((Thank you travelling Mord Sith))
Sage looked at the monster that stood before him. Seven foot of nightmarish creature. He had forgotten just how repulsive they were, the Manticore stepped in front of the body it had been feeding on, it screamed again, warning them away from its meal. Its scream had warned the other immortals nearby that something was wrong. The Hurroks came out of the trees onto the path to see what was going on. Just in the trees the riders could see, Coldfangs, and just behind them walking out slowly were the other Manticores. The Rides and Alanna stepped back as Sage stepped forward putting himself between them and the immortals, he re-checked his braids were tied back with steady hands. Satisfied that they were he lowered them again, his eyes never leaving the Manticore in front of them. Up ahead he could just see Numair and his group coming out of the trees.
Numair broke through the tree line onto the path, he stopped instantly and signalled to the others to move back, they did so with out a word or sound. Not that it mattered, the immortals had seen them anyway. Slowly Numair slid off his horse and handed the reins to one of the Own who took them, then Numair walked the rest of the way onto the path, just ahead he could see Sage, checking his hair was out of the way, he looked at the Manticore that was just in front of Sage, even from where he was, Numair could see why Sage had condemned these as nightmares. Slowly he walked forward, setting his mind to the task in hand. Two of the Hurroks had broken from the trees and headed towards Raouls group. Raoul issued two commands his voice soft and his men split to do as ordered.
Numair ignored them now, he knew that he would be safe and Raoul would deploy his men, with tact to he could work his spell. He caught Sages eye, and nodded for this too work they had to do the spell at the same time, because if they did the spell separately, then one opened the portal for the second time, then the immortals that had just been sent through would be able to come back and that they wanted to avoid at all costs.
Sage saw Numairs signal and he nodded back, raising his hands out to the side he called on his magic, it flowed to his hands glittering silver, he could see the flare of Numairs black magic. Sage had to concentrate as the immortals came to attack the groups at both ends. With out missing a beat, both mages started the spell at the same time. They chanted the words, Alanna would have like to have been able to listen they were chanting in old Thak, but her attention was taken by the attacking immortals, it was made harder by the Coldfangs, one direct look into there eyes and the man would be frozen and unable to move.
Numair and Sage chanted louder now, the chant took on same rhythm quality that some of the old spells did. Sage concentrated on the words, it had been awhile but he could still do this. In his sleep if he had to, he had done it that many times. He could see the Manticore in from of step closer its arms waving slightly the razors coming closer and closer, Sage knew he couldn't move or he would break the spell, Alanna who had see the creature move towards Sage knew she could interrupt them. She shouted a warned as loud as she could, hoping for something but knowing it would do nothing. Sage wished the spell would go quicker, but it seemed to be taking for ever. The Manticore came closer, now aware that magic was being used is screamed at Sage, it swung its razor like claws and they seemed to hit Sage slashing him across the chest. Numair couldn't see but Alanna could she shouted and hefted her sword ready to run in and kill the creature in blind fury she liked Sage. One of the Own, Dom, grabbed her arm just in time, he had to duck to avoid her sword "Look" he pointed to Sage, he was still standing he hadn't moved the Manticore however was sprawled a few feet back if possible looking confused. Had it missed?. Sage and Numair got to the final part of the spell, the were near shouting now, the air was thick with magic almost touchable. Instinctively all of the Own in both groups, the few riders that had survived Alanna and Raoul all threw themselves to the floor regardless of if they were fighting. This sudden move shocked the immortals they turned to see the Mages.
The air suddenly started to crackle and fizz, the mages power seemed to arc up and join silver and black melding, turning gold. A bright light that stretched and grew a bright glowing disc that covered all the immortals in the air slowly the disc settled toward the floor covering the immortals like water but sticking. When the glowing disc had touched the floor completely everything went still, then with a sudden deafening bang and a blinding flash. The immortals disappeared with various screams and cries as they were thrown back into the divine realms. In the sudden calm the Riders, the Own Alanna and Raoul stood looking over the scene before them. The bodies of the dead and injured Riders were all that was left. Numair was sitting on the ground at his end of the path, looking grey. Raoul hurried to him and gave him a drink Numair downed the bottle, Raoul handed him another drink. Alanna hurried to Sage who was like wise sitting on the floor his head touching his knees, she knelt to offer him a drink he didn't answer her at first. "I am fine" he said to her haltingly. Plainly not believing she pressed his to talk more and take the water bottle. Sage lifted his head only the rest of his still leaning on his knees. He down two bottle of water and held onto the third one. Numair walked down the path slowly being held by Raoul, Numair was staggering slightly due to the spell and the fact the Raoul was only just taller then him. Raoul was grinning as was Numair. "That was different" Numair said his voice shaky as well. "Different it was fantastic, I've never seen that before" Alanna answered giving her hand to Sage he reached up. And gripped it feeling a slickness she looked back at Sage his hand was soaked in blood as he stood she could see a darker stain on his black shirt and some of braids that had trailed over his shoulder would slicked red with blood. Sage swayed and Alanna grabbed him taking his weight. "I got hit sorry" Sage whispered "It hurts so bad" he said his head lolling back, Alanna near dropped him putting him back down. She lifted his shirt a huge and very deep gash ran from his stomach to his collar bone. Cursing she dropped the shirt and then ripped it open folding it back to each side. Raoul helped Numair sit down and he shouted for a medic kit. Numair half crawled over to Sage, he cursed when he saw the damage. Pulling himself onto his knees Numair pulled Sages ripped shirt from under him, he rolled it up and pressed it to the worst of the cut, it seemed to flow the blood for a while. Dom ran over with a medic kit, he saw the cut and he gasped, he ripped open the kit. It had been spelled against infections the spells glittered and faded, he pulled out the bandages and handed to them to Numair and Alanna. They took then with out looking, pressing them onto the wound. Alanna used some of her healing gift to help stop the bleeding but she knew that she would burn herself out trying, so she used more bandages pressing them into the wounds. To his credit Sage tried his hardest not to move every time they pressed more bandages, he had his eyes closed, Raoul was holding his hand every time Numair and Alanna pressed onto his cut he gripped Raouls hand. Raoul looked up at Dom and said very quietly. "He's getting weak, make up a stretcher or something we have to get him back" Dom nodded and ran off quietly ordering the men. Alanna heard and looked at Numair he hadn't heard he was tying off the last bandage, his hands stained red. He sat back still looking grey. He looked up at Raoul and Alanna who had now stood and gone to help Dom make a stretcher. Raoul stood and took his hand out of Sages gripped he frowned when he noticed that the man could barely move his hand. "Numair, how bad is it" Sage asked his voice was barely a whisper. Numair closed his eyes for a second wishing he hadn't asked, "Numair" Sage tried to sit up, the movement sent waves of pain through him he tried not to cry out but he failed.
Numair swallowed and took Sages hand "You'll be chasing them round at the next ball" he said not feeling the cheerfulness that he sounded. Sage smiled briefly "Promise" he asked.
Numair nodded he looked at Raoul, their faces grim, they didn't have a lot of time.
Alanna shouted that the stretcher was ready, they tied it to Star and pulled it over when it was next to Sage, Alanna knelt down to talk to Sage. "We have to roll you so we can get you onto the stretcher it will hurt a lot" She told him. Sage nodded not saying anything. Alanna stood and looked to Raoul the big knight came round to her and gripped Sage. Together they rolled him onto his side facing them, he cried out his teeth gritted, when the stretcher was in place they rolled him back. When he was in place on they tied him on as gently as they could. Raoul stood and looked to his men. "Col, Sanders, ride back now as fast as you can, get the healers, Duke Baird and the others tell them what has happened" he lowered his voice slightly "And tell them its bad, very bad" The two men hurried off grabbing there mounts and riding like hell fury for the palace. Numair turned the Star round, then they set off for the palace as quick as they could go with out hurting Sage anymore. It took them a long time to reach the road that lead to the palace. People had been moved out of the by provost guards they strained to see who was being brought in, when they saw who is was they fell back, the people too liked Sage even though he had only been there a while.
They reached the gates, Numair had been walking by Sage trying to keep him awake, despite the pain he was in he would be better off awake and in pain, then unconscious and dead. Sage's voice was even quieter, he was talking Talasan "Tell Shey I am sorry, I didn't mean this to happen" Numair tried not to laugh, that was like Sage to apologise for being injured. "Tell him yourself" he replied gently. As they came through the gates the healers rushed forward to see what was wrong. The Duke Baird was first there, he took in the bandages already staining with blood and ordered that the horse take Sage straight to the Riders infirmary as it was on the ground floor and closer. As they hurried off Numair looked to Alanna. "I'll go with him and if you see Shey don't tell him how bad it is" Alanna nodded and hurried off to tell Jon, Numair went after Sage, when he caught up Sage was still talking Talasan, they healers didn't know what he was saying, they looked to Numair "He's rambling for now, but I'll tell you if he says anything important" The Duke who was unwrapping the bandages, nodded and swore softly, "He should be dead" he whispered seeing the gash "You are lucky" then he set to work directing his healers, thankfully Sage slipped into unconsciousness, allowing the healers to work with out fear of hurting him more. Numair took a stand out of the way outside the room.
A few hours later Shey reached the palace and was walking back to his and Sages room, when he saw Alanna and Jon walking the other way, their faces grim. His smile went "What's happened" he asked seeing there looks. Alanna looked at Jon and then at Shey.
"Shey we have some bad news" Jon began. Shey froze looking from one to the other, "What, something at home" Their faces didn't change. Sheys heart stopped "Sage, its Sage isn't it?" he asked searching there faces. He caught the look. "It is Sages, what happed is he ok?" his voice was frantic. He couldn't believe Sage was hurt, he shouldn't of gone out. He forced himself to concentrate on them, on Alanna. "It was a Manticore, he is in the Riders infirmary" She began. Shey didn't wait to hear the rest, if a Manticore was involved he knew to fear the worst. He turned and ran down the passage and out of the palace towards the healers barracks flying past nobles and pages. He flew past the company of the Own that were outside.
In the palace Jon made a ball of light and spoke into it "Numair Shey is coming" Jon warned, knowing that Numair would still be to used up to reply. Just as the message came Numair looked up and saw Shey racing down the corridor towards him. Numair stepped forward and caught him. "You cant go in" He said holding tight. The smaller man struggled "I have to see him" he raged in Talasan. Before Numair could reply Duke Baird stepped into the corridor his white robes covered in blood, he wiped a blood covered hand down his face. Shey went limp. "How bad" He asked.
Numair translated, the Duke looked weary Numair could see how much the older man had used trying to help Sage. "How bad please" Shey repeated this time in common. The Duke Sighed,
"Shelan" he said "The news isn't good I' am afraid, please sit" Shey shook his head "Tell me" He said his voice fraught with nerves and something else Numair couldn't place. The duke ran his hands through his hair again and looked at Shey his face sad, he could see Shey cared for Sage a lot.
"I have to tell you that Sage has…………….."
((duh duh duuuuhhhhhh. Hehe I is mean….. Please review and I post what happened. If you wanna know review))
Sage looked at the monster that stood before him. Seven foot of nightmarish creature. He had forgotten just how repulsive they were, the Manticore stepped in front of the body it had been feeding on, it screamed again, warning them away from its meal. Its scream had warned the other immortals nearby that something was wrong. The Hurroks came out of the trees onto the path to see what was going on. Just in the trees the riders could see, Coldfangs, and just behind them walking out slowly were the other Manticores. The Rides and Alanna stepped back as Sage stepped forward putting himself between them and the immortals, he re-checked his braids were tied back with steady hands. Satisfied that they were he lowered them again, his eyes never leaving the Manticore in front of them. Up ahead he could just see Numair and his group coming out of the trees.
Numair broke through the tree line onto the path, he stopped instantly and signalled to the others to move back, they did so with out a word or sound. Not that it mattered, the immortals had seen them anyway. Slowly Numair slid off his horse and handed the reins to one of the Own who took them, then Numair walked the rest of the way onto the path, just ahead he could see Sage, checking his hair was out of the way, he looked at the Manticore that was just in front of Sage, even from where he was, Numair could see why Sage had condemned these as nightmares. Slowly he walked forward, setting his mind to the task in hand. Two of the Hurroks had broken from the trees and headed towards Raouls group. Raoul issued two commands his voice soft and his men split to do as ordered.
Numair ignored them now, he knew that he would be safe and Raoul would deploy his men, with tact to he could work his spell. He caught Sages eye, and nodded for this too work they had to do the spell at the same time, because if they did the spell separately, then one opened the portal for the second time, then the immortals that had just been sent through would be able to come back and that they wanted to avoid at all costs.
Sage saw Numairs signal and he nodded back, raising his hands out to the side he called on his magic, it flowed to his hands glittering silver, he could see the flare of Numairs black magic. Sage had to concentrate as the immortals came to attack the groups at both ends. With out missing a beat, both mages started the spell at the same time. They chanted the words, Alanna would have like to have been able to listen they were chanting in old Thak, but her attention was taken by the attacking immortals, it was made harder by the Coldfangs, one direct look into there eyes and the man would be frozen and unable to move.
Numair and Sage chanted louder now, the chant took on same rhythm quality that some of the old spells did. Sage concentrated on the words, it had been awhile but he could still do this. In his sleep if he had to, he had done it that many times. He could see the Manticore in from of step closer its arms waving slightly the razors coming closer and closer, Sage knew he couldn't move or he would break the spell, Alanna who had see the creature move towards Sage knew she could interrupt them. She shouted a warned as loud as she could, hoping for something but knowing it would do nothing. Sage wished the spell would go quicker, but it seemed to be taking for ever. The Manticore came closer, now aware that magic was being used is screamed at Sage, it swung its razor like claws and they seemed to hit Sage slashing him across the chest. Numair couldn't see but Alanna could she shouted and hefted her sword ready to run in and kill the creature in blind fury she liked Sage. One of the Own, Dom, grabbed her arm just in time, he had to duck to avoid her sword "Look" he pointed to Sage, he was still standing he hadn't moved the Manticore however was sprawled a few feet back if possible looking confused. Had it missed?. Sage and Numair got to the final part of the spell, the were near shouting now, the air was thick with magic almost touchable. Instinctively all of the Own in both groups, the few riders that had survived Alanna and Raoul all threw themselves to the floor regardless of if they were fighting. This sudden move shocked the immortals they turned to see the Mages.
The air suddenly started to crackle and fizz, the mages power seemed to arc up and join silver and black melding, turning gold. A bright light that stretched and grew a bright glowing disc that covered all the immortals in the air slowly the disc settled toward the floor covering the immortals like water but sticking. When the glowing disc had touched the floor completely everything went still, then with a sudden deafening bang and a blinding flash. The immortals disappeared with various screams and cries as they were thrown back into the divine realms. In the sudden calm the Riders, the Own Alanna and Raoul stood looking over the scene before them. The bodies of the dead and injured Riders were all that was left. Numair was sitting on the ground at his end of the path, looking grey. Raoul hurried to him and gave him a drink Numair downed the bottle, Raoul handed him another drink. Alanna hurried to Sage who was like wise sitting on the floor his head touching his knees, she knelt to offer him a drink he didn't answer her at first. "I am fine" he said to her haltingly. Plainly not believing she pressed his to talk more and take the water bottle. Sage lifted his head only the rest of his still leaning on his knees. He down two bottle of water and held onto the third one. Numair walked down the path slowly being held by Raoul, Numair was staggering slightly due to the spell and the fact the Raoul was only just taller then him. Raoul was grinning as was Numair. "That was different" Numair said his voice shaky as well. "Different it was fantastic, I've never seen that before" Alanna answered giving her hand to Sage he reached up. And gripped it feeling a slickness she looked back at Sage his hand was soaked in blood as he stood she could see a darker stain on his black shirt and some of braids that had trailed over his shoulder would slicked red with blood. Sage swayed and Alanna grabbed him taking his weight. "I got hit sorry" Sage whispered "It hurts so bad" he said his head lolling back, Alanna near dropped him putting him back down. She lifted his shirt a huge and very deep gash ran from his stomach to his collar bone. Cursing she dropped the shirt and then ripped it open folding it back to each side. Raoul helped Numair sit down and he shouted for a medic kit. Numair half crawled over to Sage, he cursed when he saw the damage. Pulling himself onto his knees Numair pulled Sages ripped shirt from under him, he rolled it up and pressed it to the worst of the cut, it seemed to flow the blood for a while. Dom ran over with a medic kit, he saw the cut and he gasped, he ripped open the kit. It had been spelled against infections the spells glittered and faded, he pulled out the bandages and handed to them to Numair and Alanna. They took then with out looking, pressing them onto the wound. Alanna used some of her healing gift to help stop the bleeding but she knew that she would burn herself out trying, so she used more bandages pressing them into the wounds. To his credit Sage tried his hardest not to move every time they pressed more bandages, he had his eyes closed, Raoul was holding his hand every time Numair and Alanna pressed onto his cut he gripped Raouls hand. Raoul looked up at Dom and said very quietly. "He's getting weak, make up a stretcher or something we have to get him back" Dom nodded and ran off quietly ordering the men. Alanna heard and looked at Numair he hadn't heard he was tying off the last bandage, his hands stained red. He sat back still looking grey. He looked up at Raoul and Alanna who had now stood and gone to help Dom make a stretcher. Raoul stood and took his hand out of Sages gripped he frowned when he noticed that the man could barely move his hand. "Numair, how bad is it" Sage asked his voice was barely a whisper. Numair closed his eyes for a second wishing he hadn't asked, "Numair" Sage tried to sit up, the movement sent waves of pain through him he tried not to cry out but he failed.
Numair swallowed and took Sages hand "You'll be chasing them round at the next ball" he said not feeling the cheerfulness that he sounded. Sage smiled briefly "Promise" he asked.
Numair nodded he looked at Raoul, their faces grim, they didn't have a lot of time.
Alanna shouted that the stretcher was ready, they tied it to Star and pulled it over when it was next to Sage, Alanna knelt down to talk to Sage. "We have to roll you so we can get you onto the stretcher it will hurt a lot" She told him. Sage nodded not saying anything. Alanna stood and looked to Raoul the big knight came round to her and gripped Sage. Together they rolled him onto his side facing them, he cried out his teeth gritted, when the stretcher was in place they rolled him back. When he was in place on they tied him on as gently as they could. Raoul stood and looked to his men. "Col, Sanders, ride back now as fast as you can, get the healers, Duke Baird and the others tell them what has happened" he lowered his voice slightly "And tell them its bad, very bad" The two men hurried off grabbing there mounts and riding like hell fury for the palace. Numair turned the Star round, then they set off for the palace as quick as they could go with out hurting Sage anymore. It took them a long time to reach the road that lead to the palace. People had been moved out of the by provost guards they strained to see who was being brought in, when they saw who is was they fell back, the people too liked Sage even though he had only been there a while.
They reached the gates, Numair had been walking by Sage trying to keep him awake, despite the pain he was in he would be better off awake and in pain, then unconscious and dead. Sage's voice was even quieter, he was talking Talasan "Tell Shey I am sorry, I didn't mean this to happen" Numair tried not to laugh, that was like Sage to apologise for being injured. "Tell him yourself" he replied gently. As they came through the gates the healers rushed forward to see what was wrong. The Duke Baird was first there, he took in the bandages already staining with blood and ordered that the horse take Sage straight to the Riders infirmary as it was on the ground floor and closer. As they hurried off Numair looked to Alanna. "I'll go with him and if you see Shey don't tell him how bad it is" Alanna nodded and hurried off to tell Jon, Numair went after Sage, when he caught up Sage was still talking Talasan, they healers didn't know what he was saying, they looked to Numair "He's rambling for now, but I'll tell you if he says anything important" The Duke who was unwrapping the bandages, nodded and swore softly, "He should be dead" he whispered seeing the gash "You are lucky" then he set to work directing his healers, thankfully Sage slipped into unconsciousness, allowing the healers to work with out fear of hurting him more. Numair took a stand out of the way outside the room.
A few hours later Shey reached the palace and was walking back to his and Sages room, when he saw Alanna and Jon walking the other way, their faces grim. His smile went "What's happened" he asked seeing there looks. Alanna looked at Jon and then at Shey.
"Shey we have some bad news" Jon began. Shey froze looking from one to the other, "What, something at home" Their faces didn't change. Sheys heart stopped "Sage, its Sage isn't it?" he asked searching there faces. He caught the look. "It is Sages, what happed is he ok?" his voice was frantic. He couldn't believe Sage was hurt, he shouldn't of gone out. He forced himself to concentrate on them, on Alanna. "It was a Manticore, he is in the Riders infirmary" She began. Shey didn't wait to hear the rest, if a Manticore was involved he knew to fear the worst. He turned and ran down the passage and out of the palace towards the healers barracks flying past nobles and pages. He flew past the company of the Own that were outside.
In the palace Jon made a ball of light and spoke into it "Numair Shey is coming" Jon warned, knowing that Numair would still be to used up to reply. Just as the message came Numair looked up and saw Shey racing down the corridor towards him. Numair stepped forward and caught him. "You cant go in" He said holding tight. The smaller man struggled "I have to see him" he raged in Talasan. Before Numair could reply Duke Baird stepped into the corridor his white robes covered in blood, he wiped a blood covered hand down his face. Shey went limp. "How bad" He asked.
Numair translated, the Duke looked weary Numair could see how much the older man had used trying to help Sage. "How bad please" Shey repeated this time in common. The Duke Sighed,
"Shelan" he said "The news isn't good I' am afraid, please sit" Shey shook his head "Tell me" He said his voice fraught with nerves and something else Numair couldn't place. The duke ran his hands through his hair again and looked at Shey his face sad, he could see Shey cared for Sage a lot.
"I have to tell you that Sage has…………….."
((duh duh duuuuhhhhhh. Hehe I is mean….. Please review and I post what happened. If you wanna know review))