All right, here it goes. I apologize for potentially confusing you with my inadequacy. (whew, that's over). I have revamped the Darkness Within story (sequel to Wings of Fate) to a plot that I like better. I now feel like Kai is more in character. For anyone who read the original chapters...forget them. This one is going to be better.

Sorry if you think this intro chapter is long. It kind of all poured out before I realized how long it had actually gotten. I promise you will see Dissidia characters soon.

As always, any OOC person is my interpretation and not my intention. Please enjoy and review if you like!

Chapter 1

"Your Majesty! Please! You must stay with us!"

I barely registered the voice as another wave of excruciating pain rippled through my body. It was as if the fires of hell were coursing through my veins. I breathed deeply and wildly trying to catch my breath but it was getting more painful every second. The world, which was already a haze of gray, took a red tinge as I squeezed my eyes shut. I don't think I could stand it any longer.

"Hush child," a voice rang through my head. A sudden sense of stillness enveloped my conscious. My body was still in pain, but my mind was crystal clear.

"You will die if I do not aid you. However, this aid comes at a price."

"Price?" I answered with my thoughts. "You think I care about a price? If I don't survive, then my people will die! I can't let my weakness become this kingdom's downfall!"

"I will heal you but know this, the challenges that await you come the future are of your own making. This decision will give you great suffering, but if you can overcome the ordeals your reward will be even greater."

"Heal me!"

A sudden flash of pain beyond all measure rocked my body to its core before my mind darkened into blissful nothingness.

"I believe you are fully recovered, Majesty," Tassilo, the royal doctor, said with a smile.

I smiled back sarcastically and pulled my long sleeve, cotton tunic back on. It was no easy task convincing him that an examination was much easier if I didn't have twenty thousand layers of clothing on. It's been two years since I was crowned queen, but it was hard getting used to the medieval idea of modesty. The people of the court still hated that I wore breeches instead of dresses.

"I could have told you that weeks ago, Tassilo."

A sudden, devastating illness struck the kingdom a few months ago. Only a handful of people died, but I seemed to have caught an especially voracious strain of it. Within a day of catching it, my temperature rose to dangerous levels and my organs started to shut down. I thought for sure I was going to die, but for some reason I recovered as quickly as I got sick. I know I heard a strange voice at one point during my illness, but every time I try to remember the memory slips through my fingers. It really is quite frustrating. A knock at the door sounded before Aidric poked his head into the room.

"Is Her Majesty done with her examination?" He asked in that haughty tone of his.

"You know," I replied. "This would be very awkward if I was still undressed. Maybe you should wait for a reply before entering."

His cheeks tinged a light shade of pink as he started to stutter an apology.

"Please ignore Her Majesty, Aidric," Tassilo interjected. "She is just annoyed that I kept her on bed rest for so long."

"Damn straight! I was perfectly fine until I almost died of boredom." I had to admit that Tassilo was one of my favorite people in the castle. He didn't treat me like a kid. I pulled on my violet vest and laced it up the front with silver laces. Next, I shoved my feet into my black, calf-high riding boots and closed them up the side with silver clasps.

"Your Majesty is requested in the council room," Aidric said, seemingly recovered from his earlier embarrassment.

"Sure thing," I replied, grabbing a violet ribbon from the side table and tying my hair back. I let it grow out to a little above shoulder length. The bangs in front were still mostly short but framed my face nicely. I smiled inwardly as I felt the chocobo feather that Bartz gave me in my hair. I always kept it tied to the ribbon so it was always with me.

"A queen never says 'sure thing,'" Aidric scolded as I followed him out the door.

"You mean to say the previous queens never said sure thing. This queen grew up in a little different setting."

"The place in which you grew up sounds very improper. I would never wish to visit it."

"Luckily you don't have to seeing as though I don't know how to go back." I thought. I truly wished I could go back to see Trè, Thane, and Zak. I missed my instruments, I missed my relaxed life, but most importantly I missed them. If I had a chance to go back for good, I'm not sure if I would stay in Destingaard. Some days being queen was just too much.

"Your Majesty?" Aidric inquired.

"Huh?"

"You're staring at the door."

I blinked and noticed that indeed I was staring at the door to the council room. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even notice where I was going. Before Aidric could scold me for being absentminded, I pushed open the doors and strode into the room. A dozen or so heads swiveled to meet me. The people in the room ranged from generals to scholars to landlords of the surrounding areas and were here for the weekly council meeting I arranged. I sat down in the elegantly carved wooden throne at the head of the table and looked to those around me.

"All right, gentlemen, what is the season outside today?"

"Spring, Your Majesty," General Gladwin responded.

"Yesterday was summer correct?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I looked from Gladwin to my head scholar, Masci. "Have you discovered any pattern to our erratic season changes?"

"Not yet, Majesty. There seems to be no indication of why this is happening or what will happen next."

I sighed and clasped my hands together in thought. Six months after being crowned Queen of Destingaard the weather started to change. At first the temperatures were either higher or lower than normal for the season, but over time the seasons themselves started to change. Summer passed in a month while winter lasted for six. Recently, the swings in temperature were so dramatic that it could be -10 degrees in the morning and 90 degrees by noon. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason for them or how to predict them. The crops began to fail with the change in temperature and the kingdom was experiencing a food shortage. I turned to one of the landlords.

"How are the people outside of the main village?"

"It is difficult, Your Majesty. There is little food and even scavenging has become less fruitful. The natural roots and berries found in the forests have been affected and the trees are producing less. Our wheat and potato crops have failed yet again. Many people are on the verge of starvation."

I nodded and turned to Aidric. "How are our food supplies in the castle?"

"Even with the shortages in the surrounding villages the castles supplies are abundent. We have enough here to supply the castle for months."

"Good," I replied, leaning back in my chair. "Take half of our supplies and distribute them to the neediest of villages."

"What?" Everyone in the room exclaimed at once.

"If the people in the kingdom die because we at the castle horde our food, then ruling means nothing. If my people cannot eat, then neither will I."

"Majesty!" Aidric shouted. "I know you care of your people, but this is madness! How can you run a kingdom if you do not care for yourself?"

"I said distribute some of the food. There will be plenty left if we consume less as well."

"Your insane!" Terric, another of my generals, exclaimed. "Those at the court, who protect the people of the kingdom, are more important that those peasants who work the farms."

I silenced him with a cutting glare. "It is that kind of attitude that leads to the ruin of a kingdom. I will not go so far as to say that all men are equal in this society, but all should be treated with respect. If we have no farmers then we have no food. To make a chain strong, all the links must be strong as well. The same applies for the hierarchy in a kingdom. You could stand to lose some weight as well."

Terric glanced at his bulging belly and snorted. "I am the best strategist we have. If not for my position, we would fall under enemy attack quickly."

I leaned forward and used a little power to make the room colder. "You would be easy to replace, general. Please remember that you are expendable."

Terric's face turned red as he stuttered a string of senseless talk. The room warmed again as I leaned back.

"Everyone, please do your best to keep spirits high in the villages as we work to solve this problem. If we work hard, something good is bound to come from it."

With that closing statement, I rose as everyone bowed their heads towards me. Leaving the room, I walked down the hall and rounded a few corners before collapsing on the floor.

"Shit," I murmured. "I hate this."

"It is no surprise," Masci said, rounding the corner and standing in front of me.

I looked up with the eyes of a frightened child. His smile disappeared as was replaced with a wrinkled brow. He helped me to my feet and I swung around and smashed the wall with my foot. Tiny bits of stone flew in all directions as a small indentation formed in the wall.

"I can see that something more is bothering you."

I looked to the old scholar with sadness and fire in my eyes.

"I hate it! I hate the fact that the kingdom is suffering. I hate the fact that I have to act Queen. I hate the fact that I wear a mask in the presence of everyone else. That's not who I am. I hate the fact that I still can't control this power I didn't even ask for. I hate everything!"

Masci gently pulled me back from the wall so I wouldn't hit it again. "May I speak bluntly, Majesty?"

"Go ahead."

"You're acting like a petulant child."

I balked at his statement and swung around to meet his gaze.

"You hate this, you hate that. You can hate it all you want, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still happening. It is still your responsibility whether you asked for it or not."

"I know that, dammit!" I yelled, energy sparking in the air. "I know my responsibilities! I know what I have to do! I know!"

"You know, but do you accept?"

"What?"

"You have ruled for two years, but have you wholeheartedly accepted the responsibilities? You go through the motions, but are you willing to risk everything for your people? Do you accept it?"

I paused. "I don't know if I can accept it. I'm royalty by blood but commoner by mind."

Masci clasped my shoulder. "Take your time; however long it takes to truly accept your responsibilities as Queen. It'll get better."

"Sure it will," I replied, clasping his hand in return before turning and walking away. I wasn't so sure it would. I wandered the halls avoiding everyone and finally ended up in the armory where my instructor, Serrin, sat polishing a sword.

"Your Majesty," he said, nodding his head.

"You've been kicking the crap out of me for years. I suppose you wouldn't consider calling me Kai?"

"No can do, Majesty. I know my place."

I snorted and crossed my arms.

"I can see something is troubling you. Do you wish to train?"

I walked over to the wall and pulled down my weapon. Two years ago, Serrin took one look at that saber I was fighting with and promptly gave me a new weapon. 'Clunky and heavy. Not the proper weapon for a lady such as yourself.' Instead, he gave me a weapon that more suited my elemental and feminine nature. It was a staff about 5 feet tall that broke into three even pieces. Each piece detached fully and was made of a sturdy alloy material that easily channeled elemental energy through it. It was a versatile weapon that was light, quick, and could be transformed into almost any weapon I wanted.

I grinned, twirling the weapon around my fingers. "I wish to stomp you beneath my boot."

"You can try."

"You…suck," I panted, kneeling on one knee and leaning on my staff.

"Now, Majesty, watch that language," Serrin replied, actually out of breath.

I staggered to my feet and held up my hand in surrender.

"You win, again."

Serrin bowed his head. "It is an honor to fight you, as always."

"It's your honor to kick my ass, as always."

"I see you are in a better mood."

"Yes, much better."

Serrin frowned as he looked past me and I turned around to find Aidric rushing across the training fields. I groaned as he ran up to me with an angry look.

"Your Majesty! You disappeared after the meeting and here I find you in the cold training!"

"It's not that cold out here." Sure, it was 40o colder than yesterday but still. Details.

"You have more important things to do than train!"

"And you have more important things to do than bother me! How is the shipment of the food going?"

Aidric's face turned a deep red.

"Her Majesty is sending royal food to the surrounding villages?" Serrin inquired.

"Food is food. There's nothing royal about it."

"I'm very proud of Her Majesty."

"Thank you, Serrin. Come, Aidric. Since you're so keen on following me, you can show me the progress you've made."

I led Aidric across the training field and through a side door into the corridors of the castle. He followed quietly, but I could feel his walking mass of tension behind me. We arrived at the kitchen and saw a flurry of activity. Men were running around carting bags of wheat and corn. I peeked into the pantry to see most of the good food being left behind. Anger rising, I stuck my fingers in my mouth and blew a shrill whistle that brought the kitchen to a screeching halt.

"Aidric," I said, pointing to the pantry. "What do I see here?"

"Food, Your Majesty."

"What kind?"

"Dried fruits, salted meats, and vegetables."

"Why aren't these things going also?"

"Um, well."

I sighed and ordered some of the wheat and corn to be put back and replaced with the good stuff. A few hours later, the wagons were packed and ready to be moved to the surrounding villages. I gave strict orders to the drivers to make sure every village got proportionally the same food and that each got some meat. One could not live on bread alone. If I left the planning to Aidric, he sure would make them try. Dusting off my hands, I went inside and wandered into the kitchen again. The cooks all stood at their stations cooking away like half their food wasn't suddenly gone.

"What sort of delicious morsels are you preparing today?" I inquired, peeking over the head-chef's shoulder.

"Barley soup and cold-cuts," he replied, nudging me out of the way.

"Done yet?"

"Are you hungry?"

I nodded and followed him as he scooped me up a bowl of soup. I stood in the corner and downed the soup quickly. After bolting some cuts of meat, I thanked the cooks and grabbed a small loaf of bread. Munching on the loaf, I walked around and noticed a servant lighting candles as the sun dipped below the horizon. I yawned and handed the rest of my unfinished bread to the wide-eyed servant who bowed profusely before running off. A year ago I would have yelled at him for acting so formal, but now I just went with it. I began down the hall again when a voice rang through the halls.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! I know you're here! We need to go over your behavior this afternoon!" Aidric yelled, his shoes clicking on the polished stone floor.

"Crap," I mumbled, running down the hall. He was always admonishing me on my improper behavior. I've gotten better over the years, but nothing up to his Mt. Everest standards. Every time I try to assert my authority over him and politely tell him to bugger off, he gets more persistent. I practically flew through the hallways and ran into my room barely registering the guard outside my door.

"You don't need to stand there all day," I commented, poking my head out the door. "Especially when I'm not around. Go train or something."

"Sorry, Your Majesty. Aidric's orders. A guard outside your door at all times to protect you while you sleep."

"That pompous moron," I spat, noticing the guard failing to hide a smile. "If he inquires, I'm not here."

"Yes, ma'am."

I shut the doors behind me and walked to the large oak desk in front of my window. The wild rose Firion gave me sat in a crystal vase at the corner of the desk. I tried to cultivate the rose and spread its beauty throughout my kingdom, but the erratic change in seasons led to the failure of the flowers. Firion's everlasting rose was the only one left. I absentmindedly stroked the petals and gazed out the window. It was summer weather and any snow that fell during the afternoon melted away to form muddy puddles. I yawned and began disrobing, tossing my clothes all over the floor. Pulling on an extra long shirt, I crawled into bed and snuggled under the covers. Tomorrow was another day.

A knock sounded at my door much too early for my liking.

"Your Majesty! I must urgently speak with you," I heard Masci yell through the doors. "Scouts from the outer villages have found something most interesting!"

"Gimme a sec!" I yelled back, jumping out of bed and throwing open the doors to my wardrobe. Ignoring all the fancy, expensive dresses, I grabbed a fresh pair of breeches and pulled them on. A close fitting long sleeve, black tunic followed that belted with a leather belt embellished with jewels and designs. I shoved my feet into my boots and tied my hair back as I opened the door.

"What's up?"

Masci motioned for me to follow and I walked with him down to the council room. Assembled were my generals, scholars, and one frightened looking boy. As I entered and everyone stood to greet me, the boy's eyes grew to the size of saucers and he bowed so low I thought he was going to fall over.

"Sit down before you fall down, kid," I said, sitting at the head of the table. Everyone sat down with me.

"Your Majesty," General Gladwin started. "This boy is from the furthest village of Destingaard and has observed something most unusual."

"Is that so? Your name?"

"T-Toby," the boy stuttered. He suddenly lurched and bowed his head. "I-I m-mean Toby, Y-Your Majesty."

"Relax, Toby. I'm not going to eat you or anything."

He looked up at me and I visibly breathed in and out slowly to make my point. He relaxed a bit and I smiled which turned his face cherry red.

"What did you see that was so interesting?" I questioned.

"Well, Your Majesty, I was gathering roots at the edge of the forest when a mighty gale suddenly rushed through the trees. I hid in the bushes until the wind stopped and when I emerged there was a giant gateway only a little way from where I was gathering roots. I've never seen anything like it!"

"Hmm. You say it just appeared out of nowhere?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Did you try to open it?"

The boy averted his gaze for a few seconds before replying. "Yes. I couldn't open it. There are no handles on the doors and I couldn't push it open either."

"It's probably good that it didn't open for you," I replied, leaning my elbows on the table. "We have no idea what's on the other side."

"Majesty," Gladwin interjected. "The sudden appearance of a door is most troubling. What do you suppose it could mean?"

"Dunno. But if I had to venture a guess, it's probably a door to another world."

"What?"

"It's like how the Warriors of Light arrived here a few years back. I know there are many worlds but I never realized how they could be interconnected. That door probably has something to do with it."

"But what does its arrival here mean?" Terric questioned.

"What indeed." I laced my fingers together in thought. Everyone jumped as I suddenly slammed my hands on the table. "I'm going to see this gate for myself."

"What!" Everyone in the room exclaimed at once.

Terric's face was turning a brilliant shade of maroon as he spoke through clenched teeth. "May I remind Your Majesty that you are the Queen of Destingaard? It isn't proper for you to go gallivanting across the kingdom to go look at a gate! Let my men handle this task."

"It wasn't coincidence that this gate suddenly appeared. I figure that whatever is beyond that gate holds answers to what is happening in this kingdom. It is my responsibility as Queen to go and find these answers."

"That's absurd! Who will run the kingdom?"

"Joint ruling by my most trusted general Gladwin and brightest scholar Masci. They have more experience and knowledge between the two of them than anything I could offer at this moment."

"Are you serious, Majesty?" Masci inquired, peering at her with a questioning gaze. "Is this a truly wise decision?"

"Wise or not, I feel as though this is the correct decision. I feel as though solving the mystery of our erratic weather is something that I must do. If it has anything to do with magic, then I'm probably the only one who can fix it."

"Your point is clear even if I don't completely agree with it," Gladwin commented, pushing back his chair and standing. "I put faith in our Queen. If she says that she will go to observe this gate, then I must put my faith in her."

One by one, the scholars and generals all reluctantly agreed to support my decision. I suppressed a sigh of relief. It didn't really matter if they agreed or not; I was going to investigate that gate whether they liked it or not but it was easier if people agreed. Besides, something about a gate popping up out of nowhere made me uneasy. There was something more going on here than meets the eye and a sense of urgency dawned upon me.

"I'd like to leave early this afternoon," I commented, tapping the table with my fingertip. "Have preparations for my departure ready by then."

"That is too soon, Your Majesty!" Terric shouted.

"I grow tired of your outbursts!"

Terric dropped his gaze and said no more.

"I am only placing as much urgency on my departure as I feel is necessary. And I do not want an entire army escorting me there! A few guards plus this boy will be sufficient."

The people in the room realized it was pointless to argue with me and humbly accepted my conditions. I signaled Gladwin and Masci over as the council was dismissed and started with the preparations. I outlined how the kingdom was to be run in my stead and who was in charge of what. I especially expressed my desire for their teamwork as that would be the best way to make fruitful decisions.

As soon as I was done talking with them, I headed back to my room to get ready for the journey. I took a short bath in the newly designed bathroom. I set out to slightly modernize the kingdom and added plumbing so the town was much more sanitary. After draining the tub, I threw on a robe and walked the short distance to my chambers. The guard outside my room flushed slightly and turned his head as I approached.

"It's been years since I started doing this," I commented, entering my room. "I'm surprised you're still blushing."

"I beg Your Majesty's pardon, but it is indecent to walk around in a robe as such."

"The fact that you can speak your mind to me means that your ideas of what is proper are already changing. I think that you will soon grow accustom to this part as well."

I left the guard deep in thought and closed the doors behind me. Felicia, my favorite lady-in-waiting, was standing at my wardrobe picking through the clothes. She was much more accepting of my strange behavior than most others in the castle.

"If you think I'm wearing a dress on this escapade, you are dead wrong," I said, walking over to stand by her.

"I'd never think that, Majesty."

"Kai."

"Highness."

"Try again."

"My Lady."

"Close enough," I sighed, disrobing and putting on my minimal undergarments. I could never get her to call me by my first name, but the fact that she was dumbing down the titles meant she was trying.

"Serrin has found suitable attire for your journey."

"Really now?" I put my breeches and boots back on. Felicia then helped me into a bowman's tunic. It was forest green and slightly modified from a traditional one. I first put on a close fitting black sleeveless shirt. The tunic went over that. The sleeves stopped just above the elbow and the bottom reached down to mid-thigh. It was belted by a simple leather belt. The tunic was tailored to a womanly shape and left only a little room. Much better from the baggy things most of the men wore. There was a hood used to help shield my face and blend into the bushes.

Two small leather hoops were sown into the top right shoulder and left hip. These would hold my staff-like weapon to my back. Felicia attached a small pouch filled with medical supplies and herbs to my belt. I slipped a small potion in there as well. My healing magic left much to be desired. Finally, Felicia helped strap on my leather vambraces. They were two pieces of boiled leather that went on the top and bottom of my forearm. They were laced together along the sides so I could adjust the tightness. This helped to protect my arms from blows and when my magic sometimes recoiled.

"Wonderful," Felicia said. "Now I can barely recognize you as our Queen."

"Ha ha," I replied, tying my hair back once more. I had this sneaky suspicion that she didn't approve of my traveling cloths.

"In any account, be careful and come back safely."

I stared at her and broke out into a smile. "Of course I'll come back safely. I'll also be back with an answer to our problems."

I strode out of my chambers and down to the entrance hall. The castle was all in a flurry with the preparations and I had to sidestep many a busy servant to avoid being run over. Gladwin and Masci spotted me just before I could get outside.

"Majesty," Gladwin began. "The preparations for your departure are ready. Accompanying you will be two of our greatest soldiers as well as that boy. If you are ready, they wait in the stables."

I nodded and walked outside and to the right to where the royal stables held out multitude of chocobos. The weather today was mid-fall and was actually quite pleasant. Two men and a boy stood with their chocobos waiting for me.

"Serrin," I exclaimed, cracking a smile. He saluted me with a smile of his own. I turned to the other man waiting for an introduction.

"Mage Dorrian," he announced with a slight bow. He was tall and lean with traditional mage attire. He wore dark blue robes with calf-high black boots and a wide brimmed brown mage hat. Unlike some of the mages, his hat only obscured a small bit of his face. Toby was looking around with utter amazement at the action around him. His legs were shaking ever so slightly.

"No need to be nervous, Toby," I commented, walking over to my chocobo and adjusting the saddle. She affectionately pecked at my shoulder and I stroked her beak.

"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied, placing his hands on the sides of his legs to steady them. Serrin handed me my battle staff and I placed in in the hoops along my back. Serrin, Dorrian, and I mounted our chocobos as Toby and waited. He had no chocobo. Another soldier lifted the boy and put him at Dorrian's back.

"Too young to ride," Dorrian commented. "His short legs can't reach the stirrups."

I smiled as Toby scowled and blushed. He hid his face in the folds of Dorrian's robes.

"I trust you to take care of the kingdom while I am gone," I told Gladwin and Masci. They bowed low and responded appropriately.

With a final wave to all those who were watching, I turned my chocobo towards the front gates and headed down the road. As we trotted through the town, people started to gather around us. I waved to them as I passed. Most everyone bowed back and uttered comments ranging from good day to good luck. It was rather spooky how fast information spread in this town. It reminded me a bit of high school.

As we rode out of the capital, a man cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Good luck, Queen Kailiana de Destingaard! May the spirits of our great kingdom watch over you on your journey!"

A tremendous roar sounded after his comment as the people cheered me. I reigned in my chocobo and turned to face them.

"Have no worry! I will be back soon with an answer to our mysteries. Faith and patience to you all!"

I whirled my chocobo around and kicked her into a run. Serrin and Dorrian closely followed as we dashed madly down the road and away from the town. After about a mile, I slowed my chocobo to a walk and breathed out.

"I'm still amazed at how you can connect to your people, Majesty," Serrin commented, riding slightly ahead of me.

"You and me both."

The ride was quiet and rather dull. Before I knew it, hours had passed and we were leaving the fields surrounding Castle Destingaard and entering the distant Wyvern Forest. Yes, wyverns did live in Wyvern Forest. We loosened our grip on the reigns and let the chocobos pick the easiest route through the forest. Luckily, going through the middle of the forest was a shortcut to Toby's village. It would take several more days if we went around. However, it was riskier cutting through the forest because many vicious beasts lived in it. I began to whistle a little tune to pass the time and fill the void of silence that hung around our band like an odor.

"How long will it take us to reach the other side of the forest?" I inquired.

"A couple days if we don't run into trouble," Serrin responded, his eyes constantly scanning the forest for danger. "Haste makes waste, Majesty. It is better to be careful than run into an animal by mistake."

"Your logic is sound as always, Serrin."

The forest got darker as the sun slipped below the trees. As the light got weaker, a sudden feeling of unease draped across my mind. It didn't feel as though we were being watched, but it didn't feel like we were alone either. When I expressed my concerns to Serrin, he too began to look around.

"There are many animals in the forest, Your Majesty," Toby said, looking at me. "Of course we aren't alone."

"I'm aware of that, Toby. This is different."

We came to a halt as the leaves swayed in an unnatural pattern. There was no wind today. Serrin and Dorrian reared their chocobos in close and circled me as a growl echoed through the forest. It sounded like a waterfall cascading into a smooth river.

"Wyrvens," Dorrian whispered, drawing his staff from behind his back. Serrin quietly unsheathed his long sword from the scabbard at his side and I removed the staff from my back. A sudden rush of wind rustled the trees as a dozen wyrvens swooped down around us. They were two legged lizards with leathery wings and long necks that tapered to a triangular shaped head. Their shiny scales were maroon and short, jagged spikes lined their backs from head to tail. The little wyrvens were agile enough to weave between the trees while the larger ones circled over head. Their yellow eyes were keen and too intelligent for a dumb animal. We all watched as they circled around us without getting too close.

"What are they waiting for?" I whispered to Serrin.

"I don't know. Usually they attack quickly so they don't have to chase their prey."

I feeling niggled at the back of my brain. It tingled and made it difficult to concentrate fully on the wyrvens.

"Behind you!" A voice shouted. I whipped my head around to see Toby but his appearance was drastically changed. His teeth were long and jagged and his fingernails had grown into claws. Most frightening were the yellow eyes that replaced the blue ones he once had. The eyes of a wyrven. I whirled my staff to knock him off the chocobo, but he jumped before I could hit him. On the way up, he stuck his claws in Dorrian's back and left a long trail of dragging wounds from his lower back to his shoulders.

Dorrian screamed and fell off his chocobo as the giant bird reared in fright. Toby laughed as he hung in midair. Wings suddenly sprouted from his arm sockets and a tail protruded behind him. With one last laugh, he seemed to burst apart and a wyrven replaced him. This lizard was sickly shade of green like a poisonous swamp. Four long fingerlike projections protruded from the tips of his wings and moved like spiders. I jumped off my chocobo and knelt beside Dorrian.

"Don't touch him!" Serrin yelled, also getting off his bird. "His wounds are filled with poison from the wyrven's nails. If you touch him you could die."

"I'm not going to let Dorrian die because of me!"

"Ever the noble Queen!" The wyrven chuckled. His voice came out as a rasp like sandpaper being rubbed together. I knelt there in astonishment. The wyrven talked!

"Careful, Majesty," Serrin spoke, his calm voice portraying nothing of the situation. "That is a Veneficum Wyrven. A lizard who ate many mages and absorbed their power and knowledge. He is the leader of this wyrven clan."

"Quite so, Warrior Serrin," the Veneficum Wyrven laughed. "You humans have always believed us wyrvens to be dumb animals who live off of instinct. How foolish. I have shared my knowledge with my fellow clan and daresay we are smarter than you now. How else would we have been able to lure the Queen of your country here?"

As the wyrven was talking, I grabbed the potion from the pouch at my belt and poured it all over Dorrian's back. The wound quickly closed and Dorrian's eyes fluttered open. His breathing went from sharp gasps to steady intake. I ducked as a small wyrven screeched and darted for my head. Dorrian grabbed my shoulder and slammed me into the ground, crouching above me with his staff held high. Serrin dodged a wyrven of his own and stood at Dorrian's back.

"Flare!" Dorrian yelled, a blinding red light projecting from the top of his staff. High pitched screams echoed from the area as the air condensed and was sent out in a fiery blast. I felt someone pull me up by the arm and lead me at a run trailing the flare spell. When I could see again, I noted that Serrin was pulling me but Dorrian was nowhere in sight.

"Where's Dorrian?" I yelled, trying my hardest to keep up with Serrin's rapid pace.

"He's back fighting the Veneficum Wyrven." He gripped my hand tighter. "You are not going back to help him. This is a dangerous situation. Dorrian and my first priority is your safety. That mage can take care of himself."

"You said that wyrven had killed lots of mages!" I protested. "I can't have Dorrian die to protect me!"

Serrin's hand crushed against mine. "That's exactly what he is willing to do if it means protecting you. Remember that you are the Queen of Destingaard. You have a responsibility to live."

Tears of frustration gathered at the corners of my eyes as we outran the confused wyrven clan. We angled to the right and suddenly ran out of the forest to be confronted with a vertical cliff wall. I looked back to see the larger wyrvens flying at break-neck speed toward us. With a jerk, Serrin pulled me toward the left and suddenly halted. A large gate 10 feet high was set in the rock. It was a square gate with a pair of doors rounded at the top. It was inlaid with symbols and figures carved around the edges. There were no handles to speak of.

"That wyrven wasn't lying about the gate!" I exclaimed, pulling away from Serrin to examine the doors.

"Majesty!" Serrin yelled. I turned around to see the wyrvens practically on top of us.

"Aeroga!" I chanted, holding my staff up and sending the magic through the tip of the weapon. A pale green gust of wind enveloped the area and sent the flying lizards in all directions. The magic controlling the wind suddenly escaped my grasp, lifted me, and slammed me into stone cliff. I cursed and struggled to my feet.

"Why did that happen again?" I whispered to myself, staggering to stand in front of the gateway. I gently put a hand on the cool stone and felt a surge of energy pulse from my body into the rock. The gates glowed a pale red and cracked open.

"Majesy!" Serrin screamed as a tendril of light escaped the gate and wrapped its way around my waist. With a jerk, it pulled me through the crack in the gate right before the doors slammed shut behind me.