x
#### 687Please respect copyright.PENANA2UoOy5kwLQ
687Please respect copyright.PENANAXejxNsDtor
The towering mass of vines was a domed juggernaut over 100 feet tall. Pulsing purple runes covered its domed surface.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAkMhDCixskt
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA2ViTSDSblU
####
687Please respect copyright.PENANA4hEHocg14L
Try
687Please respect copyright.PENANAlK4wWQaVKG
The way is clear.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAnHj2OK9R97
Can't you hear it?
687Please respect copyright.PENANAWiDbriZ9vd
Your spirit, she sings;
687Please respect copyright.PENANA2s7f3yrEC0
Upon a bird's wing;
687Please respect copyright.PENANA9ME8oIdO5A
Out of the darkness,
687Please respect copyright.PENANADpciIotRXE
The heavy heart lightens.
687Please respect copyright.PENANABDICkP3z1m
####
687Please respect copyright.PENANAyIJP54NKZU
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?
687Please respect copyright.PENANAbyNVtzORwq
Movement again.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAsZ0UrVsobB
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?
687Please respect copyright.PENANAbL16mPcfJS
The creature moved forward. She reached behind, whipping her hand over the grass. Just twigs and grass. Slipping into her boots. They're gone!
687Please respect copyright.PENANAQ4baRb2S93
The creature sat on its haunches. Its eyes softened and mouth moved. Growling and mewing. Was—it talking?
687Please respect copyright.PENANAbeeBSOQ4ef
It coughed, clearing its throat. "I'm Leo." He touched his chest.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAhp2qsQi4kc
She blinked.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAbeW6dmRkjh
"Merryn."
687Please respect copyright.PENANA51sc1a2iRC
The crea—Leo smiled, a very pointy one, but none the less a smile. She chuckled. Is this a sick dream?
687Please respect copyright.PENANAZmpR943ZID
He rubbed his chin saying nothing, studying her.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAqUXF2iETMc
"How? Why?" She relaxed some and crossed her legs. The grass was wet and cold from the morning dew.
687Please respect copyright.PENANArRuPjrYY88
"I was little, you saved me. Remember?" He spaced his paws appart closing the distance between.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAq9guPBT0O4
Saved him? ... She rubbed her neck.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAoydxFr1ZY6
Leo mewed and sighed.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA4qNjODlXmS
"Do that again." A memory tugged at the corners just out of reach.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAAcoec0oRRI
His fuzzy ears twitched. "Mewww."
687Please respect copyright.PENANADmx5Di5wk8
"You were that pup?"
687Please respect copyright.PENANA8IJcgm8tS1
"Yes! I was too afraid to talk back then."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAmc34NiRy9g
She moved closer. "So, why?"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAdhhRXrP0cF
He moved slow and even to the firepit between them.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAnOSB64lgJe
"You're all I had back then. It's silly, I guess."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAfFg8Gsyt74
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAkoGZhBQYrL
A large bird feathered of orange and yellow landed behind Leo, it stretched its neck; peering, then turned to Leo.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA0GR7yBzDTi
"A force is coming this way. You both need to go."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAXQvX2BUnDw
"Who is this?" said Merryn.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAwh5lVQ0XEn
"Call me Blaze. Little time. Go!"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAetTjqCkbWv
She turned back around and hugged Leo with her wings, then took off into the sky. Sparks jumped between the trees that she passed.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAnRTn0ixCmN
Behind a sight that wouldn't sink in at first. Maxwell was walking toward her with Jason and a young man following.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAWvTByoDMtR
She held a breath. Will he ever quit?
687Please respect copyright.PENANAZOTG1m1V1B
"Don't bother running. I'll find you again. Come back before its too late," Maxwell said.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAFIzoPvOVhU
Turning, she ran, with Leo following. Too weak right now to fight. She stumbled, retaining balance before face met with the ground.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAzTlZ0i1BIC
Blaze circled overhead diving, her beak wide open. A light within brightening her maw.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAQUUAPf48FF
Leo pulled her again. "Have to go faster it's going to get hot."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAEoaeHQHyWW
Blaze breathed down a tourch of flame at Maxwell and troupe.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAO48cVANu0Z
The trees instantly set ablaze, waves of heat singed her body.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAO4ercS6Ihy
"Run!"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAYnVVg4iaNC
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAhOrnsBWBCp
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAC9EzXdpCvn
Her heart tightened. She pushed on going faster, pulling Leo with.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAbBUyCvrfaw
Leo gestured straight ahead.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAJjpuBpR5Ql
Nodding, she weaved between the trees, leggs and arms burning. The prayer spell is wearing off, have to get away now!
687Please respect copyright.PENANAioJsJcInO3
Leo pointed down.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAFUSTmgOwh1
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAu3yr5NyUTv
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANABLTIvW3Fnn
Past Maxwell the half grown chicks huddled together shivering. Maxwell's lighting bolts hit only a hands spread away.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAm6FQ5frFUN
"My babies! Die!"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAHG3DPXJZrW
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAz5E2PGnGmT
A bright bolt of lightning snaked up from the forest it hit Blaze's chest. Her yelp of pain ecoed throughout the forest.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAOxikVZI3Sx
Leo stood there mute, shaking. His furied face contorted one of pure rage. Fat tears rolled down his face leaving wet tracks.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAY45zT9WNmS
Blaze lurched mid flight flapping franticly as she spun falling at an angle toward Maxwell.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAZFk7QTRfny
"We have to go. I'm sorry." She pulled on Leo's arm.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAMkNXmoKGzz
"They will be," he said. His tone harsh and cold.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAlpZcHu0JKH
They both ran for the rest of that night; stopping only to catch their breath.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAAZ1lCy9NIu
An earth cracking squawk filled the forest near dusk, then a thump.
687Please respect copyright.PENANApKNVd2YfIN
His ears perked up, swiveling behind.
687Please respect copyright.PENANADjspQQxfcM
"She's tough."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAl9hwXktuKz
His face relaxed some and smiled a little.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAruhNO5dSsA
"Yes."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAo1kuEcaUW2
####
687Please respect copyright.PENANAnupQTq6V9B
On a grassy hillside south of the forest a thudding vibration jolted through the soles of her boots.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA5L2vwaHmsX
I need you to get on a ship; now that it's impossible to go back, thanks to that pizz of a bird!
687Please respect copyright.PENANAzWEl7lSsyw
She startled, Unnameds thoughts loud.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAb6ntK8qxim
What are you talking about?
687Please respect copyright.PENANANczwwecn6G
A port town is ahead at the bottom of the hill, go to it.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAXvsI1q0RqZ
No.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAqy9IArpN6R
Then I'll make you.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAYBwtaEMogO
The prayer for the haste spell tumbled out. She ran off ahead, leaving Leo behind.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAW81VgmWSyk
"Hey! Wait!"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAOnlN6mAl4o
Her mouth clamped shut before she could speek.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAae82uOScqP
We will go further Southwest the port isn't far.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAaGTvg0F5YF
She ran down the grassy hill.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAwGG1xCUBAU
"Merryn?" Leo yelled her name repeatedly.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAHCFqVzQQHK
A few minutes later and his shouts faded.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAqfjLUtVDJ6
####
687Please respect copyright.PENANAT3QKKZJsVX
A day later exhausted, Unnamed still pushed her to speed walk, her legs burned and her feet hurt. Sweat drenched her back.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAB3KAzp8A2F
Just let me rest.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAKGRls3yOJu
After, keep going. Unnamed's thoughts were faint.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA7zBW4vl5Zo
Guess it wore him out too, good.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAA82DUYkJCa
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANALLCiJcD2mo
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAlQbr9rkHI1
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAexBOnBZZ7k
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAHjMEqqIYPS
Unnamed had her wisper to Kage, the shadows flowed over.
687Please respect copyright.PENANANBWJMZZeEF
Too sunny out, it's going to break in a few seconds.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAjoG4ikLoqd
More then enough time.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAyzrfCgJlKn
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAvRQ1r5rK6b
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAQjbsrC21sS
Now you wait.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA4qNj3iuV8N
Do I even want to know?
687Please respect copyright.PENANAWuDaSE3li8
Yelling and screaming from down the docks and footfalls nearby.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAL7d5NNiApu
Leo walked up.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAQE1ACiX9XY
"Get up! Come on!"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAW7fhy8IVyp
Reaching out with a paw he tapped her shoulder.
687Please respect copyright.PENANABdfYQH3mRL
"Our master is growing week, don't muck this up."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAwl5M65n3xo
Leo snapped around and turned back, crouching down. He started to speak, but fell over his fur smoking.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAVGxemRh35o
Poor Leo, should have kept going.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAVtmBwMhP02
"Toss it into the brig, it may have uses later."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAPHXUlKgs6E
"Now, how to get you to behave?"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAbQauBS5D1W
Swinging his staff in an angle. She closed her eyes and tried to bear down before it hit. Seconds passed buy, she peeked.
687Please respect copyright.PENANASWlMMSWvYh
Kar walked up the plank, and stood beside Maxwell.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAGxnuDA0FoJ
"Interesting, why don't you move?" said Maxwell.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAWjEXuyTFCw
Kar went to Leo pushing him onto his side.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA1D96Fr7mFR
"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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAxK5di4tgtj
"You didn't have to kill it Max."
687Please respect copyright.PENANA8j0KWS5u56
"Its not dead."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAQY6C3jziS2
He snapped his fingers and and several Acolytes scampered up onto the ship beside him.
687Please respect copyright.PENANASWMPbe6Pgj
"Go, and inform Nukpana that we are here, and to finish with her preparations."
687Please respect copyright.PENANABMpsXXPbm8
"It will be done." They scurried off the ship.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAT9hkmVhfPJ
He blocked two of them from leaving with an outstretched arm.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAQkNunWY3Ee
"Drag the bugbear to the brig like I said."
687Please respect copyright.PENANA6jMq0hswxf
"Yes Sir!"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAfD5tC3J5g6
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANADZE0u1FaTB
Maxwell bent down touching her shoulder. She couldn't even flinch as Unnamed still held her ridged.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA82O6oUT1dI
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAJSzyRwNju5
"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."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAjHKIMy5gYb
He touched her nose with his pointer finger. "Savvy?"
687Please respect copyright.PENANA46HheWcJyD
"Yes."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAqQ5KWa0C45
She stood rubbing her stiff neck. How to get out of here? Why did Unnamed do this? Leo ...
687Please respect copyright.PENANAPpkq6wFzgL
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA7nRtmNfEn9
Maxwell went to the middle of the deck.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAwa3dd4Cv91
"Hoist the sails! And watch that boom!"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAamvyc16oJh
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.
687Please respect copyright.PENANAXWHMvRS5Rl
"Hey!"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAfkBLfL0QwQ
"Move."
687Please respect copyright.PENANAWK1cQgApod
"Do I look like a rag doll to you? I'm going–"
687Please respect copyright.PENANAPTqDzEYHiE
He pushed her to the captains quarters, closed the door and locked it.
687Please respect copyright.PENANA5MPnlYBwJJ
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?