hey! this is almost the end... :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kally hesitated, then began the fatal swing of her dagger. But right before, Jaron's blue eye twitched to the left.

"Gods!" he yelled, throwing her away violently. But all too late, the knife had plunged into his back. He screamed, a harsh, animal sound. Kally

Gasping in pain, he got to his feet shakily. Walking ragged steps to where Kally lay, dazed from her harsh flight, he shook her still form by the shoulders. "You."

~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Collun rode his horse up, halting at the globe of fire. Inside, he could just see Kally poised, then gasped as she was hurled to the ground.

He battered the shield with his fists, spoke every and any spell word he knew. "Oh gods, Kally, please get up. Hes coming Kally, please!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Standing back at the fort, Daine could barely grasp the significance of the ring. Blinking, she focused on the sapphire, trying to recall memories.

Numair grasped her hand. "Oh, Daine! Would you marry me?"

Yes, she replied dreamily in her mind before collapsing to the stones. The mage barely caught her before she hit the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Collun scanned the scene before him. The magical shield was beginning to weaken, its glistening colors fading before his eyes.

The madman inside slumped over Kally's body, chanting in a breathless voice. "All gone, all gone," he muttered, gasping as blood ran down his back. Stroking her still, pale face, Jaron swayed back and forth as his strength ran out.

He collapsed, unmoving. The shield vanished.

Running forward with a cry, Collun bared his sword as he approached them. Prodding at the bloody body, he found it devoid of life. Nervously, he regarded the figure. Just to be sure. Swinging the shining metal, he lopped of the bloody head.

Turning to Kally, he dropped his weapon and knelt beside her. Eyes closed, she didn't move. Was she even breathing?

"Kally!" he cried. "Kally, wake up, please!" Tears running down his face, he tried to revive his love as her weakened spirit dwindled...

~~~~

cliffhanger! will kally die or live? hee hee sorry, but thats all the time i got, so i write SOON i promise.