AND: I didn't get that many reviews or messages for last chapter. Why? Do you not like it anymore? I have a very sad, kicked-puppy face on now. Anyways, I would like to see more reviews. On the good side, most of my chapters now have over 100 views each. (The only exception is the new chapter.)

Disclaimer: See previous.

Chapter 9

"The Keep"

"Where is the Keep?" Molly yelled from behind the rebel she was riding with. Trees were flashing by in a blur of color and wind rippled around all of the riders.

"In the mountains, about an hour from here if we continue at this speed," the rebel replied. The rest of the trip was quiet that is until they reached the mountains.

The beasts stopped and the riders dismounted. The Naurasians and Molly looked around in confusion. Spring leapt up to a ledge and walked a ways. She placed her hand on a deep red stone and whispered something that the others, not even the Naurasians, could hear. A pathway, large enough for the animals to go through, opened up in the side of the mountain. All of the Naurasians and Molly had wide eyes. Chuckles passed through the rebels and the group started through the mountain. Spring jumped down and closed the door behind them.

"How did you do that?" Molly asked Spring.

"Elysian natura magick," she replied with a smile then a frown at seeing Molly's confused face. "Your mother never taught you about your lineage?"

Molly looked away. "My mother died in an accident when I was little."

The rebels all bowed their heads. "My apologies," Spring said. "Natura magick is the way all Elysians can bend nature to our wills. It's sort of instinctive. Take that wind gust you sent at me back there for example. That was natura magick."

"Yeah, and you are going to have a lot to learn if you haven't been taught," Pith said from the front.

"He means stuff like history and customs. The most important custom that you need to know is this: Balance must always be sought. Balance is important for our people, because we rely on it for bonding and working with animals. Our people were known as the great diplomats. We made fair treaties," Spring said in explanation. "Nagali will teach you more once we get up to the Keep."

"Um…ok," Molly said and moved closer to Prince Aikka. Spring noticed and slightly smirked. Ahn met her eyes and a very scary look passed between the two. Let's just say that there are now two matchmakers on the loose. Both royals felt a shiver go down their spine.

The tunnel they were traveling down opened up. Taking a step out, the Naruasians and Molly looked about in surprise. The Keep was a large group of small buildings and an open area. Looking about, one could see that it was actually carved into the side of the mountain. A large flat area was further up and connected to a large area of caves that seemed to be interconnected. People in tunics and pants walked about. Some stared at the assorted group and moved on quickly. Smaller animals played with children and followed adults about. The rebels that had come with Molly turned to their bonded-beasts and nodded. A short burst of soft, white light began to glow around the animals and they shrank into much smaller forms.

"Welcome to the keep," Spring said softly. A young man came running toward the group.

"Spring, Pith. Emma's calling. We've got a problem!" he yelled.