Gil'ead

[Trinn]

Vana nodded. "Good. We should be able to catch them quickly." Returning her gaze to the fore, the rider stared into the distance. When it came to slaves, Vana was averse to the idea. However, she did not question why the king allowed such things. Politics weren't her strong point. Battles and following orders were. As they flew, a dark glint appeared on the horizon. That must be them. A low snarl rolled through Viel's throat.
Good.
~~~~

Gianna glanced over her shoulder once more, and her breath caught in her throat. Coming in quickly was a dark red dragon. As she looked, a ray of sunlight broke across the sky, eluminating the approaching beast. "What!" she cried out. Not only was there one rider, but two! There was no doubt that they were un-friendly. First Salian, now a rider, and someone else! Beneath her, Gladia roared.
Then I will stop here. The group below must continue on. With a nervous nod, Gianna agreed. Not wanting to waste time, Gianna projected her thoughts to the people below.
You all must continue on. A threat waits for Gladia and I. After we deal with it, we will get back to you. Now, hurry! Below, a few people glanced behind their shoulders. At the sight of the quickly approaching dragon, they hastened their pace.

Coming to a hover, Gladia waited to meet the oncoming rider. Eventually, they drew close enough for Gianna to discern faces. The first was a woman, but the second was familiar. A gasp escaped her throat. "Salian!?" But he swore to us! Gladia growled.
Oaths from a man like that mean nothing, even in the ancient language.
Well, he can't go back on it. The magic of those words have tied him to them! Gladia nodded, then released a threatning roar to the red dragon, who came to a hover a few yards across from Gladia. Gianna narrowed her eyes.

"Hello, Salian. I see you brought a friend to foil my plans, since you now can't." The red rider's face showed slight surprise at Gianna's familiar tone to the slave tracker.
~~~~

Vana found it odd how the slave rider spoke to Salian. Almost on familiar terms. It matters not. "Rider, I give you one chance. Surrendor and return to Uru'baen on peaceful turns with the slave.[/i] From atop the dark purple dragon, the trouble making rider's reply was loud and clear. It rang across the opene sky.
"No."

[wiana]

Anticipation shook Torlynden's body, and he bared his teeth in readiness. Salian felt shame and guilt well up inside him, but squelched both feelings. Not now, he thought.

"Gianna, Galbatorix sends his greetings and seeks an audience with you," he called out.

Then, without a sound, Torlynden leapt from Viel's back and glided to the Gladia. He growled at her and sent her warning thoughts, and the desire to rip her, see her die as her insides spilled to the ground.

[Trinn]

Gianna glanced back at Salian. "I already know what Galbatorix intends. And I already gave my answer. No." At that moment, a hatchling sprang from Salian's lap, lunging towards Gladia. Gianna couldn't keep the look of horror from her face. This creature radiated malign intentions. Gladia reard her head and hissed at the little dragon. If I didn't have such good self control, that little monster would be dead. Then, she released a roar that sent a concussion through the air, aiming it towards the little demon. She in turn sent an image of it laying broken in her talons. Suddenly, the rider of the garnett dragon spoke.
"Enough. If you do not surrender, then I must take you by force!" Gianna swallowed her apprehension. Gladia, I don't know if we can win. Niether of us are great fighers.
Fighting is second nature for dragons. I will protect you. Nodding, Gianna replied to the other rider.
"So be it."

[wiana]

Torlynden felt something growing in him -- a snake rearing to strike as fast as lightning. No, faster. The images that Gladia projected at him meant little tom him. In fact, they amused him. The power within him reached a climax, and he dropped, aiming at a flock of birds flying low. His wings snapped open at the last minute and he tore into the startled birds. Teeth snapping, tail lashing, he killed all the birds in the flock, even though they were larger than he.

The power drained out of him as he killed, and it was replaced by another power. This power was too big for him, and he felt himself extending. His back itched terribly, making him growl. Torl's body froze, and he dropped. Dark, stormy magic swirled around him, making him change. Making him grow.

He snapped his wings open before he hit the ground, and then he rocketed skyward. A low growl escaped his extended throat. As he reached the level of the other dragons, he gauged how much he'd changed. Quick figures passed through his mind, and he grinned draconishly. He had an extra two thirds of what he'd been before.


Salian closed his eyes in pain at what he was being forced to do. Though he'd made a vow in the Ancient Language never to hurt Gianna and Gladia, and also never to use spirit magic, there were other ways to kill a bird. Even one born in captivity. Then he felt Torlynden's power rise. Saw him drop and kill the birds before they went by. And now saw him rise on level with the dragons. The most evil presence emanated from Salian's bonded partner. He winced at the thought.

Yes. Now we are bonded. Forever. The prospect was daunting. He didn't want to be stuck with such a demon for that long, but he could do nothing about it.

With wicked glee, Torlynden thought of a plan. He shared it quickly with Salian, and then dropped faster than before, aiming at the slaves. Using his claws, he lifted up a smaller one. Salian's magic aided him as he lifted the limp creature high into the air. One wrong move, and this slave drops and shatters, he projected to Gladia. Or I could just tear it to pieces. He laughed.

[Trinn]

Gianna watched in horror as the gray monster fell and destroyed the birds. She had never encountered a dragon before who actually enjoyed the destruction of life. And this wasn't even a dragon, it was a hatchling! A baby who enjoyed killing! An icy shiver ran down her spine. Then, another incredibly chilling thing happened. The hatchling was encased in dark magic, after which it had grown two sizes bigger. Gladia, what possesses that creature! The purple dragon shook her head.
I know not. I think it is just it's nature. Rider and dragon continued to watch the actions of the gray dragon, then, before they could stop it, the evil creature grabbed a slave and returned with him in the air. "NO!" Gianna screamed, leaning forward. The person in the dragon's talons seemed frozen in terror. "Salian, you swore!" She said, her eyes reaching Salians, pleading.
Gladia growled, moving slightly closer to the gray.
~~~~

Vana turned to stare at Salian. "What is that dragon of yours doing," she hissed. "We aren't here to kill the slaves! Are battle is with the rider! Tell him to stop!"

[wiana]

Salian frowned as both women got after him. He closed his eyes, focusing all of his energy on making Torlynden obey him. Torlynden, what are you doing? Put the slave back on the ground!

The gray dragon turned his head to glare at his rider. What? This slave is a perfect bargaining tool Didn't Galbatorix want the girl and dragon alive? And I won't hurt it, unless they don't give in, he growled.. Then he turned back to the opposite side, projecting his words directly into their minds. Salian might have made a promise, but I am not bound by it. If you and the slaves do not come with us peacefully, I will tear this human apart, and enjoy every minute of it. Next he turned to Vana. Don't lose your objective, he snapped. If the king wants these two, then he shall get them. Even if it is MY way. He glared all around, daring someone to argue with him. Hope that he would get to tear apart the slave echoed through the mental link, and Salian winced.

Despairing, Salian said loud enough for both Vana and Gianna to hear, "I don't know how to control him! His will is too strong." Torl growled in agreement.

[nerasa]

After nerasa had helped Gianna get the slaves out now they were all doomed. She didn't know what to do any longer she had to go back to her home in silthrim and then stay there for a long, long time. She would never be helping the varden for a while now but she had to find Seana and Gabriel and then go to the varden to tell them she is going to be taking a break and never returning for a while.

"Marflamel we should just go to the varden tell them that we are done and then leave to silthrim. It will be easier for both of us and then we won't be part of anything. Not for a while." said Nerasa as Marflamel flew throught the air above her.

"Good idea I will come down to get you and then we will head there and back again." said Marflamel as he did just that and that was the last time they would see gianna again for a long time.

"I hope that she will be alright. I just feel terrible that we are just leaving them like this." said Nerasa and they were gone.

OCC: Sorry but I won't be comeing back on the thread. This was my last one on here.

[Trinn]

Panic fluttered in Gianna's heart. There was no way out of this. Below, the slaves were still running away, towards Surda. Fear not, my rider. There is always a way, even if it comes at a price. Gladia's words frightened her.
What price, Gladia!? The dragon didn't answer. Instead, she shot forwards, exiting her hover. In a mere second she reached the gray dragon who was now only a little smaller than her. Reaching out with her talons, Gladia grasped at Torlynden's head, her back feet kicking at his stomach. Gianna winced and gasped, afraid the slave was going to be crushed between the two dragons.
~~~~

I think you have created a monster, Viel said in a horrified voice, refering to Torlynden. Vana stared, astonished, as the purple dragon made a quick lunge at the gray.
Yes, I think you're right.

[wiana]

Torlynden roared in defiance and tucked in his wings. He dropped below Gladia, swiping his tail at her underside. Then he released his hold on the slave a bit, now holding onto the arms. The slave cried out in pain, and Torlynden growled at Gladia. I'll kill her.

Salian watched this play out with fear curling down his back. Nothing could stop Torlyn now, except a miracle. He could only sit here and watch. Then an idea formed, thawing a part of the fear and replacing it with apprehension. Maybe if I. . . . He took a deep breath, gathering his nerve.

Torl's thoughts echoed surprise as he anticipated his partner's move. He roared, Salian! Don't be an idiot! But Salian's fingers had already undone the straps that held him in place on Viel's back. He threw himself off of Viel, forcing Torlynden to choose between him or the slave. "Catch me!" he called.

Torlynden growled, diving after his partner. He maneuvered under Salian and spread his wings. Salian pulled himself onto the bare back, grinning. The extra weight caused Torlynden to sink slowly to the ground, making him vulnerable to attack.

I kept my promise, he thought at Gianna.

[Trinn]

Pumping her wings down, Gladia threw herself higher into the air, avoiding Torlynden's tail. She watched in amazment as Salian threw himself off the red dragon. Hearing the slavers message, Gladia turned to look at Gianna. Well, what now? Should I bring the gray down? Gianna's heart beat furiously in her chest. She hadn't felt this terrified since she was running away as a slave. Glancing up, she saw the red dragon coming towards Gladia. "Watch out!" she screamed. Roaring in surprise, Gladia barrel rolled to the left, avoiding Viel.
~~~~

Come on, Viel. Perhaps if we deal with this purple beast, Torlynden can stay out of the picture. VIel nodded, then launched herself forwards. She and Gladia collided in mid-air, each grappling for the upper hand. Vana cast her mind to Salian. Go to the slaves. Capture them, but don't hurt them!

[wiana]

Salian nodded, telling Torlynden to put the slave down. They were on the ground now, and Torl complied, his sides heaving with rage. We could have had them! he roared.

"Just follow the slaves so I can catch their spirits!" Salian snapped back. Torlynden took off again, easily carrying Salian's weight alone. They caught up to the other slaves quickly. It was a moment's work to capture their spirits again, especially with Torlyn's help. The dragon took a second after capturement to explore all of the slaves' minds. Then Salian directed the slaves to go back to the battle front and wait until a winner was decided.

On their way back, Salian captured the spirit of the slave Torl had lifted up. Torlynden groaned, longing to rip Gladia open and crush her rider. Salian blocked those thoughts from his mind. He ground his teeth from the effort and watched the red and purple dragon's battle. He knew that Torl would stay on the ground now that Salian had a new weapon: fear for the rider.

[Trinn]

Gladia roared in pain as Viel's talons racked across her stomach. Gladia! Gianna cried, feeling an echo of the pain. Retaliating, the purple dragon bit at Viel's neck, only managing to scrath the scales. The red dragon was much bigger than she, and used to battle. Gladia suffered from cuts on her stomach as well as slashes to her wings. From atop her back, Gianna clung to her dragon's neck, praying that they would come out on top. But it was useless. After one last grapple, the red dragon was able to herd Gladia to the ground, biting at her and clawing. After a moments struggle, Viel was able to pin Gladia's wings down on the earthy ground, preventing any further flight. Gladia struggled in vain to break free.

Gianna stared at Viel in horror, then, looked past the dragon to stare at the rider, who didn't seem in the least phased by the sky battle. In a sudden fit of rage, Gianna ripped off the leg straps, ran up Gladia's neck, and lunged at Vana. She held a knife in her fist, aiming it at the opposing riders throat.
~~~~

Viel bit down on Gladia's neck, pinning the purple dragon down more securely. Stop struggling, youngling. You'll only make things worse. The other dragon didn't reply, only tried harder to escape. Suddenly, the dragon's rider was up and running, and before Viel could react, the woman was lunging at Vana.

From her position on Viel's back, Vana was able to take the situation in easily. Bringing her gauntletted arm up, Vana blocked the knife stroke, then, in one fluid motion, she brought her other fist around and landed a powerful punch to Gianna's head. The slave rider fell across Vana, unconcsious. From the ground, the purple dragon roared in fury. Ignoring the sound of protest, Vana rolled Gianna onto her back, then sat the rider up straight. She looked to Salian. "Allright. Let's move out." She projected her mind to Gladia. You will come with us peacefully. If you make even the slightest move for a fight, I will slice your riders throat. Understood? There was a moments silence, then, in a rough, hateful voice, understood.

[wiana]

Torlynden moaned when Viel ripped through Gladia's scales, causing blood to appear. His desires mixed with Salian's careful analysis of Vana's skill in chaotic form. After Vana had knocked out Gianna and given him instructions, Torlynden stopped moaning. He waited silently for his rider's directions.

Focusing on his tasks, Salian absorbed the energy of almost every living thing around him, ignoring the rising death toll. Then he transformed the energy into a cube, which he projected around the slaves. Salian looked up at Vana. "It would be easier to teleport directly there with such a load," he shouted. "If you give me a couple of minutes and lend me your energy, I can create a spell strong enough to transport us all in one piece."

I want to tear Gladia apart, Torlynden growled. I have searched your memories and found what she did to you. How you received that terrible scar. At mention of the red wound, Salian reached up and touched it, grimacing.

Gladia. Gladia, I'm sorry. I warned you, he thought pathetically.

[Trinn]

At the sound of Salian's voice, Gladia rammed up her mental barriers, shutting out his words and other's prying minds. The slaves stood lifelessly in their magical cube, unaware it would seem of their fate. What she hated most was seeing her rider hanging limply in the empire rider's hands. At the thought, she began struggling again, but it was no use. The red dragon was too big, and too strong.
~~~~~

Vana considered Salian's words. Sure, he was of the empire, but could she trust him not to kill her? He has honest intentions. You can trust him. Viel said. Vana nodded. "Fine. Do what you must. But don't go to far." She warned, her voice ringing with authority.

[wiana]

Though it hurt when Gladia blocked him, Salian didn't show it. Instead, he focused on Vana's next words. He nodded, said, "I can do it from here," and began the chant. First he drew on his and Torlynden's energy, of which there was much, and then he sucked on the grass and few shrubs. Last he reached into burrows and absorbed the creatures, using them sparingly -- he didn't want an more blood shed that day.

His chant lasted about a minute before the desired result was attained. He had teleported everyone into the hall off the throne room, aware that Viel looked too large to fit comfortably. Then, before anything could be said, he released the slaves from his control and teleported them back to Gil'ead, wincing as it sapped at his energy. Torlynden bolstered Salian's powers with his own, and then the drainage stopped. Salian composed a swift message to the slave masters, sending it on a spirit bird. Then he told Torlynden to knock on the throne room door.

The heavy tail lashed out on the door without even denting it. A deep, metallic sound reverbrated through the hall, jarring Salian's bones. Torlynden seemed unaffected by it, merely growling. Then the remaining group waited for Galbatorix to answer.

As they waited, Salian managed to ask of Vana, "Why did you take me to the clutch?" Torlynden raised his head, listening for her answer.

OOC: Does he live in the throne room? lol