On a high cliff overlooking Water Lake, Vamana lay draped over the side, watching unnoticed by the six humans at the west shores of the third largest lake on Celen’matra.  She had nothing to do; she’d already eaten, had a nap, played games with Bluemoon and made it harder for the other air dragon to relax in her little abandoned cave.  She was bored.  She missed Lauroran.  Maybe she could see what Nemesis was up to.  Vamana got up at the thought, and then slouched back down.  Nemesis would be in the water and Air dragons aren’t the greatest swimmers.  Vamana loved water, but she couldn’t swim like Nemesis.  Besides, water dragons tended to be moody.

Vamana got up again and launched herself into the air.  What she really wanted to do was talk to Lauroran face to face and make sure he was all right.  Besides, up in the air, she was nigh invisible.  She was made for the sky!  Vamana beat Bluemoon and Nemesis in getting strong enough to fly even in the thinnest of heights.  She maneuvered like the wind and was as fast as sunlight.  Vamana grimaced; the only thing she needed work on was endurance.  She slowly descended hoping she could pass off the visit as just checking on things with the wonderful group of humans Lauroran was with.  Lauroran! She called as she neared the sandy shores.  Lauroran looked up into the sky and saw Vamana.  He waved at her, and pointed at her to show the others she was coming.  I’m no longer a young hatching, so please make room for me! She advised.  The humans made a large enough space for her to land near the edge of the water.  She landed neatly, making only a small amount of sand fly up around her in a puff of dust.

Lauroran ran to her and wrapped his hands around her long throat.  “Oh Vamana! I missed you, my sweet one!”

Vamana made a soft humming noise.  As have I.  Sorry if there’s any inconvenience about my arrival.  I just wanted to see you.  Vamana stated.  The others cheerfully obliged Vamana’s need for her human and her friends.  The group had already planned to stop and rest before deciding if they would be going around or over this lake.  They all took a turn to pat the contagiously cheerful dragon on the snout and neck. 

What a happy reunion! An insignificant human and his pet dragon back together! Mocked a harsh ‘voice’.  It grated the minds of the humans, making them all flinch just as a troop of humans in full armor came out of the forest and surrounded the group and a large dragon seemed to drop from the sky, causing the earth to shake.  The group was caught between the men and the lake.

“What the hell!” Exclaimed Ranen; who had to regain his composure enough to draw his sword; his eyes scanning the lines of the enemy soldiers.

Unlike Vamana and the other dragons, the dragon Blackveil scaled to the height of thirty five feet, its body width was twice that of Nemesis’; more than fifty feet in length.  She was wiry by earth dragon standards, but bulky by the standards of the flying dragons’.  But what really got the groups attention was her wings.  They were twice as thick as any other dragons and also as long and wide as its body; that meant that she could lift herself from the ground and fly as easily as an Air or Water dragon even with her extra weight.  She was the largest flying dragon on Starza.

Blackveil.  Nemesis hissed emerging from the deeps of the lake.  Her eyes were swirling red as she stared directly at Blackveil.  Nemesis walked between Aspen and Trinity protectively.  She placed a strong front claw protectively in front of them.

Ah.  Nemesis, is it? I’ve heard of you and your little human.  Blackveil sneered.  She took a step forward.  My master has plans for you.  She added, saying “master” in a mocking tone.

Nemesis snarled.  Don’t come any closer, Blackveil.  You or your pathetic little humans.

Blackveil didn’t reply, thinking while her eyes went from Nemesis to the two female humans she protected.  Fine.  Seeing as your trapped anyhow.

From the sky, Bluemoon swooped down, landing protectively beside Dion.  What’s the traitor doing here? She asked, glaring at Blackveil.

Vamana took a guarding stance over Lauroran.  That’s what I want to know.  Vamana hissed, her forked tongue flicking out of her mouth with a snake like hiss.  The day seemed to get hotter as the dragons’ emotions flared, which also affected their humans.

Blackveil looked at all the dragons’ with a skeptical eye.  Then she spotted the hissing draconete, Skyflyer, and laughed.  Oh my! The valiant human male only has a squirt Draconete! She laughed again.  The telepathic cackling sound made everyone wince.  Vocally, her hissing and humored humming seemed warped and sickening compared to the pleasant and soothing sounds of their dragons.

Skyflyer growled and hovered over Ranen.  I am small now, but I have a trick! He replied defensively.  His eyes blazed red with anger and desperate concentration.  He practically growled, wings beating frantically.  He hadn’t been so angry or so overwhelmingly protective and driven in his life.  This dragon was a travesty to their species, and should have never been allowed to continue to breathe after being so evilly cursed.  She hit a nerve within the small creature’s own past.  Slowly at first, he started to glow a beaming aqua blue light.  He flew to the other side of Ranen and before everyone’s eyes, his glowing figure started to grow until he was the size of an adolescent male Water dragon.  He was a few feet larger then Nemesis and much more muscular built.  Once his body stopped glowing, his dragon form was fully revealed.  His scales shimmered aqua blue in one light, while in others, they took on an onyx black shine.

Ranen beamed proudly as he looked back at Blackveil’s shocked face.  “I have been hoping for something like this.  This is his true form.  Years ago, he fought with a powerful magic user.  It turned him into a draconete instead of killing him, said Skyflyer was too loyal and noble a dragon to kill, but he just had to find a way to calm his ego.” He explained, mostly to his companions then to the evil dragon behind the armored men.

Only the original wizard can break the spell completely.  Skyflyer’s now deep voice added.  He glared at Blackveil.  Do you think you can handle all of us at once? He asked triumphantly.

Blackveil sighed.  Who said I was here to fight? She said almost pompously, See these men here, they’ll be the ones to do that, but only with the humans.  And ‘Speaker Dragons are suckers for fair fights.  These little men aren’t magic users, but I can’t force your Dragon Speakers… and that witch, to not use their powers.  But I can bet that none of you will interfere because that… would be unfair.  Blackveil’s laughter rang out as the large dragon suddenly and forcefully launched herself into the air, taunting the other dragons to chase her.

Nemesis and Vamana were on her seconds later, their smaller bodies allowing them to be airborne much faster and easier.  Vamana’s form was made for the sky, as the slimmer of the two but Nemesis could easily keep up; both on the earth dragons tail.

Skyflyer was slower to get into the air; he wasn’t used to the sudden wait of his muscles nor used to putting so much power into each downward thrust of his wings.  Nevertheless, he was also in the chase, though with his late take off, kept back; he could very well see Blackviel backtracking to elude the sleeker female dragons. 

When she did, Skyflyer was ready for her; his bulk was less than the earth dragons’ but he would bet he was still the stronger.  When she saw his coming right for her, Blackviel veered upwards; hoping the two groups would collide.  The three other dragons simply tucked their wings after a hard thrust up; swinging upwards with help with their tails; which allowed them to spiral around each other without colliding and keep up the chase. 

Blackviel was not done.  She veered sharply back downwards, plummeting down towards them, making them scatter; raking her claws out as she passed, slicing open hide, wing and sail as she sped past. 

Vamana was the unlucky dragon with her wing sail torn up on the right side as well as a gash on her back leg.  She floundered and roared with frustration and pain.  I can’t keep up with this, I’ll make sure she doesn’t go back to the others! She told the other two and disengaged the chase as Nemesis and Skyflyer kept Blackveil busy. 

Nemesis had a torn medial wing muscle laceration, but the adrenaline in her system made the pain nigh nonexistent.  Even as Blackveil passed, Nemesis made a grab for the larger dragon and was able to inflict her own amount of damage; though she was hoping to grapple the older dragon. 

Even as Skyflyer and Nemesis persisted in the sky chase, Blackviel used her magic to widen the gap between her and the other two.  It was only until they caught sight of the Rapid River in the distance that they decided to let her go and make their way back to their riders. 

Meanwhile back at the lake, the troop of armored men started forward; albeit timidly as they cautiously eyed the sky where their “leader” had gone, taking the other dragons with her.

Trinity eyed the large group of armored men.  She made no attempt for her sword or her powers.  “You will really do this? You would die with no honor.  No dignity.  Dying for a cause that will kill all of Starza; leaving nothing for you to claim.  Do you really know who…what you fight for? Do you really know what will happen if he takes over Celen’matra and perhaps the whole of Starza?” She asked; she was truly perplexed by why men… humans, would fight for such a destructive force. 

“We fight for Sorcerer Siegev.  The great Sorcerer that will bring on a new way of life for Starza!” one man proclaimed.  “He will reward us greatly for our services, as Lords of his new realm.”

Ranen smirked.  “You really think he’ll do that? Absolute power corrupts absolutely.  There’ll be no room for any of you to really have power.”

Exasperated, Aspen interjected before the other Water ‘Speaker could say more.  “You really believe you can win against four Dra’Sorrian and one mage? The odds are against you.” Aspen told them, almost snarling.

The men looked at each other but held their ground.

Trinity sighed; her fight response was going strong thanks to the emotions of the dragons, and her own reaction.  “We don’t have time for this.  Very well, you wish to die in battle then what am I to tell you otherwise.” Without much more thought, she concentrated before waving her hand in front of them, drawing their focus and leading them into a trance.  “Find a nice group of bilnogs to ambush and fight.  There you will fight, and there you will either live or die.” She said to them.  The men swooned as if under a spell.  They bowed to Trinity and departed back into the woods.  Her companions exchanged glances.  They never really considered mind “alterations” when dealing with emissaries.  Aspen went up to her.  Trinity didn’t say a word.  She had a passive expression on her face.  “Save your fight for the real battle.” She finally did say, though her voice was fatigued, and sad. 

“That was anti-climactic.” Dion commented none too quietly.

At that, Trinity rounded on her.  “We don’t have time.  If we want to get to the opposite shore before sundown, there are things we need to do even before we cross.  We can’t afford to get into a pointless fight.  Nor can we afford to get hurt.”

Dion held up her hands.  “Whoa.  I’m sorry I said anything.” She said in a hurt tone. 

Trinity closed her eyes and took a breath.  “I’m sorry too, Dion.” She said and opened her eyes again.  “Blackveil doesn’t care about minions.  If they die, they die, just as long as they do some damage on their way to death.  Sending them off instead of fighting is a blow to her.”

“I see your point.” Dion flashed her a smile.  “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Trinity mentally shook herself, and then stumbled slightly as the effects of her magic became more apparent.  “Yes.  Thanks.” She smiled back at her longtime friend.  It was then that the dragons returned; beat up, tired but otherwise glad to see their friends unhurt.  Trinity and the others went to see about dragon injuries; especially Vamana’s.

Aspen followed and went to stand alongside of Nemesis.  Her dragon looked impressed with Skyflyer’s original form.  Aspen patted Nemesis on the head before the dragon got up and went back into the lake.  Nemesis seemed unconcerned, convinced that she and the others had chased her off.  She allowed Aspen to tend to her wound with the supplies she and the others had readily available.  Afterwards though, Nemesis insisted that there was no harm in going into the water.  As Aspen couldn’t find a reason why her dragon couldn’t go; what could attack a dragon in her home turf; she let Nemesis slip back into the lake.  With her dragon departed, she turned to the rest of the group.  “So, what are we doing now?”

Lauroran was looking over the vast lake.  “We’re going to take a break and have lunch.  Then one of us is going to create a boat and we’ll start going across the lake.” He informed with a tired smile on his face; he could feel his dragons hurt; as the other joined riders could their own dragons; but his sensitive nature made him prone to worrying.  Right now, he worried about Vamana.

“Can I make the boat?” Dion asked, jumping up and down.  “I’ve made one before.  It was part of an exercise our earth Master put us through.” The others thought it was a good idea and it was decided.

Aspen looked back at the lake.  The waves rolled over the sand and fell back as if it were sighing.  She felt as if Nemesis was waiting for her.  She knew why.  “Um… if you guys don’t need me… I’ll be in the lake with Nemesis.” She said, edging towards the lake.  She needed an outlet for her excess energy; swimming often was her outlet; Aspen would only admit to herself that she was just as worried about her dragon as Lauroran was about his.

“Okay.” Trinity replied.  “We’ll send Skyflyer in when and if we need you.”

Aspen nodded and wadded into the lake, cloths on and all.  Once she was deep enough, she dived in and swam deeper into the lake; enjoying the fact that she could breathe under water with the help of her magic.  When Aspen was over the drop off into deep water, Nemesis suddenly appeared beneath her and rose up until Aspen sat on her back.  They swam farther and farther into the lake until they came across a deeper drop.  Aspen motioned for Nemesis to go down into it.  Nemesis was happy to comply and dove into the dark drop.  When it got too dark to see, Aspen created a softly glowing ball of water and got it to float just above Nemesis’ head so they could both see.  Soon enough, the darkness exploded into softly glowing lights as an underwater ‘city’ emerged at the bottom.

My home.  Nemesis said; the sight always left her awed.  I wanted to wait until you can come with me before going deeper… to see my family.

Aspen nodded.  I told you that we’d be able to come here this year.  She replied in her dragons mind.  Talking aloud was usually not a good idea at these depths.

Water Dragons started to erupt from the endless caves and came towards them.  Like Earth dragons, Water Dragons preferred living in groups, usually in the underwater caves of large seas, lakes and oceans.

Do you see your parents?

Nemesis looked at each pair of dragons.  Not yet.  But I see my brother, Nightwater.  She replied and started swimming towards the navy blue and white dragon.  When they reached each other, they touched noses in greetings.  See Nightwater.  Dra’Sorrian keep their promises.  They understand what a dragon needs more than any other human on the continent.   

Nightwater crooned cheerfully and looked at Aspen.  Hey Aspen.  How’s it going?

Aspen smiled.  Wild dragons always seemed more human to her then other humans.  While dragons didn’t think like humans, Aspen was usually good at interpreting.  Great.  My friends, the Destined Child and I are going over to Tazmenzy Castle. 

Nightwater froze.  Did you say Destined Child?

Aspen nodded causally.  She’s my friend.

She? Nightwater shook his head.  Well now… my sister is helping to save the world.  Mat’a and Pat’a will be very proud.

Nemesis crooned proudly.  Where are they?

Nightwater shrugged.  They should be here any moment.  Probably making sure they aren’t all emotional before they come to see you.

Nemesis nodded.  Aspen can’t stay long, though.  Her friends will need her.  She informed.

Just then two other dragons came in a rush to see Nemesis.  Nemesis! You’re here! One of them called, her mother named Sea.  She was a shining green color with a black triangular dot on her upper forehead.  The male beside her was Nemesis’s father; a metallic jet-black dragon called Bonzi.

Hello Mat’a, hello Pat’a! Nemesis greeted as they all touched noses and swam in circles around each other.

We were wondering when you were going to show up.  Bonzi said, floating up to Aspen.  And hello my dear! Nice seeing you here again.  He said politely.

Aspen giggled.  You too, Bonzi.

Bonzi smiled in his emotional way.  Find the Draeluni yet?

Aspen nodded.  Yes.  Her name is Trinity.

You see, dear.  I told you that it would be a human woman.  It’s the last thing anyone would expect.  Sea said proudly.

Bonzi nudged his mate affectionately.  Yes, dear.  You were right.  He crooned lovingly.

I hate to break up a reunion like this, but… a deep voice said from above.  Aspen has to eat sometime.  A moment later, Skyflyer’s form arose into the light.

Hey, Skyflyer.  Aspen said with a sigh.  She had been enjoying herself.  She hadn’t realized how much time really had passed since leaving the rest of the group.  Swimming down here must have taken much longer than what she thought.  Nonetheless, at Skyflyer’s reminder, her stomach rumbled.

Skyflyer, hu? Bonzi snorted a few bubbles, looking him up and down.  You’re a Shanam Lake Dragon.

I am.  Skyflyer responded politely.

Aspen rolled her eyes.  Skyflyer is the dragon of a Water ‘Speaker.  She said and swam onto Skyflyer’s back, bringing the ball of light with her.  Anyway, he’s right, I got to eat.  But I’ll see all of you next year hopefully.  She said, motioning Skyflyer that he could start going back to shore.  He was bigger than what she was used to, but still managed to hang on.

Nemesis has a really nice family.  Skyflyer commented.

Yeah… real nice.  Aspen said softly and didn’t say another word until they got to shore with the others.

Dion sat in the boat quietly as it rocked along the waves.  She was lost in the trance of the waves around her.  The constant rhythm of the lake, the sky, and the world, had always transfixed her.  It was a shame she hadn’t brought her stylus and parchment; she could feel the beginnings of a good song. 

They were all taking turns paddling, and at the moment it was Ranen and Aspen who paddled.  The boat itself was made out of a neendo wood, a light, durable wood that was widely used to make sea and ocean ships.  Their boat was big enough for everyone to have his or her own space to relax.  Even the horse had its own spot on a flat platform in the middle of the boat where it could rest.  Ranen advised to put it to sleep until they got to shore so that it wouldn’t cause trouble; so Lauroran put a sleeping spell on the stallion.  The earlier confrontation had made the horse extra skittish, so it was for the best.

Dion was very proud of the boat and even created a nice design on the rim of it to give it her own mark.  She looked over at her brother, who was sleeping soundly along the side bench.  The young Mage had his cloak tightly around him and had his hood pulled over his head.  Every now and then he would mumble unknown words like he was repeating and memorizing passages.  The Mage that taught him usually took advantage of his naps to teach Lauroran more spells and lore; no one really knew how he knew when he slept, much less how to dream-walk; as it was a very rare ability, especially in magi.  Her brother had been restless as of late, wanting his Master to teach him more useful spells, chants and potions.  He wanted desperately to be useful to the group.  Though Dion didn’t want him to push himself and was constantly telling her brother that he was already useful.  They didn’t think his… differences mattered.

After a moment, Dion turned her attention to Trinity.  She was sitting quietly behind where Ranen was sitting, looking intently at her pendent.  It’s too bad Trinity didn’t know the few big important water skills yet.  Water was always fun to play with.  She learned fast, so it was just a matter of time until Aspen had the Destined Child doing more than holding water.

Just to the side of the boat, Dion could see a greenish silhouette of a dragon swimming beside the boat.  Dion watched it suddenly disappear as it went deeper.  Then, without warning, it came back up in an alarming speed and launched itself out of the water and into the sky.  It was Skyflyer, enjoying being released from his small form, as he didn’t know when he’d be sent back into his draconete prison.  “Looks like Skyflyer is having a blast.” Aspen commented with a tight smile; he should be more careful with his own injuries, but she couldn’t blame him.

Skyflyer dived into the water again; sending bigger waves to the boat then came back up ahead of the boat.

Ranen slowly put down his oar.  He looked up at Skyflyer who was back in the air and motioned him to get into hearing range, that way his words would be heard by everyone.  “Skyflyer… either you fly, or you swim.  You’re making it a bit harder for us to paddle.  When we get to shore, then you can use the lake as a trampoline, but not right now.” He instructed.

The large version of Skyflyer seemed mournful.  Okay Ranen.  Sorry.  Skyflyer apologized, gently flying more to the side of the boat and slowly descended until his back scales skimmed the water’s surface.  Then, with barely a splash, he dived into the water and out of site.

Dion giggled.  “I’m still not used to him being that big.” She declared.

Ranen smiled.  “Yeah… It was also hard to get used to him when he first turned small.  But it was fine for me because I could smuggle him places easier” He paused.  “You want to paddle for a while, Dion? My arms starting to ache.”

“Sure.” Dion replied, moving slowly; she took hold of her own oar, staying in the rear to better steer the boat while Aspen just paddled.

Once the paddle was given, Ranen carefully moved closer to Trinity, trying not to rock the boat too much as he did.  He wrapped an arm around Trinity’s shoulders once he was settled.  With the other hand, he waved it in front of her face.  “You okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Trinity put her head up and pulled Ranen down to kiss him.  “Just thinking about all that’s happened in the last few months, is all.”

“A lot has happened since that night on the hilltop, watching the northern lights.” Ranen agreed.

Trinity sighed and didn’t say a word.  No one did for a while.  Everyone grew quiet and the sounds of the waves, wind and sea birds filled the silence.  It was peaceful silence, which led everyone to relaxing they’re mind and body.

It wasn’t to last, slowly, but noticeably, the wind blew harder and became fast gusts of wind.

At the same time, Ranen and Aspen both looked to the sky.  “Uh oh.” They both said at once.

“Dion, I better start paddling again.” Ranen said, switching places with Dion.

“What is it?” Dion asked.

“Storm’s coming.” Aspen answered.  “We need to get as close to shore as we can get before it hits us, that way we’re not stuck getting tossed around in the middle of a very deep lake.”

Trinity sat up, scanning the sky.  “Dion, wake Lauroran and grab an extra paddle.” She said and grabbed an oar that was placed at the bottom of the boat, under a seat.

Dion finally got Lauroran up and handed him a paddle.  “What’s going on?” Lauroran asked tiredly.

“There’s a storm heading our way.” That was all that Dion told him before stationing herself firmly with her own oar.

The wind picked up speed again, causing the waves to start getting bigger.  Ahead, they could see large waves crashing down onto the beach shore.  “Keep your eyes on something on the land ahead of us.” Ranen advised, paddling harder and faster.

They all paddled as hard as they could, but as fast as they did go; it felt like they were sluggishly crawling towards the far off shore.  The wind increased and the waves below them rocked them higher and faster.  The boat wanted to constantly turn aside with the wind.  In the east, the storm clouds started to show as they moved across the sky.  Blasts of lightning erupted from the clouds.  Moments later, the roar of thunder followed.

“We’re not going to make it in time.” Lauroran told them, paddling frantically.  His eyes were wide as they frantically turned this way and that, more turned to the darkening clouds coming towards them.

“Have a little faith, Lauro’.  Land isn’t that far away.” Dion said.  Her paddle plunged into the water crashing against her small craft.

Lauroran smirked.  “That’s what you said when we started across.  I for one hoped we’d make this crossing without rain or choppy waters.”

“Stop talking and save your strength for the paddling!” Aspen ordered.  Her arm muscles were bulging with the swift strokes it took to bring the paddle up, then down into the water to push the boat forward.

The two siblings clamped their mouths shut and paddled with all their might.

Moments later, the wind picked up even more and the rolling waves turned into low raging walls of water.  The storm soon loomed just above the small craft.  Then, it started to rain.

The young mage groaned.  “I guess now would be a good time to try out a new spell.” Lauroran mumbled.  He put his oar down.  Taking a breath, he closed his eyes and sat perfectly still.  “Slihed teh bato!” he chanted, waving one of his arms in an arch towards the length of the boat, and waved the other arm in an arch towards the width of the boat.

In response, the rain seemed to stop just above them like there was an invisible cover over the boat.  The raindrops even beaded down in an arch over and around the boat –as if the raindrops were running off some type of dome.

Lauroran sighed as he slumped back and opened his eyes.  “I did it!” Lauroran breathed as he picked up the oar again.  The others had stopped rowing.  “Don’t worry, guys, you’ll still be able to paddle.” he said and continued to row, though with less strength in his strokes.

The others exchanged delighted glances before joining him.  The mage’s sister nodded.  “Good work, Bro.” Dion congratulated, smiling at her younger sibling.  “Tell that Master of a Mage of yours that I think he’s a wonderful person and great amongst his people!”

Lauroran nodded.  “He’ll be pleased! I just hope he wrote it all neatly in my book!” he exclaimed cynically.

They heard Aspen smirk loudly.  Aspen had put her oar back onto the boat.  “We may not be getting wet, but we’re not getting any closer to that shore.” She said.  “And my arms feel like they’re going to fall off.” She looked towards the shore, still a tiny strip of dark gray and green.

Then allow us to take you the rest of the way.  Nemesis’s voice insisted.

One by one, the heads of a few Water dragons erupted from the surface, including Nemesis’s and Skyflyer’s.

The rest of the group put their oars back on the bottom of the boat.  All were getting too exhausted to decline the generous proposal.  Aspen brought out a very long and strong length of rope and made a loop on one end.  She tied one end to the front of the boat before she slowly stood up.  Aspen stood there for a moment, finding her balance as the boat was tossed along with the waves, before circling the rope over her head to gain speed and threw the looped end as far ahead of the boat as she could.  Fortunately the shield allowed things out but not in.

Nemesis grabbed the rope and started to pull the boat; which also sent Aspen tumbling back into the boat as she did.  Even with the dragons’ help, the boat still rocked with each cresting wave; threatening to turn over, cover and all.

Skyflyer and other dragons’ took positions at the rear sides of the boat and gently pushed the boat to make it easier for Nemesis to pull it.  The others posted themselves alongside the boat, making sure nothing jarred or snagged, and just in case the boat capsized and spilled the humans into the raging lake.

Aspen retook her seat.  “Yes!” Aspen shouted.  “Good job you guys!” she told the dragons.  The stretch of land started growing larger.

Within minutes, they were close enough to shore to let the waves help them the rest of the way.  The water became too shallow for the dragons to swim, so they let go and let the boat continue on its own.  While the wild dragons left, Nemesis and Skyflyer treaded water to bring the small craft closer to shore.  The boat hit the shore and they all jumped out of the boat and dragged it onto the wet sand.

After he took back the dome spell, Lauroran then whispered a waking spell to wake Ranen’s horse; which woke up, looked around and sniffed the air with its nose.  Then it got up slowly and waited for Ranen to lead him out of the boat.  It was unusually calm for a creature that woke after being hauled across a large lake and now was being rained heavily on.

Once the stallion was out, Dion looked longingly at the small craft that got them across the chopping lake waters; she sighed and then disposed of the boat with a large swipe of her hand; the boat vanished completely and into her magical “pocket” space.

The group was re-joined by Nemesis and Skyflyer.  The two dragons were walking out of the lake towards them.  The Water Lake Tribe would like to wish you all luck in the rest of your journey.  Nemesis told them.

“Thank them for us and that we’re honored that they helped us get to shore.” Aspen said, patting her dragon on the forehead.

Should we stay here still? Skyflyer asked.

Aspen nodded as Skyflyer grunted and looked at Ranen for confirmation.  He looked edgy and out of place in his large form.

“I agree with Aspen, Skyflyer.  You stay here with Nemesis until you heal or we need you.  We don’t know what’s ahead of us and we are going for discretion.” Ranen patted Skyflyer on the back of his forearm, and then hugged the large version of his dragon.  “Don’t tire yourself out, bud.”

I will not, Ranen.  Skyflyer replied, nudging Ranen with his snout.  Travel safely.  He said before starting back into the lake.

Nemesis nudged Aspen one last time and followed Skyflyer; she jumped, soared and dived into the deep waters.  They both disappeared within the large waves of the great lake like ghosts.

“Come on you guys, we better find shelter from this storm before we freeze…again.” Trinity said.

Aspen thought for a moment, while looking around she found she’d been here before, a few years ago.  “As I recall, there could be an abandoned cabin just beyond the tree line.  Follow me.” She said; starting towards the forest while the others followed her.  Though the forest and underbrush, Aspen led them though a thin pathway that led upward, over a furrow that looked more like a deep vegetation overgrown trench.  They had no trouble getting over the ditch; the horse seemed to thoroughly enjoy leaping across it.  Over the ditch and through twin bushes and a small clearing there stood a small wooded cabin.  It looked like it hadn’t been used for years.

The cabin was tiny with a small chimney protruding out of the far side of the roof.  The wood was old and the remains of paint were peeling away from it.  Ranen went up to the door and tested the knob.  It was unlocked, but as he pushed it open, the hinges creaked sharply.  He went in slowly and looked for an oil lamp.  “Lauro’, come here.” The mage went into the cabin, followed by the others, and went to Ranen’s side.  “Light this lamp, will you?” Ranen asked, pointing at the small lamp on the wall.

With a nod, Lauroran and slowly lit the wick on the lamp.  The light streamed across the small room, showing the group what the cabin held.

There was a small fireplace at one wall; a stack of dry wood lay in the corner next to it.  Across from the fireplace, there was only a single straw bed and a fire-cooking stove.  “Cozy.” Lauroran commented.  He dropped his pack onto the bed.

Aspen brought in Ranen’s horse so it wouldn’t have to stay in the rain.  “The storm shouldn’t last long anyway.”

“What if it does?” Lauroran asked; he was sure she was right, but weather was unpredictable this time of year and in this region.

Aspen shrugged.  “Let’s just give it twenty minutes.  If it doesn’t stop, we have two choices.  One, stay here until it passes and possibly stay the night for it to stop, though I seriously hope we don’t; or two, we can take our chances and head for Webon forest in the rain.”

Ranen sighed.  “If it slows down, we’ll go, though I don’t fancy taking on that forest in the mud.”

“It’s bad enough to stay in here just to wait; it reeks of old wood and furs gone bad.” Lauroran commented wrinkling his nose.

 “I don’t want to stay in here either.  But with all I heard about Webon forest.” Trinity paused.  “I think we should leave in twenty minutes.  I am starting to feel a need for urgency.” Trinity agreed.

The wind howled outside and the rain pattered on the eastward window.

As it happened the storm had spent most of itself by the time they allotted it and the group shouldered their bags, buttoned their coats and started towards the end of Venyetta Forest which was not far off.  By the end of the day, the stretch of forest ended in to an almost never-ending expanse of field.  They knew that on the other side of the field, another forest began; Webon forest.  It was forest of ill repute and a known hideout for thieves and murderers.  It was a respectfully small forest compared to the Venyetta, but was older and denser.  It skirted mountains, marshland and enclosed within its trees was the long and thick ribbon of the Rapid River, and its large Falls to the South.  The river folk rarely went far upstream as at the fastest parts of the river had cleaved itself its own river canyon.  But that was a worry for another day.

The group decided to wait until morning to enter the forest, so that they didn’t have to go in it in the darkness of the night, making them more vulnerable prey to anything that lurked in the forest.  They didn’t count on there being anything that lived or lurked in Webon forest that didn’t carry an ill past, present or future.