x
Marryn rolled over and crouched low.786Please respect copyright.PENANAaypmr3N1lc
Crack.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAaXoW22eHbK
Light footsteps, even the crack of a twig was almost too soft to hear. For a human that is.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA7y2HNZgJIu
She elbowed him and put a finger to his lips.
786Please respect copyright.PENANArg5aRqGWMR
He rolled over and pushed to his feet.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAdiXWAuKBBc
She pulled him back down yanking his arm.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAH36xcgFJHa
"Are you trying to get an arrow through your eye?" By the under-gods! What kind of lazy training had he had?
786Please respect copyright.PENANA5zKSlULT9E
Should box that cocksure look off his face.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAwpFxAadPBh
Maxwell the lead guard came prowling out of the woods on the other side of the field and crossed it. The shadows of the forest clung to him. Sliding his hood down black ringlets tumbled out that haloed his grim face.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAdJ2XUsH37h
He was not alone. He like the men that followed were what was left of the king's guards. Dominate over the other soldiers who followed; they fanned out from the woods and stood there silent. Jason was among them; as always a thin half smile frisked his lips. The other guards had shadowed bags under their eyes.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAPErw2R6K3o
She dug a heel into the ground and turned her head away. Dealing with him again so soon was a test of patience.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAO5eV6CEXsf
The corner of his mouth twitched. He slipped a thumb easy like under his belt and settled on her.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAJNSRTZI8ZF
She startled and cut back a curse.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAlHdJpjkivY
A large Nekhawk that followed, him landed on his held out arm. Where a bird's head should have been a gray squid face of tentacles withered about; In the middle of this mass was a long silver beak. Its lower half was that of a black hawk.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAqJao9AJacZ
On the side of the squid's face was its eyes, they were large as a hens egg and dark. The Nekhawk leaned forward its tentacles squiggling. These were supposed to have been obliterated after the war as an act of trust. How did he get his hands on one?
786Please respect copyright.PENANAJ3H53W3MGg
It opened its beak.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA3n28bfmmhq
A slow fizzy gurgling turned into a screech.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAUH3Fb6LaQB
She covered them while shaking. A pressure built up in her ears and she clamped her jaw to avoid crying out.
786Please respect copyright.PENANADv0tj4ljsB
"Do you like my pet? It's one of the few that survived The War of the Fifty."
786Please respect copyright.PENANA2B47PSO90q
His bass voice snapped, though the clearing like a closing iron shackle.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAAkeDDlPio5
The creature continued its assault. She cupped her ears, make it stop!
786Please respect copyright.PENANASEFt05ZGV8
She tried to sit up, to do something. It was hard to think let alone move. The creature's were pure poison of sound, first paralysis then madness.
786Please respect copyright.PENANApjZrnWHnoU
Maxwell turned toward Parcival.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAoCFJjXgy4H
"Well Paladin, you seem stupid enough; having fun being a lap dog?"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAsvqh5npCUX
The Nekhawk hopped onto Maxwell's shoulder and preened its feathers.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA1mQP3KVh7S
Parcival stepped over to her. He looked down as he did his face softened a fraction before he looked at Maxwell again.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA8qOFrlA9YJ
Parcival's face smoothed out. "What is your problem?"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAvhWKwws602
"I have no desire to bother with you, leave now this has nothing to do with you. Continue to get in my way and I will have no qualms wiping you out." He stoked the creature's feathers for a moment.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAw4zGFnw6I1
"As I said before, even Olenus will not be able to help you should I find you have lied."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAGZ8O0MD4c2
He glanced sideways at Marryn for a second.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAjQDjt2wD2S
"And, it seems I've been proven correct or you would not be with her."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAPXYwyZHhDU
His right hand had a dark shadow that orbited it. He closed his eyes for a moment and the shadow vaporized.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAqBR4lXBOZ2
The sharp buzzing in her ears made it hard to concentrate. After what happened a few minutes ago, his boasts of righteous seemed to hold up.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAsdy1qIDab5
"He isn't lying, we are just traveling the same way. I don't want anything to do with him."
786Please respect copyright.PENANA06u4Fe4hc7
The lie felt sour in her stomach, still, it was best that Parcival went home before ... before. The hawk was it louder? Can't call--spirits.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAk2k1Miahnl
Maxwell squared his shoulders; with a sharp gleam in his eyes, he drew out a short sword.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA9odNzsVz1k
He pulled back one arm as he swung it at her neck.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAVYCN3mltgg
She closed her eyes the only part that would move.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA2vf5pXoSVy
"Let her go, now!"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAKJKbKcQgIS
Cracking an eye open, Parcival stood before Maxwell. The hawk's screech went lower. It seemed true, human males protected females ... any female?
786Please respect copyright.PENANAoKhy8dUr5x
The other soldiers crept out of the trees behind him.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAuuDDLnkGC9
"I see that look on your face, you think I would come after you alone?"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAUdYhFHhBX2
He signaled to Jason.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAEB1khafHzC
"Take care of the other problem, will you?" He cranted a short cancel spell.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAg56K7Xzv47
Jason came to his side.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAzJ5TQJPytB
"As you wish."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAwvDfAnMFCA
He strutted over to where the other guards were, now circled around Parciaval.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA7xsm5OBrEZ
Parcival jerked as they flashed several spears at his head. They motioned for him to sit back down. He inched his fingers over the hilt of the sword.
786Please respect copyright.PENANANMqkwB9x33
Jason spotted this, so he pushed the tip of his spear to Parcival's chin lifting it.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAxQeVFBbVuk
His expression turned stormy. "Are you so eager to die?"
786Please respect copyright.PENANA7dLHknJdwV
Parcival slid his hand away and sat back down. His look became harder than she's seen in the human before, it was completely foreign, curious.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA2YzAkKDYbR
Maxwell glared at her, knowing him, it was best not to test him. He huffed through his nose while jamming the sword back in its scabbard.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAh8RsGrOKAj
She held a breath.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAeTSMIO6bTE
"No, not yet, far too kind for you. Did you ever think that you've been lied and used? I know what you plan on doing and will not allow it!"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAvfjmVYuLPI
Maxwell pushed her against a nearby tree; his hands clamped on her arms. How is he doing this? Did he know or was he bluffing? Low hanging branches poked her shoulders.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAOPm1kSAM8X
She struggled in his grip. "Let me go. Now. What ever it is you think I'm doing, you have no idea. I have to-" She clamped her mouth shut. Watch it keep quiet.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA5YvzaSqUN7
"Giving orders? You annoy me greatly." Maxwell snarled. His grip tightened.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAubSfBMbqdf
Heat burned her cheeks. Unbelievable, was her training pointless?
786Please respect copyright.PENANAwFxGKWX2Gh
"How are you able to even-" "It's easy enough." He grinned. "You'll figure it out if not you'll die."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAZqhz4DyRpJ
He took out his sword and smoothed the flat side across her arm. It burned, blisters grew on her skin. She drew in several ragged breaths.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAdpJVnYHx3k
"Elvin Bane. How did you find any? It was all destroyed as part of the treaty."
786Please respect copyright.PENANA5tBV2xgrqq
"It grows wild still. I know what you really are. A disgusting creature that slaughters villages to the ground for no reason." His hot breath blasted over her face.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAdfBypRTVmV
"I never should have let one of your kind in my city, my home." He spat on her face. "You won't fool him for much longer."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAfDQ4HI5Ibc
The Nekhawk stopped its damn screech and took off into the sky and circled above.
786Please respect copyright.PENANADnXE4Y738j
"That was hundreds of years ago, I'm not like them, we have moved past, such ways." She squirmed under his grip.
786Please respect copyright.PENANArdA3dCPxyu
"Delusional. You are a danger and need to be put down."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7aC3F5s0Z
"You're crazy, let me go!" She cleaved the air with a hand. "Stop it!"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAPYu1CIYvBX
"Give it to me," a voice behind, said.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAx01zy2ZFEB
Glass shattered.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAX2SryRwk3D
Maxwell turned while still holding her. She pried at hands.
786Please respect copyright.PENANALWePqZcYiP
"Let--go." If only the blasted mans attention would lapse.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAXvCBwDppmb
Parcival stood drawing his sword. "Back off, or watch him become a pile of frozen fragmented chunks!"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAQzKPxrFzk5
Maxwell dragged her with his hand across the small field.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAr3DDFPgvsA
"Put your sword down." He held her up.
786Please respect copyright.PENANArgZuudnlfx
It was waking. She could feel the vines moving under the skin on her back. It tended to stay away to reserve energy. Within its presence bubbled up, dark and forbidding.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAlVi8uOmerM
Parcival held the sword flat side out above Jason's head.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAjUziQxAWYj
"Then I guess you don't care about this man, do you?" His sword swung in an arc.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAV88zrfiAFe
"I see, we are at an impasse," Maxwell said.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA4PLTIHYEaC
Maxwell brought her closer to his body. Close enough now she kicked him in the crotch.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAVJNELfaJzf
His back arched and he sucked in a quick rapid breath, but did not let go.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA0QPMlxpmAx
"Infernal creature!" He shook her until she thought her brains would bounce out of her skull.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAfTGGk6ObCw
She sputtered, unable to say anything.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAmdqmujtaxM
He cursed with the ruggedness of a sailor while he locked on her with a hate filled glare.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAj35WuV7u7i
"Ten seconds."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAwNchQvkYBh
Parcival completed the ark of his sword; holding it in the air half-way before Jason's head.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAvQ69XOypkM
It was now midday and the sun blazed off of the frozen statue of Jason, who she swore seemed to move and at that moment, several cracks appeared from the center spreading up like a fine broken spider web.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAedOvTt3eyV
She pointed with her eyes at Jason. Hope he sees that.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAloaRq5B0Kl
"Next time your potions won't save her."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAsTSzE2uQo1
"Nine."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAY3YaBhNblv
"He dies first. It's a promise." His voice was flat and low.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAZlUqXql6gU
"Eight."
786Please respect copyright.PENANARV7oYY6pO3
He let go and before she took a step he hit the back of her neck.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAOC7VnykKNf
"Go. A reminder."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAJcZez4MI7h
She scrambled over to Parcival's side, and placed her hands on her knees, dragging in the fresh air to her sore lungs. Her neck burned and bubbled. Must just be him, a thought slammed into her mind. Was he the one the Adapts warned about? She tilted her head. Uncertain, could be.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAsVF86XBKmc
In front of Parcival, Jason was encased in a skintight crystal tomb with a look of shock frozen on his face. A spark of pity for the man floated, but it fizzled down to regret. Something about the man, reminded her-but of what? That too flitted away.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAxUUv8xoBvQ
She peeked a look at Parcival.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAV5UCOs4Rmx
There had to be some way to tell him some way without-the grass why did it swirl? She closed her eyes counting to three. Good, it stopped.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAnDwulpnd8x
"Head back into the forest, now," he said.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAHOtKQ3ROZV
He quieted the Neckhawk and stifled its noise.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAzRjNE56cwV
Maxwell glared at them. "We are not finished, you realize?" Both men looked at each other as if they would cause each to burst into flame.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAdyAsHTivbH
Silently, he slipped back into the forest vanishing.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAJD21DmFgn0
This day stretched out as if it was a week, so much had happened in the past hour.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAYWGT2IkjO4
"Why didn't you leave? Are you trying to die?" She clasped her hands on her head. "Arg!"
786Please respect copyright.PENANARaSttHzTFQ
A long drawn out sigh was his only answer, he turned towards the ridge.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAyAiLQXDMK3
A valley showed below the ridge. She leaned over a little. Shouldn't take more than a few hours. A sparrow hovered near before taking off into the valley. Hum, there were a lot of them around here. Need to get my ears checked its chirp sounded like a hiss.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAC5dzbLxVyu
She knelt down more pain returned it was hard to breathe.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAtNcJ6YH7vT
She studied Parcival. Just what were you doing out here oh, holy one? His kind tend to say nice and safe in the city's. The gaudy armor was far too flashy to be of any real use.
786Please respect copyright.PENANARA881cPBLu
"I have my own reasons for coming to you." He stepped in front of her.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA3z2TpD2hhM
There had to be another reason why he was with. I didn't buy all the goody stuff, everyone had a reason for what they did.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAkn6c30I0kJ
She put her daggers back into their sheaths.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAW1W9675CyN
"You need to think about this, what I've done doesn't deserve help." her voice softened.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAIGQQlA6dPv
Her neck twinged another sharp pain and burning. Her cheek twitched as she fought a building need to cry out.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA1IWYpAy80h
Silent he stepped closer and wrapped his hands around hers.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAaGQiKYDUwH
"That's for me to decide."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAJmcFJoG4jO
He pulled her closer to him and traced a finger along the side of her face.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA7Vapf1Iv1a
"You're in pain, and your face is taut. Tell me what's going on?"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAeSc9GMBwpi
"I can't. Don't touch me." She backed away.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAcUym1rWA2j
What if the god decided to switch? She pulled back with in, expressionless. It was hard always rejecting him; each time a little more of the hollowness inside grew. She clinched her fists behind her back hiding them. Self pity does no good quit it.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAUpGYR52aTh
He threw his hands into the air. "You're the most frustrating woman. Let go of your pride, you can't do everything yourself!"
786Please respect copyright.PENANA6EzFNu1sDE
His eyes. The glint that was usually there had been replaced by a hardness.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA4cdRvtgB9b
She hugged herself and turned. I've my own vows to keep. Damn it.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAXsdDmsSOhx
"Time to go-" The pain under her skin, like a thousand rolling hot coals. Unnamed's vines worked their way inside her neck. She squeezed her hands together trying not to scream or to cry. Cursed evil spirit please stop.
786Please respect copyright.PENANANMbsiTGE1L
There is no other way, I need your energy vessel be glad I do not take it all now. Unnamed dry voice whispered in her mind.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAUeSJxFDYyV
"I didn't mean to upset you."
786Please respect copyright.PENANApWzn5bspAJ
He came over holding his hand out. She backed away too fast and stumbled.
786Please respect copyright.PENANALk8wDu0Ffd
"Don't don't look at me, don't touch me." I'm an abomination.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAWZNmxruWjy
Parcival came over to her. "Your aura has shrunk way down and flattened!" He stepped close again and held his hand out near her shoulder but pulled it back before touching.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA76bWgxP5kT
Aura? "It's nothing I had a kink in my neck."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAKIHW3qIYon
The pain eased as the vines settled in. Straightening she worked a fake kink out of her back while forcing her face to become a mask.
786Please respect copyright.PENANApIdqZEGPcP
Very good vessel the pain will subside over time. Betrayal is of a pale nature do not get us both killed.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAurQATC0qD0
Don't understand.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAeNfzYIp0rZ
Trust no one.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA1J9FyegGq4
Lies, don't trust you! You're abhorrent!
786Please respect copyright.PENANAdiOQedowPr
The god grumbled and grew silent.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA60pwKMyW0I
They went over to the ridge nearby and followed it North around a lake. Then they headed down another road as it curved in a valley with snowy peaks of mountains surrounding it partway. Sickle Village, named after the mountains that fenced it was just a pinpoint of flickering lights.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAlLgOM5i2w3
A cool breeze flowed over her and cooled her sore neck; with it a sweet smell of the valleys wildflowers it came off as a touch too strong for her taste. She stopped to rest on the soft grass. Her life-force ever so little drained away, as Unnamed wormed about under her skin and took what it needed.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAzo99y7UfQJ
She rubbed her neck grimacing as it had become tender and puffy.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAlWKSjtgxSL
"I should have done something." He scowled.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAxSr8kMuDBC
"Blaming yourself isn't going to change what happened. But for now it's vital I go home."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAEM0ZnBFsvh
"If you don't mind my asking where are you from?"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAwhssXOBPRI
"Dentree, have you ever been there?" Resting her head on her hand.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAPb9phWuA66
"No, I've heard it's it's the largest city next to Luna-jer."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAleN3vdG63h
The ground shuttered. A herd of wild Graluv's ambled by their calves ran back and forth between the long triad of furry shaped legs. One of the young turned its head close enough that her face reflected in its eyes as it passed by.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAxQePl6U2WV
They continued down into the valley, as soon as the wildlife passed over the road.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAZPFKIOwKnb
A wind picked up as night fell, dismal dark clouds rolled overhead. A rain fell sparse at first before increasing into a downpour. Irritating hair stuck to her back and the sides of her face. The road was long and winding.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAE5V8getOL7
"There's a long way to travel yet." She said. Once he goes to sleep he won't even know I'm gone.
786Please respect copyright.PENANATbwQJm4Wi3
His eyes narrowed a touch and he frowned. "Yes of course."
786Please respect copyright.PENANAlIysfP85Ci
Her shivering it became uncontrollable, her neck throbbed with a sharp aching as the vines went in further into her muscles.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAkCby57Bw9S
She stumbled a step. Her throat constricted and she wheezed.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAPEDfA9Jc7b
Don't panic he'll think you're crazy. She buckled forward falling to the ground.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAbnBoxXc262
He gripped her arm. Collapsing into a heap as her mind jumbled into fragments. No, not now!
786Please respect copyright.PENANAs3fiatyjd6
Closing her eyes for a heartbeat. When she opened them again Parcival knelt beside her.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAyMBCQC9wcW
He was saying something but the winds ripped the words from his mouth. She struggled to hear him but another dizzy spell hit. She tried in vain to speak but instead a wheezing gasp came out.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAPF5WOB9POr
Flashes of his worried face above hers. Being carried?
786Please respect copyright.PENANApC52pLRgrL
Soaked to the bone, as if ice filled them her body became a great winter her limbs akin to wooden planks, the winds ripped into her. Parcival held her close. The temperature dropped and her breaths came in frosted puffs. Why are you so kind to me?
786Please respect copyright.PENANAUufcSLW2rV
The cold bit into her uncovered skin. Through her fogged thoughts the far off lights of a town seemed as if they flaunted their warmth, taunting her as they flickered.
786Please respect copyright.PENANA3DwOy8jxWo
"You can't go to sleep stay awake!"
786Please respect copyright.PENANAF6X86Godle
He patted her cheeks with his free hand.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAdvym8qAaF8
"What's wrong, tell me!"
786Please respect copyright.PENANA2eYxtdQaay
She squinted as the wind squeezed tears from her eyes blurring everything. Her mind held nothing knew nothing but the cold, pain, and Parcival's warm touch. A bodiless sensation overcoming her as a blackness crept over her vision again.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAH7xhtIYY3Z
You can't fight this, just relax.
786Please respect copyright.PENANAi8UBtqRUL7
ns 15.158.61.48da2