Ch 17: Assault

She stood in the shadows, watching. Always watching. Not one for many words, she usually let her actions speak for her. In fact, the only time she spoke was when her answer had to be more than a simple gesture or spell cast. And even then it was done in as few words as possible. To her, words simply got in the way. Besides, why bother when the end result would still be the same?

Eyes that were almost as black as her hair drifted from one to the other to the next before settling back on the highly polished, black, marble floor. The others were nothing more than objects to be used how ever she would see fit when the time came if they tried to get in her way of advancing her seat in the Dark Queens court. If she could gain this general's favor and have him report her deeds to the Queen then all the better.

She'd been called to aid a general and his army attack a group of broken Knights and a few mages who opposed the Dark Queen and try to bring two other mages back into the Queen's folds. Of course those two mages just happen to be two of the most powerful ones the Queen had under her leathery wings. While she secretly admired them for this feat, she publicly denounced their actions.

So she waited. And watched. For her time to come. And it was close enough now she could practically taste it in the air.

Larrisa let out a breath as her and Saul parted ways. How in Krynn did that boy recognize her let alone see her in the stockades. Larissa looked at one of the red strands of hair that stuck out from beneath her helmet. She sighed figuring that was the likely culprit as she moved through the halls to her room. The halls were devoid of life and the toll the battle had taken became clearer with every room she passed. With a sign she finally arrived at her room and looking around she slipped inside.

Looking around the room for a minute she was letting the situation sink in. Drawing in a breath she walked over to her dresser looking into the large mirror. She slipped off the helm casting it aside and stood there staring at herself in the mirror. Without her necklace on there were many differences she could note. She pulled back her dark red hair examining her elven ears wrinkling her nose. She didn't much like wearing a disguise but it was the role she played for her kingdom. She was even more grateful for it now with Myth being in the keep. She had to find a helmet quickly because he had almost seen her while she attended Lady Rose after the battle.

"That was entirely to close... if he sees me here he is going to birth a dragon."

With a sigh she slipped the necklace on and watched as the illusion that hid her true face took affect. Her sharp elven features shifted losing their definition making her look more human. Her ears now looked rounded losing that elven point. Her hair was also a lighter shade of red. She wrinkled her nose a bit before she stepped away from the dresser.

About a half hour later she emerged from her room bathed and dressed for her duties. She was wearing a dark blue dress and her hair was pulled back and braided. She took in a deep breath and made her way to her lady's quarters. The guards drew their spears apart allowing Larrisa access to the room. Slipping in she saw Rose resting on her bed her armor set in a neat pile at the foot of the bed. Larrisa made a note to take the gear to the smith for repairs after her visit.

She pulled up a chair to the side of Roses bed before she started looking the woman over. Judging by the bandaging she probably had a cracked rib or two but had managed to not get any of her limbs broken. "Thank the gods for small miracles."

Larrisa sat as Rose's side throughout the evening stepping out to turn away those who wished to bother her lady. She informed them that she would take a guests when the commander herself ordered it. Until such a time she was under medical orders to be left alone. Sometime around ten bells Rose finally roused herself from her slumber. She ached all over and she could feel the wrappings around her mid-section. With a groan pushed herself up slowly wincing as the pain in her side flared.

"Welcome back to the land of the living... seems the gods did not see fit to let you leave this realm."

Rose looked over when she heard the melodic voice and smiled despite her discomfort. "So it would seem"

Lowering herself back down she sighed. "How bad is it Larissa?"

Despite her misgivings the two talked into the wee hours about the injured and dead. Rose remained silent nodding taking everything in before falling back into slumber but not before asking to be awakened by the noon bell if she wasn't up already.



Myth was as grateful to see Tanjee upon her arrival as he was sure Aeolis would be. When Tanjee moved to attend to Trystan Myth excused himself from the room seeing that everything was well in order. His first stop was to check on Lady Rose and he was informed she was still resting and should be available later in the day. Myth only nodded his head before moving through the halls once more. Before long he was standing outside Pela's room staring at it for several seconds before he knocked.

The guard that had been set to the task of watching over the young wizard came to the door and peered out. He was exhausted, to say the least but there was no one to really relieve him from his duties. And besides, she really shouldn’t be left alone right now. When his eyes rested on the torso of a large, armored, imposing figure he was instantly awake and alert. AS his eyes drifted up to see the face of the Elven Prince, he quickly snapped to attention and nodded.

“Forgive me, Prince Myth, I didn’t realize it was you, sir.”

He saw Myth nod then look beyond him to the still darkened room where Pela was. The guard sighed heavily and looked back over his shoulder then looked back to Myth, rubbing the back of his neck. He stepped outside and closed the door quietly behind him, shaking his head.

“She’s still resting, sir. Not peacefully either, mind you. Many times during the night she had night terrors. I did my best to calm her but I’m still a stranger to her.”

The guard saw Myth furrow his brow and scratch under his chin thoughtfully then nod again.

“I will watch over her for now.”

The guard blinked and looked up at the Prince then looked at the door.

“I don’t know sir. I’m not supposed to…”

“You are not supposed to fall over from sheer exhaustion. Which is where you are headed if you keep this up. I give my word she will be guarded by me.”

The guard rubbed his neck again and looked at the door then back to Myth.

“Very well. AS soon as someone is able, I’ll send relief. Thank you, sir.”

Myth nodded to the young man and watching him disappear from sight. A few moments later he took a deep breath and walked into the room. The fire wasn’t much more than glowing embers now but it still gave off enough light so the place wasn’t too dark. The sun was trying it’s best to find cracks and crevices to shine through but it seemed even it couldn’t penetrate the darkness that loomed in the room. He was just getting ready to sit down when he heard a soft voice speak to him from across the room.

”The night has passed?”

Pela still laid on the sleeping mat with her back to him. She was curled into a little ball and it looked as though she might actually be shivering. Tears rolled down her nose and from the outer corner of her left eye as another wave of grief washed over her. She’d heard the muffled sounds of the guard speaking to someone but she didn’t know who. In fact, she still didn’t know who. Could care less who, actually. All she knew was that Bad Rock, her surrogate father, was dead and he wasn’t coming back. Period. She was truly alone now. No one to guide her through this cold, cruel world and she was both terrified and extremely sad.

Death was not new to her but the death of someone close to her was and she was devastated. Never had she considered the possibility either her or Bad Rock could die. Not really. They had discussed it and Bad Rock always told her it was always a dangerous possibility but her young mind simply couldn’t wrap around that concept.

Until now.

And she hated the way she felt. Hated the fact he was gone. Hated those mages for killing him. Hated that Knight and Elf who came to get her and Bad Rock. Hated who ever suggested she and Bad Rock be a part to this winless war.

She.

Just.

Hated.

Piramay's unconscious mind had waited for this moment since slumber had first taken her body. The warmth pulled away from her body as darkness gave way to light. Deep Red eyes slowly opened staring at the ceiling of the room. Slowly the Piramay rose looking upon the flame that held her body suspended above the floor. She watched the flames with curiosity as she placed her feet upon the floor. Taking in a deep breath she closed her eyes spreading her senses out into the tower that surrounded her. She could feel warmth in the stone beneath her feet, and she could feel the magic of the tower around her.

She looked around the room taking in the details as her vision cleared. The seems of the stones that made the walls glowed with an inner light and Piramay could feel intense warmth as she touched the wall. Next her attention shifted to the runes and sigils upon the wall. She examined them for a great deal of time and she knew this room would be her sanctuary. It was warded so heavily that she almost felt sorry for someone who tried to break in to come after her. A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she stepped away from the wall looking around the room once more.

She came to the realization that she was standing there stark naked and frowned as she looked upon her folded clothes laying upon an altar to the side of the room. She approached the altar and looked at her clothes laid out with idle curiosity before she looked at her arms and torso. She examined her soft pristine skin with a smile before she slipped on her form fitting dress and then her mage robes. The only thing missing was her staff and that made her frown slightly until she noticed a curious rune that had been obscured by her clothes. A strange compulsion took hold of her as she reached out and touched the rune.

Flames erupted around her and she felt a familiar pull and just as quickly the flames died away and she found herself standing atop the tower. She found herself standing upon a raised dais a throne at her back. From this spot she could look out over the landscape and saw the other two towers. She looked back at the seat and above the throne was the image of a phoenix with wings spread wide and behind that it a dragon posed in the same manner. For several meters in either direction was a strange groove in the stone work. Turning finally Piramay saw her staff sticking up from the exact center of the tower, With idle curiosity she approached her staff studying it for several moments.

With no hesitation she reached out grasping the staff and in that moment power coursed form it and through her. There was an explosion in her mind as it opened to the secrets of the magic that had been called forth. She could feel the power of the tower pulse in rhythm with her heart. Fire erupted from the grooves in the stone floor near the throne. The flames moved and flowed with each breath she took as the connection between mage and tower was sanctified. Warmth swept over her body and it felt like lightning danced across her nerves. She could feel a great build up of power within her being and when it felt like it would overflow that power flowed into the staff and spread across the tower as her staff came free of the floor.

It was late in the evening and anyone watching the tower of flame would see the fires that caressed its walls flare with new life lighting the evening sky. Upon the winds it could said that there was the faintest hint of laughter. There was a pulse of power and heat flowed from the tower melting some of the snow beyond the end of the wards. There was no mistaking that the master of the tower had awakened and she was letting all who saw her tower know.

Once she was done with Trystan , Tanjee moved around the Keep aiding those who needed her gift and just talking to who ever needed an ear or two to listen. The Knights that had survived were in a state of shock but they would pull through. Their battle would forever remain with them and she hoped that somehow they would learn from this as they had all of their other battles.

Towards late in the afternoon, she was growing hungry and decided to stop into the mess hall and get a bite to eat. There were a few Knights milling about and some of the Squires rushing in and out as they shuttled food trays back and forth between those injured and the mess hall.

When she walked in several Knights gathered at a table stopped talking and some of them stood up and nodded to her. She wanted to shrink back into her cloak but she couldn't. Instead, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she made her way to the food tables and started getting some food.

She was finally approached by one of the Knights and he cleared his throat to get her attention. When she turned to look at him she saw he was a middle aged man who was slightly taller than some of the others Knights with salt and pepper hair, a thick mustache and beard that bore the same salt and pepper markings as his hair. His eyes were a bright shade of green and Tanjee could see at one time he smiled allot. She offered him a warm smile and nodded.

"Good day to you Sir Knight."

The man stood straighter and inclined his head and offered a small smile as well.

"Nathan, ma'am. Sir Nathan Crossfire. I would like to thank you, on behalf of the Knights, for your aid to those of us who are in need of your abilities. We will be eternally in your debt, M'Lady."

Tanjee felt her cheeks grow warm as she noticed some of the other Knights now gathered around her. She nodded to Nathan then glanced at the others.

"Thank you, Sir Nathan. It is the will of the Goddess Mishakal that I have been granted these abilities and it is her power that restores your brothers in arms. I am but the vessel in which to ask for her grace. And I am glad I am here to offer her healing to you and your comrades."

Nathan's smile increased and he nodded his head again as did the others around her.

"Then please tell your Goddess thank you for us."

From in the back of the group another voice was heard, this one with a mocking tone to it.

"Yes. Please. Tell your Goddess thank you for us."

Nathan's smile faded instantly and his kind face suddenly hardened and he turned to look at the man the voice belonged to. The Knights parted and there, sitting at a table with some of his followers was Sir Walter. Nathan stared daggers at the man.

"Mind your manner's Sir Walter. The Lady Elf has given us a great gift."

Walter glared at Tanjee then turned his glare on Nathan as he tore a piece of bread off and popped it into his mouth and chewed.

"I am merely stating my appreciation of her skills, Sir Nathan. After all, she did say it was her Goddess' will she was able to perform her miracles."

Sir Nathan opened his mouth to say something when Tanjee touched his forearm gently and shook her head.

"Please, Sir Nathan. It is alright. There is no need to debate anything. Those of narrow minds fear that which they do not understand."

Tanjee leveled her gaze on Walter then turned to pick up her food tray again when the man spoke up again.

"The only thing I fear is what's going to happen when those two devils that built those towers wake up and realize what we did. All because your magic using friends deemed it necessary we try to attack that which we know nothing about. And from the staggering losses we suffered, I would say they didn't know as much about that as they thought they did."

Tanjee looked around and saw the others around her were of similar mindset, despite the fact they admired her. The fear of the unknown shone clearly in the eyes that all looked at her now and she suddenly felt like a deer in the bead of an archers bow.

"Fighting a battle is never an exact science. It is like coming near a bee hive. Will you be attacked by only a few of the bees or will the entire hive swarm you to protect what is theirs? It all depends on how you handle the bees. You have to find the best way that works for you."

She looked around at the others gathered.

"If you will excuse me..."

Walter smirked as he watched her turn to leave with her food.

"Or let the bees have what the want and find a place where they won't make such a fuss."

Tanjee stopped and turned. She saw the faces all looking at her then leveled her gaze on Walter.

"When you find a place on Krynn where no bees exist, do let me know. Good day, gentlemen."

With that she turned and walked out of the mess hall looking for a quiet place to sit and eat. She found what she was looking for in a small room off the main hallway. There were a couple of chairs and a small table that occupied the room but nothing more. Sitting her tray down, she sat down and sighed heavily. It was going to be a long day indeed.

Kali began to cry as Trystan’s body was engulfed in the soft blue light of Mishikal’s grace. His eyes fluttered open and he looked at the young face of the elf woman leaning over him. “What… where…?”

Tanjee’s hand patted him gently on the chest as she smiled and sat up straight, Trystan turned and saw Myth, Rayann and finally Kali looking down at him and he felt the stiffness in his leg. He smiled to Kali and she collapsed onto his chest, holding him tightly and whispering to him. He smiled and stroked her hair and looked up at the other three and spoke, “Thank you.”

Tanjee nodded and excused herself to tend to the other wounded. Myth moved closer and patted Trystan firmly on the shoulder, giving him a wink and then escorted Rayann out of the room so they could be alone.

The instant the door latched Kali was pressing her lips to Trystan’s, feeling the familiar warmth and moisture of his kiss. She leaned back after a minute and he grimaced, “This cast will need to go.”

She laughed and leaned back, brushing her hand over the plaster and whispered hissing words that wove a line around the cast. With a twist of her hand the cast fell to pieces and she looked back at him with a smile. He reached up and cupped the back of her head, pulling her towards him as he sat up. He held her tightly and looked around her room. He quirked his brow slightly as he saw an orange glow fluttering around near the ceiling. It was only there a brief instant, and it seemed to be laughing.



Ceridwyn embraced Aeolis and held him tightly, as he asked about how bad things were she was racked with sobs and through her tearful eyes she spoke, “Bad Rock is dead, no one has seen poor Pela, we have about 100 Knights and around 150 soldiers left. Runners have been dispatched to head south toward Solanthus, Elmwood, Luinstat, and Thelgaard Keep to ask for any available soldiers and Knights. Tomorrow more are being dispatched to head south east. They will rally I am sure, word is spreading quickly about the towers.

She looked up at him and leaned in as she buried her face in his neck. “The losses Aeolis, so devastating, how many children and wives are alone today because of what happened?”

She inhaled deeply and sighed into his neck. Suddenly she felt a pin prick, as if in the back of her neck and she stiffened in his arms. She leaned back slowly and felt butterflies in her stomach as she looked at him, her face was going pale and eyes dilated. She turned her head quickly towards the towers and whispered…. “By the gods…. No.”



Nidhug bowed to his master and exited the tent. He was relieved he had left with his head in tact. Gregor had never punished him, he had always been loyal and had never let his commander down, but he had seen Gregor destroy soldiers for bringing bad tidings, and to leave without incident was a good thing.

He moved along, his three sergeants moving behind him. His leg was stiffer today than normal, the cold exaggerating his usual limp. He stopped outside his tent and turned to his three most trusted Draconians. They looked at him as their eyes glistened in the glow of the torches, “The Commander wishes us to rest, we move out in the morning. Get some food and sleep, we will regroup just after dawn.”

The three bowed their heads almost in synch and moved off, their heavy armor clanging as they made their way into the main encampment to seek food and pleasure.

Aeolis listened to what Ceri was telling him and he furrowed his brows. Bad Rock was a formidable force on the battle field and would be sorely missed and he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Pela. The girl had known nothing but Bad Rock so his loss was surely nothing short of devastating.

He was getting ready to say something when he felt the change in Ceri and when she looked up at him, he saw the look in her eyes and the paleness of her face. There was a flare of orange and he thought he heard something or someone laughing and while he wasn’t as sensitive to the magical force on Krynn as Ceri was, he felt a sudden change in it as well. From Ceri’s reaction, he could only assume the worst had happened.

”Which one, Ceri?”






Rayann had finally made it to her room and shrugged out of her robes. They were less than pristine now and she would have to make sure they were cleaned and repaired. She took the opportunity to get a quick bath and she was sitting at her dressing table when she felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She dropped the brush she’d been pulling through her hair and clutched the dressing table to steady herself. Her lavender eyes widened and suddenly looked towards her window as she saw the slightest amber flare across her ceiling and heard the soft feminine laughter.

”No…..not yet….

The sun was pale in the early sky, clouds hung low filtering the sun's rays to a blue/gray. Gregor's boots crunched across the crisp frost that covered the encampment. The general wore a rare black fur cloak over his robes and leather to keep the chill out. Gregor was not but a few steps from his tent when Wolfe approached with the General's horse.

Wolfe had a heavy black cloak on over his armor with a length of it wrapped around his head covering his nose and mouth from the cold. Wolfe's beady eyes shifted to the general as he brought the horse to Gregor.

"The men are prepared." Wolfe said

"Of course they are." Gregor barked as he heeled the horse onward to where the 500 soldiers were gathered in formation. The Knights were clad in gray and black, many wore exotic and custom armor. They carried spears and swords and some long handled halberds. There were two things that were the same for every man, the black helmet upon his head and loyalty and admiration for the general.

Wolfe mounted his horse and rode behind Gregor as the general came to the impressive lot of Knights. Gregor eyed the small army before him, it was the finest in all of Krynn. Every last man feared and admired him for none could challenge him at arms and none would dare challenge his black magic.

Through Gregor they had all learned to fear and love the Dark Queen and her great power. Gregor was far from just a military leader, he was part priest and part prophet. The Knights felt a great confidence when going to war for their General was a grand strategist and a favored servant of Tahkisis.

Gregor sat admiring the men before him for a few minutes before he spoke.
"We make for the Black Lake." Gregor said. The men stamped into the fragile frost, the camp thundered with the sound. The men began their march in perfect time, a quarter of their number were mounted on horseback, the rest marched on foot.

Gregor rode from in front of the men with Wolfe just behind him. The General approached Nidhug and his Draconians who were on horses of their own.

"They say the black lake never thaws Nidhug, it is a dreadful black mirror that few dare look upon." Gregor had that mad look that both Nidhug and Wolfe had seen so many times before.

"We will look deep into it's dark glass and pass deep into it's depths and find ourselves at the end of our journey in an instant." A wide grin was forming on the general's scarred face.

"A reverend mage awaits our arrival, she is the key to unlocking the lake's power for I alone cannot move this whole army through the eye of this deadly needle." Gregor finished with a smile.

Gregor saw Nidhug's face, the Draconian seemed displeased to hear of the Black Lake, perhaps the creature knew of it's power or it's danger. Nidhug said nothing but Gregor knew that his trusted right hand did not approve of this tack but if they survived the journey they could destroy the enemy Knights with ease.

Nidhug thought of the general's words about winter and war and realized in that moment that they had never seen defeat in wintertime.

"Speak freely Nidhug, tell me of the Black Lake so that I may hear no more of your fretting."
Gregor heeled his horse again, he glared at Nidhug as he rode slowly forward inviting Nidhug, Wolfe and the Draconians to keep pace with him.

Nidhug stayed slightly off to the side and behind his General as the troops were inspected and addressed. He felt his face twitch slightly as his Lord mentioned the black lake. It was a steely place with constant cold, even in the dead of summer. As Gregor swung his mount around and they started moving out Gregor addressed him and he turned looking out from under his thick woolen hood and scarf. He, like the hundred or so Draconians under his direct command despised the cold. He cast a sideways glance at his leader and reached up to bring the scarf down off his scaled lips. His tongue instinctually slicked out of his mouth, searching the air and he spoke with his guttural voice, “Begging the General’s pardon but since he has addressed me directly, the Black Lake is an option but a treacherous one. This woman you say we are meeting yet none have known, she is the lynch pin in the plan your Lordship…. I find it odd you trust her with our,” Gregor shot him a glance…, “YOUR army my Lord.”

Nidhug caught a scent of stag on his tongue and his eyes looked hungrily towards the dense woods on his left side, a slight glistening of saliva formed on his mouth but he turned obediently back to look into the cold eyes of his General, “Travel by magic is not easy on the body my General, the men won’t be ready to fight immediately, most will need a day, some two in order to recover, that’s if the Black Lake doesn’t see it fit to simply swallow their souls and shit them into Hades.”

Gregor seemed more amused than concerned and Nidhug continued, “It’s waters are said to be bleed from the bellies of the ancient dragons, though who can really know, but that is why they never stir unless one of pure heart approaches. It seeks to destroy those who would come to cleanse it, but its true nature and origin are only known by Astinus the great Historian at Palanthus, but as you are aware he would never allow the volumes to be read and to demand it would be to offend the very gods themselves.”

Gregor looked over at him and seemed to be taking it all in, he spoke again, “I just wonder about this woman you keep speaking of sir.”



Ceridwyn looked sharply at Aeolis and she whispered, “Piramay.” The two of them ran to the battlements facing east and up the towers where one could see over the hills and observe the towers. The tower of flame spit and flared brightly, those of highly attuned magical ability would be able to hear her laughter and Ceridwyn shuddered slightly as she pressed again Aeolis, “She wakes, which means it is only a matter of time before…”

She went pale and turned to run down and talk to Rayann but practically ran into her and Myth as they came up to the observatory. She saw the expression on Rayann’s face and knew that her friend was feeling it too. They exchanged concerned glances and then looked back at the tower, it was awash in flames and the snow outside the warding was melting. Ceridwyn whispered to any that managed to hear, “may the gods aid us…”



Kali waited as Trystan got dressed and ran to the battlements. They looked out across the top of the eastern hill and watched as the tower brought itself to life, Kali spoke, “The master of the tower awakens, Fifth will be awakening soon as well then.”

Trystan turned and looked at her, his eyes searching for anything that he could find, “Is it because we attacked?”

Kali shook her head, “Not likely, but not improbable either. They have been dormant for seven weeks, my guess is that the rest they needed is at its end and now we will get to discover what the purpose of these towers really is.”

Trystan furrowed his brow and looked behind him at the massive city and its people. He swallowed hard as he instinctively brought his arm up and around Kali. She barely felt him as she felt the smooth, caressing voice of a woman enter her mind. It made her eyes go wide and it was then she realized who the dragon she had been dreaming about was. Her half-elven eyes narrowed slightly and she could see the movement on the top of the tower, the silky movements of the fire obscured her but she could see the maiden of the flames walking along the towers observation balcony, and Kali inhaled deeply knowing what must be done.

Saul listened to the chirping of the falcon as it tore at the morsel of the meat, and moved about subtly on his arm. Although he could not understand the chirping as a language, he and Tepas had been together for many years and thru many adventures. It was as if he could understand, much the same way a rider understood the subtleties of his horse or a master those of his favorite hound. Saul brow furrowed as he lifted his arm and said “Aloft be my eyes in the skies.” Tepes leapt from his air and once again took to the air.

Saul watched the bird rise in the air and circle the fortress before heading north. When the falcon was but a speck in the sky, Saul walked across the battlement, and down the stone steps to the courtyard, and made his way into the dinning hall. As he sat alone at a table eating slowly, he saw the woman who had rode into the keep earlier enter. Keeping his head down, he watched as the tall knight spoke to her and others began to gather around her. She bowed to them and started to find a place to sit. It was then that Sir Walter, who had been so rude before, made his cutting remark. Saul’s hand moved stealthily to the hilt of his dagger, he knew deep down to make a violent move against the knight would probably mean that Saul’s neck would be fitted with a noose. That is if he even survived being arrested, but the more the man opened his mouth, the less Saul liked him. When the young woman disarmed than man verbally and intellectually, Saul felt a faint smile cross his face for a brief moment. As the woman excused herself, staring at Sir Walter for a brief moment and began to turn to walk towards the door, Saul slipped out just ahead of her. He walked quickly down the corridor looking for a place to slip into to let her walk ahead of him, he saw an open door and stepped into the room and slipped behind the open door. He held his breath as the woman stepped into the room and sat her tray down on the lone table, slid the chair out and sat down with her back to the door. Saul watched her as she began to eat, after she had taken a few bites, he stepped silently out from behind the door . “It may not be wise to sit with your back to an open door, ...... Especially with the narrow minded attitudes of old men, that envision themselves superior and seek only self promotion and greater power. It is said you are a Priestess of Mishikal, a magical healer and follower of The Light, if this be true then I thank you for your help.” Saul said quietly. “Tel’ Seldarine vara no' lle ar' llie” ( Translation: The Gods protection on you and yours ) He then, fluidly brought the open palms of both his hands together at his chest as he bowed his head in respect, turned silently, stepped from the room, moving swiftly down the corridor and out into the courtyard. There he appeared to melt into the people that moved about tending to the wounded.

In truth Saul once again climbed the stone steps to the north battlement and stared out across the snow cover plain. Dark clouds where forming over the mountains to the north and the scent of snow filled his nostrils.

Pela, like the others sensitive to the magical field around Krynn, felt the disturbance and snapped her head around to look at Myth. Her ice blue eyes were puffy and swollen from crying and some moisture still gathered in them but her tears quickly stopped and she sniffled as she sat up and blinked.

”Something happens….”

She still didn’t understand everything that was happening around and to her. She always knew she was sensitive to something she couldn’t see and now, as she slowly got to her feet and walked over to Myth as he glanced towards the door with a deep scowl on his face, he looked over at her and nodded.

“Yes…it does. Come, Pela, you need to be as much a part of this as the rest of us.”

Pela barely nodded as Myth opened the door and started heading across the compound with her in tow. His long steps carried him quickly across the compound but Pela was able to keep up with him easily. As they passed by the main building, Rayann rushed out to join Myth soon followed by Ceridwyn, Aeolis, Kali and Trystan.

Rayann had quickly put her red, velvet robes back on and she was just about to exit the building when Ceri practically ran into her. Nodding in response to Ceri’s words, the group quickly convened on the Eastern battlements an looked over at the Tower of Flame and saw the way it flared and the flames danced merrily.

As they all stood looking at the tower as it began to pulsate with life, everyone knew the obvious but when Kali spoke the words no one really wanted to hear, Rayann looked over at her daughter and saw her eyes grow wide. Something was happening between Kali and the fire mage and Rayann could feel it. Finally Rayann spoke to Kali hoping her daughter could hear her.

”What is it Kali?”

Pela blinked as she saw the tower of flame flare. Taking a step back without realizing what she was doing, she wanted to keep as much distance between her and that heat as much as she could. What ever was happening here was going to be the worst thing she’d ever faced and that frightened the hell out of her. Especially without Bad Rock there to guide her.

What was she going to do now?

Tanjee knew the young man was in the room with her so when he finally spoke up, she wasn’t startled. As she heard him talk, she smiled softly. As she turned to say something to him, he darted out of the room and out of the Keep itself. Strange fellow, she thought.

She was just finishing up her meal when she felt a disturbance in the magical force and her eyes grew wide and she gasped. Something was afoot around here and it couldn’t be good. Leaving her tray where it sat, she picked up her cloak and darted out of the Keep and across the compound as she saw the others racing for the Eastern battlement. Knowing what lie on that side of the Keep, she felt her stomach lurch as dread filled her.

Quickly joining the others, she looked out at the tower of flame and saw how the flames danced and caressed the tower now. She could make out a figure moving on the observation deck of the tower and knew the mage of flame was now awake. This did not bode well indeed.

She glanced at the group gathered then looked back at the tower. How does one defeat such a powerful mage who can cause so much destruction and death with just a flick of her wrist? Tanjee hoped there was some hidden plan in the works that would deliver these humble people from the brink of destruction that literally rested on their doorsteps.

If not…..

She refused to let herself think of that.

Kali turned and looked at Rayann. Her face was like stone and she shook her head softly. She turned and looked back at the tower of flame and simply watched as the flames spiraled and swirled around it. She felt her stomach lurching as her mind reeled with the actions she must take.

She gently pulled away from Trystan and spoke, “I need to go to my room.”

Trystan looked at the tower and then to Kali speaking in response, “I will come with you.”

She turned and looked at him, her face was stern in its conviction and she shook her head again, “No Trystan, I need to be alone. It’s nothing personal, I just need… I need some time to think.”

She looked over his shoulder at Rayann who was nothing short of obvious in the concern blooming all over her face. Kali locked eyes with her a moment but said nothing. She turned and the soft swishing of her velvet robes faded quickly as she walked down the stairs and back to the Keep.

Trystan turned and looked at Ceridwyn and Rayann. Ceridwyn took a small step forward and spoke, “She is affected by the towers Trystan, our warding is holding her mind in place, but her struggle is not an easy one.”

She turned and looked at Rayann and Myth. Both of their faces showing the concern over their daughter and Ceridwyn, for the first time ever had no words to offer. She inhaled deeply and turned to look at the towers once again, her eyes catching the movement of Piramay as she paced along the observation platform.

--



Silver mirrored eyes opened with a flick and he inhaled deeply. The black walls of the recuperation chamber glistened in the low light and a smile crossed his face. He lifted his hand and looked at it, the skin was tight and young. He laughed aloud, the echo booming off the walls. He swung his legs off the bed and stood, feeling the stiffness recede quickly from his legs as he walked over and lifted his clothing from the table on the edge of the room. He then reached and lovingly touched his robes, slipping the heavy fabric over his shoulders and clasping them at the neck.

He smoothed the front of them and then made his way to the final adornment of his attire, the Staff of Shadows. It hovered on its stand near the entrance and almost seemed to come to life as he approached. His hand wrapped around it lovingly and he removed it, bringing the slick black crystal on top near his eyes. “Ashstalash,” The crystal flared to life and glowed dimly in the dark room. His lips slid into a sinister sneer and he turned, motioning towards the door. A dismal creek and the door slipped from its lock and opened, disappearing into a pocket within the wall. He stepped into the hallway that wound up the inside core of the tower and emerged on the main floor.

Everything was as it should be, the grand entry way lifted into the heights of the tower above and a massive staircase spiraled up around the inside wall. The stairs were merely a showcase however, for with one thought he was mid-way up the tower standing in the lab. He looked around the massive room and saw that every single piece of equipment he would need for five lifetimes worth of research and work were here and ready for use. He also spoke into the shadows, “Come Gobpad.” The imp walked meekly from the shadows and stopped at Fifth’s feet, bowing low and hissing, “I prepared as you requested Master, all is as you wished it to be.”

The creature looked up and Fifth reached down, scratching him behind the ears and speaking, “You have done well Gobpad, I appreciate your efforts to bettering our new home.”

The creature bowed so low his long ear tips brushed the ground and he padded along behind Fifth as he moved towards the door. In the massive arching hallway he made his next thought take him to the observation deck and he looked out across the scar in the land. The bodies of the dead soldiers of Solamnia still littered the field near the third tower and he began to laugh, “Fools.”

Turning he looked over towards the tower of flame and he saw Piramay on the upper deck. With a whisper he was speaking to her as if she was standing next to him, “And from the ashes, the Phoenix awakens.”

It was a half day march to the low lying hills that framed in the Black Lake. The closer the army came to the place the less signs of life they saw. It was winter and there were no bright colored flowers or green grasses but even in the heart of winter the evergreen trees remained green, but not here in the small valley that held the Black Lake.
There were few trees and these were dry and dead, they bore no needles or leaves. Beneath the frost at their feet was dry loose dusty soil. The land around the lake looked as if there had been a terrible fire but nothing had grown back in the ashes. The army trudged forward, a terrible cold wind howled through the hills as if to warn anyone who journeyed here to turn back.

Gregor rode a ways ahead of the men along with Nidhug and the Draconians. It was not snowing but the strong winds blew the frost and dust around in the low valley making it hard to see more than a few hundred feet in front.

Everything was the color of the frost mixed with the loose pale soil that made up the small hills around them. The chill of the wind bit hard and the dust stung as it whipped any exposed skin. Gregor squinted into the dusty chill, his eyes along with his magic were searching the enclosed valley for the dark lake.

Gregor's magic tugged at him and the general climbed down from his mount and began walking away from the rest of the group. Gregor could not see the lake in the wind and frost but he could feel it's power. He walked a few paces and he could swear it was getting even colder as he did so. All around him he saw only the small hills, no trees, the area seemed to be a frozen desert. With each step he could sense the lake, it must be close.

Gregor walked a few more paces and something inside of him cried out to halt, to walk no more. Gregor squatted down and began to push his gloved hand through the snow, frost and loose dirt at his feet. The soil and ice moved easily and soon Gregor saw black beneath it. Gregor pushed the soil away and revealed enough of the lake to be able to lay his hand flat on it's cold hard surface. Gregor slipped off his heavy glove and pressed the flesh of his hand onto the gleaming glass of the black lake.

In an instant the winds died, the valley fell silent and Nidhug, Wolfe and the others could see the general kneeling at the edge of a vast, flat spot in the landscape. Gregor removed his hand from the small uncovered part of the lake and slipped his glove back on. Gregor said a few strange sounding words and a small burst of energy flew from him and passed over the lake, growing in intensity as it did so. Gregor's spell swept the frost, soil and snow from the surface of the lake revealing it's darkness, a stark contrast to the ruddy color of the hills that surrounded it.

As the dirt and frost was blown from the lake it hovered in the air around it, it did not settle to the ground again, instead it hung in the air like a fog. The lake was not the largest that Gregor had seen, it was perhaps a league across but what it lacked in size it made up for in looks. The General liked its perfectly flat polished surface, it did not seem like frozen water but more like polished stone.

Gregor turned away from the lake and back to his men Nidhug and the others were even closer now.

"Take care not to step out onto it until we are ready." Gregor barked.
The rest of the army came to edge of the lake and spread out to see it.

Gregor turned to Wolfe. "Get some fires going."
Wolfe repeated the order to the men and they began to unload some wood and oil.

Within a few moments a few massive fires were going and the men huddled around them. Gregor walked away from all of this again and walked alone along the edge of the black lake. The General knelt again at the frozen waters edge. Gregor pulled a long dagger from his belt and held it over the glossy surface of the lake, the general closed his eyes and let his magic guide his hand.

"My Queen, reveal to me the name of the mage woman so that she may be summoned."
Gregor's hand moved wildly across the black ice scratching and carving. Gregor looked at what he had scratched into the ice.

NEVAEH- The letters were tall and deep in the ice. A bust of energy emanated from the lake and passed through Gregor. The general stood up and slipped his dagger back into his belt.

"Now she will come." Gregor said quietly and stood looking out over the dark ice.

As the army moved along during their journey Nidhug remained relatively silent. He was lost in his spell book and kept going over the dark magic to keep the spells locked in his memory for immediate use should they need to respond to something. After a few hours he looked up as the General came to a halt and ordered that only himself and a few were to scout the lake out. He turned to his Draconian guard and spoke some words in their guttural language before moving out behind the general.

The wind was as biting as he had ever felt it and he huddled miserably under his heavy wool garments. He did not show it, but in his mind he was thinking of all the warm places his reptilian skin would rather be than here. As the landscape increased in its miserable appearance he looked around with interest. As they halted again he spoke to Gregor who either didn’t hear him or simply ignored him, “This place looks worse than the Abyss.”

Nidhug’s reptilian eyes watched as his Lord dismounted and wandered around looking for the black lake. The amount of time it was taking seemed amplified by the, in Nidhug’s opinion, dismal conditions. Finally Gregor knelt and uncovered the lake. At his order the army was immediately brought up and the fires were lit. Nidhug and four of his chief Draconians got as close to the flames as they dared and as Gregor performed his ritual Nidhug watched with interest. The general was being very close lipped about what he was doing and Nidhug was left to his own devices to figure out what was happening. As he watched and saw the movement of magic around Gregors feet he focused on the scratching in the ice. Narrowing his eyes he whispered to one of his Draconians in their native language, “The name is revealed, watch her closely when she arrives, the Generals safety is our number one priority, even if from himself.”

The Draconian officers nodded and they all watched him now, he seemed to be bathed in his own thoughts as he watched the landscape, standing out on his own several dozen yards from the rest of them. Nidhugs eyes wandered over the generals frame. His armor even seemed to become darker in this place, life was nonexistent and from Nidhugs perspective it was obvious as to why, who on Krynn would subject themselves to this if they didn’t have to.

He looked down and watched the swirling frost and snow at his feet. He stomped them to try to keep warm, but no fire could chill the bones of this environment. Deaths cold has no desire to be flushed away, not even by the hottest fires.

A tingling sensation slipped up the length of her spine and she knew her time to join the General for her Queen had come. Dark shadows engulfed her feminine form and she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The world around her grew deathly quiet and she felt as though her stomach had been left behind. The warmth of the quiet room she’d been in was quickly replaced by biting cold and she was very glad her black robes protected her from the weather.

As her ears were filled with the sounds the outdoors and soldiers moving about, her dark eyes slowly opened and she saw fires in the distance. She went to take a step then stopped short of actually making it. Glancing down with her eyes she saw the crystal clear darkness below her. If she stepped she would be consumed by the black waters just under her feet.

Lifting her eyes once more to gaze at the shoreline, she saw the large, black clad figure standing ominously at the shoreline. All around she saw the death and decay that surrounded this lake and another smile slipped onto her lips. The hood of her robe hid her face beneath the soft, deep folds except for that smirk like smile she now wore.

A pale hand reached out from the black robes she wore and made a slight gesture as words of magic hissed past her red lips. Her form began to slowly ease over the waters of the lake and the water never rippled. It was as though she wasn’t just above the water but the magic that pulsed through the black depths allowed her spell to be cast flawlessly. Her Queen was right, there was boundless powers to be found if one looked in the right places.

Finally she neared the shore and Gregor’s form became even more visible. He was quite ominous up close but already the women in the robes could feel the power he wielded. Her Queen had given her a Champion of her own and she couldn’t be more pleased. Well, she could but why split hairs right now?

When she reached the line where the water and ground met, embracing each other like lovers, she stopped moving. From beneath the hood her eyes leveled on the red ones she could see of Gregor’s. Slowly her ivory hand reached out towards Gregor. She could tell he was assessing her as she was him and finally he reached his gloved hand out to take hers. As her delicate fingers rested on his hand and his thumb closed over those fingers, she felt his power once more and she felt a shiver ease down her spine causing her to part her red lips and breathe deeply. As soon as her feet touched ground she curtsied deeply and waited for him to give her permission to rise. As the gesture was received, she stood up straight and reached up slowly pushing the hood of her robe off her head then let her eyes settle on his chest before slowly easing to his red eyes. She had raven black hair that fell to just past her shoulders. Across her eyes was a black tattoo that covered her face from forehead to just below her eyes and her nose. She spoke and her voice was like a soft but cold caress.

”Your call has been heeded, My General.”

Myth looked upon the towers and felt a chill run up his spine. His keen elven sight allowed him to see the figure of Piramay pacing the tower more closely than the others. He could feel the disruption in Kali as she departed and looking at Rayann he could see she was as concerned as he was. However she made it clear she needed time to herself and knew they needed to give her that space. His gut feelings were twisting erratically and that was never a good sign.

There was the distinct sound of armored footsteps approaching and for the first time since the assault Rose stepped into the open. Her eyes were fixed upon the towers as she approached the group. Larrisa was silently following her eyes transfixed as well. There was a heavy sigh that escaped her lips as she approached the edge of the wall resting her hands upon the stone. "So it appears that our nightmares have been realized. Piramay has awakened and soon so shall Fifth."

Silence was short as Myth looked to the other tower pointing "No... he is already awakened."

Kali sequestered herself in her room and asked her guard to keep everyone out, including her parents and Trystan. She sat beside the fire and stared into the flames for hours, only getting up to put more wood on. She observed how the flames licked the wood and swirled with the slightest breeze. The shadows in turn danced with the flames, filling every void the flames left available, pressing through the void left by the absence of its light. Things began to gel in her mind, and she could see so much now that she allowed herself the opportunity to simply allow her mind to rest.

She still felt grief at the losses the soldiers and Knights of Heartlund had absorbed and she felt responsible despite the words her mother and Ceridwyn had offered her to the contrary. It had been her plan, the knights had trusted her and she laid out the formations, the movements, even the rate of advancement. Never in all her days in the Dark Queen’s army had she miscalculated so severely and seen those kind of losses in her own forces. It was a true opening of the eyes for her, and she began to feel the tears crawling down her cheeks as she reflected on the scene that had played out the day before on the snowy field to the east of Heartlund.

The dragon in her heart was breathing softly and she stared into the flames. Its face stared back at her from the flames and she stared back unblinking. “You see now, your inner eye is opened, I can feel that you know the truth.” Kali nodded as she reached up and used the hem of her robe to wipe the moisture from her cheeks, “Yes, I see it.”

The dragon smiled a beautiful sneer and whispered, “Your destiny is not here child.”

Kali closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, letting the breath out in a long, soft sigh. When she opened her eyes again the dragon was gone from the flames, only a small glistening ruby remained where its head had been hovering in the flames. Kali leaned forward and reached into the fire, her hand felt only a warm tickle as the flames moved off her flesh and she grasped the ruby. She looked at it and brought it up in front of her eyes. She could see her reflection, the pale skin emphasized by the image of her hair swirling in shadow woven through the honey blond color like it was braided in.

She stood and took the Staff of Cells into her hand and put a few things into her travel pack. Hissing words of magic she vanished from the room and appeared just outside the warding. The city of Heartlund was behind her, she could feel the eyes of the guard on her, and her parents, Ceridwyn and Trystan. It was as if she was staring at them, yet they were far off. Her robes swirled around her as she took a step and held the ruby up in front of her. It touched the warding and sparked to life, blazing red light shot in front of her and she was able to pass through the warding unaffected by its protective magic. She heard the faint screams of her family and boyfriend as she passed through the warding, but she moved on. She walked across the field of the dead, the soldiers hollow eyes looking at her as she passed them. They lay in twisted heaps, pummeled by the elementals that had been shattered and driven back. She looked up at the tower of fire and saw Piramay standing on the observation deck looking down at her, though she was still far off Kali could tell she was looking right at her.

She walked and passed through the field of massive elementals that patrolled along the ground between the towers. They ignored her as she walked among them, a stark contrast to how they had reacted to her only 36 hours prior. She stopped at the outer ridge of the cauldron the tower of flame hovered over and looked up at Piramay. Though the fire mage was all the way at the top of the tower Kali could see she was smiling down at her. In a flash of light Piramay appeared in front of Kali, looking at her with calculating eyes. She spoke and her voice was familiar to Kali, it was the voice of the dragon, the voice that had been conversing with her for months, the same voice of the dragon that had been locked and imprisoned in the fiery furnace of her heart, “Welcome home Shulamite.”



Nidhug watched huddled near the fire. As the woman appeared and hovered across the lake he could feel the power coming from her. So this was the woman his master was placing his trust in, this was the witch that would conjure the ability to transport an army.

His reptilian eyes kept watch on her and he motioned for the four trusted Draconians around him to be mindful of her. They had all moved off the fire and were standing a little closer to Gregor. They were by no means close enough to be threatening or even advancing into defensive positions, but when she brought her hand up all four guards went for the hilt of their swords and stopped only when Nidhugs hand gestured to hold. He too however had a pinch of reagents ready and was watching her if she did anything to threaten their Lord.

All this was done out of duty, not that Gregor was incapable of defending himself. The man had been advanced in Tahkisis army because of his skill and cold blooded personal achievements, but Nidhug would not be doing his job if he wasn’t keeping vigil on his Lord.

Gregor watched out over the still lake, the woman approached, the general could feel it. Nidhug had come close to the general, a few of the Draconians as well. Their reptilian eyes darted back and forth from their heavy wool head coverings, the steam of their breath rising up from their covered mouths. The greatly feared creatures were determined to put down any threats should the arrival of the stranger prove to be an ambush. Nidhug stood calmly, he was always calm not much surprised the powerful creature and even less impressed him.

Gregor watched his wise Draconian lieutenant and he knew that Nidhug could sense the arrival of the mage woman. A shadow soon appeared, it hovered over the lake and began to move silently towards Gregor and the rest. At first the shadow was just that, a flicker like a black flame that was dancing just above the surface of the black ice. As it came nearer Gregor could see the woman, her robes closed around her she floated like a cloud over the waters and touched down in the midst of Gregor and the imposing Draconians.

The woman showed no fear as she approached The General and extended her hand and offered a formal greeting. Gregor took her hand and his power connected with hers like two horses colliding in battle. Gregor was pleased to have a taste of the woman's power, the general smiled as she pushed her hood back revealing her tattooed face.

The tattoo surprised Gregor, for he too bore some marks on the flesh of his face. This pleased Gregor, he wondered if the ink in her skin carried any warding or charms like his did. He studied the woman's eyes and her black hair, her hair was as dark as the lake near their feet.

"I am Gregor Askann, I command these men. It was foretold that you would aid us in unlocking the power of this dark place. We wish to pass through it's depths and make a 3 days journey in the blink of a Draconian's eye."

The reptilian creatures eyed the woman as Gregor spoke, distrust was evident in their cold stares and a few quiet hisses escaped their scaled lips.

Gregor pulled his fur and wool hood from his head to let Nevaeh look upon him, he wondered again about the markings around her eyes.

Who could stand against such power- such gifts? With the help of the young woman the army would pass through the black waters unharmed and well rested. The burden of magic would be split three ways, Gregor Nidhug and Nevaeh need not stretch their powers and their minds to unbearable limits, they too would be battle ready at the end of the journey.

Gregor looked up to the gloomy sky, the clouds still hung low and the valley was gray as far as one could see. The general drew in a deep breath smiling wide.

"I told you Nidhug, Winter is the best of seasons..."

Rayann felt the pull of magic and knew it was Kali. What she didn't expect was to see her daughter appear at the edge of the wardings. As though time slowed down to a crawl, she watched, disbelieving, as her daughter placed something on the wardings and was granted permission into the sacred ground. She heard Ceridwyn, Aeolis and Trystan scream for Kali to stop and not do what she was doing but Rayann knew her daughter's mind was made up. She knew her daughter was the master of the third tower. She knew her daughter had returned to her former self.

Her daughter was Shulamite once more.

Rayann felt the moisture well up in her lavender eyes but she refused to let it fall freely down her face. There was a reason why all of this was happening and while it broke her heart to see the choice her daughter made, she knew, better than anyone, her daughter was doing what she needed to do. What that meant for everyone else remained to be seen.

Her hands curled into tight fists as they rested on the cold, stone battlement wall and it wasn't until she felt Myth's hand on hers that she realized her fingers had grown white. Blinking, she glanced up him then looked at the others and took a deep breath.

"What's done is done. May the Gods help us all now."

Turning, she walked away from the others. It was a long, hard day after the battle and she was exhausted. Her heart was numb and her mind was still in shock at what had just happened. She didn't even realize her husband had walked up beside her until she felt his hand take hers. Even then the look she gave him was one of confusion yet understanding.

And right now, all she could think about was Rorie.



Nevaeh nodded when Gregor introduced himself. Indeed she'd heard of him. There wasn't a person in the Queen's court who hadn't. And now that she knew who this General was, she was even more pleased than before.

"I am Nevaeh"

She was just as surprised by the dark tattoo that marked Gregor's face and neck. Did it hold any special wardings like hers did to protect her eyes from being hurt by sudden light, magical or natural? Indeed her Queen had paired them up for a purpose and she had to admit she admired her Queen's strategy. Glancing at the Draconian's that stood nearby, she let the slightest scowl cross her face but it was quickly replaced by a smile when she looked back at Gregor again.

She didn't particularly care for Draconian's but she knew they were an invaluable addition to the army as she looked around at them. Their strength alone was worth their presence. And it seemed as though this General had a few that were quite loyal. Glancing back at Gregor she wondered if they were loyal to him out of fear or out of admiration for his abilities. Or perhaps both? One thing was for certain. She'd find out soon enough.

As Gregor spoke to the one Draconian, Nighug, about his favorite season, Nevaeh looked skyward then glanced at the Draconian and saw him staring right at her. They locked gazes for a moment in a sort of strange contest of wills. And they would have most likely still stood and stared at each other if Gregor hadn't guided her further away from the lakes shore.

Now that she knew what she was going to be needed for, she would definitely need to pull her spell book out and recite the spell in her mind over and over and over to perfect her casting of it with the General and Nidhug's help. It wasn't going to be easy but with their assistance, it wasn't going to be as difficult either.

Nidhug only bowed subserviently as his Lord mentioned winter was the best season. Nidhug never said a word because he hated winter. He was not a white dragon, loving the cold against his scales, he was a descendant of the gold dragons who loved their warmth, their gold and their comfort. He knew that a response of silence was best and kept it as such.

Nidhug watched the woman with suspicion and there was no amount of friendliness in his eyes when they locked with her own. As she sized him up and stared at him he looked directly back at her, never wavering as the staring match ran its course. He was rolling the small ball of bat guano mixed with sulfur, ready to incinerate her with his fireball spell should it come to it, but when finally she broke eye contact he glanced sideways at one of his Draconian Lieutenants and sneered defiantly. He knew he had by no means won this battle of wills with her, but he was confident that she brought nothing to the table that he couldn’t counter.

He watched her as she spoke to Gregor silently, removed her spell book and started to study. He snorted softly and pulled the wool coverings up tightly around his face again, shivering as the biting cold started to penetrate his layers once again. Walking to the fire he sat as close as he dared without catching his clothing on fire and waited as the witch memorized the spell that would transport the army to Heartlund.




Trystan spun to run after Kali but Myth grabbed him tightly by the arm. As he tried to wiggle free the grasp tightened and Trystan felt the power in the warriors grasp. He winced slightly as he felt the blood almost immediately cease to flow beyond his bicep and he felt that his arm might snap in half. Never in his days would he have assumed Myth was THAT strong. He relaxed his stance and Myth released him. He looked Myth directly in the eyes and the Elf prince said nothing, he simply turned his head and looked longingly towards his daughter as she disappeared over the rise.

“We have to do something!” Trystan spoke to the assembled and Ceridwyn turned to look at him, “What would you suggest Trystan? Invade the towers again?”

Trystan opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out, he was so in shock as to what he just saw, the woman he loved, the woman he was holding in his arms only thirty minutes earlier had betrayed him, she had switched sides just when they needed her most. “I don’t know what to do…” Ceridwyn turned and looked at him sternly, “None of us do Trystan, even in my clairvoyance I never saw THIS coming… never.”

Ceridwyn was clearly shaken and dumbfounded at the event that had just occurred right before their eyes. She simply kept shaking her head, and staring at the spot in the warding where Kali entered. After a many minutes had past she finally started to weep. She whispered to Myth in their native language, “I am so sorry we could not do more to protect her my Prince…”

Again, she referred to Myth as “my Prince”. Rarely did she acknowledge people by their titles unless she truly respected them. It was one of the things about Ceridwyn that many saw as contempt for authority, but those that knew her best understood it was merely a matter of people proving their merit and being worthy of their title rather than doing it simply because it was demanded or expected. She then walked around Myth and grabbed hold of Rayann whispering softly into her ears, “I am so sorry my friend… I am so sorry. I would have rather seen her die on the field of battle than succumb to the darkness once again.”

Nevaeh sat away from the others and just close enough to the fires to get some warmth from them as she studied her spell book. It was encased in a black binding that swirled around it like a smoke. When her hand touched the book it was as though it felt her touch as the caress of a lover. And it wasn’t too far from the mark. Of all the things she had in her life, her spell book always remained true to her, no matter what disappointments she faced in the world.

Her eyes read each part of the spell over and over and over again. To her, perfection was the only thing acceptable and she wanted to make sure she got this spell perfect. Then again, if she were to make a slight miscue on her words, perhaps then she would be rid of the reptilian eyes that glared at her with a great deal of loathing.

From beneath the hood of her robes, her dark eyes drifted up from the pages of her book and she stared at Nidhug and the others but always back to Nidhug. There was mutual distrust between them, that much was for certain and that was nothing new to Nevaeh. Her eyes slowly eased to Gregor and she took a deep breath knowing if she did anything to Nidhug, the General would become suspicious. After all, the lizard had been with the man far longer than Nevaeh had and she would instantly be the one under suspicion.

As her eyes drifted back to Nidhug and she saw how he huddled beneath his thick, wool cloak to try and keep the cold from reaching his scaly body. The slightest of smirks eased over her face as she saw the slightest of shivers slide through his form. His dislike of the cold was just as obvious as his dislike of her.

Oh well. She wouldn’t have to worry about that long. Settling deeper into her robes, she went back to studying her spell to make sure she was nothing less than perfect.






Rayann felt Ceri hugging her and she wrapped her arms around her best friend. As Ceri cried, Rayann stroked her head. She looked out across the expanse at the towers that jutted up into the sky just beyond the walls of the Keep. Her voice was whisper soft when she spoke.

”I can only pray Kali will somehow help maintain the balance that’s needed for Krynn. And perhaps one day, we can talk again.”

Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly and shook her head.

”I can’t help but think that somewhere, from the other side, Rorie is having the last laugh. My daughter was taken from me twice in one lifetime. Surely he is beside himself with gloating.”

Piramay's unconscious mind had spent the last weeks coercing and probing the young mages thoughts. As she stood surveying the carnage it brought a smile to her face. A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she looked towards the solomnic keep. Already she could see Kali on the battlements contemplating her failure and soon remove herself from those closest to her. Piramay smiled as she extended herself out in the same manner she had when she slumbered. She spoke to the young woman through the flames of her heart. Eyes slowly opening Piramay withdrew a small ruby from the folds of her robe and it vanished in a flash of flame.

Casting a glance to the tower of shadow Piramay sent a missive to Fifth knowing he was watching as she was "The child approaches..."

he watched Kali as she appeared at the edge of the wards. Her eyes never lifted as the mage traversed the battlefield. Piramay had thought o scour the bodies away in a sheet of fire but was glad to have left them. They were a testament to the failures of the mage Kali, and Piramay wanted to keep that reminder strong in the girl's mind. A light chuckle escaped from her lips as she snapped her fingers causing flames to erupt around her form. She felt the world shift and stood before the young woman speaking in that familiar tone "Welcome home Shulamite..."

With her ashwood staff in hand Piramay turned towards the third tower and looked at Kali with a smile. "come let us journey to your new home"

Extending out her hand she waited for Kali to take it before fire shot up around them. The familiar sensation of their bodies leaving behind their stomachs could be felt. The flames vanished and they stood upon the observation level of the third tower. Letting Kali's hand go Piramay stepped away from the girl and stood next to Fifth. A pleasant and devilish grin spread across her face as steam roiled out of her mouth.



Myth could feel the distraught feelings flowing from Rayann like water downstream. His emerald eyes peered down at the form of his daughter as she approached the wards. When she reached out and dispelled the wards out of hand he felt his heart sink. He watched as Rayann walked away and excused himself as well following close behind catching up in only a few strides. When she finally looked at him with that look he could only nod his head before looking away. "You are thinking about Rorie aren't you." When she looked up at him quickly he only he looked ahead watching their path but he could feel her eyes upon him.

He sighed "I'll explain back in our room mel'amin"

He had reacted to Trystan almost without a thought stopping the young man. Myth knew full well how he felt but there was nothing they could do. Myth nodded to Ceridwyn taking in a deep breath when she addressed him. He remained silent speaking to no one simply watching the towers. He spared a glance to Rayann and she could see the hurt in his eyes as she spoke to her friend. "I to pray she brings balance and does not raise her hand against krynn." With a sigh Myth cast his eyes back to the towers his thoughts lost to the winds.

Lady Rose shared the deep breath with everyone that was watching Kali walk towards the towers. She felt the bottom of her stomach fall out as she stared at the girl in disbelief. Things had already grown worse as it became clear that Fifth and Piramay had awakened but now Kali had left as well. She was confused by this turn of events and while her mind was reeling from the implications she took the time to look around. She noted there were only two guards on the battlements and she motioned them both to come to her. She fixed them both with her eyes and spoke quietly "No one is to know what we have all seen do you understand me?"

Both men nodded their heads but Rose did not relent in her stare "I mean it... if this gets out there will be turmoil among the knighthood we can not afford right now. There are only four knights on this battlement right now so if this leaks out I don't have to look very far to find out who had loose lips." The men nodded there heads catching her meaning returning to their posts.

With a sigh she looked at Larrisa shaking her head. "If this gets out it is going to be chaos...." she sighed looking at the woman "Keep your ears open Larrisa. If this gets out I want to know who opened their mouth so I can bust them down to an initiate cleaning the horse stall till the ends of time."

She walked away passing Trystan placing a hand upon his shoulder a somber look on her face as she took her leave of the battlements. She felt a sharp pain for his losses had been great this past week. First the passing of a dear friend and now hos love slipping away to darkness.


Larrisa had remained silent watching the entire ordeal unfold. She was still doing her best to remain mostly unnoticed by Myth and Rayann. They were not likely to recognize her with her disguise on but it didn't make her any less nervous to be around the pair. She felt as heartbroken as they were as she watched Kali vanish from their sights. With a sigh she tended to her lady and received her next task taking it without question before Rose departed from the group. She sighed looking back to Myth and Rayann wanting very much to give them her condolences and embrace them both but knew it would not be a good idea. A swish of her skirt she cast one sad glance before descending off the battlements to tend to her duties and to keep her ears open for Lady Rose.

Nidhug was watching the witch carefully and he wasn’t being discrete about it. He could care less what she thought when she caught him nor how she felt or what she was capable of. She had a purpose her and as far as he was concerned her purpose was all that mattered. He didn’t understand this move by his Lord, but he had trusted Gregor’s judgment for as long as the two had been together by the Queen’s bidding, and he followed his Lord to the letter.

As she huddled in the cold, studying her spell book he kept his yellow reptilian eyes locked on her. The cold didn’t even seem to bother her and this frustrated him even more.

“Sir,” The guttural language of his kin came from behind and he turned his head, “The men are cold and the fires are dying. His lordship is nowhere to be seen, what should we do?”

Nidhug looked around, he couldn’t get his eye on Gregor but the blowing snow made it so one could really only see 50 feet or so. He sniffed the air, searching with his nostrils and his tongue, but he found nothing. He turned to the Draconian sergeant and responded back in their guttural language, “The witch won’t be done for a while, this magic is not something she could weave in a short time. I don’t know what spell she is memorizing but no magic of this magnitude is simple to cast. Add more oil and whatever wood they can scrounge together, the movement will keep them warmer than just sitting in the wind.”

The sergeant saluted and walked off to relay the message, Nidhug turned his eyes back to the witch and caught the sneer on her face. It occurred to him that perhaps she was taking her time deliberately and found some sort of sick pleasure in making them all suffer, at least that was something he could see eye to eye with her on.



Kali touched Piramay’s palm and they were instantly on the deck of the third tower. She instantly felt the power within and gasped as it entered her body. She quivered with the almost erotic sensation and her mouth curled into a hidden smile as she turned her back to Piramay. She felt Fifth’s presence suddenly and she turned around to see the two of them looking at her.

“My pupil, it has been far too long.”

Fifth’s voice was as smooth as silk as it curled around her ears and went into her mind. She nodded softly and tightened her grip on the Staff of Cells, “Yes it has.”

There was a slightly cold air to her voice and Fifth’s lips curled into a smile, “You still have contempt for me in your heart, GOOD, you will need it!”

She narrowed her eyes on him and he merely smiled in return, “Your anger was always your strongest asset, I was sad to see that you abandoned it for a short time, one can only imagine what power wasn’t achieved while it slumbered.”

She looked at him with no response as he turned to Piramay, “It is time to adhere her to the tower.”

Kali looked quizzically but Piramay would know exactly what he meant. During the creation of the towers the elements of magic flowed through them and put their essence into the towers themselves so that they were interlocked into the very creation of them. The third tower however still maintained a void and the wizard who would control it needed to be ‘acquainted’ with it. Fifth lifted the soul well from a hidden pocket within his robes and the green gem in the center pulsed ever so softly, “There is one soul left,” he looked up at Kali, “only one.”

He placed the device down on the ground and hissed words of magic, it opened like a metal flower and the green gem buzzed with power. Piramay took a place on the stone, and Fifth took one off to the side of her. Kali looked at Piramay and she gestured to the floor, a thinly etched triangle was on the floor and Kali noticed they were both standing on a point, and she was to stand on the third. She took her place and Piramay along with Fifth began to chant in unison. The gem flared to life and a thick green light bathed the area, the gem lifted off the mount and the soul was released into the air. Kali saw a Knight of Solamnia, still in his armor swirl forth and spin around the area. Piramay and Fifth, their eyes shut, deep in their incantation were unaware of her as she watched. The face of the Knight looked strong and bold, he was staring in confusion as the motion of the magic whipped him around and Kali focused on his face, he looked so much like Kellan and it hit her, “Liam”. She barely whispered the name above the sound of her breath. She then closed her eyes as a tingling sensation filled the bottom of her feet and the triangle illuminated. The soul screamed in agony and fire shot up from the center of the triangle. It engulfed Kali and she wailed in pain as the fire and shadow twisted around her, penetrating her body. It felt as if her guts were being burned from within as she held fast and gripped her staff tightly. Piramay and Fifths voices rose up and completed the spell, both slumped over, slightly exhausted and the fire swirled around Kali like a tornado, wrapping her in a blanket of fire and darkness.

The pain subsided and now a pleasure of erotic proportions filled her entire body, she shook with pleasure and felt an explosion of power burst forth from the very core of her body sending sparks of fire and shadow in all direction. Her head flew back and she moaned as the magic interlaced itself with every pore and cell of her body and she slumped forward slightly, catching herself with her staff. She inhaled and breathed heavily as she felt the control coming back to her body. She lifted her free hand and it swirled with shadow and flame, twisting and writing like a snake. She felt the tower, she was more than standing in it, she was part of it and she could feel the air hitting it.

Lifting her head she smiled at Piramay and even at Fifth, clutching her hand into a fist. “I never imagined.” Piramay’s head flung back in laughter and Fifth merely smiled. Kali turned and looked around the landscape and then back to them, “Your plan was never to destroy Heartlund, or even Krynn…”

Fifth looked at her and spoke softly, “Not as such, the natural destruction of things is a necessary byproduct of the goal.” He looked up and stared at the white moon, “There is more out there than a simple planet, or even a simple moon for that matter.”

Kali looked up, it was not the conquest of a planet they were after, it was the ability to create new ones that was on their minds. She looked back at them and spoke, “And to do what needs to be done, to create the balance between you too, you needed me.”

“Every scale needs a fulcrum, a central point to which the ends can hang and find balance.” She looked at them and nodded knowingly, “And Krynn must die so that we can gain the power we need to become gods of our own planets.”

Piramay smiled, seeing that the spell had worked and Fifth turned to Piramay with confidence, “I told you she was exactly what we needed!”