He had been sitting across the street from the public works office. He was waiting. He had been waiting. The waiting was now done.

The building suddenly came alive with activity. The word was being spread to mobilize, to make ready.

It was a shame they were not going to be all that ready. "All units, begin your assult on the public works. Level it."

Out of the rubble and debris and the remaining buildings, several dozen units poured out on to the street, opening fire on the public works building. He grabbed a couple of thermal detonators from the small satchal at his side and lobbed them at the opposing wall, the resulting explosion causing it to fall. Some of the workers were ready, they had on armor, gear to protect themselves. Some were even armed.

They were still mowed down. The main gate was his, the primary facility would be his goal. He walked through the chaos, the sounds of blaster fire going on before him. He walked passed one of the fallen guards. The fool reached out and grabbed the leg of the intruder. "I cannot let you do this!"

"You have little choice." The dark form informed as a sick sounding crunch was heard. The guard hissed out his last breath of air. He moved on, so much to do: so many to kill.

A radio crackled on the floor with an urgent tone from the operator on the other side demanding a report. There was a hint of mischievous in the gleam of the dark auburn eyes as Travanix reached down and pulled the transmitter from the hands o$ the dead worker. He chuckled a moment as he heard the sounds of battle off in the distant part of the primary building. "Hello, dispatch?" he paused for a moment while the receiving dispatcher relayed that there was a response coming from the public works facility. A quick voice responded back asking for a situation report. He pulled out a chair and got comfortable. He clicked the transmitter and responded slowly, "There is not much to tell. As near as I can tell they were completely taken by surprise. they had just gotten the word that they needed to mobilize when the first strike came. They were on the primary building within minutes. The vehicles have all been disabled, the armory has been destroyed; there has been no mention of prisoners being taken. There are not many left."

Releasing the transmitter key, he waited. How long would it take to realize who was giving the report? He smirked darkly at the thought of the stunned silence that would be occurring in the dispatch office. He waited for the quickened response demanding who was there, who was giving the report. He smirked as he clicked the transmitter once more: "Me? My name is Travanix. I own this planet. I will be coming for you very soon." He didn't wait for a response and filed the radio with a surge of black lightning.

Moments later we find Brian back inside the command post, at dispatch.

?Dispatch to Recon 01, CP Actual is arrival, go ahead with your report.?

Quickly the reply then came.

Recon 01 Actual to dispatch, we are arrival along the south wall. We have a visual of the compound, and it is a mess. We have a ?MCI?, repeat we have an ?MCI?.. Looks to be near 40 or so.. Wait. Dispatch standby one, we have movement.

The dispatcher looked to Brian, with a bit of confusion, as she mouthed the initials back to the Minister. With a rather somber demeanor he replied softly to the young lady, ?Mass Casualty Incident.. It means, we have a large number of dead. Let?s see what else they can give us, and someone check on the EMS and Mechanized units.?

As they waited, someone else called out to Brian quietly, ?Sir, the EMS and Mechanized are standing by, for clearance before moving in.?

?Good.. Advise them to stand by, and we will clear them momentarily.?

That said, Brian reached over taking a map folded map in hand. Quickly, he circled the area where the recon unit should be, coupled that that if the EMS and Mechanized units as well.. Noted also was the dock area to the deep south, as he pondered another possible escape route. A few notations quickly made, as the map was then passed off to a runner, who headed towards another station at the far end of post.

T?was then, that the radio crackled once more.

Recon 01 Actual, to CP Actual. Recon 01 Actual, to CP Actual.

?This is CP Actual, Recon 01 Actual. Go ahead.?

Minister? Raven, that you? This is Donnesan.

?Don, it?s me. Go ahead, tell us what you got. Just speak easy, and don?t worry about protocol. Just give us everything you see.?

Alright, disregard the movement, it was a gas line. Listen, it?s a mess here.. We had one helluva firefight. Looks like heavy grade blaster fire, and some high end explosives. Possibly thermals. We definitely have a good amount of dead, 40 plus at last count. The main gate, building and warehouses are leveled. And you were right, the armory has been compromised. Looks like they pressed on, we have active fire north of us a few blocks. We?re gonna make our way in from the south wall, and verify up close. Have the EMS stand by, and bring up one mechanized to support us.

?Alright, Don. We?ll send Mechanized 4 to you. Be careful, and just give us whatever you can.?

Alright, we?ll raise back when they arrive.

Looking to the other dispatcher present, Brian nodded softly.

?Let?s do as they ask, and bring up Mech 4, and also send up EMS 1 as well. They have a mech on their crew as well. It?ll do well to bolster 4, and if they find anyone alive, they can be transported with no delay.?

Nodding, the dispatcher went to work, as Brian looked to the commander next to him.

?McDowell, I?m going to make the rounds and check the other stations here. Let me know if anything changes, or that help from off world, makes itself known.?

That said, the Minister was off. There was much to tend to, and it as it stood, more was on the way.

?Admiral, ground troops report more explosions on the ground.?

Communications were sent to the officials below. They were able to relay most of what they knew going on.

?Where now?? Alex turned to address his bridge officer.

?West end near the docks.?

?What building??

?It appears to be Public Works building was destroyed.?

?Really? Interesting. Contact Captain Heckstar . Tell her we?re sending in another unit. South. All units will be acting in unison with city defenses where applicable? be available to them. Contact Kegan, get another report from him. And get me that city official on holographic screen if you can. Surely they have one of those somewhere.. I hope. And however you are able to reset communications, scramble the signals; Security code level Alpha zero niner three Omega four two seven seven seven. Make that with all units as well. It?ll take the enemy too long to crack through that. The war will be over by then.?

?Aye sir!?

?Let me know when you?ve got them contacted again.?

The communications officer quickly relayed messages and pinged Town Hall again. His voice was heard with the message:

?RhyDin Town, this is the Armageddon II. Admiral Arrowny would like to speak directly with whoever is leading you down there. Requesting holographic connections if available or screen capability. Recommend security scramble units on signals. Please respond to secure a line with our codes.?

?Raven, the Talismans are set, and the barrier is being staged. They advise, they can activate it whenever we need it, but the duration is limited. The Urashima?s have another group on the way, with supplies that can extend that time frame. But they won?t be here, till tomorrow sometime. Also, we got more Watch rolling in. I got them working on some watch towers to the West, and South an South West. We got North and East fairly covered. Oh yeah, an the gates are back up and manned by a security detail. We had to resort to searchin all arrivals that aren?t cleared. Especially after that sapper. It?s slowed us a bit, but it?s smooth I promise ya.?

?Alright, Kerri. We?ll continue as planned. Any word on the Recon unit??

?Just gettin to that.. Raven it was bad. Public Works is gone. There were secondary explosions. It was decimated, and the boys barely got away. No if ans or butts. It?s 86?d.. Raven. Nothin left. We got wounded comin in via EMS , an the sisters are waitin. They?re also reportin heavy fire along the docks, and to the north, and will be moving in to get further intel. Mechanized is with them.?

?How many dead, Kerri??

?Raven I?m so??

?Numbers, Kerri let?s have em..?

?Raven, they stopped counting at 74.. There was a lot more. Staff, an Civilian. That was in the vicinity alone. But we kn??

?I know.. It?s a lot more, and it?s gonna get worse. Alright. Keep the count need to know only. We still do what we can. This is a rescue mission more than anything else. The mission parameters do not change. So tell me, evacuations, how are we looking, still on track??

?Yeah, the temples are in full swing, and the turn about has been good. The old Scath Temple to the North is proving to be a good staging point for the other two posts. So we get em out of the city, to the Temple, and from there into the forests to the shelter camps. That band of dwarves from near the compound have been really helpful with the shelter makin, and security details. We got about 200 or so gathered at the camp itself, and more enroute. Water and food is stable, so we are okay. We got 68 wounded here that cannot be immediately moved. Still waiting for word for any other clinics that have wounded, they can?t move etc.?

?And what of the barge??

?Oh yeah! We got one, had to commandeer it, an all. But we got it. It?s a medium sized one, but she has some power. We got an armed unit dispatched to it, for security and EMS 8, and 6 are there as well. We?ll be able to use the water ways. They advise to be up in 2 hours, time. I know it isn?t the fastest, but it?ll help yanno??

?No you all are doing great, Kerri. More than great. I mean that. I owe you all so much, it isn?t funny.?

?Shut up, Raven. You got this party together yanno? Sides, ya don?t owe us. We signed up for this, gig. Sides, this is our home field baby! This is Mama?s house!?

Kerri further emphasized her words with a rather impressive chest thump.

?Anyways Boss, back to the grind baby!?

And off the self proclaimed ?Queen of Mithra Mayhem? went, flanked by two of her ?lostest boys?, as well.

Shaking his head softly, Brian looked over the list she had left in his care. Tired eyes scanned the list carefully, as he spoke to himself in turn.

?Alright.. Provided they do not make it to us, we can hold here for a good bit.. Fortify these walls, here.. And here too.. Worse case, we can demolish buildings adjacent to town hall.. Yes, that can work.. Last resort.. So let?s??

That?s as far as he got in his musings, as something caught his attention..

?Hello? Anybody out there? Gods, anyone come in. It?s the Loon. Arcanum is under attack.. I..I mean, more than other places. There are hundreds all over just the campus. I?m stuck on the roof of a building that?s about to be blown sky high. What?s going on? Hello? Anyone still alive??

?Loon? Arca?What??

Eyes of blue blinked, as he looked about the room, a moment.. He then felt the subtle vibrations from the combadge, as he pulled it from his jacket. Tapping the badge, he replied.

?Loon? Loon, this is Raven. Which building at Arcanum are you on??

Quickly he scribbled down what she had said, as he called out.

?Kerri! We got something, meet me in the ready room!?

Running towards the ready room, he tapped the badge once more.

?Loon, if you can, give us the building or a land mark, we?ll get someone to you!?

?Loon? Loon, this is Raven. Which building at Arcanum are you on??

The voice through the intercom was a welcome comfort.

?Oh Thank God! Yeah, we are on top of the dorm? the western one next to the main building. I?ve got a little girl with me. I don?t know if I can jump across to the next building with her. I??

The girl tugged on Leuni?s shirt. She said nothing except to point to the huge canvas, then made a bouncing motion with her hand, followed by pointing to the main building. Leun couldn?t believe what the girl was suggesting.

?.. uh..you want me to jump on that canvas?? Leun asked her. She forgot to take her finger off the button and it was transmitted.

The girl nodded. Leun glanced back to what was going on below. Charges were being set and almost done with what appeared to be the last one. Somehow she sensed they only had less then a minute. Her finger let go of the transmission finally realizing she?d left it open. What could she do?

?Loon, if you can, give us the building or a land mark, we?ll get someone to you!?

The voice from the badge brought her attention back to it. Once again her finger pressed the badge again.

?Raven..? her voice was nearly choked with both anger and rushed determination. ?We?re gonna jump to the main building, try to find a way in there. There?s no time to wait. Wish me luck!?

This time she remembered to let go of the button.

?Oh Thank God! Yeah, we are on top of the dorm? the western one next to the main building. I?ve got a little girl with me. I don?t know if I can jump across to the next building with her. I??

?.. uh..you want me to jump on that canvas??

?We?re gonna jump to the main building, try to find a way in there. There?s no time to wait. Wish me luck!?

Seconds was all it took, yet the words felt so much longer.. His steps turning into a dead heated run, as he called into the combadge loudly.

"Loon! Loon, I heard you and we're coming. Main building, just hold out, we're coming!"

The air went dead once more, as he burst in the ready room, his eyes panning left and right, the concern more than evident.

"Kerri!? Damn, it where-- Kerri!"

Without another word, the self proclaimed 'Queen of Mithra Mayhem' was at his side.

"Raven, I'm here! Gods, I heard you across the way, what's going on!?"

As she spoke, Brian was already knelt down at his station, opening a large trunk. Quickly, the lid was flung upward with a slow hiss of depressurisation.

"Rav-- Brian what are you--"

"Kerri we have an Avenger out there with a child, they are trapped in Arcanum, and it is being over run. We need to-- I need you to take over here, whi--"

"Oh, we'll go and get them and-- Take over!? Me!?"

"Yes you, you know what needs to be done, and this shouldn't take too long, I hope." said Brian as he was pulling, a tactical vest from the trunk, setting to the side.

"Have you lost your effin mind!? There is NO way in hell, I'm gonna let you go out there! That's what you got ME for, foo!"

Making her point very clear, she strode over to him. In a quick motion, she grabbed the vest, tossed it back inside the trunk.. A deft slide of his hands away from the trunks rim, as she slammed it shut. In reaction, Brian stood quickly, and was immediately, as Kerri would put it, 'all up in her grill, yo', or something.

"Kerri what the HELL was that for!? We don't have the time fo--"

He got no farther, as Kerri leaned foward, licking his nose soundly. In a flash she was no longer there. Instead, she was just outside the door, as she called back to him.

"Gimme two, and call me on the radio, tell me where the hell I'm goin, and I'll get yer Avenger back Raven! No time for love doctor Jones! Nya ha ha ha!"

Standing there, Bri shook his head softly.. "Sh*t..."

Suddenly, a voice called out softly.. "It seems my son.. That this moment does not belong to you, no matter how willing you are to leap into the fray.. Still, be thankful. There are many who would willingly do the same for you, and in your stead. So worry not my son, Kerrithra will find a way, same as you have, and same as you will."

A breath literally stolen, as he turned to see, that which he had not seen in literally years.. The figure of Mother Matron Melinda Iscariott, that stood before him.

"Mother?"

Such a warm smile upon the face of the Matron, as she nodded softly.

"That is it, my son."

No other words offered, as Brian walked over to the Matron, embracing her warmly, in a hug.

"I didn't think I'd see you here.. I figured you would be in the temple secure.. Why are you here, mother, I--"

"Brian.. How could I not be here? How could any of us not be here? The city needs anyone who can stand, and help.. Look at what you have done, son.. Look at what you assembled, in such a time. The fire you have lit within these folk, and it spreads Brian. With each person that stands, to make that difference it spreads, son. So tell me, Brian Ravenlock, son of Marfa, how could your mother, not be here?"

"I didn't do anything special mother.. We are only doing what we have to, and---"

"Brian, you stood... You stood, and others have stood with you, and that in itself is enough.. You stood, and you still stand and others do the same. So long as you all do that, others will be helped as well, and that makes the difference. So.. Do not fret son of mine, there will be other times for reckless abandon, yes?"

Releasing the Matron, Brian smiled lovingly, as he offered a soft kiss upon her head. "You're right, Mother. Thank you."

The Matron nodded softly, "There is nothing to thank me for, son. Ever."

Suddenly, a young lady burst into the room!

"Minister, here take this! It's the Armageddon II and Admiral Arrowny of Exodii, they believe it's about the off world help!"

Handing him, the wireless ear piece the young lady took a step back, as Brian slide the piece on, and spoke.

"Minister Brian Ravenlock, hailing Armageddon II. This is Minister Brian Ravenlock of Rhy'Din, hailing the Armageddon II."

As they waited, Brian scribbled a note and handed it to the young lady, who read it quickly.

"Yes Sir!" an she was off to the races, back to dispatch.

Several moments passed before Leun flopped back down on the roof, face down, and laid there a moment trying to catch her breath. The girl rolled off of Leun and sat next to her just looking around. Leun touched the badge once more.

?Made it.? Was sent in a breathless response.

Then she tried to roll onto her back. Pain shot through her upper abdomen. She finished the roll with her hand pressed there, wondering why it was so painful. She looked at her hand once she was laying on her back. That?s when she realized a shard of debris had lodged itself into her stomach. The shard was about five inches long and the width of a thumb.

And that?s when Leun passed out on the roof of the main building there in Arcanum Academy.

She was furious. The public works had been one thing and she'd missed it, detained across town where there had been and explosion. Apparently a bomb set as a distraction and it had worked. Now she was late, yet again. She found Brian after having to intimidate a few subordinates with a case of hoof in mouth.

"Brian! Sir! Forgive me I was...detained." She was dirty and bloody and none of the blood was her own. "I have been knee deep in bodies and bureaucracy for the last two days. One of the orphanages burned to the ground and several children were badly injured." Anger flashing in her emerald eyes. "It's handled, now, Where do you want me?"

It was clear the filly was out for blood now. The children were near and dear to her heart and Travanix had gone too far. She shifted her weight hoof to hoof as she awaited her orders, and prayed it was something where she could pay back in blood. "You point me in the right direction, Sir, and I'll be glad to run through any in my way." Her voice was cold and grim. Someone was going to die.

She was a little taken aback by the warmth by which she found herself received but glad of it and the embrace was fondly returned. "I'm happy to be where I belong, under your command, Brian." She Understood the gravity of the situation. She might not be able to fly but those wings had been turned into vicious weapons the blades fitted to them gleamed from within the feathers. She was armed to the teeth and ready to go.

"Give me my assignment and I will carry it out gladly." She watched him as he looked over his plan. she was concerned for him, she knew the stresses of war and she gently laid a hand on his shoulder. "Or do you wish me to help you here? I'm faster than any runner you have, and if you need fast transport..." She trailed off meaningfully. She rarely allowed any the honor of her back, but she was stronger and swifter than any steed on the field and Brian would know this was true.

Not to mention she would be able to ensure his safe arrival at any place he needed to go. No other could claim this as she was able to fight as no mere horse could do. "I am ever at your command, Sir." The title was spoken respectfully, and warmly. Brian had been a good friend for a long time. "Wherever you have most need of me is where I wish to be." She flicked her tail and awaited his reply.

To Town Hall




The last hours of daylight were especially precious during a war. No women, no children, were seen outside of windows already on their way to closing their shutters, and doors doing no better to remain open. What women still around had their reasons, and they were good ones. Food for the men, shelter, care; and it was not to be put past them their combative capabilities. This was Rhy'Din, after all.

?What is this??? a man of Rhy'Din shouted, his armour dirty and his tabard bloody from battle. He approached a wooden barricade men had worked hard on, but to him, it was not a barricade, it was a deficiency. ?You expect this to keep our enemies at bay? TIGHTER! This has to be a fortification!!!? he shouted, gripping the structure and tugging it.

The men blinked. They were tired, they were confused, and they were scared. But their fellow soldier was right, and reawakened their resolve to protect Town Hall: a station that must not be lost. ? Yes Sir. We will build it stronger.? ?Yes. No one will get through.? two of the men replied. There was a shortage of uninjured men at Town Hall, and an even shorter supply of leadership. This man barking these orders of restrengthening was but a lowly cavalryman.

The men pushed their boots through the mud, mud that had not been there prior to making things that would not have been at Town Hall were war not upon their doorstep. It was on the men's faces, even those prepared to fight, which were not rare. Rhy'Din was responding to this attack, with more bravery and allies than anyone had though possible. This is what happened, in times of crisis; men put aside their differences and joined together. Such was the case even then, as a hooded figure walked beside a hooded dwarf through the gloominess of battles past, battles to come, and the resolute men reinforcing their walls.

?Aye, the men's spirits could be higher.? Crall said, tugging his hood to better hide the identifiable red of his magnificent beard.

?The air is different from when last I was here... the streets were livelier, too. Perhaps I speak of it too simply. It was war they were busily making preparations for.? the human beside him said, also under the guise of a commoner.

?As I. I was here for the war council before our powers were dispersed to posts and encampments; before you shewed up. The chain of command seems to have shifted; doesn't surprise me.? said the dwarf looking around, showing no more than the curious gesture of his mouth to the provisions that were being made. He did well to hide his identity as the Supreme Commander of the Dwarven Mountain Lords.

The earthen-colored cloak he wore was enormous, even for a dwarf. It had to be, if it was to hide the tremendous axe on his back. This was no small feat, but Crall was an enormous dwarf, befitting of his title commanding his dwarven war captains. Misleading those who saw him that he had an inhuman-like broadness of shoulders. ?Could you draw less attention, Dwarf Lord?? the man asked, walking past a post of men with him who were slurping from steaming bowls. It must have been nice.

?I left my armor. But the axe goes where I go.?

?Fair enough. Pays to not get caught unarmed.? he said to the dwarf as they continued to walk. Injured, injured everywhere. He stopped, removing his hood to expose his head of short, dusk-colored hair.

?.....?

?Dark?? Crall stopped, looking back to him, a hand keeping his hood about his face.

?...It was nothing. I thought I felt something.? he gazed his green eyes about the walls, once more, to make sure he hadn't passed over something. He caught back up with Crall, and continued their walk.

?You're a perceptive one. Don't often hear men speak of such things. Dwarves are different, with our attunement to the creation of the land and all, but not a man.? one of Crall's eyes came from the darkness of his cape to see the man's reaction.

?Perhaps your faith in the abilities of people is in need of renewing. Look what we can do when we come together. Look what a group of dwarves have done. They turned an empty encampment into a place of sanctuary for the people when they had nowhere to go. People even, who thought their time was up in this world. At least this is certain, you stubby bastards can do something other than hold your liquor.? Dyarhk said with a grin to him. A grin paid back in full.

?Just who are you, anyway?? Crall asked with a serious curiosity.

?A friend, if you would have me.? he looked to him whilst they walked, a green eye showing his passionate intention for normalcy. He wore no decorations of rank even in situations that called for them, and this was with reason.

?...Aye. A friend.? from under his brown cloak he exposed partially his brown tunic and large belt at his waist to extend a powerful dwarven hand clad in leather wraps to him; a hand aptly clasped.

?After all, we are no different to our enemies on the battlefield, are we.? Dyarhk said, seizing the dwarf's hand with his other for a pat like he would give to a shoulder or back of a comrade.

?Aye if that isn't tha bloody trooth.? the dwarf was able to clench his grip powerfully before releasing his hold. The two came to a stop as they entered the dispatch center, trying not to draw attention to themselves as they looked to the busy interactions by the men at such a darkening hour.

This was when a man and his appearance caught Dyarhk's attention. He exhaled a gasp.


?You mean those of us, who will evacuate right, Raven??

?That?s right commander, you all.?

?No dice, Raven. My team and I are here, till this is ended. We see everyone else out, and then deal with ourselves.?

?Your call commander, heh. Sides, I had you figured for this, remind me to buy ya a round when this is said and done.?


?You'll have to extend that tab, for two more. And I don't think your wallet is near bottomless enough to pay for a dwarf.? a voice came from outside the ranks of their conversation. Brian might look for his addresser, seeing a man approaching him with a dastardly and confident grin, hair short but no unlike his own. Clothed in everyman's garb, and still sticking out so much for those who knew his face.

?Brother.? he drew the man into his breast with mighty arms, arms trained and many times stronger when last they embraced, and he did little to restrain embarrassing the Minister before him. He was going, to hug, his friend.

Out from his shoulder, he brought the man to face him, mighty hands on equally as mighty shoulders of the elder Ravenlock he confronted. ?You look sickly. Are your victories not many? Do you require my assistance so badly?? looking him over curiously, before it could be passed as a joke and his smile let go.

Dyarhk would release Brian, and look around at the men working, and those sitting alone, too injured to work. Crall walked up then, removing his hood and revealing his brilliant red hair. Dyarhk's hand introduced him, ?Your shelter builders extend much broader a dwarf than mere wood handlers, old friend. Crall Goldcrusher, a dwarf of a dwarf. The forests beyond the temple hold more than I could bother to count, and such a number is only beyond a few thousands.?

?Minister Ravenlock.? Crall had known him, or at least of him for his contributions to Rhy'Din in the past, and certainly his efforts during this invasion. ?I see many a bleeding man outside, 'fraid there be even more inside. Lat us lend our beds, and our able-bodied to help ye.?

Dyarhk pushed his fingers together, ready to snap them at any second while he grinned devilishly at Brian. ?Say the word, and with our healers your wounded will sleep warm tonight, and hold a sword tomorrow. And today, a victory will be had.? his grin climaxed. He was indeed full of himself.

If Brian had complied, portals would have opened in the streets. Men and dwarves walking from them with medical crosses stitched, patched, and painted onto their garb. Brandishing gurneys, they would spread to the many injured, and asking the able where their sick was. As the district moved with traffic, Dyarhk turned back to Crall, his demonic war-hungry side showing. ?Do you need to go back and fetch your armour? Or are you going to sit this one out.? smiling up to his canines at him.

?Mm.? Crall replied, sliding his cloak off of his axe as its gold exposed itself on the whole of his back, brightening with color considerably the sorrow and dankness of this hold. ?Not a man or dwarf will bleed by himself so that I might ' ' pretty up ' ' with wear. Let me at 'em!!? drawing his axe around and huffing a few eager growls. Dyarhk laughed magnificently up at the sky, hands on his sides.


?Excuse me for a minute, Brian.? his hand leaving the elder Ravenlock's shoulder for him to walk the distance over to the fastest runner this war effort had: Epona.

She listened carefully as Brian explained what was needed. She did not even think to ask if those building had been evacuated, she didn't have to. She knew of all people Brian would never bring harm to the innocent. She leaned over, paying sharp attention to where he marked on the map. After a moment she spoke up. "I have a few centaurs willing to follow me, and it was no easy task I can tell you. But we could add to the rubble here."

She pointed to the map where there was a small area between the town hall and where he indicated the enemy was that had once been park like. "This is already in ruin, there were several large trees there that have been felled. The enemy is not yet so close that we could not haul them back and make traversing the fortification more difficult."

She looked at him. "We could also break the water pipe and flood it out. Look, there's a slight incline here." She pointed to the map. "Where the streets narrow it will channel the flow of the water directly for them. Nobody can fight well slogging uphill in mud. Not to mention it will be cold. Make them miserable, make them fight badly."

The filly certainly did not believe in any such thing as a fair fight and it was coming out. "Flood it right here, this water main." She pointed to a spot just in front of where he planed to detonate buildings. "That way We don't have to worry about it, and they get the crap-end of it." Her smile was less than nice.

"Then we take those buildings out. I want infantry and long-range marksmen. and I want your best, Brian." She wasn't fooling around. "Who have you got that you can spare?" She already knew who else she was going to take with her. Errist, Ganter, Faust and Raist were her first picks. Four centaurs who had just as much war experience as she, could take orders and cause as much bloodshed as any she'd ever seen.

She was still looking over the map when she heard the door open and she was surprised to see Dyarhk enter only to embrace Brian and call him brother. She knew better than to interfere and politely waited in quiet wonderment. After the exchange had been done and he noticed her, she smiled at his greeting.

**?You dress for war far better than any woman I've seen.?

Still brash. But she grinned as she noted exactly how far from her he stood. "Well...I know how you love a woman in armor." She actually was joking back for once. The man had her respect, and it had been hard won too. He'd stood up to her, matched her blow for blow and stayed standing. Yes, she respected this man.

As he became more serious she was touched by his next words.

** ?You bled with me, far less than I you, mind you. Let us bleed together now. What is a family good for??

As they clasped together in the traditional battle clasp she nodded, bright-eyed, proud. "It is my honor to bleed with you." And she meant it, every word.

She even welcomed his hug, as she welcomed Brian's. They were family of sorts and they would bleed together as one. His statement of support was met with her own. "And I have your back, Dyarhk, Brian." Nodding at each of them in turn. Before Dyark caught her a little off guard with that tender touch to her cheek and left. "Now." Straightening a bit and flicking her tail. She grinned. "I do believe we have some ass to kick, do we not?" She was quick to recover. "I'm off to the armory, I expect to be met with compliance by any I should want in my teams. I'll be sending them to the armory as well before we take our stand. I'll take no chances on a loss we can prevent."

She well knew also the plethora of weapons she had access to, and despite the grim situation, she was almost excited. she was in her element after all. Armour, explosives, and every means to maim the opposition she could imagine. It was a grim heaven. She found the heaviest armor and donned it with somber pride. Maces were selected and woven into her tail. Throwing daggers tucked into the broad leather belt at her waist. Her scabbard hung at her human hip as well. Bow and quiver slung across her human back.

Before she left for her post she had one last stop. She went to her own forge to sharpen her weapons and poison the tips of her arrows and sword. She was met by Errist, Ganter, Faust and Raist. She nodded curtly to them. "Time to knuckle up, boys. Take whatever weapons and armor you like, and follow me." She next instructed them to haul the felled trees back to the line where they were going to detonate the buildings. This they did with alacrity while she gathered up her two teams, and set them to their work. It was going to be a hellova day.

High above the city of Rhy'Din, above the clouds and beyond the stars did float a battle cruiser in cloak. On its bridge, a highly decorated commander, captain of this ship, overlooking the region of continent that Rhy'Din City resided. Specifically on the computers, was Town Hall; this had been his assigned target.

?Commander Amon. Shall we begin preparations for the super laser?? one of the black and red stormtroopers asked, slightly differentiating uniform of rank, explaining the trooper's welcome. The commander turned, walking through holographic battle plans and standing beside the armrest of his chair.

?No.? he replied. ?Town Hall is prepared for, even expecting, devastation. I will not waste a charge to play into their hands.? Commander Cos Amon, notorious in climbing to rank of battle cruise commander through exceptional and notably torturous means. A passion for bringing pain out in his opponents, it earned him a very special sort of recognition, and gave him his command.

?What would you have us do, Sir??

?Bring up the magna-cam. There was a detection of arcane presence in Town Hall just an hour ago. It is likely they moved troops over through it. It is even more likely someone is named amongst them.?

? -- Named, Sir??

?Worthy of a profile, Lieutenant. More dangerous than any ground soldier. It is someone who will cause us trouble in capturing the zone. Rhy'Din has many of these, so profile scans must be of the hour. Bring up new data, computer.?

Brian Ravenlock, Minister of Citizen Resources, had been the most recent file under study before it was replaced by the ?new data.? Cos Amon and the stormtrooper lieutenant curiously looked on.

Dwarves faces scrolled, full profiles and nothing interesting. They were mountain dwarves, and native to Rhy'Din, had been logged. Epona had a profile, and was one, along with Brian, being given ?special? consideration for the takeover of Town Hall. But Cos Amon was a calculating commander, and wouldn't move without knowing the full details. That, or he would resort to some other dastardly means.

Dyarhk's face came up next, having no profile. ?Stop!? Amon flung his hand out, stepping up to the hologram and better surveying his face. Were the man someone from his past going back any number of years, Amon would have been able to recall with that sharp stare. But he was not. ?Hmmm..?

?Sir?? the trooper leaned forward.

?Damn off-worlders. No information. And they are often troublesome. Make note an increase in opposition.?

?Noted, Captain.?

?Hmmm...? Cos Amon continued the profiling as the scrolling resumed, stopping the rotary again, this time on Crall Goldcrusher. The dwarf had an extensive profile, and a high level of threat on the military profiler's assessment system. ?They have a Dwarf Lord.?

?Should we reconsider the, super laser, Captain??

Back and forth between four centaur on screen, he cycled with his fingers from a control pad. 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1. ?....The Knight Killers.?

The stormtrooper lieutenant gasped.

?The... the Exiles of the Blood Change???

?Do you know of them, lieutenant?? Cos Amon looked to him, initiating a trickle of sweat to bead down the lieutenat's forehead.

?Yes, Captain. They are of the Hell Bourne clan. A relentless team of assassins for the empire, even -- ? he gulped, ? -- even put to work inside our ranks.?

?Then you know of their success on the battlefield.? Cos Amon continued drilling, making sure his subordinates were well-educated if they were to be working for his battle cruiser.

?Yes, Captain. Particularly this war effort. They drew quite a deal of attention when they executed a high elf lord on one of the borders. Gave us quite a foothold in the takeover.? the lieutenant responded, feeling pretty assured of his recollection.

?A super laser, Lieutenant, while effective, is not my preferred tool of destruction.? Cos Amon began, holding his wrist behind his back as he walked to the window overlooking Rhy'Din. ?I prefer for my enemies to seek their own death out themselves. After they can take no more of the pain I have inflicted. I instill a deep-seeded, long-term poison in my enemies. Sometimes a poisoned official is of far more benefit than an assassinated one. Take a governor's wife and two sons away, and watch him reflect his losses out on his own people, and watch him do our work for us.?

?...What are you proposing we do, Captain??

?Contact this special code. Tell the Exiles they have a new job, with very specific targets.? Cos Amon moved to the profiling holograms, and cycled through them quite quickly, flagging the profiles attached to this new project. The profiles were quite obvious. They were: Crall Goldcrusher, Brian Ravenlock, Dyarhk Kaiteki, Epona, Commander McDowell, and a second centaur, Errist.

?Does this mean we won't be taking Town Hall ourselves, Sir?? the lieutenant asked.

?After these targets are taken out, we won't need to.? Cos Amon stated. He knew there were much more influential members of the district, ones that would rebuild it to its former glory after this war; political figureheads. But what were they to do if the zone was lost? And that was precisely how the Captain went about choosing his targets.

?Remember to scramble your signal when you post the job. In a worst-case scenario, we don't need to worry ourselves over a raiding vessel on-top of all the military duties we have.? Cos left the bridge, leaving the lieutenant alone and looking to the code, and then back out to space with a feeling of terror for the unknown.


At a distant sector, a ship brandishing a red circle, half colored in, half plain, floated over a distant and uninvolved region of Rhy'Din. Inside, a band of four called themselves ?Exiles of the Blood Change? among many titles that had simply come to them from their contributions to the game of slaughter. They were unique, because their work came as a specialty regardless of target upgrades or advancements.

A wealth of weaponry available to them, spanning from the sword to high energy laser fire, their

?I will take the Ravenlock minister.? Japla ?The Immitator,? said, coming up to his band of murderers. A device in his hand, he began to alternate potent electrical distortions, masking his body and presenting someone else altogether. The body was that of a familiar member of the Ravenlock family, and a furry-tailed Mithran one at that. She walked out, stepping so to glance back at her curvature. ?What do you think?? a soft voice emitted.

?You are weak. And a coward.? Tironos, leader of the Blood Change folded a knife over each of his fingers, a look of disgust on his face at the sight of his fellow assassin donning the likeness of the enemy.

Japla changed facial expressions, as did he faces, and entire identity for that matter, as he now assumed the appearance of Brian Ravenlock, looking quite out of character of him, as angry as he looked. ?What did you say??

?I said you are an abomination. A bottomfeeder, who could only ever hope to attain the status of a great mercenary band.?

?.!? Japla no sooner heard this than did he pull his kukri knife, low and lethal, stabbing for his leader's gut with every intent to kill. But this was met expected for, his hand being guided away viciously in a swing so hard it threw his arm out and the two embraced violently in wrestling, knocking a few items in their ship over and causing the imitator to lose his bead on his shapeshift while they did so.

?Men...? the woman known as Tionne said, sitting at the helm of the ship while these exchanges took place. ?At least kill him, so our share of the reward is larger.?

?What do you think I'm trying to do?? Tironos said, shoving a knife down further and further with his bodyweight on-top of Japla, who then turned into Tionne, flipping him over him.

?You people wouldn't last a day, without me!? he, or rather, for the moment, she, said.

Tionne closed her eyes for some peace.

Tironos slowly sheathed his knife, watching Japla do the same with his kukri.

?..Take the human. I'm through warning your ass. A man such as that one will surely end you. Surely he is meant to survive you. You don't even have a last name, Japla.? Tironos said, standing up and walking to the busted monitor of their ship. Only so much of it worked.

?...? Japla watched their captain navigate to the bridge.

?I will take the horsewoman. There is an art to killing centaur. Their muscles are tough, their armor thick, and they can take many hits. You have to fell them, pierce their underbelly and spill their bowels.? Tironos looked over the low quality resolutions of the two centaurian targets, Epona on screen at the time. ?...I wonder if she even fathoms, how close to death she is.? Tironos said with a sort of romanticism, staring into her picture.

?..Psh. As usual, I am once against left with the real work.? Tionne said with a sigh.

?Oh? Who is that?? The imitator said, now under the guise of Tironos.

?I will take the dwarf lord, and the human commander. Watch the serpent slither without its head, still trying to defend its country. Such a thing will be humorous.? Tionne said with a grin.

?You enjoy that sort of thing then, do you?? Japla said, still masked as Tironos.

?So what if I do??

?Turn into something else.? Tironos said, agitated.

?Why should I?? his mirror double asked of him.

?Turn into a steaming pile, for all I care, but you will not pretend to be even a shadow of mine!? Tironos yelled, charging him again, causing the two to take a tumble down to the ground yet again in a wrestling match.

?What does that leave me with?? the quietest and shadiest member asked from the back of the lounge, twirling a type of thermal explosive between his finger. Tionne looked at him, one of the few members of this band she could hold a legitimate conversation with. She gazed at the bounty list. ?..Just the mystery man. Dyarhk Kaiteki. No profile.? she reached down and picked up the printout with just his name on it before tossing it to this man in the back.

He caught it, slowly bringing it before his eyes to look at his picture. ?....... I hope he can run. The farther he flees from me, the more devastation I will bring.?

?You're f***ed up, Dreks.? Tironos said offhandedly, wrestling for ownership of a knife.

?Get us to Rhy'Din City as fast as you can. Their every heartbeat is an insult to my reputation from the moment that call went out.? Dreks said, repeatedly arming and unarming the detonator in his hand.

?Tionne.? Tironos began, shoving off Japla all at once, freeing them both. ?Get us moving.? coolly composing himself, walking to the back of his ship. Dreks drew the lone tactical knife he had and stared at his black-charred face in it. ?.....What kind of warrior are you, Dyarhk.??

?Grh..!? he grunted, held up high very masculinely but briefly, as he descended onto the hold of a lone arm, fastened tightly about his breastplate so that the centaur might use the bulk of his strength and leap magnificently into the fiery construct. This obstruction, sure to stop an enemy vehicle or transport, was not so stopping of the killing intent of a powerful centaur.

Kicking up fiery ashes as he mowed through it with the man in his arm, dragging his boots and back into heat-retaining wood, it was not long before they were both out of it, and a barricade now separating the two from the rest of the base. Errist galloped on some distant, running past the building where a red eye dimly watched them pass from a busted window before sulking back into darkness. But Errist was forced to stop when he heard a secondary sword sing from its sheathe, shimmering a silver rhino head pommel above his fist as he readied to stab down on the centaur's grip at his breastplate, forcing him, to release the human in a throw.

Dyarhk rolled some odd yards, conclusively flinging his cloak back behind him where it belonged as he could switch to the appropriate blade, his sword. The centaur was still cool, and collected, yet bull-like in his pacing. It was evident, Dyarhk was in danger, therefore his gaze had to cool and focus as well. The two had both been gifted their own battlefield, secluded to just them, for the time being. And Errist meant to take advantage of that time. He began his charge, turning in a slide before reaching him to swing his tail-woven flails at the man who angered him so, who had publicly disgraced him in-front of his company.

Those flails were no joke, chipping up large tiles of stone from the road as Dyarhk barely managed to get out of the way. He couldn't keep this up. A human was, human, after all. And a centaur's advantages, well, the list ran on. But it caused a grin to come out of Dyarhk. He had been through worse. Epona's training could scarcely be called such a thing. He felt closer to death in her ?training? than he did even on a battlefield. Her expertise ran far deeper than this centaur's, and it would be a joke, and a great insult to Epona if he were to die by this one's hands.

?Ally with that crossbreed, filthy human!? Errist roared, on the charge yet again, a hatchet drawn, and looking to lock steel with the sword of this human. Dyarhk grit his teeth, standing his ground, but easing tension on his mind and muscles as he looked curiously to the sky above. It looked like a piece of debris falling. But the closer it got, the more it came into clear view, and resembled the shape of something engineered. Behind Errist, a man stood straight and coordinated, holding a detonator out, clearly, in one hand. Dyarhk's eyes went wide, as Errist seemed to be running even in slow-motion at this point.

The large steel object in the sky clanked soundingly thick on the road, and the man with the charred face pressed his detonator, causing a silent earthquake, with an explosion that ?busted? confusingly after. Dyarhk and Errist were both blasted back, the latter far worse than the man he was pursuing.

The sound got the attention of those at Town Hall in varying degrees depending on their distance to the blast. But many recognized it: a seismic charge. Specifically, a Void-7 seismic charge. Indenting the buildings the blast happened around and rippling out and aftershock that all but caused Dyarhk to vomit to the side of the building, unable to take a stand, his insides literally shook up.

Errist bordered consciousness and fainting, looking out on the road where he lay, observing his miraculous armor, cracked and splayed out before him. The feather of one of his articles of armor bent slightly as it rolled to a still just out of his reach. ?What was that?? he thought.

?Stay back!!? Dyarhk yelled, holding his sword, his knees wobbly while he pointed the weapon at the man with the black-charred face, gradually coming closer. It was evident he would not be replying, as he tossed another charge. His grunt to heave the heavy object the only thing that was heard before that hellish sound it was about to make.

?Tch..!? Dyarhk gasped in terror at the sight of the thing, backing up frantically before shouldering through the door of the building he was beside. Errist, also fueled with the will to survive, rose to his feet and galloped speedily away, only to scramble his hooves in an unavoidable trip when that shockwave rang out. Dyarhk held onto the wall of the structure inside as he vibrated from head to toe, the steel of his sword singing as it was even shook to its limits. He coughed violently as it began to subside. He wasn't sure how many more of those he could take.

Outside, the damage was catastrophic, and the thickness of the black-charred man's boots showed a type of resistance wear he wore to be able to approach these targets so frightfully. Errist had just made it around the building, out of sight of the man with the highly technological explosives as he used the wall of a building to come to a weak stand, catching his breath.


Bang.

Errist looked to his magnificent breastplate, blackened with a spot from a blue laser's fire he had watched blast into his chest. He felt the heat of the laser immediately, causing him to clench his teeth. But it hadn't penetrated through, though.

Bang.
Bang!
Bang!

Three more shots all came, hitting in the exact same spot, turning a smooth breastplate into a dent, a dent into an even thicker dent, and an even thicker dent into a sharp and hot spike of dented steel, poking into his chest, causing him to roar out. Another shot would surely, finally, puncture the magnificent plate and pierce his heart. ?Heh.? Tironos said from a secret nest.

?RRRAAA!!? Errist battle-cried, knowing he faced a long distance attacker. Refunded with his warrior's rage, he raced off, around the building he was at and facing a straight-shot back to camp. He made it tthrough that fiery barricade once, he could do it again. Getting back to his faction, surviving, that was all that mattered at this point.

* Cough! Cough Cough! * Dyarhk pushed out from a new opening in his building. The entrance intended to be used now demolished by a collapse of some of the foundation that hadn't withstood the tremor. ?ha... ha.... ha...? he panted, focusing weakly his green eyes on the black-charred man that still approached. His weight must have been close to 300 lbs, much of it his legguards, from one of which he drew a very fat-ended blaster pistol and pointed it out at him.

Dyarhk barely had time, but rose his sword, just as it took the brunt of a blue laser, splintering it into two pieces of steel, knocking him to his rump holding a hilted broken knife now.

?You should be thanking me...? Dreks said, walking up to Dyarhk, who could barely keep both eyes open at this point. ?Your death will be the fastest. And most beautiful. I will spare no expense on you.? stepping out from those weighted armor leggings, revealing to be a much more normal looking man. Then, from them, like he was tossing breadcrumbs, he threw more of those mines. One to the building, strategically, to fell it. Another right at Dyarhk's feet, beside him, and some others around him, but with specific agendas. He would die, but Town Hall must hurt as well.

?Ha... ha.. ha...? he continued panting, unable to do anything, anything but watch.

?You have my word it will be painless. Feel free to haunt me in death. I deserve no less.? he dipped his blackened head sorrowfully, before showing some vitality, sprinting away, deeper behind enemy lines. Before long he was gone, and Dyarhk was alone, pushing on the hilt in his hand on the ground, trying to stand. He was stronger than this, he knew he was, and he would stand. He WOULD! Gritting his teeth. There were so many of those explosives around him, all blinking a blue light, just waiting to blast out that blue erratic energy. ?I'll survive this... just you wait!? he said quietly, but was as loud as he could produce given his state. He was wobbly, but the fire in his eyes, brighter than ever.

She spread her wings, pumping them mightily as she bore down on this man who as she drew nearer, was obviously intent on killing him. Like hell. She might not be able to fly, but she came close as sweat and blood poured down her face, the ground all but shook as she bore down on this stranger. Dreks. She did not know his name, and she didn't give a damn. The man's body language indicated he was taunting Dyarhk. When he'd turned to leave him slumped upon the ground amid those detonating devices, Dreks would be shocked to find a charging centaur driving down on him. It would not be hooves he met, she wasn't aiming to trample him. that would cost her precious time she could not afford to lose.

Instead his eyes would widen as she passed him, before he realized what had happened his hand touched his abdomen just as his innards spilled forth into his own hands. his face paled and he gurgled in surprise if not pain as he dropped to his knees bleeding out from the terrible gash her wing-blades had inflicted. "Dyarhk!" He was laughing. She thought he might be out of his mind, those blasts had been no joke. She gasped as she saw the little blinking lights on the devices around him begin to build in speed. "Shit!!"

He was still slumped and laughing like a madman. She didn't hesitate to reach down and haul him up like he were nothing more than a rag-doll. She was just as strong as Errist was and driven by far more powerful motives. Equine legs worked seemingly tirelessly as she galloped as fast as she could to ward a clear stretch where a path had miraculously stayed clear. She sent up a silent prayer As during a full gallop she helped Dyarhk settle on her back. He seemed to be regaining his senses as she felt him responding appropriately, the firm grip of his legs on her barrel.

"Welcome back, brother. Brian would not have been too pleased if I had to explain why I had not brought you back alive." There was a hint of worry in her voice, but mostly relief. She was overjoyed. He laughed softly, his head and stomach still in turmoil. "I hadn't planned on dying today, anyway.." She felt his hand on her waist in a gentle squeeze and he spoke softer. "Thank you, my friend." But this was not the time for tender thanks, and they weren't out of the woods yet. the devices left behind detonated, one after the other, concussive blasts rocking the earth, and shattering buildings as though they were made of glass.

Stone and debris pelted them it was a miracle neither of them were struck in the head or another vital area. But those successive blasts had done more damage than Epona or Dyarhk either could have expected. The underground sewage system collapsed and the ground opened in front of them. They were going too fast and were too close. She didn't know if she could hurdle it, either. "Hang on!!" Screamed back to him over the din. Hind legs bunched under her and she leaped just as she felt him lean forward against her wrapping his arms firmly around her human waist and his legs tighten on her.

She spread her wings again flapping with all her might, hoping to extend her jumping distance. The world stopped for what seemed like forever. The great yawning chasm beneath them would have been their ruin had they fallen. They hung in the air it seemed for eons, and then, there was the very hard solid impact that jarred the both of them as hooves made contact with the other side. She stood, breathing hard and turning her human torso to look at him as he sat up. She was filthy, sweaty, bloody and....grinning. "You know..." This almost casually. "You are one hell of a fighter..But you still get into too much trouble. It seems to me, you need a faster set of legs." She paused meaningfully as she appraised him.

She was astounded he was not only alive but in riding condition after what he just suffered. He looked back at her with a lopsided grin. "It's only trouble if you don't have someone to save your ass." He replied. "I'm glad it was you, Commander." She chuckled. "It seems to me, you certainly need someone to save your ass." Still grinning. "So the way I see it, I'm the perfect person to make sure you don't get in that position in the first place. Be my battle partner, Dyarhk. Join with me in the bond of brothers-at-arms." She held her hand out to him for the warrior's clasp waiting for him. "What say you?"

His hand hovered to his breastplate, a hoofmark of all things imprinted upon it where the shoulder plate had been kicked off its fixtures. Pain came in all shapes and sizes, after all. But now, to himself finally, something quite apparently burdened him, and only the empty hall and lifeless steel for him to show it to. ?Damn this... weakness.? he clutched at his heart, where he believed his spirit to be.

His eyes widened with realization of the fatigue, with realization there was nothing he could do to stop it. He was prisoner of a planet he did not call home. Tirraru: a place farther from here than he could even fathom, and his soul was bound to it. Leaving it, for too long a time, meant imminent death. Such was the terms of this curse: bound to the planet, nothing more.

...And the reason behind it all was Brian Ravenlock.


?BRIANN!!?

The hand of Jenai reached out through rampaging winds of golden light. Hand reached for a man who was all but a silhouette at that point, evidence of having gone over the safety line. Why did this happen? Why did he do this? What can I do? What can I do? Jenai was at a loss, her unforgettable hair of red blowing in the storm.

The man she reached for, Brian, was a shadow amidst all this bright chaos, fighting to stay connected to his feet, but the man himself did not falter in any way. Only with the strain in the difficult steps forward against the harsh winds, did he reach his goal.

Thumbs locking and then hands clasping with the outreached hand of the man he had finally reached, they pulled themselves to one another, there, in the calm eye of the tornado of gold.

?You're stupid, have I told you that??

?Yea.?

?I'll find you.?

?Not if I find you, first.?

The two exchanged such words. More were sure to have followed if the powerful golden winds around them had not been closing in around them. And before long, revealed to be far more than just winds. The cost that Brian had paid in trekking in so close, and Dyarhk; both the materials of their arms had begun to incinerate in the violent energy of the wind. Burns, scorching ever hungrily to the skin. But they kept their handhold locked even until they each adorned a squinted eye, and a mocking smile before it all became so overpoweringly white.

Dyarhk recalled it all too well, that fateful day, he was taken to a place he believed was outside of the knowable worlds. It was there he fought to come back, to see his friends again. And come back he did, after many millions of hopeless moments in a place that did not experience day or night, and he came back having paid a price. He had become bound to a world he did not know, all for a man with beautiful black hair that shone like a raven's feathers.

?I knew what I was doing...? he growled quietly, but inside, he was enraged. ?Why then, do I feel such regret?? he had reached the end of the hall, and placed his hand to it, and soon, his head. ?...Is it because I am useless, now? Every moment longer I stay here is another swing of my sword weaker than the last. It is not fair, that I endanger Epona, and the men, by fighting... ..NO!? he punched the wall with his left, unarmored fist.

?It is no one who controls my life. No one but me! And I will not let my enemy strike me down for something as ridiculous as my flame weakening. I decide its strength! And no one else!!? he sang an impressive sword from the steel racks against the wall, and gazed into it. A Zweih?nder: the king of two-handers. And this one required quite the crooning of the neck to gaze up at when held, being well over five foot. ?.....I'll swing this sword. I'll prove to those that cursed me.. but above that, I must prove to myself, that I am not bound by anyone's laws but my own.? he continued to gaze at the sword.

She had been surprised and honored when not only had Dyarhk accepted her offer of brotherhood, but cemented in with a finality that could never be broken. Forged in blood they now shared an unbreakable bond, not only was he her partner, he was in truth her brother. She blinked back tears of pride that surely would have been a show of weakness had the men seen it. She was suddenly aware of the cheering and firm hands she felt on her flank of congratulations and praise.

She held his hand clasped firmly for a long while, as she met that serious gaze with her own. "Brother." What more needed saying? When they finally broke their clasp she felt a great swell of pride, and something innate told her he felt as strongly as she. it seemed however he was still in need of a little assistance to the armory. He'd made to dismount and regretted it almost immediately and requested she carry him a bit longer.

She was more than happy to oblige him and the ride to the armory had been peaceful enough, albeit the looks of awe and a few of envy thy were graced all the way. Dyarhk make conversation on the way and it was by no means the casual sort.

?A needless risk, brought about by our own side no less. Errist was his name??
Epona nodded in grim reply. "Yes. A troublemaker from the start. This was his last option to redeem himself in the eyes of his clan and gain honor."
?What should we do??

She shook her head wiping a bead of sweat from her brow adjusting her pace a bit when she felt a slight tightening of his hands on her hips. Already she was learning his unspoken cues, something that would be a critical skill and sooner than she liked. "Court marshal him, I suppose. Have him brought up on insubordination, and putting a superior officer in mortal peril. We cannot allow him leniency or there will be more trouble."

After an almost leisurely trot they were at the armory and Dyarhk slid off her back, apparently his legs now doing his bidding. "I'll wait out here for you." She gave him a warm smile as his hand slid from her human hip and he made his way into the building and was lost from sight. In the meantime she sought the jailer. there was serious business to attend and she meant to address it swiftly. Errist posed a serious problem now and she could ill afford the others thinking they could follow suit and get away with it. She knew already Faust and Ganter had misgivings. Raist... he was younger than the other two and tended to follow, but she knew the poor boy had been watching her whenever he had a spare moment.

She almost felt badly for him, but he was much too young and she knew he would get over it. these thoughts were pushed aside as the burly man she sought was located. "Evan!" She waved him over and began briefing him on Errist. She'd just given him the last of the details when Dyarhk came out of the armory with a new sword. She flicked a wing at him in invitation to come over.

?You're asking for another fight, human, if you take another step.? Errist said, no more ground to retreat to.

?I've grown used to it.? Dyarhk narrowed his eyes.

?Your actions have their consequences! Guards! Bring your leg irons!? the warden jerked a direction in to this makeshift tavern. Men outside allied with the warden and his duties began fetching the necessary restraints, hurrying to his area.

?What is this? You mean to imprison me?? Errist sounded disgusted by the idea. ?What foolishness is this? In case you have not looked outside, we are at war.?

?No. Not anymore you're not.? he said, drawing his sword. Errist tensed, preparing for a fight.

?Hey! Wait a second! My men are on their way!? the warden advised.

?Don't worry. We can handle this.? a check glance to Epona before setting eyes back upon the unruly centaur. The first step Dyarhk took forward and Errist's mental line had been crossed. He had been calculating how to fight both opponents at the same time. It would be far from easy. But he felt he had a plan. He had to take Epona out first. Then crush the man.

?You think yourself my superior?! I'll have no more of this! The very sight of you sickens me!? Errist roared to life, and making very good use of those flails woven into his tail. He aimed to swing them into Epona and wreck her up something bad. But Epona had closed the distance between them, and rammed into him, taking them against the wall and pinning his beast half with her own. Epona still had a woman's build, and Errist a much larger one, and the two of them in such close proximity together was about to erupt a fearsome hand-to-hand fight. Eye-gouging, tooth-spitting, hair-ripping madness. But none of this saw a chance, as Errist felt the cold steel of a sword pressed up against his belly. He gasped, looking down.

?You bruise her pretty face and see what happens...? Dyarhk said.

?Commander!? Raist galloped up, seeing Epona emerge from the basement building. ?Your were not hurt, were you??

?We must do something. Faust and Ganter are concerned about the enemy's numbers, and the men are terrified. What do we plan to do? What would you have us do..?? he asked with a bit more emotion at the tail-ends.

?I will follow you to whatever end, Commander. Just give the order.? Raist bowed appreciatively, showing his reverence for her. ?The fact alone that you have spared Errist when he was more than ready to take your life speaks volumes of your character. It is not without reason you are our commander.?

?I must get back to helping the humans. The enemy is on our doorstep! We will meet up soon!? Raist said as he galloped off as quickly as he had came. Still, he made time, to look back at Epona. She pleaded genderless so defiantly sometimes it seemed. But there was no denying it, it seemed, how beautiful Raist saw her as. There, looking out with worry down the road, her pose normal but extraordinary by his eyes. She was something else. He smiled.

From the shadows of an alley, Japla, The Imitator, observed the exchanges of the enemy. But particularly, that of his target. A tremor of electricity rippled over his appearance when Errist came into view, being escorted with a sunken head of shame by a team of men. There was little known about so many humans, but their targets, there was much. All of their exchanges were being watched. Epona and Dyarhk's ridership formation had been noted, Errist's assault and retreat, his temper. Rhy'Din's inability to cast out the gaze from overhead was a mighty weakness.

Seeing Errist get taken into the jailhouse, Japla consulted his ?masker? tool, infamous for his nickname as he could take on the appearance of whomever he chose. Being the master and mystery of identities was his specialty. A sound of transformation, and soon, out walked Epona from the alleyway, a sinister look of worry on her face to scout for the real Epona. He had to be quick about this if this was to work. He crossed the road, and descended the stairs to the jailhouse.

?You, guard.? Epona called.

?Y-yes, Commander?? a lackey prison guard responded, commanding the keys to Errist's new cell he was pacing around slowly in behind him.

?I would like a moment alone with the prisoner.? she said.

?Oh? Are you sure that's... wise. I mean -- ? he was interrupted by a shaking of the building, causing him to look up at the ceiling where shavings of wood sprinkled from an attack closeby.

?This is no time to argue with me! Leave us!? Epona roared.

?Y-yes!? the guard rushed out of the cell hall, jingling his keys. There were only three holds to this ?jailhouse?. A makeshift prison not unlike the makeshift tavern down the street. All these things, necessities as much as barracks, food, and water. The preparations of war. Epona walked over, sounding her hooves one after the other as Errist angrily began to face her.

?How are you finding your new furnishings? Spring d?cor, in cold iron.? Epona grabbed one of the bars of his cell as she quickly released it, dodging what would have been a hand-crushing horse kick. The cell shook. With enough of these, a centaur could surely free himself. But one step at a time for the great prison escapist, he could easily be apprehended again, or killed, by the men outside.

?Silence your diseased tongue!? Errist snarled.

A smile from Epona. ?It sickens you, doesn't it. I command such prestige, and I am a filthy crossbreed. Perhaps you shouldn't be so quick to judge me, Errist. You might find you like it.? she dragged her finger from her shoulder down between her chest and to her navel lustfully.

?GRAAAHH!? Errist roared, blasting the iron bars again, sprinkling down wood shavings from the simple fixture. Epona laughed loudly, relishing his torment.

?I have nothing to do but ascend. Whereas you, will waller in the mess and stench of defeat. Consumed by it. My. Who is the filthy one, now?? she smiled to him, again, close to the bars. Errist inflicted harm upon himself with his next attack, or series of, rather. Kicking and frantically trying to reach her, just out of his reach.

?I'll kill you. I'LL KILL YOU!?

Epona only continued to smile at him. ?Guard, I'll be leaving now. Get this buck under control.? leaving as she called the guard to her. Once down the hall and around the corner, reuniting with the guard, she addressed down to him. ?Are you the only keyholder??

?Yes, Miss. You can rest assured. He won't be escaping.? he nodded proudly.

?Oh? But that wouldn't be as fun.? Epona said, seizing his mouth entirely, preventing him from producing any sort of noise while she changed rather drastically from the recognizable filly, to a man, pulsing an electrical tremor while the man began to lose consciousness. As he lost consciousness, he lost resistance, and once he was weak enough, Japla would snap his neck, dragging him to the back room, taking only from him his keys.

Errist was infuriated. How dare she say those things to him? He gripped the iron bars so tight you could hear his grip tightening. He wished it had been her throat he clenched. Death was far worse a thing at this point than the shame she had brought on. But if he could, he wouldn't let her live with this treachery she brought on, either.

?Great centaurian warrior. Why is it that you are jailed?? a lowly beggar man asked, hooded and ungainly.

?...? Errist watched him creep over, tortoise-like, to his cell. His eyes filled with rage, and his mind so overwhelmed with anger, he could not even decide from his wealth of words what to spew at the man.

?You look troubled. Is there anything I can do??

?Leave my sight. Or I promise you, you will regret this moment for the rest of your short life.? Errist stared him down angrily.

?Oh, that is a shame. Then I suppose we can't do business.? presenting the keyring to him.

Errist gasped.

?I thought that might get your attention.?

?How did you get that? The guard!? Errist grabbed the iron bars and drew closer to the man.

?Town Hall is being swamped by the enemy, and Rhy'Din is becoming low on bodies. A jail can hardly be maintained by men in such a setting.? he enlightened. ?Perhaps you and I can come to some sort of agreement.?

?What do you want?!? Errist roared, tugging on the bars. Again, with the sprinkling shavings.

?Nothing. You look like a strong warrior. I am sure Rhy'Din could use your assistance very much. You do them no good locked in here. Just go out and do all you can to help them, is all I would ask.? the old man said with a friendly smile.

?Open the gate, old-timer. And you have yourself a barter.?

?Oh thank heavens.? the old man inserted the key into the lock, and the moment the mechanism unlocked, Errist kicked the gate open, and the man into the wall. Coming to, he put a hand on his head, only to have his throat seized by the powerful centaur.

?Thank you for releasing me. Should I kill you quickly?? Errist taunted, but the man was feeble, and frail, unable to respond. Errist frowned, deciding the least he could do was let him live. Besides, he had more important business to attend to, seizing up a bardiche by the door before racing outside. Once alone, the man smiled evilly from the floor.

The enemy had come within such a range that explosives were now easily and regularly hurled to Town Hall's base of operations. The barricade was no longer being considered by the seconds in command, most of which had come into leadership by their fallen superiors' abrupt resignation. The men were falling back, escorting fresh wounded out through an opening that was once made with a wall and fire. The ever-advancing sounds of the enemy, and the decline in resolve to holdout there, as well as many other factors all said the same thing: Town Hall was lost.

But not yet...

Dyarhk speedily moved through men who carried gurneys instead of swords, and wore faces of worry instead of confidence. Unsure of what to tell the men, he soon would echo the cries of injured and terrified leaders who, too, retreated from Town Hall.

?Listen to me! Fall back! Public Works is lost!? one said.

?Make for the portals on back! Now or never! They will not remain open forever!? screamed another.

?Devotion Camp! Maliford Forest! There are other cities accepting wounded! Other realms! If you can make it to the portals, do so NOW!?

?Make it to the portals!?

Dyarhk held his sword down low, paused with his lips slightly parted while he looked on to the fleeting image of their remaining men. Staying here was suicide, he thought. But Brian was here, Epona was here. He wasn't about to let them fight this by themselves. He bent over, and put a hand on his knee, catching his breath. The energy remaining in him was far from substantial, and ever taking its toll the hours that went on.

?Sir? Are you alright?? a young soldier asked, walking up to him. ?I know you. You are the leader of the devotion camp, aren't you?? placing a hand under the Palliator's arm, helping him stand tall once again.

Dyarhk's green eyes ran over the youth with a bout of sympathy. ?What are you doing here, son? Shouldn't you be making for the portals?? he jerked his head towards the large band over yonder what was leaving.

?I stay and fight, Sir.? he responded sternly.

Dyarhk only stared back at him, nodding respectfully. ?What's your name??

?Daniels, Sir.?

?Grab your sword. You can come with me.? Dyarhk worked his way free and began walking again to where he presumed Brian was.

?Yessir!? Daniels seized his sword and sprinted a few seconds to catch up. ?I was just at the district where the Dwarf Lord and that company was fighting, but we got separated. Because we are so few in numbers, we are employing relocative tactics, and even I lost them.?

?Ah, yes... Crall is a crafty dwarf. I am sure he is fine. Ugh.? Dyarhk grunted to himself slightly, struggling to keep both eyes open, one of which he had nearly given up on. The path before him a blurry one.

The enraged Errist drew all the remaining men's attention, blasting out of the jailhouse. Looking back, Dyarhk saw the beeline his gaze drew, and it was a straight shot for Epona. Daniels took a few worried steps closer, before being seized all at once by the stopping hand of Dyarhk. ?Wait..!?

?Sir, what is that??? Daniels looked back, seeking understanding from The Palliator.

?A whole lot of pissed off beef.? continuing to clutch the young man's shoulder. ?Let the others deal with it. We mustn't be sidetracked. We have to find the Minister.? a jerk of that armor he held onto as he began to hurry now, more so than ever.


From the shadows of an alley way, the Minister of Public Works, Brian Ravenlock, had been spotted. Japla, ?The Imitator,? checked the busying street before deliberating on the target's file, and then deciding on a cloak. An electrical wave passed over his whole body, trading in a masculine shape for a much more desirable, womanly form. Long, flowing locks of scarlet hair swung freely now from this new form, and a buxom body showed through showy garbs of a priestess.

Jenai Angelique, listed as mother to several of the Minister's children, had found herself on the ?close relations? list on Brian's profile that had made it to a bounty list just outside Rhy'Din space. The exactness of the transformation was frightening, and the calculative look on her features when she gazed out from the street, eerie, since it was Brian she now moved to attack and silence forever.

All at once, she stepped out, and began walking briskly the short distance it would be over to Brian. Many men taking notice to her, but war easily drew their attention back. But perhaps the Imitator had not planned for Jenai to be so recognizable. Several men called out to her in varying intervals.

?Priestess?? unsure if what he was seeing was correct.

?Lady Jenai?? another went.

But they were ignored. Her eyes focused. She had to close this distance to Brian Ravenlock, there, discussing his plan of attack with his forces.

Dyarhk walked with Daniels, spotting Brian himself now, and soon, with great surprise, Jenai. His eyes both returned to alert awareness and he called out among the cries of the many men and blasts. ?Jenai!?

Daniels followed, checking the status of their district, knowing time was not going to be with them much longer. Coming up beside the leader of Devotion Camp, he figured he would stand back while he best dealt with this beautiful woman.

?Jenai! What are you doing here??? stopping her completely when both his hands came to her shoulders. The woman looked taken back for a moment. The others were easily ignored, but this one had laid his hands on her and blocked her. She could not allow her identity to be compromised. Not this close. ?I am here to see my husband.?

?It's too dangerous! Come with me! We have to get you to a portal! Wait, how'd you get here? Is there anybody else with you?? looking back in the general area she had come from, suspecting the neighboring buildings of the alleyway she fled were where she actually came from. And inside them, anyone could have come along if it were truly Jenai.

?Unhand me at once! This ?it concerns our daughters!? Jenai struggled in his grip while he seemed to be weighing the importance of this message with the danger her life was in every second she was here in this vastly outnumbered zone. But looking back, he saw Brian was not far. ?Alright, come with--?

?Look out.!? Daniels shouted, clanging his sword with a quickly thrust stiletto aimed at Dyarhk's gut. By the time he himself had looked back, the boy had been backhanded to the ground, and Dyarhk barely avoided another near-fatal stab when he clutched the feminine wrist of Jenai that held that dagger.

?Jenai..? what are you--? said into a a powerful punch that staggered him back a few steps. The surrounding men looked at this exchange breaking out, Brian looked on. Time was brief when these senses would be unresponsive. Jenai darted forward, that dagger shone in the right light, green, when it was caught just perfect; well-poisoned. She only hoped that her appearance would remain confusing to Brian for just long enough for her to push that knife into his chest.

?It's an attack!?

?Look! She's got a knife!!?

?But it's the priestess!? Discord amongst the men as Brian was approached. Confusion was present, as was hoped, as was planned. Diving out with that knife, she made straight for a vital puncture position, and what might not have been successful with that cut, the poison would surely kill him.

?Briann!!? Dyarhk shouted, out of time.

?I do not understand, Faust. What is it?? Ganter asked, following the enormous centaur around the outskirts of the barricade, just within the area where the wounded and yellow had left for the portals.

?I saw something.?

?Yes, well that is all good and well. But if you haven't noticed this is a war we are fighting.? Ganter said, looking around to the many men who were rounding corners and charging into battle, only to see bright laser fire come from down their streets. When he looked back, he gasped at seeing Faust drawing his enormous bow. ?.!! What is it, Faust?!?

?I told you... I saw something.? the Goliathan centaur quietly, and however comically stealthily trodded across the street and to the building they had been across from, continuously eying the far center building of Town Hall way down the street. Ganter shrugged, but also followed.

A loud laser shot rang out, and some delay occurred that Crall spent looking around far more alert than the other two men. Quickly, he pushed his axe up in-front of Dyarhk's face and absorbed a magnificently white laser with it, pulsing a red nerve through the weapon as he lowered it, trying and trace back up where it came from.

?The Hell was that??? Dyarhk yelled, removing his hand from his face. Daniels held his sword with both hands, looking around nervously as well.

?Aye... the enemy's got long distance shooters. And they seem to have taken a liking to you.? Crall faced the direction of the shot, clutching that axe with both hands.

?Well, CLEARLY!? Dyarhk retorted as Crall screamed back to him.

?Move! Now!!? he shouted as another shot rang out, this time for him. Diving into a near perfect Dwarven roll, he came back to a stand while the three improved distance with one another. Dyarhk and Daniels retreating to the wall out of sight of the open window they had seen that shot clearly come from that second time.

?Maybe you're right... maybe we should pull out.? Daniels said, now that he had seen the enemy's numbers, and the resources available to them.

Dyarhk looked sadly to him. ?We'll stay as long as we can. But it is looking that way. We should focus on getting our fellow man out. But I hold no sway over any man who is ready to face his death on the battlefield.?

?Such nobility.....? a man's voice came from the shadows of that same area. A fully hooded figure, facing Dyarhk and Daniels, Dyarhk specifically.

?...?? Dyarhk looked at him suspiciously, his curious words, curious appearance, and even curiouser tone.

?There is so little I know about you. But there must be something special. One reason I have come to meet you. I am the leader of my band of mercenaries, and saw fit to meet you personally. --? he began as Dyarhk spoke up.

?Daniels, get back!? shoving the boy behind him with what power he still commanded. But Daniels was not having any of it. He wanted to fight, and this man had just identified himself as foe.

?It is wise of you to save the boy's life like that. But it does not matter. I am behind enemy lines, and do not plan to bide my time in dispatching you. And because of that, I will stop at nothing to run my steel through your heart. But It is a shame I must go full force when you already look so ill.? Tironos said, lashing out from his position and from his cloak, revealing a very long sword that he came in quickly with strong attacking swipes down upon that slow and burdensome zweih?nder. Dyarhk struggled to match him blow for blow, and preventing his lunges was a particularly complicated task.

Already low on strength, he felt he did not have the stamina to hold off a fresh swordsman. Clangs came barely a second apart, and he had done the math. He would stab through Dyarhk's chest cavity on the next blow. But young Daniels, who had waited so long to fight, finally made his move swinging at the man in a powerful charge.

?Foolish boy!? Tironos hollered back, blocking the swing with his own sword. But Dyarhk wasn't about to let the boy die, swinging strong but slowly at the already occupied man.

Tironos had to defend this as well, making two swordsmen, and Dyarhk saw this appropriate to expend a great deal of energy to clutch the man by the bulk of his robes, come in close, and shove him away from both himself and Daniels, hopefully to regain his breath.

?..?? Tironos looked at Dyarhk, panting, and then to Daniels who looked just as eager to fight. ?It is true, you are incredibly fatigued. This will be easier than I thought.?

?Do not think so confidently.? Dyarhk insisted, bringing that big sword back up.

?I'll finish it.? Tironos said with a grin, charging out at the man, who was quickly blocked by the intervening Daniels.

?Daniels! NO!? Dyarhk shouted, lacking the energy to catch up, reach out, and stop him. The boy surely risked his life this time. But by the time their swords had met, the boy had been parried, and cut from shoulder down across his chest cleanly. ?Nooo!!? he yelled, watching him fall down with a deep grunt. But the injury was not in vain, as he heaved that enormous sword back and swung it down at the quickly evading Tironos.

He was just too fast. There was little he could do to prevent his advancements. In-fact, he was working him back, one step after the other into the light no longer shaded by the building they had stood against. One swing after the other he collided with, realizing he could not survive these again without Daniels to do his intervention again. So he had to end this himself. Dyarhk guided the blade of the assassin wide and charged back that sword again swinging it down, this time, to the impacting shatter of one of those lasers Crall had defended against.

Crall possessed a magical axe, which absorbed the laser. But his sword was but steel, and exploded all but to the hilt where he held a mere broken knife. The man's assassin partner up in the tower had again made known her presence, and this time, for the worst.

?Found you.? Faust said, stretching that bow back with a steel-tip arrow strung.

?Huh? That tower? ...You'll never reach.? Ganter softly said, and then in a moment of amazement, watched him stretch that bow doubly as far as it had been, frowning powerfully, looking out to the target he had been hunting since her first shot. When he released that arrow, the string flung back and sounded out louder than anything else save for the explosions in this war, like a compacted wind of greatness. Tionne looked about briefly up in that tower before she was literally shot out of that window by the arrow that came from behind her.

Faust took a deep breath, a sigh of relief, seeing that body respond to the impact. ?..?

Errist had just come back to face them again, having avoided notice from the many men that were luckily busy with combat, but he was not able to escape a glance from Crall who suspiciously paid glance to his rounding back. Epona, his enemy, was now mounted and prepared again for combat. Ever a cunning centaur, that very amazement was what fueled his hatred. He charged off, triggering Epona's full out gallop that she had hesitated to use since coming across Dyarhk's unusually fragile condition. But she put her faith in him, as he had in himself. But as it turned out, that was a bad gamble this exchange.

Epona did her part, running her own weapon into Errist's and guiding it up for the finishing blow from her rider. But when this stage came, Dyarhk lacked the power necessary to get that weapon out of the way and go in for the final blow. When their weapons collided, Dyarhk's sword went flying. The three combatants continued on passing each other, downshifting now out of the killing runs that they had been in, in true lancer fashion. Errist rounded about and saw Epona and Dyarhk, specifically her rider, that was lacking a weapon now, an advantageous situation if he ever saw one.

?Dark... are you okay?? Epona asked with authority and speed. Their attacker would quickly be on the return attack, and she had to know rather suddenly.

?.....? he was shocked. Had he really gotten this weak? His blade knocked out of his hand, blood collecting at his side and running down and onto the left side of Epona's back. If there was anything he was ready for, it wasn't combat. Errist faced them again, and began his second charge. Epona's life was now in jeopardy, or rather, Dyarhk had become a hindrance without a weapon. And he looked up at the charging centaur, aware of this, and disgusted with himself; it said it all over his face.

Just then, Crall had ran up. ?Dark!!? he yelled, calling the attention of Epona and him rather simultaneously. Without a weapon, he saw fit to bestow upon him the only one he had, the only one that could cleave a centaur clean in half. But as large a impossible a task as that was, could Epona carry the weight? And was he in any condition to wield it?



There was no time to make decisions. He heaved the axe up and coming down to crack the pavement beside her. The long golden handle fit into his hand, but he had not lifted it up yet. He was still completely drained of strength. He looked up to the rushing Errist, his free hand on Epona's side, weaving in-between her hairs and fastening a strong grip. He whispered to her.

?Epona. Put your trust in me. I ask you for this just once more.? he said, drawing the axe up, grunting as it began to come up and tell her what the weight was. Both of these things should have told Epona No. The weight of the weapon, which was well over the weight of a rider, and then there was an actual rider. And he expected her to believe he could wield this thing.

But Epona looked back to him, and the two knew the agreement they made went beyond disbelief and accusations. It went deeper than blood. So she looked forward, and launched out, that weight undoubtedly there, tolling on the both of them. And as the distance between them closed, it was clear that they were going to have only a few, painful seconds, of uncertainty.

?RrraahhH!? Errist roared, swinging his spear at Epona for the one fatal blow that would abruptly halt her and her future forever, and give him his sweet solace he so desperately sought. But Epona's resolve was much stronger than that of this wild, loose centaur. She slammed her weapon into the centaur's own, making him point it unwillingly to the sky and cut him at the torso in the process. And from behind her, Dyarhk held that axe up with great struggle, screaming out as he leveled it with the lower half of the centaur's charging body in direct conflict with the speed Epona was crossing him at. In one glorious moment, the axe was a layer between the centuar's human and horse halves before they were separated forever, and he fell the distance to the ground with a shock adorn on his features he never expected he'd wear.

?...AhhH!? Dyarhk grunted, dropping the axe and clinging to Epona to stop from falling off as it sounded loudly and heavily throughout the street. Crall, wide-eyed, watched this spectacle. He had defeated his opponent, but more importantly, someone other than himself was able to wield the great axe. ?.....?

In Errist's dying moments, he looked to that sky that Tironos had. Funny it was so beautiful right before death. Funny, he would die indistinguishable from a man.

On down the street, he limped noticeably but at a steady pace. The left thigh of his pants had absorbed much of the blood that ran from his side wound, and was now a very darkened dry burgundy color. When the sword had passed through, it must've missed any vital organs. But that injury wasn't the problem so much as was his flame of life. A speckle of blue on a candle wick, so fragile and in need of protection from even a breath that has gotten too close.

Dyarhk saw men injured and laying on the sides of the road, waiting to be rescued, just like he had said he would do. But he knew he lacked the energy to do such a thing. He couldn't carry a man's weight anymore than he could carry his own. In-fact every taken step was as much a miracle as the last. No, these men were not his focus, not his goal. It was Brian he pursued. The man who, for whatever reason, had decided to stay and fight, when a situation had turned so dire and hopeless. What did he think he could achieve? What did Dyarhk think he could do to change his mind?

His watery green eyes read over these questions while he walked back up the street, using that unsheathed sword as a cane. ?...?
Brian may have had some other reason for staying, but that would be something he would have to figure out. Reinforcements on the way, good and well, but doubtful. He would have to make up his mind to take the man back, by any means necessary. The main office building came into his sights once more as he came to it. He had seen Brian orchestrating battle plans around it, so it was a great starting point to begin the search for him.

Running his hand and a weak line of blood along its wall, he now had double the stability with the aid of that steel crutch. His black bangs sticking to his forehead, and a brown cloak shredded more around its edges, not to mention only one of his boot heels, his left, stamped a u-shaped trail of blood back to the wound's point of origin.

The battling was quieter up here, which made his heartbeat and breathing louder, more noticeable. His ears, from time to time, closed off the sounds of the outside world, and let him listen intimately to his inner workings, and their near-failing status. But he moved on until he came to the the entrance of the public works building, and the body of a fallen warrior who must have been some incredible villain. Just by looking him, one could tell he was unrelated to the faction that was laying siege to much of Rhy'Din, but he had been one of those who had seized upon the advantageous situation that the heroes of Rhy'Din had become susceptible to during this great attack.

Dyarhk stopped a moment to address this fallen man. Who could have slew him? With his unique, likely magic-imbued sword, which was unlike any sword he had ever seen before, discarded a few feet from his hand, a hand armored in garb just as unique; only one man came to mind that must have killed this mysterious dark horse entrant to the fray.

Walking past and over the bodies of the dead, Dyarhk calmly hobbled inside what remained of the Public Works, and found Brian, the man he had sought for that eternity of painful steps.?.....?

?Don't mind... if I do.? Dyarhk said, taking the remaining necessary steps to sit against the wall, like Brian, only a few feet from, dropping his bloody form against that wall and finally resting. But it was so unusual to rest, for the benefits it usually gave, like more energy, and then receive none. Dyarhk frowned. It was akin to holding a canteen up to your lips in the blistering heat, dehydrated, and pouring only sand out from. A gentle laugh came, as the troops outside could be heard advancing as time went on.

?I'm not gonna die, Brian. I want you to know that.? eyes closed, grinning, and then another laugh came, longer but softer. ?But..... this war has sure tried me.? He looked over to him, seeking some sort of return of words. Peacefully, he let silence come back comfortably between their conversation. The care for the state of things outside was, non-existent. It was mournable, but this deep in the territory, the victor was so unmistakably obvious. The survivors from here had moved on, and those that hadn't were staging one last hurrah or already had, both cases surely warranting novelizations of their heroic last stands, happening right now.

?.....You kill that big sucker outside?? Dyarhk asked, looking over to him. ?Brian... I want to ask you about your time away. The odds were against you, but you made it back anyway. Did the hero thing. Got the chance, I'm sure a lot of men missed and would have killed for, done anything for, to be able to return to their woman and kids; their family...? he took a breather, entirely necessary as it was.
?You ever seen a look on a woman's face... so replenished with, with everything, with life, with hope, with spirit. 'Cause I have, that night at the fountain, when you came back.? he looked into the wall, beyond it in-fact, reimagining the event.

?I love you... brother. But the love you have for that woman, or rather, the love that woman has for you. ? To be able to look at a man like that, is indescribable to me. I want to have eyes look at me like that, and I think I could spend an eternity looking back at them. I swore I would never let anything happen to you again. And here we are, bloodied and bruised, and me, dying for something I no longer understand.? Dyarhk looked down into his hand stained in dry blood.

?I'll see you out of this hell, Brian. And I will always be your brother ? such a thing cannot change. But my days of this maim and torture for brotherhood have ended. This is my dream now. From this day forward, I fight for love.? displaying then one of his brotherly abilities to extend his fist without having to see his companion's own for a knuckle bump. ?Ahhh..? he sighed, an alleviation upon his brows that this was a peaceful time, void of combat, and very much acknowledged for that; very much appreciated for that.

But just then, Dyarhk and Brian's attention shifted coolly when the weighty boots of a blue and gold armored figure passed in-front of a window, impossible not to notice. And then, he stepped in the doorway, seemingly knowing that them, specifically were here. And what to say to a figure, so holy, so heroic and every-bit looking to be on the side of good; who just stood there, silent, expecting something from these men and not to mention interrupting their super bro moment?

?......What the f*ck do you want??

(The ending of this post leads directly in to the Chains of Destruction s/L http://rdi.dragonsmark.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18535)





The ground would quake once more.. but not from the hurried charge of the Minotaur. It was one, quick shake that spread out a good twelve or so yards; causing the wreckage and debris that littered the ground to rise up from the sheer force from the impact and blast outside of the radius. The lone figure stood before Dyarhk.. her back now blocking his view of the incoming enemy. ".." Blurry however she may have looked, and her back to him, Dyarhk could make out that it was Seirichi.

But her arrival didn't sway the beast much, he only had a new target to simply charge through before he got to his goal.. what was better than one victim? That would be two. A loud, earsplitting roar let loose to signify its dominance.. Closer, closer it came. Enough for Seirichi to smell his foul odor. In that split second with only the smallest bit of space between the two of them, the woman moved. Hand quickly rose up to take hold of that hooped earring at her right lobe. The fight was over before it could even start. A quick burst of energy unleashed itself from her 5'5" frame, which caused the beast to only feel one thing.. Fear. He couldn't stop his charge. Everything in him was saying the same to stop ? run. But it was far too late, trying to put on the brakes.
In that instant Seirichi had already pulled her arm back enough, and let loose to send a quick backhanded slap into the side of the minotaur's face. The crack could be heard across the battlefield as its jaw shattered, and teeth and blood flew through the air. The force had been enough to bring Dyarhk's would-be killer off of his very feet and send him spiraling through the air into the nearest wrecked building.

There she stood.. Her arm still outstretched in post-slap fashion, and her eyes locked themselves on Vaulde. "Come on.." taunting with a face full of rage.. but at the same time -- a small bit of arrogance. "You're the only dead man here.."

"What..? Sei..." was all Dyarhk could utter. He had spent his conscious time to the very last grain of the hourglass. The heaviness of his eyelids was impossible to hold up any longer, and the curtain called. He was out.

"...." Vaulde, with his golden sword pointed at the still unconscious Ravenlock, turned, to face now his mystery guest. He could not offer the same distaste for her as he did Dyarhk, who was beaten by a single swing of his sword. And Guretoch, a legendary manslayer under his employ, himself, beaten by a single move, by a single hand. The golden light of Vaulde seemed to look over to check on the all powerful beast, now coming to and covering a bleeding mouth very much absent of teeth now. But most noticeably was the monster's eyes, terrified, pooled with tears, and reflecting the image of a still and focused woman back to her. Guretoch was an educated dog now, one that knew the personal space that a bigger one commanded. So he up and ran, as far from that girl as he could. Leaving Vaulde to step slightly closer to see his new threat.

"I was not wrong, then. I was beginning to believe I had chosen my opponents wrongly. But as you heroically appear to their rescue, it would appear you have something to offer me." pointing his sword at her, and dipping the chin of that helmet. Before this woman would react, he planned, he would her through with that golden blade, and drink the valuable taste of a gorgeous woman who knew how to shape the outcome of battles. "You are a rare thing for me to face. And rarer still, when blood will come from the sides of your mouths. And the last thing you see, as you lay on the ground, and off my sword, will be my light looking over you, as of heaven, before you die." Vaulde said, kicking his golden boots from their still grips on the street and dashing out for her, his sword not charged or swung, but rather pointing, and being reinforced by both his stands for a stab that was rapidly approaching the still figure of the woman.

Seiri watched him come after her, face unchanged from that determined and controlled anger. But nose flared and eyes narrowed as body prepared for the dashing, armor clad man. That golden blade glinting.. it was beautiful, it even captivated Seirichi's own eyes. But she already made the conscious decision that she'd end this man's life. And once such a thing was thought; she wouldn't go against it. That strongly held golden blade outstretched for her. Seirichi was only happy enough to do the same with her own hand. The warrior could only perceive this as a foolish move. He'd skewer her hand through if she did such a thing.. and not even that could be strong enough to stop his blade from piercing through her chest. The fight was won within his mind.. but in reality, that blade tip met her open palm and would venture no further.
It stopped, not even the skin broke upon contact. "I want you.." she spoke as she moved. Pushing the blade off to the side and readying her opposite fist. ".. during these last moments." It shot out like a bullet. The air itself whistled in pain as her closed fist ripped through it -- and soon met that armored chest. Armor that only caved in from the sudden violent force that struck it. Fist met armor.. armor met chest, and soon enough that itself would begin to cave in as she almost impaled her whole fist through his body. Only a split second later did the armor of his back split open like some sort of disgusting exit wound.. ".. ? Think back on all of those you've killed.. This is the same feeling they had." She watched as Vaulde reeled and flew back from her fist. Soon, meeting the ground, seeing the sight of Seirichi looking down onto him. "... Count up your sins."

"GrrUUH!" the sound came, after the punch's impact and devastation. Vaulde was an inhuman being, that much was fact by his heavenly aura and ethereal voice, but borrowing the construct of man's shape was not the only thing he took, seeing as he bled as well, and profusely from such an attack. That golden sword, bent at the tip where it seemed to have met with an impenetrable wall that was Seirichi's hand, was no longer in his hands. Nor was his life. He hit his knees, and his dying reach for Seirichi came up short as that back faced up and the indescribable escape of her siovanui powers from his body left to be pondered by any who should come across it. The light from his helmet still very present, but if one paid attention, would see it was dimming by the minute.

The danger level in the zone had gone down, but only slightly. What Vaulde's death succeeded in accomplishing was buying a few extra minutes of privacy before the troops would advance upon them, and then, it would be death and destruction for anyone caught in their wake. "............" Her lips thinned out and body tensed. Her eyes focusing on the body that had just taken its last breath. Her expression dropped as she quickly looked behind herself. Fury quickly replaced by fear as she looked down to the form of Dyarhk.. just laying there, bloody and beaten.

"Dark..!" Seirichi yelled out as she quickly dashed over to him. Her own form hitting her knees as she bent over him. Hand found his chest; shallow breathing. ".... Nnn.." Gritting her teeth. He wouldn't last long like this.. she needed to get him back to Devotion. ".. I'm not going to let you die.." her soft voice spoken in only a whisper as she gathered Dyarhk into her arms, assisted by her power. Seirichi stood and looked in the direction she had came. The portal, she knew Nima would have kept it open. It was their only passage back to Camp Devotion that would be the quickest. She looked back briefly over her shoulder to see the unconscious Brian, ?.... .. F*ck.. Just stay with me." said turning back to the man she held. Before anything could come.. she'd be on the move. The two of them fading out from sight with the speed she unleashed.

((SUPPLEMENTAL POST))

"I trust you Dark.." It was almost a whisper, but they had fought, bled and by the Gods if it was fate to die together, she would do that too. but not today. No, not today.
She looked at him, trust in her eyes, and nodded sharply. "Lets make our fates, brother, to whatever end. Hang on!" With that she launched herself at Errist, the great weight of axe and rider combined with fatigue taking it's toll, but her sense if pride had been pricked by this pissant, and she was spurred by Dark's unbelievably miraculous ability to keep himself erect and his faith in the both of them. In himself to do this and in her to do it with him. They were as team and now they were as good as one being, so close were they now.

Any onlooker might have marveled had they not been frightened to the point of pissing their pants at the fury they witnessed now. Dark's body language was translated to action as Epona interpreted every pressure and shift in weight and put it to action to best serve him. No turning back.

?RrraahhH!? Errist roared, swinging his spear at Epona for the one fatal blow that would abruptly halt her and her future forever, and give him his sweet solace he so desperately sought. But Epona's resolve was much stronger than that of this wild, loose centaur. She slammed her weapon into the centaur's own, making him point it unwillingly to the sky and cut him at the torso in the process. And from behind her, Dyarhk held that axe up with great struggle, screaming out as he leveled it with the lower half of the centaur's charging body in direct conflict with the speed Epona was crossing him at. In one glorious moment, the axe was a layer between the centuar's human and horse halves before they were separated forever, and he fell the distance to the ground with a shock adorn on his features he never expected he'd wear.

She ground to a halt, breathing hard, though undoubtedly Dark was suffering more than she and she was careful to be mindful of him as he dropped the axe that had shuffled Errist loose the mortal coil. As Dark clung to her she gently cradled him with her wings, holding them at such an angle as to steady him with silken strength. Victory was theirs, if even a short one, this was merely a bump in the last stretch, and she knew it wasn't over just yet. She smiled thinly as Daniels rushed up, his concern evident.

She gently and discreetly helped Dark to dismount, and smiled as she listened to the exchange and laughed softly as Dark insisted the boy use his name. Formality had never been his strong suit, she knew. he was a self-assured, boisterous haphazard and most of all wonderful man and she respected him like no other. She'd chosen well when she'd asked him for his bond in battle. She shook Daniels' hand when she was introduced. "A pleasure, and we'll make sure your future is bright as Dark here says. Once you heal up come find me and we'll work on that sword arm." The young man fairly beamed as the commander took a special interest in him. "Yes Ma'am!" He saluted her and grinned. She took special pleasure in pulling a classic Dark move. "No 'Ma'am' Just Epona." She grinned in return.

Her attention was stolen by the exchange between Dark and Crall, indeed she wondered briefly at the axe, dwarves were known for their weaponry and it was not uncommon for it to be specified to a bearer that no other could wield it. She was impressed as well. And she didn't mind at all as Dark leaned on her for support she was all to glad to offer, though she noted when he tried to save face, whether his or hers was unclear, by petting her. She listened patiently as Dark explained they were evacuating, and shook her head as Crall (who knew him and should have know better) began to protest.

? ? And this is not up for discussion!? Dyarhk quickly fired out, pointing a finger at him. But it came down, even if his angry brows remained. He addressed Epona next, but because she hadn't said anything yet, she got a slightly softer tone. ?Look after yourself, old girl. Get Raist, and your other brethren out of here. Help each other. I'll meet up with you afterwards. Daniels go with 'em. Do you mind if I borrow your sword?? he asked, already taking the thing back up, having begun on his walk across the street, and not stopping to wait for his answer. It was more of a notification, than a request. She nodded. "Dark..."

Her eyes were filled with sincerity and she took his hand. "Whatever end, I am proud to serve with you, Brother." And she clasped him in an embrace more tender than one might think the filly capable of. "You better come back to us alive or I'll find a necromancer to bring you back so I can kill you!" She smiled though there was the threat of tears in those emerald eyes. She straightened up and looked at Daniels, who was looking a little worse for the wear. "Come on, saddle up, boy, you earned it for saving him." Thumb-jerk to Dark. The young man gratefully mounted (None too skillfully) and perched awkwardly, though glad for the chance to sit.

"I'll get everyone else out, don't worry..." She touched his cheek like he'd touched hers so many times before. "I promise." With that she turned, flicking her tail and trotted to find Faust and Raist and have them help her round up stragglers and get them out.

Dark was now on his own.