A/N: This is the second to last chapter of the story, and I apologize profusely for such a disgustingly short chapter, but I really needed to get it done, otherwise, I would never get it back. I'm sorry if you all hate me for this sucky chapter, but the last one with make up for it, trust me!
Disclaimer: None of this is mine.
Flickering Flames: Chapter 7
Shyam and Dani raced into the palace courtyard to find chaos had erupted. Above them, hurroks swooped low, screeching their fury. Mages on their backs hurled fire at the men-at-arms as soldiers wearing red and gold dropped over the edge of the wall.
The battle was a mass of bodies, but crows swooped around, pecking furiously at the soldiers and the hurroks. Flicking a hand, Shyam aimed his copper Gift at the nearest mage, who—unable to see the fireball coming—burst into flames. Crows immediately surrounded the hurrok, bullying it.
Dani grabbed an arrow and almost sliced off her fingers for her pains. She looked at the arrow as it glinted up at her. Stormwing feathers glittered in the sunlight as she scooped it up, grabbed a fallen bow and loosed at the hurrok. Next to her, Rhia shoot arrow after arrow with griffin feathers, making her mark every time.
A hurrok screeched and fell, his body riddled with arrows. He fell into the courtyard, as the men parted. Hundreds of guards were posted everywhere, and Dani felt a surge of respect for Aly: she had left no escape route open.
Shyam was dispatching a man as Mingan raced up, his muzzle covered in blood. Pack-brother! He called. Your mate needs help! Shyam turned quickly, spotting Rhia trying to defend herself and the kudarung foals—who had escaped in the confusion—from three men wearing red and gold.
About to race to the rescue, Shyam felt a man attack him from behind. Mingan! He ordered, Go help her and protect the foals! With a snarl, Mingan turned and charged towards Rhia, leaping on the back of one of her attackers, sinking all of his claws in and biting down on the man's neck.
Shyam killed three more men, then looked around. Dove's forces seemed to have it under control, including Aly's forces. The mages were gone, as well as the hurroks—the crows had made sure of that—and the rest of the attackers were being held for questioning.
Rhia came to his side, taking his hand. She was stratched, and Shyam was sure he had suffered some wounds. Dani approached him, Elsu at her side, and Shyam looked at her sadly.
"Are you sure you want to stay?" He asked softly, and Dani nodded.
"My place is here." She told him, tears welling up.
Shyam nodded, not wanting to give her up. His gaze traveled to Rhia, then to the kudarung foals, then back to Elsu and Dani. Slowly an idea came to him, and he looked Elsu right in the eye.
"What if I made you an offer you couldn't refuse?"
A/N: Wow, that was the worst thing I've ever written! I feel really guilty now--I meant to give you this amazing blowout chapter, but all you get was this piece of crap. Please don't flame, (even though I probably deserve it) and review! And any ideas on what Shyam's offer is? Stay tuned!