A breath later with his ebon gray jewel ready to use any bit of power he needed it to for, he was in the base of the mine. His dark wing flared out just enough to look more terrifying then he would have appeared at just being enraged. His war blade was held tightly in his hand. Dark curses filled his thoughts right on top of what he was going to do to whatever the furry little brothers had found.

Chaosti was kneeling next to what could only be described as a skeleton that still had its flesh. It was enough to knock him away from the killing edge but not enough that he couldn't take to the killing field if he needed.

"He needs a healer."

The man barley flickered his eyes open. Dull sunken in gold eyes locked with Lucivar only for a moment before they shut again. "Mother night." He was not going to ask why he was down here. And he was not going to ask why he hadn't left three years ago after the witch storm. That wouldn't stop him from puzzling over how the idiot was still alive and still in this damn mine.

"Lord Ladvarian said there are some other's down that way."

Protocol? Yes Chaosti would need to use those key words right now. Hell any Kealeer born male would when facing something that they had been told about but hadn't fully understood. Probably still couldn't understand. "I'll go see if he needs help. And Prince, get him out of this mine." Whatever they did after that he would have to think about but right now he was not going to turn his back on someone who needed help even if the best help he could offer would be a quick death.

There were men down here. Not many but that wasn't the point. The point was there were men still trapped down here. Slaves. Men who were bred warriors and they were here in Pruul still trapped. Still living the life that should be but a memory… and it wasn't.

With each clang of metal hitting the salt. With each breath of inhaled sweat. With each step he took that took him to the sounds and smells of stale urine and rotted meat he reached further down into the abyss. Someone was holding these men here… and that was just fine… oh yes it was. He had the strength in his jewels to destroy this mine and the surrounding area. He had friends here that could pull him back from the killing edge or walk with him on the killing field, either way there was enough male temper to get everything done… quickly…

A snarl. A few yells of surprise. A small ripple of opal jewel power and nerve raking silence. A heart beat or two later and more yelps of surprise and some mild grumbling along with the growling and craft enhanced snapping of a Sceltie's jaw snapping shut. Then a very clear command from Lord Ladvarian. * Sit.* a growl then * Stubborn Males. Sit or become dinner?*

It was then Lucivar rushed into a large workspace able to see a dozen or so what should have been former slaves sitting on the mine floor and Kaelas tearing into what had probably been the guard or guards considering the among of blood and defiled remains. He watched the cat's large claws slice through another time. Watched and noticed that Kaelas wasn't eating the meat but was making sure it wouldn't come back as demon dead. Took very close notice that he could have sent a burst of red into the "meat's" skull and would have been just as effective. Then again he was acting as a wild untamed animal would. Kindred sceltie were common knowledge now Cassidy was a resident of this realm… no reason to expand that knowledge that were other kindred races. And he was not going to volunteer that information. Not freely anyways.

"Kaelas." Lucivar put enough bit into that one word that it would equal a command to stop or at least finish it. Then he turned his attention to the dog. "Ladvarian, what do you have here?" he made a gesture to the men. His eyes not fully taking in their appearance. Nor was he going to open his inner barrier to find out caste. At least not yet.

"Stubborn sheep."

Lucivar blinked not sure if he herd correctly. The way both Aaron and Khary were looking at anything but the "sheep" or him. And looking too much like they had a tickle in their throats he knew he had heard right. Damn dog because it was using a phrase like that to leash his temper. He gave an arrogant smile and shifted his weight to look more relaxed. The dog would know he wasn't … the men?... well that wasn't his concern. "Alright I'll bite. Why are they sheep?"

*Not sheep. Stubborn Sheep.*

Ok. Now he under stood. Or at least thought he did. Sheep sees a dog and knows to follow orders. Stubborn sheep tries to run… or stands there till they get nipped for not following orders. He remembered the yelps a few moments ago and now wondered who got nipped and if a healer would need to see it. Then again was finding a healer even worth it?

"My apologies. Why are the stubborn sheep sitting on the ground looking more like lost and confused sheep?"

"We're not sheep." It was a soft barely audible grumble. But it was a grumble just the same.

And wasn't that interesting?

Because of the mumble Lucivar took a closer look at the nearly dozen men. Thin faces and dark hollowed eyes that ranged from an array or blue to green and a few narrowed golden ones. It was the gold eyes that were watching him that drew his attention further, and enough to look for caste. Two as far as he could tell were un-jeweled blood males belonging to one of the short lived races. Both men were little better then fleshy sacks that contained bones and not much else. No real threat to any one in their current state but the look in their eyes screamed predator. It was that look, that intense yet subtle stare that Lucivar remembered about slaves in Terreille. It was the look that said I may be a slave but you would never own me.

He continued to look on the physic pathways to tell him what he was looking at. Seven were warlords. Their jewels ranging from yellow to opal. Most had lighter skin and hair from any race except the long lived… of these seven two did have some heritage with either the race that was not eyrien or if they did they didn't have the wings, but they might have the temperament. It was something to keep in mind and ask later.

Two more pairs or bright gold eyes locked with his. Both belonged to the caste known as Prince. One wore the rose and the other tiger eye. Despite that rank they looked timid but still met his gaze. These were men who if asked would stand and fight with everything that they were. It also meant that whatever Kaelas had torn apart wore a darker jewel and confirmed that had been more than one.

Reaching that realization he came to the last male who was squatting more than sitting. A male who despite being told to sit was challenging that order without making it look like a threat. Greasy, black rags hung from his sides and from his back. It took too long for Lucivar to realize that he was looking at what remained of wings. His stomach lurched when his brain caught up with his head. Slime mold had destroyed the flesh. The way they hung on his body… they had been broken before that had happen. Not taking his eyes off that one, and noticing he had been trying to stay to the shadows confirmed something else. The man was a trained warrior. His physic scent said something else.

His fingers scratched his chin. Such a smooth gesture of pondering something. It was a gesture his brother did many times before drawing attention to his dark tinted nails and the black jewel that he wore. It was a gesture he was copying in hopes the Eyrien wouldn't do something stupid and make this situation much worse. "And why are you not sheep, Prince?" not that he knew that the man had spoken but hell it was a good guess.

The man snarled, "Sheep listen and accept going to slaughter. We don't."

"I see. And that would make you stubborn sheep to my furry little brother here." Lucivar paused giving the man time to get to his feet. Time to access him further as a threat. Time for both of them to access each other and to see if the man had enough balls left to start a pissing contest or just needed to work out some temper.

The Eyrien stood slowly. Defiance showed in his sunken gold eyes. His skin hung loosely from his bones and what should have been muscle. His jaw was square and had a scar running up to his ear. A reward for something of that Lucivar was sure. Something else caught his attention. Something so small so simple it shouldn't have but having so many belonging to the caste in his family …it did catch his attention…

An illusion web. So finely made and integrated so firmly into both skin and around him it was barely noticeable at all. And that was interesting since he only knew three possibly four black widows in all three realms that could make an illusion that would fool even him… and they were all family.

When the Eyrien didn't speak he did. "How long have you been down here?"

"Just over thirteen years. Just long enough for what was left of my wings to be ate away." Hot anger flowed with his words. Rage blazed in his eyes.

What was left of my wings… confirmation that they had been broken before… possibly several yeas before. It was punishment for someone who served in an Eyrien court. Fifth circle up. Damn. He wasn't just a half trained warrior but some one that he needed to watch very closely. Not making it a point to tell the man his mistake Lucivar calmly started to ask, "The purge three years ago…"

"Purge? If there had been a purge then someone forgot a few. Must have got the one who had the main controlling ring though." The eyrien spat out.

Oh he had no doubt about that… but they weren't tainted by one of the bitches it just meant that they developed that taste all by themselves. Well there was a way to fix that… after he found his brother and Lia. And after… providing both were whole… he had a conversation with Witch. "I can't do much to change that now, but I can offer you the chance to heal. A chance to return home or make a home somewhere else."

"You can offer… You can offer us a chance?" a slur of choice curses flowed from his mouth all eyrien and all directed at Lucivar. "What about the demon dead that are held in cages further down in the mine. What about them? What can you offer them? Or the women who have been raped and are scared they no longer protest only whisper in the dark that they don't even become a whisper. What can you offer then besides death? "

"Demon dead?" Aaron whispered in gasp. The fact that there were demon dead here wasn't the problem. The fact that they were probably staved, in need fresh blood and trap was a cause for concern.

The Eyrien continued in a low growl, "What can you offer the women and children that are held in cells for entertainment? Damn your wings and your Balls, Prince Yaslana. Damn you to the bowls of Hell. You can't offer us a damn thing."

And that was enough or that. He couldn't offer them anything? Well that sounded like a challenge. And one he would meet because he never walked away from one before and he sure the hell wasn't going to walk away from this one. Oh no he was not. "That is enough, Prince." His voice was calm and mild. It was a voice only fool would think would mean that he was calm. The snap of attention from the prince told him that the man was no fool. It also meant someone that he cared about was further down the mine. "Aaron, you and Khary find whatever is not rotted and bring it back here. And take this."

It was case of yarbarah that was meant for Talon and had been forgotten about till now. He just hoped it would be enough.

Khary nodded. Aaron asked, "Mind if we take the cat?"

He didn't ask why nor did he ask Kaelas if he minded going with them. He didn't need to. They both understood what hadn't been spoken. Rotted meat would never see the cat and the children would have something big and furry protecting them. Or at least that is what Lucivar thought.

"You're sending that to …" It as gasp form one of the males. Who exactly Lucivar didn't know or much less care. He offered an explanation out of politeness and because he knew this group of men would be seeing more than just Kaelas in the near future.

"Perhaps I should explain a few things to you before you piss me off enough to kill you. First Kaelas is not a that. He is a warlord prince who wears the Red. And he has a very short temper. If he wanted you dead you would be by now." He paused long enough to allow them to process that small bit of information before continuing, "Second Lord Ladvarian …" Lucivar tipped his head to the now calmly sitting sceltie who was now watching his sheep. "Is the only one here that can keep the cat in check or so I presume. If not don't count on me to be much influence. Now as far as the demon dead how many are there?"

One of the other's spoke up clearly seeing that the strongest of them was clearly at a loss for words. "Ten plus or minus one or two. A few are or were no older than adolescent."

At that Lucivar exploded leashing his temper just enough not to have the shaft cave in on top of all of them. It was a move that surprised even Ladvarian. "And that's another thing, what in the name of hell are children and women doing in the mine to begin with!" he roared and this time he did want an answer. Oh the Eyrien had said that they were there for entrainment but why weren't they protected? Why even bring that sort of entertainment down here to start with?

"They were another "Leash" on some of the men. It didn't stop them from being raped or having their jewels drained. And if the children or the women weren't useful they were killed. Some by starving others… Prince Yaslana it's gotten bad. Real bad. The last three years not so much but before…" the warlord stopped his eyes glazing with tears. Testament to how bad it had been. And if this was better than He really didn't want to know what bad was.

Damn. "Ladvarian, there is a gate not far from here…"

"The High Lord will not be pleased."

No he wouldn't. And will less please that at least some of those will children. Lucivar could almost the blistering lecture that he would receive when he got Daemon home. "No he won't but he will come to do his duty." Lucivar turned back to the group. "How many are down there? Rough estimate will do." The other's weren't back yet and he needed to decide to what to do when men how were wary and women and children wouldn't be trusting of men.

"Not more than ten that would be able to pose a threat. Maybe a dozen more that I can't quite call demon. Scores others that are nothing but piles of bones."

He needed to find Daemon and helping these men would take hours. Possibly time that he didn't have. Chaosti was the strongest Jeweled beside himself but he might need that power if it came down to finding Daemon then again Aaron would never back down about not finding Lia. And both the cat and dog were too valuable to let take care of these males. Males that could turn of them or try to overpower them.

Lucivar paced needing the movement. Never taking his eyes fully off that males and all the while listing for sounds that would tell him if he was needed in the lower shafts.

Minutes passed in an eerie silence then the first of the lower level prisoners appeared. Lucivar had expected it to be the women and children. Had thought it would have made more sense. Nothing about this made sense.

Oh there were children but those who were no longer among the living. Children who even now were fearful … and dangerous. Children who had their birthright jewels and were starved for blood. Fresh blood hot from the vain. Not only that but what had been done to the children… it made Lucivar want to rip the pile of rotted flesh that Kaelas had torn up , into less than it already was. It enraged him in a way that would have his intended target bleeding through more than one territory. Damn it he couldn't even tell what race, what age, and barely could tell what gender. For the most part if not for caste he wouldn't have been able to tell that.

He gritted his teeth. He would get through this, find those who he so desperately needed to find and then either he was going to throw a stone so hard in a pond that the ripple would last decades or his brother and his father and his darling queen was going to help him destroy every bitch, every twisted whoring bitch from this realm and Kaeleer. Oh yes there was going to be bloodshed over this. He just had to wait till he found Daemon.

The thought alone made him grin. Wouldn't it be a site joining his brother and father both on the killing field and knowing nothing would stop them? Nothing until every last bitch was dead… more than dead… less than a whisper.

"Prince Yaslana."

That tone brought him back. It was the tone that was mildly calm and came from the Dea al Mon. Came from the man who was just as much a threat as himself… that is … in his own way.

He hadn't been aware of Chaosti approaching him. Hell he had assumed the man was out of the mine and tending to the first male that they had come across. The fact that he wasn't troubled him. The fact that he hadn't heard him until he had spoken reminded him that even Daemon recognized this man as a serious threat.

In calm respectful voice Chaosti answered the unspoken question, "You were taking longer then expected and I that beginning to think someone forgot to invite to the fight."

Lucivar gave his friend a slight grin.

"Prince You and Ladvarian use the nearest gate and take all of the … them…" indicating the now growing group "…to the Keep. Explain to the High Lord what is important and use the gate to return to Hayll."

The nearest gate wasn't too far away but he would need some way to get all these people there safely and hope the Cildru didn't need to feed more than beyond the yarbarah that they had already been given. "Of course. If there was a coach nearby I may beat you there."

"I'll see what can be found outside." He paused then finally released Ladvarian from watching the stubborn sheep. "Ladvarian with me."

_
It was Ladvarian who found the coach. From where it didn't matter. Lucivar had his own thoughts to deal with. After every last person living or not had been safely helped inside an burst of Ebon Gray power rocked the land. Just a drop. Just a warning. Just enough to make sure the damn mine collapsed in on its self. Just enough that the fear and recognition from the nearest village filled the air as did something else… the sound or people fighting back roared up behind them.

Just a pebble and already it was making a splash. Sending Cassidy to this realm was a ripple. Having a reason to have the SaDiablo family looking closely at every territory… every island… every reason as to why a baby had been taken, and more children were going to become residents of Hell.

The idea of going to the Keep wasn't exactly as easy as it should have been. Not that Chaosti had actually expected to be able to go to the Keep. Well not directly anyways. He ran his thumb over his brow. Cranky witches he could deal with. Sick unwell children… not his favorite thing in the world to deal with but he was a father so he knew that some understanding was in order. It didn't help that most of those children were demon dead. And then there were the Males. Stubborn sheep? Ha , he would call Ladvarian out on that and raise him too something closer to a group of donkeys. Conspiring, bull headed donkeys.

He couldn't wait to hand this basket of trouble over to the High Lord… then again he just hoped he could get through the gate before the explosion happen.

The gate to the Keep in Kealeer didn't work. The gate to the Keep in Hell did. It was a risk. And he was not one to trespass but he had to get to Hayll and he had to get these people help. He was glad to someone who was tending the Gate. He didn't care who it was but knew the person would be working with the consent of both the High Lord and Draca. A person to trust. He was a Warlord who was up in years. Probably passed from old age or had been helped out of kindness. Either way he was here and he could be very useful. "Do you have a way to reach the High Lord? Warlord"

"Aye. Set them there for the other gate." He gestured to the candles.

Several things came to mind. Time being the biggest concern. He could drop the demon dead off here and then go to the Keep and… and what get himself killed. Yet it didn't make sense to take the demon dead to Kealeer … at least not until they had feed… and that would come from the High Lord. Or at least he thought it would, after all there was nothing in his training that covered this. Not one damn thing. Well now that had to change and fast.

Oh he was a warlord prince and the darkest jeweled person among them. So it was up to him to draw a line and hold it. It was up to him and he was not going to back down now.

Draca was not pleased to see him nor were the guest pleased about meeting something that looked feral. Growing up around Jaenelle taught him what was needed to stay alive. Doing his best to look mimic a boy's I'm sorry face and trying very hard to look woeful he spoke, "My apologies Lady for the intrusion, But these people need sanctuary."

"I ssee."

"If you would be so kind and ask the High Lord to take them …" he had to think fast. They were not staying here. Oh he could see that in her eyes… but maybe, just maybe. He wouldn't lie… "To see the Lady at prince Yaslana's request." Well it wasn't a lie. And anything that came into Kealeer either met the High Lord or Jaenelle at some point before it was decided if they could stay. So he was just skipping the pleasantries and getting down to the guts of the situation.

The children he knew would be welcome. The woman … they were mostly what would make a good house servants or laborer… dressmaker, one enjoyed working with gardens. None of the five very scared women had any rank that would be considered dangerous and none wore a jewel darker then rose. But the males… ha… conspiring bull headed donkeys… they wouldn't last two minutes with the High Lord… Chaosti tried to hide the grin… they wouldn't last a heartbeat with his cousin… and that he was sure.

Amusement in Draca's eyes wavered that thought… well he was almost sure. Didn't matter he was needed elsewhere. He was needed for a fight.

"You should have sent the dog with him." Aaron grumbled. One scelti was bad enough two was impossible. Worse when one was a riled up witch who wanted her special human back and didn't care if they were there to help with that… at least not for the last minute or two.

"And who would keep a leash on the bitch and the cat?" Lucivar gave his most arrogant grin. A grin that was all to knowing and despite his anger much to calm.

"Alright. So we're going to Hayll."

"Yep." Lucivar paused and looked at the sun. If they left now it would be near dark when they reached Draega. Fine for a surprise attack but that wasn't what he had in mind not this time. "At first light. Tonight … tonight we fall back and regroup."

*NO. Tooth and claw. You promised…* Vae growled making sure she was standing at a height that would put his balls within range.

"And at first light you'll get to use your teeth and claws. Tonight we rest. We eat and we save every bit of power we have for tomorrow."

"Yaslana what are you planning tomorrow? I thought we were going to do this quietly until we found out …"

Fire lit his eyes. "If Daemon was in trouble... the Sadist would have sent a message in blood by now."

If Daemon was dead so would every other Hayllian. So he wasn't. That didn't mean he wasn't hurt beyond help. It didn't mean he was sane. Aaron stretched, "Alright, we go to Shalador Nehele tonight. What do we do in the morning?"

His grin was close to feral. Too close to not right. Memories were riding him. Pain both mental and in his heart. Pain that went so deep it could have been a mortal wound. "Sadi once said if I ever needed help make a fuss." He turned away from his friends following his own memories. "The moment I feel the tiniest snippet of the Ebon Gray I will help. And you better walk off the Killing field when it's all said and done."

Daemon's warning. His offer to the one person who mattered. Oh he had used it once or twice. There were things he would tolerate and there were things he wouldn't. It was what made him dangerous and lethal. Well it was time for the Blood in this realm to remember something… he was still alive and he still wore the Ebon Gray… and if his brother needed him there was nothing and no one who would stand in his way. Not this time.

"Tomorrow we will make a signal for the Sadist. We'll call the moth to the flame and it start in Draega."