ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Turn Of The Wheel

by Ellianora

Rating: this tale would be gen/alt/uber

Disclaimer: The characters are of my own creation an as such my property. Even though the two main women resemble a pair we all know and love they do have some differences.

Violence: The story does contain violence and some of it can be quite graphic so be warned.

Sex: Not too much here only a little hugging and kissing. A developing relationship between a person who is attempting to discover who she is and one who is hesitant to trust another with their heart and soul.

Feedback: I have been working on this project for sometime and any comments would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to thank Trisha and Lesley for their time and patience in reading my work and putting up with my artistic tantrums.:)

Chapter 27

Zafrina continued staring at the crude iron shackles scrapping against her delicate wrists. The mage gazed forlornly at the chains binding her to the wall, in the dark rat infested pit she and her companions had been tossed in after Venom had defeated them in an almost humiliating short time. She like the rest had awoken, to find herself shackled to the walls of the dungeon. There was just enough chain allowing her to reach the gruel that was supposedly food each day.

Venom had turned upon them just like Zarlorn, her father had predicted. She wasn't sure what part of this she hated more; being a prisoner waiting to be a plaything for the infamous butcher or the fact, her father had been correct. Venom had betrayed them.

The guards had confiscated her book and stones, not that it mattered, she realized staring at the shiny white crystalline bracers, shielding her from the vibrations of manna.

Zafrina studied the condition of each of her companions, while she attempted to make herself comfortable on the cold stone floor. Terrell had said nary a word since their incarceration, seemingly still shocked by the sudden turn of events.

Gasqule was bound to the far wall, his head hanging between his legs. She could only speculate what must be going on in the young knight's tortured mind. He had practically gone against his order by trusting Venom. Now it appeared it was all in vain. He also no doubt felt guilty for losing the sword and their only means of defeating Sherrit Kahn, thus dooming them all to a fate worse than death.

It was Ellie however, scrunched up in a corner of the room Zafrina felt the most pity for. She had been closer to Venom than any of them. Now to be awaiting death by torture at the hand of the very person whom she cared so much for must be maddening. It just seemed so natural for the tall dark woman she had once called friend to do the things she did.

As she pondered, the matter her sensitive elven hears detected the sound of a key turning in the massive lock of the dungeon. The courageous young elf realized that it was much too early for their daily meal. This could only be for one purpose. Venom was bored and now desired to amuse herself with her former comrades. She steeled herself for what was to come.

The heavy door creaked on its rusty hinges as two burly Black Legion members entered the dungeon, scanning the ragged helpless group before them.

"That one," the man said in gruff voice pointing at Ellie. "That's the one the sea-bitch wants to start on first. She says she has some very special plans for that breed."

Nodding, the other man unlocked the chains from the half-elf's wrist, yanking her roughly up to her feet. Gasqule jumped to his feet attempting a desperate grab at one of their jailers. His efforts earned him a hard kick in the stomach.

"Patience boy," the guard sneered, "you'll get your chance." He made a bold gesture encompassing the entire group, "You all will," he laughed as they left dragging Ellie behind them.

The two men led the rogue to a small room. One of the guards shoved her into the room in front of him. The other Black Legion guard took his station outside the door awaiting the arrival of the infamous pirate. The other escorted her into the tiny room. Once inside, the man slapped two manacles hanging from the ceiling on her wrists suspending her slightly off the floor.

"This will be a privilege," the man grinned. "I've always wanted to see the mistress of torture at work."

"Maybe you can pick up a few pointers," a deep female voice commented behind him.

The man turned to observe the tall dark woman strolling into the tiny room she had used many times before. She had managed to find some black kohl to outline her eyes, emphasizing those cold cruel orbs along with some berry stain for her lips, making them a deep red like fresh blood.

"Welcome back sea-bitch," Ellie growled giving her former companion a baleful glare."

"Silence breed," Venom demanded in a cold voice, lovingly examing the implements of torture laid out neatly for her. Each one designed to deliver the most amount of pain possible with their use.

"Maybe we shouldn't rush damaging the goods," the man said with a lustful leer. "After all, she is a pretty little thing for a breed," he said, roughly grabbing one of her petite breasts.

Before he could continue, a dark skinned hand clamped down upon his wrist pulling it off the half-elf's bosom. The man attempted to screech in pain, as the bones in his wrist were crushed in the vice-like grip. Venom placed her other hand around his throat blocking any sound. The man's eyes widened with fear as he stared into the deadly cold eyes of the former pirate.

"You shouldn't go where you're not invited," Venom hissed in a deadly tone. Not giving the man a chance to react, with a quick twist of her wrist the tall dark woman snapped his neck. The man's head lolled obscenely from side to side as his body flopped to the ground.

Before Ellie could say, anything Venom placed a quieting finger against her companion's lips.

"You out there, Venom ordered, placing her back against the wall next to the door. "Get in here now."

"Yes what do you want?" The guard asked in a listless voice entering the small room.

"The keys to the dungeon," Venom answered, grabbing the man about the throat, slamming the door shut with her right foot. Before the guard could utter another word, Venom sliced open his neck with cold efficiency. The tall dark woman removed the heavy ring of iron keys from the dead man's belt

"It about time," Ellie said, while Venom searched the body of her first victim for the keys to the manacles.

"Sorry," Venom apologized, rising with the key towards her companion. "I needed to find out where Kahn stashed the sword and shield. The black Legions are a remarkably closed mouthed lot. Once I had my memory restored, I knew that Kahn was right. The only way to defeat him is with the Sword of Velia. We had to get that back for any hope of winning."

"And if you all had listened to me," she scolded, "this wouldn't have happened."

"Again sorry." Venom unlocked the manacles from her wrists. "Here," Venom handed the belt with the sword and matching dagger along with her set of lockpicks and the key ring as Ellie rubbed her sore wrists. She glanced back curiously at her smaller companion. "You knew I was going to rescue you?"

" Yes," Ellie replied strapping on her belt, "it was obvious."

"How?"

"You left us all alive. The old Venom would have at least killed one of us by now."

"Anything else?"

"When you smacked me you couldn't help but pull your punches," the rogue continued, I know my threshold for abuse. I should have gone down much quicker. The tongue was a bit much though," Ellie criticized.

"I thought it was just the right touch," Venom said defensively.

"Don't be ridiculous," Ellie snickered. "That was a classic case of overacting if I've ever seen one. You're just lucky that Kahn isn't that observant."

"Like I said before," Venom remarked with a casual shrug, "deception isn't really my forte."

"No kidding," Ellie quipped, "your more the go in and keep hitting repeatedly till they fall down type." Ellie next locked her own eyes upon the ice blue eyes of her companion, now once again appearing so safe and comforting. "And besides," she added in a soft voice.

"Besides what?" Venom asked looking deep into the violet eyes of her companion.

"I have faith in you. Always have and always will."

"Remember when I told you when I figured out what my type is you would be the first to know," Venom whispered, lightly brushing her companions cheek with her fingertips.

"I remember."

Taking her head gently in her strong hand, Venom placed her lips on Ellie's in a long passionate kiss. To her surprise, Ellie found herself returning the soulful kiss with equal fervor.

"I know what my type is," Venom said, giving Ellie a loving smile as they finally separated. "This is for you," Venom said at length thrusting a piece of paper in Ellie's slender hand.

"What's this," Ellie asked still recovering from the wave of emotion engulfing her.

"A crude drawing," Venom replied, the hard edge returning to her speech. There was work to be done. "It's a map of how to reach the sword from the dungeon. You need to go and free the others." Venom continued rising to her feet striding towards the door.

"And what will you be doing?"

"If Kahn gets wind of any of this we could have a problem. I am going to make sure he is too busy to worry about you and the others."

"How?" The rogue queried.

"Do what I do best," Venom continued simply. "Go in and keep hitting him repeatedly."

"That's suicide," Ellie exclaimed. "You can't defeat him, he'll kill you."

"Then don't let my death be in vain."

"I love you," Ellie blurted. Once the declaration had left her lips, she could scarcely believe it. The rogue wished she could grab the words shoving them back in her mouth. She had never said anything like that in earnest to another being before.

Venom stopped in mid-stride towards the door turning her head, looking over her shoulders. She peered into the wide fear filled violet Eyes of the half-elf.

"And I love you," Venom said tenderly.

The anxiety departed Ellie's eyes, as Venom turned slowly around to continue her task. Ellie methodically began to strip the body of the smaller of the guards. Venom was correct, there would be time enough to sort all this out later, right now there was work to be done and she owed the sick demented dragon.

Venom proceeded down the long hall in the direction of Sherrit Kahn's chamber with hurried purposeful steps. Her crimson cloak danced about her muscled form in the still air of the corridor. She was unsure how long it would take Ellie to reach the others but knowing the half-elf it wouldn't take her long. She knew who she was now. She was Venom, the terror of the Iamoorian seas, the sea-bitch and murderer of innocents. Venom knew that was who she was, not who she is.

Turning a corner, she picked up the pace while considering the reasons why she had rejected her old life, but that was something better left for scholars to debate. Maybe it was her feelings for Ellie. Perhaps it was actually being admired and not feared or hated, or maybe it was the sense of belonging she got from their tiny band. Then again, maybe it was all of those reasons. Once again, the reasons didn't matter, actions did.

Moving further down the hall, Venom could see the large golden doors that lead to Kahn's inner sanctum, as he liked to call it. Two burly members of the black Legion stood blocking the way brandishing their large curved swords, the signature weapon of the Black Legion Guild. Now that his scheme had succeeded, Kahn had returned his citadel back to its normal state of readiness. Prior to freeing Ellie, she procured several cases of stout to celebrate her return. Most of the guards were now only recovering from their drunken stupor.

"Halt. "One of the guards shouted upon seeing Venom. "Kahn left word he does not wish to be disturbed by anyone, including you."

"Look," Venom said in a pleasant voice, "I don't suppose you could just let me pass and then we wont have to go through with this. We both know what the results will be."

"We are the elite of the Black Legion," the man stated waving his large sword threateningly at her. "We don't frighten so easily pirate."

"Have it your way," Venom sighed.

Venom swiftly drew two of her balanced knives throwing them at the guards, striking with lethal precision. She freed the hilt of sword from the guard's dead grasp, slashing off one's man's head then flipping the sword she severed the other before either body hit the ground. Dropping the sword, Venom grabbed the hair of the severed heads, hiding them in the folds of cloak. Barely breaking her stride, Venom kicked open the large door storming into the room.

Sherrit Kahn turned away from a large crystal he had been so intent on prior to the sudden disturbance.

"Who dares," Kahn growled, "I swear I'll have the guard's heads for disobeying me." His red eyes open wide when he recognized the intruder. "Venom."

"In person," Venom gave a slight curtsey. "As for your guards I am afraid they need more training."

"I fear no amount of training would help them against you my dear enforcer." Kahn chuckled.

"Actually I was speaking of manners," Venom continued, "but if you want their heads be my guest." Venom chucked the heads clunking across the floor. "And that is ex-enforcer."

"I see," Kahn, said his manner becoming much more serious. "So I take it you don't appreciate my little gift."

"On the contrary," Venom answered, her ice blue eyes burning with that insane light that ignited in them just prior to combat. " In fact I want to pay you back for your 'gift'."

"You can't defeat me," Sherrit Kahn warned. "Even if you get the sword you can't kill me. You and your friends are all dead."

"What say we find out," Venom hissed drawing Havoc's Tears.

The mage dragon pointed a claw at the tall dark woman casting a massive bolt. Venom parried the bolt, spinning about parried another, and yet another till the black beams were striking the cavern walls, causing them to quake from the force.

Kahn immediately ceased the attack, fearing the very walls might come crashing down. Instead, he formed his claws into a wide arc causing a large black light to begin growing in the room, attempting to surround her. Venom quickly held Havoc's Tears over her head creating a thin protective shell about her. The spell dissipated with no effect.

"You gave me my memory back," Venom taunted the dragon, "I've got all my abilities."

"You're correct," Kahn admitted. "That just means I'll have to kill you the old fashioned way.

Kahn began to strike at the tall dark woman with his large talons raking through the air. If not for her cloak, the former pirate would have been sliced to pieces. She feverishly dodged and parried as best she could striking the dragon's armored hide. Each time it seemed like she struck some invisible barrier protecting the creature's scaly hide.

Sherrit Kahn finally managed to connect with a backhanded strike sending Venom crashing against the far wall. Still groggy, she barely managed to roll away before Kahn raked the ground with his talons.

"This might be a problem," Venom muttered, spitting out the blood pooling in her mouth.

The being Kahn had been busy torturing before the intrusion noticed the fissure had grown even wider. Kahn had also left the magik prison partially open. Then luckily for it, one of the stray bolts struck the crystal ripping open the already weak portal. The being was free, free for revenge. Though he knew Kahn had prepared in the event the group did succeed he would be safe.

Suddenly free, the being sensed a strong magical presence within the fortress that had once been his, unlike none he had ever felt before. Taking advantage of the chaos of the struggle, the being headed for the source of the magical essence, hoping the source might be able to aid him in destroying Sherrit Kahn once and for all.

Zafrina was just slipping into a fretful slumber when her keen ears detected the sound of the heavy iron lock turning once again. "Great," she mumbled, "wonder what they want now."

What appeared to be a member of the Black Legion entered the dungeon, though this one was much smaller then most, in fact the uniform hung loosely about the Legionnaire

"The half-elf too much for you people little man, " Zafrina, said sarcastically.

"Usually more then most can handle," she heard a familiar voice remark, "and whom are you calling little, elf?" Ellie tossed off the cumbersome helm letting her long honey blond plait to drop down her back.

"How did you manage to facilitate an escape, " Terrell shouted excitedly.

"Venom," she informed them, while she hurriedly unlocked the chains holding each of her companions to the wall. "She figured the only way to get out of this alive was to trick Kahn in thinking she reverted back."

"Then she is still a good guy?" Zafrina asked her voice and face lighting up with hope. "Where is she now?"

"As good as the rest of us anyway," Ellie replied shrugging. "Right now, she is busy keeping Sherrit Kahn busy while we get the sword and shield and take care of that of that poor excuse for a dragon."

"Then we best proceed with all possible haste," Terrell added, helping Zafrina up from the cold floor while Ellie went to free Gasqule who had remained silent all this time."

"I agree," Zafrina stated dusting herself off, "I doubt even our tall dark friend can hold out for long against Kahn."

"Agreed," Ellie nodded, unlocking the manacles on Gasqule who still had not moved. "Come on," Ellie urged, " its time for you to be a hero."

"I failed," Gasqule, said mournfully, "I lost the sword, this was all because of me. I've disgraced my order and my family."

"You made a mistake," Ellie said evenly, "welcome to the group. All of us erred in someway or the other. Now it's time to correct the mistake."

"How?" Gasqule asked still somewhat dazed.

"The same way the rest of us do," Zafrina interjected, "just pick yourself up and move forward."

"So get up and lets get going we haven't much time," Ellie ordered. She wasn't about to lose Venom now if it could be helped at all.

Gasqule nodded a confident smile gracing his handsome features as he joined the others to retrieve the sword and shield.

Just when they were leaving, Zafrina heard a faint voice whispering in her head. "Even if you get the sword," the voice warned, "you can't defeat Kahn."

"So how do we defeat him?" Zafrina asked out loud. The others turned towards the mage at the sudden outburst.

"I have been a prisoner of the dragon for years," the voice answered. "This was all once mine till he slew me. I can help you. Kahn has hidden a shard of his spirit in a magik jar. I'll take you to it."

"What seems to be problem," Terrell asked her with a worried look.

"Sherrit Kahn seems to have taken an extra precaution in case we managed to get near him with the sword," Zafrina informed them. "He hid a shard of his spirit so he couldn't be killed even by the Sword of Velia. We need to get that."

"How do you know that?" Ellie demanded her patience was fast wearing thin.

"A voice in my head, " Zafrina replied. "The voice claims to be the spirit of former owner of this lovely place. He wants revenge."

"Maybe its another trap?" Gasqule suggested.

"No," Zafrina said shaking her head, " don't ask me how but an inner sense makes believe he is telling the truth."

"We don't have time for both," Ellie said pondering the problem. Still, she wasn't about to doubt the elven mage. "We split up," Ellie decided. "Gasqule and I will get the sword while you and Terrell follow this voice and take care of the shard." She decided tossing Terrell his mace, she had taken from one of the guards outside.

"The minute your girlfriend leaves," Zafrina teased, "you start giving orders. The remark earned a heated stare from the half-elf as the band began to separate for their respective objective. "Not like that's a bad thing," Zafrina added hurriedly with a wry smile.

Ellie chose not to reply. They had lost too much precious time already.

"So where do we go now?" Zafrina asked the voice. She was still rather cautious concerning this being. After all, if this was the spirit of Kahn's former master if the decor was any indication, he was as twisted as Demarian.

"You are wise not to trust me young mage," the voice stated reading her thoughts. "Though in truth, you know you have little choice. Follow my instructions and I shall aide you in destroying Sherrit Kahn."

Winding through the passageways Zafrina realized that the being was correct. They had no choice in the matter. Ascending a set of stairs, the pair entered a hall, which seemed vaguely familiar to them. The same path they had taken when they began this ill-fated mission.

"We seem to be retracing our previous path when we infiltrated this citadel." Terrell commented in a low voice watching warily for any passing guards.

"Yes," Zafrina whispered, " I am following the voice's instructions. With these bracelets on my magik is useless so I can't begin to trace this shard on my own."

"Then I suggest we proceed with all due caution," Terrell recommended.

"Good idea," Zafrina answered, "else you may finally get the chance to use that mace you've had strapped to your side all this time."

"Actually," Terrell admitted stepping into the shadows to avoid two passing legionaries, " the mace was a gift from a dear friend when I left to petition entry into the order of Oghan. I fear I have never been instructed in its proper use. "Though," he added, " I have read several text concerning the implementations of arms."

"Wonderful," Zafrina snapped, rolling her eyes. "Lets just hope we can get there undetected. I don't wish to put your academic studies of martial arts to practical use."

"Agreed," Terrell nodded as they inched their way towards the dining room.

"You are in luck," the voice said, "most of the guards have been celebrating the demise of your little group and return of the enforcer."

"Seems like when anyone gets word were dead they want to throw a party," Zafrina quipped.

"Though usually the news of our demise has been somewhat premature," Terrell observed as they crossed the dining room to the kitchen.

"Lets just hope it stays that way," Zafrina retorted pushing open the door of the kitchen.

The pair slowly entered the kitchen with as much stealth as they could manage. They were relieved to find only the cook sound asleep on the huge butcher block, with a bottle of stout tucked in his arms. Despite his stupor the man began to awaken upon hearing, them enter with a sudden snort.

Before he could fully regain his senses Terrell bonked him on the head with his tiny mace. The man to dropped back down on the block unconscious.

"Glad you could make use of that trinket," Zafrina remarked while she glanced about the room searching for the supposed spirit shard of the dragon.

Up on the highest shelf of a spice rack, far out of her reach she caught sight of an oddly glowing container. The eerie bluish glow emanating from it attracted her attention.

"You are correct young elf," the voice confirmed her wordless question, "that is the item we seek."

"So can you do some magik to get that thing down?" Zafrina asked noticing no chairs she or Terrell could use to reach it.

"I am but a shade fair one," the voice admitted," my magiks faded long ago with my demise.

Meanwhile, Terrell was studying the vast array of ingredients among the shelves. To his glee, he located a few cut tied packets of intestines to be used later for making sausages laying on one of the counters. The young priest was certain he could make good use of these items, gathering them up hurriedly pouring set amounts of spices into each fleshy container then neatly bundling them up.

"Planning on making a mornfest," Zafrina accused, "we need to get the bottle on the top shelf."

"True," Terrell acknowledged. "Yet, without our more battle hardened friends and those braces nullifying your magik we are somewhat vulnerable to the denizens in this citadel. Hopefully, these packets might give us a better ability to deal with any foes we happen upon."

Zafrina had to agree the young priest made sense, but then he always did. Still it did not help them reach the bottle any sooner. If only the young mage had her magik even a small cleaning spell would work, anything at all.

Zafrina closed her eyes focusing her concentration on one point. She imagined a large black wall in front of her. Her will was a single point of light trying to break through the inky blackness.

"What are you doing?" The voice demanded. " You can't break through the anti-manna shield of the bracelets."

"Shut up."

She could feel the light slowly boring through the blackness. The young mage began to perspire pushing harder against the blackness. It was then she felt a comforting hand rest upon her slender trembling shoulders. Terrell had guessed what the young mage was attempting to do and offered what support he could. A warm smile graced her lips while she redoubled her efforts to break through the field. She would not fail.

There was a blinding flash in her mind's eye as she pierced the darkness with the white light. Grinning triumphantly, she performed the gestures for a spell pushing the jar so it teetered on the edge of the shelf.

"Get it!" The voice screamed, "It must be broken in Kahn's presence."

"Get it!" Zafrina echoed the words in her head while she collapsed exhausted to the ground.

Terrell wasted little time placing himself beneath the bottle catching it just as it fell from the high shelf. " I have it." He shouted to the bleary eyed Zafrina already struggling to her feet.

"And we have you." A gruff voice laughed from the doorway of the kitchen. Apparently, all of the noise in the kitchen had alerted a few of the Black legion. "I don't know how you escaped but I guarantee you'll wish you hadn't."
" I can't cast another spell," Zafrina croaked. "Took all I had to do that simple little working."

"No need," Terrell assured gathering the young mage up in his slender arms.

Before the guards could react, Terrell pulled out one of the bulging packets tossing it at the guards. "Shield your eyes." Terrell said before the makeshift grenade struck the guards.

The guards were still laughing at the foolish priest when the sausage case hit one on the side of his head causing it to burst into a spicy cloud of the ingredients. Terrell and Zafrina rushed past the guards, still gagging and rubbing their eyes from the sudden assault unmolested.

"You really are amazing," Zafrina said with no little admiration as they sprinted through the hall following the directions of the voice.

"Thank you," Terrell gasped between breaths. "It was really quite elementary process utilizing some of the culinary knowledge of the renown chef and-"

"Don't spoil the moment Terrell," Zafrina interrupted him.

"Of course," Terrell agreed. The pair raced on.

Gasqule followed closely behind Ellie as they weaved their way through the tunnels deeper into the citadel where Venom's scrawled map indicated the sword and shield now were safely secured behind a locked iron door.

On the way, the pair had managed to subdue one of the legionnaires acquiring a weapon for the silent young knight. Gasqule couldn't help but feel this entire debacle was his fault. If he had not allowed himself to be seduced by the power and glory of the golden knight, they would not have found themselves in their current predicament. He had started to hearken back to the old days when he felt everything was so straight forward, no middle ground.

He never understood the reactions of his peers at the academy, who no doubt saw him as a pompous fool. The seniors had even sent him out on a mission to capture the black-hearted Venom a task he now realized was meant more to put him out of their way, then to bring glory and honor to the order. He sighed inwardly at the thought of the tall dark woman, at least his judgement in that respect had not been in error. The young knight resolved that if they were given a second chance he would not make the same errors as before.

Ellie motioning him to her side as she carefully scouted the route ensuring their path was clear of danger soon interrupted his thoughts. The pair had already encountered several patrols, which they dispatched with ease.

"We should be approaching the door soon," she whispered. "I would imagine they would have a few guards posted there as well."

"No doubt," Gasqule agreed. "I am sorry I didn't listen to you."

"Next time you will," Ellie said with a slight smile. "Besides I am not always right, usually but not always. I just have suspicious nature."

"Do you suspect everything is a trap?"

"Normally yes," Ellie responded, " and usually folks have some ulterior motive for their actions."

"So you believe everyone has a hidden agenda as well?"
"Once again," she sighed I suspect everyone at all times."

"Doesn't seem to be a good way to live," Gasqule replied shaking his head sadly.

"We have four guards," Ellie stated ignoring the light warrior's last comment. Ellie could have amended that comment. She trusted no one but Venom whom for some unknown reason she trusted with her heart and soul. This was all new territory for the half-elf rogue but her feelings for Venom transcended beyond mere flesh. Zafrina had jokingly called her Venom's girlfriend, she wondered if her feelings had been so transparent all this time. She felt a bond with Venom almost from the first day they met. She was unsure as to where this was leading, but the possibilities frightened her more than any of the countless battles and narrow escapes she had ever had.

"I can take out two of them," Gasqule offered disturbing her thoughts forcing Ellie back to the present.

"Very well," Ellie agreed, she could consider this matter later, right now she needed to concentrate on the current dilemma if they stood any chance of success. "I'll take the two to the right they seem to be closest to the alarm." Gasqule nodded in agreement.

Ellie prepared to spring forward towards her assigned opponents. The area was well lighted the only way she could keep them from sounding any alarm was to strike quickly and with surprise.

Inhaling deeply, Ellie sprang out of the darkness her twin blades flashing. The stunned guard closest to the alarm lever barley drew his sword before her thin blade slashed a red streak across his exposed throat. Tumbling over the man, she shoved him into the other guard causing him to lose his balance. The rogue plunged the sword and dagger into the man's exposed back. The guard fell silently to the ground.

Meanwhile, Gasqule followed closely behind Ellie. The young knight ducked beneath one clumsy blow slashing his blade across the man's mid-section. As the guard fell, Gasqule noticed his next opponent was about to strike the currently distracted half-elf. Without hesitation, he drove his blade into the back of the man.

"Thanks," Ellie acknowledged gratefully, " sorry you had to kill someone from behind."

"It had to be done. I'll make amends with Velia later."

"I am sure you will, " Ellie answered with a warm smile as she began to examine the iron door leading to the horde of Kahn.

Wasting no more time, Ellie began to scrutinize the large iron door for any possible traps or alarms. "Don't appear to be any real serious obstacles," she told Gasqule. "I'll just need a few seconds to pick the lock."

"If you want, but we could always just use these," Gasqule remarked displaying a set of keys, he had lifted off of one of the guards.

"Well if you want to do it the easy way sure," Ellie said with a crooked smile, "I think that almost bordered on a joke friend. There may be hope for you yet." Gasqule returned her smile as she opened the door.

The pair was struck in awe as the door swung open exposing a cavernous chamber within. The large area was filled with chests brimming with gold and precious gems. Apparently, like any dragon, even Kahn had the habit of hording treasure though his manner was somewhat different then most. To the far side was a small island situated in the center, was a vault like structure glowing with a shimmering blue aurora. Surrounding this vault like container was a wide moat with only a rope bridge allowing access to the island. Ellie felt certain the artifacts, which they sought, had to be stashed in that guarded area.

Ellie was about to move forward when she caught sight of several colored stones placed along the walls. Stopping short, just before crossing she began to undo the top of her tunic.

"What are you doing?" Gasqule asked, averting his eyes.

"Calm down, " Ellie rejoined removing a small iron ring with various tuning forks on it. "If I had this much treasure lying about, I'd have some way of protecting it. Particularly if I had the likes of the Black Legion for guards."

"We need to hurry," Gasqule urged.

"Wont do any good if were caught," Ellie reprimanded him striking the forks one at a time and holding them near the entrance. "Magik works on vibrations," she explained. "I think he has sensors set up here and with the right pitch I should be able to make them visible."

After several tries, she found the correct pitch exposing the narrow magik vibrations interlacing the area.

"Stay here while I clear us a path," Ellie told him, pulling out her dagger.

Gasqule could only watch in amazement as the rouge deftly avoided the exposed sensors, moving towards one of the reflective magikal stones. Placing a steadying hand on one the stones, she pried it lose from the wall. Ellie carefully angled the stone so the wave continued to reflect off the stone as she moved further into the room. She repeated the procedure several more times, till she had opened a way to the vault sitting on the Island.

"Follow along the wall as closely as possible," she directed.

"You have an impressive array of talents," Gasqule complimented her as he inched his way along the wall.

"Thank you," she replied, "comes from many plantings of experience." Ellie studied the simple rope bridge. It appeared to be crude method to reach the vault.

The rogue cautiously peered down into the surrounding empty moat. The only thing she could discern were several red stones scattered about on the bottom. Obviously, another magikal trap though she couldn't quite figure out how this one was activated.

"So what do we do next?" Gasqule asked reaching her as she pondered the current situation.

"Cross the bridge," she said at last unable to think of anything else. Swallowing hard, Ellie proceeded to do just that with Gasqule following closely behind. She could only hope the rope didn't have some sort of unseen trigger on it.

For once, it appeared luck was on her side as the pair managed to reach the small Island without incident finding themselves standing in front of the white door of the vault.

"Odd, she said thoughtfully. "The building glows and the door don't."

"You are the expert here," Gasqule conceded. "What do you think?"

"Not much choice," she said with a helpless shrug. "We open the door and hope the blue glow is just a glam used to scare people off."

"Doesn't sound like much of plan," Gasqule added.

"True but we don't have much time," Ellie admitted thinking of her companion battling the deranged dragon Kahn. She imagined even Venom couldn't hold her own for very long. She said silent prayer to every deity she could think of, as she worked on the lock which proved to be one of the most complex she had ever seen though it soon was defeated by her skilled hands.

Cautiously, she pushed open the door of the vault revealing a number of artifacts and devices stashed here by Sherrit Kahn. In the center of the vault was the precious sword and shield surrounded by a soft blue glow.

"Another glam?" Gasqule inquired.

"Hardly," Ellie informed him, "removing two small discs from her pouch along with an odd telescoping rod. Ellie carefully place the two discs interrupting the path of the vibrations.

The discs were imbued with a slight magikal vibration which reflected the vibration back creating the illusion there was still contact. Ellie carefully manipulated the rod with a grasping claw at one end pulling first the sword and then the shield through the gap.

"Here you go," she said with a hint of satisfaction handing the items to Gasqule.

Once again, his armor turned the color of gold as did the shield and sword though fortunately now with much less fanfare.

"Thank you. This time I wont be so foolish and full of bravado."

"That's the general idea," Ellie remarked removing the two discs. She was about to turn to leave when her eyes caught sight of the largest diamond she had ever seen.

With a diamond this large she could no doubt bargain for Venom's freedom with gold hungry members of the Defenders of the Lady who were always looking to replenish their depleting war chest.

"We don't have much time," Gasqule reminded her as she stared at gem.

"I know," Ellie, said distracted with the sudden thought that if they survived she might be able to save Venom yet, despite herself. The rogue hurriedly scrutinized the stand detecting no trap.

Her suspicions were aroused but then again, perhaps their luck was still holding. As the gem disappeared at her touch, she realized it was not.

Suddenly, the sides of the vault collapsed and the ceiling began to swirl taking the form of shards of razor sharp ice slicing into her delicate flesh as they spun about with the pair standing in the eye of the vortex.

"No, Ellie cried, slamming her cut hands against her side. "NO! No! This can't be right." She had tried to find a clever way to save her companion and ended up dooming them all.

"The shards can't penetrate my armor, " Gasqule observed giving the young knight an idea how they might yet survive this day. "Wrap your arms and legs around my chest," he shouted lowering the visor of his helm.

"What are you talking about?" Ellie demanded. She was in no mood for games.

"Just do it," he commanded. "No time to explain." In the time she had known him, Gasqule had never spoken with such authority before prompting the rogue to obey him immediately.

Ellie wrapped her arms around his neck while her legs circled his waist pulling herself close against his chest.

"Hold on," he said placing the golden shield against her back. Then with a shout he rushed through the maelstrom of ice out of the vortex and to the safety of the other side.

Once outside, the pair discovered the moat was now filled with a raging fire encircling them reaching to the tall ceiling above.

"We're doomed," Ellie moaned, dismounting from Gasqule. "We are all dead and it's my fault." She cried.

"Why did you try to take that gem?"

"I thought I could buy Venom's freedom with it," Ellie sobbed, "I couldn't let her just die. Now I've killed her and us all."

"You're motives weren't without compassion," Gasqule consoled the distressed thief.

Gasqule soon began to notice something odd about their predicament. The vortex of ice was surrounded by the flaming circle in the moat yet the ice seemed to be unaffected by the vast amount heat. Acting on a hunch, the knight used the shield to deflect a few of the shards closer to the flame.

"Look," he shouted at Ellie as the shards struck the fire unaffected by the blaze. "The ice can't remain next to the fire, that is if it was real."

"It's magikal," Ellie argued.

"True," Gasqule conceded, but doesn't magik normally have to obey certain natural laws. Doesn't ice usually melt this close to such intense heat."

"Then perhaps this fire or the ice storm aren't real at all," Ellie concluded, noticing what Gasqule was referring to.

"Exactly," Gasqule replied, "the only problem is which one or is it both? I need you now. We need you. I am not as clever as you when it comes to finding my way out of traps."

"You're doing good so far," Ellie complimented him, "too bad you became a light warrior you might have made a great spy."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Gasqule replied smiling despite the situation. "Now how do we get out of this?"

Ellie began to focus her mind upon the problem at hand. One of these had to be an illusion, but which one. Then the rogue noticed the glistening Shield of Mitra. The shield shined so brightly it reflected almost like a polished mirror, a magikal one.

"Tilt the inside of the shield towards the ice vortex," she told Gasqule who promptly complied with her request. They could see the swirling vortex in the reflective metal of the shield.

"Now point the shield towards the fire ring. If I am right the glam wont reflect upon the surface of the artifact." Once again, Gasqule complied. The crackling fire did not reflect off the surface of it.

"So the fire is not real." Gasqule observed.

"Yes," Ellie answered, " but we still see the glam so we can still be hurt by it we also need to find the rope bridge."

"Easy enough," Gasqule said moving the shield slowly around till he saw the bridge in the reflection."

Ellie tentatively reached her hand out towards the flame quickly pulling back her singed fingers."

Taking a few seconds to assess the situation, the rogue removed a small chord wrapped around her waist. "Press against me," she said to Gasqule. The young knight pressed is muscular form tightly against her supple backside as Ellie began to wrap the rope around them.

"I could like this," Gasqule said whimsically.

"Don't get any ideas," Ellie said crossly.

"Sorry," he said, " another attempt at humor.

"Leave the jokes and sarcasm to Zafrina," she snapped. "Now I want you to close your eyes and sing as loud as you can."

"Sing what?"

"I don't care," Ellie, said impatiently. "Anything to drown out the noise of the fire as we cross. If this is to work we need to have ourselves completely oblivious to it."

"Do you think this will work?"

"I don't know?" Ellie paused slightly, " I am making this up as we go along."

"You've been around Venom too much," Gasqule remarked.

"Leave the quips to Zafrina, or at least get better at it," she shot back. "Now on three close your eyes and start singing."

At the count of three the pair broke into a horrid rendition of the loudest songs they could think of drowning out the sound of the crackling blaze. Eyes closed Ellie slowly inching her foot out searching for the bridge. Once locating the heavy rope she began to cross the bridge. Placing Gasqule's hands over hers she reached out for the side grasping the edge of the rope.

Even with eyes closed and the two singing, she could still feel the heat of the blaze. Ellie tried to think of the frozen land of the Ten Thousand kingdoms and vast frozen tundra.

Ellie could feel herself slowly succumbing to the illusion as beads of sweat started to sprout on her brow. Just in time, she felt the hard edge of the other side pulling her and Gasqule out of the phantom ring to safety.

"Made it, " she breathed a sigh of relief releasing Gasqule from the rope.

"Well done," Gasqule said approvingly.

"You too," Ellie replied with slight smile. "Now lets get the dragperg out of here so you can slay the dragon and save the day."

Wasting no time, they rushed through the corridor Ellie had created towards the exit. Upon opening the door the two found themselves face to face with a score of Black Legionaries swords drawn waiting for them.

"Now what?" Ellie said dropping back slightly.

"Like Venom would say," Gasqule responded drawing the Sword of Velia. " We fight."

During this time, Venom had been doing her best to avoid the Kahn's attack though being unable to inflict any serious damage had left her at a serious disadvantage. One that Kahn had been enjoying, too much in fact, the dragon was having great pleasure in toying with her. Venom continued to play upon his ego, taunting him when she could realizing the longer she was able to prolong the fight the better chance the others would have in defeating Sherrit Kahn.

Venom had no hope of winning the contest much less surviving. In truth, she would actually prefer it if she didn't. Since Kahn had given back her memory there had not been a night pass she had not awakened stifling a scream so as not give away her charade. Venom could not imagine enduring those images of the atrocities, she committed for the rest of her life.

Venom was deep in these dismal thoughts when Kahn managed to catch her with a flick of his scaled tail. The distracted woman stumbled backwards, off-balance. Before she could recover, Sherrit Kahn bashed her with his tail, sending Venom flying into the rough-hewn walls of the cavern.

She heard a sudden crack when her shoulder impacted against the wall. Venom was unable to stifle a scream as she felt a sudden white-hot jolt of pain shoot through her arm. Kahn laughed viciously as she slid down the wall.

"You put up a good fight," Sherrit Kahn boasted. "Though we both know it was in vain."

"Go frig yourself," Venom shouted in a final act of defiance through her battered bleeding lips, rising from the floor cradling her injured arm.

"Really Venom," Kahn cackled punctuating his words, slamming his claw against the stunned warrior sending her stumbling back into the wall. "Surely even you must realize," the mage dragon bashed her again, "this is all over." Venom stumbled forward finally collapsing onto the bare cavern floor. It was over, she knew it and so did Kahn.

"I weary of this charade," Sherrit Kahn remarked in a bored voice as he raised his massive claw over the helpless woman. "Farewell Venom," Kahn gloated. "You were most amusing in your feeble attempt at being a hero."

Kahn was about to deliver the deathblow, when out of nowhere, a golden gleaming sword struck his claw, severing it at the wrist. Kahn lurched back bellowing in pain so loudly the walls of the cavern shook.

Ellie quickly bolted past Gasqule standing proudly with his sword and shield raised basking in a holy golden light. She quickly dragged Venom away from the dragon as far as she could. Venom cried out at the sudden shift of her injured arm.

Gasqule stepped between the two women and the dragon, waving his sword in an act of defiance. It had been a simple matter for him and Ellie to overcome the legionnaires they encountered during their escape from the chamber room.

"You are through Kahn," Gasqule declared pointing his glowing sword at the dragon mage. "You can't escape true justice."

"Will you knock off the chatter," Ellie reprimanded him holding the semi-conscious Venom's head in her lap. "Just finish that overgrown lizard off."

"Even with the sword and shield you can't defeat me," Kahn sneered waving his stub about. "I've taken steps to prevent that. You lost before you even started."

"I believe that statement is somewhat premature if not lacking to some extent in realizing one's own limitations." A soft male voice said from the entranceway to the cavern.

The combatants in the cavern swiveled about to see Terrell and Zafrina standing at the edge of the doorway. Zafrina said not a word choosing to look at the dragon mage with a wide elven grin on her beautiful lips, and a mischievous twinkle in her violet eyes all the while displaying a small jar with a blue glowing object in it, taunting Kahn. Zafrina shook her head no letting loose her grip on the tiny bottle.

The seconds seemed to tick away slowly while Kahn stared in disbelief as the jar plummeted to the ground. "How," Kahn stammered watching the jar till it shattered releasing the glowing object which flew swiftly back to it's owner.

"Gasqule now." Venom shouted forcing her head up.

Without hesitating, the young golden knight plunged the gleaming blade into the exposed chest of the startled dragon. The beast roared with rage and pain as it began to thrash about ripping the sword out of his hands.

Kahn slammed his gigantic body against the walls of the cavern, which began to shake, causing large stones to begin crashing down.

"I can lead you out," the shade said materializing in the form of a white wisp in front of the band. " You did me a favor now I will do you one."

Zafrina still did not trust the being, but she realized with the walls crashing down on them and with a dragon thrashing about they had little choice. Zafrina followed the spirit motioning the others to do so as well.

"Help me with Venom, " Ellie shouted at Gasqule who promptly started to assist the rogue with carrying her out of the cavern. "Careful of her arm." Ellie advised, " I think she has a broken collarbone."

"Leave me," Venom ordered. "Get out yourselves I am just going to slow you down."

"Sorry, this is one order we are disobeying."

Ignoring the former pirate's complaints, the two carried her along following the young elven mage who exited through the small entrance into the hidden throne room where Kahn had laid his clever trap.

"You must deactivate the traps of the door to the chamber on the throne," the apparition informed them.

"Go ahead," Venom said, breaking free and leaning her good arm against the wall to steady herself." I'll be fine." Ellie left her companion to comply with the request but not before giving the phantom a suspicious glance. Something was amiss here but she did not have the time to fully question it now.

"Odd," Terrell remarked staring at the trembling yet stable ceiling. "This particular portion of the citadel seems to be largely unaffected by the dragon mage's rage."

"This portion is protected by strong magikal vibrations," the spirit answered him between giving Ellie the code to disable the door. "The rest of the crude citadel may come crashing down but this section will survive."

"Got it," Ellie exclaimed releasing the last trigger, she had also done a quick check for any other possible devices or traps."

"Now what?" Zafrina asked.

"I'll lead you to the ante chamber which you entered earlier." The phantom replied. "There is a small teleport there which will take you to the safety then I may at last rest in peace."

"Perhaps I should attempt to get my sword?" Gasqule suggested.

"No," the spirit stated. "If the sword was removed from Kahn's corpse the powerful magiks used by the priest may actually regenerate him. Only the vibrations of the sword keep all the spells from functioning." The phantom said while leading them through the hall to the great silver door now wide open allowing them to exit without incident. Venom leaned on Ellie slightly as she limped through the black hall.

"Strange you can speak to the others now," Zafrina said while they traversed the long hall. She was having her doubts about the motives of the spirit. This citadel reeked of evil vibrations and if this being was truly responsible for it, she doubted his soul purpose was to rest in peace.

"Kahn kept most of my magik at bay," the spirit confessed. "Besides, I couldn't tip my hand otherwise Kahn may have neutralized me and you would not have won my err-your victory."

Descending the stairs into the huge room, Zaphrina caught sight of the four symbols upon the wall. Reaching the end of the flight of stairs she noticed they were all glowing. Suddenly, staring at the images she was filled with dread.

"It's a trap," She warned, halting in the center of the room. "His magikal vibrations are still active throughout the citadel."

"And with these horrid images," Terrell added, " this must be the nexus of his residue of magik."

"Very clever," the spirit laughed floating above them now taking the appearance of a young bald man shrouded in a large robe. "Also too late."

Before any of the group could react, a black ray of energy erupted from each of the symbols of the evil gods striking them. They all could feel their very life essence being sapped from their limbs. Each member of the group collapsed helplessly to the tiled floor even as the skeletal warriors began to animate once more.

The dark energy focused into a single beam surrounding the spirit, who was now laughing even louder in triumph.

"Your life forces are strong would be great heroes," the phantom mocked. "They will return me to my full power and beyond. Once again, Villeaous will return to the world and it shall know chaos like it never has before."

"Big talk from a dead man," Venom hissed between clenched teeth slowly staggering to her feet. Her ice blue eyes burned into the fiend floating before her.

"The one called Venom," Villeaous cackled, "still using that willpower, which gave Kahn such fits. Surely even you must realize the futility of your actions pirate."

"Not really," Venom took a faltering step forward. "Just stubborn that way."

"Really," Villeaous laughed. "Come now woman, you can barely stand much less fight. While I on the other hand, thanks to the life force of your comrades are capable of much more."

Venom doggedly staggered forward even while Villeaous' undead warriors gathered about their master in a protective ring. Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed the golden shield of Mitra where Gasqule had dropped it when he fell to the floor.

"Why don't you just give up," the phantom mage goaded her. "The entire attempt would be laughable if it weren't so pathetic. Even now, your life force is being sucked dry feeding me giving me more power. There is nothing I can't do."
"Oh really," Venom replied, tensing her aching muscles for one last desperate attempt.

Venom sprang forward performing a quick tuck and roll, crashing into the nearby skeletons. Venom grabbed the shield as she rolled by. Bounding out of the roll, she flung the ancient relic of Mitra sending it whizzing at Villeaous.

" Then catch!"

The shield struck several of the skeletons between her and Villeaous. The warriors exploded into dust immediately upon contact. The phantom could only stare in disbelief as the golden disc spun towards him.

" You bi-." The spirit burst into a sudden golden light, which broadcast back to the black light emitting from the four symbols on the wall.

The golden light raced up the dark beam causing the four symbols to explode with such force the ceiling was reduced to a fine powder exposing the room to the bright noon sky. The skeletons below disintegrated into dust under the cleansing rays of the sun struck them.

The incredible force threw venom backwards head over heels, ending up face down upon the cold tile.

"That's sea-bitch," Venom corrected the now nonexistent spirit before passing out.

Epilogue

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