x
Marryn rolled over and crouched low.695Please respect copyright.PENANAoSZbOWQvUu
Crack.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA0eHUmqA7CE
Light footsteps, even the crack of a twig was almost too soft to hear. For a human that is.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA8eBOt9My5W
She elbowed him and put a finger to his lips.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAQG328MJsis
He rolled over and pushed to his feet.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAsXT5iwtYed
She pulled him back down yanking his arm.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAEiEPRxJutb
"Are you trying to get an arrow through your eye?" By the under-gods! What kind of lazy training had he had?
695Please respect copyright.PENANANOABhcqzRR
Should box that cocksure look off his face.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAeQMpdYeJre
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAjqdk3A5UwN
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA0kW1xCMwa9
She dug a heel into the ground and turned her head away. Dealing with him again so soon was a test of patience.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA6J8Zlk5sas
The corner of his mouth twitched. He slipped a thumb easy like under his belt and settled on her.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAZs6ebiYNSh
She startled and cut back a curse.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA1QcviyaTva
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAJMZ3v1mUFu
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?
695Please respect copyright.PENANAW2CdJBNTRU
It opened its beak.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAYu6x7t2254
A slow fizzy gurgling turned into a screech.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAveG3ZhOuQ7
She covered them while shaking. A pressure built up in her ears and she clamped her jaw to avoid crying out.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAPmBRddSXlG
"Do you like my pet? It's one of the few that survived The War of the Fifty."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAQONpWmCvf3
His bass voice snapped, though the clearing like a closing iron shackle.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA0W7Ty0tltV
The creature continued its assault. She cupped her ears, make it stop!
695Please respect copyright.PENANAHXpTiYsiNe
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAehMwr8RIh3
Maxwell turned toward Parcival.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAQxDewDAVaN
"Well Paladin, you seem stupid enough; having fun being a lap dog?"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAFR6GVetvm9
The Nekhawk hopped onto Maxwell's shoulder and preened its feathers.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAMd1Z79J6Qy
Parcival stepped over to her. He looked down as he did his face softened a fraction before he looked at Maxwell again.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAoFzESz5YoK
Parcival's face smoothed out. "What is your problem?"
695Please respect copyright.PENANA1RBwK0VFZz
"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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA2GBrSBnfUM
"As I said before, even Olenus will not be able to help you should I find you have lied."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAMc9eN7Dle8
He glanced sideways at Marryn for a second.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAbbaECZ04kh
"And, it seems I've been proven correct or you would not be with her."
695Please respect copyright.PENANA8ItilXkRVM
His right hand had a dark shadow that orbited it. He closed his eyes for a moment and the shadow vaporized.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAuNdmZVRoYz
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAyENFjxeB6I
"He isn't lying, we are just traveling the same way. I don't want anything to do with him."
695Please respect copyright.PENANARUJgwDh3ze
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAmLmPSIVq7j
Maxwell squared his shoulders; with a sharp gleam in his eyes, he drew out a short sword.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA5Dpyu6BExj
He pulled back one arm as he swung it at her neck.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAxqcz6jmyw1
She closed her eyes the only part that would move.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAjEsFe6QAyj
"Let her go, now!"
695Please respect copyright.PENANATW73ndtYBN
Cracking an eye open, Parcival stood before Maxwell. The hawk's screech went lower. It seemed true, human males protected females ... any female?
695Please respect copyright.PENANAcsD2PWCp6R
The other soldiers crept out of the trees behind him.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAfGJYAOOHDM
"I see that look on your face, you think I would come after you alone?"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAA71YPl493l
He signaled to Jason.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAoC2y6Fd5HX
"Take care of the other problem, will you?" He cranted a short cancel spell.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAt88nbUhdCR
Jason came to his side.
695Please respect copyright.PENANASzngv5Nft3
"As you wish."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAIkFjoUbd0k
He strutted over to where the other guards were, now circled around Parciaval.
695Please respect copyright.PENANATPgz8tOWaP
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAkhfKm2B7ju
Jason spotted this, so he pushed the tip of his spear to Parcival's chin lifting it.
695Please respect copyright.PENANANPTaMKgyN0
His expression turned stormy. "Are you so eager to die?"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAXqDOjkygjW
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAlEVszbdfmN
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAIelD5pvWqK
She held a breath.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA3Cy9ZzNu6r
"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!"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAW8Zz90hKo2
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAWxOiQOOkOv
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAhegRWMCnAi
"Giving orders? You annoy me greatly." Maxwell snarled. His grip tightened.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA9rKALFg9QT
Heat burned her cheeks. Unbelievable, was her training pointless?
695Please respect copyright.PENANAleFdR6Lw3r
"How are you able to even-" "It's easy enough." He grinned. "You'll figure it out if not you'll die."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAYCE6vmx2cZ
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAH3LHBjLWpQ
"Elvin Bane. How did you find any? It was all destroyed as part of the treaty."
695Please respect copyright.PENANA0ouWppRpJy
"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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAPWDY27P0GV
"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."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAA2xMrT2AIu
The Nekhawk stopped its damn screech and took off into the sky and circled above.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAUUum6bTIkl
"That was hundreds of years ago, I'm not like them, we have moved past, such ways." She squirmed under his grip.
695Please respect copyright.PENANANnTf0xxx7F
"Delusional. You are a danger and need to be put down."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAnYSd9JbKqC
"You're crazy, let me go!" She cleaved the air with a hand. "Stop it!"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAZU4YweWD0N
"Give it to me," a voice behind, said.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA2z0Q5D0KiK
Glass shattered.
695Please respect copyright.PENANArDusCUhFUb
Maxwell turned while still holding her. She pried at hands.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAfvHHTe68Xm
"Let--go." If only the blasted mans attention would lapse.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAbBIBwTQILf
Parcival stood drawing his sword. "Back off, or watch him become a pile of frozen fragmented chunks!"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAmmXoPh5rAv
Maxwell dragged her with his hand across the small field.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAdx7mmn664g
"Put your sword down." He held her up.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAQoWB5PZmhr
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAInfItgSmsj
Parcival held the sword flat side out above Jason's head.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAPZozzYgQSr
"Then I guess you don't care about this man, do you?" His sword swung in an arc.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAn9sQYVav3L
"I see, we are at an impasse," Maxwell said.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAAPudXLuROy
Maxwell brought her closer to his body. Close enough now she kicked him in the crotch.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAcUsSLiMbPb
His back arched and he sucked in a quick rapid breath, but did not let go.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAEO6795gRXk
"Infernal creature!" He shook her until she thought her brains would bounce out of her skull.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA3aZVU4jjpZ
She sputtered, unable to say anything.
695Please respect copyright.PENANARQVzlwaS6R
He cursed with the ruggedness of a sailor while he locked on her with a hate filled glare.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAur3Sr1qgM3
"Ten seconds."
695Please respect copyright.PENANATKpEVimuKR
Parcival completed the ark of his sword; holding it in the air half-way before Jason's head.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAWsCzdMaBqw
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAZRS4UwmPii
She pointed with her eyes at Jason. Hope he sees that.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAHX01JfESPZ
"Next time your potions won't save her."
695Please respect copyright.PENANASBUDUJ5iZ3
"Nine."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAgUQftCfvno
"He dies first. It's a promise." His voice was flat and low.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAPs0fQYFBrL
"Eight."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAEWANGx6Iv9
He let go and before she took a step he hit the back of her neck.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAru9cy48L7G
"Go. A reminder."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAHr736pHvaa
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA8dSkom00w5
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANALkLAZCvHJD
She peeked a look at Parcival.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAMSWvZigctU
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA78DKfUg2Fl
"Head back into the forest, now," he said.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAnw8oFaqXW0
He quieted the Neckhawk and stifled its noise.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAYYWGAsVI1Y
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAuDvpVz3V1n
Silently, he slipped back into the forest vanishing.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAoJ9NHMkHcB
This day stretched out as if it was a week, so much had happened in the past hour.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAc6yOxgb46l
"Why didn't you leave? Are you trying to die?" She clasped her hands on her head. "Arg!"
695Please respect copyright.PENANATW9HbEZWX9
A long drawn out sigh was his only answer, he turned towards the ridge.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAcL45fphCij
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAm3NHJa3DlS
She knelt down more pain returned it was hard to breathe.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA1ZYYkfZG5M
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAiaZB8xnxC3
"I have my own reasons for coming to you." He stepped in front of her.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAFDUn16B9VJ
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAj0UtLEol3P
She put her daggers back into their sheaths.
695Please respect copyright.PENANANRCCAtRDjt
"You need to think about this, what I've done doesn't deserve help." her voice softened.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAtnpLxpujJJ
Her neck twinged another sharp pain and burning. Her cheek twitched as she fought a building need to cry out.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAw5wGYOjvlq
Silent he stepped closer and wrapped his hands around hers.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAHRjHVCQi4l
"That's for me to decide."
695Please respect copyright.PENANART49yOaJc2
He pulled her closer to him and traced a finger along the side of her face.
695Please respect copyright.PENANANvNl8M3Vh2
"You're in pain, and your face is taut. Tell me what's going on?"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAFJEtYBZFvY
"I can't. Don't touch me." She backed away.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAHYy618XPCc
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAszZlM91znh
He threw his hands into the air. "You're the most frustrating woman. Let go of your pride, you can't do everything yourself!"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAX1UHr27DGs
His eyes. The glint that was usually there had been replaced by a hardness.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAy1jmfFKQ85
She hugged herself and turned. I've my own vows to keep. Damn it.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAl906rNEvF8
"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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAKWfU2dVjt2
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANABRyg9kHb7R
"I didn't mean to upset you."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAvcZi6YpNeI
He came over holding his hand out. She backed away too fast and stumbled.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAcRMH5SGQtr
"Don't don't look at me, don't touch me." I'm an abomination.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAVA3WNGrAFu
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAA91IeSv1OI
Aura? "It's nothing I had a kink in my neck."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAyURUHUFcon
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAt0S83MhExF
Very good vessel the pain will subside over time. Betrayal is of a pale nature do not get us both killed.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA1NTWGzsrNz
Don't understand.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAqFj20DVgjd
Trust no one.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAokA5Ah27O8
Lies, don't trust you! You're abhorrent!
695Please respect copyright.PENANAh1OxKHDvua
The god grumbled and grew silent.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAGz4dAKqa1L
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA9y0gmVCfpm
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANABM0EUnGYg6
She rubbed her neck grimacing as it had become tender and puffy.
695Please respect copyright.PENANApYiltSxKLC
"I should have done something." He scowled.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAzdq5iG5fg8
"Blaming yourself isn't going to change what happened. But for now it's vital I go home."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAXO0z0UGfId
"If you don't mind my asking where are you from?"
695Please respect copyright.PENANA8izVylX7wc
"Dentree, have you ever been there?" Resting her head on her hand.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA90pQbaL6Nw
"No, I've heard it's it's the largest city next to Luna-jer."
695Please respect copyright.PENANA54nerDNas1
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAkcQV2TLJ0f
They continued down into the valley, as soon as the wildlife passed over the road.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAjJkMG3oWL2
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAcRRPFr2G4e
"There's a long way to travel yet." She said. Once he goes to sleep he won't even know I'm gone.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAzTgXk818ww
His eyes narrowed a touch and he frowned. "Yes of course."
695Please respect copyright.PENANAtx2sxdUnDx
Her shivering it became uncontrollable, her neck throbbed with a sharp aching as the vines went in further into her muscles.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAZKHTH2MMEU
She stumbled a step. Her throat constricted and she wheezed.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAO5RgFw4mYb
Don't panic he'll think you're crazy. She buckled forward falling to the ground.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA5XLBdl5DZK
He gripped her arm. Collapsing into a heap as her mind jumbled into fragments. No, not now!
695Please respect copyright.PENANA8mPTm90P7Y
Closing her eyes for a heartbeat. When she opened them again Parcival knelt beside her.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAk6yvFaud2u
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAiCDL0NfEgS
Flashes of his worried face above hers. Being carried?
695Please respect copyright.PENANAYswwG5Py1b
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?
695Please respect copyright.PENANAGS3I4wOIBz
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAmEBxcBLpgu
"You can't go to sleep stay awake!"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAtFQKW7jJBM
He patted her cheeks with his free hand.
695Please respect copyright.PENANAXtZ0ijx7An
"What's wrong, tell me!"
695Please respect copyright.PENANAzI9InmZpkM
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.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA9PEyD1aoQ7
You can't fight this, just relax.
695Please respect copyright.PENANA5X0M5SGQJb
ns 172.70.100.130da2