Lyzbeam: The Prophesy ~ Chapter 8

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CRASH!  SMOKE FILLED THE ROOM AS A stool flipped over onto its side and a few beakers broke.  The smoke began to dissipate and the stool was consumed in a green flame.  “Ach Semgan Disparar!”  A voice cried out and the flames disappeared as quick as a drop of water falls.  The stool sat on the ground, untouched.3

“Great job, Lyzbeam!  Now you’re getting the hang of it.”  Daqura picked up the stool, setting it in its rightful place and cleaned up the shattered beakers.  “You’re a okay on this spell.  I think that is all for today.”4

Lyzbeam looked at him in disbelief.  “Done?  Why?  I want to learn more!”5

Daqura raised his eyebrows and sighted.  “Lyzbeam, you’ve already learned three spells today!  How could you possibly thirst for more?”6

“I don’t know, Daqura.  I just have this need to learn more.  Like something is inside of me telling me to study more, do more, achieve more and I can’t control it.  I go to bed thinking that there was more I could have don’t that day.  Sometimes I feel like I am running out of time.  I have a feeling that something is going to happen and that if I don’t accomplish this stuff, I or my friends will perish!”  Lyzbeam sighed and rolled her eyes.  “I’m sorry.  I’m rambling on and on about nothing.  It’s just a bunch of nonsense.”7

Daqura smiled.  “No, Lyzbeam.  That is exactly what I wanted to hear.  Now I know you are ready.”  He walked over to a locked drawer in his desk.  He pulled out a silver key and unlocked the smooth mahogany drawer.  Daqura lifted an intricate box out of it and set it atop of the desk.  Drawing open its delicate lid, he revealed a necklace with a mall black stone on it.8

Holding the necklace by its chain, he reached out to give it to her.  “Here, Lyzbeam.  I want you to have this.  It’s very sacred, so keep it always.  Never leave it unprotected for I fear of some ill-fortune befalling it.”  He slipped the cold metal pieces around her neck and clasped them as she marveled at how brightly it shone.9

“Thank you, Daqura!”10

“No need to thank me.  It was just a thoughtful gift.”11

“But why?”12

“Why?  What do you mean?”13

“Why did you give it to me?  Surely it is a present and no more.”14

“I usually don’t give presents.  But I like you and you mean a lot to me.  I wanted to give you something in return for your friendship.  You see, I don’t have very many friends locking myself up in my room all the time if you follow me.”  Daqura smiled and Lyzbeam smiled back their gaze locked together.  15

Suddenly, the door to the room burst open and Daqura took two paces back.  Neggi stood in the doorway, his face full of worry.16

“Get Lyzbeam down below roots.  We have been attacked.”17

Daqura rushed to the doorway, a stern look on his young face.  “Colonel, requesting to speak, sir!”18

“Permission granted!”19

“Sir,” Daqura whispered.  “I think she could help us.  She’s learned a lot and I thought we could put her to practice.”20

“No!  Absolutely not!” Colonel Negistrate grumbled before Daqura could explain himself.21

“Colonel!  If you would just listen, I think you’d be hesitant to differ!”22

“No!  That is my final answer, Mangescall!  I will not let you put any of the students, let alone yourself, in danger!  Now, get her underground!”  With that, Colonel Negistrate rushed out the door to battle.23

Lyzbeam stood there silently.  Daqura looked so hurt and she didn’t know what to say.  She had never seen Neggi act that way.  Then she remembered.  She had acted like Neggi when she talked to Dimitri the day before.24

I must have hurt him bad!  She thought as Daqura gathered up some potions and pouches of herbs.  She regretted ever talking to Dimitri like that.  She hoped what he was trying to tell her wasn’t important. 25

Daqura was rushing all over the place.  His desk was now in disarray and his cape flailed out from behind him.  He ran over to Lyzbeam and grabbed her hand.  “Come with me!”  He said and pulled her out of the room with him.26

Running around corners, down hallways, and up spiral stairways, they made their way to battle, Daqura, the whole time, holding Lyzbeam’s hand.27

“Where are we going?”  Lyzbeam yelled above the melee of the bustling dragons around them.28

“We go to battle, Lyzbeam!”29

“But you heard Neggi!  I can’t go!”30

“Do you trust me?”31

“Yes…”32

“Then stop listening to these teacher’s.  The don’t know anything!”  He stopped and put his hands on her shoulders.  “I mean, they don’t know what I know.  They don’t understand; you may be our only hope!”33

Lyzbeam stood there mystified.  “Now, we must hurry.” Daqura continued.  “We may find some answers!”  He turned and pulled her along after him.34

They came to a door and Daqura opened it.  They stepped outside onto a branch and looked down upon the vast army.  Dragons, trolls, goblins, and ogre’s surrounded the tree shooting arrow up at the open windows.  Few arrows made it past the branches but the dragons in the grand willow were fighting back fiercely.35

Daqura climbed down some of the limbs to find a good spot to cast spells.  Peering through patches of leaves and branches, he signaled Lyzbeam to follow him.  Carefully, she lowered herself down onto the bough he was standing on.  No one would suspect them due to the thick, long lace-like leaves of the willow.36

“This is a perfect spot to cast your fireball spell.”  He said pointing to a large gathering of goblins.  “And over here you can launch your panic enchantment.  See, casting these spells all determine on your timing and your angle.”37

Lyzbeam nodded in approval.  He was so smart and gifted; she admired that.  38

“Now, Lyzbeam,” He said looking down at their opponents.  “You must keep a sharp eye and quick feet.  Never stay in one place for more than a few spells or they’ll pinpoint your exact location.  And remember,” Daqura now turned to look at her, his hands embracing hers.  “Don’t leave the tree; we can’t afford to lose you!”  With that he jumped out of the tree and spread his wings, gliding into the melee below them.39

Lyzbeam suddenly remembered her duties.  She said a few words and some ogre’s clubs went up in green flame.  Bolts of lightning shot from her outstretched fingers piercing anything it touched.40

Seeing some goblins turn and look towards her hiding place, she quickly crawled over to a new position.  Forgetting her close encounter, she looked down to see Neggi in need of assistance.41

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Neggi slashed and cut at his adversaries but they seemed to multiply before his eyes.  Quickly and accurately he dodged their careless but fatal blows and slayed them the instant he saw a chance.43

“Is there no end!” He muttered to himself.  “Where’s Daqura!  He should have my back!”  Suddenly, five or so goblins fell to the ground.  Arrows made of flame protruded from their backs and throats.  Neggi looked up at the Great Willow.  Seeing no one, he knew who was up there.  44

“Right on schedule, Daqura!”45

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Lyzbeam leaned against the trunk of the tree hoping her hiding place was still concealed from Neggi.  She picked off a few more goblins and some ogre’s, too.  But the dragons would have to wait for one-on-one combat. 47

She then heard a rustle and a scraping noise behind her.  It was a sword leaving the haven of its sheath.  Lyzbeam wheeled around and let out a terrifying scream.48

There before her was a creature she had never seen before.  Its face was hooded but its blazing red eyes pierced through the darkness.  Its long, lank arms fell limply to his side, the right’s spidery, clawed fingers curled around the hilt of a black-metal sword.  His tail was as long as he was tall and had three spikes reaching out from its tip.  The wings were gigantic and shredded.  It would be amazing if the leathery threaded wings could carry a creature so large.49

The demon stared at her and growled.  Three more just like the first came up behind him.  In a deep rumbling voice, not of this world, he said, “We have searched diligently through these lands for you, Yshinu!  To flee now is futile; danger precedes your every step.”50

Lyzbeam felt two hands clasp around her arms and a cold metal collar was slipped around her neck.  Her feet were bound together with shackles.51

“Now, don’t struggle!  Follow our orders and everything will go fine.”52

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Neggi was being overtaken yet again by the persevering goblins.  With their tiny swords, they were no match for him but their innumerable size gave them an advantage.  What he didn’t understand was why their dragon soldiers kept outside the skirmish as if waiting for something or someone; a signal perhaps.54

He looked towards the tree.  Daqura must still be hiding.  Neggi sighed aloud as he slit another goblin’s throat.  He could surely use some help.  Suddenly, Daqura flipped into the melee next to Neggi.  Goblins began piling at their feet, slain.55

“Where have you been, Daqura?”56

“Sorry, sir!  Had other business to attend to, sir!”57

The two dragons looked up as a deafening scream reached their ears.  Above them they saw black creatures carrying away one of their fellow dragons.  58

“Lyzbeam!” Daqura yelled.  He prepared himself to fly to her rescue when two trolls and an ogre stood up before them, challengingly.59

“That was Lyzbeam?” Captain Negistrate cried gritting his teeth in rage.60

“Sorry, sir!  I must go after her!”  Daqura shook his head shamefaced and began to fly away.61

“Daqura, get back here soldier or I’ll demote you!”  The Captain struck at his oncoming foes.  “Daqura!  I need you here!”62

Daqura looked back towards the horizon where Lyzbeam was being taken captive by four unknown creatures.  He sighed and pulled out his sword.  The blade turned to flame as he went to attack the unprotected back of the one troll.63

Then, a loud trumpet reverberated off of the massive tree and the enemy attacked with greater force for the dragon soldiers now made their move.  They flew into battle, swords flashing, arrows zipping, and all the while skillfully maneuvering through the air.  It was like hawks pursuing sparrows for even though the Tree of Mifflin outnumbered the dragons five to one they fought with such force that the dragons of the Tree were quickly overpowered.64

A loud voice was heard signaling a retreat.  The dragons of the tree of Mifflin were, for once, being overwhelmed.  They made their ways back up into the Tree as fast as they could.65

Once inside, Captain Negistrate called an emergency meeting.  The selected dragons filed in one at a time.  They all knew their great loss and they knew who was to blame.66

Daqura came in last, his face sullen and bloodstained.  Every dragon seated in the council stared at him in some sort of anger.  He ignored their searching eyes and took his seat next to Dominic.67

Captain Negistrate stood up and began pacing around the fire.  He stood for a moment, staring into the licking flames then at Daqura who was changing the hues of the fire ever so smoothly.68

He cleared his throat and then began to speak.  “Friends, today, as we all know and have seen, we were attacked by a viscous force we have not yet perceived.  And during the invasion something, no, someone very dear and valuable to us was stolen; kidnapped.  By whom or why, we do not know, but we do know how she was taken.”  Negistrate paused, looking at Dimitri who was just finding out about the tragedy. 69

“Would you like to tell us, Mangescall, how you got Lyzbeam kidnapped?”  Dimitri gasped and shot a dangerous look at Mangescall.  Receiving the glance, Mangescall gulped and looked down at his feet.70

Choosing his words carefully, he began to speak.  “Well, she could be a lot of use to us.  I thought by letting her fight…”71

Negistrate wheeled around, eyes ablaze, pupils amiss, and smoke began to escape through the cracks in his mouth.  “No!  You didn’t think, Mangescall!  You didn’t!  Lyzbeam could be anywhere right now!  Who knows, maybe those things were TigerEye’s minions!  How could you possibly think she could fight!  As you saw, those enemies out there today were our replacements!  They are better, stronger, and more powerful!  Did you not think we could be easily replaced?   Did you, Daqura?”  Mangescall’s face went blank.  The Captain had used his true name.  No one knew it.  No one except ---72

“Mangezcall,” Earstine spoke this time as Negistrate turned away.  “Mangezcall, choo are deployed!  Choo vill ztay ‘ere oontil further notize.  Choo vill be confined toz choor room and choor ztudeez.  Zat ez et!  Do I  make myzelf clear?”73

“Yes, sir.” Mangescall said as he hung his head.  Dimitri, overwhelmed, rushed out of the room and down the hall.  July ran after him as Earstine directed.  Captain Negistrate took his seat.74

“You’ve made the young lad upset.”  All the dragons in the room snapped out of their daze and looked at the hooded figure of Dominic.  “You should be real proud of yourself, ‘sir’!”75

“Look, Dominic, we don’t need one of your lectures.”76

“And I think you do!  You all do!”  The hood left the head of the dark green dragon revealing his scarred face.  “Did you see that boy flee your insane rage?  Not once did any of you aknowledge him during our previous council!  And I’m telling you, he knows way more than you give him credit; Daqura, too.  Now when his new friend is kidnapped, he is the last to know and is now in shock in the middle of our Great Hall.  Do you know why?”  The whole assembly exchanged looks shaking their heads.77

“It is because he is beginning to realize that the prophecy is true!  You know of what I speak.  The prophecy of our age is beginning to unfold.  Our Yshinu has come.  Ghereth’s long lost child has emerged, and TigerEye knows this.  Also, the time of the Partolkine Stone has arrived.78

“The Stone of which only TigerEye and Yshinu can control, for good or ill.  Its power shall be unleashed.  But as you don’t know for you made him run out, our Dimitri has been to TigerEye’s kingdom in Desagrodda.  He met TigerEye and there learned that he has delved deep into books of the Black Era and now is even more powerful then our Mangescall.  He discovered the long forgotten weapons and some we have not begun to fathom.  He is making an army far worse than we ever have been.  He will try to take the Stone”79

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July chased Dimitri down the maze-like hallways for some time until she finally found him in the Great Hall, collapsing to the marble floors.  It was after hours, so the Hall was dead, every dragon in his or her room asleep.81

July walked up next to him and crouched down at his side.  “Ya’ll roight, ‘on?  Dimitri rolled over and looked up at her caring face.  Nodding his head, he slowly pulled himself up into a sitting position.82

“T’at’s good.  Cause if ya weren’t, Io was ‘ere to take care of ya.”  July examined Dimitri’s face.  She knew what he was thinking.  “Don’t worry, ‘on!  Lyzbeam’s alroight, Io’m sure of it!  But you cant go anywhere.”83

Dimitri looked up at July.  “How did you know I wanted to go after Lyzbeam?”84

July smiled and chuckled gleefully but ignored the question.  “Well, your not leavin’ wi’out a medic, t’at’s for sure!”85

Dimitri got to his feet in high spirits.  “Thanks, July!”86

She got up also and gave him a hug.  “Now, you’re wastin’ toime, doddlin like ya’are ‘ere!  Git down to your dorm and git ready or Oi’m leavin wi’out ya!”87

Now, highly motivated, the young dragon turned tail and ran down the hall toward his room.88

“Wonderful, lad” July said to herself.  “But stupid!  ‘E’s definitely gonna need me.”  She suddenly caught herself.  If it were just them two, they wouldn’t have much luck saving Lyzbeam.  “Oi’m gonna ‘ave to git ‘elp!”  With that she hurried out of the vacant Hall into the boy’s dorms.89

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The council had ended; the night was late.  The small fire had burnt down to ashes, and the fighters were weary.  Mangescall sat near the smoldering embers, deep in thought and sorrow.  He had let Lyzbeam down and he knew he was the one to blame.91

A tear rolled down his cheek when he felt a soft hand touch his cloaked shoulder.  He gasped and looked behind him quickly wiping the drop away.  It was July.92

“Oh, July.  You startled me.”93

“Oi know.  But, before you go all depressed loike, t’ere’s one more t’ang Oi nee you to do.”94

Mangescall looked up at July, puzzled.  “What could you possibly need me for?  I’m a no one, a screw-up.”95

“But you’ve forgotten one t’ing, love!”  July looked into Mangescall’s solid, maroon eyes.  “You’re t’e closest t’ing to Lyzbeam t’at we’ve got.  And isn’t t’at encouragin’ enough?”96

“No, July, it isn’t.  I have nothing left.  My life’s quest is diminished.”  97

She bent down next to him and whispered in his ear.  “We ‘ave a search pa’ty and your to ‘elp us out.  All you ‘ave to do, is pack.”98

At this, Mangescall perked up his ears.  Turning around he strained his eyes to see who was hiding in the shadows.  Crushing some herbs in his hand, he sprinkled them onto the fiery ashes.  At once, a new dance of flames leaped up to a silent ballet revealing the hidden faces.99

Ten other dragons stood by the door of the room.  The tiny form of Mouse perched on Posh’s shoulder, while Vasha checked the edge of a knife.  Chile and Billy stood side by side as always and Lefty leaned against the wall on his left side.  Artex tapped a pencil against his fingers.  Scap stood tall and valiant as a small ball of fuzz stepped out from behind him.  Lopco, while at the Tree, had become very fond of Scap.100

“Wow!  I can’t believe your doing this, July!”101

“Twasn’t moi idea.”  She glanced over at a scarred pink dragon that was smaller than the rest.102

“Him?” Mangescall exclaimed.  “He put this together?”103

“Well, most of it.” July replied.104

“He just met Lyzbeam though!  He doesn’t even actually know her!”105

“Excuse me?”  Dimitri was tired of everyone dealing out the blame and judgement.  Plus, he was sick of this Mangescall putting words in his mouth.106

“Excuse me, Mangescall, but as I recall, you just met Lyzbeam, too!”  Dimitri retorted.  “And if I’m not mistaken, we should be worried about Lyzbeam’s life right now, not who knows her or not!”  Dimitri flew up and pulled Mangescall to the floor.  “Don’t think you’re the only one who really cares about Lyzbeam!”107

He stepped away and shouldered one of the packs.  The others did the same.  Mouse expertly gathered his twenty-eight knives and slid them into their rightful place.108

Once outside they all stopped dead in their tracks.  Vasha looked up into the night sky, her eyes twinkling.  “Where do we go now?”109

They all turned to Dimitri who pulled out a detailed map of the four kingdoms drawn by Artex.  “I say we take a northeastern route that will take us to the sea.  We then follow that up the coast and that will bring us around the mountains surrounding TigerEye’s fortress in Desagrodda.  Then, it’s spontaneous from there and unpredictable except to save Lyzbeam.  Let’s move out!”110

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The first rays of dawn were peeking above the horizon when Lyzbeam opened her sleep-filled eyes.  She lay in a heap of dew covered leaves that had fallen from the trees towering above her.  The tree’s leaves were changing to various hues of orange, brown, red, and yellow; winter would creep up on them soon. 112

Lyzbeam recalled what had happened the previous evening.  The creatures that had kidnapped her were nowhere in sight and she felt desperately alone.  Never had she felt such solitude; she wondered where she was. 113

Then, a black figure fell from the trees above and landed before her feet.  He looked her over speculatively and had just begun to speak when another black figure interrupted. 114

“Upham!  What are you doing?  You’re supposed to be on sentry duty!  If TigerEye’s army…Just get back up there!”115

The smaller one of the two, whose name was Upham, gave the larger one a second glance then flew up into the trees in a huff.  The other turned to Lyzbeam and helped her get to her feet.116

“How did you sleep, Yshinu?” He said in a softer voice than the day before.  She recognized him as the monster that had snuck up on her. 117

“Who is Yshinu?  Why do you keep calling me that?” Lyzbeam asked hesitantly.  A whistle like that of a bird made the creatures’ ears perk up.  He looked intently up at the trees where Upham was frantically signaling him.118

“Fitch!  Jellox!  Get over here quick!” he yelled and quickly motioned Lyzbeam to get down.  Another two black figures emerged out of the foliage and ran over to the creature’s side in a crouching position.119

“Two thousand army.  Five hundred goblins.  Two hundred ogres and trolls.  One thousand dragons strong.  Three hundred unidentified.  Headed north.  Visoot!”  The creature swore and turned to his companions.120

“They are numerous and heavily armed.  They’re headed straight for Leegnor Forest right past our hiding place.  We can’t do much but surprise is on our side. “  He turned to a scrawny but stern looking hooded figure.  “Jellox, here’s all the arrows you need.  Fitch, tell Upham that when Jellox runs out, we are out.”121

“Caparzo?” Fitch asked getting the creature’s attention.122

“Yes?”123

“What do we do with the gal?”124

“Let her fight.”125

“Lalalalala!  What the rause is that supposed to mean?” he swore.126

Caparzo rolled his eyes in impatience.  “It means get in your place and prepare to fight!”  Turning to Lyzbeam he said, “Yshinu, don’t run away.  We are here to protect you.”127

With that, he flew up into the canopy of the trees and Lyzbeam did the same.  The five of them kept as silent as a sleeping child while they awaited the approach of the oncoming army of TigerEye.128

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They plodded through the trees crushing sticks and leaves beneath their feet.130

TigerEye’s army is coming!131

They care for the lives of no one and are bound to do the will of their master.132

TigerEye’s army is coming!133

They burn, they kill, they destroy everything in their path and all who dare oppose them.134

TigerEye’s army is coming!135

They approach a clearing that was recently occupied, too recent.136

TigerEye’s army has arrived!137

“Halt!” Cried a tall blue dragon at the head of the lines.  The whole army came to an abrupt stop.  A muscular red dragon with a spiked back approached a pile of crumpled, disarrayed brush.  Studying it for some time and consulting it with a fellow dragon, he came to a conclusion.  Someone had recently slept in that very spot.138

The red dragon obviously the leader peered up into the trees suspecting something wrong.  His face was masked with a blue piece of cloth with slits for his eyes and nose and he wore no cape.  His baggy pants were in need of mending and his sackcloth shirt made everyone else jealous because they couldn’t afford any shirt.139

Then he spun around just as an arrow pierced his left side.  He hollered in pain and another dragon ordered their best archers up to the front ranks.  They got into their positions but found no target.140

A black creature suddenly flung himself out of the brush slashing at the archers who fell to his blade.  Then another one appeared out of nowhere killing the goblins with one blow.  A fireball destroyed numerous goblins and arrows flew out of the trees always killing its mark.141

Then, as soon as they had come, they were gone.  The surviving front ranks were left in a daze.  Many lay dead at the foot of the trees and double that amount were wounded.142

TigerEye would not be pleased!143

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“Ranaydn, guide me straight.” Jellox muttered as he took aim at a red dragon’s side.  He didn’t want to kill him, just wound him to create havoc.  His bowstring snapped back and the arrow struck true and just as quickly as it had happened, he was aiming at another.  He kissed an amulet replica of Ranaydn’s symbol about his neck and prepared to shoot again as Caparzo and Fitch revealed themselves from the bushes.145

Upham stood by Lyzbeam translating some of the troll and ogre languages.  Lyzbeam released a fireball into a mob of goblins and then looked at Upham annoyingly.146

“I understand what they are saying!” she cried.147

“Of course you do!  Your Yshinu!  I was just making sure!”148

Lyzbeam shot him a warning glance.  “I am not Yshinu!  I am Lyzbeam!  And I don’t know why I can understand them!”149

Upham smiled.  “I know why.  It’s because you bear the Black Stone!  It gives you all the powers you need, Yshinu!”150

Lyzbeam threw down her hands in anger and annoyance.  “Enough!  I am not Yshinu!  I don’t know why I am the way I am!  Just leave me alone!”  Upham, however, was paying no attention to her whatsoever.  He was glancing over at Jellox who had just loosened his last arrow.  Upham curled his bottom lip over his teeth and whistled; Caparzo and Fitch flew reactively up into the tree.151

“Come on.  We must get out of here before we’re found out.” Said Caparzo and they flew into the new day’s sun.152

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The five travelers broke for breakfast when they were out of range of the army.  They ate some bread and Fitch found a few eggs from a robin’s nest that they eagerly fried up on a small cooking fire.  They had water and Southberry Ale and soon the feast was devoured.154

The creatures laughed and carried on like close brothers except Upham.  This made Lyzbeam feel more and more out of place.  She gathered some information from their conversation, too.  For one thing, they were back in the Northern Kingdom, her native land and they were in the same vicinity where Uniles had attacked her and Neggi.155

“What’s wrong?”  It was Upham, the nicest of the four who interrupted her thoughts.156

She stared at him blankly.  “For one thing, I’m back in the Kingdom whence I was banished and how would you feel after being kidnapped, hmm?”157

“Not that good, I guess.”158

Lyzbeam was astonished as to how much more polite he was than the others were.  “Yeah, exactly!” she replied, trying to sound like she was in control.159

“But now,” she continued.  “I want some answers!”160

Upham smiled.  “Okay.  What is it you want to know?”161

Lyzbeam pondered her thoughts carefully.  “What…How should I put this?  What…are you?”162

Upham laughed and shook his head.  “I knew that would come up.  We are Julieam or, at least I am.  Those guys over there, they were basically kicked out of ‘resting in peace’.  They didn’t exactly ‘do good on earth’ before they were killed in battle.  So as a punishment, they were sent back to find the one called Yshinu, or heiress of the moon to fulfill their sentences.163

“Well, there isn’t very many Julieam left in our world; TigerEye killed most of us off, so I decided to help them or, they decided they could help me, you know, toughen up.  But I don’t do much.  Just translate the opponents language and maybe help fight but not very often.”164

“So,” Lyzbeam said. “They are really spirits?  Demons?”165

“In a way.” Upham replied.  “See they died so that would make them a spirit or ‘demon’ as you seem to put it.  But they are mortal because they never quite made it to death if you follow me.  They can be killed again because they have fulfilled half of their sentence.  They found you.  The other half is they must help you defeat TigerEye.  They’re helping you now, so they could die now and hold their sentences sealed.  Understand?”166

“Okay, that makes sense.  Why do you need me?  Why does everyone need me?  And what’s this Yshinu?”167

“Well, your Yshinu!  Don’t you know that?  No?  Well that Stone about your neck is the mast sacred Stone out there!  It holds our dearest moon and stars in it center.  They wield a power so awesome that its chosen bearer will be the greatest enchanter of our day.  You are that bearer.168

“Prophecies have described your coming for years.  ‘A turquoise dragon mix will walk upon our land in the year ____ wielding the Partolkine Stone and they shall be named Yshinu.’169

“And that is why we need you.  You are our answer to the defeat of TigerEye.  Unless TigerEye gets the Stone, he will fall!”170

“No!”  Lyzbeam gasped and began breathing heavily.  “No, no!”  And then, out of shock, Lyzbeam fainted and fell to the ground.171

The others rushed over.  Caparzo gritted his teeth.  “Upham!  What’s wrong!”172

Upham cowered away from Caparzo’s dagger-like stare.  “She fainted.  I was just giving her some answers.”  The Julieam propped Lyzbeam’s head up and trickled some water onto her lips and she slowly, but groggily came awake to see Upham caring for her.173

After Lyzbeam recovered, the four Julieam sat down to discuss their next errand.  Upham told Lyzbeam that she had some business yet to take care of back at the palace of Andimar.174

“What, may I ask, do I have to do there?”175

Upham related the story that Earstine had told Dimitri in full and told her her business.176

“Once Andimar escaped the quarry unharmed, he made his way back to TigerEye’s fortress alone.  For you see, Andimar was promised a piece of land that he could govern but only under the authority of TigerEye.  Andimar agreed to this consensus and was chosen to be Monarchy by the creatures of Boyd after sweet-talking his way in.177

“But, this dragon had other orders.” Continued Upham.  “He was to be on the lookout for a turquoise dragon and was to try to get that dragon into TigerEye’s clutches.  So he tried to look inconspicuous and drove you from the Northern Kingdom thinking you were the one he sought.  He hoped by giving you an expulsion, that you would make your way to another Kingdom and there was only three left.  He knew you wouldn’t go to the west because that is where the centaurs and griffins dwell.  Andimar thought that you may go to the east but quickly diminished that thought.  Instead, he predicted that you would go south and maybe TigerEye would pick you up somewhere.178

“You see, Andimar has been under TigerEye’s demands this whole time.  TigerEye wants you killed and used Andimar as a pawn in his chessboard of schemes.”179

Upham finished his brief tale and leaned back against the trunk of a large beech tree.  Jellox eyed him closely making sure he had ended and then began to speak.180

“Now you’re going to have to go to Andimar’s palace, Yshinu.  You’re to make a big impression on the town telling them you are the one to save them.  This will put fear into Andimar’s soul and he’ll panic.  He won’t know what to do.  He’ll end up making foolish moves and we’ll bend him to our will.  We’ll tell you more, Yshinu, when the time is right.”181

“Yeah,” said Fitch.  “You don’t know who may be listening.”  The travelers looked up into the trees uneasily.  The silence seemed to engulf them and immediately knew that they already had said too much.182

“Let’s walk on until dark today, then we’ll stop for rest.” Caparzo decided as he stood up and tightened his sword’s belt.  The creeping fingers from the silence that followed gripped at their hearts as they walked through the forest that belonged to the feared Uniles.183

None of them said a word.  The forest was dark even though the sun was just reaching its peak.  Leaves and twigs covered the forest bottom.  Stealthily they walked through it except Jellox.  Jellox climbed through the branches of the tree, leaping nimbly from limb to limb.  If any danger came upon them, then Jellox would know, tell them, and then open fire.184

“Hey!” Jellox whispered down to his companions.  They looked up and saw motioning to them.  He signed something with his hands to tell them that something was lurking in the darkness.  Lyzbeam looked about her and saw pairs of bright green eyes.185

She gasped and muttered “Uniles!” underneath her breath.  Jellox had positioned an arrow on his bow ready to kill any creature that threatened their dear Yshinu.186

“Keep walking.” Caparzo said striding forward.  “Let them stalk us until we come to a clearing.”187

“But won’t that give them time to plan?” Lyzbeam asked.188

“They are too unorganized to plan skillfully and they won’t attack.  They know a Julieam when the see one.  They’ll wait until you’re alone or if they think they have a chance.”  Fitch replied as he and Upham surrounded her.189

“But why her?” Upham asked.190

“Because we’re more powerful then them you fancy rause!  Plus, they remember her.”  Fitch nodded his head toward her ankle where a scar marked her previous encounter.  “She’s been here before, in their territory.”191

“Keep your eyes peeled,” Jellox told them from up above.  “Don’t step in the bull.”  The companions looked down beneath their feet.  Bones, blood, and great amounts of mud caked the forest floor and gave off a rancid odor.192

Lyzbeam kept looking nervously back and forth.  The Uniles were staying just out of range but just close enough to watch her.  They do remember me! She thought as she stumbled on a branch.  A Unile, thinking he could reach the fallen prey sprung out into the clearing but received an arrow in his throat.  It staggered back into the brush but fell dead.193

Seeing one of their pack fall, the Uniles took up a chorus of hideous barks and yelps.  Caparzo stopped as if thinking of a plan.  His face was grim as he drew his double-edged sword.  His eyes changed from a yellow to a red and his pupils disappeared.  So did Fitch’s and Lyzbeam was sure Jellox’s did the same.194

But Upham’s didn’t.  He didn’t even draw his sword.  He didn’t want to fight.195

“Upam, carry Lyzbeam up into the trees.  We’ll take a stand here.” Decided Caparzo.  Upham went to do as he was told but Lyzbeam drew away from his grasp.  She pulled her sword from her sheath and stepped into the trees.196

“Yshinu, no!” Caparzo yelled in vain.  Uniles were already surrounding Lyzbeam bearing their venomous teeth.  “Come on!  We must help!”197

They leapt into the brush ready to come to their companion’s aid.  When they found her, Lyzbeam was being attacked by multiple Uniles yet no scratch had befallen her shimmering scales.  She showed no mercy to her determined killers.  198

Arrows pierced the darkness from Jellox’s hidden presence and Fitch and Caparzo gave their aid.   The weapons reflected the little bit of sunlight that peeked through the thick branches and blood spilt onto the old green moss.199

The Uniles knew they faced a foe too great but they couldn’t just back off.  Food was scarce and they were perishing.  The Unile chief demanded that his hunters bring back food and food her would get.  But this prey was taking the lives of the whole pack.200

The blue-green dragon fought like two and soon the pack was whittled down to one lone wolf.  This wolf took off into the thicket carrying a message to his chieftain of their loss and the lack of dinner.201

Lyzbeam stood up to her full height; perspiration dotted her delicate scales.  A soft shower had broken through the barricade of trees washing away the signs of a skirmish.  No one would ever know that they had been there.202

**************************************************************************203

The next day, after a much-needed rest, the travelers made it to a town road in the province of Boyd.  It was the road that led past Lyzbeam’s house of old.204

Lyzbeam walked among the mysterious Julieam as the whole town came out of their houses looking upon the sight.  They all knew who she was and what had befallen her the months before.  But to come back bared the penalty of death.205

Lyzbeam remembered Caparzo’s words from earlier that morning.  We’ll see who bares the penalty of death!206

Some dragons she knew from school gaped at her sudden appearance and her elegant wings.  They knew something was up for no odd creatures ever came to their town.  They were usually secluded.207

Lyzbeam made her way up onto a platform in the middle of the Town Square.  The dragon filled in the space quickly, eager to hear what this rebellious dragon had to say.  Lyzbeam gulped and looked at the pairs of eyes peering up at her.  What would she say?208

“Residents of Boyd!” she began  “Today I come to you from the south.  You are in grave danger.  A danger so powerful that alone you will not stand, but together, you shall defeat it.209

“TigerEye has returned to us and plans to destroy you.  He is already at work.  He’s been using your own Monarch against you.  Andimar is his loyal ally and minion.  Years ago, Andimar fought for TigerEye and made his way like a fox into your Kingdom.  He has been ruling the Northern Kingdom under TigerEye’s command.”210

“Why should we listen to you?” One dragon from the crowd admonished.211

“Do you listen to anyone else?  No, because they have not been beyond the borders of your Kingdom.  Why do you burden yourself with petty questions?  I tell you, you should listen because I’ve been outside this Kingdom, I’ve been to the south where His iron hand is reaching, and I’ve seen his force.  You cannot beat it!  And so I tell you, I will not let my hometown fall to this devilry!”212

The crowd was silent as if soaking in her last words, but then began to roar in satisfaction.213

“I am here to be your prophesied savior!” she yelled confidently above the cheers.  “Down with Andimar!” they replied in haste and followed her and the Julieam on their way to Andimar’s palace.214

It didn’t take them more than an hour to arrive at their destination.  When they got there, they found it locked and the surrounding country was swept clean.  The puzzled Lyzbeam looked at the Julieam who coaxed her to move on.215

Lyzbeam looked at the lock.  Immediately a key appeared in her hand.  She put it into the keyhole, twisted, and the seventy-five foot doors stood ajar.  Confidently, Lyzbeam strode forth into the darkened chamber.216

“Andimar?” Lyzbeam rose her voice only to be answered by her own echoes.  “I know you’re here!  We left the people outside!”217

A scuffle of feet could be heard across the room and soon the guards of the frightened Andimar lit some torches.  He sat upon his throne shivering in fear and steaming in anger.  His staff was in his hand.  “What do you want?” he muttered.218

Lyzbeam stepped into the light, her blue-green scales reflecting the light.  “So it is true.” Andimar said.  “You have come back.  You are the one He sought!”219

“You’re correct.” She replied.  “But I have not come back.  I’ve been here all along, in your people’s hearts.  They all represent me when they refuse the evil you put upon them day-by day!  But now, I have come to impeach you, Andimar.  One greater than they has come.  The rightful ruler has arrived!”220

Andimar arose in rage and pointed his staff at her saying, “Cease her!”  The guards did as they were bid but stopped dead in their tracks when Lyzbeam unveiled the Stone from her scarf about her neck.221

“The Partolkine Stone!”222

“She’s the one in the prophesy!”223

“We shan’t harm her!” the one named Fisher proclaimed turning to the Monarch then back at Lyzbeam.  “We can’t.”  He smiled and knelt down on one knee.224

“I promise to do whatever you ask of me, Yshinu.” He said and bowed his head.  Lyzbeam lifted Fisher to his feet.  He looked into her eyes and began to question her actions when she stopped him.225

“You need not bow for that is for Kings and Queens.  You are humble and willing but you need not dedicate your life to me.”  She then turned to the other guards standing about the marble corridor.  “You all are free to come and go as you please.  I am here to recruit an army to march against TigerEye.  I give you the choice.”226

Andimar ran towards her in fury.  “You can’t take my guards.  They are mine to order so therefore already lay under the Iron Hand.  You’re too late!  TigerEye’s hand is reaching and has already ensnared the land of Boyd!  Go back to the south!”227

Lyzbeam threw up her hand and immediately Andimar was pinned against a marble pillar.  “Hinder me no more!  Do not underestimate my power, Andimar.  They are beyond any of you, even TigerEye!  You are but a plague spreading to the hopelessly lost.  But I am here to revive them, Andimar!  Your rule here is ended!  The one spoken through the dragons of old has come back to proclaim to the nations her power.  Syra, Yshinu, the One of a Thousand Names has come to set the wrong, right; the crooked pat shall be set straight; the evil shall be cast below the earth!228

“Now,” Lyzbeam cried.  “Step down!”  Caparzo smiled and Upham saw it.  Puzzled, he approached Fitch.229

“Why is Caparzo smiling like that?”230

Fitch saw it too and replied, “He sees that our Yshinu is finally believing.  She has broken away from her childish ways and has become the dragon she was meant to be.  That is also why we came here, to help her realize who she is.”231

Upham now saw Lyzbeam in a whole different way.  She was like two dragon’s put together to make one.232

Andimar collapsed to the floor in disbelief.  He lost his throne and TigerEye would find him and kill him.  But he doubted this Syra.  She was wrong.233

“You’ll never surmount to the power of TigerEye!  You will fall and TigerEye will cover the land in death!  You’ll be first to go and your fame will be short.  Resistance is futile against the forces of the Iron Hand.”  He pulled his cape about him and ran to a nearby window, taking flight.234

Jellox prepared his bow, but Lyzbeam shook her head.  “It is useless.  TigerEye knows I am here whether Andimar tells him or not.”  Turning to the guards she said, “Come.  Pick up your arms and follow us.”  They proceeded to the door where the great crowd welcomed them.235

“Your ruler has fallen!” Lyzbeam announced.  “Now you are free to do as you please.  But, I need you to help me stand up to TigerEye.  Unite with us of the south.  If we don’t get your help, the four Kingdoms will surely fall and the land will be scattered with the blood of our families, friends, and children.  Don’t let your children see the death that could come if you don’t fight.  I ask of you to simply stand up for what you believe in and to not bow to another Andimar, to not cower at the whip of TigerEye’s fist, to not watch your child gasp for water and breath in the slave pits of his kingdom.  Do this whole world a favor and fight for what you hold dear.  For those who wish to follow, we leave in an hour!”236

She stepped out into the crowd along with Caparzo, Fitch, Jellox, and Upham to prepare for the long journey ahead.237