The false legend a tail of redwall: the Phoenix king series

A/N I don’t own the redwall universe or its characters. I only own my OCs which there are a lot of. Redwall book inspirations. The legend of Luke, Mossflower and Rakkety Tam. Other books the false Prince: the ascendance series.
* Book 1 Fort veynairo, also entitled, Sages secret 
* book 2 The kingdom of Faynorea, also entitled, Eclipse the warrior 
* Book 3 Comes a warrior king, also entitled, Of royal warriors and royal Mage’s 
== Prologue ==
Mossflower woods lay quiet and peaceful. The soft white snow covered the land from tree to mountain. Not a creature could be seen traveling during the winter season. Although there was one place where always lively and joyful. About a days march away from Redwall, there stood a ginormous tree. This tree was home to woodlanders and vermin alike. Outside in the freezing cold winds of winter, the tree had many stained glass windows which Glisson with frost. Some windows were actually glass doors leading out to beautifully carved and pattern balconies. In one particular stain glass door you could see a young squirrel made writing at her desk with quill and ink.
The squirrel made was wearing a white gown with long sleeves. Around the neck, sleeves and at the bottom of the gown there was dark blue trimming. She was wearing a necklace with a Crystal locket at its center. Standing up she clasped on her aqua colored cloak and put on a leather sword belt with a crescent shaped buckle. Wiping off her ink stained paws with a rag she picked up her Scroll filled bucket and began to walk out of her chambers. In the hall there stud a young rat with gray fur and violet colored eyes. She was similarly dressed to the squirrel made.
Lady Melanda smiled at her longtime friend. “Storm look my work is finally complete. after an entire season of hard work I am finally done.“ The still new queen of moonlight said giddy with excitement.
Lady storm of moonlight looked at her friend. Whenever Melanda finished a work that especially involved a story or history of moonlight. She acted like a Young squirrel diben. “So is that where Rosie’s bucket went to.” Storm said as the two of them began to walk down the hall.
After a few minutes of walking they had reached an intersection. One hall led left into the gray sanctum and the other led right to The Queen’s chambers.  Milanda was beginning to walk towards the right, when storm grasped her by her rist. 
“Hold on a minute Macburl where do you think you’re going.” Storm said clasping her friends rist 
“I’m going straight to my chambers.” Milanda replied trying to release herself from her friends sturdy grasp. 
“Are you mad every single beast from moonlight, to redwall, salimindastran and the sea tinker crew are here to listen to your story.“ Storm replied beginning to drag the now flustered Milanda 
“What, but, this is supposed to be just a story for the young ones.” Milanda said flustered
“Well, the old and young not to mention this entire lands creatures should hear this story. Storm said in a matter of fact tone. 
Melanda ground knowing that it was pointless to argue but she still complain nonetheless. “Do you know how many days and nights this took me to write. I had to look at every inch of tapestry that we have in the Great sanctum hall. I even had to listen for nearly 2 days to a very ancient squihairjin’s story. I think she said it was from her uncles aunt twice removed.“
They finally reached the great sanctum hall. To otter guards opened the door for them. What Milanda saw next surprised her. Captain Hero was there along with his crew of ferrets, A hundred long patrol hairs were there along with the new badger lord midnight the mace with his fiancé lady Bluebelle. every resident of Moonlight was there as well along with most redwaller’s.  
As she walked towards her chair. she could see out of the corner of her eye, she could see her family. There was her grandparents May, Tobias and Snowtail, her great uncle Jaron plum, duggy along with ante pepper and of course they were her parents Tam and Armel. A three season old squirrel diben was sitting on her mother‘s lap. It was her younger brother luken macburl. 
Milanda placed her bucket on the ground and sat down on her chair. Beside her there was a little table with food. she stuffed a bit of cheese and lettuce into a slice of bread.  She made herself a rough sandwich after chewing calmly for a few minutes she swallowed and took a sip of her green tea.
Every beast stared at her for a while. Melinda looked up and stared back. “Well don’t you know it’s rude to stare and besides what are the lot of you doing here  anyway.”
There was a moment of silence then it was broken by her younger brother. “We wanna story!”
“Story, what story are you talking about.” Milanda said teasingly
Handing her younger brother over to her father, Her mother stood up and walk towards Milanda. waving a stern paw in front of her daughters face armel spoke. 
“Listen here young lady if you don’t tell us the story then it’s straight up to bed with you and no supper.“
This statement was met with uproarious laughter especially from the younger creatures. even more especially with her younger brother. He was clutching his sights while joyful tears ran down his Little chubby face. Armel returned to her seat and took Luken in her lap. As soon as the laughter subsided Milanda relented and pulled out a Scroll. Before she could begin to read. The kitchen helpers came in with their carts laden with food. Every beast turned around and shushed them sharply.
Melanda got comfortable and she began to read her tail. “I hope this teaches you a lesson about our history. Made this story bring a tear and a smile.” 
She cleared her throat once more and began “This story is of love, warriors, destiny’s and conquest. well then let us begin. This story began on a spring night, on the eastern shores far away from mossflower….”
== Book 1: Fort veynairo Also entitled: sages secret: ==
== Chapter 1: An unsettled kingdom and a friendship made: ==
In the kingdom of faynorea springtime at night:
The full Spring moon shown high above the shore. It casted silvery light upon The dark blue waves flecked with foam. As they crashed against the sand and rocks that covered the lower part of the rocky gray mountain ridge. The silver moon light looked over the dark blue sea were above it there was a great ancient tree Fortress. looking out of a window Lord bran tail Stared out at the Ocean. He was a large squirrel with silver fur. Although he was old he was well-built. His body was that of a well experienced warrior and king. He had a white silver mustache and beard. On his back they were a pair of long doll brown, gray griffin wings
Bran had come here many seasons ago. He looked at his scarred and battered paws. The giant squirrel king side many of the young squihairjin Warriors had left the tree Fortress restless of the peaceful times. Now there were only him along with a few other older squihairjin.
The Fay squirrel king shook his old head. Ever since the beginning of spring an ominous, lonely tension had begun to build up on the eastern shores. 
“I have a bad feeling about this peaceful time.” He said before the door of his chambers burst open
A cheerful old voice answered him from the doorway. “Well then by the whiskers Lulu has the same thought as well m,lord.”
Bran turned around it was captain Zoe. She was half his height like all fully grown squihairjin. she had the body of a hair, the ears and tail of a squirrel. On her back they were a pair of long dull translucent wings. The old squihairjin began to fuse over him like a mother duck does to her only chick. 
“My, oh, my you have not eaten at all today Lord. Get some of this shrimp stew down your throat. that’ll do ya, a world of good.” She said placing the steaming bowl down on bran’s Study table.
Bran beckoned Zoe over. “Take a look my friend the sky is empty. I hear no birds not even one.”
Zoe looked out of the window, her wait fur glistened with streaks of silver as a beam of moonlight touched her fur. Her voice was serious as she spoke to Bran. “You are right m,Lord Billy, Maggie and Chris had said the same thing. I thought it was all coincidental but now that you mention that there hasn’t been any sightings of any living creature.“
Bran had a distant look in his eyes as he spoke to his Captain. “ As for your Earlier statement, I’ll eat the soup Zoe but please leave my chambers now. I must think.“
Zoe did a stiff curtsy and walked out of the chambers murdering to herself. “M,lord you are still a mystery to this very day.”
walking past the table that had the steaming bowl of soup. the squirrel Fay lord walked towards a wooden wall with a ginormous crack. Flapping his ancient dull griffin wings, he pulled at the crack until it opened. He walked into the hidden room. An air of heavy ancient magic lay upon the hidden chamber. Any normal creature would’ve had their fur standing on end, But not Lord bran.
He grabbed a lantern off of a nearby shelf and let it. The light illuminated the weapons and ancient remains of the past Fay squirrel lords and ladies in an orange light. Small carvings we’re depicted on the wooden wall. It showed the past kings and queens of faynorea. Flapping over to his elegantly carved stone thrown he sat down. Slowly his ancient brown eyes closed. 
breathing in the odd smell of magic that surrounded the room, he whispered. “ darkness shall soon be upon this great sure. where is the warrior, where is this next king. When will he come to thrive among the fair fairy that live inside.“
Standing up from his rock throne. Bran walked towards a wall that had many  wooden carvings. He touched one of the carvings gingerly. He peared at one of them more closely. Brans eyes grew wide. “ by the faynaru, it can’t be.“ Bran whispered to himself.
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In mossflower the spring sun shone down happily upon the Woodlands. It’s golden light danced open the rivers and streams. The trees and bushes shined with new green life. Birds were singing their sweet songs, while bees buzzed around happily between blossoming flowers.
A young light brown furred squihairjin was surrounded by a group of weasels. John and his gang loved to plunder, murder and steal. Even among themselves right now they had a lonely traveler surrounded. This lonely traveler was none other than flare fire tail. She came from a Long line of wandering musicians. Although Flare was the only one known to travel by herself. She was also known for her quick temper, musical Skills with a harp and kindness towards all creatures.
Flare had wanted to travel by herself. Her parents did not wish to hear anymore of it. so flare went against their wishes. One night she had snuck out of their little home and never looked back. Currently her situation was less than safe. They had warned her about vermin but she never listened. Flare’s hair like nose twitched with nervousness. She was not a fighter not in the least. at this moment she was more afraid than ever.
“W,wa,what do you want?” She asked nervously her dark pink eyes shifting from left to right trying to find a way out of this situation.
“We want yer, pack fay Fay.” said a fat female weasel 
If there was one thing flare could not take it was a Vermin calling her Fay Fay. Popping out her long translucent wings. she flapped her wings wildly about. 
“If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s a bunch of idiots calling me fay, fay!” She shouted up at the sky. 
She slapped one of the weasels with her tail. The weasel in question now had a mouth full of fur. Spinning around in mid flight her wings caught the sun's reflection in a fantastic display of Colors. The weasels were captivated for a merr moment, then flare kicked the nearest one in the jaw with her leg. 
“How do you like me now.” She said a bit of smugness eminent in her Voice
Flaire was enjoying her momentary victory at this point. So she failed to notice a weasel with a scar across his face loop a rope over her body and onto her waist. She struggled wildly trying to get loose all the while she cursed their mothers.  But soon the young fairies threats were stopped when John placed a dagger at her throat.
Not far from where the captured squihairjin was a dark gray horse with a White patch of fur in the shape of a thunderbolt on her forehead. Was walking through mossflower. her hooves barely making a sound as she carried her rider. The mayors rider was wearing a dark red tunic with a light red cloak. The creature adjusted a rusty sword that was across his back. Pulling down his red hood over his face he halted his horse. 
Aye, ash thunder quiet now lass. There be some beastie needing our help.” Whispered the red cloaked creature. Ash thunder whinnied softly. with practiced eased she tiptoed towards the vermin. 
Flare thought that she was done fore. The young fairies anger had long since abandoned her. “ I should’ve taken your advice uncle Edward.” Flare thought.
The weasels prest the knife even closer to her throat. Currently they were looking through her pak. She knew the only things that they would find would be a dagger, flint, steel and of course her most prized possession her harp. 
“Right then where are ya, keeping the treasure now, eh.” John said bad temperedly. 
“I,i,t,to,told yo,you that’s all I have in my pack. I am only…” 
flare was cut off as a silver Horse leaped out of the bushes. Kicking wildly.  she sent one weasel flying into a bush. Another try to tackle her from behind but, spinning around in a graceful movement. The gray mare kicked the skinny weasel with her front hoof. Like a silver tornado, she deflected attacks left and right. At times the gray mare would have to balance on one leg.
Flares mouth dropped open, then she felt the dagger pressing at her throat. John was not going to give up that easily. John grabbed flare by the scruff of her neck. He held the dagger at her throat. “Oh acorns” flare thought terrified. The dark gray mayor nade looking over flare’s shoulder. 
Flare blinked the horse looked like she was expecting something. What in the name of badger lords is going on. She thought more confused than ever.
The red cloaked creature leapt into a tree and watched the entire scene. “Not too bad ash.” Whispered the figure.
Leaping onto the other tree that was across the clearing. The creacher landed silently on the tree branch. climbing down he quietly drew out the rusty sword from his back. Not caring that he stepped on a weasels tail. The creature walked forward. A reckless gleam shown in his brown eyes as he grabbed the weasel leader by the back of his neck. He swiftly poured the weasel away from his captive. Then with a great amount of strength the creature Shoved John headlong into a tree. He placed the sword at the back of his neck.
Flare blinked the gray mare seem to have an amused look on her face. Her light blue eyes had a twinkle of Triumph, as she began to prance around. Suddenly the dagger wasn’t at her neck anymore. Turning her head around she saw a red cloaked creature with a rusty looking sword. He or she was pressing the weapon at the weasel throat.
“Now how do ya, like getting a taste of yer, on medicine now vermin.” The creature said in a slight northern accent. 
The Weasel, John didn’t say a word. He couldn’t even if he wanted to, with the tree pressing against his face. The figure drew away his sword, without taking his fut paw off of John’s back he slammed the blade into the green grass. The creatures voice was low and dangerous as he spoke his next words. “Now then by the time I Count t, three, all of ya, better be out of my sight. One….“ 
But there was no need to count any further. because all of the weasels except for John, had fled into the surrounding woods. The dark gray Horse chewed flares bondes until she was free. Flare flexed her wings, nothing broken. She placed her two wings back in her body and turned to her odd rescuer. The red cloaked Creature was putting away her dumped supplies back into her little pack. Flare realized that she only came up to the creatures knees. 
The cloaked creature handed her back over to her. “Your welcome lassie.”
But flare was far from a friendly mood. She glared at the creature A glimmer of defiance eminent in her dark pink eyes. “How dare you sir, do you even know what I am. I am a fairy, a squihairjin!”
The red clothed creature just shrugged as if he hadn’t heard flares outburst.“By the by mah, name is sage thee, Warrior.” Then the creature pulled down his hood. Flare saw that it was a brown squirrel with dark brown almond eyes. Flare also noted that he was quite handsome, for a squirrel.
Flare’s mood instantly changed from outraged to courteous and polite.“Oh forgive me. I didn’t know I was addressing a warrior. us, squihairjin are very loyal to warriors, especially squirrels. my name is fare Felicia fire tail, but my friends call me flare.“ She said half bowing and half curtsying to the Warriors squirrel.
A crooked smile played upon sages lips. Then he looked down at the weasel who still had his face against the tree. “Lassy ya, mind handling him?”
The gray mare snorted. She gave her master a look that said “you owe me big time.” Walking over to the weasel ,she grabbed him by the back of his tunic. Sage nodded and released his foot from the weasels back. With a snort of content she trotted over to her original spot. Standing up on her hind hooves, she flung him over her shoulder.
Flare cocked her head to the side. “Impressive” was her only reply
Walking over to the gray Horse sage patted her side fondly. “This beauty‘s name is Ash thunder. She’s been with me ever since thee, beginning.“ 
“Well it was very nice meeting you too. I better be going hopefully, I don’t get captured in the next five minutes or so.“ Flare said to him she turned around ready to leave. A sturdy paw landed on her shoulder.
“No ye, ain’t lassie, why don’t you travel with me and ash thunder.“ Sage said 
Flare thought for a moment. She could either refuse the offer and Wander the land as she pleased, or she could travel with these two and not be captured by anymore weasels. She chose the latter. 
“I’ll go with you besides, I don’t want to be captured by any more vermin especially weasels.” She said shuddering
Sage Placed his sword on his back. “Do ya, Mind if I put ye, in my tunic it can get a bit bumpy writing ash thunder at times.“
“No, I don’t mind at all.” flare said grinning up at him
With that said he placed flare inside of his tunic where she could ride more comfortably. Getting onto ash thunders back, the three Companions rode off. As the Spring season went on the three friends did not know what was in store for them as they traveled North and slightly east. 
== Chapter 2: A forest of death all around: ==
three seasons leader Southeast in Mossflower  
In a part of mossflower there lies a forest. This forest had thick narled black trees, thorny bushes stuck out in odd angles. The winter season did not improve the forests beauty, if it even had any. Large black Crowes circled the outer part of the woods. They packed out the eyes of any creatures leaving or entering. known to all who lived there it was named the death forest. As the wind howled and the gnarled trees ground in the wind. A path could faintly be seen in the snowy Woodlands. At the end of this path there was a great dark fortress. Seven spiral towers pecked out above the treetops. Seven red flags fluttered in the icy wind like dots of blood. The fortress was made out of a dark black marble. This was the home of the ruthless and mysterious wildcats. To all who live there it was a place of misery and death, well not for every beast. 
Look out, look out 
Oh you better watch out
For this young thief is coming 
So lock your food up well and tight 
Because Zan will be eating 
Sweet oat-cakes tonight
A young raccoon with a dark green tunic and hat. Sang merrily as he walked along the dungeon hallway of fort veynairo. On zan’s back he had a small sack filled with oat-cakes and elderberry wine. His ears pricked as he heard footsteps approaching him. Zan slipped back into the shadows.
“I can’t believe it, some beast has been taking food from the Storage room again.” Said one guard.
The Second guard chuckled Flatley “aye, I have seen ya getting fatter.“
Zan could clearly see the two stoat guards now. The two of them were clad in dark black veynairo armor. The  first guard World around to glare at his companion.
“Are ya calling me a liar.” He said in an accusing tone
The Second guard glared back “No because it’s obvious that you are the liar.” 
Then the two stoats turn their backs to each other. Zan grinned he couldn’t help it he loved situations like this. In a very convincing stoat voice he called out. “Aye, well then you’re the biggest fattest idiot I’ve ever seen.”
“What did ya call me.” The first guard said turn it around
”i didn’t call ya anything.” the second guard said putting his paws up
Soon the two were biting, scratching and rolling around on the floor. Zan casually walked away from the fight. As he walked along the shadows of the dark dank dungeons. Zan could faintly hear The two guards still arguing and fighting.  Here and there the young raccoon could see that some torches were lit wile others hadn’t been replaced. The torches that we’re not lit, left an unsafe, dark patch of hallway. Being a raccoon had its advantages. Zan could clearly see the way ahead, as he walked in a part of a hallway that wasn’t lit. Having the ability to see in the dark definitely had its advantages, especially when it came to stealing from Veynairo 
Soon he came upon a Gray wall. A glowing dark purple jewel Appeared in zan's paw. Taking a deep breath the young thief begin to make an archway on the wall. As zan moved the Crystal across the musty smelling wall he spoke in moonlight. “Oplaroa archuni”  The stone wall began to crack and crumble. In the cracks there could be seen a sparkling dark purple light. He looked over his shoulder and saw no beast coming towards him. Quickly he turned around and placed his paw against the center of the Archway. It cracked and crumbled away to the white snow covered forest. 
Looking left then right zan ran. His black paws made soft crunching sounds as he rushed towards a tree. Quickly and silently zan climbed up onto the Frost covered tree. The raccoon ran as if he were running on solid ground. Zan could feel the hard rough wood underneath his paws. The cold winter air battered his face. Zan ignored it pulling his green hat with a light red feather down over his Light purple eyes.
“I have to get back to the settlement. Hopefully Hickory has arrived at the canters home.“ Whispered zan as another shark gust of wind slammed his face. So focused was the Young thief on getting to his destination, that he did not notice The three travelers below him.
Sage lead ash thunder towards a clump of dark black bushes riddled with thorns and snow. The dark gray mare snorted pulling back on her rains. Sage pulled back a little more sharply. “C’mon now ash you need to hide, lass.” 
At last ash thunder relented and let her master lead her towards the thorny bushes. A lump wiggled in sages red tunic. Soon flares head popped out. She had on a little yellow scarf, hat along with a Black traveling cloak. “Do you want me to keep an eye on her sage?” 
Sage turned around as he replied to his companion. “Yes please lass I wouldn’t want anything bad t, happened to the two of you.” 
Ash thunder, Sage and flare we’re now behind the Bush. The gray horse placed her legs beneath her. The slightly hard snow was uncomfortable for the gray mare but she did not complain. Flare pulled herself out from sages warm tunic. The frosty cold wind bit into her face and tail. “I am going to miss that warmth.” She thought pulling her cloak about her body even tighter. She walked towards Ash thunder, Once Flare reached the gray horse. she turned around and placed her back against the mayors warm body. 
Sage doug around in ash thunders saddle bag for a few minutes. He came out with a white fluffy blanket. He placed it on top of his horse, making sure that it covered most of her body. Flare poked her head out of the blanket as sage turned around ready to leave. 
“How long will you be gone?” she asked snuggling into the sweet warmth of the blanket and horse.
Sage began to walk away as he answered. “If I don’t return by nightfall, then the two of ye,must go off and find some Shelter.” 
“Understood” was the squihairjin’s only response. 
Sage walked along the snowy Woodlands. His surrounding seemed hostile and for bidding. The Black gnarled trees, seemed like twisted hands ready to snach him. He could see clumps of snow in the upper branches. Inwardly he shuddered. “No wander this place is called the death forest.“ he thought
Sage's red clothing stuck out in the snow like a drop of blood on a wight mattress. His ever present red cloak caught in a soft breeze. He kept on walking his black boots making soft crunching sounds in the snow. Sage looked out into the woodlands something had caught his attention. He cautiously walked towards the little figure. Sage could see it was a white mouse with a beard. He had light green eyes and he looked to be a wizard of some sort. He was clad in dark blue tattered robes and his pointed hat had seen better days.
Soon sage reached the old mouses side. “Can I help ye, with anything sir?“
“If you have any food I would be grateful. I haven’t eaten any food in over four days now.“ He said in a cracked and weak Voice.
Sage pulled out a small sack filled with food and a canteen of water. “This is all I have but you are welcome t, it. all of it in fact I don’t mind.”
The mouse smiled gratefully, his green eyes shown with new life. He placed The small sack of rashions into his cloak. He pulled out a small wooden box and handed it to Sage. Sage looked at it curiously.
The white mouse smiled knowingly “When I am gone you should open it trust me, it’ll help you.”
Before Sage could even reply. the mouse quickly got up and walked into the forbidding Woodlands. Sage look down at the plain brown wooden box sitting in his black leather gloves. Lifting his head up sage looked around making sure that no beast was watching him. Then he slowly opened it. Sage’s mouth dropped open. Sitting in the middle of the small box was an amulet. A crimson red chain held a crystal Phoenix. It looked so realistic from the eyes to the fire dancing inside of it. With trembling paws he pulled the amulet out. Slowly he clasped it around his neck. All at once his eyes felt as if they were burning. It might have only been a minute but in sages mind it felt like hours until, finally it stopped. For an instant he felt relief wash over him like a wave. Then sages world went black.
== Chapter 3: A nightmare of warning and a spark of hope?: ==
later that day just before sunset:
Sage could see her. All around him He could see pitch blackness. But there was one creature that stood out like a beacon of light. she was a snow white squirrel with piercing emerald eyes. But they were slightly different from a normal squirrels eyes. They were those of a dragon but Sage didn’t care. He guessed that she was half dragon. Although he couldn’t be certain about that. Ever since last autumn he had dreamed of her night after night. But as he traveled more and more towards the south east. The dreams had been getting more and more realistic. Sage didn’t know if the squirrel made was actually real but, he new one thing for certain. Sage was in love with her it seemed the same could be said for the squirrel made.
She was running towards him. Her clothing was that of a poorly treated slave. She had on a tattered thin long sleeve gray gown. Her wrist had meddle bracelets. chains were connected to the metal bands and they dragged on the ground like metal serpents. She ran even faster her emerald eyes were filled with panik. Just as she was about to reach him. two different paws grabbed her dragging chains. One was that of a wild cat while the other was that of a large scaly creature. Sage could only see their paws the rest of their bodies were hidden in shadow. 
He could hear her speaking to the two creatures. Her voice sounded pleading and desperate. “ No, father master please don’t kill him I beg you, please.”
Sage tried to run after her but he was stuck. Then sage could hear the unmistakable sound of a whip hitting the back of a creature. Swiftly there followed a blood curdling scream. Sage tried to cover his ears, but the echoes of the whip and of the screams still rang in his ears. That scream it reminded him of something long forgotten. Just as he was about to give into the hellish nightmare his eyes snapped open.
Sage scrambled up from the snowy ground. It was freezing the night sky showed clear between the thickly packed branches up above. He was now breathing heavily. Each intake of breath showed a white ball of mist. A code sweat began to form, when he cot the faintest whiff of burning wood. Forgetting his promise to flare and ash thunder he walked towards where other creatures dwelled. 
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Peter and Willow Cantor were huddled around a small fire. There six little hair babes were sleeping fitfully in a dark corner of the little makeshift home. There was an air of silence in the little home all that Could be heard was the crackling of the fire and the soft breathing of the six hair babes. All at once there came a knock at the door. Grabbing a sturdy piece of firewood peter walked towards the door. 
In a gruff voice the hair called out. “What do ye, want now y, filthy ragamuffins. there’s barely enough t, feed a family of 8 hairs, wot!” 
“Hoi, Peter it’s me, Hickory. open thy door at once. It’s freezing out here, like the northern mountains.”
Instantly the hair opened the door. Quickly a Brown Pegasus with a black feathered main and wings walked into the little hut. As Peter close the door Hickory walked over to the little fire.
“Hickory what are you doing here?” Willow asked while trying to get the little ones to go back to sleep.
She beckoned The two hairs over with her wing. In a low Voice Hickory said only one word as she poured out a little map. “comrim” 
“comrim? What about the comrim Hickory.” Peter said more than a bit confused.
Hickory pod a hoof on the wooden floor nervously as she spoke. “Listen, all the families, woodlanders, wizards Fay and other creatures are planning a resistance. But we don’t have very many creatures mind thee. That’s beside the point, Lady Charlotte and I had built a little cottage for thy family, Peter. I really suggest you lot come.”   
Peter looked at the map for a few minutes. Until a loud knock disturb the peace and quiet.
“Open up your floppy eared rabbits this is an official veynairo inspection.”
Quickly Peter took one final glance at the parchment before Hickory grabbed it out of his paws and ate it. Willow quickly hid their now fully awake six hair babes deep in the shadow. As soon as Peter opened the door he was shoved aside by three stoats and a ferret.
A gruff voice of a black furred stoat addressed the hairs. “Right, then where are ya, keeping the raspberry wine and Fruit cakes. Ya, poor excuse for a bunch of flop eared rabbits.”
The dark brown hair gridded his teeth, Peter could barely keep the note of hatred out of his Voice. “I haven’t tasted fruit cake or raspberry wine in seasons. There’s four loaves above the fireplace. But there’s only enough to feed my family, wot.”
A gray stoat walked over to the hearth above the fireplace and took the loaves.. well scoffee let’s hope they’re not hiding anything else, eh.”
“right ya, are let’s be off. Besides this old shak is too small for the lot of us.” He said giving Peter a disgusted glance.
“Hoi, mates come and take a look at this.” Said the third stout named snaggle tooth.
Half tail and scroffee went to go see what their companion had found. The ferret had not said a word during the entire event. His cloak hood was up and he looked disgusted though he hid it well. Without even looking at his three vermin companions the ferret walked out of the little hut. 
The three stoats looked at the young hairs closely. Snaggletooth was the first one to speak. “These bags of fur should do nicely out in the field tomorrow.”
Willow got defensive she snarled at the three stoats. “you leave my little-uns alone. You scummy maggitt tails.”
By now Peter was holding his wife back by her waist. Willow struggled for a few more minutes until Hickory placed a wing on her shoulder.
“Don’t pay any attention to thee, imputed eared vermin they aren’t worth thy, time.” She said  in a flat voice to The furious creamy white furred hairwife
“Who do ya, think ya are Horse.” Half tale said as if just noticing the Pegasus presents in the little hut.
At that moment one of the six hairs spoke up boldly. “She was only coming in t, get warm by our little fire, wot.”
Richie and Fichie grab there one minute younger brother by the wrists and dragged him back. Dichie scowled at is two older brothers by two and three minutes. The three other triplet here mades just stared. Their mouths slightly open in shock at their youngest siblings reckless action.
Snaggletooth merely spat at the six young creatures. He turned back and signaled for the other two stoats to follow him.
The three stoats soon left but not without half tail giving a final threat. “Remember I want to see those six rabbits out in the field or else ya, lot can stay nice and warm in veynairo dungeons.”
Then the door closed leaving the Hutt in total silence. Richie and Fichie released their hold on dichie. The three here made siblings shut their mouths and looked at each other. Peter and hickory released Willow from their grasp.
Immediately the hair wife went over and began to wrap all six of her children up in blankets. Peter nodded firmly as he spoke. “right then we are leaving.”
Not pausing in her work Willow retarded. Oh really dear and how are we going to do that. With a big group like ours and a bunch of those soldiers  outside they’ll spot the flipping lot of us in a few minutes, wot.”
Before Peter could reply to his wife Hickory spoke in her quaint Pegasus speech. “M, lady please would thou, be silent I am trying to watch thee, conflict outside with the guards.”
“Conflict what conflict?” Peter asked as he walked towards the little crack that Hickory was peering through.
Fidgeting around with her apron willow asked “Oh Peter what’s going on out there? They aren’t coming back are they?”
For once in his life Peter sounded excited “No m,dear it’s a squirrel a big strong looking one as well. He even has a flipping sword. it looks rusty but if Half tail hadn’t snatched it away he could’ve done some real damage to those barrel bottoms. Never mind he’s doing plenty of damage without the flipping sword. Oh c’mon chap kick him again in the bally old noggin wot wot.”
Running towards his father Richie asked “can I see the fight pa.”
Pulling his eye away from the crack Peter looked at his son. “There’s nothing more t, see laddie buk. The soldiers have him all tied up, he’ll probably be executed or be thrown into the dungeons. ”
Willow gave her husband a look. “Peter this is our time, while the soldiers are distracted with the squirrel we can make our escape.”
Hickory nodded in agreement “come now thou, must make haste while thee, impudent fools are busy with thy captive.”
As silently as they could the eight hairs and Pegasus slipped by the soldiers. Not noticing that the family of hairs and Pegasus had slipped out. The soldiers continued to try to pin the warrior squirrel down with no success. With her wings and tail Hickory wiped away any trace that they had been there from the white snow. As hickory went to catch up with her friends she looked over her shoulder. There was something about the squirrel that unnerved her slightly. She blinked and then she saw the ginormous aura of magic that surrounded the mysterious creature. 
Hickory shook her head whispering to herself as she turned her head around. Nay, no mortal may possess such a powerful magic aura. Nay, by thee, seven phoenix warrior kings of faynorea say its not.
== Chapter 4: A threat arises: ==
The previous day on the eastern shores 
The cold winter sun barely shown through the mist of early morning upon the eastern shores. The tree Fortress glistened with faint light from the sun. Far below upon the sand and rocks missed swirled around about waist deep. the sky Still shown its last traces of night as it turned a faint orangey pink color. 
Bilarium graphol sale or better known to his companions as Billy was just completing his morning flight routine. The old squihairjin was Gray with some streaks of black in his fur. his odd dark indigo color eyes reflected the sea. Flapping his once splendidly translucent colored wings he did a backward flip in midair. Landing on a nearby bolder that looked over the sea. He grabbed his champions flying belt. It was black with the ruby buckle being carved in the shape of a pair of feathery bird wings. 
Just as he finished placing on the belt, something caught his eye. It was heading towards land.  It was a small craft filled with what appeared to be a few vermin and a few non-friendly fairy creatures. Good fairies prefer to call these bad fairy folk, darflartha which ment dark fairy of impending destruction and death. 
The squihairjin stood firm upon the rock waiting until at last the craft reached land. Big muscular well armed rats came out of the craft first. They flanked the boat five on either side.Their faces were expressionless. Everything and every beast looked enormous to squihairjins But that didn’t stop them from serving their lords and ladies faithfully. Billy didn’t flinch not yet anyway.
In a slightly deep and authoritative voice Billy called out. “What in the name of raspberry tarts are you lot doing here. don’t ya know that this is king bran’s territory. Y, lot of worms better leave the Eastern shore, now before ya all get a blood bath.”
Then out of the craft Came out to more creatures. One was a red fox with a Golden tunic and red leather belt around his waist. the other was a four hooved Black cloaked creature. But Billy could tell what type of creature it was instantly from it sent aloan, It was a silky. 
The silky made a few gestures with his or her front hooves to the fox. The red fox turned around. In a nasally voice he addressed Billy. ”Be grateful that the great Eyes of the Mighty one has spared your worthless life impure magic one.”
Billy couldn’t believe it did this fox or silky just said that he was an impure magic, impure Magic. He was going to teach them a lesson if it cost him his life. But Billy quickly reminded himself that he shouldn’t attack no with so many creatures. The silky made a few more gestures the fox nodded and turned around once more to Billy.
“I am Captain blood paw, the great eyes wishes for an audience with your impure leader at once. If you don’t comply with the request then we will be forced to kill you here and now.”
All ten of the rats that had accompanied the silky and the fox. begin to move their paws towards their arrows and bows. Billy got the message all to clearly. Folding his wings back into his body he gestured for them to follow. They did, and as they walked Billy could feel a cold sweat beginning to form at the back of his neck.
><><
Bran sat down at his study table. The squirrel king was drawing one of the carvings that he had seen in his hidden chamber last spring. 
“Hmph, maybe I should write a poem with this picture.” He said to himself.
The piece and quiet was interrupted by Captain Zoe barging into the room. She slammed the wooden door so hard that it made the little ink pot shake. Bran put down his quill and looked up curiously at his captain.
The old squirrel king cocked his head to the side “what no breakfast?”
The old squihairjin shook her head quickly. “No m,lord… I believe the so-called trouble has arrived. They Said if,if… y, don’t come out they’ll kill sergeant billy.”
The old captain now sounded hysterical. Bran walked over to her in placed a comforting paw on her shoulder. The fairies Orange eyes popped out of her head. As if she had seen a ghost.
“That isn’t even the worst part m,king they… they… have a… Silky.” This last part came out as a small whimper that belated the captains usual cheerful demeanor.
Bran knew that the situation was serious vermin hardly ever came to the eastern shores and that was rare.  As for a silky coming onto the eastern shores that was unheard of. Squihairjin had a great fear of silkies since it was said that silkies love to eat their flesh. this situation had gone from bad to worse in a matter of minutes.
Bran stud up “Zoe get every Single squihairjin ready for battle I want six fay, to accompany me, one of them being you.”
Her lord had set it so calmly that Zoe instantly stopped shaking. Trying to compose what little dignity she had left she saluted with her tail and walked out. Quickly bran changed into a dark green ceremonial robe, he tide on a red cord around his waist. He clipped on a red cape and grabbed a ceremonial staff. The staff in question was silver with a Jagged pointed copper jewel on top. Bran grabbed his crown which was a small round thin piece of gold with a four pointed copper jewel at its center.
The squirrel looked at his reflection in the mirror that was right next to his door. He looked down at his chest as if something should be there. Then the old king remembered what he had nearly forgotten. quickly he ran back to his bedside table. Bran nearly tripped in the process of getting the desired object. 
While rushing out of his chambers. Bran clasped the amulet around his neck. The amulet in question had a copper chain with a golden, silver and copper image of a griffin hanging from it. Halfway down the stairs the old squirrel slowed down.
“Come yourself bran.” He told himself while making his legs walk at a respectable pace.
><><
Billy was starting to get slightly impatient. He wondered where his king was at that moment and why he was taking so long. Another reason why the old squihairjin was impatient, was that the silky was eyeing him hungrily.
Clasping and unclasping his paws nervously Billy murdered. “Where are ya, y, majesty. Whiskers and blood I could really use ya, right now.”
As if on cue bran came out of the main entrance. Right behind him were Kenzie, juniper, Eli, quipptly, Poppy and Zoe, Who looked as if she wanted to die at that very moment.
The silky stepped forward and kicked him. The sergeant didn’t need to be told twice. He quickly scrambled up and ran behind his lord. Like a young diben hiding behind his father. All of the squihairjin tales twitched with nervousness. Bran padded Billy‘s head reassuringly, stepping forward he glared at the silky.
“Speak your peace, darflartha while I am still in a good mood.” He said a snarl buried underneath his voice.
The silky pulled out a scroll from her cloak. Dark black magic could be seen as the silky rolled out the Scroll.
These are the rightful lands of king Kizarie. All that he sees, are his lands by right. Watch as he makes the sea turn to fire, watch as he makes the land turn into lava.  Leave this fortress before sunset, do not take any weapons or supplies and leave any who are fit to serve under the great Dragon King rightful ruler of all fairy kind. 
The silky rolled up the scroll and waited for brans reaction. The squirrels expression was blank as he leaned upon his ceremonial staff. The squirrel spoke it was low and dangerous.
“Kizarie, hmph, didn’t I hear a rumor last autumn that he sold his own Daughter who is also a mage, to become a personal slave for some warlord cat’s son. You can tell your so-called dragon King that we are not leaving these lands. This kingdom is not fit to be ruled by a stupid, pathetic, worthless, excuse for a dragon king!” By now brans voice had begun to come out as a roar.
Still yelling he pointed his staff at the silky and her followers. “Kizarie Would not even be fit to take the place of the real king of dragons let alone my own kingdom!,”
The silky, blood paw and the ten rats could only stare as bran and his followers turn their backs upon them and walked up the long stone staircase and into the tree fortress. The Great eyes, Red fox and 10 rats walked back to the little boat. They rode towards a large black and red rimmed ship that was well hidden behind a bunch of rocks that were sticking out of the ocean. it was far enough that way so they could still keep an eye on the tree Fortress and far from any prying eyes.
><><
Bran stormed into his throne room Zoe quietly following behind. As he sat down upon the simple white marble throne. He threw his staff aside. Zoe quickly closed the double doors of the throne room that way so bran wouldn’t be disturbed. Poppy and another companion named Edward helped Billy towards the kitchens and infirmary.
“Don’t worry old sport well have y, as fit as a fiddle.” Poppy said Brightly
As they passed the closed double doors leading to the throne room. they could clearly hear Bran yelling furiously. 
“His own daughter, his own daughter, his own flesh and blood sent into slavery!! What kind of sick mad beast does he think he is!! who would do such a thing!!!”
Edward cocked his head to the side. “I say is Zoe in there? Lulu told me that she saw her going into the throne room after the king.”
Poppy laughed nervously “well I guess, she is.  Zoe never leaves m, lordships side even when he’s in a really, really, really angry mood.” She paused for a moment then added. “Like, as in right now, actually.“
Billy cleared his throat. “Could we kindly continue this discussion somewhere else like an infirmary or more preferably the flipping kitchens, eh.”
Edward and poppy nodded to each other and escorted their friend to his desired location.
Zoe turned her head back-and-forth following her kings every movement. Bran had gotten up from his throne. He was now passing back-and-forth in front of Zoe all the while he was talking in a still loud but more calmer voice. 
“This is only the beginning my friend if I know the dragon, in which I do from past road crossings with him. He’ll stop at nothing to get at this land, this kingdom and all of its peaceful creatures.”
The gray squirrel stopped and stared at Zoe for a few minutes. Then he spoke once more. His voice calm and reasonable yet commanding.
“Zoe I would like you to have Edward go off, he must find any young warriors and bring them back here as soon as possible. I have a feeling that this is the beginning of a war.”
== Chapter 5: Among the black stones: ==
The present day in the death forest:
The three stoats that were dragging the Warrior squirrel had just reached the main gates of the fortress. They had a hard enough time, restraining the squirrel and it wasn’t getting any easier as one of them opened the large wooden gates of the castle grounds. Those who were on sentry duty looked down curiously. One of them called out to half tail.
“Hoi, Half tail what ya, got there?”
Half tail scratched what was left of his tail as he answered. “Nothing much just got a few loaves from a bunch of rabbits. We even got an extra present for her majesty. We found a tree Mouse armed with a very old rusty sword, eh.” 
As he spoke he pulled out the blade from his belt. Half tail did a few jabs and cuts in the air before snaggletooth called out to him in annoyance. Ya, gunna poke some beasts eye out with that thing. put it back and help us with this accursed creature.“
He went off reluctantly and grabbed one of the robes that held sage. As he was being dragged in the dark black marble castle. Sage thought about all of this, it reminded him of something he wished not to remember. He dragged his foot paws on the ground trying to slow down the progress of the guards. The three stoats called there other companions who weren’t on Century duty over. Three weasels and four ferrets came over to help. Between all 10 of them they were able to drag Sage inside of the castle. Sage let out a low growl, he let the rope go slack then he rushed forward, knocking a few guards and leaving the rest in a tangled mess. Quickly the guards that weren’t knocked over had enough sense to pile on top of the Warrior. 
By now there was a large crowd of vermin in the main hall entrance. They watched is 10 of their companions grabbed a rope each and made a circle. The red clothed squirrel in the middle. Beads of sweat formed on sage's head, he was now breathing heavily through clenched teeth. Determination and recklessness showed in his slightly changed brown eyes. One lesson that sage had learned during his life. that lesson was survive on your own and don’t let any beast into your heart, because they’ll end up being taken away from you, one way or another. He thought about this while he was once again forcefully being dragged to who knows where.
Ash thunder was very little company at first. Sage figured he would just sell her to the first creature that he saw. But then he started to get attached to the gray mare. Sage wouldn’t admit it out loud but he had stolen that horse from a very old and grumpy vole. Who threatened to kill him if he dared to cross his stream. Stealing the gray mare seemed like a fair trade since the vole was planning to kill him after all. Then there was flare the young fairy was a great musician and a good companion to talk to. He let both of them into his heart. Now he was being dragged through a vermin fortress.
His thoughts were interrupted when a spear whacked him across the back. Sage world around making a few of the guards that were in front fall on their backs. He tried to head but him but, the guard with the spear was too far. The ferret guard merely laughed at him.
“Do ya, think ya, can harm me mouse.” The ferret named Vero said taunting Sage while grinning like a fool.
In return for the ferrets rude comment. Sage spat in his face. He also might have cursed The ferrets sole and mother. Once again he was forcefully dragged by the Black armored guards.
><><
As the veynairo soldiers busy themselves with the warrior a black cloak female ferret entered the hall. Some of the vermin that were murdering insults to their companions had found a new creature to insult.
“Hay, ferret her Majesty ain’t gonna be too happy.” Snickered a lanky rat
“Aye, she ain’t to please that ya, arrived late.” Agreed another ermine
“Let’s hope yar, vudu Magic heals the queen.” A fat brown fox said taunting the ferret.
The ferret in response to the insults merely strode by. Walking through a dining hall, a hallway lit with torches and at last she reached the grand ballroom. The room had a few Dusty stained glass windows that let in a week amount of light.. Four torches stood on four separate corners of the room. It gave off an eerie light. she arrived at a grand spiral staircase. The stairs were covered with a dark rich red carpet that had gold fabric at the edges. The stairs and banister were a rich creamy white color. The stairs belated the sorry state of the ball room. Slowly she began to make her way up to her mistress's chamber. 
Her wide sleeved Aqua colored gown made a soft swishing sound as she climbed up the staircase. Her odd gray eyes shifted from left to right. With her black paw she patted the small bump that was beginning to form on her stomach. 
“Don’t ya, worry little-un will be out of the castle soon.” She whispered nervously
At last she reached the top of the staircase. In front of her stood two guards on either side of a ginormous Oak double door. One of the guards, a weasel nodded stiffly to her and open the door. The ferret walked inside the luxurious chamber. 
The room was lit brightly with the Full moon peering through the clearly polished window. In the center of the room stud a queen sized bed. the curtains draped over it hiding it’s occupant. On the left side of the bed there were two chairs and on the right there was one chair. The two creatures seated on the left side were a large Black wildcat with piercing blood red eyes. The other cat was a small skinny female with soft light blue eyes. In between the two cats was A white squirrel made with a long sleeved gray slave gown. On the right side sat a tall white fox with a golden robe. Instantly the golden wrote fox stood up and seemed to do three things at once.
The fox lepped out his chair, he pulled back the curtains and then he spoke in a high singsong voice. “All hail the mighty Raza Queen of darkness. ruler of all the death forest. The greatest dark mage ever to rome…”
“Shut you’re useless gob up higro, sit down now.”
The Voice belonged to an old gray female wildcat. She lay atop her bed which was covered in fine silks and feathered pillows. Her face was that of a leader that demanded respect her icy blue eyes flashed with annoyance as she glared at the white fox that was on her right. Higro sat down not looking up at his mistress. 
Raza looked at the ferret for a few minutes then snarled.
“Well aren’t you going to heal me. You worthless excuse for a mage. Don’t you dare give me any more leeches I don’t want those bloodsucking worms crawling all over my body.”
The white ferret nodded respectfully. She got out a small vile, a bowl and a few bad smelling herbs. She began to mix the ingredients together. All the while her paws were trembling Slightly. They schuck even more as she reached for the deadly vile. She poured half of it inside the mixing bowl. She stud up from the ground where she was kneeling. The ferret nodded her head to the slender female cat with the same blue eyes as her mother.
“ Atlantica give mother her medicine she’ll only take it from you. I don’t know why mother would allow a weak… 
“ Atticus don’t talk to your sister like that!” Snapped Raza she turned to her daughter and said in a much more calmer voice. “Don’t let your brother push you around defend yourself, my daughter.”
Atlantica merely shrugged she stood up from her chair and took the ball of medicine off of the ground. Atlantica held it up to her mother's mouth, helping her to drink the concoction more easily. Neither Raza, Atlantica, the squirrel slave or the ferret mage saw the sly wink that passed between Atticus and higro.
As soon as Raza was done Atlantica handed the empty bowl back to the ferret. She nodded and placed her things inside of her satchel. Raza waited for sleep to envelop her. Then all of a sudden 10 guards came bursting in a captive in their midst.
== Chapter 6: Secret friends and secret homes: ==
Somewhere deep in the death forest: 
A black cloaked creature sat on a frost covered bolder near an ash tree. slowly The minutes past by. The creature waited for his secret visitor. A few more minutes went by and just when the creature was about to leave he was awarded by A pair of paws walking quickly towards him. He turned around to see a white mouse with green eyes. 
The mouse nodded respectfully. “Liam”
“Merlin” said the cloaked creature as he bowed
Liam pulled down his hood to reveal a light gray ferret with a white mask and paws. “ what did you want to talk about Merlin?” 
“Well I ran into a squirrel earlier today. But that’s beside the point. I gave him the amulet, he responded as I had predicted he would.”
“That’s good” responded Liam. His ears twitched and his gaze shifted. 
“I have t, go yer, woodlander friends are coming. ifen, they were t, know that I be yer respective lands. they will not hesitate ta, kill me. I must go my princess and Cedar are waiting for me. I must go back to the fortress, I will see ya, soon Merlin.” He said quickly bowing before running off into the thorny, snow-covered dark Woodlands.
><><
Hickory was walking behind the hairs keeping an eye out for any trouble. Peter was in the front while Willow was in the middle. The snow had stopped falling an hour back. Still they plowed on forward hoping to find a friend in the midst of the thorny black trees in bushes. All at once a figure leaped down from a tree 
“Boo, ha, Peter you should see y, face it’s like a surprise mother toad, Haha.”
Peter shook out of his shocked state. “Zan, you rascal what in seasons are you doing here?”
“Oh that simple i’m to lead the lot of y, to your new home.” Responded the raccoon as he skipped along ahead the six young hairs following him.
One of the three hair mades named, Trixie a dark brown hair made with white patches asked a question. “Is it a Nice please Mr. Zan?”
“Better than the last place you were in Trixie.” Zan responded
Another young heir made went creamy white fur and brown furred paws asked a question. “Is it very far Mr. Zan i’m tired.”
Zan nodded ahead of him as he answered.“Don’t worry young pixie will be there in a few more minutes.”
Walking for a few more minutes the small group finally reached the little hut. Hickory went off to find her own kind. The Pegasus lived in an enchanted tree just like one of the comrim leaders.  The hut was small and simple. There were two bedrooms on the left side and on the right there was the kitchen. Peter and Willow let their six young hairs into the Second bed chamber. The six hair siblings soon went to sleep. In the living room zan had just finished kindling the little hearth. 
As the two hairs sat down on zans right he asked them a question.
“Would you lot like anything t, eat, you must be starving.“ He said a smug grin on his face as he pulled out a flask of elderberry wine and a small sack of oat cakes.
Willow glared that the young thief Sternly as she took a healthy mouth full of a oat cake that zan offered her. 
“Zan you young rip have y, been stealing from the veynairo Storage room again. Do you even know what would happen if you ever got caught sir.”
“It’s not stealing marm It’s called liberation. ” zan’s cheerful tone turned serious as he gazed into the fire. 
“Besides one day there will come a creature who isn’t afraid of any dark mages or Wildcats for that matter. When that day comes we will be there standing behind that creature ready to fight for our freedom.”
Peter took a long sip of his elderberry wine before speaking. “You know I could’ve sworn I saw that very creature earlier today…“ 
Peter trailed off shaking his head mournfully. “But he’s probably been executed or thrown into the dungeons by now.“
The three friends stayed up for a little while longer then they all went to sleep in front of the little hearth. As the trees ground in the dark woods. the stars peeked through little holes through the tree branches. The little hut was a safe and warm island of hope amidst the dark desolate death forest.
== Chapter 7: Royal judgment, chaos and Dungeons: ==
in the chambers of Queen raza slightly earlier that evening:
The ten guards struggled wildly trying to keep the captive squirrel at bay. Raza set up straight sleep quickly forgotten. She surveyed the scene with narrowed blue eyes. Her voice was a low slow snarl.
“What, is, the, meaning, of, this?“
instantly every beast became silent, including sage who at the moment had ceased struggling. Half tail stepped forward and placed sages sword at the foot of the bed then retreated back to his original spot. Frag a large ferret stepped forward. 
“Yer, highness from what these three had told me. He was found in yer,lands armed with a sword.“ He said pointing at Sage who merely glared at him.
“What do you have to say for yourself squirrel.” Rasa said eyeing the squirrel through hooded eyes.
Sage didn’t know why but the next words he said surprised him just as much as the other occupants. 
“by merlin's power dawning fire is mine t, wield!” he shouted up at the sky.
Cedar, the ferret mage stared in disbelief as a fiery red mist surrounded the squirrel lifting him up in the air. Crimson red armor Appeared and placed it self onto the squirrels body. A Orange cape flowed out behind him, his paws and foot paws had on leather black gloves and boots. The rope that had bound him had disappeared into nothing but ashes. The squirrel landed back on the ground and slowly opened his eyes.
The young squirrel slave stood there unable to believe her eyes. The squirrel had just committed the most wonderful and yet terrible mistake of his life. He was able to channel the Phoenix's powers not only that. but he now had the eyes of a phoenix king. This squirrel had just shown magic far more powerful than the queens own. Having far more powerful magic then queen Raza was considered a sin. To the squirrel made this was an opportunity to escape at last.
As quietly as she could she slipped her paw inside of her sleeve and pulled out a crystal wand. Cedar and Atlantica were the only two who noticed they both gave the slightest of nods. then all at once the room went into chaos. The Squirrel raised her wand in the air, then she brought it down. It made a resounding crack that echoed throughout the room. A burst of light enveloped the entire chamber blinding every beast inside. 
Closing her eyes Cedar ran blindly through the chaos. At one point she bumped into a guard. But quickly she managed to dodge out of the way. just as she was about to reach the partially opened door,a hefty paw grabbed her from behind and before she could even turn around to face her assailant, A heavy sword hilt slammed down on her head. the world immediately went black.
Atlanta, her mother and higro we’re blinded by the burst of light. Atticus however was not affected, through the white light he could see the squirrel slave, his squirrel slave trying to escape. With a hiss of rage, he leapt out of his chair.  Atticus's claws had come out and he knew where to strike. Not more than an arms length away, now he Claude her back. To most creatures the squirrels dragon wings were invisible. but not to Atticus. He had both paws on her back and with an evil smile, he ripped her wings off of her back with his mouth. He quickly spat them out trying to get rid of The taste of blood. 
A silent scream irrupted from the squirrels mouth. Gingerly she tried to get up, her back burned as if it were being set on fire. She turned around and glared hatred at her master. The black cat merely smiled, he got something off of the ground. Atticus held it in front of her face. An expression of terror was written on her face. 
As the light swept across the room sage covered his eyes with his… wing. Sage blinked or he thought he did, then he looked more carefully.
“Great I have wings this is just my day.“ He thought groaning Inwardly. Then he began to softly laugh to himself. “Well things couldn’t get any worse, right.” he thought still silently laughing at the entirety of the day so far.
Then all at once the room returned to normal. Once every beast had regained all of their senses Raza stared long and hard at the squirrel slave kneeling, her back turned to the wild cat. then she turned her gaze on to sage.
“You have trespassed upon my land, you bore a weapon and not to mention you bear far more powerful magic then I.” Turning to her son and daughter she asked them. “What should we do with the squirrel.“
Sage snorted “you know I have a name, right.“ he said bitter content buried underneath the sarcasm.
“Well I say we lead him towards our borders, then give back his weapon and take away his source of magic. Let it be a one time warning for him. he wouldn’t be so foolish as to trespass upon our lands again.“ Atlantica said in a calm and steady voice.
Atticus snared “I say we execute him, besides he tried to use his Magic to help my slave escape.” He said looking down at the bloody and wounded figure that was the creature in question.
Raza looked at the two of them for a minute then she spoke. “The two squirrels, not to mention the ferret mage, who try to escape. will be thrown in the dungeon to cool all of their paws off. In time we will release…“
SNAP
Every beast could clearly hear the sound of the rusty steel blade as it broke in two. Furious at being overruled Atticus had gotten the sword off of the floor and jammed it between the floor and the bottom of the door. He pulled upon with all his strength, the weapon broke in two, easily. Looking at what remained of the ones magnificent, if yet old blade. Atticus threw it at Sage, Who by now had somehow transformed back into his regular clothing. 
“Take him away the site of him offends my eyes. He will wear this hilt around his neck as a symbol of shame. Once others see him they’ll know that we can be merciful.“ he said promptly going back to his seat and sitting up on it. 
The guards had no trouble this time in restraining and binding sages paws to his sides. The reason was very simple. The 16 season old squirrel had stared at one figure throughout Atticus’s little speech. The young white squirrel had not moved in inch since the incident. Her wings which were now visible on the floor. They lay there battered, blood stained and destroyed beyond recognition. she only starred in silent horror. Sage now saw that her eyes weren’t those of a dragon, but of a normal squirrels eyes. In the center of the black pupils there was a small gray line that had to represent her as half dragon. If the wings weren’t any indication. The guards tried to drag him away from the room but Sage stood his ground now glaring at Atticus. 
The squirrels voice shook with rage as he stared at Atticus. “Your mother made it just decision as well as your sisters but you’re right. You should’ve killed me when you got the chance, cat. I’ll say this much t ye coward. My name that I was given is no more. I am Sage the warrior and I swear upon my father’s sword which you have broken.“ 
there was silence in the room as the squirrel stared directly into the wild cats red eyes. 
”I vow to Slay you.” 
Then the spell was broken. As the guards dragged the three new prisoners to the dungeons. Sage called out one final time. His words left an ominous chill in the air. 
”cowards die within the darkness, a warrior dies with in the moonlight!!“ 
there was a long tense silence after that. Then it was broken by Atticus.
Atticus sat back in his chair chuckling. “A squirrel kill me, a Black mage, that’s a laugh.”
Raza lay back on her bed. “If that is what you think my son then you are a fool. I have seen far grater courage and foolishness from warlords to warriors.”
Atticus merely dismissed his mother’s words, but Atlantica did not. Standing up she bowed her head respectfully to her mother who was now asleep. With the grace of a cat she promptly walked out of her mothers chambers and went into her own part of the Castle. 
Once inside her own chambers she looked out at the frost covered Stainglass window. The woodlands seemed unwelcoming yet, she stared on waiting for the creature that she had sent out earlier that day.
><><
The dungeons were smelly, dark, damp and cold. The two mates did not put up a fight but Sage did. He bit and kicked at the guards. They were only, to glad, to get rid of the squirrel, who was causing them so much trouble. Before Sage was tossed in by one of the guards,The stoat said. 
”Odd, her Majesty took an odd liking at ye squirrel. she’s an ood one queen Raza. Ifen his Majesty were ta have his Waze, you and your little friends would’ve been thrown in the deepest, darkest, coldest, dungeon that we have here.“ 
Sage blinked then spat in the guards face. 
All three of them were then thrown into the dungeon. Sage could hear the other two creatures getting up but he did not move until he could no longer hear the guards pawsteps. He got up from the floor and looked at their new surroundings. A high bar window let in a weak amount of moonlight. The door was made out of a well barred and locked steel door. The four walls were a dark gray color on one corner there was a pile of hay. 
Cedar and the squirrel made were sitting atop the hay. Sage began to walk towards them, when he stepped on something. Picking it up he noticed that it was his sword hilt. it was hanging by a rope cord. Putting it on he sat beside the white ferret with a black mask.
“She ain’t look too happy.” He said looking at the white squirrel
In response to his comment the ferret obligingly explained. “Atticus had Placed a spell on her. She can only speak to other creatures in there dreams. However when she’s awake well… she’s mute. The only way to break the spell from my research. As me being a light mage and all that, the only way to break it is….“ 
She gave a slight knowing smile before continuing. “… True loves kiss.“
Sage merely stared at her. The ferret intern just shrugged. Then she looked down at her stomach and side. “I was hoping to escape this place tonight. but unfortunately the fates or as my husband likes to say the, force wishes me not to escape.”
Sage put his paws behind his head and let sleep over take his weary mind. It was going to be a long winter.
== Chapter 8 Of a Concord kingdom and other matters: ==
upon the great eastern see around noontide:
Calm and collected was the red dragon. As he stood upon the main deck of his great black and red tinged ship. Kizarie look towards the mighty tree fortress. He growled low and long. He would have all of these lands by the end of next autumn. if he had his way. Looking towards the north east he sensed a change. Whether they be dark or light mages they could sense when One of their own head cast a spell. The dragon smiled knowing that this particular spell that his pathetic, weak Poor excuse for a daughter cast was fatal. She had cast it and unknowingly had allowed her master to see her wings.
Kizarie sat down a pleased look upon his scarred and battered features. I knew once I zold you to that wild cat that you would be helplezz my daughter. 
“Bran Griffin king of faynora, you will perizh whether it be by my paw or my army you will zuffer!” This last part came out as a roar and with it a ball of fire irrupt it from the blood red dragons mouth.
Swiftly he flew off and as he flew over the beaches of faynorea. His army of Vermin and darflartha appeared like leaves in an autumn wind. An enormous mass of magic was needed to keep his entire army invisible until now. Flying in front of the massive creatures. The dragon stood high ready for any pathetic attack that may come at him. But nothing came not a fairy nor a king squirrel came out of the castle or even peaked through a stained glass window. It was as if the squirrel king and his followers had left the fortress. But this was not so.
><><
earlier that day an hour before Dawn:
Turning in his bed bran dreamed restless dreams. All that the squirrel could see was fire and golfing every part of his being. Then he saw the dragon he stood as tall as any mountain. His gold rimmed eyes stared back at him mocking him, taunting him, challenging him. Bran couldn’t take it anymore, he launched himself forward. the war cry of his ancient kingdom ripping out his throat like a restless wave ready to be released into the world.
Strike Legend blood strike!!!
Then the vision changed it was a familiar creature that Bran had not seen in Minia season. She had oddly colored bluish gray fur. She spoke calm and clear.
Fire may destroy thy home but fire will restore it once more. One whose past shun him as an outcast. Will seek thy help in Midsummer. One who is silent no more, one who is secret no more.
“Sire, sire wake up please Eli has returned. Sire please wake up. do I have to dump this entire Bucket of water all over your flipping head. I will do it, see if I don’t.“
Bran opened one eye. “Zoe you don’t need to threaten me I’m up, I’m up.” He said grumpily eyeing the bucket of water that Zoe held above his head.
With a Sheepish expression upon her face. Zoe quickly shifted the bucket that way it was grasped in both of her paws. placing the bucket on the end of brans bed she flew towards the entrance and stood there. She crossed her arms in front of her chest where a few metals could clearly be seen displayed on the captains light aqua colored uniform. Zoe‘s face was expressionless, her Orange gaze straight ahead unblinking.  
After rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Bran got up. Still in his night clothing he sat down at his study table. He lit three candles before looking down at his breakfast. There was a ornately decorated silver tray with a fresh fruit salad covered in honey and sprinkled with oats. Next to it was a simple light blue teacup filled with fresh dandelion tea still warm. 
After taking a sip he asked. “Captain, why wake me up so early. The sun hasn’t even risen.”
Zoe bit her lip before nodding at the creature waiting at the entrance of the chamber. Eli an old fay with light orange streaks of fur and dark Sapphire eyes rushed into the room. He looked as if he had flown here without any rest. This was further proven as he sat down heavily upon the floor still panting and wheezing as he made his report.
“My … King… Enemy … Invisible… Spell… Thousands… Vermin…darflartha… Dragon on its… Way.” He said wiping a  paw across his four head.
Pausing in the middle of chewing a piece of fruit bran frowned. Setting his breakfast aside he stood up. The two Squihairjin glanced at one another, they knew that frown all too well. They both glanced back at their king. Zoe and Eli could’ve sworn that they saw a tinge of red in the old squirrels eyes as he spoke.
“Zoe Eli have every single beast armed with every weapon imaginable. I also want all of you to be supplied with food, water, plenty of clothing and other necessities.  All of you meet me in the throne room in 30 minutes is that understood, Sergeant, captain.“ 
The two fairies looked at each other and nodded. Before leaving they both saluted with their tails and popped out their wings flying off into the hallway. 
Walking in the center of his bed chamber. Bran clasped his amulet which he had seldom took off since the dragon had made his presence known. he grasped it with his left paw. Faintly at first the amulet began to glow then it glowed brighter and brighter as bran spoke the amulets long incantation.
“By Arabia dragon legend blood queen of faynorea, Griffin spirit is mine to wield once more!” 
Slowly a golden light enveloped him then in a flash copper colored armor appeared covering the old squirrel from head to foot paw. Minus for the black boots and Golden paw Gotland’s the armor showed a faint copper color in the gray light of dawn.   
Bran nodded grateful that the amulet. still worked even after so long of not being used. He glanced outside of his window and noticing the gray light. He quickly dismissed the armor. Just as quickly if that were possible the squirrel king changed into a simple homespun green tunic. Buckling his double bladed battle ax onto his back, packing his own essentials and placing on a cloak. The old king took one final glance at his bed chamber before turning around and walking out.
><><
Not bothering with any Royal formality bran ran into the room. where it was fully packed with the 50 old fairy residence. Nodding briskly to Zoe he walked towards his throne. Walking behind the marble set bran pushed and moved the secret key combination. Moving to one side The throne revealed a long straight path of stone stairs. 
All of the Squihairjin either gaped or just stared blankly at the hidden passage. Their king didn’t let them gawk at the secret entrance for long.
“All right then every beast form a rank of two and go down there. Please wait for me at the bottom but no beast wonder alone you could get lost in there.“ He said sternly making sure that all of his subjects understood the urgency of the situation .
They did as they were told and soon as the last of them were at the bottom of the staircase. bran flew down his griffin wings extended at their fullest in the nero cavern with a torch in paw. Landing in front of the two columns he lead them silently off into the secret tunnels.
Sending Edward off to find help had been a good idea. Bran thought staring steadily ahead
><><
Bran held up his torch high signaling for every beast to halt. They had come to a supposed dead end. A rare sly smile spread across brans Face as he placed the torch against the stone wall. A soft blue mist surrounded the stone wall once it disappeared. It revealed a massive cavern with stocked food, blankets, water and even a miniature Forge.
“How in the dickens did y, majesty managed to get all of this down here.” Zoe said disbelieving her own orange eyes.
Bran stepped aside letting the others go past as he explained to Zoe. “Remember around last Summer you were noticing that I was not getting enough sleep.”
Zoe nodded not taking her gaze away from him as she waved to a Gray female Squihairjin with yellow streaks in her fur and grey eyes.
“Well I enchanted this chamber enabling it to preserve all of the water food and other resources. I had a feeling my old friend the dragon would come up with a scheme like this one.“ he said just as the faint sound of burning wood and soldiers paw steps reached their ears from above.
Every beast cringed visibly. Then they all resumed what they were doing. 
“Well blessed me ye’er majesty I never would’ve guessed. Zoe said looking at the room at last. 
But then she turned her gays back to bran. Zoe was the only creature ever to known to yell in front of her king and Bran was fine with it. He took Zoe‘s furious tirade in stride.
“You blithering idiot why didn’t ya, tell any of us! y, could’ve gotten lost, killed or worse and assassin could have entered here in secret and killed ya!” 
Zoe had by now popped out her wings. they were fluttering so fast that it made brands black cloak flow out a bit. By now the two had unintentionally created a slight scene. Some of their friends wandered away not wanting to be part of this argument. While others just stood there gaping. Most of the residents had never seen Zoe in such a furious state before. Some of them were even enjoying the argument it gave them something to talk about during the upcoming few seasons ahead. 
Zoe ended her tirade by saying. “… And how long are we going t bloody well be here, eh y, majesty!”
Bran had sat down in the middle of Zoe‘s tirade. He was now polishing his ax. Looking up he answered in a normal tone. “when my successor draws near to our lands that is wen I will go off and face my enemy.” Pausing in his work he added ”Anything else Captain?”
The remaining audience that weren’t asleep chuckled at Zoe‘s face of bewilderment and shock.The captain promptly answered. “By bloody hells whiskers do I ever have anything else to add. How long will yer flipping successor going t take to get here?”
what bran said next cot Zoe off guard. Getting up from the ground, bran arched his back as he answered. “I would say around mid summer now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be helping our cook Lulu to prepare dinner for us, Captain I will see you later. It was a wonderful Conversation but I must go now, good day.“
As she watched her king walk away Zoe placed her back against the stone wall and slumped down on the ground defeated. Later although she didn’t realize it Zoe dropped off to sleep.
><><
One season later in the death forest:
Edward flapped his wings even harder trying to get away from the crows and ravens that were chasing after him. So far the old ferry had no success in finding any fairy warriors. The old Squihairjin began to argue in his mind as he flew left, right, up, down and sideways.
The dark desolate, evil looking forest was a wonderful idea Edward.
And how was I supposed to know that there would be crows and ravens circling the outer part huh.
Well if ya, would have listen t, the old hedgehogs advice, of not going into the blasted forest then maybe y, wouldn’t be in this situation now, would ya.
Edward shook his gray head with dark brown streaks in it. Edward was so focused on getting away from the black feathered birds that he did not notice another creature flying towards him until it was too late. With a jumble of fur and wings the two creatures fell down towards the surprisingly soft green grass below. 
The Creature was wearing a black cloak and a long sleeved light purple tunic with a kneelength dark purple skirt and a black leather belt with a plain silver star shaped buckle to complete its look. Untangling itself from the now unconscious Edward it looked at him. Pulling down its hood. it revealed herself to be none other than flair. 
Putting two of her paws in her mouth she let out a sharp whistle. Ash Thunder came trotting through the foliage still eating a Green apple.
“Good to see ya, old gal let’s get this old relic back to the cave immediately. we don’t want any of those blithering birds or those blasted Vermin getting the best of us eh.” She said lifting the alarmingly thin old Squihairjin onto ash thunders back.
Where do you suppose Master sage is
Ash thunder asked in flares mind. Throughout the winter the two of them had realized that flare could read ash thunders mind. They had also realized after a very, very chilly night, of not seeing any sign of sage. The two had found shelter in a nearby cave not far off. It was concealed in ivy, moss, plants grown all over the entrance and stone  
Flare side “don’t ask m,gal. I have absolutely no idea. I just hope yer, great lump of a master and companion of mine is still alive and fighting.”
Flare saw the worry on the horses face and gave a forced reassuring smile. “Don’t worry once he realizes that he’s hopeless without us, hill come back.”
Though what flare was actually thinking was. sage where are ya.
== Chapter 9: A Royal death and Royal consequences: ==
The very same day in the chambers of Prince Atticus: 
Prince Atticus was in a foul mood. his Black bushy tail swished back-and-forth like an untamed beast. His eyes were mad with blood lust. The young prince had waited nearly an entire winter season but his mother was still alive. Lashing out with his claws Atticus tore a wall hanging that was in his room to bits and pieces. Higro the white fox stood at attention near the princes bed. The fox stood as straight as a pole. His dark black gaze shifted from left to right watching the mad cats every move. All at once the black cats head turned sharply to stare at higro. 
The Princes voice was a low hiss of rage. “The poison should’ve worked along time ago. why isn’t she dead yet.”
The fox got visibly before answering his Prince. “Mighty… One I do not know why the poison didn’t work.”
Atticus turned around and walked to his window. He looked out at the castle grounds and the woods beyond. His mighty claws dug into the windowsill. Soon he would be the greatest black mage emperor in all of the death Forest, no beast would dare oppose him. 
“Soon I’ll be dancing up on your grave mother.” He hissed quietly to himself
Atticus looked out of his window once more his gaze seeming to be somewhere else, as if lost in a memory. The young cat could not forget the squirrel, what was his name again. he was probably dead by now anyway. But he still could remember when the creatures said the even stranger incantation. there was something about that incantation, it seemed to… frighten the young cat. 
Atticus shattered visibly he was a follower of the seven black wolves. The seven black wolves were the seven key symbols of death, despair. hopelessness, destruction, chaos, pain and torture. Atticus dug his claws even deeper into the window sale. He shoved the memory of the Warriors squirrel out of his head. Turning around he promptly went to his bed for a well needed nap.
><><
Meanwhile in princess Atlanticas chamber:
The skinny female black cat passed her room nervously. Sitting calmly on the floor his blue robes spread out before him liam sat calmly looking at his princess.
“Come yerself m, lady it will be alright.” He said in his ever present calm voice
Promptly Atlantica stopped her incessant pacing and sat down in front of the ferret jinstar. She rubbed her temple before fidgeting around with her silver staff. 
Atlantica side ruthfully “you don’t know my brother like I do Liam. His soul is as black as the seven black wolves.” 
The young cats voice was gentle, husky and sweet. It belated her brothers graph, deep and demanding voice.
Adjusting her gold crown studded with sapphires. she continued speaking to her longtime companion. “Besides did you forget that he was the one who ordered your own wife and kit to be thrown into the dungeons. Not to mention that poor squirrel slave and that other squirrel. Oh and when I met my brother I meant my mother sorry.”
Liam responded without looking up from his blade. which he had taken out earlier. “Yes, m, princess you told me many a time last winter when I returned.“
Atlantica continued speaking as if she had not heard Liam‘s comment. “I swear I’ve never seen such powerful magic in my life. I tell you my friend, my very soul Felt that immense power ...”
The black cat shook her head apologetically. “Look at me, I’m going on like an old mother toad. sorry I am… I am just so fidgety lately. Mother has been growing weaker and weaker with every passing day. the healers said that she would die in a few more days, if not sooner. I’m grateful that my brother doesn’t know yet. I can’t imagine what would happen once he found out.“
Liam cocked his head to one side. My lady do ya, hear that. it sounds as if the entire castle has gone up into well, an up roar.” 
Atlantica open the door and look at one of her guards a light brown stoat. “What in seasons is going on.”
The guard on her right answered. “Yer highness it… Your mother she’s… Dead!“
Atlantica was shocked her blue eyes were wide and her mouth was slightly opened. as if in a trance the princess walked quickly towards her mother's chambers. Liam stepped out of Atlantica's room. He nodded to the stoat. 
“Thank ye vin.”
Vin nodded respectfully to the ferret. “I Suggest ya go after her mate.” 
Liam nodded but before going he whispered. “Just in case his Majesty tries ta Frame the princess ya will still be loyal to ere right, no matter what.”
Vin nodded “by the seven Phoenix Kings of faynorea I swear.”
><><
Atlanticas mind was racing as well as her paws. She knew that if this was her brothers doing. then she had to get all of her guards who were still loyal to her to safety immediately. 
“First things, first let’s see how deep into Chaos we are in.” The Princess mumbled
After running for what seemed like an eternity to Liam. He had finally catched up to atlantica. The cat in question merely glanced sideways at him. Atlanticas mind was once again racing with different ideas some appeared but then vanished just as quickly. As they were reaching the door that lead into the dungeons. An idea popped into the princess's head. it was risky but hopefully it would work. 
“Liam I want you to take the keys to the Dungeons and tell the prisoners of what just occurred. Once you get Inside take your wife and kit out of here. through a secret passage that is across the cell from the prisoners. Even if the guards notice their absence, those two Will not be very important to them. The only two that they're really keeping an ion are the two squirrels.” 
Liam blinked trying to process all this information at once but he didn’t have much time to process it. With a quick movement that the ferret could barely see Atlantica had shoved the keys into his paws. Without a backward glance she ran towards her mother's chamber, leaving Liam with the keys clutched in his paws. 
Shaking his head The gray ferret walked towards the door. It was metal with a steel bar across it and a padlock hanging on the left side. The keys made a soft clinking sound as he rummaged through the large Key ring. For what seemed like another eternity to the ferret that day, he had at last found the right key. He inserted the brass key into the lock, with a quick, click it opened. Swiftly Liam ran inside and closed the door. Drawing out his jinstar blade, he flicked it and the ghostly blue flames appeared on the blade. 
The light give off in erie blue glow as he went towards the prisoners. The ghostly flames and shadows danced across his blue, green eyes. Liam could hear the sound of water drip, drip dripping off somewhere. His paws could feel the cold rough black stone beneath. Soon he reached the cell door. Hesitantly he knocked on it and waited.
><><
In near perfect unison Atlantica and Atticus appeared in front of their mothers chamber. The two royal siblings didn’t even acknowledge each other. Higro had come with Atticus. The fox opened the door to a scene out of nightmares. 
Queen Raza was on top of her bed motionless her face frozen in sheer agony.  The Queens eyes were wide still open in death. Her clause dug into her bed sheets, her teeth were bared in a frozen snarl of defiance and pain. Her throat was slit halfway open. Dark crimson blood, now turned black stand the bedsheets. Some still wet blood slowly made its way down to the floor where already a Crimson puddle was forming. The blood that was on top of the sheets was dry and black ruining the expensive silks.
No Beast moved, no beast said a word. Soldiers, guards and Royalty alike barely breathed. 
Adlantica recoiled inwardly. she fot the urged to rech on the floor, then. She knew it wasn’t her brother who did this horrendous act. For one thing he did not have the sent of blood about him plus he had arrived at the times she did. For another fact her mothers body was surrounded by dark magic and it was strong. It was even more stronger than her brothers own magic. The princess couldn’t see magic like other creatures but she could sense it in the air just by breathing. 
Atticus couldn’t believe it some beast had come into his mothers chambers and killed her. Atticus was seathing with rage he was supposed to have murdered his mother, he was the one that was supposed to have his mother's blood on his paws, but instead another creature had beaten him to it. Then there was the magic. The Prince sniffed the air and smelled the strongest scent of dark magic he had ever smelled in his entire, young life.
Some beast will pay with there bloody life
What happened next, if possible shocked everybeast even further. Higro turned to Atlantica and ported an accusing paw directly in the princesses Face.
“ ya murdered ye’er own mother. Ya wanted all the power, that way so ya can help ye’er little goody, goody vermin guard and woodlanders. Well ye’er majesty that isn’t happening today. yer brother will be taking the role of king from now on!” Higro loudly declared
><><
Meanwhile in the dungeons:
She stared out blankly at the cell door. Her back still ached even after an entire season. She missed the feel of her wings and the way they shone in the brilliant sunlight. She curled up into a ball. she wondered why she had even done that spell in the first place. That spell it had allowed her wings to be unveiled. The invisibility spell that she placed upon them had stopped working as soon as she cast that, stupid spell. She had been so eager to escape. 
She closed her eyes trying to prevent the salty tears from streaming down her dirt covered face. but it was to no use they fell down on to the pile of dusty hey that she lay on. She was and would always will be a mage, a legend blood. She felt somebeast place their cloak on top of her. She opened her eyes to see the warrior squirrel sitting back down. His phoenix like eyes still held a fiery determination and recklessness. She had thought that he had given up long ago, but the glimmer of determination was still there. She fround, sensing something off about him. It wasn’t the powerful magic that she could sense coming off of him. Instead it was the conflict in his own mind. He hadn’t excepted the fact that he was a legend blood, a powerful one at that. 
><><
Sage looked at cedar her little kit wrapped up in scraps of cloth, dirty cloth at that. The kit which was named, Arthur. He stared back at his mother with big blue, green eyes. His fur was a light gray color, while his mask and paws were black, just like his mothers. 
“you know it’s quite ridiculous really how we ended up here.“ He said Trying to make light of the situation
Cedar side “yer, an odd one sage, I’ll give ya that.”
“Oh, how so?”
“Well for one ya, make light of even the most ridiculous come up circumstances. For another ya can be so… reckless and yet ya, still manage ta stay responsible and Wise all at once.” She said
“We ye have a point there.” He said
They sat in silence for a while. Soon they could hear paw steps coming towards their cell. A hesitant knock soon followed. Sage frowned this was unusual the guards weren’t supposed to show up with their meals until two hours later at the latest. Reaching for his broken sword hilt that was still around his neck. He nodded Grimly to himself. If he had to die he would die fighting. He glanced sideways at the now sleeping squirrel made. Sage had to admit she was beautiful even though she was covered in dust and wearing a slave gown.
All at once he could feel his cheeks turning bright red with embarrassment. Did he really just think that? Sage hardly even new her. He’d only ever saw her in his dreams and even then she was mute. Not that he didn’t mind. Secretly he thought it made her even lovelier.
And there y go again lover squirrel. His subconscious told him
Well she is beautiful… sweet, kind, generous…
For crying out loud just admit that you love her
I will not admit that not,ever
“Sage the door is beginning to open.“cedar whisper yelled
Sage instantly got out of his arguing mind and prepared himself for a fight. The door quickly opened and closed. It was a light gray ferret with a white mask and flowing dark blue robes. He leaned against the closed door relief showing on his face.
Cedar immediately stood up and launched herself at her husband's waiting arms. “Liam what are ya doing here?”
“Can’t… breathe.“ He replied
“Oh sorry.“ Cedar said before turning around
The white squirrel made had gotten up by this point and was sitting on the hay sages cloak still around her shoulders. Sage just looked at them a look of surprise written on his usually nowadays Stone faced features.
“Sage, miss this is my husband, Liam. He is Atlantica’s personal guard.” Cedar said gesturing with one of her paws at her husband.
Liam nodded curtly to Sage and the squirrel made. “I wish we could stay ta chat more but I must tell ya some urgent news, immediately. For one thing i Heard from a few of the guards that the queen has been murdered.“
Sages mouth now hung slightly opened. “Um… Right…”
He really didn’t have anything else to say. This was shocking news in itself. As for the squirrel made she was stunned. Her masters mother was finally dead she wanted to leap up and jump for joy. But she quickly pushed that aside. She sank deeper into the still warm cloak.
“Anyhow“ Liam continued “she was apparently murdered by some beast. Nobody’s knows who did it yet but there is a hunt going around the palace. Now listen, I can’t stay here for long i’ve got ta get cedar and my my son out of here.“
Sage nodded “you lads and lassy need t leave the castle right.“
The ferret nodded confirming what Sage just said. “They won’t bother with looking for cedar and my youngen. but… They’ll notice ifen ya two are gone. I’m sorry I wish there was something more I could do.“
Sage stood up and smirked “well ifen it puts Atticus in a bit of a tizzy. then it’s a good day t escape. Hahahaha, Atticus hahahaha in a tizzy, hahahaha.”
Sage was now holding his sides. “OK… OK… I’m sorry but that was hilarious. I can’t wait to see that pussy cats face when He finds out that the three of ye have escaped.“
Liam nodded hurriedly “goodbye, i’ll see if I can help ya two escape later. may the force be with ya both.”
“And may the fates guide ye’er way.“ Cedar added 
soon sage saw The door of their cell open and close. there was the unmistakable sound of another door being open and closed. then it was all silent. Sage stood there not saying a word. He heard the paw steps of the squirrel made coming up behind him. She placed a gentle paw on his shoulder.
He turned and smiled at her “this might be a bit sudden, But you never told me ye’er name.“
But I can’t talk. she mouthed 
He shrugged “doesn’t matter, I can still understand ye.”
She smiled, Gwendolyn but call me gwen.
“Gwen, huh, well don’t worry gwen will find a way t get out of here.” He said looking out at the no darkening sky
All at once marching paw steps could be heard coming down the corrido. Sage turned his head just in time to see the stunned and bewildered face of princess atlantica. She was beaten and bruised. though it was hard to tell with her black fur. Not too surprisingly leading the vermin guards who were caring torches, spears and Tridents was Atticus. He was followed by Higro and a cloaked creature. A large fox began to lead them into a chant which they repeated on mass.
“Kill the murderer kill the murderer!!”
Sage noticed that some of the guards were only mouthing the words. Nonetheless they all matched a little ways off to another cell. The guards shoved and prodded the young female wildcat. Soon she was locked tightly in her own cell.
Atticus silenced the chanting vermin by putting a single paw up. “Enough, from this day forward my sisters name shall never be mentioned in my castle. as your new king I declare that there will be a banquet feast in my honor two days from now.“
The new cat king and his followers promptly marched out of the castle dungeons. No beast gave the two imprisoned squirrels a second look. The vermin were so elated at the prospect of a feast that they didn’t even notice that two of their own prisoners had escaped. 
Once the dungeons were quiet once more. sage turned back to stare into Gwen’s piercing dark green eyes. They were so beautiful and odd all at once. Sages jaw set in a firm line. Determination and stubbornness shined in the Warriors squirrels fire Golden, orange eyes. He would end Atticuse‘s, rain. He would be the one to slay him. Sage wasn’t going to break his warrior vow, not, yet.
== Chapter 10: The captive, a family reunion: ==
meanwhile in flair and ash thunder’s hideout
Flare paced back-and-forth muttering to herself as she did so. “Really, when is the old fogey gonna wake up, ash.”
Ash thunder snorted, then went back to eating the vegetation that was growing outside of the little cave. Meanwhile flare side and rubbed her temple murdering.
“it’s been a day when is he gonna wake up?“
Why are you so worried about this fairy
“I’ll tell ya, why, old girl. That flipping fairy happens to be my uncle Edward. I heard that he went out to some Kingdom t serve some king. but that’s all I really know, eh, ash.” flare explained
Ash thunder was now looking over flares shoulder. 
Look your uncle is awakening. 
Flare turned around and indeed the gray horse was right. Her uncle was now sitting up and rubbing his head.
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Blackness, blackness all Edward could see was an inky blackness. It felt like no time at all had past when he slowly opened his eyes. He sat up rubbing is head wondering how he got here. Then he spotted the young Squihairjin walking towards him. 
Edward blinked, it took him no time at all to realize who this young fairy was. As soon as he realized this however. Edward immediately began to question his niece. His words were coming out so rapidly, that flare could barely catch what he was saying.
“Flare, what are y doing here? how are ye? How did you get into this flipping forest?“ he asked finally finishing
Flare blinked for a moment, she’d forgotten how quick her uncle could ask questions. She stood there contemplating on what to say. She crossed her arms and began.
“Weeeeell I am waiting for a friend and currently in hiding. I’m perfectly fine. Currently I am, as I said earlier, waiting for a friend. who save me from a bunch of ugly weasels and who I’ve been traveling with for the last three seasons. Sooooo, anything else.“
“ Who Saved ya from what?!” Edward asked a bit loudly
flare instantly popped out her wings, Flew over and clamped a firm paw over her aging uncles mouth.
“Shh, don’t say a flipping word uncle. there’s an evil army of whatchamacallits, led by an evil, crazy cat queen. Though, I haven’t heard her name being used in a few days now.” She finished murdering the last bit to herself.
in a much lower tone Edward asked again “who saved y Missy?”
Flair walked over and sat down right next to her uncle. She told him everything. Of how she ran away from home. Of how she was nearly killed by a gang of weasels and of how Sage had rescued her. Flare also told him about how they traveled for at least seven days with a black squirrel that disappeared unexpectedly upon the seventh day.
“… And well after that little odd event. if I may add. we ended up here around the beginning of winter.” Flare said Finishing her long story
A Small smile played upon Edwards lips “well flair where is this sage character that y mentioned? I’d really like to know the lad.”
Flare shook her head “Sorry, uncle Edward but me and his horse, ash thunder haven’t seen him since the beginning of winter and I’m starting to get worried. actually I’m getting even more worried, now.” 
Before Edward could reply, Ash Thunder poked her head through the curtain of foliage that covered the entrance. She made a few low Winnies before going back out.
Flare smiled, then frown“c’mon  uncle there’s some beast outside and their very near the fogey cats fortress, or other.”
The two Squihairjin and gray mare walked for a little ways off until they saw a raccoon walking through the death forest without a care in the world. He had on a green tunic with a matching green hat. On either side of his belt were two bottles filled to the brim with elderberry wine. 
The two Squihairjin and horse weren’t the only ones watching the young raccoon. following Zan at a distance, two rat guards were keeping a close eye on the young thief.
Zan ran forward is young agile body leaping nimbly over a fallen log. He flopped down on a soft patch of grass and close his eyes. The next time the raccoon open them however he was staring at two Burley rat guards. The young thief smiled impudently at his enemies. 
“Good morning mattes lovely weather we’re having.“
The smaller of the two rats growled bad temperedly. He poked Zan with his spear tip. 
“Get up barnacle brain no we know who’s been stealing all the good food this past winter season.“
The Young thief smild. “Oh really, well I am flattered that I am known so well your fortress… Ouch.”
“Move it stripe tail.“ Said the second rat who seem to have a constant runny nose. ”You’re going into veynairo Dungeons. Now, get a Move, On or else I’ll stick ya at the end of my spear tip and eat ya alive.”
So it was that zan was lead towards veynairo. Unknown to him or of the two guards. Two parties had witnessed the entire scene. Flair, Edward and Ash thunder quietly made their way back to the cave. They were going to try to make a plan to help the young thief escape.
At least they hoped they could help him escape.
The small party walked back or in Edward and flares case flew back. Flare couldn’t help but wonder. 
If that young raccoon was captured and led into the fortress, couldn’t that also mean that sage might be in there as well. She shook her head. 
The guards had to be stupid enough and foolish enough to try to capture sage. But even if they did. Well from what she saw of her friend during the three seasons of traveling. sage was a pretty hard squirrel to pin down. 
Correction he was impossible to pin down. Flair knew that sage was stubborn, reckless, smart, but mostly stubborn and reckless.
“ we could help them escape…, but the question is, how?” 
><><
At Night time in the dungeons
Back-and-forth, back-and-forth, back-and-forth.
Sage had been pacing the tiny cell for the last hour or so. It had only been two days since the discovery of the Queens murder. Ever since then Sage had began to grow more and more restless with each passing minute. Gwen was surprised that he hadn’t cracked yet. She was now starting to get annoyed with his antics. 
Sage you’re acting like a kit. 
With this in mind she grabbed a handful of dust and hay. When Sage was coming towards her she threw them at his face. He’s blooded and coughed.
“Gwen… what was… that for?” 
You are acting like a kit. She signed with her paws 
“Sorry, sorry it’s just the waiting. It’s now going t soon be the third day that we found out about this. there’s absolutely nothing we can do about it.” He said frustrated
Don’t worry we’ll.…. Gwen began but she was interrupted by a sound from outside. 
“Let’s just throw him here with the others.”
“Ouch, he bit my ear!”
“Keep ye’er voice down worm brain. Ya know how the king hates noisy prisoners.“
“Ya don’t think I already know that. Hold him still while I unlock this blasted door.“
Sage turn in the direction of the door.Gwen shifted uncomfortably in her seated position. She was still nervous around the guards even if they weren’t going to harm her. Meanwhile sage was ready to leap forward. But the guards were quick in throwing their new cell mate on to sage and just as quickly they locked the door. Sage waited for the guards to leave the dungeon. He wouldn’t give them the satisfaction that he hadn’t bin prepared. The now 17 season squirrel listened as the Guards paw steps retreated as well as their arguing voices.
“ it’ll be less work ta feed them tomorrow at his Lordship’s banquet.“ 
“I can’t wait at have some roasted pigeon.“ 
“Who said you were going ta have roasted pigeon tomorrow fleabag.”
“shut up fleabag.“
“ shut up ye’er self dumb head.“
“Oh really why don’t ya shut up, that big mouth of ye’er self!“ 
As soon as the arguing pair left. Sage released the breath of air that he didn’t realize he was holding. All at once the creature who was on top of him began to giggle. Sage pushed off their new cell mate and brought him to the only light that they had in the tiny room. Which was the crescent moon outside. 
It was a young raccoon with light purple eyes and a cheeky smile plastered on his face.
“Good evening mate, could you kindly let go of my tunic.”
Sage blinked he hadn’t realized that he was gripping the raccoons tunic. Quickly he let go and asked. 
“ what are ye doing here?“
“Aye, I could ask you the same question mate.”
“Apparently having powerful Magic is considered a crime here. That’s how I ended up in here.“
He turned to Gwen. He began to move his paws in a quick and neat motion, sage asked her if she would like him to explain how she got in here. Gwen nodded for him to go ahead. Sage turned back to the raccoon. Who looked a little confused.
“Gwen over there, is mute. so I’m explaining her part.”
Zan nodded for Sage to continue.
“ well the lass tried t escape but her master. who is, not surprisingly now the pussy cat king. So that’s why she is in here with me as well. “
Zan looked surprised 
“So it is true, queen Raza is Dead after all. I’ve bin hearing a few rumors here and there. Whenever I came here to steal from the larders but never really believed them.”
The young raccoon rubbed his temple trying to wrap his mind around the Entire situation so far.
“At least not until now.“ He whispered
In a much chipper voice he added.
“well then, it’s very nice to have some company around here. By the by my name is Zan, what are yours?“
Sage gestured to gwen then to himself. 
“That’s Gwen, my name is Sage the warrior.”
“Warrior, huh, why do they call you that mate?”
Sage leaned back against the wall, he looked up at the ceiling. His eyes had a misty far away looked to them. His arms were crossed over his chest. His right one fingered the broken steel of the sword. As he spoke in a hollow whisper.
“That’s what I’ve been called, that’s how it should remain. It will never change, I came from the northlands. That’s all ye need t know about me. nothing more, nothing less.“ 
There was an uncomfortable silence following The squirrels odd little tail. The raccoon had seen the look in the Warriors squirrels eyes, he knew not to pressure him with any more questions. Zan spoke up once again. 
“well then you two need some food.” Zan declared
The two squirrels watched in slack-jawed, amazement as the young raccoon produced half a wedge of cheese and a small flat flask of blueberry cordial from beneath his tunic.
“ Aye, i just in case of an emergency.”
Zan handed it to Sage, who intern handed it to gwen. The raccoon looked questioningly at the Warriors squirrel. Sage, just shrugged in response.
“she needs it more than me, besides I’ve been through worse.” 
In truth sage hadn’t gone through worse. The hunger pains were bad, but Sage wasn’t bothered by it at least. He wasn’t about to let Zan and Gwen know. 
Gwen was trying her hardest not to scarf down the wedge of cheese in her paws. But it was so hard. after so much time being enslaved.
Sage watched on amused. Gwen noticed and glared at him. Sage Road his eyes and smirked. Zan watched this exchange with a funny look up on his face. The Young thief shrugged it off. 
It was probably nothing he thought  
still leaning against the wall Sage asked.
“ So zan what have I gotten myself into? I'm just a warrior roaming these lands. Tell me why is this place called the death forest?“
The raccoon took a sip of the cordial and handed it to Sage. who gratefully Took it. 
“Will Mate The old queen and her army came here many seasons ago. I think it was the old crumbling Castle that caught her attention. Throughout time we just accepted our fate. They were very little fighters back then.”
Sage interrupted “Ifen they were no fighters, didn’t any Beast at least try t overthrow them?“
“I’m getting to that. There was a ragtag team of warriors. They stormed the castle. I heard that my parents were even a part of it, but I can’t be certain about that. Those fighting creatures charged the castle but they Lost in the end unfortunately. Those who didn’t escape into the death Forest, were thrown in here left to rot. “
There was silence for a long while then sage spoke up. A thought had just occurred in his head.
“aren’t there a few creatures still willing t fight?“
Zan’s eyes lit up. “Oh yes, the Council of moonlight resistance in mossflower. there a right or pair of otters, squirrels and mice. Trust me Sage if I know them, then they’ll be coming out here to rescue all of us.“
Sage and Gwen looked at each other. The two came to a silent agreement. Sage spoke for the both of them.
“Well then zan we are happy t have ye and your friends a-bored. Aye, I can’t wait to see that look on that pussy cats face when he realized that we escaped.”
The warrior squirrel shook the raccoons Paw vigorously, Zan Winced. 
“Could you kindly let go of my paw mate. you don’t know your own strength.”
At this sage began to laugh uncontrollably.
== Chapter 11: moonlight takes action, an escape made: ==
 
The same evening, in the counsel of moonlight resistance in mossflower,Secret hideout 
Around the same time that Zan was Telling sage and Gwen about the resistance, the resistance were talking about them. They were also interrogating a young squirrel named oak whisker. The three creatures surrounded the young squirrel who was seated on a stool in one of the leaders personal study’s. 
The first was a Silver otter with sea blue eyes, A light blue marking of a teardrop on her left cheek and long White head fur that cascaded down to the middle of her back. 
The second creature was standing in the middle of the trio, she was a ginger furred mouse, with yellow eyes, curly dark brown Head fur and a marking in The shape of a small fire on her left cheek. A visible scar could be seen running through the mark.
The last creature was a dark brown squirrel with shaggy black head fur, Black paws and a tail that faded away from red to yellow. His eyes were a dark forest green color. Like all the others he had a mark on his left cheek which was in the shape of a five pointed pink flower.
The mouse's whiskers twitched. “Well then Mr. what do you have to report.“
“Simple enough, sumora, marm, Zan was captured by veynairo soldiers.“
“What in thee, name of thee, Great kings was he doing there Brother?“ Asked the squirrel
“Oh, you know, spranlar. The same old, same old. Gallivanting around the death forest as if there’s not an army hanging about these parts.” Replied Oak whisker
fakklasu, the Silver otter rubbed her chin in thought. “Well we can’t just leave him to the Wildcats.”
Sumoras yellow eyes flashed with loathing and hatred. “I say we storm in there and give the cat a piece of our mind!“ 
She hissed angrily while pounding a clenched fist against her opened paw.
Spranlar The more wiser and sensible of the group shook his head. 
“Thou knows not any sense, sister of war. Let us discuss this with our brothers and sisters of war.“ he said in a quiet soft tone
fakklasu nodded in agreement. “I agree, mate let’s discuss it with every beast else. But first, she said turning to Oak whisker. 
“How long ago was this?” 
“ I’d say in between dusk and twilight.”
The gentle calm dark green gaze of spranlar were now fixed on the young light brown squirrel. “You may go brother, thank you.”
“Besides, I think there's a good mushroom and vegetable stew somewhere in the kitchen for ye mate.” Added fakklasu
Without a second word the young squirrel was out of the Study room in a flash. Followed a few minutes later bye fakklasu, spranlar and a reluctant sumora. The 3 friends made their way down passages and up a flight of stairs. Soon they reached the large dining area. The ceiling was so high that The top of it was lost in shadows. It was packed with mice, otters, squirrels, sorcerers, a sorceress, A pawful of pegasus and one death forest spirit.
Spranlar walked over to the center table where a big Silver bell sat  in the center. The squirrel picked up a wooden spoon and began to bang it upon the bell. Soon every creature had their heads turned to the squirrel leader.
“My sisters, my brothers, I thank thee. Thou, must have realized by now that our young Zan is not among us this eve.“
All present in the room nodded their heads. Some looked concerned while others looked worried. Spranlar continued speaking still on top of the table. 
“When the sun rises upon thee horizon a band of 20 otters, 20 mice and one squirrel shall lead a force to our foul enemies fortress. So we may rescue our friend.” 
The brown squirrel raised up his paws high into the air. His voice could be heard over the din of determined voices.
“Sister's brothers who is with me upon the perilous journey!”
Nearly every beast in the room shouted in unison. “AYE, WE ARE WITH YOU!”
As soon as the cheering died down it was Peter who had the last word in the meeting.
“ ifen wasn’t for the raccoon chap, then my young ones would’ve gone hungry during the winter. I say we mount a rescue mission. We must leave no beast or chap behind. We are all one family whether we be winged horses or gluttonous hairs, we are one family and we must stick together, wot, wot.”
All were silent in the room. Every beast took in the hairs heart felt speech to heart. Some wiped away straight tears while others quietly blew their noses. Some mice gave encouraging smiles while some squirrels saluted Peter with their tails. The otters merely smiled at the dark brown hair. As he snatched a pastry off of a nearby table, and ate it.
><><
Outside in the death forest:
Liam helped his wife along as they wandered the death forest away from any Woodlander sediments and that of Atticus's fortress or soldiers. The two ferrets had so far not found any refuge away from the fighting. 
“You should go back ta the fortress Liam.”
The light gray ferret shook his head firmly.” Not until I find a safe place for you and Arthur.”
The ferret wife shook her head. She wondered how her husband could be so calm and yet so stubborn. It had been a few days since they had escaped through the hidden passages in the castle. She wondered about her two squirrel friends. Cedar hoped that they were doing all right despite the circumstances. 
Cedar was broken out of her thoughts by a sound. It wasn’t too far off and it sounded like hooves. 
“What was that sound? She whispered while holding her babe Close to her chest
Arthur rold in his sleep oblivious of the going ons in the forest. The trotting hooves came closer and closer. Their sound was muffled by the grass carpeting the woodlands. Liam stood in front of his family. His paw was close to his sword hilt, but he knew that he would not have any need of it. Through the force he sensed the creature that would not harm them. It was good and it had companions. Liam knew his family would be safe while he went back to the fortress.
Edward, ash thunder and flare were taking a late night stroll. All three of them agreed that this might help them clear their minds and to help them make a plan to rescue the raccoon. The two Squihairjin we’re sitting on ash thunders back a blanket shared between them. They were discussing possible ideas then dismissing those ideas.
“Here's a thought old one what if…“
Flare blinked and cocked her head to the side. 
“Ash where are you going?“
The Gray mayor snorted, which in flares mind meant. You’ll find out soon enough.
Flare side “Whatever ye say marm, whatever ye say.” 
The gray horse walked through a bush that was beginning to grow leaves. The horses ears turned this way and that, trying to pinpoint the very faint sound of a few moving creatures. The forest most of the time had been still and silent, minus for the occasional bird but even that was rare. She trotted along still trying to pinpoint the sound. After a few minutes she was about to give up but then she sensed something ahead of her. She walked over and saw two ferrets. one was a gray and white Mail, the other a white and black female. 
The males clothing looked far more better than the females. Her dress was tattered, worn caked in dust and debris. As for the mail his clothing looked only a few days travel worn. 
Ash thunder knew that she had been spotted. The light gray ferret walked towards her. A sudden wave of calmness and peace washed over the gray mayor. She knew deep within her heart that this creature could be trusted. She tossed her head back and raised up onto her hind legs. She batted the air with her Front hooves. In the process of doing this she had unintentionally flung the two tiny fairies off of her back.
“Ash what was that for?” Demanded flare
The young fairy had unfortunately landed on top of her uncle. who was muttering something about young ones being more respectful to their elders. 
“Sorry uncle Edward.” Flare apologized. “Blaine ash thunder not me.“
Edward spat out some grass and dirt. 
“By brans battle ax, my headache has just gotten worse. and his majesty expects me t find warriors oh, this is just bonnie.”
Cedar cautiously made her way over to the old fairies side. She nelt down and peered at the old creatures head. 
“ I think I might be able ta help.“ cedar shily said
By this point flair had gotten up and was smoothing out her dark brown tunic. Flare gave the ferret wife a look.
“what’s the catch marm.” She said suspiciously
Cedar was surprised. She hesitated for a moment before answering.
“N… No catch… miss. I…I  can help ye’er uncle if…”
Cedar trailed off. Flair was now giving her a deadpan stare. Ash Thunder picked up the tiny fairy by the back of her tunic and snorted. Flare struggled for a few minutes then her mouth dropped open. Her pink eyes grew wide and she for once in her life was lost for words momentarily.
“W…wha… What… What do you mean, that they have seen Sage a live in a dungeon. How do ya know… this old girl?”
Ash Thunder wineed, which meant. Because the other ferret told me.
Flare turned her head sharply to stare at Liam. She narrowed her pink eyes until they were slits.
“How, do, you know, we’re Sage is?” She questioned Icily 
“I know where he is because my wife and son were trapped in the same cell that he was in.” Liam answered calmly
“besides I do not favor the cat that has imprisoned my family along with ye’er friend in the least. The new king is a cruel one. I would not be surprised if my own mistress was thrown into one of the dungeon cells like y friend was. “
Flare thought over the ferrets words for a moment. She didn’t trust vermin ever since the little weasel incident back last spring. She mused but what other choice did she have? Besides, if they were going to attack them they would’ve already done it.
The Squihairjin nodded her head slowly. “All right I’ll take ye’er word lad. ”
“Ash, put me down.” declared flare
Without hesitation the gray mare dropped the fairy unceremoniously onto the ground. Flare was rubbing her bruised behind and her dignity. She gave the horse a withering look.
“I said put me down, not drop me down.”
“Ifen you’ll excuse me miss but I need to get back to the fortress and see what’s going on over there.“ Liam said nodding in the direction of veynairo
“All right, but ye haven’t introduced y self.”
“ Forgive me, my name is Liam, that’s my wife Cedar and are youngin Arthur.” Liam introduced
“Well then very nice to meet you all.“ Flair said. 
“My name is flair, that old relic over there is my uncle Edward and that great lump of a hourse is Ash Thunder.”
“It’s very nicer, t meet all of ye. Can you please look after Cedar and Arthur wow I’m gone?” Liam asked desperately
Flare nodded, these ferrets hadn’t attacked them; they were different from the soldiers that she had seen, from a distance of course.
“Don’t worry about a thing mi’lad, they will be fine with us. If I may ask where are y bound?”
”I am off t veynairo I am going to see ifen I can help your friends escape.“ Liam explained
Flare popped out her wings in surprise. “Well I’ll be a totes granny. That’s where we are headed. Mind if I join you?”
Liam side, he knew not to argue with Fairies for some of them could be very very stubborn. “If you must but please stay out of trouble, if possible.“
Not likely Ash thought
“I heard that.” commented flare
Cedar gingerly picked up Edward up and carried him and her son in both of her arms. As she followed the others towards veynairo.
><><
An hour before Dawn
Atticus stared at his reflection. He was wearing a Golden Cape trimmed with red lining. Beneath it was a simple white tunic. His black fur was sleek and glossy. It shined in the faint gray light of early morning. He extended his claws and swiped at the empty air. His red eyes gleaned with pleasure. His sister was in the dungeon and the three pathetic creatures were probably dead by now. It had been a long winter after all. 
“ The only thing missing is a queen to rule by my side.“ He mused out loud
The black wildcat shook his head there would be plenty of time for that later right now he need to have a talk with higro and his mysterious acquaintance. 
Atticus stood up and strode out of his room his bushy tail waving back-and-forth as he walked. Atticus made his way towards the grand throne room. Standing there was The white fox and a cloak creature.
Higro bowed lo to his master before speaking.
” my Lord I would like to introduce you to the lady of darkness herself.” He noddEd to the figure behind him.
Atticus glared at the white fox. His lip curled up in disgust.
“Higro If you haven’t noticed, I’m the only ruler here. I am The only black mage in this entire Kingdom.“ He sneered
“ oh please.“ The figures said hotly 
The figure held its head high in the air. As it pulled down it’s black cloak. Revealing itself to be a red squirrel with piercing glowing green eyes.
” I am Morgana, queen of the dark Magic which you so foolishly wield.“ She said imperiously
Atticuse’s hackles rose, he baird his fangs and lefted up his paw. Inky black magic tinged with red began to surround the squirrel. The Wildcat shook with rage, as the black magic slowly tightened around Morgana‘s body, like that of a serpent slowly killing its prey.
The Red squirrel was not phased by the Wildcats magic in the least. She sniffed and In the blink of an eye. She snatched the wriggling mass of Magic which was beginning to look like a writing hissing snake.
“ Do you really think you can destroy me that easily young king. I have come here to offer you a proposition.“
She said while squeezing the Magic until it became a round spear. She clenched it in her paw until it seeped into her body.
Atticus glared at the squirrel before him. He got very close to her face. He was mere inches away, but Morgana didn’t flinch. Her face was composed into a permanent frown of distaste. The cats breath smelled like roasted bird mixed in with rotten eggs, as he spoke.
“ what if I refuse you’re little proposition.”
The wildcats paw was raised up to strike. His claws were extended, inches away from striking. 
She smiled coldly. “ do it.”
He hesitated unsure of what she was playing at. His red gaze was wary, as for hers it was calm and precise. Morgana then spoke in a singsong voice. Morgana loved taunting creatures who thought they were in control of her.
“what goes around, comes around, pussycat king. When you are dead don’t come crying to me or your sweet mother who is more powerful, than you or me.”
That was the last straw for Atticus. He let out a roar of fury. How dare this squirrel mock him, he was the ruler of the death forest. No beast would stand in his way and he would make an example of this squirrel.
“How dare you mock me, scum bag. I’m not your play thing, no beast dare challenges king Atticus, ruler of the death forest!!”
He yelled with rage and indignation. He brought down his claws and struck her face. Atticus opened his eyes to see his handiwork. Blood gushed from the squirrels right ear all the way down to her jaw. Immediately blood began to slowly fall down on to the stone floor of the throne room.  
Morgana raised a paw up to her face and touched the wound. She examined the blood like one who would examine a priceless jewel. Morgana let it cover her paw. she looked up, her face showing no emotion of pain. She spoke it was low and calm.
“ what goes around, comes around.“
Morgana walked past Atticus not bothering to stop the bleeding from her new wound. she turned her back upon the king and strode out of the room. halfway down the hall Morgana turned to face Atticus the blood reflected the torch light in an eerie light. As if a bit of Hellgates could be seen within the squirrels blood at that moment. she smiled wickedly at the two creatures behind her. she spoke almost good naturedly to Atticus. 
“ once the three little birdies have left the nest. you may come to me and then we may discuss my little proposition. Good day your majesty, I hope nothing… Terrible ruins your most wondrous coronation day.“
Then she left leaving the wildcat stunned. Higro eyed Atticus warily. he didn’t know what mood the wild cat was in, but he did not want to stick around to find out. The white fox began to make his way slowly towards the exit. It seemed miles awayThen as quick as a flash Atticus had his claws sunk deep into the foxes tail. The black cat dragged him back slowly to his side. Atticus spun him around, that way so he was facing him. Atticus grabbed higro by the front of his golden robes. The fox gulped visibly, his masters gaze was filled with wild out rage. 
He spoke in a low deep tone, that left higro in no doubts that Atticus would go through with his threats.
“ if anything and I mean anything goes wrong with today. Such as with woodlanders coming to attack my castle or any of the prisoners escaping then, I can assure you that you will have one less paw, one less eye, one less ear.”
The fox slowly nodded knowing all too well what would happen if he failed.
><><
Sage was sleeping soundly. He was dreaming of something strange. It looked like fire, a bird perhaps, or was it a squirrel? Did it have a sword? 
Why do you look so familiar!
Sage didn’t know why, but he felt as if he should know this thing. He felt something but he couldn’t place it. He looked again at the odd thing. It was hard to tell what or whom the thing was. It was shrouded in thick heavy mist.
“ Who, what are you?“ He called out
But there was no response. Slowly the mysterious creature or thing began to glide closer to him, the mist slowly fading as it got closer and closer.
Then… He began to remember…
Began to Remember…
To remember…
To remember…
Remember…
><><
Ouch
That was sage's first thought as he opened his eyes wearily. Something had hit his muzzle. The Warriors squirrel wondered what could’ve possibly woken him up. Sage had for the meantime forgotten his dream. He rubbed his muscle irritated that he was awakened.
“ what in seasons…“
He began but then he noticed Zan picking the object up. Sage blinked and blinked again.
“your friends send ye a stick?“ He asked incredulous
“ No mate, while you two Busch tails where asleep. I was awake looking up at the window waiting to see if the council sent me my tools. And it looks like they have.“ 
Zan rold out a piece of parchment. It said,
Zan here are your things. we will meet you on the Westside of The castle, no later than Don.
Comrim 
Zan destroyed the letter while Sage crawled over and began to shake Gwen into wakefulness. The white squirrel stirred and opened her eyes. She sat up rubbing a dirt covered paw over her eyes. Gwen cocked her head to the side and flicked her ear towards the door. Sage nodded confirming of what she must’ve been thinking. 
“Time t escape. But how are we going to escape?” Sage asked
Zan held up a thin knife along with a piece of wire. The raccoon grinned and nodded. 
“They would’ve sent me a,unlikoc Crystal, but they must’ve not wanted any of the soldiers to find out that moonlight has magic.”
Sage nodded even though he didn’t know what a unlikoc Crystal was. He got up from the ground and wiped off his tunic. Although it was of little use. It was torn in a couple of places but other than a thick layer of grime and dirt there was nothing that really changed about his clothing.
Zan walked over and began to fiddle with the lock on the door. It took the thief only a few minutes until he heard an audible click.
“All right then mate give it a good shove.” He said stepping back
Sage walked over and pushed it firmly. It didn’t budge. There was an audible clang as he tried pushing the door again.
“ there’s something blocking it.“
Zan frowned. “I wonder,mate do you think you could hold my weight?”
Sage placed his back against the door and squared his shoulders. He cupped his paws and smiled Riley.
“Try me lad.”
The raccoon clambered up onto sages shoulders. He reached through the bars and began to reach for the lock. All the while he kept one eye out for any approaching guards.
Zan chuckled as he spoke “ I knew there was something fishy about that lock. No dungeon has a lock on the inside of a cell, where a prisoner could easily pick the…”
“Zan is everything all right?“
The raccoon answered in a strained voice. “I… can’t… reach… the… lock…“
Gwen was silently listening she now stood up from her usual spot on the hay and walked over. She flicked an ear in zans direction.
Let me take a look. She mouthed 
“Be my guest lassie this thief is a bit heavy for my liking.“ He said Riley
“ I heard that you great lump of a warrior.“Zan answered as he clamber down from sages shoulders.
Sage squared his shoulders once more and began to cup his paws together when gwen easily jumped onto his shoulders. Sage was momentarily surprised but immediately he squared his shoulders once more.
The white squirrel peered through the bars at the lock. Her dark green emerald eyes narrowed then she nodded it to herself. Her nero arms slipped through the bars easily. She waved her paws around wondering if her magic still worked. At first there was a flicker and then the faint Sunset orange magic began to glow brighter. Her whiskers twitched with anticipation as she silently directed the flow of sparkling dust towards the lock. It went through the keyhole and everything was still. Nothing happened for a few minutes and then the lock began to shutter and with a violent thrust forward it broke and landed on the dungeon hallway outside.
Gwen was satisfied that her magic still worked. She retreated back into the cell and jumped off of sages shoulders. Her eyes twinkled with triumph and joy. She then wiped her paws on her gown.
Try it now.
He turned around facing The metal door that had separated him and Gwen from freedom. Sage pushed and the door open wide into the hallway. The trio quickly made their way out of the Cell. Zan closed the door and grabbed Gwen’s paw. He began to drag her along towards the exit. The squirrel made pulled back. The raccoon turned to look at her.
“No time to waste mate what’s the hold up?“
In answer she pointed further down a passage way. Sage could be seen standing next to another cell. The two friends rushed over and as they got into hearing distance. they could hear what the warrior squirrel was saying to the occupant inside.
“ atlantica, it’s me, Sage the warrior. I’ve not forgotten what ye had tried t do last winter. Ye were the only one that tried t set me free. Even though we are on opposite sides. I can see the truth in you lass. “
Zan and gwen had at this point reached sages side. They began to pull him away. Zan answered back to the imprisoned Wildcat.
“ I’m Zan the thief, ifen you’re a good beast, like my friend Sage, says you are. then me and my friends will try to help you.“
The wild cat answered back. Her voice sounded weak and hollow but also a bit hopeful and fearful. It echoed back to them as they got closer to the dungeon exit.
“ no, go my friends, you do not know the Lanks that my brother will go to. To achieve his goal of conquest. Make good fortune go with you all.“
Slowly they made their way towards the exit. Sage put a paw to his lips and carefully opened the door. The three friends walked outside and Sage closed it. The two squirrels and raccoon made their way towards the west side of the castle.
A little while had passed and sage, gwen and Zan had just reached a door that lead into a hallway and outside to the courtyard.
Gwen frowned she tapped sages shoulder. The Warriors squirrel turned and looked at her quizzically.
This is too easy for my liking. We haven’t seen any guards in all the time that we’ve been out of the dungeon.
“Aye, I know what your getting at lass. It’s too quiet my liking as well besides it’s too easy.” whispered sage
Zan nodded in agreement. The trio saintly open the door and made their way towards the courtyard doors. Gwen slowly grabbed the handle of the door and slowly pushed it out words. She poked her head around the door frame and froze.
As fast as lightning she pulled her head back inside and closed the door. She mouth only two words, that made Sages blood boil with anger while Zan looked a little nervous but determined.
Vermin outside
><><
Meanwhile outside of the castle walls:
It was a beautiful spring day, well as beautiful as the death forest can be on a spring day. The trees still looked evil and forbidding. As if the forest itself still had something to hide. As if it didn’t want to let go of it’s dark secrets just yet. But the death forest could not stop Spring from coming. Birds and insects were beginning to appear. the flowers and fruits we’re beginning to grow on some trees.
It was now late morning and the sun was shining like a golden ball of light. The sky was pure blue and there were a few fluffy white clouds dotted the sky. 
Fakklasu, sumora and 20 mice and otters were waiting crouched down in the woodlands hidden from sight. All of them were oblivious of the beauty around them.
“ we can’t stay here for much longer mate. we’re gonna have to try another day. If we wait any longer then will surely be spotted by the guards in broad daylight. Then will be like shrimp trapped in a net marm“
“As much as I hate to agree with you Fakklasu, you’re right. We can only give Zan a few more minutes best.“
A dark furred otter crawled forward on his belly towards Fakklasu. The young otter giggled slightly.
“Marm, you won’t believe it a bunch of raccoons and funny looking robes are making their way here.“
“ what where.“ Demand sumora
The otter raised up his rutter ever so slightly and pointed. Through the trees and foliage there could be seen a band of raccoons in dark blue and silver robes.
“ what a bunch of dunderheads don’t they know where they are. For fairies sake.” Hissed sumora 
“ search me mate, spranlar Will probably know where they came from he’s done more traveling than the rest of us combined.“
Fakklasu turned to the young otter. “Youngen take a mouse with ye. tell those raccoons t duck their heads and to stay out of sight. then take them back to the silver tree and tail spranlar of what just happened.“
The otter nodded, he and a young mouse began weaving and dodging in and out of the foliage. making sure to not stay in one place for too long. After all there were the ravens and crows to think about.
“ Will give Zan a few more minutes then we are out of here.” said sumora out of the side of her mouth
The Silver otter just nodded and fixed her gaze on the black marble castle a head.
== chapter 12: Death of a vowe: ==
in the entrance hall of veynairo:
The entrance hall was filled with a tense atmosphere. The two squirrels and raccoon stood in front of the double doors that lead out to the courtyard outside. Zan and Gwen looked worriedly at each other. They didn’t know what to do. Gwen had explained that at least the entire army of vermin were outside in the courtyard. It seemed as if they were preparing a banquet feast of some sort. 
Now after getting this information the three friends were wondering, how they were going to sneak by a bunch of vermin, out in the open while simultaneously not trying to get caught or seen.
Sage closed his eyes and forced his hands to his sides. He thought about the situation that they were in. He looked at every possible way they could get out of the castle grounds. Then a smile that could only be described as trouble crept on to sages lips. He had the perfect idea in mind. 
He beckoned Gwen and Zan over. 
“ first things, first we are going t run like the wind as soon as we open these doors. After that we try to take advantage of the soldiers being confused for as long as possible. After that weeell… just hope that luck is on our side.“ Whispered Sage
Zan shrugged “well I can’t think of a better plan than that matey.”
“Sso, we’re in agreement with this plan of mind?”
It seems risky. Gwen signed
“Lassy Risky is my middle name.” He said with a Roguish smile
The white squirrel made looked at him and shook her head. This was a ridiculous plan she thought. But then again, Sage and Zan were the first creatures besides her master, his family and the slave keeper that she had, had any contact with in seasons. All of a sudden a voice broke through her thoughts like a knife. 
It was so familiar and yet to this very day she could not help but freeze at the mere sound of his voice. Her tail sagged on to the ground and her ears pinned back against her head in sheer terror. Her eyes stared blankly ahead her lips began to tremble and her eyes filled with unshed tears of hopelessness and fear.
“ if anybeast were to suspect that I planned my mother's death. Then you fox will be hanging by your tail, covered in thick heavy chains, over a fire!“
No beast new, who was more surprised the escaped prisoners or the wildcat king and his loyal servant. All present stared at one another for a long moment then Atticus let out a furious hiss of rage.
“Higro You two tongue idiot! I told you not to let the prisoners a scape!”
Atticus blindly longed forward, at the same instant Sage managed to get in between the wildcat and his friends. The black cats paw swung forward. sage managed to dodge the attack just in time, but not fast enough. One of Atticus's claws cut sage's cheek open. Blood gushed out from the wound.
Sage felt the sharp claw sink into his skin and cut his cheek open. It felt as if, half of his face was being set on fire. Then through the pain he felt fear but it wasn’t his own. He placed one paw against the wound trying to staunch the bleeding. Through his blurry vision he saw Gwen’s terrified face and that of Zans worried expression as he tugged the young squirrel made towards the door. 
Slowly the warrior squirrel turned to face Atticus. Almost immediately his vision began to crack. His reality was shifting he could see silver slowly seeping into his mind. Deeper and deeper he sank into the silver void, soon reality meant nothing. Sage just became an unstoppable force.
Zan watched with horror and fascination. As his new friends eyes turned from a fiery phoenix like Color to a pure Silver white color. Foam seem to drip from the Warriors squirrels mouth. He was now breathing heavily as if he had just ran for an entire day. As quick as a flash he unlooped the cord that had his sword hilt around his neck. Sage held it in his pause for a moment and then launched himself forward street at the Cats face. 
Atticus was stunned, one moment this escaped prisoner had a look of pain upon his face and the next he had the face of a warrior that would not kneel in front of a tyrant. Atticus felt himself being thrown onto his back. The wildcat tried to claw at his enemy, but Sage had already leapt out of his way. The wildcat got to his paws and was ready to cast a spell when he felt the jagged broken edge of the broken sword run across his face. He screeched in pain, blood now gushed from his right ear all the way down to his jaw. 
Now two creatures blood stained the stone floor of the entrance hall. That of the Warriors squirrel and the warlord king. Atticus then remembered Morgana's words from earlier. They echoed in his mind like lost souls whispering in his ears.
…What goes around comes around, what goes around comes around, what goes around comes around…
While Atticus was distracted Zan and Gwen who by now had broken out of her horrified stupor opened the double doors. Sage meanwhile struggled slowly, trying to crawl out of the empty silver void and back to reality. It felt like forever but finally he broke free and came back to his senses. 
Sage was disoriented he didn’t know what happened, one minute he was facing Atticus the next he was holding his now blood stained broken sword hilt in his paws. 
What in the name of fay just happened?
He turned around just in time to see his two friends escape into the courtyard. Sage made a split second decision he ran after them. Then he turned around slightly and called back.
“One day I will finish what I have started Atticus! one day, ye shal go t hellgats! I will rid this land of your tyranny!!”
He turned back around not waiting to see if Atticus had received his message. But a few minutes later the pounding of Paw steps could be heard not far behind. Sage ran headlong towards the entrance.
><><
The soldiers were greatly confused. They watched in slack-jawed astonishment as the three escaped prisoners ran by them not giving them a second glance. Then their masters furious yells cut through their amazement like steel.
“get your weapons and armor you useless bunch of fur and flesh. If I see any of you hesitate, then I will make an example of you!! Do you hear me!!!“
The soldiers abandoned their places around the tables and scrambled to retrieve their weapons. Three stoats and a weasel ran after the escaped prisoners. The two stoats and Weasel drew out their cutlasses. The remaining stoat drew out a double edged sword. The trio managed to unbar the gate and run outside into the Woodlands. Atticus was still yelling madly for his soldiers to retrieve bow and arrow.
“Get arrows, you fools shoot them down, go onto the ramparts! Don’t just stand there gaping at me like a bunch of fish out of water get moving!!”
><><
Oak whisker was looking out over the castle grounds when all of a sudden he heard a bunch of commotion coming from inside. The squirrel could not see what was going on per se inside the grounds but he could hear well enough that something wasn’t right. He was about to climb down when he saw the gates open to reveal Zan followed by two squirrels. 
“Bless my seasons.“ Commented oak whisker while climbing down
He ran over to sumora and Fakklasu. The otter and mouse looked up from their position on the ground as the young squirrel came over. Oak whisker nodded briskly as he told them of what he saw.
“right then, you otters cover us, we’ll retrieve Zan and his new friends, whoever they are.“ commanded sumora 
The Ginger mouse slowly reached for one of her swords ready to take action. A firm paw landed on the mouse leaders shoulder. Fakklasu shook her head, no, as she threw a loaded sling forward. A heavy riverstone cot one of the three stoats on the head knocking him out. 
“Get three of your mice and help those two squirrels and Zan get into the woods.” She snapped
The Silver otter knew how her friend loathed the wildcat and the vermin. Especially those soldiers who were ferrets. Fakklasu inwardly shuttered as she loaded her sling. She could remember the first time she had seen her friend fight a ferret soldier and to put it lightly it was not pretty. 
The Silver otter shook her head and threw another Stone at the vermin. Three young mice ran out from the cover of trees and helped the three escapees to the edge of the woods. 
><><
Sage saw three young mice coming out of the black woods. They didn’t seem to be afraid, instead they looked determined. One of them tried dragging him along but he shook his head and pulled away from the young creatures grasp. If possible he increased his pace. Soon he, Zan and Gwen were in the woods.
“ more soldiers just came out, Fakklasu marm followed by the pussy cat.!” Called out a young female otter
“Thank ye kindly Susie.” The otter said. “Give them one more round of Stones crew then let’s be off!“
One more shower of hard river stones stopped the soldiers in their tracks. Atticus Stood in the entrance. His gaze was murderers as he watched the otters and mice retreat into the Woodlands.
><><
Sage walked along side Gwen helping her along. The squirrel made looked ready to collapse. she was breathing heavily but she still walked on. The white squirrel made cringed when she caught a glimpse of sages wound. The Warrior noticed and shrugged. Sages Voice was steely and resolute
“Been through worse lass, besides It’ll turn into a scar. Aye, it’ll be a reminder of what and who I am fighting for and against.“
The squirrel made nodded and focused her energy on walking. Zan and a few of the younger otters were playing about like pups. Sage smiled as he heard his friend sing.
So chase me around a tree
For the great pussycat
Can’t catch me
Oh he locked me up but now I’m free
So come now mate 
And chase me around a tree
Fakklasu And a few others were curious about the sword around sages neck. The warrior squirrel told them about how Atticus had broken it last winter. He was taken a back when the entire group stopped and stared at him. Sage took a step back as they exclaimed,
“That good for nothing devil cat!”
“Aye, not to mention the vermin!”
“Ifen you ask me matey his magic is worse than his army!”
“ I wouldn’t be surprised if he was one of those legend blood types. They’re not natural.“
“ Oh, please, said a mouse. “They're an abomination of life.”
another dark furred mouse spoke up and added.“ from what I heard, Unlike fairies or models, these creatures are part of both worlds. One of their parents is a mythical creature well the other is a regular mortal beast.“
Every beast now stared at the two young mic. Some looked as if they agreed, while others looked unhappy of what the Mouse had just said. Sumora nodded slowly before saying,
“ if you ask me I wouldn’t be caught dead near a legend blood. There’s just something about them that creeps me out I’d sooner kill one then befriend one.“
Fakklasu stared at her friend for a long moment then said. “Matey why are you saying such things about legend bloods? Have you even met one? Besides we don’t even know if they are truly bloodthirsty killer monsters as ye say they are.“
“Well excuse me, she replied back. “ they’re just as bad as ferrets!”
sage was silently seething with anger. Gwen slowly stepped aside and backed away from the warrior squirrel. Somehow she knew that something bad was about to happen. 
All at once a red blur tackled the mouse leader down onto the grass. Sage stood above sumora glaring pure hatred at her. Every beast was taken aback by the Warriors squirrels action. The Warriors voice was filled with no emotion, but under Neath could be heard a faint anger.
“ you despise creatures that ye haven’t met. You despise vermin who could very well be good. You merely judge what y see and hear. let me tell ye lass, I am a creature that seeks truth within the truth. I’m a creature that has sworn upon my broken sword and that of my ancestors that I’d slay Atticus myself. I suggest you and whoever else here thanks before they speak. I don’t take kindly to creatures who Talk poorly about those they have not met.“
Sumora scrambled up from her position on the ground and stared Cooley at Sage.
“ listen here you, you don’t know what we have gone through…“
“Aye, and you don’t know what I’ve gone through!“ Sage snapped back
Fakklasu had just about enough of this nonsense. She stepped between the two arguing creatures and said,
“Enough the pair of you. Sumora You might regret your decision of judging creatures. One day whenever that maybe y might realize how wrong you were about legend bloods.”
The ginger furred mouse merely glared at her friend. She turned on her heel and stocked away. For the  next half hour or so no beast really spoke to one another. Zan hesitantly came up to Sage and Gwen.
“ i’m sorry, I didn’t know that she would…“
“ don’t worry about it Zan, she just rubbed my tail the wrong way that’s all.“ Sage replied much calmer now.
“still I do feel bad about what happened.“ Zan said apologetically.
“Hold up every beast, something or some beast is coming.“ Announced Fakklasu 
The three friends Made their way towards the front of the group. Sage was wondering who or what could possibly be out here. The woods still didn’t look friendly, even though it was spring and daytime. The bushes rustled for a minute and two familiar creatures walked out from the foliage. It was Liam and Cedar. Sage was overjoyed to see the pair were still alive. But he did wonder why they were heading back towards veynairo?
“ what are vermin doing here in our lands!” Demanded sumora loudly
Liam answered calmly as always. “ I am merely seeking a safe home for my wife and son.”
“ i’m sure you are,”  The mouse leader moked while sneering. “listen here, crow meat, go back to your master and tell him that we’re not offering any proper shelter for a bunch of vermin scum.”
Then sumora drew out her blade and pointed it at the ferrets menacingly. She took a few steps forward. No beast, not even the otters dared to stop the mouse made. They knew not to get in between an angry sumora and ferrets for that matter. Bad blood ran deep with the mouse leader and any ferrets from veynairo. 
Sumora crouched down, gripping the hilt of her blade in a vice like hold. Liam didn’t bother to draw out his sword. He saw for a split second a glimpse of the next few minutes. A single tear fell from his eye as he spoke to the bloodthirsty mouse in front of him. 
“Ifen ya use ye’er blade then somebeast is gonna die.”
“ I don’t care!“ She yelled back at the ferret
With a sudden burst of pure hatred and rage. Sumora ran forward and readied herself for the killing blow. But all too soon her blade struck flesh and blood. When her watery vision cleared she saw the creature in front of her.
it was not whom she expected.
><><
SAGES P.O.V
“They are going to die and there’s nothing you can do about it!” 
The voice in my head hissed menacingly. I told it to be quiet and the Voice inside was quiet, for now. I stared at cedar and Liam. They were one of my first friends that I had ever made here in the death forest and they were quite dear to me. I then remembered young Arthur.
I looked around staring at the creatures around me. The mice looked a bit pale, some even looked as if they were going to be sick. Then I shifted my attention to the otters , they were stony faced. I then looked desperately into a pair of Blue eyes. I tried to send an unspoken message to Fakklasu with my almost pleading gaze, but the otter mearly shook her head as if it was hopeless.
“Let them die, they’re worthless anyway!“ 
 “Be quiet, be quiet, be quiet you’re not me!”
“YOU ARE ME!” It screeched menacingly 
Then I felt anger but it wasn’t my own. I looked at the mouse leader, she had one of her one edged blades out. She was pointing it at Liam and his family. I thought of Arthur again. He was only a kid one season old. 
I knew this wasn’t right, this wasn’t right. If sumora was going to kill a baby, then I wasn’t having any of it. I suffered enough and I wasn’t about to let this family lose their son and suffer.
 ”Use us, you need us, sage!“ It taunted. 
I shook my head no I didn’t need it, I didn’t want it. I closed my eyes and then opened them again. 
I was in a memory. A memory that I vowed never to remember but here I was remembering it. I saw myself in a different time, a different place. I saw myself lying there helpless looking up at him.
I then saw another memory. A memory which herded the most, it was painful, it was regretful and it was cowardly.
My vision began to crack. I began to see silver, nothing but pure silver. I tried clinging to my lonely thoughts, me traveling alone, me walking … No running away from… There. 
My vision slowly seeped away from reality. Silver began to envelop my mind. So much Silver I needed to get out of here.
“ use us, you need us sage!“ It yelled
“I won’t use you, I will not use ye, you’re not me!”
Then for an instant I saw myself, but it wasn’t myself. My eyes were pure silver and my clothing changed. There was a silvery aura surrounding it. It smiled madly at me.
“ use us, don’t fail us…, Sage…, Or should We call ye…, L….“ 
“I left that life behind. That is not my name anymore! ye now it as well as I do.”
“ denial after denial, lie after lie. Oh on a sidenote, you may call us draconic rage!“ it introduced
Then after that I fell…, I fell into the never ending silver void. I just became…, I just became,
When I opened my eyes again, I felt something go through my chest. I looked down and saw A blade in bed itself in my chest. I heard the horrified yells and gasps of the other creatures around me but I didn’t care. 
I did what I needed to do I prevented an unnecessary death to an innocent family.I then felt a sudden burst of something I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was peace, pure and beautiful piece. 
No more death, no more death…,
No more…,
No more hiding…,
No more watching…,
“ I kept my promise to you…, t both of ye….“ I whispered
I felt the cold steel blade slowly retrieve from my body. I felt so dizzy and so cold. 
It wasn’t freezing cold, but an empty, hollow lonely, cold feeling. It felt like when I was about to fall unconscious after a particularly hard battle. 
I felt my blood spilling down onto the green grass like a crimson red, sticky waterfall. I didn’t realize that I had crumpled down onto the grass. I didn’t even realize that I was speaking.
What is my name?, what was I doing here? I couldn’t remember anything. All I could feel was the growing darkness and the pain in my chest, which burned like a thousand fires. I felt so, so tired. I needed to close my eyes, I needed to sleep. Yes sleep… Maybe then… The pain will go away.
My vision grew dimmer and dimmer. Voices were screaming and shouting. Did i here a horse whinny? What was going on? there was too much going on. Too much sound, too much yelling too much physical fighting….
Sleep…, I need to sleep…, So tired.
Then I saw flare in front of me. I couldn’t tell what she was saying it was as if the world had gone silent. She tried moving me, but blood stained her tunic. What is doing on? Why did my body hurts so much?
I was going to die this time. No amount of healing could save me. I left my past behind I left everything I knew behind.
But…, Did I really want to die?
Did I not swear to Atticus that I would kill him?…
Did I really choose this path?
I can’t die… I can’t…
“ and yet you are!“ draconic rage cackled
Then I felt flare gripping my paw tightly. I felt her tears fall onto my dying body. 
At least I got to see flare one final time. 
then I faded. I faded away falling…, Falling into the black void of endless slumber.
== Chapter 13: My warriors soul: ==
Somewhere between the silver tree and veynairo:
Liam looked around the chaos that was in suing all around him at this moment. The ferret pinched his nose in a stressful manner. To describe Liam‘s day so far, it was to put it simply eventful. There was no other word that he could rightly call it, but simply as being an event full day. First there was the trek through the woods which he found utterly endless and exhausting. Then there was a matter of meeting young flare, ash thunder and the old ferry of course.  
Liam found that meeting to be a little mixture of everything, a bit of humor, suspicion, seriousness and friendship of course not to mention the slight annoyance of the young fairies company. She was only in his case a bit of a chatterbox, but then again he believed she was just merely trying to fill in the empty, awkward, silence. 
The ferret broke out of his thoughts as he came back to reality and at the chaos before him.
Sumora stared at her blood soaked blade in shock. Then she looked at the warrior squirrel in front of her. He crumpled down onto the grass his blood spilling all over. The mouse Leader then dropped her blade and stared at the dying creature before her. She looked at him and looked at his face, and then looked into his eyes. They seem to pier into her soul, they were like two miniature fires that seem to say This is all your fault you have no beast else to blame but yourself.
 “I… I didn’t mean to… I swear… I didn’t mean to…” She whispered not caring if any of her mice or otter friends heard.
“Sumora how could you do this!?“ A mouse surely screamed 
Two Young well build mice tackled the still shocked mouse leader on to the ground. One of them handed his companion a long thick piece of rope and tied sumora’s pause behind her back. An otter picked up the blood soaked blade along with the other One which was still inside the mouses belt. Then behind Liam and cedar came out flair and Ash Thunder.
The same instant that the young fairy noticed her friend, he began to speak. All activity in the clearing became silent as they all heard the dying words of sage. His voice was raspy and blood leaked out from the sides of his mouth his eyes never left those of sumora’s own yellow once.
”you… Never loved me… I hate you… I’m not… The monster ye are….”
There was a pause then he continued. Sages voice was filled with raw anger and discussed. But next words that he spoke were odd, for it seemed as if Sage was arguing with some beast not there. 
“ ye say that I am a murderer… Ha, I am not… But you are… Aye, ye nothing but a darflartha…. One day I… will leave this… place and never return….  But if one day I do then I hope you are dead… King of darflartha….”
silence filled the clearing for a long time after that, then flare seemed to break out of her trance like state. She rushed over and knelt down besides the larger creature. She tried moving him but blood stained her tunic while salty tears streamed down her face. 
“Sage… Sage it’s gonna be all right. We’re going to get you some help. don’t die please… We just found ye.”
Ash thunder let out a mournful Winnie. The  Gray mare made as if to walk over towards her master but Liam grabbed the horses rains and shook his head. He padded the mayors Silk fur trying to calm down the grieving horse. 
Zan and Gwen where in shock the young squirrel made looked as if she was going to be sick while Zan looked none too better. The raccoon supported The still shocked squirrel made. Oak whisker came over and helped Zan not saying a word. The thief gave the young squirrel a half hearted smile but it quickly faded away to sorrow.
Fakklasu looked around and walked over towards the now dead form of sage. She gently pushed away the still grieving flare and picked up the limp form in her arms. Her blue dress was quickly soaked in the younger creature's blood. She felt the sticky witness seeping to her clothing but the otter shook it off. They had been in this clearing for far too long for her liking. The wildcat would either send out a search party to try and find them, or he would take the entire army and hunt them down himself.
The Silver otter quickly took command of the situation. She barked out orders in a swift and ready manner.
“Zan, Oak whisker keep on helping the young squirrel made out. the rest of you follow me, but stay quiet. You two mice keep an eye on sumora. As for you ferrets come with us ye won’t be harmed by the seven kings I promise. Every beast let’s move out to the silver tree now!”
Every beast didn’t complain they all followed Fakklasu. A few otters stayed back for a few seconds making sure that there were no trace of them being there. 
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It took the better part of an hour for the traveling party to reach the silver tree. Every beast was exhausted but they waited patiently as Fakklasu, still caring sages limp form in her arms, knocked on what appeared to be a regular oak tree with her rutter.  
At First nothing happened but then cracks began to appear in the trees bark. The cracks slowly made their way higher and higher. it seeming to make an archway. Lights could be seen within the cracks. They were a soft forest green color. At Last the cracks joined together and in a shower of blinding light there stood the secret door. It was made out of ivy with little five pointed white flowers dotting the area. The handle was made out of a polished gold material that sparkled to shimmered whenever the sun touched its reflective surface.
Spranlar was waiting at the entrance wondering when the rescue party would return. it had been more than half a day since the rescue parties departure. the squirrel leader was growing impatient and worried. His patients was rewarded as he heard a knock on the other side of the tree bark. When the magic faded he cautiously opened the door. He peaked through the small crack that he made, his dark green eyes were calm as ever, yet they held courage and define. 
But then he saw the occupants on the other side. spranlar was relieved and overjoyed that the rescue party had returned safe and sound. His grip on the door knob relaxed somewhat. that was until he saw the dead form of a young squirrel in fakklasu’s arms. Cold dread ran through spranlar. Who was this squirrel? Was he a casualty of Atticus? How did this happen? He shook his head, there would be time for questions later. The Squirrel leader practically slammed the door wide open. The door made an Audible thud as it made contact with the tree. 
“ Great kings, what has thou, been doing all of this day? Why do you hold thee dead, sister of war.” Spranlar question
“Ask your other sister spranlar.” Fakklasu bitterly replied while walking past the squirrel leader.
Every beast quickly followed the ottter and all went their separate ways. Except for a few exceptions. Zan, Liam, Ash Thunder, flare, sumora, cedar, Oak whisker, The two mice,Gwen and spranlar followed fakklasu to the infirmary. once they reach the spacious room, fakklasu placed sage on one of the beds. 
Spranlar went over to a covered and brought out a towel for the otter. She gratefully Took it and began to wipe of the sticky blood. 
“I shall return sister, Lady Charlotte and melesika will want to see this. Oh, I shall also see that you may meet my other brother winjeaty.” He explained while walking out.
Every beast looked confused at the last statement. Zan was the one to voice all of their thoughts.
“ what was spranlar talking about?”
“ I have no idea” they all replied in unison
“I’m going to get something to eat. any beast want anything?” Oak whisker asked as he got up from a bed. 
“Give me some vegetable pie and you’ll have a happy theif for life matty.” Zan said while flopping down right next to Gwen on one of the beds.
Oak whisker chuckled “right away you great lump.”
A little later spranlar came back with an old female badger, a rat with brown wings and horns and an even older looking raccoon in flowing dark blue robes.
“ every beast this is my friend winjeaty. “ he introduced
The old raccoon, winjeaty nodded respectfully. “What in seasons is going on. I sense death, yet it isn’t death.”
Charlotte nodded in agreement. The badgers big brown eyes looked worriedly at the unmoving figure on the bed. 
“He… Is… Dead.” Sniffled flare
Zan was in agreement with the young squihearjin. “Aye, and right after he got attacked by Atticus. “
“WHAT!!” nearly every occupant in the room shouted. 
flare and ash thunder were not surprised in the least. This sounded like something that Sage would get himself into. Him attacked by a wildcat cat didn’t seem out of sages league. flare shook her head, if her friend was captured and attacked by Guards which was very likely, then facing a wildcat was like getting attacked by a rat with very little experience fighting.
” if he wasn’t dead I would kill him.” She hist
“Oh that’s right you weren’t there….“ Zan said sheepishly. “Well to put a long story short. we were about to run out into the courtyard when Atticus showed up. He tried to attack me and gwen over here, but Sage… Leapt in front of us. Then out of nowhere he’s eyes changed and… He wounded Atticus.”
“And he lives!” Exclaimed Charlotte
“Not exactly Milady.” Fakklasu said through gritted teeth. “ I think sumora over here can explain sages condition t all of ye, I need fresh air.“
The otter stocked out of the room and close the door behind her. melesika The gray rat walked over to the bed where sage lay. She made a fist and a purple aura surrounded her. She opened her paw and began to moved both of her paws back-and-forth sensing the young creatures aura. She whispered an eerie incantation, as she did so, the echoes of spectral whispers seemed to chant along side her.  
“quaerere nobis facite, mea magna Phoenix, iudex non quod vivet uel non quod intrabit mea Domain.”
Ask we do, my Great Phoenix, Judge does he live or does he enter my domain.
melesika opened her green cat like eyes in shock. She turned around about to tell every beast of what she had found out, but then voices could be heard from outside. Gwen looked startled, cedar placed a calming paw and the young ones shoulder. The door practically burst open as an old white mouse with green eyes and flowing dark blue ropes March purposefully in. A well-built scarred hair with a double bladed battle ax set-aside followed soon after.
“Merlin calm down wot. The rumors can’t be more then old squirrel tails… or… Maybe not.” Said the hair as he noticed Sages dead form.
“Cottontail, Merlin what is the meaning of this?!” Charlotte exclaimed nun to happy.
Merlin whipped his head around after getting a good look at Sage. The old mouse's left eye twitch visibly. His voice was practically a shrill scream as he replied to the old Badger.“ Wrong! I’ll tell you what’s wrong! my champion, our savior is dead!”
“ merlin, shut up! the lad isn’t dead, he is in limbo!” 
melesika sniffed irritated at the old mouse. Merlin might have been seasons upon seasons old but she was just as old, as him. she wondered how long this mouse managed to stay alive with how small his brain was. She crossed her arms and resisted the urge to yell out a few choice words at the old mouse. Her and merlins relationship was not strained, but it was also not close.  
“Limbo?” Asked Zan, flare, Charlotte and oak whisker who had just returned.
“Yes, Limbo it is neither life, nor death. It is… Innoway in between realms.“ melesika explain to the confused occupants.
“Ifen thee young one is alive then there is a chance thu may save him?” questioned spranlar 
melesika Shook her head it wasn’t that simple at all. You couldn’t just bring a creature back to life with the plant that she was thinking of. it was so much more complicated than that, but she decided to explain in the least complicated way that she could. “There is a plant we may use to help him… But he will make the decision whether he lives or dies. I May give him this remedy, but it shall be his decision and his alone.”
“There still a chance old bean right?” Question cottontail 
melesika nodded confirming his question. Cedar then stepped forward and Shiley asked. “ What is the plant anyway?“
The Death forest spirits green cat like eyes had a mischievous twinkle to them. she could not help but smile inwardly at the ferret, it was about time that moonlight gained some vermin allies, or at least that is what she hoped. It was lonely being the only rat among a bunch of woodlanders, even if they were friendly to her.“This plant is called the phenex flower and it so happens I hid the box that contains it in this room.“
The rat glided over to a mirror that was hanging above the entrance of the infirmary. It had a black frame with four little golden six pointed flowers on each corner. Without batting an eye melesika flapped her wings once, twice and flew up at eye level with the mirror. She pressed her paw against the smooth surface, immediately her paw went through the glass as if it were water. When she pulled out her paw from the mirror. melesika held a medium sized box. It was polished and it had an elegant carving of a phoenix on top. melesika flew down towards sages bed side. Once there she gave out only a few simple instructions as she opened the box and poured out an elegant flower. 
“ i’ll just need some water and a bowl that is all.”
They all stared at the death forest spirit as if expecting more complicated and detailed instructions. Even sumora had stood there silent guilt flowing off of her as she wondered what her fate would be. Looked just as equally confused as the rest of the occupants.
The rat raised an eyebrow silently challenging them to ask questions. She didn’t want to waste any precious time that they might have to answer a bunch of useless questions. her patient was growing thin at this moment, she silently played to eclipse, the King of kings. That some beast would do something before she snapped. As if answering the rats please Gwen and Ash thunder took action
The two had fiery determination shining in their eyes. Gwen stood up from her position on one of the beds and strode over towards a cabinet. She opened it to reveal a few bags of herbs and most importantly unused bowls. she grabbed the nearest one to her and closed the door. She walked briskly towards the death forest spirit and handed the wanted object to her. 
melesika gave one of her rare smiles to the squirrel made. “Ah, I see one whom is forced into silents. And yet you aren’t, I can see the determination in your soul.”
Gwen shifted uncomfortably and nodded before returning to her original spot. Ash Thunder grabbed the rim edge of the water pitcher which was on a tray that oak whisker had brought back and carefully walked towards the rat made. She said it down at her feet. The rat just chuckled and softly smiled at the loyal horse willing to help her master in anyway she could. 
Every beast watched as melesika quickly but carefully poured the water into the bowl. Then she pulled out the flower that was mentioned earlier from her apron pocket. The flower was indeed a beautiful sight to behold. It had a red stem and silver thorns that looked like little daggers. It’s seven pedals seemed as if they were made out of actual fire. They moved and flickered in an invisible wind. 
But swiftly the beautiful flower was no more. melesika grasped The flower tightly in her clenched paw, then the death forest spirit size turned call black in an instant. Her bluish White head fur turned in inky stringy black color as well. She began to chant the incantation and the same echoing ghostly spirits followed soon after. Every beast got a cold uneasy feeling as they heard the schilling words.
“siccabitur et day sit vestra anima mea quod mea, siccabitur et day sit vestra anima mea quod mea.”
Wither and die let your soul be mine, wither and die let your soul be mine.
The flower slowly turned into a liquid like substance. melesika hurriedly got the bowl and placed her paw inside of it. The glowing orange yellow substance quickly went into the water. melesika’s eyes and hair return back to normal, but they were deep bags underneath her eyes. Her figures seemed order and tired. The death forest spirit looked exhausted as if the spell alone had sucked her energy right out of her body. With slightly trembling paws, she stepped over, bowl in paw to sages side. Her voice was raspy and hollow as she spoke her next words.
“One who knows herself as Gwen… Please hold the Warriors head up. This may… Only work if his species holds him…“
Gwen looked slightly pale but not it nonetheless. she walked over to the other side of the bed and held sages limp head up. Carefully melesika tipped over the bowls contents into sages mouth. Gwen on an impulse rubbed the dead creature's neck in hopes that it would help the liquid go down. As soon as the last drop was poured down sages throat, a transformation like none other began.
><><
It seemed endless, death truly did seem endless. Sage didn’t know how long he was floating in an empty void of darkness, which he presumed to be death. But indeed it felt as if he was falling forever. It felt as if time did not matter or didn’t even exist. But then something caught his attention. It was something that he faintly heard. It was far away in the distance like a echo.
Sage seemed to float towards the sound and as he got closer he saw a hooded figure. The first thing he realized was that he was standing on solid ground and not simply floating in empty air.     He blinked trying to clear his mind. On an impulse he looked around no longer was he in the inky eternal blackness of death. The second thing he noticed was that he was in a large wide open clearing in a forest of some sort.
The Warriors squirrel was now standing in a lush green forest. The grass was green, there was a clear endless dark blue sky filled with twinkling stars, that shone like diamonds up high in the heavens. The trees however we’re different. They glowed with an odd crystal blue light. The leaves were made out of sapphire, which glimmered and twinkled in the full silvery moon light. Sage looked at the trees and realized that Each one of them seemed to be multiple trees formed into one ancient, beautiful plant. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath of air. The wind was cool and crisp. It was all peaceful, but odd at the same time. 
Sage then noticed the cloaked figure once again. He seemed to be drawn by this mysterious Spectre. He walked towards the figure, but then he stopped as he noticed the figures piercing dark blue eyes. Those eyes… they were so familiar, so hauntingly familiar. Sage wanted to scream, she was dead… dead, both of them were dead.
He doubled over not in pain, but just the sight of those familiar eyes sent a wave of pain, regret sorrow and guilt, coursing through his body. He wanted to cry, but no tears came. Sage wanted to scream, why, why did he have to be reminded of his past even in death. Although he didn’t want to, he began to hear the creature sing. The voice was also familiar even after all this time. 
Come Warrior mine
I speak of sorrowful times
Go where the lord does rise
Seek not sadness on your quest
Seek joy and love 
as I wish for you
Come warrior mine 
Sage couldn’t take it anymore he opened his eyes and began to run forward begging and pleading for the figure not to leave him again.
“Don’t disappear please… Please… Please…”
But the young creatures attempts were for nothing. As he got closer the figure faded away until there was nothing but missed. As sage sank on to his knees he cried unashamedly. He whispered only three words all of them the same in a cracked whisper.
“Please… Please… Please…”
As he was wiping his last remaining tears. Sage did not notice an elegant bird flying towards him. When the young squirrel looked up. He saw what could only be described as a phoenix. His eyes were a golden sunset color. His wings were made out of pure glowing, rippling, moving fire. His beak and talents were an orange red color. A crown of seven feathers was a top his head. He wore nothing more then a Red silk cape. When he spoke his voice was soft and gentle.
“Hatchling why do you weep so, you have a wonderful soul.”
Sage could only stare at the magnificent creature in wonderment. One word escaped the young creatures mouth. “Eclips”
“ yes, my hatchling you cry for times which you do not want to remember, do you not?”
“Yes but…”
Sage was Cut off as the magnificent bird settled itself down and began to lean forward. Eclipse stroked sages head fur in a soothing manner with his beak. For a moment sage flinched then he closed his eyes and sank into the comfortable warmth of the gesture. He did not notice the birds eyes glisten over with longing and sadness.
After a while eclipse stopped the soothing gesture and spoke. Say looked up and listen attentively.
“He has shown himself at last hatchling. The wolves seek to bind you within their chains with the curse. It has been with you since the beginning, but only now do you show it in front of others.” Eclips stated simply
“I can barely control it…” He replied in a whisper
“Draconic rage is a curse that shall be with you for all time… but in time you will bind it to your soul. One day… One day…”
Sage blinked and then looked up a question forming in his mouth. “What are ye doing here?”
Eclipse smiled slightly before saying. “you have a choice my young hatchling. In some way you have stumbled between realms. You are neither alive nor dead… Not completely.“
Sage scrambled up from his kneeling position on the ground and exclaimed in a horse yell. “ But what, but that’s impossible, the blade went through my chest!“
“ through the chest but not through the heart.”
The phoenix blinked his large golden eyes. All at once a door made out of pure gold laced with emerald ivy appeared right next to sage. The door glistened and gleamed with its own light. He looked back at eclips confusion written on his features. 
“You may come with me, my son or… You may go back to the moral realm and finished what you have started. Draconic rage will return to you. I will help you… When the time is right… when the time is right…”
“My choice… So ifen  I go back draconic rage will follow and ifen I go with ye, I’ll be free?” Sage Asked still uncertain about the two choices.
Eclips knotted “Whatever you make it shall be your fate. I will follow you my son.”
Sage took a deep breath in then let it out. He looked at The door and then back at the Phoenix. He remembered his time so far in the death forest, he remembered the friends that he made flair, Ash thunder, Liam, cedar,  Zan… Then he remembered Gwen… he would go back for all of them. He wouldn’t just go back for himself but he would go back to face Atticus, to free the death forest and to end the tyrants rain once and for all. He would not stand by and let creatures push him around… Not anymore.
in a steady firm determined voice he said, “I choose life.”
He then turned and faced the door. He felt a Clips behind him. “We will walk together my hatchling… My son.”
“ yes,” he agreed “together”
Sage opened the door and saw a burst of pure white heavenly light on the other side. He didn’t look back, his gaze was set forward. He walked through the door and closed it behind him.
== chapter 14: A bird rises, so does darkness: ==
In the  Royal throne room of veynairo:
One day later:
Blood red silk robes swisched and suede catching the light of the torches hanging on either side of the great throne room. The Crimson red furred squirrel paste the room back and forth, her strengths were measured. with every click clack of her 1 inch red heels, she let out a little more of her anger and frustration. One part of Morgan's mind was calm and collected like a peaceful spring afternoon, while the other was Burning with pure anger and discussed. It was wild and maddening, it nerely took over her mind that was calm. 
She fluffed up her tail and smoothed out invisible wrinkles from her wide sleeves. The King is a fool, she thought, he wasn’t in Control. She was in control of everything.
A wicked smile played upon her lips as she spoke out loud. “The fool can’t even control his own army… Half of it shal soon go against him and free the one who was imprisoned.”
Morgana loved seeing the future even if they were in bits and pieces. That was the beauty of her dark magic and there was so much more. 
She side exasperated. “ I guess I’ll have to help the bumbling fool. Besides he’ll be dead anyway sooner or later.“
She then spun around on her heels and walked to the center of the throne room. She drew a White rune lined in black. Once completed she concentrated on the source of dark magic deep within her soul. Morgana greeted her teeth as she opened her now blood red eyes. She pushed the rune with the last of her remaining strength.
An inky misshapen floating blob appeared before her. It’s eyes were blood red, if one looked closer than they could see the outline of a wolf. This was azonu the ruler of the seven black wolves. He was the leader of leaders not one dare oppose him, not even his own blood kin.
Morgana blinked her eyes open. Bloody tears streamed down her face as she rubbed them with her paws. She despise how messy black magic could be but it was worth it. She battled respectfully to her master before standing as stiff as a rod. Azonu’s voice was deep and echoing. The large room seem to amplify his voice making him an even more terrifying sight to behold.
“ I see that you were successful in your previous task. Well done child, but I sense that there is a problem the young king Atticus.”
Morgana replied promptly “Yes sire, he is a mear pest even though he does a wield your powers. He thinks he’s in charge… But he is just a pathetic mortal.”
Azonu thought for a long time, looking at the squirrel made as he did so. Although she did not show it Morgana was growing more agitated with each passing second. Azonu took delight in seeing his children squirm. After a good long pause he spoke.  “Hmmm,I see… I will help him. Mind you he shall die one way or another by my foes.“
Morgana stayed silent as she listened to her masters instructions. Her eyes danced with anticipation she couldn’t wait to see that pathetic cat go down into hell gates.
“ I shall send down a box to you. This shall contain the heart of my eighth Younger Brother, which I slew many centuries ago. It is cut in two, it glows with immense dark energy great and powerful. Mix this with some nightshade and it will turn into stee. It shal cut through stone and armor like butter.” He explained a smile could be heard within his voice.
“ excellent I shall make them as soon as possible.” She replied clapping her paws together
“ yes indeed… One more thing child. I will give you and your husband immortality. I have sensed that there is somebeast that you tried to kill many, many seasons ago, it is here. I fear it will gain a longer life, this is why I am giving you and your husband this gift.” Azonu tersely said
“WHAT!” she screeched, “that is impossible!”
Morgana couldn’t believe that her wonderful beautiful plan was torn to shreds. If it was here then the King of fire would follow soon after. She had to destroy it. But she knew her master would for bid it; it was not the time or place. Then a thought occurred to her, if was it alive did that mean it’s blood kin survived as well. She hoped not, but if it survived, then she had to fix her plan. Oh how she would relish in their screams of pain and agony. She clenched her paws into fists, she would see to it that they would be disposed of once and for all. 
Azonu growled, Impossible yet possible. No listen here. Make The sorts and give them to the cat. Go off and find a band known as The black slayers. They shall be led by a female warrior cat named vilora. she is cunning and vengeful. She was sent by the dragon who currently rolls the kingdom to the east of here. Once you find them bring them back here by any means necessary. Once you have done that leave this forest and go find your husband.“
“ I shall do as you say Lord.“ She curtsied trying to keep her fury and rage and die control before standing up.
The black wolf licked his lips and closed his eyes for a second. then he open them a malicious smile on his face. “One more thing foolish child, if you see the dragons daughter…”
Morgana listened intently making sure to not miss a single detail. A glimmer of dark pleasure shined with in her glowing green eyes. This plan was fool proof nothing could get in their way not The wildcat and his army nor could the kings of fire. 
Without another word Azonu sank into the shadows and was lost to site. A black box floated where the black wolf was a few minutes prior, then it fell on to the red carpet lined with gold with a soft thud. Without hesitation Morgana rushed over to the object and knelt down by it, her gown spreading out on to the ground in a perfect circle. With her paw trembling with barely concealed excitement she carefully opened up the lid. Just as promised and there lay the two hearts of the youngest wolves heart.
Morgana sniffed the air around the box and wrinkled her nose and discussed. “Smells like death, better keep this away from that fool higro and I definitely have to keep this away from Atticus.”
She closed the box and stood up hurriedly. She had better hide the box in her chambers until she can find a way to make the swords that her master requested. As she exited the throne room she wondered. If it’s blood kin Survived could that mean that it was alive somewhere scarred and battered. She shook her head that was impossible no beast could’ve survived that fall and lived.
><><
That same day in the Silver tree: 
Sage felt himself breathing faintly. He also felt code 1 minute and burning hot the next. He tried to open his eyes but it was so hard. It felt like his eyelids were frozen over with ice. Then out from the darkness he heard snatches of a  conversation.
“… Woken up…”
“Been… Day…”
“He… Dead… We… do…“
“Barry… Tonight… Not awake…”
“Nothing… I… Do…“
“No… Tried… Best…“
“Let’s… Others… rest…”
Then he heard whoever was in the room or place, leave and close the door behind them. Sage forced himself to take even deeper breath of air. It felt so good to breathe, he would never take breathing for granted ever again. Then with all of his strength he forced his eyes open. The room with dimly lit, but to sage it was as bright as the morning sun. By pure instinct he closed his eyes once more and then opened them trying to adjust to the lighting. He’s stiffly sat up thinking that he was lying on the woodland ground but he wasn’t.
Sage ground Saufley then he began to take in his surroundings. He wasn’t lying on the woodland floor, instead he was lying on a bed and a very peculiar infirmary. At least it looked like an infirmary. Beds were lined up on either side of the room. On the other side at the far wall was a apple tree of all things and at the center of the room was a marble pool filled with clear sea blue water. Cupboards and shelves were dotted about here and there.
Sage blinked and in his foggy mind realized that everything looked sharper he could see the tiniest details from across the room. There was also something else nagging at Sage is mine but he didn’t know what it was. Gingerly he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. Begin to walk towards the pool before tripping on something. He landed with a soft thud and a quiet, oof.
For some odd reason Sage had an urge to look behind him what he saw made his eyes grow wide. “What the…
On Sages back were a pair of enormous long elegant phoenix Wings. Just like a eclipse’s own, they flickered and moved like an actual fire. He rubbed his eyes, not believing what they were seeing. But his body said otherwise, his back felt odd as if there was a new uncomfortable part that was recently attached, which there was. He concentrated on moving his Wings outward and they did as he complied. 
Sheakley sage stood and looked back at his now  folded wings. They were so long that half of their length practically dragged on the ground. Carefully as to not tripped over his own wings again. He made his way towards the pool at the center of the room. He knelt down at the pools edge and looked at his reflection. What he saw nearly shocked him just as much as when he first saw his wings.
“ I am murdered, Brought back from the dead and I get a new look, fantastic.” He bluntly whispered to himself.
Sages eyes were the same Phoenix like sunset color, but they seemed more ethereal as if they were not a part of this or any other land. Around his eyes was a milky white outline that had three points sticking out from either side.
His head fur was The thing that changed most about him. It flickered and suede as if it were actual fire. It was wild and untamed, like a fire should be. Gingerly sage touched it and it felt like his regular head fur, with a few exceptions. it felt warm, like an actual camp fire. It was definitely more warmer than the rest of his body.
He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. Oh he was going to stick out like a sore paw. “ I guess I’ll have to go through with my vow, now that I’m no longer dead.“
Sage gulped and looked at his gloved paws wondering if he should take them off. He sensed other occupants in the room, but they were unconscious. they were probably sleeping which was good. Sage knew what he would find there underneath his gloves but he took them off anyway. His paws shook violently as if his body knew what he was doing. 
Tears fell unbidden onto the stone floor of the infirmary as he gazed at his paws. They were scarred and battered. They were still recognizable but scars riddled every surface of his paws. They crisscrossed and overlapped. they were on healed and he could still feel the ugly lines on The front and back. Seasons upon seasons of silent torment had done this to him. He had done this to him and only the others knew about it. The rest they were as clueless as a newborn. 
A sad smile formed on sages features as he whispered to his reflection, not knowing that Gwen had woken up and was standing behind him. “Huh, it’s kind of ironic really a warrior who never killed in his life and yet he vowed t do it.” 
He continued speaking not knowing that he had a silent listener who would keep his untold secrets. “ but… I have t end this tyrants rain. Atticus may be cruel and he may be a living beast, but he cares not for those who serve under him. So be it even if I break at least these creatures will be free…. I should’ve freed the rest of ye from his lies. I… should’ve taken y with me,  instead of going alone… I’m sorry… I’m so so sorry.”
Sage breathed in and out. He set his jaw in a determined line, even if he hadn’t killed this would be his first… Would it? A gentle paw was placed on his shoulder. Sage whipped around and stared at Gwen who smiled gently at him. 
She sat down next to him and signed. I heard every word, I won’t say anything to the others.
Gwen looked down not wanting to meet sage's gaze. Her cheeks turning bright red at the memory of his face. If possible Sage was more handsome then when she last saw him. Her face burned even brighter at that thought.
“Thanks Gwen…” he mumbled 
She looked up and silently nodded. She saw that Sage was staring down at his lap. He was now sitting cross legged on the stone floor not looking at her. She fround, wondering why he was looking down at his paws. Gwen hadn’t seen sage tack off his gloves not even once in all the time that she had known him.
She touched his arm and in return he flinched but then relaxed. the two met one another’s geez them just as quickly they looked away. Sage knew or at least he suspected that Gwen wanted to see his paws. He decided to show her, Gwen didn’t pry, didn't insist and he was fine with that. He would show her, but she wouldn’t like it.
He held out his mangled and scarred pause. His voice was a cracked whisper as she took his paws in her own. “ Gwen… Don’t… Tell any beast… About this… Or… Or…“
Gwen’s face went from horrified to concern after she took a quick glance at her friends paws. She didn’t need to sign her question, it was written in her eyes. She was worried for her friend, she was also wondering who could’ve possibly done this to him.
For seasons Sage had kept a wall between him and his friends. He always masked his feelings, never showing them what he truly felt inside, less his past come pouring out of him. The flood of emotions was too much sage could not keep his wall up and he cried with those tears, a trickle of the truth poured out as well.
Gwen pulled the warrior in for a hug. Sage clutched Gwen’s Skyblue dress in his paws, as if the pretty white squirrel could keep him from sinking into his own tears. Gwen let him cry for as long as he needed. She then began to stroke his head fur soothingly and eventually he calmed down enough to speak.
“Gwen,” he whispered, “I… I never killed in my life.“
She didn’t reply, she just kept on stroking his head fur. They stayed like that for quite some time just enjoying each other‘s company. Sage then broke the hug and smiled sheepishly at Gwen.
“ Sorry about getting your gown wet.“
She smiled and signed. It’s all right, besides I think you might need to change your clothing.
Sage looked down and nodded sheepishly. The two got up and gwen showed him where his clothing was. They were on top of a small dresser next to his bed. She walked away and turned around giving him some privacy which he was grateful for. 
There was a black velvet tunic with silver buttons. A silk long sleeved Silver shirt, a pair of black leather traveling boots just his size and A pair of white silk gloves with a bit of gold trimming at the ends. 
“Thank eclipse some beast bothered t get me gloves.” He whispered gratefully.
Gwen heard this and silently laughed to herself. That was Liam‘s idea to give sage a pair of gloves. Gwen was also grateful for the ferrets idea. She wouldn’t have to see the sorry sight of those scars on her friends paws.
Dressing himself was easier said than done. It was a while until Sage found the holes that were meant for his wings on his clothing. Once he finished getting dressed Sage looked down at himself and smiled slightly. It was far more comfortable than his original clothing. And oddly enough he didn’t really miss the cloak all that much. he felt more freer with his wings out. 
He tagged one of his wings gently and chuckled “ y two are going t get some getting used to.”
when Sage told her that he was done Gwen turned around and walked over to him. She gestured for him to follow her. The two walked out of the room. Gwen looked around. She then decided on a direction and began to walk towards the dining area. She turned to her friend asking. Are you hungry?
“Starving,” he replied with his trademark roguish smile.
Gwen turned away and blushed. She swore Sage was too cute for his own good. Her eyes momentarily went wide as she thought 
did I just say that! Oh, no no no. I’ve only known him for a season and I am already thanking how handsome he is. I’m really falling for him, hard.
The two made their Way towards the dining area in silence. Without hesitation Gwen open the large double door.
><><
Spranlar, fakklasu and winjeaty we’re having a late dinner along with the other occupants. It had been a stressful day for all of them in one way or another. All of them hadn’t decided on sumora’s fate. The three agreed to see what would happen when and if Sage woke. He would be the one to decide the mouse leaders fate and not them.
“ where in season is Charlotte?“ winjeaty asked spranlar.
The dark brown squirrel responded without looking up from his salad. His eyes had a far away sad loock to them, “ she is with my sister death and thee wizard named Merlin.”
Before anything else could be discussed the room all of a sudden turned dead silent. The main double doors had opened and every beast except the three leaders were staring at an unbelievable sight. Although it was old winjeaty who saw the figure. 
The old raccoon cleared his throat. “I believe U2 will want to see this.”
The otter and squirrel leaders looked up in unison and stared wide-eyed at the ethereal creature before them. Fakklasu and Spranlar stood up and walked towards Sage and Gwen as if in a dream. winjeaty follow them as well although he was more calm about the situation. He had seen many odd things during his life and an undead creature was not surprising in the least.
Sage looked at the three creatures coming towards him. Gwen noticed every beast staring at Sage and decided that it would be a good idea to walk outside. Sage was feeling very uncomfortable with all of the stairs that he was receiving. Without a word all of them walked out and closed the doors behind them. Once a fair distance away from the dining area Spranlar was the first one to voice all of their thoughts.
“We thought that thou would not awaken after a day of death brother.”
Sage stood there stunned; he had been dead for an entire day; he couldn’t wrap his mind around it. “I… what no… That’s impossible.“
Gwen gave a sympathetic smile and placed her paw on his shoulder.
“Impossible yet… Possible mat. I can’t even wrap my mind around the fact that ye are standing here in front of us.” Said a still shocked Fakklasu 
“Even though I only saw you once young one I can see that there is more to you than meets the eye. I have a feeling you’ll do great things someday.“ winjeaty stated simply then he winked at Gwen who blushed
Fakklasu and Spranlar stared at the old raccoon confused. winjeaty gave them a smile that told them that he knew more than he was leading on. Sage just stood there staring at the raccoon for a long long moment that he noted as if excepting that the raccoon might know something about his past. The 2 liters looked at one another again then back at the pair mystified of what was going on between them.
The silence that followed was interrupted when a pair of hooves, Wings and footpaws could be heard behind Sage. The trio saw the newcomers and smiled mischievously wondering how they would react to sage, alive and well not to mention undead. The squirrel in question turned around and was met by the stunned faces of, Ash Thunder, his beloved horse, Flair, his best friend, Zan, his ever cheerful Friend and thief, Cedar, his first vermin companion, Arthur,whom he was fond of and Liam,who he respected in staying loyal to his mistress and trying to help them.
Flare was ecstatic she couldn’t believe it sage was alive, he was actually alive. She inadvertently cheered and reminded herself to compose a little happy song for all of them later. But as per usual with flare her temper quickly rose. How could Sage just stare at her grinning like a fool, when he was practically dead for an entire day.
Flair made her face expression. She calmly flew over to Sage and slapped him. “If y die again and I’m not there. I’m going t kill ye!“
Flare then turned her accusatory gaze on Gwen. “Why didn’t you come and tell us that he was awake.”
There was… A private issue that we needed to attend to.  She signed
Sage rubbed his cheek; he was grateful that it wasn’t his scarred cheek. “I am happy t see you too lassy.”
Flare then burst into tears and gave Sage a big hug. He returned the gesture with a soft smile as he felt his clothing beginning to grow a bit dap.
Cedar shook her head and smiled while scolding the warrior squirrel. “Sage really ya scared us nearly ta death.“
He gave an apology and guilty smile.” sorry Cedar didn’t know I was going to have t protect y three.”
The ferret wife merely glared at him before hugging him after flare was done. Little Arthur looked up at Sage with his big innocent eyes. The warrior envide the young ferret's innocence greatly, but he knew he’s innocents was stolen far too early. He knew he could never get his innocence back not in this life but may be another.
Liam shook his head and winked at winjeaty who was also a jinstar. The two shared an unspoken message. Both of them in one way or another knew that Sage was going to come out of this alive and well. But they didn’t share this information with any of the others for the stars and force we’re not always right.
The gray ferret walked up to Sage and smiled at him then he gave the young squirrel a bear hug.
“Ya are a mad beast…” Liam paused then decided to whisper the last bit in his ear. “crimson son of kings.”
Sage pulled back and stared at the jinstar Ferret in confusion. Liam mearly shook his head indicating that he would not speak or answer any of his questions. Sage side and nodded excepting the fact that his friend would not say anything. Still it was odd, Sage thought he felt as if he should know that name, but he never heard of it until now. All the same it sounded so familiar and so right yet it was a mystery that he would have to solve later.
Ash thunder was next to greet him she nuzzled her masters cheek with her muzzle and we need softly. Sage smiled while stroking the mayor's muzzle. “ I missed ye too lass.”
For once sage was happy nothing of his past nor future could interrupt this moment. He was surrounded by friends and allies who would help him in any way possible. A slight relief filled his heart at that instant. He had told Gwen a shred of his true self.
But unknown to him or any of the others except for Liam and  winjeaty a creature from his past was roaming the lands seeking its enemies an army backed behind it ready to protect the innocent and old.
== Chapter 15: scarred Destiny: ==
The same day:
In the kingdom of faynorea:
Faynorea had lost its beauty throughout the past season. Vermin and darflartha had made a small village below the tree like Castle. The vegetation was taken care of by the residents Who were now enslaved in their own home. Whips cracked and creatures worked from dusk to dawn. 
The red dragon watched over the slaves not caring if they lived or died. Currently Kizarie, blood paw and a few captains we’re standing above a cliff near the top of the upper lands.
“ The zquirrel king haz not zhown hiz face. It haz been a zeaszon zince I’ve taken over. He can’t hide for long. one day he will try and help hiz zubject escape and be killed in the procezz.” Kizarie chuckled quietly to himself
Blood Paw agreed with his master. “Yes, they abandoned their castle and we easily took it  by storm.”
One of the captains a troll had his doubts and he voiced them out loud. “Personally I am having my doubts about this, it was far too easy for my liking I wanted fairy meet.“
Kizarie Heard this and raised up onto his hind paws. Bones and muscles shifted as the right dragon became smaller. Soon he was at eye level with the troll. His golden eyes bore into the trolls on inke black ones. He soon had the captain pinned on to the ground with his claws digging into his hard skin. 
“I am Kizarie King of dragonz, ruler of faynorea!” He bellowed, “I zee all and theze zlaves zhal not ezcape!”
The captain nodded slowly and the dragon released his hold on him. With the shifting of bones and muscles Kizarie returned back to his normal size. He leaped off of The cliff and flew towards the castle.
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Down below a few mice, Half blood rats, oat slaves and unicorns planted seeds or picked crops. The. mice and half bloods had shackles around their wrists and necks. The unicorn's legs also Baird shackles that connected the front and back legs together. The oar slaves were quite used to this treatment and they did not complain in the least.
Young and old alike worked tirelessly. They were frail and malnourished. Some who had at first fot against the slave drivers had the worst scars. Whip marks were across their backs, cheeks, muzzles, paws and legs. In truth nearly all of the slaves had lost the will to live. All except one. He was not permitted to go outside and work with the other slaves less he encourages them to rebel. 
><><
Later at night:
The 10 miserable creatures walked in their heads bowed, into the stables where the unicorns usually slept. The four unicorns walked into their stables without a word and quickly dropped off to sleep. The rest sat around on the floor to exhausted to do anything else.. 
Two Half bloods and a mouse made were sitting together. After a while of resting the three began to talk in hushed voices. A light brown otter ourslave along with a black female mouse and her twin sat together staring off into space having nothing better to do.
“Aye, Well look at him, he’s still alive.” Whispered one of the half bloods
The white mouse made was in agreement. ”I thought he would’ve died today.”
The other half blood snorted “well Martha it appears you were proven wrong.”
“Shut up Humphrey.” Martha hist back
Humphrey turned to the other half blood and whispered “help me out here, Connor.”
“Not happening mate she has a point, be quiet. “ he hist into Humphrey’s ear. ”Besides,” he continued “I heard one of the slave drivers had threatened to pull his eye out. He almost did it to. The next thing the idiot ever knew was that he had a broken arm and a chain wrapped around his neck.“ Connor explained to the others.
The otter and Twins were now listening to their conversation. All three we’re in agreement for they had heard that rumor as well. All six creatures eyes slowly drifted towards the back of the stable where a scarred and mangled creature sat hidden by the shadows.
The creature was in fact a black squirrel with piercing yellow eyes that showed defiant send recklessness. His neck and wrists were bound in chains. His face and body had many scars, Old and new. The ottter was a friend of the squirrels and he had known him ever since he was a kit. 
The otter, Theo turned to the other trio and whispered. I know who he is, they call him Danver The vengeful One.”
“Why do they call him that?” asked Martha
“Well from what I could get out of the other slaves… his family was murdered right in front of him by blood paw.”
“What!!!” Martha, Connor and Humphrey said in unison.
The trio was horrified and shocked. Blood paw was practically the dragon's right paw.  They all silently shattered to think of what Danver must have seen.
The squirrel in question lifted his head up then let it fall back on to his chest. One day he would get out of his chains and snap that foxes neck in two. Humphrey, Connor, Martha, Theo and the twins turned their gazes fully in Danvers direction. All of them had heard him say something or that’s what they all thought. The black squirrel had not uttered a single word in over a season. 
The six slaves landed wondering if he would speak again. Denver did speak, his voice was raspy and cracked from not being used for so long. The word that he said was filled with so much venom and hatred that the six slaves Felt shivers run down their back’s.
“ revenge“
><><
In the upper lands passed a field of grass and into a small grove of trees there were a pair of dark blue eyes peering out from the cover of darkness. The creature was concealed in the shadows as she saw a group of 20 soldiers Pass. They were not more than 50 paw steps away and she could smell their rancid stench from her hiding spot. Nonetheless she brought out a polished black wooden flute. 
She licked her lips before playing a dark haunting melody. This was the signal for her troops to attack. Five tiny cloaked creatures flew out of the treetops and into the air. She followed them, not making a sound. She brought out five Silver needle’s coded in nightshade from her sleeves.
She rushed forward her boot covered paws not making a sound. As she threw the needles at her enemies she sang a song. Her voice was sweet yet it was dark and dangerous filled with loathing.
My destiny is broken
Now I shall break your lives
Oh oh oh
Hear the huntresses voice tonight
Let my little children
Oh let my little children
Play in the moonlight
My destiny is broken
Now I shall break your lives
Oh oh oh
Hear the huntresses voice tonight
The 20 soldiers stopped in there tracks once they heard the first notes of the flute. They knew that they were all doomed. Without a second thought all of them ran away from the small tree grove. But the soldiers were too late. Two foxes and three ferrets fell dead at the back of the party. Soon small darts were coming down from the sky. One weasel looked up and was met with a dart between the eyes.
He fell down twitching and thrashing until he went limp. His companions stumbled over him trying to get away from whatever was successfully killing them. A troll turned around and stocked towards the hooded figure. Drawn out to pick axes he charged the creature. She nimbly dodged his first strike, but the Second swing from the acts caught on her cloak. it ripped apart revealing the creatures face.. Trolls were hard and emotionless warriors but this one saw a disturbing sight.
The creature was unmistakably a squirrel. She had pale brown fur and black messi long head fur. Her dark blue eyes were framed by long soft eyelashes. She would’ve been a beautiful site if it hadn’t bin for the scar that ran from the left side of her jaw to the edge of her left eye. It was jagged and red. The troll could not stop staring at the scar. The squirrel had other scars riddling her neck and lower body. Her face had surprisingly not been damaged too much from her accident so many seasons ago.
The squirrel was humming a haunting tune. As the troll stared at her transfixed by her scar. Then she began to sing as she drew out a double edged dagger that was made out of a diamond.
I am the huntress
So beware my song
For i and it shal be… 
The last thing you’ll see…
So upon the night
Let fear strike your heart
Tonight tonight…
The huntress her children
Will kill you tonight…
I am the huntress
So beware my song
For i and it shal be…
The last thing you’ll see…
As her voice faded away she stabbed the troll in the heart. Soon her children as she like to call them, returned to her. These five little creatures were in fact squihairjin. There were five more like them but they were back at the camp with the others. In truth she had around 900 or so squiheirjin under her command. Unfortunately these five along with the other five back at the camp were the only ones that were loyal to her and her alone. She understood why the others did not want to join her as their ruler. they were waiting for the day when this land would be freed and their true squirrel king of faynorea would return. 
“ mother are you well?“ Asked a young Blackford brown eyed squiheirjin.
The huntress nelt down at eye level with the smaller creature. She stroked her head with her black silk gloved paw gently. She gave the young one a reassuring nod before standing up. “Did ye let one escape?”
“Yes we did.”  responded a slightly older dark brown male.
“Wonderful let’s be off… Let’s be off.” She said While turning around and walking away.
The huntress and her army came here around eight sunrises ago. they had seen what the dragon had done to the once beautiful and flourishing kingdom of faynorea. The huntress spat as she walked. just thinking of the wretched dragon army. She knew that King Bran would not simply abandon his creatures. He must be in hiding and if that were so he must’ve taken his elderly squiheirjin with him. 
Her army would help him, but first they needed to kill as many soldiers as possible before they could do anything else. Causing a slight panic in the armies ranks was just the thing that she needed to help the slaves escape. Hopefully Bran was getting help from the king of dragons. Huntress new how Close the two kings were. The king of draconic would be more than willing to help kill his brother. News traveled fast in these lands. Especially when it involves a Concord kingdom.
She looked up at the clear night sky above and side. Huntress had to play her cards right one wrong move and she would no longer be a player in this dangerous game of war. 
== Chapter 16: king of dragons and a liters fate: ==
That Evening in faynorea:
In the hidden tunnels underneath the Castle: