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#### 688Please respect copyright.PENANAVFa4CrCrXF
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The towering mass of vines was a domed juggernaut over 100 feet tall. Pulsing purple runes covered its domed surface.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAaHPlfmdb6Z
The Acolytes numbered in the thousands chanting together as the slow moving dome reached the clearing in the Sinister Forest. With in the hour the dome was at the portal, and was sucked though it.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAPhFlUWPOz8
####
688Please respect copyright.PENANA7wd2PMRlkV
Try
688Please respect copyright.PENANAt2oi5PgErV
The way is clear.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAPaqIvWrqjE
Can't you hear it?
688Please respect copyright.PENANADYvwtb2RnJ
Your spirit, she sings;
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Upon a bird's wing;
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Out of the darkness,
688Please respect copyright.PENANAF4UUkzKQMD
The heavy heart lightens.
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####
688Please respect copyright.PENANAjMyMJKlmkw
Merryn awoke to a beast with yellow fangs close to her face. She shrieked, rolling away from it. Everything hurt. "Uhhgg." Where was everyone? She backed further. A hill? She frowned. Lighting and robes?
688Please respect copyright.PENANATPHSiphVV4
Movement again.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA7kRaTqhHzS
The creature spread it's clawed paws wide and murmured. A wind blew on the chimes that grew from the branches of the silver trees. Back here again? Can't wake up just once without anxiety inducing crap happening?
688Please respect copyright.PENANAs8a7qxMzDd
The creature moved forward. She reached behind, whipping her hand over the grass. Just twigs and grass. Slipping into her boots. They're gone!
688Please respect copyright.PENANAKctG5dDn9S
The creature sat on its haunches. Its eyes softened and mouth moved. Growling and mewing. Was—it talking?
688Please respect copyright.PENANAIC2PUiWRci
It coughed, clearing its throat. "I'm Leo." He touched his chest.
688Please respect copyright.PENANALSnoLJWx73
She blinked.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAkmHw57HMEF
"Merryn."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAge33QW00o4
The crea—Leo smiled, a very pointy one, but none the less a smile. She chuckled. Is this a sick dream?
688Please respect copyright.PENANAgMqgtkCsYW
He rubbed his chin saying nothing, studying her.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA28GAcAGXWG
"How? Why?" She relaxed some and crossed her legs. The grass was wet and cold from the morning dew.
688Please respect copyright.PENANANPGEeiwLio
"I was little, you saved me. Remember?" He spaced his paws appart closing the distance between.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAu3opeBHl1c
Saved him? ... She rubbed her neck.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAqguz39jj5k
Leo mewed and sighed.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAsvEwWJwcvl
"Do that again." A memory tugged at the corners just out of reach.
688Please respect copyright.PENANABRIy8OPyhn
His fuzzy ears twitched. "Mewww."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAETBBSYg8Do
"You were that pup?"
688Please respect copyright.PENANA9XcGgrZNUT
"Yes! I was too afraid to talk back then."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAdNOfqD9g2R
She moved closer. "So, why?"
688Please respect copyright.PENANAAL8ebU2uhh
He moved slow and even to the firepit between them.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAMYKTirB4ko
"You're all I had back then. It's silly, I guess."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAjhf0mfFWl7
He placed a few logs on the fire, then touched each log with a fire stone. Nice. She held her hands out and rubbed them.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAEDPen26D1E
A large bird feathered of orange and yellow landed behind Leo, it stretched its neck; peering, then turned to Leo.
688Please respect copyright.PENANASgcEtBZwvG
"A force is coming this way. You both need to go."
688Please respect copyright.PENANATIK6mrbLEd
"Who is this?" said Merryn.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAY7rc4kKbLI
"Call me Blaze. Little time. Go!"
688Please respect copyright.PENANATeDDUti3R0
She turned back around and hugged Leo with her wings, then took off into the sky. Sparks jumped between the trees that she passed.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3LqVgkn57
Behind a sight that wouldn't sink in at first. Maxwell was walking toward her with Jason and a young man following.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAffSrGzzJiZ
She held a breath. Will he ever quit?
688Please respect copyright.PENANA7DJ7QNZll5
"Don't bother running. I'll find you again. Come back before its too late," Maxwell said.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAy9XmzL367m
Turning, she ran, with Leo following. Too weak right now to fight. She stumbled, retaining balance before face met with the ground.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAtGscMBb5lt
Blaze circled overhead diving, her beak wide open. A light within brightening her maw.
688Please respect copyright.PENANATXBDffK1RQ
Leo pulled her again. "Have to go faster it's going to get hot."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAwAScRjUhlm
Blaze breathed down a tourch of flame at Maxwell and troupe.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA3j9R6IWAg3
The trees instantly set ablaze, waves of heat singed her body.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA3571tx75NJ
"Run!"
688Please respect copyright.PENANA59mYAM00ZX
Taking his paw she shouted out a prayer for haste. Her body thrummed, a heat spreading through, this passed over to Leo. He tried to talk, but the loud wind whistled overriding his voice.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAqNaN5mALj2
The trees on the right sparked with lighting, the metal glowing and some melted down to a lump of slag. Maxwell now along side not more then twenty feet away turned. The sharp look ate across the distance.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAZhEBdB6UyE
Her heart tightened. She pushed on going faster, pulling Leo with.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA4PhczS9Vps
Leo gestured straight ahead.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAbYjFHaOGhf
Nodding, she weaved between the trees, leggs and arms burning. The prayer spell is wearing off, have to get away now!
688Please respect copyright.PENANAYUwtUUa8Ap
Leo pointed down.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAZYbWyg2Pk0
A short ledge with a lake below, jumping she pulled him with. Getting caught by him again, can't bear it. After emerging from the cover of the water the night lit up.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAQgfipeFUAQ
Blaze truly a creature of fire was set against the night sky with her wings spread out as a halo over her head. Her shrill edged cry, directed at Maxwell.
688Please respect copyright.PENANApQLlORP3Ep
Past Maxwell the half grown chicks huddled together shivering. Maxwell's lighting bolts hit only a hands spread away.
688Please respect copyright.PENANATmv3e85Vc5
"My babies! Die!"
688Please respect copyright.PENANAJRMbV0ugsd
She breathed in her throat glowing, then breathed out a swirling tourch that grew taking on the shape of a fanged dragon, this bolted at Maxwell.
688Please respect copyright.PENANADPsD023NIV
A bright bolt of lightning snaked up from the forest it hit Blaze's chest. Her yelp of pain ecoed throughout the forest.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAb22K4wnFtq
Leo stood there mute, shaking. His furied face contorted one of pure rage. Fat tears rolled down his face leaving wet tracks.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA0XX0vWenRt
Blaze lurched mid flight flapping franticly as she spun falling at an angle toward Maxwell.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA7efRGKYOnz
"We have to go. I'm sorry." She pulled on Leo's arm.
688Please respect copyright.PENANADcZ531sUAt
"They will be," he said. His tone harsh and cold.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA1vPTslqyDz
They both ran for the rest of that night; stopping only to catch their breath.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAX1zoOMO1tv
An earth cracking squawk filled the forest near dusk, then a thump.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAu5RWNCjlqr
His ears perked up, swiveling behind.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAuh3Y7QiqlN
"She's tough."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAlFlg8gtzWO
His face relaxed some and smiled a little.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAahQ1YXDFap
"Yes."
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####
688Please respect copyright.PENANAmmWNNizDAf
On a grassy hillside south of the forest a thudding vibration jolted through the soles of her boots.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAril5zIowK5
I need you to get on a ship; now that it's impossible to go back, thanks to that pizz of a bird!
688Please respect copyright.PENANAGBckFGPViL
She startled, Unnameds thoughts loud.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAQf2tV3n7TI
What are you talking about?
688Please respect copyright.PENANAB31x9PKUCl
A port town is ahead at the bottom of the hill, go to it.
688Please respect copyright.PENANATMhFrV1AqE
No.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAX9NB25KJfN
Then I'll make you.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAMoLCVwGPYp
The prayer for the haste spell tumbled out. She ran off ahead, leaving Leo behind.
688Please respect copyright.PENANATOkLAPXcvU
"Hey! Wait!"
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Her mouth clamped shut before she could speek.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAusSQrfy5vD
We will go further Southwest the port isn't far.
688Please respect copyright.PENANANTu1qPOO56
She ran down the grassy hill.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAlLkXYl8Hh1
"Merryn?" Leo yelled her name repeatedly.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAlRcNDoskPn
A few minutes later and his shouts faded.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAbWHOOasy7r
####
688Please respect copyright.PENANASVlHfM0k3q
A day later exhausted, Unnamed still pushed her to speed walk, her legs burned and her feet hurt. Sweat drenched her back.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAYw8fyUUWFL
Just let me rest.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAGfd9uXAs0k
After, keep going. Unnamed's thoughts were faint.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAop6j5WUWqB
Guess it wore him out too, good.
688Please respect copyright.PENANABYpGvjl1Js
Screeching of Sealarks filled her ears, a warm breeze carried with it the briney salt of the ocean. The ocean sucked even more then usual. The sea was calm this day.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA4ZqK9TCy5M
Off ahead a long line of workers carried barrels of goods. Further down past was a bustling port harbor with several ships tied to the long docks.
688Please respect copyright.PENANALM5oTZaEkO
A bell clanged bong-dong, and the workers stopped what they were doing. They all went and stood in line at a booth, a skinny man handed them each a pouch, after they went into town.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAsZIlvrdNTa
Unnamed held her locked in a walk, until the last one left the docks. Legs pumping he pushed her into a sprint to the largest ship. On its side it read: cloudy sphere.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAdya0HJSfE3
Unnamed had her wisper to Kage, the shadows flowed over.
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Too sunny out, it's going to break in a few seconds.
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More then enough time.
688Please respect copyright.PENANATTH64xvMRN
The shadows broke just as feet touched a slanted plank that went up to the ship. It looked empty. She checked from bow to stern; empty.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAqyX0VvIR2Y
The entrance to the hold was next to the captains room under the helm. This was all at the back of the ship. Unnamed had her sit right on the deck.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAeqDQxTfqyX
Now you wait.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA0RccuHNDRQ
Do I even want to know?
688Please respect copyright.PENANABXVGSvoESn
Yelling and screaming from down the docks and footfalls nearby.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAOdAa8bHxE9
Leo walked up.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAGbF3gKDtAZ
"Get up! Come on!"
688Please respect copyright.PENANAkTdpJfweMB
Reaching out with a paw he tapped her shoulder.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAEM0o1cDf0O
"Our master is growing week, don't muck this up."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAIqAU1n3H5v
Leo snapped around and turned back, crouching down. He started to speak, but fell over his fur smoking.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA5PVkMVwz6a
Poor Leo, should have kept going.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA1LuMyJtgSl
"Toss it into the brig, it may have uses later."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAMS3duhIPy4
"Now, how to get you to behave?"
688Please respect copyright.PENANAxROeStGWdR
Swinging his staff in an angle. She closed her eyes and tried to bear down before it hit. Seconds passed buy, she peeked.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAhMYmt2SlEm
Kar walked up the plank, and stood beside Maxwell.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAVFspSU9KTi
"Interesting, why don't you move?" said Maxwell.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA1XnUVqOBeS
Kar went to Leo pushing him onto his side.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAmGmJsqyj2e
"Monster, why do you interfere?" He let out a heavy breath. I've had enough problems this week dealing with that infernal overgrown chicken." Kar shook his sholder. Leo's eyes rolled back in his head.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAjwbPxSxcvi
"You didn't have to kill it Max."
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"Its not dead."
688Please respect copyright.PENANA958exj6HSe
He snapped his fingers and and several Acolytes scampered up onto the ship beside him.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAhwzYCxs0OC
"Go, and inform Nukpana that we are here, and to finish with her preparations."
688Please respect copyright.PENANA48TC53swwY
"It will be done." They scurried off the ship.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAGZ4QvicKn5
He blocked two of them from leaving with an outstretched arm.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAoO0e5ojQdF
"Drag the bugbear to the brig like I said."
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"Yes Sir!"
688Please respect copyright.PENANAMy4KBwsPpV
There was much huffing and puffing as they dragged him to an open area leftside of the captain's room. His arms floped and it was dreadful how his head thumped as they dragged him down the stairs.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAttVBwtydNn
Maxwell bent down touching her shoulder. She couldn't even flinch as Unnamed still held her ridged.
688Please respect copyright.PENANADQLbAaA7MW
He took out a tiny purple paper lamp and lit it; he blew the smoke on her face, and then circled around her making several rings of smoke. These rings closed and then dispersed.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAXi19t56obx
"Unamed is asleep now, but it won't do so for long. Get up, don't do anything stupid or I'll execute the beast."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAECnLXW03ly
He touched her nose with his pointer finger. "Savvy?"
688Please respect copyright.PENANAs1VPQX9w0Q
"Yes."
688Please respect copyright.PENANAYxbQNZUuiU
She stood rubbing her stiff neck. How to get out of here? Why did Unnamed do this? Leo ...
688Please respect copyright.PENANAsGKylVMv15
Kar moved to the port side of the ship and looked out to the sparkling ocean. The others immediately tended to different jobs. Some checked the lines while others checked the Main sail. After they were done, they stood ready.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAih9zitX73q
Maxwell went to the middle of the deck.
688Please respect copyright.PENANA81yNEYBggz
"Hoist the sails! And watch that boom!"
688Please respect copyright.PENANASkmteJpxTF
He flashed her a look; it really was a flash that blinded. Her eyes watered and squeezed out the sides of her eyes. He clasped her arm and pulled her forward, then pushed from behind.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAdxs236VIM8
"Hey!"
688Please respect copyright.PENANA6EHvJcRm7y
"Move."
688Please respect copyright.PENANARMHK2vUWd5
"Do I look like a rag doll to you? I'm going–"
688Please respect copyright.PENANAOSFSYksKWv
He pushed her to the captains quarters, closed the door and locked it.
688Please respect copyright.PENANAJLbJm5IM8s
The sway of the boat almost put her to sleep, she rolled up into a ball with her head tucked up to her knees. Is it over?