Sage sat on a low wall swinging his feet. He was aware of two of the Hawkbrothers hovering nearby. Ever since the meeting earlier that afternoon they had not let him out their sight, worried he would do something rash. He sat on his wall over looking the gardens, his thoughts wandering lazily. He was trying to take his mind off Lord Danak and what his future held.

Part of him was watching Daystorms flock of crows mobbing and playing with each other. He loved watching the bond birds playing, they were so carefree and happy. Daystorm was also outside watching her birds flying and playing, she saw Sage watching and walked over to him slowly, one of the crows was riding on her shoulder, from what Sage could tell it was a young one, a male if he guessed right. As Daystorm sat down, she watched the birds with Sage quietly for a moment, the two Hawkbrothers who had been watching Sage moved away so that they would not be able to overhear their conversation.

"Sage, my birds tell me you have been out here since the meeting was over" She said not looking at him, still watching her flock. Sage looked to her with surprise at the sudden statement.

"Yes, I was watching your flock, I love to watch them fly and play they seem so happy and carefree" he told her voicing his earlier thoughts.

For some reason this seemed this right thing to say, she nodded and looked fairly happy with his answer.

"Well Sage, I have someone who would like to talk you" She said gently pulling on Sages nearest arm, his left one. Sage looked from his arm to her. His face a picture of confusion. The crow that had been sitting on Daystorms shoulder side stepped down from her shoulder,
along her arm and onto Sages arm. She moved her arm away and smiled as understanding dawned on Sages face. The crow settled his feet gently on Sages weaker arm, his wings half spread to distibute the weight.

:Hello, young one, what is your name: Sage asked the crow with a gentle mind touch.

:Hello Sage: The young crow said. His mindvoice cheerful and happy. I'm Radva, friends, yes:

:Yes, most definately yes: Sage told him eagerly. His mind was spinning with the thought, he had been chosen, no, bonded with a Hawkbrother bond bird. Something he wouldn't have thought possible. He Sage, had a bond bird. Sage felt as if he was floating he was that happy. He was vaguely aware of Daystorm standing and moving slightly away.

"I have a spare arm guard back in my bags" she offered. Sage looked up at her,

"Thank you, that would be wonderful, how did you know?" he asked gently stoking Radvas chest and neck. The crow was trilling in pleasure.

"I guessed he was thinking of bonding with someone other then me. So I thought to be prepared, although, I didn't think he would pick you"
she smiled to take the sting off what could have been an insult. But Sage was too happy to realise or even care. He was now truly a Hawkbrother he couldn't wait to tell the others.

"I will tell the others if you like. You can stay with Radva and talk some" Daystorm offered. Although Sage wasn't looking the older scout was smiling just as much as she was. She was pleased to see someone happy. She nodded to the other Hawkbrothers who were still behind Sage, they too had seen what had gone on. And they knew that Sage would not be going anywhere for the rest of the day and most of the next. Sage was so busy with Radva that he didn't notice when Daystorm quietly left him.

:keep stroking, feels good: Sage could hear the pleasure in Radva's mind voice.

Sage complied happily. , Radva stretching his neck out as far as he could, his eyes closed in bliss. After much neck stratching Sage had to stop. :I hate to disrupte your good time, but I can not holdyou on this arm much longer: He told Radva apologetically Radva was still sitting on Sages left arm, and even though he had worked up his strength in that arm it still ached after having a large bird to sit on it unaided. Radva didn't seem to put out, he simply stepped up Sages arm and onto his shoulder, he started to run his beak through Sages hair, preening him. Sage reached round and stroked Radva's chest with his other hand when the bird had settled. Not bothered that the birds sharp beak was inches from his head.

Sometime later Silverfox was looking out of one of the windows in the keep, he had heard that Sage had bonded with a bird. One of Daystorms flock no less. He was looking for Sage but he could not see him, he guessed that he had gone into the group of trees that grouped in one corner of the gardens. It was clear that Sage wanted be alone with his bird or he would have come into the keep itself. Silverfox smiled to himself, some of the Hawkbrothers in the keep were planning a celebration for Sages bonding to Radva. Silverfox knew from talks with Sage that he dearly wanted to be the same as others, "A normal mage would do" he had once told Silverfox. This would be one of the closest things he would get. Bonding to a bird. They both knew though that the chances of him being human were next to nothing. He made half a mind to go and find him soon and talk. -
Sage was indeed sitting in the small group of trees that grew in the gardens, he was sitting on his rolled up over-robe, his legs out in front of him, his back against a tree. Radva was sitting on his shoulder preeing Sages hair making it stick out even more than normal. Darian had found him some time ago to tell him that they were having a celebration for him. Nothing to be or fancy, just the few Hawkbrothers and Lord Breon. Not a big party, they had said they would save that for later. Later being when all this was over and Sage was back in the Vale.

Sage had been deeply touched and had told him to start with out him, he would be along later. He knew he would have to go soon, "the party" had been in full swing for a candle mark or so. He had been thinking, no worrying was closer to the truth about tomorrow and the day after and what would happen when they told Lord Danak that he could not have Sage.

The Hawkbrothers and Sage knew that he would be angry and try something, Sage wanted to be ready before anyone got hurt. With a sigh he made sure the arm guard Daystorm had lent to him was on properly, ironicaly he had tried both arms and found that it was more comfortable to have the guard and Radva on his left. But for the most time, Radva would ride on his shoulder.

:We should go to the party for a while: Sage told Radva. Radvas mind voice was filled with pleasure at being scratched, but he side-stepped down Sages arm and onto the grass whilst Sage stood and put on his over-robe, with out bothering to tie it, he knelt back down so Radva could hop onto his arm. Slowly they made their way into the keep and towards the main hall.

:They come: Aya told Firesong from his perch on a window ledge the firebird had a good view of the entrance into the keep, not to mention that Radva had told the Firebird. Firesongs eyes twinkled behind his mask, this would be the first time anyone bar Daystorm and Darian, had seen Sage all day. He had expressed a want be alone for a little while he would join them later. Knowing how Sage could be, they had left him to it for a while and now he was joining them. Turning Firesong announced to the room that Sage was on his way. When Sage finally graced the hall he was hovering in the doorway, Radva on his arm.

Seeing him Silverfox sweeped over in a flurry of braids and feathers, and gently hugged Sage careful not to squased Radva.

"Well done" he whispered. Then he looked to Radva. "And who is this"
"This is Radva" Sage told him, pride evident in his voice.

"Well hello Radva" Silverfox said to the crow. Radva nodded his head, accepting the greeting. Then before Sage or Silverfox could say anything else they were swept up by Hawkbrothers wanting to congratulate the pair. Sage let himself get swept up in the partying. Firesong had finished talking to Sage and watched as one of the other Hawkbrothers stole him away. Spying his lover in a shadowy corner Firesong went to talk to him. "what you are thinking in this corner all alone?" Firesong asked when he came into earshot. Tossing his braid over one shoulder, he leaned on the wall next to Silverfox.

"Nothing really just thinking" The Kestra'chern answered. Looking to Firesong. "Just thinking"

"About what?" prodded Firesong.

"Oh nothing really, just about Sage and how much he has changed this last year, to think, just under a year ago, he was a wreck that hated to be touched, hated crowds. And now this, he has a party for him, he really is one of us" Silverfox said watching Sage. He was talking to a scout by the name of Summerleaf. He raised his left arm up slightly, a slight flicker betrayed his arm ached, Radva walked up Sages arm and sat on his shoulder preening his hair. To watch them everyone would be able to see, that this pair were meant for each other. Sage wandered round the room. Keeping to the walls, but then old habits die hard Silverfox reflected.

Finally the gathering wound down to a close as the various other Hawkbrothers drifted off to find sleep. Sage stayed until all the others had gone, when only he and Radva remained the left the hall. As Sage walked, he found his feet taking him outside, he still felt confined. He walked to the top of the walls and looked out over the forest. In the darkness of the night, the forest was a still, yet buzzing mass. To glance over the trees would reveal that it was sleeping, but to listen one would hear the chattering, rustling and movement of the nightime creatures, doing what small night animals did.

He looked to the forest again and then made up his mind, he would be safe in the forest he thought, his shields were still up. No one could break them. He walked back down the steps and towards the smaller gate, the one that would let him out. The guard on that gate let him through with little fuss, he simply told the guard that he wanted to out in the forest.

The guard watched him walk away. As he neared the forest and merged with its shadows, Sage heard the gate shut with a gentle thud . As he walked into the forest he breath a sigh of relief, the cool, damp night air was so refreshing, he breathed in deeply. Radva on his shoulder stretched his wings. Although the hour was late, or early seeing how you looked at it. He wanted to fly. Sage stood still so Radva could take off and fly into the trees. Sage smiled slightly, Radva was still young, by bird standards he loved to play, or so Radva had told him.

Sage watched Radva fly off with a smile, he went off himself and wandered around under the trees just enjoying being outside. He knew he would have to go back inside soon, but a little longer couldn't hurt. Could it? As Sage wandered under the trees he became aware he was not alone, he had the feeling that someone or something was following him. He stopped dead in his tracks to let down his shields. To his surprise he found that he had let them slip while talking to Radva, he looked round suddenly feeling very alone and vulnerable.

As he sent out a gentle mind thought looking for anyone or anything.
He found two people tracking him one on each side, close very close and a third person waiting close by. Sage probed a little more, and then recoiled from the two people. He had been so stupid, he couldn't believe how foolish he had been. They were Lord Danaks Shadows. He started to turn slowly meaning to walk away. He was betting the third person was another Shadow, one that could not enter the shield.

But as he turned to go, the dark shadows to his left suddenly blurred and the man who had been hiding jumped forward followed quickly by the one on the other side. Sages mistake was to turn and look at the second one, giving the first Shadow guard the chance to attack, he leapt on Sage grabbing his arms, knocking him off balance, making him fall to the forest floor. Sage rolled as he hit the floor, he knew how these people would fight, he had trained the people who had trained them. He gave them a seemingly good fight, although only evading them for a while, not actually trying to hurt them. After a few minuets the one of the guards managed to knock him down. Sage took a long time to find his feet giving the second one time to grab his hands and bind them. Sage managed a look up at his captors, seeing one draw his dagger Sage called to Radva.

:Radva, my brother, fly back, go. I am in trouble I need you to get the others:

:Fly away, NO! I help you.:

: They would kill or hurt you to hurt me, the others need to be warned:

:Bad men, I will get brothers to help you: Radva said back.

Sage just caught sight of Radva winging past them, before the Guard brought the dagger hilt down on Sages temple knocking him out. As the two guards picked up the hapless Sage, they were were surprised how easy it was, they knew Sage could fight. He seemed too easy to catch, maybe being away for such a long time had made him weaker, softer, less willing to fight. But then they had him and now he was the problem of their lord.

Radva flew back to the keep as fast as he could. He knew who he would look for, Darian, Although he was flying fast he had to fly slightly slower then normal because of the dim light it was hard for him to see. Finally he made it back to the keep and he found Darian's room, he hopped through the slightly open window and could see Darian asleep on the bed, Kauri was roosting on the bedstead. Radva landed on the window sill.

Radva flew as fast as was safe in the dim light, he could have flown faster in the daytime, but he had trouble seeing well in the dark. He knew who to look for, Darian. Finally he made it back to the keep and Darians room. He hopped through the slightly open window and flew to Darians bed. Darian was asleep and Kauri was roosting on the perch provided :Darian wake: he called to the sleeping mage, as strongly as he could. Both mentally and vocally using the loud voice of his speices.

Darian stirred slightly and opened one eye sleepily, when he saw Radva sitting on the window sill hoping from foot to foot he opened his eyes fully.

:What is wrong Radva: he asked his mind voice still sleepy.

:Help needed. Sage taken by bad men: Radva said, his mind voice urgent. At those words the sleep fled from Darian. Radva watched as Darian swung his feet round and sat up on the bed. Kuari was waking as well, the loud noise had done well to wake both mage and bird.
Radva then went on to tell Darain all that had happened since the gathering had finished.

Darian looked to Radva, "The others need to be woken" he said finally after hearing all there was to hear.

"We will get him back" he promised standing. Then he turned to pull on some cleaner clothes before turning to the door.

"Come on, lets get the others" he said to the two birds. He pulled open the door and set off down the passage to wake the others the birds flying ahead, they all knew how dangerous Danak could be.
In a short time, Starfall, Silverfox, Wintersky and Firesong were all awake. Radva had just gone off to awake, Daystorm then she would wake all the others. Shortly Radva returned, soon followed by the few remaining Hawkbrothers. All of whom were looking rather sleepy.
"I sent Radva to fetch you all so you must know that Sage has been taken by Lord Danak. Radva has told me that he was taken by two men in black, and that he was able to send Radva to warn us. We don't have much time we need to make ready our plans" He told the expectant room."

"Why did he leave the keep though?" Starfall asked after a moment, he knew it was not safe, he told us two of the Shadow guards had stayed inside he his shields, so he could only raise the smaller shields to keep the others out" Starfall went on. Looking to the others.

"I think, that he did not mean to go outside the keep, but the suggestion of the trees was to hard to ignore" Darian put in, quickly.

"Radva had said Sage realised his shielding had slipped when he had been talking to him, Radva had also said, that Sage felt compelled to go outside the walls"

Radva squawked as if to confirm this. Nodding his head. Darian looked to Radva and then back. To the others, he was going to speak when Silverfox started to say something. Silverfox had been sitting listening to what Darian was telling them. He wondered why Sage would leave the safety of the keep when he knew it wasn't safe, then a chill ran down his spine as he remembered something Sage had told him.

"You say his shield had slipped he was not guarding his thoughts?" he asked Radva. The bird nodded again. Silverfox thought for a moment and then nodded, that seemed to fit then.

"I think we need to get this plan ready" Silverfox said, bringing them back to why they were here. If he was right they had to act now. They quickly went over the plan, it didn't take them long to agree on its final form. Soon they were ready to go. As dawns bright light begin to grace the sky, the Hawkbrothers were deep in planning. They would get Sage back and spare no-one.

Across the forest the two guards were hauling Sage towards the forest edge and the camp of their Lord. The younger of the two was full of excitment talking about a job well done. The older man was silent,
unlike the lad he had been in the service of Lord Danak for many years. He was not so full of joy, he knew what awaited the lad in his arms, and he knew it wouldn't be pretty. As they passed over the boundry of Sages shields, they both shivered in reaction without knowing why. The younger of the two guards looked to the stirring Sage.

"Hurry, he is waking!" the younger man urged.

The older man said nothing but nodded and increased the pace. They were getting nearer to the camp, the sooner they handed over this person the sooner he could wash his hands of the matter and have a clear Concience. He had seen the boy before and he had seen the things Lord Danak had made the boy do, he had also heard the rumours as well as the screams. He pushed the thoughts out of his head, this boy belonged to the Lord. He had run away and he would be punished, but the thought of how this would happen kept popping back into his head. He pushed them out firmly, the third man was going back, to make sure the way was clear, then he would catch them up soon.

As the reached the camp. The younger of the two, the one who was not carrying Sage hurried ahead to tell Lord Danak they had succeeded. He disappeared into the tent and reappeared moments later Lord Danak in the lead.

Sage at this point had actually come round some time ago, but had remained limp. He was listening carefully, all senses open, he felt as they passed the shields, then raised them fully, causing the two to shiver as they felt its power. Sage hoped that the others would see the shields and know he was alright. As they reached the camp he heard the younger guard hurry away and then the one carrying him slowed and stopped.
Sage could hear footsteps coming towards them crunching on the leaves,
Sages heart froze, he had heard those footsteps hundreds of times before, without having to look, he knew without doubt that those footsteps belonged to Lord Danak. Feigning unconsciousness he remained limp.

Lord Danak stood a few feet away regarding his lost slave, feeling elation that he had finally gotten back what was his.
"He is still not awake, I trust you did not do damage" Lord Danaks clipped tones sounded deadly soft in the quiet.

"No, no My Lord, just a little tap to make sure he came without causing a fuss. Funny thing is though My Lord, he never noticed us till we were on him, he walked straight into us" The older guard said with an awkward bow.

"Indeed" was the clipped reply cutting off anymore talk from the guard.

"Bring him into the tent and then leave us, we have much to catch up on" came the command. The two guards obeyed, following Lord Danak into his tent, inside they found Lord Danak had, had ropes slung over the top cross bar in the tent. He indicated that they should tie Sage there. They did as he asked, then left, as they reached the doorway Lord Danak spoke again.
"Stay close, he may prove difficult."

Then Lord Danak turned and walked back into the middle of the tent, he looked over his Pet. Well it looked like his pet, same height, same size and same eyes. But the hair and the dress were wrong. The hair was black, his pet had silvery white hair and the clothes indicated someone who had some standing. They fit him too well to be anything other than taylor made. He knew the best way to check he strode forward.

Sages arm ached already from being tied. From the feel, it was rough ropes that were holding him. Pulled just tight enough so tips of his toes were brushing the carpet. He could hear Lord Danak pacing round him. He knew he didn't look like he did when he left. His hair was different and his clothes. Also he wasn't sure, but he didn't think Danak would know that his arm had not healed correctly. He could almost hear the thoughts churning, then he heard him stop and take a step forward. With a sudden jerk he felt the over-robe ripped away from him. He forced himself to remain still he would not react. Lord Danak circled again, he would have fun with this one even if he was not the his pet. After he had ripped the outer robe away, he looked again. Then he moved forward, he wanted to check this was his pet. Gripping Sages shirt in one hand he yanked it up. At the same time he pulled the waistband of his trousers down over his right hip, and there tattooed on his hip was the lion rampant. Only his pet here would know what that meant, and he knew he would not let anyone pretend to be him. He cared too much for others, it was a weakness of his, one that Lord Danak had never managed to break him of

Releasing his shirt and trousers Lord Danak stepped back as an evil little smile played on his face. Now the fun really could begin. He had a feeling that his Pet was now no longer unconsciousness. Well he would soon find out. Not fully letting his hand fall away from Sages hip he traced up slowly over Sages body. He admired the toned body before him. His pet had always been scrawny. He didn't believe in keeping his pets well fed, but now he was seeing what a good thing that could be.

He traced his hand up over his pets chest and then his face, resting his hand gently on his pets cheek, almost a lovers caress. There! Then, he saw his pets eyes flicker under the lids and a sudden slight indrawn of breath. His pet was awake. Drawing his hand away he drew back and then hit Sage in a stinging back handed blow. Sage felt the hand creeping slowly up him. He knew Danak was testing him, he knew he shouldn't react but he could tell by the way Lord Danak was doing this he was enjoying himself. Sage prayed it would go no further than this. Suddenly he knew he had betrayed himself. Lord Danaks hand drew back and then Sage felt the stinging pain of a backhanded blow. Knowing he could not pretend any longer he opened his eyes. And for the first time in nearly a year he looked into the eyes of his former master.

"So nice of you to join us" said the soft voice he knew so well from his past. Sage stared into Lord Danaks eyes, he would not show fear to this monster anymore. He would show him he was not afraid. For his pains Lord Danak back handed him again. Defiant Sage looked into his eyes.
He watched Lord Danak take a breath to calm himself, he would not let this pet get the better of him. He circled again, he wanted badly to break him, but not here, not now. If he lingered here too long, the men from the keep would realise he had Malgita, but a little pain to remind the slave who was master would not take to long.

Sage knew what Lord Danak had in mind. But he had his own plans ones that would result in the demise of Lord Danak, killing him would be tricky but he would find a way.

"Clever sending out that one call. I am surprised it still worked after this time" He said watching Lord Danak.

"I mean, making me want to be in the forest when I knew it was not safe. I did not think you could be so subtle" he said his genle lilt taunting, he had the satisfaction of seeing Lord Danak stiffen in anger. "Still not having me for a long time would make you slower old man" he went on.

"SILENCE!" Lord Danak commanded, his face going an interesting shade of red with anger. He stepped forward again and hit Sage repeatedly as hard as he could, over his face and arms, blacking one eye and making his left arm scream with pain.

Pain, lovely, wonderful, powerful pain, though Sage, he needed more pain though if he was to do this he needed more pain. He kept on taunting make Lord Danak hurt him. Then suddenly Sage started to laugh, making Lord Danak stop in surprise that was not a reaction he had expected. He stepped back again and looked at his laughing slave.
Sage spat out a mouthful of blood onto the plush floor of the carpeted tent.

:Darian I am here in Danaks camp. I am fine, but I do not think that Danak and his men will be for much longer: he mind spoke to Darian as careful as he could. He did not want Danak to over hear this. Sage had waited until now to inform them because this was a plan to get him here to this place, close to Danak without the others to stop him from what he planned to do.

Darian and the others were walking through the forest their plan was set and now in motion, they would get their friend back no matter the costs to Danak. All was going to plan, Darian, Firesong and Starfall were going to provide mage power incase Sage would not be able to help or in the worst case, Lord Danak had been able to undo all their tenative work with Sage, thus making him usless to them and a power point for Danak. Wintersky and Daystorm were tracking and surprisingly Silverfox had asked to be included. He looked strange dressed in borrowed scouting clothes, strange yet he wore them like he had been wearing them for years. Suddenly Darian stopped a strange look crossed his face, he looked as though he had been stunned. The others stopped round him looking. Darian blinked and looked round the others with a pale face.

"Sage, he is in Danaks camp, he said he is fine, but I think he is going to do something rash." The colour came back into his face slowly. He looked up the trail again "We better hurry I think he may do something he will regret" with that he set off running up the path again, the others close behind. Keeping half an eye out for the other Shadows.

Sage had planned this for a long time, one wrong move and everything would fall apart. He would fail and Danak would have him. He knew he would be broken again, there would be no escape for him. Ignoring Lord Danak, he focused on the others in the camp.

Apart from the six guards, there were two male servants a couple of maids and the messenger. Sage concentrated on the latter five, using the power taken from the pain he showed them images of a great monster in the camp rampaging through apparently killing all in its path. The two male servants were going to attempt fighting it, but Sage pressed fear on them and the need to run. Which they did willingly, the futher they ran the less the fear took them.

The two maids and the messanger had fled screaming at the first sight of the beast, past the bewildered guards who could see nothing wrong. With a satisfied smile Sage watched them run.

Making sure they had gone and only the Guards and Danak remained he slowly put a sheild around the whole camp keeping them all in. He knew the guards on sentry could see the silverly light surrounding them.
Soon there was the sounds of running feet outside the tent and shouting. Sage sealed the shield and then focused on what was happening in the tent. He hung from the ropes, the pain in his arm came back to remind him and his right eye was swelling shut. He watched as a frantic guard ran into the tent.

"My lord the servants have fled, we tried to stop them but they ran and now something has happened and we can't step past the boundries we are stuck here to we are trapped here" The guard said to Lord Danak after bobbing a hasty bow. Lord Danak turned from the guard to Sage.

"what did you do?" he demanded. His handsome face twisting into a scowl. It had to be the slave, he had done something.

"Me, nothing, we both know you never let me do anything other then pain and death magic." Sage said taunting again. "I can only hurt people with my magic, you know that." Something in his eyes made Lord Danak step back. Seeing that Sage risked lowering his shields on his mind a little, he could now impress more fear onto Lord Danaks mind. give him a taste of the emotions he so enjoyed inspiring in others.

Sage turned his attention to the ropes holding them, he concentrated for a moment then suddenly they burst into flames shinging Sages arms, but he didn't care. Soon the ropes fell away and Sage dropped to the floor. He held his injured left arm close to his chest. The guard had fled the tent but Sage paid him little heed, he couldn't get far anyway. Danak didn't know what to do. His Malgita had never defied him this way before, one thing held certain though, his slave couldn't kill him.

"Finally found a backbone have you?. Tired of people walking all over you? But then you always did seem to enjoy it after a while" Danak taunted Sage now. Rage flared in Sages eyes, he would kill this scum.

He would hurt him rip him limb from limb. But first those guards.
Gathering the power from his pain, he lashed out at Danek, knocking the man off his feet. He hit a chair and fell over unconcious. Happy he would not be able to disrupt him for a while Sage kicked him a few times for revenge and went outside, the voices in his head, the lost souls could feel something happening, His hold on them was slipping. Quickly they roared aloud their voices shouting for revenge. Sage fell to his knees for moment holding his head.
"No not yet, not now, the time is not right" he pleaded with them and miraculously they faded slightly clamouring that he only had a short time, they would be free.

Climbing to his feet Sage hurried on outside, soon he was faced with the six guards, all of them drew their swords, Sage simply stood and smiled at them. He could feel the magic coursing through him, as it used to in the old days, when he used to create pain in others. On his out stretched hand a ball of ice formed. He threw it at the two closest gaurds as the ice hit them they froze. Unable to move.

That left four. With a well timed kick he knocked one of swords from the younger of the four guards. He was obviously the newest. Sage caught the sword as it flew up into the air and quick as a flash he thrust it into the young guards leg, taking him out of the fight. He did not want to kill any of them, he really didn't. he ducked under the blows of the other three, catching one behind the ear, knocking him out.

That left two, using his empathy he impressed on them hopelessness of the fight, and they should give up. Presently they did so, confusion on their faces as they dropped the blades from there hands. Sage threw another ball of ice at the last two freezing them in place. Then before he turned his mind to Lord Danak, he froze the other guards, the one of the floor he had kicked and the other one lying knocked out close to him. He did not want the added problem of them waking up or doing something to ruin his plan.

As he turned one last time to check all the guards were out, a rumbling shout from inside the smouldering tent made him turn back again. Lord Danak stumbled out of the tent coughing, his fine clothes covered in soot and ash.

"You will pay for this" he threatened. His words died on his lips as he saw his guards were all unable to help him, it was just him and Sage. He paled visibly but then rallied himself. He looked over Sages shoulder.

"We both know you can't kill me" he said. Sage was aware of people behind him, but he knew they could only be his friends. He would not lose focus now, not when he was so close.

"But there are worse things than death" he said slowly" his pupils were dilating so his eyes looked black.

"Really! What can you do to me, you made me immortal, the spell that gives me my long life is tied to you, or did you forget"
Sage glanced down for a moment and then up into Lord Danaks eyes. No damn him he would not let Danak get the upper hand, he knew that he had been forced to give this monster near immortality. "Sage don't listen to him!" Darian shouted from the other side of the shields. He had tried to pass the shields but he couldn't, it was clear that Sage wanted them outside. They could see the frozen guards and the other mages could see the magic in the air. Magic, Firesong thought, that Sage said he would never use again.

Sage turned to look at them, his eyes still black. "I am not going to do anything rash, fear not, but I am going to end this"

He looked at the others one last time and then turned his back on them.
He twisted the hilt of the sword he held and a smaller dagger popped out. Sage advanced on Danak and before Danak knew what Sage was doing, he was thrown against a tree knocking the wind out of him. Perfect he was down, Sage advanced on him speaking quietly.

"I know how I can kill you, I have had much time to think about it,
and now I know" He held the dagger high above, ignoring the ache in his arm as he held Danak still. Danak knew somehow that this was really happening and Malgita meant this, he meant to kill him. The fear in his eyes was real. He did not know that Sage was feeding this fear back to him. Then without much ceremony Sage plunged the dagger into Lord Danaks heart.

Lord Danak felt the pressure of the knife going in, surprisingly no pain, he thought to himself. He could feel the knife but that was all, and then after a few long moments the pain followed racing through his chest, it was agony.

"Sage no!" Silverfox shouted throwing himself at the shields and bouncing off. "No!" But Sage either didn't hear him or listen. Sage pulled the dagger from Lord Danak, who could feel his life ebbing but not going, he was tied to Sage life. A fail safe he had made his slave set up just incase he ever tried anything like this. As he lay on the floor bleeding out, he laughed at Sage.

"You fool. I can't die for you can't die, you tied my life to yours"
Danak said loudly enough for the Hawkbrothers outside the shield to hear. Sage didn't turn round. They knew what he had done, he had told them long ago, soon after he had told them the truth about himself. One less weapon Danak could use against him. Not that he would tell Danak that. Also he didn't want to see them, he had to disconnect himself from them.

Sage looked at the dagger and then Lord Danak. "I know that" he said softly a deadly glint in his eyes, he knelt down and gripped Lord Danaks hand tightly. He raised the dagger in his other hand.

"I can't kill you, that I know, but I can do something so much worse.
The pain you made me suffer all these years now gives me power, the power to stop you. All those souls you killed over the years, all the death magic will be your end. The souls never passed, they stayed in me wanting revenge" Sage told the shocked Danak. He had never thought that the dead could come back to hurt him. He had just thought, he took the magic and that was that.

"I learnt many things while I was here, one of them was to aid the passing of the dying, and now I will aid their passing and your death."

And with that he dropped all his mental shields in one go and stabbed himself through the heart. The pain was incredible like nothing he had ever felt, Sage kept a tight hold on Danak.

"I can't kill you, but they can" were the last words he managed before he slumped over Danak, the dagger still in his chest.

Silverfox could see Sage pull the dagger from Lord Danak, and then he listened to what Lord Danak said, he had thought for a moment, then he realised what Sage meant to do. He started to call out but was too late. He watched in horror with the others as Sage plunged the dagger into his chest, Silverfox tried to pass the shields but could not.

They still held. Darian and Starfall were trying to break the shields but were having little luck. All they could do was watch helplessly.
Sage felt the souls in him pour out, now the link was open and his shields down he could hear them again, like he had done years ago, but this time he knew what to do. He pointed them at Danak, wordlessly telling them he was the one they wanted. Joyfully they left Sages mind and entered Danaks, he had no protection, no real shields to stop them.
Hundreds of them all clamouring for him to listen, to torment him,
with what he had done to them. Sage could hear Lord Danak screaming with the pain of what they were doing to him. Sage was aware of his own soundless cry as they left him in peace. But before They could do to much Sage showed them the way to which they needed to go to pass on. They resisted but Sage pushed them, and Danak along. Until they stood in a white light, all the images of the souls, Danak and Sage.

"Why did you stop us?" The voices demanded. "You promised us revenge." "Peace" Sage told them. "If you want revenge on him, he must die, for him to die, I must die."

"You can't die, you are deathless" they said.

Sage nodded to them, "I know, but one person can grant that" he pointed and walking towards them was the Shadow lover, Death himself. He he neared them Sage kneeled, he could not look at the diety.

Death looked at the massed souls round him and Lord Danak who was still held in their thrall. "You bring me many, yet unwilling souls Channel" Death's eyes fell on Lord Danak. "And one who should have come years ago."

"We want revenge, we will not pass with out having it" The voices cried as one.

Death turned a to look at them all, no humour in his eyes. "You presume to tell Death, who he can not take in his own realm"
The voices stayed quiet at that, they knew Death could take them now if he so chose to. But Death turned from them. "You called Channel, I came what do you ask of me?"

Sage bowed his head, "My lord, I ask you to kill me, take my life so that this one may die" he said pointing to Danak. "I was forced to bind his life to mine. Make me mortal and kill me" Sage forced himself not to think about Radva and the others, he had to do this.

Death put his head on one side. "I can not grant that, I have not the power. But I know of one who may" Death looked past Sage as if thinking of something. Soon a brighter somehow whiter light came around them, Sage glanced up, standing next to the Shadow Lord was a lady of unsurpassed beauty. It could only be the Star Eyed, the Goddess of the Hawkbrothers. Sage could see why they would swear to her. Her eyes were amazing, they drew your own to them Sage thought. They were fully black, no whites at all and they were filled with stars. You could fall into those eyes, they were endless like the night sky. He could look into those eyes, at that face forever.

"You called little brother?"

"The Channel has a request, one that I can not grant yet, talk with him, I must see to the souls that need passing" with that Death turned back to the souls. Talking to them, he would pass them on whatever else happened they would go on.

"What is it you ask of me Sage?" How she knew his name Sage would not ask, she knew all, of that he had no doubt.

"My Lady, I ask that you make me mortal so I may die. I have suffered a death wound, I did it so he would die" Sage nodded towards Danak who was still being held unable to move or speak.

"If you know of me, and my life, then you will know of what he has done and what I did under his orders. As I told The Lord of Shadows,
he can not die, unless I do. He should have passed years ago, but did not because of me. I want to right the wrong I have done, what he has done"

Sage looked at the floor, he could not bring himself to look at Her.
Altough he could not see her, she seemed to be thinking about something, after a long moment, she spoke again.

"If I grant what you ask, would you willingly sacrifice all you have known this past year, your friends that have helped you overcome your torment? Your bond bird, you would willingly give all that up to be rid of one man"
Sage nodded, unable to speak with tears in his eyes and a lump in his throat.

The Lady reached out and touched his forhead making him look up into Her eyes. He found himself unable to move, speak anything she searched his eyes, his mind, looking for answers he did not know he knew. He was aware of Death passing on the souls behind Her and then coming to join Her. Suddenly she broke the contact, leaving Sage feeling somehow empty. She looked at Death and shared some private conversation. Then

She spoke.
"No, I will not let you die. However, I can grant you request of making you mortal. You have lived a life of pain and unhapiness. You willingly offer your life to be rid of a monster even if that means you will leave behind all you love."

She paused for a moment and looked to Death before nodding. Suddenly Sage felt himself being thrown out of their realm. And a feeling of calm and peace came over him.

Outside the shields the Hawkbrothers were still watching, not aware of the exchange that had taken place, to them mere minutes had passed,
when all of a sudden the space within the shields glowed with a brillant golden white light. When some of the light faded they could see a women standing next to Sage and Danak.

"Blessed Lady" Breathed Firesong they watched what was happening.
The Goddess, knelt and pulled the dagger from Sage's chest, and rolled him onto his back. With a quick move she placed her hands, over the wound, her white light flowing into him. Then she stopped. To the amazment of the Hawkbrothers, she kissed Sage, breathing her white light into his mouth, his chest rose and then fell.

She stood and turned to look at the watchers, frowning she raised her hand and the shield round them fell away.

"He is one of you now, he gave all to be free. Care for him well, he has a job to do before he meets me again" She spoke to them, her voice sounding wonderful yet terrible at the same time, and before anyone could question what She meant, Her light flared and then faded, She was gone. A loud Cawing broke the quiet and Radva flew past them all to land on Sages chest.

:Sage lives: Radva told Darian. passing on the good news. Not quite able to believe this they hurried forward. They had all seen Sage stab himself, no-one could live through that,
but then Sage was not human. With a hundred questions they went to Sage.

Sage slowly became aware of a weight on his chest, he opened one eye and then the other, cracking a smile when he saw Radva sitting on his chest, peering at him.

:Sage you sleep?" Asked Radva. :Wake up sleepy: He said sitting on Sages chest.

:No little brother not anymore, I am awake: he told the Raven sitting up and gently moving the bird to his lap so he could look at him. The movement made his chest hurt. He ripped open his shirt to look at his chest. Over his heart, he had a vivid red scar. Sage smiled and stroked Radva for a happy moment. Then he remembered his friends, he looked round to see them advancing on him, worry and happiness on their faces.

"Sage what happened?"

"What did She mean?"

"Is Lord Danak dead?"

The questions came at him from all sides. Laughing he held up his hands, "Yes, he is dead, as for the rest can we get home first then I will tell you all I can remember. I ache all over"

It was true, although the Goddess had healed the death wound she had not healed the hurts he had taken when Lord Danak had beaten him.
Holding out a hand to Darian to help him up Sage climbed to his feet,
he was about to walk away with the others when he realised the tent was still smoldering. With out a thought he waved his hand and the sparks died. He looked to the still frozen guards.

"When someone from the keep comes for them I will let them go. Until I can talk to them, they will be dangerous" He looked to the forest, "And somewhere out there, there is two maids and a couple of servants and the messanger, I made them flee before all this" he looked to the faces of his friends, "They were innocents these were not" and with that he turned and walked away from the camp and Danaks body, with Radva on his arm and the others close behind. He would not answer any questions all the way back to the Vale. The bond birds in the trees took flight and followed them back calling to each other and their bond mates.

Some time later when the Shadows had been taken into the keep and locked away and Sage had had a wash and some clean clothes, he sat down in one of the many clearings. All of his friends within the Vale were crowded in with him, sitting on the grass or whatever seat they could. Bond birds of all kind also sat around the clearing seated on what branches and perches they could find. And squeezed into one side was Kel who was still very annoyed for missing out on a fight. Now Sage was going to tell them all what had happened.

"He got into my head, that is why I went out of the keep. Because I had been talking to Radva and I never noticed" he answered Starfall question as to why he had gone out in the first place. Stroking Radva he went on to tell them what had happened and about using the pain to overcome Danak.

Then he reached the part all wanted to hear

"In a sense I died, you all know that I am..." he paused and smiled for a second before going on. "I was made of magic and I could not die. And that He was tied to me, so in a sense he could not die, he could just grow older and weaker without me." He paused for another second he was rambling he thought, he brought is talk back to the point.

"Well, when I stabbed him and me. I also let the souls free, and well,
they needed little help in getting free. They went from me to him,
as they left me. They started to try to kill Danak and well, I helped them pass on, to the Shadow Lovers realm." he looked around at the others meeting their eyes for the first time since he had started talking.

"He had the power to make them pass, and then I asked for the Shadow Lover to do the one thing that would make sure that Lord Danak died"
he said softly his gaze falling, he had not counted on still being here now to tell his tale, he was worried how his friends would react.

"To make you mortal?" Silverfox asked gently, the question was in everyone's eyes. He had just been the one to ask it.

"Yes to make me mortal and then let me die, I had a death wound. If I die, he would die. But he could not do it, so he called for the Star Eyed. She spoke to me and asked me if I really did want to die.
When I told her I had to die, it was the only way to be rid of Danak.
She looked into my mind, she saw the things you can not hide mind to mind. You, Radva and the vale. She granted me the first request, but she would not grant the second. She said that I had been through so much and suffered so long."

"Wait what do you mean, She granted only one request?" Darian asked.

"Are you mortal or not and is Lord Danak really dead?" , he felt there was something more to the story.

Sage smiled happily, "Yes, I am mortal and yes Lord Danak is dead. You see, because I was in the realm of the Shadow Lover, I was not alive or dead, I was in between, so when She made me mortal I was close enough to death for Her to be able to break my spell, and allow Danak to die. Then she came back here to where my body was and healed me" he said still smiling. He stroked Radva who was sitting on shoulder preening his hair.

The clearing was quiet for a long time as they thought about what he said. Sage stroked Radva he looked down at the floor, he knew he shouldn't have told them that part about being willing to die. He had upset them now. He risked a glance and saw their faces looked thoughtful, not angry as he had expected. They seemed to be taking in what he had said, thinking about it. He risked a gentle probe with his empathy, he could feel something, not the anger but instead something else, what he wasn't sure.

"You mean, you were willing to die, and leave behind all you had wanted for so long, just to be rid of one man?" Starfall asked wonder in his voice.

Sage nodded and looked up through his hair. "I do not think you will ever understand, to me he was more then just one man. I can tell you and I can show you what he did, but you can never be there and to live through it like I did. It was my fault he stayed alive, my fault so many died. And well, I had to do something to right the wrong and that was the only way" he shrugged. "He was evil through and through"

"So, you are mortal! Does that mean that you will die like the rest of use, illness and injury and the like?" Firesong asked from his seat next to Silverfox.

Sage nodded, I am mortal. She set me ageing. Now I am eighteen. The age that my Father made me to be. I will age as you do and one day I will die. Either through injury, illness or natural causes." Sage smiled again, "To live will be the biggest adventure of all."

: Sage you will be with me, you not leave me again for a long time: Radva asked in a quiet moment. Sage had not told the others but Radva had felt those few awful seconds when he nearly died.

:No, I am alive and I will stay for as long as am meant to: Sage replied. Now he was human the bond with Radva had somehow changed somehow become something more filling. It had filled the emptiness in him and he supposed he felt love now, he loved Radva and his friends.
Love was something he had not experienced often, he had never let himself love if he could help it. The people he knew and had wanted to care about, all grew old and died, or got killed. He was thinking he could grow to like this feeling.

"So if you are now alive, what will happen to the people of the Islands, Lord Danaks people.? Will his successor not send more people to find you?"

Sage shook his head, "No they should not send more people not for me.
By now his rule should have ended. I am guessing it ended two weeks after he left. And now whoever has had the guts will be ruler." Sage thought for a moment.
"Lord Rusking, I should think. He is a nice enough man and with all the trained Shadows here, only the ones in training will be there and he won't send them for me. You see only six Shadows are trained at one time, it was to stop them from rising up and overthrowing their leader" he explained and then paused for a second, so make sure that they all understood what he meant.
"He will be happy if I never go back and that is something I never intend to do" Sage told them. But, He looked to Kel who had been sitting quietly all this time.

"If they do come I will let you chase them Kel" he said with a grin. The Gryhpon expression could have defiantly been called a grin.

"I should hope so" the Gryhpon said. Flexing his wings.

"Did anybody find the maids or servants or the messanger? would hate them to be hurt or lost, they had no choice in being here" Sage asked remembering them.

"No we have heard nothing of them yet but it is early yet, they may turn up" Darian told him.

Soon after the group asked Sage many questions, then slowly as day wore on into night Sage begged tiredness and left them. In truth he was tired but more than that he wanted to be alone for a while, he had been with people all day in one way or another. He was still buzzing in fact. Leaving them behind, he walked slowly up the paths. He paused at the door of his ekele, but changed his mind. No, he did not want to be inside. He kept on walking until he reached the ledge on the cliffs. The one that looked out above the lake, here would be fine. Radva walked down his arm and Sage threw him into the air so he could climb down.

:Play, flock, food: asked Radva

:Yes you go. Have fun and leave the song birds alone please: Sage said and as he got comfortable he watched Radva fly away. The crow, didn't answer.
It was getting dark again. Sage sat back against the cliff, his mind was buzzing with what had happened to day, not to mention he was aching all over.
He had his Humanity, the very thing that Urtho had wanted for him, but couldn't give him. Now here he was, human with all its downfalls and advantages. He would die one day, not that it was something that worried him. He had seen everything in life, but in death he could see the people who had meant something, he would see Urtho again. As he sat there thinking a thought struck him, he would have to learn what magics he could and could not do. Being human would mean he would not have access to the power he had before, he would have to be careful now. Sage looked up to the star lit sky, clouds coasted across the stars making blank spaces of black. Gradually he drifted into a sleep leaning on the rock behind him.

Tomorrow with the dawn would be the start of something more then a new day, it would be the start of a new life, a new beginning.

THE END