x
Marryn rolled over and crouched low.694Please respect copyright.PENANA0N0CE3xeXp
Crack.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAplg1B9wJHv
Light footsteps, even the crack of a twig was almost too soft to hear. For a human that is.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA3C8kNLCNeK
She elbowed him and put a finger to his lips.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA8s3dCFeBjB
He rolled over and pushed to his feet.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAUReG2Pm4GG
She pulled him back down yanking his arm.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAk2TCGdaQKH
"Are you trying to get an arrow through your eye?" By the under-gods! What kind of lazy training had he had?
694Please respect copyright.PENANAuJfRcdywB4
Should box that cocksure look off his face.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAtyNY5Ofn2X
Maxwell the lead guard came prowling out of the woods on the other side of the field and crossed it. The shadows of the forest clung to him. Sliding his hood down black ringlets tumbled out that haloed his grim face.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAWIUItQbNpP
He was not alone. He like the men that followed were what was left of the king's guards. Dominate over the other soldiers who followed; they fanned out from the woods and stood there silent. Jason was among them; as always a thin half smile frisked his lips. The other guards had shadowed bags under their eyes.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA0fI27q2tjf
She dug a heel into the ground and turned her head away. Dealing with him again so soon was a test of patience.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAxQNpeHwkrE
The corner of his mouth twitched. He slipped a thumb easy like under his belt and settled on her.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAQR1b28XQ6G
She startled and cut back a curse.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAe5VFKjQlAb
A large Nekhawk that followed, him landed on his held out arm. Where a bird's head should have been a gray squid face of tentacles withered about; In the middle of this mass was a long silver beak. Its lower half was that of a black hawk.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAX0aTz3NP8g
On the side of the squid's face was its eyes, they were large as a hens egg and dark. The Nekhawk leaned forward its tentacles squiggling. These were supposed to have been obliterated after the war as an act of trust. How did he get his hands on one?
694Please respect copyright.PENANACfNq8bbGk5
It opened its beak.
694Please respect copyright.PENANASjoPFFKO6F
A slow fizzy gurgling turned into a screech.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAzcv59JqRF4
She covered them while shaking. A pressure built up in her ears and she clamped her jaw to avoid crying out.
694Please respect copyright.PENANADe3iUc5Frb
"Do you like my pet? It's one of the few that survived The War of the Fifty."
694Please respect copyright.PENANACnODpFEwyy
His bass voice snapped, though the clearing like a closing iron shackle.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAIkLoU9HYpj
The creature continued its assault. She cupped her ears, make it stop!
694Please respect copyright.PENANAntOI61dTUx
She tried to sit up, to do something. It was hard to think let alone move. The creature's were pure poison of sound, first paralysis then madness.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAu67Bjw3yfc
Maxwell turned toward Parcival.
694Please respect copyright.PENANApoPqbl1FPp
"Well Paladin, you seem stupid enough; having fun being a lap dog?"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAORpC4fdW5j
The Nekhawk hopped onto Maxwell's shoulder and preened its feathers.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAYIWd2ekRGj
Parcival stepped over to her. He looked down as he did his face softened a fraction before he looked at Maxwell again.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAzUqLZjoKQ1
Parcival's face smoothed out. "What is your problem?"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAfeCTfB2o4A
"I have no desire to bother with you, leave now this has nothing to do with you. Continue to get in my way and I will have no qualms wiping you out." He stoked the creature's feathers for a moment.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAqNexwQN1hA
"As I said before, even Olenus will not be able to help you should I find you have lied."
694Please respect copyright.PENANA0c0NkZ7Mck
He glanced sideways at Marryn for a second.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA98DdnrW68H
"And, it seems I've been proven correct or you would not be with her."
694Please respect copyright.PENANA2SDDYLMzM0
His right hand had a dark shadow that orbited it. He closed his eyes for a moment and the shadow vaporized.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAqaxGFgBU12
The sharp buzzing in her ears made it hard to concentrate. After what happened a few minutes ago, his boasts of righteous seemed to hold up.
694Please respect copyright.PENANATyqh9MFjch
"He isn't lying, we are just traveling the same way. I don't want anything to do with him."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAv6hw2BrGDM
The lie felt sour in her stomach, still, it was best that Parcival went home before ... before. The hawk was it louder? Can't call--spirits.
694Please respect copyright.PENANACaRzRX5e0O
Maxwell squared his shoulders; with a sharp gleam in his eyes, he drew out a short sword.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAAPnsi28sz7
He pulled back one arm as he swung it at her neck.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAe4JWgKB2r1
She closed her eyes the only part that would move.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAS4dHNPhC4G
"Let her go, now!"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAdbErVW6weQ
Cracking an eye open, Parcival stood before Maxwell. The hawk's screech went lower. It seemed true, human males protected females ... any female?
694Please respect copyright.PENANAHbLwa8i5FG
The other soldiers crept out of the trees behind him.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA6FKwJf8rjw
"I see that look on your face, you think I would come after you alone?"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAacFFU1GQKh
He signaled to Jason.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAI7hMTafR1Z
"Take care of the other problem, will you?" He cranted a short cancel spell.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAzzz3WjYnm8
Jason came to his side.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAOeDv2DtssX
"As you wish."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAxd3HI1EG10
He strutted over to where the other guards were, now circled around Parciaval.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAA9ObvkQaIS
Parcival jerked as they flashed several spears at his head. They motioned for him to sit back down. He inched his fingers over the hilt of the sword.
694Please respect copyright.PENANADW0qD6HGGC
Jason spotted this, so he pushed the tip of his spear to Parcival's chin lifting it.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAlnrP9m770x
His expression turned stormy. "Are you so eager to die?"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAXW8ea6JaGa
Parcival slid his hand away and sat back down. His look became harder than she's seen in the human before, it was completely foreign, curious.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAXymSgKfth4
Maxwell glared at her, knowing him, it was best not to test him. He huffed through his nose while jamming the sword back in its scabbard.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAkKjPYlmXzr
She held a breath.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA1ZsTtWNrIx
"No, not yet, far too kind for you. Did you ever think that you've been lied and used? I know what you plan on doing and will not allow it!"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAYFbhUqHEgm
Maxwell pushed her against a nearby tree; his hands clamped on her arms. How is he doing this? Did he know or was he bluffing? Low hanging branches poked her shoulders.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAg3UQIVKPzw
She struggled in his grip. "Let me go. Now. What ever it is you think I'm doing, you have no idea. I have to-" She clamped her mouth shut. Watch it keep quiet.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAHnTAP9MZ0z
"Giving orders? You annoy me greatly." Maxwell snarled. His grip tightened.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAxdHewTl2qM
Heat burned her cheeks. Unbelievable, was her training pointless?
694Please respect copyright.PENANAyPY8DTrGPe
"How are you able to even-" "It's easy enough." He grinned. "You'll figure it out if not you'll die."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAUoKi332rv6
He took out his sword and smoothed the flat side across her arm. It burned, blisters grew on her skin. She drew in several ragged breaths.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAhTjk18gMlT
"Elvin Bane. How did you find any? It was all destroyed as part of the treaty."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAjK0vbE62vJ
"It grows wild still. I know what you really are. A disgusting creature that slaughters villages to the ground for no reason." His hot breath blasted over her face.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAcwGWjhlYyP
"I never should have let one of your kind in my city, my home." He spat on her face. "You won't fool him for much longer."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAwnj4VpLpSN
The Nekhawk stopped its damn screech and took off into the sky and circled above.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAt5R3fzDOxB
"That was hundreds of years ago, I'm not like them, we have moved past, such ways." She squirmed under his grip.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAkDGNs45Uhu
"Delusional. You are a danger and need to be put down."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAn2TqDLlaEm
"You're crazy, let me go!" She cleaved the air with a hand. "Stop it!"
694Please respect copyright.PENANA1BOB2hxNRS
"Give it to me," a voice behind, said.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAom9mkiVwny
Glass shattered.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAUWP1uX8bMv
Maxwell turned while still holding her. She pried at hands.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAzlxQ6C39eb
"Let--go." If only the blasted mans attention would lapse.
694Please respect copyright.PENANArhcalyeL4p
Parcival stood drawing his sword. "Back off, or watch him become a pile of frozen fragmented chunks!"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAypw02lf9QC
Maxwell dragged her with his hand across the small field.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAOhGDO7WMB2
"Put your sword down." He held her up.
694Please respect copyright.PENANATf24XsbemO
It was waking. She could feel the vines moving under the skin on her back. It tended to stay away to reserve energy. Within its presence bubbled up, dark and forbidding.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAADml7Qa9bR
Parcival held the sword flat side out above Jason's head.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAX7469kLtAz
"Then I guess you don't care about this man, do you?" His sword swung in an arc.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAPqwwhzBhn1
"I see, we are at an impasse," Maxwell said.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAvbusE283wW
Maxwell brought her closer to his body. Close enough now she kicked him in the crotch.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAkdCTsINA4f
His back arched and he sucked in a quick rapid breath, but did not let go.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA64fUL44hnL
"Infernal creature!" He shook her until she thought her brains would bounce out of her skull.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAVvN4lbZOIe
She sputtered, unable to say anything.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAtMt4NjGUey
He cursed with the ruggedness of a sailor while he locked on her with a hate filled glare.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAt85eX1ioDE
"Ten seconds."
694Please respect copyright.PENANALvtrzLVBdW
Parcival completed the ark of his sword; holding it in the air half-way before Jason's head.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAoApzMT4NzO
It was now midday and the sun blazed off of the frozen statue of Jason, who she swore seemed to move and at that moment, several cracks appeared from the center spreading up like a fine broken spider web.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAuanDQlWTXx
She pointed with her eyes at Jason. Hope he sees that.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAKNnS4TMQmI
"Next time your potions won't save her."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAFp6w10IrcP
"Nine."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAK3qOosyKtD
"He dies first. It's a promise." His voice was flat and low.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAVzpo1ITBuA
"Eight."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAy9EpmzHPUU
He let go and before she took a step he hit the back of her neck.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA0AFazPLGrl
"Go. A reminder."
694Please respect copyright.PENANANA0fQrffC5
She scrambled over to Parcival's side, and placed her hands on her knees, dragging in the fresh air to her sore lungs. Her neck burned and bubbled. Must just be him, a thought slammed into her mind. Was he the one the Adapts warned about? She tilted her head. Uncertain, could be.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAUFvlxGasd8
In front of Parcival, Jason was encased in a skintight crystal tomb with a look of shock frozen on his face. A spark of pity for the man floated, but it fizzled down to regret. Something about the man, reminded her-but of what? That too flitted away.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAIO3unYJy4w
She peeked a look at Parcival.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAHpYDGgCypk
There had to be some way to tell him some way without-the grass why did it swirl? She closed her eyes counting to three. Good, it stopped.
694Please respect copyright.PENANADjkFnQI3Yf
"Head back into the forest, now," he said.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAKNyhTUh1C3
He quieted the Neckhawk and stifled its noise.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA13It8fcV9O
Maxwell glared at them. "We are not finished, you realize?" Both men looked at each other as if they would cause each to burst into flame.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAaU5pJzUhnT
Silently, he slipped back into the forest vanishing.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAUcnRi5mBkm
This day stretched out as if it was a week, so much had happened in the past hour.
694Please respect copyright.PENANACr2zbqJdji
"Why didn't you leave? Are you trying to die?" She clasped her hands on her head. "Arg!"
694Please respect copyright.PENANA68gQB0S7jZ
A long drawn out sigh was his only answer, he turned towards the ridge.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAxKUwTH2L0V
A valley showed below the ridge. She leaned over a little. Shouldn't take more than a few hours. A sparrow hovered near before taking off into the valley. Hum, there were a lot of them around here. Need to get my ears checked its chirp sounded like a hiss.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAL1QeJ7BedU
She knelt down more pain returned it was hard to breathe.
694Please respect copyright.PENANARy3AwlB4zX
She studied Parcival. Just what were you doing out here oh, holy one? His kind tend to say nice and safe in the city's. The gaudy armor was far too flashy to be of any real use.
694Please respect copyright.PENANANnm6XDPUJ1
"I have my own reasons for coming to you." He stepped in front of her.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAO18TZqpb0E
There had to be another reason why he was with. I didn't buy all the goody stuff, everyone had a reason for what they did.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAm5k4fldxFD
She put her daggers back into their sheaths.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAnDUIBUGKwT
"You need to think about this, what I've done doesn't deserve help." her voice softened.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAB7Kw86Pf92
Her neck twinged another sharp pain and burning. Her cheek twitched as she fought a building need to cry out.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAIO2YfJu5mU
Silent he stepped closer and wrapped his hands around hers.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAqWI5YZ3aFu
"That's for me to decide."
694Please respect copyright.PENANALrKazXyLGe
He pulled her closer to him and traced a finger along the side of her face.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAQQoZRnlh6D
"You're in pain, and your face is taut. Tell me what's going on?"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAlP2j7I5CjH
"I can't. Don't touch me." She backed away.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAGnGazGrPsw
What if the god decided to switch? She pulled back with in, expressionless. It was hard always rejecting him; each time a little more of the hollowness inside grew. She clinched her fists behind her back hiding them. Self pity does no good quit it.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAaVp7Wu2Use
He threw his hands into the air. "You're the most frustrating woman. Let go of your pride, you can't do everything yourself!"
694Please respect copyright.PENANATvl9M9NJLA
His eyes. The glint that was usually there had been replaced by a hardness.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAsYK5BEN1Op
She hugged herself and turned. I've my own vows to keep. Damn it.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAY43iZq2R7n
"Time to go-" The pain under her skin, like a thousand rolling hot coals. Unnamed's vines worked their way inside her neck. She squeezed her hands together trying not to scream or to cry. Cursed evil spirit please stop.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA6JYmPq0S3V
There is no other way, I need your energy vessel be glad I do not take it all now. Unnamed dry voice whispered in her mind.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAzZelFQtPWa
"I didn't mean to upset you."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAWPj81u5wG1
He came over holding his hand out. She backed away too fast and stumbled.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAHHo0UBDmeJ
"Don't don't look at me, don't touch me." I'm an abomination.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA7cebn0qC5N
Parcival came over to her. "Your aura has shrunk way down and flattened!" He stepped close again and held his hand out near her shoulder but pulled it back before touching.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAbZyOozRY6G
Aura? "It's nothing I had a kink in my neck."
694Please respect copyright.PENANACV9rI1vVRw
The pain eased as the vines settled in. Straightening she worked a fake kink out of her back while forcing her face to become a mask.
694Please respect copyright.PENANARwFkvRnATq
Very good vessel the pain will subside over time. Betrayal is of a pale nature do not get us both killed.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAWiG9IFxQUX
Don't understand.
694Please respect copyright.PENANANysrdIx4DK
Trust no one.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAS4E7KukCsp
Lies, don't trust you! You're abhorrent!
694Please respect copyright.PENANACbDNPT1vbb
The god grumbled and grew silent.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAfxZHKCKeAh
They went over to the ridge nearby and followed it North around a lake. Then they headed down another road as it curved in a valley with snowy peaks of mountains surrounding it partway. Sickle Village, named after the mountains that fenced it was just a pinpoint of flickering lights.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA94OVIbNYiD
A cool breeze flowed over her and cooled her sore neck; with it a sweet smell of the valleys wildflowers it came off as a touch too strong for her taste. She stopped to rest on the soft grass. Her life-force ever so little drained away, as Unnamed wormed about under her skin and took what it needed.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAgWgPuGkgvT
She rubbed her neck grimacing as it had become tender and puffy.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAMMVH5P7NY8
"I should have done something." He scowled.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA4JjASjL5bt
"Blaming yourself isn't going to change what happened. But for now it's vital I go home."
694Please respect copyright.PENANACxn87royBi
"If you don't mind my asking where are you from?"
694Please respect copyright.PENANALOThUYxH5N
"Dentree, have you ever been there?" Resting her head on her hand.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAdxgPI07X9P
"No, I've heard it's it's the largest city next to Luna-jer."
694Please respect copyright.PENANA5wlNRKeqzw
The ground shuttered. A herd of wild Graluv's ambled by their calves ran back and forth between the long triad of furry shaped legs. One of the young turned its head close enough that her face reflected in its eyes as it passed by.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAAuSJ0e2n9i
They continued down into the valley, as soon as the wildlife passed over the road.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAOau0Aqg1F4
A wind picked up as night fell, dismal dark clouds rolled overhead. A rain fell sparse at first before increasing into a downpour. Irritating hair stuck to her back and the sides of her face. The road was long and winding.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAm3JWt8Gs51
"There's a long way to travel yet." She said. Once he goes to sleep he won't even know I'm gone.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAOOVdA4nZ05
His eyes narrowed a touch and he frowned. "Yes of course."
694Please respect copyright.PENANAWHnOq63gzI
Her shivering it became uncontrollable, her neck throbbed with a sharp aching as the vines went in further into her muscles.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAz8kVqMLA2B
She stumbled a step. Her throat constricted and she wheezed.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAAz1XyZLtZl
Don't panic he'll think you're crazy. She buckled forward falling to the ground.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAdmCPwWmrnI
He gripped her arm. Collapsing into a heap as her mind jumbled into fragments. No, not now!
694Please respect copyright.PENANA2hNL0UlBis
Closing her eyes for a heartbeat. When she opened them again Parcival knelt beside her.
694Please respect copyright.PENANApalAzNCw8a
He was saying something but the winds ripped the words from his mouth. She struggled to hear him but another dizzy spell hit. She tried in vain to speak but instead a wheezing gasp came out.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAhwyoHrl9xr
Flashes of his worried face above hers. Being carried?
694Please respect copyright.PENANAX1ZF8K0ZBy
Soaked to the bone, as if ice filled them her body became a great winter her limbs akin to wooden planks, the winds ripped into her. Parcival held her close. The temperature dropped and her breaths came in frosted puffs. Why are you so kind to me?
694Please respect copyright.PENANAgo6sdkCiAJ
The cold bit into her uncovered skin. Through her fogged thoughts the far off lights of a town seemed as if they flaunted their warmth, taunting her as they flickered.
694Please respect copyright.PENANA5g06bYWUdy
"You can't go to sleep stay awake!"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAc0wCBk7kFh
He patted her cheeks with his free hand.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAnqGuch2O76
"What's wrong, tell me!"
694Please respect copyright.PENANAKXt0BbbIWZ
She squinted as the wind squeezed tears from her eyes blurring everything. Her mind held nothing knew nothing but the cold, pain, and Parcival's warm touch. A bodiless sensation overcoming her as a blackness crept over her vision again.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAjSZ1WrYXay
You can't fight this, just relax.
694Please respect copyright.PENANAEfU3aeE6Yr
ns 172.70.126.97da2