Lyzbeam: The Prophesy ~ Chapter 9

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push on for a true friends2

“SOMEONE HAS BEEN HERE.” BILLY SAID looking intently at the earth beneath his feet.  Straightening up he peered over at a pile of disturbed leaves.3

“Someone slept here.  And there was an army here, maybe even a battle.  I can’t tell; the ground is all scuffed up.”4

July came to his side.  “Good job, Billy!  T’ere was indeed a skirmish ‘ere.  Oi do t’ink Lyzbeam came t’is way.”5

The search party had been looking for Lyzbeam for a day and a half.  They found few signs of their quarry and moved along at a slow pace.  Having reached the Leegnor Forest, they were relieved to have reached shelter and clues to Lybeam’s trail.  6

Mangescall refused to let Dimitri lead so he took the front, totally ignoring the original plans of Dimitri.  He concluded that the signs led north, not east so that is the direction they should aim for.  Most of the group was skeptical but didn’t want to take on Mangescall.  Out of them all, he was the strongest.7

“We are getting closer, but this must still be about a half a day ago.  They’re moving fast.  Let’s proceed.” Mangescall ordered.8

“Hey, wait!”9

Mangescall spun around looking for the owner of the voice.  It was Dimitri and he was standing in a nearby thicket.  He sighed and walked casually over to him along with the others.10

“What is it?” Mangescall asked.11

Dimitri attempted a slight smile but it faded when he saw Mangescall’s scowl-like look.  “I found an arrow and it’s not the kind the army you faced used.  I think it’s from one of those creatures.”12

Mangescall reached for the arrow pulling it from the trunk of a tree.  “Let me see that!”  He examined it over carefully turning it from side to side.13

“No signs of any poison and very little feathers line the end.  Good work, Dimitri, but I don’t know if you’re right.  Let’s go on.”14

The company all turned to leave.  Billy and Dimitri took the rear.  Dimitri looked troubled as he walked onward, face hanging to the ground.  Billy had compassion on him and decided to stay and talk.15

“Don’t let Mangescall put you down.  He’s just upset that he didn’t find something as helpful as you.”16

Dimitri nodded but didn’t seem to care.  “Hey,” Billy continued.  “Don’t be so glum.  We’ll find Lyzbeam and when we do, she’ll be so overjoyed to see you.  Those creatures we saw won’t stand a chance!”17

“But that’s just it!” interrupted Dimitri.  “I don’t think those things you speak of mean to harm Lyzbeam.  I think, well, I think that they’re not the enemy.  They must be here on another errand.  The army wouldn’t attack their forces!  I’ve got to tell Mangescall.”18

“Unless it was all an act.” Billy replied diverting Dimitri’s attention yet again.  “I mean, maybe they’re just making stuff up to prevent her from running away.  Perhaps they’re pretending to be her friend so they can get her to TigerEye.”19

Dimitri looked back at Billy.  “Then why didn’t the army take her prisoner?”  He turned away and started pushing his way through to the front of the party. 20

“Dimitri?”21

“What are you doing, ‘on?”22

“Hey, what’s wrong chap.  You got your pants in a twist?”23

The other dragons hadn’t a clue as to why Dimitri was acting in such a weird manner.  They watched as he continued to bustle through them all until he was just a few meters from Mangescall.24

“Mangescall!”25

Mangescall proceeded to walk on pretending that he didn’t hear Dimitri’s stern voice.26

Dimitri told the others to halt and to stay put no matter what happened.  Grim-faced, he strode towards Mangescall.27

“Mangescall!  Don’t you walk away from me, crap-face!” Dimitri called as Mangescall stopped in his tracks.  Even though Mangescall didn’t turn around, Dimitri knew he had snared his attention.28

“Mangescall, we are going the wrong way and you know it.  Now, I’m just as eager to find Lyzbeam but she must not be among foes or she’d be dead.  We would know it.  So, we have to focus on our real enemy.  TigerEye is rising in the east, you have to realize    ”29

Mangescall stood, now, staring in the direction of the other Pygmy Dragon, a mysterious smirk scattered across his face.  He took two steps stealthily forward and said, “I say aye to your request but it would be folly!  You said it yourself that night you first arrived in the council.”30

At this time, his hands began to glow green and the other dragons knew that Mangescall was working up frenzy, but Dimitri did not cower.31

“That was then, before I knew you, Mangescall.  You must be a fool if you keep convincing yourself of this.  This is the wrong plan of action!  We should storm his fortress!  I have faith in all of you now.  I may have barely made it out, but that was just one dragon.  Who knows what we could do with twelve!”32

“You said our search party was for Lyzbeam and I say we should continue what we set out to do.”33

“Well things change.  It’s all for the best!”34

Mangescall’s nostrils flared and his anger had now reached its greatest point.  Two twin swords of green flame stretched from his raging fists.  He was squeezing them so hard that his palms had begun to bleed.35

“Don’t do t’is, Mangescall!” July protested from afar.36

“July,” Dimitri muttered as he fearfully glanced at her.  “Don’t.”  He caught the worried glimmer in her eyes and quickly peered away.37

“It’s all for the best, Mangescall.  You know it.  You know something that they don’t know, but I do!”  Mangescall’s glare turned into honest disbelief.38

“You know what you were doing when you gave her that Stone.  You knew she was the heir and you knew the consequence.  You were giving her up to what she was meant to be even though you knew that you would have to give up your love for her.  She is our Yshinu and you failed to tell her that!39

“Now she is out there right now finding out who she really is, I bet.  She will be fighting for our lives and the lives of everyone else.  The least we can do is help her defeat the fortress itself.”40

Mangescall, panting, stared as the rest of the group came to stand by their new friend and leader.  His swords diminished and his scowl turned soft.  He knew Dimitri was right.  “What is your command, Dimitri?”41

Dimitri’s stern look, sustained, gave Mangescall the answer.  They would try an attack upon the fortress of TigerEye.  If their luck held, most of the fortress would be empty, scattered among the Kingdom’s.42

The twelve companions traveled east towards the haven of the Iron Hand.  Dimitri was determined to help Lyzbeam in this time of war; he needed to show her what he could do.43

Dimitri saw ahead of him in the distance, mountains rising like sharp teeth against the horizon.  How do I know I am doing the right thing?  He asked himself.44

He called the company to a halt, knelt down, and studied his map.  After pondering over the intricate scratches for some time, he started to speak to his patient comrades.45

“We have two choices.  The easy, but long route leads around the mountains and goes by the sea.  You should be most familiar with that way.  That way we conquer TigerEye’s first-line of defense.”  Dimitri paused for awhile but then proceeded.  “Or we can follow a secret path through the mountains.  That will save us time, but that’s about it.  The decision I rest in your hands.”46

The others looked puzzled.  They remembered TigerEye’s land like the back of their claws but which to choose was beyond any of their comprehension.  July studied Dimitri’s face and quickly stated her opinion.47

“Oi see t’at you are indecisive about t’is but your eyes t’ey tell me t’at you’d rather take t’e route by t’e sea for safety reasons.  But Oi t’ink we should take t’e mountain pass for s’ortness on toime.”  Some of the others nodded in agreement.48

“As you wish.  But be wary, there are fouler things on this road than any other we may encounter.  I should know, I’ve been there.”  Dimitri pulled his hood up about his ears as a few drops of rain began to descend upon the thick cloaks of the dragons.  The others followed Dimitri into the woods away from the path as they made their way towards the fortress none of them ever wanted to try and overcome.49

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A day passed and both Lyzbeam and Dimitri were heading off to war against the one and only TigerEye, Lyzbeam to the north and Dimitri from the west.  They both made good time, but then, Dimitri came to the pass that lead through the mountains.  All he could do was make sure everyone kept a good eye on their surroundings.  51

The beginning of the long stroll through the pass was quite comfortable.  Mangescall gathered a few herbs while Mouse found them some water for their canteens.  Scap also made Lopco a little ball out of some leaves, soil, and vines.  But Dimitri refused to converse with any of his companions.  For him, the danger was still too near.52

Suddenly, Dimitri realized that Vasha was walking next to him.  He was curious as to why but refused to question her.  Sensing this, Vasha decided to strike up a conversation on her own.  53

“You know, I’m not all for this route either.”  Dimitri remained silent.  “But it is for the best.  Those fools!”54

Dimitri, stricken by this last remark, urged himself to take his eyes off the road to ask, “Why?”55

Vasha smiled her mysterious smile that only an assassin could give.  “The ten who decided to follow you on this path.  They’re not doing as you advised, Dimitri.  I feel what you feel.  I have the keenest senses out of everybody and something’s out there.  One of these guys is going to get killed if they don’t pay attention, so I decided to come on up here and help you out.”56

Dimitri returned her smile and returned to his watch.  She was right but he didn’t want to push on into the conversation.  He didn’t want to reveal anything just yet.57

“What’s that?”  Vasha pointed ahead of the group where the mountains shielded the path from the sun.  It was the bottom of the canyon and it was as dark as a cave.58

“Light some torches.”  Mangescall gathered some sticks and magically, some flames appeared on the tips.59

“Good.” Dimitri responded and he turned to face the company.  “Now if any of you wish to leave, now is the time to do it.  There is a Watcher in there, the Watcher of the Pass.  TigerEye brought him back from the dead and now it is eternally under his debt.  None but I have overcome it and the obstacles that lay in hiding in the darkness.  So, I warn you, turn back if you wish!”60

Posh stepped forth.  “We have come this far with you and we will not leave your side.  Besides, we chose this path and it is out duty to go with you to the end and to help Lyzbeam.”61

“Yes, yes!  Lyzbeam must be saved from bad, bad, bad TigerEye!  No dead creature will scare us off, no!  Dirty scum, dirty, dirty, and dirty!  Will die if he touch you, Dimitri, yes!” Mouse chattered as he pulled out several knives and twirled them in his hands.62

“Thank you, all of you.  I couldn’t have chosen anyone else for this job.  Now, follow me.”  Dimitri turned from the group and began to walk into the shadows with a torch in his hand.  The others walked hesitantly in also, Mangescall taking up the rear.63

It was dark and gloomy beneath the towering peaks of the canyon that blocked out the sun.  Most of them kept silent because of the constant fear of danger.  Still pools of water spread calmly over some deep crevices and tall rocks pierced the floor beneath their feet.64

Lopco stood close next to Scap his large eyes cautiously leaping from one dark corner to the next.65

“You just stay with me.” Scap said reassuringly.  “There isn’t anything to be afraid of.”66

“Don’t tell him that!” Dimitri whispered speaking for the first time since they entered the pass.  “It’s better if he is prepared for what lies ahead.”67

Scap glared angrily at Dimitri.  He shouldn’t scare the Beexo.  He was just a babe and knew nothing about bravery.68

“Really, Lopco, there isn’t anything    ”69

Suddenly, a deep hiss echoed off the giant rocks.  Lopco shuddered and rushed up Scap’s shoulder.70

“Wh-whatsa that?” He managed to get out.  Scap drew his sword but said nothing.71

Dimitri did the same and held the torch in his other hand.  Quickly, he ordered in silence that the torches are put out.  Dimitri could see perfectly in the dark, a mere advantage compared to the others.  Posh came to stand by Dimitri, his cutlass drawn and his face firm.72

“What is this new foe?” said Posh as more hisses reached their ears.73

Dimitri’s face showed no emotion as he moved behind some rocks like his companions.  “It is extremely powerful and has skin like armour.  His tail will pierce any flesh releasing a deadly toxin into its victim’s blood.  It then will devour you.”74

A great crash came from the path ahead and some of the travelers peeked around the rocks that hid their presence.  A huge black creature with large claws and numerous appendages crawled through the passage.  Its red eyes bore deep into its victim’s hearts forcing the dragons to take cover once again.  And its tail curled out and struck like a whip.75

“It is the Watcher, a scorpion!” Dimitri told them.  “Don’t wait for it to find us.  I will divert its attention and you must get past it or you all may die.  Mangescall, once you get by it, strike at it with all you’ve got.  Remember,” Dimitri’s emotionless eyes touched all of them in a way that told them that he would risk his life to save theirs.  “Remember, always watch out for the stinger on its tail.”76

Dimitri with all his power ran out into the middle of the pass and flailed his hands and sword to get the beast’s attention.  The scorpion immediately took the bait and scurried towards Dimitri, hissing as it came.77

Vasha and Posh led the group around the furious scorpion to flee down the pass.  Looking back, they saw Dimitri frantically striking at the giant.  Posh hesitated to move on not wanting to see Dimitri get hurt but July pushed him forward.78

Then, a great crash caught all their attentions.  Rocks plummeted from above down on Dimitri from the scorpion’s tail.  Gritting his teeth, Posh ran after Dimitri with his cutlass ready.79

“Posh!” Chile yelled and followed him towards the beast.  The scorpion turned towards the cry, searching with his red eyes.  Seeing the dragons for the first time, he hissed in anger and tried to attack them with his claws.80

Dimitri emerged from the rubble and shook his head.  Finally, he could see clearly and realized that his friends were rushing towards his foe.  He swore and struggled to free himself.  Grabbing his sword, he leapt from the rocks to the battle below.81

Vasha dodged and ducked the snapping claws while Mouse flung knives at the beast’s unprotected eyes.  Puncturing one, the scorpion screeched in pain but all the more eager to kill its prey.82

Chile and Billy searched for a weakness in the creature’s appendages but had no luck.  Yet, underneath it, its belly was a pretty good target.83

Getting ready to charge underneath their enemy, Chile and Billy were suddenly attacked from behind.  Tiny scorpions scuttled from a dark corner and caught their prey off-guard. 84

Billy destroyed most of them when he saw Chile in trouble.  Chile was fighting off two scorpions at once and was struggling.  Billy pried an axe from his belt and hurled it at one of the assailants, killing it instantly.  Just as he did so, the other shot out its tail like lightning and struck Chile in the left shoulder.85

“No, Chile!” Billy cried and rushed to his side.  Seeing the fangs of the scorpion ready to puncture his friend’s flesh, Billy raised his sword and beheaded the tiny scorpion.86

“Oh, Chile.”  Billy cradled Chile’s head in his lap.  “July!” he yelled out in anguish trying to catch the dragon’s attention.87

From afar, July heard the call.  Oi can’t go now!  She thought as the giant struck at her with his stinger again and again.  But the calls kept coming and she knew something was wrong.88

“Vasha, keep t’is beast distracted and get someone over ‘ere to ‘elp you.  Somt’ing’s wrong and Oi t’ink Billy needs me.  Can you do t’at?”89

Vasha smirked and gave the scorpion an evil glance.  “Of course, July!”  She sheathed her sword and flew up to come face-to-face with the scorpion.90

“Come on, you fancy big lummox!  Show this assassin what you got.  It ain’t as good as what I can do I bet you that!”  The scorpion, confused, tried pinching Vasha with his claws with no avail; she was just too fast.  So, he looked around for a new objective.91

Seeing a dragon retreating into the shadow, the scorpion found his mark, the exposed back of July!92

He knocked Vasha out of his face with one swipe of his claw and started to dash towards July.  Curling back its stinger the scorpion aimed for his victim.93

July had no time to react.  Calls from every which-way were warning her and asking for her help.  The point pierced her flesh and pushed her to the ground knocking her senseless, the poison running through her.94

Dimitri saw it all, the attacks on both his new friends.  His brow furrowed as he flew in, tears streaming down his face.  He landed atop of the scorpion’s head and cried out in anguish.95

“Chileeee!  Julyyyy!”  And as he yelled, he drove his double-edged sword through the skull of the murderer.  The scorpion hissed, screeched, and wriggled in pain knowing its life had ended.  The battle was over.96

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“Chile!  Chile!  Stay with me, Chile!  It’s going to be alright.”  Billy held up Chile’s limp head.  He had broken into a heavy sweat and his eyes were distant.98

Not far off, July was gasping and shaking uncontrollably.  Dimitri reached her side.99

“July!  No, we need you!” he said.  “July, just tell me what to do, tell us how to fix you.”  July tried to smile but it hardly showed.  She opened her eyes and looked at him as others came over, too.100

“Look at my eyes.  Are they white?”101

“Yes.” Dimitri replied.  “And you’re bleeding.”102

“E-e-elevate my legs.” She muttered.  The dragons did so and watched as her whole body continued to shake.103

“You can’t go, July!  Chile still needs you!” Lopco said through tears.104

“Get him out of here!”  Mangescall pointed to Lopco and Lefty picked him up and carried him away.105

“July,” said Mangescall.  “Does it hurt a lot?”  A slight nod came from the convulsing body.  “This will ease your passing; just don’t panic.”  Mangescall reached in his pocket and sprinkled some powder into her wound.106

The convulsions stopped the body lay still, and the eyes stared up at the ceiling.  They all stepped away from July’s body.107

Wiping tears from his eyes, Dimitri walked hurriedly away.  “Quick!  Chile needs us, too!”  Startled, the others rushed to Billy who still held Chile.  Chile was still alive and conscious but was on the edge of death.108

“Billy, how is he?” Scap asked as the whole company came up next to him.109

“I don’t know!” sobbed Billy.  “He fades in and out and doesn’t even remember who I am.  I am his best friend!”110

Mangescall took Chile’s hand, checked his pulse, and hung his head.  “He won’t last much longer.  I am no medicine maker but I can give him a potion that will ease his suffering until we get help.”111

“Give it to him.” Dimitri replied.  “By the time we get to the nearest town they will have evacuated.  No help is around so close to TigerEye’s Kingdom.  The most we can do is help him get comfortable and give him a drug of yours, Mangescall.”112

The group knew it was true and Mangescall gave Chile a swig of a concoction from one of Mangescall’s pouches.  Almost immediately, Chile fell into a deep sleep.  The remaining dragons decided to make a stretcher out of walking sticks and their packs.113

“Artex!  Draw us a diagram, right?” Scap said with no reply.  “Artex?  Artex?”  Scap called out the artist’s name.  “Oh no!  Not you, too!”  Scap put down his pack and looked frantically over the pass.  No Artex.114

Lefty ran up to Scap.  “Scap, it’s okay.  Artex was in the rocks above us hiding.  He is an artist not a warrior.  He didn’t know what to do.  Anyway, I’ll get him down here.”115

In no time at all, Artex was down on the ground and had a sketch drawn.  The party of dragons made a stretcher and carried Chile out of the darkness back up into the mountains where the light flowed in freely.116

They piled blankets onto of their lame friend so he wouldn’t catch a chill.  A night and day passed and gradually the blankets slid off.  Chile sounded more and more chipper but was still quite weak.117

That night Dimitri told everyone that they would come out of the pass the next morning.  Not caring who saw, the dragons lit a fire and sipped cups of ale cheerily.  Even Chile drank wholesomely and joined in the singing.  Their cares were no longer priority as they slept well for the first night in days.118

The next morning, the companions woke to the sun beating down on their faces.  They stretched and rubbed the sleep from their weary eyes.  The fire had long been turned to ashes and they kicked the dust away.  119

But not everyone arose and started to break camp.  Vasha strolled over to Chile’s bedside and was going to wake him when Posh stopped her.120

“C’mon Vasha!  Let the little whipper sleep his wee hay away.  He don’t wanna be disturbed.”121

Vasha turned to him.  A small tear hung out the corner of her eye.  “I can’t wake him.”  122

Posh’s face slunk to astonishment.  “No!  He can’t be    “ But Vasha shook her head, took a blanket, and pulled it over Chile’s limp body.123

“Posh,” said Vasha sullenly.  “Let’s go tell the others.”124

A gloom fell over them all when they learned of their friend’s sudden death.  The youngest veteran of the assassins had passed and they felt a sort of emptiness.125

“I can’t believe it!  He was so joyous last night, so happy.”126

Wept Billy.  “This can’t be happening!”  He glanced up at Dimitri.  “You…”127

“Me?”128

“You knew!”129

“Knew what?”130

“You knew of the monsters in the Pass!  You knew of the danger and you didn’t even bother to warn us of what it was or how many there were until the last minute!  This is your fault!”  Billy hung his head in his hands.131

“This is true, but he did warn us to turn back if we wished.  We refused and chose to face the darkness.  It is no one’s fault!  I blame no one.”  Lefty spoke his words wisely.132

“That is right.  We all came in this together and we all gave our fair share.  Now stop talking nonsense.”  Vasha scolded them all for bickering and pointed behind her.  “Now, we have a mission to finish!  Chile would want us to and Lyzbeam needs all the help she can get!”133

“Well said!  You definitely have the heart of an assassin, Vasha, but the voice of a leader!”134

Startled, Vasha looked behind her where she had been pointing a few seconds earlier.  A cloaked figure stood in the path, his back bent from long years and he held an elegantly carved cane.135

“Dominic?” she whispered astonished.136

“And Negistrate and Earstine.” Dominic replied.137

Vasha held her head letting the sudden appearance sink in.  Dimitri, Mangescall, and the others walked out from behind Vasha to welcome the friends.138

Dominic hobbled over to where Vasha stood and pulled the hood from his scarred face.  “How did you find us, old one?” she asked.139

“Never mind that.  We have to put our friend to rest and go back to the Tree.”140

Dimitri perked up his ears.  Did he really say go back?  They couldn’t!  They had gone so far.  “We can’t go back!”141

Dominic peered over his shoulder.  “I know it is hard, Dimitri, but you can’t do anything.  You are young and naïve.  You have the rest of your life ahead of you.  Don’t throw it away to TigerEye yet again.  You may not come back a second time.  That is why we must go back.”142

“Hey!” Dimitri raised his voice.  “We already lost two of our guys coming this far!  I am not going to let them die needlessly so you better reconsider!”143

“Who died?” Negistrate asked solemnly.144

“July of Eloigner and Chile of Rienne.” Mangescall replied for Dimitri.  “And I am with him.  I say we push on.”  Dimitri couldn’t believe what he said.  Just a few days ago, Mangescall wanted to kill him.  Now he agreed with him with a warm smile.145

“I don’t knowz.”  Earstine spoke this time.  “It’z a dangerouz mishon and I don’t vant to zee choo’z get hurtz.”146

“But Lyzbeam, yes, Lyzbeam!  We must, must, must help her, oh yes!  Must avenge friends deaths and kill, kill stoopid mean, mean dragons!”  Mouse hopped from foot to foot all the more eager to voice his opinion.147

“But Mouse, your little knives could do little against TigerEye!” Negistrate told him.  Mouse looked up at the giant and frowned most unpleasantly hurt by the remark.148

“It’z obviouz!” Earstine pointed out.  “If choo all ztay and try to take over zee fortrez then choo’ll allz be killed.  Wez are goink home!”149

Scap and Lopco were watching the others converse and were shocked at the paths being taken by the older assassins.  Then, Lopco pulled on Scap’s ear and pointed behind a nearby rock.  There sneaking off into the shadows was Dimitri and Mangescall.  Dimitri held a finger to his lips signaling them to remain quiet and then disappeared.150

Scap faced forward once again and so did Lopco, acting as if nothing was amiss.  “Then it’s settled.  We are to set off immediately!”  Dimitri started rallying them together and they began to break camp even faster.151

“We can’t leave.” Scap proclaimed above the clatter of pots and pans from breakfast.152

“Zcap, choo’ve mizzed zee argument.  Nowz, go helpz out!”153

“How can I?  We’re not all accounted for!”  Lopco sneered and nodded in satisfaction towards the three eldest veterans.154

“Wait,” Negistrate stated sternly, “where did Dimitri and Mangescall go?”155

“Oh, noz!” exclaimed Earstine. “They fly to zee fortrez!”156

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“Stoat!”158

A lean dragon came scrambling up the middle of the Hall where a huge black dragon sat upon his tall throne.159

“Stoat.  What is our status?”160

“Well, Most Powerful One, we are currently marching upon Andimar’s Kingdom, but we just came out of the Leegnor Forest.  That’s what Kelzin said.”161

The black dragon stroked his chin, his hard eyes boring into his right-hand’s eyes.  “Kelzin the falcon?  Well, what the rause is my army thinking?  I have to cover this land in darkness and death but my army can’t even accomplish a simple slaughter.  If only I had my old assassins…”162

“But, TigerEye---”163

“Enough scum!  Bring me Kelzin!  I want to send a message.”164

“Right away, O Excellent One!”  Stoat ran out of the room, his feet slapping against the floor.165

TigerEye shifted in his position on his throne.  His black scales cast shadows across his dark Hall.  It was entirely dark except for the few torches on the walls.  He like the darkness; it and fire were his only trusted allies.166

A large falcon flew into the room and landed on the arm of TigerEye’s chair.  She had just preened her beautiful feathers and sharpened her talons and beak.  She was definitely one of his grandest fighters.167

“Kelzin, why is my army moving so slow?” TigerEye said smoothly.168

“Well, sire,” Kelzin whispered, “they don’t think you know.  They a’ wunning out of food and a’ sta’ting to coomplain.  I don’t exactly know.”169

“Ah.”170

“But, you Majesty, thair is soomthing else you should know of.”171

TigerEye grinned maniacally.  “Go on!”172

“Dwagons, allies oof Yshinu, a’ in th epass, now pwobably beyond it.  They a’ up to no good,  Could destwoy you plan.”173

TigerEye pondered over this for quite some time before he asked.  “Who are these dragons, Kelzin?  Who tries to march on me in surprise?”174

Kelzin grimaced, afraid of his reaction.  “Tis dwagons fwom long ago who fled you wath.  Helped you take ova the twolls.  They come fwum the Tree!”175

TigerEye’s face turned to anger.  “They side with my sister?  How could this be?  I made them who they are!  Kelzin, I want their heads mounted in my hall!  Fly quickly to the army and tell them to make haste back to the castle.  They’ll trap those traitors and force them into my grasp!”176

“They went thwoo the pass, Si.  They also killed the sco’pion.”  TigerEye’s scowl made the falcon close her beak.  The Iron Hand did not like ill news like this and refused to let small things go.177

Kelzin choked out one more thing before departing with her new errand.  “One of the dwagons is a young one who twied to join you while opposing you, Si.  His name is Dimitwee.” 178

The irate assassin lunged out his hand to grab the bird bearing bad news but she took off down the hall, wings flapping frantically, merely escaping his grip.179

“So you come back, Dimitri.”  TigerEye muttered to himself.  “We’ll see if you escape me again!”180