ForevaXena's FanFic . . .
A Few Turns More . .
.
by Ellianora
Disclaimer: The characters here are my own and as such the property of moi. Though the two main characters do resemble a pair we all know and love there are some differences.
Violence: Yes violence is here and it can get graphic, close to PG-13 I would say, so be warned.
Sex: A little more then hugging and kissing but not much, between two women who love and care for each other very much.
Feedback: Always. I love to hear from folks who read my stories. Either good or bad. I would like to take the time here to thank all those who wrote me and told me how much they enjoyed 'Turn of the Wheel' and were hoping for a sequel. Here it is:)
Chapter 8
Fang slipped out of her blankets, gathering up
the documents she had taken from Censor's tent. It was fortunate she had been
able to reach it before the others. Now all she needed to do was retrieve the
fabled ruby for her clan, thus regain her status among her family, which was
tenuous enough already being an outsider, even if she was the adopted daughter
of the Parma, patriarch of the Tanje branch of the family.
Fang glanced about the small but sturdy tent she was using as a sleeping place.
The group had decided to take over the foe's camp being better supplied and
having the bivouac tents to protect them from the elements. The captured
Firehawks had been released after the battle. They were guild mercenaries after
all. With no leader, there was now reason to continue the battle. Of course,
being the victors they could have ransomed them to their guild to see if they
worth a decent price but the one called Venom wouldn't hear of it.
She was an odd woman. At one time, she could be as hard as the black ore from
the Silver Mountains, seemingly merciless, then she could be so soft and
compassionate. Even when she dealt harshly with her companions, Fang could
detect a sense of genuine caring from enigmatic warrior.
Fang slipped out her tent, melding into the shadows to avoid detection by
Gasqule who was currently standing watch. She reasoned it would be easier to
slip past the light warrior then Venom. Of course, it would have been even
easier for her to leave during her turn at watch, but that would mean leaving
the others defenseless. She couldn't do that. Fang had to admit a grudging
respect of the trio.
Fang was feeling a twinge of regret having to deceive the band. Gasqule was more
then just a handsome youth; he also had a mind that was razor sharp. Far better
then usual muscle bound warriors she had dealt with in the past. Fang still felt
a strong attraction to the lad. There was little about him that she did not
admire. He was still somewhat naïve but that would soon change she imagined.
The mage Zafrina was unschooled though still better then most. Despite the fact
it was obvious she had a touch of manna sickness, she managed to maintain her
composure enough to cast the spells in quick response to Fang's attack. The
stretched web was also a stroke of genius. She would need to relate that tactic
to her superiors upon her return.
Then there was Venom. The woman had single handedly defeated four Firehawks and
a guild mage along with Censor. Truly, she lived up to her reputation as one of
the greatest fighters in Iamoore. She recalled the shattered remains of Ice Fang
lying about the campsite. She still did not recognize Venom's sword, but the
blade was powerful if it could destroy an artifact such as Censor's blade.
"They were all worthy allies," Fang thought as she picked her way
through the rubble, following the ancient map to the secret hiding place of the
ruby. "Easily they were one of the best teams I have dealt with inside or
outside the clan." She actually was saddened to be leaving their company
and returning to her clan. Still, she had her obligations to her clan, her
family.
Steeling her resolve, Fang pushed her way past two partially melted metallic
doors leading into a large ruined Palace. She noted the once great hall had
collapsed onto itself. From the sharp edges of the remains Fang deduced the
cave-in had occurred recently. She determined this must have been the place
Venom had described were Censor had fallen to his death.
A grim smile grew on her lips. Maloch, the master of murder indeed smiled upon
her. Not only would she be able to obtain the fabled ruby, she might also
acquire the head of the traitor Censor, as warning to all those who dare to
betray the families of Tymoria.
Fang unwound the thin but incredibly strong strand of singing silver from around
her waist, attaching a small spike to it then securing it to the east wall.
According to her information, the ruby lay in a secret throne room in the lower
level of the palace. Once again, fortune had smiled upon her. This was getting
almost too easy.
The assassin lowered herself down to the lower level, landing on the rubble. She
picked her way through the broken tile and stone, making no sound. Presently she
came upon a large bloodstain along with a few bits of broken black plate mail.
Incredibly, the Prince Regent had somehow survived the plummet. Fang stared back
up at the ceiling far above. "I would give a thousand triones to know how
you managed this feet," Fang thought.
She reasoned he had lost a great deal of blood from the circumference the stain
on the floor. There was no way a normal human could survive such devastating
loss, much less be capable of walking away. Magik was involved. It was the only
plausible answer. Fang drew the sword strapped to her back. "Whatever you
are," Fang whispered grimacing. "If you want the ruby it will not be
without a fight."
She discerned a set of bloody footprints staggering down the hall. Cautiously,
she continued her trek. She deduced the footprints were gradually moving at a
faster rate. Apparently, he was healing even as he moved forward. "This
could be a problem," Fang muttered, casting a wary eye in every direction.
The map and the trail led her to a huge underground throne room, obviously a
secured room to protect the ancient emperor during his final days. Despite the
rotations that had passed, she could see the elegant splendor of the decadent
court. The pillars were carefully sculpted, trimmed in gold and silver. The
Massive walls were covered in mosaic paintings whose vibrant colors still shined
through the dust of the ages.
The great multi-colored carpet was covered with dust, still luxurious despite
being the meal for a score of underground insects and vermin.
Upon a massive dais of carved ivory, was a great throne cast in gold and adorned
with sparkling red rubies. Fang was surprised no thief had ever reached this
room to pilfer the valuable items. Supposedly, the fabled ruby was hidden in a
secret compartment upon the legendary throne.
Fang wondered if she would have even found this room if the floor would not have
collapsed, allowing her access as she stared at the naked splendor before her in
amazement.
"Probably not," she heard a silky baritone voice announce behind her,
answering her unspoken question.
Fang wheeled about. How had someone gotten behind her? In all her plantings, she
had never allowed anyone to ambush her." Behind her was a man she
recognized as the Prince Regent himself.
There was no evidence of the incredible fall upon his person though his armor
now glowing a bright red was in a severely damaged state. In his right hand, he
held a large golden staff with a large red gem that glowed with such intensity
it nearly lighted the room.
"You found the ruby." Fang stated, unable to think of another reply.
"Yes," Censor acknowledged. "The map was a trap you see. This
room is nearly inaccessible by any but the most skilled. Now I have the ruby, it
healed me actually, led me directly to it."
"How is that possible?" Fang gasped. She had heard of magikal
artifacts calling an owner, but only after they had bonded with the item in
question.
"Maybe it recognizes greatness," Censor shrugged. "Who really
knows, more importantly does it matter? I have the gem now."
From the wild glint in his eye Fang realized the Prince Regent was teetering on
the edge of madness. Using her incredible speed, Fang drew one of her daggers
throwing it at the prince.
The deadly projectile stopped just short of Censor's eye, suspended in mid-air.
"Now that was extremely rude," Censor smirked knocking the dagger
harmlessly aside. Censor began to stroll casually in the direction of the now
frenzied assassin. How did one fight a legend?
She struck out with her sword, striking a red glowing field. Her sword became
red hot, searing the flesh in her hand. Screaming in agony, Fang tossed the
glowing weapon away.
Blocking the pain, she tumbled away, hoping to reach the exit. Her only chance
was to get out of this room. Perhaps after she had a chance to collect herself
she could think of a plan.
Suddenly, she felt a blinding pain assault her mind, causing her to double over
in agony. Fang struggled to her feet.
"You are as stubborn as your sister," Censor laughed.
"What do you mean?" Fang said between clenched teeth. A red bolt
leaped from the gem, knocking her unconscious before she could hear any reply.
"This was almost to easy," Censor grinned, staring down at the prone
figure of the assassin.
****
Venom awakened to the strangulated cry of Gasqule currently on watch. Wasting no
time, she snatched up her sword, dashing out the tent. With her combat sense,
she surveyed the area. From the corner of her eye venom spotted Zaphrina leaping
out of the tent of the guild mage she had taken for her own.
"What is going on?" Venom asked. She caught sight of Gasqule lying
sprawled out motionless upon the ground. Before Zafrina could reply, a red beam
struck her, knocking the elf mage senseless.
"Dragperg!" Venom exclaimed. She wondered where Fang was. Perhaps the
assassin was responsible for this ambush.
"Hello Venom," Censor greeted her stepping out of the shadows. She
could not fathom how Censor had survived the fall. He appeared to be completely
unscathed, now clothed in red glowing armor.
"You have no comments shelain," Censor sneered. "Even your
precious sword is no match for this." He announced presenting the staff
with the glowing ruby.
"Pretty rock," Venom observed approaching the mighty Prince Regent.
"It does go with your blood shot eyes."
Censor pointed the staff at her sending another intense crimson ray at her. The
beam struck her sword, ripping the blade from her hand. Both antagonists stared
aghast at the occurrence. No force had ever ripped the sword out of her grasp.
As for Censor, he had thought the withering blast would have disintegrated the
sword into dust. How could any item, even a magikal one withstand the power the
ruby?
Before venom could retrieve her sword, Censor issued another blast at the
warrior dropping her to the ground.
Venom struggled to her knees, attempting to shake off the effect of the assault.
"Really Venom," Censor chuckled as he strolled casually over to the
shaking warrior. The Prince Regent yanked her chin up, staring into her pain
filled eyes. "This is one time sea-bitch you can't win."
"Go Fregg yourself, Venom spat defiantly.
A scowled crossed Censor's handsome face. He struck the defiant woman with his
red glowing fist. Blood spurted from her mouth and nose as she flew back several
feet, crashing against the hard ground unconscious.
Censor was about to walk over to take possession of the woman's sword when
something screamed in the back of his mind. It seemed to warn him not to touch
the sword, let it lie where it had fallen. Giving a casual shrug, the Prince
Regent walked away. Why did he need the sword with the great Fire Ruby in his
possession?
"Prince Censor," one of the Firehawks exclaimed, jumping out of their
tent. They had allowed the men freedom but had taken their weapons.
"You failed me," Censor reviled them.
"Apologies sire," one of the men said subordinately. "We hope you
will give us a chance to prove ourselves."
"Don't worry," Censor replied grinning malevolently. "You
will." The prince pointed the staff at the men. They began to scream.
****
Venom's head was throbbing, from the devastating attack. She shook her head
attempting to clear her thoughts. She could tell she was bound suspended from
the ceiling of a hug room.
"I wouldn't struggle to hard," Censor warned. Glancing up she caught
sight of triumphant face of Censor, his arms crossed glaring at her like a prize
trophy."
"I don't know how you managed to survive," Venom growled," but
I'll make sure you regret it."
"Please," Censor smirked circling the woman. "If you glance up at
the ceiling you'll see your companions suspended by the same stone brace as you,
though much higher up."
Venom looked up to see Zaphrina, Gasqule who was still unconscious and the woman
called Fang hanging from the stone brace. She also noticed he had gagged the
elven mage to prevent her from using any verbal magiks.
"You see I weakened the stone brace," Censor continued. "If you
struggle, using that great strength of yours, the brace will break and the
entire ceiling will come tumbling down, along with your friends."
"Isn't this just a little melodramatic," Venom scowled. "This
sounds like one of those traps in a bad bard's tale."
"Perhaps," Censor confessed, "but I can afford a few
eccentricities. Even if you do manage to escape, what can you do to me? I have
the ruby now sea-bitch. My only regret is that your girlfriend is not here. That
would have been perfect."
"I swear I'll rip your head off," Venom threatened. She struggled
against the ropes, stopping quickly remembering censor's warning.
"Such devotion," Censor jeered. "Don't worry she will join you in
Maloch's realm soon enough, if Mantis hasn't already sent her there."
"Mantis!" Fang interjected. "You hired that insane killer."
"Insanity has its uses," Censor informed her. "And she does so
enjoy her work."
"If anything has happened to Ellie I swear it will take you days to
die." Venom vowed. "I'll hire a healer to keep you alive to keep the
torture going as long as possible."
"More threats? Obviously, you have no idea what you are facing. I did
decide to make this more err-interesting however." Censor stated, tossing
down a severed arm of one of the mercenaries. "I left a trail of parts
leading to this room." Censor answered the wordless query. "You like
giving choices Venom," Censor glared, "here is one for you. How long
can you keep from struggling when the ghouls start to feast on your flesh? If
you struggle you might even survive but your companions will most certainly
die."
"Your are insane!" Venom exclaimed.
"Perhaps," Censor smiled. "Then again, does it really matter?
Farewell Venom, enjoy your choices." Giving a mockingly low bow Censor
disappeared in a flash of red light." Echoing through the hall, Venom could
hear the low moans and shambling feet following the macabre trail.
"This could be a problem," Venom muttered under her breath.
****
Fang closed her eyes, attempting to concentrate. How could she have been so
foolish? If she had not chosen to keep the purpose of Censor's quest to herself,
they might not be in this situation.
"I can reprimand myself later," Fang thought. She tried to determine
the best course of action. The Tymorian focused her will as she propelled her
legs upwards, entwining a leg in the rope to allow her hands to have a slight
amount of slack.
Fang afforded herself a quick glance down at the stoic dark woman. The ghouls
were beginning to enter the chamber. A few stopped to gnaw on one of the severed
appendages. The others were making their way towards Venom. Her great cloak
flitted about blocking the undead things from their meal as best it could. A few
managed to get past the enchanted item, clawing at Venom with their razor sharp
talons. Venom gritted her teeth as she maintained her control. If she moved,
they were all doomed.
"Hold on," Fang muttered. She had to give the woman credit. She
doubted that there were many Tymorian assassins capable of such a feat.
Fang doubled over, reaching for the dagger still in its sheath. Censor had left
them their weapons. He had even returned her sword to its scabbard, as a final
sign of contempt. The limber assassin grasped the dagger in her nimble fingers.
Next, she cut the rope, leaving her suspended upside down by he leg wrapped
around the rope.
Fang glanced around the room fast filling with beasts. It appeared to have been
a great dining room with massive long tables and benches. Possibly, an officer's
barracks from the great banners and tapestries decorating the halls.
Leaping for the wall, Fang sank her dagger into the thick material, slowing her
descent.
Upon sensing her, a few of the fiends shambled in her direction. Fang cracked
one of the benches, using it as a club. The ancient board crashed against the
rotting flesh with a sickening thud.
In two great leaps, she bounded up to Venom slashing the creatures with her
sword.
It was no use. There were too many of them and there was no way she could free
the others without exposing herself to a score of deadly attacks.
Suddenly, a flaming arrow struck a creature about to sink its fangs into Venom,
and then followed by another and yet another. "Get away from her," a
familiar voice ordered. "I really hate undead." Ellie bounded into the
room with a bow in hand, another arrow already knocked. She was followed by man
in bright blue leathers and chain.
The creatures lost their interest in Venom, turning to this new threat. For some
reason, undead were particularly attracted to elven blood.
"Solonie use that lyre of yours and do something," Ellie shouted
leaping away from several pursuing creatures.
Swallowing hard, the trembling bard, began to play a tune. His confidence grew
as he played, gradually subduing the creatures. "No more attacks,"
Solonie warned or it will break the spell."
Above them, they could hear the stone shifting as Terrell managed to enter the
room. "We must facilitate a release of our companions before the structure
crumbles from the stress."
Fang dashed up to the wall, ripping down one of the large tapestries. "Grab
the other end," she told Ellie.
"No," Terrell corrected her. "I shall aid you in this endeavor.
Ellianora might best serve shooting the ropes freeing our comrades." Fang
nodded in agreement.
"So who first?" Ellianora pulling back the string of her bow, taking a
protective stance beside Venom."
"Zafrina," Venom stated, clearing her head with a slight shake.
"She is the lightest and we can use her magiks."
"Agreed," Terrell confirmed as he and Fang held the tapestry beneath
the elven mage.
"Just do something quick," Solonie pleaded. "I am not sure how
long I can keep this many creatures at bay."
"Patience," Ellie advised, taking careful aim with her bow.
"I didn't know you were so good with a bow," Venom remarked forcing a
smile on her swelling lips.
"I have a number of skills," Ellie replied as she released the string.
"Archery is a basic skill of a wilderness warrior."
The arrow flew through the air, striking the target, severing the rope with one
shot. Zafrina plummeted down to onto the tapestry. Terrell and Fang, allowed the
tapestry to sag slightly catching the mage safely in the confines.
"It's about time you got us loose," Zafrina complained. "I was
starting to choke on that gag."
"It's probably the longest you've been unable to talk," Ellie chided.
"Clever," Zafrina retorted. "I don't suppose you could have shown
up sooner."
"Then they would have been strung up along with us," Venom
reprimanded.
"Can you save this chat for later," Solonie, admonished them as beads
of sweat began to sprout on his brow.
"He's right," Venom stated. "We need to free Gasqule now and get
out of here."
"Leave me," Gasqule said. "My weight is too much for all of you
to catch."
"No." Venom declared. "Zafrina, do you have any magiks that can
cushion Gasqule descent?"
"I have a spell that will let him float to the ground like a feather.
Only," she added hesitantly, "I don't have a stone for it. I will need
to channel the manna through me."
"Do it," Venom grimaced. She hated placing her in danger but could see
no other recourse. "Time your spell with Ellie's shot."
"Say when you are ready." Ellie informed Zafrina, pulling back the
string.
"Ready," Zafrina stated after performing a few simple hand motions.
Ellie let the arrow fly as Zafrina cast the spell. The arrow sliced through the
rope just as the spell struck the young light warrior, creating a white glow
surrounding his form. Gasqule floated down to the ground as Zaphrina rubbed her
throbbing temple.
"Now you," Ellie added stepping back, giving herself room to aim.
"No. Venom ordered. "Can you cast a spell with the reverse effect on
these creatures and cast it on me."
"You mean make them attracted to you? Sure, I just need to reverse the
rotation of the stone. But why?"
"What are you planning?" Ellie demanded.
"If we all escape these things will chase us down through the hall."
Venom stated. "When the rest of you are safe I'll free myself."
"And let the ceiling to crash down on you," Gasqule added.
"On the ghouls too," Venom replied.
"Then I am staying too," Ellie declared defiantly.
"We all are," Gasqule agreed, the others stood beside the light
warrior, showing their support in his decision.
"I said go, no arguments," Venom stated. "I want all of you out
of here now. The bard's song is already starting to falter." She looked
over at Ellie whose violet eyes were filled with fear. "Trust me," she
told her companion lovingly.
"Lets go," Ellie sighed, giving Venom a final kiss before she led the
others out into the hall. Nodding her head, Venom indicated for Zafrina to cast
her spell. A bright bluish light surrounded Venom as the mage completed her
incantation.
The effect shattered Solonie's song as the ghouls became instantly aware of
Venom. "Come on you walking maggot bins," Venom growled, tensing her
muscles, preparing for what was to come.
The things began to tear into her flesh with their sharp talons. Venom clenched
her teeth, holding firm. She had to time this right. Give the others a chance to
get out and allow hs many ghouls to congregate about her as much possible.
Letting loose a mighty howl, the statuesque woman pulled down her arms and
snapped the bonds. Venom leaped into the mob while the stones above began to
rain down on them. She drove her fists into the pulpy flesh of the creatures as
she ran for the exit.
She bounded towards the doorway through the falling debris crushing her
pursuers. She continued her mad dash as the hallway began to collapse behind
her, placing her arms over her head to attempt to shield herself from the
onslaught.
Her eyes went wide as she spotted the exit collapsing in front. Closing her
eyes, Venom increased her speed slamming against the partially closed entrance.
The stone fell away giving her enough room to stumble to safety collapsing on
the ground.
"I wish you would come up with an idea that didn't require you getting so
bruised." Ellie scolded.
"It just means you need to give me another massage," Venom remarked
coyly.
"There are easier ways to persuade me love," Ellie teased.
Terrell was already beside the warrior, his ever-present satchel treating the
score of wounds on her muscled form.
Venom's eyes narrowed as she caught sight of Fang, her back slightly turned to
her scanning the campsite. Fortunately, Censor had chosen a building close to
the camp, choosing to leave the tents behind. After all, what did he need of
such mundane things now?
Venom brushed aside Terrell and Ellie making her way towards the assassin. Fang
barely had time to avoid the full impact of the blow as Venom slammed her
powerful fist into her side, dropping her to the ground. "I warned you what
would happen if you betrayed us." Venom hissed. She reached out her hand,
the sword 'Havocs Tears instantly flew from where it had fallen in the waiting
hand of it's mistress.
"You can't kill her in cold blood!" Gasqule objected.
"Watch me." Venom raised, her sword. Fang was still to stunned to
avoid the attack.
"NO! Ellie shouted, leaping to her feet wrapping herself around her
partners arm." You can't do this."
"Give me one reason why not?" Venom demanded. "She kept
information from us. Important information that almost cost us our lives."
"Because she is your sister."
My sister?" Venom repeated incredulously. Even Zaphrina was too astonished
to speak at the sudden revelation.
"Impossible," Fang cut in. "My sister was a twin and she died
when we were very young on the road attempting to escape those who murdered our
parents." She glanced back at Venom. "I would say we hardly look
alike."
"One with the strength of many, unmovable unstoppable," Terrell
pronounced. "Another as fast as the wind with the suppleness of a willow.
From the old land, these two shall come the blue and the green, to set right
what is wrong. It's from a prophecy I read in Hazarle when I was investigating
the Sword of Velia. I believe it was scribed by our friend Orisa."
"Well these two certainly fit that description." Ellie observed.
"I remember a tale I heard," Solonie commented. "The minions of
Malice were directed to attack the kingdom to prevent the prophecy from coming
true. Slay the ruling family and butcher the children who would be her
downfall."
"So what happened?" Gasqule asked.
"Supposedly one of the shadow warriors had a change of heart and allowed
the children to escape with an old guard. It was so fantastical I thought it
just a cleverly crafted tale."
"I remember," Venom said slowly as the memory flooded into her head.
"I lived in great palace with mighty bejeweled pillars. My, our father wore
great robes of fine silk. Till something happened and an old guard rushed out of
the palace."
"He took us from place to place," Fang continued. "Hiding in
cellars like rats. Till one day, he left for food and didn't come back. Instead,
three dark garbed assassins from my current clan came." Fang glanced up at
her sister. "When we were separated they told me you were no longer with
us."
"Clever use of words," Venom scowled. "Much like the one's you
used on us. I remember the apparent leader made a rude remark concerning our
parents. I kicked him in the shins, almost broke it I think."
"I see you had the same mild demeanor even back then," Zaphrina
teased.
"I guess they thought I was a poor candidate for training," Venom
shrugged. "Since Tymorians never kill children they sold me to
pirates."
"So you weren't among us," Fang concluded, "since I was now a
member of the clan and you had been rejected."
"Listen I hate to interrupt this family reunion," Zaphrina
interjected. "But we still have Censor to deal with. You know that slightly
crazy man with the ultimate weapon, who just recently wiped the floor with
us."
"She's right." Venom stated determinedly. "We have to find a way
defeat him."
"According to legend, the only thing that can defeat a Gem of Power is
another one." Fang informed them.
"Then we get one of the gems," Venom said matter-of-factly.
"Terrell, any idea where one may be located."
"Two of the gems are completely lost in the mists of time. Only the
Sapphire of the Sea which is believed to reside in the ancient City of Mist in
the Silver Mountains."
"But the location of the city is unknown it could be anywhere in the Silver
Mountains," Ellie moaned.
"Not so," Gasqule corrected her. "One person knows the location,
and that would be the paladin Countess Fyre."
is considered a rogue." Ellie reminded them. And you want to walk up
to one of the greatest symbols of their precious order and ask for help?"
"I've known her since I was a child. She is one of the finest persons I've
ever met. I am certain she will aid us once she realizes the seriousness of the
situation Gasqule stated."
"Like you were certain about your father," Zaphrina scoffed.
"My father went with us to the Tree of Malice," Gasqule shot back with
uncharacteristic ire. "He nearly died in the assault and promised to speak
on our behalf."
"He's right," Venom interrupted. "Either way, we have no choice.
This is still voluntary." Venom added, thrusting out her hand. "I am
going to try and stop this madman or die in the attempt."
"With you always love," Ellie smiled, placing her hand on her
companions.
"I swore to bring this man to justice," Gasqule stated sternly,
placing his hand with the women. "That I will do."
"No one trusses me up like a bird for a festival feast and gets away with
it," Zafrina retorted placing her delicate hand on top.
"You are all more family to me then those who sired me," Terrell said
solemnly joining the group. "I wont desert all of you now."
"We stay together till the end," Gasqule declared.
"Let's just make sure it's Censors and not our own." Zaphrina chided.
"We will do our best," Venom grinned.
"They must be insane," Solonie whispered to Fang standing off to the
side. "They are actually going to try and fight Censor."
Fang eyed the circle of companions appreciatively. "Perhaps they are, she
concurred. "I will join you," Fang stated, walking up the group."
Venom looked up eyeing her suspiciously. "You may be my sister," she
stated. "But I won't risk the lives of my friends further if you decide to
keep any secrets. It almost cost us our lives and gave Censor near ultimate
power."
"I was wrong," Fang replied humbly. This is my fault and I wish to
correct the error if I can."
"No more half-truths? No more secrets?"
"I swear in the name of my clan," Fang vowed. "I will tell you
nothing but the truth, nor will I hold back any information. What I know so
shall you."
"She did help," Ellie offered. "I think we should give her a
chance to redeem herself."
"It would only be fair," Gasqule added. "Many thought it was
wrong and still do to give you a chance."
Venom nodded in agreement. "One warning," Venom stated. "If you
place us in jeopardy I will kill you, sister or not."
"Understandable," Fang replied bowing her head.
"I will join you as well, Solonie piped up, stepping up beside Ellie taking
her hand. "I couldn't leave such a lovely lady in so dire straights."
He kissed the rogue's hand, flashing her a confident smile.
"Another magik is welcome," Venom stated, stepping between Ellie and
the bard. Venom pulled Ellie's hand away from the bard's, presenting Solonie a
stern look.
Ellie stood on her toes, giving her companion a kiss on the cheek, apparently
oblivious to Solonie. "Lets take care of those aches." She smiled
sweetly.
She and Ellie left with their arms around each other heading for tent left
behind by the Prince Regent.
"For now everyone get some rest," Venom ordered. "Solonie you
have first watch, then Gasqule if he is up to it."
Solonie took his lyre in hand shaking his head resignedly as the others departed
for their tents.
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