FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Author's Notes: It's finally here, for your viewing pleasure, I hope. I also hope that this is properly grouped in the same story. Anyway, hoping to wrap this up in the near future, though I truly enjoy this story arc. Comments, suggestions and critique are always welcome.

This part was originally writen about seven pages shorter, if I'm not mistaken. After talking to my private audience, we agreed to give in and extend it to what it is here. Hopefully everyone wont be too angry about it.

Characters (including spaces): 40,207. Pages (in .docx format): 31

The Summoner and the Succubus

The celebration started with quite a riot of cheers, and many hugs from members of the Lycan clan. I was shocked, pleasantly so, when a few had prepared a bit of a musical presentation, done with hand carved wood instruments and drums made out of native wood, skin and bone. I was mesmerized by the sounds, and thanked them all deeply. Their wolfish muzzles grinned back, as if my praise was the highest pinnacle of such. Garn, bless his heart, had gone quite over my head when preparing such a rambunctious party, but I could not fault him much. When any go to the Land of the Damned, who is to say who will live or die?

My eyes found Amara in the mass of bodies, quickly being the center of attention for the cubs. Though their mothers were silently watching, I trusted my familiar to be gentle. I smiled as one practically jumped on her lap, demanding a hug, which Amara was more than happy to oblige. It melted the misgivings of some of the mothers, and some even spoke with her. More than I could ever hope from such an encounter. I made my way through the throng of bodies, to get to Amara. As I finally reached her, the cubs saw me and piled up on me again. I smiled, and hugged as many as I could.

"Auntie Luz, please don't go again!" one of the cubs cried. Many others took the cubs cry to a heightened crescendo, and I smiled gently.

"I'll try to visit more often," I said gently. "I know I'm almost never here, but it means you'll enjoy my presence all the more, no?"

"But we miss you!" this came from a young girl.

"I know, child," I said, smiling. "I miss all of you, and every waking moment, I remind myself that I'm out in that city, to help all of you, to make sure no evil men come anywhere near you."

"Like them?" a cub asked, pointing at the three men I dragged along. I grinned at their situation, being lectured about something or another.

I shook my head. "While they may be a little slow, I think they're nice people. They're helping Auntie Luz find something, and if I find what I'm looking for, I'll be able to stay here longer," I said, smiling.

"What are you looking for, Auntie?" another cub asked

I wanted to answer truthfully, but the cubs wouldn't understand. I smiled gently, easing the cubs' anxious face. "I'm looking for secrets of my family. I do not know who my real mum or dad is, and I'm trying to find hidden secrets that will let me build the big picture, and get my answers."

The cub smiled and hugged me tightly. "Well, I hope you find them! So you can come back and be with us for longer!"

The cubs cheered at this, and began to slowly disperse after a few hugs and snuggles. We walked after the cubs let us be, for the moment. Amara stayed close to me, arm around my waist and head leaning against my shoulder. We managed to secure a quiet area for ourselves for the moment. I smiled, feeling giddy for some reason, and my familiar gave me a curious look. I shook my head, and motioned for her to sit.

"Mistress, there isn't a log to sit over here," she said softly

I rolled my eyes. "Sit on my lap," I said, grinning. "I can rest my back against the wood stump there. Not getting cold hooves, are you?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't say anything. Her mouth moved, but no words came. I pressed a finger against her lips, and sat down in front of the stump and dragged her down with me. She didn't resist, and looked deep in my eyes. I could almost feel the conflict inside of her, both wanting to stay and standing up and forgetting everything that's happened.

"When are you going to say it?" I asked softly. "It's going to eat you inside, this indecision that your' experiencing, and I need you, out of all people, at my side, at full strength."

Silence stretched between us. Amara shivered gently, and I thought that she was going to cry, but she surprised me by smiling. "How long have you known?" she asked.

"I know that succubi enjoy beauty wherever they might find it, either it be an object or person," I stated. "I have to wonder, what is it that you see in me? Our pact was very loosely termed, if I'm not mistaken, and yet your still here."

"Your beautiful, Mistress," she said simply. "I don't ever want to part with you."

"So, are you saying that you love me, or are you obsessed with me?" I asked

She stayed silent as I cradled her in my arms. The friendly atmosphere, present company, and the stars were beginning to make me drowsy. I leaned my head back, and closed my eyes.

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"Mistress, are you awake?" I asked, gently shaking her. She shook her head, but yawned widely. "Maybe you should turn in early," I advised

"As if," she said, rolling her eyes. "You're not getting away that easily, and I would like, at least, a vague explanation as to why you've been interested in my life and all."

I attempted to remain calm, but I'm sure that she could feel my racing heart beating in my chest like a falling star. Has she known all this time, yet chose to ignore the advances? Before I could even say anything, she spoke.

"The only reason why I'm asking is that I have no idea what we're going to find when we get to these ruins," Bell said, smiling. "I need you, not only as my familiar, but as a friend. Perhaps it could develop into something more? I do not presume to know all, but it may happen."

I stared, confused at her words. Did she admit that she cared? By the Gods, I've never felt so confused in my life! Not even the subtle maneuvers of the Demon Lords were as confusing as this! I closed my eyes and rested my head against my Mistress's chest, her soft heartbeat almost music to my ears. I breathed deeply and rested in her arms.

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"Time to wake up, you numbskulls!" I yelled, throwing blankets up and ignoring near naked male bodies. I hummed a merry tune, smiling at the looks of shock and anger that I was getting out of them.

"It isn't my fault you all fell asleep probably just hours before sunlight," I chided them all, getting a tray with some water, fruits and some bread. "If you aren't out of this room in the next hour, you'll be left here, and Garn has uses for muscle heads like you three."

I left them with that, and even before I left the room, they were scampering around, getting their clothes and checking their equipment. Amara joined me soon afterwards, and we shared a smile.

"Were they drunk?" she asked

I shrugged. "Maybe, but it's their fault, not mine. It just never occurred to me to warn them that Lycans have a higher alcohol tolerance, so the mead and ale here is about ten times stronger than humans."

We walked toward Garn's tent, and I knocked on the wood outside. Not hearing an answer, I called inside.

"Garn, are you there? I'd like to speak with you if you're awake," I said

"One moment, Luz," his voice said, sounding very dazed. He didn't keep us waiting for long, as he came out, still in Lycan form. I smiled as he greeted me with a hug, but chuckled when he picked up Amara in a hug, as well. The face on my familiar was priceless.

"I imagine that you'll be leaving us this morning," he said, smiling

"Yes, unfortunately," I confirmed. "I do not wish to wake the cubs, unless they're all awake by now."

I turned around, only to get pounced on by a swarm of cubs! I smiled at their acts, and cuddled the ones who were actually crying. I attempted to calm them down, and it was only Garn's gentle bur stern voice that allowed me to rise again.

"Will you come back, Auntie Luz?" one of the cubs asked

"Of course I will," I said, smiling

"Will you bring along Auntie Amara, too?" another asked

It was my turn to be surprised, but I smiled again. "If she wants to come along, of course I will."

"When your Auntie Luz comes, I will be with her," Amara confirmed, smiling gently at the cubs

The cubs smiled at that, and ran around, generally making a large racquet which everyone that spent any amount of time here got used to rather quickly. We smiled as the men got out of their lazy heads and moved to the center of the village, all three of them panting. I shook my head, while Garn chuckled.

"And are you sure you will be safe with them?" he asked, nodding in the direction of the humans.

I shook my head. "Honestly, no, I don't. It's entirely possible that none of us make it back, but I'm prepared for all I've heard of the Wastes, and both clans and the Elves have kept me up to date with the happenings of the area. I think our chances are pretty good."

"It is still a chance I would like you not to take, but I know how you are when you have reached a decision," he said with a nod. "Either case, it is my sincere hope that you and your companions are safe, and that you find what you seek."

"Be careful with those words," I warned with a grin. "You may just be right."

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The trail was smooth and easy going, and we quickly made up for any lost time while waiting for the other three humans to be prepared. I was grateful that I had hooves and wings, so that I could avoid many dangers, or help secure rope so the others could climb. Always, my Mistress would thank me, and I blushed, and whispered my thanks to her. Our guides were mostly silent, only pointing out warnings of dangers ahead, or if we wished to rest. Mistress thanked them every time for the former, and turned down the latter, much to the dismay of the other three.

"And you three are supposed to be fit to fight, at all times," Mistress Bell said once, turning around to address them. "Yet all I hear are complaints that are fit for a wife of a noble! And you expect me to be impressed? Ha! If you cannot keep up with me, how are you going to keep up when a dragon is hounding you?"

They seemed to be spurned into action by her words, and the complaints stopped. Lessened, I should say, as they still complained, but a growl from the rear guard Lycan stopped their complaining instantly. We stopped when the lead Lycan stopped and shook his head. Mistress nodded, and we diverged slightly off the path, to a group of tree stumps. We cleared the area and made a small fire, eating our rations in silence.

"So, how far are we now?" Zenron asked. "And where are we going again?"

I turned away, so they wouldn't see the smile forming. I giggled, though, when Mistress just let out a laugh, tilting her head back. Mistress shook her head, still chuckling, to answer him.

"Zenron, we're most likely more than halfway there by now," she said, still chuckling. "We will meet the Faladum clan representatives and they will guide us to the Elf lands. Thankfully, Faladum clan territory is smaller, compared with Lycan lands, unless you know their cave system like they do."

"So, who are the Faladum?" I asked, genuinely interested

"Why, they're the bat clan, of course," Mistress said, smiling

Silence rang at that statement, only broken by the howls of our two guides. Mistress smiled, and hummed, her own way of howling, to appease the Lycan spirit inside. She looked at me, smiled, and winked knowingly. I giggled softly.

"Amara, could you come here? I need your assistance," she said, smiling.

I nodded, and stood beside my Mistress. She relaxed her body, and I placed my hands on her arms, wing tips to her shoulders. I focused my power, finding our link and I gently poured my energy to her. I smiled as she used my power and hers to create something new. A ring of pale light began to form over our head, as the figure of a large bird slowly materialized. I maintained the link, seeing the spell slowly take shape in the form of a monstrous bird in front of my eyes. The bird seemed to be made of pure energy, lifted on great wings, only to perch high above on a overlooking branch.

Mistress nodded, gently separating our link from each other. Both Lycan smiled and curled up to rest, while Mistress Bell began to lay down, using her backpack as a pillow.

"Don't we need someone to watch us over the night?" Zenron asked.

"No," Mistress said, shaking her hand. "I didn't just spend ten minutes casting a light show for nothing. Go to sleep, because when that thing shrieks, I don't want to leave you here to rot."

I smiled at his disturbed reaction, and he promptly lay down to go to sleep himself. I gently lifted my Mistress's head, to replace her backpack with my thigh. She looked at me; eyebrow raised, but didn't say anything. I smiled at her, waiting for her to sleep, so that I may follow her.

==================== =================== ===============

We awoke, rudely awaken at the sound of a large shriek, but rested. Mistress smiled, almost jumping to her feet, grabbing her gear and promptly headed to the path. The two Lycan were right behind her, and I wasn't far behind. I was not surprised to see the men slowly wake from their slumber. I smiled as my Mistress shook her head in dismay.

"Do you want to wait for them?" I asked

"Give them a few moments," she said. "I don't think they're used to the outdoors. To my surprise, that tracker isn't up with us, which has my suspicions."

One of the Lycan nodded. "We noticed that, as well. He may have other reasons for being here."

We didn't continue, as the men reached us, all smiling faces and good attitude, for the moment. "We'll see how those faces last today," Mistress said. She then pointed at the mountain range in the distance through the tree line and mist. "That's where we're headed."

Their faces fell, as we began our march. Fortunately, we didn't encounter difficult terrain, or any dangers along the way. The lead Lycan smiled when I mentioned this to him.

"This is one of the hunting trails both Lycan and Faladum use," he said, grinning. "We both invest time to make sure there are no obstructions or dangers, so it makes for fast travel."

I nodded, and thanked him. We continued in silence, our feet eating the distance in amazing time. By mid-afternoon, our path began to climb steadily upwards, and mist slowly fell. Like a shroud, it muted the colors of the forest, turning everything it enveloped in some variant of opaque color. The Lycan smelled the air, loud sniffs drawing in air. What were they scenting for? I felt magic in the air, but nothing that I thought threatening.

"Mistress," I whispered, "why have we stopped?"

"Making sure that this isn't any type of psionic ability," she said. "There isn't much than we can do if it is, but I sense some kind of spell inside the mist."

I nodded. "I sensed some magic at work," I said. "I didn't think it was anything to worry about."

"Any spell is worth worrying about when I'm not casting it," she said grimly. "We need to hurry."

We all nodded and began moving, but not before I sensed a spike of energy. It was close! Too close, in all reality. I turned, to see this tracker shifting stances, and I charged.

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"Amara!" I yelled, preparing my own spells. I knew that man was too good to be true! I shifted my power, trying my hardest not to draw power from my familiar. She would need all her strength to resist any spells that this tracker might use. He revealed in his hand a talisman, and a rush of sound accompanied the wall of fire that appeared to existence. I focused my power, finding the basic energies of the spell and shattering it, before Amara would be hurt or impeded.

Her claws raked forward, slashing for his face, and missing by a hairs length, but getting on his shoulder. I thrust my hand forward, focusing power, and the amulet shattered in his hand, shards of gems and metal embedding themselves rudely into his skin. He drew a sword from his side, and swung at Amara, only to miss as she lept away from him. Zenron and his friend joined the fray, but not how I thought, as they both charged at me. Zenron, a bull of a man, had a broadsword, magic running along its blade. His friend, wielding a mace and holy book in his hands, a look of pure hatred etched into their faces. I smirked and raised my hand, a giant rune forming in front of my aggressors. Both weapons hammered the rune, their faces clearly visible by the sparks of magic coming from the rune. Rage like this is unnatural, unless...

"You were sent to kill me!" I exclaimed, fury coming in full force. I shifted my stance, and with my other hand, summoned my power. Lightning flowed through my being, and I pointed it at them. The clap of thunder and the flash of lightning blinded me momentarily. When my vision cleared, I saw both of these two men lying on the ground. Their armor smoked underneath their clothes, but I didn't hesitate. I summoned lightning again from the depths of my being as I walked towards the quiet man. I never knew his name, but his actions spoke more boldly than his soft voice.

"You wanted to kill me too?" I asked, aiming a finger at his face. Lightning flashed, as his face literally evaporated from the world. He didn't have time to scream, and I didn't care. I didn't have tolerance for ignorant fools, especially when they want to kill me.

I walked towards Zenron, as he tried stand. His body had other ideas, his knees giving out from underneath him. His broadsword lay in front of him, shattered like a twig. I brought out my full strength to bear against him, as both lightning and fire twirled inside of my body, just waiting to be released. The expression on his face was somewhere between fear and awe. Again, I didn't hesitate, not with him.

"Die."

It was all I said, before doing the same honor I gave his comrade. Only this time, the man screamed as his body was consumed by flame first. Only before letting him feel pain did I end his life, unleashing the lightning inside of me with another flash of light and boom of thunder. Every ounce of rage I had toward the man, I put into the spell. The lightning bolt hit his chest, and promptly exploded most of it, searing away everything in its path. He fell, the smell of burnt flesh heavy in the air, as I turned to see the tracker fellow being dragged towards me. Amara wasn't unscathed from the fighting, cuts and burns adorned her face and skin, but her captive fared much worse. Half his face looked like it was clawed off, and he was clearly missing an eye. His arms looked like a wild animal chewed on them for a good moment and threw them away. In summary, he wasn't ready to fight any more, much less run.

"You orchestrated this betrayal," I said without preamble. He spit at my feet, and I smiled coldly at him. "Do you have any idea what I do to betrayers?"

"Kill them, obviously," he said, snarling. "You killed those two."

I laughed richly, at the sound of his hate. I shook my head. "No, no, you don't understand my good tracker," I said, smiling. "Those two were poor, blind fools that were used by corrupt men to see their ideals made a reality. Cruel old men that use faith as a way to control the masses of the faithful and unguided in this cruel world we live in. It was unfortunate that they died, but it was either me or them, and unfortunately, I value my life more than theirs.

"You, on the other hand, work with the Mages Guild," I continued, anger contorting my face and entering my voice. "No one, not even the Orders have ever dared use their own to kill me. Assassinate, plenty, but not like this. You betrayed the trust those two men placed on you, and I'll blame their deaths on your grave. Whenever they find what's left of you after I'm done with you."

I drew a knife, and it began to glow softly as I grabbed his face and smeared his blood on the blade. The glow intensified as I then lifted the blade high above my head, and sunk it deep into his remaining eye. A howl of pain escaped his lips as the spell inside the blade began to work. Shafts of light glowed from his eyes and mouth into the air as the man screamed. His skin slowly began to distort, as his own blood began to boil. The scream increased, his hands grabbing my own in a desperate attempt to stop his torture. Slowly, though the moment felt like an eternity, the scream died to be replaced by silence. His hands fell, useless, as his life slowly seeped away. The glow of the blade disappeared from his eyes and mouth, and I pulled the blade out and kicked the body to the ground. As soon as it touched the earth, the body exploded into ash; the skull still slack jawed after the ordeal it went through in its final moments before the eternal rest.

"Take their supplies and you can take them with you now or later," I said. "On second thought, let me go through them to see if any more things they have may be cursed or enchanted. What we can use we take and the rest I'll destroy."

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We searched in silence, my Mistress being so focused that neither myself, nor the Lycan wanted her angry any more than she already was. We did as asked, searching the bodies for anything that may be useful or magical in nature. I searched bags while the two Lycan volunteered to search the two bodies.

When my Mistress tapped my shoulder, I almost jumped in surprise. At her smile, I relaxed, and showed what I have found. She nodded, checking everything, and sometimes double checking.

"One can never be too careful," she said gently

I nodded, but didn't press the issue. She had drawn a lot of power, more than she was used to, I think. I didn't ask, but I offered her my hand, and she smiled as she took it. For a silent moment, we shared in the comfort that we were still alive. She smiled, gently touching my face and brushing my hair back behind my ears. She stood gently, and I barely had time to stop her before she fell forward and didn't stir.

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"Mental activity is accurate," a voice said. "Oh, she's waking up. So, are we feeling like the sixth layer of the Hells, hmm?"

I groaned, taking my time to wake up. That voice isn't a Lycan, I thought. Sharp claws and a furred hand were on my back, gently helping me up. My body ached, my hands felt like I just handled lava, and my head throbbed with a headache I was quickly associating with the fact that I fell.

I opened my eyes, to see the black eyes of a morph. I frowned, trying to think but pain prevented me from doing much other than closing my eyes and hissing in pain. The voice chuckled, but laid me back down gently.

"Mistress, are you alright?" Amara whispered softly. I nodded, wincing as the motion made more pain flow through my body.

"You shouldn't move," she continued, her hands on my forehead, smoothing my hair. "Rest, please."

I shook my head, struggling against fresh flares of pain. "Need to get to the Faladum territory," I said, sitting up.

"You are."

I opened my eyes at those words. Against the falling sun, he stood. Tall in stature, easily eight feet tall, towering even over the Lycans. His thin leathery wings wrapped around him like a cloak, supported by strong bones and a strong upper body. Thick claws extended from his hands and feet, claws that match his ebon fur. Sparsely clothed, his body kneeled gigantically over me. He smiled, revealing immaculate sharp white teeth, a twitching nose, and solid black eyes. I smiled back, and nodded. He offered a paw, and I gladly accepted, standing shakily on my legs.

"After a stunt like that, it is a blessing that you are still among the living," he said

I looked around to see the Lycan and another Faladum speaking avidly. Probably catching up with the news, or were old friends. I looked at the one in front of me, and shrugged.

"I overestimated myself," I said quietly. I could feel the Faladum try to pierce my thoughts, but I forced a barrier, shunting him away. "I don't need you poking through my thoughts, thank you," I said sourly. "If you have questions, I'm more than capable of speech."

He nodded, rubbing his head gently. "I apologize," he said softly. "I did not mean to be rude."

I smiled. "I know. This isn't the first time I've been here."

"That is true, Lady Sarnt," he said, smiling. "The cubs have missed you, by the way."

"How am I not surprised," I said, shaking my head. "It happened with the Lycans, it's the same as the Faladum. If it doesn't happen with the Elves, I'll be surprised then."

He laughed richly, his long ears twisting about. I smiled, as I turned to see Amara, her hands on her hips, tail lashing about. Her stance was at odds with her smile and giggle, and I knew I had to explain myself.

"Ask away, Amara," I said, smiling. "You seem to have yet another question ready to ask."

She thought for a moment, but from the Faladum's chuckle, he obviously thought it was funny. I smiled gently, shaking my head. They have always had an odd sense of humor.

"How familiar are you with all the morph clans, Mistress?" Amara asked, genuinely confused. "And how is it possible that you, a human, have so much power? I mean, nothing that defines a human applies to you in any way."

I smiled, understanding why the Faladum chuckled. "While I cannot truly answer everything yet, let's just say that my ancestry has something to do with it."

The bat snorted. "She says that her ancestry has something to do about it," he said, flapping his wings once. "You truly do not honor yourself as you should, Lady Sarnt."

"And that brings another question," Amara said. "How do two clans call you by some kind of honorific?"

I grinned. "That, my familiar, is something even I do not know."

This time, the Faladum almost fell laughing hysterically. The other three chuckled politely, but continued their conversation. I shrugged at Amara's confused look, and poked the laughing one.

"We need to get to the Elf lands, as fast as possible," I said. "We've lost too much time while I recovered."

"Blame the Lycans," he said, chuckling. "They didn't want us to move you while you were unconscious."

I nodded. We exchanged goodbye with our Lycan guides, but I didn't get away fast enough before they hugged me to death in their massive arms. I ruffled their heads in farewell, and we followed the two Faladum. It was before nightfall, if I was accurate, before the events, and it seemed well into the night that we kept walking. A Faladum took my hand, and the other took Amara's, as they escorted us through the darkness.

"I could make some light for us," I said, smiling. Through what little light the moon provided, I saw his head shake.

"No thank you," he said gently. "You need to conserve as much strength as you can. We must get you to the Elf lands as quickly as possible if you are to investigate your ruins."

I sighed, but accepted my fate, for now. "Wait, what have the Elves reported?" I asked

"There is a dragon there, currently laying next to the ruin you mentioned to us a few months ago," he said. "The Elves have tried to goad him to move, but he has insisted that he has one more thing to do before he dies."

"When was this?" I asked

"Two days ago."

"Then we seem to be on track," I said, nodding. "If we can begin, though, I would appreciate it. I'd hate to make a dragon wait any more than he or she has to."

"They live long enough, the dragon can wait," the Faladum behind me said

I laughed and nodded. "Indeed," I agreed. I turned to the one guiding me forward. "Well, I thank you for helping me get back on my feet, so to speak."

The Faladum shook his head. "It was no problems, Lady Sarnt," he said, shaking his head. "It was an honor to aid you."

We walked higher uphill, the trees becoming less frequent, with only the hardiest living up at these heights. Though the travel wasn't difficult, my breathing became heavier, as the air started to become thinner as we climbed. I stumbled a few times stepping over rocks when Amara began to help me support me. She smiled gently at me, and I smiled back.

"Thank you, Amara," I said, nodding. She continued to smile, but didn't say anything. We continued to walk as the trail was surrounded by mist and rocks of all sizes and shapes. The mist uniformed everything in sight, and it was getting to the point that I could not see our guides in front of us.

"We're almost there," Amara said. "I can almost see through this mist. It isn't normal, but it isn't threatening, either."

I nodded, and focused in breathing and walking. Taking strength from Amara, we managed to catch up to our guides, who one was standing next to an enormous gap in the mountain side. The other guide placed his paw on my shoulder. I looked to see his face full of concern, but I smiled and patted his paw in reassurance.

"I'll stay among the living for a little longer," I said, chuckling

He smiled and we continued forward into the cavern. Stalagmites and stalactite adorned the cave, making any wind that blew behind us sound like there was a beast howling. Luminescent fungus glowed an eerily blue, painting the walls of the cavern and us with its glow. Small insects began to sing, as life slowly appeared the further we ventured inside the tunnel. From the audible chirps to the clicking of massive insects, I listened for anything particularly dangerous.

"You worry much, Lady Sarnt. Nothing will harm you while we are here."

I shook my head, but kept walking. Perhaps a little more relaxed, but nonetheless, a bit less guarded. I enjoyed the walk, watching as life flourished in some harsh condition.

We were stopped by a patrol of Elves, but thankfully weren't held up for long. Their armor seemed to glow, even in this dark light with silver and green colors. Metal wrought into leaves adorned their armor, from gauntlet to boots. Their long ears and slim eyes all quivered and were aiming their weapons in our direction. Our guides both dropped to their knees, but I just shook my head.

"It isn't normal that the Elven Royal Guard be loitering about in territories not their own, unless things have truly changed so much in the last ten years," I said, smiling

"It is Queen Lanath!" an Elf exclaimed. I laughed loudly, shaking my head.

All the Elves dropped to their knees, weapons sheathed or at ease. I sighed as I got my guides from their knees. Even while they were kneeling, they still were taller than myself, or any of the elves, though some matched the tall morphs ears.

"Please rise and be at ease," I said gently. "Do not worry yourselves, the Faladum have us well taken care of."

"Have they told you the news, my Queen?" one asked as he stood. He seemed to be of higher rank, and possibly the leader of the group. "We have reports of a dragon near the ruins of the city of Korst Lonal. If it pleases, I'll send every unit we can spare to get him out of the way."

"I don't believe that will be necessary," I said. "Please see that we are prepared for journey as soon as I reach the Elven lands. Though I tire, I do not wish to waste more time in getting to my destination any more than I have to."

"Your wish is our command, my Queen," he said, saluting. The others followed suit, pressing fist against their chest and bowing their heads. As soon as they were out of earshot, I groaned, rubbing my forehead between my fingers.

"This doesn't get any easier, does it?" I asked rhetorically

"It will not, until you accept who you truly are," one of the Faladum said. I looked at him keenly, as his name suddenly hit me.

"Dusk," I said.

"Yes, Lady Sarnt?" Dusk asked, smiling.

"It's good to see you again."

"It is good to see you remembered my name," he said, smiling. "But that does not let you off your problem."

"I know," I said, sighing. "That's why I need to get to those ruins. The sooner I know what I can do to stop this, the sooner my life returns to normal."

"Stop what? That all the clans owe you their existence? That the Elves owe their freedom to you?" Dusk ask

"I don't deserve that," I said somberly. "Not after what my father did."

"That monster was never your father, Lady Sarnt," he said gently as we began to walk. "You must understand that. One humans actions cannot and do not control another's ultimate destiny."

"Somehow, though I know that, I still need to learn it," I said. "Please, let us forget this for now. We need to move, if we're to rest and get to the village with time to spare for the elders to give their speech."

"They have practically a festival ready," Dusk said. I groaned while he laughed.

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We were greeted with enthusiastic yells, plenty of hugs, and as usual, a pile of cubs practically burying me in their eagerness for some kind of attention. One of the elderly Faladum, a bat I recognized vaguely as Dusk's father walked to us. While Dusk and the elder were almost mirror of each other, the elders eyes were a dusk gray color, instead of jet black.

"If it pleases you, Lady Sarnt," he said gently, eyes fixed on mine, "I would like to begin with a little speech of my own."

"Garn did the same, though he didn't ask. Please, go right ahead," I said, gently cuddling a cub in my hands.

He turned to face the rest of the clan. From what I could see, everyone had eager looks on their faces. The cubs were beginning to feel rather rambunctious, probably from how much the Faladum clan has been waiting for just such an occasion.

"Fellow clan, it is my greatest pleasure to say thanks that we are all safe through another year," the elder said. "It is not only due to our own power, but that of the Elves and the Lycan clan that we have moved forward in our development. But enough of that! We are also here to celebrate the coming of Lady Sarnt and her familiar, Amara, so that Lady Sarnt may reclaim her throne!"

A wild cheer arose surged through the air. Even the cubs joined, yelling and cheering with the adults. I turned to see Amara looking at me with amusement and confusion. I sighed, and motioned for her to sit down.

"Do it, please, or the cubs will get you and drag you down," I said, grinning.

She giggled at that, but did as I asked. She shook her head, her hair falling across her face and sides. She grinned at me, as if she had a very good idea, or probably a way that I couldn't talk myself out of something. I shrugged at her, and found Dusk kneeling next to us, cups in hand. He offered one to myself and Amara, but I didn't drink it immediately.

"What is this?" I asked. "Nothing alcoholic, I hope."

"No such thing," he said, smiling. "It is water, for the both of you, after such travels."

We tapped our cups together and drank. I didn't realize I was so thirsty. Probably I was just focusing on surviving that whole ordeal and making sure that no one was hurt. I pointed at Amara, grinning.

"You have questions," I said. "I know that I didn't answer them, but now I will. Go ahead, I'll answer them as best I can."

She nodded and started without preamble. "Who are you?" she asked

I raised my eyebrow, but shrugged. "It isn't my fault the morph clans and the Elves call me by these elaborate tittles," I said, sighing. I gave Dusk a look, and I swear by the sound he made, it looked like he almost snorted water. "My mother's father was a tyrannical man, which the family held a small portion of land, but a powerful army magi and soldiers. While not technically illegal, as it was under his rule, but if he would be anywhere else, the man would have been executed."

"What did he do?" Amara asked, but she shook herself. "Do you think it prudent to speak of this in front of the cubs?"

I shrugged. "Most won't even remember, half are starting to fall asleep on my lap, and the rest know this," I said. "It's up to you."

She nodded. "Please continue," she said

I thought for a moment. "Well, what he did was capture anyone 'trespassing' in his lands, and were used as slave labor. You must understand, what he owned was literally the size of the Dragon Wastes, and you saw the map. It's large, but not excessively so.

"So, when members of morph clans began to disappear, more came to investigate, but they were captured as well. It wasn't long before the Elves came. Elven forces are nothing to be trifled with, like the Band of the Black Bow, or the Army of Fresh Snow, but none of these armies had the magical support that my grandfather had. Scores died, and even more were used as slaves."

I silenced myself when I noticed that most of the Faladum around us where listening in politely. Though the talked amongst themselves, ears were poised in my direction. I smiled, and the tension seemed to ease a bit in their faces.

"I apologize," Dusk said. "I should have stopped them from listening in."

I shrugged. "If you had, they would be even more worried. They know this story better than I do, though."

I thought a bit longer this time, trying to organize my thoughts. "It was about this time that my mother was born, if I'm not mistaken. She was named heir to his throne, to be the next Queen of his land. Though my grandfather was cruel to everyone, to his daughter, he treated her with kindness. My mother, to my belief, did not know what her father did behind her back, until many years later. But, she grew up surrounded by kindness, with servants that were more than happy to please her in any way she asked, and everything a child could want.

"It wasn't until much later that things began to change. A stranger, claiming to be a prince, asked to speak with my grandfather. I don't know his name, none of the grimoirs or ruins I've ever searched ever mention having a prince come to the lands of Korst Lonal, even within any time frame. My father lapped the praise the man gave him, and soon afterward, he was promised to my mother. All my information becomes, at best, honest speculation from here on."

At her nod, I continued. "Soon after the wedding, scores of dragons appeared. Enough dragons, that their wings darkened the sun above the lands of Korst Lonal. Every kind of dragon imaginable, ranging from just starting their first century to dragons that have lived for a thousand years or more flew. No words were exchanged, nothing was said, as they all attacked. Magi are one thing, but nothing compares to a dragon in casting a spell. Fire, ice, even the very earth raged, consuming any and all that attempted to resist the dragons. What I imagine is that my father, either a dragon himself or in league with the dragons, orchestrated this action. Fact is that they escaped, or at least my mother did, and the entire foundation of the castle fell. Even the earth around the castle was sunk into the ground.

"The facts are that enough magic was used to destroy a good portion of the land, and was forever deemed the Wastes. If you looked at maps dating before the rise of our current king, you would see these maps label this area clearly as such. It wasn't until recently that the Elves renamed it the Dragon Wastes, noting the large and, for the most part, undisturbed bones of giant lizards."

"And you couldn't tell me this before?" she asked

"You would have left," I said. "I needed a familiar to continue progress in my own powers. Everyone that I could consult said so."

"Everyone that you could consult?" she asked, shaking her head. "You said that the Mages Guild wants you dead, or worse!"

"True, but not all wizards believe in the ideals that it's becoming," I said. "And, not to mention, a lot of them owe me some favors."

She shook her head. "I should learn to take things in stride when it deals with you, Mistress," Amara said, smiling. "So, that doesn't explain the entire honorifics, though."

"What I have managed to gather from the Elves and morph clans, is that they were all convinced that my mother and this prince orchestrated the downfall of Korst Lonal, so they treated my mother as a queen still. My mother died at my birth, and the clans and I presume that my father, would honor me with her title. All the clans named me in honor of my mother, while the Elves named me queen of their lands."

"So, your royalty, a queen if that, and have most, if not all the magi, morph clans, and the Elves at your call," she said. "What are you planning?"

"To raise Korst Lonal from the ground, confirm my suspicions, destroy my fears," I said grimly, "and give the current king a hernia."