Marryn rolled over and crouched low.671Please respect copyright.PENANAd15VwnHmUa
Crack.
671Please respect copyright.PENANANs9xUBUo86
Light footsteps, even the crack of a twig was almost too soft to hear. For a human that is.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAb68uIllITy
She elbowed him and put a finger to his lips.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAg4QvLfsJic
He rolled over and pushed to his feet.
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She pulled him back down yanking his arm.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAYdvPJnWi2r
"Are you trying to get an arrow through your eye?" By the under-gods! What kind of lazy training had he had?
671Please respect copyright.PENANAvlkZOkxDgs
Should box that cocksure look off his face.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAMKI0kGK9Fq
Maxwell the lead guard came prowling out of the woods on the other side of the field and crossed it. The shadows of the forest clung to him. Sliding his hood down black ringlets tumbled out that haloed his grim face.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAyCtE1phlAs
He was not alone. He like the men that followed were what was left of the king's guards. Dominate over the other soldiers who followed; they fanned out from the woods and stood there silent. Jason was among them; as always a thin half smile frisked his lips. The other guards had shadowed bags under their eyes.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAcLeBg7nImJ
She dug a heel into the ground and turned her head away. Dealing with him again so soon was a test of patience.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAlM0pjI2UkI
The corner of his mouth twitched. He slipped a thumb easy like under his belt and settled on her.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAWTnCTrsq9P
She startled and cut back a curse.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAcg6lEp6htJ
A large Nekhawk that followed, him landed on his held out arm. Where a bird's head should have been a gray squid face of tentacles withered about; In the middle of this mass was a long silver beak. Its lower half was that of a black hawk.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA9gD4oVpYjI
On the side of the squid's face was its eyes, they were large as a hens egg and dark. The Nekhawk leaned forward its tentacles squiggling. These were supposed to have been obliterated after the war as an act of trust. How did he get his hands on one?
671Please respect copyright.PENANAJQvUFCOeS0
It opened its beak.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAU7FFy3SyEK
A slow fizzy gurgling turned into a screech.
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She covered them while shaking. A pressure built up in her ears and she clamped her jaw to avoid crying out.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAbokGH1E4Cy
"Do you like my pet? It's one of the few that survived The War of the Fifty."
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His bass voice snapped, though the clearing like a closing iron shackle.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA2q8TjWA5Wk
The creature continued its assault. She cupped her ears, make it stop!
671Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0L5pOsh9a
She tried to sit up, to do something. It was hard to think let alone move. The creature's were pure poison of sound, first paralysis then madness.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAz1n2DLAMJ6
Maxwell turned toward Parcival.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAZUoxVl2uQk
"Well Paladin, you seem stupid enough; having fun being a lap dog?"
671Please respect copyright.PENANAvfBZzAk3Az
The Nekhawk hopped onto Maxwell's shoulder and preened its feathers.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA2Hqq3rq5Wv
Parcival stepped over to her. He looked down as he did his face softened a fraction before he looked at Maxwell again.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAV4ejhE6C9d
Parcival's face smoothed out. "What is your problem?"
671Please respect copyright.PENANAhH7s66SRuZ
"I have no desire to bother with you, leave now this has nothing to do with you. Continue to get in my way and I will have no qualms wiping you out." He stoked the creature's feathers for a moment.
671Please respect copyright.PENANATTQmlIBHll
"As I said before, even Olenus will not be able to help you should I find you have lied."
671Please respect copyright.PENANApxtAg21aH7
He glanced sideways at Marryn for a second.
671Please respect copyright.PENANABeOlCUC0Vc
"And, it seems I've been proven correct or you would not be with her."
671Please respect copyright.PENANA1KJAcr7V8I
His right hand had a dark shadow that orbited it. He closed his eyes for a moment and the shadow vaporized.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA1hcXDqIwBU
The sharp buzzing in her ears made it hard to concentrate. After what happened a few minutes ago, his boasts of righteous seemed to hold up.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAud00HMG9CL
"He isn't lying, we are just traveling the same way. I don't want anything to do with him."
671Please respect copyright.PENANAJuL0tDXbiM
The lie felt sour in her stomach, still, it was best that Parcival went home before ... before. The hawk was it louder? Can't call--spirits.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA1qxqps55gT
Maxwell squared his shoulders; with a sharp gleam in his eyes, he drew out a short sword.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAut0oSGPLyp
He pulled back one arm as he swung it at her neck.
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She closed her eyes the only part that would move.
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"Let her go, now!"
671Please respect copyright.PENANA0X3wIslBCF
Cracking an eye open, Parcival stood before Maxwell. The hawk's screech went lower. It seemed true, human males protected females ... any female?
671Please respect copyright.PENANAVNFiqmROHj
The other soldiers crept out of the trees behind him.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAGTNP15vO1o
"I see that look on your face, you think I would come after you alone?"
671Please respect copyright.PENANA6F8MksxRlW
He signaled to Jason.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAIog6UHQjOr
"Take care of the other problem, will you?" He cranted a short cancel spell.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA73Nz9fWnT0
Jason came to his side.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAa0GczUO2D3
"As you wish."
671Please respect copyright.PENANAwhs1gJ9rxY
He strutted over to where the other guards were, now circled around Parciaval.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAJUI5E0lEnR
Parcival jerked as they flashed several spears at his head. They motioned for him to sit back down. He inched his fingers over the hilt of the sword.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAMKzMagmuZz
Jason spotted this, so he pushed the tip of his spear to Parcival's chin lifting it.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAK1BYMLNaQv
His expression turned stormy. "Are you so eager to die?"
671Please respect copyright.PENANAIcKPJ5TzXW
Parcival slid his hand away and sat back down. His look became harder than she's seen in the human before, it was completely foreign, curious.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAmrxETyznuj
Maxwell glared at her, knowing him, it was best not to test him. He huffed through his nose while jamming the sword back in its scabbard.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAAqlCbsVByX
She held a breath.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAsQq6KZl89t
"No, not yet, far too kind for you. Did you ever think that you've been lied and used? I know what you plan on doing and will not allow it!"
671Please respect copyright.PENANAwzmkagfZaa
Maxwell pushed her against a nearby tree; his hands clamped on her arms. How is he doing this? Did he know or was he bluffing? Low hanging branches poked her shoulders.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAbXhNdrz9Xg
She struggled in his grip. "Let me go. Now. What ever it is you think I'm doing, you have no idea. I have to-" She clamped her mouth shut. Watch it keep quiet.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAAcWxXOsiQU
"Giving orders? You annoy me greatly." Maxwell snarled. His grip tightened.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAFw9m01Wkm8
Heat burned her cheeks. Unbelievable, was her training pointless?
671Please respect copyright.PENANA7fS3JYveK0
"How are you able to even-" "It's easy enough." He grinned. "You'll figure it out if not you'll die."
671Please respect copyright.PENANA5RdeIH242s
He took out his sword and smoothed the flat side across her arm. It burned, blisters grew on her skin. She drew in several ragged breaths.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAk8dFfsfq1Y
"Elvin Bane. How did you find any? It was all destroyed as part of the treaty."
671Please respect copyright.PENANA1igD6zP7l7
"It grows wild still. I know what you really are. A disgusting creature that slaughters villages to the ground for no reason." His hot breath blasted over her face.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAcKaeMQGypl
"I never should have let one of your kind in my city, my home." He spat on her face. "You won't fool him for much longer."
671Please respect copyright.PENANASc33DwDG6e
The Nekhawk stopped its damn screech and took off into the sky and circled above.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAYAagQiU7lh
"That was hundreds of years ago, I'm not like them, we have moved past, such ways." She squirmed under his grip.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAbUYN8STWAO
"Delusional. You are a danger and need to be put down."
671Please respect copyright.PENANAbj307hmsXr
"You're crazy, let me go!" She cleaved the air with a hand. "Stop it!"
671Please respect copyright.PENANAtksglU2frI
"Give it to me," a voice behind, said.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAbatrQ8LCt6
Glass shattered.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAiscbUpwZnC
Maxwell turned while still holding her. She pried at hands.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAMJENL39XJh
"Let--go." If only the blasted mans attention would lapse.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAeCErvk6tu6
Parcival stood drawing his sword. "Back off, or watch him become a pile of frozen fragmented chunks!"
671Please respect copyright.PENANAi597GB53P4
Maxwell dragged her with his hand across the small field.
671Please respect copyright.PENANANf8WKT8Isu
"Put your sword down." He held her up.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAIaVapSKQA8
It was waking. She could feel the vines moving under the skin on her back. It tended to stay away to reserve energy. Within its presence bubbled up, dark and forbidding.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAyQTEyQNGPM
Parcival held the sword flat side out above Jason's head.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAPGnybRaFjQ
"Then I guess you don't care about this man, do you?" His sword swung in an arc.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAmMQwpbgxWX
"I see, we are at an impasse," Maxwell said.
671Please respect copyright.PENANASRbzfBenq8
Maxwell brought her closer to his body. Close enough now she kicked him in the crotch.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAy4cQX1rdk3
His back arched and he sucked in a quick rapid breath, but did not let go.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAnhJr0oSOyl
"Infernal creature!" He shook her until she thought her brains would bounce out of her skull.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAqXGLXL19o9
She sputtered, unable to say anything.
671Please respect copyright.PENANATezjIsBu89
He cursed with the ruggedness of a sailor while he locked on her with a hate filled glare.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAfpuUJO7keq
"Ten seconds."
671Please respect copyright.PENANAEeZdsSRJg4
Parcival completed the ark of his sword; holding it in the air half-way before Jason's head.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAQnK9DC5iRL
It was now midday and the sun blazed off of the frozen statue of Jason, who she swore seemed to move and at that moment, several cracks appeared from the center spreading up like a fine broken spider web.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAC4AlkMSSZw
She pointed with her eyes at Jason. Hope he sees that.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0VOaIjamN
"Next time your potions won't save her."
671Please respect copyright.PENANA9BPnOB8NGD
"Nine."
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"He dies first. It's a promise." His voice was flat and low.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA0y1ySHYLFz
"Eight."
671Please respect copyright.PENANAK93ef9NcWp
He let go and before she took a step he hit the back of her neck.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAcfJ3CalDwC
"Go. A reminder."
671Please respect copyright.PENANAjDx1MBvd7y
She scrambled over to Parcival's side, and placed her hands on her knees, dragging in the fresh air to her sore lungs. Her neck burned and bubbled. Must just be him, a thought slammed into her mind. Was he the one the Adapts warned about? She tilted her head. Uncertain, could be.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAxuv2wAbANF
In front of Parcival, Jason was encased in a skintight crystal tomb with a look of shock frozen on his face. A spark of pity for the man floated, but it fizzled down to regret. Something about the man, reminded her-but of what? That too flitted away.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAH2tFp6HBnL
She peeked a look at Parcival.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAK6mCOR3sn7
There had to be some way to tell him some way without-the grass why did it swirl? She closed her eyes counting to three. Good, it stopped.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAFD279BJRj9
"Head back into the forest, now," he said.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAImrHQJakjH
He quieted the Neckhawk and stifled its noise.
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Maxwell glared at them. "We are not finished, you realize?" Both men looked at each other as if they would cause each to burst into flame.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAA592Daj7R6
Silently, he slipped back into the forest vanishing.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAQDSlnOqMiI
This day stretched out as if it was a week, so much had happened in the past hour.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAiganLN3ksq
"Why didn't you leave? Are you trying to die?" She clasped her hands on her head. "Arg!"
671Please respect copyright.PENANAnPst4HCY0H
A long drawn out sigh was his only answer, he turned towards the ridge.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAENCFBJITPC
A valley showed below the ridge. She leaned over a little. Shouldn't take more than a few hours. A sparrow hovered near before taking off into the valley. Hum, there were a lot of them around here. Need to get my ears checked its chirp sounded like a hiss.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAWySuHpFonc
She knelt down more pain returned it was hard to breathe.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA77J4HD0Txv
She studied Parcival. Just what were you doing out here oh, holy one? His kind tend to say nice and safe in the city's. The gaudy armor was far too flashy to be of any real use.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAknpnNEWPX5
"I have my own reasons for coming to you." He stepped in front of her.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAbl0okkJyYF
There had to be another reason why he was with. I didn't buy all the goody stuff, everyone had a reason for what they did.
671Please respect copyright.PENANASYqrkEcGqZ
She put her daggers back into their sheaths.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAj79ijEUbAD
"You need to think about this, what I've done doesn't deserve help." her voice softened.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAfPRRs5820Y
Her neck twinged another sharp pain and burning. Her cheek twitched as she fought a building need to cry out.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAaoL9GMkWyt
Silent he stepped closer and wrapped his hands around hers.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAtfd2fHFzTJ
"That's for me to decide."
671Please respect copyright.PENANASRygw84R5i
He pulled her closer to him and traced a finger along the side of her face.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAO4wP32sI7H
"You're in pain, and your face is taut. Tell me what's going on?"
671Please respect copyright.PENANA2YvxmlgF07
"I can't. Don't touch me." She backed away.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAYQSnPDdsan
What if the god decided to switch? She pulled back with in, expressionless. It was hard always rejecting him; each time a little more of the hollowness inside grew. She clinched her fists behind her back hiding them. Self pity does no good quit it.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAmyrTwyDaX0
He threw his hands into the air. "You're the most frustrating woman. Let go of your pride, you can't do everything yourself!"
671Please respect copyright.PENANAEStG12uydI
His eyes. The glint that was usually there had been replaced by a hardness.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAoG381eFbal
She hugged herself and turned. I've my own vows to keep. Damn it.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAxgm8uv9fGJ
"Time to go-" The pain under her skin, like a thousand rolling hot coals. Unnamed's vines worked their way inside her neck. She squeezed her hands together trying not to scream or to cry. Cursed evil spirit please stop.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAT7m355y89h
There is no other way, I need your energy vessel be glad I do not take it all now. Unnamed dry voice whispered in her mind.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAbKUbyhCrEn
"I didn't mean to upset you."
671Please respect copyright.PENANAR4JuUyAfHO
He came over holding his hand out. She backed away too fast and stumbled.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAIV3c3pVOEH
"Don't don't look at me, don't touch me." I'm an abomination.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAsu7JQNyHH5
Parcival came over to her. "Your aura has shrunk way down and flattened!" He stepped close again and held his hand out near her shoulder but pulled it back before touching.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAyVFy2K7UxJ
Aura? "It's nothing I had a kink in my neck."
671Please respect copyright.PENANA5zBdohs8Jt
The pain eased as the vines settled in. Straightening she worked a fake kink out of her back while forcing her face to become a mask.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAgwO56WV75y
Very good vessel the pain will subside over time. Betrayal is of a pale nature do not get us both killed.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAtIgwM3npA0
Don't understand.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAmTi6GYBfac
Trust no one.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAQezuQJqgUT
Lies, don't trust you! You're abhorrent!
671Please respect copyright.PENANAQSgbr1asd7
The god grumbled and grew silent.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAkJBRY7cpWb
They went over to the ridge nearby and followed it North around a lake. Then they headed down another road as it curved in a valley with snowy peaks of mountains surrounding it partway. Sickle Village, named after the mountains that fenced it was just a pinpoint of flickering lights.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAh888WvaNy6
A cool breeze flowed over her and cooled her sore neck; with it a sweet smell of the valleys wildflowers it came off as a touch too strong for her taste. She stopped to rest on the soft grass. Her life-force ever so little drained away, as Unnamed wormed about under her skin and took what it needed.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA7GDzEBz7Km
She rubbed her neck grimacing as it had become tender and puffy.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAQdJsLzlYog
"I should have done something." He scowled.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAPNOEBprN0p
"Blaming yourself isn't going to change what happened. But for now it's vital I go home."
671Please respect copyright.PENANALLS8TGg0aK
"If you don't mind my asking where are you from?"
671Please respect copyright.PENANABrENOtzn1N
"Dentree, have you ever been there?" Resting her head on her hand.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAfUi4GBEVjt
"No, I've heard it's it's the largest city next to Luna-jer."
671Please respect copyright.PENANAONnrVm1zSR
The ground shuttered. A herd of wild Graluv's ambled by their calves ran back and forth between the long triad of furry shaped legs. One of the young turned its head close enough that her face reflected in its eyes as it passed by.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAndTcYBCGtC
They continued down into the valley, as soon as the wildlife passed over the road.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2943IrlN5
A wind picked up as night fell, dismal dark clouds rolled overhead. A rain fell sparse at first before increasing into a downpour. Irritating hair stuck to her back and the sides of her face. The road was long and winding.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAfFaQeVkwUH
"There's a long way to travel yet." She said. Once he goes to sleep he won't even know I'm gone.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAb5HQ64nZjh
His eyes narrowed a touch and he frowned. "Yes of course."
671Please respect copyright.PENANA4bVVhZcsI7
Her shivering it became uncontrollable, her neck throbbed with a sharp aching as the vines went in further into her muscles.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAYOI7YOIFl2
She stumbled a step. Her throat constricted and she wheezed.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAXZbyeEIdzO
Don't panic he'll think you're crazy. She buckled forward falling to the ground.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAgEJanbyMFh
He gripped her arm. Collapsing into a heap as her mind jumbled into fragments. No, not now!
671Please respect copyright.PENANA7aoX13Rx7W
Closing her eyes for a heartbeat. When she opened them again Parcival knelt beside her.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAqOs3FtiNYR
He was saying something but the winds ripped the words from his mouth. She struggled to hear him but another dizzy spell hit. She tried in vain to speak but instead a wheezing gasp came out.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAcJ2EGrkmyM
Flashes of his worried face above hers. Being carried?
671Please respect copyright.PENANA34HN0dh4Eh
Soaked to the bone, as if ice filled them her body became a great winter her limbs akin to wooden planks, the winds ripped into her. Parcival held her close. The temperature dropped and her breaths came in frosted puffs. Why are you so kind to me?
671Please respect copyright.PENANACh82D89EGq
The cold bit into her uncovered skin. Through her fogged thoughts the far off lights of a town seemed as if they flaunted their warmth, taunting her as they flickered.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAjfjzZ5TZaP
"You can't go to sleep stay awake!"
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He patted her cheeks with his free hand.
671Please respect copyright.PENANAFnfUOco6cg
"What's wrong, tell me!"
671Please respect copyright.PENANALATSIy6TLK
She squinted as the wind squeezed tears from her eyes blurring everything. Her mind held nothing knew nothing but the cold, pain, and Parcival's warm touch. A bodiless sensation overcoming her as a blackness crept over her vision again.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA25ATby7ZKH
You can't fight this, just relax.
671Please respect copyright.PENANA2C48xzSQ57
ns 172.71.255.4da2