It was a clear day, the first day of spring. However, not a sound was heard on the plain, and an ominous calm hung in the air. Ravens circled overhead. Waiting. A legion stood, their red banner bore a tiger head. The banner rippled in the wind like a tongue of flame. A young Te’nahr peered over to the other side of the plain. His keen golden eyes picked out the leader of the army that was awaiting them. He growled softly.

"What is it, Lynceus?" his aide asked softly. His banded tail swished from side to side, revealing his nervousness.

"Accipitur, blast his bones," Lynceus snarled, and his grip tightened around his glaive. Suddenly, the Te’nahr grinned, his tufted ears perking up. "Well, we’ll have some fun before the day is through." He scratched his furred cheek. "Kedhar blast me if we won’t give them something worth remembering, right boys?" The other Te’nahr murmured in agreement. The general nodded, expecting nothing less. Even though they were outnumbered ten to one, the Te’nahr, the Tiger-men, the Cat People, were fierce fighters. They stared Death in the face and spat in her eye. Yes, the humans would remember this day, for Lynceus intended to carve the remembrance into human flesh.

General Lynceus charged, yelling his warcry. "Live long Ca’olna! Live long Queen Tinera!" Other followed suit, shouting for their country and beloved leader. They clashed with the humans.

Lynceus seemed everywhere at once, and he soon cut a path through the humans until he saw Accipitur, smiling calmly on his horse. He looked startled when he saw the General of the Te’nahr, but he took it in stride. The human drew his sword and said calmly, "Too long have we allowed you animals to run free." He jumped down from his horse and approached Lynceus slowly.

"Betrayer," Lynceus hissed. "You serve the Darkling, Xavier now! But when you have done what he wanted, you will be destroyed as surely as we will!" The Tiger-man whirled his glaive in a complicated pattern, then struck out at Accipitur’s sword arm. The man blocked it easily. The Tiger-man snarled and lashed out with his claws, scoring four long gashes down the right side of the human’s face. His opponent screamed and clutched his face, staggering backward. Lynceus allowed himself a fierce smile and strode forward, then stopped, eyes widening in pain and shock.

The Te’nahr general turned, seeing a man with black hair smiling with the cold eyes of a snake. The man wore the robes of a wizard, but they were black and trimmed with silver. He held a bloodstained dagger. A dagger stained with Lynceus’ own blood. "Xavier," he whispered in a harsh voice. "This battle may be won, but I will see you dead." The general flung himself at the sorcerer, his glaive slashing. Xavier stepped back, calmly.

"Filthy animal," the wizard sneered. "You are weak and won’t live much longer. Neither will your people." The Darkling laughed wildly. Dark clouds gathered overhead, purple lightning flashing. Accipitur grinned through a curtain of blood and stepped forward to finish off Lynceus, but frowned in astonishment as he was bounced back by an invisible wall.

"Tav’nei sou kolu tehr vah no," Lynceus murmured, a shining aura surrounding him. "Se khahrra laroni dharkavar" His voice grew stronger and more powerful at each syllable.

Xavier’s face twisted into one of surprise and rage. "Stop him, fool!" he shouted to Accipitur. Try as he might, the human could not pierce the barrier that surrounded Lynceus.

"Sa! Khono trahvernor!" the Te’nahr screamed. "Lhator vehnn akhar! Live long Ca’olna! Live long Queen Tinera!" He stared at the enemy general and the mage. He smiled as his life’s blood flowed out of him and as his energy did the same. "Live long Accipitur and Xavier. And may you regret it." A white light burst around him, consuming the Tiger-man in a veil of silver fire. The circle of light spread outward, until it had consumed both armies. When it faded, nothing, not even the bodies of the dead was left. However, a strange feeling hung in the air. Not even the birds returned to this battlefield until many years had passed, to what later was to be called Lynx’s Stand.

The sun shone brightly upon the gurgling stream, tossing up reflections of the light that danced almost as merrily as the fae themselves. The great trees stood as silent sentinels, watching all that passed through this calm and peaceful wood. If one looked hard enough, they may claim they have sighted a dryad giggling in the branches of an oak, or a faerie flitting among the willows. It was an old forest, so it was not thought odd if some made that claim. However, often the wood was silent, disturbed only by the soft rustlings of a woodland creature or the heavier steps of man, or perhaps something more elusive.

Leif looked around, trying to catch sight of the dryad he had heard stories about. The youth was about five and a half spans high, and slender. His red-gold hair framed his open, honest face that contained curious green eyes. A smattering of freckles across his face and his impish grin often gave him a boyish look under his eighteen years. He was dressed in a hunter’s green and brown. An arrow was nocked in his long bow, but he paid it no mind.

Leif’s mind wandered to the field was called Lynx’s Stand, after the infamous leader of the savage Cat People, scourge of the humans. Lynx had killed himself, and both the armies in the devastating spell, and nowadays mothers scared children with the mention of the ferocious Tiger-men, specifically Lynx. Leif wondered how much was true. Did Lynx really kill human children to gain power for his dark spells? Then the youth dismissed the thoughts. The Te’nahr were all but gone, hidden in the Vale of the Moon, a place no human in his right mind would enter.

The red-haired boy spotted something out of the corner of his eye. Turning, he drew his bow, but quickly lowered it when he saw it was human on a horse, or at least, he thought it was. Leif studied the newcomer.

The rider was deeply cowled, to where the face was hidden in the shadows. He was riding a white stallion that stepped daintily through the forest. Leif had never seen a horse like that. Its head seemed thinner and more elongated than most other horses, the blue eyes and perked ears a trifle large. The neck was arched and slender and the mane and tail were cut evenly. The horse seemed smaller than it was, looking so delicate, but there was a hidden strength in it. Leif turned his attention back to the rider. His clothes were worn from travel, but obviously well made. The rider, seeing Leif, reined his horse to a halt.

"Greetings, boy," said the traveler. His accent was strange; it had a slight hissing quality to it. "Is there a village nearby?" The boy had the feeling he was being studied, but it was hard to tell with the shadows over the man’s face.

Leif nodded, pointing down the road. "A few miles that way. Takes the name Lynx’s Stand, after the field that isn’t far from here."

"Does it?" the voice sounded amused, though it was difficult to say with that hissing accent. "Are there any inns you would recommend, boy?"

"There’s only one," he said. "The Lynx Eye. And my name is Leif Draconigena, not boy."

"Very well, then, young Leif," the rider said. He was defiantly amused. "My name is…Acies Tigreus. I shall see you again, perhaps." With that, he rode off, leaving Leif staring at him.

The boy shook his head. "Strange man," he muttered, then went back to hunting. Dinner didn’t catch itself.

Leif walked into the Lynx Eye, empty-handed and hungry. He decided to talk more with the strange man, and maybe get some food. The youth looked around. The common room of the inn wasn’t exactly crowded. Eric Jadier, the owner, was at the bar cleaning the dark lacquered wood. Round tables with matching chairs scattered the common room and lamps hung on the walls and rafters, keeping the place well lit. The inn had a nice and homey feeling.

Scanning the room, he soon saw the mysterious Acies, still cloaked despite the roaring fire in the fireplace. Leif sat down next to the traveler. He saw green eyes glinting with humor within the shadows of the hood. "Well met again, young Leif," he said, taking a sip of his ale. "Any particular reason why you have graced me with your presence?" He did not sound at all sarcastic, which encouraged Leif.

"I was wondering if you have news about the outside world," the youth said eagerly. "You seem to be well-traveled ‘n all, so…"

Acies chuckled. "Ah, such hunger for knowledge. Very well, I shall tell you what I know." The traveler shifted himself into a more comfortable position. "It is said the Kissef Empire is setting it’s sights upon the lands to the south again. Diman is about to go to war with Azuri again. The Kva’jahr are stirring and the Te’nahr have been seen outside the Vale of the Moon."

"Really?" Leif gaped in astonishment. The Kva’jahr and Te’nahr appearing in human lands again! Next, one would expect to see elves and dwarves strolling into town.

"Foolishness," a huge bearded man Leif knew as Gryph mumbled.

"You think so?" Acies’ eyes seemed to shine under that hood. "Then suppose I told you that old magics are fading and the Darklings and worse are roaming the land?" The youth’s breath caught. Darklings! Servant of Malleus, the god of the night.

Gryph grinned. "So you believe in old wives’ tales, rover?" He chuckled.

Leif had the feeling the hooded man was smiling. "Old wives often know many things. I would not expect one such as you, whose only danger is wolves, to be able to comprehend the dangers beyond this little village."

The bearded man looked like he could break Acies like a twig. He probably would have attempted to, if the door had not burst open. A gust of wind blew in, nearly blowing out the flames in the lamps.

A tall, dark-haired man dressed in robes of black and silver stepped in. His piercing black eyes roamed around the room. They paused when they met those of Leif. The eyes seemed to stab into his soul, laying bear every secret. The boy shivered as the eyes moved on to the mysterious traveler.

Acies stood up. "Well, well…I was wondering how long it would take for you to break free. Kij’nu Avernales said you would, but I did not imagine it would be this soon." With that said, the strange man drew two long, curved and barbed daggers and lunged at the man in black.

Suddenly Acies stopped in midair, then flew backward, crashing into the bar. Erica gave a little scream. Everyone else stood, gaping. The man in black smiled humorlessly.

Acies stood up slowly. His hood had fallen back, and Leif gasped in astonishment. The face was almost human, but furred and striped, the nose a bit up-turned. His tawny hair was unruly and came a few inches above his shoulders. The ears were pointed, though they were covered with tufts of fur at the end. His eyes were cat-like; slitted and an almost glowing green. A Te’nahr!

The Te’nahr called Acies smiled. "Well, since you have uncovered my guise, so I shall yours, Xavier." Leif was dumbfounded. Had the world gone mad? It seemed all the legends he had heard of were coming alive today. Xavier, the Darkling who had tried to control the Kissef Empire for his own uses. But he was killed by Lynceus’ spell! But…didn’t Acies say something about old magic fading? What if the spell had only bound Xavier instead of-

The boy didn’t get much farther in his line of thought. A hurricane blew through the inn, the center seemingly Xavier, his robes and hair not ruffled in the slightest. The customers of the Lynx Eye were cowering under any shelter they could find. Leif hid behind the bar. Acies alone held his ground, trying to get nearer to the black-clad man.

"So you are the champion your fellow beasts came up with?" Xavier asked in a soft, sibilant voice that could somehow be heard over the wind blowing in Leif’s ears. "Pathetic. You cannot even stand a simple wind spell." The gusts grew stronger, throwing Acies up against the wall and holding him there.

"Now see here," Gryph rumbled. The wizard merely looked at him. The big man choked, his eyes grew blood-shot and suddenly he exploded in a shower of blood and gore. The other customers screamed and sobbed, but the wind howled above them. Leif put his hands over his ears.

Make it stop, Leif thought fervently. Make it stop! Suddenly the wind died down. Acies thumped to the ground. The boy looked up and saw the baffled expression on Xavier’s face. Acies recovered quickly and charged at the sorcerer, and made a long gash in his arm. Black smoke billowed out of the Darkling’s wound.

Xavier laughed madly. "You think you can defeat me that easily? Even now, my army of Dha’vern are destroying this pathetic village." Only then, now that the wind was gone, did the occupants of the inn hear the screaming outside and saw the orange glow through the windows. A large black hairy arm burst through the wall.

Acies let out a long hissing breath of curses. With a quickness only a cat could match, he grabbed Leif. "Come on, boy, we should get going." He kicked the door open, racing out. With wide eyes, the youth saw misshapen giants, covered in black fur with tusks growing out of their mouths and horns adorning their foreheads. The creatures, Dha’vern, they must be, were dragging villagers out of their burning houses and pummeling them to death with fists of clubs. Dragged by the scruff of the neck, Leif stared at the carnage wide-eyed as Acies whistled and shouted something in a strange tongue. The white stallion galloped over to them. The Te’nahr threw Leif onto the horse, then leapt up nimbly. Snapping the reins, he urged the horse into a run.

"Wait!" shouted Leif. "We have to help them!"

"There isn’t anything we can do, boy," Acies replied grimly. "If you have bloodkin there, then I am sorry, but they are probably dead by now. Few warriors can stand up to that many Dha’vern, much less yonder villagers."

"What are Dha’vern?" the youth asked.

"It means ‘Corrupted Soul’ in the Ancient Tongue," said the Te’nahr. "They are a creation of dark sorcery, once men, twisted into a parody of life. They fear little, and that includes death. I did not expect Xavier to have them with him."

Leif kept silent. Dha’vern. Te’nahr. Darklings. It seems old legends and new were coming alive. Why did Acies come to Lynx’s Stand? Why did he save Leif?

Lynx’s Stand was but a distant glow on the horizon now. The Te’nahr searched until he found a defensible camping site, then dismounted. He and Leif gathered some tinder in silence. When the Tiger-man got a good blaze going, the boy finally spoke up. "Why did you save me?" he asked.

Acies looked at him for a few moments. "Well, for one thing, I know what you did to Xavier’s spell," he answered. He saw Leif’s confused look and nodded. "I see…I don’t know about how humans reckon things, but I’d say you’re about the age where your inner power would begin to manifest. I also saw how Xavier looked at you. He was searching for something here, boy, and I suspect that something is you."

Leif’s heart skipped a beat. Why would someone like Xavier be concerned with a forester like him? "Inner power?" the youth managed to ask. "What are you talking about?"

The Te’nahr grinned. Leif noted with interest that, though he had fangs, the Tiger-man was obviously omnivorous. He forced himself back on track. "Inner power, the flame of magic. I don’t really know how else to explain it," Acies was saying. "However, you must be quite powerful to be able to cast such a powerful canceling spell without knowing it." He laughed. "Xavier looked as if he’d eaten a fire salamander."

Leif nodded. He did not really feel like laughing after seeing the destruction wrought by Xavier and his minions. "Was that really Xavier Achroan?"

Acies sighed. "I wish I could say otherwise, but it was him, in the flesh. Or should I say in the Dark?" He studied the youth with his feline-like gaze. "Did you have any bloodkin in the village?"

"No," Leif shook his head. "My mother passed away when she gave birth to me, and she was merely traveling through. She left me with only my name and a medallion." He held up the medallion, a tangle of ivy embroidering a dragon in flight. "I don’t know who my father was, though. I’ve always kept to myself; I spent most of my time in the woods. I’ve learned quite a lot there."

Acies laughed. He grinned. "A regular Ranger then. Well, friend Leif, we best get some sleep. We’ll talk about where we’re going in the morn." The Te’nahr unrolled his bedroll, but then he took an extra blanket and lay down on the other side of the fire. He soon fell asleep, making a soft purring sound that Leif assumed was a Te’nahrian snore.

The youth snuggled up in the bedroll gratefully. He studied Acies intently. He concluded that the Te’nahr was roughly the same age as Leif. Boy indeed! Listening to the crackling of the fire and the sounds of the woodland creatures, Leif Draconigena soon fell into a deep and undisturbed sleep.

Leif awoke with a start. The sun was shining brightly, burning away the morning mist, and the campfire was cold. At first he wondered what was wrong, then placed it. The campsite and nearby wood were completely silent. No birds sounded even a note to greet the morning.

"Acies," he said, but he saw that the Tiger-man was already awake. He was sitting down, casually poking the cold embers of the fire. However, when his eyes met Leif’s, they warned him not to say a word. Acies’ ears rotated, listening. His nose twitched as if smelling.

"A hundred paces to the east," he said softly. "Dha’vern, about twenty of them. Xavier’s not with them. They are searching for something, I believe."

"Us," Leif replied in equal tones.

"Perhaps," the Te’nahr said. A slow smile spread across his furry features. "I believe we can have some fun with these louts." They broke camp quickly. He went to his horse and tossed Leif a quarterstaff that had been strapped to the saddle. He caught it and nodded in satisfaction at the dense wood. However, he was not certain the two of them could hold off twenty Dha’vern. Leif strung his bow deftly and they went off.

The two companions flitted off through the woods, making barely a sound. Leif envied Acies, for although the youth knew much of walking stealthily, the Te’nahr’s stride was that of a stalking predator. The eyes of his feline comrade gleamed with anticipation; then with a spring, Acies leapt straight up into the air and into the trees.

The huge sentry guarding the Dha’vern camp sniffed the air and looked about. Leif waited silently, for the Te’nahr to make his cue. Suddenly Acies dropped onto the sentry’s back, drawing both his blades across the thick throat of his victim. Leaping off his perch as it fell, he gave Leif a wide grin and pointed to his right. The youth saw another guard a little ways off.

Setting his staff against a tree, the boy nocked an arrow and drew it to his ear. He let the feathered shaft fly and it caught the Dha’vern in the throat. The creature gurgled as it died. Shouts rang out across the camp. They had seen the sentry go down. Hefting his staff, Leif and Acies rushed out from their cover and set to battling the Dha’vern.

Leif blocked a sword inches from his face, then lashed out at the monster’s stomach, nose, and forehead in quick succession. The Dha’vern went down heavily. He saw a flicker out of the corner of his eye and swung the quarterstaff like a club, shattering the kneecap of one that tried to sneak up on him. Looking around wearily, the youth saw that there were many of them yet.

Nimble as a cat, Acies seemed to be everywhere at once, leaving a path of wounds and curses behind him. The Te’nahr laughed and taunted until it seemed to enrage the Dha’vern into making foolish mistakes. However, after a while, it seemed the Tiger-man’s movements were slower and he breathed harder. Four of the monsters lay at his feet, but there were still more of them.

"Come on, ye goat-sired hairy orc-faced sons of bloody gorgons!" a clear, mocking voiced shouted above the din and shouts of Dha’vern. "Me blade Wave-dancer would like to give ye a big fat kiss afore she sends ye to Gai’yan!" A golden-haired nobleman with a meticulously trimmed beard burst through the ranks upon a gray gelding. He wore brightly colored clothing and a foppish wide-brimmed hat, but for all of that he swung his sword with skilled efficiency. His blue eyes sparkled with merriment as he shouted dubious comments about the Dha’vern’s parentage and even more vicious comments about their appearance, mothers, intelligence, and other subjects. Leif was astonished at the sheer number of insults the man managed to cram into even one phrase. Leif and Acies fought on with renewed vigor now that this mysterious ally had appeared and soon all the Dha’vern were dead or unconscious.

"E’gad, I haven’t had a workout the likes of that in quite a spill," the man commented in-between pants while leaning upon his sword. He smiled at Leif. "Yer a good hand with that stick of yers." The nobleman turned to Acies and studied him. "A Te’nahr. Haven’t seen many of ye for ‘bout a few centuries."

Acies nodded. "You’re a Alikian by the accent. And you don’t really seem to be centuries old." The Te’nahr cleaned his odd blades on the clothing of one of the corpses.

The man grinned. "Very observant of ye." Her bowed, sweeping off his wide-brimmed hat, the ostrich plumes brushing the ground. "I be Azareel Ca’ulth of Aliki. And who be ye?"

The two comrades introduced themselves. Leif gradually relaxed in the presence of the odd-speaking nobleman. He appeared to have seen thirty summers and, although he was cheerful and talkative, about him was an air of watchfulness and manner of confidence. The man had obviously seen a lot of trouble in his life, and worse than Dha’vern.

"So what’s yer lot with these?" asked Azareel, or just Aza, he had assured. "They certainly didn’t seem to be leapin’ with joy when ye came, nor seemed to be coverin’ ye with hugs ‘n kisses." He thought for a moment before adding, "Although I wouldn’t want these louts huggin’ me. Who knows where they’ve been?"

Acies studied the camp calmly before replying. "They have attacked Lynx’s Stand, a village not far from here. Old bonds are breaking and I fear the Darkling Xavier has escaped from wherever Lynceus had imprisoned him." Sheathing his dagger, he whistled for his horse. "I’m going back to the Vale of the Moon to report my findings."

Azareel whistled. "Strange it may be, but yer tellin’ the truth or I’m the Black Lord meself. I’ve a knack fer tellin’ such a t’ing. When ye get in trouble, ye don’t do it small, do ye?" Aza threw his head back and laughed. He mounted his gelding and grinned. "Well, sounds like it may be fun. Mind if I join ye for a while?"

Acies threw on his cloak and pulled the hood of his disguise low over his face. "If you so wish. Be warned that it will be dangerous." He pulled Leif up into the saddle behind him.

The nobleman chuckled. "Danger? Aye, it be that verily. But, now, t’would be dull travelin’ otherwise, eh?"

"We stop at Winderdale to get supplies and a horse for Leif," the Te’nahr said. They moved on, toward the east, Aza talking all the way.

Xavier glided through his castle in Mzech. Torchlight and magical illumination reflected against the glistening black walls of Darkenhold. The black stone had been quarried from far away Nihon and magically molded so that it seemed the fortress was carved of one stone. The Darkling paid no mind to the rare stone and even less to the rich decorations adorning the hall. He would have only noticed such wealth if it was absent and such a thing would not be pleasant.

At his side strode a man. Lithe and well muscled, the man had deeply tanned skin and shoulder-length black hair. Reddish-brown eyes peered out of a skull-mask of some unknown humanoid race. The mask left only his lower jaw exposed. He was well dressed in dark and somber colors, but his movement caught one’s attention. In one gloved hand he held a staff topped with a glowing green globe.

"Irix," Xavier said, turning to the man. "Are your Nightmarchers prepared?"

Irix bowed. "Most assuredly. They are ready to move at Exhalted Lord Xavier’s most fanciful whim."

The Darkling sorcerer nodded. "This is much more than a whim, friend Irix. I need you to find and capture a boy called Leif Draconigena who may or may not be traveling with a Te’nahr beast. My servants will give you a detailed description later and I shall prepare a Gate to take you to where he was last seen."

"So shall my Lord’s will be," Irix said, bowing again.

"Use all your tricks, spies, and resources," Xavier ordered. "Capture him alive at all costs, or you shall pay the consequences. There are much worse things than death." The sorcerer turned and walked on, cape whirling.

Irix’s hand stroked the ebony wood of his staff. He smiled. "So it shall be, Lord. There are indeed things much more worse than death, and things worse than even what is planned for me, should I fail. You may be doing me a favor if I fail." Chuckling, he turned and walked the other way.

Leif had been in Winderdale only a few times. He disliked crowded cities and preferred the serenity of the woodlands. It was interesting, however, to be in such a bustling city. He looked around as they dismounted before the Spring-blossom Inn near the center of the city. Azareel went inside to purchase rooms while Acies led the horses to the stable.

A few moments later Aza came out again, looking rather disgruntled. "Bloody innkeeper. I could buy a house fer what he charges," he muttered. Acies grinned.

"I’m going to look around and gather information and supplies," the Te’nahr said. "Get the boy a horse and a weapon. Staves may not work as well with Darkling than Dha’vern." The hooded Tiger-man then left and was soon lost in the crowd.

The nobleman grinned and laughed. "Well, Leif, time t’ go shoppin’!" Adjusting that ridiculous wide-brimmed hat, he led the way through the streets, weaving expertly through the crowds. Leif followed somewhat less gracefully, and nearly lost sight of Aza, but the nobleman’s bright garb made him stand out even at a distance.

Leif and Azareel stopped first at a clothing store. All the tunics and shirts looked a bit expensive to the youth, and he would have really preferred wool, but Aza seemed to insist. But then, Azareel had also insisted on a jarring electric blue tunic and a pair of eye-wrenching yellow pantaloons. Fortunately, Leif came away with comfortable but serviceable clothing of brown and green. The nobleman complained about the boy’s taste, but he paid for the outfits from his own substantial purse.

The two then went to a weapon shop. Leif was astonished at how many different weapons there were. He studied them intently.

"Take yer time, Leif," Aza said. "Pick ye a weap’n that feels right in yer hand. Some are born with fightin’ talent, and they can lack it just as easy, but most just haven’t found th’ weap’n fer them." He picked up a glaive from its stand and twirled it expertly.

Leif nodded. His eyes rested on a long sword. The golden hilt was designed to be a phoenix; the wings and tail looking very much like flame and the eyes were gleaming sapphires. The pommel looked like a bird claw clutching a spherical red gem. He hefted it and gave a few practice swings. The balance was perfect and the steel sharp.

Azareel nodded appreciatively. "That looks to be a good blade. And luckily ye picked som’thin’ I can teach ye without cuttin’ meself." He grinned. "Not too badly, anyway." He paid for the sword with his seemingly inexhaustible supply of gold.

When the sky was beginning to darken, Aza and Leif made their way back to the inn. Leif led a chestnut mare by the reins. Aza had been rather disgruntled when they couldn’t find any warhorses, but the youth wasn’t sure he wanted to be riding on such a fierce beast.

Acies was waiting for them in the common room. He stood up when he sighted them and motioned for them to follow. The Te’nahr led them to their rooms. When he looked up and down the hall to make sure they were alone, the Tiger-man shut the door and spoke. "It seems the Kissef Empire really is on the move. They’ve taken all the territory between here and the Vale of the Moons."

"Whew," Aza said nonchalantly. "I thought ‘t was goin’ t’ be somethin’ bad like lice in th’ sheets with all that seriousness." Acies stared at him coldly. The nobleman merely sniffed and flicked an imaginary speck of dust from his shoulder. "Well, some of us are concern’d about personal hygiene." Leif hid a smile behind his hand.

"What it means," Acies said softly. "Is that it will be more difficult to get there. The Te’nahr are especially disliked among the Kissevians. In addition, the Darklings are most likely going to reestablish old ties."

"Is that all?" the nobleman asked querulously. "We could just go through th’ mines."

"Mines?" asked Leif. The Te’nahr’s eyes narrowed.

Azareel nodded. "They say there are Dwarven mines north o’ here, from an old alliance o’ some sort. Goes all th’ way t’ th’ Vale. A bit long, but not compar’d t’ goin’ all th’ way t’ th’ pass now in th’ hands o’ Kissef."

"How did you know that, Azareel Ca’ulth?" Acies growled, grabbing the front of the human’s vest. "No one but the dwarves and my people know of that. How could you have such knowledge?"

The nobleman seemed to consider something, then his bearded face split into a wide, foolish grin. "I’m a really tall dwarf?" he suggested. "Or, I have it! A bald Te’nahr!" Acies looked like he was going to claw Aza’s eyes out. Leif couldn’t hold his laughter anymore. He laughed until his sides hurt.

Acies drew a deep breath and let go of Azareel, who was still grinning like a fool. "Keep you secrets, then," he said. "But there’s more to you than you let on, or I’m Malleus himself. Let’s get some sleep."

The Tiger-man withdrew to his own chamber, but not before Aza whispered loudly to Leif. "He doesn’ much look like I imagin’d Malleus t’ look like. I thought th’ chap would be a mite less furry or some such."

In the morning they rode north. Farmlands dotted the landscape, as well as the occasional forest. The sun felt good on Leif’s face and he listened to the pleasant sounds of songbirds. Truly, he imagined an adventure to have more action, but for now he was grateful for the peace.

Shortly before they reached the mountains, Acies called for a stop at the small town of Valkan. Dusk was still a few hours away, but they agreed. According to Azareel, it would be best to gather food and torches before they went through the abandoned mines.

"I’ll go get us a room and play some bones fer a while," Aza said. "Accordin’ t’ some farmers south, there’s some sort o’ circus stoppin’ here. Mayhap ye can check it out." Turning, he led off the horses torward the single rundown inn Valkan had.

"A circus? I wonder what one is doing all the way up here," Leif said. "Can we go see it? I haven’t been to one in quite a while."

"I suppose it won’t hurt," Acies said grudgingly. "We’ll get the supplies later."

The friends asked around and soon found the circus. It wasn’t much. A few tattered tents and a low wooden platform lay scattered about the eastern outskirts of Valkan. Strange and brightly-garbed folk wandered around the site. Villagers pointed and gasped as some of them. A fire-eater stuck a torch in his mouth. Two jugglers threw six short swords at each other. A man dressed in a poor impression of wizard’s robes drew coins out of children’s ears and pulled scarves out of thin air. Acies snorted and muttered something Leif couldn’t make out. The boy frowned slightly. Something was very strange about the circus-people.

A man made onto the platform. He wasn’t dressed as colorfully as the rest, but his air was dignified and soon the crowd, entertainers and customers alike, fell silent. Leif studied the man with interest. There seemed something familiar about him, though he couldn't be sure with that strange skull-mask covering his features.

The man looked over the crowd. His eyes rested briefly upon Leif and the youth shuddered in shock. The sheer power and intensity in those eyes was incredible. And the color…But, then, no one could have red eyes, could they? It was getting rather dark, so it must be a trick of the lighting, he thought.

"Welcome," the man said seriously. Everyone fell silent. His voice was a strong tenor, accustomed to addressing crowds. "To the Nightmarcher’s Circle. Dreams and nightmares can come true here." He smiled and laughed. "Welcome, friends! Come, enjoy our show!" A small green-haired boy struck up a tune upon his flute. The masked man’s voice rose up in a song as he led everyone to the largest tent.

"Come, my friends to see your dreams,

Of terror and wonder, darkness that gleams.

Mysterious laughter in death-tinged air.

Come, now, and join our fair!

"Come one, come all, the Nightmarchers are here!

To show you pleasures, to show you fear!

The night is young, time to have some fun,

So come away ‘til the rising of the sun!

"Night spreads his wings over the skies,

And darkness yearns, the pale wind sighs,

And people come to see our show,

We need you to make it real, you know"

Leif felt something was wrong with the song, but couldn’t think what. He couldn’t seem to concentrate on anything; it was as if a strange fog had clouded his thoughts. He looked at Acies as they crowded inside the tent. He seemed to have a glazed look in his eyes. What did the song mean? He tried to mull over it, but it made his head throb.

The show really was spectacular. The skull-masked man threw a hand up and a shower of green sparks burst from his hand and glimmered, then faded. Jugglers, acrobats, a woman riding a fearsome griffon and others even stranger seemed to appear out of nowhere and started leaping, dancing, and generally entertaining. Leif shook his head and his mind seemed to clear a little. He suddenly noticed that the Te’nahr’s clouded gaze looked very similar to that of the performers.

"Acies…What in the blazes of Gai’yan is going on?" he asked, surprised at how slurred his speech was. The Te’nahr didn’t answer, but looked on at the spectacle before them. Leif turned— and looked right into the eyes of the masked man.

This time his eyes did not only reflect power, but it projected it. The youth gasped in pain and clutched his head in agony. However, he couldn’t look away from those eyes. Depthless darkness surrounded by red fire. There seemed something inhuman about the man. The green globe atop his staff pulsed with an evil presence. Leif fell to his knees. The spectators surrounding them seemed to pay no mind to Leif nor the man. He looked up at the entertainer with tears streaming down his face.

The man smiled. "Few have the power to resist my mind control spell, and fewer than that who can stand Dis’fan, the death gaze for so long. I can see why Xavier wishes you to be captured." The boy’s blood ran cold at the mention of the Darkling. He had no desire to face that one again. The sorcerer chuckled evilly. "Ah, so you remember him. I had a feeling he felt you did some injustice to him." He pulled the boy up by the neck, with little gentleness.

"I…" Leif said hoarsely. It was hard to gather his thoughts with all that happened and his mind still felt misty. "I…would know who my captor is."

"My name is…Irix," the man said, his brow furrowing ever so slightly, as if he were not so sure of that fact, but only for an instant. "Anyway, whelp, I do not know what is in store for you, but we shall find out soon enough."

Irix moved his hand and grasped Leif’s shoulder and spoke one word. The boy gasped and his body spasmed as electricity crackled through him. Hitting the floor hard, he felt darkness envelop him.

Irix looked down at the boy. His eyes flickered, the red glow dimming for an instant, but it passed as soon as it had come. Jaw tightening, he turned to the Te’nahr and his lips pulled back in an approximation of a grin. If Lord Xavier did not need the Tiger-man, perhaps he could fit in a new act for the Nightmarchers.

Leif awoke to the sound of screams. For a moment he thought he was back at Lynx’s Stand. He gasped as both memories and pain flooded into him. He moved his arm to clutch his aching head, but noticed that iron manacles had been clapped on. He looked around wildly and saw that he was in one of the lesser tents. Acies was on the floor, also manacled, and seemingly unconscious. However, green slits looked at the youth and warned him on saying anything.

"Awake are you?" Irix asked, moving into view. His staff glowed a sickly, malevolent green. He smiled pleasantly. "Have you ever heard such beautiful music?" It took Leif a moment to realize the man meant the screams. The boy’s fists clenched and he glared at Irix. The sorcerer chuckled. "Fledgling wizard that you are, you probably don’t realize that human souls can be used as a source of power. Souls tormented and in pain like those fools outside…"

Leif shuddered at the raw hunger in the man’s voice. "You’re not human," he whispered.

Irix laughed. "Quite right. You are very perceptive for a boy." His eyes glowed red, but illuminated nothing. "I am beyond human, something more."

"Something less!" Leif spat. "Your no better than a vampyr, feeding on humans." The masked man’s backhand made him fall to the ground.

"Speak not of what you know, whelp," he hissed. Suddenly he turned. "By Gai’yan’s fire and ice, what is going on out there?" The screaming was suddenly replaced by shouting and steel against steel.

"Care fer a dance, milady? Oh, sorry, old chap, ye never can tell wit’ these circus-folk. Well I never! That’s what ye get fer prancin’ about with sharp objects. I say! That was rather uncall’d for. Oops, dreadfully sorry, me hand slipped and—Drat! Well, give Lady Death a big fat smack on th’ lips fer me. Leif! Acies! E’gads, where in th’ bloody blazes are ye?" The youth grinned. That bantering, taunting voice could only belong to one person.

"Azareel!" Leif shouted. "We’re in here!"

Irix whirled around as soon at the first word left the boy’s mouth. Leif blinked. The man’s eyes had ceased to glow for some reason, leaving his eyes a rather normal shade of brown. A portal of swirling purple and black opened and without a word, the sorcerer stepped through it. The gate was just closing as Aza rushed in.

"Well, bugger," the nobleman said irritably. "Looks like he turn’d tail and ran, eh? Can’ I turn me back on th’ two of ye for ev’n a minute? Lesse, where be that key?" Her searched around and soon found it on Irix’s desk. Soon Leif and Acies were free.

"Thanks, Aza," the youth said sincerely. "I don’t know where we’d be if you didn’t save us."

The Te’nahr growled. "I can’t believe I fell for it. Who would’ve thought Xavier would employ such a trap!"

Azareel grinned. "Ye really must tell me what happ’ned. I don’ expect this t’ be th’ last time I’m gonna pull yer tails out o’ hot water," he said. "Anyway, I don’ t’ink ye two should be goin’ t’ any more circuses."

"So this is the mine," Leif said wonderingly as he stared at the huge granite doors with intricate designs.

"Let’s get a goin’, then," Aza said. It took all three of them to pry open the stone doors. The nobleman lit a torch and gestured extravagantly. "Youth before beauty," he said, grinning that insufferable grin.

Leif looked around in the mine. It did not seem at all like he imagined. However, it looked sturdy and that was what mattered. They walked through the tunnels, Azareel leading and Acies in the back. After what seemed like an eternity, the companions came to an open hall. Leif’s breath caught. Marble was carved into fanciful shapes and creatures. Mythril made statues gleam with a mystical silvery gleam, even in the red light of the torch.

"We’ll camp here," Acies said. They started to set up camp when they heard a low roaring sound that echoed through the mines.

"What was that," Leif asked fearfully.

"Hm…" Azareel said. "Might’n be th’ dragon."

The Te’nahr’s eyes narrowed to green slits. "Dragon," he inquired softly.

The nobleman looked surprised. "Didn’ I tell ye?" Acies grabbed Aza by the collar. "Hey, be careful wit’ th’ lace! Oh, dragon…yes," he laughed weakly. "Rather big bugger o’ a beast. Prefers human flesh. Mighty nasty, too." The Tiger-man let go and began putting everything back in the pack. Leif and Azareel began to do the same.

"Dragons have an excellent sense of smell," Acies said, ears lying flat against his skull. "Chances are that he already knows we’re here."

"Well," Aza said cheerfully, fanning himself with his wide-brimmed hat. "Best get us goin’. Don’ wanna end up in a lizard’s belly. On we go!" Before he could take two steps, the dragon charged into the hall, toppling statues and pillars.

Leif could only stare at the terrible majesty of the dragon. It could have easily fit a carriage and a full team of horses in its great maw. Red scales glistened like blood in the firelight. Immense bat-like wings unfurled, the membranes a rich ruby color and the spikes around it’s muzzle and down it’s back gleamed pure white, a sharp contrast to the fire-blackened teeth. Two massive yellow orbs fastened on Leif. He felt himself falling into the endless night of those slitted pupils. The boy took a slow step forward, then another.

A heavy weight crashed into Leif, knocking him down. He vaguely heard the dragon shriek in outrage, but he felt a great heat right next to him. Looking up, he saw Acies standing, drawing his twin curved daggers. Leif’s face flushed as he realized how close he had been to becoming the dragon’s dinner. Fumbling, the boy drew his phoenix blade. He saw Aza behind one of the pillars, his face utterly serious and eyes cold.

With the speed and agility of a feline that never ceased to amaze Leif, Acies leapt onto the dragon’s head. He tried to crawl torward they eyes, but the furious shakings of the creature’s head made it to where the Te’nahr could only cling to a spiky ridge. Azareel charged, shouting a battle cry. His sword blazed into a shining blue fire. As he hacked at a scaled leg, he drew blood, but to the dragon it was merely a scratch. The leviathan’s tail cracked like a whip and the nobleman went flying. Leif hung back, watching anxiously. He knew there wasn’t much he could do about the dragon, but he turned to help Aza—and came face to face with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Black hair framed a pale face and almond-shaped violet eyes stared from under long lashes. Peeking out from her dark curls were ears that came to a delicate point. An elf, Leif thought with amazement. She was staring at the dragon, but then noticed the boy. Motioning him to keep out of the way, she started toward the gigantic reptile.

"Litanin cohm tumi," she chanted. The words seemed to wiggle into Leif’s mind and burned themselves onto his brain. He knew he could use them, but he didn’t know how he knew. "Furom bilahc nes pitsh tourn. Vah! Sslalayuna!" Lightning crackled from her fingers and she sent a bolt right into the dragon’s open maw.

The great serpent roared and tossed its head back, sending Acies across the room and into a pillar. The elf-woman chanted again. Tendrils of blue light formed in her hand, coalescing into a huge spear of ice. With a word from the sorceress, the ice lance shot toward the dragon, piercing the tough scales of the dragon’s chest. With a shudder the dragon collapsed, it’s fall making the ground shake. Broken scales and blood was everywhere.

The woman leaned against a piece of rubble, breathing hard. She looked into Leif’s eyes for a moment. "See to the others, boy," she said in a soft melodic voice. "I’ll be able to heal them in a moment."

The boy turned to do her bidding and saw Azareel limping, but supporting Acies who seemed to have had a bad time of it. He was still conscious and seemed to be regretting it.

"Seems like me friend Acies had been gettin’ aquaint’d with the wall," Aza commented. "They seem’d to…hit it right off." His bad joke wasn’t carried off with his usual cheerful tone as he winced and shifted his weight. "Bloody frog-fac’d son-of-a-goblin stumpy-legg’d ov’rgrown gecko."

"I hope your meaning the dragon," the elf-woman said dryly. Aza had the grace to blush. "I’ll heal you now." She took the Te’nahr’s face in her hands. She glanced at Leif. "Watch, boy. You may need to know how to do this before long."

Stunned, Leif watched as she chanted those burning words. Spasming, Acies moaned in pain as broken bones knit themselves together and bruises faded. Soon enough, Azareel’s leg had been healed as well.

"Vallis, what are you doing here?" asked Acies immediately as the pain faded...

"Ye know this delicate visi’n of a beauty, Te’nahr?" the nobleman asked. Vallis gave a rather indelicate snort.

The Tiger-man nodded. "Vallis happens to be a friend of my people. She is an adventurer and traveling sorceress." They soon made introductions and Acies explained to the elf why they were in the mines.

"I see," she said thoughtfully. "As for me, I’ve been searching for Malifer, the Black Sword." Leif blinked. Why would anyone ever want to search for Nightmare-bringer? The cursed sword was powerful, true, but at a great price.

"You t’ink it’s here," asked Aza in a surprised tone.

The mage smiled and shrugged. "As good a place to search as any." Her slanted gaze turned to Leif. "This boy has great potential, Acies. He is perhaps as powerful as the archwizards of old, like Nedan Wentall and Ericanthusise. I shall teach him," she said briskly. "At least so he doesn’t end up blowing a hand off, or worse, his own head."

Acies grinned. "That is what I had intended, Vallis. Now, do you know the nearest exit?"

"It is that way." She pointed down one of the corridors adjoining the hall. "To the Vale. We should go soon. The dragon may be dead, but there are many creatures roaming this gods-forsaken place. Besides, Pai misses you, Aciy," she grinned impishly.

"Who’s Pai?" Aza asked Leif in a loud whisper that couldn’t be heard in Azuri. The Te’nahr scowled at them.

Away they went, with the elf-woman giving the youth a lesson in magic. Some of it was actually quite interesting. Some of the information, he really didn’t care for. The destructive use of magic, for example. He knew that what he learned would probably end up being necessary to use, but he still didn’t like it. Vallis approved of this when he spoke up. "Among humans, there are enough power-hungry malicious sorcerers who wouldn’t hesitate throwing a ball of fire at you," she said. Then she went on to explain the rules when fighting a magical duel. Leif listened to this lecture merely for the sound of her chiming voice. He found that he was beginning to like the elf-woman despite her brisk attitude and seemingly aloof manner.

"Why can some learn magic and others can’t?" the youth interrupted Vallis in mid-sentence. She paused and her expression did not hold any irritation.

"Magic is a flame of the spirit," she explained. "Like intelligence, or skill in certain areas, strength in it can vary from person to person, but it is still in everyone, every single living being. Whether they can learn to grasp it and mold it to their will is another matter. For humans, magic is part of them, a tool for them to use. For elves, it is such that we are part of magic." She smiled, looking far off. "We are part of the magic of the planet. You see; it too is a living being and thus has magic. To elves, magic is life and to diminish life when not necessary is a crime to us. Take this as a lesson on both magic and my kind." She fell silent for a time, which was just as well. They had come at last to the exit.

They came out in the mountains. It was night. Leif smiled as he felt the chill breeze on his face. The boy looked down at the valley before him. He could not see much, other than trees and a thick mist, as far as he could see. Acies lead the way down the mountain. When they reached the edge of the forest, the Te’nahr took out a moonstone sphere the size of his fist. Leif gasped and even Aza whistled.

Acies held up the gem. "Mist of moon and silver light, part for us now in moon-lit night. Lolani, give us your blessing," he said. A moonbeam struck the gem and it seemed to flare with light. Slowly, the silvery mist faded away. Beckoning his companions, Acies led them through the forest, keen eyes searching for something.

Suddenly he stopped, and motioned for the others to do so as well. "We are surrounded," he said calmly. "Make any threatening gesture, and you probably won’t live. My people have found us." A lone Te’nahr, male, stepped out from the trees. His fur and hair were turning white, but his face was stern and grizzled and muscles hard. Not a hint of weakness was about him. He wore animal skins and leathers, as well as a multitude of weapons.

"Elder," Acies said respectfully, kneeling.

"Acies," the old Te’nahr said formally. "Why have you brought outsiders into the Vale of the Moon? You know the law. It does not apply to Lady Vallis, but humans…" He did not look at either Azareel or Leif. Vallis eyed them, warning them not to make a sound.

The younger Te’nahr met the Elder’s gaze without flinching. "Old ways are crumbling, Father. Xavier is after this human boy here. I do not know why, but we must keep him safe. The man, Sir Azareel Ca’ulth, save my life, and Leif’s. I name him parou." There were gasps among the trees and the Elder’s face grew grimmer.

"I will take all of you to the Kij’nu," he decided. "Including you, Acies. Naming a human parou! Truly you are reckless. I see not why Avernales sent you." The old Tiger-man bowed to the others. "I am Pera Tigreus, Elder of the Taja Clan and sire of this ungrateful son of mine with whom you have been traveling. Come."

"Some welcomin’ party," Aza murmured. "Aye, indeed. So, that’en man be yer father, eh?"

"Yes," Acies replied, looking straight ahead.

The nobleman sighed. "Ah, well, anyway, what’n be a parou, hm? Sounds as if yon father dun like ye namin’ me such."

A parou," Acies said. "Is closer than a friend, or even brother. Comrades-in-arms is the closest thing you humans have to such a thing. We guard each other’s back, fight for and with each other. I am willing to lay down my life for you and you for me. That is parou."

Aza looked impressed. "Zounds! Glad ye think o’ me in that way, Acies. I know, I know, it was merely t’ be gettin’ me in th’ Vale, but ne’er th’ less, eh?"

The Te’nahr smiled. "I would not dare declare my parou merely for getting a certain foppish nobleman into my village alive, Sir Azareel. We are bound now." He turned to Leif. "We are going to see Kij’nu Avernales. A Kij’nu is like a Wise Woman. She is the ruler of our clan. Step lightly and show respect." The boy nodded.

"I’ll make sure the boy minds his manners," Vallis said, grinning. "He’ll get a fireball in his breeches if he doesn’t." They laughed, but Leif wasn’t so sure is the elf was kidding or not.

Abruptly the Te’nahr camp spread out before them. Animal skin tents were set up in a large clearing. Cat People sat around campfires, talking and laughing. Half-naked Te’nahr children leapt, spun, and played. They climbed trees, each other, and huge hunting cats that seemed not to notice. The females watch the children while talking, cooking, or other tasks. They wore loose blouses and billowing pantaloons tucked in soft leather boots. The men sometimes wore nothing but loincloths and others wore clothing much akin to the women’s. They all seemed at peace, and the only fights going on among them were only the rougher play among the children.

"Te’nahr have a strong ties to each other," Vallis said softly. "As a people they never go to war against one another and in the clan the Elders settle disputes. Blood kin almost never fight, and it never comes to blows. They are united as a race. Their family structure is strong. If you are named as family, it is the highest honor you can receive next to parou. Remember that."

"Aciy!," a child shouted, running up and flinging her arms around Acies. "Brother! Where were you? And why are humans with you?" She peered over at the elf-woman. "Hullo Vallis."

The Te’nahr smiled. "Hello Pai. I’ll explain everything later. Avernales has asked for me." The girl pouted, but scampered off. They were led to a tent larger than the others. The Elder motioned for them to go in. Leif took a deep breath and entered the Kij’nu’s tent.

The Lady of Dragons, Faelauril looked into the pearl-framed mirror and placed the silver circlet upon her head, the purple topaz gems hung down from the elegantly worked metal, cool upon her forehead and glistened in the magical light. She paid no heed to the beauty of the chamber in which she sat. It seemed to hold the same mystical beauty she herself seemed to embody. Hair so black, it was blue, fading to a stark white at the tips. Her features were not only ageless, but timeless and almond-shaped golden eyes held a thousand mysteries in them. She was a beautiful as moonlight, and as distant as the moon, as well. Standing, the folds of her midnight blue dress swirling around her, she made her way to the balcony and looked out upon the City of Wonders, the Shining City, Faelorn; her city.

It was well named. Pegasi flew among the cloud, pulling carriages. The whole city was lit up, even at night, by a few of the many wizards who occupied the city. The castle itself was magically crafted from a mountain-top, made of shimmering crystal that glowed every color of the spectrum even in the darkest midnight. The city itself was mostly made of white marble, spreading out in a half-wheel, at the foot of the mountains. The walls, magically enforced, were strong enough to keep out mundane armies and the domed shield of enchantment kept out most of the more exotic of enemies. Faelorn was otherworldly, mystical, as was their not-quite-mortal queen.

Faelauril was unchanging, since the beginning of time, since the gods walked the earth. The world spun around her, whirling in its chaotic splendor, but she remained untouched by it all. Only in rare times did the queen deign to take part in the undertakings of the world, for she usually merely watched, to see what path the world would take. Now, it seemed time for her to enter the world once again.

"He has come, my Queen," her serving-maid said. Dismissing the woman, Faelauril barely noticed as the servant curtsied and slipped out.

"It seems you have done well with your city, Faelauril," the man commented, striding in, not even bowing where others would have groveled. He flopped into a high-backed chair, one leg curling over the armrest.

"It is not doing any better nor any worse than since you’ve left, Jacinth," the Lady of the Dragons replied, her face emotionless.

The man spotted a pitcher of wine and two cups on the table. With a motion of his hand, the pitcher tipped and filled a cup. Crooking a finger, the cup floated into his hand. Taking a sip, he grimaced. "Bah, I had almost forgotten how bloody calm you always are. If the whole world were burning and breaking, you’d probably tell your servants to leave you alone until you’ve finished eating."

"I very much doubt you have come to me merely to exchange pleasantries," Faelauril said. "Speak, Darkling, and I will judge if what you say has any importance to me or Faelorn."

Jacinth scowled and downed the wine. He casually crushed the silver cup in his hand. "You most likely have taken note that the Darklings are now free," he said dryly. "I want to know what you are going to do. Rarely do you take sides, but when you do that often tilts the balance."

"You will know such a thing when it has occurred," she said, meeting his dark-eyed gaze steadily. "For now I stay in the sidelines, Darkling."

He smiled as if expecting nothing more. He stood. "Good then. You probably know that the Phoenix is rising. Take care not to let the flames scorch you." He opened a portal and stepped through it, the gateway closed after him.

Faelauril smiled slightly, the rare expression creasing her face slightly. To her, years seemed as minutes and minutes as years. For someone in which time had not meaning, a ‘for now’ meant nothing the moment after it left her lips. Crossing the room, she took down a sword, a crystal blade with a platinum hilt worked with dragons. The time had come for the Lady of Dragons to touch the world once more, as the Phoenix blazed through the world again.

The interior of the Kij’nu’s tent was simple yet elegant, as was the Kij’nu herself. Her gray hair hung over her shoulder in a neat braid. Fine lines creased her face under the soft fur that was still tawny. Avernales wore a flowing blouse and a simple woolen skirt. Her eyes were the most piercing of all, a bright green that hid much in their alien depths.

"Sit and be welcome, travelers," she said politely, bowing from her waist with her arms away from her body, palms upraised. "Please forgive my humble establishment, but we are a simple people and find such things suit us best."

"No need for forgiveness, Kij’nu Avernales," Azareel said formally, more serious that Leif had ever seem him. He sat down after the old Te’nahr did, across from her. Vallis and Leif followed suit. Only Acies remained standing.

"It has been a long time since humans have walked these lands," Avernales said. "And now there are two of you. Be at peace, we are not going to harm you. Vallis, why is it that these humans accompany you?" She ignored Acies completely. Aza and Leif exchanged puzzled glances as Vallis briefly related their story.

"I see…" Avernales murmured softly. She finally looked at Acies. "You did well in bringing them here, my son." She looked at Leif, studying him. "So…the Phoenix has returned." Vallis looked up sharply and Acies’ ears perked up. Both Leif and Aza looked confused.

"The Phoenix," the Kij’nu said patiently to the humans. "Is the eternal champion of the Light. Every millennium, darkness tries to gain hold and the Phoenix always tries to meet it. I did not expect humans, with their frantic, short lives, to remember him when all they are concerned with is their scrambling for power. Leif, you are the Phoenix of this age."

The ranger reeled with this knowledge. Why me? I am no champion, he thought. There is no way that I can beat back the darkness all alone. Aza put a comforting hand on his shoulder and Leif was grateful for it. The nobleman understood his torment at this revelation. Avernales was still speaking and Leif forced himself to listen.

"The Phoenix is not always human," she said and paused. "You may have known the previous one as the Te’nahr General Lynceus. I know that the humans have blackened his name, but to us he is a hero."

"I am a descendant of Lynceus," Acies said softly as Leif looked at him, astonished. "That is why I was chosen to search for you." At the boy’s questioning look, the Te’nahr smiled sheepishly. "The Kij’nu told me your description and sent me to find you. I had no idea you were the Phoenix."

"It makes sense, though," Vallis said wonderingly. "Lynceus died at what is now called Lynx’s Stand. And that is where you were born, correct?" Leif nodded silently, his mind swirling.

"That is enough talking for now," Avernales said, standing. "Get some rest. We welcome you with open arms. You are part of the tribe now."

Leif soon found himself enjoying his time spent with the Te’nahr. Now that the Kij’nu had accepted them, so did everyone else. They all treated him with the same courtesy they extended to each other. He hunted with them, played with the children, and exchanged stories. The Tiger men had quite an extensive collection of myths and legends that the boy soaked up eagerly.

His days were busy, filled with lessons of swordplay and magic. He mastered soon enough a variety of cantrips, often surprising Vallis with his ability to learn. Azareel found out that Leif was a natural for swordplay, lacking only experience and a few lessons. The nobleman happily taught him all the dirty tricks he knew, and threw in a couple of the nobler ones.

The days with the Te’nahr were peaceful and full of activity. The boy fully enjoyed this quiet interlude, for he felt it would probably be one of his last.

He wasn’t far from wrong.

Irixelian walked through the Te’nahr camp, his cloak swirling around his lean body like the smoke that rose from the tents and ashes of the dead. His black hair blew across his face as he looked around impassively.

"They aren’t here," he told his minions. "Search the valley. There can’t be many more tribes of these beasts. Find this boy and bring him to me alive and unharmed. And I want his companions alive as well."

"Growing sentimental, Irix?" A voice whispered in his mind. He knew that voice well, and despised it, as well as feared it.

"Azareel is alive," the magician returned. "You told me he was dead, Mendaris. And his death will never come by my hand, however much you wish it so."

Irix heard a sinister chuckle. "We shall see, my servant…"

The green globe on the man’s staff flashed, and Irix could see the outline of a skull in it’s swirling depths. He sighed, and turned around, looking at the carnage that he had wrought. Once, he would have been disgusted at what he had done. Now, he only felt tired.

"Come hunting with me, Leif," Acies said. He had his daggers sheathed at his side and was dressed in his hunting leathers. He grinned, his teeth gleaming.

"Sure thing," Leif said, putting down the bit of leather he was working with. Soon they would become a pair of soft moccasins. He grabbed his bow and hurried out of the tent.

The two crept through the forest, silent as shadows. Leif still greatly admired the cat-like grace that the Te’nahr race moved with. They hunted quietly, in a stillness that needed no words.

Between them, they managed to fell a deer. Acies set about to cleaning it, humming happily.

"The clan will have a feast tonight!" He exclaimed as he slit open the deer’s belly, letting the steaming entrails spill out.

Leif smiled. "Just be sure to give me a cooked portion this time."

"Bah," the Tiger man sniffed. "Fire kills the taste." He stopped suddenly. "Did you hear that—"

Dha’vern burst out of the foliage, roaring their guttural yells. Acies drew his daggers; slashing one across the eyes and leaping over one that charged at him like a bull.

What are they doing here!? Acies growled. There were too many of them. They seemed to swarm the forest. How did they get by without me or the patrols noticing them earlier?

There was nothing the Te’nahr could do. He had to run. Looking around for the young red-headed human, he saw a Dha’vern carrying the boy off. Leif struggled fiercely, but the creature seemed to be ignoring the blows. It carried the boy to a smaller form that Acies could easily pick out with his keen eyes.

A man in black.

A man with dark hair.

The man seemed to notice he was being watched. He looked straight at the Te’nahr. And smiled.

"Dammit!" Acies screamed, trying to make his way to save Leif. But the monsters were too many. He watched helplessly as a dark portal yawned open behind the sorceror and Leif and his captors entered.

"Dammit!" Not knowing what else to do, the Tiger man broke into a run, toward the camp. The Phoenix had been kidnapped and a horde of Dha’vern were on their way.

He fervently hoped that Leif would be all right.