Swanheart

Chapter Eighteen

The Rescue

I don't know where they suddenly came from," Jad explained hurriedly, walking alongside Ramon, who was tense and clenching his hands. "In the blink of an eye, they were just there. Arrows came shooting out of nowhere and the next thing I know, we were surrounded by those... those... heathens. I swear they materialized out of thin air." He pointed at the patches of dark gray fog that wafted slowly around them. "They must have used the fog as coverage. Maybe they even conjured it up? There are supposed to be powerful magic-wielders among them."

Impatiently, the other man rolled his eyes, not caring about any legends. He did detect the note of panic in the guard's voice and waved him off to stop the constant prattling. "It doesn't matter. They are here, aren't they?"

"Yes, they are," Jad muttered. "A fact that puzzles me greatly. How could they have found us without us knowing? We were careful, we..."

Ramon grabbed his shoulder, turning him around to face him and bringing him to a halt with a brutal squeeze. "Would you get a grip?" he hissed, looking hard at him. "It is a good thing that they found us, so we don't have to enter the treacherous swamp area. We are here on business, understood? We will make a deal with them and they will leave. It is as easy as that," he added, letting go of him.

Jad looked positively frightened out of his wits, while he rubbed his aching shoulder. "You have not seen them up close yet... all the tales... I'm beginning to think they are true. Who knows how many of them are hiding, concealed in the undergrowth."

"How many of them are here?"

"Three," Jad said, his eyes darting nervously around.

Ramon snorted contemptuously. "Three? I thought you said we are surrounded? They don't even outnumber us and here you are, shaking in your boots and wetting your pants in fear."

"At least, three that one can see," Jad clarified, a slight flush crawling up his neck. "Over there, by the fire."

Ramon growled. "They are just a bunch of wenches, do you hear me? A couple of Barbarian women and nothing more. Pull yourself together and let's get this over with, alright? It's about time to make some money of that people. Especially the knight is not worth any trouble." He briefly thought back to the incident where Leigh had rammed into him. Rubbing his chest, he could practically feel the bruise forming there where the knight's shoulder had hit him full force. Yes, it was definitely time to sell the slaves. He would not be able to break them. Before his temper would eventually get the better of him, it was best to sell them quickly, gaining a few coins.

"But the ring," Jad intersected. "You said..."

Ramon cut him off with a rough hand motion. "Keep your trap shut, in Cerrn's name!" he hissed angrily. "Nobody needs to know about that. We will find out about its secret another way then. The knight wouldn't have talked anyway."

"But maybe his wife would have eventually."

Ramon overheard that statement on purpose. "The sooner we rid ourselves of them, the better," he decided firmly.

"It's more important to sell the animals."

Ramon glowered at him. "What?"

"Come on. Vic almost lost his arm to that wolf. Who knows what that tiger beast is capable of doing, in case it gets loose," Jad argued.

"Then we had better make sure that it doesn't get loose."

"But..." The rest of what he wanted to say got lost in an unmanly squeak as Ramon roughly seized the guard's shirt and pulled him closer until the tips of their noses almost touched. "The animals will bring us better money than we will get for the slaves. White fur is rare and especially that of the tiger will catch quite a few eyes. Women will fawn about it and their rich husbands will pay any price we name to make their wives happy."

Jad looked at him in disbelief. "Ramon, wake up! Nobody will care about that," he objected strongly. "We are at war!" He pointed at the wagon where they kept the slaves. "We were lucky that we caught these two unaware. Let's take as much as we can from this opportunity and then get out of here. To safety! Once the war has passed, we will have even better business. Think about it!"

"The animals stay," Ramon said furiously, stressing each word.

"Be reasonable..."

"I am the leader. You obey to my orders. If you don't like it, you can always leave. Nobody forced you to join our group. The animals stay," he repeated, tightening the grip he had on Jad's shirt. Ramon had to fight the urge to shake the guard until his teeth rattled. He could barely restrain himself to punch some sense into him. "Did I make myself clear?"

The other man nodded, though reluctantly.

Ramon smoothed the guard's shirt and patted him awkwardly on the shoulder. "I didn't like that. I don't ever want to have a conversation like that again. Understood?"

"As you wish," Jad replied submissively.

"Good."

They stepped out from behind the wagon, taking the final steps, which separated them from the people, who had taken up stance near the campfire.

Jad had not been exaggerating. The Women of Kharas bore an impressive physique. The tales were definitely true about that. All three of them were tall, with smooth, tanned skin, stretching over fine-built muscles. They were covered in some sort of light-brown leather pants and armor, with metal plates on front, back, shins and gauntlets for better protection, only showing the skin of their upper arms. Their long hair hung untamed over their shoulders, which gave them a wild look. Only in a few strategic places did they wear braids to keep it out of their faces.

Ramon noted the absence of bows and quivers, concluding that the arrows, which Jad had mentioned, could not have come from them. Two of the warrior women held long spears with massive shafts, while the one in the middle had her hands on her hips, clasping the handle of a sword.

The men of Ramon's troop kept their distance, eyeing the strangers wearily and their hands hovered close to their weapons as well.

Ramon straightened his white silk shirt again, stroked his moustache and goatee, putting on his most charming smile, an expression that usually got him what he wanted when it came to his dirty business.

The Women of Kharas in front of him seemed nonplussed by his appearance, their faces bearing icy masks of indifference.

'Bitches,' Ramon thought to himself. 'Look at them, standing in my camp as if they own it.' Carefully scanning his surroundings, he tried to detect more presences, but like Jad had said, he could not find any, the fog that had appeared further hindering his vision. He concentrated on his own words. 'We'll make a deal and they'll go. It's as easy as that.'

Vic was coming towards them. The sling that supported his heavily bandaged arm stood out in vast contrast to his dark leathers. His face was pale and he was hurting, despite the medicine that Neva had given him to ease the pain.

"How are you holding up?" Ramon inquired, scrutinizing the man from head to toe.

"Fine," Vic grumbled as answer, brushing one hand over his injured arm as if to make sure it was still there. "Be careful with those," he admonished, inclining his head briefly towards the warriors. "I doubt they are our average customers. The one in the middle with the dark hair seems to be the leader, as far as I could gather. Not a very talkative bunch."

"We will see about that," Ramon whispered. Then he spread his arms wide in a theatrical gesture, striding confidently towards the women. "Welcome, welcome, ladies. May I introduce myself? My name is Ramon and I'm a trader. Everything you see here, you can buy... if you have the right amount of coins to afford it." He laughed.

The warrior woman with the raven tresses took a step forward.

Ramon swallowed hard as he saw that she was as tall as him. Ice-blue eyes stared coldly into his from chiseled, beautiful features. He held out his hand in greeting, not letting on how uncomfortable he felt. "It's a pleasure to meet you." As soon as she would take his hand, he would crush it in a vise-like grip. 'That will teach you to show me some respect.' The thought of that pleased him immensely.

Unfortunately for him, she ignored the presented hand. "You have set foot on land that doesn't belong to you," she told him instead.

"Well, basically we haven't," he responded, grinning cheekily. "As far as I know, your land begins with the outskirts of the swamp. We are not there yet."

"The only reason for that is because you wouldn't dare to move through the swamps during the night."

Ramon's grin faded slightly. "You have observed us and been listening to our conversations," he stated.

"You are not wanted here," she responded coolly. "Leave, as long as you are still able to do so."

It would be tough to sell her anything, but Ramon was not about to give up. "Oh, we will, we will... after we have done what we came here for."

"And what would that be?"

Ramon stroked his beard, stalling for time. "Can I at least have your name? It is so much better to do business with people, who I know."

"We don't want any business with you. Leave before you will lose your life."

"It is quite impolite to act like you do, but fine. I'll get to the matter at hand then. I have heard that your... uh... community... Is that the right word, or should I say tribe? You have to help me out here. We just made first contact and I hardly know anything about you aside those legends that the traveling bards tell."

Her left eyebrow rose at that. "Continue."

"I see, I have your interest now...uh...oh, please, tell me your name."

"Enori," she said in a sensual purr that made shivers race along his back.

"Well, Enori... what a beautiful name, suits you wonderfully, if I may say so," he said, revealing his perfect teeth in a wide grin.

Her top lip curled slightly. "Get to the point," she snarled, scowling.

"Of course. How would you like some fresh blood for your... uh... community? I have a couple in my possession, a young magic-wielder and her handsome husband, a knight. I'm sure you and your tribe can make good use of both of them?"

One of the blonde women stepped closer to her, whispering something into her ear.

Enori contemplated it for a moment. "Alright, I have to admit I'm intrigued by your offer," the warrior drawled, turning her attention back to Ramon. Unhooking a small bag from the belt around her waist, she dropped it in front of his feet.

Ramon's face lit up further as he heard the distinct clicking of coins. With a wide smile he bent down to pick it up. He was so intent that he didn't hear as the sword was drawn from its scabbard. It happened so quickly that his men didn't have time to shout a warning. Ramon froze as he felt the coolness of the blade against his chin. He didn't dare move, not wanting to cause the metal to nick his skin.

With gentle pressure Enori forced his head up to make him look at her again. "I want to inspect the goods first. Then you can have the gold," she declared calmly.

The grin was still on Ramon's face though it didn't reach his eyes anymore. "Of course. We go by the saying 'The customer is King'." At her dark look, he added quickly,"Queen, in your case, of course."

She nodded, giving him a terse smile, sheathing her sword. "Of course."

Straightening, he turned to Jad. "Fetch them," he hissed through clenched teeth.

The guard bounded off.

Ramon turned back to his customers, thinking hard of what he could do to make the time pass quicker. The warriors made him feel uneasy and he wanted to get this done as quickly as possible. "Ladies, can I offer you anything while we wait? Something to eat or maybe refreshments? I have wine in my wagon," he announced, pointing a thumb behind him. "Not the nasty brew that the men drink, it's a fine one."

The Women of Kharas just stood there, regarding him stoically.

His gaze fell once again on the small bag that lay in the grass.

Enori caught him staring at it greedily and graced him with a knowing smirk, daring him to pick it up.

His face flushed and he quickly abandoned any thoughts of snatching the coins. He was fond of his head and wanted for it to stay on his neck for a long time yet to come. "Perhaps I can interest you in my weapons collection? I have traveled far through all of Yuron and found some very interesting pieces." While he waited for an answer, he wondered what was taking Jad so long to arrive with the prisoners.

*****

"By Ossyr," Alannah gasped as the door to the wagon opened, revealing the battered body of the knight, who was supported by Neva. "What happened?"

With the other woman's help, Leigh lowered her frame gingerly to the floor, wincing in pain.

The princess knelt beside her, cupping her face to have a better look at the injuries. "What did he do to you?" she asked, taking in the split lip and the large purple spot that was forming on her jaw.

Neva smiled. "The question should be what did your husband do to Ramon?"

Alannah frowned at the remark then turned her attention back to her best friend. "How are you feeling?"

"Like a big bruise," Leigh answered attempting a smile, which made the cut on her lip bleed again.

"That is exactly what you look like," Neva quipped.

"What did she mean? What did you do?" Alannah wanted to know.

"Ah, I just didn't like the topics that Ramon picked for our conversation and I made him shut up."

"He was very insistent about the ring like the priestess in your dream said, wasn't he?"

Leigh nodded.

"That bruise on your jaw looks really bad," the princess said, shaking her head slightly. "This is all so senseless. So much violence, so much pain..." Her voice broke and she swallowed hard. "Will it ever stop?"

Leigh felt her heart constrict as she saw the sadness in the depths of the soulful brown eyes that looked at her. "We will stop it, somehow," she promised, wishing that her hands weren't tied so that she could embrace the princess.

Behind them Neva rummaged around with a bowl, a bunch of herbs and other ingredients, creating a balm.

Cerulia came trotting over, rubbing her head gently against the knight's side.

"Can we please take the bonds off her?" Alannah wanted to know, regarding Neva.

Leigh's eyes widened and she paled at the slip of tongue.

The princess saw it and quickly reassured her. "It's alright. She knows. We really can trust her. If she had wanted to reveal our secret to Ramon she would have done it already."

The knight was still a bit skeptical. Turning her head to look at the dark-haired woman, Leigh inquired, "How did you know?"

"As I told Alannah, I'm nicknamed Hawkseye because I see things that others don't," Neva replied, pausing briefly in her work. "But back to your original question. I'm sorry. We only can take the bonds off her for me to apply some salve to her sore wrists."

"That's better than nothing," Alannah said.

Picking up the bowl with the strongly smelling balm, Neva joined them, kneeling on the floor. She placed the medicine into Alannah's hands and untied Leigh's wrists.

Using her fingertips, she dipped them into the bowl and applied the salve to the knight's visible injuries, starting with her wrists and the jaw.

The wolf sneezed and shook her head as the strong scent hit her sensitive nose. Climbing over Leigh's lap, she lay down beside Alannah.

The burning and pain ceased immediately as all the wounds were covered. "Boah, that's good stuff, though you obviously will have to work on giving it a more pleasant smell. Where did you learn how to make that?"

Winking at Leigh's question, she smiled and responded, "I can't let you know. Otherwise I would have to kill you."

A tiny laugh escaped the knight at that.

Alannah dipped her own fingers into the salve. "Will Ramon be back for more questioning?" she asked, while carefully spreading the balm over the split lip.

Leigh jerked slightly.

"I'm sorry," the princess apologized.

"It's alright, just stung a little bit. It's already feeling better."

"I'm glad, my brave, little knight."

Neva took in the tender interaction, wondering if they knew about the deep love they harbored for each other. It was plain to see for her. Clearing her throat, she retrieved the bowl, rose and put it on the table. "I don't think that Ramon will be back," she announced. "Granted, he is very angry that he didn't get the information he was hoping for, but for the moment you are safe."

"Why? Does he need to rest up for the next session of torture, which he will put us through?" Alannah snapped, scowling.

"No," Leigh interrupted softly. "The Women of Kharas are here."

A load roar from Terrulli silenced them quickly. Footsteps came closer to the wagon.

Neva hurried to once again tie Leigh's hands, making sure that the bonds were not quite as tight as before. "All will be well. Trust me," she whispered.

The door flew open to reveal the shapes of Vic and Jad.

Cerulia whimpered and hid behind Alannah's back.

"Sorry to break up the love fest," Vic sneered. "There is a bunch of people, who are dying to see you. Hope you had enough time to say goodbye to each other."

"Please, give them another minute," Neva begged.

"No can do, you know how Ramon is," Jad responded. "It's time to meet your new Mistresses."

Vic roared with laughter. "Damn, I think I'm jealous."

*****

The doors closed behind her and the High Sorceress of Urdgard stood frozen to the spot, staring at the small table that stood in the middle of the otherwise barren room. Its walls were wide and the ceiling high, giving her enough room to maneuver and keeping everything else save from possible destruction. It was due to Zaylan's wish that she was here now, though the task at hand frightened her. Her breathing sounded unnaturally loud to her ears.

Reluctantly, Ranya approached the dark blue velvet pillow, which had been set upon the table. In the middle of it lay Ashkyhra's holy gemstone, softly pulsing with its light blue glow. Zaylan had taken it from the chest and had placed it here.

Her right hand reached out to touch it. She had done it many times before, only it had been a red gem then. With her palm hovering over the jewel, she hesitated, her fingertips just a mere inch away from grazing the jewel.

"It is not going to bite, is it?"

Looking up, Ranya found that the only window to the room had been opened and a massive, scales-covered, red head had slipped into the room. Two bright orange eyes with slanted pupils regarded her.

The High Sorceress sighed in exasperation. "Of course it's not going to bite!"

Firetail cocked her head. "No reason to get snappy, I just asked." Little tendrils of smoke curled out of her nostrils. "I know that you are scared."

"Don't be ridiculous," Ranya retorted. "I'm not scared." No matter how much she tried to deny it, she knew that the dragon would see right through her and Firetail was right. She had never been more afraid in her life.

The dragon snorted, filling the room with a tiny cloud of sulfur. "Of course you are not. Don't know why I have the impression of you being positively terrified."

Shaking her head softly, Ranya replied,"You don't understand."

"Care to elaborate then?"

The sorceress retreated from the table, placing her hands behind her back where her fingers intertwined. "I shouldn't be the one doing this. It is not the stone I was once given."

"You are worried that its powers might change you?" Firetail guessed.

Ranya shrugged her shoulders in a helpless expression. "I mean, there has to be a reason why the Spirits choose a certain person to guard a certain piece of Asram's Stone of Creation. I was chosen to guard the jewel of fire, which..." she trailed off, casting her eyes to the floor. "It was entrusted to my care and now a lunatic is wreaking havoc with it."

"Lady Ranya, you have to get over the guilt you feel," Firetail said gently. "There was nothing you could have done to prevent it. The sooner you admit that to yourself, the sooner the ache in your heart will ease."

"I know."

"Do you think the masked sorcerer pondered if he had the rights to unlock the powers of the holy crystals?"

Ranya's face hardened. "Of course not! That bastard just took them!" Her fists clenched at her sides and her jaw was set.

Laughter rumbled from the dragon's throat as she saw that. "There is the fire in your eyes, I have been missing."

Determined, the High Sorceress stepped in front of the table, her gaze fixed on the gem. Reaching out again, her mind made up, she picked it up, closing her fingers around it.

The pulsing increased and the glow intensified.

Ranya gasped.

"What is it, Lady Ranya?" Firetail inquired, slightly worried. "Did it bite after all?"

The sorceress shook her head. "No." She closed her eyes, turning all her senses to the jewel. Other than Urdgard's piece, this one felt cool to the touch. There was a gentle rushing in her ears. Her robes billowed slightly and she felt light, as if walking on clouds. It was like a gentle breeze had come in through the window to caress her body and play with her hair. "It just is... a different energy than the one I'm used to. Not as fierce and impulsive."

"Will you be able to summon the protectors of Ashkyhra to aid us?"

Ranya's eyes opened, looking at the glowing gemstone in her hand. "I don't know. But many people depend on me, so I will give it my outmost to try."

Firetail showed her sharp teeth in the dragon impression of a grin. "Then begin, Lady Ranya."

*****

"And here we have something very rare," Ramon announced, leading the warriors around his camp. They stopped in front of Terrulli's cage.

The Animorph quickly jumped up, roaring.

Ramon chuckled. "It is still angry about the fact we trapped it."

"Interesting," the dark-haired warrior said, regarding the white tiger closely. "I have never seen one with fur like that. Where did you get it? How did you manage to catch it?"

His chest puffed out in obvious pride. "It wasn't easy, let me tell you that. The beast put up quite a fight." He was about to lean against the cage wagon, but thought better of it as he remembered the last time the tiger had lunged through the bars, almost costing him a hand.

Looking up, he found that Vic and Jad had arrived, flanking Leigh and Alannah.

"Ah, there they are, finally," Ramon said, causing the Women of Kharas to turn around.

"Is that all I get for a bag of gold?" Enori spat incredulously as she saw the captives. "You have promised me a knight and a magic-wielder. I only see two scrawny youths. I was expecting more."

Seeing the bag of coins in jeopardy, Ramon did his best to keep the warrior's interest. "Don't be fooled by their innocent looks. It took almost a dozen men to overpower the magic-wielder. We had to put her in shackles to drain her magic. As for the knight, take my word that he is a fierce fighter with the sword."

Enori cocked her head, scrutinizing Leigh. "Is that so, my handsome one?" She took a step closer, placing a hand under the knight's chin to raise her head. "You were protecting your wife well? Did you give that bunch of thugs a rough time?"

Leigh looked at her, trying to keep her face blank while her insides burnt with barely restrained anger. If only her hands were free then she would give everybody a rough time.

Enori took a firmer hold of her chin, forcing the knight's lips open. "Strong, straight teeth, wonderful," the warrior commented. "And such beautiful green eyes." Turning Leigh's head from side to side, she had a close look at the bruise and the cut lip. A flicker of fury appeared in Enori's eyes but was quickly gone. Regarding Ramon with an unreadable expression, she asked, "Have you never heard of not damaging the goods?"

Ramon held up his hands, splaying his fingers, looking like the epitome of innocence. "He is a fierce fighter and once in a while needs to be subdued. The wounds have been treated by Neva and will heal very fast."

"Do I have your word of honor on that one?"

"Absolutely."

Then her hands slid over the knight's arms, feeling the muscles there. "Great, definitely a keeper."

"I told you so," Ramon chimed in happily and wanted to add further praises, but quickly shut up as the blonde warriors shot him dark looks.

Enori let go of Leigh and turned her attention to Alannah.

The princess looked a bit worse for the wear. The imprisonment had taken its toll on her. Alannah's face was gaunt for the shackles continued to drain the magic from her body and there were dark circles under her eyes. As Enori's gaze met hers, she was thunderstruck, staring at the other woman. "No," she whispered in disbelief. "It can't be."

Enori smirked. "So, is what he said true? Did it really take a lot of his men to overpower you?"

Hesitantly, the princess nodded. "Yes, mistress."

"Oh, I like that, a slave, who knows her place." Callused hands reached for shackled ones.

"Leave her alone," Leigh hissed, stepping protectively in front of Alannah, only to be roughly pulled away by Vic and Jad.

Enori laughed, turning to Ramon. "You were right. This one seems to be a fierce fighter."

"Like I said," Ramon remarked, grinning.

The Woman of Kharas forced Alannah through the same inspection that Leigh had had to endure, checking her teeth and muscles, making approving remarks.

Meanwhile the knight struggled in the grip of the guards, trying in vain to free at least one hand that she could slap the grins off their faces.

Ramon took it all in, already feeling the coins in his hands. He knew the warriors would not leave empty-handed. "Are you satisfied with the goods?"

"Yes," Enori responded, releasing the princess. "The coins are yours."

Ramon's eyes gleamed and he bowed, placing a hand over his heart to feign respect and sincerity. "It was a pleasure to do business with you. Maybe we will have some more for you when we are in the area again."

"Don't push your luck."

Ramon was about to reply with a cheeky remark, but he was interrupted. All color faded from his face as a long drawn out howl could be heard, causing the Women of Kharas to prick up their ears.

Vic tensed, exchanging a worried glance with Jad.

"What was that?" Enori demanded.

Ramon quickly waved it off. "Probably a lone wolf somewhere out there. Calling for a mate or whatever."

"It sounded pretty close. There are no wolves around here. They stay away from the swamp," she responded.

"Well, time is a wasting and we have to go. Farewell ladies, and have fun with your new slaves," Ramon said, turning around to leave. He couldn't wait to count his earned money. All in all, the day promised to become a good one, once he was rid of the knight and the magic-wielder.

Vic and Jad dragged Leigh forward, dumping her on the ground in front of Enori's feet. Not sparing her or the others another glance, they followed Ramon.

Leigh rose. A hand fell on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. Looking up, she found herself face to face with the raven-haired warrior. This woman had just bought them like a peasant would buy a horse or cattle on the market. Leigh angrily shook the hand off and her nostrils flared. "You may have paid for me but I will never submit myself to you. If you touch my wife, I will kill you," she growled. The threat rang out loud and clear.

The Woman of Kharas should have felt insulted, but instead Enori had a hard time to suppress a smirk. She raised an eyebrow. "Gee, if looks could kill, I would be dead right now. Calm yourself, little one," she said quietly. "All will be well." Then she winked.

Leigh frowned in confusion.

Frightened, because she didn't know if she would be punished for speaking up, Alannah took a step forward, coming to stand in front of Enori. She looked at the other women, but they made no move to intercept. They just stood there, waiting for orders from the dark-haired one. The princess humbly bowed. "Mistress," she addressed her in a quivering voice. "Please, it is our wolf that's howling. And the tiger belongs to us too. I beg of you, please, if you take us away, please, let them come with us," she pleaded, tears in her brown eyes. "Please, whatever you want I will do it, but, please, don't demand that we leave without the animals," she added, kneeling.

Exchanging glances with her comrades, Enori made a few hand signs.

The other women nodded, indicating that they had understood.

Bending down, the raven-haired warrior assisted Alannah to get up, tenderly wiping the tears away that had spilled over. "Alannah, it's me, Enori," she whispered into her ear.

"I thought I had finally lost my mind. It was too good to be true," the princess whispered back, a tiny sob escaping her chest and the warrior pulled her into a brief hug. Then she released her, giving her a reassuring smile. "It will be alright. We will get you out of here."

Leigh's frown deepened, trying to figure out what was going on, but the answer eluded her because she couldn't hear what was said.

"Hey," Enori called after Ramon's retreating figure. "Where do you think you are going?"

The voice stopped him dead in his tracks. Turning around, he fixed a beaming smile on the warrior. "Our business is finished, my Lady."

Enori's face hardened. "I don't think so."

"Whatever do you mean?" Ramon asked, licking his lips nervously.

"One of my slaves is shackled. I need the keys."

"Are you sure that you want her freed?" Ramon inquired. "If I were you, I would keep her chained. Makes handling her easier. Who knows, she seems to have grown fond of her pretty bracelets."

"You are not me," Enori answered firmly. "Give me the keys."

Grousing, he marched over. Reaching into the small pouch that he kept on his belt, he fished out the key and opened Alannah's shackles. They hit the ground with a thud.

"If that is all, I have other things to attend to," Ramon said, stuffing the key back into his pouch. He desperately wanted to get away from the warrior women. His instincts told him that something was about to happen. He felt the hair on the nape of his neck rise and there was an uncomfortable tingling running along his spine.

Enori nodded. "Almost, just one more thing."

"What is it?"

"I want the animals and the belongings of my slaves as well."

"What do you want with these dangerous beasts?" He laughed to lighten the mood, but the tension was heavy in the air. Ramon knew he needed to do something and leave before the situation would get out of hand. "I do not recommend burdening yourself with the animals. Just two more very hungry mouths to feed and what will you get for your trouble?" He added a heavy sigh for dramatic effects. "Look at poor Vic. He almost lost his arm as the wolf beast attacked him out of the blue. As for the belongings of your new slaves... they didn't have anything of value on them."

Enori wasn't convinced. After having seen his so-called weapon collection, she knew he was keeping at least one thing as a trophy. "Everything they owned belongs to me now. Animals, or whatever else that was in their possession is now mine and I want it." Her voice lowered to a dangerous timbre as she once stood face to face again with the slaver.

"In the name of Cerrn, I don't know what you mean," he replied, giving her the most innocent look he could muster.

"The knight is wearing armor," she stated matter-of-factly.

Ramon paled again, knowing where this was headed.

Tilting her head, the tall woman's blue eyes pierced his brown ones like daggers. "Where is his sword?" she asked, pulling her own from the scabbard.

Ramon's mouth opened and closed, giving off a fish's impression that was stranded on dry land.

"Don't play with me," Enori admonished him. "You won't like the consequences, I swear."

"I challenge you."

All eyes turned toward the young knight.

Leigh had stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the man that had so cowardly attacked them.

"No, Leigh, you can't," Alannah interrupted. Attempting to hold her back, she placed a hand on Leigh's shoulder. "You are not strong enough."

"You challenge me?" Ramon roared with laughter after the moment of surprise had faded. His men joined in. "Look at you. You can barely stand on your own two feet."

"Swords fight, yes. That is a great idea and should be fun to watch," Enori announced. "It will give me an insight if my new slave really is such a fierce fighter as you said. If he wins, all their belongings and the animals come with us."

He looked undecided, smelling a trap.

"What is the matter, Ramon? Are you not man enough to have a fair sword fight? Oh, I forgot, you attack concealed, taking out your victims with gurah from afar. You have no honor whatsoever."

Ramon's face reddened in anger. She had dealt a fatal blow to his ego, leaving him no choice but to take on the challenge. "Don't be ridiculous," he spat. "I have this kid beaten in no time."

Enori crossed her arms in front of her chest and grinned. "Well, then there is nothing you have to worry about, is there?"

"Give me your sword," Ramon ordered, holding out his right hand to Jad.

The guard handed him his weapon very reluctantly. "Ramon, I don't think it's a wise idea. We have a whole bag of gold. Just give them their belongings and the animals..."

"I didn't ask for your opinion!" Ramon shouted, glowering at the man.

Jad retreated.

Meanwhile, Enori freed Leigh from the rope that bound her wrists. "Denora is with you," the warrior whispered, before placing her own sword into the knight's hands.

As soon as Leigh's fingers wrapped around the handle, a surge of power ran through her body. The exhaustion was gone and she felt new energy spreading through her veins.

Alannah clenched her hands in desperation and worry. Would this nightmare never end?

The fighters took their stance.

Before they began, Leigh looked over her shoulder, gracing the princess with an encouraging smile, wanting to ease the fear she saw so clearly in Alannah's eyes.

As cocky as ever, Ramon smirked, confident that the victory would be his.

Leigh twirled the sword in her hand, trying to get a feel for the new blade. She was surprised about its lightness. The weapon looked so massive, but she could easily handle it with one hand. It must have been magically enhanced.

Wanting to get it over with, Ramon charged with an outcry of fury, his sword poised.

Leigh deflected the blow and landed one of her own, which was parried in turn.

As metal quickly clashed upon metal, the thug's obnoxious grin faded. One particularly hard strike went right through his defenses. A burning sting on his cheek told him that his opponent was not to be underestimated. First blood had been drawn. Reaching up with one hand, he brushed his fingers over the cut, staring in disbelief at the red fluid that now covered his fingertips.

"Payback," Leigh growled. "And I have just started!"

Ramon's face darkened. A vein on his forehead pulsed strongly, revealing anger and hatred. "It was a mistake to keep you alive. I should have killed you right in the beginning. But don't worry, I will make up for it right now, may Cerrn be my witness!" Furiously, he stormed ahead, but the knight easily dodged his uncontrolled blows, sidestepping his blade. Flipping over him, she kicked him in the back, sending him sprawling into the grass.

Scrambling up, he grabbed for the sword he had lost and whirled around, but he wasn't fast enough. The tip of Leigh's blade was pointed at his throat.

"Are you going to admit defeat?" Enori asked. "I for my part have seen enough."

Breathing hard, he looked around, hoping to see his men coming to his aid, but none of them made a move. They kept a respectful distance. His eyes came to rest on Enori's face. "You have tricked me," he accused. "What did you do to the knight that he suddenly has so much energy?"

"Oh, I would not say I tricked you. I just evened the odds a little bit so that it would be a fair fight. You know the saying, 'All is fair in love and war', don't you?" the warrior replied, making a show of inspecting her fingernails.

"You have humiliated me in front of my men, you will pay for that!" he hissed through clenched teeth.

"No, Ramon. Today may be payday, but it is you, who will pay."

Leigh still held him at sword point and he had to look over her shoulder to see who had spoken. "What is the meaning of this?" he sputtered in confusion as he discovered Neva coming towards them.

The healer was flanked by the white tiger and the wolf. Her outfit had changed. Instead of the simple dress, she wore flowing light green robes. "The day has come to pay for all the crimes you have committed," Neva continued. "I fear the list is quite long."

"Then you won't mind when I add a few more, traitor bitch!" Ramon raged, knocking Leigh aside, he raced toward the healer. All of a sudden, he stopped. Swaying on the spot, he looked at his right side where an arrow stuck.

Silence fell while everybody looked on in shock. Then the men quickly regained their composure and fled, running blindly into the fog to save their hides.

"Cowards!" Ramon yelled, taking another step towards Neva. A second arrow came whirring from the fog, hitting his shoulder. He stumbled briefly. Halting to catch his breath, he regained his balance. Hatred flashed from his eyes and there was only one thought on his mind; to wrap his hands around Neva's throat and strangle her.

The air around them was alive with outcries of pain as justice was dealt in a swift way. The Women of Kharas let nobody escape.

A third arrow finally stopped Ramon's advance and he sank to his knees in front of Neva. The metal tip had pierced his heart.

"It is over, Ramon. I wish you had seen reason and had not pushed me to do that."

He chuckled weakly, blood foaming at the corners of his mouth. "You have won nothing. The Dark Age will come. My master will avenge me."

Neva shook her head sadly. "Hopefully you are at peace now."

"Cerrn," he rasped hoarsely, reaching trembling arms towards the sky. Then he toppled over, landing unmoving on his side in the grass, the cocky grin gone from his slack features forever.

Sighing, Neva bent down, opening the pouch of his belt. Retrieving a special item, she went over to where Enori and the other two Women of Kharas stood.

Terrulli and Cerulia followed her timidly and then rushed to Leigh's and Alannah's sides.

The princess hugged the wolf to her chest, tremendously glad that she was alright.

The Animorph was still in tiger shape, not trusting the situation to change forms again just yet.

"By Ossyr," Leigh gasped, causing Alannah to look up.

Twelve more warriors had revealed their presence, striding out of the fog, carrying bows. They all knelt before Neva.

Tenderly, Enori pulled her sword from Leigh's hand. "I don't think you need that anymore, little one. You'll get your own back soon." Winking at the knight, she and the other joined their fellow warriors.

"Rise, my daughters."

'Daughters?' Leigh drew her eyebrows together. "Do you have any idea, what's going on here?" the knight mumbled to the princess.

Alannah shook her head. "Not really, but I know that woman."

"Who do you mean?"

"The warrior with the raven hair. She is Enori, Queen Samira's daughter."

Before they had the chance to talk about it further, Neva approached them.

They stared at her in surprise because her face was altered and she was taller than before. All the scars were gone, leaving smooth, tanned skin in their place. The only indication that it was indeed Neva, were the eyes.

"I know you," Leigh exclaimed surprised. "You are the priestess that entered my dreamscape."

Neva smiled. "Yes." Taking Leigh's right hand, she placed the white ring on her palm, closing the knight's fingers around it. "Take good care of this, Leigh Swanheart. Don't be afraid, you are among friends now."

"Who are you really?" the knight wanted to know. "And please, no more riddles. I just need to know the truth otherwise I can't trust you."

"Understandable and I would expect nothing less," the priestess replied. "I am Neva, High Priestess of Denora, I am a Dreampath-Walker, a healer, I am nicknamed Hawkseye..."

"And she is Queen of the Women of Kharas," Enori finished with a bright smile

That revelation left Alannah and Leigh utterly speechless.

*****

Continued...