Holding Eilis was second nature now to Arn. She was like an extension of him. Being near her was as natural and as necessary to him as breathing. Meeting the shadow of the ancient hero that had brought down the Sorcerer King and saved, or so it was led to believe, the world. The sensation of the power that the apparition of Touramaline mustered still sent shivers down the master mage’s back. But was it dread or was it intrigue. One thing was for sure, the battlemage would do all in his power to ensure that Eilis was freed of the shadow man.

Had Arn known that his presence made his young protégé feel safe, he would have smiled. Their short time together still left him with concerns that he was not doing all he could to protect or take care of his charge. In his eyes, the blonde girl had suffered more than enough. He was bound by word and by his own code of honor to ensure that no further harm befell the lovely lady.

This was easier said that done, especially in the midst of a raging battle, astride a nervous flying wyrm as mount, and scanning the near by heavens for a sign of the Knight Captain who had recklessly returned to the fray instead of running away as he had been ordered by the elder Venray.

Still, Arn could not fault Tyrhallan. He knew that the other man was drawn by duty and by the same gnawing itch to lead his men in to battle that the mage was feeling. Having seen Tobi again had made him worry about the other members of the Shooting Stars. He was not naïve in thinking they all would survive this desperate struggle but he hoped at least some would.

Such was his musings and search that he missed the loving gaze his charge bestowed upon him. That look would have sent even more shivers down his back. Despite the decent number of women who had declared their love for him, he had never cared to be looked upon thus. That is before Eilis. Even now, he was not sure of what his feelings for her were but he knew that he wanted to be with her and keep her safe.
To do so however, he needed to get her as far from this damned battle as he could and not only Tyrhallan, but now Tobi made the simple decision that much harder. If they could all just get on the same page and get the hell out of there, then he would not feel like he was breaking his promise to keep the young girl safe.

The Master Mage sensed a ripple in the Aether and turned to look down at Eilis. Remembering how she had used their connection to show him earlier where to find Tobi, he closed tried to feel what she saw. He guided their mount away from any close fighting as he followed the Thread that as connected to her.

“They’re over there…”

He felt more than saw the light pinpoints and the direction she meant. While he was not as skilled as a knight in guidng a battle Wyrm, the mage was descent enough to by pass most fighting. He dealt with any would be pursuers with lighting, the power enhanced by the natural and magically created storm clouds around them. Arn had learned early in his career that manipulating the natural forces was easier than creating them. His bolts where not only powerful and deadly but he also did not have to sacrifice much Mana.

“He’s in pain…They’re in trouble…We all need to leave…”

Her words caused the master mage to grit his teeth. If it were up to him, he would plunge head first into the fight and take as many with him to his ultimate end. A body littered with scars and a kill count that was staggering proved he was not a man who held back. Despite this, he had never been reckless. So he used his quick mind to come up with a plan. Thanks to unique connection with the Aether and his natural affinity and mastery developed through training, he was able to cast magic that only few could.
This meant that he was able to cast spells that only Tobi, Lornias or the others. Still attuned to the Aether and Eilis, he flew closer. His plan was one of two. Either he would use the electrically charged atmosphere to create an EMP that should disable the hulking ship that seemed to hold Tyrhallan or he would use a strong magnetic repulsion to send the armor clad opponent he could not see yet into the skies. No matter how strong you were, gravity was a bitch. At the least, either plan should provide an opening for the group to escape….the All Mother willing.

Ravros had become feverish with rage as the cut across his cheek had kept bleeding staining one side of his face whilst on the other side the dark red and purple veins shone through his skin, a mark of those that consumed Dursa’s poison.
The miracle booster however was not without cost…and it showed itself more and more as Tyrhallan kept clashing blades with Ravros.
Unlike his uncle, Tyrhallan was still very much in his prime and had always been pushed and strived towards improving his skill and talents. Had Tyrhallan perhaps cared less about his training and his duties he would have ended up like so many of the unfortunates that lay scattered all over the battlefield, with eyes that would never shut.
As their swords rang out in their meeting, with Tyrhallan holding the man off with great sacrifice of his own ki he had managed to keep Ravros from coming even one step closer to his uncle.
“Damn you boy! Get out of my way!” Ravros snapped at they wrestled for control, as steel pushed against steel and the release of ki flared and grew to such a point that it blasted around them.
“You can forget it...and don’t call me boy!” Tyrhallan bit back as he dug his toes and heels in ready to force him back.
“Miserable maggot I will swat you like the fly you are!” Ravros snapped as he released his pressure on the blade in an attempt to side step.
Tyrhallan however noticed the turn and turned with him, using his speed to avoid the reach of the coming blow only to reciprocate with his own, an elbow to the face.
Ravros groaned in pain staggering back gripping his face before swinging wildly, making Tyrhallan duck underneath in order to avoid it, charging Ravros in order to tackle him to the ground.
Using his ki he pushed off and ran straight into him, underneath the blow, catching him by his waist and using his forceful contact to push him over.
Ravros screamed in rage as he felt the knight captain connect with him, before he watched the world spin for a moment as he fell back against the deck.
Tyrhallan attempted to end the fight by bringing the blade down, but something unforeseen happened…
As the blade was about to come down on Ravros, the man gripped the blade, holding it off as his dark eyes burned holes into Tyrhallan’s. As blood dripped down the hand and wrist Tyrhallan watched in disbelief how Ravros had the strength to hold his blade off with merely his right hand.
But that didn’t last long before his left hand gripped him around his throat.
“I…am…going…to…KILL…you.” He promised darkly as he squeezed his lefthand tight, forcing Tyrhallan in a terrible choice.
The man had him…if he let up on the blade Ravros would most likely tear it from his hands and if he did nothing he wouldn’t be breathing for much longer.
He desperately tried to tear his blade free, but Ravros tightened his grip, much like the Nemorpa’s that would clench their jaws shut once they had caught their prey.
Infact he turned the situation around, Ravros regained his footing and raised Tyrhallan up with him.
“How about I break that arm of yours boy? Seems only fair as you spoiled my fun.” Ravros snidely commented. “Or maybe I should just toss you over the side and be done with you…” He regarded him for a moment as he made the knight captain gasp for air.
“Sweet dreams boy, this is the end of the line…” Ravros promised raising him even higher up.
Tyrhallan struggled as his vision darkened and his lungs burned. He gasped for air desperate to even take a breath that he released the hold on his sword only hearing it drop to the floor mere seconds later.
Desperately clawing with his hands at Ravros’s left hand in a final attempt to release the hold, as his legs were kicking and flailing weakly.
Ravros watched with satisfaction as he heard his opponents squeaky attempts at gathering air knowing it wouldn’t be long now.
One less Venray...He thought.
Tyrhallan’s hands trembled before they stopped, his vision had turned black and he was losing all feeling of pain in his body and all the emotions in his mind as it turned into nothingness. As the final slivers of light disappeared from his vision he even had stopped squeaking for breath.
He only felt himself falling onto the hard metal floor before hearing a monstrous roar coming from above him as two figures stood facing each other. His sights returning to him as the sudden motion and shock of the metal floor restarted his body and send the first of many painful intakes of breath back into his lungs.
Ravros roared as he gripped his left arm, which squirted blood as it now was missing a hand. The severed appendage having fallen to the floor with Tyrhallan, cleanly cut off by a masterful sword stroke.
Facing him stood Uilles.
The old General was breathing hard in an exhausted manner as he held Fatebringer and pointed it up at Ravros.
“Uilles you miserable rat!” Ravros screamed as he clutched his wounded arm.
“I…am not…going…to stand by…and watch…you murder my nephew.” The old General said showing more weariness and exhaustion after pulling this particular stunt as the blade trembled in his hand.
He had been rather cutting it close though… He hadn’t expected that he had needed to take this long to collect the precious ki he had left. The wounds Ravros had dealt him, must have taken more of a toll on him than he had expected.
No matter though, he wasn’t expecting to get out of this alive.
“Now run before I end you Ravros.” Uilles spoke knowing full well Ravros would call his bluff.
“I didn’t expect you to still have the strength for it old man…the boy should prize himself lucky a second or two more and he wouldn’t be waking ever again."
Tyrhallan still gasping and regaining his breath, tried to stand again to aid his uncle knowing that in rescuing him the man was signing away his life by using the ki that he should be using to keep himself alive with.
“Uncle…I can still fight…” He uttered forcing himself up on his feet grabbing a nearby weapon to have something to aid himself with.
“You both are mad if you think I will be surrendering to you, in fact you two should be pleading for your lives as we’ve just won the battle.” Ravros said picking up his own sword again.
Uilles winced at this looking at his nephew before gritting his teeth.
“I’ll never surrender to the likes of you! Nor plead for whatever life there’s left in me, if I am going to die I am taking your miserable hide with me.” He said.
“Now let’s finish this…” He promised as he charged at Ravros swinging Fatebringer at him.
Ravros met his blow with his own blade, easily forcing it away and opening up Uilles for him, bringing them up close. Uilles drew a dagger from his belt and stabbed Ravros up the armpit, watching the sheer indignation reflected in Ravros’s eyes at the unworthy attempt at ending him.
He headbutted him and kicked him down again, only to quickly bring his sword up again to avoid the cut at his neck from Tyrhallan.
“You Venray’s are all the same…no fucking honour! Await your turns you miserable ingrates! I will slaughter the both of you and mount your heads on fucking spikes!”
"You need to kill us first and if we're to die we are taking you with us!" Tyrhallan promised as he started attacking Ravros again.

The young mage and knight mounted her teal colored wyrm when she appeared out of the skies. A lot of training must have gone into the mount to enable it to return to her master even despite the hell that was happening around them. Distress was clearly painted on the mount’s face as it reacted to every noise and explosion. Alexa gave it a thankful and comforting pat on the pretty teal scaly neck. “Damn, you got her trained good sweet cheeks. I don’t know if I would have come back to get you if I was her.”

The blonde knight scoffed. “Well I am glad she does not think like you coward. Now come on, there is no time to loose. Captain Venray will need our help.” In a practiced and efficient manner, the pretty knight jumped onto the seat. An exasperated look told Tobi that he needed to hurry up. “Alright, geez. Do you even have a plan? Infatuation and recklessness don’t tend to hold up against guns and magic you know.” He gave her sarcastic look.

As soon as he was settled, his arms wrapped maybe way too tight around her midsection, the pair took off from the deck. The wyrm seemed to calm some with the strong, confident hands of Alexa on the reins. Her blue eyes searched the skies for hazards and looked towards the juggernaut of a ship where the two Venray lords were located. From behind her, Tobi asked again into her hear. “Seriously, do you have a plan?”

Looking down, the two young soldiers saw the battle unfold under them. However, this was done in burst because they had to evade air to air explosions and the odd attack from a Viemese aboard one of those annoying air craft. Suddenly, Alexa had and idea so she turned to Tobi to be heard. “Mage, are you able to fly one of those?” She pointed to the small craft. “Yeah, I suppose so. and call me Tobi. That is my proper name you know.” The young mage sounded not entirely sure despite his words. “Good, we will commandeer one. Neither of them will be happy about this but we are going to rescue them.”

Tobi rolled his eyes and exhaled exasperated. In his opinion, nobody ever thanked those that saved them against their will but Arn HAD asked them to retrieve Tyrhallan and apparently the silver haired knight would not leave without the older black armored knight. “Fine, but if you have been paying attention, we will only have one chance to do this. If that strong bastard they are fighiting catches us we will be dead meat for sure. Now lets go ahead and find us a ride you crazy girl.” In his mind he wondered why the hot girls were always crazy.

Soon enough their target came to them. One of the Vieamese single craft had them in their sights. While the wyrm was fast, it was not faster than the craft. However, even though no plan passed between them, the two pre-empted the other. Tobi shot a strong beam of light to blind the driver. A back flip of the teal wyrm and he fell upon the other man utilizing a burst of air to blow the armored enemy at the last second. “Ok blondie, now what?” Just as he asked, the two suddenly saw Tyrhallan on the grasp of the enhanced enemy.

“Noooo!” Alexa shouted as she spurred her mount onward. Having a bit of difficulty, due to the unfamiliar controls, Tobi was a few moments behind the pretty Brightblade. “There she goes again…half cocked and all emotion.” The young mage said but with an obvious smile on his face. Her reckless behaviour seemed to be alluring.

Thankflly to all of them, Arn was not far behind. Through Eilis, he sensed Tyrhallan’s life force flicker for a second. Like Alexa, he spurred his mount forward. Fate was bringing all of them together but would it prove to be their end?

Eilis opened her eyes trying to focus on the specific targets before them. Letting out a shuddering breath she tried to steady her heart and tried to reel in her fear.
This whole situation was madness, chaos and terror combined, a scene of ultimate horrific confusing where you simply charged into head first and prayed you would be either given a swift death or passed by by Death’s scythe today.
She cast a glance behind her at Arn who’s gaze had focused as she could feel the build up of Aether through the man.
The air crackled around his arms and hands, the energy gathering as it was called forth.
She shivered at the aura of sheer power that started the engulf the master mage.
Was she looking anything like that when she used her magic?
She couldn’t help but cast a glance at her hands and the fractured skin and the etched lines that had been carved into her.
Maybe one day she would understand why this curse was placed upon her, but for now they all needed to get out of this nightmare.
As her eyes focused on Tyrhallan again she took proper hold of the reins again.
Giving Arn a quick glance she said.
“You can’t fight if you have to do two things at the same time that are equally as taxing. I’ll guide Umbra, so you’ll be able to do whatever you have in mind.” She offered, before she sped the wyrm up, intending to join Arn’s friend, Tobi.

Ravros angrily roared in both pain and frustration, those two were more troublesome than he had first perceived. He always had known the old General, Uilles, had always been a stubborn, annoying and persistent pest, ever since he first met him. His son or nephew or whatever that hellspawn of his was proved to be equally trying.
Were it not for the fact that they had cut his arm off Ravros had actually imagined himself placing their heads on spikes to parade through the capital city, not only as a show of dominance and strength, but also to prove to all those that dared oppose the empire that their time was running out.
Now however…He wasn’t sure the outcome would be in his favour.
As he clenched his jaws shut he glared at the two of them.
The poison certainly had helped, but to have been crippled to such a degree facing such experienced swordfighters such as the Venrays? It was a death sentence waiting to happen.
Not even he would stand a chance… Ravros knew that all too well and it frustrated him beyond reason.
Where was his justice? Where was the Karmic retribution that was supposed to come? It seemed the Goddess played cruel tricks on him, giving him a flicker of hope before extinguishing the flame by dropping it in an ice cold bath.
So long as he kept trusting in Destiny and Fate, it would spit in his face and laugh at him, well he was done being laughed at.
It was time to settle the score and even if it meant he would die in the attempt.
But that didn’t mean he couldn’t bring at least one of them down with him.
He eyed Tyrhallan who took his fighting stance once more, switching places with the old General.
The bastard was quick as lightning, he already had been a pain when he still had had both arms, but he hadn’t been undefeatable. In fact, he believed that it was perhaps even in his favour, considering the boy didn’t know him.
Saying a little prayer in the his mind he mirrored Tyrhallan’s fighting stance, it was said that it was the worst kind of pain one could inflict on a parent was it not?

The two sisters overlooked the chaos and madness of the battlefield. Scylla sighed in dismay at the mess they were forced in.
“Of all the people in the world I think I ‘hate’ her the most.” She grumbled to her sister who snorted at it.
“Only because she proved a difficult catch and the fact that she stands in the way of ‘our freedom’. I remember not too long ago you and I both agreed she is a necessary evil regardless of the events that will unfold.”
“You so easily say such things sister, but you forget that I have to do all the heavy lifting here.” Another sigh followed.
“Whatever your feelings were for him let it go. You of all people should know not to form attachments, he took advantage of you it was as simple as that and like all those who went before him he too will get his comeuppance.”
Scylla remained silent glaring at her sister before relenting.
“You’re right. You’re always right.” Her eyes scanned over the many peoples fighting and dying.
“You’d think they’d be easy to spot…” Scylla grumbled before a red flash pulled her immediate attention. The silvery hair...it was a Venray! And that meant that the girl would be nearby too…” Her eyes searched the surrounding area before stifling a cry of joy.
There they were, the human torch and their slippery little target.
Perhaps things would finally go according to plan after all.
She sighed in contentment making her sister aware of her find by staring ahead at it smirking madly.
Her sister noticed soon enough.
“So that is her? She is somehow smaller then I imagined her…and the man with her would be that fire-mage you warned me about. Well, it seems they are headed for that frigate.” A silence fell as she clearly noticed the others closing in.
“This changes things…they…are still alive…”
Scylla turned to her sister curiously.
“Vilca, what do you mean?”
The sister turned and pointed out the young blonde knight and the young man not too far behind her. “I saw them die in the blast… as well as the two other knights currently fighting…” She said pointing at the individuals.
“They’re not supposed to be alive…”
“Maybe your visions were wrong.” Scylla commented with a slight tease.
“Sister! This is no laughing matter! This means that things have changed…something has happened that has influenced all of this." Vilca started pondering trying to visualize the visions she had seen. She had been quite certain...
"Maybe the Great Mother finally took pity on her poor creations...and decided to lend a hand." Scylla blasphemed earning her a glare from her sister, but who remained quiet for the moment.
Rolling her eyes Scylla then turned to the next obvious conclusion.
“Do you think it is the fault of Tourmaline? That he’s overcome her soul and taken over?”
“I don’t know, but it is most troubling indeed. If he has then it might spell trouble for us...the man after all had been able to outmanuever the Tahjai and aside from them no one really knew what he was up to."
"Didn't your scrying give you any answers on the matter?"
Vilca shook her head slightly, making the veil move. "Just because I can see visions doesn't mean I see them in the correct order or even related to one another. It is like being fed images. In order to understand them you must be able to connect them to certain events. Even the slightest of changes and make the greatest of difference and visions don't always come true...as people are able to change on a whim...
Regardless, we must focus on the girl. Her capture now is of the utmost importance.” Her sister's voice had an edge of ...desperation? to it.
It gave Scylla pause and caused a slight shiver to run accross her back.
“What do you suggest we do?”
“I suggest we go in and snatch her at the most opportune moment. They clearly seem intend to aid one another…so let them…let them have their little victory, it will put them at ease and will be short lived when we swoop in and snatch her. Get in and get out. That’s all we really have to do here.” There the determination was back again...maybe she had imagined it.
Scylla nodded, as she looked at the figures not able to suppress the sting of concern for one of them in particular. If he was supposed to have died...would that mean that it still was possible?

Tyrhallan dashed forward the red and white blur back on the attack again as Ravros too now went on the offensive to counter him before he could build up his speed. Swords clashed violently and Ravros managed to force his ki into the blow to throw Tyrhallan off.
Tyrhallan however this time wasn’t as willing to play along, he allowed Ravros to cast him off only to activate the boosters in his armour to launch him back twice as hard, forcing Ravros on the defensive. The flurry of cuts that danced before his eyes were meant to distract and dazzle him, one wrong move and he would be unable to avoid the killing blow.
The boy was good…
Whether by sheer skill or stupid luck Ravros managed to tilt his head out of the way feeling the wind rush past his face and hearing the soft zing in the air as the cold steel sang mere hairs away from his face and neck.
He spun his leg around attempting to kick Tyrhallan to the ground but was met by Tyrhallan’s own ki infused countering his kick just as hard, having anticipated the move.
Swords kept clashing further as Ravros felt his strength waning, sapped away by the wound on his arm. If untreated he would end up bleeding to death and he did not fancy that particular end.
From the side Uilles stood there, his legs trembling and his breathing heavy and exhausted. His eyesight started to blur and he knew that he would be in no position to help Tyrhallan anymore, though the boy currently did fine on his own. The blow Uilles had dealt him had tipped the scales into their favour, it was simply a matter of time now…
He turned his eyes back to the city before them.
The battle however was a minor victory in comparison to the siege of Olysium. His eyes flitted to the remnants of the once mighty walls and castle. It lay in ruins now, smoke and dust rose from the city and the roar of fire and screams echoed through the air. He hoped they all had made it out…he would be of no help to them now. It was over… The capital had fallen, their forces were crushed. Only rebellion awaited them.
That such a dark day would be his to experience…
He closed his eyes in pain, both physical and emotionally drained from all of it.
Exhausted his limbs gave way, his breathing slowed to a halt and the mighty general fell as Fate bringer was released again clattering to the floor.
Tyrhallan in the thrall of battle had not yet noticed pushing even harder and striking even faster in an attempt to bring Ravros down and end this once and for all.
It wasn’t until he effectively disarmed him, spinning underneath the man’s arm and stepping in to capture the sword, literally snatching the blade from a bewildered Ravros, who cursed aloud in anger.
Tyrhallan smirked a cunning smile before his eyes fell upon a figure lying on the ground, catching sight of him as he had but glanced over Ravros’s shoulder.
"Uncle..."
Disbelief boggled the Knight Captain catching him unaware, a moment Ravros used to try and get hold of his weapon again, causing a struggle between the two.

The Aether surged and pulsed. The Hellspawn was summoning huge amounts of energy. His Thread strained as he coaxed more and more energy from the surrounding skies. The aura around him was so charged that it was almost opaque instead of the usual translucent sheen. Eilis was sure to feel the power but should not feel fear by it. Instead, at this moment, he was akin to the power of a tornado or the magnificent of lighting.

Arn could feel the fear that emanated from his protégé not only because of his current connection to the Thread but also because of their own. He wanted to comfort her. To tell her that it would be ok. That he would protect her and no harm would come to her. In his mind, he saw the dark shadow of Tourmanaline. Even now, he could remember how the ancient mage’s power had felt. It had drawn him in. What sort of feats would he be able to do if he could tap into that power? What sort of awe inspiring feats would the dark mage be able to do through Arn?

Even amidst the chaos of the sky battle, though it was beginning to tell that the small pockets of resistance were slowly becoming less and less, the master mage found himself alone. Much like the way Eilis sensed spiritual energy like dots of light, currently, Arn could sense the tug and pull of those he was close to. Not far off, he could sense the battle raging on the deck of the mighty Viemese Imperator. Tobi’s bright energy seemed to be heading towards the red hot warrior energy of Tyrhallan.

At least the little fool was trying to follow his orders, The master mage thought. Eilis voice seemed to speak directly to his mind. The din of battle would have drown out her soft voice. Was this something to do with the fact that he felt closer to her due to the spirit communion with the dark being inside her? Was their Thread that much more intertwined. A sudden dark thought crossed his mind. What if the connection that had first drawn him to the lovely lady was not that of a soul mate but rather, the magnetism of the powerful entity inside her?

The Master Mage shook his head and closed his glowing eyes. He had to concentrate, already, his body was beginning to strain much the same like that of his young charge. The muscles of his shoulders, hands and fingers began to feel as if he had been digging through pebbles. However, the master mage was sure that his current pain was nothing compared to what the poor girl felt. This knowledge raised a need in his soul to free her from experiencing such pain again.

“You can’t fight if you have to do two things at the same time that are equally as taxing. I’ll guide Umbra, so you’ll be able to do whatever you have in mind.”

Arn nodded to the offer by the lovely blonde and relinquished the reins. On his left he saw the young female knight and close behind her the dusty hair of his young squad mate. In front of his, he saw Tyrhallan and the black armored brute fighting. It was now or never. Gritting his teetch as if he was trying to lift a great weight and letting out a roar as the energy was released from his hands like an avenging bolt of lighting. The energy surged forward in a zig zag pattern breaching the gap between Arn and the main bridge of the flying hulk.

The blue white energy that was released positively crackled and popped terrifyingly. The Master Mage’s body trembled as he fed more and more energy to the long column of electricity. The ozone became charged and hot. With a thunderous crash, the bolt of wild lighting hit the hull of the ship and made it groan. It even made it list slightly to one side. The unlucky occupants of the bridge were cooked alive as pure raw energy coursed through their bodies. Equipment and gear fared worse as they lost all power. The ship suddenly started to veer towards it port and down. Not even alarms sounded as the great metal hulk began to plummet.

Arn sank into the saddle behind Eilis utterly spent. He took ragged breaths as if he had just ran a great distance. His arms wrapped around the waist of his protégé seeking not only an anchor but also protectively. “I hope that is enough to pull the captain from the frey….If you see an opening Eilis, we must head out. I will not be much help for a little while.”

Tobi and Alexa had managed to land on the deck of the ship moments before the Hellspawn had released the fearsome bolt. Tyrhallan was doing well and the young mage hoped that the fight would soon be won. A shriek rang out to his left where Alexa had landed her wyrm. With an athletic hop she had gotten off her mount. Her pretty face was twisted in what looked like pain and horror. Being unable to just leave the flying vehicle he had commandeered, the dusty haired lad instead followed the path of her line of sight.

Suddenly, the reason for her distress was obvious. The elder knight who had inspired such vigor from the troops at the start of the battle was on the floor unmoving. A credit to his profession, the elder man had sunken down only to his knees and not fully succumbed. As Alexa reach the body and lifted up the grey head calling out desperately the old man’s name, it was obvious that little life, if any remained in the body of the elder Venray.

“General! GENERAL!!”

The wails came from the blonde lass. Suddenly, the electric bolt struck as if trying to avenge the death of the commander of the Belesian forces. The ship rocked and Fate Bringer began to slide off. The young knight made a grab for it, letting go of the General’s body that fell to the ground just as Tyrhallan looked back. Alexa’s hand closed on the grip of the sword as if the weapon was possessing her. It was believed, that the soul of a warrior rested on their weapon. With tears in her eyes, she propelled herself forward. “You dammed bastard! I’ll kill you!” Her voice called in challenge as she had to put effort in lifting the Venray blade over her head aiming to cleave Ravos from head to toe taking advantage of the slight opening caused by the sudden jerk.

The sword came down just as the ship began its downward descent. The anti-grav engines fleeting in and out of power. Hopefully, the Viemese knight would have to make a choice in either letting go of Tyrhallan and evading the blow or meet the sharp edge of the ancestral Venray blade.

As Eilis send Umbra racing towards the ship she could feel the tremble of Arn’s magic behind her, the trapped Aether building up ready to be unleashed upon his picked target. As the Aetherial mass seemed to build Eilis could not help but fear that Arn was going perhaps too far with it.
It was almost as if he was purposefully was copying her and if that were the case Eilis could never forgive herself for what she had inspired the master mage to do.
A quick glance behind her brought pain and tears to her eyes. Worry flitted through her mind, not for her, but for him.
"Arn." She whispered her voice pleading, knowing he would not be able to hear her, when so enthralled in the arms of such powerful magic.
A voice softly spoke to her, one she had heard many times before in the back of her mind and hidden away in the shadow of her memories.

“There will be an end to all of this my dear, life and death’s struggle will continue long after we have passed. We are but fragments and specks of dust, scattered through time and wind. Our existence is nothing more than a drop within the pool of Aether, to expect anything more is selfish, unnatural and ultimately drowned in its own madness.”

She watched Arn fire off his attack in shock and horror, bringing such destruction to the frigate that its own fate was sealed, groaning and creaking it started to plummet down.
She couldn’t help but feel an involuntary shiver witnessing all of it. Not but seconds after feeling the man collapse behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist and feeling him lean against her exhausted, breathing raggedly, but still stubbornly protective.
]“I hope that is enough to pull the captain from the fray….If you see an opening Eilis, we must head out. I will not be much help for a little while.”

“You know what is to come my dear…you know it is all pointless.” It spoke again.
Eilis bit back sharply.
“Shut up! I won’t listen to you.”
She focused on Arn again, forcing her eyes and mind back to him and back to the battle before them.
She pulled Umbra’s reins, making the beast halt its progress as a collision with one of the ship’s turrets needed to be avoided. She could now see Tobi and Tyrhallan, only a short distance away.

“The harder the struggle, the tighter the noose around their neck grows. Only acceptance of the inevitable will focus us on our one true goal.” The voice kept speaking.
“Your own soul is not going to be able to hold me back and you know it my dear. Neither will you be able to protect any of them…you are not much use for anything really.” It pointed out.

She felt herself inwardly agreeing on that count. What bloody use was she? She constantly was in danger or a danger to those she claimed to call friends. Those whom she professed to…
She tried not to look behind her feeling the warm protective hands still around her waist.
To love...
Shaking her head she dismissed the self-deprecating argument.
“I won’t let you erase me.” She whispered back stubbornly. “I want to live…even if that means living in pain. I won’t let you just take over my body and execute whatever it is you’re planning.” She spoke as determination filled her.

“Only one of us can win this dear and you neither have the knowledge, nor the skill to defeat me. You barely are able to fight me now.” The voice spoke in a calm and collected manner. “All I have to do is wait…and once I am done with you I can finally focus on fulfilling my goals.”
Eilis saw the image of a man in dark satin robes, his eyes blind as he walked towards an underground lake surrounded by crystals. No, not a lake, but something else, something thicker, more unnatural and haunting as it seemed to emanate its own light.
“To stop the destruction of our world, we need to make sacrifices sometimes…”
“Sacrifices are nothing but murder when people don’t have a choice.”
“Exactly my point my dear. I didn’t do anything of the sort though. There are those that claim I mercilessly and unthinkingly scattered a myriad of lives to the wind. I am no general though…my motivations always have been to safeguard Ith and all those living on her.
Now what is one life in comparison to say a thousand or even a million? Those that were offered always went willingly…They offered hope to the hopeless and strength to the powerless…”
"The rite has always been performed. Always."

At his words an image formed of a terrifying construction, the shadow looming over her as she widened her eyes in disbelief.
A gargantuan monstrosity of black steel and wires. Whirring and whizzing as the energetic spark of life fizzed through it, seeming like some giant mouth to an endless tunnel, with strange amber light stabbing her eyes with its intensity. This thing seemed terribly out of place.
As it lumbered about her the limbs and claws on it were pure nightmare fuel and as she heard the whirl of cogs, gears spring into place. The heaving, rise and fall of arms connected to pistons and gods knew what else almost sounded like breathing, the creaking and clacking of metal upon metal caused it to vibrate and move of its own accord.
It’s shadow seemed reminiscent of that of some sort of titanous crab or spider.
She felt herself being pulled in by its rhythm, bit by bit, getting closer, moving towards the thing as its closeness now allowed her to see within the gaping entrance.
Something had been obscured and blocked by the alluring light, her eyes widened horrified with the realization.
Attempting to turn away and leave made her clash against a glass wall that had conveniently shut itself behind her. Trapping her as she felt and heard the snapping and cutting of sheers and scissors, as the sharp fanged wheels and blades started to slowly spin into action.
“Let me out!” She heard the voice of a young male as the machine sprang into further life behind her, watching as a young handsome man barely out of his teens slammed with his fist against the glass next to her.
“All things end eventually…think of how your sacrifice will save all of Ith, you will help save all of us…” She heard Tourmaline speak. “And don’t worry…your brother will join you soon…” She watched as Tourmaline calmly smiled at the man, almost to reassure him. “What have you done?” She breathed in horror and worry, but he seemed to pay her no mind.
“Soon you’ll give me the strength to set things right again.”
Eilis wasn’t sure what Tourmaline meant with it, nor who he was speaking to at that moment and that thought frightened her more than all what she had experienced and seen before.
Had it not been for Arn’s concerned whisper of her name. Hearing his voice drew her back from her visions and back to the battlefield again
or she might have seen the horror that she presumed to have happened to the young man.
She could kiss the master mage for his interference and told herself to do exactly that after they escaped this whole ordeal.
Still first things first…Tyrhallan.

She watched a female knight sprint toward Tyrhallan and the other knight fighting as the body of Uilles started to slide off the deck and fall away.
Bringing Umbra in close she forced it next to Tobi and his vehicle.
“This ship is going down…you need to get airborne again!” She told the young mage before worriedly
looking into the direction of the other three, before unbuckling herself and removing Arn’s arms from her waist. “Keep him safe.” She pleaded, before she jumped off the dragon and allowed herself to skid downwards across the deck towards the trio.

Ravros watched the crazed blonde coming holding Fatebringer aloft.
That wench is mad.
"Tell your princess to fuck off!" He roared at Tyrhallan, using the knight captain to shield him from the incoming blade. He used his body weight to throw the knight captain off balance, a risky move that brought the blades close by, but startled his opponents enough to be able to swat the girl, by knocking the man into her. Forcing her away and on her heels. Releasing the blade he gave her a swing from the back of the arm and elbow of his cut off arm, forcing her off balance again.
Feeling the ship keel over to one side, its speed increasing as it started to plummet down faster and more rapidly, clearly having engine failure, he knew time was set against him.
Using this sudden change in balance he allowed himself to slid down the side and avoid the Knight Captain’s incoming swing, before he grabbed onto the girl. Harshly pinning her against him, so she couldn’t use the blade, locking her in a tight embrace and forcing her to be his literal shield as his hand clamped down on her neck.
Ravros’s gamble paid off as he watched the red speeding blur stop instantly, the Knight Captain’s weapon but inches away from the both of them.
Literally a breath away from driven into their chests.
Feeling the deckrailing behind him as a support, Ravros dared to smile as he watched the unrivaled hatred in Tyrhallan’s eyes staring out from underneath and through the silvery locks. Angry at this untimely stand off.
“What are you going to do now boy?” He asked as his hand clamped down further on her throat, choking the life out of Alexa.
“If you move or she moves she’s dead. Believe me, I’ll easily crush her windpipe or snap her neck before you even take a step. And with nothing to lose I have no qualms in sticking it to you and the old man. You’re not going to be quick enough to save her. If I am going to die, she’ll join me.” He promised.
Tyrhallan snarled in fury, before with clenching teeth he lowered his weapon. Too many had died today, Brightwind's was avoidable, therefore as a proper knight he should attempt to save it.
“You don't want to die, I know that and so do you." He allowed a little silence to fall between them. "A trade then… let her go and you can have your vengeance on me. See if you can flee and live afterwards though.”
Ravros’s smile widened in a sickening manner as he spat.
“Your life for hers? My, my how honourable of you Venray. How 'knightly' of you...Too bad I ain’t buying it! Your Uncle did me dirty once and cost me dearly! There will be no wiggling out of this deal! So you first Venray! Take her blade and run yourself through! And after I see the light leave your eyes, she’s free to leave and die in whatever manner she deems worthy.” He said holding her struggling form.
Tyrhallan considered this and nodded.
"Deal." He let his weapon to fall from his hand, before looking into Alexa’s eyes with a calm almost gentle gaze.
Shaking his head to silence her protests he softly he told her.
“Don’t worry Brightwind, you’ll be fine. It will all be fine.” He promised as his gloved and armoured hand gently took Fatebringer over from her hand, hearing her on her protests with a wistful smile.
As he raised Fatebringer up he steadied himself turning the blade towards himself.
He had not intended on ritual suicide to be his end, but he doubted many that had died this day had planned on dying in the first place.
Still he would do so standing with the dignity and honour that befell a Venray.
He, Alexa nor Ravros noticed the trembling blade Tyrhallan had held before. Raised inches from the floor, floating there, before a cry drew their attention as a familiar face of a tattooed female mage slid towards them with quite some speed.
“Try this on for size!” She yelled as she had zero control over her own behind and legs sliding across the deck, but her arms were outward stretched towards them, crackling with magic and lightened up as she had done before. Drawing eyes away from the actual target.
The blade tilted with a snap and flew upwards stabbing Ravros in his wrist.
With a anguished cry he pulled back his hand, forced to let go of Alexa, whom Tyrhallan instantly pulled close and behind him not wanting to risk a similar situation again as Eilis slid up to them and managed to latch herself onto one of the metal rings on deck.
Ravros roared in pain as the blade was buried deep enough to not just come loose with some violent shaking and with a final slice of Fatebringer across his neck, the three watched Ravros attempt to grab his neck before tumbling backwards into the depth below.
Eilis turned to Tyrhallan who quickly sheathed Fatebringer.
He in turn grabbed onto her and Alexa, knowing there would not be much time left.
“Hold on!” He said pulling both women close and activating his jetpack and boosters, hovering in the air and watching the Vaimese behemoth of a ship fall further down.
Eilis sighed loudly in relief.
“For a moment there I was afraid I would not make it…”
“How am I supposed to admonish you two… Still...Never, Ever, do that again!” Tyrhallan said with a sigh looking at both women before making his way towards Umbra and Tobi’s vehicle.

The wind rushed in Arn’s ears as the wyrm maneuvered thanks to Eilis’s guidance. It could also be the blood that made his head pound. The Aether exhaustion was starting to set in. Thankfully, he was experienced enough that he was not having full on Dark Sight. Still, there was splotches in his vision and his head felt fuzzy. So much so that sound was distorted. He blinked his eyes every now and then and for the life of him, the master mage could swear that he was hearing voices. But it sounded too garbled as if his head was underwater.

Compared to other mages, the Hellspawn was actually doing quite well. He was somewhat conscious, able to wrap his hands around the small waist of his charge and even mumble a warning or two as the blonde guided their mount to the Knight Captain. Arn figured he would have some choice words with the man. Then again, he could not understand Tyrhallan’s need to go and save his uncle. It appeared that the man was not a complete knight zombie after all.

The master mage himself should have those choice words be told to him. Here he was, putting the woman he had sword to protect at risk to save the white haired knight, and his own apprentice. There it was, he cared enough about Tobi to call him his apprentice. Arn would never tell Tobi this or the boy would not let him live it down. That was, if they were able to get out this alive.

So stubborn was the ex Shooting Star in making sure he kept his promise that he did what few would dare. He closed his eyes and attempted to enter the restorative meditation that all mages knew. Usually, this was done in a place of silence and comfort. Safety was also a big concern because it left the mage vulnerable in the half sleep state.

However, thanks to this and his connection to the young girl, he was able to make out some of the things that were being discussed in her head. Yet, the voice still sounded as if was coming from a deep tunnel. He could feel the distress in Eilis’s Thread. Arn decided that not immediate danger was present so he decided to concentrate on his own Thread.

His ability to relax and concentrate was nothing sort of a miracle. His arms remained on the young woman’s waist, tight enough to hold on to her but not too tight to prevent her from leaving him. His breath became more stable. The tired and worn muscles in his body very slowly began to relax. The heart beat began to moderate. The master mage would not have been this calm if he knew the conversation his poor protégé was having but it was for the better. In his current state, he would be nothing more than a handicap.

Every now and then, he could feel a resonance in the Thread that connected him to her. Probably what a spider feels when a fly has been trapped. But the vibrations were much too small for him to really study and currently, his mind was focusing on working the Aether and manipulating it so that it refreshed his spent body. It was said that a true master would be able to utilize the life force of the Aether to become immortal. Was this perhaps how Tormaline had achieved his longevity? It was a lecherous existence to be sure but to be able to transcend the boundaries of life and death, was still worthy to be noted.

The vibrations became wilder in the Thread and made Arn become all too aware that there was something that was distressing Eilis. He regained awareness enough to weakly whisper her name in her ear. The warmth that usually accompanied any time they were touching seemed to flicker as if trying to comfort her. Yet, it was more like an electric burst of a firefly than a warming hearth. Still, after he called out to her, the vibrations stopped and he returned to his half wakened state.

Arn felt the connection between them strain as Eilis left him in the care of Tobin. The master mage slumped forward on the mount but was still astride the Wyrm whom was a nervous reck. Clawed talons skittered on the deck trying to find purchase as the big leviathan of a ship creaked and groaned. The young mage turned to his master and groaned.

“Ah man, you look like shit.” He reached out and grabbed the reins of Umbra and adding power to the magic repulsors, made his own flying contraption begin an easy ascent. The motion of the flapping wyrm made things difficult at first but once both were hovering, it was easier to led her.

In the mean time, the blonde knight gritted her teeth as she put all her weight behind the downward slash. The sword of the dead general was decepteviley heavy. It was heavy enough to put Alexa off balance. The female knight grunted as the silverhaired captain bumped into her. She managed to snarl at Ravos and was readying another slash when she caught the back handed strike from the bloody stump. She added her own blood to that left behind by the strike as Ravo’s blood squirted out.

Alexa spat out the blood in her busted mouth and shirieked as she charged the enemy. It was to no avail as the sudden change in inclination not only made her footing be tricky but she ran straight into the waiting arms of the Viemese. She struggled against the dead grip of the man but in vain. She was unable to bring the blade to do much good or damage. Suddenly, she felt the strong grip of the man’s hand on her throat.

A sudden surge of pain and desperation rose inside her. She had been in situations like this before but the strength of the other man seemed to nullify any effort she made. Her training was for naught against the noose like hand. Her air was slowly leaving her and a buzzing in her ears had begun. The young girl’s eyes began to fill with water. Her struggling became less and less.

When Ravos warned off Tyrhallan, Alexa gritted her teeth and tried to tell the knight captain to kill the bastard but only managed a hiss and gurgling sound. When the silverhaired Venray offered his life for exchange of hers, a sudden surge of strength returned and she tried to struggle, especially when her lord took Fatebringer from her hands. “N…OO…N..o” Alexa tried to prevent the captain from making that deal.

“Don’t worry Brightwind, you’ll be fine. It will all be fine.”

Anger began to well up in her. By the All Mother, how could her lord be so stupid. There was nothing that would prevent the Viemese from killing her once he died. She wished the Knight Captain would runt he blade of the ancestral sword through both of them. The young knight would gladly give her life to kill this foe who had bested General Uilies and who had managed to fend off the famed Venray Captain. “Live you fool, we need you alive.” Her brain screamed as darkness started to creep in on the edges of her vision. She could not even swallow so her saliva dripped off in drool from the corners of her mouth.

“Try this on for size!”

A cry came just before the darkness began to take her. Alexa felt the impact of something and immediately felt the release of her neck. She fell to the side, forgotten as Tyrhallan’s blade dove deep into the man’s flesh. With a thud and a grunt she fell to the metal deck. Her breath came in gasps and she was dizzy. It was all she could do to hold on to the knight captain and not follow the body of their general to the sky. Still unfocused and seeing sparkles, Alexa saw the man’s neck flow red and saw his body plummet.

“Hold on!”

The young girl did as she was told with whatever strength she could muster. She could still feel the pressure of the big man’s hand on her throat. Had he crushed her windpipe? No she could still breath. It produced a wheezing sound but she could draw breath. The flew vertically and to the side. Her vision slowly returned to normal.

Not too far away, Tobin saw them and rushed as much as he could bringing the wyrm behind him. The young mage noticed a problem however, There was only room for two of them. “Damn it, where the hell is Alexa’s wyrm” The lad said desperately. As if to answer his desperate wish, a teal colored streak made its way towards them. “Thank Gia, there is that stupid beautiful beast.” The young mage hoped that they could all depart from the chaotic skies.

Arn was still in his meditative state but sleepily looked up to see the trio flying towards him like some sort of dream. The closer Eilis came, the more he sensed her. A slight smile appeared on his face. His body could not help it. This was a natural reaction to sensing his lovely charge close. Even if he was not fully aware, his mind and soul knew how important Eilis was to him. He would do anything for her. The master mage already had decided in his heart that Tourmaline would inhabit his charge no longer than was needed to get the necessary equipment and consumables needed. She would be free.

As Eilis climbed back onto Umbra and settled herself in front of Arn again she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Feeling the comfort and safety of the master mage behind her soothed her and she allowed herself to lean backwards for a moment, against him as she whispered.
"I am sorry, I know I probably made you worry, but I saw no other way..." She kept her voice low and too soft to be heard by the others.
Those others were quite busy themselves, Tyrhallan helped Alexa get back on her own dragon, before he whistled for Viscera to join them again.
A shrill cry followed from far above, obscured by the smoke and the grey clouds that had filled the Upper Sky.
Suddenly a shadow flickered in between before it dove down and showed off its speed and agility as it plummeted rapidly to their level only breaking at the final and crucial moment.
Tyrhallan shook his head and sighed.
"Show off," It scolded it with a half smile while he powered his boosters down, before shutting them off completely climbing back into the saddle as well.
In front of them the last defiant ships either tucked their tail and ran attempting to escape the onslaught of the larger frigates that gave chase whilst others were blown to bits and send ablaze down into the certain death of the depths of the Deep Sky.
Tyrhallan observed it with tightened fists as he grabbed and held the reins of Viscera. The expression he held was one devoid of colour, a grim and empty expression and very off from his usual warm gaze and colourful eyes.
He watched on allowing his eyes to fall on their failure. Belisio's defeat and the current conquering of Olysium as Imperial troops had started pouring into the city.
The once mighty walls were breached in more than one place as some of the frigates had forcefully rammed them causing even more chaos and destruction.
The flames of several fires lit up sections of the city and where once the mighty castle had been only a smoking ruin remained. The high towers had collapsed completely and the main hall had been blown into the sky.
The cries and screams that howled through the air tore at the heartstrings and were partially smothered by the sounds of the last remaining struggles.
Tyrhallan forced himself away turning to the others.
"We need to leave...we don't have...we don't have much time, they'll be too occupied with the spoils of war to focus on us, but I'd rather not test Fate's hand or patience in this."
He eyed Toby for a second and said. "You'd better get onto Brightwind's mount, for we don't know how long the vehicle you've commandeered will last. I however owe you thanks, for without your aid I am certain I would not be standing here."
He was well aware of his own insignifigance in the whole ordeal...
His blood boiled and his heart bled and cried out for those lost and forsaken, those who they were forced to leave at the mercy of the Empire.
Their stronghold against the Empire was lost.
Olysium once symbol of the stubborn defiance against the might of the Empire now lay shattered and beaten at the Empire's feet.
The grounds beneath them were torn to sunder, carved and hacked up. Bodies lay strewn about, some wole, some not, the horror and anguish still etched as a final expression on their faces. Others were buried underneath broken beams or had fallen upon their shields.
And at the least those were fortunate enough to have fallen upon the land. Their families would be able to give them some sort of send off. Bury them with dignity and honour.
How many could not be found back because they had been cast into the depths of the Deep Sky. Lost to the abyss from where no body was ever retrieved, Ravros and his Uncle would be included to the many that could only be mourned for by keeping their memories alive.
His Uncle...
For his Uncle, the Great General to share such a fate.
Tyrhallan's jaw tightened as his face hardened.
"We need to move. For your sakes Brightwind and Young Master Taylor I suggest you both come with us. We'll explain our own destination to you later. Right now...we need to get out of here, before we do draw unwanted attention to ourselves." He turned his attention to Eilis nodding once as he gave a meaningful look.
"After all we have a promise to keep."
Eilis eyed him with no small amount of guilt.
She instinctively looked down, knowing what Tyrhallan meant with those words.
They had promised Uilles they would figure out why they were after her, that she took priority and she couldn't help but feel that it was because of her that they had felt torn between helping her and defending the city.
It was a silly notion of course, but not one she could easily dismiss.
She gave a soft nod back, forcing herself to speak a little louder and clearer.
"We'd best go...we promised Uilles after all."
A cackle sounded from above them, startling them all from their reverie.
Two figures descended, both on brooms it almost looked comical if the persons themselves were not deadly serious and their cackle was not a laugh that sprang forth from joy.
A familiar face and one rather omnious one.
"Well..well..well...what do we have here? Hmm?" The familiar voice of Scylla spoke as she descended to their level with her sister in tow.
Her shadows danced about her, like translucent shrouds and bits of cloth, swaying in the breeze, whilst her sister's veiled face barely moved.
"I spy with my pretty eye quite some people that were going to die."
Tyrhallan's expression darkened as he positioned himself in front of the others.
"And I see a couple of vultures circling about, finally showing their presence when the dead no longer have the strength to fight off their coldhearted corpsepecking."
Scylla snorted whilst her sister remained quiet.
"As eloquent as ever and still pretending to be a moral little busybody I see. Tell me princeling, what good has your honour brought? How many have you dragged down to their deaths with you as for the sake of defending a lost cause...just like you're doing now."
"The fight isn't over Scylla, you haven't won yet!"
"I see a sacked city and a couple of dogs running with their tails tucked between their legs seeking a safe place to hide...give it up princeling, this time there is no happy ending, not for those that have died nor for you. This. This is the end of the road little prince, time to stop dreaming and face the facts." Scylla reasoned whilst she pointed at herself and her sister.
"We both are still at our full power, you on the other hand sport several wounds."
"Don't think I'll go down that easily Scylla, I still am strong enough to skewer you both." He said with a low growl in his voice.
Scylla scoffed at that notion.
"Oh my dear you're bluff is precious but we both know that your ki is still recovering from the previous fight..." She pointed at the rest of them. "As for your 'companions' you have a wiped out mage who's closer to passing out than actually casting a spell.
What remains are an inexperienced young pup and a spoiled little princess that probably never experienced real hardship before...if you're counting on those to aid you then you must be more desperate than I thought." Scylla replied as she watched Tyrhallan's hand lightly rest upon the hilt of his sword.
"You're forgetting me..." Eilis spoke defiantly, before Scylla rolled her eyes at that.
"My dear I am not forgetting you, I am simply trying to avoid more bloodshed by telling your watchdog to go back into his kennel. I was going to get to you in a minute, but since you're so eager to speed the inevitable let me oblige you."
Eilis kept her eyes on Scylla, staring at her and her sister, who up until now had made no sound and made no action.
It caused great nervousness in her, the woman seemed almost indifferent to the tense situation in front of her and yet the was no sign she even was aware of it at all.
"You...my dear little pumpkin, you know that you're outmatched. You can feel it, go ahead...take a look in the Aether. You'll see that I am right." Scylla said as she brought her hand up, inspecting her nails with a quasi bored expression, clearly deciding that all this talk was merely a formality. A road one had to take before they could return home.
Eilis allowed herself to follow up on Scylla's suggestion, as her spirit even dipped into the Aether field the overwhelming pressure of power blasted back at her.
Her face drained as she looked up at Scylla and the other woman again, which Scylla noticed and offered her a wicked grin in return.
"There you go...now you know darling. Now. I suggest you heed my following words and consider them very carefully."
Scylla made a simple flourish with her hand as she spoke.
"I'll leave your friends alone, they'll be allowed to make their escape to whatever place has their fancy and we will not stop them provided that you willingly give yourself up now. We will take you back to our master, who has requested your presence."
Eilis's eyes widened realising she was offered a devil's bargain.
Her hands trembled, both in anger and fear, knowing full well that going with them would probably be tantamount to a death sentence or worse.
"You swear my friends won't be harmed?" She demanded to know.
Scylla rolled her eyes.
"Of course pumpkin, I swear. I may be working for the empire but I still attain some sense of honour eventhough most would consider it a whore's honour. But only the sun rises for nothing, their lives for yours that is the deal, pumpkin."
Eilis sighed looking at Tobhias and Alexa for a moment, seeing Tyrhallan shake his head and feeling her mage behind her.
"Will I be taken to Wailweald?"
"The Tower? Honestly, I don't know..." Scylla answered shrugging her shoulders. "It isn't for us to say. Our master will decide your fate most likely...though I won't deny that the Tahjai has shown clear interest in retrieving you."
"How are we to travel? Cause I doubt I will be able to fly on a broom like you." Eilis asked nodding to the objects they were resting on, causing Scylla to chuckle.
"Oh don't you worry pumpkin, we'll not travel by broom. We'll travel by portal...as our Master gave us a Sky crystal for such a special mission."
Tyrhallan's expression went from anger to astonishment and horror realizing the implications.
Sky crystals were rare and left no trace to follow, once Eilis would step through that portal she would be gone and they would have no leads to follow, no path to chase save for some obscure locations.
"Eilis! Don't! We're not letting them walk off with you without a fight. We swore to protect you and keep you safe. Scylla is just trying to manipulate you into going. Don't sell yourself short!" He objected heavily.
But Eilis shook her head.
"Tyrhallan, enough people have died today...You all need to go on and try to save Belisio from the Empire. You can't be running after a silly little refugee that attempted to gain her own freedom, I already have cost you all quite enough. It is time I faced the truth of the matter, which is that freedom just isn't in the cards for me..." She whispered.
"Good, glad we're all being sensible today." Scylla said as some of her shadows cut themselves free from her form and flew at Eilis, circling around her waist and upper arms attempting to raise her up from the saddle as Eilis didn't struggle back, despite her first initial fright.

Despite being a natural occurrence and having been studied for centuries, magic was an ever evolving mystery. Even the great mages of renown were great because they had managed to stumble upon another aspect or tapped a vein of magic that had not been discovered before. The library at the Academy was a treasure throve of knowledge that most mages neglected. Many were just interested in gleaning the basics or anything that would give them an edge in battle.

Arn however, had been an adept reader and faithful researcher. He have vast amounts of time due to his neglect for social functions and self-imposed isolation. The mage had devoured volumes, his sharp mind able to not only understand but retain the knowledge of people long turned to dust. In a time before the wars that plagued Belisio and Viem there had been an boom in the study of magic called The Age of Discovery. Before mages were nothing more than heavy artillery, they had been virtual poets. One only needed to read the incantation that would focus magic that would produce something as simple as a lovely flame that floated in the air, dancing like a living being, to immolating flames that could be shaped like monsters of destruction.

Thanks to this devotion to delving deep into the study of magic in all its forms, both academic and religious, the master mage had achieved a great deal of control, connection, and understanding of the Aether. Because of this, he was feared by some, respected by others but avoided by many. The offer to hold a high prestigious position in the council of mages at the royal court had been somewhat influenced by the desire to keep an eye on him and ensure he was not a threat to the current Arch Mage.

His assignment to the Shooting Stars had been in an effort to tempt fate and perhaps the issue would resolve itself. Yet, no challenge had been able to best the mage. Indeed, his appointment achieved the opposite. They had tried to kill Arn the mage but had instead given birth to the Hellspawn. In some small way, they had tempered his rise in power. Constant missions prevented the mage from practice and study. The battle field had no need of theories and research. The master mage was rusty, but all the knowledge he had gathered was still there.

Since meeting Eilis and their Mind Meld, there had been a reawakening in his hunger for power. When he had met Tourmaline, a severe desire to possess the sheer power that the shadow mage channeled through his lovely protegee had been birthed. As he found himself weakened by his manipulation of the Aether, there had been a sort of a very conscious difference despite how impressive the casting had been. So he had turned to a technique he had dug up in an old dusty tome.

The process was to become a free conduit for the flow of the Aether. The magic would heal and repair much faster that was possible. It would refuel the spent energies. The process was dangerous and required extreme control. The consequence would be loosing one’s very soul, or energy, as it was washed away by the torrent that was allowed to enter one’s Thread. In this state, he was little more than a vegetable. He was still alive but barely responsive. Coming out of this coma like state would be dangerous if done too fast.

That was not to say he was powerless or disconnected from the world of the living. Being immersed in the Aether and the Thread, he was able to somehow sense those being that he had connection with. When Eilise took her place in front of him, a warm bright glowing shape was her ethereal avatar. Even in his astral form, the master mage could not hope but smile. He light was so pure, so lovely. It made the master mage wonder how it was possible that such a dark shadow could be attached to it. Or perhaps that same purity was why such symbiote was able to attach itself to his innocent protegee.

"I am sorry, I know I probably made you worry, but I saw no other way..."

His own Thread pulsed. Her words felt far away. His senses barely working. Arn’s physical body could do no more than groan softly. He could not tell her that he would always worry. That he would rather endure a million torment that see her sport a single injury. He wanted to conform her. To protect her. So far, he had not done a very good job. There was a twinge of desperation in his soul. He needed to be stronger. He needed more power. A slight tremble would be felt in the Aether as he opened up the dam doors of his Thread to let more energy in. His astral form gritted its teeth at the surge.

He saw other light beings. A bright light-blue brilliance could only be that of Tobi. The young mage had always had a shiny personality. A dashing almost ruby like light was unmistakenly Tyrhallan. A pretty pinkish glow must be the Knight lass who had been riding with his unoffial apprentice. Arn could not help but be thankful that they were all ok. There was some strain and wavering of the lights but over all they seemed safe.

It all seemed to be going well. The master mage even heard the Venray lord state they should make their escape. A small sense of relief appeared on the physical face of the comatose mage. From what he could sense and the snuffing out of nearby lights, the battle was reaching its climax. He did not need his eyes to know that Olysium was lost. The might of the Empire had been great. Escape was the only way to survive. Who know how many , if any at all, of his Shooting Star brethren had survived. “I need to get stronger” Arn thought.

He heard Tyrhallan’s mention of the promise. Felt Eilis spirit blink as guilt assailed her. He wished he could reassure and comfort her but his body only managed a soft gasp. The poor girl probably felt that all this was her fault. He wished he could tell her that she was worth any danger and trial. That she should not think every loss as an expended sacrifice. Rather, a willilng price paid for her freedom. Uilles and his nephew knew she needed to be protected. The party seemed to begin their exit strategy.

Suddenly, there was a quiver in the Thread. Dark shapes, not as midnight black as the shadow of Tourmaline but still enough to dampen the glow of the Thread. It took Arn a second or two to pin point the voice. The haughty, dangerous tone of the black haired witch made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Not truly because of fear, but because he knew that in his state there would be nothing he could do to help. A groan escaped the lips of his physical body.

His astral form saw the ruby light flare up. Tyrhallan was no doubt ready to fight again. But even the man’s spirit energy was spent to be of little help. So what should they do? Tobi was no match. A sudden idea appeared in the master mage’s mind. What if?....it might work. It was at least something to try. But how to communicate it? Recalling yet another manuscript he had read, the master mage took in a deep breath. Even his physical self reacted.

The astral Arn extended his arms, energy flowed out. The Aether pushed against him, as he tried to go beyond his own Thread. With extreme concentration the battle mage pushed past the membranes of the Threads and directed his energy to the three other shapes. His head hurt tremendously as his will alone propelled his energy wisps. A single image was impressed into each mind. Eilis and Tobi, being the magic users, would get a clearer picture. The two knights would get just a sense of urgency the sudden urge to close their eyes.

Tobi, looking at the newly arrived pair gawked. His mouth fell open. To his young eyes, they looked like very sexy ladies. There was something sensual about the pair. At the same time, his magical aptitude was able to sense the dark energies that was being given off by the sisters. The young lad shuddered. “Who the hell are they.” He asked of nobdy in particular. Apparently, the Knight Captain knew them and was not fond of them. That was all the veteran battle mage youth needed. He was thinking of casting a burst of air at them perhaps when Arn’s imprint reached him. “Wha..” The young mage asked confused looking in the direction of the unconscious master mage. The urgency in the mental image quieted any further question.

The young lad obeyed without question. Not even knowing how he knew what to do or that it was Arn who had directed him. Pulling on the Aether, Tobi shouted. “Eyes…now!” Lifint up both hands as if cuping a gobblet, he expelled a blinding bright orb that expanded and grew exponentially in the blink of an eye. The glare would be like looking directly at the sun with a telescope.

The astral master mage could sense the effect of the spell on the Aether. He saw the flare up, even in his spirit form he had to turn away from the source. Concentrating again, he shouted in his mind. “Go now!” He hoped that the pair of dangerous witches had been caught enough out of guard and that the bright flare had blinded them. It would be hard to overcome the effects. Hopefully it would gain the group the necessary advantage to escape.

Scylla smiled contently as she lifted Eilis up, glad this all went smoothly. Her sister however seemed to sense something, as her posture changed and her voice hissed softly attempting to capture her sister's attention.
Eilis could feel it too, before she saw Arn's intent. Worry though overflooded her as she realized that Arn was crossing dangerous boundaries.
Tobi was quick to oblige and Scylla was too late to shut her eyes as Vilca screamed in horror at the blinding light. Scylla's shadows instantly disappeared, smoked by the brilliance of the light and burning her hands and hair, whilst Vilca's veil cinged up, revealing something that could be best described as living death. She threw her hands and arms protectively over it as she tried to obscure herself from vision again, screaming in agony.
Eilis instantly was dropped back in the saddle and didn't need Arn's encouragement to grab the reins of Umbra and ordering the Wyrm to bolt it out of there.
Tyrhallan realized what happened just in time and put himself in front of Alexa, so his form would offer her some coverage as he turned himself away, barely believing the brightness off the Light the young mage created.
Mages and their gifts...they didn't cease to appal and amaze him.
As soon as the flare lessened he yelled at the younger Knight.
"Go! We need to go Bightwind!" He ordered as he waited for her to steer after Eilis and Tobi, before making up the rear himself.
It was then that he heard Vilca's voice, it had stopped screaming, frankly it sounded far too calm for this situation as her long thin arm stretched out pointing a single finger at him.
"An eye for an eye!"
Before he was even sure what was happening a bolt errupted from her finger and blasted him with an omnious dark purple light. It happened so quickly and took him by surprise that the pain at first didn't register, nor the blood and loss of sight.
He grabbed one of his smoke grenades and tossed it at her, hitting her squarely in the face before it started to choke them in smoke.
Too concerned with getting away Tyrhallan fled and sped after the others leaving the sisters coughing and screaming in anger and frustration.

They fled westward, towards the Rift. The Rift was the great chasm between the continents and the Sea of Sky.
If Ith had still had its seas, this would be where they would have filled that void. The Islands grouped at the edge of Belisio were the final bits of land before one had to cross and endless gap before reaching the other continent somewhere on the otherside of the horizon.
The Rift had kept the peace because few dared to cross it and of those few that dared even fewer people knew how to do so without losing themselves to the Great Sky Sea and plummet to death into the Deep Sky.
It was just before leaving the final Island that Eilis guided the Wyrm down to the ground to rest up and have a look at Arn.
The way he had slumped against her as they had fled didn't bode well and Eilis was determined to give her Master Mage enough of her own energy that she would be able to have him smile at her again.
But she also knew that crossing the Rift unprepared messed with your mind. It was why smugglers made a fortune and why she had chosen to travel that route in the first place.
They needed a rest and a clear plan on what they were going to do now and settle a few things between them. Not to mention the fact that their newest 'companions' after all might have a problem with all of this.
As Eilis was busy giving some of her energy to Arn so the Master Mage would be able to talk and be concious to help explain things, the others touched down.
Eilis sighed relieved as she watched them come down one by one seemingly unhurt, only to gasp horrified at Tyrhallan as he descended and leapt from his saddle.
"Tyrhallan!"
The left side of his face was covered in blood as his silvery hair helped to obscure the destroyed eye.
"It seems I didn't escape unscathed."
It simply was no longer there an empty socket was all that remained and had been colouring the Knight Captain's face as red as the armour he wore.
As Eilis moved to him her hand reached out in worry, before she realised she nor any other could heal this up.
"I...I can't restore your eye...but I'll stop the bleeding." She offered her eyes wide with worry and concern.
Tyrhallan smiled wistfully.
"Well I'll be following into my Uncle's footsteps after all, only was his a limp and my deficiency will be reduced sight." He jested attempting to keep the mood light, but failing at the brave attempt.
They all had lost their home to invaders, had friends die and wonder why Fate had allowed them to live.
Tyrhallan's single eye focussed on Eilis.
"We need to figure out why you are so damned important to them. We were told more than once the answers lie in Rhevendahl and I for one wish for all of this to hold some sort higher meaning and purpose. So you know where I stand. I believe that if we can free you from your binds we will be able to get our country back." The Knight Captain spoke seriously.
Eilis nodded as she worked her healing spells.
"I wish though you all wouldn't have to get hurt because of me...Scylla and her sister will return, we might have escaped for now, but I doubt they'll try to sniff out our trail again before too long." She turned to Tobi and Alexa.
"You only joined us because of a fortunate run in...whilst I would feel more comfortable with two extra people I cannot ask you both to risk your lives for something that might get you killed."
Tyrhallan stopped her however.
"They both have fought and were willing to die for Belisio, they're no strangers to the dangerous waltz of death all warriors dance. Allow them to make their own minds up. They deserve that honour at the least." Tyrhallan said nodding to Tobi and Alexa.
"Our road will be a dangerous one, we don't even know if it will lead to anything specifically, but it will be dangerous. We'd welcome you with open arms, but the decision has to be yours. Also know there is no shame in turning back and attempting to look for your family. Nevertheless we cannot linger and await for you to return, we must keep to our own road. So young ones what will it be?"

Arn was floating in the immense vastness of the Aether. Ribbons of light, the Thread that bound all things together, criss crossed this expanse as luminous bridges. A pair of darks pecks marred the ethereal beauty of the tapestry before him. Black as they were, they could not hope to match the sheer void that had been the shadow of Tourmaline. Yet, he had sense no dread or evil from the man other than what a mortal feels in the face of an eruption or striking lighting. These two shades however, made him feel a sense of disgust. As if their existence alone was an affront to Gia herself.

The soft light that represented his lovely protégé became entangled with black tendrils as the black witches' magic tried to claim her. The in corporeal spirit of the master mage gritted his teeth. His gaze shifted to the light blue speck that was Tobi. Had his young squad mate failed to hear him? A sudden pull of Aether magic towards the young Shooting Star gave him the answer to the unasked question. Even in this spirit realm, the battle mage could feel the result of the powerful spell that the young mage cast. A blinding burst of light, like the exploding of many suns, bathed a big area around them. Even he had to turn his head as he felt the heat rush past him. Or was it his mortal body which had felt the burst?

The scream of one of the dark sisters filtered to his astral ears as if through water. He saw them flicker as if the bright light from Tobi almost extinguished their shadow existence. No shadow can bear the coming of light. The muffled commands of the silver haired Venray shouted urgently. Arn himself urged the group towards safety.

After his release of magic, Tobin was all but spent and he slumped back into the saddle behind the blonde. He groaned as he felt his very veins hot like iron pokers. Through his clenched teeth he hissed his own urgings. “Let get the hell out of here” The young mage told the lady knight. Thankfully, Alexa was quick to the take and spurred her teal mount on. The wyrm screeched and began to pump powerfully, the leathery wings shooting her through the air. The two other mounts followed her lead. None, not even Arn in his spirit state, saw that Tyrhallan had been bequeted a good bye kiss.

Probably sensing the urgency in their riders, the wyrms plunged towards the Deep Sky like banshees out of one of the hells. Arn’s body reactively grabbed Eilis tighter around the waist and slumped forward. He groaned, his mouth too clumsy to offer any words of encouragement that the astral master mage wanted to convey to his charge. He wanted to tell her he would protect her. He wanted to reassure her that they would be ok. But even this was wistful wishing. Only the strong wings of their mounts could assure that now.

Tobi basically mirrored his comatose master but he was able to complain audibly. “Fuck….remind me never to do that again…” he groaned, his body feeling like it would melt. Sweat coated his body only to be dried by the cold air as they approached the Sea of Sky making him shiver. Alexa guided her mount expertly. Heard his voice in her ear as he slumped against her. “You complain to much mage” She said but there was no true sharpness in her tone. “But you did well” she half turned a tiny smile on her fair face. “Damn…” Tobi said in mock disbelief. “I think that is the nicest thing you have said to me.” Alexa turned her face forward again but not before he saw the smile widen. “Oh shut up.” Was all she said.

When Eilis landed their wyrm, she only found a still passed out mage. He did not seem to be in any danger but his face was contorted in a look of consternation or stubbornness, perhaps both. If he had know that she meant to give him some of her energy he would have scowled and scolded her. The young lady needed to recover as much as he. The streaks of blood she had left on his robe proof of that.

He cursed in his astral form and a groan could be heard from his physical one as he felt the sweet warmth of her own life force seep into him. Arn wanted to be upset but her energy flowed through him like sweet warm wine on a cold morning. There was something delightful about letting the energy course through is body. It was almost as if strands of her hair fell upon his face and her arms encircled him. Still, he would not abide her sharing too much. Thankfully, or perhaps woefully, the lovely maid’s attention was drawn elsewhere and he felt the flow stop.

"Tyrhallan!"
The concern in the voice of his lovely protégé reverberated through the Thread that connected the two of them. His incorporeal eyes could not really tell what was the issue but he could see a slight dimming in the red glow of the Knight Captain. Their conversation filtered to him as if he was at the bottom of a deep well. It was muffled and at times he head to strain to hear but he could get the gist of it. Their Venray benefactor had been injured. Tyrhallan was trying to make Eilis feel at ease but Arn knew that any true veteran of battle would take each wound seriously. There was nothing worse than loosing an arm because a simple cut was not tended to.

Alexa also noticed the blood that had been masked by the red tint of the red lord’s crimson armor. “My Lord!” Her young voice exclaimied. She fumbled for the med kit that every rider had strapped to the saddle of their mount. Producing it the blonde rushed forward to help with the aid. There was a slight sweep of her eyes upon Eilis wondering why a seemingly unimportant woman was being so familiar with a Belisian lord of high stature such as the Venray.

Tobi remained in the saddle, a groan or two escaping his lips. “Go ahead….I am fine…(grunt) no need to worry about us…(groan) lowly mages.” He turned towards his master mage. Arn remained in a state of sleep. “As always, Arn has the right idea.” While the women fussed over the hansome, albeit now one eyed, Knight Captain, Tobi reached into a pouch around his waist. He produced a leaf from it and proceeded to chew on it. The young mage made a face. The taste was bitter and it almost made him gag. However, it was known to help mages heal after prolonged use of magic. Hence the leaf’s unofficial name of Thread Balm.

As the young Brightwind cleaned and began to dress the wound, she could not help but overhear the conversation between the Venray lord and the tatoed lady who seemed to be more than what she was. Her blue eyes measured Eilis up. There was perhaps a tinge of jealousy in those sky blue eyes masked by blonde eyelashes. After all, not only was the Knight Captain a legend and paragon for all knights but it was logical that the young lady had perhaps developed feelings for him after seeing him from a far in bannermen gatherings and such.

The female knight’s eyes kept on trying to find the hidden meaning behind Eilis. Why would such obviously powerful woman want her enough to pluck her from the battle field? Why would a strong mage, whom Alexa wanted to guess was the one called Hellspawn, be her companion? Why was Tyrhallan so familiar and obviously protecting her? These questions flew around her mind like a battalion of wyrm mounted knights with no clear leader or direction. Her attention was brought back from her musings by being addressed directkly by the tattoed woman.

Tobi waved aside her concern and misgivings and Tyrhallan’s speech regarding duty and a warrior’s dance with death. “IF you are important for Arn you are important for me.” He said with a shrug as if that explained everything. Turning to see if the master mage was still asleep he added. “Besides, I don’t think I could deal with a mopping master mage after his lady is killed.” A smirk appeared on his face.

“You need not bother yourself with such worries Tobi” Came a voice that was tired and husky. The young mage winced as if he had been struck in the back of the head shrugging his shoulders as if trying to protect it from the incoming blow. He gingerly turned to see one eye on the Master mage open. A nervous chuckle escaped the young lad. “Oh Hey Master Arn….glad to see you are good. I was joking of course. Trying to see if you was ok.” The young mage only received a grunt in response.

Alexa stiffened and with a haughty look replied her own reasons. “I follow Captain Venray. Where he goes, I shall.” Her tone was cold. Who did this commoner think she was assuming that she meant anything to her? Without giving Eilis another look, the blonde turned back to Tyrhallan’ and his dressing. “You are hurt bad my lord. This dressing is the best I can do for now but we will need to make some sort of poultice to ensure no infection sets in.” She meant to go with him. How many knights could claim they went on mission with a Venray.

Arn sat weakly on his saddle. “It appears we could all use a rest….but unfortunately we must move on. I doubt those dark witches….will stop hunting us.” His voice came in gasps. His face was pale. The master mage knew that Tyrhallan would agree with him. Their only refuge now seemed to lay in the Sea of Sky and the Deep Sky’s cold blakness beyod. If this was the beginning of the journey, only the gods knew what lay beyond. If Arn had been a religious man, he would have prayed for favor, safety, and protection. As it was, he hoped that all the sacrifices that had been made would be worthy it. One look at his lovely charge however, solidified his resolution.

Tyrhallan wanted to ease the girls fussing over him, but despite two brave attempts at brushing them aside, he allowed Alexa to continue.
Eilis however had gotten the hint and had moved over to Tobi, leaving the blond female knight to fuss over her superior.
She had knelt down at the young Mage’s side and placed a pair of warm hands on his temples, cupping his head and checking him for a moment, sensing how severe the depletion was for the young man.
She smiled warmly when she realized that he would just need a little pick me up.
“Don’t be afraid, it won’t hurt. Still I have to commend you for your little lightshow, that was an impressive stunt.” She said as she again seeped some of her energy into the young mage, just so the body would be able to recover on its own more quickly.
Her binds flickered for a second as she was trying to keep her own magic to a minimal level so she wouldn’t experience the binds flaring up again, but as her healing continued she wouldn’t be able to take much more of this without recovery.
Tobi waved aside her concern and misgivings and Tyrhallan’s speech regarding duty and a warrior’s dance with death. “IF you are important for Arn you are important for me.” He said with a shrug as if that explained everything. Turning to see if the master mage was still asleep he added. “Besides, I don’t think I could deal with a mopping master mage after his lady is killed.” A smirk appeared on his face.
Eilis couldn’t hide the instantenous blush that had flared up, was it that obvious? Not that she minded, but being called out like this in front of others was a first. She quickly cast her eyes down missing the follow up between Master and Pupil.
After she calmed down a bit she was able to finish healing the young mage up and returned to Arn, checking again and making sure he wasn’t going to slip back into an unconscious state again, considering all the stunts he pulled.
They all were spend and needed to rest, but doing so was taking a large gamble.
A worried frown formed on her face, thinking about how they could overcome all these odds.

Tyrhallan simply waited for Alexa to finish before trying to touch the bandaged side of his face.
He had been surprised at how little pain he had experienced. Somehow he had expected it to be far more painful...well...he had been caught off guard and blasted with whatever magic that sorceress wielded. Still, his sight was greatly reduced, he would have to be even more careful from now on, having a serious blindspot.
He turned to Alexa and gently placed a hand upon her shoulder.
“You have my thanks and my gratitude Brightwind.” He said before he offered her some praise.
“You did well out there, had circumstances been different you would have been given proper reward, alas today things turned sour and our hard won victories were not enough to hold them off.” He eyed Alexa seriously.
“You are not obliged to follow my command anymore, you know. I am no longer leading the Vanguard. If you believe you need to follow me because you still see me as one of your battle commanders I have to inform you, you no longer need to.” He sighed heavily as he released her shoulder.
“We’ll be chasing myths at this point trying to make some sense of it all, but I for one welcome you should you decide to join us, but I know you’re concerned for your family as well. There would be no shame in leaving so you can safeguard them. I already owe you for helping me out earlier so you know I am not keeping score.” He said with a teasing smirk.
He turned to the others and said.
“If we go we should wait for the stars to come out, with a little luck we can navigate our way and we’ll be less visible crossing the Rift. Plus we get a few more hours of rest in, which I believe we all could use right about now.”
Tyrhallan’s frown returned darknening his expression even more with the bandages covering half his face.
“We’ll need to be careful however, I’ve read quite a few reports on the Rift and the many dangers that lie in wait hunting in the Sea of Sky. Riftracers for a start and let’s hope we’ll not run into a Gargantuan. There’s a reason Vaim only dared to cross in those large frigates. There are things out there that eat our Wyrms for breakfast.”

The small group rested upon the floating rock, nothing more than broken apart land that floated in the Sea of Sky. Only gravity of the surrounding earth mass keeping it from flying off into the Deep sky and drift off into the blackness of space. Weary and ragged, each one of them had been spent to their limits. Still, each was stubborn enough to give their own lives in the defense of the others. Unseen by natural eyes, the Threads that bound them together were beginning to thicken.

Alexa had seen battle wounds before, even in training, accidents tended to happen. However, to her green horn eyes, the silver haired captain’s wound was grievous. Skilled hands dressed the wound. The damaged eye packaged with clean bandages making sure that the stubborn lord knight would not try to use it.

Tobi smiled his gratitude at Eilis as she placed her hands upon his temples. He knew exactly what she was doing. The few times members of the Shooting Stars has been lucky enough to keep a healer long enough in the squad before they were snatched up to work as battle field medics all did the same thing. Much like Arn, he felt a lovely warm glow into his very being. The warmth seemed to overpower the burning hot sensation he had after overloading his Thread. “Thank you miss Eilis. That will do. Don’t want to hog all your attention.” He said looking in the direction of his master mage.

He phished at the comment of his stunt trying to feighn humbleness but his face showing evidence that he liked being praised. “Well, Master Arn taught me well. He always knew that little stunt would come in handy. None of us ever figured out how but I guess we now know.” He said, his smile showing he was well pleased.

The young mage’s sharp young eyes did not miss the blush that tinged her face. Of course, he had seen Arn break many a young lady’s heart. Some just a pretty or perhaps even more than his master’s young charge. Yet, there was something different here. He could tell that either she had not revealed her true feelings for Arn or the master mage did not mind reciprocating those feelings. His hawk like eyes narrowed and a smirk appeared on his face. “Interesting…” he thought. “It seems the Hellspawn has found his fallen angel.”

Before he realized it, he drafted up a plan to tell the others. Then he remembered that Lornias and the others were dead probably all of them. A sickening knot was felt in his stomach. Looking towards the weakened battle mage he breathed in a shivering breath. There was nothing left for him behind in the husk of Belisio. His father and sister may face death or slavery. Even if he tried to save them, there was not much he could do. From what he overheard, perhaps the tattooed beauty could be the secret weapon to turn all of this around. “It’s worth a shot.” The young mage thought massaging his sore muscles. His young eyes watched the blonde girl make her way back to Arn.

The master mage issued her a concerned look. “Don’t exhaust yourself Eilis. You still have wounds that need healing. You need all the energy you can get.” His face was still pale and he sat lopsided on the mount they had shared. Seeing her worried face he tried to give her an encouraging smile. “Don’t worry young one. I feel better than I look and that young hooligan is just milking it. He likes pretty girls fuzzing over him.” His voice was still weak but he tried to infuse it with comfort. Reaching into a pouch much like Tobi’s, he withdrew a leaf similar to the one the young lad had popped into his mouth and offered it to the lovely blonde. “Here, chew on this. It tastes horrible but should help with the mending.”

Not a few yards away, Alexa could not help but look extremely worried for her lord. It was her turn to blush slightly even though she tried to remain stoic as the taller man placed a hand on her shoulder and praised her efforts. She mumbled something about just doing her duty and lowered her face to hide her quickly heating up cheeks. However, her face looked back up at him when he started to say he was no longer her commanding officer.

Distress was plain on her face as she feared he would dismiss her. Her mouth trembled trying as her mind came up with a myriad of excused she would say in the even he did order her to return to Belisio. When he finished speaking, Alexa blurted out. “My lord. My family has served the Venrays for over two hundred years….My..my father would skin my hide if I abandoned you now. You will ever my captain and my lord. I shall follow you no matter what….even …even if you order me not to.” That last part was said in an almost begging tone.

If she would have mustered more courage, she would have lunged at him and hugged him like a little girl. Thankfully, her training triumphed and instead she issued him a sharp salute. Holding it for a second or two she felt foolish and dropped her arm to her side. Not knowing what to do she moved to her mount trying to escape her shame.

When Tyrhallan mentioned resting Tobi groan his agreement as he got off the teal colored wyrm. “You don’t have to twist my arm. I feel like I could fall off just sitting there.” As Alexa neared the mount he said teasingly. “We can share a blanket…you know cus of body warmth and since we don’t have many to pass around.”

The lady knight bumped him out of the way unceremoniously as she removed the saddle from her mount. “Shut up fool and get out of the way if you are not going to help.” She was red in the face but it was more from embarrassment than actual annoyance. A novice to battle she may be but the knight training was efficient. She soon had her mount fed, her bed roll spread and was passing around some field rations. The blonde all but threw Tobi’s portion to him.

Arn struggled to get off but would try to wave off any help from Eilis. Not because he was proud but he figured he would hurt the girl if he fell on her. Try as he might, however, he was too weak to unsaddle his mount. Alexa, seeing this huffed and walked over to help Eilis if the young woman tried to do it herself. “I got this take care of the master mage.” She said a bit icy. For some reason, the lady knight was still annoyed at all the attention and familiarity with which Tyrhallan addressed her.

“Thank you Lady Brightwind.” Arn managed to say before he sat heavily onto the cold dusty ground. “We are going to have to keep a watch Tyrhallan and we will not be able to rest too long despite our current state. I agree with you that the braving the dangers of the Sea of Sky so weakened is risky, but it would be even worse to be caught by those two dark witches.” He said his voice still making him breath hard after he spoke.

Tobi peeped up from where he was sitting. “I will take the first watch. I am weak but not as bad as Master Arn or Mr. Lord Knight Captain. Alexa can take the second watch. By that time, the pretty little night lights should be out.” He looked around to see if there would be any objections as he took a bite of the jerky and crackers he had gotten from the lady knight.

Tyrhallan smiled as he watched the others interact with one another.
Eilis worrying about Arn, who in his own concern tried to brush her help off. Or the teasing advances of the young mage towards Lady Brightwind. It was almost comical if it wasn’t so endearing. A little bit of warmth and light in their currently cold and dark world. A bit of levity to drive the bitter sting of their loss away.
All in all, they had barely escaped the two dark sisters by the skin of their teeth and yet their ragtag bunch was pretty much all that was left of the Belisian army, as far as they knew.
He groaned in pain as he thoughts of shame and grief filled his being.
As he sat himself down near the others he couldn’t help but hear the myriad of voices he had once known. Voices that had regarded him as their hero, their savior or loyal leader.
Those that had entrusted their lives to him, those that had called him Captain.
And where had he lead them?
Straight into the machine...To be slaughtered.
He was as much to blame as the Vaimese soldiers were, their deaths were on his conscience. He should have died and sacrificed his life for them. That was how it worked. That was what being a Knight was! A Life of Servitude and Sacrifice, one of Honour and Glory….well so much for honour and glory.
He took out his blade, his ancestral sword and regarded the blood that had stained it.
Fatebringer…
What kind of fate would you steer us to? He wondered as he took out a rag out of his armour and started cleaning his blade attempting to return it to its deep black reflective depths once more.

Eilis fussed over Arn ignoring his scolding with a pout that told him that this time around she wasn’t going to listen.
“You’re worse off than I am. You’ve always safeguarded me...let me do something back for you for once.” She argued before she conceded. “But I’ll keep my own limits in mind. If you want to be of use you...you...you can... keep me warm.” She muttered softly as she continued to seep little bits of her energy into him.
The growing twilight however helped hide her blushing cheeks as she tried to avoid looking into his eyes.
“Arn...please remember...whatever happens...I don’t want you to…” She stopped herself knowing she couldn’t ask him to not sacrifice himself for her, because she would do the exact same for him...for them.
Her hands lowered themselves to his chest running her fingers absentmindedly over Arn’s armour, her expression filled with worry that she tried to hide.
She was a danger to all of them...
Before she realized what she did and returned back to her healing process. Though this time trying to keep a brave face through it all.
Eventually though Eilis was clearly spend and she stopped, trying to catch some sleep she leaned against Arn for warmth and security as a blanket had been tucked around her shoulders, trying to cover Arn as well.
With twilight fully set Tobi offering to take up the first watch, whilst the rest of them attempted to regain some strength and sleep.

It was a queer sight. The heavenly bodies watching down upon the small group of survivors as one might the comings and goings of ants. These lives, so fragile, so easily snuffed out, were nothing compared to the eons that the small twinkling starts had lived. Even through the Aether, Arn had seen their meager energy dim in comparison to the astral bodies.

Still, life, however meager, is precious. More so, those of friends and family. Made even more so by the bonds of affection that few know are also reflected in the unseen Threads. What people call love or loyalty has a direct correlation in the magical binds. This is the reason why lovers yearn to be close to one another, why friends can sense anything amiss, and why family is so fiercely loyal. These Threads pass life force between those they bind. They share the same energy and as such, are bound.

If Arn could have known that his Thread to a Knight Captain of the noble Venray family would be so intertwined before proctoring the battle between the Crimson Baron and the Spider, the master mage would have doubted it very much. Both men were as different as could be expected. Tyrhallan was dutiful and of high birth. Arn was a whore’s son and cared nothing for duty more than for results. Yet, they both had bonded over the responsibility of protecting a blonde simple girl.

At least that is what Eilis thought of herself. For the master mage, she could not be more important. Even now, he could not accurately explain why. It went beyond the normal comprehension of relationships. She was not a fried. Not family. Yet, to him, she was more than that. It was almost as if she was part of him. How can you truly explain why you need a part of your soul?

“You’re worse off than I am. You’ve always safeguarded me...let me do something back for you for once.”

His pretty charge was definitely as stubborn as him. The weakened master mage tried to wave her off more than once but her lovely face would scrunch in a look of stubborn appeal. No one in his entire life had so much sway over him….other than his mother. Begrudgingly Arn allowed her to tend to him. He used her small hand to get down from their mount.

“But I’ll keep my own limits in mind. If you want to be of use you...you...you can... keep me warm.”

With almost a resigned sigh he let her pour her warm and peaceful energy into him. He drank it greedily, though he would never let Eilis see it. Though she may feel it. The master mage basked in the flow of the energy as one does the pouring of a hot pitcher of bath water over tense muscles. Remembering his end of the bargain he wrapped his arms around her as they sat on the rocky ground. His big arms having no problem enshrouding her.

As they sat there, it almost seem to Arn as if the flow of energy was two way. Sort of a like the flow and ebb of the tides. While his was only a trickle at the moment, Eilis should be able to feel his own cool energy enter her. His was like the plunging into a fresh pool of a natural spring. It made the warmth of his arms feel that much nicer. The contrast was perplexing. After all, the master mage was not called the Hellspawn for nothing. Yet, it seemed that under the rolling fires, there was a cool center that had only bleed for the young blonde lass.

“Arn...please remember...whatever happens...I don’t want you to…”

The quiver could be felt in more than just her voice. There was a strumming in the Aether as her worries caused the flow of energy to falter. Arn moved one hand from her shoulder blades where it had rested to her head. “Shhhh” He said weakly and softly. He did not need to say more. The warmth radiating from him began to soothe. He knew what she meant. She did not want to see him hurt. She did not want them to go so far for her. How could he let her see that she was worth that and more? Not only because she was a formidable tool that could be used to a horrific proportions but mainly because in all his life he had never truly had a reason to die.

Now he had her…

He sat there with her, letting both their energies mingle. She was healing more than his body, but she may never know that. In truth, the was scared to let her know that. Scared that it would drive her away. In truth, he was scared he even felt that way. Never in all the times he had faced death, and there had been plenty, did he fear to die more than now. He did not fear death…Arn feared the emptiness of the darkness after having felt Eilis’s light.

Tobi stole a few glances and an insolent smirk spread on his cheeks. Who would have thought that the ice cold master mage so revered and feared by many of the Shootings Stars would be so meek and malleable. He imagined the scandal when he told….when he told… His smile vanished. Who was he to tell? Many of his friends, maybe all, of them were dead. Who knows if any remained. He had seen Lornias and the others fall.

A sudden knot stuck in his throat and he turned away into the darkness to swallow it down. He looked into the firmament and saw the arc of light left by a passing shooting star. He sighed, the squad was aptly named. Just like their name sake, his friends had burst magnificently for a second or two before their light extinguished. However, those who have chanced to wish upon a falling star know that the memory never fades.

He heard the crunch of gravel underfoot and hastily wiped the treasonous tears that threatened to pour forth from the rim of his eyes and sniffled away his feelings. Turning slightly he noticed the Brightwind lass. “I am not the smartest man around but even I know its not time for us to change the watch yet.” He managed to say without the strain in his throat showing.

“Oh shut up. I cant be expected to sleep. Might as well do something useful. You can go to sleep if you like relieve me later.” Alexa told the young mage trying to sound annoyed but there was a difference in her voice. Normally, the trickster would jab and under cut at her with sarcasm and wit. Even he could gather that she was concerned and worried.

“Well, I don’t feel like sleeping either. So that wont do.” He looked at her knowing that she would also balk at him showing any sort of kindness. “Tell you what, we can sit back to back and keep watch. That way, if we fall asleep the other will know.” He patted the ground next to him. “Though I bet you will close those pretty eyes before I do mine. Those long lashes must be heavy my lady.”

Alexa pursed her mouth and her yes shot daggers at him. “I’ll have you know that I am a knight, a full true knight. I have stood many a watch in conditions far worse than this.” She huffed as she sat and pressed his back against his unceremoniously.

“Ouch, mind your armor your ladyness.” Tobi objected as the cold iron of her breast plate dug into his back. Once she was settled the two sat silent for a little while. Finally Tobi cut the silence. “I lost many friends today.” He turned his head slightly towards her. “I am sure you did too. But, I promise you. It will not be in vain. We will make those Viemese bastards pay.”

“Shut up.” She said, though not as harshly as she normally would. “I know….” She almost whispered as she looked upon the thousand of little stars looking down up on her and the small group of survivors.

Somewhere near Olysium a scream tore through the heavens as the two sisters regained their sight.
Scylla’s wretched screams seemed to be partial pain and partial horror knowing what their failure would cost them.
What it would cost her…
In despair she tore at her own shadows, her fingers thickly draped in her own magical Aether. It’s shadowy, smoky substance tainting her fingers turning them inky black.
Vilca however raised herself up rather calmly making her way over to her sister and with the barest whispers she uttered.
“Curb your grief sister.”
Scylla turned to her in anger.
“Curb my...You dare! You dare say that to me?! Our lives are forfeit! My baby...I will never know where that bastard put my son! Your own ‘medication’ relies on us getting ‘that’ girl to him!” She roared back her temper and fury fully displayed, not giving a care who could possibly be listening.
“Oh keep your tongue and your mind.” Vilca said dismissively as her hand made a simple throw away gesture and Scylla instantly felt her own hand clasp over her own mouth.
Damn her sister’s power.
Sometimes she wished that her sister would use her powers for once for their benefit instead of keeping it hidden most of the time.
She glared at Vilca who’s veil was lifted by the wind revealing exactly what the magic had cost her.
The once smooth silken and porcelain skin had turned to a paler gray and some of the veins now darkening the eyes to the point where it looked like she was weeping tears of ink or ash.
Her once luscious locks no longer held their shine, twisted and ragged, lifeless, closer to the web of spiders.
“Dear sister, I will remind you, before you blow a casket, we haven’t lost anything yet. This simple turn of events was...’Unforeseen and unfortunate’, but nothing we can’t overcome.” She told Scylla who used her other hand to break the spell on her other arm, giving her sister a hard look and seeing the tiniest smirk hidden in the glance she cast at her before relenting and allowing her to reply.
“Unfortunate? Are you kidding me? They got away! There won’t be a next time, he made that perfectly clear that if we were to return without her, we would be as good as dead!”
“And there you have it.”
Scylla eyed her sister sharply. “Have what?”
“Why on Ith would we return without her? To report of our failure? That my dear sister is as suicidal as it is stupid. No, we will simply have to track them...hunt them down the old fashioned way.”
Scylla snorted and threw her hands up in the air, her entire posture and expression screaming disbelief at Vilca’s words.
“And how pray are we to do that? We took her last living relative that had bloodties with her. Besides that ritual cost you most of your magic, need I remind you how long you had to recuperate for? I don’t see how we’ll be able to discover where they exactly are, Rhevendahl after all is still big enough to hide in.”
“True any blood connection we had to her is gone, but we know where he is planning to take them. Tourmaline would never pass up the opportunity to regain some level of control again...and aside from that I don’t need anything from her particularly, after all, when travelling in a group all one would truly need is a tag on that group. So many options and weaknesses...and sometimes a little bit of luck goes a long way.” Vilca said as she brought forth her other hand.
Bloodstained, she opened her fingers revealing the bloody object within.
“An eye for an eye.” Vilca said with a cold delighted smile attached to her lips.
Scylla looked with a grim hope at it.
“When did you do that? Who’s...who’s is it?”
“It is the red Knight’s. I took it as soon as I caught some semblance of sight again, I initially hit him with a snarespell, but the bastard was quicker than I expected. It struck his eye instead and tore it out, perhaps that was our luck in this... For what better than to see through the eyes of one of her protectors, to follow them so we can find the girl and capture her.” She turned to her sister with a cunning light flickering in her eyes.
“So you see dear sister, not all is lost...in fact our chase has but barely begun. We will succeed, for where ever they go, they won't be able to hide from us and the best part is they don't even know what kind of intel we have on them.”
Vilca smile grew as she rasped.
"So stop your screaming and rest up sister, for we WILL succeed."

When the first hour had passed Tyrhallan got up, his sword had been cleaned and put back in its scabbard, it would be his turn to take the watch and he had gotten some shut eye in despite the pain and throbbing his wound caused him.
He made his way over to Tobi and Alexa finding them back to back stubbornly trying to keep themselves from falling asleep. He squatted down slowly placing a hand on their shoulder to give them a curt, but firm shake.
“Tobias, Alexa you both are dismissed from guard duty.” He spoke softly, loud enough for them to hear, but kept at such a volume that Arn and Eilis wouldn’t wake up.
“I suggest you both get an hour or two of sleep before we attempt to cross the Rift.” He suggested and gave them a pointed look, allowing the shadows caused by the small fire to aid him in this.
“Besides...what kind of Captain would I be, if I didn’t take care of those whom I decided to defend. If my duties merely stopped at the door and were purely for show.”
He noticed the look of concern thrown his way, but dismissed it with a gentle smile.
“I’ll be fine. Now get some shut eye...don’t force me to make it an order.” He replied with a humorous tone.

Later that night, Tyrhallan woke them all up again.
“Time to get up...if we wish to get across the deepest parts of the Rift before the dawn I suggest we should go and get ready.” His simple words and gentle shaking waking them.
He himself waited for the others to get ready and join him at the fire. He had spend it drawing upon the ground, pulling most of it purely from his own memories and studies, it would give them some indication of where to go.
Before him on the ground he had created a map of Ith and in particular ‘The Rift’.
As they gathered at his side he used the long twig he had used to pinpoint the locations.
“Right now, we are here somewhere, these little bits of floating land were declared our border when the world was shaped anew. The village of Presper lies on about the same line North from here. The reason why our enemy desired to cross there and not here has to do with the tales surrounding the Rift. These skies have become famous for swallowing its travellers, rumours of those that have crossed the depths and made it spoke of great monsters roaming its currents and treacherous weather phenomenons. Whilst I would prefer to do this with far more manpower and tools at our disposal we are pressed for time. Doing this during the day would be utter lunacy, but doing this at night is not going to be any better.” He looked at the others seriously.
“This is where we are heading...Rhevendahl, we’ll take a more southern approach, hopefully evading the deeper hunting grounds of the horrors that is said to roam the depths, but there’s still a chance of us meeting one. If you do don’t panic, we’ll try to deal with it together, keep heading towards the Morningstar should you drift too far away from the group, with a little luck you’ll meet the Rocky red ‘Bleeding’ cliffs of Rhevendahl’s border. Should you however lose any sight or bearing just try to gain your bearings and remember with the stars being where they are at this time the constellation to look for is the Guardian, he should be above that area. The Morningstar, being your best point of reference.” Tyrhallan said before pointing at the drawing he made of it before showing its position in the heavens.
“Arn and Eilis you’ll lead the way, after which come Alexa and Tobias, I’ll be last, as I’ll be best suited to draw off anything attacking us.” Expecting some form of protest he explained himself by adding.
“With Viscera being the faster Wyrm and having to carry only myself we’ll be able to outmaneuver most enemies so you can slip past and away from danger.” When no serious protest followed he continued.
“Our final destination is Sensaridh, Rhevendahl’s former capital. Once it had been its crowning glory and hard to miss, but don’t expect to find it so easily nowadays, from what I understood from the accounts of the event Vaim leveled it. They clearly intended to erase any trace of Rhevendahl’s once powerful past and significance so if we can find something like a broken down ruin I’ll consider it lucky.” Tyrhallan stood up and cast the twig aside. “Try to imprint the map to memory and above all be careful, what we’re about to do I would not even ask of my own enemies to attempt, but alas we have no choice. Those who want to back out...this is your final opportunity… Once we cross, there is no going back.”

Philosophers and priests debate and theorize what sleep is. Some say that it is the All Mother’s embrace to rest the soul and bring you close to her via the Aether. That only during the detaching of the mind’s earthly chains can one truly become connected via the Thread. It is believed by many mages and priests that the mind is ever present and only suppressed by the Ego that is most rational. Less spiritual mages believe that the mind experiences a general shut down within itself. This allows it to introspect and redirect itself.
Whatever the case, Arn had never truly subscribed to either. He saw the merits of both schools of thinking. This had led him to become almost inhumanly in touch with his own Thread. He had discovered a way to meditate so that his body still received the recuperative benefits of sleep while at the same time allowing his mind to remain active as ever. It was in this condition that he had been able to “practice” his spells and theories.

Even now, as he lay there, his strong chest rising and falling lulling his self appointed charge to restful sleep, the master mage looked back unto the events of the day. There had been much that had been lost, but also much that had been gained. He had discovered who the shadow that had attached itself to the sweet light that Eilis gave out. There was a part of him that was excited about the discovery. He had always known that truth was only a window and it depended who looked upon it and from what side.

His arms wrapped a bit tighter around the blonde girl. His resolve to free her had strengthened not only because he knew that the continued symbiotic relationship with Troumaline would be too much for her to bear but also because of the quite selfish desire to see what would happen when he himself combined with the spectral ancient mage. Arn could still feel the power emanating from the shadow and how it seemed to channel via Eilis. It made him shudder, which caused the young girl to shift in his arms and try to cover them with the blanket.

The master mage resumed his steady breathing, the beating of his heart even and strong. The balm continuing with the healing of his body. Knowing that there was not much he could do at this time regarding the impending union, the master mage returned to his task of strengthening and expanding his own thread. It would almost look like a weaver’s needle work. The threads resembling the thick mooring ropes of great ships. Most mages let this work happen naturally. Hence why many burned out much sooner than the Hellspawn. Arn expertly weaved and built his Thread. The frays would be repaired and strengthened.

On the opposite side of the fire, Tobi reluctantly chased sleep away. Feeling the strong back of the girl knight made him stubbornly chase the prospect of sweet dreams away. Alexa had removed her armor, tending to it in an effort to keep herself awake. The young mage had tried to carry a cheeky conversation but he soon found himself blabbering and slurring his speech and he decided against giving the blonde girl any satisfaction.

Unlike the master mage, the young Shooting star was not very proficient in meditating. Instead, he chewed vigorously on the balm to have something to do. Looking up a the starry sky only made him begin to fall off into sleep more. He had drained himself but not as bad as Arn. Mainly, because his little stunt, while effective, was well within the acceptable risk parameters. Through his back he felt Alexa’s back begin to shift to the right. A slight smile appeared on Tobi’s face. He was about to offer a snarky reply when he heard the Knight Captain’s voice.

“Tobias, Alexa you both are dismissed from guard duty.”

Immediately, the knight girl stiffened. “Um. No.. my lord..” She started trying to excuse her sudden weakness. Tyrhallan however, would hear none of it. The girl’s fair skin rushed pink with embarrassment but she knew not to argue. Tobi stood up and doing a smart salute he added. “You have the watch Captain.” Then in a lower tone as Alexa walked away shakily. “Glad you relieved us, I think we could not have lasted any longer.” He walked off next to the fire and shot the sleeping bodies of Arn and Eilis a look. A slight smirk on his face. “You old dog you…” he whispered under his breath, knowing full well that the master mage was still fully capable of hearing the things around him. Soon enough, Tobi lay down to sleep.

The Venray’s voice came much too soon to Tobi’s grumbling stirring as the commanding voice gently woke them up. The master mage merely opened his eyes as he had only just closed them a second before. A gentle hand brushed Eilis hair to ease her awake. Tobi looked jealously at his mentor. “How the hell do you do that?” He asked, a hint of annoyance and grumpiness in his tone. “You know full well how Tobi. With practice you also could….” He was cut short but a dismissing wave from the young mage’s hand. “yeah yea..”

Tobi was glad to see that Alexa was having just as much trouble as he waking up though she was keeping her fight silent. She blinked her blue eyes furiously as if the puffiness was nothing but dust. The party approached Tyrhallan. Alexa adjusted her armor while she listened and Tobi kept on yawning and rubbing his eyes. Arn listened attentively. His own sharp eyes visualizing the plan that was being laid out before them. He had some misgivings of course but the plan was as sound as any.

“I fear we will have to trust the speed of our mounts. No matter how skilled we are, we will be no match against the Guardian, if the stories are true. Whole squadrons have easily gone missing.” He turned towards Tobi and gave him a meaningful look. “Follow the plan.” Tobi made a shocked display at being called out but acquiesced. Then turning to Tyrhallan. “You may be bring up the rear Lord Venray but ensure that you do not try to be overly gallant. You will be as hard pressed as a novice against the predators that hunt these skies. We keep together.”

His body was almost back to normal but he still felt aches and pains. He offered his assistance to Eilis and fussed over her as much as she over him. The master mage could feel her misgivings. After all, they were basically returning willingly to the place she had tried so hard to escape from. When he had settled himself behind her he leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “You are not alone. I will protect you with my life.” He suddenly emanated a comforting warmth. He was not even aware he was doing it but his Thread seemed to know what do to.

Grasping the reins firmly he looked behind him. “Let us be off. May Gia bless us.” He was not a pious man but he figured it would not hurt to enlist all the aid the could. The Wyrm obediently pushed off the ground with strong legs and with equaly strong pumps of its leathering wings it quickly gained altitude. The group set out into the black sky. Nothing but specs in the vast darkness.