Part 2

[Dynamax]

"You keep trying to harm me Boy, what? You do not believe me?" Dagren says as he barely erects a force field. "What benefit do I have in lying to you about this? Your position holds no tactical advantage and I am pretty sure you were faceless soldier number 312 to Rondar before now. I..ghhh.." An arrow bypassed it and struck him in the arm.

"You would wound me like my own brother did? Try to kill me too? You think me a monster? I wept when I learned of Misentia's fate. I do fight to avenge her too in my own way Rondar." He pulls out the arrow. "STOP FIGHTING ME!!! PROVE TO ME YOU ARE NOT LIKE YOUR UNCLE!!"

"It might be trickier than that." Elias says, watching. "We should see how Ildor is before we judge. Princess...their King might not be a good man. I have been told much. his wife and Vadris are said to be pulling his strings. He abuses an ancestor who cannot die, one who is a slave of Vadris no less. I do not deny you feelings but don't let them blind your judgment. Vadris has loyalty to his ties with Ildor, he's proven that much. I wouldn't test him so soon on your ties."

----------

"Not ssso long asss Dagren livesss." Vossh hides part of his face, his right yes visible. "Not while he hasss power."

-----------

"I'd beat Sabrel to a pulp first." Argus says as he looks into Shaylin's eyes. "I wouldn't let there be anyone else, not ever."

--------------

"See?" Adona then ses a person fly past her. "GLORY!!"

Princess Gloriana charged into the fray and began to cut down what Goks got close to her. "RUFINA!!"

"Glory...it's been too LONG!!" Rufina channels an energy blast and fires it.

Gloriana evades it. "Leave her to me. Get the rest, all of you."

-----------

The creature twitched and spasmed. Saida walks over to it's head and stabs his sword into it. "No suffering for you." He then pulls out the sword and looks at Caed. "Nice trick." He pulls out a cloth and wipes the blood off of his sword. "Whre did you learn that?"

-------------

"Your boyfriend things to hard it seems." one of the spectral forms speaks.

"No teasing him Uncle Karl." Rowena says.

"Boy, figure out your loyalties and your goals and do not betray them. Protect what you love...or end up like me. Think you can defy fate bettr than I?" Karl spoke.

[Inkshade]

Dred frowns "Ehhhh shit....this guy's puttn' too much into this to be acting...." he sighs and looks up "You dirty old dog...shoulda' lived longer...I'm needn' that liquor to have been a bit stronger right about now..." he mutters to his dead friend. "Eh...Rondar I got a bit of an idea...to get this guy outa' here...just eh..don't go thinkn' I'm a double crosser or anything of the sort if it works...I'm just figuring it'll do you all a bit of good to thin the number of enemies...but that could be the alcohol talkn'." he faces the barrier and looks for Dagren "OY! I'll make ya' a deal! You an' all your cronies leave an' call it a day, an' I'll go with you and we can...converse." he calls over.

Vanora frowns "I...understand but...Elias where will that leave my brother?"

Lakyri scans for enemies as she and Claire cover Elias and Vanora. She spots Ammon, and get's a glimpse at Vossh. "What is that?"

Claire looks "I'm...not sure..."

"It's so ugly it's cute..." Lakyri mutters

-------------

Ammon nods "Hmm, well, someone will have to fix that then." he grins "There are always options."

----

Shaylin nods "Ok...I trust you on that."

--

Paitus nods and picks up his spear. he charges it again and runs at the Goks.

Mireal forms three blades and manipulates them at the Goks, slashing away.

----------

"Sort of learned it on accident...my magic is a bit...random." Caed says and hesitates "The eh....ones I turned in sort of helped me get it down...." he clears his throat "Well, let's get the girls someplace safe...I don't know my way around completely yet, but I have an idea."

-----

Rhis nods "Hmm....that acctually helps a lot. Rowena, I go where you go. If they wish you harm, then I will stand in their way. Losing you would hurt more than losing them...I've already gotten past my old life. You are my life now. I don't know why I was troubled." he smiles.

[Dynamax]

Dagren smiles. "You are wise boy." He then gestures and chants.

-------------

"I won't yield Desmond. I will beat you d" Without so much as a word Sabrel disappeared.

"What in the Hell?" Desmond says.

---------------

"Come on Cousin, show me y" Rufina, Ghork and Sira all vanished.

"I...what..." Gloriana was surprised. "Seems uncle has recalled them."

--------------

"Choissse...is alssso not a thing we have." Vossh says as the quartet appear around Dagren.

"Father, what in the...." Rufina comments and then sees his wound. "Damn."

"Oh, it's not what you think. It's reunion time. Your missing brother is found. We get to talk in exchange for peace. Now let's step aside and talk, this is going to get messy." Dagren says.

"Dred, you know the signals if I am needed." Rondar says.

"With you, so no worries. He is with you to the end." Elias smiles. "Now...this is the hard part. It's back to us...and Vadris."

--------------

"I'll live up to that and more, I promise." Argus says. "I...huh?" He looks at the sphere, now showing him a view of the fight. "He's called them all off..."

----------------

"Seems they left these worms here." Adona says. "Let's burn these remaining worms away and finish fortifications." She sound displeased. "And goddamnit, let's kill the next thing that dares to defy us already."

-------------

Saida notes his hesitation to speak on it. "I see, let's go take care of it then."

-------------

"That's...no..." Rowena frowns. "Don't do that. I couldn't forgive myself. They're here for you...their loyalty is to you..." She hated how black and white this seemed to him. "There's a better way."

[Inkshade]

Dred nods and rides his horse over to them. He spots Rufina and Sabrel and curses under his breath Damn it all we're like a set.... he stops his horse once he gets to them and sighs, noticing they were noatbly cleaner than him, and better dressed.

-------

Vanora nods "I want to try for another ceasefire...With any luck we can arrange for your father and his men to leave safely...And maybe Rhis can help with this King...I can imagine with so much happening the last thing he would want is a stressful battle."

--------

Ammon sighs "Well, what do ou think Airou?"

"You're a strange bird." Airou says

Ammon laughs "Yeah..."

-------

Shaylin sighs "Oh good..."

-------

Paitus nods and sees something coming in the distance. "Hmmm?"

Mirael looks "Seems my cousin has shown up just in time to miss the battle..."

--------

Caed turns "Take care of what?"

-----

Rhis nods "I know, just...If they are going to do anything against you I can't forgive that. Don't think I won't try to arrange something so they are safe as well but, if I have to choose between you or them, it's you hands down. My sister will follow me no matter what, she's with me to the end. It's the others I worry about." he says

[Dynamax]

Dagren turns away. "Stop scowling Boy. I don't think that'd be a proper first impression towards your siblings." He says to Dred.

---------------

"Let us hope so but know...I'm not letting them capture my Dad." Elias says. "Rondar is a good man, far better than some that I've seen."

----------------

Vossh turns away and walks to his mentors. If he felt he could get away with it he'd be grinning.

-----------------

"He seems to be leaving the field. Though that doesn't seem to be stopping the others. Osiron is heading in to fight Rondar still I'd wager." Argus says. "Better than all three..."

------------------

"Good, it means I can welcome a guest without the need for weapons." Adona says. "You who came to help, patrol the area. Make sure wormy didn't leave any sleepers."

---------------------

"Getting the ladies settled." Saida says. "We have our orders right?"

---------------------

"Don't be a fool." Ildor had slowed down, having hard a hint of this conversation. "Kill one of your own and you will never be with Rowena. You will NOT commit the sins of your Father or me. Is that clear?" He says, glaring at Rhis.

[Inkshade]

"Am I scowling? I usually keep a blissfully neutral expression...must be the booze..." he pauses "Mourning, not recreation....though I've been considering taking it up...what with all....this." he makes a loose gesture to the general area. he gets off his horse and looks at them "Soooo...."

--------

"I know...I'd think less of you if you did." Vanora says

-----

Ammon smiles and turns to Airou and Aikia "Well, he wasn't so bad once we got around the rough patches of conversation!"

-------

Shaylin nods "Yes...he has better chances with out Dagren fanning the flames of violence."

-----------

Paitus nods and directs his soldiers. he goes to the hole Ghork had left and jumps in to investigate as his soldiers fanned out and searched everywhere else.

------

Caed nods "Right...sorry. That crazy little imp thing Gaz was teleporting me all over the place...It's messed with my head." he sighs and leads the way.

Titania sighs and smiles at him. she frowns though, seeing the inside of his hand. she walks over to him and takes it, opening it to look at his palm. she gasps at the sight of the mark "Caed, what is this?"

"Gaz would only help if I made a deal with him...so...I did. Not sure what it entails, but well, I'll find out eventually won't I?"

--------

Rhis was shocked for a moment, but then relaxes and nods "Yes Sir. I'm sorry."

"He knows little of either of our stories Ildor. He knows only there was a war between you and your siblings, and that I well....what Sabrel said." Osiron says "He doesn't have enough knowledge to learn from our sins." he flies his dragon over next to him. "Rhis...a few years before you were born, house Dracwall was vast. We were a large noble family. One day, a couple of my aunts and uncles, and cousins came to me, saying they had something to discuss with me. They had spoken with one another, and others in the family, and had unanimously decided they wished to go to the side of Ildor's sister." he pauses and looks into Rhis' eyes "They planned to go, no matter what I said, and were merely looking for my consent and for me to come with them. For their treachery....I slayed each and every one of them....including my own sister. Trust me when I say that is not a death you want on your hands." he says "Ildor, don't feel you have to share your tale as well."

[Dynamax]

"Mourning who?" Dagren asks.

"Comrades most likely, what with fighting a war and all I'd wager." Jolden says, looking over his shoulder.

"Ahh..I see. Was it anyone you were close to?" Dagren asks.

-----------

"I just want you to know why I'll fight Vadris if I am forced to." Elias says. "But...if Rhis is with the Princess then he's likley going to be on his side...how do we thwart that?"

------------

"I don't know. He still seems off." Aikia says. "Those types weav rather intricate webs."

-------------

"Yes, which is also good news for us." Argus says. "Do you wish for me to let you go? I..I don't mind at all, it's just...if it's uncomfortable..."

--------------

"My, he's a go getter." Naprista says.

"Far more reliable than some." Adona says.

"Oh ha ha." Naprista rolls her eyes. "Will you get over what I said already?"

"You said Ildor was pussy whipped, drunk or not, it offends me even now." Adona glares. However today helps repair that issue some."

--------------

Saida facepalms. "You dumbass. Why did you rush into something like that? How do you know it's going to end well for you?"

---------------

"I had my sister and brother in law killed. Rondar was to be killed to but he escaped. Our of all of Dagren's eight children I killed two myself and I thought him dead by my own hand too." Ildor says. "I hate myself for it and to this day I can never forgive myself. A child must surpass their parent. Do not do what we did."

[Inkshade]

"Yup. He was the only other one of the bandit gang I was in that was stilll alive. He intended on living longer, but the Grey's had other ideas." Dred pats his horse "They'll get theirs." he says casually as he rubs his horse's snout "Now it's just me and this guy. And he's gettn' old..." he sighs "Yeah, that's where I've been for the past...13 years?...yeah...cuz I was seven when they found me...give or take a year...anything before that you have to fill in, cuz I got nothing."

---------

"I'm not sure...I'm hoping he will help in letting Rondar go safely. But, Elias that may require us to go with him, at least for a little while." Vanora says.

--------

Ammon chuckles "Very true. Though I should not speak, I have some rather complicated webs myself."

"I get the impression." Airou says. he pauses a moment "So...what was that you were talking about?"

"Animus?" Ammon says and smirks, watching him jump a bit. "essentially anti-demons. They were polar opposites, and ended up in a violent war in which they were killed off completely."

----------

Shaylin shakes her head "No...please don't...I feel safe for a change..."

--------

Estelle looks at Paitus' spider, which was dead having been swarmed by Goks. "What do we do with...that?"

"Oh, I'll take care of that." Paitus says coming out the other side of the tunnel "My little brother likes to eat spiders...I planned to save it for him if you don't mind."

a large blue dragon lands in front of the castle. it's rider jumps down from it and it dissolves into magic that flows into her armor. "Well, I see you had things more under control than you made it sound cousin." the elf says "and here I rushed myself."

Mirael chuckles "Avalbane, you look well."

---------

"Honestly my well being is the last thing on my mind when it comes to saving Titania. I don't see anything adverse yet, and I don't need much to be happy so whatever comes of this will be worth it." Caed says

"You're going to get premature wrinkles." Cecilia says "Magic will do that. It's terrible for your complexion."

------

Rhis nods "I understand. And thank you, it can't be easy to say out loud. Might I ask then, from you experiance, what do you sugest I do, should they choose to oppose us?"

[Dynamax]

"Your brother Vayne had taken you out with your mother for some time away from home. You and he was rather close so you went out often. A bandit gang attack the carriage you were riding in and killed the driver and the two guard I assigned to you. Your mother was being attacked and Vayne rushed to her side. When they looked back...you were gone." Dagren says. "That is how we lost you."

"i told him to take a wizard along..." Rufina says.

"Not now sister, you'll spoil this." Sabrel says. "Aside from Dumas and Halfrek we are together again at last."

-------------

"Well since your group has decided to return we can always slip away." Rondar whispers. "It can be us 'abandoning' you. Elias can keep in touch with me."

"That sounds wise." Elias says.

------------

"Perhaps..." Aikia says about Ammon's statement. "Perhaps not."

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"Alright then." Argus smiles as he wraps his arms around her. "I will not take that from you then."

------------

Adona bows. "Lady Avelbane, welcome. Ildor is not here to greet you as an emergency arose. I pray Gloriana and I will suffice for now as hosts?"

--------------

"Who ever told you that?" Saida asks Cecelia. "Considering how much magic is out there to allow one to keep their beauty unto death and stuff it seems rather random to say that."

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"They are ignorant of our ways, yet they are foreign dignitaries. Both must be taken into account. individual action notwithstanding I'd at word detain them until we sort things out." Ildor pauses. "The son of Rondar, do you vouch for him Rhisart?"

[Inkshade]

Dred thinks "Hmm...sure hope it wasn't the same guys I grew up with...They said I just showed up looking confused, and some scouts said they saw some broad teleportn' off around the same time...coulda' been a lie of course, but it doesn't explain the amnesia."

--------

Vanora nods "Yes, if you can get away unharmed I'd like that."

--

Ammon smiles "You're catching on aren't you Aikia? I wonder how much you've figured out..."

----

Shaylin holds onto him "Thank you..."

-----

"Of course, in fact I'm surprised I get both of you here. I hope you are both unharmed." Avalbane says.

------

"Why, the others where I grew up." Cecilia says "We shouldn't use magic because it takes away your beauty, and then you can't properly bring happieness to whoever you serve."

-------

"He was a close and trusted friend of mine when we were children. I don't know if he has changed, but if he is the same person he was back then, then I would vouch for him without hesitation." Rhisiart says.

[Dynamax]

"No. These were Centaurian bandits." Dagren says. "Though I've...corrected their misbehavior long ago." He turns. "What woman?"

-------

"Then we will meet at the place of your birth in three days Elias. The castle by the lake in the west of the capital. My Mother's old home. Make an excuse and come with minimal forces, we'll talk then." Rondar backs up. "Boy...if your Princess seeks to met with The king I will not risk my men. We're pulling out."

Thimos sends Aikia a message mentally.

------

"More than you kn...Oh..." Aikia turns to Airou. "It seems we're pulling out to give your Princess her chance to talk peace with Ildor. We'll be meeting in three days time though."

----------

"No, thank you." Argus says with a happy smile.

------------

"I am fine, as I pray my stepdaughter is." Adona says.

"Rufina was always a slow caster." Gloriana says, walking up.

"Ahh...good." Adona says.

-------------

"That's...just...huh?" Saida says. "Where were you raised?"

-------------

"Thank you. I hope your trust in him is validated." Ildor says.

"I'm feeling something strange. There are other demons up ahead. Not of Vadris' ilk." Gustav says.

"I see. Let us hurry then." Ildor speeds his dragon up.

[Inkshade]

"I don't know. They just said they saw some broad running around all sneaky like. Then she teleported away." Dred says and thinks "Hmm...coulda' been the one who took me...know any enemies of yours who would work with centaurs and or use their actions to wisk away a kid and land 'em with bandits? Throw in an ability to get rid of memories too."

---------

Vanora nods "Yes...get your men away."

Mora looks at her "Be careful...I'll just call you my cousin." she says.

--------

"Oh..." Airou says, sounding disappointed. "Well...I guess I can wait to see those elementals form."

Ammon smiles "Well, someone does need to look for that cousin of yours...Maybe you can get sent on a quest?"

--------

Shaylin chuckles. she stops a moment and smiles "that...was the first time I've laughed in so long...."

--------

Avalbane smiles "Glory! Good to see you are well."

-------

"Why, with the other...oh, what term would you know....'pleasure girls' I think? Yes that's it, beecause we strive to be pleasurable company." Cecilia grins

"Yeah....that's what they mean..." Titania says and looks to Saida.

------

Rhis nods and speeds up his dragon as well. Vanora...are there other demons with you? he asks

Hmm? Oh yes. Errr...Rhis are you sitting? she asks him

Flying, but seated yes.

Hmmm, flying? I'll wait to tell you when you are here and on the ground... she says

Osiron catches up to Ildor.

[Dynamax]

"No, not specifically." Dagren says. "Time will tell then if we find this witch. If she is responsible for taking you away I'll string her up by her entrails for it."

--------------

"Then Go father, my place is with her side." He says, acting his part well. "Keep your men safe if that is your duty."

"We'll meet again." Rondar turns and begins to run.

Ginza takes a step but is blocked by Elias. "Let them go and you have our peace. We'll back any alibi you wish to tell your King. Is that fair enough?"

"Do it, Vanora get one free pass." Vadris says. "But this is the only risk I will take regarding them."

--------------

"You could always come along with us. We do intend to meet with the Gelgeth." Aikia says.

--------------

"It's a pretty laugh. If I knew I'd have tried to hear it much sooner." Argus says.

--------------

"As if Rufina is a foe worthy of my caliber." Gloriana smiles. "Worry not, I will be a warrior Queen in time."

"Is that a jab at me?" Adona says.

"You did more talking than fighting Adona." Gloriana says.

-------------

"No, it's not like that. I've heard of such groups, it's not quite as bad as you think." Saida says. "So is that why Dahak married you?"

-------------

"What is it?" Ildor asks, noticing Rhisart's approach.

[Inkshade]

Dred shrugs "Bit gorey for my tastes but if it helps you sleep at night...I can't protest." he sighs "Well, I supose it's only right and proper these other siblings you mentioned get to have the Dred Hawkeye experiance...not like it's much of an experiance...and yes, that is what I go by. Not to mention mom, I don't know what sort of woman she is but I imagine she'll give you hell if you don't bring me along."

--------

Vanora smiles at Vadris "Thank you Vadris. You don't know how much I appreciate this."

Mora follows Rondar, realizing that once they got safely away they would have to talk.

-----

Ammon smiles "Go ahead Airou, your Princess would want you to go. I'll tell her for you, you find your cousin and stay with your woman." he grins "And I'll keep and eye on mine for you!"

-------

"It's okay, what matters is it happened." Shaylin says "I wonder when they will be back?...Dagren should be in a good mood, especially if Urom comes back with them."

-----

"Differing methods of ruling there's nothing wrong with that." Avalbane says "Oh, by the way, I heard my ruffian sister caused some trouble with a few Gelgath criminals. On behalf of my father I apologize for her." she sighs "I don't know what her problem is...Garizo is a good match for her, and even if she doesn't want to marry him her reaction has been ridiculously childish. Every family has a black sheep and I guess she is ours..." she sighs. "Honestly she acts like a dwarf it's barbaric...not suiting of an elf let alone a princess..."

"WHAT'S THAT SUPOSED TO MEAN PRINCESS PRISS PANTS?!" a female voice shouts.

"Oh Heidi do calm down!" Freya Cromwell says to her friend. She and her several advisors had just teleported in.

"Well what do you expect me to say? I'm a Skullhammer! We don't take that!"

"Shhhh! Hush! Not now." Freya frowns, then smiles brightly at the Queen "Queen Adona, House Cromwell reporting for duty!"

Avalbane frowns at Heidi "Barbarian..." she mutters smugly.

"Pompous.." Heidi growls.

"Ooo, we learned a new word." Avalbane smirks. the two glare at each other.

"Ladies, please do not argue." Paitus says and walks over to them "The tunnel is clear your highness."

-----------

"I imagine so." Cecilia says with a smile. she looks at Titania "Yup. For sure. You could have been one of my sisters. Do you use magic?"

Titania blushes "Oh, er thank you, and no."

"Well there you go!" Cecilia smiles, seeing this as proof of her point.

"But what about the Queen? And the Princess? They use magic and their both beautiful." Caed asks

"Well yes, but they are a Queen and a Princess, they're suposed to be beautiful! It's different."

---------

"Oh, I asked my sister about the other demons, and she asked me if I was seated, then said she would wait to say until I was on the ground. She didn't sound like she was distressed by them so I don't think they are a threat. But needless to say this has me curious..." Rhis says.

"Rightly so..." Vaughn says from behind them.

[Dynamax]

"Whatever you think of me, know that your mother is a pure and kind soul, broken by the deaths of two of your siblings and your apparent loss." Dagren cautions him.

-------------

"Your welcome." Vadris says.

"But they killed..." Kaizo grumbles.

"Know your place." Vadris snaps. "I'm letting a chance slip out of my hands. No one is botching this, neither you nor our new allies. I have spoken and any attempt to defy this will send that person to the gallows, is that clear to EVERYONE?"

Elias was shocked. He almost wanted to like Vadris for a moment.

"Did....did we come at a bad time?" Dahak and Burai suddenly appear. "I didn't miss the fight did I?"

-------------

Rondar walks past Gregor and Anastasia, smiling. "Thank you Gregor, you raised a fine man in our son."

"He came from good stock." Gregor grins. "He'll make it to your meeting, no worries."

Rondar keeps walking and sees Mora catching up. "When we're out of enemy sight." He says as if to answer her anxiety.

----------------

Aikia smiles. "That...that would work." She looks at him and extends her hand. "Will you come?"

-------------------

"Soon likely, which means...all things considered we should get going. If this plan is to work we can't be found like this." Argus says. "I'll give you a few minutes more though."

-------------------

"Enough." Adona snaps. "You both don't need to put on a show, both houses are of equal importance to me. Your hatred of each others kind is harming the greater good here. Stop it at once." She sighs. "As for your sister it's fine. She's safe from reprisal under Ildor's command...you know...with what happened with Osiron he won't have it with you or anyone else."

-------------------------

"My mom was a healer and she didn't look a day older than 25...she was 57 when..." Saida grits his teeth for a moment. "You'll see the truth now that you're in the real world."

-------------------------

"I'm bothered by that then. If this is another of Vadris' games I will not be pleased." Ildor says.