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Description
Reilyn dodged a far-reaching swipe from Scathdril as she looked for an opening in his defenses. She knew the battle would not end until one of them died, and she would make certain it would not be her.

After finally finding space to aim a high kick to the jaw, temporarily knocking her enemy back, she unleashed that which she had not known until recently but now realized to be true. It was a tolling cry that echoed throughout the entire city in the place of the conch:

“I am Azra, daughter of the late High Lord Azer VI, and heiress to the throne of Kenthstrom. I have remained dormant for several years, but now I return to protect those I love, my kin as well as my friends in Becmor.
“But you endanger their innocent lives, and as consequence have indebted yours to mine. Leave Núrieth at once, surrender all your forces, and perhaps I’ll spare it. If you refuse, let my golden blade be the last you ever see of the mortal world!”

This enraged Scathdril even more. “Fool, I am no one’s servant!” And he raised his sword high for a powerful blow. Reilyn jumped back on the downstroke, but the tip of Scathdril’s blade slashed across her left eye.

“AAAUGH!”

Her sword slipped out of her hand, and she dropped to the floor in excruciating pain.

--

Étris was struggling fiercely against three heavily armed soldiers, each wielding a long spear. Despite all her efforts, she soon felt her own weapon fall from her grip, and before she knew it, she was backed up against the wall. Her attackers were about to run her through when a piercing scream rang through the tower.

“Eeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyrrrk!”

With one slash from the creature who issued the sound, all three soldiers fell dead at her feet. She looked up to see a familiar figure in front of her, brandishing an odd-looking knife.

“Ilero! What are you doing here? I thought you were off fighting in the clan wars!”

“A most unusual event has brought about peace. It’s hard to believe, but the clans are not only allies again, but friends. You’ll be glad to know that reinforcements from both are on their way. I’ll explain in full later, but right now we need to get out of here.”

Together they fought their way through the waves of soldiers to one of the large windows.
Ilero exclaimed over the ruckus, “We’re getting out of this tower, and we’re finding that devil. Wherever Migg is, I hope he’s hot on Ulrick’s trail- and we’re going to help him. Get on!”

Étris climbed onto the griffin’s back, and they jumped out of the window, flying high over the cityscape. With keen avian sight to guide them, they would seek out the life of a traitor.

--

Blood dripped down from the long vertical cut across Reilyn’s left eye. She felt like that entire side of her face was on fire, though she knew it was impossible. Never before had she felt such pain, not even after her fall into the Ranudel River so long ago. She kept her eye tightly shut, for fear she would not feel an eyeball in the socket. Through her impaired vision she could still make out the form of Scathdril standing over her. His sword was suspended directly above her heart, ready to make the plunge into her chest. Reilyn knew she could not die, or the entire battle would be lost.

“An eye for an eye… I think that’s fair, don’t you?” he sneered. “And now, a life for a life, to pay for your damages to the New Order!”

“No!” she held up her right hand, and a fiery column sent Scathdril tumbling backwards. The upper half of his body was horribly burned. Even though he was able to raise himself up, it was still enough time for Reilyn to get back on her feet and retrieve her sword.

“You think it that easy to be rid of me, flame-bearer?” Scathdril snarled. “I have survived more terrors than you could imagine. I can survive your heat.”

Reilyn knew it was time to let out all the stops. Through her ragged breathing she managed to counter- “You may be strong now, but just watch what I can do to your captured city! Then we’ll see who has the last say.”

Before Scathdril could bar her way, she rushed through a pack of dark armor, stabbing at every weak spot she could find. She climbed back onto the crumbling platform and raised her sword to the sky. With all her strength, she thrust the blade into the solid rock.

An immense shockwave shook Núrieth down to its very foundations. All around the city, demons of every kind shrieked in agony as the dancing light that blinded them slowly turned them into dust.

--

Soaring high above the rooftops, Ilero and Étris scanned the alleys for any sign of Migg or Ulrick.

“Check over the guardhouses,” Étris suggested, “I remember Migg saying that’s where he would take his group first.”

They circled around the edge of the city wall, but still found nothing except hundreds of soldiers and resistance agents fighting in the streets. They could see huge, dark brown dogs with electric-white stripes and long whispy tails that were undoubtedly the saberfoxes running amok, chasing down any enemy in their path. Their low barks echoed menacingly off the sides of the buildings.

Finally, Ilero caught sight of Migg running through the crowds, his sword in one hand, his other clutching his side.

“He’s hurt!”

Ilero flew down low and clacked his beak to get Migg’s attention. Migg looked up, and was very relieved to see his old friend.

“Surprised to see me back? So am I!” Ilero shouted down to him. “You’re not badly wounded, are you?”

“I had a run-in with one of those demons, but just as he was about to finish me off, the host body passed out. Something must have happened up at the tower!”

Ilero and Étris landed on a roof and signaled for him to come up. “I’m glad to see you have the strength to still fight. Do you know where Ulrick went?”

“I was just following him this way.” Migg answered as he joined Étris on Ilero’s back. “I’ve no idea where he is now though.”

“Oh, we’ll fix that…” Ilero growled. “Soon enough he’ll taste my vengeance. We’ll be on him in no time!”

--

Lagulai and Onyx had met inside the tower and were making their way up the many flights of stairs when the entire building shook. Miraculously, they and their companions were left standing, while all the enemy guards and soldiers had collapsed with the force, making them easy pickings.

Suddenly, Ishiah came running down the stairs towards them. “Almost all the soldiers up in the chamber are down. There’s still a chance of victory for us, but Reilyn- or should I say Queen Azra- needs help! She’s been locked in battle with Scathdril since he went up there, and Scathdril’s winning.”

Reilyn! Lagulai’s mind was racing. Royalty or not, they had still formed a bond, and he would do whatever it took to save her. He only hoped they could reach her in time.

“Take us to her!” He would not see her die today, especially not at the hands of such a fiend. Together he, Onyx and Ishiah ran up the hundreds of stairs above them, following the fading light from the tumultuous quake.

As they passed one of the narrow windows on the staircase, they caught a glimpse of the two griffin clans flying in to join the battle. Both bronze and grey griffins were among them, flying without strife for the first time in years. With them they carried long arrows and specially crafted dart-knives, lethal weapons that would bring a definite end to Scathdril’s hold on the city if the efforts of the resistance could not.

--

As Ilero merged with the flock of his clan mates, he caught sight of Ulrick, just finishing a ruthless slaughter of two young knights fresh from training.

Ilero bided his time, then dove into the street, wielding a small dart-knife. Ulrick turned around just in time for the large bronze griffin to throw the weapon with deadly accuracy- straight through his heart.

With his dying breath, Ulrick watched the trio light down in front of him, before his vision succumbed to eternal darkness.

--

Reilyn turned and looked at the face of her enemy, who boiled with rage at the loss of so many minions.

Scathdril lunged, slamming her against the wall. Reilyn held back his arm with the huge broadsword away from her throat with all her strength, but that of Scathdril was greater. She managed to wrest her left arm free and reached out for her own sword, which was still quite firmly stuck in the broken platform. Her right hand burned Scathdril’s almost down to the bone.

Just as the point of Scathdril’s sword pricked her skin, a flash of gold came flying by, making a sickening swish as the skin on the back of her opponent’s neck was cleaved off.

Scathdril released his grip, grabbing the back of his head in pain as the noble sword returned to Reilyn’s hand. But it was a small victory. Scathdril recovered just as easily, and once again they exchanged blows, both now gasping for air hundreds of feet above the already high surface of the plateau. The guards who were still alive stayed where they lay, watching their leader parry with the one enemy who would not back down. The few who could barely stand made for the doors, preventing anyone from going in or out of the chamber. The battle was to be fought by just the two, and they intended to make that clear to anyone planning on coming to Reilyn’s aid.

--

A brilliantly colored bird, clad in white and tints of yellow and orange, took one last look at the intense dual before flying off to make his report. It was the offspring of Y’rebo’s ashes, and the remarkable creature had matured only minutes after the camps had been set ablaze, though tufts of down still poked through his stunningly pure plumage.

The new phoenix soon found Migg, Étris and Ilero flying above the meeting house.

“I suggest you come with me,” his chime-like voice called to them. “It is imperative that you aid the queen!”

“Reilyn?” Ilero asked, still unaware of her findings.

“No,” Migg answered, “she’s really Queen Azra of Kenthstrom, and she’s still at the top of the emperor’s tower. It was she who freed the city.”

“Azra? I thought she was dead!”

“Not in the least! Her memory was jarred, and only recently did she have it recover. Until now she was living as a mere peasant.”

“But I don’t think she’ll be with us much longer if we don’t reach her in time,” the phoenix broke in, “Hurry!”

Forgetting all else, they trained their wings on the spire ahead of them, where the sound of clanging metal drew ever nearer.

--

By now Reilyn had almost completely lost her firepower from the thin air. Indeed, it was a wonder she was still standing, for by now the effects of the poultice were virtually worn off.

She and Scathdril circled each other around the chamber, both looking for the perfect moment to strike. Scathdril finally made the first move, knocking a large piece of the stone platform in Reilyn’s direction. She dodged, and took a flying leap, swinging her sword for her opponent’s side. He blocked with his broadsword, and Reilyn was pushed back, landing in an awkward position several feet away.

She felt pain in her ankle as soon as she stood up, and she realized she had sprained it. Now, with limited mobility, she was in an even more vulnerable position. Scathdril, aside from his burns, remained mostly intact.

“Not so tough, now that you don’t have your parents to save you, is it?” he taunted her. “You got lucky back there in the village. Queen or not, you will still die here!”

“Never!” Reilyn charged forward and swiped at his leg, catching him off-balance. But Scathdril’s mockery was starting to creep in. What if she couldn’t win? Her enemy was not only desparate, but as he fed off her fear, his odds of winning grew. And that was when she realized her vital flaw.

She could not just rely on an opponent’s mistakes, but look deeper to find their innermost weaknesses. And now that she looked closer, Scathdril’s confidence did only seem to be on the surface. She could sense his fear washing off on her like a flood. It was clear he was not telling her the whole story.

“You’re worried about winning this battle, aren’t you?” she teased back. “You’re hiding something, and whatever it is, it’s driving you on. There’s no way to cover it up. You’re fighting for your very soul.”

That did it. Without even knowing it, Reilyn had just spilled out his worst secret. She could imagine the shock on the faces of the weakened guards watching them struggle.

Scathdril stood there stunned, not knowing whether to attack or run. How had this girl, who was only a villager just a short time ago, found out his dark bargain with Yvasu’s prince?

Reilyn seized her opportunity and stabbed him in the side. She had been aiming for the heart, but he had snapped out of the trance with enough time to move away.

Although his fear was still obvious, Scathdril’s anger was rekindled. His life would not end here, after he was so close to accomplishing his goal.

Reilyn backed up as he took another swing, but she began to feel light headed. She summoned what strength she had left and the two parried around the room, weaving in and out of the bodies that strewn the floor.

Scathdril grabbed a spear and threw it. Reilyn dodged just in time, the point of the arrow nearly grazing her arm. Her vision in her one good eye was starting to blur.

She thought she could hear the flapping of giant wings in the distance but she paid it no heed.
Rushing in for another attack, she managed to push the broadsword aside, knocking off Scathdril’s helmet.

What was that one technique Lagulai had taught her? Oh, if only she could remember it now, she could end it all. She decided to give it a try. With the focus she still had, she aimed a high kick at her enemy’s hands, tightly gripping the broadsword. Scathdril jerked back as the weapon was knocked from his grasp.

Reilyn tried pushing him against the wall like he had used on her, but she was not strong enough. She almost lost her balance as he tried to wrest her own sword from her, nearly succeeding in prying it loose. Both of them were almost at the edge of one of the great spaces between the hard granite pillars.

For Reilyn, time had slowed to a crawl, and she made one final move to end the fight. She heard Scathdril’s wail as the blade of her sword pierced his heart and pulled back, the sound of his voice gradually diminishing as he plummeted to the ground below.

The last thing she saw before everything turned black was a shadow that looked like Lagulai’s bending over her, calling her name. Despite her last efforts, she could not answer him, but slipped into a deep, penetrating unconsciousness.

Description
Reilyn dodged a far-reaching swipe from Scathdril as she looked for an opening in his defenses. She knew the battle would not end until one of them died, and she would make certain it would not be her.

After finally finding space to aim a high kick to the jaw, temporarily knocking her enemy back, she unleashed that which she had not known until recently but now realized to be true. It was a tolling cry that echoed throughout the entire city in the place of the conch:

“I am Azra, daughter of the late High Lord Azer VI, and heiress to the throne of Kenthstrom. I have remained dormant for several years, but now I return to protect those I love, my kin as well as my friends in Becmor.
“But you endanger their innocent lives, and as consequence have indebted yours to mine. Leave Núrieth at once, surrender all your forces, and perhaps I’ll spare it. If you refuse, let my golden blade be the last you ever see of the mortal world!”

This enraged Scathdril even more. “Fool, I am no one’s servant!” And he raised his sword high for a powerful blow. Reilyn jumped back on the downstroke, but the tip of Scathdril’s blade slashed across her left eye.

“AAAUGH!”

Her sword slipped out of her hand, and she dropped to the floor in excruciating pain.

--

Étris was struggling fiercely against three heavily armed soldiers, each wielding a long spear. Despite all her efforts, she soon felt her own weapon fall from her grip, and before she knew it, she was backed up against the wall. Her attackers were about to run her through when a piercing scream rang through the tower.

“Eeeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyrrrk!”

With one slash from the creature who issued the sound, all three soldiers fell dead at her feet. She looked up to see a familiar figure in front of her, brandishing an odd-looking knife.

“Ilero! What are you doing here? I thought you were off fighting in the clan wars!”

“A most unusual event has brought about peace. It’s hard to believe, but the clans are not only allies again, but friends. You’ll be glad to know that reinforcements from both are on their way. I’ll explain in full later, but right now we need to get out of here.”

Together they fought their way through the waves of soldiers to one of the large windows.
Ilero exclaimed over the ruckus, “We’re getting out of this tower, and we’re finding that devil. Wherever Migg is, I hope he’s hot on Ulrick’s trail- and we’re going to help him. Get on!”

Étris climbed onto the griffin’s back, and they jumped out of the window, flying high over the cityscape. With keen avian sight to guide them, they would seek out the life of a traitor.

--

Blood dripped down from the long vertical cut across Reilyn’s left eye. She felt like that entire side of her face was on fire, though she knew it was impossible. Never before had she felt such pain, not even after her fall into the Ranudel River so long ago. She kept her eye tightly shut, for fear she would not feel an eyeball in the socket. Through her impaired vision she could still make out the form of Scathdril standing over her. His sword was suspended directly above her heart, ready to make the plunge into her chest. Reilyn knew she could not die, or the entire battle would be lost.

“An eye for an eye… I think that’s fair, don’t you?” he sneered. “And now, a life for a life, to pay for your damages to the New Order!”

“No!” she held up her right hand, and a fiery column sent Scathdril tumbling backwards. The upper half of his body was horribly burned. Even though he was able to raise himself up, it was still enough time for Reilyn to get back on her feet and retrieve her sword.

“You think it that easy to be rid of me, flame-bearer?” Scathdril snarled. “I have survived more terrors than you could imagine. I can survive your heat.”

Reilyn knew it was time to let out all the stops. Through her ragged breathing she managed to counter- “You may be strong now, but just watch what I can do to your captured city! Then we’ll see who has the last say.”

Before Scathdril could bar her way, she rushed through a pack of dark armor, stabbing at every weak spot she could find. She climbed back onto the crumbling platform and raised her sword to the sky. With all her strength, she thrust the blade into the solid rock.

An immense shockwave shook Núrieth down to its very foundations. All around the city, demons of every kind shrieked in agony as the dancing light that blinded them slowly turned them into dust.

--

Soaring high above the rooftops, Ilero and Étris scanned the alleys for any sign of Migg or Ulrick.

“Check over the guardhouses,” Étris suggested, “I remember Migg saying that’s where he would take his group first.”

They circled around the edge of the city wall, but still found nothing except hundreds of soldiers and resistance agents fighting in the streets. They could see huge, dark brown dogs with electric-white stripes and long whispy tails that were undoubtedly the saberfoxes running amok, chasing down any enemy in their path. Their low barks echoed menacingly off the sides of the buildings.

Finally, Ilero caught sight of Migg running through the crowds, his sword in one hand, his other clutching his side.

“He’s hurt!”

Ilero flew down low and clacked his beak to get Migg’s attention. Migg looked up, and was very relieved to see his old friend.

“Surprised to see me back? So am I!” Ilero shouted down to him. “You’re not badly wounded, are you?”

“I had a run-in with one of those demons, but just as he was about to finish me off, the host body passed out. Something must have happened up at the tower!”

Ilero and Étris landed on a roof and signaled for him to come up. “I’m glad to see you have the strength to still fight. Do you know where Ulrick went?”

“I was just following him this way.” Migg answered as he joined Étris on Ilero’s back. “I’ve no idea where he is now though.”

“Oh, we’ll fix that…” Ilero growled. “Soon enough he’ll taste my vengeance. We’ll be on him in no time!”

--

Lagulai and Onyx had met inside the tower and were making their way up the many flights of stairs when the entire building shook. Miraculously, they and their companions were left standing, while all the enemy guards and soldiers had collapsed with the force, making them easy pickings.

Suddenly, Ishiah came running down the stairs towards them. “Almost all the soldiers up in the chamber are down. There’s still a chance of victory for us, but Reilyn- or should I say Queen Azra- needs help! She’s been locked in battle with Scathdril since he went up there, and Scathdril’s winning.”

Reilyn! Lagulai’s mind was racing. Royalty or not, they had still formed a bond, and he would do whatever it took to save her. He only hoped they could reach her in time.

“Take us to her!” He would not see her die today, especially not at the hands of such a fiend. Together he, Onyx and Ishiah ran up the hundreds of stairs above them, following the fading light from the tumultuous quake.

As they passed one of the narrow windows on the staircase, they caught a glimpse of the two griffin clans flying in to join the battle. Both bronze and grey griffins were among them, flying without strife for the first time in years. With them they carried long arrows and specially crafted dart-knives, lethal weapons that would bring a definite end to Scathdril’s hold on the city if the efforts of the resistance could not.

--

As Ilero merged with the flock of his clan mates, he caught sight of Ulrick, just finishing a ruthless slaughter of two young knights fresh from training.

Ilero bided his time, then dove into the street, wielding a small dart-knife. Ulrick turned around just in time for the large bronze griffin to throw the weapon with deadly accuracy- straight through his heart.

With his dying breath, Ulrick watched the trio light down in front of him, before his vision succumbed to eternal darkness.

--

Reilyn turned and looked at the face of her enemy, who boiled with rage at the loss of so many minions.

Scathdril lunged, slamming her against the wall. Reilyn held back his arm with the huge broadsword away from her throat with all her strength, but that of Scathdril was greater. She managed to wrest her left arm free and reached out for her own sword, which was still quite firmly stuck in the broken platform. Her right hand burned Scathdril’s almost down to the bone.

Just as the point of Scathdril’s sword pricked her skin, a flash of gold came flying by, making a sickening swish as the skin on the back of her opponent’s neck was cleaved off.

Scathdril released his grip, grabbing the back of his head in pain as the noble sword returned to Reilyn’s hand. But it was a small victory. Scathdril recovered just as easily, and once again they exchanged blows, both now gasping for air hundreds of feet above the already high surface of the plateau. The guards who were still alive stayed where they lay, watching their leader parry with the one enemy who would not back down. The few who could barely stand made for the doors, preventing anyone from going in or out of the chamber. The battle was to be fought by just the two, and they intended to make that clear to anyone planning on coming to Reilyn’s aid.

--

A brilliantly colored bird, clad in white and tints of yellow and orange, took one last look at the intense dual before flying off to make his report. It was the offspring of Y’rebo’s ashes, and the remarkable creature had matured only minutes after the camps had been set ablaze, though tufts of down still poked through his stunningly pure plumage.

The new phoenix soon found Migg, Étris and Ilero flying above the meeting house.

“I suggest you come with me,” his chime-like voice called to them. “It is imperative that you aid the queen!”

“Reilyn?” Ilero asked, still unaware of her findings.

“No,” Migg answered, “she’s really Queen Azra of Kenthstrom, and she’s still at the top of the emperor’s tower. It was she who freed the city.”

“Azra? I thought she was dead!”

“Not in the least! Her memory was jarred, and only recently did she have it recover. Until now she was living as a mere peasant.”

“But I don’t think she’ll be with us much longer if we don’t reach her in time,” the phoenix broke in, “Hurry!”

Forgetting all else, they trained their wings on the spire ahead of them, where the sound of clanging metal drew ever nearer.

--

By now Reilyn had almost completely lost her firepower from the thin air. Indeed, it was a wonder she was still standing, for by now the effects of the poultice were virtually worn off.

She and Scathdril circled each other around the chamber, both looking for the perfect moment to strike. Scathdril finally made the first move, knocking a large piece of the stone platform in Reilyn’s direction. She dodged, and took a flying leap, swinging her sword for her opponent’s side. He blocked with his broadsword, and Reilyn was pushed back, landing in an awkward position several feet away.

She felt pain in her ankle as soon as she stood up, and she realized she had sprained it. Now, with limited mobility, she was in an even more vulnerable position. Scathdril, aside from his burns, remained mostly intact.

“Not so tough, now that you don’t have your parents to save you, is it?” he taunted her. “You got lucky back there in the village. Queen or not, you will still die here!”

“Never!” Reilyn charged forward and swiped at his leg, catching him off-balance. But Scathdril’s mockery was starting to creep in. What if she couldn’t win? Her enemy was not only desparate, but as he fed off her fear, his odds of winning grew. And that was when she realized her vital flaw.

She could not just rely on an opponent’s mistakes, but look deeper to find their innermost weaknesses. And now that she looked closer, Scathdril’s confidence did only seem to be on the surface. She could sense his fear washing off on her like a flood. It was clear he was not telling her the whole story.

“You’re worried about winning this battle, aren’t you?” she teased back. “You’re hiding something, and whatever it is, it’s driving you on. There’s no way to cover it up. You’re fighting for your very soul.”

That did it. Without even knowing it, Reilyn had just spilled out his worst secret. She could imagine the shock on the faces of the weakened guards watching them struggle.

Scathdril stood there stunned, not knowing whether to attack or run. How had this girl, who was only a villager just a short time ago, found out his dark bargain with Yvasu’s prince?

Reilyn seized her opportunity and stabbed him in the side. She had been aiming for the heart, but he had snapped out of the trance with enough time to move away.

Although his fear was still obvious, Scathdril’s anger was rekindled. His life would not end here, after he was so close to accomplishing his goal.

Reilyn backed up as he took another swing, but she began to feel light headed. She summoned what strength she had left and the two parried around the room, weaving in and out of the bodies that strewn the floor.

Scathdril grabbed a spear and threw it. Reilyn dodged just in time, the point of the arrow nearly grazing her arm. Her vision in her one good eye was starting to blur.

She thought she could hear the flapping of giant wings in the distance but she paid it no heed.
Rushing in for another attack, she managed to push the broadsword aside, knocking off Scathdril’s helmet.

What was that one technique Lagulai had taught her? Oh, if only she could remember it now, she could end it all. She decided to give it a try. With the focus she still had, she aimed a high kick at her enemy’s hands, tightly gripping the broadsword. Scathdril jerked back as the weapon was knocked from his grasp.

Reilyn tried pushing him against the wall like he had used on her, but she was not strong enough. She almost lost her balance as he tried to wrest her own sword from her, nearly succeeding in prying it loose. Both of them were almost at the edge of one of the great spaces between the hard granite pillars.

For Reilyn, time had slowed to a crawl, and she made one final move to end the fight. She heard Scathdril’s wail as the blade of her sword pierced his heart and pulled back, the sound of his voice gradually diminishing as he plummeted to the ground below.

The last thing she saw before everything turned black was a shadow that looked like Lagulai’s bending over her, calling her name. Despite her last efforts, she could not answer him, but slipped into a deep, penetrating unconsciousness.