Muin and Gort
Inside the large botanical dome the great forest dragons words and sharp-toothed grin were the cause of the trios worry and distress.
"W what do you mean do with us?" Linta asked shuffling back.
What do you think I mean. I'm more than just curious as to what you were doing with those goblins, why you helped me and my clan, and why one of you reeks of the demon dragon Malick of all dragons?!" he bellowed suspiciously.
Far from the three explorers the goblin leader and his horrid band climbed the serpentine route to what looked like the periphery of the forest. The trees grew suddenly dark; the ground became covered in dead leaves, weeds, and rotted bark. The followers had a strong desire to abscond as they were led to the nadir of this rotten place. The goblin leader took them to a cave; the entrance was decorated in carved skulls as well as a few real ones. Inside beyond the natural length of the cave a dark and huge carved chamber presented itself. Its sides littered with gold, gems, sapphires, and silver. The six tall pillars that held the ceiling up had long pieces of jeweled material hanging between them and the far wall was covered in vine and ivy. Before the wall the stone floor was damaged by claw marks and black burned areas. The goblins stood about seven meters from the wall just behind where most of the damage laid the followers noted warily. Getting to his knees and motioning for his troops to do likewise the goblin chief raised his hands to the air.
"Oh true lords of the great forest please hear me I am chief Marifla." The chief chanted to the wall. The vine and ivy glowed in green. The light began to blind the group so they covered their eyes, but soon wished they hadn't when a shrill roar tossed them backward like they weighed nothing. When they looked up again two long thin and thorny dark and pale green dragons stood before them, their bodies curled around and over one another like snakes. The wall had vanished and no trace of ever having been there remained, only the vine and ivy lingered and that had moved to curl around the front pillars.
You failures all you idiots had to do was dig into the horde and steal it. Hissed one of the dragons.
What happened?!!! bellowed the other dragon.
"Masters two Lanarin and an Enfon stole the magic gems and escaped. We chased them to Pico I don't know what happened there but the forest dragons have the gems and they destroyed all our tunnels and the mines." The goblin chief said pitifully as he clambered to his knees before the dragons.
I thought the Enfon were dead. Snarled the first dragon.
You let three people ruin our entire plan. The second said in seething accusation.
You've got yourself a brilliant execution order. The first giggled maniacally.
Oh yes. The slightly smaller one agreed with an evil gleam in his eyes.
"W w wait masters please the Enfon there was something about him he he had a sword it changed, when it did fire and shadow energy flowed around it." He explained desperate to avert the dragons.
Fire and shadow, brother the Enfon.
Yes my twin the child of Malick. Think, if we controlled Malick. They plotted and their ambition steadily mounted, suddenly they looked down at the goblin lord. Their lips turned up revealing evil fangy smirks. Their eyes glowed green. The goblin chief's eyes paled, his mouth became slack, and his body stilled, he became entranced. The vine and ivy moved and slithered out from around the pillars to wrap around the goblin chief. The plants squeezed tighter and tighter until large cracking pops started. If not for the vines a scream would have been heard before he went limp. The ivy and vine retreated letting the body fall. The rest of the goblins sat petrified unable to tare their eyes away.
//Now if you don't want to join your friend you'd better obey up.\\ They said in unison. The stupefied goblins huddled together in a tight group and with their nerves rattling they nodded their heads. The two twin dragons snickered as the first steps of their plan began.
"And Kiff heard your calling so we followed it. We honestly don't know why the goblins were digging or what they were doing there." Linta finished explaining to the forest dragon.
'Hmm that does settle a few things. I think I know who gave the goblins our names.' He said thoughtfully almost to himself. 'I'm sorry about accusing you but a spell of that kind is very worrying. My name is Duir'
"Wait a minute I thought you said your names are sacred and that you don't tell them to anyone?" Silana asked confused.
'The names we keep secret are our spirit names; our ordinary names can be used by anyone without harm. If we didn't have ordinary names it would get terribly confusing. I only know of one dragon whose spirit name everyone knows'
"Whose that?" Linta asked thinking he might know.
'Malick's brother.' Duir said darkly.
"Oh him." Both Linta and Silana said.
//You mean Mag?\\ Kiff asked almost giggling at the other threes faces.
//Mag?\\ Linta asked incredulously.
//Yeah he hates it when I call him that but I do it anyway.\\ Kiff said playfully.
//If you tell anyone else this I will deny any knowledge of knowing you.\\ Linta said, his brain almost frying that his friend called the most feared creature in existence the demon dragon and supposed ruler of a hell dimension Mag, and to top it off calling him that while know the dragon didn't like it. Kiff simply rolled his shoulders.
"Um sir I was wondering if I could ask you something?" Linta asked nervously.
'Of course young Lanarin go ahead'
"I err left out a little thing really but um the hunch I was following when I picked up the stones and when I led us to the exit well it wasn't a hunch it was more like an alive wind." He said the last part quietly.
"An alive wind you led us through that damn maze chasing a wind are you nuts!" Silana burst outraged.
'An alive wind'
"Yes sir." Linta affirmed trying to ignore Silana as she tried to put a hole through him with her laser scowl.
'I'd say that sounds like a wind dragon but I know for a fact there aren't any in the area. The only other thing I can think of is a daygon'
//a what? \\ Kiff asked curious as to what else could have the powers of a dragon.
'A daygon sort of like a small dragon, they have the same element powers as us and are closely related but daygons are not concerned with the balance of things and mainly keep to themselves. I'd be cautious if this daygon comes to you again from what little we do know about their personalities they are only interested in their own goals. Though what this daygon gained in helping you and us I don't know.' The forest dragon admonished.
"I see." Linta responded sounding almost disappointed at the dragons information.
Noticing this the dragon tilted his head but said no more. 'You know I can't just let you leave.' He said thoughtfully.
"You know if you keep saying things like that people are going to get the impression your always threatening them." Silana accused.
'Sorry I meant that I couldn't let you just go not without a reward of some sort.' Duir explained himself.
"A reward like what?" Linta asked surprised.
'we earth dragons are very good at armor and weapons also a few spells.' He answered truthfully.
Armour definitely armor." Silana grinned. The great forest dragon nodded then took a deep breath. From his open mouth he breathed out a green slow moving sort of flame. It flowed over and under Silana's arms. When the fire died away a silver chain mail topped with plates of shining metal strategically positioned fitted her chest, shoulders, and higher arms and decorated with gold thorn flowers.
"Ha ha wow I barely felt any weight gain at all." She laughed amazed and delighted with her reward.
"Awesome." Linta agreed.
'It's a good metal that strong and light.' Duir said pleased with himself.
//Do you have any flying blade spells?\\ Kiff asked excitedly.
'Flying blades hmm I have a spell that makes two cylinder columns come up from the ground then layer off into flying serrated blades how's that?' //Yeah that'll do me.\\ Kiff all but drooled.
'And just what would you use such a spell for?' the dragon inquired suspiciously one of his eye ridges lowering.
//What do you mean what would I use it for, in battle of course. If anyone tries to fight and defeat me I don't intend to loose my head.\\ Kiff answered confused about the question.
'Hehehe I suppose that as good an answer as any.' Duir responded humored. Here pin this to your glove. A small green light appeared and turned into a green metal brooch, which Kiff eagerly took and pinned it into the leather of his glove. 'And what about you child what reward would you have?' he asked turning to Linta.
"I'm not really a fighter and spells don't really interest me so I was wondering if I could ask you a question and have an honest answer about it." 'Ask away'
"Are earthquakes dragons doings"
'Hmm yes I'm afraid they are. Some are the effect of earth dragons fighting other times it's the balancing act. When air dragons fight somewhere air devastation occurs so earth devastation must also occur or else an imbalance will happen and that would result in a form of chaos, bad news for everyone that is.' The forest dragon told him gravely.
"I see"
//What you didn't already know that?\\ Kiff asked befuddled.
//Not everyone is a dragon around here or spent all his life around them.\\ Linta replied slightly aggravated.
"This balance thing is seriously important to you dragons isn't it"
'Let me term it this way for you my dear if the balance was upset then all existence becomes upset and then destroys itself.' "Eep"
'A rather large eep then a large nothing.' Duir confirmed barely managing to keep a straight face against Silana's bulging eyes.
"No wonder you're nuts about it"
"Silana." Linta told her off. She stuck her tongue out at him in reply. Duir was greatly amused and showed it well, his hearty tremendous bouts of laughter had Kiff grinning and thinking of Silana's dad Bundar.
'You two remind me so much of my children when they were your size.' Duir commented fondly, obviously remembering the time when his children were young. "Oh err were not related not even close." Silana mentioned looking sideways at Linta.
'Could have fooled me. you act so much like siblings.' the two drastically moved away from each other. //Linta who are you related to?\\ Kiff asked.
//U...well ah...no one. come on. its been nice seeing you Duir a real honor but we should be going again.\\ "Silana time to go don't you think." Linta dragged the other two wide eyed out of the sphere after they continued along the valley Silana and Kiff trailed behind Linta, Kiff confused by his actions and his now eyes down cast and silent almost brooding behavior. they walked this way until the floor of the live little leaf creatures ended and became a matt of dead leaves obviously fallen from the huge trees that grew off the sides of the rock walls that made up the corridor they traveled. Kiff looked at the rock walls warily then up the tall trunk trees and began to wander off toward them but was stopped by Silana's hand on his shoulder.
"Oh no you don't your not gonna disappear again." she told him off then took hold of his other shoulder and marched him forward after Linta. Kiff resisted for awhile but Silana persisted and he resigned to walking on two's. looking over Kiff's shoulder she checked on Linta. ahead of the others Linta stood by the almost smooth fragmented rock wall where on a small ledge a bunch of tall stemmed purple flowers grew.
"Hey Silana these flowers only grow around the old rest way"
"Good I'm hungry." the peach and orange stone corridor narrowed then opened into a round room complete with a marble decorated floor and a dark brown straw roof that opened in the centre and various places where the roof had worn away. to the right a slope out of the small quarry and tot he left a dark wooden gate stood with rusted old hinges. Kiff looked at the patterned floor curiously. Linta, slain, and Kiff slowly walked through the aged doorway into another circular room instead of marble the floor was an intricate mosaic, thousands of tiny tiles made up a great picture of six dragons each representing an element power earth, air, fire, water light, and shadow each with a clawed hand reaching to the middle where the symbol of spirit lay. at each of the four sides the flag symbol for each of the four kingdoms lay faded and ironically roots had all but destroyed the Enfon flag. a similar roof but the walls were decorated in disintegrated tapestries, small brown blossoms clung to them.
"The chamber of power." Linta said thoughtfully. "the kitchens past the next room"
//These are the seven powers of all life.\\ //Yes and those are the four kingdoms known.\\ Linta told him.
the next room was two circles of smooth stone benches one within the other, a gold bell hung in a cut hollow of the far wall. narrow gaps in the stone separated. the kitchen was obvious to recognize with the two long thick lines of ash and metal railing the herbs hanging from a rack above , jars on shelves and a still running tap above a basin, plus two benches and a tabletop giving it away. they settled on the bench letting their bagging drop back onto the floor.
"I don't have much food left you guys I was planning on being in Awton by now." silana said sadly as she pulled two apples and some carrots. Kiff nudged Linta with his arm and gave him a questioning face.
//That's all the food left.\\ //oh I have more.\\ he said as he too began to pull out his supplies and added them to Silana's, the meat from yesterday, eggs, and some fruit.
"Eggs great we'll have fried eggs" she cheered as she retracted a frying pan "hey Kiff think you can do that fire thing again?" she asked as she piled wood into the clearest part of the grill from a still full coven.
//Kiff can you spit fire again?\\ Linta asked since Silana had obviously forgotten in her haste to have a meal.
//Sure whenever I want to...well as long as its not too wet around\
"Well" Silana gesture to the neat pile of wood she had formed. Kiff crawled over and as he had done then i8ght before he took a deep breath then spat a small flame lighting the fire and causing Silana to grin. She laid the saucepan on the grate and took up three eggs. Kiff watched in fascination as Silana broke open the eggs and dropped the yolk in the pan.
//What's she doing? you don't cook eggs?\\ Kiff asked Linta.
//Fried eggs Kiff they're good you'll see I mean taste\
//Look they're going white and horrible.\\ he complained.
//They're supposed to\
"Hey what's his problem?" "He thinks your ruining the eggs"
"He would. ask him if he wants his meat fried too"
//Do you want Silana to fry your meat too\
//Erm alright if your sure she's not ruining it.\\ Kiff said warily as he handed Silana the wrapped up meat. //I don't get her. are all women so strange?\\ //Yes but in what way do you mean\
//Well when I met her she was scared of three ratben but in the tunnel she was as fierce as a dragon\
Linta was snickering //Let me get this straight Silana this Silana right here was scared of three ratben HAHAHAHA\
"What's so funny?" Silana demanded.
"You, you were scared of of hahaha... three ratben hahahaha"
"I WAS NOT SCARED!! they jumped me and I was out numbered and cornered and they were armed I didn't have any weapons... I WAS NOT SCARED"
"Sure, sure hahahaha"
"Grrr if he called me a coward I'll give him a cow sized bruising"
"Good job he didn't, actually he said in the tunnel you were as fierce as a dragon.h4e's confused why you were sc-err not so fierce before." "Well tell him its because they surprise attacked me and I didn't have my weapons with me"
//Heh she says she wasn't afraid she was just caught by surprise and unarmed\
//She was scared I could smell she was scared.\\ Linta burst out laughing confusing Kiff and angering Silana till her face started to grow red.
"Do you want to eat or not?" she asked angrily with a slight threat of no lunch and probably worse.
//What weapons?\\ Kiff asked.
//Huh? oh her danburite gloves. the danburite crystals make the gloves stronger.\\ Linta calmed down from his laughter that had left him almost breathless.
"Linta get the plates." she handed out the food, cutting up the fruit to add a third serving then all three ate in peace. back at the Minorin village, Bundar sat in the large centre chair of the council room, the Lanarin banners to his sides and a semicircle of smaller empty chairs in front of him.
"She'll be making her way to the Awton capital by now. I'm glad I made her promise to send letters from the capitals. come on Bundar you knew you could never keep her home." he tried to cheer himself. "She's just too much like her mother ." he said with a great worry in his sad voice.
"Silana, why did you trust Twoterona?" Linta asked her seriously.
"Those goblins were gonna chop us to pieces I just know it. there was no way we could out run them so I had to think and well why would she go for the risky clams when she could have the four course meal." she said trying tojustify herself.
"You saved us that's good enough for me. what do you think happened to the goblins"
"Squish." she replied almost smiling.
"Yuck." he responded.
"Come on lets get gone, my dad will freak if he doesn't get a letter in a day or two." they left the kitchen to join Kiff in the room of powers. he was lying down between the fire and the shadow dragons. he looked as though he was stroking the mane of the shadow dragon.
//Kiff are you ready to go?\\ Linta asked attentively.
//Yes I'm just worried Malick taught me that when the red moon smiles troubles on its way.\\ he said pointing up to where in the clear sky the red crescent moon could be seen.
//I guess we'll have to be extra careful then.\\ "Up and moving please." Silana said as she walked passed them swiftly. Linta gave Kiff a hand up then caught up to Silana on the slope. she pulled out her compass and got them marching in the right direction. "Good job we're not too far from Awton I want to be at Medalessa tonight gents." she trooped on. Kiff whimpered catching Silana's attention. he pointed up to the criss cross of tree branches above them. "Oh all right go on up Linta tell him to stay in hearing range of us okay." she waved Kiff up the nearest tree. he smiled at her and moved fluidly up the trunk to the branches.
"Your not gonna be up there long you know" Silana grinned up at him.
"Oh let him enjoy it while he can"
underneath the trio ignored by Kiff earth dragons spoke through root and rock.
'Rowan my son, Beth birch my daughters, Saille my old friend we have a problem.' Duir called to his family.
'Come on that's pretty obvious dad' called birch in a lively youthful female voice.
'Quite' agreed Saille another female dragon but far older than even Duir. 'But its pretty clear who caused this trouble. oh those two have been rotten since they hatched.' Saille ranted.
'I'm afraid Saille is right our spirit names were used in that spell and only our clan and Oceana know them' the adult rowan spoke.
'Oceana would never betray our names.' the tender and calm Beth added.
'I thought they would be satisfied with the southern part of the forest to rule. a pity was wrong, but this hostile behavior I cannot and will not ignore their conduct. I will talk to them then I will punish them.' he said adamantly. the underground shifted as the great forest dragon flowed through the ground as though it were air, speeding south to confront the twins.
"See I told you ya wouldn't be up there for long ." Silana said as Kiff sulkingly crawled down the last tree. before them the forest had ended and instead a pebbled and smooth land with many small pools lay in front of them, far to the there was a small dirt road that led out of the woods to the two small crystal towers that marked the entrance of the Awton kingdom "Kiff come here" she ordered softly and patted his head when he did making Kiff pleased with himself and Linta smile with mirth. "that is Medalessa where we will rest then have a meal then we will take a boat over the marshes to Kipecka," she told Linta then pointed to a gray looking area that surrounded a cluster of tall glass looking buildings "'Medalessa." she told Kiff.
"Too bad you'll never see it." grunted a voice from behind "Oh bugger." Linta stated as all turned around only to see the net seconds before it trapped them. from out of the trees came three tall brown and dark green muscled creatures with blue haired Mohawks that stood above black eyes and a long nose that protruded between two enormous fangs that stuck out from the bottom lip. two of them picked up the net with the 3 inside and walked back into the forest to the south.
"We're never getting out of this forest are we." Silana said sadly.
"Not today anyway" Linta agreed.
//Muin Gort HERE NOW!!!\\ roared Duir when he emerged from a crack in the ground and rose to the sky. looking down on the black deadened part of the forest he watched the twins slither out of the dark shadows to join him in the air.
//You know too well why I'm here.\\ he snarled at them. the calm cunning twins looked at one another then turned in opposite directions they flew in slow circles around Duir. the great forest dragon felt no intimidation from their blatantly obviously dangerous looks.
//I've put up with your nonsense and your disrespect for the dragon codes\
the brothers came together again coiling like snakes then abruptly rose and dived at their elder. Duir who seconds ago would have never thought they would have the guts to fight him now found himself the target of their assault. the twins attacked Duir's shoulders. with taloned hands and wildly flapping leather wings the beastly two tore at the larger dragon's muscles carefully avoiding the huge bone spikes. outraged Duir tried to retaliate by grabbing his smaller opponents by their tails, but the twins slipped out of his grasp by freefalling. the forest dragon dove following with his claws eager to punish. noticing their pursuer the twins exchanged glances then spread their wings letting the air currents take them up again. gliding around, the two spiraled up around and past the immensely irritated Duir. flapping his wings he worked hard to keep up in their race to gain altitude.. agreeing on their height the horrid brothers, swiftly turned and not giving Duir a second to defend himself as they snapped at his neck and sides. grunting the great dragon tried constantly to catch them with his fire breath. the cunning deviants suffered no harm from any of Duir's impressive attempts, their slim fast moving bodies stayed in too close proximity to be caught. the two cackled as their plan worked even better than they had expected.
//YOU NOISY LITLE GITS, YOU WONT BE LAUGHING AT THE END OF THIS!!!\\ he bellowed as he pushed back and fired a steady blaze towards them. off guard Muin's side was singed but Gort having had more time dropped out of the fires reach. Muin dived letting the air cool his hot scales. on his decent he heard the signal he and his brother had been waiting for, a small explosion above the canopy. Muin caught his twin's eye then glided off. Duir saw him leave as well but Muin was the more cowardly of the two and smirked at the now alone brat. Gort was the smarter of the two and had the sense to look at least slightly worried. Duir hefted his wings and a great chase commenced, gliding and flying through clouds up and down from side to side-triple loops and stunningly sharp flips. Gort always with a mind to keep away from the ground and forest where Duir would have a bulk of an advantage. meanwhile Muin had flown to their cave where a fair looking woman with braided red hair, green robes, and a solemn face stood surrounded by goblins all grinning.
//Well where is it!\\ Muin demanded without landing //The potion is ready my lord.\\ the woman said emotionlessly. four dasters pulled a cart into sight, loaded up with a large metal pot covered with a cloth. //You've done well sorceress. how long will it take to work\
//Moments after he inhales it.\\ she reported. he grinned evilly and picked up the potted potion before taking flight back to his brother. the sorceress looked up into the sky with great sorrow. back in the air Gort was having trouble staying out of Duir's reach. his energy was tiring out causing his speed to slowly dissipate costing him his only really advantage. it was to his great relief when he caught sight of his twin carrying what he prayed was the potion. immediately Gort ascended steeply. Duir, who had reserves of energy left and was actually enjoying the wild flight, followed suit. the vertical climb was halted when Gort started a huge loop. on the curve down he opened his wings dramatically slowing him down and extended his leg hitting Duir right between the eyes. laughing at his triumph he continued the loop. Duir was in a right mood now and that meant Gort was really going to get it. in his determined state and Gort's antics he didn't see Muin, the loop had allowed him to catch up to them. beating his wings furiously Muin flew up Duir's back to behind his head. Gort smirked to his brother and dropped again. this time ready for Gort, Duir slowed back causing Gort to miss him but allowed Muin the opportunity to get in front of him and release the potion right into his face. Duir stopped in mid air and tried desperately to clear his eyes , nose and mouth of the potion. coughing and snorting he struggled to drift down and land safely as he could with fogged and stinging eyes. the twins looked on with wicked glee as the great forest dragon descended and after a non-too graceful landing struggled top keep awake before collapsing. Muin and Gort landed in front of Duir.
//What...what did you do to me?\\ he asked, his eyes fluttering.
//Just something to help you sleep Duir.\\ Gort taunted //Oh and don't worry Duir whatever you gave that Enfon child wont save him. heheh.\\ //Kiff, no you you mustn't you'll bring Malick down upon the forest, upon us\
//Not if we control him he wont.\\ they spoke together bitterly.
//W w w...\\ but Duir couldn't finish the potion having taken full effect he sunk into a deep sleep from which he could never naturally wake. the twins grinned//victory\
//Those three brats will be at the cave soon shall we... greet them?\\ Muin asked his mind thirsty for some raw violence. Gort gave him a short nod then they glided on ahead.
"This place really stinks ya know." Silana complained for the hundredth time. The tall beasts had taken them to the twin's forest and to all the rotted stinking plant life. they were carelessly carried into the cave. the creatures were not concerned when their captives hit the sides of the cave. inside the large chamber the two Lanarin were amazed by the twin's hoard. Kiff now understanding it was a dragon ruling the goblins and had taken them prisoner began to roar a dragon warning. disturbed buy Kiff's sudden outburst the creature leading them hastily walked back and used the back of one of his huge hands to silence Kiff. groggy Kiff didn't put up much of a fight or anything resembling a struggle as he was taken out of the net and tied with his hands behind the front left pillar. Silana and Linta were next but both were tied to the pillar behind Kiff. the three creatures stood guard. as Kiff's head cleared he started to growl at the one who had hit him. Kiff grew angry when the beast ignored him and that his bounds would not give he looked directly at his capturer and lowered his head. looking out from under his brow his eyes changed, his left to the colors of fire, his right to the dark purples and grays of a midnight thunderstorm. the beast grunted unknown words that were an obvious warning. ignoring him the elements of his eyes looked out of the corners of his eyes and created almost Celtic patterns down the sides of his face. when the patterns began to travel over his shoulders towards his arms the beast strode forward and upon raising his hand all the patterns faded and Kiff's eyes returned to normal. the beast snorted and lowered his hand, stepping back warily he kept his eyes fixed on Kiff.
//Good boy grogl we don't want him giving us any more trouble now do we\\ Muin's voice echoed around the chamber.
//So this is the trouble making Enfon\
//NOT ENFON AM DRAGON!!!\\ Roared Kiff interrupting Gort.
//Ha fine 'dragon'... that made such a mess of our mines\\ finished Gort. the twins emerged out of the rock ceiling grinning as they crawled around and down the pillars coming to halt on the floor in front of Kiff and his friends. //Don't worry though your going to give us something that will compensate quite nicely.\\ Muin chimed in sinisterly.
//I doubt that.\\ Kiff.
//What are you up to? whatever it is the great forest dragon won't stand for it.\\ Linta's warning threw the twins into bouts of laughter.
//You bet he wont.\\ //He wont even sit\
//Or wake for it.\\ Muin finished.
//What have you done?\\ Linta asked in horror.
//He's taking a nap.\\ Gort told him cheerfully.
//A permanent nap.\\ cackled Muin.
//Now about this little repayment. not much really.\\ Gort told him acting most civilized before moving his face closer to Kiff //just Malick's spirit name.\\ he snarled. the most evil glare covered Kiff's face //your not serious\
//Very serious.\\ threatened Muin.
//Your not dragons your worms.\\ yelled Linta //If you think I'm gonna tell you that then slugs have bigger brains that you, you sorry excuses for compost heaps\
//Huh, can I brother oh please you said I could\\ Muin begged his brother.
//Oh very well\
"What is going on?\\ Silana demanded Linta.
"These two have drugged Duir and want Kiff to tell them Malick's spirit name"
"Oh hell." she responded.
"That sums it up nicely"
Muin turned a fang twisted smirk at Kiff and his eyes glowed green. Vines made cracks in the floor around Kiff's feet as they came up and coiled around his legs and body. they twisted tightly around his arms reinforcing his restraints. Kiff stood still scowling and growling. he hissed suddenly as the vines grew large thorns that pricked his skin Gort looked at him expectantly, Kiff closed his mouth into a tight line. Muin's grin grew, if possible, more sinister. the vines started to move again slowly dragging the thorns over his skin making stinging scratches. Kiff turned his head and bore it. Muin became excited but Gort was becoming bored. red splotches covered the vines and as they rubbed over his skin it began to itch the first red to touch one of his cuts made him hiss and as more spread over his cuts his entire flesh began to burn. Kiff groaned and writhed becoming desperate to alleviate his pain. Linta watched on in horror as his new friend was made to endure the twin's cruel persuasion techniques.
//Muin your taking too long we need that name well before night starts to arrive\
//Oh alright but he's mine after.\\ pouted Muin.
//Yes yes. now this is probably going to hurt.\\ he told Kiff the vines stopped moving but the stinging prickles didn't leave. from above new thicker vines wrapped around his head and shoulders. they covered his head and shoulders. they enclosed his forehead completely. Kiff became panicked as he felt his strength leaving him and worse he felt his mind tiring also. the grin on the twin's faces quickly fell when explosions were heard outside and the ground began to quake.
//We have company.\\ //We have unwanted company. you three guard them. come my twin let's put Rowan and the rest of them in their place.\\ Gort spoke darkly. the three guards watched as their leaders sunk into the rock.
"Kiff?" Silana asked attentively only to have one of the guards growl at her. Kiff was almost limp the vines effect having not faded when the dragons left. outside the great forest dragon's family had become worried when they felt their leader's energy come to a rest and had come to where they knew the twins dwelled only to find a horde of goblins and other beasts that had no place in their home forest. they began to enthusiastically attack, shooting fireballs. Rowan most eagerly as he frequently flew up then dived at the goblins with claws open and ready, with his tail blades dragging, mincing any in its path. when his clan ceased firing he turned to see why then scowled at the reason. the twins began to rise out of the ground knocking goblins out of their way. //Where is my farther you dung eating fly attractors.\\ Rowan roared.
//Gee Rowan your friendly aren't't you\
//Try asking nicer.\\ Gort taunted.
//Okay. TELL ME NOW!!\\ the twins looked at each other in slight disappointment then in unexpected speed the two spat fire at Rowan catching the ends of both his wings. Rowan fell to the ground. when he tried to sit up a wave of goblins set upon him. they covered his body in layers biting and slashing what they could of him. somewhere some of the goblins came with ropes and together they tried to tie Rowan down. Duir's good clan wasn't about to allow that.
//You terrors what would your good and honourable mother say\\ shouted Saille as she flew down to help Rowan.
//Shut up you old bag of leaves.\\ spat Muin.
meanwhile back in the chamber the three guards were becoming impatient, they wanted to join the fight not be stuck inside watching children. the leader paced snarling each time he turned. gradually he found that his steps were becoming harder and heavier until he could not move. looking down at his feet he found he could not see them for they had sunk knowing he possessed no power of earth or water he looked to call the other two others to help him and was surprised once again to find them also sinking. he tried to wade out of it but the more he tried the faster he sunk to which he stood still and idiotically tried yelling at the quicksand floor. seeing as that did not work he tried jumping on the spot effectively making him sink faster until he was shoulder deep and the floor hardened again trapping the three. from the cave entrance came the sorceress. she tiptoed barefoot and hastily to Silana.
"You! your that sorceress that cast a spell on Duir aren't you." Silana accused upon seeing her. "Yes unfortunately I am." "Unfortunately?" Linta inquired as the sorceress cut them free.
"Yes and now you most help me I have an antidote for Duir but I dare not use it till my daughter is safe from those wretched weeds." she explained as she moved on to Kiff. with a few magic words and a silver blade she removed the vines from around Kiff's body. he fell limply onto the sorceress and with the other's help they set him down to lay on the floor.
"Poor mixed lad. he's too drained to come with us." she said disheartened.
"Will he be safe here?" Silana asked eyeing the three ugly heads.
"As safe as anywhere we can put him. he should recover before long anyway." hesitantly the Lanarin followed the woman out of the chamber Silana didn't go before kicking the lead guard in the face and collecting her gloves. outside the cave was chaos. Saille was still trying to help Rowan while trying to avoid getting trapped herself. Beth was fighting Muin and Gort was chasing after Birch. Goblins ran around crazily some trying to keep up with the dragons above them others carrying great lengths of rope here and there.
"So, where's your daughter?" Linta asked as he looked over the violent mess.
"Over that ridge in a small bunker and further on lies Duir"
"Just a note, I don't have a weapon." Linta added. Both the women looked at him then Silana shook her head and the sorceress gave him a small dagger. they looked at one another then charged out of the cave into the anarchy. as goblins noticed them and tried to attack the women repelled them. Silana using her gloved fists and the red haired woman by using her magic to hurl rocks and stones, though Linta did try to help his lack of experience and only having a dagger meant he wasn't much assistance. a group of goblins watched the three and seeing Linta's part charged at him. Linta saw them coming and tried anxiously to grab the sorceress' and Silana's attention. by the time they turned to ask him what he wanted the goblins were almost on him but before they could reach him a yellow light made a semicircle then a blast of wind threw the group back and away from Linta. "The daygon he's still protecting me!?" Linta tried to explain before Silana dragged him off. the sorceress looked at Linta carefully before racing off to find her daughter. they climbed the ridge not knowing whether to be pleased that the goblins were far more concerned about the dragons to watch over the girl or to feel guilty that they couldn't help the dragons. over the ledge the ground was covered in dead leaves and there was no indication of a bunker or anything else there only the remains of a dead tree stump.
"its here somewhere." she said as she began to feel the ground and move leaves. Silana stood watched as Linta joined in helping her to search. Linta was becoming doubtful until he felt a small raising in the ground and sure enough a square seam.
"Here." he called. using the dagger they pried the door up and out of the way. down the ladder was a small room and in a corner a small bed. the sorceress rushed to the pretty young girl's side and held her close kissing the top of her head. the girl stirred but did not wake. carefully she was lifted and placed into Linta's arms.
"Linta will you please look after her, if this daygon is protection you I would feel much better if she were in your care?" he nodded and gladly took the girl and with a reassuring smile from the girl's mother they made their way out of the bunker and into the trees leaving behind the battle. they clambered furiously through the dead woods in search of Duir. the sorceress in the lead followed by Silana and Linta with the girl. entering a small clearing there were tracks from where Duir had landed and further on Duir himself safe and sleeping. the sorceress hurried to him and smiled at the thud of his heart.
"He's alright I don't see any wounds"
"He must have managed to land before your spell kicked in completely." Linta said happily. the sorceress took out a small bottle then standing in front of Duir she sprinkled some of its contents into each nostril. with his mouth closed Duir breathed through his nose and with each breath he inhaled more of the cure.
"Is that it? don't you have anymore?" "No the twins were watching me too carefully there was no way I could make a heavy batch. I'm afraid that with such a small amount it may take ten to thirty minutes for it to work." she said sadly.
"What do we do in the mean time?" Linta asked.
"Well I don't know about you two but I'm going back there to help and make sure Kiff's alright." Silana informed them as she strode back to the dragon fight. Linta stood but for a second before handing the girl back to her mother and followed after Silana, although nervously. back at the ridge Silana looked for the most ground activity, which seemed to revolve around Saille and Rowan. Saille had three times managed to free a limb of rowan's from both ropes and goblins but the second she died the goblins would retaliated and reinforce themselves and the ropes. Silana rubbed her fists together then charged into the goblin mass swinging her fists towards the nearest goblin's face she saw. sending her poor victims flying, literally. Linta muttered something like loony under his breath then climbed unsteadily down to the cave entrance praying that the three guards were still stuck in the ground. as soon as he saw the three heads and no sign of arms coming out and that Kiff hadn't moved he breathed a sigh of relief. scurrying over to Kiff's side he found that Kiff was slightly awake. his eyes fluttered and his lips moved.
//Kiff Kiff are you awake\
//Shadows need into the shadows.\\ he gasped out and just managed to move his arm in reach of the nearest shadow cast by one of the pillars. hoping he had assumed correctly he pulled Kiff's tired and hurt body into the shadow. soon after Linta's eyes bulged as small sparks of lightening flickered over the rashes and cuts that littered Kiff's body. slowly he began to heal until all wounds were healed. when he as finished healing Kiff opened his eyes sat up then snarled.
//That's about the right attitude. Duir has been given the antidote but its gonna take a while and right now Duir's family and Silana are fighting the twins and an army of goblins.\\ Linta hastily explained.
//So lets give them a hand.\\ Kiff said confidently before trying to stand. seeing that Kiff's strength hadn't fully returned Linta put Kiff's right arm over his shoulders and helped him up. together they walked awkwardly out of the chamber Kiff giggled at the three heads. Outside the slowly made their way to where the battle was taking place and was apparently going in favor of the twins.
//Do you by any chance have a plan?\\ asked Linta.
//Actually I do.\\ he surprised Linta. //HEY YOU UNGLY WORMS I WANT A WORD WITH YOU!!!\\ He yelled to the twins who smirked down at him.
//Oh yeah\
//Well lets hear it then.\\ Gort with his twin left the two fairly beaten sisters to hover above Kiff and Linta.
//Lower me to the ground.\\ he whispered to Linta. Readily obeying they became seated on a small patch that wasn't covered by dead leaves. //your gonna pay for the way you treated me.\\ he told the twins icily. His left eye blazed and fire spread from the centre of his palm to around his and wrist. he made as though to reach for the dead leaves but was stopped by the collective protests from all the dragons.
//Child if you start a fire here not only will the dead forest burn but the rest of the forest will as well\\ cried Saille. //Humph you think I don't know that. You think I care\
//No you wont. You're a shadow kind but your not that dark\\ said Gort calling Kiff a bluffer. Kiff grinned and put his enflamed hand into the pile of dried dead leaves quickly igniting the entire pile.
//Well don't just stand there put it out put it out\\ Gort yelled at the goblins as he began to panic. The goblins abandoned Rowan to put out the rapidly spreading fire, allowing Saille to finally free Rowan. Before the flames spread to the trees a great roar was heard a short distance away.
//The sorceress she tricked us.\\ hissed Muin.
//She's sealed her daughters fate.\\ Gort hissed back before his eyes glowed and all nearby boulders split and formed into rotating blades that spun into the air and landed directly onto the bunker. The assault didn't end till the area was obliterated. Then they felt it. Every tree, branch, and leaf every boulder, stone, and pebble, flowed with the great forest dragon's energy. With another roar he emerged above the dead trees. He looked down upon the twins and from his brown darkened eyes you could plainly see he was not pleased. The twins cowered and huddled together under the arctic scowl of Duir.
"W what do you mean do with us?" Linta asked shuffling back.
What do you think I mean. I'm more than just curious as to what you were doing with those goblins, why you helped me and my clan, and why one of you reeks of the demon dragon Malick of all dragons?!" he bellowed suspiciously.
Far from the three explorers the goblin leader and his horrid band climbed the serpentine route to what looked like the periphery of the forest. The trees grew suddenly dark; the ground became covered in dead leaves, weeds, and rotted bark. The followers had a strong desire to abscond as they were led to the nadir of this rotten place. The goblin leader took them to a cave; the entrance was decorated in carved skulls as well as a few real ones. Inside beyond the natural length of the cave a dark and huge carved chamber presented itself. Its sides littered with gold, gems, sapphires, and silver. The six tall pillars that held the ceiling up had long pieces of jeweled material hanging between them and the far wall was covered in vine and ivy. Before the wall the stone floor was damaged by claw marks and black burned areas. The goblins stood about seven meters from the wall just behind where most of the damage laid the followers noted warily. Getting to his knees and motioning for his troops to do likewise the goblin chief raised his hands to the air.
"Oh true lords of the great forest please hear me I am chief Marifla." The chief chanted to the wall. The vine and ivy glowed in green. The light began to blind the group so they covered their eyes, but soon wished they hadn't when a shrill roar tossed them backward like they weighed nothing. When they looked up again two long thin and thorny dark and pale green dragons stood before them, their bodies curled around and over one another like snakes. The wall had vanished and no trace of ever having been there remained, only the vine and ivy lingered and that had moved to curl around the front pillars.
You failures all you idiots had to do was dig into the horde and steal it. Hissed one of the dragons.
What happened?!!! bellowed the other dragon.
"Masters two Lanarin and an Enfon stole the magic gems and escaped. We chased them to Pico I don't know what happened there but the forest dragons have the gems and they destroyed all our tunnels and the mines." The goblin chief said pitifully as he clambered to his knees before the dragons.
I thought the Enfon were dead. Snarled the first dragon.
You let three people ruin our entire plan. The second said in seething accusation.
You've got yourself a brilliant execution order. The first giggled maniacally.
Oh yes. The slightly smaller one agreed with an evil gleam in his eyes.
"W w wait masters please the Enfon there was something about him he he had a sword it changed, when it did fire and shadow energy flowed around it." He explained desperate to avert the dragons.
Fire and shadow, brother the Enfon.
Yes my twin the child of Malick. Think, if we controlled Malick. They plotted and their ambition steadily mounted, suddenly they looked down at the goblin lord. Their lips turned up revealing evil fangy smirks. Their eyes glowed green. The goblin chief's eyes paled, his mouth became slack, and his body stilled, he became entranced. The vine and ivy moved and slithered out from around the pillars to wrap around the goblin chief. The plants squeezed tighter and tighter until large cracking pops started. If not for the vines a scream would have been heard before he went limp. The ivy and vine retreated letting the body fall. The rest of the goblins sat petrified unable to tare their eyes away.
//Now if you don't want to join your friend you'd better obey up.\\ They said in unison. The stupefied goblins huddled together in a tight group and with their nerves rattling they nodded their heads. The two twin dragons snickered as the first steps of their plan began.
"And Kiff heard your calling so we followed it. We honestly don't know why the goblins were digging or what they were doing there." Linta finished explaining to the forest dragon.
'Hmm that does settle a few things. I think I know who gave the goblins our names.' He said thoughtfully almost to himself. 'I'm sorry about accusing you but a spell of that kind is very worrying. My name is Duir'
"Wait a minute I thought you said your names are sacred and that you don't tell them to anyone?" Silana asked confused.
'The names we keep secret are our spirit names; our ordinary names can be used by anyone without harm. If we didn't have ordinary names it would get terribly confusing. I only know of one dragon whose spirit name everyone knows'
"Whose that?" Linta asked thinking he might know.
'Malick's brother.' Duir said darkly.
"Oh him." Both Linta and Silana said.
//You mean Mag?\\ Kiff asked almost giggling at the other threes faces.
//Mag?\\ Linta asked incredulously.
//Yeah he hates it when I call him that but I do it anyway.\\ Kiff said playfully.
//If you tell anyone else this I will deny any knowledge of knowing you.\\ Linta said, his brain almost frying that his friend called the most feared creature in existence the demon dragon and supposed ruler of a hell dimension Mag, and to top it off calling him that while know the dragon didn't like it. Kiff simply rolled his shoulders.
"Um sir I was wondering if I could ask you something?" Linta asked nervously.
'Of course young Lanarin go ahead'
"I err left out a little thing really but um the hunch I was following when I picked up the stones and when I led us to the exit well it wasn't a hunch it was more like an alive wind." He said the last part quietly.
"An alive wind you led us through that damn maze chasing a wind are you nuts!" Silana burst outraged.
'An alive wind'
"Yes sir." Linta affirmed trying to ignore Silana as she tried to put a hole through him with her laser scowl.
'I'd say that sounds like a wind dragon but I know for a fact there aren't any in the area. The only other thing I can think of is a daygon'
//a what? \\ Kiff asked curious as to what else could have the powers of a dragon.
'A daygon sort of like a small dragon, they have the same element powers as us and are closely related but daygons are not concerned with the balance of things and mainly keep to themselves. I'd be cautious if this daygon comes to you again from what little we do know about their personalities they are only interested in their own goals. Though what this daygon gained in helping you and us I don't know.' The forest dragon admonished.
"I see." Linta responded sounding almost disappointed at the dragons information.
Noticing this the dragon tilted his head but said no more. 'You know I can't just let you leave.' He said thoughtfully.
"You know if you keep saying things like that people are going to get the impression your always threatening them." Silana accused.
'Sorry I meant that I couldn't let you just go not without a reward of some sort.' Duir explained himself.
"A reward like what?" Linta asked surprised.
'we earth dragons are very good at armor and weapons also a few spells.' He answered truthfully.
Armour definitely armor." Silana grinned. The great forest dragon nodded then took a deep breath. From his open mouth he breathed out a green slow moving sort of flame. It flowed over and under Silana's arms. When the fire died away a silver chain mail topped with plates of shining metal strategically positioned fitted her chest, shoulders, and higher arms and decorated with gold thorn flowers.
"Ha ha wow I barely felt any weight gain at all." She laughed amazed and delighted with her reward.
"Awesome." Linta agreed.
'It's a good metal that strong and light.' Duir said pleased with himself.
//Do you have any flying blade spells?\\ Kiff asked excitedly.
'Flying blades hmm I have a spell that makes two cylinder columns come up from the ground then layer off into flying serrated blades how's that?' //Yeah that'll do me.\\ Kiff all but drooled.
'And just what would you use such a spell for?' the dragon inquired suspiciously one of his eye ridges lowering.
//What do you mean what would I use it for, in battle of course. If anyone tries to fight and defeat me I don't intend to loose my head.\\ Kiff answered confused about the question.
'Hehehe I suppose that as good an answer as any.' Duir responded humored. Here pin this to your glove. A small green light appeared and turned into a green metal brooch, which Kiff eagerly took and pinned it into the leather of his glove. 'And what about you child what reward would you have?' he asked turning to Linta.
"I'm not really a fighter and spells don't really interest me so I was wondering if I could ask you a question and have an honest answer about it." 'Ask away'
"Are earthquakes dragons doings"
'Hmm yes I'm afraid they are. Some are the effect of earth dragons fighting other times it's the balancing act. When air dragons fight somewhere air devastation occurs so earth devastation must also occur or else an imbalance will happen and that would result in a form of chaos, bad news for everyone that is.' The forest dragon told him gravely.
"I see"
//What you didn't already know that?\\ Kiff asked befuddled.
//Not everyone is a dragon around here or spent all his life around them.\\ Linta replied slightly aggravated.
"This balance thing is seriously important to you dragons isn't it"
'Let me term it this way for you my dear if the balance was upset then all existence becomes upset and then destroys itself.' "Eep"
'A rather large eep then a large nothing.' Duir confirmed barely managing to keep a straight face against Silana's bulging eyes.
"No wonder you're nuts about it"
"Silana." Linta told her off. She stuck her tongue out at him in reply. Duir was greatly amused and showed it well, his hearty tremendous bouts of laughter had Kiff grinning and thinking of Silana's dad Bundar.
'You two remind me so much of my children when they were your size.' Duir commented fondly, obviously remembering the time when his children were young. "Oh err were not related not even close." Silana mentioned looking sideways at Linta.
'Could have fooled me. you act so much like siblings.' the two drastically moved away from each other. //Linta who are you related to?\\ Kiff asked.
//U...well ah...no one. come on. its been nice seeing you Duir a real honor but we should be going again.\\ "Silana time to go don't you think." Linta dragged the other two wide eyed out of the sphere after they continued along the valley Silana and Kiff trailed behind Linta, Kiff confused by his actions and his now eyes down cast and silent almost brooding behavior. they walked this way until the floor of the live little leaf creatures ended and became a matt of dead leaves obviously fallen from the huge trees that grew off the sides of the rock walls that made up the corridor they traveled. Kiff looked at the rock walls warily then up the tall trunk trees and began to wander off toward them but was stopped by Silana's hand on his shoulder.
"Oh no you don't your not gonna disappear again." she told him off then took hold of his other shoulder and marched him forward after Linta. Kiff resisted for awhile but Silana persisted and he resigned to walking on two's. looking over Kiff's shoulder she checked on Linta. ahead of the others Linta stood by the almost smooth fragmented rock wall where on a small ledge a bunch of tall stemmed purple flowers grew.
"Hey Silana these flowers only grow around the old rest way"
"Good I'm hungry." the peach and orange stone corridor narrowed then opened into a round room complete with a marble decorated floor and a dark brown straw roof that opened in the centre and various places where the roof had worn away. to the right a slope out of the small quarry and tot he left a dark wooden gate stood with rusted old hinges. Kiff looked at the patterned floor curiously. Linta, slain, and Kiff slowly walked through the aged doorway into another circular room instead of marble the floor was an intricate mosaic, thousands of tiny tiles made up a great picture of six dragons each representing an element power earth, air, fire, water light, and shadow each with a clawed hand reaching to the middle where the symbol of spirit lay. at each of the four sides the flag symbol for each of the four kingdoms lay faded and ironically roots had all but destroyed the Enfon flag. a similar roof but the walls were decorated in disintegrated tapestries, small brown blossoms clung to them.
"The chamber of power." Linta said thoughtfully. "the kitchens past the next room"
//These are the seven powers of all life.\\ //Yes and those are the four kingdoms known.\\ Linta told him.
the next room was two circles of smooth stone benches one within the other, a gold bell hung in a cut hollow of the far wall. narrow gaps in the stone separated. the kitchen was obvious to recognize with the two long thick lines of ash and metal railing the herbs hanging from a rack above , jars on shelves and a still running tap above a basin, plus two benches and a tabletop giving it away. they settled on the bench letting their bagging drop back onto the floor.
"I don't have much food left you guys I was planning on being in Awton by now." silana said sadly as she pulled two apples and some carrots. Kiff nudged Linta with his arm and gave him a questioning face.
//That's all the food left.\\ //oh I have more.\\ he said as he too began to pull out his supplies and added them to Silana's, the meat from yesterday, eggs, and some fruit.
"Eggs great we'll have fried eggs" she cheered as she retracted a frying pan "hey Kiff think you can do that fire thing again?" she asked as she piled wood into the clearest part of the grill from a still full coven.
//Kiff can you spit fire again?\\ Linta asked since Silana had obviously forgotten in her haste to have a meal.
//Sure whenever I want to...well as long as its not too wet around\
"Well" Silana gesture to the neat pile of wood she had formed. Kiff crawled over and as he had done then i8ght before he took a deep breath then spat a small flame lighting the fire and causing Silana to grin. She laid the saucepan on the grate and took up three eggs. Kiff watched in fascination as Silana broke open the eggs and dropped the yolk in the pan.
//What's she doing? you don't cook eggs?\\ Kiff asked Linta.
//Fried eggs Kiff they're good you'll see I mean taste\
//Look they're going white and horrible.\\ he complained.
//They're supposed to\
"Hey what's his problem?" "He thinks your ruining the eggs"
"He would. ask him if he wants his meat fried too"
//Do you want Silana to fry your meat too\
//Erm alright if your sure she's not ruining it.\\ Kiff said warily as he handed Silana the wrapped up meat. //I don't get her. are all women so strange?\\ //Yes but in what way do you mean\
//Well when I met her she was scared of three ratben but in the tunnel she was as fierce as a dragon\
Linta was snickering //Let me get this straight Silana this Silana right here was scared of three ratben HAHAHAHA\
"What's so funny?" Silana demanded.
"You, you were scared of of hahaha... three ratben hahahaha"
"I WAS NOT SCARED!! they jumped me and I was out numbered and cornered and they were armed I didn't have any weapons... I WAS NOT SCARED"
"Sure, sure hahahaha"
"Grrr if he called me a coward I'll give him a cow sized bruising"
"Good job he didn't, actually he said in the tunnel you were as fierce as a dragon.h4e's confused why you were sc-err not so fierce before." "Well tell him its because they surprise attacked me and I didn't have my weapons with me"
//Heh she says she wasn't afraid she was just caught by surprise and unarmed\
//She was scared I could smell she was scared.\\ Linta burst out laughing confusing Kiff and angering Silana till her face started to grow red.
"Do you want to eat or not?" she asked angrily with a slight threat of no lunch and probably worse.
//What weapons?\\ Kiff asked.
//Huh? oh her danburite gloves. the danburite crystals make the gloves stronger.\\ Linta calmed down from his laughter that had left him almost breathless.
"Linta get the plates." she handed out the food, cutting up the fruit to add a third serving then all three ate in peace. back at the Minorin village, Bundar sat in the large centre chair of the council room, the Lanarin banners to his sides and a semicircle of smaller empty chairs in front of him.
"She'll be making her way to the Awton capital by now. I'm glad I made her promise to send letters from the capitals. come on Bundar you knew you could never keep her home." he tried to cheer himself. "She's just too much like her mother ." he said with a great worry in his sad voice.
"Silana, why did you trust Twoterona?" Linta asked her seriously.
"Those goblins were gonna chop us to pieces I just know it. there was no way we could out run them so I had to think and well why would she go for the risky clams when she could have the four course meal." she said trying tojustify herself.
"You saved us that's good enough for me. what do you think happened to the goblins"
"Squish." she replied almost smiling.
"Yuck." he responded.
"Come on lets get gone, my dad will freak if he doesn't get a letter in a day or two." they left the kitchen to join Kiff in the room of powers. he was lying down between the fire and the shadow dragons. he looked as though he was stroking the mane of the shadow dragon.
//Kiff are you ready to go?\\ Linta asked attentively.
//Yes I'm just worried Malick taught me that when the red moon smiles troubles on its way.\\ he said pointing up to where in the clear sky the red crescent moon could be seen.
//I guess we'll have to be extra careful then.\\ "Up and moving please." Silana said as she walked passed them swiftly. Linta gave Kiff a hand up then caught up to Silana on the slope. she pulled out her compass and got them marching in the right direction. "Good job we're not too far from Awton I want to be at Medalessa tonight gents." she trooped on. Kiff whimpered catching Silana's attention. he pointed up to the criss cross of tree branches above them. "Oh all right go on up Linta tell him to stay in hearing range of us okay." she waved Kiff up the nearest tree. he smiled at her and moved fluidly up the trunk to the branches.
"Your not gonna be up there long you know" Silana grinned up at him.
"Oh let him enjoy it while he can"
underneath the trio ignored by Kiff earth dragons spoke through root and rock.
'Rowan my son, Beth birch my daughters, Saille my old friend we have a problem.' Duir called to his family.
'Come on that's pretty obvious dad' called birch in a lively youthful female voice.
'Quite' agreed Saille another female dragon but far older than even Duir. 'But its pretty clear who caused this trouble. oh those two have been rotten since they hatched.' Saille ranted.
'I'm afraid Saille is right our spirit names were used in that spell and only our clan and Oceana know them' the adult rowan spoke.
'Oceana would never betray our names.' the tender and calm Beth added.
'I thought they would be satisfied with the southern part of the forest to rule. a pity was wrong, but this hostile behavior I cannot and will not ignore their conduct. I will talk to them then I will punish them.' he said adamantly. the underground shifted as the great forest dragon flowed through the ground as though it were air, speeding south to confront the twins.
"See I told you ya wouldn't be up there for long ." Silana said as Kiff sulkingly crawled down the last tree. before them the forest had ended and instead a pebbled and smooth land with many small pools lay in front of them, far to the there was a small dirt road that led out of the woods to the two small crystal towers that marked the entrance of the Awton kingdom "Kiff come here" she ordered softly and patted his head when he did making Kiff pleased with himself and Linta smile with mirth. "that is Medalessa where we will rest then have a meal then we will take a boat over the marshes to Kipecka," she told Linta then pointed to a gray looking area that surrounded a cluster of tall glass looking buildings "'Medalessa." she told Kiff.
"Too bad you'll never see it." grunted a voice from behind "Oh bugger." Linta stated as all turned around only to see the net seconds before it trapped them. from out of the trees came three tall brown and dark green muscled creatures with blue haired Mohawks that stood above black eyes and a long nose that protruded between two enormous fangs that stuck out from the bottom lip. two of them picked up the net with the 3 inside and walked back into the forest to the south.
"We're never getting out of this forest are we." Silana said sadly.
"Not today anyway" Linta agreed.
//Muin Gort HERE NOW!!!\\ roared Duir when he emerged from a crack in the ground and rose to the sky. looking down on the black deadened part of the forest he watched the twins slither out of the dark shadows to join him in the air.
//You know too well why I'm here.\\ he snarled at them. the calm cunning twins looked at one another then turned in opposite directions they flew in slow circles around Duir. the great forest dragon felt no intimidation from their blatantly obviously dangerous looks.
//I've put up with your nonsense and your disrespect for the dragon codes\
the brothers came together again coiling like snakes then abruptly rose and dived at their elder. Duir who seconds ago would have never thought they would have the guts to fight him now found himself the target of their assault. the twins attacked Duir's shoulders. with taloned hands and wildly flapping leather wings the beastly two tore at the larger dragon's muscles carefully avoiding the huge bone spikes. outraged Duir tried to retaliate by grabbing his smaller opponents by their tails, but the twins slipped out of his grasp by freefalling. the forest dragon dove following with his claws eager to punish. noticing their pursuer the twins exchanged glances then spread their wings letting the air currents take them up again. gliding around, the two spiraled up around and past the immensely irritated Duir. flapping his wings he worked hard to keep up in their race to gain altitude.. agreeing on their height the horrid brothers, swiftly turned and not giving Duir a second to defend himself as they snapped at his neck and sides. grunting the great dragon tried constantly to catch them with his fire breath. the cunning deviants suffered no harm from any of Duir's impressive attempts, their slim fast moving bodies stayed in too close proximity to be caught. the two cackled as their plan worked even better than they had expected.
//YOU NOISY LITLE GITS, YOU WONT BE LAUGHING AT THE END OF THIS!!!\\ he bellowed as he pushed back and fired a steady blaze towards them. off guard Muin's side was singed but Gort having had more time dropped out of the fires reach. Muin dived letting the air cool his hot scales. on his decent he heard the signal he and his brother had been waiting for, a small explosion above the canopy. Muin caught his twin's eye then glided off. Duir saw him leave as well but Muin was the more cowardly of the two and smirked at the now alone brat. Gort was the smarter of the two and had the sense to look at least slightly worried. Duir hefted his wings and a great chase commenced, gliding and flying through clouds up and down from side to side-triple loops and stunningly sharp flips. Gort always with a mind to keep away from the ground and forest where Duir would have a bulk of an advantage. meanwhile Muin had flown to their cave where a fair looking woman with braided red hair, green robes, and a solemn face stood surrounded by goblins all grinning.
//Well where is it!\\ Muin demanded without landing //The potion is ready my lord.\\ the woman said emotionlessly. four dasters pulled a cart into sight, loaded up with a large metal pot covered with a cloth. //You've done well sorceress. how long will it take to work\
//Moments after he inhales it.\\ she reported. he grinned evilly and picked up the potted potion before taking flight back to his brother. the sorceress looked up into the sky with great sorrow. back in the air Gort was having trouble staying out of Duir's reach. his energy was tiring out causing his speed to slowly dissipate costing him his only really advantage. it was to his great relief when he caught sight of his twin carrying what he prayed was the potion. immediately Gort ascended steeply. Duir, who had reserves of energy left and was actually enjoying the wild flight, followed suit. the vertical climb was halted when Gort started a huge loop. on the curve down he opened his wings dramatically slowing him down and extended his leg hitting Duir right between the eyes. laughing at his triumph he continued the loop. Duir was in a right mood now and that meant Gort was really going to get it. in his determined state and Gort's antics he didn't see Muin, the loop had allowed him to catch up to them. beating his wings furiously Muin flew up Duir's back to behind his head. Gort smirked to his brother and dropped again. this time ready for Gort, Duir slowed back causing Gort to miss him but allowed Muin the opportunity to get in front of him and release the potion right into his face. Duir stopped in mid air and tried desperately to clear his eyes , nose and mouth of the potion. coughing and snorting he struggled to drift down and land safely as he could with fogged and stinging eyes. the twins looked on with wicked glee as the great forest dragon descended and after a non-too graceful landing struggled top keep awake before collapsing. Muin and Gort landed in front of Duir.
//What...what did you do to me?\\ he asked, his eyes fluttering.
//Just something to help you sleep Duir.\\ Gort taunted //Oh and don't worry Duir whatever you gave that Enfon child wont save him. heheh.\\ //Kiff, no you you mustn't you'll bring Malick down upon the forest, upon us\
//Not if we control him he wont.\\ they spoke together bitterly.
//W w w...\\ but Duir couldn't finish the potion having taken full effect he sunk into a deep sleep from which he could never naturally wake. the twins grinned//victory\
//Those three brats will be at the cave soon shall we... greet them?\\ Muin asked his mind thirsty for some raw violence. Gort gave him a short nod then they glided on ahead.
"This place really stinks ya know." Silana complained for the hundredth time. The tall beasts had taken them to the twin's forest and to all the rotted stinking plant life. they were carelessly carried into the cave. the creatures were not concerned when their captives hit the sides of the cave. inside the large chamber the two Lanarin were amazed by the twin's hoard. Kiff now understanding it was a dragon ruling the goblins and had taken them prisoner began to roar a dragon warning. disturbed buy Kiff's sudden outburst the creature leading them hastily walked back and used the back of one of his huge hands to silence Kiff. groggy Kiff didn't put up much of a fight or anything resembling a struggle as he was taken out of the net and tied with his hands behind the front left pillar. Silana and Linta were next but both were tied to the pillar behind Kiff. the three creatures stood guard. as Kiff's head cleared he started to growl at the one who had hit him. Kiff grew angry when the beast ignored him and that his bounds would not give he looked directly at his capturer and lowered his head. looking out from under his brow his eyes changed, his left to the colors of fire, his right to the dark purples and grays of a midnight thunderstorm. the beast grunted unknown words that were an obvious warning. ignoring him the elements of his eyes looked out of the corners of his eyes and created almost Celtic patterns down the sides of his face. when the patterns began to travel over his shoulders towards his arms the beast strode forward and upon raising his hand all the patterns faded and Kiff's eyes returned to normal. the beast snorted and lowered his hand, stepping back warily he kept his eyes fixed on Kiff.
//Good boy grogl we don't want him giving us any more trouble now do we\\ Muin's voice echoed around the chamber.
//So this is the trouble making Enfon\
//NOT ENFON AM DRAGON!!!\\ Roared Kiff interrupting Gort.
//Ha fine 'dragon'... that made such a mess of our mines\\ finished Gort. the twins emerged out of the rock ceiling grinning as they crawled around and down the pillars coming to halt on the floor in front of Kiff and his friends. //Don't worry though your going to give us something that will compensate quite nicely.\\ Muin chimed in sinisterly.
//I doubt that.\\ Kiff.
//What are you up to? whatever it is the great forest dragon won't stand for it.\\ Linta's warning threw the twins into bouts of laughter.
//You bet he wont.\\ //He wont even sit\
//Or wake for it.\\ Muin finished.
//What have you done?\\ Linta asked in horror.
//He's taking a nap.\\ Gort told him cheerfully.
//A permanent nap.\\ cackled Muin.
//Now about this little repayment. not much really.\\ Gort told him acting most civilized before moving his face closer to Kiff //just Malick's spirit name.\\ he snarled. the most evil glare covered Kiff's face //your not serious\
//Very serious.\\ threatened Muin.
//Your not dragons your worms.\\ yelled Linta //If you think I'm gonna tell you that then slugs have bigger brains that you, you sorry excuses for compost heaps\
//Huh, can I brother oh please you said I could\\ Muin begged his brother.
//Oh very well\
"What is going on?\\ Silana demanded Linta.
"These two have drugged Duir and want Kiff to tell them Malick's spirit name"
"Oh hell." she responded.
"That sums it up nicely"
Muin turned a fang twisted smirk at Kiff and his eyes glowed green. Vines made cracks in the floor around Kiff's feet as they came up and coiled around his legs and body. they twisted tightly around his arms reinforcing his restraints. Kiff stood still scowling and growling. he hissed suddenly as the vines grew large thorns that pricked his skin Gort looked at him expectantly, Kiff closed his mouth into a tight line. Muin's grin grew, if possible, more sinister. the vines started to move again slowly dragging the thorns over his skin making stinging scratches. Kiff turned his head and bore it. Muin became excited but Gort was becoming bored. red splotches covered the vines and as they rubbed over his skin it began to itch the first red to touch one of his cuts made him hiss and as more spread over his cuts his entire flesh began to burn. Kiff groaned and writhed becoming desperate to alleviate his pain. Linta watched on in horror as his new friend was made to endure the twin's cruel persuasion techniques.
//Muin your taking too long we need that name well before night starts to arrive\
//Oh alright but he's mine after.\\ pouted Muin.
//Yes yes. now this is probably going to hurt.\\ he told Kiff the vines stopped moving but the stinging prickles didn't leave. from above new thicker vines wrapped around his head and shoulders. they covered his head and shoulders. they enclosed his forehead completely. Kiff became panicked as he felt his strength leaving him and worse he felt his mind tiring also. the grin on the twin's faces quickly fell when explosions were heard outside and the ground began to quake.
//We have company.\\ //We have unwanted company. you three guard them. come my twin let's put Rowan and the rest of them in their place.\\ Gort spoke darkly. the three guards watched as their leaders sunk into the rock.
"Kiff?" Silana asked attentively only to have one of the guards growl at her. Kiff was almost limp the vines effect having not faded when the dragons left. outside the great forest dragon's family had become worried when they felt their leader's energy come to a rest and had come to where they knew the twins dwelled only to find a horde of goblins and other beasts that had no place in their home forest. they began to enthusiastically attack, shooting fireballs. Rowan most eagerly as he frequently flew up then dived at the goblins with claws open and ready, with his tail blades dragging, mincing any in its path. when his clan ceased firing he turned to see why then scowled at the reason. the twins began to rise out of the ground knocking goblins out of their way. //Where is my farther you dung eating fly attractors.\\ Rowan roared.
//Gee Rowan your friendly aren't't you\
//Try asking nicer.\\ Gort taunted.
//Okay. TELL ME NOW!!\\ the twins looked at each other in slight disappointment then in unexpected speed the two spat fire at Rowan catching the ends of both his wings. Rowan fell to the ground. when he tried to sit up a wave of goblins set upon him. they covered his body in layers biting and slashing what they could of him. somewhere some of the goblins came with ropes and together they tried to tie Rowan down. Duir's good clan wasn't about to allow that.
//You terrors what would your good and honourable mother say\\ shouted Saille as she flew down to help Rowan.
//Shut up you old bag of leaves.\\ spat Muin.
meanwhile back in the chamber the three guards were becoming impatient, they wanted to join the fight not be stuck inside watching children. the leader paced snarling each time he turned. gradually he found that his steps were becoming harder and heavier until he could not move. looking down at his feet he found he could not see them for they had sunk knowing he possessed no power of earth or water he looked to call the other two others to help him and was surprised once again to find them also sinking. he tried to wade out of it but the more he tried the faster he sunk to which he stood still and idiotically tried yelling at the quicksand floor. seeing as that did not work he tried jumping on the spot effectively making him sink faster until he was shoulder deep and the floor hardened again trapping the three. from the cave entrance came the sorceress. she tiptoed barefoot and hastily to Silana.
"You! your that sorceress that cast a spell on Duir aren't you." Silana accused upon seeing her. "Yes unfortunately I am." "Unfortunately?" Linta inquired as the sorceress cut them free.
"Yes and now you most help me I have an antidote for Duir but I dare not use it till my daughter is safe from those wretched weeds." she explained as she moved on to Kiff. with a few magic words and a silver blade she removed the vines from around Kiff's body. he fell limply onto the sorceress and with the other's help they set him down to lay on the floor.
"Poor mixed lad. he's too drained to come with us." she said disheartened.
"Will he be safe here?" Silana asked eyeing the three ugly heads.
"As safe as anywhere we can put him. he should recover before long anyway." hesitantly the Lanarin followed the woman out of the chamber Silana didn't go before kicking the lead guard in the face and collecting her gloves. outside the cave was chaos. Saille was still trying to help Rowan while trying to avoid getting trapped herself. Beth was fighting Muin and Gort was chasing after Birch. Goblins ran around crazily some trying to keep up with the dragons above them others carrying great lengths of rope here and there.
"So, where's your daughter?" Linta asked as he looked over the violent mess.
"Over that ridge in a small bunker and further on lies Duir"
"Just a note, I don't have a weapon." Linta added. Both the women looked at him then Silana shook her head and the sorceress gave him a small dagger. they looked at one another then charged out of the cave into the anarchy. as goblins noticed them and tried to attack the women repelled them. Silana using her gloved fists and the red haired woman by using her magic to hurl rocks and stones, though Linta did try to help his lack of experience and only having a dagger meant he wasn't much assistance. a group of goblins watched the three and seeing Linta's part charged at him. Linta saw them coming and tried anxiously to grab the sorceress' and Silana's attention. by the time they turned to ask him what he wanted the goblins were almost on him but before they could reach him a yellow light made a semicircle then a blast of wind threw the group back and away from Linta. "The daygon he's still protecting me!?" Linta tried to explain before Silana dragged him off. the sorceress looked at Linta carefully before racing off to find her daughter. they climbed the ridge not knowing whether to be pleased that the goblins were far more concerned about the dragons to watch over the girl or to feel guilty that they couldn't help the dragons. over the ledge the ground was covered in dead leaves and there was no indication of a bunker or anything else there only the remains of a dead tree stump.
"its here somewhere." she said as she began to feel the ground and move leaves. Silana stood watched as Linta joined in helping her to search. Linta was becoming doubtful until he felt a small raising in the ground and sure enough a square seam.
"Here." he called. using the dagger they pried the door up and out of the way. down the ladder was a small room and in a corner a small bed. the sorceress rushed to the pretty young girl's side and held her close kissing the top of her head. the girl stirred but did not wake. carefully she was lifted and placed into Linta's arms.
"Linta will you please look after her, if this daygon is protection you I would feel much better if she were in your care?" he nodded and gladly took the girl and with a reassuring smile from the girl's mother they made their way out of the bunker and into the trees leaving behind the battle. they clambered furiously through the dead woods in search of Duir. the sorceress in the lead followed by Silana and Linta with the girl. entering a small clearing there were tracks from where Duir had landed and further on Duir himself safe and sleeping. the sorceress hurried to him and smiled at the thud of his heart.
"He's alright I don't see any wounds"
"He must have managed to land before your spell kicked in completely." Linta said happily. the sorceress took out a small bottle then standing in front of Duir she sprinkled some of its contents into each nostril. with his mouth closed Duir breathed through his nose and with each breath he inhaled more of the cure.
"Is that it? don't you have anymore?" "No the twins were watching me too carefully there was no way I could make a heavy batch. I'm afraid that with such a small amount it may take ten to thirty minutes for it to work." she said sadly.
"What do we do in the mean time?" Linta asked.
"Well I don't know about you two but I'm going back there to help and make sure Kiff's alright." Silana informed them as she strode back to the dragon fight. Linta stood but for a second before handing the girl back to her mother and followed after Silana, although nervously. back at the ridge Silana looked for the most ground activity, which seemed to revolve around Saille and Rowan. Saille had three times managed to free a limb of rowan's from both ropes and goblins but the second she died the goblins would retaliated and reinforce themselves and the ropes. Silana rubbed her fists together then charged into the goblin mass swinging her fists towards the nearest goblin's face she saw. sending her poor victims flying, literally. Linta muttered something like loony under his breath then climbed unsteadily down to the cave entrance praying that the three guards were still stuck in the ground. as soon as he saw the three heads and no sign of arms coming out and that Kiff hadn't moved he breathed a sigh of relief. scurrying over to Kiff's side he found that Kiff was slightly awake. his eyes fluttered and his lips moved.
//Kiff Kiff are you awake\
//Shadows need into the shadows.\\ he gasped out and just managed to move his arm in reach of the nearest shadow cast by one of the pillars. hoping he had assumed correctly he pulled Kiff's tired and hurt body into the shadow. soon after Linta's eyes bulged as small sparks of lightening flickered over the rashes and cuts that littered Kiff's body. slowly he began to heal until all wounds were healed. when he as finished healing Kiff opened his eyes sat up then snarled.
//That's about the right attitude. Duir has been given the antidote but its gonna take a while and right now Duir's family and Silana are fighting the twins and an army of goblins.\\ Linta hastily explained.
//So lets give them a hand.\\ Kiff said confidently before trying to stand. seeing that Kiff's strength hadn't fully returned Linta put Kiff's right arm over his shoulders and helped him up. together they walked awkwardly out of the chamber Kiff giggled at the three heads. Outside the slowly made their way to where the battle was taking place and was apparently going in favor of the twins.
//Do you by any chance have a plan?\\ asked Linta.
//Actually I do.\\ he surprised Linta. //HEY YOU UNGLY WORMS I WANT A WORD WITH YOU!!!\\ He yelled to the twins who smirked down at him.
//Oh yeah\
//Well lets hear it then.\\ Gort with his twin left the two fairly beaten sisters to hover above Kiff and Linta.
//Lower me to the ground.\\ he whispered to Linta. Readily obeying they became seated on a small patch that wasn't covered by dead leaves. //your gonna pay for the way you treated me.\\ he told the twins icily. His left eye blazed and fire spread from the centre of his palm to around his and wrist. he made as though to reach for the dead leaves but was stopped by the collective protests from all the dragons.
//Child if you start a fire here not only will the dead forest burn but the rest of the forest will as well\\ cried Saille. //Humph you think I don't know that. You think I care\
//No you wont. You're a shadow kind but your not that dark\\ said Gort calling Kiff a bluffer. Kiff grinned and put his enflamed hand into the pile of dried dead leaves quickly igniting the entire pile.
//Well don't just stand there put it out put it out\\ Gort yelled at the goblins as he began to panic. The goblins abandoned Rowan to put out the rapidly spreading fire, allowing Saille to finally free Rowan. Before the flames spread to the trees a great roar was heard a short distance away.
//The sorceress she tricked us.\\ hissed Muin.
//She's sealed her daughters fate.\\ Gort hissed back before his eyes glowed and all nearby boulders split and formed into rotating blades that spun into the air and landed directly onto the bunker. The assault didn't end till the area was obliterated. Then they felt it. Every tree, branch, and leaf every boulder, stone, and pebble, flowed with the great forest dragon's energy. With another roar he emerged above the dead trees. He looked down upon the twins and from his brown darkened eyes you could plainly see he was not pleased. The twins cowered and huddled together under the arctic scowl of Duir.
Was instantly filled by a white clothed tent with a blue light inside. Silana held the material door open as Linta helped Kiff inside and onto one of the mats covering the floor. They lay their packs at the back then settled down to sleep. Else where a storm began to grow over the dark forest capturing the attention of the forest clan. The angry eyes of Malick snapped open and glared ferociously. A roar that made all who heard it cringe, the roar spoke of family retribution and warning threats of any repetition wouldn't go unpunished. When the roars ceased the storm turned red and fired rocketed to the ground igniting the twin's former territory wild fire spread any rocks that were touched turned to lava and soon the entire dark forest was covered in the ablaze. Then with undeniably impressive control the fires went out and all that was left was the ash and hardened larva. The storm faded and Malick was gone.
Duir turned a cold gaze to the twins //Keep that in mind the next time you decide to step out of line.\\