The Elven Inkslingers

Part 63 by Taylor

2011-09-18T18:13:00.000-04:00

Landlion, Laurel, Cerelda, Kyrian, Tomas, Goricnal, Emerion, and Mintara met in a little group next to the treeline on the plain below. After much hugging and much crying, they listened to each other's stories about the battle. Everyone, including Mintara and Laurel, were amazed with the story of Melkor's defeat.

Out of the trees stepped a delicate doe with large, liquid eyes. She daintily approached Mintara and Emerion. A shaggy grizzly bear appeared through the trees next, lumbering toward them. Various other creatures also came. A panther, moose, horse, wild boar, and several others were present. All gathered in a semi-circle in front of Emerion and Mintara. A large eagle descended from the sky into the center of the circle. As soon as he touched the ground, the animals were transformed into their true forms. The delicate doe turned into Escathyst. The grizzly bear was changed into the gruff Jothlar. And the eagle was transfigured into Simar, Head Wizard. All were solemn, except for Escathyst, who couldn't contain her joy, and smiled beautifully at her sister, Mintara.

Simar stepped forward. Mintara's white clothing was dull compared to the other wizards' shining garments. "Mintara, you have proved yourself worthy of your power. Your crimes against this council have been erased. So, we bestow upon you your necklace, and your seat on the council." Tears welled up in Kyrian's eyes as Mintara stepped forward and accepted her necklace with trembling hands. She buckled it around her neck and a white flash lit up the area, temporarily blinding everyone. When they would see again, Mintara radiated the same glow of power as the others. Escathyst hugged her tightly, smiling through tears of joy.

Simar turned to Emerion. "You, my good friend, have been faithful and true in all that you have done. Without you, this order would have perished. Therefore, you have my thanks." Emerion dipped his head in acknowledgement. All the wizard's held out their staffs and touched the tips. Simar joined his and a blast of energy knocked the mortals off their feet. The intense light caused them to turn their faces to the ground with their hands covering the gaps. Just as suddenly as the light had appeared, it vanished. When they looked up, they saw a tall, black-haired young man with indigo eyes standing there. Mintara's dark eyes filled with tears and she threw herself at him, unashamedly bawling. "Emerion, in reward for your great loyalty, I give you the title of Dar Kimal, second-in-command and Chief of Terulan," Simar said, a great smile spreading across his face as well as every one else watching.

Emerion disentangled himself from Mintara and shook the wizard's hand. Escathyst stepped forward with a tall, black staff with strange white, glowing designs on it. A smile formed across the handsome young wizard's face as he accepted his staff. A strange sound drew their gazes to Mintara's staff. Blazing black patterns identical to the white ones on Emerion's staff formed on Mintara's white one. "You are officially joined in the presence of this council," Simar proclaimed. Emerion and Mintara hugged tightly, then separated. Wizards weren't known for displaying emotion, with the exception of Escathyst.

Emerion and Mintara stepped into the circle, making it complete with Emerion by Simar's side. Simar muttered something, meant only for the ears of the wizards. Laurel turned to Landlion and hugged him tightly, almost knocking him down. Kyrian glanced at Tomas and saw that his eyes were wet as well. Goricnal tried to look impassive, but anyone could see the happiness in his eyes. Cerelda stood on her hind legs and flapped her wings in joy. The soldiers were talking excitedly among themselves, not sure what had just happened, but knowing that it was something important.

Finally, the wizards separated. Simar nodded at Emerion and Mintara and they turned from the others and walked towards Laurel, Kyrian, Landlion, Tomas, Cerelda and Goricnal, who were all standing in a line. The other wizards looked on.

Emerion looked from face to face of the people he had been with for so long. He saw amazement registered in some, disbelief in others, and complete joy in most. He smiled as he turned to Mintara's adoring gaze of delight on him. He squeezed her shoulders slightly, then they stood in front of the others. "Goricnal, for your steadfast service, I award you this medal," Emerion said, pointing the tip of his staff at Goricnal's chest. A medal appeared there, and the dwarf touched it in wonder. "You are a leader. Go back to your people, Goricnal. Lead them in the straight way." Goricnal accepted with an inclination of his head.

"Cerelda, you are a special dragon in more ways than one. You, I charge with taking care of Laurel. She will need your protection and your wisdom in the days ahead." He winked at her, and she gave him a small, toothy grin before also bending her head.

"Laurel, your destiny is great in Terulan. I would make you queen, but your restless spirit would not be contented. Besides, deep down, I think you have realized that you do not have the heart of a leader." Laurel nodded slightly, happy tears welling up in her eyes. "Therefore, I shall make you the Head Protector of Terulan. You will command the armies, and go on many adventures." He smiled at her excited expression as she almost forgot to duck her head in acceptance.

"Landlion. You have endured much. You cast in your lot with these people, giving unreservedly. You've been strong, even through great hardships." He gestured to Landlion's crippled leg. "I give you the great responsibility of watching out for Laurel," Emerion said, his eyes twinkling a bit. "You will help her take care of the threats to Amara, and also go on many adventures. Someone will have to lead when Laurel gets an urge to wander." Landlion bowed his head, but inwardly thought that Emerion could not possibly know how handicapped he was. He felt a nudge from Laurel and peeked to see her staring in shock at his deformed leg. He looked down and saw that his leg was completely healed! Not even a scar remained! He flexed it and tears sprang to his eyes when no pain accompanied the movement. He glanced up to see Emerion and Mintara smiling at him. Landlion was too choked up for words, so he just dipped his head.

"Tomas. You're faithfulness, passion, and courage were key elements on this quest. You will receive much, but only after I have spoken to Kyrian." He moved to the elf girl, who looked up at him with eyes tinged with sadness. "Why Kyrian, are you mournful?"
"As soon as the ceremony, I will have to leave," she said, her voice catching a little. Emerion and Mintara smiled. "Kyrian, the fact is, you are needed too much here," Mintara said. "So, Father has made a extremely rare exception."
"Kyrian, you are to stay," Emerion finished. Kyrian looked from one to the other. "Stay?' she echoed. She had spent so much time resigning herself to the fact that she would have to leave. She turned to Tomas and saw her shock mirrored on his scarred face. "So wait, Kyrian can stay?" he asked. "Yes, Tomas," Emerion reassured him. "You hear that Kyrian?!" He grabbed her arms and pulled her in for a kiss. Joy coursed through them, making both feel somewhat giddy.

Kyrian opened her eyes and drew back. "Tomas!" she shrieked. "You're healed!" Tomas raised his hands to his face and felt the smooth skin where the scars had formerly been. He ran his fingers through his hair, now full and thick again where before, patches had been singed and burned away. He rolled up his sleeves and saw that no angry red marks remained. He hugged Kyrian fiercely again, tears rolling down his cheeks. "Kyrian, will you marry me?"
Kyrian held his face in her hands. "Silly boy," she said, imitating Mintara. "Of course I'll marry you!"

"Kyrian, Tomas, I hereby appoint you as king and queen of Terulan," Emerion said. Kyrian and Tomas's mouths dropped open as they stared in disbelief at the wizard. "But, we-we didn't defeat Stepheneis or Melkor or anyone like that in the war," Tomas stammered. "Laurel and Landlion should be queen and king."
"Tomas. Can you really imagine Laurel and Landlion being happy in such a role?"
Tomas looked over and saw Laurel standing next to Cerelda and Landlion. "You're right, they would be miserable. But do you think Kyrian and I can handle it?"
Emerion laid his hand on Tomas's shoulder. "Tomas, I sincerely believe that you and Kyrian can handle anything you put your minds to. And I know that Laurel and Landlion will do a splendid job of keeping Terulan safe."

They all stood before the two wizards, beaming smiles. Simar coughed. "It's time for us to go," Emerion announced. "Go?" Kyrian sputtered. "You're leaving?"
"We'll always be around," Mintara winked. Kyrian was surprised when the tall wizard embraced her tightly. "Thanks for putting up with me," Mintara whispered in her ear before straightening back up. Emerion shook hands with everyone else while Mintara also hugged Laurel briefly. "Try not to get into trouble," she said. Laurel grinned; Mintara was still the same slightly-snappy wizard.

Mintara and Emerion went back to the circle. Simar transformed back into an eagle and winged into the sky. The rest of the council also transformed back to their earthly forms and scattered. Emerion and Mintara turned into tall wolves, Emerion black and Mintara white. The black wolf lifted his head and howled, the white wolf harmonizing. Then they darted away into the forest. Laurel, Kyrian, Landlion and Tomas all stared at each other before laughing and embracing.

~One Year Later~

"Tomas!" Kyrian called. When she received no answer, she sighed in frustration. She left the room, walking a bit slowly because of her extended stomach. "Little fella, you need to come out," she muttered, rubbing her hand over the bulge. The baby inside of her kicked, and Kyrian smiled.

Just then, Tomas rounded a corner, looking dashing in his royal garb. "Kyrian!" he exclaimed in disapproval, rushing to her side. "You're supposed to be lying down for a nap."
"Tomas, I can't lie down all the time!" Kyrian protested, pushing him away. "Besides, Landlion and Laurel are going to be here any minute! That's why I was looking for you. Come on!" She grabbed his hand and they made their way down the corridor of the magnificent castle.

They slowly made their way to a large, lushly green courtyard with fountains and sculpted plant figures. Tomas held his pregnant wife's elbow and guided her to a marble bench. "Kyrian, why do you like to worry me so?" he asked with a shake of his blond head. Kyrian smiled sweetly at him, then pointed behind him. "Here they come!" She jumped up and waved as the two dragons circled and landed.

Laurel jumped down from Cerelda's back and ran to hug Kyrian. Landlion slid down from his own rich brown dragon, Sheth, and shook Tomas's hand. The girls chattered excitedly as they walked. The south end of the courtyard opened up into a wide field edged in forest. "Landlion, I trust you've been well?" Tomas inquired as they followed the women. Landlion grinned at him. "Better than that. Ever since Laurel and I were married, life has been perfect."
"I see that you've added a few touches," Tomas teased, motioning to Landlion's dark beard. Landlion laughed and pushed his hand away.
"No children on the way?" Tomas hinted.
"Now Tomas, can you imagine Laurel settling down enough to be a mother?" Landlion laughed. Tomas joined him at the thought of wild, headstrong Laurel changing diapers.
"I have a feeling that she will want a child someday," Tomas confided.
"How do you know that?" Landlion asked.
"Just a feeling."

The two women came back, Laurel still ooohhhhing over Kyrian's large stomach. Tomas hugged Laurel while Kyrian awkwardly embraced Landlion, her stomach holding them apart. "We were just talking about children," Tomas informed them, a twinkle in his eye as he looked at his beautiful, pregnant wife. "Speaking of which," Laurel said with a mischievous grin. "Landlion, I have something to tell you."

At the edge of the woods, standing tall in the waving grass, two wolves stood watching the lifelong friends laugh and embrace. The black one with indigo eyes raised his head and howled, the white one joining in. They touched noses, then turned and raced back into the forest.

The End

I hope you guys like it! Sorry it took so long! If you don't like the ending, then tell meeeeee! I loved writing this story with y'all!! Thanks so much for inviting me to participate! =')

Part 62 by Taylor.

2011-09-18T18:04:00.002-04:00

"Kyrian, tell Laurel to drop back. I don't know what sorcery Melkor might have prepared for us, and I'd rather be safe than sorry," Mintara told her general. Kyrian gave the word to an aid, who scurried off to deliver the news to Laurel. Both Mintara and Kyrian knew that Laurel would be disgruntled at best, but they each had an uneasy feeling as they approached the plain. Kyrian glanced around at the faces of the soldiers around her. She saw the fear in her heart mirrored on their faces. Rhovanion snorted and side-stepped nervously. Kyrian patted the mare's neck soothingly. The action calmed her spirit as well.

An ashen-faced scout rode up and reined his horse to an abrupt stop next to Mintara. He frantically began to babble something to her. Mintara shushed him and listened carefully. Her face remained expressionless after he had finished, but Kyrian had seen the scout's fear. She shivered as a chill came over her. The scout looked so terrified.

Mintara dismissed him and nodded to Kyrian, who groped for her horn. She sent out a short blast, calling all of the generals. Laurel, Cerelda, Landlion, Goricnal, and Tomas rode up quickly. Mintara motioned for them to follow as she rode Emerion away from the troops. The generals gathered in a half circle around the wizard.

"Melkor has done something that I would not have thought possible. He has created morgals."
They all gave her blank looks. Mintara sighed. "I don't have time to describe them to you, but I'll tell you what you need to know. They are completely unpredictable and wild. They are not human, more like crazed animals. Their strength is not in battle prowess, but in sheer numbers. Be prepared for anything." She paused for a moment. "Also, this signifies that Melkor is much stronger than I feared. Therefore, I want you all to leave him to me. He will surely kill all of you if you come too close."
They all nodded, except for Laurel, who coughed and scuffed her boot in the dirt.

"Fine. Now, let's get back. We have an army to lead." She and Emerion took off. All of the others exchanged looks. "Okay, thanks for the pep talk," Goricnal muttered. Faint grins appeared on the faces of the others. "Come on, we should get back to our posts," Landlion said, turning Meldarion around and cantering off. Goricnal and Tomas followed. Kyrian remained, facing Laurel and Cerelda. "Laurel, I know you're not planning on following Mintara's orders," she began. Laurel grinned guiltily. "Kyrian, I'm beginning to think that you know me too well."
Kyrian smiled back. "Just, don't do anything stupid, all right?"
Laurel feigned a look of innocence. "Who, me?" She winked mischievously at Kyrian's stern appearance, then turned and jumped into Cerelda's saddle, taking off. Kyrian shook her head and made her way back to the army.

Landlion led the cavalry in front. Then came the foot soldiers, led by Kyrian and Tomas. The archers, commanded by Goricnal, brought up the rear. Laurel flew high above, surveying the whole scene. She would help where she was needed, which would be everywhere. Mintara rode at the very front, next to Landlion. They were as ready as possible.

They spilled over the ridge and onto the expansive plateau. They could see the massive army at the other end, but couldn't tell what they were. They looked like half-naked, screaming savages. The whole army eventually made it up onto the plain, where they reformed into neat ranks.

The two armies stood, facing each other. Laurel swooped down and landed next to Mintara. They could both see Stepheneis at the head of the army. Laurel gritted her teeth and glared daggers at him. He smirked, and raised a horn to his lips. Landlion raised his own. Both armies sounded their battle horns simultaneously. And both armies let loose with wild shouts of war. "Charge!" Landlion shouted, spurring Meldarion forward. The cavalry and foot soldiers followed. The archers marched slowly, hanging back as they fitted arrows to their bows.

Kyrian glanced over at Tomas to see if he was scared. His scarred face was expressionless as they rode forward. Her heart broke to see him like that. She resolutely turned forward, resolving to concentrate on the task at hand. After all, the army needed her.

A twinge of pain in his leg caused Landlion to wince. Mintara laid a hand sympathetically on his shoulder. Landlion's head whipped around, and he stared at her in shock. She quickly withdrew her hand and directed her gaze straight forward. A little grin lifted Landlion's lips, though he was careful not to let Mintara see.

Laurel and Cerelda flew high overhead. "Let's take a look, shall we?" Laurel murmured to the young dragon. Cerelda's answer was to swoop down and glide over the army, safely out of range of any arrows they may shoot. Laurel was shocked. "It's a good thing Mintara didn't tell us about this! I don't know if we would have had much of an army left if they had seen these creatures!"
What do you think you're doing?! Being stupid again? Ah, yes, I thought so. Get out of there! I don't-"
With a sigh, Laurel cut off Mintara's mind-speaking. "Or should I say, mind-ranting!" She giggled to herself as she turned Cerelda back.

The archers had all fitted arrows to their bows. Goricnal stood with his hand raised. "Fire!" he yelled, dropping his arm. A myriad of arrows rose into the air. There was a moment where everyone seemed to hold their breath. Then the arrows dove, and morgal screams rent the air as the arrows pierced their exposed flesh. Hundreds of the creatures dropped dead in their tracks. But thousands more still came on.

Landlion heard the men behind him gasp as they neared the advancing morgals. He inwardly recoiled at their hideous faces, but steeled himself. With a shout, he drew his sword and plunged into the mass.

Fighting the morgals was unlike anything any of them had ever done. The beasts swung their weapons wildly, without any real skill, but haphazardly enough to do some damage if you weren't being careful. Many times, they didn't use their weapons at all. Instead, they jumped up onto the man on top of the horse, digging their teeth in wherever they could find exposed flesh and tearing at them with their strong hands.

The foot soldiers followed, fear reigning in their eyes. Kyrian's lips were set in a grim line as she drew her sword. A morgal looked up from a fallen soldier it had just killed. Its huge, black eyes fixed on Kyrian. It snarled and jumped at her. Kyrian spun aside and brought her sword down across its back. It let out a a blood-curdling scream as it died. Another animal-like yowl came from behind her. Kyrian inwardly sighed; she knew it had just begun.

Mintara spun and slashed with her staff, cutting down the morgals like wheat. But they came in ever-increasing numbers. Emerion plunged and kicked, spearing the creatures with his shining silver horn, and crushing other's skulls with his hooves.

Laurel and Cerelda dove down, unleashing fire upon the morgals. The creatures had basically no defense against the torrent of flames. Laurel almost felt bad for doing it. They were helpless against her. Remember, they are not humans. They are evil creations of Melkor.
Laurel smiled as Cerelda spoke to her mind. She still found it uncanny that her dragon knew her thoughts. She strengthened her resolve and silently thanked Cerelda.

Suddenly, through the crowd, she spotted Stepheneis, standing unchallenged. None of the troops had reached him yet. Well, she would change that! Cerelda dove and unleashed a rain of fire on the wizard. He rolled out of the way and thrust his staff at the dragon. Cerelda felt as if she had been struck with an incredible force. With a screech, she fell from the sky. Laurel leapt off of the falling dragon at the last moment, landing in front of Stepheneis with her sword drawn. She knew that Cerelda had not been hurt.

"Ah, Laurel. We meet yet again. I've been looking forward to this reunion." He reached under his cape and drew out his sword. Without warning, Laurel attacked, viciously swinging her sword. Stepheneis backed up, skillfully blocking her attacks.

Cerelda lumbered to her feet and saw her master battling the evil man. She couldn't breathe fire without risk of hitting Laurel. She spread her wings and lifted to the sky. She circled around and flew a few feet above the ground, straight towards Stepheneis's back. Just as she opened her jaws to snap him up, he ducked and spun, all in one motion, and jabbed his sword up at Cerelda's unprotected throat as she passed. The young dragon let out a horrific scream and hit the ground, her body pushing up a mound of earth as she slid. Crimson blood stained the ground and flowed from her throat.

Laurel made a move to run to her fallen dragon, but Stepheneis blocked her path. She raised her sword and fought him, trying to maneuver around him. No luck. Stepheneis knew her plan and successively thwarted it. Laurel panicked as she caught a glimpse of her dragon, lying motionless on the ground with the terrible wound staining her copper neck. But she just couldn't work past Stepheneis. She put renewed effort into her attacks, growing reckless. Stepheneis smiled; this would be easier than he thought.

Kyrian pulled her sword from yet another morgal. She wiped her brow wearily. She had lost track of Tomas somewhere in the frantic fighting. She looked around the field for him. Countless bodies of men and morgals littered the ground. Kyrian refused to linger on them, just made a quick scan of the area. No Tomas in sight. She refused to let herself think the worse. Instead, she looked for her next foe. She had worked herself to the edge of the battlefield. She saw a flash of red hair off a ways. She squinted, and saw that Laurel was battling a young man clad in black. Stepheneis. She also saw Cerelda, lying in a heap. She gasped and ran for all she was worth.

She skirted around the battling duo, rushing to Cerelda's side. Blood flowed out of the gaping wound on her neck. Kyrian bit her lip and dug around in her pouch for the right materials. She pressed star-shaped leaves onto the wound, wrapping over them with a strong piece of cloth. The bleeding subsided immediately. Kyrian gathered more plants and opened Cerelda's jaws with both hands, placing the plants in her mouth. With an effort, the young dragon swallowed them. "Good girl," Kyrian said affectionately. She would leave Cerelda to rest, and heal. Now, she turned her attention to Laurel and Stepheneis.

Mintara found herself momentarily free of foes. Something drew her gaze to the black ridge up ahead. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the tall, arrogant figure standing there. Melkor. She grasped Emerion's mane and swung up. The angry unicorn spread his slender wings and shot into the air with his infuriated wizard. They landed behind Melkor's tall back. "Ironic, isn't it?" he said, without turning around. "I started practicing dark wizardry to be more powerful. I thought I could withstand the evil, and still be strong. All for you."
"Don't lie to me," Mintara spat in hate. "You delved into dark wizardry because you wanted to be the most powerful being in the universe! I was merely a pawn."
Melkor still didn't turn. "It could have been yours too, Mintara. We could have ruled Terulan together as the indisputable tyrants. Instead, you had to follow Emerion." Mintara felt the unicorn's steady presence come up beside her, calming her spirit. Melkor continued with a smirk in his voice, "How did that work out for you, Mintara?" He suddenly spun and pointed his staff at the unprotected unicorn. A sharpened blade of black mist shot out and speared Emerion in the side. The unicorn let out a horrific scream, then fell to the ground. Mintara felt as though she herself had taken the brunt of the blow. She turned to Melkor and saw him grinning at her. She screamed and sprang at him, brandishing her staff. Melkor spun and ducked, thrusting out his own dark staff.

Kyrian could see that Laurel's swings were too wide, and she was lunging too far, exposing herself. Stepheneis seemed to be toying with her, a sick smile on his face. Kyrian gripped her sword tighter and ran toward him.

Stepheneis must have sensed her coming, for he spun and swiped at her legs. Kyrian jumped to the side while Laurel slashed at his head. But he ducked and cut Laurel's arm on the upswing. Now he battled both girls. He seemed to know their movements before they made them. The only conclusion the girls could come to was that he was using his wizardry somehow.

Laurel swung at his head while Kyrian swiped at his legs. Stepheneis managed to dodge both lunges, but cut his sword forcefully across Laurel's wrist. She cried out as she clutched her wrist, her sword dropping to the ground. Her vambrace had protected her arm from the actual slice of the weapon.

As soon as Stepheneis struck Laurel's arm, he crouched under Kyrian's next swing and spun around with his sword extended. The shining tip ripped into Kyrian's side. She screamed and dropped to her knees, clutching her middle.

Tomas felt a tugging at his heart. He scanned the battle field. He froze as he saw Kyrian fall, feeling like his heart had stopped in his chest. He ran toward her, felling morgals as he ran.

Quick as lightning, Stepheneis turned and grabbed Laurel by the throat before she could pick up her sword again. He brought her up to her feet with his hand still around her neck. Laurel clutched at his fingers, trying to pry them loose, but he was too strong.
"Laurel, you really should have learned to choose your battles more wisely," Stepheneis smirked. "Actually, my real revenge is for that half-elf." He motioned to Kyrian on the ground. "But, the Dragon Rider is quite a nice prize as well. Not to mention that lovely dragon. She'll make quite a nice pet." He grinned again as he raised his sword.

Kyrian lay gasping on the ground, arms still wrapped around her middle. She saw Stepheneis holding Laurel by the throat. With an intense effort, she drew a shining dagger from her boot. Moaning in pain, she drew up on one elbow. Gritting her teeth, she drew back her arm and threw the dagger weakly at Stepheneis's back before she collapsed.

Stepheneis suddenly screamed in pain. The dagger hadn't penetrated deeply, but was enough to shock him. Laurel's fist was a blur as it shot up and punched Stepheneis in the eye. The blow threw him off balance, and Laurel wrenched his hand free from her throat. Stepheneis opened his eyes just in time for Laurel's foot to connect with his chin. His head snapped back, and he fell onto his back, shoving the dagger in the rest of the way and finishing the job.

Laurel stepped over the lifeless wizard and rushed to Kyrian prostrate form. Tomas reached her seconds later. Laurel quickly checked her vitals and found her to be still breathing. She looked between Kyrian and Cerelda. Tomas could see that she was in between a rock and a hard place. "Go. I'll take care of Kyrian. Besides, I think Mintara needs you and Cerelda." Laurel looked at him in surprise. He hadn't spoken for two days! But she had no time to ask questions now. She thanked him with her eyes and ran to her wounded dragon. Tomas turned back to Kyrian and opened the healer pouch strapped to her waist.

Laurel ran to Cerelda, and found her plucky dragon well enough to fly. "C'mon girl, time to disobey orders!" she murmured as she climbed into the saddle. Cerelda spread her wings and took off, faltering a bit at first, then regaining her balance.

Mintara and Melkor were still sparring with their staffs, but using a little magic as well when they got a chance. So far, Mintara seemed to be holding up fairly well, but everyone knew that time was the issue. Melkor was stronger; therefore, the longer this battle dragged out, the better for him. Mintara fought ferociously, but Melkor held her at bay, seemingly not flustered. Laurel landed close to them and jumped without preamble into the fight.

Melkor didn't say anything or act surprised. He just sped up his defenses. It seemed to Laurel that he was moving with superhuman speed. Without warning, he went on the offensive. Mintara and Laurel were forced back.

Tomas worked feverishly over Kyrian. His efforts were finally rewarded when she cracked open her eyes and managed a half-smile for him.

Melkor just kept coming. Laurel's foot bumped against a sheer rock wall. They were trapped. Melkor grinned; Laurel could see that he considered the battle already won. Hot fury raced through her veins. She lashed out with her sword and distracted him, raising her knee and kicking him flat-footed as hard as she could in his knee. She heard a satisfying crack and watched as Melkor stumbled back and sank to one knee, his sword drooping, his knee obviously shattered from Laurel's forceful kick.

Mintara gave no mercy, but pressed forward, raising her staff for the deadly blow. But Melkor was far from finished. He pointed his staff in front of him and swung it in a wide horizontal arc. A powerful force emanated from it at lightning speed. It hit Laurel and Mintara so hard it lifted them off their feet. They were thrown onto the ground with bone-crunching force.

Laurel moaned from where she lay on the rough rocks on her back. The shield on her back had protected her from broken bones, but the force of the blow had knocked the breath from her lungs and smacked her head on the sharp rocks. She could feel the warm blood dripping down her hair. She couldn't move to get up; she felt like she had been battered against a rock cliff by huge waves of the ocean. She managed to raise her head and look for Mintara. The wizard had been closer to Melkor, therefore the force was more potent. Also, she wore no armor. Laurel could only hope that her wizardry had protected her somehow.

Mintara was not un-hurt in the least. The shock of the blow didn't leave her time to prepare a defense, and she was slammed down onto the rocks. She painfully got to her knees and looked for Melkor. And the sight that she saw sickened her.

Melkor struggled to his feet, letting out a low cry of pain when he accidentally put weight on his shattered knee. He leaned heavily on his staff and muttered some strange chant. Mintara couldn't understand the words, but the feeling of pure evil pervaded her soul.

Laurel saw Melkor's lips move. A terrifying evil surrounded her. She screamed at the terror and tried to shut it out by covering her ears. But the feeling didn't subside.

Black mist poured out of the tip of his staff. It fell and swirled around Melkor's injured knee. Slowly, the evil wizard straightened up, putting his full weight on his leg. The mist fell away, revealing his perfectly healed leg.

Laurel knew despair that she had never felt before. The full reality of it all hit her then. They couldn't win. They couldn't kill him. The pain in her body from her slam onto the rocks was so intense that it threatened to rob her of her ability to breathe.

"Mintara, you cannot kill me," Melkor said as he slowly strode toward her, his voice full of false pity. Mintara wanted to spit in his leering face, but found that Melkor's power held her motionless. "I will get to you in a minute," he said in his thunderous voice. "But first, I have some unfinished business to take care of."

Laurel saw him coming, and made a feeble attempt to pick up her sword. Her world spun, her eyes refused to focus. She saw Melkor's black boots halt right next to her face. He drew his black sword and poised it above her heart.

Mintara's rage was intense. Rage that she was completely helpless in this whole situation. She could still move her eyes. She saw Melkor advancing toward Laurel's motionless form. She saw Emerion, lying in a puddle of his own blood. She cried out inwardly in furious frustration. At once, a calming presence soothed her soul. Only one had an effect on her like that. Her gaze darted over to Emerion. She saw the unicorn's indigo eyes open and lock gazes with her. Mintara closed her eyes and felt Emerion's power flow into her, melding with her own. She let it build inside her, then lashed out with it, breaking Melkor's hold over her.

Laurel saw Melkor stagger as if thrown off balance. He whirled around to saw Mintara stand up, her staff shining with a white-hot light. With a murderous expression on his face, he strode toward her.

Melkor had taken one step when Mintara began to whisper. "Simar, my father. Please, please, help me in my time of need. I deserve none of your pity, but please, help me save this girl. Help me." She pointed her staff at Melkor, but made no move to strike.
Melkor stopped and pointed his staff at her. Black mist spun around the tip. "Father, please!" The black mist shot forth, straight toward Mintara's heart. She had no time to dodge.

Time suddenly slowed. The deathly spear of mist slowed to a crawl in the air. All movement in the battle field moved at a fraction of its normal pace. A shining white staff, too bright to look at, descended from the sky and touched the tip of Mintara's. Several other staff descended and also touched hers. A silver point touched Mintara's staff. She jerked her gaze over and saw Emerion standing next to her, his wound fully healed. A fine point of white-hot light formed above the tips, and the staffs withdrew.

Time returned to its normal speed. Melkor grinned; Mintara was about to die. There was no way she could escape. Her staff was dull and lifeless. But suddenly, it changed. He blinked, unable to believe his eyes. The light at the tip of Mintara's staff was so bright, he was forced to look away. His own missile was lost in the brilliance as if it had never existed. He fell to his knees, covering his eyes and howling in pain. The light felt as though it were searing every nerve. It quieted somewhat, and he looked up. Mintara's dark eyes locked with his. "Mintara, please," he croaked. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Melkor struggled to his feet. Her eyes opened swiftly. Melkor saw them harden, and knew that he was doomed. "Goodbye," she said, her voice quiet and emotionless. She closed her eyes and shot the flaming spear straight at his heart. "Noooo!" Melkor screamed, his eyes closing as he drew his last breath.

The spear of light pierced through his wicked heart. He fell to the ground with a terrible, guttural scream. The light missile disappeared, leaving a hole through his heart. Laurel struggled to her feet and stood next to Mintara. They both stared down at his motionless form. Slowly, the edges of Melkor's garment and body began to dissolve into mist. It made a hissing sound as continued to eat away at his body. Soon, all that remained of Melkor was a heavy, swirling black mist.

The mist grew in size, then swept down into the valley below where the armies were fighting. Every morgal howled and began to dissolve as soon as the mist touched them. The mist continued to rush through the ranks, until every morgal was gone. And with that, the mist, the last vestige of Melkor's evil, disappeared. Complete silence reigned.

Mintara and Laurel stood there, staring at the spot where Melkor had just lain, unable to believe that it was all over.

Tomas and Kyrian looked up and saw that the morgals were gone.

Landlion rested his sword on the ground and looked around, not daring to believe that they had won.

The arrow dropped from Goricnal's hand as he looked up to the ridge and saw two lone figures of women sillouetted in the western sun.

A mighty shout went up from the valley. Landlion threw his hat into the air and shouted for joy. Goricnal hugged the waist of the soldier nearest to him. Tears of joy dropped from Tomas's eyes.

Mintara and Laurel surveyed the joyous tumult below them. They simultaneously turned to look into each other's eyes. Laurel suddenly laughed for sheer joy and threw her arms around the wizard. Mintara laughed, the first real laugh Laurel had ever heard, and hugged her back. They released each other and descended into the rejoicing throng below.

Part 61 by Taylor

2011-04-26T17:31:00.000-04:00

It was time. The healers had worked all the last two days healing as much as they could. Tomas remained scarred, but he could function despite it. He hadn't said a word since it had happened. Kyrian made several attempts to speak with him, but he didn't respond in the least. Mintara had been tempted to remove him from his position, but decided that it was too late to change their plans. After all, they were marching on Melkor's stronghold the next day.

His fortress was situated on top of a rocky ridge overlooking a wide plain. The formidable castle was designed to intimidate oncoming foes, and it accomplished it's purpose well. Even though the army was a full day's march from it, its tall black spires spearing the sky were plainly visible. The armies were going to meet on the wide plain. It was the perfect battlefield.

Stepheneis paced before the window of the castle nervously. "Their army marches closer by the hour, and I have yet to see one soldier under our command." When he didn't receive an answer, he whirled around and glared at the huge, dark shape in the corner. "Calm yourself," Melkor said in an emotionless voice. "Everything is as it should be."

Laurel and Cerelda landed in a rush of wind. She ran to where Mintara, Kyrian, Tomas, Landlion, and Goricnal were conferring. "How many are we up against?" Mintara inquired. "It's the strangest thing, Mintara. There is not a single soldier in sight, not even a sentry! I just don't understand it."
They were silent in confusion for a moment. "Do you have any idea what he might be doing?" Landlion asked Mintara. She shook her head. "I don't know, but I'm sure it's not something we'll enjoy."

A knock clanged on the heavy black door. Stepheneis jumped at the sound, then glanced at Melkor for affirmation. "Enter," he called after receiving a barely discernible nod from the dark wizard. A stooped, trembling servant timidly pushed open the solid door and shuffled in. "My lords, the enemy approaches."

"And the white wizard?" Melkor asked in his thunderous tone, leaning forward a bit.

"And the Dragon Rider?" Stepheneis inquired, revenge lighting up his eyes.

The servant nodded sharply. "Yes, both." He hesitated before volunteering another piece of information in a voice quivering with fear, "They are drawing near to the plain. They will be there it in thirty minutes."

Melkor waved his hand, and the servant hastily ducked out, drawing the heavy door closed behind him. "What are we to do?" Stepheneis demanded. Melkor didn't answer. Stepheneis was beyond patience. "I need answers!" he shouted, slamming his hand down on the cold, dark polished table. Melkor raised his hand and brought it back down, and Stepheneis was forced down into his seat. He sent a smoldering look at Melkor, which the evil wizard took no notice of.

Instead, he stood up, his dark head almost touching the nine-foot ceiling. "It's time," he announced in his resonant, bass voice. He suddenly vanished.

Stepheneis was able to rise out of his chair as soon as Melkor disappeared. He ran to the door and tried to open it, but it remained firmly shut. He yelled in frustration as he pounded on the barricade. He raced over to the window and peered out. Movement in the wide plain below caught his eye.

A lone man strode through the short, brown grass. He was too far away to distinguish particular characteristics, but Stepheneis could see even from his perch that it was Melkor. His tall frame and the arrogant way he walked were obvious even from far away. He stopped abruptly in about the middle of the extensive field. He raised his arms and bowed his head.

Stepheneis, using his powers, enhanced his vision until he could see that the evil wizard was chanting something. The heavy black staff, made of some kind of metal not known to Terulan, trembled in Melkor's grip. A black mist spouted out of the top; slowly at first, then gushing out. It wove around the dark wizard as he continued to chant. It became thicker, and thicker, until Melkor was obscured from view.

Still, the cloud churned about him in an ever-darkening funnel. Abruptly, Melkor thrust his staff upward, and the tip poked out of the spinning mist. The mist suddenly fled from him and shot outward in a dense, opaque fog. It fanned on all sides of him, covering acres and acres of land. Stepheneis strained to see through, but the mist was impenetrable, even with his enhanced vision. The strange substance continued to churn and whirl violently. It was about ten feet tall; even Melkor was hidden from sight.

Flashes of deep maroon light flared within the menacing fog. But all was still silent. Stepheneis turned and saw the approaching foe almost to the plain. He turned desperately back to Melkor's display.

The mist seemed to be settling. Dark shapes now became visible as it dissipated. Figures of men poked up as the fog drifted to the ground to settle around their feet. Now Stepheneis could see clearly.

What had first appeared to be men were now discovered not to be so. These terrible creatures had sickly, pale grey skin. They had no noses, only two small nostrils, giving them a ghoulish appearance. Each was about five feet tall. They were wiry; hardly any body fat to them at all. The exact shape of their skulls was evident through their stretched, discolored skin. Each had fangs, which they gnashed together in a lust for blood. They wore very little clothing, and what they did have was made of a tough, black, leather-looking substance. Every one of them had some kind of weapon, either a sword, a pike, a spear, or even a mace. They clanged their weapons together and let out blood-curdling screams. They appeared to be ready to run from the spot straight into battle. Stepheneis wasn't sure what kept them there in that one spot.

"They are morgals," a deep voice penetrated Stepheneis' thoughts from behind, and he whirled around. Melkor stood behind him, looking out with deep maroon eyes over the horrendous creatures he had just created. "Very impressive, my lord," Stepheneis said, awed by this new feat of wizardry. "But can they fight?"
Melkor chuckled low in his throat. "They number 10,000. They will overrun our enemy before they know what is happening. Morgals have an insatiable desire to kill."

Stepheneis turned back to the plain and saw the enemy army beginning to spill onto it. A malicious grin twisted his lips as he saw the Dragon Rider among them. "Now, my dear Laurel. Today we will finish it. Once and for all."

Part 60 by Tessa Brooke

2011-03-26T21:07:00.000-04:00

Sleep wasn't possible that night for Laurel. Too many pictures going through her head---none of them good. She threw back her blanket and tip toed out of the tent---one of the few remaining because of her. She had nearly destroyed them all. She tried to believe that it wasn't her fault but she knew it was. She couldn't hide behind excuses anymore. She had to face the harsh reality---she wasn't fit to be alive, let alone be a Dragon Rider. But she was both and she was determined to not defer from her mission. She would rid her world of Melkor and his minion Stepheneis and then she would disappear. No one would miss her---even Landlion would welcome her disappearance. A smile played at the corner of her mouth. "Watch out, Laurel is in the game now and you just better be worried."

The camp was bustling before even the first slivers of light ran through the sky. Though busy, the forest was silent---almost deathly so. Kyrian took a deep breath before walking toward Tomas.
"Tomas?" He didn't move. She softly said his name again. He still didn't react. She walked to his side and peered at his face. He was staring fixedly at the horizon.
"What are you doing Tomas?" Kyrian ventured to ask. Tomas grasped her hand in an iron grip. Kyrian swallowed back her tears and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. They remained that way until the sun broke over the mountains.

"Laurel! Where is that girl?" Mintara fumed as she wove through the chaos at an inhuman speed.
"If she causes anymore trouble I swear I'll kill her myself. I thought her childish tantrums and stupidly stubborn self were bad but now I know---where is this girl?"
"I'm right here Mintara." Laurel stepped out from behind a pile of equipment.
"Come here. I am going to give you instructions and you are going to follow them down to the very last letter. You do something stupid and it will be the last thing you do. Do you understand? Good. Now, you and Cerelda will stay behind the ranks. I will have a way of communicating with you, which I will show you in a moment, and you will do exactly, exactly what I say. We may need to use you as bait to draw out Melkor and Stepheneis but mainly our goal is to keep you alive and let you and Cerelda do the most damage you can where and when it is needed."
"I get the point, Mintara. Don't be an idiot and listen to you."
"Exactly. Now I am going to have to communicate with you during the battle and there is one way which we can do it. It's called mind speaking. It's basically like talking to Cerelda but slightly more complicated. Here, let me show you."
It doesn't necessarily feel pleasant but this is what we'll have to do.
Laurel jerked her head back. Mintara's lips hadn't moved yet she heard her voice. The sensation was more than unpleasant, it was incredibly creepy. Mintara's voice was definitely not the one she wanted in her head.

"To respond you simply have to think your thought but in order to make sure you don't start speaking in some random person's head you need to take a few precautions. You have to pull your whole concentration on one thing---me. It's difficult to act rationally and mind speak but we shouldn't have to worry about that since you never really acted rationally anyway. Just so long as you can do what I tell you it should be good. Now you try."
Laurel let another smile play at her lips before concentrating all her being on her image of Mintara.
Um, I think I'm doing it. Is this how it is supposed to work Mintara?
Mintara nodded.
"Good. One last thing. I would prefer it if you leave Melkor to me. Preferably you would leave Stepheneis too but I know that won't happen. Just don't get between Melkor and me."
Laurel nodded with no inclination to do any such thing. Mintara turned and went back to dodging soldiers and piles of equipment.
"Does she really think I'm going to agree to that? Ha! I should think not. I won't sit back and be her puppy for long." She muttered under her breath.
"Let the war begin. I am ready. Come and find me. I won't be as easy to ensnare as last time Melkor. Remember that." She let out an unnatural laugh and walked away. It was time for action.

Part 59 by Taylor

2011-03-26T13:22:00.001-04:00

Laurel and Cerelda attacked again and again. Laurel felt the lust for blood inside of her, but something else as well. Remorse? Sadness? No, it couldn't be. The only thing she should feel for the rebels was disgust. She resolutely pushed the other baffling feelings aside.

She landed Cerelda on a grassy knoll overlooking the blazing camp. She grinned a little in satisfaction at the destruction. A figure in white moved through the camp. She spun while holding her staff above her head. A downpour of rain drenched the fires in a wide radius around her. Laurel growled low in her throat and kicked Cerelda in the ribs.

The bronze dragon made a wide arc through the sky and swooped down behind the wizard. Just when Laurel thought that they had her, Mintara back-flipped up past the dragon's groping talons and landed behind Laurel. The elf let out an outraged cry and drew her sword, slashing at the white figure. Mintara blocked with her staff as the enraged elf continued to attack. Cerelda, without any direction and thought of her own, flew aimlessly with the two sparring women on her back.

   ~

Tomas ran through the thick smoke, coughing and holding his sleeve over his mouth and nose. He couldn't see anything. He could only hope that he was running away from the fire, not toward. A new line of fire blazed up in front of him. Tomas yelled and skidded to a stop, sliding on the ashen grass. Flames leapt toward him, clinging to his clothes and hair. He dropped to the ground and rolled himself in his cloak, desperately trying to smother the flames. The heat was unbearable. He screamed in agony as the flames engulfed him. Fire was everywhere. A dark shape fell on him and grabbed him by his cloak. He felt himself lifted just before he blacked out.

Kyrian ran with the others and searched the tents that were still flaming for survivors. She still hadn't located Tomas. She could only pray that he had gotten himself to safety. A dark figure on the ground made Kyrian pause. She raced to the prone man and pulled him away from the blazing tent. His hand was burned, but not too badly. Kyrian dragged him to a safe distance and flipped him over. "Landlion! Are you all right?" Kyrian could have kicked herself for not remembering Landlion's disability. He could have easily died while she was running around like an idiot. Landlion coughed and opened his eyes a little. He stared above Kyrian's head as his eyes widened. Kyrian looked up as well and saw the battle in the air between the enraged elf and determined wizard.

Laurel, strengthened by the marse's power, was indeed a formidable foe. Her moves were so unpredictable that Mintara had all she could handle just blocking the wild attacks. Cerelda suddenly screeched and lurched sideways, her wings flapping furiously to balance herself from the weight that had slammed into her side. Emerion dove away from her claws and raked her side with his razor-like, silver horn. Cerelda, infuriated by the smaller creature, turned her long neck and snapped at him. Emerion dodged just in time and carved a line on her passing head. He turned and shot forward, the maddened dragon giving chase just as he had intended. He swooped down low over the charred camp, a white blur, slender wings slicing through the air. Cerelda followed, the two powerful persons on her back still sparring.

She steadily gained on the unicorn until she opened her jaws to grab him. Emerion suddenly dropped to the ground, and Cerelda flew right into a net that she had failed to notice in her blind rage. Emerion had dived underneath her as she had flown over him and knocked Mintara and Laurel off the dragon's back before they too became ensnared. Mintara, who had been expecting it, grabbed Emerion's mane and swung onto his back as Laurel fell to the ground. A group of men were waiting, courtesy of Kyrian. They grabbed the falling elf and quickly tied her up before she could do any more damage. "To my tent," Mintara directed.

Kyrian helped Landlion limp to the tent, his arm wrapped around her shoulder as he leaned on her. They stepped into the un-harmed tent, which apparently had some spell over it to keep it safe. Mintara and Goricnal were sitting together, talking in grave tones. They both looked up at Kyrian and Landlion's entrance. Mintara nodded shortly and stood up. "Out of 8,000 soldiers, we have lost approximately 1,500. About 5,700 are wounded." Everyone winced at the ill tidings. "Where's Tomas?" Kyrian asked. Mintara and Goricnal shared a look. "He's in the infirmary. He was badly burned," Mintara offered. "That dragon had let loose a stream of fire practically on top of him. Earlier, that unicorn had come to get me to help him rescue survivors. When we saw Tomas, he swooped down and dropped me on top of him, then came back around and I grabbed his mane and hoisted both of us up. Then he dropped us off and went to go help you," he finished, gesturing to Mintara. "How bad is he?" Kyrian demanded, jumping up. "We don't know," Mintara waved her hand. "He'll live. We have more important things to discuss. Like our possessed Dragon Rider."

Kyrian turned on her heel and fled the tent. She ran through the camp, or what was left of it. Men were still killing small renegade fires, but it was under control. She reached the makeshift hospital and pushed her way inside. Most recognized her as a general and made no move to stop her. She reached the intensive care place and saw Tomas stretched out with two doctors bent over him. One turned and caught her before she reached Tomas. "General Kyrian, I'm sorry, but you cannot be here." He pushed her from the tent with stern orders not to return, but not before Kyrian had caught a glimpse of Tomas. Burns covered him from head to toe. Chunks of his blond hair had been burned away. His face had angry scars as well. His chest barely rose as he breathed shallowly. Outside the tent, Kyrian sank down and sobbed.

Mintara, Landlion, Goricnal, Emerion, and a brawny man holding the squirming and kicking Dragon Rider went to a tent that had been reserved for them. "On the table," Mintara said with a nod. The soldier was only too glad to be rid of the struggling elf, and put her down on the table. Laurel was tied hand and foot with a gag in her mouth so as not to draw attention, but she still looked at her former comrades with hate smoldering in her eyes. "Do you know how to do this?" Landlion asked Mintara as she and Goricnal strapped Laurel down. "I read about it once somewhere," the wizard answered vaguely. Landlion and Goricnal exchanged a worried look.

As Kyrian walked, she heard screaming from a tent. She quickened her pace and burst into the tent to see Mintara bending over Laurel's head while the girl screamed in agony. Kyrian looked over to see Goricnal and Landlion sitting off to the side with pale faces. Mintara leaned back and let out a sound of intense frustration and anger. Laurel quite screaming and her eyes slid shut in exhaustion. "What are you trying to do?" Kyrian asked, a little taken aback like the men. "I'm trying to draw out the memory blocker!" Mintara snapped. She bent back over Laurel's head, muttering something about stupid people who asked stupid questions. Kyrian went and sat down with the other two, waiting.

Several attempts later, Mintara threw down her staff in anger. "If I ever find that marse, I swear, I will make him pay for all he's putting us through." She stormed from the tent, and the three still remaining exchanged glances. Laurel still lay on the table, breathing hard in ragged gasps.

Kyrian was about to go and find Mintara when the wizard re-entered with Emerion. She appeared quite a bit calmer, an effect Kyrian knew came straight from the gentle unicorn. "Emerion reminded me that we are stronger together, so we're going to try this again." She and the unicorn went to Laurel's head. Emerion lowered his horn over her and crossed it with Mintara's staff. They both closed their eyes as the staff and horn began to glow with a white light. "I wish I knew what was going on," Kyrian whispered. "It's called joint wizardry," Landlion explained. "It's when two wizards join power. One wizard provides the energy, and the other maneuvers it. Right now, Emerion is providing the energy, and Mintara is concentrating on drawing out the memory blocker." Kyrian and Goricnal looked at him in surprise. "I read a lot now that I seem to have a lot of time on my hands," Landlion shrugged, tapping his injured leg.

Suddenly, Laurel started to choke. Landlion staggered to his feet and made a move as to help, but Kyrian grabbed his arm. Laurel's breathing cleared and changed to a peaceful sound instead of the raggedy noise earlier. Mintara and Emerion separated and stepped back, both looking a little winded. "Is she healed?" Goricnal dared to ask. Mintara offered a tired, half-smile. "Yes, she's going to be all right."

   ~

It was the next morning before Emerion and Mintara managed to heal Cerelda as well. The dragon shuddered as if shaking off some stupor. Her eyes were clear and intelligent once more, albeit a bit bewildered. She apparently remembered nothing of her forced allegiance to the enemy. Emerion went and informed her of what had happened and apologized for the gash on her side and face. Of course, no one else could hear their conversation, but Cerelda nodded frequently and a horrified look crossed her face from time to time.

Laurel slept. "Is she all right?" Landlion asked. "Yes, her body is destroying the poison," Mintara explained. "She should be ready in time."
"In time for what?"
"We're attacking tomorrow morning."

Kyrian sat by Tomas, holding his hand as he slept. The healers had done all they could for him. The worst of his burns had been healed, and he could move around, but he was horribly scarred. He hadn't said a word since his terrible ordeal. Kyrian worried for him. When asked if he would fight, he had nodded. Kyrian had every intention of keeping a close eye on him so he wouldn't do something stupid.

   ~

That night, Laurel walked through the camp. Tears trailed down her cheeks as she surveyed the damage. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to find Cerelda, who also look immeasurably heavy-hearted as well. "Oh Cerelda, what have we done?" she whispered.

Part something or another by Emily

2011-03-17T22:37:00.000-04:00

"They reside in the forest master." Laurel said bowing low. "They knew my name and called for me. I disabled a dwarf in a fight and went for the wizard when I heard your call. What do you require?"
"Job well done Rider." Stepheneis chuckled. "I require you to flame their calvary. It is their strongest point of attack therefore we must disarm them there." He motioned with his hand for her to rise. "Raze it all. Let none live- except the wizard and the blue eyed girl. Bring them to me and your reward will be great."
  "Yes Master." she bowed again. She twirled quickly, her new obsidian cloak filled out behind her. Her tall black boots went clack on the blue tiles. She chuckled maliciously when she reached her tired dragon. "Time to work Cerelda."
~

  Kyrian stoked the fire. The flames grew higher and they leapt in wayward directions. In Kyrian's imagination the flames took shapes. A girl on a dragon flew a breakneck speed, she twisted and dove in the air. The picture changed to a man with his hands clasped on a large jewel. The jewel glowed bright as the man pressed harder. Kyrian gasped as Melkor's face came into view. "He must have a marse." Came Mintara's voice from behind.
"A what?"
"A spell in the form of an eye that renders Dragon's and their Riders immobile. I had just told Laura about it the other day hoping she would be more careful, but alas! she has not learned a bit! Stepheneis must have it on himself for no other being besides a wizard has enough power to sustain it." Mintara gravely said. "She must be under his control now. There is no other explanation for her sudden change in behavior."
  "What can we do?" Kyrian asked standing up from her perch on the log.
"There is nothing we can do but defeat Melkor. We cannot defeat Stepheneis with out first defeating Melkor they have shared in power I am sure. Their fates are linked just as Emerion's and Aelysha's were."
  "Why can't we kill Stepheneis first instead of Melkor?"
  "Silly girl! Do you know anything about wizards? The most powerful wizard out of the two, in this case Melkor, must be killed before the weaker may be killed."
  "So that means we're flying to Melkor's castle at the end of the world right?" Kyrian pulled her cloak closer as the fear of impending doom fell upon her.
  "Wrong, we're walking." Mintara backed away from the fire and disappeared into the darkness. "And rally the best fighters cause we leave before dawn."

   Kyrian shoved the last piece of bread into her saddle bag then ran to Tomas and Landlion's tent. "Wake up you sleepy head." she said as she pushed Tomas off his bed. He fell to the floor with a thud and shot up like a rocket when he woke. "Why you little-" he growled. He grabbed Kyrian by her shoulders and threw her down on his cot. "Get off me Tomas!" she squealed before his fist connected to her cheek. "Kyrian?"He quickly pulled his fist back. "I'm sorry darling, I didn't know it was you." Tomas pulled her up and kissed her on her cheek. "Now what was it you wanted?"
  "We're leaving in the morning to go to Melkor's. We're going there to end things once and for all. Now pack your stuff because we leave in an hour."
  "Yes dear." Tomas said mockingly as he scooped up his bag. Kyrian sprinted out of the tent to go rally more fighters for the journey.

   Landlion tossed and rolled over on his cot. Tomas held his breath hoping that the elf did not wake up. To his dismay Landlion's eyes blinked open and he sat up. "What are you doing Tomas?" he asked. "Nothing, I was just looking for a snack." he quickly lied. Landlion looked at him disbelievingly. "Really that's all I'm doing. See look I have an apple in my sack." He held up an apple to show the Elf.
"You're a bad liar Tomas. Where are you going?" Landlion swung his good leg over the side of the bed and stuck it in his boot.
  "I'm not really sure, Kyrian didn't say much." His apple let out a loud crunch as he bit into it. The juice dripped down his chin and splatted on his shirt.
  "Oh, well you go have fun dude." Landlion kicked off his boot and laid back down in bed. "Don't be too wild with her." He chuckled as he got settled in bed again.
  Tomas took another bite of his apple, grabbed his cloak and left the tent.

   The air was brisk, it felt tense as if it were waiting for something terrible to happen. Tomas felt the same way. A terrible foreboding of what to happen came down upon him just like the sudden gust of wind the moment before. He slowly walked through the cluster of tents that his regiment slept in. There was a strange rustling in the air. It sounded eerily familiar. Dragon wings. He thought with alarm. He looked to the sky just as a huge burst of fire lit it up.

   He started to run. Anywhere away from the new found menace would be good. He dodged under and around the fiery tents. A thought sparked his mind, "Kyrian!"  he screamed as the dragon took out another tent. He pushed a burning pole out of his way and leaped.

Part 57 by Taylor

2011-01-31T20:52:00.001-05:00

"That was too close," Kyrian shook her head as they landed at the camp. "Yes, we must be more careful," Mintara glared at Laurel. The elf just ignored her. "Zarin is two days away. We will leave first thing tomorrow," Mintara pronounced, dismounting Cerelda. "Why not tonight?" Laurel's clear voice challenged. "Because I said so," Mintara said, turning to face the girl. "Why are you in charge? I'm the Dragon Rider, I should be making the decisions!"
"That would be wonderful, except so far on this trip, you've proved to be impetuous, foolhardy, emotional, and stupid!" Mintara snapped back. Kyrian, standing by Cerelda, felt the young dragon's anger grow. Kyrian shrank back; she hated arguments. "Says you!" Laurel yelled, her cheeks pink. "You would risk the whole army for that stupid unicorn of yours!"
"Quiet!" Mintara shouted. Laurel took a step back. Cerelda came up behind her and growled at Mintara. The wizard paid no attention, and got up in Laurel's face. "You would be dead without Emerion and me," she said in a forceful whisper. "If not for us, you would have been killed long ago by your rashness! And," Mintara gritted, stepping even closer. "Without that 'dumb unicorn', we cannot hope to win this battle." With that, she stepped back. "You have no room to talk. The rescue mission for Emerion was necessary. The rescue mission for that boy," Mintara spat out the word, referring to Landlion. "was completely stupid and foolish! It was because of your emotions. You are fit to lead no army."

The two powerful persons stood facing at each other, each of their eyes bright with anger. Without another word, Mintara turned on her heel and stalked away. Laurel was so mad, she could only sputter. "Can you believe that?" she finally yelled, turning to Kyrian. "Well," Kyrian said cautiously before answering. She didn't want to appear to take sides with either one. Laurel and Cerelda were definitely the more formidable foe at this point, but when Mintara recovered her necklace......
"I do think that Mintara is out of line," Kyrian said carefully. Laurel began looking a trifle smug. "But," Kyrian interjected. "She does have a point. If you want to lead, you need to take it seriously and prove that you can and will lead this army!" Laurel's face fell. "Now Laurel, don't be upset," Kyrian began. Laurel's answer was to turn and storm to her tent. Kyrian sighed. "At least I have you, Cerelda," she said. But when she turned to give the dragon a little smile, she discovered that the creature had left with Laurel.

"Of all the stupid things!" Laurel stormed once in her tent. "I am perfectly capable of leading this army! But how will I show them?"
She sank down on her bed, chin in her hand. An idea began to form. "If I captured Stepheneis," she whispered. The more she thought about it, the more she liked it. "I'll show them all!" she said, with determination. She peeked outside her tent flap. The night was still young. She would be back by morning. She quickly dressed, pulling on a leather vest, arm-guards, a pleated leather skirt, and shin-guards. Pulling on her leather gloves, she quickly slipped out. Cerelda always wore her saddle now, something that Laurel was thankful for now.
"Cerelda, wake up," Laurel thought to her young dragon, not wanting to risk waking anyone.
"I am awake," Cerelda thought back. "What's going on? Where are we going?"
"I'll tell you in a little bit," Laurel answered vaguely. Cerelda asked no more questions, and allowed Laurel to mount.

"Laurel?" a voice drifted through the trees. "Oh no," Laurel whispered. She flattened herself on Cerelda's back as the dragon hunkered down. She squinted through the leaves, trying to see who was coming. It was Kyrian! "Laurel, is that you? What are you doing on Cerelda?" Kyrian was coming dangerously close. Laurel gave up all shadow of cover, and with a thought to Cerelda, they shot up through the trees.

Kyrian was taken aback by the force of wind that blasted her. Peering up, she saw through the leaves, Cerelda's dark shape winging north. She had no idea what Laurel planned to do, but she knew that she had to tell Mintara as soon as possible.

Laurel knew that she no longer had the aid of secrecy, and that she would have to hurry before Kyrian and the others came after her. She guided Cerelda over the miles, until she reached the city of Lylle. A nagging doubt was beginning to tug at her, but she resolutely pushed it away. "After all, I'm the Dragon Rider!" she reasoned. "I can do anything that they can do!"

Just then, Lylle came into view. Cerelda abruptly dropped in altitude and landed on a small knoll. "Cerelda, what are you doing?" Laurel questioned. "I need to ask you something," Cerelda answered. "What's your plan?"
"Well, I just thought that you'd fly me over and drop me on top of Stephenies' palace. You know, like that attack to free Landlion."
"But we've already done that. They'll suspect-"
"Cerelda, I am the Dragon Rider! I will decide what's to be done!"
"But-"
"Stop!" Laurel commanded, hoisting herself back up on Cerelda's back. Cerelda had no choice but to obey her.

In his palace, Stepheneis woke with a start. He felt warm. Too warm. He threw back the covers. It didn't help. He stood up, but only felt warmer. The heat grew unbearable. Sweat poured from his body. Stepheneis ran and threw open the window. He couldn't see anything in his room, but he could feel a definite presence. He leaned out the window, and, not seeing anything, turned back. And came face-to-face with Melkor. "My liege," Stepheneis immediately knelt. "The Dragon Rider approaches," Melkor said without preamble, stepping past Stepheneis and looking out the window. Melkor's head barely cleared the ceiling. Stepheneis mind raced. "What would you have me do?" he asked.

"This is going to work!" Laurel exclaimed as she and Cerelda neared the city. Cerelda didn't comment. Laurel leaned back; soon, Cerelda would see that Laurel knew what she was doing. The wind picked up, whipping Laurel's hair around her head. Cerelda's wings dipped and shuddered a little in the wind, then she regained her balance. Laurel was confused; it seemed as though the wind was coming from up above her.

Suddenly, a huge hand clamped onto her, covering her whole back and shoulders. Laurel screamed, and Cerelda dipped, thrown off by the sudden weight of the creature bearing down on her rider. Laurel pried at the hand, trying to get it off of her. A sharp object poked into her back. Laurel suddenly realized that it was a claw, not a hand! She craned her neck around to see a massive dark shape above her, expansive wings bearing down. Radlin, Cerelda grunted as she tried to fight it. The evil dragon was steadily forcing them down, closer to earth. Laurel felt crushed in its talons; it seemed to be pressing the air from her lungs. Laurel's world started to turn black. Just then, she felt her and Cerelda falling. Cerelda had become so exhausted with fighting the larger dragon that her wings had just given out. Now, they plummeted towards the ground at a terrifying speed. Laurel felt herself lifting out of the saddle as Radlin spread his wings. She saw Cerelda continue to fall, thrashing about when she felt Laurel's weight lifted.

Cerelda hit the ground with a terrible impact, sliding, rolling, skidding along, her wings trying to slow her down as she plowed into the earth. She finally came to a halt in a heap. Radlin followed more slowly, still clutching Laurel, who felt Cerelda's pain. Cerelda, are you okay? There was no answer. Radlin hovered about seven feet above the ground, then dropped Laurel. With a small cry, she fell and landed hard, her legs giving way. Immediately, two men came up from behind and clamped shackles on her wrists and ankles. One pulled out a knife and held it to her throat, grabbing a fistful of her hair to hold her head still.

Meanwhile, Cerelda untangled herself and stood up, shaking her head. She immediately spotted Laurel in the clutches of the man. Growling low in her throat, she stalked towards them. The man grazed Laurel's throat with the weapon and she let out a small gasp. Cerelda immediately halted. "Well well, we now find ourselves in a predicament," a sinister male voice came from a cave. Stepheneis stepped out, glowering at the elf. "I have no time to waste, so let's get on with it."
"With what?" Laurel asked.
"Well, we seem to have no success with killing you, so I'm going to try a different angle, one that will work tremendously in our benefit." The evil man clapped his hands, and a wizened old man exited the cave. He threw back his hood and Laurel gasped at the tattoo on his forehead. "A marse?" she shrieked, trying to back away. Stepheneis grinned. He nodded at the man. "Proceed." The old man smiled and walked toward Laurel, who screamed and struggled. Cerelda stood, watching in anger and helplessness. The man pulled out a little sack, and took a pinch of powder from it. He unceremoniously threw it up into her face. Laurel continued to try to fight, then slowly, went limp. The men picked her up, still shackled, and hustled her into the cave. "Chain it up," Stepheneis nodded at Cerelda.

The young dragon knew better than to struggle; Laurel's fate was at hand. So, she let the men snap huge chains around her slender forelegs, and also around her hind legs. One tossed a chain up and looped it around her nose, pulling her head down, and fastened a iron muzzle on her face. Last of all, they snapped a chain to the bottom of the muzzle and secured it to the chains stretching between her legs, bending her head in an awkward position to where her nose was almost touching her claws. They grabbed the ends of the chains and pulled her over onto her side. Cerelda let out a slow rush of air in what sounded like a mournful sigh as they fastened her wings and looped chain after chain about her.
~

"But how are we going to find her?" Kyrian asked as she half walked, half ran to keep up with Mintara's pace. "I don't know!" Mintara snapped. "Maybe next time, we should just shoot her out of the sky," Tomas suggested. "Or lock her up in her tent," Landlion grunted, struggling to keep up with his cumbersome crutches. "Or possibly keep her on a leash," Goricnal laughed, a gravelly sound. Tomas elbowed Goricnal and they both laughed. "Boys," Kyrian muttered. Could they not take anything seriously?

Mintara reached the horses and whistled for Emerion. She whirled around to face them. "Since we have no idea where she's gone to or what her motives may be, we will just have to look everywhere," she pronounced. The company's shoulders sagged noticeably. "It's risky, but without Laurel, or more accurately, without her dragon, we cannot hope to win this war, so it's a risk we have to take. I will take Emerion, although in this darkness, he'll stand out like a sore thumb. You all will ride out and try to locate her. Tomas, you ride west. Landlion and Goricnal, east. Kyrian, south; and I will ride north. Any questions?" When no one raised their hands, she crisply turned and mounted Emerion. The beautiful unicorn spread his slender wings and flew off. "Well, let's go," Tomas said, mountin Adan and turning west. Landlion resented having to have someone along in case he couldn't manage with his leg or something, but he knew that it was necessary. He and Goricnal quickly rode off. Kyrian jumped onto Rhovanion, patted the mare's neck, then galloped south. "Laurel, where are you?" she whispered.

Laurel was still in the cave, lying on a stone table. She was still unconscious, but the man had her strapped down anyway. "You had better be careful," Stepheneis growled. The man gave him a toothless grin. "Do not worry, I am the best of my trade. All will go well." He bent over Laurel's motionless head. Grabbing her jaw, he forced her mouth open. Reaching into his pocket, he brought out a small vial. "What's that?" Stepheneis asked nervously. "This is the memory blocker itself," the man said proudly. He carefully tipped it over her mouth, skillfully pouring out a drop. He closed her mouth and massaged her throat until he was sure that she had swallowed it. Stepheneis paced back and forth nervously. "Now, what is that stuff supposed to do again?" he asked. The man sighed. "This will block the Rider's memories."
"All of them?" Stepheneis asked in alarm.
"No, no. She will remember non-personal things, like how to walk, and talk, and stuff like that. But she won't recognize anyone or remember how she got here or who she is. She will be in the perfect condition for us to implant new thoughts, new ideas. And then, we will have ourselves a Dragon Rider to help us defeat the rebels!"
Just then, Laurel began to stir. The man quickly leaned over her. Laurel's eyes blinked open. "Who are you?" she asked. "I am Buril," the man said gently. Laurel sat up slowly. "I don't remember you," she said slowly. Buril smiled patiently. "You were hit on the head by the rebels while you were out on your dragon."
"My dragon?" A light dawned in her eyes. "Cerelda?" she questioned. "Yes! Your memory is returning. She was injured; our men are taking care of her now."
"Why was I out riding her?" Laurel asked.
"You were out scouting for enemy spies," Buril said.
"Oh. Who's the enemy?"
Buril and Stepheneis settled down to 'explain' it all to her.

~

Kyrian was growing discouraged; there was no sign of Laurel. She doubted she could find anyone in these wood anyway. She glanced up at the lightening sky. She needed to be back by dawn. With a sigh, she turned Rhovanion around and rode back to the army.

Tomas topped a ridge and scanned the valley. Nothing. He let out a frustrated sigh. Pale streaks of color streamed across the sky from the horizon. Reluctantly, he took one last look, then turned Adan around and galloped back to camp.

Emerion softly whoofed as Mintara tried yet another angle. His delicate wings were beginning to tire. He and Mintara had scoured the fields for hours, and had come up with nothing. The sky near the horizon was turning a light blue. Mintara heard his protest and sighed. "You're right, we should be heading back." Emerion turned his silver horn back from whence they had come.

Cerelda rejoiced inwardly when she saw Laurel striding out of the cave. But her heart sank when she saw that Laurel was flanked by Buril and Stepheneis. She tried to connect with Laurel's mind, but found it blocked. "Oh, she's lovely," Laurel stated, looking Cerelda over. "A bit small though," she said critically.
"Well dragon, I've been told that you've been acting traitorous," Laurel said sternly. "Talk to it's mind, Dragon Rider," Buril encouraged. Cerelda felt Laurel's shields lift. Laurel! Are you all right?
Yes, I am fine. Now, are you indeed sympathetic to the rebel's plight?
Cerelda was shocked. Laurel, what have they done to you?
Just answer the question!
Yes, I am a part of the rebel army, Cerelda answered truthfully. Laurel abruptly withdrew, drawing her mind closed from Cerelda. "She has been poisoned against us!" she announced to the others. They shook their heads in mock sorrow. "Go ahead then," Laurel nodded to Buril. She stepped back and gazed at Cerelda sadly. Cerelda thrashed about against her chains as Buril approached. He took out another pouch, this one a deep green. Grabbing a small handful, he threw it into the dragon's face. Slowly, Cerelda stopped struggling. "What exactly does this powder do?" Laurel asked, folding her arms. "It causes the dragon to become like every other dumb beast," Buril explained. "Now, she will listen to your every order, like a horse."
"Good," Laurel nodded. "Now, I think I shall try to find a few rebel spies." She ordered for Cerelda to be unchained, except for the one around her neck. The men brought a large black saddle, and a strange bridle. "A dragon, with a bridle?" Laurel asked skeptically as the men fastened the equipment to her dragon. "Do not worry, with this bridle, you will be able to easily control her. The bit is wide, and sharp, so if she tries to disobey, then a sharp jerk, like this," the man demonstrated with a heavy yank of the reins. Cerelda tossed her head up in pain. "Well, very good then." With that, Laurel mounted, and with a kick, sent Cerelda winging off into the sky.

"I don't see her," Goricnal grumbled as he and Landlion emerged from a swamp. Landlion didn't answer. Truthfully, he was growing quite tired of the dwarf's pessimistic attitude. A ray of light struck his face, and he turned and saw a tiny rim of light rising above the line of earth. "We should be heading back," Goricnal stated Landlion's unspoken thoughts. "Yes, you're right," Landlion said, shoulders drooping. He scoured the land one more time, absently rubbing his injured leg. A shadow suddenly fell over them. They heard a rush of wings. They whirled around. "Laurel!" Landlion exclaimed. She didn't answer as she dismounted. "Where did you get that new tack?" Goricnal asked. "Hey Cerelda," Landlion said. He did a double take. The dragon's eyes were not shining with intelligence as usual. In fact, they looked dark and innocent. Just like his horse. "Laurel, what's wrong with Cerelda?" Landlion asked. She didn't answer. She suddenly unsheathed her sword and swung at him. Landlion jumped out of the way, but his injured leg caused him to fall. "Laurel, what's wrong with you?" Goricnal yelled. She didn't answer, but turned away from the prostrate elf and instead, went after Goricnal.

Kyrian abruptly reined Rhovanion down a different path of the forest. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt distress pulling her there.

Emerion suddenly swerved to the right. Mintara didn't ask what he was doing. "I sense it too," she murmured.

Tomas urged Adan into a gallop. He didn't know where he was going or why, but he knew that he had to get there, and fast!

Landlion rolled away from where Laurel and Goricnal were fighting. He knew that Goricnal couldn't hold off Laurel for long. Even when Landlion had had the use of his leg, Laurel had been a formidable foe. He couldn't possibly take her on now.

Just then, Tomas burst into the clearing. Kyrian galloped up from the other side. Mintara and Emerion lowered down through the tree tops. Landlion breathed a sigh of relief. "Hey!" Mintara yelled at Laurel. The elf whirled around, and without preamble, charged for the wizard. At least, everyone thought she was going for Mintara. At the last instant, Laurel swerved, and instead, jumped up onto Cerelda's back. With a sharp kick and a tug on the reins, she shot off into the sky. "What was that all about?" Kyrian asked in bewilderment. No one had any answers.

Part 56 by Taylor

2010-12-11T18:34:00.001-05:00

Laurel walked dejectedly through the forest where the army was camped for the night, feet dragging. Mintara had summoned her to a meeting, and had told her some things that Laurel hadn't wanted to hear. "Hey Laurel, what's up?" Kyrian asked, seeing her friend's miserable look. "Mintara just told me that we will be in Zarin in two weeks," Laurel said, referring to Melkor's evil mountain where he resided. "Oh." Kyrian knew exactly how Laurel felt; a little afraid and wondering if they were really ready to fight the world's most deadly power. "At least Cerelda's okay now," Kyrian tried to comfort the distraught elf. "Yeah, I'm sure she will do fine," Laurel retorted. Kyrian saw that there was no comforting the girl, so she left after a kind pat on the shoulder.

Kyrian was worried about the battle, but she knew that it wasn't the same for her. She was going to die anyway. What did the difference of a few hours make? At that moment, she realized her folly. She couldn't possibly marry Tomas, it wouldn't be fair to either of them. It would be so short-lived, it would be even more heart-breaking to say goodbye than if they had never married at all. Kyrian was almost sick with misery over her decision, but she believed in her heart that she had made the right choice.

"Tomas?" she called as she approached his hut. "Kyrian?" He ran out, obviously excited. He pulled her into his arms, intending to kiss her. Kyrian pushed away gently. The look of hurt in Tomas's eyes pierced her soul, almost dissolving her resolve. She swallowed hard and said, "Tomas, I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I just can't marry you."
"Kyrian, what do you mean? What happened?" Tomas gripped her arms as he spoke.
"Tomas, if I married you, it would end up just hurting both of us more. And I am not that selfish."
"But Kyrian-"
"Tomas, I've made my choice!"
Kyrian buried her face in her hands and ran off into the night. Tomas was left staring after her, the pain in his heart almost choking him. He turned abruptly and walked off into the forest in another direction, eyes brimming with tears.

Kyrian ran all the way to Mintara's tent. She wasn't sure why she went there, but at the moment, she didn't really care. She ducked inside and sank to the ground by the tent flap. Wiping the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand, she looked up to see Mintara staring at her with a quizzical look. Kyrian poured out the whole story, regardless of the fact that the wizard probably didn't want to hear about it. When she finished, she looked up, expecting to see Mintara roll her eyes or tell her to suck it up. But surprisingly, the wizard looked somewhat at a loss for words! She had never known Mintara not to have a sharp remark or a biting reply. She remembered Mintara's own past with Emerion knew that Mintara could empathize with her. For just the briefest moment, Kyrian saw a flash of hurt in Mintara's eyes. "Where is Tomas now?" Mintara asked, becoming businesslike again. She pushed aside her sentimental feelings with disdain. She hated how vulnerable they made her, and she had built a hard shell around her heart.

Kyrain, seeing that Mintara was determined to show no emotion, tried to get herself under control. "Um, well, I don't really know. I mean, he ran off as soon as I left...." she let her sentence trail off. Mintara grabbed her staff. "C'mon, we had better go find him. We're very close to Zarin, and the woods are full of Melkor's minions."
"Wait! Should we bring Laurel?" Kyrian said as Mintara led the way into the dark forest. "Oh yeah, that's just the thing to do! Let's bring our only chance for success in the war against Melkor into the dark creepy forest!" Mintara's voice dripped sarcasm. "Well, I only thought her power might be of use," Kyrian muttered, but Mintara took no notice as she walked stealthily through the trees.

Meanwhile, Tomas was stumbling along through the woods, not knowing where he was going and not really caring anyway. His foot caught on a root and he fell to the ground. Instead of getting up, he just lay there, emotionally exhausted. In the bushes off to his right, he heard a strange rustling. He tensed but remained still. The rustling increased. Also, there was a weird musky smell. Tomas silently drew his sword and got to his feet. When he heard the sound again, he pounced and tackled the thing, holding the point of his sword to it's throat. To Tomas's surprise, the thing was only about four feet tall, wrinkly, and hunched. It squeaked pathetically, and screeched, "Don't! I didn't come to hurt you, no no!" Tomas didn't relax his hold at all. "Why are you here then?" he asked. "I saw, I saw what happened back by your tent with the girl," the creature said fearfully. "And I followed you here so I could make you an offer, an offer!" It cringed in terror. Tomas paused for a moment. "What kind of offer?" he asked harshly. "A way to keep her from dying, from dying!" he squeaked. Tomas's face paled. He missed the glint of cunning in the creature's eyes. "How?" Tomas asked, his voice quivering slightly. "This way," the creature said, getting up. Tomas, against his better judgment, followed the creature, but kept his sword drawn.

The thing led him to a clearing in the woods that was lit up by the moonlight. "Here is my offer," it said with a crooked grin. "You give us the Dragon Rider, and we will make sure that your girl doesn't die."
Tomas was shocked! But to his surprise, he didn't say anything. Instead, all he did was stand there thoughtfully. Tomas couldn't believe that he was seriously contemplating the idea, yet, there he was. "How do I know that you're telling the truth?" he asked cautiously. "You don't," the creature said simply. "You may do the safe thing and walk away, never to see me again. But is it worth the risk of your being wrong?"
That did it for Tomas. He sheathed his sword and said, "What do I have to do?"

The creature grinned, twisting it's hands together in front of it. "Either bring us the dragon or the rider. We'll take it from there."
"All right," Tomas said uncertainly. "But," he added, drawing his sword. "You must promise not to hurt either of them."
"Of course not! We'll just hold onto her until the war is over."
"Okay. I'll be back."

"I don't think he's out here," Kyrian said to Mintara as they traipsed through the woods.
"Maybe you're right. He might just have doubled back and went to his tent." With that, Mintara and Kyrian turned and began making their way back.

Tomas arrived at the camp and began walking toward's Laurel's tent, trying to act as casual as possible. In truth, he didn't feel well at all. He was extremely dizzy and his vision was blurred around the edges. "Why am I going to Laurel's tent?" he wondered. He couldn't seem to remember. He shook his head to try and clear it. He finally remembered and strode on with purpose.

Laurel was sitting in her tent, reading.
"Hello?"
At the sound of Tomas's voice, she dropped her book, sat up, and said, "Come in."
Tomas pushed open the tent flap and said, "Hey Laurel, do you think you can come with me for a moment?"
"Um, sure. But why?" Laurel asked, standing up.
"Um, uh, Landlion sent me to get you."
Laurel brightened instantly. "Okay!"

Kyrian tripped over a tree root and went sprawling. "Wait Mintara!" she called as she scrambled to her feet, not wanting to be left behind in the creepy forest. "Hurry," was all Mintara said. Without knowing it, they both gradually started walking faster. Kyrian knew what was bothering Mintara, she could feel it too. A sense of impending evil so terrifying it made both of their hearts pound. The feeling grew and grew, until Kyrian felt as if she were about to suffocate. The terror was so great, her body trembled and sobs worked their way up her throat. She had never been this fearful in her life.

"In there?" Laurel balked at the edge of the forest. "Yes, this is where Landlion wanted to meet you," Tomas said impatiently. "Well, okay." Laurel hesitantly moved into the woods, Tomas following. Amazingly enough, he remembered the way to the clearing. "C'mon, let's hurry."

Kyrian couldn't stand it anymore. She didn't care what Mintara thought; she grabbed the wizard's hand and ran for her life. Mintara didn't pull away; in fact, she gripped Kyrian's hand tightly back and ran with her. Kyrian wondered desperately where the camp was.

"Is this the place?" Laurel asked, following Tomas into the clearing. "Huh?" Tomas couldn't remember anything. Why was he in the middle of a forest? What forest was it? "Tomas!" Laurel's frustrated face filled his vision, extremely blurry. "I, uh......" Tomas suddenly collapsed in a heap. "Tomas!" Laurel dropped to her knees and shook him. "It's no use, no use," a voice came from behind her. She whirled around to see a gnarled little creature grinning wickedly at her. "Who-who are you?"

Mintara suddenly stopped, pulling Kyrian off to the side with her. She ducked into a huge hollow tree stump, and Kyrian followed. They waited for a moment, and the sheer terror subsided. "We lost it," Mintara mouthed to Kyrian. The girl nodded as huge tears began to spill down her cheeks. The immense relief of being away from that nameless force of evil combined with the horror of the chase caused uncontrollable tears to stream down her face. "Hey, what's that?" Mintara pointed. Kyrian looked out and saw a clearing. Laurel was standing in the middle of it, her back to them.

"The Dragon Rider, at last," the creature squeaked. "What have you done to Tomas?" Laurel demanded. "That is beside the point. You are now my prisoner, my prisoner."
"Oh yeah?" Laurel drew a silver dagger from her belt. She could easily handle this little pipsqueak. It only grinned at her. When she tried to stab it, it dodged her blade. She decided against a fight and turned to run. Only to find another one of the creatures right behind her, grinning wickedly. She screamed and ran to the side, only to be blocked by yet another creature. Every direction she tried to run, another one appeared. Soon, she was completely surrounded.

Mintara and Kyrian stealthily crept through trees, desperately not wanting that evil to pursue them again. They saw Laurel surrounded by the creatures, her face a mask of terror. "Oh no!" Kyrian mouthed. Mintara nodded grimly. "What do we do?" Kyrian asked. Mintara didn't have an answer.

The creatures moved toward each other, blending, morphing together into a grayish mass. Laurel was too terrified and awestruck to move. The shape twisted and shifted until it took the form of a man about seven feet tall. The grayish color cleared, and there stood-

"Melkor." The name was whispered, but Kyrian could hear the despair and hate in Mintara's voice. "We have to do something!" Kyrian whispered urgently. "Like what?" Mintara asked, still looking at the scene in front of them. Kyrian sat back and thought, as a plan began to emerge.

"M-Melkor?" Laurel stammered. A nameless terror was washing over her, giving her the almost uncontrollable desire to scream and wail. Laurel willed herself to stand.
"The Dragon Rider, at last," he said in a deep voice that somehow sounded like thunder. "So easy to capture, I am disappointed."
"Are you going to kill me?" Laurel asked, tilting her chin up.
"Yes," Melkor said, drawing his sword. He advanced toward her when a piercing wail cut through the forest. Melkor spun around and looked to where a white figure was emerging from the trees. Laurel tried to run, but Melkor's power held her firmly rooted in place. "Why?" the figure screamed. "Mintara," Melkor growled. Mintara nodded. "Why did you leave me?" she demanded. Melkor looked slightly taken aback. Then a fury of old lit his face.
"Why did I leave you?" A harsh laugh escaped Melkor's throat. "I find that amusing. You are the one who destroyed us! You and your, principles." The last word was spit out bitterly.
"Don't blame it on me! You knew that your excursions into dark magic were wrong! You always knew!" Mintara yelled back.
"You left me, joining up with that Emerion," Melkor gritted through his teeth. "He always was the straightforward little wizard, wasn't he? Never doing anything wrong."
"I had to leave you. You were becoming....THIS!" she pointed at him in disdain. Melkor slowly advanced toward her. "After you left, I buried myself in my studies. Dark magic controlled my life, made me stronger. My whole rebellion, was because of you. I was going to make you suffer. And I did." Melkor gave her a bitterly twisted grin. "And let me tell you something else. When this war takes place, I am going to capture that unicorn and kill him. Do you hear me?"
"Melkor, please. I never meant to hurt you, I just-"
Melkor raised his sword and ran it through her. Laurel screamed. But Mintara stayed on her feet. In fact, there was not even a rip in her white garment. She began to change. She no longer looked solid, she looked as if she were made of a fine mist. Melkor swiped his sword at her again, but it just passed right through her. She smiled up at him, then suddenly disappeared. The real Mintara stepped out on the other side of the clearing. "Clever, Mintara," he whispered.

Suddenly, a rush of wings sounded above them, and Cerelda hovered above the clearing, Kyrian on top. Two ropes were dangling from the dragon. Laurel caught one and Cerelda leaned flew down enough to grab Tomas, then shot into the sky. "I never was sorry!" Mintara said to Melkor with quiet anger. "And even if you do kill me, you will never find my necklace."
With a cry of fury, Melkor rushed at her with his sword drawn. Just in time, Mintara caught the rope hanging from Cerelda and was whisked out of range of Melkor's sword and his fury. "So, you have a friend, Mintara," he said, looking after Kyrian. He suddenly smiled wickedly. "Excellent."

Part 55 by Emily

2010-11-22T19:25:00.001-05:00

   Kyrian sat quietly, so very quietly that no one knew she was there. She heard the sounds of the army milling around through out the forest. Shouts echoed all around from the battling soldiers, the swords clanged as the met in 'battle' and the bows twanged as their arrows left them. There were thuds as men and women fell to the ground, tackled by their opponents. Healer's chanting, practicing the mending of the wounded, droned on and on.

    She was safe here in her little hollow, with the light streaming in through the green leaves. The trees wrapped their branches around her like arms, keeping her from harm. This had been her hideaway hollow ever since she was a child. She always came here to think and reflect on tough decisions or to cool down when mad or upset. I'm glad to be alone. The army life wasn't at all like she thought, the early morning jogs, the hard battle sessions.There was never a moment to spare for yourself. It wasn't at all like the glamor her kinsmen had sung about the battles of old. Why'd I say yes to Tomas when I know I have to die when the war is over? It will only break his heart when I pass. I'm practically a ghost right now. She looked down at her armored arm. She was solid, present, yet she wasn't. It hurt her head to dwell on it for long. Tears shimmered in the corners of her eyes, grief overwhelmed her. I wish some one could help. She laid her hand in her palms and let the tears roll down her cheeks. She wept openly now, not afraid of what the other's might think. There was no was they could find her here. No one had ever found her in her hideaway.

"Silly girl, don't you know crying never helps anything?" Mintara's dark voice broke her silent world. Kyrian slowly looked up. "How'd you find me here?" She asked baffled at the wizards ability. "Look, I know how you're feeling." Mintara sighed. her voice was almost sympathetic almost kind. "But we have an army to run and an evil wizard to overthrow. Melkor won't wait for you to solve your problems before he strikes again. Now that Aelysha has been taken care of he and Stepheneis will be on the prowl. Get your problems taken care of." Her tone was brisk and in charge.
"Look Mintara, I understand. It's just that Tomas asked me to marry him and I said yes." She wiped the tears from her face, and breathed deep.
"You told him you would marry him? Silly girl! I thought you knew better then that." Mintara shook her head sadly. "You must do it now. There's no use breaking his heart, even though we can replace him easily." She paused, letting her words sink in. "Get it over with, and don't be a silly love bird when it's done." With a quick twist she broke back through the trees, leaving Kyrian alone. I guess Mintara's right. She sighed as she slowly arose from her log. "I better get back to business." With a sniffle she walked out of the forest.

    "Kyrian." Tomas greeted her as she walked on to the archery grounds. She jogged across the field, taking care to be behind the archers. "Hello Tomas." she said as he wrapped her in his arms. She breathed in deep, he smelled of sweat and hard work. He kissed her lightly on her forehead. "Where have you been?" he asked as she pulled away from his embrace. She grabbed her bow from by the tree. "Thinking." she answered. She fit the arrow to the bow and pulled it back. Her form was perfect, she let the arrow linger at her ear for a spilt second then let it loose. With a twang the arrow struck the middle of the target. Tomas clapped. "Good job sweetheart."
"Look Tomas," she lowered her bow. "I feel that it would be best if we got married either really soon-" she choked on her words. "or never." she whispered under her breath. "I really do love you." his face was skeptical," I do really." she added quickly. "I'm just so young- we're both young. I don't know if it will last and-"
"It doesn't matter Kyrian." He stepped closer to her. "Our love will see us through."
"Age helps." she said. Tomas's green eyes sparkled mischievously. "Oh really?" he asked. "So if I were a thousand you would marry me?" She slapped him on the arm.
"No silly! It's not that it's just-" she took a deep breath, "How are going to feel after the war?" Tomas's face dropped, he turned away. "It doesn't matter."
"It does and you know it. I'm sick of this drama Tomas. Should we do it or not?" Kyrian's tone was commanding. He turned back to her, his emerald orbs shimmering with happiness. "Yes." was his one word reply. "Let's not think about the future for now. And if we do, it's about the Kingdom not us." Her deep blue eyes sparkled, "Lets." She spun away from him and trotted back to the village.

    "Sire." The squire bowed low before the king. His large violet feather bobbled up and down on his tight cap. Stepheneis laughed silently at him. "What is it squire?" he asked as he played with his finger tips. Over and over he repeated a pattern, as if knitting or weaving. The young man gulped nervously, also partially out of nausea. "It's the queen Sire. She's gone missing." His body started convulsing, and sweat beaded at his forehead. "We know that she's been stolen, taken by the rebels. They nabbed her this morning."
"Really?' Stepheneis feigned surprise. "My sister is missing? How dreadful!" Sad little witch. She played her part perfectly, not that she knew anything about it. He let out a low chuckle. The kingdom is mine, I've completed father's goal and gotten rid of that sorry excuse for my sister. She was nothing but a worthless pawn. Ha, to think of me as stupid takes a dense skull indeed.
"Yes Sire." the squire barely could barely utter his words loud enough. "Do you want a party sent out to hunt for her?" He stood with his gaze locked on the king's fingers. His nausea grew more and more the longer he looked upon them. "No, it will not be necessary. Even if it were I doubt you could find her. You're dismissed." He flickered his cold black eyes towards the door. The squire stood, not moving, barely even breathing. "I said go." Stepheneis said harshly. As the squire forced himself backwards towards the door Stepheneis smirked. Slowly, so very slowly he left the room. The doors closed with a small creak, he heard a retching then a thump onto the floor. Perfect. His smirk turned to a grin. Melkor will be pleased. He looked down at the sparkling object on his lap, it shimmered darkly. To the mortal eye it was invisible, to the elf eye too, yet to the eye of a Dark Wizard it was as clear as day. To think of what Aelysha would say would be pity. She would have been astounded at my craftiness. On to Melkor's castle.

Part 54 by Emily

2010-09-14T09:50:00.000-04:00

Aelysha sat in a cold dank cell. It's funny how fate turns. she thought bitterly. At least I killed one of their rebel scum. There was a movement in the cell beside her, King Ire. He belongs with the scum. She wanted so much to zap herself out of here, out of her misery, but Mintara secured her with magical bonds so she couldn't. the door to her cell grated open, she didn't look up to see who it was. "Hello Aelysha." came a familiar feminine voice, full of bitterness. She looked up, No! she screamed in her mind, This isn't possible! I watched her die with my own eyes. I saw her body lie limp, dead on the ground. I cut her head off on the chopping block after I gave the order for her to be shot. Why is she here in front of me? As much as she tried to she couldn't help but show an expression of shock on her face.
"Such a twist of fate, huh Aelysha?" she asked as she swung an arrow around. Aelysha grimaced and said,"Not so much, you filthy scrap!" Kyrian shrugged the insult off like it was a fly on her shoulder. She grabbed the bow from her back. "You might call this revenge, Aelysha. But I call it-"
"Justice." said Tomas stepping out from behind her. Held a bottle in his hand, full of the poison to kill Aelysha. Kyrian smiled a loving smile at him, and unscrewed the lid of the poison as he held it.

"Any last words Aelysha?" she asked as she began to dip the arrow. Aelysha thought quickly, "Tomas!" she screeched, "Why are you helping her kill me? She's the enemy! Dump the poison on her!" Every word out of her mouth she looked and sounded more and more like Kyrian. "Please my love! I beg of you!" She began to weep. Tomas's face twisted into a look of confusion.
"But, Kyrian." he looked from one version to the other.
"She's the witch! She pretended to have me die so she could change into me and steal all the plans we have." And in Tomas's mind the real Kyrian was turning into Aelysha. He took a step towards Aelysha, "Is this true?" he asked.
"Yes, yes, every word! Now shoot her before she kills us both." Aelysha begged. Kyrian quickly submerged the arrow in the amber liquid, and took it out. Tomas rushed to Aelysha, dropping the flask in the process. "Why would she do this?" he asked, Aelysha, now Kyrian.
"Because she wants to rule the world and separate our love." Aelysha told him, "Now come loose my bonds so I can be free." Tomas moved to cut her bonds.
"No!" the real Kyrian screamed. She fit the arrow in the bow, and began to loose it. Tomas moved closer to Aelysha. "Kyrian, will you marry me?" he asked kneeling to the ground. But his Kyrian had no way to answer, for an arrow was sticking out of her neck.
"Yes, Tomas, I will marry you." the real Kyrian whispered. In that instant all of Aelysha's tricks and sorcery were washed away. And Tomas found himself staring at the now dead Aelysha. Then she started to dissolve into nothing. Tomas scrambled back, a new form was filling the void she left.

A whinnying unicorn solidified. "Emerion." Kyrian breathed. Tomas quickly scrambled to his feet, "It worked!" Tomas and Kyrian ran up the stairs and into the daylight, Emerion following close behind. "You did it!" Laurel shouted as she leaped up from beside the large tree. "I knew it would work." Landlion said as he wheeled his way over in a wheel chair. The unicorn stood in the sunlight for a moment, then broke into a canter towards the army camp. "Well there he goes, back to Mintara." Tomas said, then he pulled Kyrian over, away from the group. "Did you really mean it when you said you'd marry me?" Kyrian gulped, then looked up into his green eyes. "Yes, I meant it."

*Sorry that this was such a short post. I promise I'll write more next time.

Part 53 by Taylor.

2010-09-13T21:29:00.001-04:00

"Kyrian, Laurel, Landlion, Cerelda, Tomas, and Goricnal, please report to Mintara's tent," a young man shouted.

They found Mintara waiting for them impatiently. "Good, I'm glad you hurried," she said sarcastically. "This is an urgent mission. Remember Emerion?" Several heads nodded; Goricnal didn't know what she was talking about, but he didn't especially care either. "Well, we still have to kill Aelysha with that arrow tipped with the special potion. Unfortunately, in order to work without killing Emerion, the potion must be fresh. It is too fragile and precious to be carried with." She looked at all of them sternly. "You realize what this means, right? Aelysha will have to be brought here." Their mouths dropped open. "And just how do you propose we do that?" Goricnal sneered. "Well, I wasn't counting on you going along. We need taller people," Mintara snarled back. Kyrian and Laurel exchanged amused glances; Mintara and Goricnal had never been the best of friends. "I'm plenty tall!" Goricnal snapped. Mintara sighed in exasperation. "I thought this would happen. That's why I got you these." The wizard pulled a pair of stilts from behind her. Laurel and Kyrian couldn't hold it in any longer and laughed out loud, joined by Tomas and Landlion.

Two hours later, Goricnal, Tomas, Kyrian, and Laurel were marching through the rain towards Aelysha's castle. "I can't believe we're doing this," Tomas muttered. "It's our only chance to save Emerion," Kyrian said, her voice muffled through the metal helmet. "I feel completely ridiculous in this outfit," Tomas complained, tugging at his chain-mail shirt. "You think you feel ridiculous?!" Goricnal growled. Laurel had to laugh, the dwarf did look rather unsteady on his stilts. They soon approached the gates. "Come on guys, we really need to sell this," Tomas whispered. They all straightened up and looked important as Tomas raised a hand and knocked loudly.

Landlion lowered his telescope and sighed. Not only was the rain depressing and miserable, it was hard to see through. He wished he was with them, but it would be stupid. Who ever heard of a limping guard? He glanced over at Cerelda, standing nervously, staring with her excellent vision at Laurel, who was held firmly with hands bound behind her.

Tomas heard someone banging into stuff behind the gate, then some swearing. Finally, a head popped over the top. "Whaddya want?!" the man snarled. Tomas looked at Kyrian with fear in his eyes. She leaned over and said, "Go for it." Tomas took a deep breath. "Who are you to be addressing me like that?!" he shouted angrily at the man in a powerful voice. "I be Rithnos," the man said, still spitting mad at being woken up. "And just who are you?"
"Commander Rondel," Tomas yelled. The man swore softly. "I'm sorry sir, really, I am. It's just that-"
"Spare me your explanation," Tomas rolled his eyes. "Just open the gate."
"Yes sir, right away sir." They heard a chain rattle, then the gate slowly raised up. Rithnos was waiting, a fake and forced smile plastered on his face. "Oh, what have you got?" he asked gleefully, eyeing Laurel. "A prisoner?" Tomas leaned close as if confiding something important. "Not just any prisoner. This is the Dragon Rider." Rithnos's eyes widened. "Well congratulations, sir! I'm sure you'll get some awards for this."
"Confidentially, I expect to get a promotion out of this," Tomas winked. "Well, don't let me hold you up, General Rondel," Rithnos snickered. "Thank-you," Tomas said dismissively with a wave of his hand.

"Wow Tomas!" Kyrian exclaimed when they were out of earshot. "That was awesome!"
"You certainly had me convinced," Laurel agreed. Tomas grinned and bowed grandly. "Many thanks, but as underlings, you should address me as Commander Rondel." He grinned at Kyrian, his normally blonde hair hanging in his eyes.

Outside the city walls, Landlion set his telescope down and looked at Cerelda. "I can't just sit here. Do you wanna go for a ride?" The young dragon nodded her head vigorously. Landlion limped over to her and pulled himself into the saddle. Cerelda shot into the air and glided down around the city.

Tomas and his troupe had no problem gaining admission through anywhere they needed to go. No one thought to question them or be suspicious. Outside of the throne room, they all took a deep breath. "Here goes," Tomas whispered. He flung the door wide open.

"A little closer," Landlion murmured. Cerelda skillfully maneuvered closer to the tall stone walls, then landed lightly. Landlion nervously fingered the wet leather saddle, waiting.

"Your Majesty." Tomas and his "soldiers" bowed low. Glancing around, Kyrian began to have hope that their plan might work. Everyone was preparing for battle, there were only four bored guards. "Where is King Stephenies?" Tomas asked respectfully. "He is briefly absent," Aelysha answered absently. She gloated at Laurel. "So this is the Dragon Rider," she sneered. "I expected you to be a little more formidable."
"Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint you," Laurel said quietly.

Quick as a flash, Kyrian cut the rope that bound Laurel's hands behind her, and the elf jumped to her feet. Tomas tossed her an extra sword, and Goricnal kicked of his stilts. They charged the guards, who had barely reacted to all of this. Aelysha screamed and drew a sword from the arm of her throne. She charged at Tomas, who frantically countered her blows.

The others finished with the guards and ran to help Tomas. But Aelysha proved to be a match for them. Spinning and flipping, she dealt blows to all of them. She was so unpredictable, that everyone was unsure of how to fight her. She swiped at Tomas's feet. He jumped over her sword and tackled her to the floor while she was off-balance. She went down with a shriek of hatred. Laurel was ready with the rope. "Go!" Tomas grunted, hefting a bound and gagged Aelysha over his shoulder. Goricnal lifted a curved horn to his lips.

The sweet blast echoed through the city. Landlion nudged Cerelda, and the dragon quickly flew up and over the walls. Landlion lowered a rope and tied the end to the saddle. This would be tricky. Cerelda could only carry so much weight. Suddenly, he had an idea.

Tomas and the others ran to the top of the palace. "Come on, come on!" Tomas muttered under his breath.

"Are you sure you can do it by yourself?" Landlion wanted to make sure. In answer, Cerelda snorted and took off, leaving him standing on the ground.

Cerelda soon spotted her friends waving at her. She slowed to an almost hovering position above them.

Tomas tied Aelysha on first, then the other quickly grabbed on to the rope. Without thinking, Tomas wrapped his arm around Kyrian's waist and helped to keep her from falling. Cerelda managed to clear the walls, then collapsed.

Meanwhile, Landlion had hobbled over to where they had hidden the horses and was now bringing them over at a gallop. "Let's go!" he shouted. Tomas left Aelysha tied to Cerelda, double checking the ropes that held her, then jumped on his horse. All five of them rode off, and Cerelda flew the struggling Aelysha to the army, and the waiting Mintara.

Part 52 by Tessa

2010-09-13T19:47:00.001-04:00

Laurel sat away from camp in the dark contemplating all that had happened. "I can't believe that happened to Kyrian. It's all my fault. If I hadn't been so selfish she wouldn't have to die again and Thomas and her could be together. Oh, why do I always think about myself and what I want?" she whispered.
"It's not your fault." Landlion said as he sat down next to her.
"Yes, it is. I didn't have to ask her to do this. If I would have left her out of it we all would be okay." she sobbed.
"Kyrian doesn't blame you." he said holding her close as she cried into his shirt. When she had no more tears to cry she lifted her face, the tears making little paths on her cheeks.
"Are you scared?" she asked turning her eyes to him.

He looked into her inquiring eyes, shining with tears and moonlight. "Yes, I am."

"Kyrian!" Mintara yelled across the sea of soldiers, healers, elves, and horses. Kyrian nodded and headed through the crowd. "Kyrian, you have to lead these troops. Landlion is taking over the soldiers on horseback but no one has these."
"Okay, so Landlion has horseback, I have archers and foot soldiers on the east side and Thomas as the west side, and Laurel fights wherever she is needed the most. Where are you?" she asked.
"I've gathered a group of wizards who have at least a minute sense of magic. Very frustrating. They all are beginners and most not that great but I have secured a few with talent. We'll stand somewhere where we can see each part and help with our magic."
"Mintaaaara! Little help please?" yelled a young blond girl.
"As I was saying, they don't know very much. I'll talk to you later." Mintara said exasperatingly before walking off to help the other wizard. Kyrian shook her head.
"Where in over our heads with this job. I don't know how we will get ready before tomorrow." Kyrian headed back toward her parents house. "Maybe my mom is ready now." she thought tears glistening in her eyes. She tried to compose herself before she met anyone but failed. Thomas ran up beside her.
"Kyrian I know that you---are you alright?" he asked concern written all over his face.
"I'm fine." she snapped harsher than she meant to. At his hurt face she said "I'm sorry. I've been on edge all day."
"Let me know if I can help. I'll be here for you Kyrian. Never forget that." he said letting go of her hand, which she hadn't noticed he was holding. She watched him disappear in the forest.
"Was I right to say no?" she questioned herself. "Stop! You said no and that's it. You don't want to hurt him more than you already have." she disciplined herself but she knew she was hurting him more by saying no. There was her parents house. She squared her shoulders and walked in.
"Mom? Dad? Are you here?" she said peeking around the doorframe.
"I'm over here Kyrian." her father said stepping out of the bedroom.
"Is she---okay?"
"No, she was crushed past repair when you---died. I don't think she'll ever be right. But you never know. Go try again." He said and walked out the door, shoulders quivering as he tried to hide his tears.

Kyrian tip toed into the room where her mother sat staring into space but seeing nothing. "Mom?"
"Kyrian?" Rachele asked with a hint of desperation in her voice. "Is that you Kyrian?"
"Y-yes, it's me." Kyrain had tears filling her eyes, threatening to overflow.
"No it can't be you. You died! Stop leave me be! You're gone!" Rachele screamed eyes wide as she backed away. Kyrian came forward and wrapped her arms around her. Rachele screamed and tried to struggle out of Kyrian's arms but soon slumped in defeat.
"Is it really you?"
"Yes, I love you."
"I love you too Kyrian." she said and laid her head on her shoulder and cried.

Part 51 by Emily

2010-09-11T23:59:00.002-04:00

"Tomas!" Kyrian yelled as she ran to his fallen figure. She quickly dropped to the ground beside him and lifted up his head. "Wake up my dear." She whispered. His eyelids started to flutter, they soon opened. "I-" he started, "Am I dead?" he asked Kyrian.
"No you silly goose! And neither am I!" she exclaimed. Tomas pulled himself up to a sitting position."But I heard you die. How- how'd you live?" his voice got choked up with emotion.
"Shh." she said, "Dwell on it no more. After all I didn't come all this way for people to moan about how I'm dead!" Kyrian grinned then stood up. "What's the first order of business?" she asked.
"You should probably go and see your parents." Mintara said, "They're in mourning for you right now."

With Mintara's words Kyrian took off to her house. She sped down the path as fast as she could. With out stopping she flung herself through the open door and into the house. "Mom! Dad!" she yelled, "Where are you!" She heard sobs coming from her parent's bed room. "It's almost like she's here again." her mother said, "Why did she have to be taken away so soon? Poor Tomas, he wanted to marry her so much." Then she broke into sobs again, "He should really be here now." she whispered.
"There, there, Rachele." her father comforted,"Everything will be okay." There was a sorrow in his voice that Kyrian had never heard before.
"Mom! Dad! I'm alive!" she yelled as she ran in. Her mother screamed, "Be gone from here you specter!" then she fell onto her pillow, the sobs racking her body. Her father stared at her wide eyed, unable to speak. "But it is me." she said softly as she sat at the edge of the bed,"I'm alive. Can't you see?" Her mother screamed again,"Ven get rid of it!"
"Is it you Kyrian? Is it really you?" he asked, with his blue eyes full of tears.
"Yes, daddy, it's really me." She gave him a hug,"I'm alive."

His eyes lit up,"Rachele! It's really Kyrian! She's really alive!" he yelled as he shook his wife. "Stop it Ven! You're hallucinating." she returned coldly. "But mother," Kyrian said softly,"it really is me." she stoked her mother's long brown hair. Her mother refused to look at her, "Send it away Ven." she croaked hoarsly. Her father looked at her with eyes full of compassion, "I think you should go away for a little while. Your mother can't handle much of anything right now." Kyrian hugged her father then left her home. She sat out by the big oak tree and cried. Her own mother wouldn't even speak to her, even though she came back to life. She heard footsteps coming her way but didn't even bother to look up to see who it was. The person sat down beside her, "What's wrong Kyrian?" Tomas asked.
"My mom still thinks I'm dead." she said as she looked up at his green eyes. He sighed,"Oh."
"I heard while I was in there something interesting though." she told him.
"What is that?"
"That you're aiming to marry me." Tomas blushed, and smiled at her. "I was trying to keep that a surprise." he told her, "Would you want to marry me?" he asked.
"Yes!" Kyrian squealed with joy. Tomas's eyes sparkled in delight. Then she remembered what Simar told her, her face fell. "What's wrong?"
"I can't." she said as she turned away. She couldn't bear to see his face when she told him. "I'm only allowed to stay here until the war is over. Then I must go back to-" she almost said Royal City, but she knew Tomas wouldn't understand,"the land of the dead." she finished. An awkward silence consumed the space, "You can't?" Tomas finally croaked.

"I can't." she sobbed, "It was my deal. I wasn't supposed to die then, it was evil that interfered and messed up the plan. And now I live here to finish my part in the plan, and then when it's done I die and go back to the City and-" Tomas grabbed her face and made her look at him, "Until then, we can be married." he said.
"But I'm so young Tomas. I don't think it would be a good idea." she tried to pull her face out of his grip, but he was to strong for her.
"Please." he said, Kyrian saw a longing in his eyes.
"I'm sorry Tomas." a tear dripped down her face.
"Then let me do this." he said as he leaned in towards her.
"Tomas no." Kyrian whispered. But it didn't stop him from kissing her.

"Oh my." Came Laurel's voice. Kyrian and Tomas pulled apart, they both blushed. "It-um-" stuttered Tomas, "I better be going now." he said. He jumped up and jogged away.
"What was that about?" Laurel asked. Kyrian brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"Tomas asked me to marry him." she said sadly. Laurel grew excited, "What'd you say?" she asked.
"No." tears came pouring out of Kyrian's eyes.
"No?"
"When the war is over, I have to die again." Kyrian explained, "I didn't think it would be a good idea." Laurel grew still, "You have to die?"
"It was agreed that I would go back to the City at the end of the war. I have a feeling I would have died then any way." Laurel gave Kyrian a long hug.
"It's okay Kyrian. You'll be fine." she said.

Tomas burst into the hut he and Landlion shared. "What's wrong Tomas?" Landlion asked from his chair.
"She said no." he threw himself into the other chair and started to peel an apple.
"What?"
"I asked her to marry me and she said 'no'." He attacked his apple angrily with his knife.
"Why did she say no?"
"She said that at the end of the war she has to die, again." his voice started to choke up. Landlion looked at him full of wonder. "She has to die again?" Tomas didn't respond to Landlion.
"Well why don't you ask her again?" Landlion asked,"Maybe at a different time she'll say yes. You have to pursue her." Tomas now stared at his friend in wonder. "Do you really think she'll say yes?"
"Maybe." Tomas leapt out of his chair and went to the door. "Where are you going?" Landlion called after him.
"To asked her again!" Tomas called back.

Part 50 by Taylor

2010-09-11T19:32:00.002-04:00

Mintara and Tomas went back and picked up Landlion, slowly making their way back to the army. Landlion was severely depressed about his limited mobility, but he no longer seemed suicidal. Tomas was walking around in a fog, he couldn't feel anything, nor did he care to. He felt almost as if he had killed Kyrian. "I should have stopped her, I should have stopped her, I should have...." the words kept repeating themselves in his head. He had known that she and Laurel were up to something sneaky, he knew Kyrian too well to miss it. Or, should he say, he had known her well enough. He could feel tears welling up in his eyes again, and he blinked them back with an effort.

Kyrian felt as if she were floating. She had heard the command, had seen the archers release their arrows, and her vision had blacked out. I must be dead, she realized suddenly. The concept at first terrorized her. Everything around her was white. She could barely discern something ahead of her. It soon revealed itself as a spectacular golden city. She seemed to be floating toward it. It looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. Besides, there were much more fascinating things to occupy her mind. She saw people clad in beautiful flowing garments walking the streets below. She continued on to a higher place.

She could see another section of the city, but it seemed much more grand and spectacular. This section was smaller, but even more beautifully made and designed. She floated down until she touched the street directly in front of a magnificent house with huge, arching doorways and pillars.

A lovely young woman clothed in purple walked out of one of the side arches, intent on a sheaf of letters in her hand. She glanced up suddenly and saw Kyrian standing there awkwardly. "Kyrian?!" she exclaimed in disbelief. "Um, yes?" Kyrian said uncertainly. "What are you doing here?!" the young woman seemed shocked at her presence. "Um, I don't really know," Kyrian began. "I think I died." She felt ridiculous saying it.

The young woman continued to look shocked, then suddenly grabbed Kyrian by the hand and marched up the long hallway of the palace. She threaded her way through several passageway, Kyrian in tow. Finally, they reached a large, open room with tall, arched ceilings. "Father!" the young woman called. A tall, handsome man quickly walked up to them. There was certainly nothing about his features that made him look old, he was about middle-aged, but there was an oldness about him that Kyrian couldn't identify. "Escathyst! Who is this?" he questioned, looking at Kyrian.

Suddenly, it all came rushing back to Kyrian. She had seen this lovely young woman before in the dream about Mintara and Emerion. She was Mintara's sister! She had called the man "Father". This must be Simar, the Chief Wizard. "This is Kyrian!" Escathyst said, glaring at the man accusingly. "Kyrian? What is she doing here?" he exclaimed. "That's what I was wondering!" Escathyst said, placing her hands on her hips. "Young lady, why don't you come over here and tell me how you got here?" Simar said calmly, ignoring Escathyst's sassy behavior.

"Hmmmm, that wasn't supposed to happen." Simar stroked his beard thoughtfully after Kyrian finished telling him her story. "Did I do something wrong?" Kyrian asked anxiously. "No no, sweetie," Escathyst comforted. "It was just a mistake. You weren't supposed to die yet. You're still needed down there."
"What's going to happen to me?" Kyrian asked. "That is being decided," Escathyst said, pointedly looking at her father. "What my daughter means is that I am deciding whether or not to send you back," Simar said. "But few who come to the Royal City ever want to return to their old lives. Also, this is only temporary. The only reason I am giving you the option to go back is because you must serve an important part in the fate of the world. When you have served your purpose, and the war is over, you will return to the Royal City. In the history of the Council of Wizards, only five have had the option of returning to their world. All of them declined. It is a very serious decision."

Kyrian suddenly found that she didn't want to leave. The whole atmosphere of the golden city was beautiful. She was sure she could lead a wonderful life here, without the rigors and pain of life on earth. But she loved her friends back home too. She struggled with her decision for several moments. Escathyst and Simar knew what she was going through. "Take your time, dear," Escathyst said, smiling.

Kyrian suddenly thought of Tomas. Her choice was made in that instant. She would rather endure the hardships of life and be able to spend a little more time with Tomas back home then spend many years waiting for him in the Royal City. "I will go back," she announced in a clear voice. "I knew you would!" Escathyst exclaimed joyfully. "Very well then," Simar smiled. With a wave of his hand, Kyrian's world faded to black.

She again experienced the floating sensation. She was dropping towards a forest. She landed lightly in a small clearing. Glancing around, she saw the army through the trees. Her eyes widened and she ran towards it with a huge smile. Did she ever have a story to tell!

Tomas, Laurel, Mintara, and Landlion were sitting in another place specially designated for the leaders of the army. Mintara was trying to hold their attention with battle plans, but no one really cared at the moment. Landlion was dejected about his leg and how he would never walk normally again. He didn't think that leading an army was a possibility anymore, but everyone insisted that they needed him, and he could ride a horse, not that he wanted to. Tomas was still so grieved over Kyrian's death; his dull eyes didn't focus on anything. Laurel couldn't rid herself of the guilt that gripped her soul over leaving Kyrian and Landlion behind. She felt she should have done something. The only slightly active one was Goricnal, who was trying to hide his sadness.

Mintara sat down with a sigh. "You guys haven't heard a word that I've said, have you?" she asked tiredly. A couple of heads shook. "You guys really ought to pay attention when someone talks to you." Kyrian stepped into the clearing. Mouths dropped open as they stared in shock at her. "Kyrian!" Laurel was the first one to recover. She ran up and hugged Kyrian so tight she couldn't breathe.

When Laurel finally released her, Kyrian turned to face the others. Landlion was smiling broadly, though he couldn't get up to greet her because of the cumbersome bandage on his leg. Goricnal came up and offered his hand. Kyrian dropped down and gave him a bear hug, which flustered the little man, who pushed away. Mintara was looking at her with a little smile and a look of disbelief. Kyrian made a mental note to talk to her later. Then Kyrian looked at Tomas. After he had seen Kyrian, he promptly fainted.

Part 49 by Taylor

2010-09-11T00:55:00.094-04:00

Kyrian woke up as a guard opened her cell. "Time for your judgement," he snickered. Kyrian recognized him as the mean soldier out in the woods. He grabbed her roughly by the arm and yanked her to her feet. "Please keep your filthy hands off of me," Kyrian said. "I may be a prisoner, but I still have a measure of dignity."

"Keep your filthy hands off me!" the man mimicked. He grabbed each of her shoulders in a quick movement. Kyrian drove her knee up into his stomach and kicked his shins as he doubled over in pain. She wrenched his hands off of her and knocked his legs out from under him. Smoothing back her hair, she said, "If I were you, I wouldn't do that again."

He rose cautiously, but still was full of nastiness. He bowed grandly to Kyrian and sneered, "After you, your highness." They left the dungeon and came out into the sunlight, which momentarily blinded Kyrian. Two soldiers met them and shackled her hands behind her. Quickly, they escorted her through the streets lined with people who apparently hated her. The soldiers tried to maintain order, but still, Kyrian frequently had to duck objects that were thrown at her. They took her up to a stand above the heads of the people, where an execution block sat, dried, blackened blood staining the wood and cobblestones around. Aelysha and Stephneis sat on two regal thrones under a red tent. "This should be interesting," Stepheneis smirked. Aelysha smiled, she had waited a long time for this moment. "Prepare the prisoner!"

Landlion dragged himself along until he reached a tree stump. Pulling himself up, he managed to stand and hobble a few steps at a time before having to rest. Suddenly, he heard a commotion in the woods in front of him. Looking around frantically for a weapon, he scooped up a good-sized rock. Tomas burst out from the trees. "Tomas! It's you!" Landlion breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Tomas stared at Landlion's crippled leg with horror. "What happened to you?!" Landlion disdained to answer, trying to hide his deformed leg behind the tree. "Where's Kyrian?" Tomas asked, suddenly remembering his mission. Landlion averted his eyes and lowered his head. That was answer enough.

The guards forced Kyrian to kneel and lay her head on the block. Aelysha suddenly spoke up. "I would rather see a shooting," she said maliciously. The guards dragged Kyrian to her feet and pushed her over to a wall with bloodstains on it. "Your Highness, a moment while the archers arrive," a man in royal clothes bowed.

Landlion hobbled along through the woods painfully. The army was still several miles away. After only a hundred yards, he knew he wouldn't make it. Agonizing pain gripped his leg so that he couldn't breathe. Collapsing on the soft leaves, he promptly blacked out.

Tomas ran frantically through the woods at full speed. Reaching the tree line, he saw the castle up ahead. He didn't know what he was going to do, but he had to do something. Suddenly, a rope coiled around his foot and jerked him off his feet. A trap.

The archers filed out in single order, a quivers full and bows ready. There were about seven, from what Kyrian could tell. She tried to act brave, but was, in reality, terrified. "Halt!" the captain ordered. "About face!" The archers turned simultaneously and faced Kyrian. "Ready arrows!"

Tomas struggled, but couldn't free himself. He suddenly remembered his knife and dug it out of his pocket. He was in such a hurry, that it flipped out of his hands and landed in the leaves several feet away. He stretched and tried to reach it. His fingertips brushed the polished handle.

It was clear that Aelysha was going to give the command to fire. She rose from her plush throne and walked over to where Kyrian waited to die. "Are you afraid?" Kyrian didn't answer, she couldn't even if she had wanted to. Her throat was constricted with tears so that she couldn't speak. "It seems a shame to kill you so quickly. But, we don't always get the things that we want." Aelysha spoke to the whole crowd. "And it would be pointless to postpone your death now! We've gotten all the information that we need!" The guards and noblemen cheered. Kyrian knew she hadn't betrayed a single word, but still, it hurt to hear her name smeared.

Tomas strained, almost pulling his leg from the socket, but the knife still stayed out of his reach. Suddenly, a boot clamped down on it. Tomas knew it was over. He glanced up.

Aelysha smirked once more at Kyrian, then stepped back behind the archers. "Aim!"

"Mintara! What are you doing here?" Tomas exclaimed in shock. "Helping you rescue Kyrian," she answered, cutting the rope. He scrambled to his feet and they both ran towards the castle. There were no guards on lookout, everyone had been summoned to the execution.

Aelysha purposely withheld the command that would end Kyrian's life, savoring the moment, the fear on the girl's face. Kyrian was disappointed in herself. She had hoped that she would be braver in the face of death. She bowed her head and closed her eyes.

Mintara and Tomas ran desperately. They knew they were out of time.

"Fire!" The archers loosed their arrows.

Mintara and Tomas heard the shouts and cheers and skidded to a halt. Tomas's eyes were wide; he couldn't comprehend what had just happened. Mintara lowered her head and softly spoke a kind of prayer. "No!" Tomas shouted, eyes clouding with tears. "It can't end like this!" He looked at Mintara wildly; the wizard only returned his gaze sadly with a shake of her head. "It's out of our hands now," she said, laying a hand on his shoulder. Tomas burst into sobs and sank to his knees, covering his face with his hands. Mintara wiped a tear from her own eye, not bothering to try and hide it. "Come," she finally said. "Landlion needs us, and so does the army." Tomas didn't answer for a moment, then nodded and wiped his grief-stricken face as he followed the wizard away.

*Okay, I know that this is really bad, but if I may write the next chapter, I promise that you all will be....sorta happy? Satisfied? Something better? =D

Part 48 by Emily

2010-09-10T11:42:00.000-04:00

"What are we going to do?" Kyrian asked Laurel frantically. The red head girl stood staring at the spot were the men were sure to come from any second. Her face was grimacing in pain, "I must go with Cerelda." she swallowed hard, as if making a big decision,"She's hurt so badly and the war- Mintara- I must leave now." Kyrian stared at her friend, it was as if some one else had possessed the girl. Tears were pouring down Laurel's face, "Be brave my friend." Then she turned and mounted her injured dragon and flew off. Kyrian's mind raced, what should she do with the injured an unconscious Landlion?

She hid his body in the brush and scribbled a hasty note to him telling him which herbs can heal leg wounds and to stay hidden. She also laid her bow nearby his prone figure. She had barely done that when the first solider came into the clearing. "Stay where you are!" he ordered Kyrian. She stared him down as he blew a blast from his trumpet. The rest of the troop came bounding in. Kyrian heard murmurs of,"Could she be the killer?" "No, she's just a girl." "Why is she here?" "How'd she get the cut on her leg?" Kyrian knew she had to act fast, she burst into tears. "Oh Tomas!" she wailed.
"Are you alright miss?" The lieutenant asked her. Kyrian dropped to the ground and wailed again. "No! They've taken my poor Tomas!"
"Who has him, miss?" he asked moving closer to Kyrian's weeping form.
"The rebels!" She screamed, "They've made him work for their army!"
"It's alright miss." the man said while he laid a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, his face was kind and you could see genuine concern in his eyes.
"But they've taken him!" she sobbed again.
"Do you know where?" a voice from behind the lieutenant asked.
"To the southern forest!" she let a new stream of tears fall down her face.
"We should take her back to head quarters to see if she knows any more." the other man said. Kyrian peered around the lieutenant and saw the man. He was short, and had a greedy look in his eye, a lust for blood and money. Kyrian shivered at the sight of him, he seemed like a man who would mistreat women.

"Do you know anything else miss?" the lieutenant asked.
"Only that they moved their after fleeing Kalorn." she wiped tears from her eyes.
"Kalorn? The elven forest? Why did you use it's native name?" Kyrian's eyes grew wide, she knew she had slipped up big time. "I-I-"she stumbled, her acting couldn't save her here. The greedy man walked up with some ropes,"Here you are sir. To arrest the young lady." he sneered. The lieutenant took the ropes and bound Kyrian securely. They made her hobble back to the castle at a fast rate. Once inside they did a through search of her person.

Kyrian knelt in a cell, waiting for her judgement to come. She knew she would die, she was sure of it. A guard came to the door of the cell, "Your judgement awaits." he opened the door and cut the bonds on her legs, freeing her to walk. Her hands were still tied tight behind her back, and she had no way of freeing herself so she thought it best to be complient. They walked up the familiar passage ways from her adventure of freeing Landlion. She wanted to cry, but she needed to be brave as she faced death. After walking up countless flights of stairs they finally came to a throne room. the doors were already open and one figures was seated on the throne. They forced Kyrian to walk until she was within ten feet of the person. The bile started to rise in her throat, Aelysha sat on her throne smiling smugly. "Kneel before the queen." the guard hissed. Kyrian wouldn't, no, couldn't do it, so the guard forced her to kneel. She dropped her head in defeat. "Kyrian." Aelysha hissed, "It's so good to see you again my dear." she started to cackle. "Now you are at my mercy. And that is a sad occasion for anyone." Here she got up and started to pace. "I swore I would get revenge on you one day. And that day is today." She smacked Kyrian across her face with the scepter, making Kyrian's nose bleed. The point cut her below her eye, she wanted to scream in pain, but she sat immobile, unaffected on the outside.

"You don't know, do you? You think I want revenge on you because of the fight in Locien. But oh no my dear! I want you dead because you killed my father!"
Kyrian looked at her in shock,"Your father?" she croaked as blood dripped into her mouth.
"Exron." Aelysha growled. Kyrian knew that Aelysha's power was strong, and so was her hatred for her. She began to grow woosy, "Exron?" the words had barely left her mouth before she blacked out.

Landlion awoke in the forest, the dawn sun was barely peaking through the trees. How'd I get here? he wondered. I don't remember anything. He opened his hand, inside was a piece of paper. He read the first line, It's a note from Kyrian.
"Landlion." it said,"I don't have time. Laurel flew, left me and you. I captured, you hidden. Greenlight, Forest Oak, Waterleaf heal wound. Be brave. Kyrian."

It all came back to him. Laurel and Kyrian burst into his cell right after he tied the noose around his neck. Laurel cut it and dragged him out and to the dragon. He and Kyrian hung below Cerelda as she flew. Then he blacked out as they landed. They saved my life in exchange for Kyrians. He was touched by the kindness they showed towards him. He read the last part of the note, "Greenlight, Forest Oak, Waterleaf heal wound. Be brave." She thought it was something that could be healed. He thought sadly. If only she were right.

Part 47 by Taylor

2010-09-09T21:40:00.001-04:00

Laurel and Kyrain walked quietly through the evening dusk towards Cerelda and Rhovanion. "We'll have to travel a little slower since you're riding a horse, but still, we should get there in plenty of time." Laurel chattered as they walked. Kyrian was beginning to be a little doubtful about the wisdom of their plan, but still, she followed Laurel's lead.

An hour later, they reached the castle in Lylle where Landlion was imprisoned. Kyrian had pushed Rhovanion hard the whole way, and the tired mare was glad to stop. Cerelda landed heavily a few feet away, and Laurel motioned for Kyrian to come. Kyrian grabbed a long coil of rope from Rhovanion and fashioned a harness for herself. Cerelda grasped the other end in her claws and took off. Kyrian gasped as she suddenly shot into the air, unprepared for the sudden jerk. She lost her grip on the rope and flipped upside down with a scream. Laurel yelled, but she couldn't really do anything. With an intense effort, Kyrian righted herself and grabbed the rope tightly, breathing hard from her frightful experience.

Although she was careful never to let anyone know, she had a fear of hights. She had tried to keep her courage up by not thinking of what she planned to do, but her upside down ride had dissolved all former confidence she might have had. She couldn't believe how Laurel rode that dragon without so much as a rope holding her on. She was tempted to yell up to Laurel to call off the whole thing, but she decided against it. Besides, Laurel wouldn't let her back out now anyway.

Suddenly, Cerelda cupped her wings and came to an abrupt halt in the air. Kyrian flew forward under the dragon and was jerked to a stop twenty feet ahead. She moaned and held her stomach where the rope had practically cut her in half. "What was that all about?!" she yelled at Laurel. The elf didn't answer, just wheeled Cerelda around in the other direction at full speed. "Ow!" Kyrian was jerked violently in the other direction.

Cerelda dropped swiftly, and Kyrian screamed as the ground rushed up to meet her. "Oof!" She hit the dirt hard and lay face-down, not moving. Laurel jumped off of Cerelda and ran to Kyrian. "Are you all right?!" Laurel asked. "No, I am not all right," Kyrian's muffled voice came from the ground. "I'm dead." Laurel couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously Kyrian, are you okay?" Kyrian sat up with a groan and glared at the elf. Laurel shrank back.

"Why did you do that? That wasn't the plan!" Kyrian said vehemently. "Kyrian, the plan is impossible. They must have figured out that we came over the wall last time when we captured the king," Laurel answered. "What do you mean?" Kyrian asked. "The whole city is heavily fortified, with many soldiers on the high places specifically looking for anyone trying an air raid."

Kyrian didn't say anything for a moment. Neither did Laurel. Both were lost in thought. "I might have an idea," Kyrian said slowly. "Oh, what is it?" Laurel asked eagerly. "It's risky," Kyrian cautioned. "Who cares?" Laurel shrugged. Kyrian sighed. Typical.

The moon was merely a sliver in the sky, a distinct advantage to some extent. Although, it would hamper one prospect of Kyrian's plan. The two girls were hidden at the edge of the forest which was a little ways from the walls. They could see soldiers pacing the wall, bows ready, eyes searching for intruders. "Ready?" Kyrian asked Laurel. "Ready." Laurel answered, bow poised. "Now!" They both loosed their arrows, each one finding the mark. Two soldiers cried out and fell to the ground far below. Quick as a flash, they shot again, with perfect accuracy. Two more men mysteriously screamed and dropped. Yells echoed through the city as soldiers ran from the barracks to investigate.

Through all the confusion, the girls continued to pick off soldiers. Laurel shot a soldier through the heart, but instead of dropping, the man behind him caught the body. By the angle of the arrow, he was able to determine the general direction that it had come from. "Run!" Kyrian shouted. Both girls dove out of the way just as the whole area around them was peppered with arrows. Laurel narrowly escaped injury, only made possible by her elven qualities. Kyrian wasn't so lucky. "Ow!" Laurel twisted around to see Kyrian rip an arrow from her lower leg. "Kyrian, are you all right?!" Laurel crawled over to her. "Yeah, I'll be fine," Kyrian said with an effort. But Laurel was not fooled. "What kind of plant will help this?" she asked. "Um...." Kyrian tried to think, but was a little light-headed. "Greenlights blossom," she finally said.

Laurel ran off into the woods to search for the plant. Time was running out, their plan was working, but was now working against them. The soldiers were pouring out of the city to squelch the rebel uprising. Something caught Laurel's eye; a miniature forest of small, plain, pale green flowers. Without hesitation, she ripped up a handful and ran back to Kyrian.

"Is this it?" she showed the plant to the wounded girl. Kyrian's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, that's it! Where did you find it?!"
"Just over there," Laurel answered off-handedly, applying the plant to wound. Kyrian was still shocked, Greenlight was not known to grow in those parts. She had just sent Laurel away so the Dragon Rider wouldn't be killed. "Can you walk?" Laurel broke into Kyrian's thoughts. "Um, yes." Kyrian struggled to her feet with Laurel's aid. Once she was up, walking became easier, and she soon ran with Laurel.

They ran far away from their hiding place, all the way to where Cerelda waited. "Let's go!" Laurel jumped onto the dragon's back and Kyrian whipped the harness around herself. This time she was prepared when Cerelda took off, although she still wasn't comfortable with the height.

They flew around to the side of the castle, where the advancing troops wouldn't see them. A lot of the troops had left, but still, there were many at the castle. "I hope this works," Kyrian whispered to herself. They flew over the wall where the soldiers used to be. Kyrian felt Laurel slide down the same rope she hung from. They could see a high rooftop rushing towards them. As soon as they were over it, Laurel cut the rope, and they dropped silently to the roof.

Once they were down, Laurel knew right where to go. She had badgered the poor formal King Ire until he had told her where the dungeon was. Winding through the narrow streets, they finally reached a barred door. Kyrian quickly and quietly subdued the guard and tossed the keys to Laurel, who tried one after another until she found the right one.

Cold stone steps led down into the damp darkness below. Laurel recklessly ran down the stairs, Kyrian following more carefully. Once their eyes adjusted to the dimness, they were able to depict a row of filthy cells. As they walked, they tried not to touch the dripping walls. "Landlion," Laurel whispered into each cell. Kyrian couldn't see as well as the elf could, she mostly relied on sound. "Landlion!" Laurel cried, rushing to a cell. Kyrian blindly followed. She could hear Laurel frantically flipping through the keys, trying to find the right one.

Finally, she got it, and flung the cell door open, almost hitting Kyrian in the face. "Kyrian, help!" Kyrian rushed in and felt around for Laurel. "Where are you?"
"Over here!" Laurel sounded almost hysterical. Kyrian groped her way around, finally hitting Laurel with one of her flailing hands. "Give me a knife!" Laurel yelled. Kyrian reached in her pocket and handed over a blade. Laurel snatched it and started cutting something; Kyrian could hear fibers snapping. "What are you doing?"
Laurel didn't answer. Landlion moaned slightly as Laurel shook him. "Laurel? Kyrian? What are you doing here?" he asked groggily. "We're rescuing you!" Laurel said firmly. "No," he said feebly. "Here Kyrian, help me get him up," Laurel instructed, ignoring Landlion's protests.

Kyrian grabbed his arm and hoisted him up with Laurel's help. Landlion couldn't seem to support his weight very well for some reason. "Laurel, what's wrong with him?" Kyrian said with an effort. "His leg is injured," was all Laurel would say. They managed to get him to the dungeon door. Where they were immediately confronted by five armed guards.

Laurel and Kyrian couldn't reach for their weapons without dropping the wilting Landlion. Besides, it was too late. Each man had his sword drawn and pointed at the invaders. Suddenly, a huge rock dropped from above and crushed them instantly. Laurel and Kyrian looked up and saw Cerelda flying overhead. The dragon swung around and flew low over the city. When she came directly over them, she flapped slowly, hovering. The rope, still tied to her, fell on Kyrian's head. The girls tied the dangling rope to Landlion and themselves, an action that cost them precious time. The troops had quickly discovered that no one was in the woods, and were swiftly returning to the city at the shouts of their comrades. Arrows whistled by them. "Go!" Laurel screamed to Cerelda.

With a great effort, the young dragon lifted her precious cargo into the air. Her wings worked overtime to get clear of the wall. Laurel knew that Cerelda couldn't go for long with such a heavy load. Suddenly, one of the whistling arrows hit Cerelda in the underbelly. Normally, the arrows just bounced off her hard scales, but this one came from behind and nosed under the tip of a scale, piercing flesh. The injured dragon let out a scream and, despite her best efforts, lost altitude. Laurel felt her dragon's pain, and quickly untied herself, pulling herself hand-over-hand up the rope to her faltering dragon.

Kyrian knew they were about to have a rough landing, and she braced herself accordingly. Cerelda spread her wings as she fell, landing more gently. Still, Kyrian and Landlion rolled on the ground upon impact, Landlion crying out in pain. Kyrian didn't cry out. "I must be getting the hang of this landing stuff," she thought wryly.

When she checked Landlion, she found him to be unconscious. "Just as well," she thought. "I'm sure he's more comfortable this way." She ran over to Laurel and Cerelda. "Is she all right?" she asked Laurel. The elf turned a tear-stained face up to Kyrian. "I don't know what to do. She's in such pain! I don't know what to do." Laurel kept repeating that she didn't know what to do, biting her knuckle and trying to keep her tears back. Kyrian suddenly whirled around when she heard a terrifying sound. Shouts of men coming after them.

Hey guys! I know this is kind of a cliffhanger and may put the next writer in a tight spot, but my part is already huge, so I thought I had better stop. If, of course, you want me to write some more on this part, I certainly can. =D

Part 46 by Tessa

2010-09-07T18:50:00.002-04:00

"You expect me to die my hair that color? That's hideous!" Laurel said disbelievingly.
"Um, yes." Kyrian said looking down at the bowl of dye in her hands.
"Fine, let's get this over with." she sighed before sitting down. "I just hope it washes out."
"Well, Mintara's orders are well, Mintara's orders. It might help us with you know what." Kyrian implied.
"You just might be right." Laurel said turning around to reveal a big Cheshire grin on her face.
"Turn around and sit still you goof!" Kyrian said stifling her laughter. She grabbed the bowl and started transforming Laurel from a red-head to a nasty brown.
"Cerelda is never going to let me live this down!" Laurel thought giggling to herself and upsetting Kyrian who dropped the bowl directly on the middle of her head. Kyrian took one look at Laurel with the bowl on her head and dye running down her face and started rolling on the floor laughing.

"What's so funny?" Mintara asked as she walked into the tent. In one glance she sized up the situation. With a straight face she said "Oh, well you look wonderful Laurel. Just the look we were going for." Before letting a smile tug at her lips. "Hurry up and clean this mess up before meeting me in my tent." she said leaving Laurel and Kyrian staring after her.

Laurel and Kyrian finally finished cleaning up the dye mess and now were waiting for Mintara to finish talking to Tomas. When Tomas came out he smiled at Kyrian before saying, "Oh, you have to talk to Mintara too? Well, good luck. After the news she just got she, well we'll just say she isn't in the best mood."
Mintara was looking at a map of the land surrounding Xerob. "I believe you have something to tell us Mintara?" Laurel questioned.
"Yes, I do and you aren't going to like it Laurel. I'm moving you two and a few others to the trading port of Sine. Now before you object as I see you are about to do let me finish." she said raising her hand in a motion which generally meant shut your mouth and sit down.
"After we kidnapped the king I got word from one of our spies in the city. She told me that they already have a new ruler. King Stepheneis and Queen Aelysha. I'm getting the idea that they are getting orders from someone bigger than themselves. Can you guess who that could be? Melkor." she said before giving them a chance to guess.
"He knows that he needs to get rid of you first then he can deal with the rest of us. So to put you out of the danger zone which you find yourself in more and more frequently, I have decided to send you to Sine."
"Okay." Laurel said calmly. "Can I go now?"
"Yes, go ahead." Laurel and Kyrian walked out talking.
"They're up to something. I know it."

I'm not sure which city they're ruling...if you gotta change it go ahead...

Part 45 by Emily

2010-08-01T23:26:00.001-04:00

In the large chamber hall, where the royal throne was, the guards stood at attention. The gentlemen and the ladies-in-waiting also stood ready. They had been called to the throne room on short notice that morning, it was amazing that they all looked fashionable in the short time span they had to get ready. A priest of Sharron stood in between the two mahogany thrones. The large doors at the end of the immaculate hall were thrown open, and trumpets were blown. The people-in-waiting gasped as a young man, dressed in silks took the first step into the room. They started to murmur in low voices, so very low that they could barely hear themselves. "Is this the king's son?" "No, he didn't have a son." "Did he even have a wife?" "Who could this man be?"

They all fell silent when right behind the young man stepped a breath-takingly-beautiful young woman. She was dressed in a wonderful lavender silk dress, that showed off her eyes, and her figure. She and the young man strode forward until they reached the steps to the throne. "Behold!" The old priest cried,"The new rulers of Lylle!" The guards and the people in waiting bowed low as the priest placed the crowns on their heads. As the King and Queen straightened up they turned around. "Behold King Stepheneis, and Queen Aelysha!"

Laurel laid in her bed sobbing, Kyrian sat on her own offering words of comfort to the heart broken Dragon Rider. "Laurel,"she pleaded,"everything will be okay. We just need to follow Mintara's plan." Laurel's head snapped up right. "Mintara's plan? Mintara's plan! All that wizard thinks about is herself! She doesn't care about others, especially Landlion!" Kyrian thought Laurel was done, but she raged on. "I bet if Tomas was where Landlion is instead, she would let YOU lead a rescue party to save him. She almost cares about you more than that stupid unicorn she bred! I'm glad he's dead." Laurel spat, and with that she fell back down on her bed and a new series of sobs racked her body.

Kyrian rose off of her own bed. 'That isn't true!' she thought vehemently,'Mintara wouldn't allow me to be that reckless, and jeopardize the entire cause.' Then she realized she had once been like Laurel, determined to save some one she loved from pain and misery. "Laurel," she whispered,"I'll do anything to help you." The red headed girl sprung up. "Good. Now listen closely I have a plan."

Aelysha sat on her luxurious throne looking smugly down on the scribe. "Now," she said rising from the throne,"my first law as Queen of Lylle is that all the people serving in an army other than the army of Lylle must return to their houses at once. If they do not return in a timely manner." she grinned,"Their items will be confiscated and their families will be taken into our prison. If they fail to return at all, we will seize their estate and their family, and burn them all." She broke into a fit of hysterical laughter. The scribe finished the document and had Aelysha stamp it with her royal seal. "Send out a decree about the new law." she ordered,"And have it sent to every city. Every house hold if we have to." The scribe bowed in respect for the new queen, then bolted out of the chamber.

"The Royal Highness wants copies of this law to be sent to every town and city in the land of Lylle!" he cried sprinting into the room full of scribes. He handed his paper to the fastest writer,"Write fast so that we and our families might live." The woman nodded at him then speedily dipped her quill in the ink and started writing.

"Well done my sister." Stepheneis said with a laugh. "We got rid of that fool of a king Melkor set up all those years ago. It was easier than taking a necklace from a Dragon." The twins heard a boom behind them, they turned to see what had happened. A tall man swathed in black stood there, "Well done my servants." he said,"You've done much better in the past week than your father had done in his whole life."
"Melkor," they said bowing, "We are so happy you are pleased." Stepheneis told him.
"Now, the next thing I need you to do is find the Dragon Rider. And kill her." Then as soon as he came he left.
"Great." Aelysha said sarcastically,"We need to kill the Dragon Rider."

"So are you in?" Laurel asked Kyrian. The brunette paused for a moment,"Yes, I'm in." she told the red head. Laurel gave her a hug, "Thanks Kyrian. I knew I could count on you." The two walked out of their tent, and into the bright prairie sun. The army was located on the plains many miles north of Hale and Pearson. It was better for them to be there than in Locien. Mintara strode up to Kyrian,"We're moving Laurel."
"What?" Kyrian asked incredulously.
"We're moving Laurel to the city of Sine. A small trading port by the northern mountains. She'll be safer there."
"Who's going with her?"
"You of course, and a small group of others."
"Like who?"
"Tomas, Cheryl, Quintan, Ernest, Michelle, and Dale. You ask to many questions."
"Okay. When do we leave?"
"Later tomorrow, I think Laurel has had enough drama for today." Mintara started to walk away. "Oh," she said turning around."She needs her hair dyed." Kyrian stared at the white headed wizard, 'Laurel needs her hair dyed? Oh great."

Part 44 by Taylor.

2010-07-30T12:08:00.004-04:00

Laurel silently crept toward the gates, slinking in the shadows. So far, it seemed to be going pretty well. Reaching the hard metal gates, she saw Kyrian, Tomas, and Landlion on the other side. Laurel searched for the lever that would raise the gates. Finally finding it, she pulled on the crank with all her might. The gate rose with a loud screech, making everyone cringe. Laurel immediately released the lever.

The gate had risen enough to let the others wiggle under. Kyrian went first, sliding under with no difficulty, and Tomas also had no trouble, being rather thin. But Landlion had a hard time squeezing through, not that he was fat, but he was more robust than Tomas. Laurel would have considered this a good thing at any other time, but now, she sighed and rolled her eyes. Grabbing the gate, she pulled upward a little, allowing Landlion to work his way under. "Um, sorry," he said bashfully, standing up. "Nice," was Laurel's comment. "Come on guys!" Tomas whispered from across the square. Laurel and Landlion ducked down and ran awkwardly across the open space.

"All right," Kyrian whispered. "Tomas and I will go up to the king's chamber. Laurel and Landlion need to stay here and keep watch and take care of anyone who finds out." Laurel and Landlion groaned, but Kyrian was boss of this mission; Mintara had made that very clear. With some grumbling, Laurel and Landlion took their positions in the shadows opposite the gate. "Come on." Kyrian motioned for Tomas to follow her, and they ran silently up the stone steps into the castle.

They managed to avoid guards and sentries as they made their way along. When they reached the king's chamber, Tomas silently drew his sword. "Remember the plan," he whispered. Kyrian nodded solemnly, and fitted a smooth arrow to her bow. Tomas tried the door and found it unlocked. As it opened, it let out a horrific loud screech. Kyrian gasped and shut the door quickly, barring it behind them. "That was simple," Tomas commented. "Yeah, almost a little too simple," Kyrian answered warily.

King Ire was still sleeping soundly, even through the terrible sound. Tomas quickly strode over and shook the sleeping man roughly. "Time to wake up, your highness," he hissed. "Hmmm, oh, what?" In a flash, the king took in the entire scene. "What do you want?" he cried, sitting up. Tomas didn't answer, just grabbed him by the back of the collar and dragged him out of the bed. Kyrian peered out the windows, no sign of activity. Tomas shackled the king's hands behind him. "Is that really necessary?" Kyrian asked timidly. King Ire seemed harmless enough, in fact, almost docile. "We can't take any chances," Tomas answered firmly.

He pushed the king up against the wall and said, "All we want to know is where Aelysha is."

"Who?" the king said innocently. Tomas sighed and nodded at Kyrian, who raised her bow and let loose an arrow in one, fluid motion. It quivered in the wall inches from the king's face, but Tomas's hand kept him still. "She's here! In the castle!" the king hollered. Tomas clapped a hand over his mouth, but it was too late. Kyrian heard the shuffle of feet outside the barred door. "Tomas!" she cried in fear. Tomas quickly ripped a piece off of his sleeve and gagged the king, lest he cause any more mischief. Kyrian threw the window open and made a complicated set of loud clicking noises. A blast of air and a rush of wings greeted her. The young dragon perched on the ledge outside the window, and Tomas all but threw King Ire out. Cerelda grabbed him in her talons and flew silently away, the bound king struggling fiercely, his voice muffled through the gag.

"Let's go!" Tomas produced a length of rope and tied it to a large metal statue. He helped Kyrian down first, then quickly followed after. He could hear the guards trying to break down the heavy wooden door.

They ran as fast as they could down to the square. Laurel and Landlion were looking around as the alarm spread. "Go go!" Tomas yelled, all discretion gone. All four made a break for the gate. Kyrian and Tomas slid under at the same time, then Laurel. Landlion was having a hard time again. An arrow whistled by his ear. Laurel had already run ahead with the others, assuming that Landlion was right behind her. He pushed hard, and managed to get most of the way through. Just then, the gate came crashing down, the large spikes touching the stone walkway on either side of his legs, pinning him there. He saw Laurel skid to a stop and turn. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw his predicament. She started to run towards him, but he could already hear the soldiers approaching behind him. "Go!" he shouted. Laurel paid no attention. She grabbed the iron gate and tried to lift up, but it was no use, the gate was closed. She looked around frantically for something to pry them open. "Laurel, get out of here!" He couldn't believe how stupid she was being. He grabbed her with his hand and said, "I'm not important. I can be replaced. You can't." Laurel looked undecided. Landlion heard a rush of wings, and saw Cerelda land behind Laurel. He looked the young dragon in the eye, and she nodded, before plucking Laurel up and flying away.

They all met back at Locien, Laurel crying uncontrollably. Kyrian cried with her, and Tomas busied himself with the prisoner so no one would see his pain. He put King Ire in the Locien dungeon, then went to a meeting with the others, Mintara, Kyrian, Laurel, Cerelda, Goricnal, and himself. "With the loss of Landlion, we'll have to replace him with another," Mintara began. "How can you be so cruel?!" Laurel exploded. "Landlion's gone, and you're already talking about replacing him?"

"We have an army to run," Mintara said coldly. "The army can wait!" Laurel cried. "What about me? What about how I feel?"

"What do you mean, how you feel?" Mintara sneered. "You think this is bad? You've seen nothing. Nothing!" Only Kyrian knew what she was referring to. Laurel didn't however, and she sulked in her chair. "Now, we have King Ire," Mintara continued as if nothing had happened. "We'll hold him for ransom, and hopefully lure Aelysha out. The people will be outraged if he is killed, so we have a good chance. And, if Landlion is still alive, then we'll trade him in too." Laurel's head snapped up.

Landlion lay in a cell at the castle in terrible pain. They had tried to make him tell where the dragon rider was, but he had refused any information. He glanced down at his leg, the main source of all his pain. The evil guards had cut a crucial tendon, rendering his leg useless. No amount of healer's medicine or magic would heal it. They had literally cut it out. He pounded the dirt floor in frustration. He wished they would just go ahead and kill him. Without a leg, he was nothing. His gaze wandered over to a piece of old rope in a corner. He dragged himself over and fingered it. Just long enough to tie around his neck.

Part 43 by Tessa

2010-07-30T10:02:00.001-04:00

Laurel tried to explain to Cerelda why she wanted to ride that "idiotic land-bound horse" but as usual Cerelda was not getting it.
"Why you want to ride that...thing is beyond me! Anyway we need more practice before the battle. You don't want us to lose the battle just because you wanted to ride a horse, do you?" she said as she cast a disgusted glance at the horses.
"We are not going to lose just because I take one trip on a lowly horse instead of a majestic dragon like you!" Laurel hissed back trying not to get to loud but failing miserably.
"Having troubles Laurel?" said Goricnal as he poked his head out of his tent (Kyrian had persuaded him to give back her tent much to his discomfort.)
"No I am not...okay maybe a little...but I have it under control!" she stated.
"Oh sure you do. You have it so under control that you're standing here yelling outside my tent and waking me up. Yes, you definatly have it under control." He said laughing.
"Oh clamshells! Fine I'll ride you Cerelda but we better get going or else Kyrian is going to leave without us and it's going to be all your fault!"
"Yes, I'm sure Kyrian is going to fall for that." Cerelda responded chuckling.
"Oh be quiet! Let's fly!"

Laurel and Cerelda glided over the forest scouting the area in front of the party below them.
"Hey Cerelda?"
"Yes."
"Why did you hatch for me? I mean I'm not very talented. Maybe you haven't noticed but I've become very good at ruining things. I'm still a child in everyone's eyes. Just a child that for some reason was chosen to be a Dragon Rider even though I still play the part of a child. I just don't get why you picked me."
"I picked you because you were right for me. You're not stuck up and arrogant like most of the others who's hands I passed through and you are the chosen one. It doesn't matter if everyone thinks of you as a child who messes everything up because you're going to show them wrong when the time comes. You wouldn't be picked as the chosen one if you weren't capable of what was in store for you. Keep your focus off you and on others. Put all your focus on helping your comrades finish what we started and never ever do anything that goes against what you believe in. Always listen to what others have to say and if you do that I think you'll be okay."
Laurel lifted her face to the wind and smiled. "I may be childish in others eyes but I'll make it through and we will win this! And I'm going to be there to help."

Cerelda spiraled to the ground and landed heavily in a clearing jarring Laurel out of the saddle and to the ground. Laurel sat up and shook her head before standing up and went to stand by Cerelda as Kyrian and the rest of the riders rode to meet them.
"Have you seen anything from the air Laurel and Cerelda?" Kyrian asked urgently.
"Yes, we can see Xerob. The city is heavily armed which could prove a problem. But I have a good idea on getting those gates open. We could..." and Laurel started to tell Kyrian of her plan.

"I can't believe she let us do this." Laurel said to Cerelda as she dangled from her claws. She had her sword drawn and her bow and arrows slung across her back.
"Yes, I am quite surprised that she went along with your reckless idea but she did and now it's your turn to show them what you got. I'll fly low into the town square and drop you. Then I'll go create a distraction while you open the gate. Ready?" Cerelda asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be!" Laurel said before falling and sprawling out in the town square. She leaped to her feet and started running toward the gates.
"This is going to be a piece of cake!"

Part 42 by Emily

2010-07-29T15:38:00.000-04:00

Laurel and Cerelda flew high above the army, practicing aerial maneuvers. She and Melkor were the only dragon riders alive, Laurel felt a pang of sadness. She had been told a few weeks back that her birth mother had been a dragon rider. Laurel didn't know what had become of her. 'Cerelda, do you know anything about my mother?' The dragoness remained silent for a few moments then said, 'Not much, but what I do know may comfort you.' The two spun into a dive. 'I know what the strange mist told you, that she looked like you and had the same fiery spirit, and little more. Her dragon's name was Wayland, he was my sire. She was chosen to be a Rider as a young child, and grew up in the court of Lady Hopernal. When the first war against Melkor happened she was your age, she fought valiantly but she and her dragon were not strong enough to defeat Melkor. Wayland and Yelinda had two eggs, one of which was me. The other one mysteriously disappeared one night, and no one knows where it is.' Cerelda paused for a moment. 'After that your parents and the Dragons left and never came back. And that's all I know.' 'Thanks Cerelda. Can we land now?' As soon as they landed Laurel leaped off Cerelda and sped towards the Calvary.

"Mintara!" She yelled. The wizard spun her horse around, "What?" she asked the Rider,"Did you see danger?" Laurel slowed down, "No, but I-,"
"Then what are you pestering me for?" the wizard growled.
"I was wondering if you could tell me anything about my parents."
"Why would I know anything about your parents? Go ask Kyrian's mother about her, she knew them better than I did." Laurel walked away from Mintara, her mind full of questions to ask Rachele. She found the company of healers in the middle of the army. Kyrian's mother was sitting beside a fire warming a pack of herbs. "Hi Laurel." she said looking up from the pack, "What brings you here? Are you hurt?" she started to rise from the fire.
"Oh no." Laurel told her,"I was actually wondering if you could tell me anything about my parents." A look of shock came over Rachele's face. "No one has asked me about Laurea in years. What would you like to know about her?" It was now Laurel's turn to be shocked, "My mother's name was Laurea?"
"Why yes, it was. We were best friends as young adults." Rachele's eyes got misty. "We fought in in the first war against Melkor together, well she did the fighting and I did the healing. I met Ven there, and we fell in love. But that's a whole different story. Laurea was engaged to Tylar, another Dragon Rider. And they fought very well together, even though we didn't win the war against Melkor. Tylar was injured badly, it took many of us healers to heal him. Even after we healed him he wasn't quite the same Tylar. The next spring they got married at a wonderful wedding, it was one of the most beautiful I had ever seen. Laurea and Tylar traveled a lot over the next decades. They came to Ven and I's wedding, then I didn't see them for awhile until Melkor and Exron started lashing out again. I was with child when I saw Laurea for the last time, it was around seventeen years ago. She had you at our house then she and Tylar went off on their journey to defeat Melkor. I never saw or heard from them again." Rachele was sobbing gently, as was Laurel.
"Do you think they are dead?" Laurel asked. Rachele took the pack out of the fire. "I don't know," she told Laurel,"I'm hoping that they aren't."

Laurel got up and walked around the camp for awhile, thinking about what Kyrian's mother had told her. 'My mom must have been really old when she had me.' she thought. Oh wait, she's an elf so she wasn't at all really old. She was probably considered really young.' Laurel not paying any attention ran into Kyrian spilling the contents of the bundle she was holding. "Oh, I'm so sorry Kyrian! I'm such a klutz!" Laurel dropped to the ground to start picking up the blankets, cloaks, and packages of food. "What are these for?" she asked Kyrian.
"Mintara wants the Special force to ride ahead and scout out the land, and when we reach Xerob we will infiltrate the palace and take the king hostage. Would you like to come with us?" Kyrian asked with gleam in her eye.
"Sure." Laurel told her as she handed her the last package of food. "When do we leave."
"At sun down tonight."

Part 41 by Taylor

2010-07-28T12:34:00.008-04:00

The army was leaving Locien. Everything was in place. In front rode the cavalry, commanded by Kyrian and Mintara. Behind them came the foot soldiers, led by Landlion and Tomas. Laurel and Cerelda brought up the rear with the archers. "Wish I had some help," Laurel muttered. "Why couldn't Landlion be back here?" But she knew that he was needed where he was. He expertise was in the sword, not the bow. Kyrian was good with the bow, but also with a horse, so Mintara had placed her with the cavalry. Also, Laurel got the feeling that Mintara had taken a special liking to Kyrian. "Teacher's pet," Laurel muttered under her breath. But she really didn't mind. Mintara was a little too aloof and sarcastic for her taste anyway.

As they camped that night at the end of their first day's journey, Laurel suddenly felt an urge to ride Cerelda. She couldn't explain it, but she felt so complete, so fulfilled when riding her dragon. Cerelda fluttered over, a beautiful, bronze dragon with a slender build and brilliant eyes. Laurel was disturbed that Cerelda could not yet breathe fire in a steady stream. It came out in short bursts of flame. She didn't think that she could become any closer to the dragon, but apparently, something was amiss. She probably should have stopped and thought if it was all right to ride out in the open, but since she wasn't one to think before she did things; it didn't even occur to her. She swung up into the saddle and leaned forward as Cerelda clapped her wings downward and shot into the sky. As they gently glided over the forest, Laurel spotted a small clearing. Cerelda, already knowing Laurel's thoughts, swooped down and gently landed with a scattering of leaves.

Grateful for the alone time, away from the noisy bustle of the army camp, Laurel sat down and leaned up against a tall elm. Suddenly, she heard a scuffling noise underneath her. She jumped to her feet and drew her sword in the same motion, brandishing the weapon with her newly healed arm. The scuffling continued for another moment, then a little head popped up out of the ground. "Goricnal!" Laurel exclaimed, lowering her sword. The dwarf pulled himself out of the ground with a groan, then got to his feet, dusting himself off busily. "What are you doing here?" Laurel asked, sheathing her weapon. "I came to help you," was his brief answer. "Why?" Laurel asked bluntly. "Because you obviously need me!" he said gruffly, as usual. Laurel couldn't help but smile at the funny little man. "All right, then come with me." She lead the way to Cerelda, who greeted Goricnal enthusiastically. "My, she's grown!" he exclaimed. Laurel looked at her proudly and Cerelda winked at her.

Goricnal had a hard time mounting the large dragon, but soon managed to land squarely in the saddle, Laurel riding behind. Laurel had a good idea of what Cerelda planned to do, and she was not disappointed. The mischievous dragon shot straight up into the sky, Goricnal screaming at the top of his lungs. She dove, flipped, looped, and everything else she could think of.

Finally, Laurel nudged Cerelda in her thoughts, and the frisky dragon calmed down and flew them to the army without further delay. As Laurel dismounted, Goricnal fell off in a small heap. "Laurel?" Kyrian asked, coming up curiously. "Hi!" Laurel greeted brightly. "I was off on a ride, and guess who I found?" Before Kyrian could hazard a guess, Goricnal picked himself up on the ground and piped, "Me!"

"Goricnal!" Kyrian exclaimed. Like Laurel, she had a certain fondness for the gruff little guy.

After the girls had taken Goricnal around, meeting up with old friends and introducing him to others, he said he was quite exhausted, and made himself at home in Kyrian's tent. "Come on, you can share with me," Laurel giggled.

The next morning, Kyrian woke up early. She groaned and rolled over, trying in vain to fall asleep again. No use. She sat up and rubbed her eyes tiredly. Beside her, Laurel stirred. "Oh, did I wake you?" Kyrian asked. "No, I was already awake," Laurel said remorsefully. Both girls stepped out into the brisk morning air. "I guess I'll go ahead and get started on a fire for breakfast," Laurel sighed. "I'll go find some wood," Kyrian volunteered. Most of the army was still asleep, or slowly emerging from tents. Kyrian's clothing was becoming damp from the early morning mist, and she longed for the warmth of a fire, but she couldn't return empty-handed, and sticks seemed to be hard to come by.

Several people were already awake, including Goricnal and Cerelda. Kyrian stopped for a moment and watched them with amusement. Goricnal seemed to be showing off to the young dragon, fitting an arrow to his bow and aiming at a target. Cerelda looked bored. Twang. The arrow hit the mark dead-center. Goricnal turned a smug look upon Cerelda. She stood up and sized up the target, then exhaled a small blast of fire that incinerated Goricnal's arrow. She turned and smiled a toothy grin at him. "You know, I don't like you," Goricnal growled. "I don't like you at all." Kyrian covered her mouth to keep the laughter in, then continued on her way.

A while later, Kyrian stopped and leaned up against a tree to catch her breath. A wave of sleepiness washed over her, and she slid down the trunk until she slumped down onto the damp ground. Even though she knew that she needed the wood, it seemed like a faraway place, almost like a dream. Her eyelids were sliding shut, and she was powerless to resist, if she had wanted to in the first place. An image began to form in her mind....

A golden city, high up in the sky, disguised in a giant cloud. Many seats, arranged in a circle. Then, on a higher level, several more seats, ten, to be exact. Two of the seats were empty, but the others were occupied by shining beings, who's manner and appearance made it obvious that they were very important and very powerful. One seat, shaped like a golden throne, shone with a radiant brilliance, and was at the head of the circle. On this throne sat a regal being, clothed in a shimmering golden cloth robe. Somehow, Kyrian knew that this was the legendary Council of Wizards. She also knew that what she was seeing had happed thousands of years ago.

The golden-garbed wizard, Simar, paced the floor agitatedly. "How could this happen?" he finally said angrily. A purple-clothed young woman, Escathyst, said soothingly, "Father, do not worry. We can find a solution."

"Yes, Lord Simar," a heavily bearded wizard named Parthlin said. "How could he do this?" Simar lamented. "Melkor has always been prone to evil, if I may say so," a young, blonde wizard, Scintir, said carefully. "But to betray us! To betray the council!" Kyrian saw a muscular man rise to his feet. "He must die!"

"Calm yourself, Jothlar," Escathyst cautioned in her calming voice. Jothlar sat heavily in his throne-like chair with a sigh. "Jothlar is right," a familiar voice seconded. Kyrian twisted around. She definitely knew that voice! Mintara was standing, a new glow and radiance about her white robes. "The only way to stop Melkor and end his treachery is to kill him!" she pronounced firmly, her cold eyes snapping. "Mintara, we know what your opinion is. We also know of the fate of Emerion," Escathyst comforted. Mintara eyes smoldered, and she abruptly sat down. "Father, what my sister means, is that we must act now," Escathyst continued, talking to Simar. "Emerion will not survive Melkor's evilness for much longer." The Chief Wizard sat heavily in his chair, holding a hand to his forehead. Everyone else in the Council sat as still as stone. Finally, he raised his head, and everyone held their breath. "We attack." Mintara and Jothlar leaped to their feet with something like a war cry.

The scene faded from Kyrian's mind, and a new image took place.

A large army was marching upon a black castle. It was led by Mintara and Jothlar, who both wielded staffs. Both staffs were of identical build and material, except Mintara's was white, and Jothlar's was a deep brown. An army of black-clad soldiers were marching out to meet them. Jothlar let out a mighty cry and rushed into their midst, slashing and smashing with his powerful arms. Mintara slunk away to the side, and ran to the castle. Subduing the guards, she made her way down the cold, rank corridors to the dungeon level. She didn't know where Emerion was, but his presence was very close.

She finally found him crumpled in a filthy cell. The bars evaporated with a wave of her staff, and she rushed to his side. "Emerion." Kyrian saw a tenderness in her face which was completely foreign to the Mintara that she knew. The young, black-haired wizard stirred slightly, and opened indigo eyes, so dark they were almost black. A convulsion seized him, and Mintara could feel him slipping away. "No no!" she cried, burying her face in his chest. She knew that she had to make a decision. A nicker startled her. In a cell across the way, a white unicorn stamped nervously. Mintara recognized him as a wild one that had apparently just been caught. She turned to Emerion, quickly fading. She pulled a dagger from her belt and shut her eyes, asking her father, Simar, for strength. Then she plunged it into Emerion's chest.

Kyrian screamed in her dream as the picture disappeared. Then, something else came into view. Mintara, in bedraggled white, leaned on a beautiful unicorn as they slowly exited the castle. The armies had moved away, and all she wanted to do was to get home. But as they slowly made their way along, enemy soldiers jumped from the bushes. Mintara was fully occupied, dodging and dealing blows, when a fierce whinny caught her attention. She turned to find Emerion, in unicorn form, being held in the grasp of two soldiers. Terrible rage filled her, and she leaped at the men, who were no match for her wrath.

Although Kyrian didn't see it, she knew the rest of the story. Mintara tortured the men brutally before mercifully killing them, and for her terrible acts, was banished from the Council by Simar, her father, stripped of her power. Emerion went with her, choosing rather to stay with her than remain on the Council.

Kyrian awoke with a jolt, her clothes soaked with the dew. Looking down at her small handful of sticks, she suddenly remembered where she was. She scrambled to her feet and ran to the camp to tell Laurel. Suddenly, she skidded to a stop. What was she thinking? she berated her herself. It was a very personal part of Mintara's past, and Kyrian technically had no business knowing it, much less blabbing it to the whole army. She turned and ran instead to Mintara's tent. Not finding her there, she remembered a hilltop that had caught her eye. She knew of Mintara's fondness to be up high, so she instinctively knew that she would find Mintara there.

Her intuition did not fail her. Mintara sat on the grassy hilltop, looking thoughtfully at the surrounding landscape. "Mintara," Kyrian greeted as she came up. Mintara didn't turn around, but nodded her head slightly. Kyrian settled down next to her. "I had a dream," she began. Mintara looked bored. "About you," Kyrian said. Still bored. Kyrian sighed and started at the beginning....

When she finished, Mintara wouldn't look at her. "Honestly, Mintara, I don't know why I had the dream; I didn't mean to!" Kyrian said apologetically, as if she could have helped it. She didn't know what else to say, so she just sat there. "It's not your fault," Mintara said quietly, still looking down. "But I would appreciate if you wouldn't speak of this to anyone." Her cold eyes made it clear that it wasn't a request. Kyrian nodded vigorously. Mintara's eyes told Kyrian that it was time to leave, and the young elf scrambled to her feet and walked swiftly down the hillside.

In her dream, Emerion had been gentle and mellow and wise, and Mintara was fiery, impetuous, and fierce. Kyrian knew that the Chief Wizard, Simar, had the power to change Emerion back, but Emerion would only go back with Mintara, and she still had to earn her necklace before she could return. Kyrian sighed, she would be glad when the calming, indigo-eyed unicorn was back.

Part 40 by Emily

2010-07-27T17:17:00.000-04:00

    Mintara's eyes blinked open, some one was dabbing her forehead with watered down herb paste. The face came into focus, it was Rachele, Kyrian's mother. "Oh, Mintara!" she said,"We will never be able to repay you for saving our daughter! Thank you so much." and in a lower voice she added,"I know it was a hard choice to make. For I know it took many years and much hard work to restore the person you love." Mintara's mind reeled, 'How does Rachele know all this?'

    Rachele looked around at Kyrian and Laurel, they were asleep in their chairs. "Yes Mintara, I know that Emerion the unicorn is also Emerion your love." she tucked her long brown hair behind her ears, showing off the points. "I am half-elven as every one knows. But what many do not know is that I am much older than they think. I was alive when you killed Emerions' captures, and you found him half dead. I do not know how you turned him into a unicorn, but you were at least able to save his life then. I am so sorry for your loss of him now." Tears trailed down the wizards cheek, and for the first time in a long time she cried. Rachele comforted the heart broken woman, and soon she stopped crying.

    Shortly after the wizard stopped crying, the door to the house was thrown open and two young men ran in. Kyrian and Laurel woke up instantly, and Mintara sat up in her bed. "We've got good news!" Landlion shouted.
"Emerion isn't dead!" Tomas breathed. Mintara's eyes went wide, "What?" she looked around for the unicorn.
"The only problem is he is now linked to Aelysha, and if we kill her he dies." Tomas said,"So we need a potion to kill her but not him."
"We think that Aelysha fled to Melkor's castle, along with that man." Landlion explained. Mintara shot out of bed.
"Landlion, gather the troops." she said,while throwing her cloak on,"We're leaving at sun up tomorrow."

Locien was a chaotic mess, with all the soldiers scrambling around trying to gather up all the supplies. Several of the healers decided to use magic on Laurel's arm so she wouldn't be handicapped in the war. They were in the middle of healing her that very moment. The apprentice healers were running through the forest looking for herbs to use in the war. Others were reading about the herbs that would be found near the coast, where the battle might take place. Kyrian was gathering a group of men and women who would be in the Special Task Force. King Ire was in league with Melkor so they were planning to attack his castle in the capitol city, Xerob.  Mintara was gathering things for the potion, just the things they had in Locien and that didn't have to be fresh.

    When night had fallen Locien was still buzzing with excitement. Paths had yet to be plotted, food yet to be packed, and tents not bundled. But the Dragon Rider had been healed, the Special Task Force was chosen, and Mintara had her ingredients for the potion. The night flew by in a blur. Dawn was quickly approaching, and the Special task force would be the first group to leave Locien. Kyrian hugged her mother tightly,"I'll miss you mother." she whispered. "Be safe Kyrian." she told her daughter as she stroked her hair,"Just remember I will be with your father as his assistant. We won't be far behind."Kyrian started to pull away."I love you." Rachele said before letting go of her daughter. Kyrian turned to her father and enveloped him in a large hug. "Don't take any unnecessary risks my girl." she smiled up at him. "Yes father."
"Be on your watch, and always remember I love you." He kissed her on her forehead. Tears started to well up in her eyes. Kyrian let go and scooped her pack off the ground. "Good bye." The tears started to make their way down her cheeks. She walked away from her loving parents and went to her group. The tears in her eyes didn't allow her to see Tomas walking up to her parents.

"Keep my daughter safe." Ven told him, with a stern look on his face.
   Tomas nodded,"I will sir." He had asked Kyrian's father, when Kyrian was older, that he could for her hand in marriage.
"I would just like to thank you once again for saving Kyrian's life from the Nurgals." Rachele said, as she gave Tomas a hug, "Give Kyrian a hug for me please."
"Fair well." Tomas said as he walked to the Task Force. Horses were mounted, and the group rode off, into the forest.

Part 39 by Taylor.

2010-07-26T21:45:00.007-04:00

"Hello Aelysha," Mintara greeted coldly, throwing back her hood. The beautiful girl was shocked. Where was Stephenius? She focused her violet eyes on Mintara's icy silver ones. Both women were stunningly beautiful, but Mintara's beauty was.... different somehow. No one would think her beautiful when first meeting her; whereas Aelysha could melt anyone's heart at first glance. "Hello, Mintara," Aelysha said casually. She could feel Stepheneis's presence, and she could only hope that Mintara was unaware. Behind Mintara, a shadow moved noiselessly. Aelysha frantically tried to think of something that would hold Mintara's attention. It wasn't necessary. "What are you doing here?" Mintara said dangerously, her staff tensed in her hand. "Just looking around," Aelysha lied.

The shadow sprung from the tree line. Mintara suddenly whirled around, the heel of her hand smacking Stepheneis on the ear and sending him rolling. A blow landed on the back of Mintara's head, knocking her to the ground. Aelysha dropped her modest cloak, and crouched like a cougar, ready to spring, eyes like flames. Twang. An arrow came into Mintara's field of vision. She backflipped off the ground, out of harm's way, and landed behind Aelysha. The wizard knocked the evil girl's legs out from under her, and she landed on the ground hard, knocking the breath out of her. Mintara raised her staff. But it was too late. Stepheneis came up from behind and grabbed Mintara's long white hair and wrapped an arm around her neck. "You're coming with us, dead or alive," Aelysha panted. Mintara's icy eyes snapped sparks.

A ways off in the forest, Kyrian suddenly felt a jolt, like a shot of electricity. She looked furtively all around her. Then she heard a scream, and she leaped to her feet, dropping her herbs on the ground. She hiked up her skirts and ran for all she was worth towards the sound. She came to the edge of a clearing and saw Aelysha hit the ground. She quickly realized the beautiful "healer" and anger filled her.

Suddenly, Kyrian heard a noise behind her. She was almost too petrified to turn, but she finally did. And was met by a soft whuff in her face. "Emerion," she breathed a sigh of relief and rested her head against his silky mane. Wait. She was actually touching him. She raised her blue eyes to his indigo ones, and saw pain and fear. She glanced back into the clearing, and saw Mintara in Stepheneis's grip. She inhaled quickly, and, without thinking, grasped the unicorn's mane and swung onto his back.

He leaped forward, clearing the trees and landing in the clearing, startling the twins. While Stephenius was distracted, Mintara lifted her staff and drove the end backward into Stepheneis's stomach. He doubled over in pain, and while Mintara still faced Aelysha, she kicked him in the face, snapping his head back and landing him on the ground. Emerion, Kyrian still aboard, reared and charged at Aelysha. She turned to face them defiantly, then leaped out of the way at the last second, barely escaping his razor-sharp, silver horn. She came out of her roll and sent a blast of green flame after Kyrian's retreating back.

It struck her squarely and knocked her off her mount, searing heat washing over her motionless form. Emerion skidded to a stop and wheeled around on his haunches. A slim figure blocked his way. In a quick, fluid motion, Aelysha whipped a cord like steel around his nose, twisting his head around and throwing him to the ground with a squeal. She got on top of his head and held the point of an arrow to his throat.

Meanwhile, Stepheneis, battling Mintara, ducked a blow from her staff, and, muttering a strange incantation, moved his hand forward and flung her backwards across the glade. He ran over to the unconscious Kyrian and grabbed her collar, dragging her to her feet and waking her up.

Mintara struggled to her feet and lifted her staff, a bolt of light ready at the tip to obliterate anyone who came against her. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw the scene unfolded in front of her. Aelysha held Emerion's head down, an arrow poised at his throat, and Kyrian in Stepheneis's clutches, a small, black dagger with its tip resting on her neck. "It's time to make a choice!" Stepheneis yelled. "All we want is the girl. Choose who will live," Aelysha said, nodding to Kyrian, who's terror made her breath come hard and short. Mintara stood undecided, her heart frozen with the decision she had to make, eyes darting to Emerion's liquid, gentle eyes, and Kyrian's large, terror-stricken ones. It was the hardest choice she had ever had to make, or would ever make, but it was made in an instant.

Closing her eyes for a moment to draw strength, she pointed at Kyrian in one, eternal instant. Stephenius released her and nodded to Aelysha. Mintara dropped into blackness as Emerion's scream pierced her innermost being.

"Mintara." She opened her eyes and saw a blurry image in front of her eyes. She blinked several times, and her vision cleared. Kyrian was leaning over her, looking at her with concern. Mintara glanced over and saw Tomas, Landlion, and Laurel standing near. Suddenly, it all came back to her. She moaned in agony and closed her eyes. "She's in shock," she heard Landlion say before darkness again claimed her.

"What're we going to do?" Laurel said sadly. They had taken Mintara to Kyrian's house to wait for her to wake up. "I don't know," Tomas sighed. He glanced over and saw Kyrian huddled at the base of a giant dogwood. "Kyrian?" he questioned. "It's all my fault!" she cried, bursting into tears. "If I would have dodged that fireball, then everything would be fine! Emerion wouldn't be gone, and those two wouldn't have escaped!" Tomas sat next to her and comforted her. Laurel and Landlion moved away to leave them alone. "Kyrian, you can't blame yourself," Tomas gently admonished. But Kyrian just sat and cried for a long time.

When she was under control, she went to her house to watch Mintara and be with Laurel. "Come one, Tomas, we need to take care of things. Without the girls," Landlion said, motioning for him to follow. Tomas understood what he was insinuating, and followed him to the clearing. "It will be hard to dig a grave for such a large animal, but-" Landlion's voice trailed off as they entered the clearing where Emerion had been slaughtered. There was no trace of the unicorn's body. "Where is he?" Tomas asked, thinking that some of the elves had already moved him. "I don't know," Landlion said, his voice betraying the confusion that he felt. "Wait. You mean that that body isn't here? It's disappeared?" Tomas's voice sounded strangely excited. "Um, yeah, I guess so." Landlion turned to face him. "Why?" Tomas's eyes danced. "I'm not sure yet." He ran off toward his temporary hut and slammed the door, leaving Landlion standing there, wide-eyed.

Several hours later, Tomas was pouring over his books. Landlion silently entered behind him. "Where did you get these?" Landlion asked in amazement. "From the library," Tomas answered briefly. Landlion picked up a thick book and looked at it's cover. "'Ancient Potions and Spells'," Landlion read. He raised an eyebrow at Tomas, who leaned back and rubbed his eyes. "Just reading up on a theory. Emerion's gone, right? Well, that girl apparently killed him with a special arrow, tipped with a special potion."

"What does that mean?" Landlion asked.

Tomas sighed. "It means that Emerion's not dead."

"He isn't? But how?" Landlion was becoming intrigued. "That girl has him," Tomas answered. "He's like linked to her now. Her fate is his. His spirit lives on. If she dies, his spirit dies. If she lives, he does."

"But how do we set him free without killing her?" Landlion asked.

"Well, that's the tricky part," Tomas sighed. "We need a special potion, to kill her without killing him. We'll dip some type of weapon in it and stab her with it. It's the only way. It's a slim chance, but it is a chance." He looked at Landlion. "What do you think?" he asked. Landlion's eyes lit up. "Let's try it."

Part 38 by Emily

2010-07-19T23:01:00.001-04:00

     Tomas lay in bed restless. He was thinking about Kyrian. She was so strange sometimes, sometimes she acted like she hated him and others like she liked him. But Tomas knew how he felt about her. Tomas was nineteen, not to young to be married, Kyrian on the other hand was only seventeen, it wouldn't work. Before Tomas even thought about marrying her she would have to be older. Tomas sighed, Landlion stirred in the bed beside him, but didn't wake up. He closed his eyes and thought back to the day he first met Kyrian.

     It was a chilly morning, Dale rode over to his house and asked him to go along to town with him. Tomas's father took some convincing to let him go with Dale. When Tomas went into town he was supposed to bring back some more seeds that his father didn't have. Tomas quickly agreed to his father's bargain and rode off with Dale. On the way to their other friends house, Wearen, Dale explained why he was going to town. Dale had had a dream that told him to go to a certain pub, in the city of Gaeheld, and only order food. Tomas wasn't so sure why this dream was so important, but he went along with Dale.

     Once in town they had a large group of young men. They went to the pub Dale pointed out and ordered some food. A few minutes later he noticed two women walk in. One, in a forest green cloak, made her way over to his table. She opened her mouth to speak, but then she fell onto the table unconscious. Tomas immediately jumped up and picked her off of Dale's plate of saucy noodles. The second woman rushed over to they table and said in a low voice,"Bring her into the back room, I'll explain everything." Tomas caught a glimpse of the woman's face, she wasn't as old as he thought her to be. He scooped the unconscious woman up into his arms and followed the older woman to the back room.

     He laid the girl on the bed, and smoothed the hood behind her head. Then wiped off her face, her hair was brown and braided, and her skin was fair. The woman said,"Quickly go get your friends I must explain everything to them too." Tomas exited the back room only to find they had gathered at the doorway. "Who is she?" Wearen asked. "Did she like my noodles?" Dale questioned jokingly. "I'm not sure yet." Tomas told them,"But the other lady wants you inside." They all crowded into the large room,"Now men," the woman said,"my name is Mintara. I am a great and powerful sorceress, but I need your help." "Why?" Quintan piped up. "To fight Melkor." she told them, then aimed a glare at Quintan,"Because I'm not an entire army." She went on to explain what they were fighting for, and what positions they might have in the army.

     Suddenly they heard the girl stirring Tomas rushed to her side. "Her name's Kyrian." Mintara told him. Kyrian's eyes blinked open,"Are you okay?" Tomas asked. "Yes,"She answered groggily,"Where's Mint-my grandmother, I mean." Kyrian blushed. And in that moment he saw she had blue eyes, and those blue eyes were swallowing him up-

Before he drifted off to sleep he determined to talk to Kyrian about how she felt, in the morning.

     The first beams of sunrise filtered through the trees tops. A young woman walked alone in the forest. She hoped she was nearing the Elven city of Locien. Suddenly a man leaped from behind the trees. "Halt, who goes there?" He questioned. The woman stopped, in a split-second she had her opponent sized up.
"Well sir,"she said, while batting her long black lashes,"I was on my way to Locien hoping that it wasn't to late to register for the army."
The guard blinked in shock,"You want to be in the army? Why you're just a young lady, I couldn't let you fight against Melkor. It would be terrifying for you!"
"Sir, I'm a healer." she told him,"I would hope that they wouldn't put me out on the front lines to fight Melkor, I'm too timid to hurt a flea. I prefer to stay hidden and help others." She put on an innocent face, the guard melted as he looked in her violet eyes.
"The, the city's this way." he said, stumbling over a root. He pushed a branch aside, there was a large willow, it was ancient, the guard put his hand on the trunk of the gargantuan tree and muttered something.

     The trunk opened up to reveal a secret tunnel. "Now miss." the guard said,"Go into the tunnel and when you come out find a man named Dale, he should be able to take you where you need to go." The woman started to walk into the tunnel,"Wait!" the man called while grabbing her shoulder. She turned around with her black hair falling against her back. "What is you name, miss?" he asked her.
She hesitated for a moment then said,"Aelysha, my name is Aelysha." Then she turned and went into the tunnel with the guard staring after her. The tunnel was dark, but it wasn't long. Soon Aelysha entered a bright hollow, a young man leaned against a slim birch. When he saw Aelysha he quickly stood up straight and walked over to her. "Hello." he said,"My name's Dale."
"Hi Dale." Aelysha said, faking shyness,"I'm Aelysha."
"What brings you here Aelysha?" Dale asked.
"I'm hoping to be a healer in the war." she told him while batting her lashes. Dale thought for a moment.
"Well I have a friend who has a friend who is a healer I guess I could bring you to her." Dale turned to one of the many paths through the trees,"Come on follow me."

    They made their way down the path, that ended at a small collection of houses. Dale walked up to the front door of one of them and knocked. A few seconds later the door opened revealing a tall elf. "Yes?" he asked.
"Hi, I'm looking for Tomas." Dale told the elf. Aelysha hid a smirk, everything was coming together splendidly.
"I'll go get him." The elf went back into the house and emerged with a young man.
"Hey Dale!" Tomas said cheerfully,"Who's this?" he asked turning his gaze to Aelysha. Her beauty took his breath away.
"This is Aelysha." Dale said. Aelysha waved her hand as a greeting. "I need you to take to your friend, that girl, Kyrian right?"
"Yeah, her name's Kyrian. What do you need her for?"
"I thought maybe she could help Aelysha with healer stuff."
"Well she and I were,"
"What going on a date?" Dale interrupted playfully,"Why not just practice with Kyrian some other time? Or maybe you could practice with me." he suggested.
"Fine." Tomas said,"Come along Aelysha." Tomas walked out of the house and set off on a well worn path. They walked in silence, it seemed like an eternity, but they soon got there. At the training grounds Kyrian was practicing with the long bow. There was a twang, and then Kyrian's quivering arrow was stuck on the bulls eye.

    "Hey Kyrian!" Tomas said. Kyrian immediately jumped up.
"Hey Tomas!" she greeted him,"Who's this?" she asked pointing at Aelysha.
"That's Aelysha." he told her, "She wants to be a healer in the army and I was thinking you could show her the ropes and stuff like that."
"Okay, so do you know the herbs?" she asked Aelysha.
"Oh yes, I've know them since I was a little girl." Aelysha said confidently.
"Well just to make sure we'll have a little test."
"Okay." Kyrian unstrung her bow and laid it aside. Then started down a path, Aelysha followed her.
"Kyrian wait." Tomas said as he grabbed her arm. She spun around,"Yes Tomas?" she asked. Her expression barely masking the joy and hope she felt inside. "I was-" Tomas stopped he just couldn't tell her right now, it wasn't the right time.
"Go on." Kyrian said.
"I was wondering if you want me to practice archery." Kyrian's face fell with those words.
"Yeah, I think that would good." Then she stalked off down the path with Aelysha in tow.

"Go find me these herbs." Kyrian told Aelysha as she handed Aelysha a list. The girl disappeared into the forest. Good. Kyrian thought, She's gone.
Aelysha quickly made her way to the spot she and her brother decided to meet at. A person with dark hood stood in the clearing. "Steve!" she called. The person turned around, plates of long white hair spilled out of the woman's hood. Uh oh. Aelysha thought. This isn't Steve.

Part 37 by Emily

2010-07-03T22:03:00.004-04:00

Raladhea drifted between life and death. At moments she could feel the touch of a kind hand or hear the murmuring of voices, but only for a moment. Then it soon vanished and an unbearable pain replaced it. A scene kept on playing in her mind, the same scene all the time. Vibrant colors swarmed around her, a golden shape was predominate. Then two black objects would jump into her range of vision, one large and one small. The large one attacked the golden shape, devouring it. And the smaller one yelled words at Raladhea she could not understand. She yelled words back at the black shape, but she could not hear what she said. Then she felt the malicious touch of a blade slice through her. All would fade to black. After the scene played out the icy fingers of death clawing at her soul. She felt herself giving in to the pull of Sheol. Suddenly a blinding light came and death retreated from her. She looked to the center of the the light, even though she could not bear it, and saw what she had waited her entire life to see.

The twins were hard at work creating weapons for Melkor, well at least their people were. Aelysha was busy combing her hair and Stepheneis was no where to be seen. Some of her fathers top spell casters were in the large chamber busy casting spells. Aelysha motioned for Fres, a boring young spellcaster whose looks are as dull as his humor. Fres walked over to Aelysha,"Fres,"she whispered,"I have an important duty for you." His face light up with excitement.
"What is it, milady?" he asked eagerly.
"Follow me." Aelysha walked to a door no one used, opened it and went in. Fres followed her down the long dark hall way. After various twists and turns, and chanting of incantations, that only Exron and his children knew, they arrived at a small door. Aelysha and Fres ducked as they walked through, inside there was a single light, and that light rested on the Agaril. Fres gasped in awe of the beautiful and rare object, only a few were known to be in existence. "You, you, how?" Fres sputtered.
"Shh," Aelysha told him,"that's not important Fres. Now I've chosen you to help me accomplish a great task. Will you do it?"
"Yes, milady." Fres said bowing low. Aelysha took Fres's hand and together they grasped the Agaril. Earlier Stepheneis and Aelysha had planned to use the Agaril to find the location of the army,so that they could infiltrate it and destroy it from the inside out. Now all they need to do was find some one who was there. The girl, Kyrian, wasn't a good target since she had ended in a melt down last time. The only other person they knew was safe and would be there was that boy who their father used as bait, Tomas. "Now Fres,"she whispered,"Say with me "show me Tomas"." Fres nodded then together they said,"Show us Tomas."

Tomas paced through the town with Kyrian at his side. It had been hours since Mintara and Laurel had flown off to some place Tomas had never heard of. The only clue they had was Laurel's murmuring of something to Mintara which sounded like,"Raladhea-Serva-killed by Melkor." Then the two of them jumped on their flying animals and flew off.
They heard the flapping of wings and Kyrian grabbed his hand and they started running to the landing grounds. Tomas smiled to himself, Kyrian was holding his hand! They reached the landing grounds just as Mintara and Laurel landed. Tomas had a peculiar feeling, as if he was being watched by an evil being. "How are they?" Landlion asked, he had arrived just a few seconds before Tomas and Kyrian. The feeling grew stronger and Tomas began to feel frightened. He glanced over at Kyrian to see if she noticed it, but she was just standing beside him listening to the wizard speak. Tomas began to panic,"You don't," he started. "We'll have to leave Locien soon." Laurel was saying.

Fres let go of the mirror. Aelysha gasped, Fres was lying in a heap on the ground. She laid the mirror gently down on it's stand, then stooped down to feel Fres's pulse. There was nothing, Aelysha laughed. 'Fres had died because he wasn't powerful enough!' she thought with glee. She had brought a dagger along with her to kill Fres, but now she didn't have to worry about that. She grabbed him by the arms and dragged him out of the room, and down the long hall. She made a right turn then a left, a stench rose up from the pit in front of her. It was so horrible it made her eyes water. All this was worth it now that she knew the location of the army. She pushed Fres's body over the edge and watched as he fell into the abyss.

"Melkor mortally wounded Raladhea with his magical sword. She's not dead yet, but her life is in the hands of Melkor's sword, I guess you could say." Laurel was talking so fast Tomas could barely understand her. "We know that Melkor lives in a castle on top of a mountain at the end of the world. We need to work our way there kill Melkor, destroy his sword and then Raladhea and Serva will be safe. Not to mention the rest of the world."
"Woah. Slow down there Laurel." Kyrian said, as she let go of Tomas's hand,"First we need to get some rest." She looked around at the tired group of people."Second your arm needs to heal. And third this army needs to finish training! So Laurel your going to have to calm yourself down and take it easy for a few days."
Laurel sighed and looked sad,"But what if we don't save Raladhea in time?" she asked.
"What if we stormed Melkor's castle right now?" Kyrian explained,"Would we kill him and destroy the sword? Most likely not. The most probable thing to happen would be our entire army gets wiped out in a matter of moments, then Melkor kills us all. After killing us he finds Mintara's necklace and becomes all powerful." Everyone stared at Kyrian in shock.
"The girl is right." Mintara stated,"We mustn't do anything right now except step up our training and give Landlion and Laurel their rights back." She sighed at the last part.
"And sleep." Tomas added.
"Yes and sleep." Mintara said,"Now off to your resting places, get some good sleep and I'll see you bright and early."

Part 36 by Taylor

2010-07-03T10:53:00.007-04:00

"Mintara, can we defeat him?" Kyrian whispered. Mintara shook her head sadly. "The only possible way to defeat him is if I had my necklace. Without that, it's out of the question." They continued to stand before him defiantly. "Mintara, you're looking good," he commented. Mintara's eyes smoldered at him, so full of hate that no one could look at them. "What are you waiting for?" Laurel challenged, not having heard the conversation between Kyrian and Mintara, and seemingly forgetting her broken arm.

"Very amusing," Melkor said. Radlin let out a blast of fire into the air. "Well then, it would be such a shame to see you die. I'll have to do something about that." Radlin bared his teeth and blasted them with flames. Quick as a flash, Mintara blocked it with light, but when the smoke cleared, Melkor and Radlin were gone.

Raladhea was just finishing up another one of her papers when she heard a roar from Serva outside. She rushed out and saw her dragon poised between a monstrous black dragon and it's fearsome rider. "Melkor," she said, fear sparking her heart. He was clad in black armor from head to toe, and was at least eight feet tall. His helmet was shaped as a snake's head, and his sword hilt was also in the shape of a snake baring it's fangs. He drew his sword, and it was black with red glowing bits running through it. "Raladhea, I have not seen you for ages," he said soothingly. "Don't patronize me," she snapped. The evil knight pushed past Serva and stood before Raladhea. "Where is the necklace?" he asked. "What are you talking about?" Raladhea stalled for time. Melkor sighed in exasperation. He turned and nodded slightly to Radlin. The evil dragon grabbed Serva's neck in it's teeth, and she let out a horrible scream as he pinned her to the ground, his teeth grinding into her neck. Raladhea screamed as she felt her dragon's pain. Melkor turned from the struggling dragons and again faced her. "Where is the necklace?" he repeated his question. Raladhea had to make the most difficult choice of her life. Her beloved dragon's life, or the well-being of the entire world? Her decision was made in a second. Lifting her chin, she said, "I would sooner die than tell you." Melkor's eyes, the only part visible through his helmet, turned black. "Very well then." He lifted his sword and ran it through her middle. Serva screamed, but Raladhea couldn't make a sound. She fell to the ground in a heap. "Let her go," Melkor spoke to Radlin, who released Serva. "She will die soon enough." He mounted his dragon and took off into the sky.

Back at Locien, Laurel suddenly shivered. "Oh!" She turned pale and fell to the ground. "Laurel, what is it?" Landlion asked with concern. "Raladhea," Laurel gasped. "Something terrible has happened!" Landlion almost asked if she had only been dreaming, then thought better of it and ran to get Mintara.

"Are you sure?" Mintara asked Laurel once the girl had finished telling what she had seen. Instead of an answer, Laurel said, "We must go to her at once! Before it's too late!" No one knew what she was talking about, but the terror on her face was enough. "Come on, Laurel, we'll go right now." Mintara mounted Emerion and Laurel jumped up on Cerelda's back. They left in a rush of wings, leaving Kyrian, Landlion, and Tomas standing there, gazing after them.

Mintara and Laurel arrived at Raladhea's hiding place soon afterwards. Rushing in, they saw Raladhea on the ground, lying in a pool of blood, and Serva wilted next to her. Mintara rushed to the elf, and Laurel ran to Serva.

An hour later, both had done all they could for the injured. "Is she going to live?" Laurel asked fearfully, looking at Raladhea. Mintara shook her head. "Her fate is now directly linked to Melkor. His sword is magical. It is like my staff. If we destroy the sword, then Raladhea will be healed."

"Then we must find the sword!" Laurel cried. "Melkor lives in a castle at the end of the world. It is on top of a rock mountain. We can only destroy the sword if we first destroy Melkor." Laurel was silent for a moment. "We'll have to leave Raladhea and Serva here. We could carry Raladhea with us, but we couldn't take Serva, and they won't be separated," Mintara said. "We've done all that we can for them. Now we must prepare for battle." She and Laurel mounted and flew off toward Locien.

Meanwhile, Aelysha and Stephenies were getting a visit of their own. "I want them destroyed," Melkor said, his voice full of fury. The twins grinned, their lust for blood and death coming to the forefront. "And no mistakes," the evil one warned ominously. The twins nodded seriously, if they failed, Melkor would surely kill them, or worse. "Do not worry," Aelysha reassured him. "We know just how to handle this." Melkor suddenly vanished, and the siblings were left alone. "We have work to do," Stephenies said. Aelysha nodded, and they both got to work on their magic spells. They would need some special weapons. Melkor hated Mintara, and both twins had it in for a certain blue-eyed, brown-haired, orange cloak-wearing girl for helping to kill their father.

Part 35 by Tessa

2010-07-03T09:48:00.001-04:00

After dinner at Kyrian's house Laurel slipped out into the mass of trees surrounding the elven city. The oaks and maples towered above her making her feel very small. The laid a hand on the rough bark of the tree and looked up to where the canopy of leaves covered the sky. Only small rays of sunlight sparkled in between the trees. "Cerelda? Can you hear me?" She reached out with her mind to Cerelda.
"Yes, what took you so long to ask me this question?" Cerelda teased.
"It's been crazy here. We've been training for the war and if that isn't hard enough Landlion broke my arm. Now I have to learn to fight with my left hand." she said sadly.
"I'm going to break more than his arm if he tries that again!" Cerelda said determinedly and Laurel laughed.
"Yes, he'll cower in his boots from you...the most terrifying dragon in history!" she said chortled out loud.
"Who's going to cower?" Laurel whirled around to see Landlion standing there with a puzzled expression on his face. Laurel tried to stifle a giggle but failed miserably.
"Y-yo-you!" she said bursting into an outright laugh.
"Um...okay that's strange but I came to tell you tha..." he started to say but started to say but stopped mid-word.
"What is it?" Laurel said looking around. Then she heard it too. The sound of huge wings beating the air laboriously. Laurel met Landlion's eyes. She knew what she had to do.
She started running away from the elf city and deeper into the forest. She knew whatever this flying beast was would follow her.
"Cerelda! How far are you from the elf city?"
"Mile or so...why? What's wrong?" she demanded.
"I think that Melkor is here. At least I know his dragon is! Hurry! Get Raladhea!" Laurel yelled in her thoughts.
I have to keep Melkor away from the city. It puts to many people in danger. No, this is something I have to do by myself. She saw a clearing up ahead and headed for it. She skidded to a stop just a Cerelda appeared.
"Oh no! Cerelda!" she yelled as she saw Melkor and his dragon level out into a dive, heading straight for Cerelda.
Her yell distracted Cerelda for a split second but that was enough for Melkor. They hit into her sending her spinning to the ground. She broke through the trees before landing heavily on the forest floor. Laurel sprinted to her side.
"Are you alright? I'm so sor..." she started but stopped when she heard Melkor's evil laugh resounding through the trees. She drew her sword and turned face him hatred in her eyes.
"So darling, are you going to die or surrender?" he said in a mocking tone.
"I would rather die than surrender to you. So maybe I should ask you. Are you ready to die?"
"Oh my. We can't have that now. Just give up and please don't put up a fight." he said exasperatingly.
"And if I choose to?" she inquired.
"Then we all will fight with you." said a person stepping up next to her. It was Kyrian. Laurel saw all of her friends. Kyrian, Landlion, Thomas, and yes, even Mintara and Emerion.
"Then you will die!" cried Melkor.

Part 34 by Emily

2010-07-01T13:15:00.003-04:00

Aelysha let out a chuckle, her plan was coming together quite marvelously. "Steve!" she called. Her brother looked up from the smoking vat of liquid. "Yes dearest sister?" he answered.
"Is it ready?" Aelysha asked, her face barely showing the eagerness she felt inside.
"I have but one more thing to add." Stepheneis grabbed a snow white bottle from the shelf above him, and cast it into the brew. A vibrant violet fire burst from from the pot. Stepheneis lept back and muttered an incantation. The flames burst higher and Aelysha feared they would consume the entire room. Then the fire dwindled out and Stepheneis reach into the vat and took out a glittering object. Aelysha sprang from her perch on the window seat. She rushed forward and grabbed the slender object from her brothers grasp. She lovingly stoked the sleek contour of it. "At last!" She shrieked," We have created a Aglaril!"

The son and daughter of Exron rushed to the large oak table. They laid the Aglaril down on the table, their eyes met. Their eyes were both sparkling with delight and excitement. They grasped the slender handle of the mirror at the same time and whispered,"Show us the girl father captured."

Kyrian happily skipped down the path to her house. She had left Laurel there before she met up with Tomas. Suddenly her skin prickled up, like goose flesh. She rubbed her arms trying to get the feeling to go away, but it wouldn't budge. She felt like something was watching her, something sinister and evil. Kyrian slowed her pace and scanned the tree tops. There was nothing there, but she could not shake the feeling of being watched. Paranoia took over her and she sprinted to her house. She burst through the front door and wrapped her arms around a woman who was stirring a pot. "Kyrian what is," her mother started.
"Mommy I'm scared." she whispered.

The twins let go of the mirror at the same time. The experience had left them weak and tired. "I'm going to lay down." Aelysha said, starting for her bedroom.
"That sounds like a good idea." Stepheneis replied, he watched as his sister closed the door to her bedroom. Then he placed the mirror in a secure place, and walked out of the door to the chamber.

Laurel walked into the kitchen, only to see Kyrian's mother sitting in a chair and Kyrian quietly sobbing in her lap. Laurel felt like she was intruding in something personal so she quietly backed out and went outside. She walked over to a birch sapling and sat at the base. She plucked a blade of grass and tried to do the trick that Tomas showed her. No matter how hard she blew the blade of grass would not whistle. Laurel was so concentrated on making the blade of grass whistle she didn't hear Landlion and Tomas come up.
"What are you doing?" she heard Landlion ask. Laurel blushed as she realized that she probably looked quite hilarious blowing on a blade of grass.
"I was trying to make the grass whistle." She said putting on a puppy dog face.
"That's not what it looked like to us." Landlion said.
"Yeah," Tomas added,"It looked like you were trying to put down Melkor's whole army with your breath." The two boys laughed at Tomas's joke. Laurel threw the blade of grass down on the ground in defeat.
"Look," Tomas said,"watch the master." He pluck a blade of grass, and held it up to his lips. He blew and the grass let out a whistle. Landlion laughed again, and Laurel stood up trying to think of a different subject.
"So where's Kyrian?" Tomas asked, saving Laurel from talking about something stupid, like ears.
"She's inside the house." Laurel told him. Tomas started for the house. "Wait!" Laurel cried,"You can't go in there!"
Tomas stopped,"Why not?" he questioned.
"Kyrian isn't feeling to well."
"Why? What's wrong with her?"
"Well, I'm not actually sure."
"How can you not be sure?"
Laurel thought for a second about how to answer Tomas. She wasn't sure Kyrian wanted him to know she's crying. Laurel started to open her mouth to talk, but then Kyrian came from the house.

Her eyes were slightly puffy, and her hair was a little disheveled, but otherwise she looked fine.
"Hey Tomas." Kyrian said coolly.
"Kyrian, are you alright?" Tomas asked rushing forward to Kyrian. Laurel hit herself on her forehead, she regretted telling Tomas that Kyrian wasn't feeling well.
"Um yeah, I'm alright." Kyrian said with a puzzled look on her face. "Why wouldn't I be alright?"
"Well Laurel said you weren't feeling well and I was," Tomas stopped mid sentence.
"You were what Tomas?" Kyrian asked with a sly smile on her face.
"I was,"Tomas stopped to think," worried about you." He said quietly. Kyrian's eyes sparkled with delight. Laurel stifled a giggle.
"Well why don't you come in for dinner every one?" Kyrian asked,"My mother is making lentil soup."

The group walked into the house. Kyrian and her mother acted like nothing had happened fifteen minutes before.
"Please sit down." Kyrian's mother said, motioning to the table and chairs. Kyrian's mother looked like an older version of Kyrian, except her eyes were brown. Not blue like Kyrian's. She was wearing a pale orange dress with a stark white apron over it. It looked like something Kyrian would wear. As they sat down at the table they heard the front door open again and a masculine voice say, "I'm home!" Kyrian jumped up and ran to greet the man.
"Daddy! It's so good to see you again." She said while giving her father a hug. She hadn't seen her father for a few weeks because of her involvement in the war and his job. Kyrian's father was a very handsome man with bright blue eyes like Kyrian's. He was an herbalist, one of the ones who looked for herbs in the forest. Kyrian was in training to be one before she got involved in the upcoming war.

Laurel felt a twinge of sadness as she looked at Kyrian and her family. Only a few weeks before her parents had told her that she really wasn't their child. Then she had set out on a journey as a Dragon Rider. Soon everyone was seated around the large table and they were eating and enjoy each others fellowship.
"Where did Gornical go?" Laurel asked, she kind of missed the fellowship of the little dwarf man.
"I think he went back to his mountain." Kyrian said.
"Good." Landlion muttered. The conversation was quite for a moment then Kyrian's mother asked,
"Where is your dragon Laurel?"
Laurel panicked for a moment she hadn't seen Cerelda for a few days. Then she remembered,"Cerelda is training with Raladhea and Serva for the war." She told everyone.

Part 33 by Taylor

2010-06-30T22:59:00.003-04:00

Kyrian went back to meet up with Tomas. "It's a shame about Laurel," he said, wiping his brow. "Yes, it is," Kyrian agreed. Suddenly, she had an idea. "Hey! I bet that Mintara can do something for her arm!" Tomas's face lit up. "Yeah!" he said enthusiastically. They both stared at each other. "Nuh-uh, no way! I'm not going to ask her!" Tomas said, holding up his hands. "Now Tomas," Kyrian began in her sweetest tone. "No! She hates me!" Tomas yelled. Kyrian sighed and gave him a look. "Fine, I'll go then," she said. "Good," Tomas breathed a sigh of relief. Kyrian turned at the door with her parting word, "Chicken."

Kyrian went to find Mintara, which proved to be no easy task. She searched the city thoroughly, but no sign of the wizard. She finally found her and Emerion on top of a high, grassy hill overlooking the city. Kyrian crept up quietly with an almost supernatural stealth that came from her elven ancestry. To her surprise, Mintara and Emerion seemed to be playing around and having fun. Mintara sat down on the grass and turned her face away from Emerion. The unicorn came up from behind and grabbed a bit of Mintara's hair, playfully pulling it. Mintara ignored him apparently, then suddenly lunged for the animal. Emerion squealed and jumped away, but not before Mintara launched herself onto his back. He bucked and plunged, then both fell in a heap. They untangled themselves and Emerion lay on his side, Mintara peacefully leaning up against his silken hide. Kyrian, not wanting to disturb the tranquil scene and bring Mintara's wrath upon her, crept back down the hill.

She came up again, and called, "Mintara!" The wizard's head jerked around, and they both scrambled to their feet. "What do you want?" Mintara questioned in her usual manner. Kyrian told her about Laurel's arm, watching Mintara's eyes turn dark with fury at Landlion. "What an idiot!" Mintara exploded. "Doesn't anyone care that I need my necklace!? What's wrong with these stupid people?!" she yelled to the sky. She heard Kyrian smother a giggle, and she turned around with a slight smile. Kyrian decided to ask a question. "Mintara, why are you so mean to everyone?" Kyrian blurted out. To her surprise, Mintara didn't even get mad. "Well, I'm just so much smarter than these people, and stupid people frustrate me." To Kyrian's shock, Mintara actually cracked a smile! Kyrian grinned broadly. Mintara looked at her with a hint of fondness in her eyes. "You know, you're not too bad," Mintara said, standing up to mount Emerion. "For a silly girl." Mintara rode down the side of the hill. Kyrian was too shocked to respond. Had Mintara really just said something sorta nice to her?

As soon as she recovered, Kyrian ran down the mountainside to find Tomas. "Tomas, guess what!" she shouted. "What?!" Tomas said, expecting a big surprise. A huge grin covered his face at Kyrian's excitement. "Mintara hates you and everyone else, but she kinda likes me! Well, at least she can stand me." Tomas's face fell. "Oh, that's wonderful." he said sarcastically. "A cranky old wizard finally said something nice. Hoorah." He started to move away. Kyrian grabbed his arm and swung him around. "Hey, considering that the cranky old wizard is soon to become one of the most powerful beings in the universe, I would say that it is a good thing to get on her good side," Kyrian said. Then, as an afterthought, "And I feel sorry for those who are on her bad side." She shook her head sadly at him, as if she was sad about his inevitable fate; and she was rewarded by a look of fear on Tomas's face. He walked away and Kyrian laughed out loud. Guys were so dumb.

Part 32 by Tessa

2010-06-30T20:53:00.000-04:00

Landlion was fuming. "All I did was get a little angry, okay well maybe really angry, and break a Laurel's arm. Doesn't mean I should be treated like a kid!" he said to himself, glaring at the world.
"Oh, really? Do you really believe that?" said someone behind him. He turned around to face Mintara. "Well...um..I.." he stammered.
"You need to learn to grow up and not let your anger speak before your brains! Do you know what would have happened if Kyrian hadn't tackled you?" she said sternly.
"Yes, I would have hurt Laurel even more. I'm so stupid." he said burying his head in his hands.
"Yes, and do know what would it would mean if you hurt her so bad she wasn't able to fight this up coming battle? We would lose, that's what! Now you and Laurel are going to have to get along without you breaking any bones and her running off into the forest." she said before turning around and leaving him all alone among the trees.

Kyrian was fixing up Laurel's broken arm. "It looks like it's a clean break straight in half." she said as she finished splinting it. "You're going to have to wear this for a few weeks." she said handing Laurel a sling. "And you might want to start learning to work with your left hand too. It will help you still be able to do things and it helps to be able to wield a sword just as skillfully with your left hand as your right in a battle." she explained. She turned to Laurel to say something else but stopped when she saw Laurel's smile fade away. She turned to see Landlion standing in the doorway.
"Um...are you okay Laurel?" he asked awkwardly.
"As okay as I can be with an arm in a sling." she replied sharply.
Landlion looked at Kyrian for help and he saw her roll her eyes.
"I'll be right back Laurel. Have to go ask Mintara something." she said before grabbing Landlion and dragging him out the door.
"You better be careful what you say to her Landlion! You hurt her anymore and I'm personally going to pay you a call you won't forget." she said before relaxing her grip on his arm and walking away.
Landlion watched Kyrian walk away before taking a deep breath and reentering the building. Laurel wasn't at the table where he had left her only moments before.
"Oh no! Not again!" he said.
"What do you mean "not again"?" Laurel said walking back in the room.
"Um...well I was hoping that you didn't decide to go off and get yourself into trouble...again." he said.
"Oh, and you would really care about that after almost killing me? Somehow I don't think so." she said.
Landlion saw her face get ridged and groaned to himself. "I never acted this way until her and Mintara showed up." he thought before turning to look at Laurel.
"You may not think I care but I do even though I always seem to make it look like I'm the most uncaring, idiotic elf on this planet. So yes I would have cared if you ran of and got yourself caught by who knows what!"
"Really?" she asked skeptically.
"I can't believe I'm saying this...but yes, I do care." he sighed and Laurel started laughing and he joined in.

Part 31 by Emily

2010-06-21T17:01:00.002-04:00

    Kyrian's blows rained down on Tomas with such a force that he could not contend with. Pausing for a second he wiped his sweaty brow. He knew that Kyrian wasn't even coming at him with her full strength, she was holding back a lot. A few days in Exron's prison left him weak, and every one knew it. Kyrian whirled around, aiming for Tomas' head. He quickly brought his sword up and pushed Kyrian's away. He ducked into a backwards roll, going away from Kyrian. She stood watching him, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Tomas jumped up and looked at his opponent. Kyrian was dressed in partial battle gear. She had on a white linen shirt, with a leather chest guard over it, chain mail rested on her shoulders, brown shorts, leather boots, and leather protectors on her arm. She wasn't wearing her general helmet, and her bow and arrows weren't strapped to her back. But to Tomas she looked every inch ready for war.

   Over the past few days the recruits Mintara and Kyrian collected had started to arrive. Now a couple of hundred soldiers were in the city of Locien and some out lying Elven city's. Mintara had hand picked the men and some women who she thought would make the best commanders. Kyrian and Landlion were picked to be generals, and some of the men Tomas knew were also picked. The Elves had crafted large hollows for the army to train in, the one Tomas was in now was made for the generals and the best fighters in the army, pretty much a training arena for the elite. He wasn't sure he was in here, Mintara hadn't said a word to him since he blew it a week ago. He wasn't even a captain, he was just a regular solider, and a hot headed one at that.

"Hey Kyrian, can we take a break?",Tomas asked, lowering his sword.
   "Sure," Kyrian said,"I guess we can break for a few minutes." She sheathed her Elven blade and grabbed her water canteen, she wandered off to where Laurel and Landlion were sparring. Tomas grabbed his canteen and lazily flopped down beside a towering oak. He followed the trunk up to where the branches fanned out to meet the branches of hundred others. The Elves had crafted the hollow so that the branches would cover it from above. Tomas knew that in the past, when the Dragon Riders had been plentiful, the evil ones would attack the training hollows from above and wipe out armies. Some one had told him that from above it looked like the rest of the forest, but inside it did not. Designs seemed to grow out of the woods, and beautiful flowers were blooming in the canopy. It was truly a wonderful slight.

Kyrian watched the two elves spar, one Dragon Rider and one general. They fought with a grace and power that Kyrian could only marvel at. It was true that she wasn't entirely human, and that she was part elf. She wasn't sure how but she was part elf, but she was. Still she couldn't fight with the grace, fluidity, and power that the true elves did, but she was one of the best fighters in the army. That's why Mintara had asked her to help Tomas get back in shape before sending him to the regulars. She wasn't sure but she felt like Mintara was slowly coming to like people.

Laurel and Landlion flipped and spun, all while delivering blows to each others swords. Landlion's attention wandered for a split second, and Laurel's foot hit him in the face. His head jerked backwards, from the force of Laurel's kick. Landlion was enraged about his carelessness, he had a reputation for being unbeatable. He rushed at Laurel, Kyrian's eyes went wide. Laurel had just landed a back flip and was unstable. She saw Landlion coming at her and she raised her sword to block his strike. Landlion hit her sword with such force a lesser sword would have shattered. Laurel cried out, and grasped her sword arm. She stumbled backwards, and Landlion kept coming at her. Kyrian watched in horror,"Landlion is so angry he could hurt Laurel!" Kyrian rushed across the field, just as Laurel fell to the ground. Landlion's eyes narrowed to slits, he wasn't going to let a young girl Dragon Rider beat him in a fight. He raised his sword to strike the fallen girl. Laurel's eyes widened with fear when she realised what he meant to do. Just as Landlion moved to strike he was tackled from the side.

    Kyrian wrestled Landlion to the ground. Everything was a blur, but some how Kyrian ended up on top. She pulled Landlion's left arm farther up his back, the Elf cried out in pain. Kyrian realised that her body was dripping with sweat and her body felt depleted of energy, also part of her shirt was torn. She looked up and saw a white clad person storming across the large hollow. Kyrian quickly rolled off the mumbling Landlion, she didn't want to get on Mintara's bad side. "I leave you alone for five minutes and this is what I get?" She roared. Landlion glared at the white wizard, his eyes full of embarrassment and hate. "You two are so irresponsible!"she was halfway to the training plot,"You act like children! Is that any way for a Dragon Rider and a general to act?" The two Elves lowered their heads in shame. "Answer me!" Mintara bellowed standing a few yards away, now the whole hollow was looking at them.
"No." they mumbled quietly.
"Exactly." Mintara said,"it is no way for the two of you to act. From now on," she paused, now only inches away,"you will be treated like children! Kyrian and Tomas will have to watch over you twenty-four seven until I can find some one else to take care of you." Landlion and Laurel sulked."Oh,"Mintara added,"also all your privileges and standings will be taken away until I deem you fit." Mintara snatched up the two swords and strode out of the hollow.

"Um," Tomas said walking up to the group,"so we have to treat them like children?"
Kyrian nodded her head,"Take Landlion back to my family's house. He can wash off there, and my mother will give him a great reprimand." She winked at Tomas, and he led Landlion to Kyrian's house. Kyrian watched them leave, and stared in that direction until a sob brought her back to her duty. "Laurel!"she exclaimed,"Are you okay?" she asked.
"I think it's broken." she whimpered. Kyrian knelt down and felt the arm in question, no doubt it was broken. Kyrian ripped the part of her shirt off that was ripped and used it, and two sticks to make a makeshift cast. She helped the fallen Dragon Rider up and they made their way to the herb house.
"I see the way you look at him." Laurel said.
"Huh? Who?" Kyrian asked blushing.
"Tomas. Don't pretend you don't like him."
"Oh, is it that obvious?"
"No, I just have an eye for these types of things."
"Oh, okay." The two girls walked to herb house in silence after that.

Part 30 by Taylor.

2010-06-10T21:30:00.004-04:00

Tomas was well enough to travel in a couple of days, and Mintara was more than ready to leave. "The men that we have recruited are gathering others. We are no longer needed in this area. So we are going back to Locien, where Laurel is training. There, we can regroup and prepare for battle," Mintara said. "Battle?" Kyrian and Tomas said together. "Yes, of course! That is why we are gathering men. We are going to go straight for the heart. We're going to attack Melkor himself."

Laurel had grown quite proficient with the sword. Landlion was proud of her progress. "But you're still not anywhere as good as I am!" he boasted, brandishing his sword in the air. "Oh yeah?" Laurel challenged. They simultaneously settled into their stances and fought against each other. Several minutes later, Landlion ducked a swipe from her sword and spun his leg around, knocking her feet out from under her and landing her on the ground. "Ha!" he said, panting. Laurel shrugged and gasped for air. "At least I made you work for it," was her comment. Landlion shaded his eyes from the sun and looked to the west. Squinting, he could barely make out three figures. "It's Mintara!" he shouted. Laurel gave him a look. "Oh, and Kyrian and some other guy," Landlion added, turning red. Laurel heaved a sigh and shook her head at him.

Introductions were quickly made, and Landlion and Tomas hit it off splendidly. Mintara briefed them all on the plan. "When do we leave?" Laurel asked. "As soon as we're ready," Mintara answered.

Part 29 by Emily

2010-06-07T15:23:00.002-04:00

Kyrian gently washed the blood out of Tomas's hair. It was all over his head, she drew her dagger and started to cut off his hair. It came off in ragged clumps. His breathing was shallow, but he was still alive, Mintara said he was in a coma. They were going to take him to Locien and he would be healed there. Kyrian lovingly stroked his face, then she heard a footstep behind her. She whirled around,"Mintara!" she exclaimed,"You scared me."
"You should pay more attention to your surroundings then to that unconscious boy!" She spit,"I thought you knew better than that."
"I'm sorry Mintara." Kyrian grumbled. She was embarrassed that Mintara caught her staring at Tomas. "Um, so now that Exron is dead, what are we going to do?"
"Silly girl." Mintara said under her breath,"Even though Exron is dead that doesn't mean we don't have other evils to face, there's still Melkor."
Kyrian blushed,"Oops, I forgot about him."
"Of course you did, mortals don't have very good memories. There are still plenty of Exron's minions around to do his bidding."

Deep in the lair, that used to be Exron's, a new foe is born. One that was sworn to destroy all that is good since it's birth. One with more powers then Exron himself had. One more crafty, more sinister, more evil then Exron. His children.

"Exron is dead." the boy announced looking up from the scroll he was just handed. He was a spitting image of his father, except he was much taller than the short wizard. His black hair was cropped short, whereas his father's was long. But their black eyes sparkled in the same evil way.
"Ha," his sister said, "I knew father wouldn't last long with that new Dragon Rider on the prowl." She turned from her perch on the window sill, she was breath takingly beautiful, and she knew it. Too bad she had lived in a mountain for the first seventeen years of her life. Her long black hair laid in a braid over her shoulder, and her violet eyes sparkled with pleasure. She and her brother were twins, but aside from their black hair, their height, and their lust for evil, they looked totally different.
"Actually the Dragon Rider didn't kill him." he said, rolling up the scroll. "It was that prisoner girl father had, and her wizard friend. She escaped and ran off with the necklace, and that boy father insisted on keeping."
"Oh," she said,"So my darling brother, what shall we do next?" Their eyes met, and they laughed, a cruel, cold, hard laugh.

Part 28 by Tessa

2010-06-06T23:00:00.000-04:00

"I can NOT believe I let him drag me into this!" Laurel thought as she wiped sweat off her forehead. She was struggling more and more at keeping Landlion's sword point from touching her. "Idiot muscles! You have to get sluggish now?" she thought as she blocked him again. Landlion wasn't even sweating and had this big grin on his face and his eyes showed he was laughing. "Stop laughing at me!" she pleaded as she just barely missed being stabbed in the shoulder. "How can I stop laughing? You have this ridiculous face on and your dodging methods are well to say the least, interesting." he said. "My face is funny?! My face! Well you..." she said before dropping her sword and rushing at him. He started running laughing as he looked back. Laurel sprinted after him. After a while she saw she had no chance at catching him. "Hmmm, maybe he'll fall for this childhood trick?" she thought before tripping and falling to the ground. She clutched her ankle and started moaning. "Landlion? Come back!" she yelled but no Landlion appeared. Puzzled she stood up and started walking peering into bushes. Suddenly she was on the ground and Landlion was staring down at her laughing. "What are you doing down there?"

Part 27 by Taylor.

2010-06-04T12:48:00.005-04:00

The floor around Tomas was also sticky with blood, and Kyrian almost panicked. She steadied her nerves and sat back. She moved him into a better position and began looking for a way out. She grabbed the bars and shook them, but soon abandoned that idea. She examined the walls carefully, but found nothing. The floor was dirt though. "Maybe I can dig a way out," Kyrian mused, feeling the damp earth. It would be hard, but it might be possible. Then Kyrian remembered Mintara. "That's it! Mintara will save us!" she whispered to herself. She sat back against the wall and waited.

But as the hours wore on, Kyrian began to have doubts. Mintara had never liked Tomas, and Kyrian wasn't absolutely necessary to the mission either. A guard came up to the door and took out a key. Kyrian stepped closer to Tomas's motionless body, as if to protect him somehow. "Come here, missy," the guard snarled, reaching out a grimy hand. Kyrian smacked it away and gave the man a sharp punch in the nose. No longer amused, he went in and grabbed her arms, pinning them behind her. He pushed her out in front of him, leaving Tomas behind. Kyrian kicked and struggled, but the guy was huge. He pushed her down long dark halls and past countless cells. Soon, they reached an imposing set of iron doors. The guard called out a harsh word and they doors swung open.

Inside was a huge room, lit by torches along the walls. At the far end sat a type of rough throne, made from rock. On it sat... "Erxon!" Kyrian exclaimed, shocked. And indeed it was. The little magician looked smug as Kyrian was brought before him. "It was so nice of you to pay me a visit," he sneered. Kyrian didn't answer. "You may be wondering why you are here," he said. "Well, it's not because you are anyone important. You are the bait. You mean nothing to me, I want that wizard, Mintara. She is the only one who knows how to use this confounded necklace!" He pounded the arm of his throne in frustration and motioned to the side, where Mintara's stunning necklace was displayed in an open velvet box. Kyrian's mouth dropped open in surprise.

Suddenly, Kyrian heard a shout behind her, and she craned her neck around to see Emerion and Mintara galloping up the hall behind her. The guard that held Kyrian let go of her and leaped to close the doors. Kyrian took her chance and ran to the side, ducking into the shadows. Emerion reared and a powerful burst of light flashed from Mintara's staff, and the closing doors flew open, throwing the guard back against the wall and knocking him unconscious. Mintara and Erxon locked eyes. Kyrian could almost feel Mintara's hate smoldering. "What are you going to do, Mintara?" Erxon smirked. "We both know that you are not powerful enough to kill me without your precious necklace." He motioned to the side of his throne where the necklace lay in it's box.

Mintara suddenly pointed her staff at the little magician and a blinding bolt of light shot from the tip and struck Erxon in the chest, driving him from his throne. He rolled to his feet and grabbed a twisted black staff that Kyrian hadn't noticed before. He pointed it at Mintara and a shot of black raced toward her. She leaped off Emerion's back out of the way. She shot again at Erxon, but he blocked her shot with his staff. He leaped in the air and landed in front of Mintara. They engaged in a furious battle with their staffs, blocking and swinging viciously. Kyrian stealthily slid along the wall, staying out of sight of the two fighting wizards. Erxon had a definite advantage. His staff seemed stronger, he was beating down her defenses. Kyrian got out of Erxon's range of vision; his back was to his throne. She raced to where the necklace lay and snatched it from the box. Her attention was diverted by the power racing through her from the necklace. She couldn't move.

A yell from Mintara brought Kyrian back to reality. Erxon had knocked her to the ground and now stood with the point of his staff poised over her heart. Mintara glanced behind him and saw Kyrian holding the necklace. Her eyes widened. Erxon turned to see what Mintara was looking at. A scream of rage escaped his throat as he turned toward Kyrian. Mintara swung her leg around and flipped his feet out from under him. He landed on the floor with a jarring thud. "Kyrian!" Kyrian threw the necklace as hard as she could. Erxon scrambled to his feet and reached for his staff. The necklace sailed right over his groping hand and right to Mintara. She grabbed the necklace and spun around. Erxon was just turning around to face her. The point of her staff struck him straight in the chest, gouging a hole in his heart. He stood there, unbelief on his face, staring into Mintara's rage-filled eyes. He exhaled deeply and closed his eyes, his head sagging to his chest. He slowly dissipated into a black mist, then that too disappeared.

Mintara lowered her staff and straightened up. Kyrian stared at her in shock. The wizard was glowing a white so bright that Kyrian couldn't look at her for more than a few seconds. Emerion too was a brilliant white, his horn a shining silver. Mintara didn't look like herself, she was much more powerful, but a terrible powerful. Suddenly, with a great effort, Mintara dropped the necklace. She fell to the ground, panting. Kyrian rushed over and picked up the necklace and put it in her pocket, lest Mintara be tempted to take it again. "Mintara, we must save Tomas!" Kyrian said desperately. The wizard nodded and stood, mounting Emerion.

The trio raced down the halls until they reached the cell where Tomas still lay unconscious. Mintara broke open the bars and lifted him out by his collar. Emerion snorted disdainfully, but allowed Tomas to be laid on his back.

An hour later, they finally exited the dungeon. They sat down in a grassy meadow. Kyrian took the necklace from her pocket and fingered it thoughtfully. "Mintara, you know that this should go back to Raladhea," Kyrian said softly. For one moment, Mintara's black eyes filled with anger, then she slowly nodded her head. "Emerion will take it," she said, motioning to her unicorn. Kyrian looped the beautiful thing around his silver horn, and he flew off. "This leaves us in a dilemma," Mintara said, looking disdainfully at Tomas lying on the ground. "We'll figure out something," Kyrian said. She still couldn't believe that Mintara had let her necklace go. Kyrian knew that she wouldn't leave Tomas again.

Part 26 by Emily

2010-06-03T15:53:00.002-04:00

The Nurgans tied Tomas up so tight he could hardly breathe. One particularly scaly one carried him over his shoulder. They hiked up the mountain, taking him who-knows-where to do who-knows-what to him. They talked in words and riddles that Tomas couldn't understand. He hated his situation, but he was glad he did what he did to save Kyrian. Even if he died in the Nurgan's claws he would have saved the girl he loved.

The Nurgans went ever higher up the mountain until they were enveloped in mist. He wiggled just enough to dislodge a small musical pipe, it fell to the ground with little noise. The Nurgan uttered a harsh noise and Tomas stopped wiggling. The Nurgan's entered a cave and walked for what seemed to Tomas an eternity. Upon stopping the Nurgan dumped Tomas off his shoulder. He landed in a heap on the stony ground, his head banged against a rock. Bursts of pain shot through his body. And the last thing he saw was a snarling black face.

"Thanks again Mintara." Kyrian said. She just couldn't believe the wizard was coming with her on her little quest, so she told Mintara thank you every few minutes. "Silly girl." Mintara muttered. Oh, great. Kyrian thought, That's my pet name. Kyrian's tracking skills had brought them this far, but before there was a thin layer of dirt on the mountain. Now all there was, was rock. She sat there for a few minutes, trying to decide the next plan of action. They wouldn't be able to follow footsteps left by the monsters, like they did earlier. Kyrian thought long and hard for a moment, then she got it! She scoured the area for any sign of wild life. A sparrow lit upon a tree. She rode forward, "Don't be afraid little one." she said sweetly. The bird looked at her, it's beady eyes shining with danger. "I won't hurt you." She dug in her pouch for some grain, and took out a handful. "I have a reward for you if you can help me." The bird chirped nervously. "I would like to know if you have seen an Nurgans. Have you seen any?" The sparrow, tilted its head to the side and chirped again. "What do they look like? Well they are large creatures, that are as black as a moonless night. Their eyes are pale and large. They have lumps and spikes coming from their bodies. Some have wings that are so sharp on the tips, a mere graze can spill your blood. They speak in riddles,they are what little children wake up in the night screaming about. That is what a Nurgan looks like." The bird's little eyes went wide with fear, it sang out. "Thank you noble sparrow." Kyrian poured the grain on a rock, the sparrow hopped down and started pecking at it. It warbled an many other birds started to come and eat.

Kyrian motioned to Mintara. They rode up the mountain for a few minutes with out talking. "The sparrow said the Nurgans come here quite often. They use this place as a hide out, or something like it. It told me that they go high up in the mountain, past where the mist starts." Kyrian explained. The pair continued up the mountain. It began to get cold and misty. "It can't be long now." Kyrian said. The mist got thicker, and they could barely see a few feet in front of them. Kyrian dismounted off of Rhovanion, and a thump a yard or two away from her told her that Mintara did the same. Oh what will we do? Kyrian wondered. She led Rhovanion forward, until her foot hit something. It's just a rock. She thought. But she felt the urge to pick it up and look at it. To her amazement it was a musical pipe! "Mintara!" she yelled,"Come quick!" In an instant Mintara was at her side. "It's a pipe." Mintara said.
"Not just any pipe." Kyrian corrected, "It's Tomas's pipe. He must of dropped it when the Nurgans were caring him off! We can be far away!" Kyrian sprinted up the hill in front of her, pulling Rhovanion against her will. Rhovanion refused to go up it, Kyrian jerked at the bridle. Rhovanion pulled away, causing the bridle to be jerked from Kyrian's hands. She fell and gashed her knee on a rock. Rhovanion bolted down the mountain, with frenzied neighing. Mintara vanished, Kyrian moaned, then heard a rock clatter behind her. Then a hand came over her mouth, and another around her waist. She tried to scream but couldn't. She tore at the hand over her mouth, it just caused the one around her waist to be pulled tighter. She felt herself be lifted off the ground. Her captor carried her into a cave. After a going down a long hallway, she was dumped into a cell.

She fell face down on the cold earth. Her palms scraped on the rough floor, and started to sting. Her knees gash started bleeding again. The door to the cell closed shut, she lifted her head off the ground. With the little bit of light that came through the cracks in the door, she could see a body lying beside her. Blood was matted in it's hair. Kyrian wasn't so sure if it was alive or dead. She rolled over and sat up, to get a better look at the body. She gasped. It was Tomas!

Part 25 by Taylor.

2010-06-02T10:22:00.006-04:00

Laurel, Cerelda, and Landlion arrived at Locien without further trouble. "We are very late for your sword training," Landlion said, dismounting from Meldarion. "I hope that we have enough time to teach you all you must know." A silver-haired elf walked toward them. "Celdran," Landlion said, bowing. Laurel also bowed, though she didn't know who this strange elf was. He eyed her critically. "We have much work to do," he said, walking away. "What did he mean by that?" Laurel asked indignantly. Landlion just smiled and they followed the tall elf.

Back up in the mountains, Mintara and Kyrian were making their way to yet another village. Kyrian was still thinking about Mintara. Is she really opening up to me, or is it just my imagination? Kyrian wondered. "Hurry up! Or I'll knock you one with my staff!" Mintara called from Emerion up ahead. Hmmm, maybe not, Kyrian giggled to herself as she spurred Rhovanian on. At least Mintara didn't seem to dislike her as much as Laurel, who held the special title of "stupid girl." Kyrian would hear Mintara mutter, "That stupid girl. She's going to ruin everything." Somehow, Kyrian knew who the wizard was speaking of. And Landlion was "stupid boy"! Kyrian laughed out loud. Mintara turned and gave her a look. "Silly girl," she muttered. Kyrian hoped that she had not just been given her name!

"Are your weapons handy?" Mintara asked. Kyrian checked, her sword was at her side and her bow was on her back. "Just be prepared, we never know when we're going to be attacked by one of those creatures again," Mintara warned. They stopped at a trickling stream of water for a drink. Mintara walked off without a word, and Kyrian knew better than to ask where she was going. She would just get snapped at. She walked over to Emerion, who was standing restlessly. He didn't seem to need food or water, or at least, she had never seen him eat or drink. She remembered the unicorn's dislike for people. Tomas had casually walked up to try and pet him, but the unicorn had jerked his head away angrily and kicked at Tomas, who rolled out of the way. Kyrian stretched her hand out to touch his white coat, but he sidestepped away. But he didn't look upset, like he had when anyone else had tried to touch him. It was more polite. Kyrian tried again. This time though, the unicorn trotted off a few steps, still looking at her with his dark liquid eyes. Rhovanion whuffed and nudged Kyrian. "I know girl, I just thought that I'd try. You're ten times nicer than that old Emerion." The unicorn snorted from behind her. "Oh, shut up," Kyrian said playfully. He tossed his head, which looked very much like he was shaking his head no. "Get out of here," she said laughingly. His answer was to unfurl his wings and and send a powerful gust of wind at her, knocking her up against Rhovanion. "Why you bad-" Kyrian was cut off by Mintara's return. Emerion let out a joyful whinny and trotted up to her, pressing his nose up to her. She ruffled his forelock and said, "There was a spy in the woods, had to go take care of him," Mintara explained her absence. She mounted Emerion and cantered off, Kyrian behind.

As they cantered along, Kyrian began to feel uneasy. There was something out there. She glanced around furtively, then leaned forward to whisper, "Mintara, I think that we're being watched."

"Really," the wizard answered sarcastically. But Kyrian could tell that she was tense too. "I'm going to go ahead and scout out the area," Mintara said. Emerion galloped up the rocky road and around a corner. Kyrian didn't like being left alone, and Rhovanion apparently didn't either, for the mare kept sidestepping nervously.

Suddenly, a Nurgan dropped down from the rock ledge above her. Kyrian screamed and lifted her sword, but the huge beast batted it away like a toy. Rhovanion reared in terror, and Kyrian fell to the ground as the horse galloped away madly. Her groping hand found a large rock, and she hurled it at the creature's face. He screamed in pain, a horrible, screeching sound. She was reaching for her bow when the Nurgan leaped on top of her, pinning her to the ground. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Tomas appeared! He jumped on top of the beast and stabbed it in the back with a loud yell. The Nurgan screamed again, then fell to the ground, it's wings twitching and teeth still gnashing. "Run!" Tomas shouted. Kyrian didn't ask questions, she just scrambled to her feet and ran as fast as her shaking legs could take her. She looked back to see Tomas surrounded by the creatures, who whipped a length of rope around him and carried him off.

Kyrian darted around the corner and ran into Emerion. Mintara was holding Rhovanion's reins. "What in the world happened to you?" the wizard asked, surveying Kyrian's disheveled appearance and wild expression. "I was attacked by a Nurgan! I tried to fight, but it pinned me down! Then Tomas came and-"

"Tomas?" Mintara interrupted.

"Yes! He came and killed the Nurgan! But then a lot of other ones came and carried him off! We have to save him!" Kyrian finished breathlessly. "Why?" Mintara asked. "Why must we save him?" Kyrian couldn't believe her ears. "Because he saved my life!" she shouted. Mintara shrugged, "Yes, it was a noble act, but he's served his purpose. And besides, he's rather annoying."

"Mintara! How could you be so heartless?!" Kyrian yelled. Mintara looked at her coldly. "I don't care about you little people," she said icily. "All I want is my necklace. That boy is not important to our goal, which is to rally troops. Or have you forgotten?" Kyrian remembered how cruel Mintara could really be. "I don't care," Kyrian said angrily. "I'm going to help Tomas, whether you come with me or not." Mintara studied her for a moment, then said with a hint of a smile, "Well then, I guess you'll be needing my help, won't you?" Kyrian was stunned. Then a big smile broke out on her face. "I sure could!" she said happily.

Part 24 by Tessa

2010-06-01T19:21:00.001-04:00

Kyrian urged her horse to fly faster and faster realizing that the rider was following her. Rhovanion sped on, weaving between the huge trees whose branches blotted out the moon. Kyrian glanced back to see the stranger and his horse steadily gaining on her and Rhovanion. "What kind of horse is that? It must have legs of steel to still be gaining on Rhovanion," Kyrian thought as she tried to guess how far before the horse would overtake them. She turned back around to see the bark of a tree. Pain surged through her then...nothing.

"Kyrian! Wake up you bird-brained girl!" Kyrian heard a familiar voice exclaim. Pain shot through her head and she groaned. "Open up your eyes and quit your groaning. I told you not to go out into the night and but no, you have to go charging out into the night and almost get yourself killed with a tree branch! What ridiculous notion possessed to to hit a tree I'll never know!" raved the voice. Kyrian relunctantly opened up her eyes only to see...Mintara. "Oh now you..."
"Just be quiet Mintara! Do you seriously think I'd just go hit a tree on a whim?" Kyrian said chuckling. "You may not think much of me but I have more sense than that!"
Kyrian saw a slight smile flit across Mintara's face before her face went back to its normal impenetrable mask. "I'm beginning to think that she actually likes people" she thought before bursting into a fit of laughter. Her laughter stopped abruptly when she rememberd something from that night. "The rider. Don't tell me it is a.."
"Yes, it was a Nurgan." Mintara answered.
Creatures with claws like a huge bird of prey, bat-like skin that was cracked and bloody, and the eyes that if you looked into them you would freeze and not be able to move. Only silently scream as they took you away...never to return. Kyrian shuddered. "But why was he riding a Knitagon. I thought those horses wouldn't allow..."
"Well now they do. Our world is changing Kyrian. We can do nothing to bring back the past. All we can do now is move forward...and hope that tomorrow will dawn showing a bright future instead of a black one."

Part 23 by Emily

2010-05-27T00:32:00.001-04:00

"All the sudden a screech burst forth. The hideous black beast tore at its attacker, dropping a young maiden. She screamed as she fell helplessly through the air. The ground was approaching quickly, so quickly she could do nothing but scream as she thought was her death. The trees were taking shape, she was so close-"
Kyrian awoke with a start. "Mintara," she said frantically, "Laurel is in trouble!"
The sleepy wizard murmured, "Of course she is in trouble," then rolled back over and started sleeping again.
"Mintara!" Kyrian yelled.
"What?" the cranky wizard snapped.
"I said Laurel is in trouble!"
"Oh, well then. I guess you better just go and help her."
"Fine then. I will!" With those final words said Kyrian sprang out of her bed, and started dressing. Mintara laid back down and closed her eyes. "Mortals are so worried all the time. It's no wonder they don't live long." She thought with a smirk on her face, "That girl won't last long out there until she realizes Laurel is in no sort of danger." She then drifted back into sleep.

Kyrian stealthily walked into the stable where Rhovanion was being kept for the night. The stable boy was fast asleep on his cot. "No loud noises." she thought. She carefully loosed the ropes that held Rhovanion, the horse nickered at her. The stable boy moved in his sleep. "Few." "Shh. Rhovanion. We must be very quiet." she whispered in her horses' ear. Every movement sounded a hundred times louder than normal, Rhovanion's hooves clacking sounded like trumpets in Kyrian's ears. They had barely made it out of the stable when Kyrian heard a voice from inside yell,"Horse thief! Horse thief!"
Kyrian spun around,"No, no,"she pleaded,"I'm not a thief. This is my horse, I'm just taking her out early."
"Thief!" The boy yelled, "A lying thief!" Kyrian saw a light turn on in the inn. "Please," she begged,"please be quiet. I'll, I'll, I will give you some coins if you do." She caught a gleam in the boys' eyes, he grew quiet."Yes, that's a good boy." she reached in her bag and took out a few coins, she flipped them to him. Then mounted Rhovanion and galloped off into the night.

She galloped for awhile before she realized she had no clue where Laurel was. She stopped Rhovanion and looked up at the sky. It wasn't long until she heard the sound of hoof beats. She looked around, the night wasn't as dark as she had hoped, the full moon proved that. She could see a lone rider coming, his speed didn't show that he was after her. But she was sure he had seen her, there was no where she could hide, so she ran. She spurred Rhovanion off into the night, but the stranger followed.

Part 22 by Taylor.

2010-04-04T15:00:00.007-04:00

Landlion looked at Cerelda doubtfully. "How are we going to rescue her?" he asked. I am big enough to ride now, Cerelda answered. Landlion gulped. "You-you want me to ride you?" he asked, pointing to himself. Cerelda nodded. But I can only carry one, she said, looking at Goricnal. He understood. "I'll go back to Locien and wait for you," Goricnal said. Landlion nodded and Cerelda stomped her foot impatiently. "Yes, Cerelda, I know, we should be going," Landlion said, walking up to her. But inside, he felt nervous, this would be his first time to ride, and Cerelda's first time to carry a rider. He gulped and pulled himself up onto her back. She spread her wings and shot up into the air. Landlion yelled and wrapped his arms around the dragon's neck as Cerelda sped through the air. Landlion finally mustered the courage to sit up, but when he looked down, he immediately clutched her neck again. Cerelda seemed to be veering to the right, when Radlin had flown off straight ahead of them. "Cerelda! What are you doing? We're going the wrong way!" Landlion shouted. This is a shortcut! Cerelda answered. Do you have your bow? Landlion checked, sure enough, his bow and quiver were still on his back even through their mad flight. "Yes, I have it!" he yelled.

"Why?" Because you shall need them. I am not as fast as Radlin, nor can I breathe fire. You will have to shoot him! Cerelda explained. Landlion's mouth dropped open, then he set his jaw with determination. He had to save Laurel, the fate of the rebels depended on it.

Suddenly, he saw the black dragon off to the side, slightly behind them. "There they are!" Landlion shouted. He could see Laurel, clutched in the talons of the giant black dragon. He felt Cerelda fairly quiver with anger at seeing her rider being held prisoner. She put on an extra burst of speed and got right up next to Radlin. "Landlion!" Laurel screamed. "Hold on!" he yelled. He quickly fitted an arrow to his bow and shot the evil dragon in the belly. Radlin roared in pain and twisted his head underneath to look at what had happened. Landlion saw that the arrow hadn't even penetrated his thick scales. Suddenly, Cerelda bared her teeth and bit Radlin's shoulder. He snarled and snapped his fangs at her. Landlion pulled his sword from it's sheath and stabbed the dragon's leg just under where the scales stopped. That hurt. Radlin dropped Laurel and held up it's bleeding leg. Laurel screamed as she fell through the air. Landlion ducked from Radlin's swiping claws as Cerelda dived for Laurel. She grabbed the girl with her talons and fluttered to the ground, landing in a heap. Two people were still much too heavy for her.

Landlion stood up with an effort and stumbled over to where Laurel lay. He shook her shoulder. "Are you all right?" he asked. She looked up at him, then blushed. "Yes, I'm fine," she said, standing up. Seeing that she was fine, Landlion's concern turned to anger. "What did you think you were doing?" he yelled. "So much depends on you, and you always run off in these little tantrums! Grow up!" "I wouldn't have run off if you hadn't been talking about that stupid Mintara so much!" Laurel snapped. "That's no excuse!" he shouted. Laurel didn't answer, she just turned away from him. Landlion sighed. "All right, how about a truce? I won't talk about Mintara anymore as long as you have no more tantrums. Okay?" Laurel turned to look at him. "Okay," she finally consented. "Now, let's get back to Locien," Landlion said. "You still have to finish your training."

Part 21 by Emily

2010-02-28T23:16:00.002-05:00

Landlion ran as fast as he could to where he heard Laurel scream from. He arrived just in time to see a giant black dragon fly away. "No!" he shouted to the beast that was flying away,"You stupid girl!" Gornical pulled his horse up next to the flustered elf,"That beast is a girl?" he asked pointing to the small dot in the sky. Landlion clenched his fists and muttered something under his breath, he hear a large thing stirring on his left side. He and Gornical slowly turn to face the thing,"Cerelda!" Landlion exclaimed. The dragoness lifted her head from the ground, Yes elf. Who did you think it would be? Mintara? Landlion blushed,"Enough dragon! Where did that elf rider of yours go?" Cerelda blinked her eyes, Radlin took her away. He probably took her to Erxon's new headquaters. "What good is a Rider with out it's Dragon?" Gornical asked puzzled. "Plenty good."Landlion answered,"Riders can still use their magic with out their dragons. Plus they make for good bait." We must pursue Radlin and get back my Rider, Laurel. Cerelda said demandingly.

Tomas stood staring off in the direction Mintara and Kyrian had taken. What did I do? Did I say something to offend them? He patted his horse's sleek pelt. Duh! You were bragging too much! You should have listened to Mintara's orders. That would have impressed the girl more. He told himself. He mounted Adan and set off after Mintara and Kyrian. "I'll do something that will impress the both of them." He said satisfactorily. He spurred Adan on, thinking of all the things he could do to be a hero.

Part 20 by Taylor

2010-01-30T23:44:00.002-05:00

They rode swiftly along a clear river early the next morning. Tomas had brought his own horse, and he rode next to Kyrian. Kyrian was slightly annoyed, and she urged Rhovanion on faster. "Can we stop for a minute? Adan is thirsty." Tomas asked. Mintara made a sound of annoyance, but she did stop. Tomas removed his horse's bridle and let him drink. Rhovanion got a drink as well, but Emerion didn't seem to need one. Kyrian glanced at Tomas out of the corner of her eye; he was a cute guy, but she didn't have time for a romance right now. But Tomas didn't seem to know that. She wouldn't say that he was flirting, but he was coming darn close. So she just ignored him.

She grinned to herself as he started talking to Mintara; he obviously didn't know about her "friendliness" yet. "So, when do I start my training?" he asked. Mintara glanced at him with disgust, then said, "Before we can start your training, you'll have to prove you're serious about it. Which means you'll have to leave Kyrian alone." Kyrian smothered a giggle and gave Mintara an appreciative look. To Kyrian's surprise, Mintara winked at her! The subdued Tomas concentrated on taking care of Adan and Kyrian took care of Rhovanion. Mintara looked thoughtfully at Kyrian, she wasn't bad, for a mere mortal. In fact, Mintara felt that she could get along with Kyrian rather well. Kyrian inched over. "Thanks Mintara." she whispered gratefully. "Your welcome," Mintara said. But, not wanting to seem too friendly, she added, "You could tell him yourself you know." Kyrian nodded, and walked over to Rhovanion. They all took off again, but Tomas continued to ride close to Kyrian.

Soon, they reached another city. "All right, here's what we'll do this time," Mintara said. "This is a very dangerous and suspicious town. If we all go in together, we'll get a lot of unwanted attention. So, you wait here at the outskirts; Emerion will know if I need help." She pulled her hood over her eyes and walked into the city. Kyrian checked Rhovanion over for cuts and scratches, but Tomas leaned on Adan and asked Kyrian about herself. She answered shortly, but he was undaunted without Mintara there to discourage him. Emerion walked over and nudged Tomas on the shoulder. He could feel Mintara's uneasiness and he felt he should warn them. Tomas ignored him and continued to talk. The feeling was growing stronger, Emerion was becoming panicked. He whinnied loudly this time, and Kyrian noticed. "Tomas, I think that we should-" "I've always been exceptionally strong," Tomas continued. Emerion stomped his hoof and pushed Tomas roughly. "Quit, you stupid animal!" Tomas shouted at him.

Emerion snorted and ran to the city. Kyrian made a move to go with, but Tomas grabbed her arm. "Wait, I haven't finished!" he protested. "Tomas, we have to go!" she said desperately. "Oh, she can take care of herself." he said flippantly. Suddenly, they heard shouts and cries coming from the city! "Mintara!" Kyrian gasped. She noticed that Tomas was still holding her arm; she slapped him as hard as she could! She leaped onto Rhovanion and spurred her into the city. A white flash lit up the area, and Kyrian was momentarily blinded. When her eyes cleared, she saw that Mintara, Emerion, and a few men were fighting ferociously. The flash had blinded the evil ones, so Mintara's group could handle it now. They tied up the others and left them in the village square. Mintara caught sight of Kyrian, and a look of anger crossed her face. Then she saw Tomas, and hatred came into her eyes.

Emerion tossed his head and whinnied angrily. Mintara said a word to the men and they scattered, going to find more men. She walked swiftly towards them, and Kyrian was tempted to point at Tomas. Tomas started to explain, when Mintara held up a hand. "Emerion has already told me everything. I gave you specific instructions, and you were too busy talking about yourself to pay attention!" "Mintara," Kyrian interjected. "I should have been paying closer attention. It's not all Tomas's fault!" Mintara turned on her. "You're right, you should have been paying attention! Because you two weren't there, I had to use magic. That's not very discreet, is it?" "Now hold on a minute, it's not all our fault!" Tomas protested. "Yes, it most certainly is your fault! And now that I think about it, we don't need you after all. So get lost!" Mintara snapped. "Fine!" he stormed away. Kyrian was secretly relieved, but also a little sad to see him go. "At least I found quite a number of good men here." Mintara said. "Let's go." Kyrian whistled for Rhovanion, and they were on their way, without Tomas.

Part 19 by Tessa

2010-01-30T19:29:00.001-05:00

Landlion urged his horse forward and aimed and icy stare at Laurel.
"I am so sick of her, all she does is talk and ask questions all the time! I'd much rather have Mintara." he sighed.
"So watcha think?" Laurel asked expectantly.
"Wha-what?" Landlion asked confused as he came beck to the present.
"You didn't hear a word of that whole thing, did you?" she asked dejectedly.
"Why should I? All you've done is jabber! I am so sick of you! Mintara wouldn't be this annoying!" he yelled.
Laurel's face turned white as she stared at him. "Well if that's how you feel, I'll go learn what I need to learn by MYSELF!" she screamed back, tears coming to her eyes. She whirled her horse around and galloped into the tangled forest. Cerelda aimed her deep menacing eyes at him before following Laurel
"Oh well. She's a bright elf, she'll be fine." he thought before he turned away. He started down the path when he heard Laurel scream and the roar of a huge beast. And it didn't sound happy.

Part 18 by Emily

2010-01-25T23:16:00.002-05:00

Emerion galloped at a brisk pace, Kyrian struggled to keep up on Rhovanion. Twenty miles were left before the pair reached the outskirts of the nearest city. Sweat lathered on Rhovanion's pinto coat, Kyrian nearly lost her grip as they hurtled a small boulder. "Mintara!" Kyrian called,"How much longer until we get there?"
Mintara drew Emerion to a slow halt,"We are less than ten miles from the city. So we will be there soon. Now if you would, please take off that ridiculous orange cloak!" Kyrian blushed as she unbuckled her favorite orange cloak, I didn't know anyone thought of it as ridiculous. she thought. She folded it neatly then shoved it in her saddle bag. "Did you bring any other colors?" Mintara asked, taking a dark cloak out of her own bag.
"Errm, yes, I did." Kyrian fished in her pack for the forest green cloak. "Aha!" she exclaimed, pulling it out of the bag. Rhovanion lowered her head and nibbled at a few strands of grass that were peaking out of the sandy terrain.
"Now," Mintara said, " we need to go into the city disguised. I will be your ailing grandmother, and you will be my flirtatious granddaughter. Emerion, I want you to wait outside of the city with Rhovanion. Don't go anywhere unless I call you, or there is danger." Emerion nodded his head. Mintara dismounted from his back, Kyrian did the same. She gave Rhovanion a quick rub down with a rag, then walked to Mintara.
"So, shall we go?" she asked, pulling her hood over her forehead. Living with the elves for most of her life had many side effects, including: slightly pointed ears(just the slightest), brighter eyes, longer than average lives, greater agility, more prominent facial features, and magic, so she was sure to shadow her face with her hood for now.

The city of Gaehald was different than any city that Kyrian had ever been in. For one thing the streets were filthy and there was no ever present touch of magic. One of the city's outcasts grabbed at the hem of her cloak screaming,"Please save me!" No wonder my family wanted to live with the elves. she thought with disgust. Mintara picked up her pace walking through the slums of the town, Kyrian followed suit. Mintara went into a dank building, the city's pub. Men sat around drinking from tall glasses, some smoked pipes, yet a select few just sat there and ate. "These are the ones we are here for." Mintara whispered in her ear. Mintara nudged Kyrian forward, toward the eating men. The thick smoke was starting to mess with her body, back home the elves never smoked. This was a new experience to Kyrian. What should I say? the thought raced through her mind. Kyrian opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came. She suddenly became hot and woozy, and fell face forward onto the table.

"Are you okay?" a masculine voice asked. Kyrian awoke to find herself lying on a bed in a poorly lit room. She blinked several times, and the face looming above her finally came into focus. "Yes," she answered groggily,"I think. Where is Mint- my grandmother, I mean." She felt herself blush from her mistake.
"She is over there." The young man said, Kyrian looked in the direction he was pointing. Sure enough, Mintara was talking to the group of men whose table Kyrian fainted on. She sat up in the bed, "How did I get here?" she asked the young man.
"I carried you here." he said. Oh my. Kyrian thought, I feel so bad that he had to carry me in here.
"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience Master- I'm sorry, I don't think I ever got your name." Kyrian blushed again.
"It's Tomas. And carrying your here was no inconvenience, Kyrian."

"Kyrian, I'm so glad you have decided to wake up." Mintara said sarcastically,"Now to business. These men have decided to be apart of our army. I will send a select few to Locien for training with the elves. Then they will come to our headquarters and train the rest of the army. I have decided to take Tomas with us on our journey, as a representative of Gaehald. The few who remain here will find more men, and women to help with our cause. Then when I call them, they will join us for training. Is that clear?"
"Yes ma'am." Kyrian replied. Tomas helped her get out of bed, even though she didn't really need help. Kyrian and Mintara stayed the night in the inn, then left out of town at the break of dawn.

Part 17 by Taylor.

2010-01-22T20:37:00.013-05:00

Landlion, Cerelda, and Goricnal were sitting by the horses when they heard Kyrian's first long blast. "What did a long note mean?" Goricnal tried to remember. "It's means that they found shelter!" Landlion said, mounting Meldarion. Goricnal climbed onto Lithernac and grabbed Rhovanion's reins. Cerelda flew overhead. Landlion held onto Lorthim's bridle as they made their way through the thick woods.

As they fought their way through the thick underbrush, they suddenly heard two short notes from Kyrian's horn. "They must have found trouble!" Goricnal yelled. They spurred their steeds forward, plunging through the forest. They burst in upon the group of beasts, who were carrying the unconscious Kyrian and the kicking Laurel away. Landlion and Goricnal charged them with sword and axe in hand, slashing and hacking. Cerelda swooped down and attacked. But there were far more beasts than they had first assumed, and they soon found that they were vastly outnumbered. One large troll hit Landlion roughly on the head, and carried the unconscious elf in the same direction that the others had gone. Several beasts tackled Goricnal and bore the struggling dwarf away. Cerelda looked around, everyone was gone. A arrow whistled past her head. She decided to fly away and look for help. Suddenly, she saw a pinpoint of light shine from the forest. She flew over to see what it was and she found Emerion there.

Landlion woke up lying in a dank cell. He put a hand up to his head; he had a splitting headache. Goricnal was sitting beside him. "Are you okay?" the dwarf asked huskily. Landlion nodded and winced as he sat up. He heard a groan from the cell across from theirs. "Hello?" he asked warily. "Landlion, is that you?" a familiar voice answered. "Laurel, you're here! Where's Kyrian?" he asked. "She's right here, but she's just waking up."

"We've got to get out of here!" Landlion said desperately. "But what about that wizard?" Goricnal muttered. "That's right, I'd forgotten about Mintara!" Landlion said, snapping his fingers. "But how can we find her?" Kyrian asked groggily. "I think we had better concentrate on freeing ourselves first." Laurel said. They sat there for hours, but no chance for escape came. No one even entered the dungeon, and the cells were sturdy, though filthy.

Several hours later, they heard the bolts of the prison door being drawn back. Sounds of scuffling drifted through the opening. Soon they heard a familiar voice. "Get your filthy hands off of me!" Three beasts backed through the door, pulling a struggling form dressed in white. "Mintara!" Laurel gasped. She was being drawn, bit by bit, into the dungeon. She threw one troll off balance and gave it a hearty kick in it's chest. It flew backward and bounced off of Landlion's and Goricnal's cell door. He jumped back up and propelled his warty body back toward the others. They picked the wizard up and hurled her into a cell.

She fairly spat at them in anger as they left, laughing. She kicked the wall and paced the width of her cell, six steps to the door and six steps to the back of the enclosure. "Mintara." Kyrian said softly. Mintara's head snapped up and she looked at them all standing behind the bars. "My heroes," she muttered. "Well, look who's talking!" Goricnal yelled at her. "You're the one who flew off in a little temper tantrum!" Mintara's eyes flashed at him. "Temper tantrum? Do you have any idea what will happen when Exron discoveres how to use it? He will be the greatest threat outside of Melkor, and they will be together against us! You foolish people can't even imagine the evil he will work in this world." They were silent for a moment before Laurel said, "We need to work together to stop him. None of us can do it alone. We're going to need help before we can try to get the necklace back and stop Melkor." Mintara hesitated before she finally nodded agreement. "Now, does anyone know a way out of here?" Landlion asked. "I might be able to help with that." Mintara said. She bent her head and softly chanted a magic spell. There was a quick spark of light and the cell doors flew open! They gave an exclamation of surprise and rushed out to stand together.

"That's probably as much magic as I can do, I left my staff with Emerion." "You left your staff?" Laurel asked incredulously. "Didn't you know that you needed it?" "Of course, but I didn't want to risk it being taken. I didn't come here to fight, I just came here to see. I know that I can't defeat Erxon alone, I just needed to see what we're up against. Unfortunately, my hiding place was discovered. But I did see where the necklace is hidden. We might be able to sneak it out." They left the dungeon and stepped out into a long dark hall. Landlion led the way as they walked down the corridor. As they rounded the corner, they ran into two minions! The creatures shrieked and ran back the way they had come! "Oh no you don't!" Kyrian shouted as she gave chase. The others followed suit and they soon overpowered the beasts. All of their weapons had been taken when they had been captured, so they were going to have to be careful. They passed through the gate that the creatures had been guarding and came to a stop a few steps further. Mintara pointed up to an air shaft. "This is where I went earlier." she whispered. It was a good nine feet up the wall. Mintara and Landlion were the tallest, so they would go first. Mintara stepped up and jumped with superhuman strength, catching hold and pulling herself up. Goricnal would have to be helped up. Landlion hefted the stout dwarf up toward the opening. Mintara leaned out and tried to catch the dwarf's hand, but his arm was too short; instead, she grabbed his long beard! "Hey, let go of that!" he roared. "How many times do I have to tell you people? NOT THE BEARD!" He swiped at her with his fists, but Mintara avoided his flailing arms and pulled him up. Landlion jumped as high as he could, and he just barely grabbed the edge with his fingertips. Mintara grabbed his arm and helped pull him up, which he obviously enjoyed. Laurel noticed and pouted. Kyrian sighed, she was really getting tired of Laurel's crush on Landlion. Laurel was next, she jumped as high as she could but didn't come close to reaching the edge. Landlion had to hold onto her hand and pull her up. Laurel seemed to be having a difficult time getting up, Landlion had to help her a lot. Kyrian gave Laurel's back a look of exasperation as she jumped. Landlion had to grab her too, but Kyrian scrambled up a lot faster than Laurel.

They crawled single-file down the tunnel. Soon they came to a gigantic room! They peered through the opening and saw a throne down at one end guarded by many creatures. "That must be Erxon's throne!" Laurel thought. But Mintara moved on until they reached a tiny room. She stopped and jumped down. The others followed; they barely fit into the room. "This is just a broom closet!" Laurel exclaimed. "I'm sure this is the right place." Landlion said defensively, looking at Mintara. She rolled her eyes and shared a disgusted look with Kyrian. Mintara walked to the rear of the room and bent down. A little splinter of wood was sticking up out of the floor. Mintara held it with her fingernails and pulled sharply on it one, two, three times! Instead of breaking off, the splinter made a little clicking noise and popped out! Three smooth boards rose up out of the patterned wooden floor behind her. She walked over and stepped on them in a peculiar order. Each went down a little when she stepped on it; she continued the sequence until a section of the wall opened a little. She stopped and they all ran over and pulled on the door until it finally opened enough for them to squeeze in. They went down a series of steps, then made a sharp turn. Mintara went over to a stone wall and pushed on a certain stone. The wall slid back to reveal a circular opening. In the middle, on a crystal table, lay a shining diamond box. They all looked at each other, holding their breaths. Then Mintara slowly walked over to it and picked it up. She gently lifted the lid and saw... nothing. There was nothing in it! She shook it upside down; she looked everywhere on the floor. Nothing. Wait. A little piece of paper was jammed in the corner of the box. She pulled it out and opened it. The thin, scraggly writing on it said:

In this box, you expected to find,

A treasure of unparelled kind.

You thought you would find it here in my lair.

But as you can see, it just isn't there!

Where could it be? Could it have been taken?

I know that by now, you're feeling quite shaken.

I heard you coming, so I decided to flee.

And I decided to take the necklace with me!

Mintara finished reading. Everyone was quiet, until Goricnal said bitterly, "He's gone with the necklace, what now?" Mintara crumpled up the paper and threw it into the corner. "Well," Landlion said slowly. "I guess Laurel and I need to go back to Locien to finish her training." Mintara stood up briskly and said, "It's clear that we are going to have to defeat Melkor and and Erxon in order to get that necklace back. We're going to need an army. That's where I'm going. I'm going to get all the support possible from the people of this world. But I'll need some help." Her gaze rested on Kyrian. The girl looked up and saw what Mintara was hinting at. "Oh no, I can't go! I've never been outside this region before! Take Goricnal!" The dwarf heard her and made a gagging noise. Mintara glared at him and said to Kyrian, "I need a more," she paused. "people friendly person. Which the dwarf is obviously not." She looked at Goricnal condescendingly. Kyrian sat there considering before she lifted her chin and said, "Okay, let's do it!"

Mintara let out a piercing whistle, and suddenly they were standing at the base of the mountain! Emerion was standing there with Cerelda, he had used Mintara's magic to warp them out. She walked over to him and gave him a hug. "I guess we had better go." Landlion said unhappily, looking at Mintara. "Yes, we had better." Laurel said hurriedly. Cerelda flew over to Laurel happily. Landlion mounted Meldarion, looking at Mintara and muttering under his breath. "Why does she always moon over that dumb animal? I would welcome that attention." Laurel, who was walking to Lorthim, heard him, and her cheeks burned crimson. She jumped onto the mare and Goricnal pulled himself up onto Lithernac, he would be going with Laurel and Landlion. With shouted goodbye's between everyone but Mintara and Goricnal, their company separated.

Part 16 by Tessa

2010-01-22T20:10:00.002-05:00

Laurel whipped her head around just in time to see the horn slip from Kyrian's grasp. "Not good! I have to get that horn or else Landlion and Goricnal..." her sentence was never finished, for a huge creature landed heavily on the path in front of her. It was big with ugly, dry green skin and a gigantic tail. "I need that horn NOW!" she thought before hurling herself toward Kyrian and the horn. Midair, she saw the tail of the beast coming at her. "No! Corenic Molinal!" she screamed before the whole weight of the creature hit her in the stomach. She flew through the air and hit a tree. She slumped to the ground gasping for breath. "No, I have to get to that horn," she panted and pulled herself up. She took a deep breath and sprinted toward Kyrian and the horn. She grabbed it and lifted it to her lips when the creature grabbed her and lifted her off the ground. She blew two blasts before it fell from her hands and plunged to the ground. Laurel lifted her eyes from the horn and found herself looking into the huge eye of The Beast of Ered Mor.

Sorry if there are misspellings, my spellcheck isn't working ,at least I don't think so, and I can't spell to save my life. LOL Hope you like it.

Tessa

Part 15 by Emily

2010-01-12T21:37:00.003-05:00

Emily and her character, Kyrian.

Kyrian led the charge through the forest, the elves of Locien had uncharmed the path to the Ered Mor. Kyrian stole a glance behind her, Laurel was gazing dreamily at the back of Landlion's head. Ugh. She thought, Laurel has got to get over him! Her like of him could endanger the mission. I hope she keeps a good head on her. Kyrian turned her gave foreward, the forest grew darker and darker each passing yard, Surely we are getting close to the Ered Mor.

As the hours passed the horses started to tire from the strenuous run, though they were elven bred the terrain had become less like a forest and more mountainous. "We should stop." Landlion said, drawing his lathered steed to a halt. Rhovanion, stopped on her own and let out a tired whinny. "Fine." Kyrian said, dismounting from Rhovanion,"But only for a short while." Laurel and Goricnal also dismounted from their steeds. Landlion sat down on a large rock with a sigh. Laurel immediately chose to sit beside him. Kyrian let out a sigh, I wish she would get over him! Kyrian looked towards the darkening sky, "We should find shelter." she told them. "I'll go look for some." Laurel volunteered, jumping up from her spot beside Landlion. "I'll go with her." Kyrian said before any one could put a word in edge wise,"Landlion and Goricnal, the both of you should stay here. If we find shelter, I'll blow a long note on my horn." Kyrian demonstrated,"If we find trouble I'll blow two short notes." She attached the horn back on her belt, and motioned for Laurel to follow her.

The girls journied through the sparse canopy of wicked trees, "Laurel," Kyrian started, but Laurel shushed her. The two of them sneaked around a large boulder. Laurel's hand was firm apon the handle of her temporary sword. Kyrian fingered the short bow on her back, I wish I hadn't forgotten my sword! Something jumped out in front of the two girls. More somethings followed it in a blur of motion. Laurel drew her sword from its scabbard, one of the things screached as her sword found it's way to the flesh. Kyrian struggled with the knot on her horn's string. After what seemed like an eterninty she loosened it from her belt and raised it to her lips. She blew a long note, then her vision faded into black oblivion, and pain exploded into her skull. The horn fell from her lips, and clattered on the stony ground. The beasts of Ered Mor had come.

Part Fourteen by Taylor.

2010-01-10T18:08:00.006-05:00

Taylor and her character Mintara.

Laurel met Landlion at a bright clearing for sword training. Mintara was feeling strong enough to watch the training, and she stood by Emerion, who refused to leave her side. Kyrian was also there, sitting with Cerelda, who was napping. Landlion tossed her a borrowed sword and demonstrated the proper stance. Laurel found it hard to concentrate, being so close to him, and kept making mistakes. Finally, when she dropped the sword for the third time, an exasperated Mintara walked over. "If you can manage to forget about your crush for a few minutes," she snapped. "I'll show you how it's done." She picked up her staff and advanced toward Landlion. He was nervous at first, but soon he discovered that she was a competent swordswoman. Her staff was a blur as she whipped it around, meeting and returning his attacks. She spun and stabbed, taking him off balance and knocking him to the ground. She held the point of her staff to his throat as he lay there breathing hard. He stared up at her in admiration as she stood over him. She gave him a condescending look and walked to Emerion again. "Wow!" Landlion said, looking after Mintara as Laurel came up. She turned crimson and swiped at him with her sword. "Let's go!" she said. He quickly averted his eyes and concentrated on showing off his swordsmanship skills.

After an hour, she was exhausted. "Let's take a break." he suggested. Laurel nodded and sat at the edge of the clearing, trying to catch her breath. Suddenly, a dragon flew down out of the sky at full speed and landed in a heap on the ground in front of them! "Serva!" Laurel exclaimed. Landlion, Kyrian, Cerelda, Mintara, and Emerion all ran over. Serva untangled herself and stood up. "I have come to warn you." she began. " I have done a terrible thing." She proceeded to tell them about her great mistake. They all stood in stunned silence until Kyrian cried, "But what will we do now?" Serva was about to answer when she was suddenly pinned to the ground by an immense weight! "This is indeed a terrible mistake, little dragon." Mintara hissed through clenched teeth as she pushed Serva's head even harder against the ground. "One that you will regret." Laurel rushed forward to pull Mintara off, but Emerion blocked her way, pointing his silver horn at her. "But I don't have time to deal with you now." Mintara continued, shoving the tip of her staff against Serva's throat. "I have a necklace to recover." She released Serva, who gasped in air. Mintara strode to Emerion and mounted. "Wait, you can't leave!" Laurel yelled. "We need you!" Mintara ignored her and Emerion spread his wings and shot into the air! "She doesn't stand a chance against Erxon!" Serva said. "He has a much greater power than she!" "We have to find her!" Landlion said. "Where is Erxon?" Kyrian asked. "In his secret lair in the mountains; learning how to use the necklace." Serva replied. "Well, that's where we must go then!" Laurel declared, running to go fetch Goricnal.

Landlion and Kyrian ran to get provisions and Cerelda caught up to Laurel. Why should we rescue her? Cerelda asked. She wouldn't risk her life for us. "But she did risk her life for us." Laurel reminded her. "And I feel that we will need her help before the end." I still don't think we should risk our lives for her. "Well, we are going to rescue her nonetheless. She didn't abandon us." Only because she wouldn't get her necklace if she didn't help us. Cerelda grumbled. Laurel ignored her and found Goricnal finishing a late breakfast. She told him everything and soon Landlion and Kyrian came with the horses and packs. Landlion brought his stallion, Meldarion, and said, "I will accompany you in rescuing Mintara, but then I must return to Locien." "I will come too!" Kyrian said, holding the reins of her mare, Rhovanion. "At least until we rescue Mintara, maybe farther!" "What are we waiting for?" Goricnal said gruffly. "Let's go!"

France's part of the story

2010-01-10T14:13:00.003-05:00

I want to do a bit of tweaking on my tales! :) Sorry for the inconvenience, I'll put my stories back up soon!

Thanks to Megan from Happiness....

2010-01-04T20:45:00.001-05:00

WE HAVE A FINISHED BLOG BUTTON! OH AND A BACKGROUND TOO!

to see her blog click HERE!

Just letting you know!

Be sure to put the button on your sidebar!

Tessa

The (person you don't know the name of yet) Tales

2010-01-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

Laurel suddenly gasped and whirled around. She had heard a strange swishing noise, but she saw nothing. She sighed and almost turned around again when suddenly a large, thick red whip came hurtling through the air towards her. She couldn't move fast enough, for her foot was stuck underneath a shrub, and the whip swirled around her body, trapping her in the whip's grasp. Wait a minute. Laurel looked again at the whip. It wasn't an ordinary whip. It was a bright red beard, braided together with some beads and other baubles attached. Laurel followed the beard up, and then found something astonishing. A head! Before she could take a closer look at it, Landlion came charging towards her, sword in hand.

"Don't worry Laurel, I will RESCUE you!!!!!" Landlion shrieked, charging and chopping the man's beard off.

The man squealed defensively. "Stinker," he snarled, then pulled a flute out of his pocket. He started to play a strange, discordant tune. "Nothing happened," he whispered to himself, and scratched his head, obviously frustrated. Then suddenly he played one deafening note, and the ground began to rumble ferociously. Laurel and Landlion started to tremble. It didn't seem that things were going to be peaceful after all. Then, suddenly, a giant herd of bunnies came galloping in from all sides, surrounding the two beings by a huge, furry mass.

"What in the name of Tansy Tangerines IS this?" Laurel said angrily. Landlion would've said this too, but instead he quietly turned away and started to stroke a brown, floppy-eared bunny. The bunny snapped its teeth at Landlion, who shrieked like a little girl and jumped, knocking Laurel over like a felled tree.

"Stop it, smallfry, we have business to deal with." She nodded over at the man. "Business with that man." She stood up very straight, and very tall, and said,"Who are you?"

"Should we tell them?" he questioned the bunny rabbits. Quite a number of rabbits booed. Some bared their teeth and snarled at Laurel and Landlion (especially Landlion). The man rubbed his chin (quite difficult to do through all of the bushy beard, then stated,"Well, we have to tell them SOMETIME, for my name is as melodic as a bird's chirp, sweet as honey, and as tasty as shrimp!" he declared. "And strawberries," he added as an afterthought. The rabbits seemed to be considering this fact. Finally, a fluffy white rabbit hopped slowly towards the man. About an hour later, it reached the hairy-jawed man, stood on his shoulder, and squeaked something in rabbit language. The man translated,"This rabbit says that the only way these landblubbers are going to get our names is by a few tests," he began. "Strenuous tests. Starting with Rabbit Rabbit Strawberries!" The rabbits cheered for joy and started to jump on top of Laurel and Landlion. They sighed. This would not be as easy as they had hoped.

P.S. Rabbit Rabbit Strawberries is what they call Duck Duck Goose.

Oh, and since Tessa doesn't want you guys to freak out, I might as well tell you that this has nothing to do with that serious elf tale. I'm only using the characters. Just thought I'd let you know.

Part 12 by Taylor

2010-01-01T14:07:00.006-05:00

Taylor and her character Mintara.

They continued to follow the stranger through the forest. "Excuse me, but who are you?" Goricnal asked. The elf turned and said, "My name is Landlion. I was sent from the elf city, Locien, to make sure you were coming." Everyone was silent. "How long has she been asleep?" Landlion suddenly asked, looking at Mintara. "For about two days," Laurel said. "Can you wake her up?" Goricnal asked. "Once she gets into the city, she will waken. The power of the elves will give her the strength she needs." Landlion said. "I have heard much of this particular wizard. I would like to speak to her, when she is able."

"Don't count on it," Laurel said, annoyed by his interest in Mintara. "She probably won't speak to you, she considers everyone else below her." Everyone was quiet, until Cerelda heard Emerion speaking, Laurel is right about that, except Mintara would enjoy breaking Landlion's heart. Cerelda nodded in agreement.

"Here we are." Landlion announced. "I don't see anything but trees." Laurel said. Landlion walked forward and put both hands on a giant willow. He spoke a word and suddenly the tree's trunk opened and he motioned for them to follow him in. But the horses couldn't come with. "We have to leave the horses behind." he said. "But what about Mintara?" Kyrian asked. "I guess she'll have to stay here." Landlion said doubtfully. "No, she has the metal for the sword. We can't begin working on the sword until she wakes up and gives us the metal." Laurel cried. "Well, she'll just have to come with us then." Landlion said.

With that, he walked over to Emerion and picked up Mintara, surprised at how light she was. Laurel took the bridles from Lithernac and Lorthim, who galloped off into the forest. "Don't worry, they'll be safe." Kyrian said. They all stepped into the tree trunk.

To Laurel's surprise, the opening continued, and made a dark passageway. Kyrian led the way now. Soon they came out of the tunnel into a beautiful, peaceful forest, not thick and confusing like the one they had just left. Suddenly, they were surrounded by archers! Kyrian stepped aside and talked to the leader quietly for a moment. He spoke a word of command and all the elves lowered their bows. "We have been expecting you. Come." the leader said. Two elves came up and took Mintara from Landlion.

The leader, who's name was Remedur, assured them that she was in good hands. "It will take awhile for her to waken, but we are doing everything we can. In the meantime, we will start on your sword training, Laurel." Laurel nodded and asked, "Who will be my trainer?" "Landlion," Remedur said. "And Kyrian will teach you about the plants that heal you, and the ones that harm you. But first, you must rest."

He called a servant to show Laurel and Goricnal to their rooms. Her training wouldn't start for a few days, or at least until she was completely rested. The next morning, they were summoned to Remedur's house. "Mintara has awakened." he said, once they had arrived. "Though she is her normal polite self, she stills needs to rest. You will all stay here for as long as you need to. But now, it's time to make the sword. Mintara gave me the metal and our forgers will start on it right away." Laurel breathed a sigh of relief. Finally a time of peace.

Part 11 by Tessa

2009-12-29T20:35:00.001-05:00

Tessa and her character Laurel.

"Laurel, duck!" screamed Kyrian.

Laurel turned to see an arrow flying toward her. With inhuman swiftness she reached out and caught the arrow. Laurel stared at the arrow quivering in her hand.

"Go Kyrian! We have to get to the elves fast!" Laurel yelled as she leaped up on her horse, sweeping Goricnal up with her.

"Take Goricnal's horse and stay behind me!" Emerion raced past the horses weaving in and out of the trees. The horses mirrored his movement, causing Laurel to almost fall off.

Goricnal was screaming at the top of his lungs. "Pull me up! I'm going to be trampled! Ow, the BEARD! Let me at those fools and they'll be dead in no time!" Laurel was laughing as she pulled him up, but the laughter was cut short when a man in a green tunic stepped out of the forest. Emerion swerved and the horses slid to a stop making Laurel lose her grip and go flying over their heads, dropping Goricnal in the process. She flew straight into the arms of the the stranger in green and they both toppled to the ground.

Laurel opened her eyes and found herself staring into the stranger's blue eyes.

"S-ss-sorry" she stammered as she rolled off of him.

"You better get moving before you get caught. Follow me." he ordered, laughter showing in his eyes. Laurel lowered her gaze and followed after this stranger who had caused her to be filled with something she had never felt before. Kyrian fell into step beside her.

"What was that about?"

"I-I don't know." Laurel said, her puzzled gaze following the stranger's every movement.

Hope you like it and yes they are in love PLUS this is the person or should I say elf, who buried the egg in the beginning of the book. his name is Landlion (Land-Lee-on)

Tessa

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-23T22:33:00.000-05:00

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

I had a wonderful time writing with you all this year and I can't wait until next year!

I want to thank all my team members for helping write our story and for all of our follower's encouragement!

And as Santa says:

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

Tessa
PS Don't forget to thank God for all of your blessings this year!

Part 4 by Tessa

2009-12-22T19:49:00.001-05:00

Tessa and her character Laurel and her dragon Cerelda

"Hurry up!" Mintara snapped the next morning.
"Well I'm sorry, but your just going to have to wait!" Laurel snapped back.
"I hate these mountains. They seem evil somehow. I wonder what lives in these mountains?" Laurel thought to herself.
"Mintara, do you know what lives in these mountains?"
"Now is not the time to talk of this. Evil things are near. We must not anger them. I have to get you to the dwarves safely!" Mintara whirled around and walked down to the stream. Laurel stood up and walked over to a stone which she hadn't noticed yesterday. She cautiously walked over to it and kicked it.
"Ow, lady, don't you know enough not to kick a person whiles he's sleepin?!"
In a split second, what Laural thought was a rock, was transformed into a dwarf.
"Excuse me, but I thought you were a funny shaped rock. Not a little man." she apologized.
"A little man! I'm not a little man. I'm Goricnal, the dwarf of travels! Have you never heard of me?" he demanded
"No, but I'm new here. How come you look like a rock when you are asleep?" Laurel asked hesitantly.
"Oh that! Dwarves look like stones when they're asleep...I mean we're made of stone so why shouldn't we?" he exclaimed, a queer look on his face.
"STOP DWARF!" Mintara sprang in between them.
"Don't move or you won't live to return to whoever it is you serve!" The dwarf stumbled back, tripped over a Cerelda, who leaped up and glared menacingly at the dwarf, who landed with a thud.
"Mintara! Get away from him! I kicked him because I thought he was a rock and woke him from his sleep! He's okay, really!" Laurel pleaded. Mintara eyed the dwarf suspiciously and lowered her staff.
"Well, if I must spare you, then you can be of some use. We need to get to Reacicnec, your dwarf city. You will lead us there." she said smugly and turned on her heel and went to her unicorn. Suddenly, two horses stepped out of the undergrowth.
"These are Lithernac and Lorthim. Laurel, you take Lorthim, and the dwarf has Lithernac. Come, the sun has risen and we must get going."
"Excuse me Lady, but dwarves don't take kindly to horses. We don't like riding." he said a matter of factly.
"Well, that's too bad, because horses are what we have, and we have to get to Reacicnec tomorrow. So please get on your horse, Dwarf." she demanded. Having no other choice, he heaved himself up on the horse. Laurel leaped up onto Lorthim and galloped into the forest with Cerelda following after a parting glare at the dwarf.

Part 10 by Emily

2009-12-22T16:47:00.001-05:00

Emily and her character Kyrian

Are we close? Laurel asked Cerelda who flew high above them. I'm not sure rider. All I can see is trees. Cerelda said, voice traced with annoyance, Ask the orange maiden. She'll certainly tell you where we are in the sea of trees. Laurel turned her gaze away from the canopy, Kyrian was walking thirty paces in front of her, some how making a path through the mass of trees.

I wonder if the Dragon Rider can use magic? Kyrian wondered, she stopped,wiping the sweat from her brow. She pushed back her orange hood and called, "O Dragon Rider! Can you use magic?". In the same moment Laurel called, "Orange- err, Kyrian. Can you tell me where we are?" Goricnal let out a low chuckle from behind Laurel, "Could you please talk in order?" he asked. Kyrian turned around, face flushed, to face Laurel, "Can you use magic?" she asked.
"Why of course! I studied for weeks with Ralahadea."
Kyrian let out a sigh of relief. "Was so afraid you would say 'no'. Could you help me clear the way?"

Laurel led Lorthim forward to where Kyrian stood. "You can let go of her, she won't run away." Kyrian pointed out, "the woods are enchanted, that is why I need you to help me clear our way." Laurel dropped Lorthim's reigns and walked a few steps forward. Sure enough Lorthim stayed behind Laurel and did not try to bolt. "What do you want me to say?" Laurel asked Kyrian. Immediately Kyrian started laughing,"You don't have to say anything, all you have to do is use the magic as a shield in front of you, sort of like a wedge." Kyrian laughed even harder when Laurel's cheeks flush cherry red. Kyrian immediately stopped laughing when she saw Laurel's hand grasp the hilt of her sword. "Okay, lets get moving."

The group moved steadily forward, resting from time to time. Mintara remained unconscious the whole time, rarely ever granting Emerion power to speak. They were but a few hours from the city, when a arrow whizzed by Laurel's head, striking a tree behind her. The party was under attack!

Part 8 by Taylor

2009-12-21T13:20:00.004-05:00

Taylor and her character Mintara.

As they worked their way through the thick underbrush, Cerelda talked with Emerion, who Mintara had lended her power to speak to again, since she remained unconscious. Why are you in such a hurry to get the necklace? Cerelda questioned him. We need to obtain it before Melkor does. he answered. Who is Melkor? she asked him. He is an evil being who was once a very powerful wizard, but he became evil and was cast out of the council. He left and went to a desolate place, where he vowed to take revenge. He continued to study evil magic, until he knew all he could. But his power is not complete until he has Mintara's huge knowledge of magic, which is in her necklace. If he obtains it, he will become the most powerful being on earth, and he will endeavor to destroy every elf on the face of this earth, and he will enslave all other beings. It was his dragon that attacked you and Laurel.

Cerelda pondered this, and then asked, Why did he want to destroy us? Emerion answered and said, He fears you and Laurel, since she is a dragon rider. He senses a great enemy to him in you, and he will either try to get you on his side, or he will destroy you. He also wants Mintara dead. Why? Cerelda asked. Because they studied magic together before he turned evil and she was banished. She was about to follow him in his wickedness, but instead she determined to learn all there was about good magic. They had a great fight, and Mintara turned him in to Simar, the head wizard, who banished him. Melkor swore to seek his revenge on Mintara, and they have been bitter enemies ever since.

Cerelda fluttered over to Laurel and told her all she had learned. Laurel was frightened at first, but then she felt a new sensation deep within her, a desire to fight this evil with all her might. Cerelda was already almost big enough to ride, soon they would really give this Melkor something to worry about.

Part 7 by Emily

2009-12-21T13:19:00.001-05:00

Emily and her character Kyrian

The party rode onward into the night. Mintara stilled laid unmoving on Emerion's back. The unicorn's coat shone bright in the moonlight, peeking in through the trees. Not a sound echoed in the elven wood, it was silent, except for the sound of hooves falling on the soft turf. Laurel stroked Lorthim's neck, the mare trotted on patiently following Emerion. Goricnal rode on Lithernac behind Laurel. The dragons flew above hunting in the night sky. Suddenly Cerelda burst through the tree tops, she grinned, mouth full, as she landed on Lorthim's back. Look what I caught! she yelled, plopping a plump pigeon down in front of her. Great job Cerelda! Laurel congratulated her. Cerelda tore into the pigeon greedily. Laurel gazed around the dark forest, there seemed to be no animals anywhere. Emerion came to a halt right where the trees grew closer together. I can't go any farther. he told them. "Great." Laurel muttered, "We are stuck in this forsaken forest with no one to guide us!"

Lorthim let out a shrill neigh, breaking the silence of the woods. From behind a tree sprang a orange cloaked figure. Emerion sprang backwards slightly. Cerelda flew off of Lorthim's back, and started clawing the orange person. The figure threw back their hood and attempted to bat away Cerelda's attacks. Laurel let out a gasp, the person was a young girl! "Please!" the girl yelled,"Call your dragon off me!" Cerelda quickly stopped clawing at the girls' face. The girl let out a sigh of relief, "Thank you dragon." she said stepping closer to Laurel," I am Kyrian Wathorn, friend of the elves. I noticed the clopping of hooves, and came to investigate." Laurel immediately felt relief,

"I am Laurel." she told Kyrian, "Cerelda is the little dragon that attacked you, Goricnal is the dwarf behind me,"Goricnal nodded his head in greeting,"Emerion is the unicorn, and the woman lying on his back is-"

Kyrian cut her off, "Mintara. I recognize her from when she visited the elves." Emerion let out a pleased whinny. "

So you know the elves?" Laurel asked her.

"Yes, my family and I live close by their main city. It is many miles away from here, it would be a few days journey." Kyrian told Laurel, Kyrian's blue eyes went directly to Laurel's marked hand, "You must be the newest Dragon Rider. The elves are very excited about your coming."

"They are?" Laurel said in shock.

"Oh yes."

"Can you take us to the elves?" Goricnal asked Kyrian,"I want to get off this horse as soon as possible!"

"Sure, if you'll just follow me," Kyrian pushed braches to the side, creating a path that they could walk on, "It would be best if you riders got off and led your horses." she told them, with a wink directed at Goricnal. Laurel and Goricnal dismounted their horses and followed Kyrian's lead.

Part 6 by Taylor

2009-12-21T13:17:00.002-05:00

Taylor, and her character, Mintara.

Laurel ran and ran, deeper and deeper into the forest. She soon reached a wide, grassy plain, and dismounted from Lorthim. Cerelda came up behind her, but Goricnal and Mintara were nowhere to be seen. Cerelda felt uneasy, and tried to convince Laurel to turn back. But Laurel, ignoring Cerelda's pleas, rushed on. Cerelda had no choice but to follow her.

Suddenly, when they were halfway across, a thunderous roar shook the earth. A black dragon, riderless, flew towards them with amazing speed. Laurel screamed in terror and dropped to the ground. Cerelda defiantly faced the dragon and gave her own miniature version of his roar. Laurel saw what the young dragon planned to do, and she tackled her before she could fly to meet the charge.

The huge dragon shot with terrific speed towards them. Laurel and Cerelda tensed to spring, adrenelin strengthening their minds and bodies. As he drew near, his chest began to swell as he sucked in air, and Laurel and Cerelda knew that they were doomed. When he had almost reached them, he let loose a burning stream of fire. Laurel and Cerelda leaped aside as the fire incinerated the grass where they had been standing. As the dragon pulled out of his nose dive, Cerelda jumped up and slashed his long, soft underside. Although she did her best, her teeth and claws were not big enough to do much more than infuriate the evil dragon.

Enraged, he flew once again into the air, but this time, he swept down low, skimming the earth. Laurel and Cerelda knew that they did not have a chance of dodging his flames this time, but they had to try. Suddenly, they heard a tremendous neigh. They turned to see Mintara and Emerion coming towards them. Emerion was flying at full speed, his slender wings stretched to their full size. A white light shone from his silver horn, and it grew until it was a pointed shaft, too bright to look at. It shot forth until it struck the wicked dragon squarely in the chest. He gave a wild shriek as he was hurled backward from the impact, tumbling on the ground.

Screaming with rage, he regained his wings, and homed in on them once again. Just then, Mintara raised her staff, and a stunning white flash blinded the black creature. When his eyes cleared, they were nowhere to be seen. Laurel and Ceralda suddenly appeared by the river they had run from a short while ago. Mintara and Emerion stood next to them. Lightning quick, Mintara stepped forward and grabbed Laurel's arm in an iron grip. "What do you think you are doing?!?" she shouted. Laurel said nothing, only lowered her head to avoid Mintara's piercing gaze. "You and that dragon are my only hope! How could you almost throw it away in a silly tantrum?!?" she stormed. Laurel was a little frightened, for Mintara was beginning to look dangerous. Cerelda felt her master's fear, and she growled warningly at the wizard. Mintara raised her staff as if to strike the young dragon, when she suddenly slumped to the ground, unconscious. Emerion gave a tremulous cry, but was then silent.

Laurel, Goricnal, and Cerelda rushed to Mintara's fallen form, but all their efforts to revive her were in vain. They were about to panic, when Cerelda heard a soft voice speak to her mind. 'Don't be alarmed', it said. 'She will waken when she is ready.' 'Who are you?' Cerelda asked. 'I am Emerion.' he said. Cerelda looked over to see that he was staring at her. 'The spell she used to save you,' he explained, 'was so strong, that it took all of her strength. She will remain unconscious until she again has sufficient strenght to go on.' Cerelda thanked him and quickly told the others all he had said. "But we must keep going!" Laurel cried. "How can we bring her with us?" Emerion whinnied, and as they watched, he folded his legs under him and half-unfurled his wings. Goricnal was the first to catch onto the meaning of this. "He wants us to lay her on his back!" he said, snapping her fingers. "Those feathers do look like a nice bed." With that, he gathered her tall frame into his arms, surprised at how light she was. He carefully laid her on the unicorn's snowy back.

He and Laurel mounted their horses and set off into the forest. "What did she mean, when she said that we were her only hope?" Laurel silently asked Cerelda, referring to Mintara's earlier outburst. 'If she aids us in her quest, and proves that she has changed, Raladhea will give her the necklace.' Cerelda explained. Laurel thought about that information as she rode along. With Mintara unconscious, who would lead them to the elves?

Part 6 by Tessa

2009-12-21T13:16:00.002-05:00

Tessa and her character Laurel and her dragon Cerelda

Soon they were far from the dwarf city and heading across a huge plain.
"It's so beautiful here. I wish we could stay here forever." Laurel thought
"Maybe when this adventure is all over we could come here...It has everything we could ever need." Cerelda observed sleepily blinking her eyes.
"What do you mean adventure? All we're doing is going to the elves to get a sword forged. Then we can come back." Laurel stared at him inquiringly.
"Have you not noticed? Your whole world is tensed for battle. Why would you need a sword if not for battle? Plus, I think we ought to fear Mintara. If Emerion ever is in danger, she'll leave, and if we are the cause of the danger, there's no telling what she'll do. Let's be careful. For now, we must be her friends. She might come around yet." Laurel turned away pondering what she had just heard.

Later that day, they reached a stream. This stream was the border between the plains and the forest of the elves. Laurel turned toward the plain.
"We'll come back here one day, I promise." she said under her breath.
"That is, if you're still alive!" retorted Mintara. Laurel blushed and urged her horse into a gallop. She headed toward the stream, ready to jump, when out of the ground evaporized a cloud. Her horse reared and Laurel fell at the feet of the cloud.
"Hello Laurel," a voice came from the cloud "You have been chosen. Now listen carefully..."
"Chosen for what?" Laurel asked shakily. The cloud chuckled.
"Just like your mother you are, young one. Now listen carefully this time.
When in the doubt seek a man in dark clothes
When in need go the the tree of dreams and speak your name
When in loss go to the court of Lady Hopernal
The cloud then turned to Cerelda.
"I have something to say to you too.
When you need a name go to the Path of Dragons and walk alone
When in need of something hot, you will know how to find it.
Do you have any questions?" the cloud asked
"Yes. When you said I was just like her, did you mean my mother?" Laurel asked, reaching for something around her neck.
"Yes, dear one. You have the same long red hair, deep blue eyes, and fiery spirit which you have yet to discover. Enough, my time grows short. I must depart. Any last questions dragon?"
Cerelda shook her head and the cloud evaporated into mist. Tears trickled down Laurel's face.
"You're just like her." she murmured, still holding the thing around her neck.
"Then why did she leave?"
"Maybe she knew you would be safer with the farmers." Cerelda observed. Laurel's eyes flashed.
"No! I needed her! Why didn't she think of ME!" she screamed before leaping onto Lorthim and galloped into the forest.
Mintara ran to the stream a moment later.
"Where is she?" she demanded.
"She just went into the forest!" exclaimed Cerelda
"That reckless girl! She'll get herself and the rest of us killed!" screamed Mintara before she too, followed by Gorcinal and Cerelda, went into the forest.

Part 4 by Taylor

2009-12-21T13:14:00.001-05:00

Taylor and her character Mintara

The next morning, they were all still riding at full speed, heading toward Reacicnec. Suddenly, Mintara stopped. "This is where you lead, Dwarf." she said, motioning him to the front. "My name is Goricnal," he muttered as he moved forward. Mintara heard him and said," I wouldn't remember your name if you told me ten million times, and I really don't care what it is anyway." He lowered his head and urged Lithernac into a gallop.

Laurel rode next to Mintara and asked," Where did you come from?"

"I have existed since the beginning of the world," she said."But I have been underground for many decades, perfecting my magical skills with Emerion," she said, stroking his neck. Laurel could not contain her curiosity. "Why did you come back?" Mintara didn't answer for a moment, then she said, " I came to get something."

"What?" Laurel said breathlessly. Mintara shot her a dirty look and said, "Are you never satisfied? I have told you enough." Laurel rode in silence for awhile, and said angrily," I knew you weren't here to help me with Cerelda. You are here to help yourself." Mintara gave her an amused look, and said,"Maybe you do have a brain rattling around in your head. I do not care what becomes of you or your dragon, I only want what I came for."

Laurel was about to say something else, when she heard Ceralda's soft voice speaking to her mind. 'I know what she came for.' she said. 'She has come for a jewel, one that holds her greatest power. It was given to a trusted elf, to keep until Mintara is ready to have it.'

'Who has it?' Laurel asked 'Raladhea' Ceralda said. 'Serva told me.' Laurel thought about all she had just learned, when she asked Ceralda, "Why was it taken from Mintara?"

'Long ago, in the great rebellion that killed the dragon riders, when Mintara was quite young, the wizards were called to help the good people. But while Mintara was fighting, her only love, Emerion, was captured. In a rage, she killed his captors in the most painful way she could devise. For her cruelty, the Chief Wizard took away her power, and sent her underground, until she learned to use it correctly and control her anger.' Ceralda explained.

Just then, Goricnal stopped and said,"Here we are." He just stood there, until Mintara shouted,"Well, take us into Reacicnec!"

"No one may see the secret passage of the Dwarves into the city." he said adamantly, folding his arms. He and Mintara stared at each other in fury. Suddenly Mintara raised her staff and Goricnal pulled a knife from his belt. Laurel jumped between them. "Stop!' she said forcefully. "We will go to that stream and water the horses," she said, pointing. Mintara slowly nodded, and turned away, but hate still burned in her eyes.

As they took the horses to the river, Goricnac searched the ground, until he found a small rock embedded in the earth. He pulled it out and scraped away the earth where the stone had been. Soon, he had uncovered a key hole. He removed a small key from inside his shirt, and unlocked it. Immediately, a rumbling was felt, and the ground parted in front of him, revealing a small stairway down into the earth. He shouted at Laurel and Mintara, and they came quickly. "Here it is." he said. "But the horses must be left here." Laurel removed the bridles from the horses, but Mintara was reluctant to leave Emerion.

Finally, she left him, and followed the Dwarf into the tunnel. It took awhile to reach Reacicnec, but once they did, an amazing sight greeted them. They were in a huge cavern with glittering walls, and a ceiling so high, they could not see the top. A large Dwarf came to meet them. "We have been waiting," he said."Follow me." They trooped after him until they reached a large room that held many wonderful treasures. But he led them past and into a small room. "This is where we keep our precious metals." he said. "The dragon will now choose."

Ceralda and Laurel looked around while Mintara stood and looked bored. Finally, Ceralda nudged a piece of metal."I think that this will work very well.' she said. Laurel examined it. It looked like silver, but it was not silver. It glittered and shone brightly, but it was very light. Laurel could pick it up with one hand. "Are you sure?" she asked Ceralda. Ceralda nodded vigorously. "We'll take this." Laurel said. "You have chosen well." the Dwarf master said. "This is cira, a metal precious to my people. It is as strong as diamonds, yet so light-weight that it does not feel as if you are carrying anything." Mintara moved forward and touched it with her staff. A white light ran over it, and it disappeared instantly. "There, I'll keep that for you until we get to the elves," she said. "Now, let's go!" They all filed out, with Mintara bringing up the rear. Laurel knew that she was worried about Emerion. Goricnal came with them, for the Master Dwarf had commanded him to go and help them. Mintara laughed at this, and they looked at each other with distaste.

After a long climb, they reached the surface. As soon as Mintara's foot left the last step, the opening closed, and they could not tell where it had been. Laurel whistled for the horses, and Mintara called Emerion. They were on their way to the elves.