Chapter 7: Fight

"We have to go get him," Daine said thinking of the consequences that could come. She knew Numair could become very protective of her and didn't want to see him do something stupid-like get himself killed.

I can teleport myself there but I can't bring you two, the Badger said sadly.

"Why not?" asked Daine confused.

The Great Gods made it clear we could not interfere with you right now. They also said you could not interfere with Numair if this happened.

"For what reason?" snapped Daine. The Great Gods could control other gods but she saw no reason why they were controlling here now.

They say you and him have to learn something, explained Badger.

Seeing she was about to ask another question, Cloud nudged Daine's back hard.

The longer we stay here and ask questions, the longer they have to rip each others' heads off. Daine get on my back and I'll take you there. Badger, where ate they? Cloud demanded.

In front of the cottage where he held you, Badger said indicating Daine.

Why is she always right? Daine thought, mounting Cloud.

I'll go ahead and see if I can talk to Numair before something happens, said Badger.

"I doubt it will help," Daine said as the Badger vanished.

Hang on and don't pull my mane, Cloud instructed.

Cloud started galloping at full speed weaving through the trees. They jumped over many fallen logs and large rocks.

As she came in sight of the cottage she could see black flashes lined with white; Numair's magic. She also saw tiny red flashes in the air; Perin. As the flashed grew larger and came faster Daine thought to herself Please, Numair. Wait until I get there.

When she got in front of the cottage she saw Numair backing Perin up against the door. His black hair was dangling down, making it hard to see his face. Numair's hands were clenched by his side, black and white fire growing around them.

Perin's face however, was easy to see. His blond hair was sticking to his scalp, drenched in sweet. The fire around him was light and very weak. Daine knew that in any moment Numair would kill Perin. Though she thought it was selfish, she didn't want him to do it; she wanted the liberty of doing in herself.

Stumbling off Cloud, Daine got as near to them as she dared. The magic in the air was so intense she thought she might pop.

Ignoring the pain, Daine yelled, "Numair, please! It's Daine!"

At first she thought he hadn't heard her until she saw his magic was fading just a little.

"Daine?" he said his voice hoarse. "You were gone so long. I thought he… he…" The magic around his hands grew even brighter than before.

"Numair, I'm fine," she said with false reassurance. She would say anything to stop him no matter what the gods said. "He just said things."

After a moment, Numair finally turned his head to face her. There were more lines and wrinkles on his face than she remembered. They were set deep in his face from worry and stress. His eyes looked as if he were lost. As if something were missing.

"He took you away from us. He took you away from your home." His voice quivered as he spook. "I wasn't there. I couldn't protect you. Now I'll make sure he never gets near you again."

Turning to see Perin he screamed, "Never again!"

He shot black fire at Perin how barely blocked it. With one hand, Perin created a wall to block Numair's attacks. In the other hand he rubbed a green stone that hung around his neck.

Daine wanted to help but the Badger appeared beside her and bit her breeches.

In a stern voice he said, Daine. Don't.

"I can't just stand here and see Numair get hurt!" Daine exclaimed, blinking back tears.

Numair is a grown man and a very powerful mage. He can care for himself. Have faith in him, he said, his voice soothing.

"I do have faith in him. I just… I just…" Daine stammered as she tried to find the right words.

You love him, the Badger supplied. Reading the shocked look on her face, the Badger sighed and let go of her breeches. I've known you all your life. I should know best how you feel even if you try to hide it.

Daine opened her mouth to reply but closed it. She knew what he said was true.

Remembering the fight, Daine turned to see a cloud of black smoke surrounding the area where Numair and Perin had been. Just before the cloud vanished, an explosion happened that knocked everyone down. Feeling dizzy, Daine stood up as the cloud and smoke disappeared.

She grabbed her head trying to get her vision clear. When it did, she saw Numair lying on the ground.

"Numair!" she cried.

She ran for all she was worth, and knelt down by his side. "Numair?" When he didn't answer, Daine put her head in her hands and cried.

In the air she felt stormwings approaching. Wiping her eyes she looked up and saw a male and two females flying downward toward them. They all wore the same green stone Perin had.

Daine turned around and saw Perin on his knees powering sweat. The male stormwing landed beside him and let Perin climb on his back. All three immortals let out a blood curtailing scream and took to the air.

As Perin flew overhead he called down, "You'll be mine soon, Daine." She cried even harder as she watched them fly and disappear in the horizon.

Hearing Numair whisper something, she turned her attention to him. "What?" she whispered.

"Your old village," he said his voice quiet and hoarse.

"I… siraculm."

Confused, Daine lifted her hand to brush the hair out of his face. When she touched him, he withered and disappeared.