenaded by his thunderous snores. Most nights she would have minded the interruption, but not after what she had just learned. One question played on repeat in her mind as she watched his red beard rise with each dormant breath, how could this jovial guy have suffered so much? She thought to no one in particular. It is because he knows the deepest of sorrows that he tries so hard to make other people happy. He knows what it is to feel true pain and darkness and he wants no one else to feel the same if he can help it. Roxanne's voice purred into her mind knowingly.

Aly looked at Aagi with a deeper understanding of him. "oi girlie stop staring at me its creepy" Aagi yawned and rolled over.

Aly was left alone with her thoughts as she watched her companions under the guise of sleep, while her wakeful mind rushed with memories. Alyenna understood some of his pain, not all of it but she had a deep well of comprehension for the pain of his loss. She had a blissful childhood. Her parents fought as everyone else's does, but overall there was a lot of joy. Though, they moved frequently following her father's military career. By high school, she had learned to adapt quickly to new surroundings. An ability that served her much better than she would have appreciated back then.

Aly had plenty of after-school activities to keep her busy in preparation for college. She took karate for sport, got straight As, and volunteered weekly at an animal shelter. As a teenager, she was an academic 'poster child' for college. Alyenna smiled as she thought back to that time, she was not necessarily an outcast, but she was not picked first for prom queen that's for sure. Like you wanted that nonsense anyway, she chuckled to herself. No, Aly was her very own breed of 'weirdo.' She had her circle of friends, of which she was quite protective. Friends were a rare treasure in her nomadic life, and she was not about to let anything get in the way of their happiness.She cared nothing for the typical high school drama that took place around her. Aly felt grief contort her face as the memory turned black. It was her junior year, she had spent the night in SAT prep, and her nerves were on fire. The vice principal pounded on the classroom door. She spoke in hushed tones to the teacher of her class. The teacher looked alarmed quietly called Aly over and sent her out of the classroom.

Aly waited in the principles office for someone to tell her what was going on. Whispers were surrounding her in every corner. Teachers looked at her with deep pity in their eyes. She shuffled uncomfortably in her chair waiting to be called into the principles office, searching her memory banks to find something anything that might clue her into what was going on.

It took what felt like years for the principal to call her into his office. His secretary hurriedly closed the door behind her, and he gestured for her to sit. Aly folded her hands in her lap fiddling with a torn up sweat dampened piece of paper. She eyed the principle nervously. He looked at her and got up from his desk unable to look her in the eye, as he stared out of his window. Alyenna in a desperate frenzy searched her thoughts thinking of something anything she had done that would warrant being called to the principles office. "Aly," he said "you're such a brilliant student. How are your classes?" "Fine, I guess . . ." Aly shifted uncomfortably in her seat her heel tapping the floor anxiously. "Aly let me start by saying how hard it is for me to tell you this. Your parents." He paused Aly suddenly fearing the worst paled. "There's been an accident Aly. We aren't sure what happened, but your parent's car was involved. A tanker truck lost control on the highway. It flipped and took out several cars in its path. Including the one with your parents with it." He paused and took a deep breath, "They did not make it."

He continued to talk, but Aly heard nothing. His mouth moved but the sounds in the room just merged. Her eyes became blurry as she blinked rapidly trying to clear the vision she lost all control. She fell to the floor supporting her torso with her arms splayed out. She curled up into a fetal position weeping. Her heart began to rip itself apart. Her vision went black. Nothing made sense anymore. The next couple of weeks went by in a blur. There was a lot of black clothing and black things. A lot of strange people tried to talk to her, To shake her hand, to wish her well. Who cares? What did they know? Their practiced hollow well wishes meant nothing to her its, not like any of them were planning to help. She was a 17-year-old orphan. College was no longer an option she could never afford it, and she was facing a whole year in the foster care system. She stared at her room at her house trying to memorize it. This house was not hers anymore. She sat trying to imprint the memories as she knew this was goodbye. A for sale sign was nailed in the driveway. She remembered his poison words as they drove away. "How would a seventeen-year- old girl going to pay for a house?" He laughed at her "with volunteer work?"
A week or so had passed, and the line of visitors, social workers, neighbors, and real estate agents paraded in front of her. Her friends tried to cheer her up, but she locked herself away from the world. Only one of the strange people didn't go away
. She remembered staring out her window, and his hand rested on her shoulder. Still, in a daze, he spoke to her, but it sounded as if it was in tongues. All she understood was that he was her Uncle?

He moved her to the other side of the country. To a house deep in the woods of Oregon. He promised to make sure she was able to graduate even if she was moving away from her high school
. He 'homeschooled' her. She never got to walk with her class and as the time passed the pain of the loss faded. Paul was so nice initially, he warmed her heart with laughter and gifts, and he joined her on her morning running ritual as the sun rose in the morning. All of that had lulled her into a dangerous sense of security.

After about a year that changed. It started with the things he would say that didn't feel right but didn't feel wrong either. It was things like "No one will understand your loss like I do." When she would bring up seeing her friends, he would say, "They are all just going to use you, Aly. I am the only one who appreciates you. No one will be able to care for you as I do." At first, she would fight it with infallible logic. However, as time passed his words became true, and that was when her fresh hell was born.

***

"Wakey, wakey, eggs and snakey!" Baellnar beamed as Aly squeaked in surprise as she woke out of her dream. She apparently had been rolling around under her bedroll and was covered with leaves with small sticks pushing out of her hair. She hurriedly brushed herself down and glared at Baellnar.

"Well, at least it wasn't a bucket!" With that, he whistled happily busying himself with tasks for that day's journey. Aly looked around. The sun had barely kissed the tops of the tree, and already most of the camp had been packed up. A small breakfast of eggs and what she could only guess was a snake. She ate it begrudgingly the memory fading away with the morning dew. Paul was worlds away now she was at least safe from him.

** Thank you for reading please comment**

wow thank for the update

interesting piece, more strength to ur elbow

Why do I have a feeling Aly is in love with that Aagi guy already

"I am there waiting, watching keeping to the shadows. But when you need me, I'll step out of the shadows and protect what's MINE."--Jbaby Writes

The small group had been traveling for several days. According to Alyenna's aching muscles and joints, it was more like months. Her legs vehemently protested the first few days, but now she was becoming numb to the aches and pains of her new world. When they were not riding, they were training. Aly trained with Baellnar and Aagi daily. She had to adapt to different styles and to understand an infinite amount of weapons that could to against her. While they rode Baellnar would point out the local flora and fauna and instruct Aly on what was safe to consume, what was not, and of course the dangers of the more exotic wildlife she had yet to encounter. Alyenna was never a particularly good listener, so she was only absorbing about half of what he said. The other challenge was not getting lost in the soothing tones of his voice. She tended to daydream and refocus when he would say critical things like "you aren't listening are you?" She, of course, had a crazy knack for remembering the exact sentence he said before that and repeating it, but he was suspicious none the less of her attention span. She was a much better student when it came to the physical training. Holding her dragon-wing sword gave her a sense of control in a world that was spinning even more and more out of her control every day. It helped her not focus on her oppressive destiny, and as painful as her stiff muscles were, she relished the pain. It meant that her strength was growing. For so long she had been weak physically and mentally. Now she had found peace in the rhythmic clashing of weapons. Though she still could not master the bow. She was beginning to develop her fighting style. She was quick and elusive, favoring her ability to fake and distract her opponent out and deliver a mighty blow to unguarded spots. She was especially good at dodging her opponent. She was nimble and bouncy, and it worked in her favor. She felt sly and cunning like a stoat. Her two trainers exceeded her in size, but they used that as part of her training. They had to show her that size and fortitude was not everything, and that it was possible to use their strength against them. Aly even bested Baellnar in some of their sessions, and exuberantly gloated each time. This new found mental and physical freedom gave her an overwhelming sense of self and purpose. She could put power behind her jeers at her friends instead of feeling that they were hollow and helpless. She relished this new confidence and knew she would never let it go again. Sometimes there were breaks in her training, and she would get a peaceful moment to rest. She still had her favorite book with her but reading it seemed redundant now. So it was in those moments of relaxation that Roxanne would take the opportunity to teach her about dragon lore. Which was decidedly much more interesting than learning about plants. She absorbed Roxanne's stories hungry for the details. They were so much more in-depth and colorful than any book she had ever read. Every once in a while she would react out loud to which her companions would stare at her curiously, and she would shuffle uncomfortably and pointedly ignoring them. The most fascinating of Roxanne's stories were the ones about Eleanor, the golden hero, from the books she cherished. Sure Alyenna was in this land 150 years after the fact, but she still loved those stories. To hear them from the perspective of those who weren't Eleanor was eye-opening. She would hear about their adventures in the form of ballads, folk songs, stories, poems, and of course prophecies. The breadth of Roxanne's folklore knowledge was incredible. She said it came from carting Aagi from tavern to tavern. However, Aly knew a bit about dragons and though Roxanne was not a full dragon. As a dragonkin, she still had the same instincts. All dragonkin have a treasure hoard. Each hoard is different sometimes its jewels, sometimes its weaponry, sometimes its lost relics of the sea and even rarer sometimes its knowledge. The latter was Roxanne's Draken hoard. Aly was sure of it.

None of her companions were forthcoming about their destination. Even when Aly asked Roxanne, she would quickly sidetrack the conversation. Her only clue was the sporadic moments that Baellnar would sit up straight, listen intently, and change their direction. It was strange behavior and one that he was unwilling to explain. For all of his jeering and tomfoolery, he was very reserved when it came to anything personal. "oi pointy ears!" Aagi shouted at Baellnar as they were reaching the end of their 14th day on the road. Baellnar sighed and looked at his companion patiently waiting for him to explain his outburst. "it's been a 'ortnight since we 'ad a bed an' a shower. Oi for one am startin' ta stink sumptin fierce!" "I second that! Aagi I think not even flies can stand you right now!" Aly smirked at Aagi. The thought of a warm bed and a bath just too enticing to pass up. Baellnar sat in silence for a while staring at both of them. They happily waited for his response. Aly stuck her tongue out for good measure after several minutes of the staring contest. It took a moment, but Baellnar conceded. He sighed and rolled his eyes dramatically. "Fine there is a town just over this hill we will stop there for the night. It will do the horses some good." No kidding you think you're sore, Philly just imagine how my poor little hooves feel! Sadie kicked her front hoof and shook it for emphasis. Aly chuckled and spoke for Sadie. "Sadie agrees!" The two men stared at her with that classic 'you're bonkers look'. It was in that moment that Alyenna remembered her deliberate negligence in letting them in on her secret. Aly was not comfortable with that ability and was still reluctant to share. She decided now was as good a time as any. Especially considering It hadn't just been her horse but several animals along the way that had sought her out for conversation. Many were excited that a furless two foot as they called humans could understand them. She forced the most casual tone she could. "what you can't?" Aly knew full well the answer would be a resounding 'no;' but that did not matter. Alyenna did not have a lot of practice revealing 'superpowers,' so she hoped they would forgive her lack of tact. "No," Baellnar said simply to her awaiting further explanation. When none came, he forced the conversation. "How long Aly?" "How long have I been in Tendaara?" She asked. "A little over two weeks." He answered her exasperated with her sudden desire to be difficult. She made a mockery of counting her fingers and then looked up at him smiling. "Then a little over two weeks." She spoke in a matter of fact tone. The conversation was uncomfortable and forced her into a state of disquietude. "Why have you been hiding this Aly we are your friends." his voice was a gentle whisper. Aly cursed him for the ease in which he could read her. Alyenna did her best to deflect the conversation through humor, which was her instinct in all matter of disagreeable situations. She batted her eyes in exaggerated flirtation. "Well, darling how else would I keep our relationship fresh? It's the little secrets that keep me interesting!" Aagi guffawed, it was an infectious deep belly laugh that broke up the moment. As it turns out Alyenna did not need humor, she just needed Aagi. "Break it up will ya? I 'ave beer ta drink an' women ta woo." Baellnar sighed and stared meaningfully at Alyenna for a long moment then turned his horse towards the town. About an hour later they arrived at the 'town.' Which was a strong word for an inn, a couple of small homes, and a general store? All the same, it was more civilization than Aly had seen in weeks so to her road worn soul it could have been New York City. A dusty road ran through the center of 'town,' and a sun-worn sign swung in the wind and read "Hatchville welcomes you." They led their mounts to the barn next to the inn paid the stableboy and then headed inside. The tavern portion of the inn was already full of weary travelers and bored townsfolk. Hatchville was obviously used to travelers so no one, so much as looked up as they walked into the room. Baellnar approached the innkeeper who was polishing glasses at the bar and began bargaining for their rooms. Meanwhile, Aagi made himself comfortable at a table by the fireplace and set about getting the barmaid's attention. Aly joined him and began to absorb the ambiance of the inn. It was well cared for but worn down. The furniture all had knicks and scratches from day to day use and in several bar brawls. The air was heavy with the stench of sweat from the local workers and dust from the travelers. Overlaying that was the most enticing smell that seemed to be getting stronger by the second. Her stomach rumbled in protest, just as three bowls of stew, a basket of oven-fresh bread, and three tin mugs of ale were plunked down on their table. Aly immediately grabbed a fresh roll and began digging into her dinner. Aagi downed his tankard right away, his eyes twinkling and held up his mug for a refill. The barmaid happily obliged and he leaned back in his chair pure bliss scrawled across his face. Baellnar stoic as ever careful and politely sipped his beverage and stew. Aagi was not satisfied with Baellnar's proprietary behavior, "Quit being' such a ninny, an' drink!" Baellnar chuckled, "Alright old friend how about a game of kings." Aagi lit up like a kid on Christmas morning, "We need all the beer!" He announced to the room. The waitress slammed several more mugs on the table, and Aagi cheered as she disappeared into the throngs of drunken miscreants. Aly felt a gentle pull on her heart as the night wore on. Somehow these two endearing buffoons had weaseled their way into her heart. Even her mind had come to terms with acceptance of them into her life. Her soul had been desperate for friends, and Tendaara had provided them. They had rescued her, had guided her, and had refilled her confidence. These two charming clowns had shown her that there was a world beyond Paul and that there were people who cared about not only her existence but also her well- being. Several drinks in Aagi had become distracted by a curvey red-headed barmaid, and she with him. Alyenna could tell, that even though the coin in his pocket drove her interest, she did enjoy the humorous nature of Aagi's flirtation. Alyenna swayed under the power of the ale and smiled at the pair. She had become so enthralled in her private reverie that she almost missed Baellnar's quiet departure. She could not let him leave her behind, and a small voice in the back of her mind pushed her to pursue him. She stumbled outside to find him grooming Aria and crooning to her in a gentle song. The words were oddly familiar to Alyenna despite the fact that she could not understand the language in which he sang. The beautiful chestnut mare nodded and butted him with affection as he worked to show her appreciation. Aly watched as she leaned on a wooden post for support. She too enjoyed the effect of his song. "What is she thinking Aly." His gentle voice broke her hazy reverie. Her heart raced, his voice had always been intoxicating. There was something about the soft moonlight and joy of the evening that amplified its effect. A warm western wind kissed her neck and pushed her toward him. His eyes bore into her soul, those two beautiful sapphire orbs that twinkled with depth and mystery. Allured by his gaze, she took an instinctual step forward. Alyenna was inches from him now, and in her inebriation, it was almost impossible for her to focus on the conversation. through her words, she said, "Only that she loves you." Aria whinnied and threw her head in agreement but looked directly at Aly. Nice cover little one, Alyenna felt herself blush, though she knew not why, as she rubbed Aria's forehead. She tore her eyes away from Baellnar and forced her focus to remain on the mare. "of all the magical gifts in Tendaara, yours is the one I would have wanted most," he said continuing his gentle ministrations. "But why did you hide it, Aly?" There was a deep pain in his voice as he asked the question. "Honestly I do not know" She felt ashamed of her secrecy, but because of her past, it was an impossible habit to break. She had wronged him with her secret. She felt her words tremble as they left her lips, "I have had to protect myself for years." She gazed at the moon unwilling to meet his eyes, "I guess it was a habit. An expression of understanding and sympathy crossed Baellnar's face. "I am sorry for what he did to you, Aly. I cannot imagine why he would do such things to you and I am sorry I could never stop it." The pain in his eyes was transparent, but she had no idea why. "How could you?" She soothed, "you were on the other side of the portal. As much as I would have loved to have met you earlier." She paused as she took a step closer to him. "My time in that world in a strange way has made me stronger. I had to discover courage through doing the impossible; it was me who had to take a leap of faith. I would never have believed in my inner strength if someone had swooped in before I had the chance to try. I had to rescue myself." Her words proved to her that the monster in the night that had held her captive for, she did not know how long, was a distant memory. Paul was back in a forgotten land which she did not intend to return. Aly was unaffected by the loss of phones or electricity, she had her freedom. "It does not matter anymore. I have you now," Aly spoke in, what she hoped, was a faint whisper. The wind at her back pushed her closer to him. His hand lightly cupped her cheek raising her face to his. "I would never hurt you, Aly." His eyes met her for an infinite moment. Her heart fluttered in her chest. Aly felt her the heat of her blood as it coursed through her veins, and her skin tingled under his touch. Baellnar retracted his hand; his eyes were wide with fear. He cupped his hand to his ear and stuttered, "I have to go." With that, he darted off into the evening mist leaving her behind, bereft. Aly was overwhelmed by her a tumultuous sea of emotions, so she fell into an old habit, she ran away into the dark woods that surrounded the town. As she slipped into the welcome shadows of the trees, she slowed her stride and proceeded to kick stones and mutter to herself in frustration. Dark eyes shadowed by loose ebony hair watched her from between the shadows.

*** Thank you for reading! Please comment if you enjoyed it!***

wow

Ntresting

Chapter 11 - Predators and Prey


"I am there waiting, watching keeping to the shadows. But when you need me, I'll step out of the shadows and protect what's MINE."--Jbaby Writes

Alyenna wandered deep into the forest and only stopped when she almost collided with a whispering river. Tiny diamonds of moonlight danced on its smooth surface; its song was a dull roar in the otherwise silent forest. She took a sip of the refreshing crystalline water and found a tree on which to rest her back. Small blue sprites rose from the placid surface and danced along the edge. They picked up tiny shells and bits of moonlight as they moved. Each creature had a human top, but their legs were delicate scaled tails. To Aly, they resembled tiny blue-winged mermaids. The water sprites floated with the same dancer's grace as a firefly on a summer's eve. How could a place full of such beautiful magic be as cruel as they say? Alyenna felt her eyes cave under sleep's gentle hand. She could barely resist its hold on entranced by the flickering blue movement of the creatures before her. She heard the crunching of leaves under rapid footprints of an approaching animal. She smiled at the thought, What a wonderful world where I do not need to fear the creatures of the night, This gentle musing that evaporated in an instant. The water sprites darted and danced around her head emitting strange bell sounds in alarm. Alyenna waved them away as if they were mosquitos. "Okay okay, I will leave I am sorry." Aly stood up and stretched. When Aly turned, she saw Paul's dark eyes and cruel smile. "There you are, Aly," The night's shadows only darkened his already vicious features. His voice was a predatory purr. Paul seized her arm, and Alyenna trembled in fear. "I did warn you. I will always find you." "How?" She asked in a stuttering whimper, "How did you find me?" "Little mouse did you think you were the only being with 'magical friends.'" He grinned wrenching her arm painful and dragging her face inches from his. "Aly, what did I say about strangers." Her ale laden mental fog had dissipated as adrenaline shot like a California wildfire through her veins. Paul had a 'Hulk-like' grip on her arm. The strength and power of his hand crippled her and dark bruises formed under his fingers. Aly took a deep breath, to force her panic and weakness back down into the depths of her soul where it belonged. She could not let him control her anymore; this is what Baellnar and Aagi had trained her for. This was the exact moment that they had warned her about. In one deft movement, she contorted her arm; which broke his grip. She glared and jumped backward landing in a broad stance. As her arm slipped from his grip, she reached for his wrist and flipped him to the ground. She leaped in shock and examined her handiwork. She had accepted his power and control over her; she had allowed herself to be trapped by him. She let him whittle down her spirit bit by bit until not even instinct remained. She smiled at the realization that he did not have that power anymore. Aly relished in the moment as she watched that same realization mirrored in Paul's furious expression. For the first time in a long time ever she was not afraid of him. Alyenna knew she could not call for help, that admittance of weakness, would only encourage Paul. She whipped out her dragon-wing broad sword. Paul liked to play with his food, Aly was just returning the favor. Aly danced on her toes; she moved back and forth in a rhythm similar to the water sprites. Baellnar's words echoed in her mind, be light on your feet when your opponent is not. Do not let them catch you, or as they say in your world 'float like a butterfly and sting like a bee .' She knew not to underestimate Paul, but she wanted so badly to toy with him as he did her. Baellnar's words of caution entered her mind. Play into his game until you can strike, distract your opponent in any way you can.