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The Ties that Bind	By : Lady_Kae Category: +M through R > Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Views: 2280 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters used from the game Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. All characters and game related material, plus any lyrics, save for original content is property of their respective owners and no money is being made from this

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
A/N: I would like to apologize for the long amount of time that it took to get this chapter up. There were a few scenes I needed to add outright, one I needed to move over to the next chapter entirely, and a few I needed to extend just a smidgeon. This file initially started off near 6800 words, and now it's a whopping 11,603 ( I took the count before writing the author's note lol). I honestly hope you all are enjoying the story so far. I can promise you, it's far from over, though Book I will be ending soon. If you have any criticism; constructive or otherwise, I would love to hear it. I'm always looking to better my writing and sometimes the best way to do that is to seek input from the most important source: the readers.
The next chapter shouldn't take as long to edit as this one did, and it's honestly one of my favorite chapters for the scene I recently added to it. X3 I hope you all keep reading! Thank you for sticking with me this long!
-Kae

Book I: Link

Chapter 8- The King of the Golden Wood

A Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Fanfiction

Percivical himself appeared at Thorn Pass the very next day with supplies and aid for his sister’s village. He looked about sadly, his blue eyes filled to the brim as he thought about the three nephews he had lost yesterday, of all the lives that had needlessly been cut down, and for all the wanton destruction that had been unleashed. He rushed over to the church, which had become the base of operations with the town hall having been burned down, and the evestan king set to looking for his twin. He needed to see for himself that she was fine and well.
“ Lara!” Percivical called out, sighing in relief as his sister came into view. Thank the ancients she was alive! He knew Amara had told him as such, but still, it was reassuring to see her with his own eyes.
“ Percy!” his twin cried, running over to the evestan king. Lara’s arms flew around her brother even as sobs wracked her body. “ We had no clue what was going on. Out of nowhere, this goblin horde attacked just before daybreak and was gone just as quick. All of our magic users beside myself and Carey are dead…” Lara choked on a sob as she thought of her youngest son. Amara had finally told her what his last moments had been like after supper last night. Amara hadn’t wanted her two remaining cousins to hear how bad off Michael had been. It was better to let them think she had only come across his still body.
“ I’m so sorry, Lara. I truly am. Is my daughter still here?” Percivical asked even as he looked around for either Amara or Gascon. He wanted to see how they were faring together in the months they had been gone. He hoped they had found a way to move on. Well, if not…Percivical’s eyes narrowed a little at this thought as well. If he knew his daughter as well as he did, it was Amara who was still holding the grudge. That was Marion’s elvish influence over her after all. Not only that, Vigo had told him what had happened on Amara’s sixteenth birthday which had given both of them hope. If Gascon was interested in Amara, even in just a physical sense at the time, there was a chance that could grow the longer they spent in each other’s company. Little did he know how right they had been.
Lara shook her head in the negative as she began leading her twin towards a little used room in the back that Lara was going to use as a war room of sorts.. “ They left at daybreak. Something Michael said in his dying breaths to Amara made her anxious to leave for the Briar post haste.” Lara replied. She was curious as to why that great horde had made its way through the vale southward as well. However, Lara knew this wasn’t the time to dwell on such things. If she was lucky, she would find Sparah later and ask her for her advice.“ I think I know what you’re getting at though. I won’t swear on it, but I don’t think they’re quite past their squabbling. Gascon all but forced Amara away from the church yesterday in an effort to get her to rest. Let me tell you, if looks could kill…” Not to mention words...The mouth Amara has on her...Lara thought.
Percivical harrumphed a bit at this. At least Gascon was making sure his daughter was taken care of in their time away from the palace. Vigo had all but assured him that would be the case. Well, Amara and Gascon were not to return to Cygnus unless they were past all that. He would not have them at odds when they would take the throne. “ Amara’s always been stubborn as a mule.” he grumbled. Realizing the turn his musings were taking, Percivical shook his head to clear his thoughts. His sister needed his help here and now. The first order of business would be to bury the dead. Then they could take care of the village proper.

Sparah stretched her wings with a groan as she landed on a rock for a bit of rest. Her soft, lavender colored eyes were narrowed in displeasure as she looked about the desert landscape before her. She had already appraised Duskin; as he had been the easiest of her contemporaries to find. All she had needed to do was find the spot where the lightning was concentrating most, as Duskin was dueling with the other male deraboo, tuffaloo, and carabanes that roamed the ever stretching grasslands. Sparah couldn’t help the shudder that passed through her at the look in his saffron colored eyes when they had been leveled on her. It was rutting season and Sparah had interrupted; quite untimely in her case, but his tune had changed the moment she had told him about the moot. Speaking of, she needed to hurry! It was supposed to take place tomorrow night!
Sparah took a deep breath in. She knew she could find him! It was just harder to do so because of how little vegetation there was to pass the message along with. Her thoughts turned to Pimrald, a wizened old frog like guardian who was much too human loving in her estimation. Pimrald was the guardian of the marshes and swamps near the far eastern coastline, which suited him well as he wanted to be nowhere near the desert dwelling guardian of the west. Frogs were a snakes favorite repast after all. He had a tendency to wear clothing from the desert city of Al Mamoon to the west of here, and he had a multitude of potions and elixirs that he ever carried on his belt. Not even Sparah knew what all of them did. His most filthy habit, which the hawk like guardian detested with a passion, was Pimrald’s tendency to smoke a pipe. The humans that dwelled across the sea would trade their weed with him for things that could not be acquired elsewhere, and the amphibious defender had a great love of the leaf that came from the Autumnian shores especially. It certainly had been no easy task getting him to agree to attend the moot however. Pimrald wanted nothing to do with Cynan, though Sparah knew that the snake like guardian would never try to devour one of his own. The only way she had gotten the concession from him; which had been like pulling tail feathers for that matter, was that she run interference should Cynan try to attack Pimrald.
Sighing again, Sparah ruffled her feathers in annoyance. She would have to transform in order to get all the blasted sand out of her plumage! Just as she had surmised, finding Cynan was not proving to be an easy venture. The great serpent’s blinding white and gold scales were excellent camouflage either day or night. Her head turned quickly to her left and she blanched a bit in her worry. The scrapions and gillagillas were hunting in the chill, arid night and Sparah knew she had to get moving again soon. She didn’t want to be anyone’s supper after all. The guardian of the vale looked about once more as she attempted to get her bearings. She hated her night vision, which made this task all the more daunting. She needed to attempt to find the protector of the sand and dunes while the light of the moon was best. Even then, the sand still gleamed bright under its full luminessence.
By the great bird in the sky! Where the hell are you Cynan?! Sparah cried out in exasperation. Her violet eyes went wide in shock as the perch she had settled on suddenly moved without warning and a sleepy yawn reached her ears.
Did you have to ssshout it at the top of your lungsss? Cynan whined. He was the relatively youngest guardian, as his predecessor had been in the service of the wizard king many, many years ago.
By the stars! Thank heaven I found you. There isn’t much time to explain. Palisanther is calling a moot! Sparah exclaimed, her tone excited. That was rather unexpected, but not unwelcome.
Cynan looked at Sparah blearily with rose colored eyes. He seemed to have his own light that he radiated whenever he was awake. No wonder finding him in the daytime was murder, Sparah mused as she landed on a rock beside him.
Where at? It’sss been nearly….Again Cynan yawned and Sparah had to resist the urge to beat him with her wings until he was good and roused. …Three hundred yearsss ssssince the last one. How did he even esssscape after all thissss time?
Sparah shook her head. I can explain everything on the way if you’ll follow me. And for the love of all that is good and holy in this world, do not provoke Pimrald. He’s already crotchety enough without your influence added to the mix.
Cynan couldn’t hold back the chuckle that escaped him as he allowed Sparah to perch on his shoulder. I’ll guide ussss out, if you’re amenable Sssparah. I have better visssion at night than you do and I know thissss dessssert in and out. And asss for Pimrald, I will do my bessst to behave. It’sss jussst ssso damn trying not to messs with that old toady. Cynan laughed audibly this time as Sparah’s talons dug into his shoulder a bit. I ssswear I won’t try to prove that I can ssswallow that ssskinny polliwog in one gulp. I learned my lesssson last time. Besssides, I’ve gotten older and more mature sssince then.
Sparah couldn’t hold back the disbelieving snort that answered that proclamation. You, my boy, are still but a fledgling compared to the rest of us. You’re only five and a half centuries old! Still but a tweener in my book. Sparah retorted.
Cynan looked at the ave perched at face level. Oh what he wouldn’t give for both of them to transform and he would show her in no uncertain terms that he was no tweener. You’ve been around the humansss too long. he said with a shake of his head.
Oh just get us out of here already. I hate the way sand feels between my feathers. Sparah snapped. She was glad for the fact that she couldn’t blush. Cynan had told her in no uncertain terms that he was interested in her nearly a century ago. Out of the five of them, only Duskin had long since shed his other skin. The guardian had a hell of a time explaining his antlers whenever he did after all. Palisanther more than likely had regained the ability to transform as well now that he had been freed, otherwise he would have escaped himself a long time ago. Pimrald stayed in state caught in between, as he prefered hands and feet; though they retained an amphibious look about them. It also enabled him something that the other four could not do. Magic. Pimrald was a master magician, and an alchemist beyond compare. Sparah liked to shift into her other form; which was how she had looked in her life before she had become the defender of the Vale, and roam the towns and villages that dotted the landscape. Cynan had run into her on one such journey; which incidentally had been when the great serpent had fallen for her.
Cynan would have smirked had it been possible and he continued their way towards the exit to his desert, his great tail carving it’s mark into the soft sand. Maybe he could still convince her to transform even for just a moment...That was all he needed after all.

The three companions found themselves on the other side of the Vale by nightfall. Amara looked around, and she nodded in approval at the protection the willow she was eying would provide for them, all the while hearing the great tree’s soft voice tickling her ear. The promise of absolute safety was more than enough of a draw for Amara, not to mention the soft, long grass that grew near the base of the tree. It would certainly make for a nice, restful sleep. “ We’ll make camp here, boys. If we keep this pace up, we should reach the edge of the Briar by Thursday.” Amara said. Her gaze settled on Tarin. “ I’m sorry about this breakneck pace we’re going at Tarin. I need to get to the Briar post haste though.”
“ I understand, princess. I’ll take the first watch so that you both can get some rest. By the time you wake, I’ll more than likely have some game roasting on the fire.”
Gascon thought about what Amara had just said. It was Tuesday now. If they ran straight through the rest of the plains like they had done in the forest today, the weather be damned, her timetable would be right on the guilder. However, that meant that they would catch up to the goblins that had attacked the village.That was only if this horde traveled at night as well. He had a feeling they did and this made Gascon feel uneasy. Already he could feel his stomach tensing at the very thought that the horde may have actually taken last night to celebrate the pillaging of the village and would more than likely be on the move again tonight. “ Are you certain this is a safe enough spot, Amara?” Gascon asked her, looking about. The low hanging branches did afford them cover, but the goblins could sense the magic that both of them wielded. The three of them were strong together without a doubt, but not that strong!
Amara nodded as she took in another deep breath. The smell here was soothing. “ The willow told me as much. Nothing will find us here tonight.” she said as if that made all the sense in the world. Her tone radiated confidence in her claim.
Gascon’s brow quirked. “ The gift Palisanther bestowed upon you?” he asked knowingly even as Gascon began setting up his bedroll.
Amara nodded and she set her own bedroll up beside his. They had taken to doing this every night in an effort to find comfort. Like Amara had surmised months ago, Gascon’s warmth was addicting. So was the feeling she got when she woke up in his arms, but she didn’t dwell on that. She couldn’t dwell on that.
Tarin watched the two with a soft smile on his face as Gascon curled up around Amara protectively. Well, she said the willow had promised safety, which meant Tarin was going to go round up some supper. A grin broke out across his face. He had spotted some tuffaloos nearby.

It was quiet...Much too quiet. The nightlife that Amara had fallen asleep to the sounds of had long since quieted and the air was so still that you could hear your own heartbeat quickening in nervousness. This was the kind of quiet that normally preceded an attack. Amara was silent even as she tossed and turned, her mind ensnared in a nightmare. It had been so long since she had had one of this magnitude. Not since Gascon had been run through on that bandit’s blade.
Trudge, trudge. Stomp, stomp.
Amara bolted upright on her bedroll, drenched in sweat. She had been dreaming of a pair of malicious yellow eyes stabbing her repeatedly, though her eyes had already been glazed over in death. Her body had been ravaged beyond what any woman would or should be forced to endure. She looked around, needing comfort against the terrifying musings of her subconscious, though Amara couldn’t help but feel that particular dream was more precognitive than anything else. Gascon wasn’t beside her and the fire had been doused. The uneasy feeling that she had began growing more intense and she looked around in the darkness. She could hear two sets of soft breathing to her left and she allowed her eyes to adjust to the dim light. Amara instinctively knew now was not the time for magic. She could make out both Tarin and Gascon near where the fire had been and she silently crawled over.
“ The branches lowered completely about twenty minutes ago.” Gascon whispered. He had his rifle at the ready and his eyes were watching the area to their left with keen interest. “ I can hear the slow pace of footsteps, though it’s faint. I’m more than positive it’s the goblin force that attacked Thorn Pass.” Gascon’s hunch had been right on the guilder. They wouldn’t have a choice, they were going to overtake the horde, and would more than likely be attacked doing so.
“ How long have you heard it?” Amara asked in hushed tones. She felt Gascon’s hand settle on her shoulder and he gave it a comforting squeeze. He must have heard the trepidation she was feeling. Then again, they had known one another for nearly twenty years. He would know if she was feeling scared. Her inflections were different, despite her attempts at keeping a brave front.
" Nearly fifteen minutes now. We barely had time to put the fire out when the willow began moving on it’s own.” Tarin answered her this time. “ This is not just a tribe or two princess...Not only that, I think we need to leave ourselves post haste. There’s something huge at work here, and nothing we can stop on our own.” The dwarf sounded as if he was itching for a fight. He was too. Tarin wanted to rid this world of their overbearing stench.
Amara’s brow furrowed at this. There was no doubt about it. The horde was heading for the Briar like Michael had thought. But why? Amara began strategizing almost immediately, though her concentration was broken by a set of footsteps drew very close to where the willow was hiding them. Please, let them keep moving...she thought desperately. It took a few moments, but the footsteps faded off into the distance and all three breathed in a heavy sigh of relief. Gascon had been very close to shooting the blighter through the branches, which would have given away their position.“ Gascon...Once the force is past, call for Palisanther. You and I need to get there tomorrow night at the latest. Tarin...I want you to head back to Thorn Pass. I would bear you there myself, but with my magic limited I don’t have much of a choice. Send a missive to your father if possible asking for aid. I’ll be in touch, I promise you.”
Both men nodded. This was much bigger than the three of them.

The branches of the willow finally rose four hours later once the force had made it’s slow trudge through the forest entrance. Amara quickly climbed up a tree to survey the path they needed to go. Palisanther would easily overtake the horde. She could see a black mob moving through the night towards the south. If she really put her sight to the test, Amara could barely make out the line of golden trees that was the northern border of the Bright Briar. For them, it was still at least two and a half days on foot.
“ Now you two hear me well. I will attempt to talk my father into giving the elves their aid. What the two of you need to concentrate on from henceforth is getting to the Briar and warning Dagaron. I’m heading back to the village now. By my beard, please stay safe.” Tarin said gruffly.
Gascon settled his hand on Amara’s shoulder and nodded as their eyes met. “ We will. There’s nothing we can’t overcome together.” Gascon said softly.
Tarin nodded. The two were certainly closer than they had been a month ago. “ Til next we meet then, friends.” the dwarf said, sprinting off into the trees.
“ May your beard never be shorn.” Amara whispered to his back. She closed her eyes a bit. Please let him get back to the village unimpeded. The only thing that matters is Tarin’s safety. she thought.
Gascon’s shrill whistle echoed into the night as he called for the forest guardian of the northern mountains. His gaze was grim as he met Amara’s eyes and both nodded at the same time. The drums of war were veritably beating loud and steady in both their ears. There was a fight coming and there was no way to stop it.

Palisanther came to a skidding halt as he heard Gascon’s whistle just slightly to the east of where he had been tracking them. Hadn’t he just passed that way a bit ago? The great cat bounded back in the opposite direction he had been traveling in, as he was also attempting to stay clear of the mass of goblins that had just gone that way, and he took a tentative sniff. There! He could smell both Amara and Gascon fully now!

Gascon was watching the area intently, though he had a feeling that it would take a great amount of time for the guardian to arrive. Amara was sitting just as alertly by the tree and both heard something in the brush to their left. Amara was on her feet in an instant, her sword in her left hand while her right was tracing a fireball rune. Gascon was at her side immediately as well, his rifle nestled snugly against his shoulder.
“ On three…” Amara whispered.
I wouldn’t do that if I were you Amara! Palisanther called out, jumping into the little haven and his green eyes glittering in the moonlight.
“ Thank the ancients!” Amara gasped, sheathing her sword as she ran over to the great cat.
Gascon smiled as well. “ I wasn’t expecting you so quickly. I only whistled for you about thirty minutes ago.” the prince said, having to step to keep his balance when Palisanther nudged his leg with his head.
I was already in the midst of searching for you. Where is Tarin? the guardian asked, looking about. He could still smell the dwarf’s scent. It wasn’t that old.
" He’s heading back to Thorn Pass in an effort to reach his father. Gascon and I need to get to the Bright Briar as fast as possible.” Amara said, her blue eyes scanning the area.
That’s convenient. That force that passed through here a while ago? They fully intend to attack the night of the autumn equinox. Climb on. I’ll explain on the way. If we’re lucky, we can try to dwindle the numbers a bit with your magic Amara. Add your shooting in Gascon and we may be able to take out a hundred or so provided Amara uses spells that can affect an area as opposed to an individual. Palisanther said. If the cat could smirk, he would be at that moment.
Amara’s eyes glittered with the thought of achieving vengeance. “ I have just the spells then.” she growled, walking away for a moment.
Palisanther could feel the dark emotions rolling off the normally gentle woman in waves and he looked to Gascon. Is everything alright with her? he whispered in Gascon’s mind as Amara came to a stop a little ways away. She wanted to make sure the fire was completely doused before they left.
Gascon winced and leaned in close to Palisanther as his hand rested on the guardian's shoulder and he took to one knee. “ That horde killed three of her cousins yesterday in Thorn Pass...One of the three being the youngest and her favorite.” Gascon whispered, his eyes falling on Amara worriedly. She was still grieving, though she wasn't taking everything too well and she was tamping down her emotional pain in an effort to keep focused. She needed time to mourn her cousins, time they did not have the luxury of at all. “ It’s personal for her now. The sooner we get to the Briar though, the better.”
Palisanther looked at Amara over his shoulder. May the ancients help whoever got in the half elf’s path now. She looked ready to go on the warpath if the black look on her face was anything to go off of. Hopefully, she would find some closure in what was to happen next. Palisanther had no intentions on allowing the horde to be passed unscathed.

“ HALT!” came the command, followed by the blare of a horn. The force of fourteen thousand slowly stopped and looked about. Two more blares of the horn told the goblins towards the back that it was time for a break. They had one hour.
“ I thought we weren’t ever going to stop!” one complained noisily as he sat down.
“ Shut your damn yap already. All we’ve heard the last three days is ‘ Oh my pooer damn feet’! By Vana would you give it a rest already!” another snapped in response.
The group of goblins began squabbling pettily as they got a fire going to warm through some of the meats they had packed away from the raid on Thorn Pass. No one liked eating cold meat after all.
Without warning, the ground began shaking violently beneath the group of thirty or so and they began screaming wildly in fear as the ground opened from below to swallow them whole in its black depths. Another group was decimated when a blinding flash of light smacked them to the ground and crushed them instantly. Gunshots were peppered in amongst the chaos happening and one goblin looked up as an explosion to his left sent ten goblins sailing through the air. He could feel the tingle of magic passing nearby at an incredible pace and he sounded the alarm towards the front. Grimlock was up there!

Amara’s eyes were narrowed into fine slits as she began drawing another rune, this time the one for thunderstorm and she thrusted her palm forward to let the bolts of electricity fly with impunity. The more that died, the better!
Gascon was shooting rapidly himself, his sharp eyes zeroing in on his target from over three hundred paces away. His brow furrowed slightly and Gascon’s eyes went wide in realization. “ Palisanther! To the left, dodge quickly!” he called out even as he locked onto his target. This one was obviously a leader if the armor he was wearing was any indication.
Palisanther jumped high to dodge the imbued chains that would imprison him again and he glared down at Grimlock hatefully. That one that just attacked. He’s the son of the goblin Tarin killed. he said over his shoulder. Palisanther had suffered greatly at that goblin’s hand.
“ Not any more.” Gascon bit out, pulling the trigger. His eyes went wide as the goblin was pulled from harm’s way at the last minute and another series of gunshots fired back to them. “ It can’t be!" His shock was soon forgotten as another volley of rounds was fired upon them and Gascon shouted in both pain and dismay as a bullet ripped into his shoulder and knocked him from Palisanther's back. He hit the ground hard, groaning in his discomfort and he faintly heard Amara shout his name.
Amara flew off of the guardian's back faster than he could stop her and she could see a mass of goblins encroaching ever closer to where Gascon lay, dazed from his fall. " Gascon! Get up!" She screamed, summoning her sabre into her left hand as she drew the other gifted to her from Thaden with her right.
Gascon had the presence of mind to look up and he did not a moment to soon as he brought his rifle up to block a blade that was coming down in a fatal arc towards his neck. His right arm buckled a little at the strain, as he had been shot in that shoulder, but he needn't have worried as Amara charged into the fray. Her blades were like a silver twister of death as she spun and cut into their enemies rapidly, trying to give Gascon a chance to get to his feet even as more goblins began swarming towards them. Gascon hurriedly stood, shouldering his rifle for now as he drew both his sword and pistol, his back firmly against Amara's as the two of them fought in tandem flawlessly. If Amara missed an adversary, Gascon felled them not a moment later. If Gascon found his weak spot open, Amara blocked it for him.
" Stay close!" Amara shouted over her shoulder and she drove both blades into the ground in order to begin weaving a spell. She was still in the testing phases of this one, still trying to perfect it but she needed it now! Both fingers met in the middle as a bright rune took shaped and with an almighty cry, light flared around the two of them and reached outward.
It was more than enough of an opening for Palisanther to come for them.
The great cat was sporting a few open wounds himself, though it had been worth every second to maul the hell out of Grimlock savagely as the goblin attempted to bind him with the chains that had imprisoned him last time. The human aiding him and fired more than a few rounds into Palisanther's exposed back, but the burn of the bullets had been worth every scratch and bite that he had managed to land. The warlord was still alive unfortunately, as Palisanther had seen the blinding flash of sunlight emit from Amara and Gascon's location and had realized that the two were in dire straights.
Hurry and get on! I did warn you that there was a human in cahoots with them! Palisanther growled. Gascon wasn't moving his right arm at all now and Amara was sporting a nasty slash across her chest. Her bindings had been completely shorn twain and her shirt as torn enough to offer a rather teasing glimpse of either swell of her bosom. She was holding her leg as well, and Palisanther could see that she had been stabbed clear through her thigh. The tip of the knife that was still imbedded there was visible on the back of her leg. Gascon grunted as he lifted the wounded woman onto his back, and Palisanther realized that Gascon was sporting not just the gunshot that had knocked him off, but a few arrows were protruding from his back in that general area. He was lucky they had hit where they had or he would have been a goner. Both of them were covered in blood and were not in any shape to keep fighting. Hurry Gascon! The light it starting to fade!
“ That’s just not any human. That’s the bandit whose syndicate we wiped out over a month ago! Amara. They’re going to the Briar because of us!” Gascon said in realization as he hopped onto the cat’s broad back. His left arm wrapped around Amara's middle in an effort to put pressure on the wound as Palisanther forced a rock face to jut from the ground on either side of them. This gave them a clear means of escape from the throng attempting to regain their senses.
Amara felt her heart go cold. They would definitely have to leave as soon as they could then. This force was planning to attack on an elvish holiday. Amara couldn’t stand idly by and allow her grandfather to be left unawares. “ Forget the horde for now! To the Briar with haste Palisanther! Hurry!” She was breathing heavily. That spell had taken quite a lot of her magic, leaving her feeling nearly drained, and she was worried she wouldn’t be able to heal either of them at first.
Gascon squeezed Amara comfortingly once they had cleared the sights of the horde. Hopefully they had just given themselves an extra day or two as the wounded would need tending to before the huge force could begin moving again. Hell, they needed to tend to their own wounds before they saw Dagaron. “ We need to run from here Amara...They’re hunting us, and razing everything in their path until they do just that…We need to all but disappear until we can determine it’s safe otherwise.” he said sadly, his voice barely a whisper. “ They won’t be able to keep attacking everything if there’s no chance of finding us.” Damn it all, he should have killed that damn thief when he had the chance! Gascon felt Amara’s hand on his and she patted it gently.
“ Where are we going to go? That bandit knows who we are and can anticipate every city we’ll run to for asylum, more than likely including the ones across the sea. He did say your father had his eldest son put to death.” Amara’s voice was weary, and full of melancholy as well. She had been looking forward to seeing her family again.
“ I know where to lay low for a while Amara…” Gascon replied. “ Marcassin and I are the only ones who know about it too. The first order of business is that we need to get this link spell removed. I can transport us there with magic.” Gascon looked down at Amara as she turned to look at him now. “ Do you trust me?”
“ With my very life.” Amara replied, her blue eyes locking to his in an effort to convey the belief she had in him. He had done nothing but try to keep her safe and taken care of this entire time.
Gascon nodded. The second order of business that Gascon wanted to take care of was fulfilling the provisions of the arrangement that their fathers had signed. There was no way in hell that Gascon was going to be cooped up for any extended length of time and not be able to enjoy himself with her. That stupid abstinence spell had to go. Gascon shook his head a bit. This was not the time to be thinking along those lines. They had to get to where he wanted first.

Palisanther was panting heavily as he came to a stop well inside the tree line of the Bright Briar. The golden trees were shining in the moonlight and Amara groaned pitifully as she slid off of his back. She had been able to nap a little in the time they had been traveling, which had been only an hour or two, and she felt as if she had replenished enough magic in order to heal the three of them for the most part. Gascon looked much worse for wear than she did, despite the knife still buried in her leg, and Amara shook her head. It was going to hurt like hell to pull the bullet and the arrows.
“ Heal yourself first Amara.” Gascon ordered gently. “ You’re wounds are more severe than mine are.”
Amara nodded and she sat down gingerly on the forest floor. She pulled her belt off and tied it tight around the top of her thigh and she tore a piece of her sleeve away from her shirt. Wadding it up tightly, she looked over to Gascon. “ I need you to hold my leg while I pull the knife.” she said nervously. There was no skirting around the pain that she was about to go through. It would be all that much worse for Gascon though, Amara mused. While her wounds were worse, his suffering was palpable.
Is there anything I can do to help? Palisanther asked.
“ Not unless you have a set of hands to offer yourself.” Amara growled out snarkily. She was trying to mentally steel herself for what was coming.
Both Gascon and Amara were shocked when the guardian’s shape began shifting and Palisanther rose up onto two legs.
“ If an extra set of hands is needed, I’m more than happy to accommodate.” the guardian purred. His skin tone was a light brown, only a few shades darker than Gascon’s tone, and he had long flowing jet black locks that fell past his knees. His face was fairer than expected, with an aquiline nose, soft, full looking lips, and a gentle slope of his jaw. His eyes were still the same piercing green however and both prince and princess seemed caught in a state of stilled surprise. “ Did you think I was just limited to the one form?” His canines were long and sharp looking still as he flashed a smile at them.
Gascon was the first to move. “ This is the first I’ve seen of a guardian being able to do such a thing…” he whispered in his awe.
“ We evestan guardians are different from those of your lands, Gascon. There are only five of us, but we are all powerful in our own right. We also choose our successors once we’re ready to move on. My predecessor was Gravelynx and he appointed me to my position nearly two thousand years ago. I was initially human, as were most of my contemporaries. Sparah and Cynan are the only exception to this, as she was an elf in her first life and Cynan is the first guardian the land has needed to form in the last ten thousand years. His predecessor never named his replacement and he left into the lands of the west very long ago in the service of a very talented wizard.” Palisanther explained.
Amara was beyond shocked at this revelation. It was amazing, fantastical...Beyond extraordinary! She was so caught in her thoughts that the flare of pain brought her back even as she screamed at the burning sensation rolling over her from her wounded leg. Palisanther was smiling cheekily, his distraction had proven enough to allow him to pull the knife from her when Amara made no move to do so herself in her reverie. Grumbling under her breath about men in general, Amara quickly healed her wounds though she immediately felt drained again. This wasn’t good! She needed to heal Gascon as well. This was one of the drawbacks at casting an incomplete spell. She hadn’t worked out all the kinks yet.
Gascon’s brow furrowed on his intended. How much had that last spell she cast on the battlefield taken out of her? “ Amara, we’ll take care of my wounds once we reach Galaniath. You’re obviously still weakened from the battle and you need to recharge before you can even attempt to heal me. Just pull the arrows for now and bandage the entry points. We’ll pull the bullet at the city once we have better light. Be sure to change as well. It wouldn’t do for your grandfather to see you in such a state.”
Amara looked at him incredulously despite the weariness she felt. “ Are you mad? Just give me a moment to…” She was already pulling a fresh shirt from her pack, that had been her last set of bindings and she needed to procure some new ones in the elf capital.
“ Amara. Please, not now.” Gascon interrupted. “ I know you want to prove your strength, and you have time and time again. Do not push yourself any harder than necessary, not for my sake at least.”
Amara looked to Gascon worriedly even as she nodded in acquiescence. He had already started wadding up something to bite on so that he wouldn’t bite his tongue. “ Very well, I’ll do as you ask then. Come here and let’s get this over with.” she said. “ Palisanther, please hold him as still as possible. This is going to hurt like hell for him.”
The guardian of the northern lands nodded solemnly and he held Gascon still with a gentleness that surprised the porcine prince despite the strength he felt from him.
“ On three.” Amara whispered as she grabbed the base of the first arrow. There were three in total, which killed her a little inside. She didn’t even want to do this to him once. “ One...Two...Three!” Amara pulled the arrow strongly, and Gascon gave a hoarse shout through his bit. His eyes were shut tightly in his pain and his breathing was labored. “ Only two more, Gascon.”
Gascon gulped down air a moment and he took a steadying breath. “ I’m ready.” he panted, and he quieted again as he bit down on his scrap of cloth again and he shut his eyes in preparation again. Think of something more enjoyable than this...Amara...Just think of Amara. Her hands, her skin...Again pain flared through him and Gascon felt tears streak down his cheeks this time as he nearly screamed in his agony. He wanted to thrash, move, anything to keep it from happening again. Amara...Remember what happened just the other day...he thought desperately. Amara had gotten creative in her attempt to bring both of them to completion, and by the ancients she had looked like a wanton goddess for it. Gascon could vividly recall it now, though he could barely hear Amara arguing with Palisanther about something at this point. She more than likely didn’t want to continue what she was doing to him. Removing the scrap again, but not bothering to open his eyes, Gascon took a deep breath.
“ It’s only one more Amara...Just get it over with already.” he snapped. He gagged himself one last time, still bringing how Amara had looked in the afternoon sunlight to the fore of his mind. The way her hips had been rolling against his in her passionate abandon, the feel of her so close and so wet was maddening, the sight of her soft breasts jiggling and bouncing invitingly with her movements had been utterly captivating. Gascon’s eyes flew open as Amara pulled the last arrow and the porcine prince resisted the urge to vomit now. He realized what Amara had been arguing with Palisanther about. The arrow was deeper than the others had been and the arrowhead had scraped against the bone of his shoulder blade painfully as she had pulled it out in her ire. She had been trying to figure out how to pull it without causing him any further distress.
“ I hope you’re satisfied with that outcome. I was trying to keep the pain as minimal as possible, you impatient bastard!” Amara seethed. She was crying by the sound of it and Gascon shook his head.
“ While I can’t say I’m satisfied, I don’t feel as if I’m in as much pain as before, thank you.” Gascon groaned out. He hissed as Amara began pulling his shirt away. His shoulder still hurt dammit!
“ Palisanther, please go fill these. I need to flush these wounds before I bind them.” Amara said, handing Palisanther the two waterskins from her bag. She was pulling other supplies out as well as Amara wasn’t going to half ass any of this. She pulled a root out that Gascon had never seen her use before and she offered it to Gascon. “ I don’t have the luxury of making my antiseptic at the moment. It’ll stave off any infections you might get before I can heal the wounds properly.”
“ Any warnings?” Gascon asked and Amara shook her head in the negative. “ I have a feeling this isn’t going to taste good in the slightest.” he deadpanned. His eyes brightened for a moment and he looked over his shoulder to Amara once more. “ Come here a moment, would you?”
Sighing in resignation, Amara crossed around him and she sat on her knees in front of Gascon with an exasperated look on her face. “ Don’t tell me you want me to feed it to you.” she snarked.
“ No...Just this.” Gascon closed the distance between them swiftly and his lips caressed Amara’s sensually. He would rather taste her first before biting into the root.
Palisanther couldn’t hold back the smile that claimed him as he came back over to Amara and Gascon. Their eyes were shut in their pleasure, their lips locked and moving slowly and passionately against one another. Gascon’s good hand was resting against the back of Amara’s neck, and her hands were steadying him in his awkward position, resting against the bare skin of his chest almost reverently. Amara loved the way Gascon felt under her fingers. Upon closer scrutiny, Palisanther realized that their tongues were dueling fiercely and he cleared his throat in order to get their attention. It was clear to the guardian that those two would easily lose themselves in one another if he didn’t interrupt. My those two had certainly grown closer since the last he saw them. Palisanther couldn’t help but wonder what the catalyst had been to make Amara realize what she had before her.
Both seemed hesitant to break apart. Kissing Amara had been more potent to dull his pain than anything else he had ever tried before. Slowly, Gascon pulled away reluctantly, and his eyes met Amara’s after a moment as he struggled to reign in everything he was feeling at that moment.
“ I filled the skins for you. We should hurry however. I would rather get the two of you to safety sooner than later as I have a rather pressing matter to attend to very soon.” Palisanther said gently.
Amara nodded silently even as she shut her eyes as if pained. She didn’t want this particular set of symptoms coming on! Not now! Oh hell...This sucks an egg. she thought miserably. The stress from the last couple of days had triggered her cycle a week early. Even now she could feel the all too familiar cramps attempting to debilitate her. She needed to concentrate on Gascon right now. He needed her. “ Eat that root, Gascon.” she ordered gently.
Gascon grimaced as he took the first bite. It had been even more bitter than he thought possible. Amara gently tended to his wounds for the moment, knowing that he would be in for it even worse when they reached Dagaron’s palace. He would take the tenderness she had to offer him right now. The alternative didn’t appeal to Gascon, much like the root Amara was making him ingest.

Palisanther slowed to a trot as he approached the gates to the elvish citadel of Galaniath. This is where we part ways my friends. I must make haste towards the Giant’s Nest now. Take care and good luck. I shall miss the both of you. Palisanther said this last part softly. He had heard Gascon and Amara’s planning to run away for now. He couldn’t blame them in the slightest.
Amara wrapped her arms around Palisanther’s large neck as she went to her knees before him. “ Thank you for everything, Palisanther.” Amara whispered. She felt the great cat nuzzle her affectionately in turn and she pressed a gentle kiss on his head just above his eyes. “ Take care of yourself as well. There’s no telling if I’ll be able to rescue you again any time soon.”
Palisanther chuckled and he looked over to Gascon now. His arm was slung in the left over scraps of Amara’s tattered tunic and his color was growing paler the longer he went untreated. I know this goes without saying Gascon, but I don’t envy you for what you have to go through soon. he said.
“ Thanks.” Gascon returned wryly. “ And thank you, Palisanther. Amara and I would have more than likely died if you hadn’t been there with us.” His left hand gently smoothed over the fur on the back of the guardian’s neck and he scratched him behind the ears playfully. Palisanther all but purred in pleasure at the feel of the scratch and his large head lolled into Gascon’s palm.
Palisanther’s baleful green eyes met Gascon’s tawny ones for a moment, and Gascon smiled softly at the unspoken words that had passed between them. The look in the guardian’s eyes had said it all.
Take care of her.
“ No worries.” Gascon replied. “ Now get going. I believe you said you needed to get to the Giant’s Nest post haste.”
Palisanther nodded and he looked between the two one last time. Goodbye. he said softly, and with that he turned back from the whence they had come from and bounded off into the night.
Amara got to her feet and she laid a gentle hand on Gascon’s good shoulder. “ Let’s get you to the palace and healed up. I need to pull that bullet and fast.” she said softly.

Dagaron was hurrying through his palace from his chambers. He had just been roused from a deep sleep with word that his granddaughter and the emperor’s son had just arrived in his halls. Reaching out telepathically, he joyfully probed Amara’s thoughts from halfway across his palace and felt her nudge back uneasily. Oh this wasn’t good. Something had Amara very perturbed indeed.

Amara looked up as the doors leading into the infirmary opened swiftly and she fought her normal inclination to run right over to her grandfather. She had just finished healing Gascon’s wounds and the eldest prince of Hamelin was in the midst of pulling on a fresh shirt that was not stained with either of their lifeblood. That fight had been worse than he thought. Half of his left sleeve was a deep crimson from where he had been holding tight to the wound in Amara’s abdomen. “ Namerar!” She cried out happily, losing that battle with herself. She ran into Dagaron’s waiting embrace and he held her at an arm’s length.
“ You have grown much in the months since you have left Cygnus. Your eyes, Amara...They shine with life and light that wasn’t there before.” Dagaron said in elvish, smiling broadly at his granddaughter. By the gods of old, she favored her mother so. “ Prince Gascon, a pleasure to see you in my halls once more as well.” the elven king said in greeting to the Hamelin prince. He couldn’t help but notice how fatigued they were. His eyes fell on the bloody clothing that had been piled to the side and his gaze narrowed slightly. There was nothing in his realm that would cause either of them to be wounded so heinously. What had happened to them?
Gascon bowed low as he stood to welcome the elven king. “ The pleasure is mine, your eminence.” he replied in elvish, smirking a bit as Amara looked at him dumbfounded. He hadn’t let on how much of her second tongue he knew.
Dagaron smiled. “ Both of you follow me to my study if you have finished up in here. I can see by the look in Amara’s eyes that there is something of great import you wish to speak with me about.”

“ You mean to tell me there’s a great horde readying to storm my lands and preparing to attack my city on one of the four holy days?!” Dagaron seethed, his golden eyes going dark for a moment in his ire. “ I will not allow this to happen!”
“ My father will more than likely send aid, however we need as many magic users as possible to bring the troops here. Our companion Tarin is also contacting his father in the event the dwarf king Thaden may be able to help. Speaking of! I had almost forgotten!” Amara cried. She dug around her pack for a moment and drew out a yellowing envelope. “ From the king of the underhalls himself, grandfather.”
Dagaron took the missive and read it over a bit. Thaden was letting him know that he had inspected over the jewels for the pieces he had commissioned the dwarves for. This letter was also three months old. It would actually be a wedding present for Amara and Gascon once they married. His eyes looked to Gascon and he felt the young man block is intrusion. That was a feat in of itself. Gascon was certainly sensitive there for a mortal. “ What are the two of you planning? I can see it as plain as day on your faces.” the elf king demanded.
“ Amara and I are going to go into hiding where I know we won’t be found. There’s no telling how long we’ll be gone. I need to write a few letters myself before we embark on this, as does Amara.” Gascon said obliquely. He wouldn’t give anyone the location he was whisking them away to, his fiance’s family or not.
Amara looked over to Gascon and she took his hand comfortingly. “ Grandfather. The goblins are out for my head because I freed Palisanther from their clutches after nearly three centuries. The human that has allied himself with them is out for Gascon’s blood in order to pay back his majesty Emperor Vigo. The emperor had this man’s son put to death and he wants to cast the same judgement on Gascon.” Amara explained.
Dagaron’s eyes went wide at the mention of the guardian. “ You freed the guardian of the mountains of the north! That would explain why his territory has been overrun by those wretched pests.” he muttered. “ I agree with the line of thinking both of you have. However, you will not be leaving this palace before the attack takes place. If you wish to leave, I will need to learn which spell the emperor placed over you so that you may travel freely. How long do you think you will be gone?”
Gascon shook his head. “ There’s no telling that to be honest. I won’t bring Amara near any harm if I can help it and until this menace is dealt with, Amara and I cannot be seen or heard from for a long while.” the prince replied. He could still feel Dagaron trying to slip past his mental barriers.
Dagaron smirked. Gascon was very talented to still be able to repel him as he was. What; besides the location of where they would be, was Gascon trying to hide? It was obvious to see that the two had put aside their differences and if the elf king was seeing things right, then they weren’t just friends either. He watched perceptively as Gascon’s thumb caressed the back of Amara’s hand and both their grips tightened in an effort to seek comfort from one another. They were both frightened; which was good as they should be, but they were going to face this together. Dagaron’s golden eyes settled on the both of them again.
“ Tell me of your travels. Seeing as how I’ve been roused several hours early, I am fairly wide awake now and you both have my undivided attention. I wish to hear of how you came to be in the presence of the Spirit of the Mountain especially.” Dagaron purred.
“ With all due respect, your majesty, only if you agree to cease your mental probing of my mind. I’ve blocked your entry several times now. I believe it’s only fair to request that you stop.” Gascon replied tersely.
Amara bit her lip to keep from chuckling. That’s what had Gascon on edge? She could definitely understand why he didn’t want her grandfather snooping through any of their recent memories. Dagaron would skewer Gascon on the spot if the elf king knew how close the porcine prince had been to deflowering Amara nearly a month ago. Amara had her own mental barriers up as well for that very reason.
Dagaron laughed loudly. “ I was wondering if you were going to say anything or just keep going as we were. I must say, Gascon, you are very talented for a mortal to have fended me off as many times as you have.” the elf king praised.
Gascon couldn’t help the smirk that traveled across his face with that declaration. “ I thank you most humbly, your majesty.” Gascon replied. “ Where do we begin Amara?” Just because the elf king had agreed to stop didn’t mean that Gascon was going to let his guard drop. There was no way in hell he was going to be killed on the spot because Amara’s grandfather had found out what they had been up to for the last month. No sir, Gascon was keeping his mental walls up until such was the point that he could shield those memories alone. He hadn’t had the chance to do so before they had met the king of the golden wood.
Amara’s eyes went bright as she began recanting the beginning of their journey and Dagaron was smiling as he leaned in his chair comfortably. This would be one hell of a tale to hear by the sound of things, Dagaron mused. He had his reasons for keeping Amara and Gascon here as long as he was. There were two weeks left until the equinox, and Dagaron could see now as plain as day what the prince and princess both felt. The elf king smirked behind his palm as he listened to Amara intently. If all went well in two weeks, Percivical and Vigo wouldn’t have to worry much about any huge wedding plans.

Palisanther slid to a halt as he came upon the great stone circle. He looked around expectantly and he nodded appraisingly at the sight of the other four guardians all taking their spots. My friends...It has been a long time since I have seen the majority of you. Sparah, I thank you for gathering all of them for this.
Pimrald sprinkled something into the ground and a giant mushroom sprouted without warning. Get this over with Palisanther. I don’t care to be here any longer than needed. His silver, wizened eyes leveled on the leader of their ranks, and he took a seat in order to get comfortable. I’m fairly certain you can piece together why I would rather not be here. His eyes turned to Cynan and the snake like guardian bowed in deference this time.
Would it reassure you that I have no intentions of trying to do what I said I would last time? Even then, I was only jesting Pimrald. Cynan chuckled.
Palisanther rolled his eyes. Both of you drop your squabbles, please. There is a reason I have called the moot. Recently, a great horde of goblins made their way through the vale southwards towards the Briar…
Pimrald sat forward at this news. What are they doing so far south?! They’re infringing upon my territory!
And have been passing through my own unchallenged?! How can this even be possible? I would have done what I could to stop them if I had known. Duskin demanded. His hooves stamped into the ground in his ire and giant stag snorted in digust. I will not allow such trangressions to go unpunished! Where is this horde, Palisanther?! It is time they taste the might of the Lightning Stag!
Both of you! Enough! And as for them passing unchallenged, you should consider yourself fortunate to not cross them alone, Duskin. I was taken down by a tribe nearly a thousand strong, though I defeated many of them before I was finally chained and bound. This horde I speak of is nearly twenty thousand strong! Palisanther growled out. They are moving towards the Bright Briar as we speak. That's only if they did not take this night and last night to bury their dead and treat their wounded.
Why have you called usss all here then, Palisssanther? What hope do we have againssst thisss forccce if not even a sssingle guardian can ssstand againssst them? Cynan asked now. The trepidation was palpable in his voice as he spoke. Sssurely you don't mean to join their battle?!
Alone we are mighty, but together we cannot be overcome. As for joinging this war, I will be upholding a promise that I made not only to my liberator, but the dwarf king Thaden. His forces are moving as we speak southward to aid the elves. Percivical to the west will also be sending his men. This battle is for all our sakes, as the goblins mean to obliterate all who oppose them. I have no doubt that my former captor will not only attempt to recapture me, but the rest of you as well. I ask that you all lend me your aid in this endeavour. As long as the goblins are free to do as they please, no one, guardian or otherwise, is safe. Palisanther said solemnly. His eyes had traveled to each of them as hr spoke.
Why are they even mobilizing in the first place? Pimrald asked. He had since pulled out his pipe and had been puffing on it while the great mountain hsd been speaking. His tone was not as nonchalant as Palisanther had been expecting it to be. He sounded seriously curious about all this. Normally when matters like this arose, Pimrald was the first to take the cowards way out.
They are hunting those who freed me from the fifth warlord. I cannot and will not allow anything to happen to them. Sparah, they killed three of the Hughes family when they passed through your wood the other night. Amara has been beside herself in her grief from this.
Sparah looked to the ground sorrowfully. Who?
Was all she asked.
Amara's cousins Russel, Ivan, and Michael.
Sparah's eyes went wide at this. She had been thinking of naming Michael her succesor for when she was ready to finally step down. Seven thousand years was a long time to be a guardian.
Duskin bristled visibly at this. It seemed as if Sparah was devasted by this news. How old was the boy? He asked her gently.
He had only just seen his fourteenth summer this year...I was going to name him my heir to this title. By the gods...not Michael. Say it isn't true. Sparah begged. He had been such a bright and inquisitive young lad, full of life and hope. He was always looking on the bright side of things.
Palisanther's head hung low. I wish it wasn't Sparah. They slaughtered nearly three quarters of the village. Man woman and child were left to rot in the street...Amara and Gascon told me of the carnage and the state they left Thorn Pass in. They needn't have bothered however, the stench of death hung like a tapestry throughout the entire forest. Too much blood spilt...The forest was crying all that night.Palisanther looked down in shame and regret. He wished there was more that he and Sparah could have done that night.
Those bastards.
Four sets of eyes turned to the frog like guardian in shock. Pimrald had been the least expected to show such empathy. He much preferred staying away from others after all. His silver eyes were alight in fury and the amphibian stood up slowly, his shoulders visibly shaking in his anger. He was a guardian of this land and had been chosen because of his compassionate streak. Despite his gruff exterior, Pimrald was a softy, especially when it came to children. He loved to entertain the sailors' little ones whenever the ships made port near his swamp.
Who are they after exactly? Pimrald inquired. His tone was nothing short of demanding as he leveled his eyes on Palisanther first as he looked up.
Princess Amara Debrotane of Evesta and Prince Gascon of Hamelin. Palisanther replied softly.
Cynan, you're with me. We're going to the Briar now. Sparah, Palisanther, Duskin. Head north and be ready to support Thaden's men...Pimrald tasked. I'm going to help Dagaron prepare for the attack that will be coming. Do you know when?
The autumn equinox. I must admit I'm rather surprised that you're taking up the cause so quickly. Palisanther stated, his tone conveying his shock at the old frog.
Children are the ultimate innocents. No child should be buried before or beside their parents at the same time. I had my own family once, before I was chosen to take upon the guardianship. My line has grown very strong in the last ten generations alone. I will not see my grandchild come to harm.
All four of the other guardians looked at Pimrald as if he had grown a second head. They knew of the five virtues they all represented, Pimrald was affinity and he had been chosen because of his wealth in that noble asset. They all figured that his predecessor had been crackers at choosing him however. He certainly hadn't seemed the type. Not only that, but his grandchild? The goblins were after one of his descendants?!
Palisanther nodded. Cynan. You heard him. Both of you go to the briar. Duskin, Sparah and I will help Thaden where we can. Try to keep in touch through Cynan's telepathy Pimrald. Keep us appraised so that we might be able to end this once and for all.
Pimrald nodded and he turned his metallic colored orbs onto Cynan. Are you ready to leave now?
I am, just lead the way. Cynan replied.
Sparah, fly ahead to Uzrathane please! Tell the dwarf king that we're coming! Palisanther ordered genteelly.
Sparah took to the skies at a northwestern heading and Duskin looked down to Palisanther. This will be the first time the guardians have gone to war in almost a millennium, Palisanther.
I know, Duskin. The last time was when we intervened between the humans, elves, and dwarves. All because of the witch...
What if she is making her presence known again after all this time, Palisanther? You know who she is. Not even the five of us stand a chance against her power! Duskin snorted a little in his nervousness. I can't help but feel as if something bigger is coming from this.
You may very well be right my friend. You normally are. As the guardians of this land, we cannot stand idly by any longer with this menace threatening to overrun the rest of the continent. Palisanther hissed, his green eyes narrowed. We've already allowed to much to pass unchecked. We need to do our duty now and rid this world of the threat they pose.
Is that you talking from a personal standpoint or is that truly the course of action you wish us to bring about? Duskin asked, his yellow orbs boring into the guardian before him seriously.
I am trying to keep objectivity, I truly am. If you only knew the horrors I was subjected to over the last three centuries, you would have a wellspring of inner turmoil to settle yourself. I can promise you, I would not even consider such a course of action unless I honestly thought there was no other way. The goblins are ruthless, they raise their young to be ruthless; boy and girl child alike. Their nests are nothing but dens of debauchery for once the females are old enough to bear young, they have no say in the matter. If they can fend off the males, they are let go unscathed, but not for long...Palisanther’s eyes screwed shut here. He had witnessed so many travesties while in the fifth warlord’s keep. Not to mention what they did to the women the goblin men managed to abscond...Those poor girls...Palisanther’s shoulders were shaking as tears flowed down his fur and into the ground below, causing little bits of flora to pop up from the ground where they hit. He was the element of earth, at home amongst the rocks and trees of the mountains, the embodiment of endurance and temerity. He had felt helpless for so long, now he had a chance to avenge every single life he had been unable to protect.
I’m sorry, Palisanther. I only wanted to make sure that your motives were not influenced by the darkness...We all know what happened to Aepep in the long run...Why we haven’t told Cynan about who his forebear was. We all felt the darkness swallow him just after you took Gravelynx’s place. I cannot bear the thought of us needing to put you down if you allow the darkness to swallow you. Duskin said softly.
There will be no chance of that happening, though it nearly did. My darkness was abolished by the princess who rescued me...I owe her everything Duskin. Palisanther whispered.
Duskin nodded and electricity began sparking between his antlers a bit. Let us go then. We have a job to do and those fiends must atone for their sins. the Lightning Stag said, his voice full of strength and grit. The physical embodiment of justice pranced forward a bit and he shook his head towards his comrade.
Yes, Palisanther mused, his heart strengthened now. They would avenge all the lives needlessly lost. They would not allow the goblins to go unchecked any further. They couldn’t allow this to happen again.
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The Ties that Bind