Eilis leaned her head against his arm, warmth spreading through her at the merest touch of his.
She was so thankful for Arn. For his strength and trust in her, she doubted she would have made it half as far if it were not for the fire mage granting her his never ending support. Whether it was the simple act of holding her hand back at the ship or his fiery defence of her.
Uilles meanwhile had stood up and grabbed his cane, moving away from the desk in thought to one of the windows.
Tyrhallan watched him.
Uilles tried to make sense of what Scylla had said last night.
What had it meant? Why her? Why not just any talented mage of the Empire? Assuredly there were reasons for her being chosen?
He gazed out of the window as he asked Eilis.
“In what way does your magic express itself? What kind of magic do you do?”
Eilis looked up at the man in curiosity before answering.
“I have Psionic abilities, though the common man would call me a ‘Force Mage’.”
Uilles looked over his shoulder before he barked rather than asked.
“And do we know who else was a ‘Force Mage?’”
Tyrhallan’s frown deepened, but it was Eilis who answered slightly more nervous at the barking tone of Uilles.
“Agamemnon The Sorcerer King.”
“Exactly.” Was the short response from the old warrior.
“Wait didn’t this Scylla call you a prison and a key. That despicable man wanted you bound magically, a prison if you will. Not only because it would force you to comply, but also to be able to cultivate you as a weapon. Letting you wrestle and grow stronger against your own binds.” Tyrhallan spoke thinking aloud in suggestion. “Perhaps that is why they need you back so badly, because you were meant to be their weapon.”
Eilis looked at him in worry.
“But I don’t want to be a weapon.”
Uilles shook his head.
“I doubt things are so easily explained away, dear nephew. We must examine what we know…” The old man moved to one of the many bookshelves letting his fingers brush over the tomes, seeking for something.
“One we know she’s a Force Mage. Her speciality lies in her psionic abilities.” The old man continued as he sought further.
“Two, we know they bound her magically for some reason, inked her from head to toe most likely. A practice once belonging to old tribes as a ritual of cleansing, relief or even an indication of adulthood. Why they decided to abuse it and twist it into such a dreadful thing is beyond me.” He apparently found something he was looking for. An old book that had seen better days and was practically falling apart, its seems worn and its covers stained and muddied with heaven knows what.
“Three, we assume to know she is Rhevendahli, as Scylla said so. Revendahl was once a rather nasty thorn in the Empire’s side. Powerful little state with resources and knowledge to outmaneuver the old lumbering Empire.” Uilles said with a twisted smile. “Still it couldn’t prevent itself from falling in the end.” He placed the book back on the desk.
“And Four, we know that despite her wishes and her failing their tests, she still qualified for whatever they had in mind for her…and they are very keen on retrieving her.” Uilles said as he looked down upon Eilis. He couldn’t fault Arn for his attachment to her, especially regarding his own past, but also looking at the expectant soulful eyes of the young girl it made Uilles wonder if Vaim’s plan had been as well thought out in the first place.
“What’s that Uncle?” Tyrhallan demanded to know, bringing the man’s thoughts back the book he had picked up from one of the shelves.
“Your great grand uncle wrote this. His name was Zherethan, he was the youngest of the four brothers and the most adventurous. He loved to travel and explore the different continents when the world was still whole. I used to read this spending the last of the candle light and ruining my eyes tucked safely in my warm bed. Reading of his exploits in the bustling cities to which he travelled or him describing the beauty of the rugged landscape that once was our world. His journey also leads him into Rhevendahl and he speaks of the many caves of wonder that it holds, hidden below the surface. He speaks of the Eye of Stars, a great machine that can look outward beyond our world and of the mysterious mages that seem to calculate time and are able to weave with the Aether itself. He speaks of its stronghold Sensaridh, Mound of the All mother herself.” He eyed Eilis carefully.
“I believe if you are to discover why they need her so desperately. I would suggest you start your search there first.” Uilles suggested seeing the horrified look of his nephew in the corner of his eye and hearing his protest soon after.
“But Rhevendahl was destroyed and forced to become part of the Empire. We would have to take the risk of taking her to the enemy if we were to do that.”
Eilis grabbed Arn’s arm in worry at Uilles’s suggestion.
“No…” Her voice spoke trembling in horror. “Don’t take me back…”
Uilles gave her a look that was as cold as the steel he carried.
“They will never stop hunting you Eilis. Whether or not you decide to go back, they will try to make you and as far as I see it, the answers all lie there. So do the one thing they do not expect you to do. Go back.”

The Master Mage stood behind Eilis. His body again acting involuntarily but not unwelcomed as it radiated soft waves of heat spreading from the tips of his fingers through out her body. Despite what the young woman may be thinking, he was actually using her to anchor himself. Listening to the elder Venray speak made his head feel dizzy. The pit of his stomach did little to provide any substance. He knew that a decision needed to be made. He knew that Eilis would turn to him for answers. Answers that were as fleeting as the wisps of water particles so valuable to they hydro harvesters.

Yet like those particles, the answers that could be gathered could be the difference between life and death. His he could live with but hers…. His body shivered despite the warmth it was radiating. He swallowed hard. He needed to be the infamous battlemage now, the Hellspawn.

She needed him to be strong. She needed him to light her path and push back the darkness. She needed him to be the cleansing fire and the raging flame that would turn her enemies to ash. His eyes glowed with a conviction that he had not felt in a long time. His soul hungered for the opportunity to be of use.

He looked down at her golden head. What better use for him than to make sure that such a lovely being, who had experienced nothing but pain and darkness, could live free and enjoy the blessings of the sun.

Arn had parallel thoughts to the Ex Knight. While her innate abilities were indeed worthy of recognition and of considerable power as witnessed by the refugee who had assisted the doctor on board the Auriel’s Blessing. Yet despite this, why was she being targeted by mages or Aether users that were just as powerful or perhaps more powerful than he.

When it was revealed that there was a similarity between her and the Sorcerer King Arn felt the pit in his stomach grow to a chasm. Could the empire be in search of a descendant of the dreaded mage? Had they found one and needed others such as Eilis to be servants or support for this new would be king? What if instead, she had been limited or controlled to prevent her from becoming a threat?

The thoughts in his mind made his head spin, which did not help the feeling of dizziness already starting to settle in his it.

“But I don’t want to be a weapon.”

Arn squeezed her shoulders comfortingly. A reassurance that he would not let her be used that way. If she was to be a weapon, then she would be joined to him as bow and arrow like they had promised. She would not be alone and he hoped that she would know that.

As Ullies explained their gathered data, the master mage was not surprised that the empire had dealt with an inside threat by assimilation or extermination. In this manner, but in a slightly different manner, Belisio has ensured that only those loyal to them are retained. This would have been the destiny of the Hellspawn.

When Arn had rejected the very coveted position at court as the assistant of the Vice Arch mage, he had painted a target on his back as a person to watch and not necessarily in the good sense. His lack of blind acceptance had revealed him to be a free thinker and devoid of greed or family which meant he could not be manipulated. In their eyes, the best thing for him to do was to die in the service of the kingdom.
His eyes narrowed at the audacity, if that indeed was what the empire had in store for her. His eyes met Uilles’s. He mentally communicated to the man that no matter what the Empires aim was, he would not allow any harm to befall his charge. The millisecond connection was broken by Tyrhallan and the follow up explanation of the mysterious book in the elder Venray’s hand.

The explanation made Arn long to read the book. He had read tales of the old world before the Shattering. However, scholars tended to lead the narrative or perspective to meet whatever need or view they had. Personal journals tended to have a more down to earth data that could be more accurate than the data that was presented by commercial writters.

Something in the master mage’s memory pinged at the mention of Aether weavers, more advanced mages than those that practice Stitching. He could also swear that he had read somewhere about the Mound of the All mother. However, it miay have been on a religious book which is why he did not take too much notice. After all, religious types were often labeling places holy for one reason or another. Rarely, however, the strong Aether focus could be also a holy site.

At the suggeston that Eilis should come back to the place she risked her life to escape almost caused a reaction from Arn. However, his logical side, which had taken a back seat to the newly birthed emotional side demanded attention. What Uilles was proposing was the most logical outcome. Running away and hiding only deterred or delayed Eilis being captured. Only by finding a way to actually remove her bindings, and hopefully in this way remove the parasitical shadow being in her Thread could she truly be free.

“No…” Her voice spoke trembling in horror. “Don’t take me back…”

He held her hand tenderly. He sighed. Perhaps she would hate him but he could live with her eternal disdain if he was able to free her and allowe her to live a life that would be sans dark haired witches nipping at her heels.

He took a deep breath and then spoke, both to her and loud enough for men to hear. “No one will force you to go anywhere. But please, allow Lord Venray to finish his explanation. There is not harm in considering all options. One thing that is certain is that you are much too valuable and I would rather that value be due to the fullness you bring to people’s lives than that placed by the greed of others.”

The master mage turned to Uilles. “I assume my lord. You have a suggested course of action in mind?”

Uilles nodded at the mage's question, he had kept a close eye on Arn and could clearly see how much the attachment to the girl had grown with the events of one single night.
Half of his reason protested against sending the three away at such a crucial time for the country. All could have been rather useful on the battlefield, defending Belisio from the insatiable Empire.
He looked at Tyrhallan, his nephew a man grown and one he believed to be destined for greatness.
As the Venray to be remembered.
He smiled wryly perhaps there was still time.
"I suggest you three slip over the border and head towards Sensaridh. Even admit the remnants of the once impressive capital of Rhevendahl there still should be information available that might shed some more light on the matter. Perhaps even someone who remembers what had occurred when Rhevendahl fell and whether these types of bindings can be removed?" Uilles said pointing at Eilis.
"Take to the air, I'm sure my brother still has his precious dragon mounts still lying about somewhere."
Eilis looked up at that curiously.
Uilles noticed and stated again.
"I know you're afraid to return, but I believe it is the best option you have. If you want to be in control of your own destiny then make it yourself, be the one that plans and decides her own path, instead of being forces to."
That resonated with Eilis and stared slightly unnerved, but in awe as well at the strange elder knight.
The man truly must have been formidable once and now only the clicking of the wooden cane would give away that something was not entirely right.
How many had he slain? How many had he defeated? His battle prowess must have been formidable if his form was to be believed. Tall like Tyrhallan, but where his nephew was athletic and build for speed, Uilles had seemed to be similiar to a brick wall. Aside from that he was intelligent and reasonable a fearful combination when combined with the deadly blade that now hung ceremoniously on his back.
Eilis was certain that he might be forced to his cane, but that it did not mean the man had turned into a harmless civilian. He was still as much a knight as she read about in the stories.
She was shook from her own musings when Uilles turned to his nephew.
"Tyrhallan why don't you take Eilis with you to enjoy the gardens outside. I need to speak with Arn for a moment longer." Uilles asked through more or less a commanding request.
Eilis nodded and stood up, taking hold of Arn's hand for a moment, squeezing it and holding it for as long as she could before Tyrhallan appeared beside her and requested her to follow him.
Reluctantly she let his hand go, but cast a longing gaze back at Arn for a moment as Tyrhallan lead her out of the Library.
"Do not worry Eilis." Tyrhallan said trying to ease her mind. "I'll show you the herbs we have growing in our garden."
Uilles meanwhile waited until the two were gone and their footfalls had faded into silence after the doors closed behind them, before he handed the wizard the journal.
"You'll probably need it." were his gruff words as he pushed the book into Arn's hands.
"And let me warn you ahead of time. I noticed the looks your giving her. Be careful your not overstepping your own abilities. Your mind melting or whatever it is you mages do can be dangerous for the both of you. Be wary of your own thoughts, feelings and emotions. Assure yourself first that their your own." Were Uilles words to Arn.
"And I know you'd probably die for her, but remember if she becomes a real threat to Belisio you might have to do the one thing you currently can't. Which is kill her." Uilles expected the mage's rage the flare up, deciding to cut it off with his own.
"So much for loyalties for your country heh? You think you can cast your duties to the wind at the first sign of a pretty face?!" He lunged forward and grabbed the mage's tunic pulling him closer with such strength and speed that rivalled Tyrhallan's.
"What will you do when she is lost to you beyond saving? Will you sacrifice the Skies for her?" He spoke now with more calm, but still with enough pressure to make the mage understand.
"I know you don't want these things to happen or even want to imagine them, but for all our sakes I ask that you do. I am taking a gamble on the three of you, so you'd better not disappoint me." Uilles spoke rather tiredly as he moved away from Arn to the windows overlooking the streets.
"Tyrhallan decided to overstep his boundaries and because of that foolish decision I shall have to hold off the demanding voices within the kingdom. To keep the eager dogs at bay, something has to be thrown to them. Still, I shall enjoy pummeling a few heads again, there still is strength in these old fingers yet." The man spoke with a certain fondness as he balled his hand into a fist cracking its knuckles.
"Always keep moving forward Arn. You all will need to, before this whole ordeal is over."

Arn’s face was relaxed as he listened to the plan laid out by the ex Knight. There was truth and logic in the course of action that was suggested. There would be definitely be answers to the questions. They may not be hard to find but history and heritage are not so easily erased in a few hundred years. People tend to hold on to what makes them unique. Culture is something that can’t truly be removed from the hearts and minds of people. Indeed, empires do best when they harness and incorporate such differences instead of trying to rip them from those conquered. There will always be secret part that cannot be truly quelled.

The challenge would be more in getting these secrets to be told rather than finding the secret holder. Arn was sure that any who held such knowledge would guard it zealously. He hoped that disclosing he lineage and the suffering that Eilis had to endure, would win some favor and support of any remaining Rhevendahli.

The master mage relayed his own assurances via a comforting squeeze on Eilis’s tender shoulders. Uilles made too much damn sense and was much too prepared for this plan. Almost as if he had years to plan rather than hours. While the mage hated to be bound by something like destiny or fate, it was hard for him to logically explain how his meeting with Captain Venray, Eilis and now the famous Uilles could be otherwise explained. One thing about fate however, is that it pushed you towards your prescribed end regardless of how you felt and there was nothing you could do to stop it.

Arn almost smiled at the request/command. The man before him had lost none of his authority and gravitas. He pitied the man who would assume that the cane in his hand made Uilles defenseless. Still, even if it had not been a disguised command, the mage knew Tyrhallan would have still obeyed and aquiesed his uncle’s request. The trust that the nephew had for the ex Knight in itself fostered trust and respect from those who knew Tyrhallan.

The master mage helped Eilis stand and willingly held her hand in reassurance and in a small part not wanting to be separated from her. He knew however, that there was a reason for the private audience and more or less could guess that it had to do with a warning or two regarding Eilis and her powers. He finally let go of her hand as he passed her on to the Knight Captain and he nodded his thanks to the silver haired man.

He owed much to the man and he would not be able to pay him back in a hundred lifetimes. The pair departed and Arn looked at the closed door a for a couple of seconds. He felt the need to prevent any further harm to come to them. He knew that Tyrhallan would fault him for thinking this way but the master mage could not help but want to atone for the injuries the man had sustained due to his lack of power.

His eyes returned to the elder Venray. In them was nothings sort of steely commitment. Arn approached the man with measured steps filled with purpose. It almost felt like going out on missions with his orders being delivered. Evander had hated that a low ranking member of the Shootings stars also be present for briefings. However, the squad members were glad because it meant that the orders would be carried out by someone who actually knew how to command.

As he took the book that was offered to him, Arn could feel the ex Captain study him. Only a fool or a blind man would miss how much attention and protection the mage gave the refugee girl. It seemed that Uilles had not desire to keep his thoughts and evaluation to himself and presented his misgivings to the Master Mage.

On the other hand, there was nothing that Arn intended to hide either. He nodded his acknowledgement of the warning and concern and provided his own response. “You are indeed correct in your assessment Lord Venray. Eilis has come to be a very important part of me. Your knowledge of a mage’s ability to Mind Meld is commendable. We have indeed experienced a mind meld and there are times when I am unsure if the feelings that course through me are mine or an echo of hers. I have committed myself to analyzing these feelings versus repressing them. For I believe that my connection to Lady Eilis would be a better guide and gauge of the situation that if I just dismissed or distrusted them. However, your warning is understood and appreciated. Please be assured that even if you are correct in your discerning that I would gladly lay down my life for hers, it will not be done recklessly. After all, my aim is to free her. At the same time, I am also aware of the potential benefit and damage she poses as a military asset. Let me dispel the notion that I will ever allow her to be used in such a manner. My aim is for her to be free of the bindings and be free of the control of whatever being that desires her power.”

Arn’s face did not change, nor his anger rose at the mention of the need to kill Eilis. This was an ever present thought in his mind. The struggle was always constant. Not because he could not bring himself to do it but because he did not know if he would know when the moment was right.

The master mage’s eyes opened slightly at the sudden charge of the elder man. His face was slightly confused but soon the other man’s words explained the sentiment. Arn’s face remained calm but his eyes softened and projected understanding. As the ex knight moved away, the mage explained in a professional but firm voice.

“You are right to deliver such warnings and concerns. Allow me to dispel any erroneous notion. My loyalty has never been to Belisio. I was not given a choice when I was drafted. I have no heritage of military service. Indeed, I have no stake in the survival or defeat of the kingdom. However, my loyalties lie with my squad mates, Captain Venray, Lady Eilis, and also to your family.” He took a deep breath and continued. “That being said, no, I would not sacrifice lives for my own selfish desires. My need of her does not trump the lives of others. If at any point myself or Eilis, the Eilis I know, is lost then my life will be the only one that shall be wagered and expended.”

He moved closer and his voice had an fraternal tone to it. “You are an honorable man, Lord Venray. Such quality reverberates through the entire family. I vow upon what little weight my word has that I will do all in my power to ensure the trust Captain Tyrhalllan, Eilis and yourself have placed upon me will not be in vain. I will see this through.”

Arn bowed to Uilles with great deference. “If you would excuse me Lord Venray. I believe there is much to prepare for the road ahead.” He turned around smartly and made his way to the door. His steps were strong and confident. He had searched for meaning his entire life. He had thrown himself into battles head long. Only in the proximity of death had he felt a small semblance of life. However, this was different. His entire life had led to this moment. He would see this mission through. He would see Eilis free and the Venray’s trust in him fulfilled.

The master mage left the room with the pensive ex knight at the window and made his way to the gardens. His resolve firm as he knew that he would have to reassure his lovely protégé that what needed to be done was necessary. She would trust him of course and he would repay that trust. His hand tightened on the lovingly worn diary in his hands. He would see this through or would die a thousand deaths trying.

Tyrhallan took Eilis to the gardens hidden behind the building. Half of it being a hot house through which they moved to get outside and into the gardens themselves. There outside a gentle wind rustled the leaves and made the flowers dance in their respective patches with a path leading one down into the green filled sweet smelling garden.
There he slowed his pace and stopped taking a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs as he closed his eyes.
"You'll have to forgive my Uncle Eilis..." Tyrhallan started. "I believe he only meant well and thinking of your future by suggesting we'd go to the very place you escaped from."
Eilis moved up to one of the flowering plants Lady's glove and watched a little bee work with a busy buzz eager to gather all the nectar it could.
"I, I don't blame your uncle Tyrhallan, it's just...I just wonder sometimes whether I ever will be able to escape that place." She said with a morose sigh fingering one of the flowers.
Tyrhallan gazed up at the clouds in the skies. "I don't know, Eilis, but what I have learned throughout my life is that running away hardly ever solves the problem. Often it draws the inevitable out, maybe us going back will allow you to one day find your true freedom this way, wouldn't that be worth it?"
"Maybe." She spoke pondering the potential outcomes of it all as she let her fingers touch the many plants in their path.
Tyrhallan looked with pity at her before the sound of cannons in the distance distracted him, claiming his attention.
"They're getting close." He whispered softly.

Arn held the lovingly worn book in his hands. He could tell by the usage that Uilles had been truthful regarding spending countless hours looking at its contents. The mage looked at the leather but did not dare to open it. He knew or felt that once the journal was o pened that it would start a new chapter in their lives that would not be easily closed.

His steps took him through the house. He was so lost in thought that he did not question how his body just headed in the direction that Eilis was. Almost as if he was following the proverbial string out of the maze. Ironically, the master mage was actually pondering the value that Eilis possed to the ones trying to retriever her.

She had revealed she was a force mage. The same attribute that the infamous Sorceror King had possessed. As far as he knew, the similarities ended there. However, perhaps this journey, cursed as it may be, would reveal more. It was dangerous thing digging for information. One could very well be entombed in the hole.

Still, it made his logical and studious mind wonder. Could his immediate connection and pull towards her have anything to do with her attribute? His heart saddened a little at this theory. Perhaps it had been her strong connection to the Weave that had so readily connected them. Perhaps there was nothing truly special about Arn other than his own strong connection to the Weave due to his magical ability and aptitude. Or was there?

There is a romantic and spiritual notion about soul mates. Could it be possible that the dark being interwoven with Eilis’s thread exploited the probability of Threads intertwining? What would happen to the first if a second threat was trying to weave itself together?

Then another thought crossed his mind. Was his need to be close to Eilis also driven by this theory he was formulating? This could explain why the dark sisters wanted her back. Perhaps, the connection would weaken the longer those woven together were apart. The dark haired witch had revealed that her master used the life force of those they had woven with. Perhaps being apart would weaken his hold on her.

The mage gritted his teeth. If this was the case then why not just take his protegee as far from Viem and Sensaridh as possible? But what if his gamble was wrong? Sometimes trying to avoid danger would often put you in more dangerous situations. He sighed exasperated. There needed to be a concrete plan he could present to Eilis. After all, he was asking her to return to the place that had damaged her so. Not only her but her family. Indeed, if she was captured again, it could be possible that countless other lives would be at stake.

Uilles’s warning played in his head. It had been two people already who had asked him to end her life. He was not a fool. His logical mind knew how dangerous returning such an asset to the enemy would be. However, he was not an idiot in thinking that ending her life was the only way. His eyes steeled and even an air of frosty conviction encircled him. No, the other option was to end any other life who would use her. A weapon is harmless if you cut off the hand which would use it.

He entered the gardens just as the first cannon boom was heard. He looked at Eilis and Tyrhallan. The scene gave off the appearance of two nobles enjoying the garden. Arn knew that he could never offer her such a life. But if they were able to succeed in their impossible mission, what then? Despite Tyrhallan’s offer, the master mage would feel hard pressed to just live his life living off the Knight Captain. However, he knew that the lovely lass would need a life that would make up for all the harshness she had felt. He sighed. He would cross the bridge when he came to it.

Arn walked up to the pair. He nodded his greeting to their benefactor and then turned to Eilis. “I want to put your mind at ease. Uilles did not discuss anything secretive that I would not be able to discuss with you. He offered me this book which should help us navigate. But first thing is first. As I told you. Nobody, not even I, will force you to do something you do not wish. There are always options, some harder than others. One of those options is following the plan that Lord Venray suggested. Please know that whatever path you choose, I will always be there by your side. I will be your arrow and you will be my bow. All you need to do is point me in the direction you wish and I shall carve a path for you.” He smiled at her. There was tenderness in that smile. Encouragement too but in the mix, there was a bit of fear. He was uncertain of the future but he would face it with her.

More booms could be heard. His face showed some irritation. "As fates would have it, there is not much time to deliberate."

Tyrhallan noticed Arn’s return first, stepping aside distancing himself a little so the two could have their deliberation. He couldn’t help but smile warmly as he watched Eilis turn around and meet Arn halfway, only stopping in front of him fidgeting with her sleeves a little a bit unsure.

She had revealed so much.
She had shown them what had happened to her back at the coven and she couldn’t help but feel Arn would probably be repulsed by her now, after all who wouldn’t be?
Everything that she had seen and that they had done to her tainted her very skin. She frowned as her eyes fixed on the tattoo’s that marked her hands, but when Arn started to speak her attention immediately turned back to him.
Listening to the options before her and also the fact that Arn allowed her to make the choice herself, promising he would be there to see it through, felt utterly undeserved. His warmth truly was like the sun.
At his words she breathed a sigh of relief, before she felt tears stinging her eyes again. As she launched herself at him hugging him tightly she hid her face in the fabric of his clothing, hiding her tears as she squeezed with all her tiny might.
What had she done to deserve his goodness? She wondered before feeling the weight of his words, the choice was hers.
Never before had such a liberating thing, such unknown freedom and blessing scared her so much.
But she couldn’t let Arn’s kindness or Tyrhallan’s loyalty to go waste. At that moment she swore to herself that she would proove herself to be worthy of it. She would have to show them that their trust was not wasted, that she was worthy of their friendship and their help.
So taking a deep breath she steadied herself, before pulling away from Arn a bit but never letting go.
Her heart skipped a beat, knowing the importance of this decision.
“I want to be rid of this…” she said hinting at the constant chase and her tattooed form. “And I want to stop them doing whatever they did to me so that no other has to suffer what I have suffered.”
She looked up at Arn a bit uncertain, as if she needed to find the strength that was reflected in his eyes.
"I am scared." She spoke honestly hesitantly but continued trying to be brave like them. "But I would still be in darkness without your help." Her hand took his entwining their fingers in a gentle manner. "No...I would be dead, lying in some ditch and forgotten if it were not for you." She looked up at him as she rallied her heart together.
“I’ll do as Lord Venray suggested. I’ll go back, to Revendahl with you and I'll be y…” Her words were cut short by a rapid series of cannon fire. A frenzied bombardment was let loose, even colouring the sky and sending shockwaves through the air as one of the servants came running out of the house towards them.
It was Dannesh.
“My Lord, they’re fighting practically at the outskirts of the city! Your uncle has already departed towards the front, stating he would go and offer his assistance, he ordered for us to aid you in your departure.”
Tyrhallan’s head turned instantly towards the bombardment.
“That fool! ‘I’ would have gone if he’d asked me!” He hissed angrily beneath his breath, the last thing he wanted was for his uncle to die without him being there to stop it. But he knew damned well that the old badger would have scolded him for not seeing the bigger picture. He was a knight, even though he was technically out of commission he was still obligated to perform his most solemn duty. To die for King and Country was an Honour, to protect the innocent and weak was their vow and it was an oath bound in blood by the Venray family.
One Tyrhallan had taken himself and would be held to by his own sense of pride and duty.
Deciding that no more time should be wasted he ordered Dannesh to saddle to dragons for them to mount and prepare them for a couple days journey.
He turned to Eilis and Arn.
“I suggest that you prepare yourself for our departure. I will say good bye to my parents and join you in a moment. It seems the Hearthguard is struggling to keep them from reaching the city. They are already at the outskirts. For better or worse Lady Eilis, I fear we’ll have little choice now. So tell us what is your destination?”
Eilis nodded understanding the immediate shift in Tyrhallan’s demeanor. It went from almost lackadaisical to blunt militaristic in the blink of an eye.
“I will do as your uncle suggested. So Revendahl it will be.”
Tyrhallan nodded curtly before telling Dannesh to aid them with whatever they needed, he needed to see his parents first before taking off. "We'll meet back here in 20 minutes tops and yes you'll be together, I wouldn't have the heart to separate the two of you."He stated lightheartedly, but with the war in the background its humour was cut short, Tyrhallan hurried inside knowing he had little time to waste.

The master Mage quickly pushed the bombardment out of his mind. Being a veteran campaigner, the booms were nothing more than background music. They stirred in him a sort of visceral desire to join in the fray. As studious and logical as he was, he would be a fool and a liar to deny the thrill and adrenaline rush that battle provided.

However, one look at the lovely face, tattoos and all, of Eilis quickly shut all the ideas of guts and glory in the farthest recess of his mind. Here was a battle that was more daring and with more at stake than any he had ever ben a part of. Indeed, even the battle that was most likely occurring right now between the Belesian Kingdom and the dreaded empire, paled in comparison to the campaign to free Eilis from her prison.

Arn looked down with his almost full black eyes at his protegee and a warm smile appeared. He held her in his strong arms. He held her, not only to provide support but also because each interaction, every time they were close the need to be near her increased. His logical side of his mind filed this away for future research and analysis. The mage brushed back her golden hair. If any of the Venray family, namely the queenly Lady Venray, there would be no questioning the ruse of their betrothal.

“I want to be rid of this…”

The words sent a shiver through is body. It was a combination of fear and pride. The Master Mage looked down upon her lovely face. His eyes searching and his face more serious than it had ever been. He was not displeased with her, instead, he wanted to make sure that he did not have any influence on her decision other than the knowledge that she could count on him being there.

He would never forgive himself if he felt he had pushed her to a decision that was not hers. Yet, as she continued, the firm conviction and almost challenge in her tone, he could not help but offer her a wide smile. This smile was different than those he had given her before. There was tenderness in it but more than anything, there was pride and joy in watching her grow from an scare shadow to a glimmering beam of moonlight.

"I am scared."

Arn gave a slight chuckle in this baritone voice. He lifte a hand to the side of her face. “Eilis, you are braver than mounted knights heading into battle. They rush headlong into an enemy the know, a danger they see, and do so because they have been trained for that very moment. You have chosen an unknown path with no certain outcome”

He shook his head at her declaration of him being the source of light and hope but knew better than to argue her view of things. “If I am the sun, then you my lady are my Ith. For what use is a sun if not to warm the face of a beautiful world. You have given me purpose, a reason to exist. I would argue that you found me but I will be content in agreeing that we both gravitated towards each other.”

Their interaction was cut short but an increase in the barrage near them. His brows furrowed. The speed of the battle was concerning. No matter how powerful the Empire was, they were fighting in the Belisian home turf. The Heartguard may not be as individually powerful as mages or skilled as knights but they were a professional army. That they were being so hard pressed was alarming indeed.

The Battle Mage overheard the man servant and Tyrhallan speaking. He motioned for Eilis to wait and walked over to the two men. He frowned just as Knight Captain did at the action of the Elder Venray but knew that Tyrhallan, despite his disapproval of the ex knight’s actions, would have done the same. Duty ran more purely in their veins than blood, the master mage observed.

With efficiency born of years of battle experience, the silver haired lord made preparations for their departure. While Danesh may be a civilian, Arn had no doubt that he would be more versed in provisioning that a newly appointed sergeant would. After all, the man had generations of outfitting Venray men under his belt.

The Master Mage nodded at Tyrhallan’s request at the same time that Eilis approached. “We will be ready.” Was all that was needed to be said. Arn’s own equipment was already packed and ready thanks to Toby and those rascals of the Shooting Stars. The thought made him look towards the closing sounds battle. He hoped that the young fool would remember his lessons and stay alive. Mage’s did not have the same “honorable dead” mentally as the knights. Their primary mission was to survive.

He gently but firmly led Eilis through the garded back towards the house. “I am sorry that you must quickly turn into a campaigner. Lesson one, campaigners do not wear pretty dresses when on mission.” He told her giving her a sideways smile trying to ease the tension of the fast approaching sounds of battle.

As they entered, the house was in a sort of very controlled chaos not unlike the headquarters of any forward deployed base. Despite the immediate threat, Arn could not help but be impressed by the efficiency the household staff moved about making preparations. He managed to qickly catch a glimpse of Tyrhallan saying his goodbyes to his mother. A slight sadness spread inside the Master Mage. Perhaps it was better that his own mother was dead. He would hate to leave her side each time he went on mission. The poor woman not knowing if they would ever return.

The battle mage turned his head. A lady servant approached them. “Is there anything that the lady requires for this trip?” Arn nodded. “Yes miss. If at all possible she will need sturdy clothes and a traveler’s pack. I believe Mr. Danesh is seeing as to provisions so if you could help her pack for the road it would be of great help.” The servant nodded understanding. “I am sure there are some old pantaloons and shirts when Master Tyrhallan was young that would fit her and Lady Venray has many boots to choose from I assure you.” The servant lady nearly pulled Eilis away from the Master Mage. “I shall deliver her to the stables when we are done.”

The battle mage could do little else but offer Eilis a departing encouraging smile as he increased his stride and made his way to his original room. With efficiency born of training and practice, he was dressed in travel cloak with his flak armor beneath. His own travel pack already on his shoulders he made his way towards the stables. The booming of the cannons now close enough to feel the reverberations in your chest. The sound of small arms fire, always a bad sign, could be heard as well. He was not a religious person but he still asked for the All Mother to protect them.

As the household staff made their preparations to pack the essentials and prepare for a possible swift departure, Lord Pharlan was coordinating house and kitchen staff.
He ordered them to pack the necessary things first and bring out the all the different carriages.
“Taffle strap the travelling bags and suitcases on top if we have to leave priority is we take everyone with us first.” He said before another groomsman came out with a box filled with documentation.
“Carrett cease your packing and help Mr Bairn with the mounts, we can worry about the material stuff later whilst he could use an extra hand preparing them for our departure.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Taffle tell everyone our destination is the Venray Estate, should the Skies forbid, we leave someone behind they at the very least have a heading of where to go. Also, I want the coaches and carriages checked off before departure.” Taffle replied affirmatively as he finished strapping on the last initial travelling case on the family carriage.
“Ask Mrs. Morlan to provide us with lists so we can divide our as best we can! If we can get everyone out in one go then the better. Should we need one extra rental order it now and send the youngest off first, for I doubt that with all the chaos the city is going to be in when the enemy does break through we’ll be able to get any of the rentals.” Lord Pharlan ordered as kitchen maids and butlers ran back and forth with packed goods and other bits and pieces.
The elderly staff coordinated the operation, surgically the different groups working together like a well-oiled machine .
Amidst all this chaos Tyrhallan had changed into his red armour and had looked for his mother.
The venerable lady was busy making lists with Mrs. Morlan, making arrangements for the different groups. Pulling her away from her work Tyrhallan took his mother aside and into a room that would be less disturbed.
With one look the lady was informed of what her son and his friends were going to do.
“You won’t be coming with us.” Her words were soft and tentative, almost wishing her words would be rebuked.
But only confirmation followed.
Realizing this she straightened her back, her eyes staring through to his soul to make sure she read him correctly, searching for his downcast eyes before a saddened glance passed over her own as she listened to her son.
“The young lady has decided that they should move on, as a knight and friend I feel responsible for their well-being. I..I have to see them off somewhere safe.” He spoke wishing to assure his mother that all would be well. However knowing practically nothing of what they were heading into, he could only maintain a level of stoic pragmatism, a trait he developed as a soldier, before some courtesy slipped back in.
“So forgive us for leaving you so soon again. I can speak for Eilis and Arn as well. We would have loved nothing more to remain with you, but it is not meant to be.” Tyrhallan explained still maintaining the secrecy of who or what Eilis actually was. He wasn’t really sure himself.
Lady Venray nodded.
“I see, well you all are forgiven my son.” She spoke deftly trying to maintain some form of protocol, before worry etched itself slowly on her face.
“As I told your Uncle before. I hope I will one day hear ‘all’ of the particulars that have come to pass regarding our guests.” She more or less asked indirectly, before she took hold of her sons armour and tugged it to check its strength.
Tyrhallan sighed.
“Undoubtedly you have earned that right more than anyone else, but for now nothing is certain.”
“Then I shall ask no further.” She nodded before she took hold of his head and forced him to bend down so she could kiss his brow.
“Tyr, be careful.” She pleaded with not just her words.
“I will do our family proud mother.”
“To hell with the family pride, I want you back you hear.” She ordered before she released him.
He nodded curtly and bowed before he turned and walked out, leaving his mother and heading back to the garden, to the stables where his father’s wyverns were stored.
Dannesh had brought out and prepared two of Lord Pharlan’s ‘prized beauty’s’.
Wyverns a subspecies of smaller winged dragons with smooth scales of a dark grey hue and hooked talons attached to its wings instead of an extra pair of arms.
Strong thick legs supported the beast and a smooth tail tipped with a diamond shaped protrusion of hardened bone.
Intelligent serpentine like eyes regarded them as the harness and saddle received their check to be snugly secured.
Tyrhallan greeted Eilis and Arn there nodding approvingly at the change of Eilis’s outfit recognizing its design, but focusing on the Wyverns instead.
Dannesh bowed to Tyrhallan quickly explaining what he had taken care of.
“I took out your father’s fastest, Umbra and Viscera, you’ll be able to outrun most other mounts then, normal dragons after all are heavier and these guys be less visible when you stick to the clouds. Also I prepped some rations for at least a week’s worth, should you have no time to stop. Last, but not least I put a couple of useful extra’s in there.”
“Extra’s?”
“Nothing too dramatic, couple of light grenades, a few smoke and gas bombs and a couple of extra daggers and an extra shot of fuel just to be sure.” Dannesh replied. “Mind you the fuel’s only good for approximately 20 to 30 minutes max. so please don’t overdo it your lordship.” The servant stated with a serious expression handing him a compass with a map.
“Thank you Dannesh, I honestly would be going out there in shambles were it not for your help.”
“You needn’t thank me yet sir, you may do so upon your return. So you’ll have a promise to keep.” The young man said as he looked up at the knight with a worried expression, though he tried to smile professionally for Tyrhallan’s sake.
Tyr patted him on the shoulder before he took the reins of Viscera, leaving the its slightly bigger brother for Arn and Eilis.
Dannesh helped Eilis into the unusual makeshift saddle first. He had strapped two together, so it essentially became a double, one needed to be properly secured into it, so one would not risk falling off the Wyvern when it made its ascent and its acrobatics in the air.
After Eilis was strapped in, he helped Arn into the other saddle, he allowed him to strap himself in, before showing them both how to get out of them again.
“Remember, trust Umbra to find the safest winds to travel, but should you wish to change course simple tugs on the reins will do with the following commands.” Dannesh said giving Arn a quick run through of everything.
“I chose Umbra because he’s build for speed and has the better temper, even with your inexperience Umbra is inclined to listen to decisive commands.” Dannesh explained as he handed the reins over, before patting Eilis on her leg.
“Good luck Miss, may your Skies be clear.”
Tyr meanwhile had strapped himself in doing his own checkup before he waited for Arn and Eilis to be ready.
With all the words said and done Tyrhallan nodded to Dannesh before another explosion rocked the skies and thundered through the air.
The Wyverns cried in disapproval at it and Tyr eyed the Southern sky seeing dark smoke rise up in the distance.
“Time to leave!” He shouted before he commanded Viscera to go.
“AH-CE!” The creature’s powerful legs thrust itself up diving into the air above, simultaneously its wings pushed downwards to press and push the air down below them, cutting through the air with ease and a smoothness that rivalled the clouds. When high up enough it circled and waited for Umbra.
Hardly needing any encouragement from Arn Umbra followed its brother up into the air. Circling around Viscera as Tyrhallan shouted.
“We’ll be head South first, we’ll need to pass the battle lines, but we should be fine on these. We’ll take a break before we reach the Rift, discuss the road further when we get there!” He shouted before he loosened up on the reins he was holding allowing Viscera to speed ahead.
Eilis couldn’t help but glance behind her at Arn as she was so high up, as she touched behind her to feel his leg, wanting to grab hold of something more than the handle on the saddle.
“Arn…I am not a fan of heights…” She blurted out in slight terror, trying to not looked down as she held on for dear life.

Arn checked the straps of his travel pack. Everything he needed in regards to his personal requirements were there. The configuration the same as any other Shooting Stars member. It hosted simple yet necessary items like sleeping pad, outer gear in case of cold, which when one patrols the higher heavens, it tends to be. He also had gas mask and emergency decontaminants. Finally, he had strapped his Daisho to the top for easy access.

His red samurai themed flak vest rested on top of black battle robes that made him almost truly look like the warriors of old. Normally he would not carry such things but this time he was prepared for the long campaign. In the old days, he would be prepared and not bothered to dying if he needed to. However, now he felt a slight twinge of nervousness. He silently apologized to his squad mates, feeling somewhat what they might have felt every time they went on mission.

The Master Mage came to an intersection in the corridors and almost bumped into Eilis. She had changed clothes and wore some obviously weathered pantaloons and a shirt with travel cloak resting on her shoulders. She sported a travel pack that looked more like a hiker’s pack compared to his own gear but Arn had no doubt that it was filled with the necessary items.

“Ah Master Arn, there you are. As promised, she is ready to go.” The lady maid happily exclaimed, the moment passed quickly as another maid came and whispered in her hear. “Please forgive me, I am needed elsewhere.” With that, she disappeared into the river of people. The Master Mage hoped very genuinely she and all the others would be alright at the end of this.

His attention returned to the young lady before him. Dressed in men clothes, her petite figure was obvious and she could have been taken for a young lad was it not for the obvious roundness and curves that betrayed she was more than just a pretty looking boy. He hair had been pulled up into a tight bun. The Mage smiled and nodded approvingly. “Now you look like an adventurer.” He offered her a wink too. “Come, lets not keep our host waiting.”

It surprised him that he was being so talkative and comforting. Perhaps it was because she would tense up or jump a bit at the sound of the ever closing barrage. As the pair entered the stable area his eyes widened in amazement at the view of the two gorgeous looking animals. It was obvious that the Venray family was of good status and standing but the ability to house Wyrms . After all, not only where they expensive to keep but were in themselves a badge of office.

Arn returned Tyrhallan’s bow and proceeded to listen in the list of prepared travel pack that Dannesh had for them. As the mage had surmised, the servant would be a high commodity to their logistics department. He showed his own appreciation to the man by giving him an obvious bow of thanks.

He moved to his own mount. The beautiful scales almost teal in color and cool to the touch as he could not help but run a hand on the strong back and legs in appreciation.

The wyrm, Umbra, would have no problem carrying them both. Then again, the young girl probably weight no more than his own travel pack soaking wet. He smiled at this comparison he made in his mind as he looked at Eilis. The girl probably thought him a maniac for smiling in such a time. However, he felt that if he was near her, they would be ok.

He took his position behind Eilis strapping himself in and listening to the direction of the man servant. When his quick instruction was finished he extended his arm and with a strong hand shake thanked the man in a sincere voice. “Thank you Mr. Dannesh. I promise to do everything in my power to return Captain Venray to you.” He gave the hand final squeeze.

The resounding explosion that followed was much to close for the experienced pair of soldiers to enjoy. Smoke could be seen not far off and the cries of battle carried in the wind. The Master Mage, nor his mount for that matter, needed much urging to take to the skies as he felt the strong legs under him bend like a spring to be released with jump that elevated them ten feet easily from the ground.

The initial jerk and following strong flap of wings, made Arn instinctively grab the rains and at the same time wrap his arms around Eilis supple waist. The motion of leathery wins of Umbra also caused wafts of her scent to surround him. Without meaning to, the mage found himself enjoying the feeling. Suddenly, his mind caught up to his emotions and he felt awkward.

While it was true that they had held each other numerous times in their very short time of knowing each other, the mage still had decades of stoic composure to try to work through. He only felt reassured when she sought him as well when she touched his leg. He leaned closer to whisper to her. “You need not worry, I have you. It should be no different than riding a horse and I was descent at that.” He tightened his grip on her midsection, pressing his chest into her for added security and for her own confidence.

He heard Tyrhallan shout his directions. Arn temporarily let go of his charge to put a thumbs up sign. A much better way to communicate he had understood what the knight had said. The silver haired, red armored man took point and the group headed straight into the battle they were trying to avoid.

The skies over the city of Olysium had darkened.
The rumbling of Thunder and roaring of machines filled the air.
When the barrage of explosions stopped in order for the guns to reload, the cries of dragon and men alike filled up the silence.
Forces of Nature and Warcraft clashed and collided accompanied by the bright flashes of fire and lightning painting the Skies.
The Hearthguard had dug in deep, holding the line trying to stop the enemy from even stepping onto Belisio’s soil.
Vaim’s invasion force had come up from the Deep Sky, ready to carve out a new victory.
Ready to conquer the stronghold of the old enemy.
Sack the Blue Opal, their fabled capital and break the back of the resistance.
Once they had been so close to conquering the world of Ith. Their Sorcerer King would have reigned supreme, if it hadn’t been for the coalition of nations.
Belisio then had been the sword to hold off their hammer from coming down on the rest of the other nations.
Nations such as the Isles of Sacheron or the smaller kingdoms of Leonix and Arfalle.
They would crumble and fall without the support of mighty Belisio.
Therefore Vaim would not make the same mistake in underestimating this old rival besides who would you turn to when your biggest player gets swept off the board. When your strongest ally gets Humiliated and Subjugated…
This was what the generals were told and as a good soldiers they would follow the command of their betters and do the will of the Empire.
They would succeed where their forebears did not.
They would break the resistance's back and crush the enemy.
For the glory of the Empire, for the Future of Vaim.
The Sky rumbled again as lightning cracked and cut through it, as mages aimed it at the approaching frigates. The Steel beasts opened their hatches and unleashed their holds.
The hordes of soldiers, flying on contraptions of cloth, wood and steel, flew out to engage the enemy. Fighters to swarm and tackle the dragon riders, keeping them occupied whilst the large gun turrets on the frigates slowly rotated lining up to prepare a volley.
Smaller Belisian vessels bravely charged in, knowing that only constant movement would give them a chance against the colosal behemoths of the Empire.
The Knights rode out on their dragons taking a frontal charge towards the enemy’s line, knowing they needed to get a way in only to scatter and be forced to break up their formation by the approaching fighters.
Brave soldiers picked up the weapons and jobs of their fallen comrades, watching Hell be unleashed upon them. Mage, Knight and Soldier were not spared, they were blown to bits and blasted to shreds, their limbs and lives torn from their frail bodies. Standing and Falling over and over.
The Hearthguard itself had set up their defense at the edge of the city, taking a huge gamble, but figured they needed to make the most of the little time they had to prepare. They send out everything they had when it came to heavy weaponry. Large Cannon and Catapult, Ballista and Trebuchet had been brought out and fired to the point where they had shaped the very earth around them.
Blood, Sweat, Piss and Tears mixed with Earth, Metal and Flesh as spells and ammo filled the skies and lifeless bodies littered the soil.

“HOLD THE LINE!” Angry shouts cried out as leaders tried to rally their troops.
“Send them to HELL boys!” One of the Knight cried before he was obliterated by a salvo of one of the large frigates.
The Knight Commander attempted to maintain order in this extreme chaos as he picked up rookie and traumatized veteran alike forcing them back to their posts or sending them out to hold a position.
His current concern was the railgun that now remained silent because the crew operating it had been literally mowed down by gunfire.
“Keep Firing! You hear me! FIRE that damn thing!!” He shouted ordering a crying rookie into the position at the railgun. The Knight Commander shoved him towards the lever.
“Don’t you dare cry you piss-ant!” Grab ahold of your f*cking balls!” The man intimidatingly ordered.
When the boy didn’t quit crying quickly enough the Knight Commander backhanded him. This snapped the boy out of it and made him look up in terror at the Knight Commander.
“What are you waiting for an invitation! Fire that thing and make them pay!”
The poor boy that barely had the fuzz of his first beard, held a hand to cheek where he had been hit only to nod to the Knight Commander before he moved into action again. He had to step over the corpse of his fellow soldier, a man twice his age to be able to operate the thing.
“FIRE! Keep Firing that thing until it melts!” the Knight Commander yelled again as the boy turned knobs and activated the loading of the gun, attempting to start it up again.
Thus the barrage continued, Dragon riders danced a deadly dance with the Vaimese Fighters up in the air as lance and gun went up against one another.

Meanwhile on the bridge of the largest of the Vaimese vessels; The Imperator, an elderly man took stock of the situation.
He was tall, dressed in dark armour, safe for his helmet which was held by his aide.
He was a man carved and formed by the battlefield. Lines and wrinkles were etched into his face as well as a large and deep scar that ran from the top of his forehead over his eyebrow and cheek downwards.
His eye had been replaced by a simple cold milky white stone to fill up the hole and had been sown into place.
Dark grey hairs were sleeked backwards as his one eye was focused on the viewing screens in front of him. They were displaying different sights of the battlefield.
“Where are you, you old bastard?” Was the softest question whispered over his lips, clearly he was looking for someone before another armoured soldier approached him drawing his attention away from the screens for a moment.
“General, the Guns are ready, do you wish we fire them upon the city?”
“Not yet. We shall wait with that until ‘he’ shows up. I want to see the horror in his eyes when I carve out his heart and force him to choke on it.” The man spoke in a deadly and calm manner.
“As you wish Sir.” The soldier replied instantly.
“For now keep concentrating on the Centre of the Hearth Guard’s Defense, if we manage to rip their lines apart their once mighty and famous resolve might falter and we can swoop in for the killing blow. Also tell the Arsenni Brigade to take out that railgun it could become a nuissance later.”
The soldier nodded and bowed in reference before passing the orders along to the rest on the bridge.
The cold calculating eye focused again on the screens as another aide handed him a goblet of wine.
He swirled the goblet’s contents before taking a first taste, he could hardly suppress a sadistic smile, they had brought him Belisian wine, known for its deep red colour and its flavourfull rich earthy undertones.
“One could easily imagine that one is drinking the blood of one’s enemies, like those tales of old.” He commented before he eyed the screen again. “Though there is only one enemy who’s blood I would bottle up and drink for sake of vengeance.” He spoke darkly swirling the dark red liquid again.
As he lifted the goblet to take another sip his eye was suddenly glued to the screen and his arm stopped moving halfway up.
“There you are…” his voice held eagerness and surprise, as he moved in closer to the screen to see his old enemy properly again.
“Venray!”

A sandy haired mage whistled as he looked up at the lumbering dreadnoughts slowly gaining ground. The speed meant that it would still take a while to get to their position but it was almost an inevitable force, like the rising and setting of the sun. The mighty Vaimese empire had conjured this monstrosities of metal from some deranged genius mind. The Belisians had nothing in their fleet that could match these machines. Still, they were not a kingdom which was known for backing down from a fight. Indeed, the bravery of their knights was known to all, even the most junior Veimese. Despite their superiority, this would not be an easy fight for the Empire.

Tobi whistled again as he adjusted the straps of his jump pack and walked towards his assigned dragon mount. The Shooting Stars had been given the task of support casters on a squadron of knights that would try and break through and try to take over one of the Dreadnaughts. Captain Evander had grown red with suppressed rage and then white as he had also been assigned to one of the mounts.

The sounds of the battle being raged very close to their location came in waves as the wind carried the din of war into the midst of the small squadron. There was maybe about 30 of them. They had been hastily assembled and their experienced ranged from old veteran knights to those whose armor was still shiny and new. The young mage gave one last look at the horizon and their goal and approached the semi-circle of gathered men and women.

“Ok lads…oh and ladies” The old sergeant smiled apologetically. His handle bar mustache twitching as he addressed the group. “Ok, the mission is simple. You and your mage partner will break through in any way you can. Our goal is to capture one of those big hulking metal buckets I believe it is called the Imperator and give them a taste of their own medicine. Not much to it just don’t get killed, kill many of them and get that ship. Easy peasy. Alright, mount up I’m getting older just standing here.” The older knight winked at the faces around him. It was obvious this was not his first mission and he honestly did not care if it was his last.

Tobi sighed, he wished that Arn could be here. The rest of the squad was looking squeamish. Their Master Mage calm demeaner would do wonders about now. Still the only thing that the young lad could do was give a silly thumbs up to his friends who just smirked and shook their heads at his antics.

It was not long until he arrived to bronze colored wyrm. The Knight riding it seemed as young or younger than him. Probably a squire who had just been promoted. “Man, shitty time for a promotion.” The young mage whispered under his breath as the younger knight turned. Long flowy hair and bright blue eyes met his. “Great, the one time I meet a hot chick and we about to die.” He muttered under his breath as the lady knight approached him.

“You are my support? Hello, my name is Alexa Brightwind.” She extended a mailed glove. Tobi clasped it in his own and gave it a hearty shake. “Thobias Taylor. Yes, I am going to be the one covering your behind and at least I can say it’s a nice one.” He smiled wide. The lady knight gave him a glowering stare. “You dirty punk. If we get back alive, you will take lashes for speaking like that to a knight.”

Tobi raised his arms up in apology. “Listen, I could not help it. It is not often I get to ride into battle on a beautiful dragon with a beautiful girl. If we make it back, I will gladly take those lashes but my statement stands.” Alexa slit her eyes but said nothing. “Come on then, the sooner we finish this mission the sooner you can get strung up.”

It was not long before the rest of the squad was prepped and ready. Perhaps he was seeing things but he noticed that the man at the head of the formation seemed to have limped over. Why would they send injured people to the front? Perhaps they needed all the help they could get. The young mage mused.

The signal was given and with a jump and flap of wings, the squadron set of on their suicide mission. The skies providing an impressive background of flashes of lighting illuminating everything but the dark silhouettes of the dreadnaughts. The Imperator, flying higher than the others was their destination. Even through the wind blowing in his face Tobi managed to whistle.

There amongst the midst and chaos moved the former Knight Commander.
Though limping, his figure was still a daunting form of solid steel that moved bravely forward, almost uncaring at the gunfire and explosions.
His armour blinked in the sun, heavy light grey plate carrying the Venray’s family emblem, marking him as Lord Uilles. The bird set upon his chest almost seeming to brim with light as its eyes stared forward, making it seem as if it was looking straight at you, with a powerful scowl.
Upon his back rested the heavy greatsword as he moved through the troops towards the frontline, ignoring the whispers that rose up with each tred he made.
“It’s The Raptor!” “It’s Lord Venray!” “The General is here! The Old General!” The knights and men spoke to one another in disbelief, some having only heard of the man through hearsay.
There was a reason Uilles still commanded such respect and deference, it was almost akin to some strange kind of hero worship, with the man ignoring the whispers focused forward on the enemy in front of him.
Whilst Uilles had been a mere bodyguard to the Queen, a sort of honorary position ever since the incident had crippled him, this did not mean that he was completely useless. He was still a man that could kill. Wedded to his sword as it was part of his body and soul.
On the battlefield he once had been known as a fighter of unmatched class and skill, a true weapon of war, a death sentence to one’s enemy.
Well it was time to brush off the rust of his old bones and old blade.
Taking a glance at the Eastern sky he smiled, he hoped he would be able to see what would come of them…but if it was to end, then better it be with sword in hand and going down swinging.
He turned his face back to focus himself on the bulky metal ships in front of him. His eyes carefully watched as the gun turrets turned towards him.
Clearly the gauntlet was thrown down. The challenge made.
Though the retribution would undoubtedly would be lying in wait, Uilles intended to make them bleed and pay for it, he would not give them another yard, if they wished to advance, they would have to do so by killing him.
Picking up a tall dented tower shield from the ground he took a wide stance before placing it in front of him.
The image was almost laughable, a single man would stand alone against the might of the Empire?
Aboard the Indomitable the general scoffed.
“Still as arrogant as ever! Well you arrogant cretin let’s see you stop this! Fire at that smug sack of shit for being so stupid to believe his own hype!” The general ordered as he focused on the screen again.
Today would be the day that vengeance would be served. The Empire would topple Belisio and taking out Venray was a just the fucking cherry on top.
Uilles meanwhile quietened his soul and tensed his body, he would only be able to do this once, before they would realize their mistake and the surprise would be lost.
“FIRE!” the general roared slamming on his controls eager to see the man fall.
With a rumble and shudder the gun reeled from the firing as a deadly projectile was launched at Uilles.
Uilles however moved instantly, almost in a blur, using his ki and brute strength to jump, lifting up the shield and using it to smash the bullet into the ground beneath him, using its explosion to propel him into the air and towards the ship. The shockwave allowed him to clear the distance and land with ridiculous grace on the bow of the ship, resting on his bad knee.
Seeing the mad move of the man the soldiers of the Empire were in a slight shock, not believing their eyes as the man moved up from his kneeling position and moved a hand up to unsheathe his great sword.
From the shadow of bristled grey eyebrows two terrifying depths burned , picking his prey and pinning them down with the deadly stare of a predator.
As he banged his sword against his tower shield with force and strength, seeming to attempt to draw all their attention towards him he made a final promise.
“Prepare to meet the All Mother.” He said as he dashed forwards, lunging, cutting and carving his way through the lesser trained soldiers of the Empire. Who despite their initial shock and horror attempted to stop him.
One he cast off the ship with a simple bash of his shield, whilst it had only been to unbalance him the brute force had connected so hard the man simply stumbled and fell overboard.
Two others were unfortunate enough to be standing behind one another as the greatsword literally cleft them from the top of the neck down.
A third’s windpipe was crushed with a simple jab of the pommel.
The fourth was kicked down before being stepped on before dying with a simple stab through the heart. Number five charged bravely only to skewer himself before being kicked into his companions, with a speed one would not suspect from the cripple and a strength one would not ascribe to the old man anymore, he tore through the poor souls that stood in his way. His attacks precise and deadly, making his was through the fools that dared cross his path.
When he had cleared the deck of the first wave he pointed his sword at the bridge, knowing they could see him, planting it in of the dead soldiers to hold it for a moment. Taking the tower shield in both hands and balancing carefully, he took a small start before he flung it into the air, sending it flying upwards and crashing through the windows of the bridge.
The general had looked on in anger, screaming obscenities as he watched the old warrior approach, with a steady unrelenting pace.
“Hand me my sword, it seems if you want to kill a cockroach, you’ll have to crush it yourself.” He snarled before the tower shield came crashing through the window and landed with a couple of loud clanks at his feet.
Bristling with unrivalled fury the general told his lackeys to hold the bridge before pushing aside a well-meaning soldier, who tried to stop him from engaging Uilles and slamming the door behind him.

The man made his way down, last time he had faced Uilles they had been a good deal younger and the Venray hell spawn had come fresh from his initiation. At that point Ravros had been a promising young soldier of the Empire, his skills unmatched and never bested.
His hand moved up to the scar that remained as a permanent reminder of his own arrogance. He had underestimated the young knight then, barely 17…
He had countered every blow, but had no answer for his shortcomings in strength then. Ravros had swiped his feet from underneath him and worked him to the ground.
His sword had pointed victoriously at the boy’s throat forcing him to look up at him, the fearful eyes in disbelief and worry of the imminent death that was to follow.
“What made you think Belisio could withstand the might of our Empire? What made you think you even could fight us, fight me?” He had asked and he had seen the defiance in Venray’s eyes he should have taken more care then, but his own lack of humility and prideful self simply refused to see the danger.
“We will fight because we must, it is our sworn Duty to protect, to serve to…”
“Die?” He had finished for him. “It seems Belisio trains its dogs well, well little Knight, you’d best die with some honour and dignity, a gift most of those around us wouldn’t have given you or me. Now get up and prepare to die.”
He had assumed the boy had still been wet behind his ears, clinging to foolish illusions of honour and ideals of justice and duty.
It had appeared that way at least.
But clearly War was a rather cruel and twisted teacher.
And even though the boy had been without a sword to defend himself anymore, he hadn’t counted on the ki attack that the boy had struck at him at close range.
It had instantly knocked him backwards, with the boy following up with the slash of a dagger the boy had had strapped somewhere.
It had carved its path across one side of his face and the pain had been excruciating. Later it would be concluded his eye was lost, but for a split second Venray had painted the world in blood.
It had been his fortune that his own troops had come up towards them, making Venray opt for fighting another day by fleeing towards his own men, whilst he was dragged to the safety of the inner lines.
Belisio ended up being the victor that day and it had stung him ever since.
Ravros wondered if he had killed Venray then, would fate then have rewarded him instead? Would the Empire then finally keep the glorious promise it had always promised to be? A prosperous powerful force for good in this sullied world.

As he reached the lower level that would lead outside he checked the straps of his armour one final time.
“This time Venray, Death will come for its claim.” He spoke unsheathing his own heavy blade before he pulled the lever that triggered the door mechanism to open.
As the metal divider slowly raised the winds and light outside slowly tugged at him.
A lone figure stood there amidst the chaos, the bodies strewn about his feet, his form a dark shadow regarding Ravros with fury.
Ravros slowly but confidently stepped out closing the distance between himself and Venray, regarding the man with a look of smug displeasure and calculated satisfaction.
“You’re still as uncouth as ever.” Ravros spoke as he stopped a good few paces away from him.
“A simple throwing down of a gauntlet would have sufficed you know.”
Uilles kept regarding the man with a cold glare as he answered.
“When a usurper comes with the intent to subjugate and conquer, one has no choice but send a strong reply of disapproval. Especially when he forces farmers to pick up the axe instead of the plough and sends them to their deaths for sake of the glory of others. A true warrior does not…”
“Still spouting those radical ideals of noble Kings and Queens I see.” Ravros spoke cutting him off before continuing himself.
“But last time we met it was not the honourable knight that won. Your luck was tied to my own lapse of foolish concern for your honour. It is a lesson well learned, I assure you. This time there will be no quarter given. This time around I will not have a care for your pride and honour.” He held his tongue for a moment to make Venray listen.
“Nor that of my own.” He then pulled out a small vial from underneath his armour, holding it delicately in his gloved hand to show it to Uilles.
It was a small glass tube that had a dark substance within it, a sticky, dark red and thick liquid.
Venray’s eyes widened as he recognized it.
“You didn’t!”
A cruel light sparked up as it flickered in Ravros’s eyes.
“Belisio’s time is over, thanks to our Tahjai mages we will overthrow and conquer you. I shall take extreme pleasure in watching their experiments upon your people. How they will reap more power for the Empire by harvesting you and taking all that you once held dear.
“I will enjoy seeing them take the very honour and morals from your youths and feeding them to the endless machine of war. Belisio will merely be the start of a payback that was long since overdue. The world will tremble and shudder and the Empire will prevail!” He spoke with a crazy smirk.
“And it will begin here, starting with you…” Before Uilles could even respond he watched as Ravros pulled the cork off with his teeth and downed the contents of the vial.

Meanwhile Tyrhallan was flying up front, sticking to the clouds, to try and stay out of sight, but this did not mean their path was an easy one. Trying to avoid the chaotic winds created by the mages and the lightning called upon and weaponized meant they were literally in the line of fire.
As they reached the frontlines Eilis couldn’t stop from looking horrified at the scene below her.
She wasn’t sure where the sky began and the ground stopped, the forces collided in so many different ways that it was dizzying to behold. Dragonfighters chased Empire soldiers on strange contraptions, artillery was blasted at one another, literally carving their own path in both vessel and earth. Eilis looked at back at Arn with concern, knowing his friends were probably down there grabbing hold of his arm for a moment.
She wanted to say so many things, to apologize for being the reason he wasn’t with those he cared about, those he had fought with to protect his home.
But she didn’t get the opportunity as another blast of lightning cut off their path forcing Umbra to fly lower, catching the attention of a couple of Imperial soldiers.
They send their flying machines up after them, thinking them soldiers running from the battlefield.

Tyrhallan’s eyes had scanned the battlefield seeing the clear struggle the Hearthguard had and cursed himself for not being able to be of any help.
The lightning was making their path forward even more difficult, but still they had to try, they had to…wait.
Tyrhallan’s eyes had been drawn to a familiar form on the battlefield.
“Uncle?” He had uttered aloud, before the humming of engines and shouts of Imperial soldiers came from behind them.
Shit, they had been spotted. Turning Viscera around, he shouted to Arn.
“Fly ahead, I’ll deal with them! Take care of her!” As he flew past Umbra and towards the Imperial soldiers.
He deftly made Viscera avoid their weapons, allowing the creature to loop and roll over and past them, this allowed Tyrhallan to draw his weapon and unleash his clasps. Dropping in and making short work of the first two before two more showed up, ramming the contraption to shake Tyrhallan off.
One was taken out by Viscera coming up from behind it and slamming its own weight against it. It also allowed Tyrhallan to jump back onto the Wyrm as it allowed the winds to carry it upwards and away from the other, disappearing in the clouds so the other had to give chase.

Thobi was surprised at all the clamor regarding one single person when the Elder Venray arrived to the squadron. The man seemed not only old but injured. Yet, the way that people were celebrating, you would think that they had won the war. As cheers and shouts went up, he recognized the name, Venray. If he remembered correctly, the silver haired Knight Captain that had questioned him about Master Arn was also name Venray. If these two were kin, it would make sense.

In the young mage’s mind, any sort of morale boost that would rally the troops was a welcome event. So He joined in the cheer hoping that the increase in morale would translate into an increase in fighting power. They needed it.

However, unlike the knights, an honorable death by the sword was not the young mage’s final goal. He would fight honorable of course but he would be dammed if he were to just throw his life away so easily. Perhaps this one tenant was one of the reasons why knights and mages did not get along. They viewed honor in a different manner.

For example, he would have never shouldered a shield against a dreadnought class warship. Thobi’s mouth hung open as the ship opened fire on a lone man. Bit of an over kill, the young mage thought. His semblance did not change when his eyes alone could not follow the movements of the Elder Venray as he knocked down the bullet. As if watching a sporting event and not a life or death match, The young mage cheered as the black clad man landed on the brow of the ship. A small figure compared to the lumbering machine.

This time the cheers that came from the young mage’s mouth were real as the man moved through the upper deck dispatching his opponents. Thobi had always been a fan of knights despite his designation. So seeing one so skilled in action brought back childhood fantasies. His spirits lifted and a small glimmer of hope that the Belisian forces might still have a chance to win entered his heart.

As the second figure appeared on the deck, an obvious challenger and champion, the young man could not help but get even more excited. The duel promised to be a fight no one would soon forget. The seconds were tense as the two fighters stood obviously exchanging words. Thobias almost fell off his mount’s seat as he tried to lean closer to listen. Yet, the knights formation did not waver, they awaited the signal from their commander.

******************************************************************************

The sounds of the battle resounded throughout the heavens as Arn and his lovely protégé flew astride a Wyrm. His eyes scanned the battlefield not only to avoid any obvious dangers but also to wistfully locate any of his squad mates. Oh how the battle mage yearned to be there with them. There was a part of him that was made for battle. For the longest time, it had been his sole way of expression and his squad the closest thing to family.

His eyes saw the flashes of lighting and flashes of artillery. Both producing their own boom. He sighed, hoping that the young fool Thobi was using his brain for once and came out of this alive. Though truth be told, the Master Mage did not know if he would ever see him or Belisio again. He cast a glance in front of him to their silver haired benefactor. Tyrhallan was more than likely suffering the same withdrawal.

The closer the trio got to the front lines, the harder it was to avoid pockets of fighting and artillery fire. The surface to air bombardment may not be doing much damage to the big ships of the Viemese but they would be devastating to the riders.

Eilis must have sensed Arn’s misgivings for she grabbed his arm. The Master Mage was recalled from his surveying of the battles in hopes of catching a glimpse of his squad mates. He looked at her concerned face and offered her a reassuring and tender smile. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered loud enough to hear. “I am fine Eilis. My men know what to do and how to survive. You are my mission now. One I am glad to take.”

His other hand went across her small waist to pat her on the hand that was on his forearm. A wave of heat extending towards her to stave off any coldness travelling in the stratos might cause and to stave off shock.

Suddenly, the battle came to them. Whether they had been spotted or happened upon by chance. The small group was now a target of the Imperial fighters. Trained and efficient as the mount they rode was, the air was more the Knight Captains territory. A field to which Venray took to gladly.

“Fly ahead, I’ll deal with them! Take care of her!”

Arn nodded. He completely agreed with the lord that his priority was Eilis and the mission. He gave the knight a good luck sign and prodded their Wyrm onward. Umbra did as was asked and with a screech and mighty flap of its wings, the creature gathered speed leaving behind the Knight Captain and the Imperial patrol.

They did not get far when out of the clouds another contingent came rushing out. Arn’s eye became murderous. Not only where they blocking their path and putting his charge in danger, but he also wanted to avenge the men and women who had already lost their lives in defense of Belisio.

Again he leaned forward and called out to Eilis. “Take the rains, keep the Wyrm straight.” Using the strength of his legs he attempted to stand up. His eyes began to glow and a magic user like his protégé was sure to feel the manipulation of the Aether. Digging into the Thread, Arn utilized the already heavily charged skies. Thankfully, the Imperial patrol that came at them had more than enough metal to attract the arc of lighting that streaked from his hands towards the incoming Viemese. The lighting was hot blue and it them with enough charge to immolate them.

Sitting back onto the saddle he took the reigns from Eilis and prodded their mount deeper in the skies past the barricaded of clouds for the open air. He looked back trying to catch a glimpse of Tyrhallan hoping that they would not be seeing the last of him.

Uilles readied himself as he watched the man in front of him with uncertainty.
The fact that he had downed 'Dursa's Poison' was terrifying, it was a horrible potent drug. Though Uilles didn't know what it exactly consisted of he knew of the effects that it had on people.
Consuming it gave one ridiculous power and a surge of energy that was highly addictive in nature. A couple of drops would give you the strength and ferocity of an adult *Morgrave, it also was said to create a kind of madness and bloodlust. A violent need to kill.
And Ravros had downed a whole vial of it.

He watched the man in front of him softy snicker and the glint in the man’s eyes change, one of unspeakable lust and desire, as the veins in the man’s neck and face suddenly became visible as if the ‘poison’ showed itself travelling through the body as its effects started. From thin and wiry purple lines to those with an angrier shade of Mauve as his eyes darkened. They seemed unfocussed for a moment before they honed in on him and all hell broke loose.
Just as Uilles had send ki down to strengthen his legs Ravros suddenly swung his blade recklessly towards him, with such power and speed that he had barely caught it with his own.
Sparks had flown as the blades had clashed, with Uilles needing both his arms to hold his own weapon as the thunderous powerful one armed slams came crashing down upon it. Every time the offensive blade came closer to his face and neck and despite the amount of ki he had send down, he felt his own body be forced backwards with every blow.
“What’s the matter Venray? Where is your might now?” Ravros laughed mockingly as he hammered on easily casting aside a rare attack that Uilles could send back. The General was driving the knight backwards, towards the edge of the ship. He would make an example out of him.
The whole of Belisio would see their hero for the weak fool he truly was.
Uilles clenched his jaws and gritted his teeth as he desperately tried to hold his ground but realized that he wouldn’t be able to keep this up. Feeling the strain on his lame leg sapping away his ki he felt he needed a way out, a way to swing things back into his favour.
“Damn you!” Uilles growled forcing all his strength in a dive forward taking Ravros head on pivoting his body and grabbing Ravros’s swordarm, bypassing the sword and throwing him half up and over him, allowing himself some necessary time to get back towards the center of the deck.
Enraged at this clever move Ravros picked up a second blade from one of the fallen soldiers and charged back at Uilles, who now had twice the danger to watch out for. Though the swings were powerful they were less calculated and Uilles hoped he could use that as his advantage, provided he managed to block the offensive strikes and keep his ground.
Ravros meanwhile was seething at the mouth, his teeth coloured in the same dark liquid he had drank but moments ago.
“I am going to kill you Venray! I am going to hack you into pieces! Limb from limb!”
“You’re going to have to hit me first, Ravros!” He goaded replied before having to jump backwards from the swing at his legs, before catching the other aimed at his neck. He glanced the blow off but couldn’t hold off the other blade that had moved upwards and dug into his armour at his side.
A sharp pain follow as he watched the blade draw back, its metal painted red by his blood.
Loud euphoric laughter rang from Ravros’s mouth as he watched the knight grasp at his side with one hand, the red liquid dripping onto the deck.
“I hope that wasn’t a kidney Uilles.” He cackled seeing the knight in pain.
“Maybe now you realize your future, your life and that of Belisio are numbered and the clock is quickly counting down. Don’t worry though, I’ll take the pleasure of slaying you before your little kingdom crumbles. I’ll make sure your legacy is erased…no one will believe you ever existed.”
Uilles breathed heavily as he watched Ravros like a hawk.
“If I die, I will join my forebears my soul will be in tact unlike yours. I know who I am and unlike you I don’t live for vengeance alone.”
“I will break your wings raptor.” Ravros promised. “I will break your spirit and I will make certain your soul will be broken too!” He vowed as he raised both his blades. He would cut the man to shreds. He would finish this once and for all.

*Morgrave - An oversized Wolverine that will hunt and kill anything that moves. Its hide and fur so thick that simple swords get stuck in it or can't get through it.

“I am fine Eilis. My men know what to do and how to survive. You are my mission now. One I am glad to take.”
She looked at him in sheer disbelief feeling her breath stop for a moment, before she watched the enemy turn their eyes towards them.
She was shocked to see Tyrhallan so easily order them to continue and turning his wyrm, promising to take care of them.
She had trouble simply accepting what she was seeing, how readily they were willing to defend her. The kind of protection she had always read about, from her storybooks. About noble knights and powerful men willing to defend what they believed in and to protect those they loved.
She felt the Aether surge and swell with all the use of it surrounding them, it felt like a terrifying storm that was inching closer ready to swallow her whole.
And they were running away from it for her sake…Hers.
She was no one special. She wasn’t even capable of defending herself let alone those she cared about. She felt her bindings flicker for a moment, as if her body was responding in kind, but it was beaten down by the binding magic instantly.
Eilis had gotten used to the shocks at this point, its familiar sting wasn’t nearly as powerful as a full blast of it was and could perhaps still be used. Maybe if she kept her magic’s level low she might get away with working some of it properly again, building it up over time instead of instantly releasing it as she was used to.
She was pulled from her thoughts when a new group Vaimese soldiers honed in on them and Arn gave her the reins, intending to fight them.
“Take the reins, keep the Wyrm straight.” Using the strength of his legs he attempted to stand up. His eyes began to glow and she felt the manipulation of the Aether. Arn utilized the already heavily charged skies sending pure lighting streaking from his hands towards the incoming Vaimese.
The murderous blue lightning left nothing but burned husks of what once been people.
As Arn sat back he took the reins from Eilis and prodded their mount deeper in the skies past the barricaded of clouds for the open air.
Eilis noticed him looking back and whispered.
“He’s still very much alive…his presence is hard to miss.” She smiled at small smile at that.
She turned slightly towards Arn placing a hand on his chest. She closed her eyes linking with him so he could feel it too and maybe see what she saw within the mind's eye.
A warm dancing breath of air, whirling and spinning like only true wind could. It snuffed out smaller fires and dispersed other elements rather easily. It was magical to watch, like the flight of a bird or the whirling of a hurricane.
But there was something else in the background too, darkening her visions
It represented itself a black fire, within the mind’s eye, its heat clawing and hungry, whilst it tore at the earth, gnawing at its soil and burning the life out of it, making it bleed.
Eilis frowned feeling a lot of different presences as well finding it hard to keep her mind focused on just Tyrhallan with the other’s presence being there, but things were made a little easier when Tyrhallan’s energy moved into the direction of it.
“Arn…” She uttered with fear in her voice sounding terribly uncertain. “Maybe we should go back…something feels terribly wrong.”

Meanwhile Tyrhallan had taken care of the rear, he and Viscera had been a dangerous combination, showing exactly what kind of terror a proper mounted knight could be.
As he had planned to return back to Arn and Eilis, he felt his Uncle’s Ki suddenly spike and drop ridiculously quickly. This Tyrhallan recognized and knew it could only be the cause of one thing. Desperation.
Whoever his Uncle was battling was getting the better of him, if he were to leave now…
He dared not think of it.
Torn between duty and the looming shadow of death, he had to make a quick decision. His place was here on the battlefield, he was a knight of Belisio.
Arn would be able to take care of Eilis…
And with a last glance over his shoulder he turned Viscera and dove straight into the battlefield.
Thundering down from his higher position he crossed paths with the dragon knight formation, giving their commander a salute shouting.
“I couldn’t stay away and have you let all the fun, may the All Mother be with you!” Before flying on taking out one of the smaller flying floats that functioned as snipers, by targeting their engines and sending them plummeting down.
Flying ahead of them with his quicker wyrm, he fused his ki with Viscera turning its speed up even higher. Making it appear as if they simply flashed forwards in streaks of red they easily avoiding the guns of the larger vessels. Allowing Tyrhallan to drop in between them, startling the panicked soldiers and started his clean up.
His sword danced and whirled as much as he did, finding weak spots in their armour and sometimes simply decapitating them. With those men out of the way, the Vaimese would be pressed to them other men replace them, turning their attention on him instead. So the best thing he could do was making sure that happened. With an almost sadistic smile he turned the manual guns around and aimed them at the bridge of the ship before firing them continuously.
“Fighting to death and the final breath…” If he managed to cripple this one the others would be able to take over and he could go and look in on his Uncle.
Gritting his teeth he continued to blast the bridge to bits, awaiting his back up so he could set off, he still felt his’s Uncle’s ki, but it was growing weaker with every outburst.

The young mage was glued to the spectacle below him as if he was watching a match via the giant information screens used to televised announcements and such. Unfortunately for him, the mount he was riding in suddenly veered to the right as the ship’s anti aircraft guns took aim at them. Small contusions in the air caused his own attack wing to spread out. The lovely blonde girl cursed. “Grab on mage, this is going to get hairy.” The wyrm followed the knights instruction to the letter.

The skies filled with salvo after salvo of ordinance. Shouts, clashes of steel against steel and the cries of the dying and wounded added to the cacophony. This was indeed a fight for survival, almost mimicking the fight happening on the deck below them. Thobi provided flawless support to his knight. She would swoop in close to attack incoming air vehicles or mounted knights. He would shoot balls of lighting at them or blind them with bright flashes.

Despite the Belisian knights doing their best, they were badly outnumbered. Their ranks thinned, slowly, but they thinned. It seemed that they were battling a swarm. Even in this desperate situation, the knights fought honorably. The young mage almost falling in love with the blonde haired girl who hacked and downed many a knight. Her shouts of challenge and curses loud in his ear.

****************************************************************************
Arn would have been proud of his squad’s excellence in battle. Though he would have also been heart broken to know that though the members of the Shooting Stars were making the Viemese pay dearly for every death, they were still dying. The Master Mage hated that the silver haired knight Captain had decided to do the valiant thing and allowed them to escape. He took out that anger on the enemies that crossed his path. The lightning that came forth from his hands true testament to his name. His eyes glowed red in rage and powerlessness at not being able to protect everyone.

But he could protect her. He looked down at Eilis. Yes, his job was different now. He had a purpose and he needed to understand that. His rage submised some and though he kept on fighitn, his manipulation fo the Thread was much more purposeful and with finesse. He was a master mage after all. He also did not know how long he would have to fight so he decided to save his energy.

IF Arn had known what thoughts were going through his protegees mind regarding her own lack of worth he would have frowned. Did she not know how much she meant to him? He had said it before but he needed her in his life. Not because of some selfish desire for her, but because his connection to her was that strong. Unknown to the both of them that connection was much more unfortunate than they knew.

“He’s still very much alive…his presence is hard to miss.”

The master mage was surprised that she so easily had guessed where his thoughts were. He sighed heavily “Knights and their honor. But they always say the brave are the first to die. Don’t worry, I know he is more than capable of taking care of himself but I just wish he would not take on the danger all on his own.” He shook his head in displeasure.

He felt her hand on his chest and almost jumped. Their connection making him feel her concern and care for him. Then he felt through the Thread as Eilis guided his senses. It was more like he knew rather than actually saw the energy that Tyrhallan produced. Arn looked down at his lovely companion. “Eilis, that is amazing. I have only known of a handful of sensory mages and most of them can only sense very little.” He praised her in wonder.

Despite seeing that the Knight Captain was efficiently dispatching those that encountered him, the master mage knew that even the Venray lord would succumb eventually. Add that to the disturbing feelings that Eilis was communicating via their touch and Arn could not help but get a bad feeling.

“Arn…. Maybe we should go back…something feels terribly wrong.”

Apparently, it was not only him who had a bad premonition. “Yes, I felt it too. Hold on. I am going to do something that is completely reckless and will piss off our benefactor to no end.”

He pulled on the reins of their mount and headed in the direction that led straight to the Knight Captain.

******************************************

Thobi was gasping for breath but was in much better shape than his companion. She had foolishly taken it upon herself to shield him from every attack. “I am part of this fight too you know. You don’t have to baby me.”

The blonde knight growled back at him. “I will be dammed if I get accused of letting a weakling like you die on my watch. So just sit there and keep on flashing your pretty lights.” Despite her tone, she gave him a slight smirk. Thobi scoffed but did what was asked. All of a sudden, from the skies a man appeared. The young mage recognized the armor almost immediately, Tyrhallan Venray.

As the man dispatched soldiers on the deck, the young mage could not help but notice the similarities in battle between that and the dark armored knight he had seen. Could they be family? They did both carry the Venray name. He watched him make quick work of those on the deck and take control of the manual guns.

Inspired by his battle prowess, the squadron of knights charged forward. Alexa dove in through the hole the Knight Captain had created. “Come on let’s help him blow a hole through that tin can.” She shouted as the young pair flew forward at breakneck speeds.