[AVE]  Avelina watched from the docks as the ship carrying her companions made its way to Kelydon. Even across the distance from where she stood, she could make out the figures of Silk and Taliesin, where it looked as if Silk was trying to goad Taliesin into one of her tempers with his sly remarks about the weakness of females. She smiled to herself. It was a good group of people she had joined with back in Daewoo those couple of months ago. They made her feel comfortable and welcome and had offered their friendship readily. It was with Ageless and Taliesin that she had become closest to, both accepting her reluctance to share much about her childhood and past. Having them as friends was still a fairly new experience. The last few years she had spent keeping to herself, well as much as life in a noble's court would allow her to, with only her memories and thoughts to keep her company.
And her shadowolf of course.
She looked down at Wolfy and gave a playful tug at the thick fur around his neck. It was just about ten years ago when he was given to her as a small cub, just two days after she had lost her best friend. Fingering the moonstone chain around her neck, she shook her head as if to erase those painful memories. Not wanting to think about it now, she reached for the dock railing and took a deep breath. There was a reason she had decided to stay behind. During the last two weeks, the dreams and visions had been troubling her sleep, and from these she knew she was being called or summoned elsewhere.
The ship carrying her companions was halfway out to sea now, and the sun was rising higher in the sky. Making her way back to her horse, she pondered the meaning behind these visions. They were different from the usual visions she was accustomed to, more personal somehow; deeper.
Moving to the East, the horse covered the miles easily, with the wolf setting the pace just in front. As the night established its reign in the skies above, and the shadows grew deeper, they arrived at their destination. Avelina felt the powerful presence before she saw the source of it. Wolfy howled and the horse whinnied in its skittishness.
The young man stepped into the meagre circle of light emitted by the cloud obscured moon and looked up at her.

** *** **

[AGE, MAR & TAL] The night had come and I stood on the back deck of the boat.  Everyone was either asleep or on another part of the ship. Which suited me fine for I had things to do and did not need for anyone to see me. I stood there, then I let my mind begin to move time and space. The air begin to stir around me and my body began to lose it shape as I went to time and space to Talk with Marduk.   Marduk was waiting for me along with all the others. We sat passed hugs and warm greeting. Then it was down to discussing the plan.  Marduk it is time for us to introduce you to Tal and let her know who she is. We must get her on her training.   "I agree. There is much she has to learn about herself and it it is time to move forward with the Plan." Marduk replied. "There is much that you can teach her, but we must be introduced. I have a role in her training also. There is much in my Memories that she must know. I sense she is asleep now, but we must begin her training immediately.  Perhaps you could prepare her for this tomorrow morning?"  I think it would be best to introduce you tonight. I can go to the ship and wake her and begin her here. Then we can be sure that no one hears or knows . If we are going to go for it lets go all the way. Then she will have a true scope of what is really taking place. "True," Marduk said "but I am afraid that the sight of this many Dragons at one time might overwhelm her. Bring her to my lair and we can begin her training tonight. I turn and with that the air moved and I was standing over Tal. I put my hand to her mouth and spoke to her mind, shhhh . Tal wakes starts to reach for her dagger and she hears my voice. I remove my hand , Tal gets up and with that a the air moves and we are standing outside the lair of Marduk. Tal looks at me.  "What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed. All signs of weariness were erased the minute the sensation of moving through Space hit her.  "Where are we? Where's the ship? What about the others?! You can't just leave them-" Tal's excited rambling was cut short by a mental command from Ageless.
"Quiet. They will not notice our leaving. We shall join them again soon.    I have brought you here for there is someone you must meet."
Taliesin calmed at the strange tone in Ageless' voice. She tried to think logically.   "You brought me here to meet someone...by some magic arts I assume.  This person then must be important. But if he's so important, why are we standing outside a cave and not at a palace?"
"Because,"replied Ageless "its not a person I brought you to see. Though he is important...extremely so." Tal looked puzzled. Not a person?  she thought. "Well what is it then?"
From behind her suddenly loomed a great shadow and before Ageless could answer a deep voice spoke, "I am not an 'It', child. I am a Dragon."
Tal spun to stare, stupified, at the majestic beast that rose before her.  She gulped. "Well now. A Dragon...erm..friend of yours
Ageless?" Ageless only smiled broadly, happy for once to see Tal without a clever remark. She continued haltingly, "Well..erm...nice to meet you..erm...ahh..?"
"Marduk." said the dragon. "Come child, we don't have time to waste with chit chat." He led them into his lair and Taliesin tried not to think about why it was Ageless wanted her to meet a dragon.

As they entered the lair, Marduk showed Tal and Ageless to two stone chairs and bade them to sit. " We have waited a long time in your coming, child. For centuries, the Dragons have waited and prepared for the One Who Will Come. There is much you must learn about yourself and your place in the Plan. Ageless has much to teach you and I shall aid in your education as much as possible," he said. "How old are you?"Tal asked in awe. "Only 572 years old," Marduk answered. "But my Memories go back to the beginning of the Plan. Over 3000 years have we carried these Memories with us, and this knowledge is vital in your training."
"Who is this One Who Will Come you spoke about earlier?" Tal asked.
"Why you are, my child. The One Who Will Come and Cleanse the World"
Marduk said reverently bowing to Tal in the chair.
Tal sat stunned. A dragon was bowing to her! What was going on?!  Glancing quickly at Ageless, Tal spoke, simply because it seemed Marduk expected her to. "You say that I'm this One Who Will Come?" she took a deep breath,"Alright, I guess I'll just accept that. I don't see that I have much choice about it. But O'Dragon,what is it I'm supposed to do exactly in the role that's been thrust upon me? You say I'm to cleanse the world?" Cleanse it of what? And how? She leant towards Marduk looking confused and feeling irritated because of that confusion.   At that moment Ageless stood up and walked in front of Tal. You see I said you are a Magi, one of pure blood and from a very old but powerful bloodline. Tal sat and just looked at me, as I went on to tell of how the Dragons had forseen the rising of Sade and the plan that was made to bring us here.  Of how her family had been killed and how I had taken her and arranged for her safety. Of the hidden city of the Magi's and how she was to be
the one to bring them forth into the great war that would decide the fate of the world. How she would need to learn the ways of the Magi so that they Magi people would know she was one of them and convince them to rise and join the war that would bring defeat of Sade. For the time has come. Sade has been looking for the lost text of Tashebi text. I look at Tal I know this is quite much for you but we are running out of time. I have sensed in my mind that they may have found the lost city of
Shalimar and the towers of Wisdom. If that be the case I know that they have found two of the texts. Then I stood tall and many colors of light stired around me , with a deep voice I spoke Tal will you take this task ?

Tal stared Ageless in the eyes. The presence of the dragon was all but  forgotten in her mind as she absorbed the meaning of what she had just been  told. A hundred reasons to refuse this task came to mind. But somehow her lips wouldn't form the words. It felt right. At that moment she knew. It  was her destiny, she was sure of it. And there was something else. This
would lead her back to her real family, to her past. There was only one answer she could give.
"Yes. I will lead the Magi to victory." With that answer came a mighty roar from Marduk , It is done!!!!! Ageless then looks at Marduk , so be it I shall start the begining of her training while we are on the boat. We must be getting back before someone does miss us. Marduk looks with a great smile I shall becoming back and forth through time and space now hidden of course . Come lets leave. As we walked out of Marduk lair Tal gives a gasps as before us the as far as the eye could see was dragons. I looked at Tal and giggled you know it is nice to see you speechless. With that the air moved and glowed with light we returned to the ship. As Marduk who decided to come with us were talking , we heard a noise. turned only to see Silk standing there trying to say something.

** *** **

[TEK]  As he sat in the palace resting, Tekarious suddenly felt someone in the romm with him. He spun around to attack but quickly found himself slamming into a the wall behind him. Kal looked down at him disapprovingly. "Your getting soft, boy." Tek hung his head down sheepishly. " you need to get out and do something sence you cant seem to find those books!

Tek started to speak but was cut off. Kal told him that there was a man named Balinok Oge who was hunting an enemy of Sade's. He ordered tek to go and assist him, not only to find the enemy but to keep an eye on him and dispose of him if necessary. Sade didn't want any loose ends.

Tek tried to speak once more but Kal was already gone.  Tek looked over at the case on the far side of the room and began muttering to himself, "I've already got two of the books! The information says the others aren't even here!" He began to calm and regain his icy demeanor. "Oh well, maybe I'll be able to hunt them down on the road." He went to the case and pulled out
the two anceint books. "I guess I should take these with me." he said as he walked from the throne room to begin packing...*

** *** **

[MAR]  "Well. He's finally gone to play with his little human friends." Martek chortled. "You don't think very highly of the humans, do you, Martek," Korduk replied. "Of course, not little sister, they are weak and soft and they don't live very long and we are far more powerful than them. I don't see why we put up with them when we should be ruling all of Daewood," Marduk's son said.
"If father heard you say these things,,," Korduk began. "Our father is a fool! He is a disgrace to all Dragons! With his facination with the weak humans! His misrule of the Dragons! He has disgraced our mother and our family by taking up with Grashnor! Let's face it. little sister. Our father is ombredin and that alone should disqualify him to be Leader!" Martek ranted. "Oh, and
who would take his place?" Korduk purred.  "I would, of course. With me as Leader, I would take Daewood as is rightfully ours!"
"And what of Sade?" Korduk said, still purring, still egging her older brother on. "Sade is just another human. I would destroy him and turn his skin into a belt!'" Martek spat.  "Sade would turn your mind to jelly and have your body stuffed as a war prize in his great hall, you fool' Korduk countered. "This is blaspemy you speak." "No, it is my right as First-Born! To assume my lawful place as Leader of the Dragons! While our beloved father is gone on his fool's quest, now is the time to strike! Have Marduk stripped of his rank and me to take his place as is rightfully mine! I should call High Council right now and do it,"Martek exulted. "If you should try such a thing, you little worm, you would find the Dragons against you with me in the head of the opposition. You can't call High Council. Only the Leader is allowed. Our father has the Plan in his head, or have you forgotten in your rush for power? You spiteful little dragonet, just because father left mother for Grashnor, you have this idea that he is a disgrace...." "Both father and Grashnor are males, you little fool. I can not live with the dishonor!..." 'A dishonor only in your mind, you little worm! You Leader? You couldn't Lead a scouting troop for berries. If you should try to carry this out, brother mine, I will kill you! If you so much as try to call High Council , I will rip out your throat with my bare fangs as I blast your mind into jellly! Heed my words, brother, for you will never, never! Lead the Dragons!!!!Father will never perform the Rite of Grishnaktu with you!!!And you will never, as long as I live Lead the Dragons!!!!!!!!!!' With that said, Korduk left to seek advice from Loktar.

** *** **

[SIL] After a few minutes of strangling noises Silk finally found some words.
"What in bloody hell is that?" he asked nervously.
"A dragon of course." replied Ageless smiling.
"Merciful Gwydion..." Silk mumbled. Suddenly, for
some unknown reason, Silk bowed to the magnificent beast. "Thou are most
magnificent and wonderful, beast of the gods. I shalt serve thee as best I
can, an, if it please thee, I shalt accompany thy companion on her noble
quest to offer mine aid in times of great peril and need."
"Thine proposal is most fitting, Bearer Of The Rights, and one which I
accept with mine utmost gratitude. I shall trust thee to serve and protect
Ageless, risking life and limb if it is so needed, and thus you shalt be
justly rewarded."
"It shall be as you say, fire-like one, for I live but to serve the gods as
best I can." And without saying anything else Silk went back below deck with
a slightly puzzled look on his face.
*****
The next morning as he woke up Silk pondered the happenings of the night
before. After a while he decided it must have been a dream and went above
deck to find out about their plans once they got to Marak. He found Ageless
and Daina leaning over the rail and talking. "Good morning, ladies. Did you
sleep well?"
"Yes, very well indeed."
"Where's Tal?"
"With Marduk of course."
"Marduk?"
"The dragon...don't you remember?"
"The dragon? You mean..."
"Of course it wasn't a dream."
"But...there's no such thing...is there?"
"Of course. What ever made you think there wasn't?"
"I always thought dragons were just myths and parts of stories to make
little children behave. I never actually thought...Wait a minute here...are
you saying I actually made that speech...all those thee's and thou's and
what not?"
"Yes, of course."
Silk groaned.
"What's wrong, Silk?"
"You aren't going to tell anyone are you?"
"Not if you don't want me to."
"Please," Silk begged, "Don't you tell a soul. I don't want that to become
expected of me."
"Why ever not? You seem awfully good at it."
"Of course, but I sound like a fool. Besides you don't want me to start
writing bad poetry, do you?"
At that Ageless began to laugh.
"What is so funny?"

** *** **

[MAR] Marduk had risen early to prepare for the day ahead.  He had to gain Tal's trust in a short time for this to work. When Tal came on the deck, Marduk asked her to come with him to the bow of the ship. " Do you think you could trust me inside your head for awhile?" he asked. "I need your permission for this before I can begin." "Of course,O' Mighty Dragon, whatsoever thou wishest."she replied. "Not you too. Look my name is Marduk and you can call me that." "Ok, Marduk, where do I begin?" Tal asked. "Find a comfortable place and sit down and relax. This won't hurt a bit. At least Ageless never complained." "Ageless?" "Yes, who do think trained her? Now shut your eyes, relax, breath deeply and steadily....." "Your sure this won't hurt?" " Look at it this way, child, I'm already in your head to an extent. How do you think you hear me? Dragons don't speak Human. We communicate to you telepathically because our mouths cannot form your words. Now, does listening to me hurt? I didn't think so. Let us begin." With that Marduk began the process of moving into Tal's mind. Of getting her to drop her defenses so that he could move easily about. Then when she was ready, he began showing her his Memories. The City of the Magi, her people. The rise of Sade. Her place in the Plan, what she could expect and what would be demanded of her. He opened her mind to her heritage as a Magi, how to call the power that was in her forth. It would be Ageless who would show her how to use this power but he had opened the door to her power. Lastly he showed her a man and a woman. "Who are these people?' Tal asked. "They are your father and mother, child." " But they died when I was young...still a baby."Tal cried. " Yes.but the memories of them are still in your mind. I had but to awaken them. My gift to you, my child, the faces of your mother and father. There we are finished. Now comes the hard part. Ageless will begin her training now. Patience be with you, for she will test you every minute from now on until you prove to her that you are ready."

** *** **

[AGE] Why you are Silk dear, you just don't realize how humorous you looked when you realized that Marduk was not a dream. Now listen to me no one eles must know Marduk exist. I intend on calling a meeting with bilo and the the crew. For what? silk ask as he looks at me wondering what I have in mind. With a smile on my face, I intend to introduce myself and tell them who I am. What!!!!!!!!!!! Silk almost chokes, but but , I put my hand over his mouth shhhhhhhh listen first before having a fit. When I tell them of who I am and that I am in the process of training Tal in the arts, they will see Marduk as a form of magic that I am using for training. Now where is the captain? We all walk to the captains quarters.

As I finished up with the meeting of the crew, which went will I felt, even if the crew now looked at us with a different light. We felt a mighty rush of wind as Tal and Marduk returned. Daina still was overcome at the sight of a dragon as was the rest of the crew. I smiled at  Daina and introduced Marduk to her. Marduk nodded his great head, looked at me I must be going for , Tal is yours. I could see in his mind that he had shown Tal the slaughter of her people and her family. When one goes into the mind of another to do a showing that person will see it as if they were there. I looked at Tal, she had a look about her. Tal walks to me lets get on with my training, I nodded then come lets get started. Marduk disappears into time and space.

As we stood on the great deck of the ship, I enter into Tal's mind and showed her some of the ways to turn energy into a weapon as a defense against other forms of magic. Then I proceeded to to make energy into a balls and throw them at Tal, in return she created a energy wall to keep them from hitting her. At one point her wall was weak and one hit her, she was thrown on the deck and yell at me hey that hurt!!!! Well be thankful it didn't kill you. If I had been the enemy you would have died right then and there. Now work your mind and never let the mind soften or it could be your death I snapped, and this is simple stuff, you aren't even near the greater forces that you will have to be able to call and control. Now get up and lets do it again. By the middle of the day Tal had started to get better(of course on does when the get tired of being hit with energy that hurts). Ok lets break for lunch and take a rest. I have some books for you to read and study. So learn them I will quiz you. Tal looks at me and the change I had taken on, one who was hard, stern, and cold to her as she been hit and in pain. Never did I ask if she was ok all I did was say again and again, but she had done it. She knew deep inside that I was doing it for the sake of her.

As I watched her walk off I knew she had done just fine. The books I had given her were books of the history of magic, the use of magic, and the ways to make magic. I knew I was going to have to be hard on her and the pained me. Suddenly Marduk's voice comes into my head, Ageless she will do just fine so stop fretting, I make a face oh be quite it, I remarked. I heard Marduk's soft laughter, I glared what is so funny? My my you sound like Silk now Marduk spoke. Funny very funny Marduk. I have sensed that Kal has sent Tekarious to meet up the Balinok Oge. Really Marduk purred and what are your intentions on this Ageless? I belive I will search them out and perhaps do a showing of power so that they can get a small ideal of what they are coming up against, and perhaps it may cause some of the others who are following them to have a change of mind, with a smile on my face. Yes I belive that would be in order. Yes purred Marduk yes...........

** *** **

[DAI]  Daina couldn't believe her eyes!! A dragon!! Her mother had told her of them when she was young, but she'd always thought them nothing more than fantasy! Wait, she thought, I have to get word of this to the elves near here. But, I can't leave these people, they are my friends. No, my duty is here, I will stay.

But, she wondered to herself, just who is Tal? Why is she so important, that the dragon seemed to revere her? There is more going on here than is being revealed, and I'm sure I will find out in good time. She is obviously gifted in the magic arts, especially after that fireworks display with Ageless, I have never heard of a novice learning so quickly! It took me far longer to learn the little I know, and I had the benefit of seeing the power used around me all of my life before I started my training. Daina looked down at her hands. All these are useful for is fighting, she thought bitterly, it would do me well to remember that.

Suddenly an idea occurred to her. Setting off to the cabin, she went in search of Ageless. "Age, Age? Are you in there?", she asked, after knocking on the door. The door opened to reveal Ageless' wise and friendly face. "Yes Daina? What's the matter?"
"I have an idea", Daina said. "You have heard of the mountains on the island of Marak?"
"Yes, of course. The Ekkah Mountains."
"Well, this is something known to very few non-elves, but there is an elven city hidden deep in those mountains. I know I could find the way there if we were to land away from town a bit, preferably a secluded beach of sorts. We could rest ourselves, and replenish our stocks, as well as giving you and Tal a safe place to continue training for a few days."
"Hmmm.....It's a little out of our way", replied Ageless, "but I think that sounds like a good idea, I'm sure we could do with a few days on dry land to rest and prepare ourselves for the next part of our journey. Thank you Daina, if you are sure you can find the way, then I think we should follow your lead on this one." Smiling, the two women clasped hands, then Daina turned and left the cabin. "Strange," thought Ageless, "I would swear I felt some kind of power in her now. Very strange."

After leaving the cabin, Daina allowed herself another smile. Finally, she thought, finally! The news that dragons are not myth, but in fact reality might be just the thing to force the elves out of hiding, and into the real world. I must convince them to emerge and help us fight for the safety of the world, I must!!

[AGE]  As I watched the door close, I looked down at my hand then toward the door, I know I felt power coming off Daina. I know I did, I thought to myself. Then it hit me, in the tribe of the Elfven's it is known that some are born with the gift to wield power. They were called Shierra. Could it be that Daina is a Shierra? And if so why didn't she use her power to protect herself from those men in that town? Hmmmmmmm I thought to myself, well I belive that I will check into this farther. If   Daina is Shierra then we have a card in our pocket. Yes this would be something that Sade or the others would never suspect. (a small smile come across my face) But first I must see if what I think is true.

That night Daina was up on the deck, watching the stars and off in thought. I choose this time to make my attack. A noise startled Daina to turned in time to see a great steak of lighting heading her way, with no chance of moving before it hit her, something stirred within her, it was her natural power coming out to defend herself and with a great might a wall of energy rose up, to deflect the bolt of lighting speeding her way. Then with a quick move Daina rolled behind some barrels, I could hear her breathing. Of course I would not have let the bolt hurt her and it was not a strong one just in case I was wrong and Daina was not a Shierra. I then spoke Daina come out it is I Ageless. Daina stood up looking at me with angry and yelled why did you attack me!!!!! I brought forth a wall around me for I knew at that moment she didn't really have any training or true control over the power she carried with her. I stood tall and spoke into her mind , calm down and take deep breathes. I did it so I could if you were really a Shierra. When I spoke the word Shierra, face changed to shock. How do you know of the Shierra? My dear didn't you yourself speak of the tales you heard of a woman who would come to your villages over the eons of time? I have walked this world for eons and I have learned all the arts and talents of all the nation with a voice of command. As I spoke light surround me, I seem to grow to where it looked like I was touching the stars, Daina realize who I am and see the power I have at my command. Daina eyes widen, I then spoke with a soft voice, you have a power and with my help I can train you to be a master Shierra! With that all came back to normal and I was standing in front of Daina. Daina stutterer how did you know? I smiled, with the power that you carry inside you even if you have it buried deep in the bowels of your mind, that when we shook hands you thought I would not have felt it? Daina looked into my eyes, I could see a wound in her soul and I could feel the pain, I touched her softly let me train you and heal the wound that you carry. With tears in her eyes Daina agreed.

At moment Marduk appeared above us, with flashing in his eyes, Ageless what in the world are you doing? Do you realize that display of power sent ripples all over time and space? Every dragon is out in arms trying to cover the holes you opened, are we into waving flags for the Evil one to know where you are? I hung my head forgive me but we have a Shierra in our mist. It was the only way I could find out. Marduk became silent, a Shierra, he turned his head toward Daina looks and smiled a dragon smile, thinking the same thoughts I had. Then Marduk looked at me. hmmmmm but from now on touch your amulet before displaying such power again, it will keep you from being traced. I look at Marduk , I will do that from now on. Do you need me to go and help cover the ripples? No Ageless stay here and in the morning get started on training  Daina and Tal. With that the air moved and in the faded background as Marduk left we could hear him saying a Shierra in our midst, and a sudden chuckle............

** *** **

[MAR] Marduk returned home to the Realm of Space and Time to utter chaos.  The Dragons were assembled, roaring and snarling their rage. His daughter, Korduk, was being restrained by Loktar, Krimtar's daughter, and three of the largest of the warriors. She snarled at her brother, Martek, screaming her rage. "I'll kill you! I swore I would if you tried this! Now see what you have done to our people? You have driven them mad!" "What is going on here???!!!!"Marduk bellowed physically and mentally. "I am gone but a few hours and you all go crazy?!" All the Dragons began to talk at once. Marduk could not even begin to understand what they were trying to say. "SILENCE!!!!" he screamed. The Dragons quieted immmediately.  "Now would one of you care to explain what is happening here?" he asked. Loktar spoke, " It is your son, Marduk. He attempted to call High Council and have himself named as Leader." She said this calmly and quietly. "I WILL KILL YOU,YOU BASTARD. My teeth shall taste your blood," Korduk screamed. "SILENCE," Marduk bellowed." Is this true, my son? Do you hate me so
much that you would try to usurp my place? Are you that power mad that you would try this?" "You are unfit to rule, Marduk" his son replied, "It is my place as your first born son to rule our people since you don't have the time to govern us. Your pre-ocuppation with your little humans give you little time to be here with us. We should return to Daewood now and begin our
mastery over the land and its peoples"  Marduk was stunned into silence. That his own son would say these things angered him to the point that he saw red and wanted to draw blood. "No, I am the Leader of the Dragons and Slave of the Plan. My emotions cannot sway me. I must keep my head and think this through logically." He thought this to himself even as his Memories clamored for Martek's blood. "I AM THE LEADER OF THE DRAGONS AND I CALL HIGH COUNCIL IN THIS TIME AND IN THIS PLACE. ALL WILL SPEAK THEIR PIECE AND HAVE THEIR SAY, EXCEPT FOR MARTEK. HE ALONE IS EXCLUDED AND WE WILL RESOLVE THIS MATTER!!!!!!!"Marduk shrieked with his mind. Those closest to him quailed at his anger, except for Korduk who still was in her killing rage and had to be restrained.

"Ageless! High Council! NOW!" Marduk's voice reached out for Ageless's mind just as she and her companions had sat down in the ship's galley for the evening meal. "One moment, please, Marduk" Ageless thought back. Out loud, she told her companions that she had business to take care of in the Realm of Time and Space. She settled down in her chair and went into a trance state.  There she would participate in the High Council. Her hands tightened into balls and loosened as her temper flared along with the Dragons.  Once, she threw her head back and roared as a Dragon in rage. Then she relaxed and the anger and stiffness left her body. A smile crossed her lips as she rose from this state to full awakefullnes. She looked at her traveling companions who were eyeing her curiously. "High Council," she explained. "Marduk had a bit of trouble with his oldest son, but we won't have to worry about that anymore. The matter is taken care of."Marduk was really angry, wasn't he?" Daina asked hesitantly. " Yes he was," Ageless replied, looking at the elf in a new light." Do we get to know what that was all about?" Tal asked. " The Dragons have decided that Marduk's oldest son is unfit to rule after him. He has named is daughter, Korduk, as his Successor." Ageless told them. "What of his son? What will become of him?" Silk wanted to know. Ageless just smiled, "The matter is taken care of, we won't have to worry about him ever again.  Now, shall we eat."

** *** **

[TAL] She stood at the bow of the boat, staring up into the star filled sky. A warm sea breeze blew her cloak out behind her. Taliesin sighed. The past few days had been filled alternatly with pain and joy. The training had been physically draining and at times extremely painful. Some of Ageless' methods were a little harsh. But Tal could endure physical pain...much of her life had been learning to withstand violent blows. It was the mental anguish that came from the revelations of her past that sometimes
threatened to send her over the edge. Her family were dead. There'd be no joy filled reunion with a long lost mother and father. That had been her one secret desire, and now it was lost to her.

But there was joy also. Wielding the magic itself and releasing the energy that had been trapped within her was a marvellous feeling. It made her being soar. And when she felt beaten down with her failures, and Ageless became impatient with her, it was the image of her dead parents that kept her trying; kept her learning. That was the greatest gift Marduk could have given her, and to him she would be eternally grateful. Looking out to sea now she recalled the image of the two people she loved most but could never meet.

As the night deepened Tal turned her back on the wine-dark sea and headed below deck. Walking past Ageless' room she heard a muttering comming from within. Taliesin was curious, but chose to seek her own bed rather than bother the Ageless One. She had been a little peculiar since yesterday when Marduk had called her to 'High Council'. Tal still wasn't sure exactly
what had happened, but she had enough to worry about and chose not to press the issue with Ageless. Settling down on her bed, she was quickly asleep...dreams of great dragons mingled with images of a tall dark man standing with a smaller fair-haired woman. Joy filled her heart and she rested peacefully until morning.

** *** **

[AGE, DAI, SIL & TAL]  After a dinner of dried sea rations, the group of travellers went back on deck to look at the stars and comtemplate the past few days. They had been busy ones for most and many things were learned. Tal was a magi and Daina was a Shierra. That in itself gave them much to think about. Then there was Marduk, the dragon. And of course Ageless. With her power which was previously unknown to the group and her bond with the dragons it seemed strange anyone would want to hurt her. For all they knew she could turn this enemy into a carrot in an instant. And yet they were still out there. Running, or so it seemed, from an unknown enemy.
A chilling wind blew, causing Silk to pull his cloak tightly around himself to ward off the chill. 'What am I doing here?' he thought to himself, 'Why am I here in the midst of people who could obliterate a person with a single thought? I could be at home. Warm in front of the fire with a book. But no, instead I'm out in the middle of the sea on my way to Marak where there's a price on my head. And Why? To help these women who don't need help. They don't need me. I'm just in their way. All they needed was a few maps, horses and a ship. Why did I insist I come? Because I'm a fool. I'm never going to find him and what good would it do if I did? None. I can't just go back to visit mother and say "Look mother! This is the head of the wretched man who killed father? Aren't you proud of me?"...' He sighed. As he gazed at the endless looking sea about them he noticed a small boat which seemed to be coming towards them. As it came closer he noticed the people on the boat didn't look to be very friendly. He decided not to worry anyone about it. He figured if worse came to worse he could handle it himself. "It's getting a bit cold," he said out loud, "Perhaps you should go below deck. I'll keep watch up here." Ageless and Tal went below deck, showing no signs they had noticed anything worng. Daina, however, stayed as she had seen the little boat and remembering her promise to Ageless, stayed to make sure nothing happened to Silk. "What are you staying up here for? You're going to catch a cold, you know." Silk said, somewhat irritably.
"So are you. Besides, if that boat is hostile you'll need some help. There are 6 of them and only one of you." Daina replied.
Silk shrugged. "If that's how you want it."
As they watched the boat came closer showing no signs of intending to get on board but also showing no signs of staying away. After a while there came the sound of the little boat bumping up against the ship and then 2 grappling hooks came up about 3 feet away from where Silk and Daina were standing. "Well, this looks promising." Silk mumbled grabbing his bow and quiver. He went to the rail with an arrow ready to be shot. "Who are you?" he yelled down to them.
"That's none of your concern, boy!" one of the men yelled back.
"Of course it's my concern! If you're pirates..."
"We ain't no pirates. We're here on our own business."
"Oh, really, and why is it that the captain knows of none of this?"
"Because our business isn't with the captain! It's with the women. The elf, the dragon woman, and the other one."
"What a coincidence since my business is with them as well! I'm bringing them to Marak, as a matter of fact."
"Not if we have anything to do with it! You aren't going any further boy!" and with that the men leaped onto the deck. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? It's the elf as well. How fortunate. We were wondering if we were going to have to come looking for you."

Daina pulled out her sword. "Silk!! Get behind me!"
"And miss the fun?? Not a chance!", replied the little man with a smile.
Daina frowned, but just then one of the men launched himself onto the ship, and she didnt have time to argue with him. Racing forward, she parried the blow he aimed at her, then smoothly ran him through. As she booted his body off her sword, she turned to see Silk calmly fighting with another of their enemies, and watched as he ducked a blow from another. "He can handle himself", she thought. "Great, time for some fun!"

Running over, she swiped the hilt of her sword at the back of ones head, knocking him overboard, and joined with Silk in fighting them. In a surprisingly short amount of time, they had managed to defeat all of the pirates, and discovered that they fought surprisingly well together, managing to anticipate each others next moves, and overwhelm the men they were fighting.

"Well now, wasn't that fun?" Silk said cheerily after the fight had finished. Then he smelled smoke. He looked around and saw it's origin. The ship was on fire! Silk swore. "Daina! Go get Ageless and Tal! Gather as much of our things as you can carry! NOW!" As Daina ran looking for Ageless and Tal, Silk begun ringing a bell which was placed on the ship for that exact reason. As the sleeping sailors awoke the ones on duty began untieing the lifeboats.
Daina came back with a worried look on her face. "I can't find them! They're gone!" Silk swore some more.
"We'll have to get on a boat and hope for the best then." he replied in a strangely calm voice.
"But..."
"No buts. We have to get off this ship right now." And he dragged Daina into an already crowded lifeboat.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" yelled one of the sailors.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm trying to get off this damned ship!" Silk replied. "Do you have a problem with that?"
"It's crowded as it is in this boat already!"
"Oh really? Then I suppose you're volunteering to get off. How decent of you. I have much respect for those who risk their lives to save others. What's that? You aren't? Well then, you'll have to live with being crowded a bit, won't you?" As Silk and the sailor argued the life boat was lowered into the water and some of the sailors began rowing it east, towards Laning. As morning came the island country came into view and by noon the little lifeboat had landed.
"Well, I suppose we had better get going. It takes longer to get anywhere by foot than by horse back but we seem to have lost our horses, haven't we?" Silk said as he slung his bag of belongings over his shoulder. "But what about Tal and Ageless?" Daina asked.
"They'll find us eventually. They can use magic after all." Silk replied much more confidently than he felt. Daina sighed. "I suppose you're right." She said. "Of course I'm right. Now lets get going. There's a small village due north of here, I think. We'll need a good night's sleep tonight if we want to be able to find Ageless tomarrow."

** *** **

Below decks Taliesin began to nod off to sleep, when Ageless jolted from her chair.
"Tal! Get up. Now!."
"w-what..?" sleepily she raised her head as Ageless pulled her to her feet. "What's going on, Age?", now fully awake, Tal noticed Ageless' agitation.
"we're going to be attacked, that's whats going on. Now come on. We've got to leave." Business-like, Ageless set about gathering a few belongings and food.
"I'm sorry, did you say we're being attacked?" Ageless grunted for an answer. "And we're just going to _leave_?" asked Tal incredulously. Again Ageless grunted and nodded her head as she set about packing. Tal followed her around the room, voicing her protests. "We can't just leave! What about Daina and Silk?"
"They'll be fine. But we have to leave. Now." Ageless' voice was cold and reasonable. She left no room for arguments. Still Tal opened her mouth to object once again, but was cut off as Ageless grabbed her arm and pulled her through Space.

After a little disorientation, Tal found herself floundering in the water. Spluttering, she swam the small distance to shore. Ageless stood on the beach watching amusedly as Tal pulled herself from the water, wet and bedraggled.
"You look like a drowned rat, Tal"
"Shut up." Mumbled Tal as she tried to shake the water from her hair. "What did you do that for anyway?" she said, in an accusing tone.
"I thought you needed to cool off. I didn't want your temper getting the better of you. And before you ask again, I'll tell you now that we're clear of the ship. We had to leave because you wouldn't have survived had we stayed."
"What?" Tal laughed. "Don't be ridiculous! If Daina and Silk could take on those pirates and survive, then I certainly could!"
"Yes, that's true. However it wasn't the so-called 'pirates' that would have injured you. The Evil One is searching for you, just as he searches for me. You don't need to know more. Come, we must be off. Daina and Silk aren't far from us."
"Where are we?" asked Tal, looking around.
"Laning." Ageless murmered distractedly. Tal could see she was searching for the others with her mind. She turned and set out…Taliesin followed behind.

******

By nightfall they still hadn't found the village. "I thought you said we'd be able to find the village by now." Daina said accusingly.
"I thought I could. It's not my fault we're stuck here you know." Silk snapped back irritably. Daina mumbled something under her breath. "Well, I guess we don't have much choice but to set up camp." Silk said.
"Oh, and how are we going to manage that, o' smart one?" Daina said mockingly. "We don't have any tents or firewood or anything!"
"Hey, I'm not the one who was supposed to grab them! And at least we have food. I'm going to go find some firewood." and Silk stomped off. An hour later they had a small fire going and Silk was trying, unsucessfully I might add, to cook something to eat, while Daina watched his efforts in amusement. "And I thought Tal was a bad cook." she laughed. "Oh shut up." Silk snapped,"Would you like to cook?" he offered. "Sure. At least I can make it edible."
"Be my guest." Silk growled as he handed over the pan.

** *** **

"Wake up, Javier."
At the sudden mention of his real name Silk bolted upright. "Who's there?" he demanded in a whisper. He heard a familiar laugh. "Good Gwydion!" he exclaimed, "Is that you, Kenora?" The young woman at his feet nodded. "You look as wonderful as ever." he smiled at her. The woman smiled and blushed slightly. "You're looking well, also." Silk laughed ruefully. "Perhaps but I feel absolutly awful. I know how much you love pleasantries, but why are you here? You seem worried." Kenora sighed. "You're mother is ill, Javier. As you know she's been overcome with grief ever since your father died but now she seems to have gone mad. She been raving and she keeps asking to see you." Silk felt a sudden sadness at the mention of his father's death. He sighed. "I'm sorry, Kenora, but I can't come. These ladies need my help. I can't just leave."
"Be reasonable Javier. They don't need you. They don't even believe you can take care of yourself just the same as you don't believe they can take care of themselves, dragon or no dragon. Well you're both wrong. Didn't you notice they have the one they call Daina watching you all the time? It's no just coincidence. The only reason she hasn't awakened to come after me is because I'm using magic. No one can see, hear or even sense my presence.
"Magic? Don't be silly. There is no such thing."
"Explain the dragon to me then. Besides, how do you think I got here without following you. If I had one of you would be bound to notice me. You have to come back home. Your mother needs you more than this group of women. Please, Javier. If not for your mother, than for me?"
Silk sighed. "I'll have to talk to Ageless about it first."
"No! We must leave now. Just pack your things and leave a note. Make up something. Lie if you have to. They can't follow us."
Reluctantly Silk agreed and packed his things. "What should I write?"
"Umm...tell them...you're going to...Ganosh...ummm...to visit...Jant...wait...Jant is in Pingha...you're going to Pingha then...just hurry!"

(the note)
Something's come up. I have to go to Pingha. Meet Ageless and Tal in Lasha and then go north to Nighsor. Look up Captain Marcus and sail to Marak. I'll meet you in Throuk, near the Ekkah Mountains.
Silk

"Is that good enough?"Silk asked.
"Yes, it's just fine. Now let's go."
"Wait. Just one more thing. Can you make something?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know. Wriggle your fingers..."
Kenora laughed. "If you insist."
"Well, I do. I'll need a blue rose."
"Blue?"
"Yes, blue."
Kenora shrugged. "It's your rose." and suddenly, out of thin air, there appeared a blue rose. "Is this what you had in mind?"
"Perfect." And Silk left the note and the rose and went back to Daewoo.

** *** **

As it became nightfall I told Tal we would rest and make camp here. After we got things set up Tal looked at me , I hope Silk and Daina is ok. Of course they are, you need to get some rest, I will stand watch for awhile. Tal looked strange, are you sure? Yes not get some rest. As Tal settled down she was soon asleep. I had my reason for standing watch.
Later into the night a figure came forth. Hello Ageless I am Kenora. Ageless looks up I know who you are so lets get this over what have you come to say. I listen as Kenora told me of what happened and to go to Lasha. I kept my head sown for a moment than with a mighty force I raised Kenora upward and throw her down. Kenora begins to scream, Tal jumps up Age what are you doing? Before Tal could do anything I throw her back, stay out of this, I locked eyes with Kenora and go deep into her mind, there it is the wall, I busted the wall to pieces and could hear Kenora scream subside. Once that was done I released my hold on her, she falls to the ground groaning. Tal has her sword out pointing to Kenora not sure what this woman was or why I had attacked her. Kenora finally looks up , what happened?? Then she gasps Silk what have I done? Yes what have you done? I asked. You who were so sure of your magic you are lucky the Evil One just wanted to use you for the moment. Had the Evil one decided to seduce you to the dark side you would be forever lost and I would have had to destroy you. You see Tal the Evil One doesn't kill people with power he will seduce you to the dark side and then not only is your soul lost but you then belong to him and every wish he has of you, you would be better off dead. I with all my training which is eon's would not dare go up against him for not only would it be him , he would feed off the power of all these under his control. But no the time has come that there is a gathering of those you, I Marduk, and others that con combine our wills and power to not only keep from seduced but to put a end to the darkness that has rule over this world.
Why would the Evil One want with Silk, he is not a man of power Kenora asks? True not our kind of power . The one thing that Silk is , is he is the last of the royal bloodline and true heir to the throne of Daewoo. I could feel the impact of what I said hit Tal and Kenora. Now hire is what you are going to do Denora and don't fear for I have destroyed any of the wall that the Evil One set in your mind. You go get Daina tell her what has happened, then you two go to her village and bring forth her people and make a army, she must not fail to convince them. Then all of you go and find Silk protect him at all cost even if it means your life. Then all of you go toDranol there you will be safe and wait for Tal and I. You see how would the people of this land react if Silk the bearer of Rights was in the grip of the Evil one? All theirs hopes and dreams would be destroy and where would that leave us? We can't fight both magic and men ourselves, we need the people behind us. Now go and don't waste a moment of time. With that Kenora disappeared.
I looked at Tal we must get to Androkills for he is the keeper of one of the books of Tashebi. Then we will go to Lasha. What Tal said you know that is a trap! Yes that is the great thing about it we know, and with that I gave a smile ,Tal then started smiling too. We must see what they are planning I said. With that we broke camp and we went into space and time...I sent a call to Marduk bring forth some of the dragons to help Daina prove to her people that the time is not hand. Let them see that the dragons are Alive.......!!!!!!!!

** *** **

[TEK] Day after day the mighty Balinok Oge became more angry. He had received reports from his contacts throughout most of the known world yet none of them could seem to find the people he was looking for.  Worse still, as time went on the voice of his master, Naggoryth called more insistently for the soul of the dragonwitch, Ageless. As reports continued to filter in his anger finally got the best of him and he began flying into blind rages. On more than one occasion a messenger lost his head.

It was during one of these rages that Balinok heard a soft laughter behind him. He turned to see a young man sitting in HIS desk. He smiled grimly at the young man and said, "You don't value your life very much do you, Boy?" At first glance the young man seemed normal. He was well built, clean cut and shaved, with raven hair and hazel eyes. It was the eyes that caught Balinoks attention. There was a coldness in them that implied a strong sense of danger.

The eyes suddenly flashed into a brilliant emerald green and the young man spoke to Balinok. "I am Tekarious, disciple of Sade, and you shall watch your words or I will feed YOU to Naggoryth."

Balinok grinned evilly, "Really and how do you propose to do that, BOY?"

Tekarious slowly smiled, a slow calculated smile, as his eyes died back down to a cold hazel. "I'm sure I could find a way, but in the mean time shouldn't we be concentrating on feeding him the old woman and her friends? Oh, I forgot, you can't seem to find them." Again came a soft laughter.

"I have contacts everywhere! I WILL find them!" Tekarious looked him directly in the eyes and said,  "Has it occurred to you that there are places where HUMAN spies would stand out?"

Balinok looked startled, "You don't mean… of course! The Elves! Balinok called to a servant and had him go and prepare a ship he looked toward Tekarious once more and though to himself, "Perhaps I can use you for now little fool, but soon I'll enjoy feeding you to my master!"

Tekarious gave him a curious look and as if he knew what Balinok was thinking, he once more gave his cold smile. For a split second his eyes again flashed with power, the power of a fully trained Dark Magi

** *** **

[AGE & TAL] Tal awoke with a start. Instinctivly she reached for her sword, then calmed as she saw it was Ageless who moved about their camp. She appeared to be packing their meagre supplies.
Noticing that Tal had awoken, she motioned with her hand, "Good, you're awake. Saves me the troulbe of having to wake you and risk a knife in the ribs."
Tal smiled as she rose and began kicking dirt over the nearly extinguished fire. The sun was just rising and, as had been their custom since landing on the island, they set out at a brisk pace, breaking fast as they walked.
Ageless had told her of their need to quickly reach the one known as Androkills. He was on of the "Keepers". This was a term which a few weeks ago would have meant nothing to Tal. But now with her magi training, incomplete as it was, the significance of that title was fully grasped. Androkills was a Keeper - which meant that he had in his possession at least one of the Teshebi texts. Ageless' words concerning the texts returned to her:

"The Teshebi are books that explain how to use the great globe of Mecca. And anyone who has all seven can control and harness the power of the globe. Any one who has these books can not only rule the world but the universe. And the people of the great race of Mecca decided for the safety of the world and universe decided to hide the books".

Tal wondered briefly how a warrior such as she new Androkills to be, had come across such an artifact. They had already been travelling for two days since encountering the strange Kenora - two days since Silk's royal blood had been revealed. Tal had found it amusing and often wondered how the snoring little fink would take the news. She smirked as she thought about it.
Ageless' voice cut through her reverie, "You can't be thinking anything good with that particular smile on your face, Tal. Come, stop day dreaming. We're almost there."
Tal became focused immediatly on the situation they were about to face. They stopped walking at the base of a hill. Looking up, they saw a rude hut situated half way up the hill. Tal stared at it, then stared at Ageless. "Surely the man we seek, a warrior and a Keeper wouldn't live in such a dump as that!", the young magi exclaimed. Agless smiled mysteriously, only saying, "You'll see", then started up the path towards the dilapidated little hut. Curbing her frustration, Tal followed.

---

The hut looked worse on closer inspection then it did from down below. Tal wrinkled her nose and was about to voice further opinions on this 'warriors abode' when Ageless forestalled her with a gesture. "Quiet. Don't speak. Look with your Sight. Show me that you've been listening to me."
Tal was a little startled, but did as she was bid. Shifting her perception to her other sight, the real world disappeared and she beheld the world of magic. Light, colours, and shapes floated around her; lines of power moved through the earth. Looking down she was amazed to see a mass of energy...of magic...lying just below her feet. Looking further she discovered the magic was infused within a place. Then suddenly she hit a wall. Esperimentally, Tal 'pushed' against this wall. That it was the word of a magi was her first impression; that the magi had been incredibly powerful was her second. Withdrawing her mind and shifting her perception once more, she looked at Ageless and spoke in a voice full of wonder.
"Theres something down there. I think...I think its where one of the great magi's of old once lived."
Ageless nodded, smiled, then gestured towards the floor. A staircase was revealed, running down into the earth. Tal couldn't see the bottom. Agless mumbled under her breath, then moved her fingers in an intricate gesture over the hole. "There", she said, "the wards have been removed until we are down there. Once we reach ground level they will reactivate, preventing anyone from stumbling in." Without looking back at Tal, Ageless started down the stairway. Tal hesitated a moment, then followed her teacher.

---

Reaching the bottom was a relief for both of them. A light shone through a doorway, and standing siloheted was a man of muscular build. "I am Androkills," intoned a deep voice, "welcome to my home."
Hello Androkills Ageless speaks. Then the man gave a smile, walked quickly to Ageless and gave her a big hug. Ageless hugs the great man back and kisses him on the cheek. Tal stands there surprised to see such comrade between the two. More amazed at Ageless for she had never really seen that side of her. Androkills steps back looks at Tal, Who is this? Ageless smiles and says this is Tal of the Magi. Androkills looks suddenly at Ageless, so the time has come. Yes answers Ageless the time has come. With a voice of command Androkills come and sit down in my humble home and tell me all that has happened. Are you guys hungry? I have food and you can rest here for as long as need be. Thank you Ageless smiles, yes food and a nice bed would be nice.

After our meal and bath we all sat down and began to tell Androkills of what has been happening. Between both Tal and I we cover all invents. Ageless looks at Androkills, we need the book. Well I always knew the time would come that you would come to get the book re piles Androkills but there is one thing. What is that Ageless asks ? That I come with you. Ageless laughs out loud I knew it would be no other way . I will have us horses, and supplies for the trip to Lasha. Then Tal spoke up we will need weapons. Androkills smiles at Tal and weapons we will have. Come with me. Tal follows Androkills to this room and looks in amazement of the weapons that are in the room. Tal and Androkills begin to talk and choose the weapons that they felt they would need.

As for me I was thinking about the one called Tekarios, the one that Kal had raised. I had seen him before and knew he was strong . But every since I had laid eyes on Tekarious a feeling had come over me that I had not been able to shake. I wondered what it was. I knew if we were to get into a battle that it would not be a easy one to win, for Tekarios is a powerful Magi, but in the same sense I knew he had a big head about things and didn't think highly of me, which could work in my advantage. Yes very much so, and I begin to smile.

** *** **

[TAL] After spending a relaxing couple of days in the Mage's Cave, the two ladies and the warrior, Androkills, decided to begin their journey to Lasha. "It is past time", Ageless had said that morning. And so they had left the comfort of the cave for the harshness of the open countryside.

Within their short time together a mutual respect had grown between Taliesin and Androkills. Their affection for Ageless was a bond they could share, and they could each sense the deadliness of the other. Their graceful movements carried an implication of strength, speed and agility. If nothing else this gained the respect of one for the other. But Tal found herself actually liking this good natured highlander. "Perhaps", she thought, "he might become a friend."

So now they journeyed towards Lasha. They rode through the woods, not far from the main road. Androkills had decided they'd make better time this way, although riding on the actuall road was considered too dangerous. Night fell, and all the ways became dark. They had set up camp not far from the road - being careful to keep their small fire hidden, their vantage was such that they could see anyone moving on the road, while themselves remaining unobserved. That was their plan anyway.

The three of them settled down for the night - Androkills taking first watch. They slept peacefully, a gentle breeze blowing through the trees over head. From the bushes a pair of eyes reflected the light of the moon as they watched the three strangers.

--

Sunlight streamed through the canopy overhead, birdsong filled the forest. "We could use some fresh meat" commented Ageless. The hint wasn't lost on Androkills or Tal. They looked at each other then Tal took out a coin, flipped it, then grinned as it came up heads. Androkills sighed amusedly as he got to his feet, taking his bow with him. A pair of bright eyes looked on as the two women quietly talked, then still unobserved, followed the warrior deeper into the woods.

Androkills walked quietly through the trees. His highlander senses alert to the sounds around him. Something was watching him, he could feel it. Turning slowly he looked into a pair of bright eyes. Androkills stood still, not shifting his gaze from the bunny that sat before him. The bunny too continued to watch the man as it had through the evening, its bright eyes never blinking. A slow grin spread over the highlanders face "well well little bunny", he thought, "nice of you to save me the trouble of looking for you. Ageless is quite fond of rabbit if I remember correctly." The bunny sat patiently on the rock, knowing what the human would try to do, anticipating it.
Carefully drawing the bow back, Androkills aimed at the bunny. He took a breath, held it, then fired. A clean shot. It should have scewered the rabbit, but his eyes widened as the arrow passed through the space where a second before the bunny had sat. The highlander gaped. Then he shouted in pain and surprise. The bunny had teleported, landed behind him and shot some kind of lightning into his butt. Surprise didn't last long before anger replaced it. "You little bugger!" shouted Androkills. The bunny wasn't very big...just over a foot. The highlander angrily kicked at the fluffy white animal, only to connect with nothing but air...over balanced, the warrior fell on the ground. Beside him the bunny appeared again, and again, zapped him with a tiny bolt from its paw. The warrior howled in pain and swung to his feet. "You Bast--" he was caught mid-curse by another bolt, this time in the leg.
Androkills was becoming frustrated. Every kick or swing he made towards the bunny missed, always ending with him getting another zap in uncomfortable places. Around and around they danced this dance. Swing, kick, disappear, zap, yell. Swing, kick, disappear, zap, yell. The bunny's eyes were brighter...it was enjoying itself. Eventually, Androkills became sick of this game he knew he could never win. Cursing loudly at the bunny - where ever it was - he ran back to the camp.
The bunny sat on its rock. Bright eyes watched as the warrior ran back to the two women. It had been fun, it decided.

---

Stumbling into camp, Androkills gasped out Ageless' name. Rushing to his side they noticed his scorched appearance. "Who attacked you?" demanded Tal. Androkills just shook his head, near tears. "If its another magic user out there who did this to you we need to know. Tells us." Ageless' voice carried a note of command that couldn't be ignored. The warrior cracked. Sobbing he related the story of the bunny who he'd thought would make such a nice meal, but who turned out to have some kind of magical defenses. Relating the story, he stopped when it became apparent that niether of the women were no longer listening. They sat on the grass laughing. Tal laughed the loudest, tears streaming down her face...seemingly unable to control herself. "Shut up!" said Androkills angrilly. "The bunny was mean. It had powers. You don't understand the situation." Tal's laughter quieted enough for her to choke out, "I understand. You were beaten up by.." more laughter "...by a bunny!" laughter broke out again.
Ageless took pity on the warrior and explained the properties of the Elao Rabbit to him - having natural defenses of teleportation and electric shocks. The warrior just glowered at her. A lot of good it did him finding out now. Tal eventually stopped laughing. Androkills wouldn't speak to her until she promised never to tell another person about the incident. She promised, but Ageless noticed the queer smile that played on her face was one that she had come to know...meaning Tal was planning something mischievious.

There was no fresh meat that day for Ageless.

** *** **

[MAR] Marduk was basking in the sun outside of his lair with his daughter, Korduk, discussing her part in the Plan. The time since the death of his son had been quiet and peaceful and had actually brought the two closer together. Marduk stopped speaking and tilted his great head at an angle as if he were listening. "Did you hear that?" he asked his daughter.  Korduk closed her eyes and concentrated. "Yes, it's very faint. Like the breath of a bird on a vast ocean. Someone is calling your name.  No... no...someone is wishing on your name?" Korduk said uncertainly.  Marduk listened carefully. "It is Daina, the elf in Ageless' company. She speaks my name but she doesn't realize the power she carries within her carries it to me. Shall we go to investigate?"  The two mighty dragons took off from the ledge and with two sweeps of their mighty wings they were carried away to the Space Warp where they could travel to Daewood.  They followed the faint trail of Daina's thoughts to the vast mountains of an island off the coast of Daewood. There they found the little elf girl sitting on a fallen tree crying.
"Why do you weep, little one?" Marduk asked.  Daina had been stunned by their arrivel. Not one but TWO Dragons stood in front of her. She struggled to stop her crying and speak to these magnificent creatures. "Why....How.... What...?"she stuttered. "It is alright, little one." Korduk said soothingly. "We heard your call and answered it."  " My call?" Daina said in wonder.   " You called my name with all your heart and all your will, I have answered' Marduk replied. "By the way, allow me to introduce my daughter, Korduk. Daina, Korduk. Korduk, Daina. Now why to you weep, Child of the Elves."  " I came to the Hidden City of the Elves to try to convince them to form an army to join us in our struggle. But they refuse to listen to me. They say I am an outsider and do not trust me. They say they will stay here where they are safe from Sade until the end of time. They won't even believe me when I tell them there are Dragons," Daina said in a rush before she dissolved into tears.  "There, there, my child it will be alright." Korduk said, smoothing the elf's head with one of her claws. "We are here, it will be alright. They don't believe in Dragons, father. Shall we show them the error of their ways." There was a glint of mischief in her eyes. 'Have you ever wanted to ride a Dragon, little one?"

---

The sight of hundreds of Dragons over the hidden city drove the Elves into the streets in terror and astonishment. The legends were true! The Dragons had returned! Marduk and Korduk landed in the town square, Korduk leaning down so that Daina could dismount from her great back. "Now do you believe me?" She cried to the Elves. " The Dragons are real and the time has come to leave your city and its safety and join the fight against Sade, The Evil One, who despoils our land with his presence." "It is as the Shierra says. We are here and the time is now. Join us in our fight against The Evil One and help us retake the land that once was ours." Marduk called to the elves. The elves murmured amongst themselves. Leave the safety of the Hidden City for the chance of sure death? Join the fight against Sade? This would take a great deal of thought and counsel. "Why do you hesitate? Have the mighty Elves hidden themselves from the truth by their sense of false security?' Daina screamed. " Have the mighty Elven warriors of the past given their all so that their children can hide like frightened rabbits in their safe holes? The Evil One has spread his stench on OUR beautiful Daewood long enough. NOW is the time for action. NOW is the time to take up arms and claim what is rightfully ours. NOW is the time to take a stand for yourselves and your children and your childrens children." A mighty roar was raised by the crowd of Elves. Yes, it was time to stop hiding and join in the retaking of their land. For too long had they hidden in this desolate mountain range far from the sweet forests of their Daewood. It was time to join the army against Sade and drive him from their ancestral homes.

** *** **

[AVE & DEF] He sat near the fire, but still half of his unnaturally pale face was obscured by shadow and darkness. They had talked for hours after he had found her in the forest, making up on lost time. Avelina hugged herself lightly, for now everything seemed to be settling into place, she felt happier and more at peace with the world than she had been for a long time.
Defiler watched her with an amused smile. He had missed her as well, but the separation, as he now understood, had been necessary. His gaze shifted to the wolfhound which sat erect and and wary near her feet. Wolfie, as she had called it, had stared unblinkingly at him for the last few hours. Slightly irritated by the wolf's continuous gaze, he pressed the middle fingers of his right hand together and touched the ground whilst gesturing with his other hand to make the wolf stretch out and fall asleep. Avelina didn't notice the withered patch of grass where Defiler's right hand had touched.
"Will you be staying for a while?" her voice broke through the stillness of the night.
"I've finished my studies" he replied "and for now my time is my own. I had always intended to find you again. So you are stuck with me" he teased her.
She laughed and threw a section of an orange she had been quartering at him. He brought up his left hand as if to catch it, but instead the orange halted in mid-air. Avelina watched as Defiler used his power to move the orange back towards her face. Realising what he was going to do, she quickly grabbed her staff and knocked the orange out of the way. They looked at each other and started laughing.
A forest flower wilted to blackness.
"Come on" he said "we've a long journey tomorrow and you need your rest."
"Where are you going?"
"I'll keep watch, these woods are not very safe."
Avelina nodded. "I can sense a strangeness in the air."
"It's nothing to worry about, I'll look after you."
"You always used to." She smiled.
"I always will." He spoke quietly.
She walked over and hugged him tightly, before settling down for the night. Defiler looked at her sleeping for a few moments and then noticed that Wolfie was awake and watching him intently.
Defiler frowned.

** *** **

[TAL] They'd decided to stay the night at an Inn. Ageless, Taliesin and Androkills were only a days ride from Lasha now, they'd be there the following evening. The night was clear, the stars shone brightly. All seemed peaceful.

Up in her room Tal was tossing in her sleep. Sweat soaked her sheets...she gasped then sat up quickly, her heart still beating wildly. After a slight disorientation she calmed herself. "A dream", she thought. "Only a dream". Knowing she'd not get back to sleep Tal dressed and crept outside the Inn. A stroll in the night air would do her good.

Leaning against the rough stone of the Inn she stared up at the stars. The dreams had been coming more regularly since Marduk had shown her some of her past. This was the only one to reoccur though...and it was one she wished would leave her. It was always the same, beginning with herself and another...a young boy she thinks. They are together, there is joy, and then there is fear. One image that is always clearest is of the other...the boy...pulled into a coach by a man. The only impression Tal ever gets of the man is darkness.

It was all so indistinct. Tal had the feeling that she'd been very young when the event happened...probably no more than an infant. She shied away from wondering just how far back a magi could remember - there were some things she simply didn't want to know. The image of the other one, the boy, seemed to be becoming clearer with each dream. But so far all Tal knew for sure was that there was some bond between them...something that tied them. Tal sighed and gave up pondering the strange dream, it would become clear in time, she could wait.

Taking a last breath of the night air, she froze and stared upward. A shadow of some sort was moving through the night sky at speed.  She frowned, this would have to be reported to Ageless. Turning back into the Inn, Tal went upstairs to try to get some rest.

---

The three of them rode in a favourable mood the whole of the next day. Light banter passed between Tal and Androkills. Ageless watched as their friendship grew closer and she smiled inwardly. Stoping on the outskirts of a town, Ageless gestured towards it with her hand, "There. That is Lasha."

** *** **

[AGE] Just before they get to Lasha, Ageless tells Tal and Androkills since we are going into the city we must go in guise. You two will be a young married couple and I shall be the mother of Tal. With that light shimmered around me and I became a old women. Tal and Androkills look at me then each other. Very well into the city we go mother Tal spoke with a grin. I look at her, respect your elders and don't get carried away with it, knowing what was on Tal's mind. Tal just grins.

We enter into the city and see that it is a busy place. Androkills inquires where a place may be that he and his wife and her mother may stay. They found a Inn, once we settled I looked out the window, come let us go into the city and find out what is happening.

As we wondered though the city we noticed places that had army men guarding certain points and only letting certain people in and out. We also noticed the grim paces of the people hauling loads of dirt. We all looked at each other, Tal and Androkills noticed the frown that was upon my face but said nothing. As we strolled on we seen a Inn that served food and decided that we would eat and see if we could hear what the people may have to say. As we ate we could hear them talking about how they had heard rumors of the books being found and how the dreadful Tekarious had just wipe out some of the people for failing to find anymore of the books. But also of how they had heard that a great globe had been found deep within the buried city. At that note we finished our meal and head back to our room.

Once there Tal looks at me, Ageless what are we going to do about the globe? There is nothing we can do for now, the globe is useless without all the books and we know they only have two I spoke with a solomon look.

** *** **

[SIL & TEK] As Silk made breakfast he felt someone watching him. It wasn't someone who he wanted watching him either. There was something malicious about them. He shugged it off as paranoia. Just because he was travelling alone it didn't mean he couldn't take care of himself. It was just his imagination. As he ate the feeling didn't go away. Finally he gave up. There was someone there and they weren't good news. He forced himself to keep on some obscure routine and act as if he didn't know anyone was there. He cleaned up camp and packed his things into his saddle bag. As he saddled up his horse a voice behind him made him jump.
"Well, well, well. Fancy seeing you here." Silk turned around to see a young man watching him, his eyes cold as ice.
"Who are you?" Silk demanded.
"Tekarious, disciple of Sade, follower of the dark god Naggoryth, etcetera, etcetara and so on." Tekarious yawned as if bored. "Not that it really matters, but I suppose everyone wants to know exactly who their enemies are, right?"
"It's always nice. I really wouldn't want to face a mob of angry dragons because I killed a friend."
"Dragons are nasty creatures, if I do say so myself. Shall we get on with it then? We're going to have to have a fight sooner or later and I'd much rather get this done and over with. I have other plans you understand."
Tekarious smiled and suddenly his eyes flashed with a green power. His hand flicked forward and a ball of fire roared out toward Silk. Silk cringed as the fireball hit him and his clothing burned to ashes. Oddly enough silk was unharmed.
Tekarious looked stunned. "How? It can't be!"
Silk, naked except for the sword in his hand was even more stunned "What can't be?"
Tekarious pulled himself back together and told Silk, "Well, your Majesty, your power won't protect you from more mundane means!" Tekarious pulled his twin Great Daggers.
"Your majesty?" Said silk.
Tekarious attacked.

---

[AGE] Then from a far Ageless feels a great disturbance, I grasp and call to Marduk. We must go quickly, the Old Blood has been released !!!! Tal and Androkills stands looking as they see me disappear into space and time.

Once there Marduk and I meet he looks at me, of course I left in such a hurry I had not changed back to my original form. I will go and come out of the woods as a old lady, that should give you time to snatch Silk to safety and then I will deal with Tekarious. Marduk nods in a agreement and speaks to me be careful Ageless.

As I stood off in the woods I could see Tekarious and Silk was fighting. I hobble my way to the opening and let out a yell of shock, Silk backs up and yells old women get out of here he will kill you !!! Tekarious turns to see this old women, and laughs, just as he was going to release his energy toward me , Marduk scopes down and with his great talons snatching Silk up. Silk lets out a startled yep, at that moment Tekarious turns yelling NO !!!!! And lets his great energy lose toward Marduk, but in that moment Marduk disappears into space. With angry flashing eyes of green Tekarious turns toward me but then stops for instead of a old women standing there , there stood a young women in a white flowing dress grown, hair floating around her from the energy that pulsated from my being. With a quick move I made my entranced into Tekarious mind and suddenly I see a great wall impressed into his mind. With one mighty rushing blow I hit the wall with all I had, and cracked the wall long enough for the hidden behind the wall to leak out. Tekarious taken by the suddenness of my attack, steps back to put a wall of energy around him all the the while still looking upon me. Then with another rush of my mind I attack the wall again and manage to make the crack larger and the beginning of a hole. I think to myself there must be a great secret there for such a wall to have been placed. Then suddenly I get glimmers of images. At that very moment I realize that Tekarious also is seeing the glimmers of what I am seeing. Then all of a sudden the wall begins to close, I realize that help is coming from the outside, I know I must stop my attack and leave. Then I look up Tekarious is standing with a wall of energy around him, at that moment I brace myself for a attack but instead he just looks at me. I wasted no time and jumped into time and space with my had on the amulet. I look back in my mind to see Tekarious just standing there looking at where I had been. I also wonder about the images I had seen and why he had not attacked when he could. I take a deep breath.

** *** **

[DAI & MAR] Marduk and his daughter had spent a week with Daina in the City of the Elves helping them to form their army. The elves had been secluded and on the defensive for so long that the idea of attacking was a foreign idea to them. But with Marduk's power of persuasion and Daina's stubborness, the Elves slowly caught on to the idea. Marduk came to Daina one day. "I have been in contact with Ageless and it seems that our friend Silk has taken missing. We need to send out a small search party to find him and bring him back to Ageless. After that, make preparations to travel.. It is time to begin your training, little Shierra."
"I can't go to Ageless for the training. I have an army to raise and the way things are looking, I'll probably have to lead it,also. I'm sorry Marduk, but I don't have time for this now."
"You are speaking to a Dragon who dwells in the Realm of Time and Space, Daina. We will be gone three weeks but we will return not more that ten minutes after we left. Now see to the search party and then gather your things'
It took thirty minutes for Daina to gather the best of the Elven hunters together and send them on their way. She packed her small pack quickly and met Marduk and Korduk in the square of the city.
"I'm ready," she exclaimed. "Is Ageless going to meet us in the Realm?"
"Ageless will not be training you, little one. Her task is with Taliesin. I will train you in the ways of the Shierra." Marduk replied.
Daina was stunned. A few weeks ago Dragons were nothing but legend, a story for children. Now she was about to travel to their home and be trained in the ways of magic by the Leader of the Dragons. She was breathless with anticipation as she climbed onto Korduk's back and they took to flight. She was going to be with the Dragons! After they had warped Space and arrived in the Realm, Daina was immediately impressed with the barrenness of the land. Small scrub trees, tangle vines and a few scraggy bushes covered the sand and dust of the flatlands. A few ravines and the mountains in the distance broke the monotony of the flat, baked earth.
"This is not what I thought it would be like at all," Daina thought quietly.
"You were expecting a paradise with water and plants every where. That is not the Realm' Korduk said to her.
"How do you live here? This place is desolate!" Daina asked.
"We live here according to the Plan. We sacrifice much so that one day we can return to Daewood. But life flourishes, even in the desert."
Marduk spoke for the first time. " Look, there are our lairs, holes in the side of the mountains. You will be staying with me." They landed on the ledge outside of Marduk's lair and Daina slid off Korduk's back.
" Thank you for the ride, Korduk. It was very smooth." Daina said
"I was carrying a very precious package." Korduk stated. She eyed Marduk as he entered the lair. "Now listen carefully, girl. Marduk can be headstrong and overbearing at times. But time is short and your training is important. If he gets too bad , just call me and I will set him straight. And if you should ever want to just talk, just call me and I will be here." "Thank you," Daina said as she entered the lair.
It was huge! The roof was towering overhead and the room could have held a small village. There were entrances to other rooms in the back. And there was another Dragon talking to Marduk.
"Daina, I would like you to meet Grashnor. Grashnor, this is Daina, the Shierra of Ageless' party."
"Hello Daina, it has been a long time since we have had a Shierra visit us in our home" Grashnor bowed courteously. He was almost as large as Marduk but was deep shade of red to Marduk's midnight black.
"A Shierra-in-training to tell the truth" Daina replied. "And our home? I'm sorry,Marduk. I just assumed you lived with your wife."
"Grashnor is now my lifemate, Daina. Come I will show you to Ageless's old room. You will be staying there while you are in our home".
The next day Daina awoke early, eager for her first day of training. She went out on the ledge to have have her small breakfast of berries, nuts, bread and the dark warm drink of the Dragons.The sky was full of Dragons as they went on their search for food. Dragons lay on their ledges sunning themselves. As she sat down, Grashnor who was sunning himself in a corner roused.
"Good morning, little elf. What do you think of the Realm so far? How did you sleep?"
"I slept well, thank you. I can't get over the idea that every where I look there are dragons .'
'You'll get used to it, dear. But how is Ageless, I haven't seen her in so long and we miss her so much around here."
"She was fine the last time I say her but of course that was before the ship caught on fire," Daina took a sip of her drink and spit it out. "Ugh, yuchhhhh, what is this stuff?"
"It's called kafee and it does take some getting used to, but once you're hooked on it, you've got to have it" Grashnor laughed
Marduk appeared at the entrance. "Are you ready to begin, Daina? We have a long day ahead of us." Marduk took her to a flat open space. Then he asked her "Will it bother you much if I enter your mind, little elf. It will make it much easier if I can awaken your power that way."
"Of course,"Daina replied bravely. She felt the faint tendrils of Marduk's thoughts as they began to enter her mind. Her natural instinct was to repel this mind invading hers but she had to fight against it. Deeper and deeper Marduk plunged until their thoughts merged and he/she/they tore down the wall Daina had built to keep her magic away. She gasped as she opened her eyes. She was breathing deeply and was covered in sweat. Marduk took a shaky breath. "That was close. The wall you built was rooted to your deepest fears. If you hadn't helped me, I fear I could have shattered your mind, little elf." Marduk shook himself wearily "But it is done and now we can begin. Tomorrow we start your training."
The next few weeks past quickly for Daina. She was having the time of her life. Mornings with Marduk training her in the ways of the Shierra and the afternoons relaxing with Korduk and Loktar. At first she thought it was strange the way the two were always together, but after awhile the three young girls were fast friends. One morning as she was training, Marduk brought a package and gave it to Daina. "This is for you, little elf." Daina opened the package and took out the bow. She looked at Marduk curiously, "I already have a bow, Marduk. But thank you."
"Not like this one, dear. This is the bow of Adrius. He was one of the first of the Elves to awaken after the making of the world. He made this bow and bestowed upon it the power of true aim. Whoever uses this bow for the cause of freedom and right will never miss their mark."
Daina's eyes widened. "Thank you, Marduk."
"MURDERER!" a shriek made them both turn. There was a small female Dragon standing away from them. "Murderer, youkilled my husband, Marduk, you killed your own son! How do you live with yourself, Marduk? How do you face yourself after you kill your own son! He was my husband and I loved him and I swear I will see you dead and burned, Marduk, I swear!" She turned and flew away.
"Who in the name of all the gods was that?" Daina asked.
"That is the wife of my poor dead son. Since his death her mind has snapped. It is really a pity," Marduk said.
"Did you really kill your son?" Daina asked quietly. Marduk had been so kind and gentle with her. How could he do such a thing?
"My poor deluded son enraged the Dragons. He sought to take my place as Leader. He overstepped his bounds so much that only his death would satisfy the others. We all are to blame in his death. But I feel that somehow I am more to blame, that somehow I failed him as a father" Marduk said mournfully. "Enough, enough dwelling in the past and enough training for the day. Enough training.I have taught you how to use your powers now it is up to you to use them wisely. Tomorrow, I take you back to Daewood and the City of the Elves."

---

Sade sat on his throne in his robes of golden thread surrounded by his minions. The throne was a huge black stone with designs carved by a madman. The throne room was a dark gigantic room covered in tapestries depicting hellish tableaus of demons and lost souls with a carpet of Daewood at the foot of the throne. Sade was listening to one of his lackeys as he sniveled and whined over the carpet. "We know they left on the ship here, my dark lord. But that is the last we have heard from them. None of our spies or agents have seen or heard from them since. Mercy, my dark lord I only tell you what I know," the man cringed in despair. "Or what you don't know," Sade said slowly. With a flick of an eyebrown he sent out a bolt of power that struck the lackey with full force. The man exploded and the others cringed from Sade and the unfortunates entrails. "Why is it no one can tell me what I need to know. Where is the Dragonbitch and her pitiful group of toadies!" Sade raged. "I can tell you, Oh Mighty One," a voice answered. Sade jumped from his throne. "What is this?!! Who dares to enter my mind and speak to me?! Reveal yourself to me!!!" he commanded "I am an ally, Oh Dread Lord. One who only wishes to serve you and bring down the ones called Ageless and Marduk," the voice rasped in anger. "Marduk? Who or what is Marduk?"Sade demanded "Your enemy and mine,My Dark Liege and when you have killed him and drank his blood, then I will have my revenge!"

---

Daina awoke to darkness, and stared blindly for a moment, unsure of where she was. Suddenly reality flooded in, she remembered that she was in Ageless' old room, in the House of Marduk. Smiling to herself she recalled the past few weeks, marvelling at the changes that acknowledging and finally using her Shierra powers had made to her. She felt confident, at ease with herself and those around her, probably for the first time since her parents had been killed, and she had been stolen from her village. It had been a long hard road, but on the way she had met so many wonderful people, made some true friends. Ageless, the powerful and mysterious sorceress, Taliesin, so friendly and open, and yet full of hidden depths and strange powers. Marduk, a truly wondrous being who she was glad to call both mentor and friend, all of the other dragons, and........Silk. She sat up and clasped her arms around her knees, and wondered where that funny little man was right now, and what mischief he'd managed to get himself into this time. The last time she had seen him was the night he'd disappeared in the forest, so much had happened since then, and she was curious to know how he was faring............. Giving herself a little shake, she realised that she more important matters to think about, for example, she still had an army to train, and feed, and she knew she had to get them moving. They could not tarry much longer, she had to get to Lasha to meet up with Age and Tal.

** *** **

[TEK] A short while after his fight with Silk, Tekarious had set up camp and was sitting down to think. There was no doubt that Silk was of the old blood, the blood of the Ancient Kings of Daewoo. The power of the blood is the only way he could have deflected the magic blast. There was also no doubt who the woman who had come to save him was.

Tekarious had never seen the dragonwitch, Ageless, before and had always assumed she was just a meddlesome old crone. He had been comletely unprepared for the truth and was caught offgaurd. Never before had he seen such power, such beauty...

With an effort he pushed away the image which had arisen in his mind. She was the enemy, he must remember that. The image left only to be replaced by others. As Ageless held him in thrall he had seen many things coming from within his own mind, his own memory, and none of them made any sense...

---

[AGE] As I went through time and space, my mind was going over the encounter I had with Tekarious. I have never seen him before, just heard about him and the power he carried. No wonder Kal had made him his right hand man. What bother me was the images that I had managed to see when I broke that great wall in his mind. Images of a babe, being carried away in a carriage, images of Kal. What did it all mean? And why put a wall in Tekarious mind? Most the time walls are used to keep secrets from that person. And what reason would Kal have to hide something from Tekarious? I know that I am missing something. The background of the land, the area I had seen , the conflict that seem to be going on. They all seem so familiar, as if I had been there in the same place. Hmmm I thought, this is something I must discuss with Marduk. Then my mind would Tekarious face and all his features, never had I seen a man with so much power and so handsome. As I traveled on toward Marduk's lair, Tekarious face and everything else about him would come to my mind. I chilled myself, he is the enemy. But then his handsome face would haunt my mind.
As I came to Marduk's lair, I could see Silk and Marduk waiting for me. I knew this was going to be something, for now it is out that the old blood lived. Now we would have to explain to Silk who he really was. I wonder how he was going to handle this one. It was hard enough for Silk to get use to the ideal of dragon's still existing and that the fables were all true. Once I reached the entrance to Marduk lair, I could hear Marduk going now Silk calm down and let us explain. Then again in my mind came the face of Tekarious.

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