Published: 14 July 2016

Back to the Manor

Death walked the halls of the manse of the lord of the underworld. Not one spirit would dared enter these halls for any reason unless called by their new mistress for all feared her anger. Muerte had seen the last of her agents beaten. Kearn was now imprisoned in a volcano and useless to her. She should have expected they would all fail. They were all lucky the dragons and her brothers had taken care of them instead of her for they were far more merciful than she would have been. The only one left free was Dirod and she could tell he was fading in to oblivion. He had not even tried to do her bidding, instead he hid himself in his mountain and just gave up. All she had left was the dragons of Valen’s clan.

“Fine.” She said out loud. “They can wreak havoc across the lands.”

She knew exactly where they were. All she had to do was get to them before Valen and the rest of the dragons did. They were a little confused, but she could reinforce her spells and get them back to killing for her.

Muerte walked to the front entrance and left the palace. With a wave of her hand she disappeared in a flash of darkness heading for the world of the living.

In a flash of light and magic, Aramis appeared in the courtyard of the Manor in New Keanna with Atol, Alea and Nestor. He had made contact with Ono and Shayn telling them they were coming so they were waiting in the garden for them. As they appeared Shayn and Ono dressed in their finest tunic and leathers came over to greet them

“My Lady.” Shayn bowed as Ono stared at her. He elbowed him back to his senses.

“My apologies.” Ono said bowing. “Welcome to New Keanna.”

“Alea, Nestor.” Aramis introduced them smiling. “This is King Shayn Whitehall and his mate Prince Onoacio Tyr my brothers.”

“We’re pleased to meet you.” Alea smiled. “You must be something special for my brother Vita, I mean Aramis to consider you brothers.”

“You have no idea sister.” He said. “These people protected me and cared for me like family from the moment Jax and I stepped through their cities gates.”

“I wish to thank you all for that.” Alea reached for their hands. First Shayn. She took his hand in hers.

“A white dragon.” She said, “Very impressive. White ones don’t come along very often. You my friend will be very powerful.”

Shayn smiled not knowing what else to say. Next Ono stepped up and she took his hand. Alea started to speak and thank Ono when she stopped. She looked deeply in his eyes.

“Your destiny is not here.” She said frowning as her eyes clouded over.

“Not here at all. You and your mate will do great things somewhere else. Somewhere far from here and away from your clan.”

Protect the white and grey.

For they will cause the end of a thousand

years of tyranny and enslavement.

Their power and courage will doom

the high ones and bring freedom to

all that suffer and fight with them.

The mark of the wolf and dragon will be the sign.

As her eyes cleared she saw everyone staring at her. She blushed and smiled at them.

“Shall we go in?” Aramis said guiding them towards the entrance of the Manor. Together they followed Aramis in. Once inside Ono stopped in the foyer.

“That was a prophecy wasn’t it?” He asked.

“Yes it was.” She told him.

“What does it mean?” Shayn asked. “We’re going somewhere?”

“I can tell you no more.” Alea told them. “I don’t know how or where you’re going. I just know the two of you will leave here in the future.

“Forever?” Ono asked. The look on his face told her she had scared him. But she had no more answers to give them. She was sorry she had told them what she had. But her prophecies had a life of their own and had to come out.

“I don’t know the answer to that.” She tried to comfort them. “I think things will work out for you. I don’t see death, just what I’ve said. Only you can make your futures what you wish. But there is something you will need. That jewel you both wear. There is a larger piece yes?”

“Yes.” Ono reached up to touch the salvation stone at his neck. “It’s in Jandar’s study. Why?”

“Trust me.” She said. “It’s very important that you carry the big piece, very important.”

“Enough with the prophecies.” Atol said as the entered the first floor study and made themselves comfortable. Aramis poured brandy for the adults and wine for Ono and Shayn then sat down.

“How did the other mission go?” Aramis sipped his brandy.” Jax, Alee and the others?”

“I’m fine and Cressca is no more.” They heard from behind them.

“JAX!!” Aramis leaped up and hugged his brother. “I was worried about you red one.”

“The god of justice will prevail.” Jax smiled releasing his brother. “At least with the help of his friends.”

Jax went and greeted and hugged Alea and Nestor then got himself some brandy and sat down. Ono stood in the front of his guests and told them what had been happening with everyone else.

“Jayce and the shadows with Ariel and Toric defeated Pelis and put him back in his confines in Tir Na,” He explained. “Only now he’s not in a zoo. He’s in an enchanted cell in the old castle where he shouldn’t be able to escape again. ”

“Bravosa is being cleaned of all the snow.” He said looking at Alea. “Thanks to Alee and Nautica. Don’t worry, Alee is fine. He defeated Kearn on his own. They should be back soon. Jax, as you can see helped save everyone in Azia and Cressca is no more. ”

“Yes.” Jax said. ” It’s dead at last. Cressca won’t be bothering anyone ever again. But I didn’t kill him. Athene did. She ran him through with Hazard.

“Selena’s Blade?” Alea asked.

“Yes,” He said. “I called out to her and she sent it to me.”

“Where is it now?” Alea asked looking towards Ono.

“I put it in a safe place.” Jax told her. “I can’t let the wrong person get their hands on it. Could you imagine if she got it?”

All around the room heads shook in agreement. Muerte could not be allowed to get Hazard for she had the ability to use it. Not everyone did. With that thought in mind, Atol remember something.

“Jax.” He said. “Where is Athene and Lady Angela?”

“In Prafa. Why?”

“I think Alea needs to meet them.” Atol looked at Alea remembering the day he met Angela and how much the two resembled each other.

“I think we have other things to discuss right now.” Aramis said. ” Like getting Muerte out of the underworld.”

“I agree.” Nestor nodded his head. “There has to be a way for me to get back down there and take back my realm.”

“There is.” Aramis said standing up. “What if you lead a rebellion of the souls down there against her? Would that help you reclaim your throne?”

“Yes.” He said. “But I can’t get down there to organize something like that. The minute I appear, she will know I’m there.”

“Then it’s a good thing we’ve already got things started for you.” Aramis smiled. “You know Baron Valkar?”

“Of course I do.” Nestor looked at Aramis confused. “He was the most evil vampire ever to exist. He turned and murdered thousands. Caused millions of deaths in his time. I’ve been punishing him since the day Azeal Tyr sent his soul on to me. What’s he got to do with this?”

“He and Azeal Tyr have been working together to organize the underworld for your return.”

“Are you serious?” Nestor asked. “Baron Valkar Zlenka? The first vampire did this for me?”

“The second vampire, dear.” Alea corrected him. “She’s the first. Muerte is the original source of vampirism, and that was my mistake. My curse on her. I never should have cursed her like that. Look what I did. I caused a whole race to be born out of my anger.”

“No Alea.” Jax said. “They’re a very proud race now. No longer cursed to kill to live. You will meet some very special people once we can get them all together.”

“Like me and my people.” Ono spoke up. “If it wasn’t for your curse, Jandar and I and my whole race would not exist. My people had a hard time at first being the slaves of the vampires, but we overcame that just like many other races without curses did. So please don’t blame yourself for what’s happened. We are proud to be what we are. And speaking for Valkar of the vampires. So are they.”

Alea with tears in her eyes she looked around the room. She looked at Ono and saw the truth of his words in his eyes. His was a race caused by her actions and as far as she saw they were thriving, and so were the vampires. But Muerte was still out there and her corruption was spreading like wildfire. It was time to put an end to all her evil plans.

“So what do we do?” She asked.

“Nestor goes back to the underworld to reclaim it.” Aramis told them all. “If he takes Hazzard with him I know she will either fight or run. I think she will run. She won’t take a chance against Hazard. She knows what it can do. Once she’s back on Keanna I will deal with her.”

“And our clan?” Shayn asked.

“Don’t worry.” He said. “I’m sure she has something else up her sleeve, like Balthazar and those missing dragons. That’s where the rest of you will come in. Ono, Shayn get in touch with Jandar and Rage and fill them in. Find Valkar and warn him, because all hell is about to break loose.”

“And what can I do?” Alea asked.

“Come with me to Prafa.” Atol said. You can meet Athene and Angela.”

“If you think it’s important.”

“And us?” Shayn asked.

“You both stay here.” Aramis said. “Some of your clan will be coming back from their missions. Fill them in on what’s happening and be ready. I’m sure we’ll have surprises in store for us. Jax, I think one of us should stay here just in case something happens”

“No!” He said. ” I stay with you Aramis.”

“Jax.” Aramis put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “If Nestor’s task goes well, Muerte will be free back in the world up here. There’s no telling what she might do. I need you here.”

“Where are you going? He asked.

“To see Father.” Aramis said. “I need his advice.”

Restful sleep found Fiero, Arik and Maxius at last. Their dreams were of rolling through the skies and the ocean and of days when they were all younger. But still there was something missing. Fiero kept seeing flashes of two unknown dragons in his dreams. A golden one and a beautiful green one. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t recognize either of them. But for some reason he didn’t feel any danger from them. At least he and his brothers were free and the pain was almost gone.

As he flew high over the mountains he heard someone call to him. A chill ran through his mind. He knew that call. It was her. The bronze’s sweet call that froze his mind and put him back under her spell. He tried to resist but she was more powerful than he was. Fiero concentrated on his brothers and found that he could keep a small part of himself free of her control. He knew the more he fought, the more he may be able to finally break free. But for now, he knew he was back under her control.

[You are my weapon now.] She said. [Take your brothers and destroy. Destroy every city and town you find. Kill everyone you see! Go now!!]

[ARGGGGHHH!!! ] Valen screamed in pain and fell from the sky. Rage and Denner dove down after the falling dragon and caught him before he crashed into the ground. Gently the two dragons lowered him to the ground where he shifted to his human form. As Jandar jumped from Rage’s back, Dreik brought his boulder down carrying him and Jade to rest a few feet from the stricken dragon. Jade jumped down and ran to her leader.

“Valen!” She called lifting him into a sitting position. “What happened?”

“It’s our brothers.” He said. “She’s got them again. Their minds are searing in pain again.”

“God damn!” Rage slammed his fist into Dreik’s boulder.” This has got to stop!”

“Easy love.” Jandar took hold of his fist to make sure he hadn’t hurt himself. “Don’t do that again. Hurting yourself won’t help.”

“I know.” Rage said as he kissed his mate. “It’s just so frustrating. Every time we think we’re close, she finds a way to thwart our progress.”

“Can you still track them?” Denner asked.

Valen closed his eyes and concentrated. He saw Fiero carrying Maxius with Arik next to him flying. They were attacking a small city. Burning and causing tornadoes to rip apart the city.

“We have to hurry.” Valen said. “It’s happening again. There on the attack.”

“Then climb on and rest.” Dreik said. “I’ll do the flying now.”

Jandar and Rage both put an arm around Valen and helped him to the huge slab of rock Dreik was controlling. Jade helped him settle himself in a position that was comfortable.

“You’re sure the three of us aren’t too heavy?” He asked.

“I could lift a mountain if I have to now.” Dreik smiled. ” You just rest and let me take care of it.”

Rage shifted and Jandar climbed back on his back. Denner transformed into a large eagle, he spread his great wings and took off.

[Lets go.] Rage sent. He took off then Dreik lifted his boulder and easily took them into the air after his companions.

[How far away are they?] Denner asked.

“Just over that ridge ahead of us.” Valen answered.

Climbing higher they noticed how grey the sky was. Their nose told them it was smoke. Something was burning. They all had a feeling they knew what was happening over there.

“Please tell me that’s not what I think it is.” Jade said. She strained to try and see over the ridge.

“We’ll know in a minute.” Dreik said.

In a line they breached the top of the ridge. What they saw shocked all of them. The town below them was totally covered in flames. Every house and shop was a blaze. They saw no running people, but they did see burning bodies.

“Heaven help us!!” Jandar whispered.

[Who could have done this?] Denner sent.

“Fiero did this.” Valen told them. “I can smell him in the air.”

[No, Muerte did this.] Rage said. [Fiero doesn’t have this in his heart. I doubt Polan would do this.]

“She’s that powerful?” Dreik asked.

“Haven’t you been listening to Aramis and Jax?” Jandar asked. “Goddess of death. Yes, she’s that powerful.”

[Then what chance have we got against her?] Denner asked. [She can take control of us just as easily.]

“No she can’t.” Jandar reached up and touched the salvation stone embedded at his throat. “This prevents her from controlling us. And you forget. We have Aramis on our side. Life will overcome death.”

“You hope so.” Dreik called out.

“Wrong. I know so.” Jandar said. “It’s one of the first rules of magic. Good overcomes evil and life overcomes death. We’ll win this battle; we just have to keep fighting.”

[They’re not here anymore. We move on.] Rage said. [Which way Valen?]

[North and hurry. There heading for another town.]

Far in the north the trio of dragons saw in the distance a large city. Fiero groaned in his mind.

[Not again!!]

Arik flew up next to his brother and looked over at him. His mind was so jumbled he could no longer send his thoughts, all he could do was obey what she put in his head. Fiero could see the tears of pain in his eyes. Deep in his mind he knew he was screaming for Fiero to help him. Fiero pushed out with his mind and sent soothing thoughts to both his brothers. A stabbing pain came back at him. He pushed it away seeing the relief come over their eyes. Their pain had been relieved for the moment. Now to the task below them. Winterhaven.

Realizing where they were. The dragons put on more speed. There could only be two destinations for the dragons. New Keanna or Winterhaven and both meant disaster.

“There heading to Winterhaven.” Jandar said to Rage. “We have to stop them before they get there.”

[I’m calling Ono to be on watch just in case. He can put Ariel in the bay to stop Maxius.] He sent back to his mate. [You call Insa. Have him put the city on alert. They have magical shields that should hold them off until we can get there. Denner, Dreik we have to move!! Let’s go!]

Prafa was quiet since the attacks from Balthazar had stopped. And that put the whole city on edge. Tanis and Athene were on the gate talking with Adam when they heard from Ono what was happening there.

[We can be there to help in an hour.] She sent to Ono. “Tanis, get mother. We have trouble at the Manor.”

“What’s going on?”

“A dragon attack.” She told them.

“Dragons fighting dragons?” Adam shook his head. “What can we do to help?”

[Nothing.] Ono said. [You’re safe there. Besides I don’t trust Balthazar. This is the perfect time for him to attack. Stay there and keep your eyes open.]

[If that’s what you want.] Athene sent. [Promise to let me know what happens.]

[We will.] And he was gone.

“I’m scared Tanis.” Athene sat down on a bench on the wall. “Father’s been too quiet. I know he’s up to something.”

“So do I.” Adam told them. “And I think I know what.”

Both Athene and Tanis looked at the large friend. Tanis was still amazed at the change in him. Last time he saw Adam; he was the warrior Sting. Strong and simple but loyal to his mother. Now look at him. Tall and handsome with a clear thinking mind again.

“What are you thinking?” He asked.

“I think he’s building an army fashioned after my warrior form. Can you imagine that?”

“I hope not.” They heard out of the air. A second later Atol appeared smiling standing next to a woman with sparkly hair they looked a lot like their mother. The three stood there with their mouths open staring at Alea. A little uncomfortable at the stares, she smiled and greeted them with a nod.

“You see it too I guess.” Atol looked at Alea to.

“What in the world are you talking about?” She frowned.

“You’ll see.” He said. “Where’s your mother?”

“In the house.” Tanis stammered. Atol and Alea started down the stairs and Tanis and Athene went to follow. Atol stopped and looked at them.

“I think this should be a private meet.” He said. “You two stay here.”

“But mother might…” Athene started.

“Stay!” He turned and led Alea down and up the street. Alea was by now getting a little annoyed by all the secrecy, and goddesses weren’t really good with annoyance. They walked to the back of the town to a small house with a sign that read Blacksmith. Atol knocked at the door. An elder bald vampire opened the door and greeted them

“Lord Atol.” He said. “I’m pleased to see you. Come in. Who is this beautiful…” His mouth dropped open.

“That’s it!” Alea said. “What’s going on? Why’s everyone so shocked when they see me?”

“Usher,” She heard. “We have guests?”

Atol stepped out of the way to reveal a beautiful white haired woman that could be her twin. Alea and Angela stood there in shock staring at each other.

“Angela, meet Alea. The goddess of the moon.” Atol smiled. “I thought you should meet.”

High on the tallest mountain on Keanna a magical light flashed and a tall handsome god appeared. Aramis stepped out and walked out a ways and looked up into the sky. In his mind he saw memories of his home on Fortis. All his brothers and sisters. Their homes and palaces on that beautiful mountain in the sky. He remembered his parents, beautiful Saila, goddess of the heavens and Rimnar the eternal one. He was in need of their help right now. For his only they could advise of how to destroy his own wife, Muerte the death goddess. Aramis sat himself on a ledge overlooking a distant range of mountains. It was beautiful up here and quiet. A perfect place to find them.

“Father, Mother!!” He called out. “I need your help. I can’t forgive all the death she has brought to the world. All her evil deeds. She has hurt some of us and destroyed many people. What do I do? Binding her powers and imprisonment is not an option anymore. She would just find a way to free herself and it would start all over again. I have what I need to bring an end to her. But I won’t do that without your council. Father?”

Lightning flashed and the mountain rumbled as clouds rolled in and covered the sky. A single beam of light broke through the clouds and shine down on him.

MY SON, YOU KNOW WHAT MUST BE DONE. SHE HAS BROKEN EVERY LAW I EVER MADE FOR US. SHE MUST BE PUNISHED.

“But death father?” Aramis said. “Is that the answer?”

IT IS HER WAY. SHOULD HER PUNISHMENT BE ANY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT SHE WOULD HAND OUT?

“I don’t know.” He said.

{You once loved her my son. Can you condemn her now?}

“She destroyed that love, Mother.” He said. “She is the one forcing my hand here. This is not something I want to do.”

THEN YOU HAVE YOUR ANSWER MY SON. YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO. SEND HER TO US. WE WILL CARE FOR HER.

“Yes father.” He put his head down. “I know what to do.”

ARAMIS. YES, I KNOW YOU’RE NEW NAME. IT PLEASES US BOTH. DO NOT LET HER DIE IN THE UNDERWORLD.

{If she does, she will be unstoppable}

The clouds began to break up as their voices faded.

FAREWELL SON. BE CAREFUL. SHE IS POWERFUL.

And they were gone.

I accept all comments. Contact me here: jandar.tyr@castleroland.net