Solutions

This book was published by Shadowfire Press 2019 Grove Street #6 Boulder, CO 80302

Dragon & Fenyx 4: Solutions Copyright © 2009 by Auburnimp & Michael Barnette Cover art by Jet Mykles Edited by Helen Revell Book layout and Design by Coyote All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts for the purpose of reviews, the reproduction of this book by any means known or devised in the future, are prohibited. Scanning, uploading, posting to the internet on any download or sharing site, making available via peer-to-peer sharing, creating print, audio or electronic versions of the book, or offering this book for distribution by any other means is illegal and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you obtained this book from a source other than a book seller he author did not receive payment for the book. Our authors deserve to be paid for their work. You wouldn’t work for free and our authors should not be expected to work for free either. This is a work of fiction. Names, places, events and all characters are the creation of the author’s imagination. Any similarities to actual events, or persons living or dead are purely coincidental. The mention of, or reference to any product or service within this book is not intended to be a challenge to the trademarks or copyrights of those products or services.

A Swordbrothers / Immortal Heroes Crossover Series Novella World of Dragonhope

Dragon and Fenyx 4: Solutions By Auburnimp and Michael Barnette

Dragon & Fenyx 4: Solutions

Chapter One Love and Life

The barest traces of dawn were hinted in the windows, a pallid glow of pale pink and subtle blue touched the glass. A few soft chirping sounds told of birds awakening to the promise of a new day. Inside the room, a pile of firestones in a brazier across the room, along with gold motes and ribbons of blue light filled the room with a gentle glow. Two forms lay in the bed, their bodies entwined, the magical energies dancing around them. Over the bed the hazy outlines of a Dragon and a Fenyx manifested. Storm pulled Flame close, their tongues tangled, his right hand wrapped around the firm flesh of his lover’s erection which he stroked slowly, the motion meant to tease. Flame arched into the touch before he pressed his body against Storm until skin touched skin from toes to probing tongues. Breathless, Storm ended the kiss. He stared Page 1

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into Flame’s gaze. Love and desire heated the warm brown of Flame’s eyes. “I love you,” he murmured. He set his lips to the line of Flame’s jaw, kissing, tasting his lover’s skin, inhaling his scent. Above them the Dragon nuzzled the Fenyx, the Immortal Beasts mimicking the actions of their human counterparts. Flame smiled, his expression echoed by the Fenyx. “I love you, too, Storm” he said. “I still find it hard to believe that we’re here, together after all that’s happened.” Storm lifted his gaze to regard Flame. “Believe it, Flame. We’re together and nothing, and no one, will ever change that fact.” He brushed some of his lover’s outrageous red hair from his face and smiled at him. “You do realize we’re going to be together for a very long time, don’t you?” Flame chuckled in response. “So you finally believe, do you? I suppose getting killed a few times and still managing to recover does help to drive the point home.” Storm sighed. “Yes, it does. I should have died with Sandrunner, but an Immortal can’t die. Not even when his heart is broken.” He kissed Flame, Page 2

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and grinned. “You should have refused me when you had the chance, but you didn’t, and now you’re stuck with me forever.” Flames’ brows rose and a smile lightened his dark eyes. “It has to be better than being alone forever.” He touched his lips to Flame’s and said, “In my opinion it’s a hell of a lot better.” The light in Flame’s eyes died and he looked away. “I know I can never replace Sandrunner in the depths of your heart and I wouldn’t wish to. I just hope I’m not too bad as a substitute.” Tightness filled Storm’s chest, the shock of his lover’s remark stunned him. “Flamespirit, you....” Storm shook his head, fought to find the right words, worried he’d make a mess of things. “You can’t replace Sandrunner. You’re right about that, but you’re also missing something very important. I love you every bit as much as I loved him.” He caressed Flame’s cheek. “If anything, I love you more than I loved Sandrunner. I can’t explain it, but with you it’s different. Maybe it’s our Beasts, I don’t know. What I do know is you’re the man I love.” Page 3

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Flame was silent for a long while but his arms tightened around Storm’s body and he nodded slowly. “I’m sorry, Storm. I have so little experience of the world that I probably say really stupid things.” Storm frowned, his expression shifting to something stern, yet sad at the same time. “Will you please stop denigrating yourself, Flame? You act as if you’re a child sometimes, but we both know you’re a warrior. Please don’t let the things your former clan said have any importance to you. That part of your life is over, focus on the life you have with me, as the co-Chief of a growing Clan.” Flame’s eyes narrowed. “If I act like a child it’s because I’ve always been treated like one. I am not putting myself down, I am stating fact. You saw how I lived, the scraps I was given to eat, the worn out workbike. You know about the lies I was told, the many things that were kept hidden from me. “I’m very aware of my lack of experience and I worry that I’ll say or do the wrong things, especially as a co-chief. If that’s acting as a child well pardon me!” Page 4

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Storm sighed. Half our conversations seem to involve him being mad or upset over something I’ve said. “I’ve said the wrong thing again, haven’t I?” He sat up and rubbed his temples. Why does what I say always upset or hurt him? I don’t mean to, but it keeps happening. And he’s the one worried about making mistakes. Shit.... “I’m sorry, Flame. If anyone should worry about saying the wrong damn thing it’s apparently me. I keep doing it to you, so I’m probably going to do it with someone else eventually.” Flame offered him a wry smile and shook his head. “No, you were raised to be a chief so you’ll get that bit right. As for what is said between us, we’re still in the process of getting used to one another and, with all that’s been happening, we haven’t had much opportunity to do that.” The smile widened. “So let’s make a start now, shall we?” Storm didn’t wait for a second offer. He pulled Flame into his arms and kissed him. Tendrils of magical energy wafted from the tattoos on his arms and shoulders to wreath Flame. Slim ribbons of power floated from the bright Page 5

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designs on Flame’s arms to caress Storm. He shivered at the tingle of his lover’s magic as it caressed him. Storm thrust his tongue between Flame’s parted lips, tasting his swordbrother. His cock hardened and he groaned as desire flooded his entire being. Inside him the Dragon—which had become quiescent while they talked—stirred, reawakened by the heat of lust which burned through Storm’s veins. Flame made a small sound, somewhere between a moan and a gasp, and pressed against him once again. Storm could feel his swordbrother’s arousal as well as the warm magic that flowed from his body. Storm wrapped his arms around Flame and, without breaking their kiss, rolled over so that his lover was on top of him. The weight of Flame felt good, as did the touch of their cocks which were pressed tight together. Storm rocked his hips to give them some friction. The Dragon shook Its wings . The two Beasts were entwined as ready for love as the two men to whom they were connected. Flame pulled away from the kiss only to move Page 6

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down Storm’s body until he reached a nipple. He sucked on it for a while before moving to the other which got the same treatment. Storm closed his eyes and gave a wordless murmur of appreciation. He ran his hands over every part of Flame he could reach. He caressed Flame’s shoulders, his arms, ran his fingers through Flame’s long, very soft hair as his lover continued to tease his nipples. The sensation rippled through his flesh, coiled inside his balls. The ache for more made him want to roll Flame beneath him and slip his throbbing cock inside Flame’s body. He opened his eyes. Above them the pair of Beasts mimicked their actions, the Fenyx touching its beak to the Dragon’s chest, the pointed end of its tongue flicking over the shimmering scales. Storm smiled at the strangeness of it. What the Beasts were doing amused him for a reason he couldn’t quite understand. “Look up.” Flame’s looked up his head moving away from Storm’s chest. Above them the Fenyx had done exactly the same. Flame chuckled softly before Page 7

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murmuring, “Soul to soul,” in an awed tone of voice. “Umhmm,” Storm murmured. He rolled them over so he was on top of Flame. He claimed his lover’s mouth for a kiss that left them both breathless. He gazed into Flame’s eyes, knowing his Dragon was gazing down at the Fenyx. “I don’t want to wait anymore, Flame, I want you.” Flame’s eyes were full of lust and something even deeper, more profound. “Then take me, Storm. You know I’m yours.” Storm smiled and got the oil they used for lovemaking from the bedside table. He handed it to Flame. “If you don’t mind. You know I like how it feels when you slick my cock with this stuff.” Flame smirked as he removed the top from the small clay pot. He poured a little into his palm before handing both pot and lid to Storm. He rubbed his hands together, spreading the oil, before running them over Storm’s cock in a slow, gentle motion guaranteed to give enjoyment. Storm groaned and almost lost his hold on the pot of oil. He grinned at Flame and said, “Oops, Page 8

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that would have been bad,” then set the small container down on the table where it would be safe. “I guess I must be doing this right then,” Flame said with an impossibly innocent and wide eyed expression. Storm grinned at his lover. “Yes, you are. Of course, you might want to wait until I put the jar down next time. I won’t guarantee we don’t get an oil bath otherwise.” The feel of Flame’s hands on him always left him so filled with need he had trouble thinking about anything else. Lately he’d found himself daydreaming about fucking his beautiful and very sexy swordbrother when he should have been doing something else, like making sunstones. “Do you know how much I love you?” Flame cocked his head to one side as if considering the question while he gazed at Storm. “Do you really?” he asked. “Well I’ll bet a hundred firestones it’s not as much as I love you.” Storm pulled Flame close. “I bet you’re wrong,” he said and kissed Flame. Threads of Page 9

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magical energy spun off both of them, sliding across their skin. Red motes of Flame’s fire magic intertwined with the blue and gold of Storm’s wind magic. He ended the kiss, smiled down at Flame. “You’re so beautiful, wreathed in the power of your magic, with the flames of the Fenyx surrounding you.” Flame smiled and ducked his head before his fingers dug into Storm’s flesh. “Storm,” he gasped out, “take me now, please.” Storm lowered his head to nip the side of Flame’s neck. “So easy to please,” Storm murmured and ran his tongue along the edge of Flame’s ear. He breathed gently and smirked as the goosebumps rose on his lover’s skin. Flame shivered in Storm’s grasp, his eyes heavy lidded with desire. “Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” he said with a smirk, “Not when you’re the only one who’s ever pleased me. I think I’m rather hard to please, don’t you?” “I don’t know, like you said, you’ve never been with anyone else.” I wonder if he’d enjoy what I do with him as much if he had been with someone before me? He has no comparisons to make, while I was with Sandrunner who I loved. Page 10

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But it’s not the same. I can’t compare what Sandrunner and I had to what I have with Flame. Much as I loved Sandrunner we didn’t have the same depth of connection I have with Flame. It’s so much more... intense. That’s the only word for it. And I know why too. It’s our Beasts. They make a lot of difference, I’m sure of it. “I want to take you from behind. Is that all right?” Flame grinned. “What, are you tired of my face already? And I’m joking before you start telling me to think more of myself. Yes, of course it’s all right.” “I really do enjoy watching your face when you come, but I want this to be really good for you, and being taken from behind always felt the best to me,” Storm admitted. “When we’re done I want you to tell me if it felt better to you or not.” Around them motes of fiery sparks spun and intertwined with thick ribbons of blue and gold while above them the Dragon was poised to mount the Fenyx. Flame smiled and nodded. “I will, don’t Page 11

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worry about that,” he said and turned over onto his belly. He rose onto his hands and knees. “Is this what you had in mind?” he asked. Storm took a moment to admire Flame’s firm ass. He caressed the hard muscle, bent down to place a kiss on Flame’s warm butt cheek. “Yeah, it is. You’ve got such an enticing behind.” Storm gave it a swat, then gripped both of Flame’s buttcheeks and dug his fingers into them lightly. “I like how your ass feels under my hands.” * Flame chuckled and wiggled his ass, partly for Storm’s entertainment and partly due to the erotic sensation from Storm’s kiss. “It’s a very empty behind,” he said, “and it needs to be filled.” “It does?” Storm asked, his tone one Flame knew very well from prior teasing. “Now what do I have lying around that would fill such a delicious butt?” A teasing tongue slid along the crack of his ass. The hands which already gripped Flame’s Page 12

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buttcheeks and spread them. A wet tongue flicked against the tight anal ring. Flame squirmed and pushed back against Storm’s tongue, loving the erotic feel of it against such a sensitive place. Deciding to do some teasing of his own, he said, “Not bad, but not exactly filling.” The tongue thrust hard against his entrance, pushing the tight muscles open as Storm continued to tease him. Blue mist drifted around them shot through with bright sparks and shimmering ribbons of blue and gold. Above them the Dragon was teasing the Fenyx’s bottom with a forked tongue. A delicious wet warmth entered Flame, igniting even more warmth throughout his body. Embers of magical energy whirled around them. The energy flowed over their bodies, danced across Flame’s flesh, in a powerful reaffirmation of their bond. It sang through him, and he became aware of his Beast, the bird of flame that cried out as the Dragon’s tongue entered his opening. Page 13

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The tongue retreated, to be replaced by something much larger and far harder. The head of Storm’s cock nudged at his anus, not quite entering. Storm’s hands gripped his hips, his lover poised to enter him. “Tell me what you want, Flame.” “You are such a tease, Storm,” Flame all but whined. He pushed back wanting to take Storm’s cock in deeper. A thought occurred and he sent out tendrils of his power to draw Storm in closer. Behind him Storm gasped. Strong hands tightened on his hips and pulled him backward onto the impalement of stiff oiled flesh. “Such a naughty Fenyx,” Storm chuckled. “But I do like you that way.” Storm leaned over Flame’s back to nuzzle the nape of his neck. “One of these days I’m going to have to spank the naughty Fenyx and make it behave,” Storm whispered, his breath raising goosebumps on Flame’s skin. Flame chuckled. “If you think you can.” Then he moaned in pleasure as Storm’s cock hit his sweet spot. “Oh, yes, right there,” he gasped out. Page 14

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Above them the Fenyx let out a cry of joy to echo Flame’s. Storm must have taken his comment to be a request because the hard flesh inside Flame bumped against that same spot immediately, sending another bright jolt of pleasure through him. “It feels so good to be inside you. It always does, Flame,” Storm commented as his lips brushed along Flame’s shoulders. “Feels so. . . good. . . to be. . . filled,” Flame gasped out as the bliss built up inside him and ran through every nerve in his body. He might have been a naïve and inexperienced virgin when he’d met Storm, but he’d soon learned what they both liked. Thick tangles of their combined magic flowed and danced across their bodies, wrapping around them. The Fenyx and his Dragon lover drifted downward until the visible manifestation of the two creatures were superimposed over the two lovers, the men and the Immortal Beasts moving together to the primal rhythm of love. Flame felt the power of the Fenyx infuse every Page 15

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part of his body, enhancing the pleasure. He felt the presence of the Dragon behind and above him. Flame became fully aware of the Fenyx that was his own Beast, of the hard rod of the Dragon’s flesh impaling the bird of flames that was himself. “That’s different,” Storm remarked, voice tense with pleasure. “It’s like they’re fusing with us or something.” His lover’s hand closed around Flame’s cock and stroked it in time with the thrust of the hard cock inside him. Flame gasped at the extra sensation before managing to nod his agreement. “I thought it was just me,” he whispered. It was all he could do apart from moan right then. He was so close to release. “Not... just... you,” Storm gasped out. His cock slammed into Flame at a rapid tempo that showed how close Flame’s lover was to orgasm. “Love you so much.” “Storm,” Flame cried out as he spurted creamy cum over his lover’s hand and the bed. His vision whited out with the pleasure and he was hard put not to collapse, the feeling was so intense. Page 16

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Storm’s cry of pleasure echoed Flame’s and his blond lover sagged against him, Storm’s arms tightened around his body. “By the ancestors...” Storm gasped out after a few moments. “I didn’t think it could become more pleasurable than the day we formed the bond, but I was wrong.” By the simple method of gradually spreading out his arms, Flame lowered them both until he was flat on his belly. “I’ve a feeling it’s only going to get more and more passionate with our Beasts involved,” he murmured. Strangely he wasn’t worried by the idea as he somehow knew that their Beasts would never go beyond what their human counterparts were capable of. He did have to wonder just how much they were capable of though. Ever since he’d learned the truth about the Fenyx he’d gotten stronger and stronger each day both physically and in the intensity of his powers. Storm finally rolled off of him. He lay there, his gold-rimmed aqua eyes regarded Flame, wonder reflected from their depths. His hand came to rest on Flame’s hair and his lover caressed him. A bemused smile curled his lips. “Do you know how much I love you?” Page 17

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Flame smiled in return, his heart giving a little lurch upon hearing those words from Storm. He knew his lover did not say them lightly. “And I love you just as much,” he said, “I always will.” Storm smile warmed Flame’s soul. “Well, if we are truly Immortal as these Beasts imply, then always is going to be a very long time.” Storm pulled him close. “I think if we didn’t have the obligations of being chiefs, I’d spend the day in bed with you.” Storm sighed. “Unfortunately, we are chiefs and we do have things to take care of which is a real pity. I enjoy looking at that pretty ass of yours.” Storm grinned. “Of course the rest of you is nice too look at too.” Flame nodded his agreement after wiggling his ‘pretty ass’ for Storm’s amusement. There were still supplies to be bought, his sister to be searched for and the whole question of Darksky and Lakesinger to address. He moved until he was on his side then eased himself into a sitting position. “What are we tackling first?” Storm’s hand ran over Flame’s bottom in a lingering caress. “We need to get the rest of the supplies we need for Storm Season and to do that we have to sell some trade goods, which means Page 18

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you are going to be making a lot more firestones and I need to make a few more sunstones.” Flame smiled at the wall. Firestones he could make in abundance and they cost him nothing, except energy, to create. A selection of pebbles of the right size, some concentration on his part, and he had firestones, yet they were highly prized. He had always thought that any firemage could make them but, by talking to Heartfire, he’d found out that it was almost as rare a talent as producing and handling sunstones. “As many as we’ll need coming right up,” he said. Storm left their bed and got the box of pebbles and small stones which Goldstone had made and presented to them yesterday evening. He handed it to Flame. “Take the ones you want, I’ll use a few of the ones that are left to make sunstones.” Flame opened the box and sorted through the hundred or so pebbles inside it. He selected about half the contents, smallish stones that would take very little effort to transform. “Pick what you need from what’s left. I’ll convert what you don’t want into firestones later Page 19

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if we need them. If not, well nobody’s going to steal a box of rocks.” “You’re right about that,” Storm agreed as he took the box and selected a handful of small perfectly round stones which he placed on the bed. “We need to make sure we have enough firestones so they can be sold in batches of a dozen or two. We’re going to need a lot of them if we plan to open a sales booth, although, I guess we could offer your healing services too. And the handful of sunstones I’m going to make.” “You’d better pass me the box again then,” Flame said. “I think I can manage to transform the whole boxful without too much of an energy drain. If someone can gather another box of them, I can do the same again tomorrow.” He climbed off the bed and rummaged amongst his possessions until he extracted a thick piece of hide and several pouches. He spread the hide on the bed and placed all the stones on the bed beside it. He picked up the first stone, concentrated for a moment, then placed a brand new firestone on the hide. Page 20

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Storm leaned close and set a gentle kiss on Flame’s lips. “I’m going to clean up and get my sunstone cylinder from the saddlebags on my cycle. I’ll be right back.” He went into the bathing chamber and came out a few moments later. He slipped on a pair of pants, gave Flame another kiss and left the room. Storm hadn’t been gone more than a minute or so when a soft tapping sounded on the door. Flame frowned and made a grab for one of the blankets, which he wrapped round his naked body. “Who is it?” “My Chief, it is I, Goldstone. I’ve brought you another container of stones which I’ve made for you.” The tension seeped out of Flame’s body and he relaxed. “Come in,” he called. “Forgive me for bothering you, my Chief,” the young man said as he entered. He paused right inside the doorway, eyes gone wide. Abruptly his gaze averted from Flame’s nudity, as a slight blush colored his cheeks. “But I thought the sooner I got these to you the sooner they could be made Page 21

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into firestones.” He offered a small basket of almost perfectly round stones to Flame. Flame smiled and indicated the small pile already on the bed. “Dump those in the box, please Goldstone. I can only make so many in one day.” As he spoke, he wondered if that was true, now, with the newfound power of the Fenyx at his disposal. Well, he would make what he had on the bed and if he still had energy he’d make some more. Goldstone was still hovering, so he raised a brow in query. “Was there anything else?” “That outlaw, Darksky, was by early this morning. He wanted to see the two of you but Heartfire told him you were both still sleeping,” Goldstone informed. “I thought you’d want to know.” The young man smiled. “I’ll be going. I’ve got stuff to do,” he said and hurried out of the room. Flame frowned and decided he’d better wash and dress before one or other of the women Page 22

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barged in the bedroom with food. As he washed himself his thoughts turned to Darksky. I wonder why he came here so early. Is he really that desperate to join our clan? He dressed and went back to his firestone production but the early morning visit still bothered him.

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Chapter Two Tough Decisions

Storm took the note Darksky had left for them earlier in the morning. Unsure what it might be about, he returned to the bedroom he and Flame were sharing. He must be anxious for an answer to come by so early in the morning to leave a message for us. I wish Flame and I had come to a decision, but we really haven’t talked it over enough. He returned to their room and entered. He shut the door behind him and gazed at Flame who was seated on the bed where he’d left him, though now his lover was dressed. “Darksky was here, he left this message,” he stated showing the piece of paper to Flame. Flame was dressed and in the process of adding another fresh firestone to the pile already on the hide. He glanced up at Storm’s words. “Goldstone told me he’d been here. He didn’t tell me about the message though. What does it say?” Page 24

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“I didn’t open it, I thought we should do that together,” Storm replied as he took a seat on the bed beside Flame. He set the cylinder for the sunstones he’d make down and held the note out to his lover. “You knew him, you open it.” Flame took hold of the message and broke the seal. He spread the sheet of paper out and gazed at the words written on it. He gasped and one fisted hand went to his mouth as his eyes widened. “He thinks he knows who has Oasis.” Storm frowned. “And his only request in order for us to get the information on her whereabouts is, let me guess, being admitted to our clan. I know you want to find Oasis, but I’m not about to let Darksky use any information he might have to force us into letting him into our clan.” Flame looked up, his expression angry. “He doesn’t even mention the clan, Storm. Here, read it for yourself.” Storm read the note which told of Darksky’s quest to find Oasis for Flame. Darksky also said he’d confirmed the name of the person who’d Page 25

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bought Oasis, but hadn’t had a chance to speak with him—a Lord of the City—to confirm her presence in his household. Darksky went on to say he had an appointment to speak to the Lord later that day, and that he’d come back when he had confirmation that the female watermage in his household was, indeed, Oasis. “I suspect his motives, Flame. He’s probably well aware of how important she is to you, and he’ll do whatever he has to in order to ensure a place within our clan.” Storm folded the letter closed. “There was a time when she was important to him, too,” Flame said, his voice as quiet as the calm right before a major storm. “He told me he would put out feelers and he’s kept his word.” Flame looked away from Storm and picked up another pebble. “But you’ve already tried and condemned him, just like everyone else out there.” He jerked his head in the general direction of the city wall and the barrens beyond it. “I’d expected you to be different to that. Guess I was wrong.” He put the pebble down without changing it and stood up, heading for the door. Page 26

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“Flame, wait, please,” Storm said. He hurried after Flame, stopping him before he could reach the door. He grasped Flame’s upper arm and gently turned him around. “You’re right, I’m not giving him a chance and that’s wrong. I have judged him, based on things I’ve heard, not on personal knowledge.” He put his arms around Flame, embracing him. “You trust Darksky, and believe in him. As your swordbrother I’m trying to protect you from a man I know is an outlaw. A real one. But that’s wrong because it ignores what you know about Darksky personally. Maybe being alone so long changed him, and maybe being bonded and finding love has transformed the outlaw into the good man you say he once was. So...” he smiled at Flame, “I’ll give him a chance and let him be part of our clan if it will make you happy.” Flame pulled back and stared at Storm for a long moment. “No,” he said. “That’s not what I want from you. You said we were co-chiefs, equals, yet you’re making the decision, either way, and with no discussion. “I agree years alone would have changed Darksky from the man I knew as a child into Page 27

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something harder. He would have been forced to become somewhat ruthless in order to survive. I just have old memories to go on and the fact that he’s kept his word over my sister. One thing I do remember though. He was treated much the same way I was because of his power. “The ‘fight’ with his brother was something I witnessed. He was outlawed for attempted kinslaying after being left alone, unconscious in the desert. The reason he was unconscious was your old friend Jagged, who crept up behind him and brought a large rock down on his head. I’m sure you remember that maneuver very well.” Storm nodded, his expression grim. “I recall it all too well,” he acknowledged. “The bastard tried to kill me.” He led Flame to the bed, urged him to sit down and sat next to him. “Tell me about him, Flame. The man you remember isn’t the man we’d be letting into our clan, but at least I can understand why you’re willing to forgive what he’s done in the intervening years.” Flame nodded but didn’t speak for a moment or two, his eyes fixed on some far horizon - or distant memory. “You have to remember that all Page 28

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this happened when I was young so I may not have too much of a picture for you. “I don’t remember anything about my parents. As far as I’m aware, Oasis and I were orphaned before either of us were old enough to fend for ourselves. The old chief, Darksky’s father, seems to have made sure we were looked after by the clan. I don’t remember us being given scraps and leftovers to eat when we were children. All the women of the clan took it in turns to look after us. “Darksky was one of the chief ’s sons but he still treated us differently to all the others. Even the women who looked after us never let us forget that we were orphans and therefore not as important as their own children. He wasn’t like that. He would play with us, keep us company, make toys out of stone for us. “It wasn’t till both he and Oasis were gone that I realized, even though he was the son of a chief, he was treated very similarly to us. Then, of course, I wasn’t sure why. All I know is, when he argued with his brother, it was about the clan dying and how they needed to encourage more mages to join. It was just after the death Page 29

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of his father and he was still a teenager I guess, too young perhaps to take over the clan. From what he said, though, I don’t think that’s what he wanted to do. He just wanted to save it. Then Jagged did his thing and he was left in the desert to die as the clan moved on.” Storm listened to Flame’s brief recollection. “So you were just a boy when he was abandoned and left to die.” Flame’s an empath, I wonder if he can read enough of Darksky’s emotional state to know whether we can trust him not to turn on us. Storm sighed. “We have to make some sort of decision, but I’m not sure what the decision should be. I want to say no because of the stories I’ve heard, and yet, we can’t let rumors and campfire stories decide for me. You’re right, Flame, it would be unfair to Darksky and his swordbrother Lakesinger.” But he has kept his word regarding Oasis and I don’t feel the taint of evil on him the way I feel it from Dragonwind, though... maybe that doesn’t mean anything. Dragonwind’s a tainted Immortal. I think other Immortals can sense one another. He lay back on the bed and closed his eyes Page 30

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to test a theory. He could easily detect Flame at his side, the feel of his swordbrother’s Fenyx well known to the Dragon at the core of his being. He relaxed and let his Dragon’s awareness drift outward, floating farther from the house. He could sense a throng of people in the near vicinity. City dwellers for the most part, with an occasional clansman or woman in the mix. He was able to tell them apart by the brighter glow surrounding clanspeople, the difference between an ember and a candle flame in most cases. He did note more powerful clanspeople, battle mages of various types, their glow more intense, but everyone he encountered were surrounded in clear clean light. He recalled the feeling that Dragonwind gave him, the appearance of his black Fenyx and its wreath of light devouring flame. He found a cluster of brilliance, the bright lights that streamed from a group of people and he identified them almost immediately. The Four Winds swordbrothers and the trio of bondmates. He could see their power seething around them. He continued his search, finally spotting a pair Page 31

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of men surrounded by a glow nearly as bright as that which came off Flame and himself. He stared, fumbled around with his hand until he had a grip on Flame’s fingers. “Can you see what I’m seeing, Flame?” “They… they’re Immortals,” Flame gasped. “Water Dragon and Darbear.” “Water Dragon, yes but that’s not a bear of this world, it’s an old Earth bear, an ursa I think they were called,” Storm replied. “But what I know of the Old World is very limited. Father never let me study from the old books he had. They were so fragile I understood why, but I still wish I’d gotten to see them. I wouldn’t doubt Dragonwind has burned them or thrown them away as trash by now.” “Somehow I doubt that,” Flame said, his voice thoughtful. “He’s a black Fenyx with the same empathic skills and motivations as I have, except his are twisted. He’ll want to study those books, find out all he can from them as knowledge is power.” Storm thought Flame’s words over, then nodded. “You’re right. Knowledge can be a Page 32

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powerful tool when applied under the correct circumstances.” If Darksky and Lakesinger are Immortals like we are it would be in our best interest—and that of the Dragon and Fenyx Clan which we head—to have them with us. Such power could give us an edge even Dragonwind my Black Fenyx brother cannot fully match. While only another Fenyx can kill him, three other types of Immortals in addition to Flame’s Fenyx could take him down far more easily than Flame could alone. But will they agree to help us kill him. That’s a big question. “We need them, don’t we Flame?” “We would certainly be a lot better off with them on our side rather than against us,” Flame said. “Sooner or later your brother will attack us again so we need powerful allies. Also, there’s something else that you may not have considered. Lakesinger is not an outlaw. Should he be made to suffer for the sins of his swordbrother?” Storm gave a wry smile. “No more than mine should be forced to suffer for my sins,” he replied. “So we offer them welcome into our Clan.” Page 33

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He considered his next words carefully. “And what of the Four Winds? Should we offer them welcome into our Clan as well? Sword Dancer is a great asset to any clan, and I’ve heard Trueflight Woodbender is a very skilled bowyer. He too would be an asset.” Flame smiled. “I admit I liked them all on sight,” he said, “and once again, I don’t believe that Zephyr Northernwind should be judged for the actions of his mother.” “I wouldn’t do that because I know a few things about her that very few people know.” He slipped his arm around Flame and leaned into the other man’s warmth, his mind dwelling on events which had happened when he was young, but not so young he didn’t remember them. “My mother was never well after she had me, and when that strange illness went through the Clans when I was a little boy it took her life. My father was inconsolable. I remember hearing him crying and saying her name. Though I was very young I never forgot what I heard,” Storm said. “A couple of years later he met Songbird Northernwind at a Gather. She joined our camp for a few weeks but when she professed Page 34

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to love my father he abandoned her at the first opportunity.” Flame frowned and shook his head. “Clan life can be hard on women at the best of times. If she really loved your father and then was abandoned it would explain her leaving other clans and other men before they had the chance to abandon her. She would leave them behind instead.” Storm decided to approach the subject from a slightly different angle. “Have you ever really taken a good look at Zephyr?” Flame shrugged. “I met them for a few short moments yesterday. I only know that Zephyr was the shortest one of the four and had blond hair.” His voice trailed off and he stared at Storm. “Short compared to other clansmen, blond hair, pale eyes, he could be your half-brother.” “I think he is my half-brother,” Storm admitted. “My father had the same color hair when he was younger, and his eyes were that pale blue Zephyr’s are. I look more like my mother, but Zephyr looks a lot like my father. An awful lot.”

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* Flame smiled. “Whoever he might be, he deserves a better life than he’s probably had up until now.” He hoped, if Zephyr was Storm’s brother, that he turned out better than the other one. Then again, Zephyr was a simple windmage and not a Black Fenyx. Thinking about the four windmages brought him neatly to the other windmage they’d met and the powerful trio of bondmates. “What of Windspinner, Riverspring and Star? There’s a great deal of power there.” “Yes there is. Did you see the tattoos on Windspinner? That man is powerful, and if he has that much magic, then his swordbrother is his equal. The woman also had tattoos, those of a greenmage. I think she’s the only greenmage I’ve ever seen much less gotten to meet,” Storm replied. Flame shivered, wondering how his former clan could possibly hope to survive when they had only a handful of mediocre battlemages left. He had thought it the normal state of affairs in Page 36

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most clans but now he was seeing just how much power there was spread amongst the clans. “If we’re going to build a clan, it may as well be as powerful as we can make it,” he said, “especially if we’re to have any hope of facing your bastard of a brother.” “I agree,” Storm stated. His lover’s face was very solemn as he regarded Flame. He reached out and caressed Flame’s cheek. “I love you. Do you know that?” Flame leaned into the caress. “I love you too, especially when we talk about important things.” Storm’s left eyebrow rose. “Oh, and here I thought you loved me for my cock, now I find out it’s what passes for my mind that you’re most interested in.” He shook his head in mock sadness. “Poor me, loved only for my limited intellectual scope.” Flame glared and dug an elbow into his swordbrother’s ribs. “Idiot,” he growled but his eyes were alight with amusement. “So, what do we want to do about all these people?” “First off, are we in agreement about granting Page 37

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Darksky and his swordbrother Lakesinger a place among us as a trial to see how they behave? I want to be sure the former outlaw remembers how to treat people before I agree he can remain with us permanently.” Flame’s smile returned. This was what he wanted from his swordbrother and co-chief, to be treated as an equal in any decisions they might need to make. “A trial period would put your mind at rest while giving Darksky the chance to prove himself to us, so yes, I think we’re in agreement on that.” “Moving on to the four wind mages, what about Sword Dancer, Trueflight Woodbender, Zephyr Northernwind and...” Storm frowned, “what was that blue-haired warrior’s name? He is very pretty, but I can’t remember what they said his name was.” “Summerbreeze I think it was,” Flame said, frowning as he tried to remember the other part of the man’s name. He clicked his fingers together as it came to him. “Summerbreeze Warmwind.” He picked up another pebble from the pile and produced a firestone as he thought about Page 38

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the four men. “None of them seem as if they’re especially powerful windmages yet there is something about them that says we’d be fools to turn them away. I think they must enhance each other’s power. You say Sword Dancer is a smith and Trueflight Woodbender a bowyer so that is enough of a reason to keep them if they want to join us.” “Yes it is. Plus they’re warriors, and they’re young like us. At some point they’re going to take a wife, or wives which is something the two of us are unlikely to do.” Storm picked up one of the firestones lying in the basket and studied it. “Let’s be honest, I don’t think either of is inclined toward women and unless we find more young men and women who plan to have children our clan can’t grow. If it doesn’t grow it won’t survive.” Storm sighed and put an arm around him, his lover pulled him close. Flame thought about that for a while as he leaned against Storm’s side. Have I ever been attracted to women? I never really thought about it until now, but I don’t think I have. Then again I wasn’t attracted to any of the men in my old clan, at least, not till Storm came along. Page 39

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“You’re right,” he said, “and I’m guessing at least one of the four of them will want a wife.” “I saw Zephyr eyeing some of the women at the Market Square. I’d wager he’ll be a lot like our father. He always had an eye for the ladies,” Storm told him. “So what about the other three? I think we should ask if they want to join our clan. You can feel the power Windspinner carries within him, and Riverspring is a powerful watermage which, with Lakesinger and your sister would give us three people able to do magic with water. “Their woman Star is a greenmage. Do you know how useful someone like her is to a clan? She can make plants grow, bloom and ripen fruit out of season. If we find a sheltered canyon between Star, the two watermages and your sister we could try growing food the way they do here in the City.” Flame looked up in surprise at that. “Are you saying we should settle in one place all year round? And if you are, then why?” It seemed such a strange idea to him. “Too bad we don’t have mud,” Storm replied Page 40

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with a sigh. “It would be a lot easier if there was more water around. But to get back to your point, not entirely green. But yes, I think it might be a good plan.” “Think about it, we’d have a steady supply of vegetables and fruit. We could also make a defensible area that would protect us against Dragonwind and his clan. Some of the warriors could go out to hunt, part of the clan could go and attend Gathers to make trades and look for other potential members for our clan. I think it could work once we have enough people.” “And what happens in Blackstorm Season?” Flame asked, still not altogether convinced by Storm’s vision. “Even if this sheltered canyon is right next to an extensive cave system big enough to take a whole clan, there’s the possibility we could become as soft as some of the people who live here in the City.” Storm shook his head. “They’re different than we are, Flame. They’re second colonization people. The Clans came from the first ship to land here. The ancestors of all the clanspeople arrived with the Dragon Prince, Jason, my direct ancestor. Some of them started the City, but Page 41

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most of us lived outside the City on farms. When I was little he told me about the Falling Stone that wounded our world and changed it from a land rich with green growing things and animal life into the world in which we now live. He said the Cataclysm happened so long ago most Clans have forgotten about it. “My father used to tell stories of the ships that brought the original colonists and the majority of the City people’s ancestors to this world. He even had a piece of the ship in which the Dragon Prince arrived. But I never really believed in most of his stories. Not until very recently,” Storm finally admitted. “It took you and our Beasts to make a believer out of me.” Flame smiled. “You want to make this mudball green again don’t you? Oasis always said there was enough water under the ground to do just that.” He thought long and hard about Storm’s vision and could see the possibilities and attraction but he could also see a few drawbacks. “Staying in one place would make us sitting targets for our enemies,” he pointed out. Page 42

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“We have one enemy, and once we’ve gained enough power, I intend to make sure he’s stopped,” Storm said. “I don’t know if the whole planet can ever be green again, but we might be able to provide an alternative place to the City where clansmen and women can come and trade in peace without the fear of being taken captive.” Flame chuckled and raised a hand to stroke Storm’s cheek. “I love you for so many reasons, Storm. Not least of them is the way you think so deeply and through to the last detail. I can definitely see the possibilities and the advantages outweigh the drawbacks in my opinion. If there is such a place, we’ll find it.” Storm met Flame’s gaze. “I don’t think we’ll have to find it. I think we’re going to make it ourselves.” Flame nodded as he thought that over. By adding the eight men and one woman they’d discussed to the group they already had and combining the available powers and skills it would be easy to undertake such a project. Even a cave system large enough to hold a growing clan would be possible with Darksky’s help. Page 43

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He smiled at his swordbrother. “I wonder how many chiefs have ever even considered new ways to combine the power available to them the way you have.” “In the clan you were with, you probably didn’t notice, but our ways have changed too much in the last couple of decades. And it’s not confined to a few clans, I think it’s most of them. “I’ve heard a lot of women complaining the last few years about how they’re being treated like possessions instead of people more and more at the Gathers I’ve been at. There used to be female clan chiefs, other than Skybird and her swordsister. Now I can’t think of any others except the two that head the She Bear Clan. “And it’s not just how women are treated. It’s the way clans deal with one another too. More of them keep slaves. More clans sell people to the City. Three decades ago, before either of us were born, no clansman would think of doing something like that.” Flame nodded. “I may have led a sheltered and constricted life but I have eyes to see and ears to hear. In our clan, too, things gradually got worse for the women and we know my sister Page 44

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was sold although we never actually kept slaves.” He chuckled mirthlessly. “I wasn’t precisely a slave although it felt like it at times.” “Chiefs are supposed to support their people, to unite their warriors so they can provide safety to their clan. They’re supposed to organize their people in ways that assure prosperity and happiness for everyone. Now tell me, what chief do you know who does any of that?” Storm asked. Flame grimaced ruefully. “Most chiefs I’ve ever come across are out to make as much luxury as they can for themselves and only care about their clan when they want warriors or back up.” “Exactly.” Storm’s hand caressed Flame’s cheek and his blond lover leaned in closer to him, his cheek brushing along Flame’s, breath ghosting over his skin in a warm caress. Storm inhaled deeply, taking in his scent the way he always did. “Now ask yourself something. Why the sudden change?” Storm murmured his lips brushing the curve of Flame’s ear. Flame thought about it for a while, despite the distraction of warm breath against his ear, before realizing he had no real idea. He was willing to Page 45

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bet Storm did though. “Was it sudden or did it happen gradually?” he asked. “Either way, I don’t know why.” “Come on, Flame, think,” Storm urged. He moved away from Flame, sighed. “You know the answer. You know how it was done, and by whom.” Flame stared in horror at his swordbrother as he realized what he meant. “You mean the Black Fenyx, don’t you? How many summers has your brother seen, Storm?” “He’s thirty-two years old, Flame. Dragonwind has wanted to be Chief of the Dragon Clan since he was a boy. I remember him and his friends bullying other kids because he was the ‘chief ’ of the clan in their games. I don’t know how long he’s known about the Black Fenyx he harbors, but we’ve both seen it. Maybe it didn’t even start out as a Black Fenyx, maybe he started out like you and his ambition twisted his Beast into what it is now. I don’t know. All I know for certain is this change in the clans happened in our lifetime.” Flame stared at the pile of firestones he’d already produced without really seeing them. What Storm was saying made perfect sense and, if Page 46

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Nightwind’s messed up emotions were anything to go by, the Black Fenyx was quite capable of twisting people to his own desires. When he spoke it was slowly, as he wanted his words to be wrong even though he knew they were right. “By creating such a huge change in our culture and reinforcing it periodically he cuts any opposition to his clan almost by half. Destroy women’s rights to be warriors, mages, and chiefs or to own property and you cut down your enemies’ numbers.” Storm’s expression was grim. “I think there’s more to it than that. Once a man starts thinking of a woman and his children as possessions, then it’s easy to think of other people that way, which means it’s easier to think of other clans as potential slaves. My brother thinks it’s perfectly acceptable to conquer another clan and sell the people to the City or other clans as slaves. It makes him rich, and further reduces the number of voices raised in opposition to his desire to rule all the clans. If he can’t get a Chief to agree to surrender his clan, Dragonwind destroys the clan.” Flame nodded. That would be an additional Page 47

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bonus to the new ways of thinking from Dragonwind’s point of view. He became more and more resolved to destroy the Black Fenyx as soon as he could. His own Fenyx insisted on it, screamed and raged inside of him about how wrong and twisted the Dragon Clan’s leader was. “So, in addition to the other reasons we spoke of for admitting Darksky and his swordbrother along with the three bonded mates and the four other windmages, there’s the fact that we may need to help protect and defend other clans from Dragonwind.” Stormdragon leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, lowering his head so he could rub his temples. “Which is another reason we need an entire canyon and as many caves as we can find or make. I think this clan is going to get a lot bigger in a very short time.” Flame picked up another pebble. “I think you could well be right,” he said and concentrated his power into the small stone. If Storm was correct he was going to need to make a lot of firestones.

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Chapter Three Clansmen

Storm pushed his way through the crowd at the Market Square, the throng of people so close packed it was difficult to make any headway through the mass of humanity. He’d left Flame and Heartsong to mind their booth while he’d returned to their rented house to make a much larger sunstone for a lucrative commission. Getting out of the Market Square hadn’t been this difficult, but that had been an hour ago, and the place was packed with clansmen and some of their women, everyone trying to get the goods they needed for the Storm Season. He turned and hurried down a shorter street and came out on one of the secondary thoroughfares where their booth stood, two stalls down from the corner. He slipped behind the first booth, gave a polite nod to the vendor there, passed the second booth and arrived at the one where Flame awaited him. “I’m exhausted, but I’ve got the sunstone Page 49

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that man wants. Have you made many sales?” he asked as he sagged into one of the specially designed folding camp chairs they’d bought earlier that morning. “I’m nearly out of firestones but we should have enough flour, sugar and even butter to last us through the Storm Season.” His swordbrother grinned. “I also got some craft items for doing some bits of healing.” “We still need a good supply of cloth and tanned leather for clothing. My wardrobe is nothing to be proud of, and your clothes aren’t the best either, Flame. We’re clan chiefs now, we need to look the part or we’re going to face a lot of ridicule. Especially when we start going to Gathers.” Storm sighed and picked up the nearest waterbottle. He took a sip and studied the horde of people crowding the street. “There’s an awful lot of people here. Bad as yesterday, you can barely get down the streets,” he remarked. Flame gave him a sly grin. “Cloth we need,” he agreed, “and I’ll ask for linen if I’m called upon to heal again. Leather is not going to be a problem. While you were away our four windmage friends Page 50

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stopped by the stall. I have it on good authority that Summerbreeze is an expert skinner and tanner and that Zephyr will spend the Storm Season decorating anything he can find.” Storm smiled. “That’s good. So the boy knows the use of needle and thread and sews beads to clothing. I’m sure that earned him a lot of sideways looks.” Flame chuckled. “He doesn’t just sew on beads, Storm. He paints the clothes. Now I’m no great judge of these things but if he painted the clothing he was wearing, he’s a genius.” Storm recalled the way the boy had been dressed the last time they’d seen the four windmages. They’d been ornately adorned with bright colored dyes and tiny stone beads. “I thought he’d traded for those clothes, I didn’t realize he’d painted and decorated them himself. I wonder if he did the beadwork. If so, he’s quite an asset to a pair of chiefs with no wife.” He smiled at Flame. “You’re right, they’re very impressive.” He took another sip of water. “You know, maybe we could pay him to paint our tent. It would make it a lot more suitable to a pair of chiefs if it was decorated properly.” Page 51

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So those four are much more impressive then. There’s a tanner, a bowyer and a weapon’s smith, along with a very skilled artist. Even if they didn’t have any magic they’d be worth having in our clan. Flame made a face. “At least we would pay him. Apparently they had to leave a Gather in a bit of a hurry when they took exception to a chief refusing to pay Zephyr for his work.” He sighed, the sound irritated, and shook his head. “Even Sword Dancer’s chief refused to accept Zephyr. He lost a great weapon crafter rather than take in another talented young man.” “Which, you have to admit, comes across as nothing short of stupid. What chief would dump a weaponsmith because the magic chose a poor boy for the smith’s swordbrother? “We should get together with those four and make an offer as soon as we can,” Storm said. Someone came to the front of their booth and he looked up, giving the clansman a welcoming smile he stood and moved to greet the tall, darkhaired man. “How can we help you?” “I heard you had a healer here. My swordbrother and one of our wives are both sick Page 52

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with a fever and I’m very worried about both of them.” Flame frowned, his eyes narrowed. “When did they become sick?” The clansman frowned. “We arrived here four days ago. They were fine when we got here but they started to feel bad last night. Now they’re really sick. I’ve heard there’s some kind of fever going around in the City.” Flame nodded and stood up, his face clearing. He picked up his soul ball. “Yes there is. Don’t worry, I’ve already dealt with several cases and it looks a lot worse than it is. Show me the way to them.” The clansman visibly relaxed. “Thank you, Healer. Ask whatever payment you need and it will be yours if you cure them.” Storm glanced at Flame, leaned close and, on the pretext of giving Flame a kiss, whispered, “Be careful.” Flame nodded and followed the clansman away from the stall. He hadn’t been gone long before Watersong turned up with some food for them. Page 53

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The watermage smiled at Storm. “Our wives thought you might be hungry, my Chief.” “Thank you,” Storm replied. “Would you mind watching the booth for a while? Flame went to help someone and I’m uneasy about him being out of my sight here. He’s never been to the City before and I’m worried he won’t be able to find his way back.” Watersong nodded. “That’s fine, my Chief. Are we asking for anything in particular for the remaining firestones?” “Whatever we can get for them, but cloth would be a good idea if you can trade for that.” Storm got to his feet, a little, nagging voice telling him he needed to go and find Flame. He left Watersong in charge of the booth and hurried along the busy street. He wasn’t sure what the problem might be—and being a Fenyx, Flame should be able to take care of himself—but he knew he needed to go find his swordbrother. Flame was only a few streets away in one of the specialist areas that catered to the clans. He followed the clansman that had asked for help into a building just as Storm turned the corner. Page 54

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Storm hurried down the street, dodging between clanspeople and wandering vendors, trying to catch up with Flame. The sensation of something being wrong intensified, spurring him to greater speed as he raced after his swordbrother and the man he’d gone with. Mist formed around Sword as he rushed into the building. The wind rose around him as he paused in the doorway to search for his swordbrother among the many rooms visible from the entrance. Flame stood in a dark room, off to the left, facing five warriors. All of them had their weapons drawn. He drew his sword and it was immediately wreathed in the fiery power of the Fenyx, lighting up the room with its bright glow. Storm drew his own sword as he ran toward the room. Wind whipped around him, a powerful gust entering the room ahead of him. “Who are you men? What do you want?” he demanded as he came to a stop shoulder to shoulder with Flame. The assembled warriors exchanged unhappy glances but still charged forward only to come Page 55

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up against a wall of solid fire. “My swordbrother asked you a question,” Flame said calmly, “and he expects it to be answered.” The men recoiled from the heat and the force of the wind beating at them. Wind that drove the scorching flames closer, filling the back of the room with intense heat. The man who’d come to get Flame on the pretext of people being sick, edged forward. “Please, don’t burn us. I’ll talk,” he said. “Dragonwind sent us. He told us if we didn’t bring Flamespirit to him he’d kill our families.” “The same old story,” Flame said, his tone disgusted, “when is that coward going to find the courage to face me, man to man?” He laughed without humor. “No, forget I asked. He’d much rather pick on the easy targets like women and children.” “If you’re not part of his clan then he’s already either killed your families or sold them as slaves,” Storm informed them bluntly. “Dragonwind never honors his bargains. And if you go back to him without Flame, he’s going to kill you.”

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The men lowered their weapons. “So what can we do?” “Search the City for your families and try and recover them by paying their new owners for them. Failing that, you’ll need to look for them at Gathers until you discover which clan has them,” Storm explained. Beside him Flame shuddered with pent up emotion although Storm wasn’t sure whether it was anger or pity for the plight of the warriors. It became clear when he spoke, “And if you are part of his clan tell him from me that this won’t be resolved until he has the courage to face me himself !” “We’re not of his clan,” one of the other men said. “And we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.” Another of the clansmen said, “You’re right, we need to go find our families.” “Yes, please let us go. We’ll never bother either of you again,” the man who’d come to get Flame stated. Flame lowered his sword but didn’t sheath it. “Perhaps you should let your wives learn how to Page 57

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defend both themselves and your children when you’re not there,” he said in a much calmer tone, “because I can see this happening a lot while Dragonwind still lives.” “Women can’t fight. They don’t have magic,” one of the men said. “Only a fool lets a woman think she should fight.” Storm let the wind die. “Come on Flame. There’s nothing we can do for them.” While the men had explained their situation, Storm didn’t quite trust or believe them. He couldn’t exactly say what was wrong, but he found himself not believing a word of what they’d been told. They were much too calm about the loss of their wives and children. Most warriors he knew, like Heartfire and Watersong, would be frantic with worry in a similar situation. Or they’d react the way other men did when their families were threatened: with anger. These men were neither frightened for the welfare of their families or angry about the situation. Flame kept his sword unsheathed and backed out of the building keeping the warriors in view the whole time. Page 58

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The men watched them go, but made no effort to follow them out of the room. Storm moved out of the room, his gaze on the men. “Don’t ever come after my swordbrother or anyone in our clan again or we’ll be forced to do more than talk to you.” He watched the men as they retreated, wary and ready for the men to attack them at any moment. “There’s something very wrong with those men,” Storm said as they left the building. “I think they were lying about Dragonwind taking their wives and children. Hell, I’m not even sure they have wives and children the way they were acting.” “If they do have families, they don’t give a dustdelver’s leavings what happens to them,” Flame agreed. “Their emotions were way too calm.” He stopped in his tracks and clapped a hand to his forehead. “Damn, of course! Their emotions have been quashed just like Nightwind’s were they’ve been twisted and we both know who would have done that. I need to read people for that in future.” Page 59

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“Or they never had families to begin with and the concern they feel for non-existent people was put into their minds somehow. But because they don’t really have families the worry isn’t strong enough which means anyone good at reading people will realize their story is a lie,” Storm remarked. Flame shook his head. “I should be using my own empathy more than I am. Sadly I can only read emotions and not intent or motive but even that should have told me straight away that the man with the ‘sick wife and swordbrother’ was lying through his teeth. “Your brother is already using his empathic skill to twist people’s emotions so I’ve got to stop being a naïve fool and learn to read the signs. Maybe even put things right.” “We both do,” Storm remarked. “I think the reason I found you so easily is more than just the bond, I think I’m developing a touch of empathy.” He gave Flame a wan smile. “Either that or my Dragon just knows where your Fenyx is.” Flame smiled. “Good, then we won’t always have to rely on my empathy.” Page 60

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“I’m not that good,” Storm commented as they headed through the Market Square on their way to the booth they’d rented. “I think we should close up our booth for the day and find Sword and his swordbrothers and Windspinner and his lovers,” Storm suggested. “I think the sooner we make our offer to have them join us, the better.” * “I need to make some more firestones anyway,” Flame said before grinning at the empty stall. “What did you manage to get for them, Watersong?” The watermage smirked. “Three bolts of linen and one of - wait for it - silk!” “We may not have to stay here too much longer then.” Flame was relieved. The City was a fascinating but dangerous place and he would be happy to be back in the relative safety of the Barrens. “Watersong, can we impose on you to pack everything away while we go and talk to some people?” Page 61

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“Sure you can, my chief. Goldstone and Heartfire should be here any minute to help me.” “Good. We’re going to go find Sword Dancer and his swordbrothers. We’re also going to find Windspinner and his bondmates,” Storm said. “I don’t know about Windspinner, but I saw Sword Dancer. He came by looking for you my Chiefs,” Watersong informed as he started packing up the trade goods they’d gained from the day’s sales. “He told me he has a proposition for you.” Flame glanced at Storm and smiled. “Did he say where he would be?” Watersong patted his clothing and found a folded sheet of paper which he waved at them. “He wrote down the address for you.” Storm took the paper and looked at it. “He’s in one of Jonas’ houses down the street from the one we’re staying in.” Flame’s smile grew. “That makes life even easier.” He and Storm headed in the direction of what Page 62

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passed for home in the City and Flame’s smile died as he thought about the note that Darksky had left for them that morning. I wonder if that really is the man who ‘owns’ Oasis and whether he will sell her. Storm led the way, his swordbrother familiar with the streets of the City. Flame would have soon gotten lost were it not for the Dragon. They exited from the hectic Market Square and moved along quieter side streets finally arriving at a corner Flame recognized as being down the street from the house they were currently occupying. Storm led him to the flower decked arch of a gate at the front of a house almost as large as the one they’d rented. “I think this is where Windspinner and his family are staying,” Storm remarked as he opened the latch on the gate and went into the yard. Bright, colorful flowers lined the walkway to the door. “I think I saw Starshine out here when we went by earlier.” “Just as well if they are here,” Flame said. “You wanted to speak to them too, didn’t you?” A door opened and Windspinner accompanied Page 63

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by Sword Dancer stepped out into the yard. The pair of men smiled at them. “Welcome,” Windspinner greeted them as he held his arm out to Flame while Sword held his arm out to Storm. “You must have gotten my note, it’s good to see you both,” Sword remarked. Flame took Windspinner’s arm in his in the way of the clans, hands gripping near the elbows. “It’s good to see you also,” he said. “I have a feeling we have much to talk about.” “Yes, I believe we do,” Windspinner agreed. “Please come inside, and be welcome to what passes for our camp here in the City,” Sword said as he stepped aside to allow Flame and his swordbrother to enter the open door. The interior of the house was cool and rather dark, much darker than where the Dragon and Fenyx clan was staying. A few containers of firestones provided the light because the windows were all closed. Flame glanced around the room and saw Riverspring and Star, Summerbreeze, Zephyr Page 64

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and Trueflight were all present and waiting for them. He smiled at everyone and took the seat he was offered. He turned to face Sword Dancer as Storm didn’t seem ready to speak yet. “Watersong said you had a proposition for us.” “We do,” Sword agreed as he sat down beside the blue-haired Summerbreeze. The smith slipped a powerful arm around the slender man. “But I’m going to let Windspinner do the talking for all of us, if you don’t mind.” “I have no objections to Windspinner being your spokesman,” Flame said before turning towards his swordbrother, “do you, Storm?” “If you’re all agreed to let Windspinner handle whatever you wanted to talk to us about, I see no reason to object,” Storm agreed as he snuggled close to Flame on the loveseat they were on. He slipped his arm around Flame and added, “Any decisions we make will be made by both of us.” Flame leaned into the hug from his swordbrother and glanced at Windspinner. “Go ahead,” he invited. The blond windmage appeared nervous and Page 65

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unsure of himself. Windspinner glanced at his bondmates as if in need of their encouragement. Riverspring nodded at Windspinner and smiled encouragingly, while Star took hold of his hand and Flame saw her give it a squeeze. Flame felt the windmage’s continued unease and tried to think of a way to soothe it. “I can’t honestly see us turning your proposition down, but I can’t really be certain until I hear it.” “We’re not going to bite anyone,” Storm remarked which put a tiny smile on Windspinner’s face. “Go on, tell us what you propose.” Windspinner took a deep breath and began, “The seven of us have no clan. You’re the chiefs of the Dragon and Fenyx Clan.” He hesitated as if struggling with what he should say. “Yes, we are the Chiefs of the Dragon and Fenyx Clan and we’re interested in hearing what you have to say,” Storm prompted. “Take your time and gather your thoughts. We’re not in any big hurry.” He chuckled, “But I would like to get home for dinner.” “Yes, talk to us, Windspinner,” Flame invited. Page 66

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Star stopped squeezing her bondmate’s hand and gave him a far from gentle nudge instead. “Spit it out, Wind.” “The seven of us would like to join your clan. Sword Dancer is a smith and his skill is renown through all the Clans. Trueflight Woodbender is a well respected bowyer who is also known by many clanspeople for the quality of his work.” Windspinner took a breath and went on, “My bondmate Starshine Greenhand is a greenmage and they are rare to begin with, but she is one of considerable skill. She would be an asset to any Clan. My swordbrother, Riverspring Watercaller is a powerful watermage. Zephyr Northernwind is a skilled artist and Summerbreeze Warmwind is a tanner and leather worker.” “And you are the greatest darbear hunter among the clans,” Storm added. “I’ve killed several darbears, yes,” Windspinner agreed. Flame chuckled. “Let me put you out of your misery, Windspinner. Storm and I have already discussed the many advantages of admitting the seven of you into our clan.” He became serious once again. “To be honest you hold all the Page 67

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advantages. Your number almost doubles our existing clan and we have, as yet, no cave system to spend the Blackstorm Season in. You can offer us much more than we can offer in return.” He glanced at Storm, hoping he’d said the right things and hadn’t said too much. Windspinner’s face lost some of its color. “You don’t have caves to protect us during blackstorms? How can we survive?” Sword reached over and patted Windspinner on the shoulder in a gesture of reassurance. “Take it easy my excitable friend. We’ll work something out before the blackstorms start.” Flame sighed. He knew he had to get used to this, to choosing his words with care but he really wanted to put their minds at rest. “We are already negotiating with some others who wish to join the clan and know of a suitable cave system that will take us all.” “You’re talking about Darksky and Lakesinger, aren’t you?” Windspinner questioned, his gaze going to Sword then back to Flame. Flame cocked his head in surprise. “Do you know them, Windspinner?” Page 68

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“I’m acquainted with Lakesinger Rockmanson. He and I were lovers not so long ago,” Wind admitted. “I don’t know much about Darksky other than the fact he’s an infamous outlaw.” “I’ve spent a little time talking to Darksky over a few cups of wine,” Sword commented. “He’s done some things he’s not proud of, and he freely admits it. But being with Lakesinger seems to have reformed him.” Flame nodded. “I knew Darksky when I was a child,” he said, “and he was a good, even gentle person until he was given no choice but to fight with his brother.” He glanced at Windspinner, with a worried frown. “Would Lakesinger be likely to cause you any problems?” “No, I’m well past any desire I once felt for him,” Windspinner replied, his arms going around his bondmates. “I’m happy with my life and I have all the love any man could ever want.” “Well, Storm and I are considering admitting them to the clan for a trial period,” Flame admitted, “but it has to be remembered that this trial period would be during the Blackstorm Season, so any problems between you would Page 69

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be amplified. Having said that, they do have a cave system we can use which would be a major blessing at this late stage.” “Admitting them would solve the biggest problem we face,” Storm added. “We have everything we need, more or less, but a good place to weather out the Storm Season big enough for a clan won’t be easy to find which makes allowing them into the clan, even on a trial basis, rather important.” Sword nodded. “If the system is large enough we could spread out and have room for whatever we want to do, or at least give the various families and swordbrothers some privacy. I don’t know what Darksky’s told you about his canyon, but he’s described it to me in great detail. This place of his sounds very spacious, and I think you’d be foolish to turn him away.” Flame felt some of the tension ease out of his body and he leaned against Storm’s side in relief. “All he said to us was that he had caves to offer but he gave very little detail about them. It’s not surprising really when he was negotiating with us. What did he tell you, Sword? I know he is Page 70

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possibly the best stonemage alive so any cave he’s worked on will be comfortable.” “What he told me is that he’s laid claim to an entire canyon,” Sword stated. “He’s been living there for some time, I’m not sure how long. He said the canyon actually has more than one cave system, but he’s only done work on one. He didn’t tell me much more, other than there was abundant water and a fair sized lake at one end.” Flame exchanged a look with Storm. We’d be total fools to turn Darksky away when he has the very place that we would need for Storm’s settling plan to work. “It sounds like it would be a perfect place in which to settle the clan during the Storm Season,” he said aloud. “We are planning to meet and discuss the situation with Darksky and Lakesinger sometime today,” Storm informed. “I’m sure we can get more details about this canyon of his and decide how best to keep everyone from getting on each other’s nerves while we’re all cooped up together.” “Good. And now we come to the final part Page 71

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of our chat,” Sword Dancer stated, very evidently taking over as the spokesperson for his own swordbrothers. “We’re willing to negotiate for places in your clan. Chief Stormdragon, Chief Flamespirit, tell us what you want from us for admittance into the Dragon and Fenyx Clan.” “I’m prepared to offer three darbear pelts, fifty pounds of flour, ten pounds of sugar and twelve jars of honey,” Windspinner informed. “That’s the offer I’m prepared to make for myself and my bondmates.” “And I’m prepared to offer both of you custom made swords as payment for myself and Summerbreeze,” Sword told them. “Trueflight and Zephyr will contribute three bolts of linen and a bag of decorative stone buttons and beads.” “I think Flame and I need a few minutes in private to discuss our terms before we make any decisions,” Storm told them. Windspinner glanced at his bondmates. “Of course, forgive our eagerness to start negotiations.” Sword stood and gestured toward a dimly lit Page 72

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hallway off the main room. “If you take that hall it leads to a door. There’s a small garden in the back of the house on the other side of the door. If that will be private enough you can discuss our offers there.” “That sounds all right to me, what do you think, Flame?” Storm asked. Flame smiled reassuringly at the assembled warriors as he rose to his feet. “It sounds perfect,” he said. As Sword showed them the way to the small garden Flame was thinking about the generous offers already made. Three darbear pelts seemed like an awful lot to him, especially with the foodstuffs thrown in. Then there was Sword’s offer and that was before Trueflight had even opened his mouth. Storm will know best what we should be accepting. I’ve no experience of the sort of price required for entry into a clan but it sounds like they’ve offered far too much. As a clan we need them as much as they need us so should we be demanding goods for entry? Page 73

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Flame’s thoughts were getting him nowhere so he would wait to see what Storm had to say. Sword opened a door at the back of the house. Outside was a lush garden filled with flowers and some sort of small, fuzzy brown fruits clinging to a vine which had been trained to grow on a trellis. The sweet fragrance of flowers filled the air, and a gentle, chilly breeze reminded them that Storm Season was raging nearer by the day. The changing leaves at the tops of the trees further impressed upon Flame that this year’s blackstorms were going to be much earlier than normal. “I’m sure you can find your way back to the room. We’ll be waiting for you there,” Sword said and closed the door behind him as he left. Storm turned to Flame. “What did you think of their offer?” Flame shrugged as he bent to sniff at a fragrant bloom. “It seemed very generous to me but I have no knowledge of what people usually offer in this situation.” “It’s more than generous, it’s too damn much. The darbear pelts or the food are more Page 74

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than enough to gain someone as powerful as Windspinner and his bondmates entry into our clan. And as for Sword and his swordbrothers,” Storm shook his head, “an offer of two weapons made by that man are enough for all four of them. I’m sure even with your limited exposure to other clans that you’d heard of him before you met him. He’s famous for the weapons he makes.” Storm sighed and took a seat on one of the wooden benches that stood near the door. “They must have asked other clan chiefs what they’d want to let them in and got nothing but greedy replies so they expected it from us too.” Storm stared into the garden, his expression gloomy. “We’re going to have so much to undo all because of Dragonwind.” Flame sat next to Storm on the bench and took hold of one of his hands. “I was right then,” he said. “I honestly thought it was way too generous but you would know these things better than I. To be honest, I’d be perfectly content with some of Zephyr’s painted clothing. As for the swords, no it’s far too much when added to Windspinner’s offer.” Page 75

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“I’m really tempted to take the swords though. I wouldn’t mind having a blade that Sword Dancer has made,” Storm admitted. “So what do we take from Windspinner and his bondmates? The furs or the food?” “Food is very easy to come by,” Flame said thoughtfully, “I received plenty of it today in trade. Swords and darbear pelts are a different matter. But I think three pelts and two swords should be quite enough for all seven of them.” He frowned not knowing if he was saying the right things but feeling in his heart that the goods he’d mentioned were more than enough. Storm smiled and tugged him down onto the bench. Storm gave him a quick kiss. “That’s what I would have asked for, Flame, so you’ve worked out what is acceptable for entry into our clan. Another factor to take into consideration is that these two groups are reasonably wealthy. The more someone has the more they can afford to give. Someone who has little to give I would ask much less of. Do you understand why?” Flame frowned. “I would certainly hope I do. Someone who has little to give can have great value in other ways, like being a good hunter or Page 76

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something. After all, I came to you with very little really.” “And in the end did it matter?” Storm asked. “Of course not.” His lover hugged him. “Keep in mind the things clan chiefs collect this way are supposed to be held in reserve for the poorer members of the clan. Not that we have any truly poor members in our clan. Not right now anyway,” Storm remarked. “But we do agree and we can tell them what we’ve decided, right?” Flame hugged Storm close in return before smiling mischievously. “I think we should go and tell them before Windspinner worries himself sick.” “I’ve heard a lot of powerful windmages tend to be easily upset. Don’t know why, but it seems to hold true in many cases,” Storm replied. He returned Flame’s hug. “Windspinner is a very excitable man so let’s go and make our counter offer and see what they say.” As they strolled back into the house, Flame remembered just how upset his own powerful windmage could get. Storm had been devastated when they’d been forced to kill nine members of his brother’s clan. He squeezed Storm’s hand Page 77

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but said nothing until they were back with the others. Flame glanced around at the seven young warriors. They were all tense and worried but some were hiding it better than others. He could feel it in all of them, though. “The two swords and three darbear pelts get all seven of you into the clan. Windspinner, you should keep your food for the coming weeks.” Sword grinned and turned to his three swordbrothers, “I told you these two men were going to treat us fairly, didn’t I?” Zephyr nodded, his pale blue eyes regarded them with a cool stare. Windspinner sat there with his mouth hanging open as if he didn’t quite believe what he’d heard. “You’re serious?” he asked, his tone incredulous. “The three of us can become part of your clan for three darbear pelts and that’s it?” Breeze smiled at them in his shy way, then blushed a bright crimson, while Trueflight commented, “These are real chiefs, as they’re meant to be.” “We’re not going to use our people to make Page 78

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ourselves rich the way a lot of the chiefs do these days. That’s not what a chief does,” Storm agreed, giving Trueflight a slight smile. Flame snorted. “Or at least it’s not what he’s supposed to do. When we’re settled for the Storm Season I’d like to talk to Breeze and Zephyr about making us some clothes with some of Zephyr’s beautiful paintings on them. I can offer you either firestones in payment or you can take your pick from what I’ve traded in the City.” “You two don’t look like Chiefs though. Not even traditional ones. Your clothes are too plain,” Zephyr remarked. “If you promise to accept any woman or women we want as our wife or wives into the clan—once we find one or two we want—I’ll decorate your clothes for you.” Sword glanced at Trueflight. “They grow up so fast,” he remarked with a wink and a grin. Flame chuckled. Zephyr obviously knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid of speaking his mind. “That sounds like a done deal to me. What does Breeze want for tanning the leather?” The blue-haired warrior glanced up and smiled Page 79

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once again, the blush still evident. “If you have any spare butter I’ll make a cake for Midwinter Night.” Storm gaze fixed on the blue-haired man. “You can make holiday cakes?” Sword grinned. “He can cook anything,” the smith replied with a good deal of pride evident in his statement. “It’s just another of his many fine qualities.” Breeze smiled on his shy way and ducked his head. Flame had the feeling it was to hide his blushes. “Well not quite anything. I’m still trying to work out how to make that fruit preserve they sell here. I think it has something to do with the ratio of sugar to fruit.” “You will have all the butter you need for that cake and some to spare,” Flame promised. “I’ll make sure the ingredients for cake are set aside. You’ll have everything you need for a nice big cake when the time comes,” Storm added. He grinned. “As a boy I used to save up my trade goods just so I could buy cake from the food vendors here in the City. I love cake.” “Don’t we all?” Sword asked. Page 80

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“I know I do,” Windspinner agreed. “When I come here to the City I always make sure to trade for a few pieces. Not many clanspeople can make good cake. Not as good as the bakers here in the City do anyway.” “I can see this is going to have to be a very big cake,” Breeze commented with a grin. “It should be just as good as anything found here as I know exactly how they do it.” Flame chuckled before glancing at the fading light coming through the window. He turned to Storm. “We’d better go if we’re going to meet Darksky and Lakesinger.” Sword stood, turning a broad smile on the two of them. “I’ll walk our Chiefs to the door. Breeze, my love, you should calculate how much butter and other ingredients you’re going to need for a quite a few large cakes. You’ve got an entire clan to serve at Midwinter’s Night.” He rubbed his hands together as if anticipating the Midwinter celebration already. “I’ll see about a few large jars of preserves we can save to spread on it.” To Flame’s intense surprise, Breeze was far from being horrified by the thought of making Page 81

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enough cakes for an entire clan. In fact, a huge grin appeared on the blue haired warrior’s face. “So I have. This is going to be fun!”

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Chapter Four Decisions Made

They hadn’t been back from their visit to the bondmates and the four winds swordbrothers more than a few moments before a knock sounded on the door of the room Storm and Flame were sharing. Storm had gotten partially undressed in the vain hope of relaxing after he’d made a few more sunstones. I guess sneaking some private time with Flame is going to be put off until later. Too bad, I really wanted some time to spend admiring his hot little behind with my cock. Storm sighed and closed the cylinder, safely sealing the sunstone’s he’d been making away so they couldn’t hurt anyone. “I was hoping we’d have some time alone,” he commented in a quiet tone as he went to the door. He opened it to find Heartfire standing there. “Darksky and his swordbrother, Lakesinger, are here my Chiefs. Should I show them to the garden in the back?’ Page 83

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Storm glanced at Flame. “What do you think? The garden or one of the comfortable rooms inside the house?” Flame cocked his head as he considered the question then shrugged.  “Darksky would be comfortable in either, I don’t know about Lakesinger though.” “Let’s stay inside, if you don’t mind. It’s been really chilly and with the sun gone from that side of the house it’s going to get cold pretty fast.” Storm sighed. “I think people are right, it is going to be a really early Storm Season.” Flame smiled at him the expression full of mischief.  “I was honestly hoping you’d say something like that.  One of the comfortable rooms it is then.” “Should take them to the big room with the potted plants?” Heartfire asked. “Or would you prefer the smaller room with the vines painted on the walls?” “The one with the potted plants is the nicest of the two rooms,” Storm said. “The vine room is pretty, but it’s really dark in there compared to the other room.” Storm got to his feet. “Have Page 84

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someone make tea for our guests and see if there’s something suitable for a snack. We may be talking to them for a while.” “It shall be just as you wish, my Chief.”  Heartfire bowed to both of them and quietly closed the door as he left. Storm took a seat on the bed again. He picked up the cylinder of sunstones he’d been making and put it into the drawer of the small table on his side of the bed. He sighed and picked up his vest and shrugged it on. While he would talk to his own clanspeople bare-chested he wasn’t going to talk to Darksky and Lakesinger in such a state of undress. It might make Darksky think Storm didn’t respect him and that could make the man change his mind about joining their clan. With Storm Season looming, they needed the caves the former outlaw could provide. He frowned and stared off into space, thinking about the detrimental affects having an outlaw— especially one as notorious as Darksky—could have on their clan. Can’t be worse than me being the chief, not considering what Dragonwind is probably telling people about me, or Flamespirit for that matter. Page 85

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The man’s a damn liar and an egotistical heap of shit. Damn we really need to do something about him soon, before he can completely shatter the clans. “You’re still worried about letting Darksky in, aren’t you?” Flame said quietly as he placed more freshly made firestones in a large pouch. “Yes and no,” Storm replied as he laced up his vest. “What I really wanted was time for some lovemaking, but that’s going to have to wait until we’ve heard what Darksky has to say about your sister.” No sense reminding him about the mess we’re facing with Dragonwind. I’m sure he’s got enough on his mind already—like finding Oasis—without reminding him about that too. Flame’s expression went blank and completely impassive, a sure sign he was hurting and trying not to let it show.  “I’m so sorry.” Here we go again. Storm turned to Flame and gripped his biceps. “Will you stop apologizing for everything? There is no blame or fault to be leveled on anyone. You haven’t done anything wrong, and there’s no reason to apologize.” He Page 86

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met Flame’s gaze. “I want you, I always want you. If it were up to me we’d never get out of bed, but we’re Chiefs of a Clan, which means we have responsibilities, and that’s nothing you need to apologize for, not ever, anymore than you should feel you need to apologize for wanting to find your sister or any of a hundred other things you always apologize for.” Flame shook his head and frowned.  “No, you misunderstand me, Storm.  You wouldn’t even deign to speak to Darksky if it weren’t for my sister.  I believe that he would be a good man to have on our side when your brother makes his attempt at clan domination but you only see someone who is an outlaw and once sold clanspeople as slaves.  But now isn’t the time to discuss this.  We need to go and greet our guests.” Storm shook his head. “That’s not it at all, Flame. I love you, and I trust you. If you believe he can be an asset to us—beyond the caves he has to offer—then I accept it because you are my swordbrother.” Storm let Flame go and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on Flame’s soft lips. He hungered for his swordbrother, desired Flame with a deep ache that he knew would never be Page 87

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filled no matter how long they were together. It was the Dragon inside him, the very essence of his being reaching out to the Fenyx who was his equal, his mate. Forever. Flame returned the kiss for a moment before pulling slowly away and heading towards the door.  When he reached it he turned to smile at Storm.  “Thank you, Storm.  I can trust my empathy and you.  The rest I’m trying to learn as quickly as I can.” Storm smiled. “You’re doing fine, Flame. Just fine,” he said as he joined Flame. He put his arm around his lover and together they walked down the corridor heading for the room they’d all begun to refer to as the ‘plant room’ because of all the potted greenery. The walls were a pale yellow color, while the floor was covered with darker yellow tiles. Two large chairs, a three seater couch and a two seater lined the walls of the room, the furnishing upholstered in a cream colored fabric decorated with deep green leaves and bright orange flowers. Darksky and Lakesinger were on the two seater couch, the big stonemage’s arm around the slender watermage. Page 88

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When the two of them entered the outlaw and his boy stood, Darksky giving them a tense, though friendly smile. Flame returned the smile and nodded to them both before sitting in one of the chairs.  “Did you find any trace of Oasis?” he asked, his voice betraying his inner tension. Storm sat down in the other chair. I wonder why Flame chose not to sit beside me? Is he mad at me, or is he trying to make sure we stick to business? Bet it’s the second of the two. He knows I get distracted if I can touch him. “We found more than a trace of Oasis,” Darksky replied. His deep voice rumbled like the growl of a darbear and his presence filled the room with the same sort sensation one would get being as close to the biggest darbears. “We know where she is.” Flame leaned forward, his hands clutching the arms of the chair. “You really know? Is she safe? Is she well? Please tell me all you can, Darksky.” “She’s safe, and well, but she is a slave,” Darksky told them. “We offered to buy her, but Page 89

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her owner, Lord Elijah Lucas refuses to sell her. Apparently she’s one of his ‘prized’ slaves.” Flame’s hands clenched into fists with which he pounded the chair arms. He jumped to his feet and started pacing the room like a caged beast. He glanced at Storm, his brown eyes full of acute pain and an unspoken question. “What did you offer for her?” Storm asked. “A handful of semi-precious stones, some rare stones I’ve found over the years. He wasn’t interested,” Darksky explained. “Not even when I offered him the only spare sunstone I own.” Storm glanced at Flame. “Tell me where he lives and I’ll go and make the offer in nothing but sunstones.” Darksky frowned. “He won’t see anyone he doesn’t know. He’s a powerful man, and in the City that means he’s paranoid about being assassinated. Getting a meeting with a City Lord like him isn’t easy even if you do know him. I got in because he thought I had a new high quality slave to offer him.” Storm nodded. “Ask for a meeting with him, Page 90

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tell him you know of someone who will pay in sunstones for Oasis.” “I can make the offer, but I don’t think he’ll care. He’s quiet wealthy, and...” Dark glanced at Flame, “I can’t be sure, but I think she’s his bed warmer too.” Flame snarled, showing his teeth like an enraged animal, at that bit of news. “Well, if he won’t willingly let her go, we’ll have to find some other way to get her out of there. But I want to try getting Oasis out the safest way first and that’s buying her out. Failing that,” Storm shrugged, “we’ll do what it takes to get her out of his house even if it means a direct attack with any clansman who’s willing to accompany us on the mission.” Flame paced some more before turning to stare at Storm, his gaze questioning. “If we take her with force, we won’t be able to trade in the City anymore.” I forget he doesn’t know how the City works, he’s never been here before. “Yes we will. There’s a long standing tradition of clanspeople getting their family members back from City people. Page 91

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Once we get Oasis back, and a year has passed, he’ll have no claim on her. That’s the way it works,” he explained. “I wouldn’t let her wander the streets alone when we come back, but I don’t recommend any woman do that here. Unscrupulous clansmen are likely to grab a pretty young woman given the chance, and slavers are everywhere.” “Damn, I’m showing my ignorance again,” Flame said with the beginnings of a smile. He sat on the arm of the chair Storm occupied and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, Storm.” He turned his head to gaze at Darksky and his swordbrother. “And thank you, too, Darksky. It’s very much appreciated.” “If it comes down to going in and getting her out of that place, I’ll give you what aid I can. I know the layout, but I’d rather not be a direct part of the raid. Knowing Lord Elijah could be useful in the future and such ties to the Lords of the City are hard to gain. Once they are lost they often cannot be regained,” Darksky explained. “I wouldn’t want you to risk what small friendship you may have cultivated with this City Lord. You’re right, such things aren’t Page 92

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easily achieved. If it weren’t for my father’s introduction to the man, I doubt I could have rented this house from Jonas and he’s not even a City Lord.” Storm wasn’t going to broach the subject of how Darksky might have come to know one of the Lords of the City. The former outlaw had admitted he’d offered clasnpeople as slaves to Lord Elijah Lucas so guessing that it had something to do with Darksky’s past as a slave taker didn’t require much imagination. It would, however, be rude to bring up Darksky’s unsavory past. “Thank you,” Darksky said. Storm turned his gaze to Flame. “Do you want to tell Darksky and Lakesinger our decision, Flame, or should I?” Instantly the room filled with unseen tension, the big man sitting forward, his hand wrapping around the slim hand of his blond lover, Lakesinger. Flame smiled and the hand on Storm’s shoulder squeezed gently. “I’d like to if I may please, Storm.” He turned to face the two men, the smile still on his face. “Darksky and Lakesinger, we have decided to accept you as Page 93

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part of the Dragon and Fenyx Clan for a trial period to be agreed by the four of us. I want you to know the period will be much longer than the coming Storm Season as we are not doing this just for the sake of somewhere to hole up. “The reason we’re asking for a trial period is twofold. Although I remember Darksky from our old clan and know the truth of what happened there, the rest of the Clan and those at any Gathers we might attend do not. They only see the outlaw. Also Darksky has lived without a clan for several years now and might find the demands of clan life difficult.” Darksky’s expression showed a trace of relief, but disappointment was clearly visible in his eyes. “I thank you Chief Flamespirit, Chief Stormdragon, but before I can accept these terms I want to speak with my swordbrother, Lakesinger, in private if you don’t mind. He must live with the terms too, and I won’t decide without speaking privately with him.” “Of course,” Storm replied. “There’s a garden at the back of the house, I’ll be happy to show you the way.” Storm got to his feet and led the pair of men to the garden. He shook the metal Page 94

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basket of firestones on the table and left the two men alone so they could discuss the offer they’d made. He returned to find Flame pacing the room again. “We’ll get Oasis out of there, Flame, I promise you we will, so don’t worry about it anymore.” Flame spun around to face him, his expression unhappy. “How the hell do you put up with my idiocy, Storm? I should have realized she’d be used that way once she grew up yet it still came as a shock. She was only a child when she was sold, will she even want to leave?” “You’re not an idiot. You still think of her as a child because she was a child when you last saw her. You didn’t watch her grow up alongside you.” He put his arms round Flame and held him close. “I won’t say for sure, but I would wager everything I own—such as it is—that once she sees you she won’t be able to get out of that man’s house fast enough.” Flame hung his head as he voiced his deepest fears. “Will we even recognize each other?”’ “Of course you will, she’s your sister!” Storm Page 95

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assured. He tightened his embrace on Flame, pulling his lover close to reassure him. “Now please stop worrying so much. Everything will work out fine, I swear they will.” They have to work out or he’s going to come completely unraveled on me and then what will I do? I need him mentally whole, and right now he’s so worried about Oasis and the mistakes he thinks he’s making that his thoughts are in knots and his emotions are in a tangle. There’s got to be some way to get him through this.... And the only way I can think of is to rescue Oasis and get out of the City as soon as we can. This is all just too much for him. Too much all at once anyway. The mess with his old clan, meeting me, us making our bond, forming a clan, coming here.... A lot’s happened to him in a real short time and he wasn’t prepared for any of it. He hugged Flame and rubbed his lover’s back trying to sooth and reassure him without saying anything else for fear he’d say something short-tempered and stupid the way he did all too often. I love him, and we’ll get through this. I just have to be patient with him. Page 96

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* Flame could only hope Storm was right and that Oasis still cared as much for him as he did for her. He returned Storm’s embrace, holding his swordbrother close. “You’re right. Worrying isn’t going to solve anything.” He decided to change the subject, leading the conversation into far less painful areas. “I think Darksky is disappointed about a trial period.” “Of course he is. Wouldn’t you be disappointed? But we have to make sure his presence isn’t going to disrupt the lives of our clanspeople. I don’t think he’ll cause strife within our clan, but he could very well become a point of contention with other clans we encounter at Gathers and here in the City. Keep in mind also that we’ve already agreed to take Zephyr Northwind. There are a lot of people who won’t welcome us on friendly terms because of his presence. Add Darksky to that, and it could be a volatile combination that winds up costing us dearly in trade goods, Flame. Add me to the mix with my lying brother’s claims and we’re going Page 97

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to have a lot of problems with other clans in the future.” Storm let him go and stepped away to gaze out the window. Darkness had fallen so there was little to be seen outside past the nearest shrubs. “Zephyr’s presence is offset by the fact that bond includes Sword Dancer and Trueflight Woodbender, two very well respected weapon makers.” Flame thought about the young windmage and his other attractive swordbrother with the blue hair. He had the feeling that Summerbreeze Warmwind knew all about being an outcast too. He frowned at his own swordbrother as he realized something fundamental about their new clan. “Zephyr, Summerbreeze, Darksky, you, me and the people who left your brother to come to us, all of us outcasts through no fault of our own, and all now in the Dragon and Fenyx Clan. I don’t know about you, Storm, but I think Fate is taking a hand in our lives and pushing all these people into one clan. Short of talking to one of the soothsayers in the market, I have no idea why. Page 98

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One thing I am sure of, somehow, is that our weapon makers are going to be very necessary. “ Storm turned to regard Flame, his expression grim. “I’m afraid you’re right, Flame. I don’t know what’s happening, or why for that matter, but it does seem rather strange that we’re attracting the likes of Windspinner and his bondmates along with Sword Dancer and his swordbrothers. The four of them are powerful. Did you feel it? Their magic washes across your awareness like wind across a sand dune the same as it does with the bondmates.” He leaned against the wall, his expression one of deep thought. “Darksky is the most powerful stonemage known among the clans, and we can both see him for what he is just as we can see what Lakesinger is too. They’re like us, and if you’re right, and Fate has brought them to us, there must be a reason. Unfortunately I think it goes beyond our fight with Dragonwind. There wouldn’t need to be so many powerful mages, or Immortals simply to deal with him. You and I together can probably defeat Dragonwind and his Black Fenyx.” Flame nodded. “Five animal souls that we Page 99

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know of, at least three of them immortals, in this time and place. . . I think your brother was supposed to help you but his Fenyx turned black and so I was born.” He ran a hand through his hair and chuckled without real mirth. “I sound like I’m suffering from delusions of grandeur or something.” He smiled somewhat shakily. “When I was young, Darksky told Oasis and I stories of visionaries. Seemingly, every few generations a visionary is born with the power to see the future. I’d really love to talk to one right now.” “As would I,” Storm agreed. He released Flame, crossed the room and dropped into one of the two chairs. “Another thing that’s bothering me is the fact that no one really believes in the Immortal Beasts because no one can say when the last one existed yet suddenly, all in one generation there are five of us, Darksky, Lakesinger, you, me and Dragonwind. It’s got to mean something. Something worse than Dragonwind alone.” Storm sat there and rubbed his temples, something Flame had begun to realize indicated Storm was getting a headache. “Maybe we should try one of the seers at the Market Square. Your Page 100

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Fenyx might be able to tell the fakes from those with real power.” Flame thought about that for a moment, wondering if empathy alone was enough to tell a fraudulent seer from the real thing. All I’d really be able to ascertain is whether they believe in themselves. “It’s worth a try, at least.” He would have voiced his concerns but was prevented from saying any more in that regard by a knock on the door. “Come in,” he called. The door opened to reveal Lakesinger and Darksky. “I hope we’re not interrupting anything,” Darksky said as the pair of them paused in the doorway. The big man’s gaze moved from Flame to Storm then back to Flame, a dark eyebrow lifting in a wordless question: Should we come back later? The thought came through clearly to Flame. Flame smiled at them both. “No, nothing important unless… You wouldn’t happen to know a reputable visionary, by any chance, would you?”’ Page 101

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“A soothsayer?” Darksky shook his head. “There are no reputable ones here in the City that I know of. I’ve heard of a clansman that is able to see the future. He calls himself Speaks to the World, but I’ve never met him.” He gave them a lopsided grin. “I haven’t exactly been very welcome at Gathers, but I hear he shows up at those pretty frequently. Of course people say he’s crazy, but they say that about most soothsayers.” Storm looked up at Darksky. “Speaks with the World? That’s an interesting name. I wonder if he’s real or a charlatan?” Lakesinger spoke up for the first time. “Oh, he’s real all right. He has visions of the future that he shares free of any charge. I’ve seen him at three or four Gathers.” The blond watermage bit his lip. “He told me that my future was away from my clan. I didn’t believe him then but he was absolutely right.” “So he’s worth looking for at any Gathers we make it to next year,” Storm remarked. “Hopefully we’ll run into him.” Storm motioned Darksky and Lakesinger to the two seater couch they’d occupied earlier. “Sit, please, so we can talk in comfort.” Page 102

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Flame perched on the arm of Storm’s chair while Darksky and Lakesinger took the couch. He leaned forward. “Have you made a decision yet?” Darksky glanced at his lover, the stonemage’s hand closing the young watermage’s much more slender hand. “Yes, we have.” “And what have you decided?” Storm asked, his expression intent. Lakesinger smiled, the sly expression immediately putting Flame on his guard. A quick scan of the blond’s emotions only heightened that feeling, filled as they were with some spiteful irritation towards both Storm and he. “It seems to us that you need what we can offer more than we need you,” the watermage said airily. His emotions changed rapidly, becoming far less assured after he spoke. A wave of irritation poured off Darksky, the emotion directed at his younger swordbrother and Flame relaxed somewhat. Perhaps this was the watermage’s idea of negotiation or maybe he was trying to stand up for Darksky. “Don’t make me spank you,” Darksky growled Page 103

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into his swordbrother’s ear. “Because I’ll drag your narrow butt outside and remind you how to behave if you can’t manage to remember without my hand being applied to your ass.” Storm glanced at Flame, one eyebrow raised, a tiny, almost invisible frown twitched his lover’s lips downward. Flame could tell Lakesinger’s words had irritated Storm, though his swordbrother was doing a good job of hiding his disapproval from the other two men. Flame chuckled as he felt Lakesinger’s emotions change immediately to contrition tinged with a large dollop of lust. “Perhaps you should do the talking, Darksky. I think Lakesinger is a little too eager to jump to your defense.” The stonemage’s dark gaze was fixed on Lakesinger with very apparent annoyance. “Yes, perhaps I should,” he said, anger tingeing his words as his hand closed on Lakesinger’s thigh in a grip that indented the flesh beneath the stonemage’s fingers. Darksky sighed. “Please forgive his words, he can be an arrogant, unthinking brat sometimes.”

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“So I’ve heard,” Storm replied in a tone sour as unripened fruit. Lakesinger bowed his head. “I’m sorry if I was rude, but it is the truth.” Flame nodded as he felt contrition and shame from the watermage together with a strong sense of protectiveness towards his swordbrother. “Yes, it is,” he agreed, “and you were trying to help Darksky.” Darksky sighed. “He’s young, impulsive, and often foolish, but I do love him,” the stonemage admitted, his grip on Lakesinger’s thigh easing up. “But he really needs to learn better manners. His former clan indulged his bad behavior far too much because he is a powerful watermage. He doesn’t get away with acting like that around me, do you Lake?” “So what decision have you made?” Storm asked, his gaze focused on the stonemage. “We’d like to accept the offer of the trial period you’ve been so kind to grant us,” Darksky replied. “That is if you’ll still have us after my boy insulted you. I promise you he will be punished for his disrespect.” Page 105

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Flame felt some of the tension seep from his body at the news. They would be safe during the Storm Season. He reached out and took hold of Storm’s hand while he smiled at Darksky. I have the feeling that it will become permanent one day, my surrogate father. “Please don’t punish Lakesinger for looking out for your interests. I would do the same for Storm. So how long a period do you consider fair to all parties?” “The duration of Storm Season, so no one is in danger. After the blackstorms end,” Darksky shrugged, “you can depart without us if that’s your choice.” The stonemage grinned, his dark eyes glittered with mischief. “But I think once you see our caves you’ll make your final decision about us quick enough. You certainly won’t find a better Storm Season home anywhere, that I can promise you.” “Knowing your reputation as a stonemage, and the amount of time you must have devoted to improving them, I’m sure you’re right. But,” Storm shrugged, “we’d still prefer a trial period so everyone is satisfied with the final decision— whatever it might be—when it finally is made.” Page 106

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“Do you feel that Storm Season is a long enough time?” Flame asked. “Or even the best of times? Any small niggling problems between people tend to get blown out of proportion during the Season so it might not be fair to you or us.” “Your clan needs somewhere to go during the blackstorms, and we want a clan. If things don’t work out,” Darksky spread his arms in a gesture that showed he was willing to try anyway, “we’ll know by the end of the Storm Season. I want it understood that caves the remain mine, regardless the outcome.” Storm frowned and turned to Flamespirit. “What do you think, Flame? Does that sound fair?” his lover asked. Flame knew the question was some sort of test of his decision-making capability, he could see it in Storm’s expression, read it in the glint of his lover’s aqua gaze. Flame shrugged. “The caves are Darksky’s home after all. He and Lakesinger have done all the work on them. So yes, it sounds perfectly fair to me.” Lakesinger smiled in a totally different expression to his earlier sly smirk. This smile Page 107

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brightened the room and reached his eyes. “I’m beginning to like you, Flamespirit,” he said. “Flamespirit and I were friends when he was a boy and I was a less than clever young man. I made mistakes, ones that cost me my clan. I won’t make foolish mistakes like that again,” Darksky stated. “And I’m not going to let you do it either,” he added directing his comment to Lakesinger. “So we have an agreement then?” Storm asked. Lakesinger nodded but looked to Darksky rather than say anything. Flame gave Storm’s hand a squeeze to let him know it was agreed. Storm stood, as did Darksky. The big man gripped Storm’s offered arm and the two men sealed their agreement. “We’re agreed then,” Storm stated. “Be welcome to the Dragon and Fenyx Clan for the duration of Storm Season, Darksky Stonetamerson and to you also, Lakesinger Rockmanson.”

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Flame smiled at their two new clansmen his own arm outstretched.  “Welcome,” he echoed. Darksky released Storm’s forearm and turned to Flame. “I’ve missed you, boy,” he stated and pulled Flame into a tight hug that threatened to crack some of Flame’s ribs. Flame returned the hug as he attempted to breathe.  “I missed you too, Darksky.  Things got really bad for Oasis, the clan and I after you were left behind.”  He saw the confused frown on Lakesinger’s face and pulled away from Darksky to return to Storm’s side.  “I always wanted to thank you for the way you looked out for Oasis and me.” “You two were the closest thing I’ll ever have to children,” Darksky stated. “And one way or another, I’m sure there is a way to rescue her from Lord Elijah. I’ll do whatever I need to in order to help you get her back.” Storm held his arm out to Lakesinger. “If the two of you would like, you can join us here in this house. It’s huge and there are lots of spare rooms.” Lakesinger grasped Storm’s arm and smiled at Page 109

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him. “I’ll leave that decision to Dark if you don’t mind, my Chief,” he said. “But I do thank you for the offer of hospitality.” Flame hid a smile behind his hand. It was fairly obvious who the boss was in this particular pair of swordbrothers. They seem good for each other though. I’m so glad Dark has found some happiness at last. Dark patted Lake’s shoulder. “Good boy, you are learning. I think we’ll stay one more night where we are and join you in the morning, if you don’t mind. We need time to pack and pay our bill for the rented house we’re in.” “That’s fine,” Storm said. “If you need anything to keep you occupied through the Storm Season let us know and we’ll try to get whatever it is before we leave here.” “I’ll probably be busy doing stonework for the duration, and Lake and I have a lot of things we can do together,” Dark replied. “But I do appreciate the thoughtfulness that prompted you to ask.” “People who are busy have less time to argue,” Page 110

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Storm remarked. He was about to say something else when Heartfire stepped into the room. “Forgive me my Chiefs, but I was instructed by the women of our clan to let you know dinner awaits your arrival. I would also like to apologize for not bringing tea and cakes as you requested, my Chief,” he added, glancing at Storm. “There was a small problem in the kitchen and the cakes weren’t made.” “I see,” Storm remarked, a far more evident frown twisting his lips downward. “I hope it wasn’t anything too serious.” “No, my Chief. Just a small quarrel between women, nothing for you to worry about.” But the remark only added to Storm’s frown. “If needed we can discuss the matter later.” “No need to bother yourself, it’s been taken care of already,” Heartfire stated. Flame nodded to the other firemage. “We’ll be right there for dinner, Heartfire, thank you.” He nudged a still frowning Storm in the ribs. “You and your sweet tooth,” he chided.

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He then turned to Darksky and Lakesinger. “Will you join us for a meal, at least?” Darksky bowed his head slightly in a show of respect. “I would be honored, as would my swordbrother.” Storm clapped the taller man on the shoulder. “Good. Come along and we can make introductions. After dinner you can pick out a room, that way you know where you’re taking your things in the morning.” Flame grasped Lakesinger’s arm in greeting and welcome and then guided him along behind their respective swordbrothers. I really hope this works out for all of us.

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Chapter Five Planning

The four swordbrothers—whom Storm thought of as the four winds—along with the bondmates, Windspinner Bearbane, Starshine and Riverspring, arrived early that morning with all the exuberant welcomes such things entailed among the clans. The seven of them were settling into the rooms they’d chosen in the house, the bondmates taking a single room while the four winds had elected to take two so they weren’t crowded into a single bed. Storm sat at the main dining area table with Flame. They were eating a breakfast of pancakes and jam and a delicious type of sliced fruit that Storm thought might be a melon of some sort. Heartfire sat at the far end of the table mending the saddlebags for his cycle. The women were busy cleaning up the breakfast dishes in the kitchen and making preparations for the afternoon meal. Sword Dancer entered the room and dropped Page 113

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into a seat beside Flame. “So, my Chiefs, what would you like us to do for you today?” Storm glanced up from his meal, a frown furrowing his brow. “I have no idea,” he admitted. “Do you have any suggestions, Flame?” Flame paused in the act of lifting a piece of pancake to his mouth and shook his head. “Until we’ve finished our business in the City, there’s nothing pressing that needs doing. There’s only one major task remaining now and I don’t think anyone else can help with that. In fact I’d rather the clan was out of the way.” Sword glanced toward the kitchen. “Umm... would you mind if we had breakfast? We didn’t want to dirty up the kitchen at the house we left this morning.” “Help yourself, there were an absurd amount of leftovers,” Storm said as he finished off his last bite. He took a few swallows of tea. “But make sure you leave some for Darksky and his swordbrother. They’re supposed to be here this morning too.” Sword got up. “We can always cook something if there isn’t enough food left. Well, Breeze can Page 114

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anyway. I wouldn’t trust myself to heat a pan of water without burning the pan.” “You sound as bad as me,” Storm remarked as he picked up his plate and carried it to the kitchen along with the cup from his tea. He set them in the washbasin to the smiles and murmurs of, “Thank you, my Chief,” and “Good morning my Chief,” from the women in the kitchen. “Good morning. Please be sure you let Heartfire or Watersong know if you need anything else for meals while we’re here, or for after we leave,” he said in reply. “And make sure there are ample supplies for the Storm Season. We won’t be able to come back to the City for at least a year and you can’t always find what you need at Gathers.” The women replied with, “Thank you my Chief,” and “We’ll be sure to do that, my Chief.” “Did you want to go and take a look at Lord Elijah’s house?” Storm asked his swordbrother. Flame nodded as he finished chewing on his last mouthful of breakfast. After he swallowed the food he said, “Yes, I think we should as I’ve a feeling we’ll need to know the layout.” Page 115

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“I doubt we’ll be able to get inside the grounds much less the house,” Storm remarked. “But we can at least see what sort of place it is and what kind of defenses it might have. He’s a City Lord, so I’m sure there will be a high wall and probably some guards.” Sword glanced from him to Flame and back. “Excuse me, my Chiefs, but why would you want to go near that man’s house? He’s a notorious slave dealer here in the City. Money from buying and selling people is how he made himself a City Lord.” Flame exchanged a long look with Storm then answered Sword. “We’re going there because my sister is a slave in his house. What do you know about him, Sword?” The tall smith dropped onto a chair, a deep frown creasing his forehead and pulling his mouth downward. “He a nasty son of a dustdelver. He’s also the biggest slave dealer in the City. He’s the one that runs the biggest slave auctions here. He specializes in selling clanspeople, especially powerful watermages and women.” Sword met their gazes. “If your sister is a watermage, I’m Page 116

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sorry to tell you this, I’ve heard it said he keeps a beautiful female watermage as his concubine.” “We already knew why Darksky is acquainted with this Lord Elijah,” Storm muttered, his mouth twisted into a sour expression. “But I didn’t know this City Lord is the biggest slave dealer in the City.” Flame reached across the table and took hold of one of Storm’s hands which he squeezed almost painfully. “Darksky did not sell Oasis to this man, and frankly, I very much doubt if he sold anyone that would be missed by their clan. He just isn’t that sort of man.” The firemage turned his attention to Sword. “Yes, Sword, we think the concubine you mentioned is my sister.” Sword’s eyes widened. “Your sister? Then let’s go get her the hell out of there! I know my swordbrothers will be pleased to help.” Windspinner entered the room. “Did I just hear that right, my Chief ? Is your sister enslaved here in the City?” the windmage asked. His gaze rested on Flame. The expression on the windmage’s face one of horror mingled with a Page 117

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great deal of anger. “If she is I’ll do whatever I am able to help you free her.” Flame nodded mutely and squeezed Storm’s hand again. “Yes. My so-called chief sold her when she was a child. I haven’t seen her since then.” Darksky and Lakesinger arrived at that moment. The bratty watermage nodded to Windspinner, a slight smile on his face. “I hope Star’s not still mad as fire at me.” “She’s not,” Windspinner said. “But I wouldn’t try acting like a friend if I were you. While she’s no longer angry with you, she’s also not in any mood to pretend she likes you either.” Storm noticed the tension between Lakesinger and Windspinner and hoped the two of them could work out their differences, otherwise it was going to be a long and uneasy Storm Season. “I don’t know if you can help us, not yet anyway,” Storm told the newest members of their Clan. “Our plan is to try and buy her back from this Lord Elijah.” Darksky shook his head. “I’m sorry, my Chiefs. I offered him sunstones, I even said he Page 118

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could tell me the number of stones he wanted in trade, but he refuses to even consider selling her. Apparently she’s his favorite concubine and he won’t let her go.” The stonemage’s dark eyes went from Storm to Flame, gaze focused on his co-Chief ’s face. “I did get confirmation that she’d been called Oasis when she came into his possession as a child. He purchased her from slavers. Her name is Lotus Blossom now.” Flame grimaced. “Lotus Blossom? She’s a watermage not a damned plant! What an incredibly stupid name.” He took a deep breath. “Sorry about that. Is she ever allowed out of the house? If he won’t accept payment for her we’ll have to take her, if she’s willing to leave him.” “These City Lords never let their women out of their homes. Even their wives are locked away,” Darksky informed. “They’re worried about them being kidnapped by clansmen or rival lords and held for ransom.” Sword nodded. “He’s right. The families here in the City treat women like cattle.” Windspinner snorted, the sound one of Page 119

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annoyance. “Sounds alarmingly familiar among our own people of late, doesn’t it?” “Sadly, yes,” Storm agreed. I wonder if the ideas of the City are partially responsible for some of the changes to the way clansmen treat their women? I doubt it though. It’s got to be Dragonwind’s ugly influence. We’ve lived side by side with the City people for generation upon generation and never adopted their ways. Flame’s head drooped and he stared at the table. “I don’t even know if she wants to stay with this man. If she does, I won’t like it much but I want her to be happy.” Lakesinger shook his head emphatically. “She’s a clanswoman and your sister, My Chief. She is not going to be happy locked up in this man’s house.” “He’s right,” Sword agreed. “No clanswoman wants to be caged. We’re too used to the open horizon and constantly moving across the open land. Being kept indoors all the time with walls limiting your vision—” He shook his head. “Even after a few days of being in the City I get restless for the open land.” Page 120

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Storm stroked the backs of Flame’s hands with the pads of his thumbs. “They’re right, Flame. Oasis is a clanswoman, she’ll be happy to see you and eager to leave.” Darksky moved to where Flame sat, and put a hand on his shoulder. “Flamespirit, look at me,” he urged. Flame glanced up at the big stonemage his brown eyes glimmering with unshed tears. “I don’t know what to do for the best, Darksky.” “I saw her today,” the stonemage admitted. “She saw me and there was a plea in her gaze. She knew me, and wanted me to help her escape. I sure she did.” He brushed his fingers across Flame’s cheeks. “Don’t cry. We’ll get her out.” Darksky turned his gaze to Storm. “I know my way around the place. I’ll go with you and help you get her back.” Storm regarded Darksky for a moment. “What about your relationship with Lord Elijah? If you help us you won’t be able to speak with him anymore.” “Oasis was like a little sister to me. It took seeing her to make me remember I’m not an Page 121

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outlaw anymore, I’m a clansman and I have a duty to my Chiefs to protect the members of this clan. That includes Oasis,” Darksky replied. Sword clapped Darksky on the shoulder, feeling something approaching admiration for the former outlaw. “Good man.” I didn’t expect any help from him. Sword’s right. Deep inside Darksky is a good man, he just has to remember to be that man and not the outlaw he’s been for so long. Flame took a deep, shuddering breath and wiped his watering eyes. “Very well, if she wants out of there we’ll get her out.” He grasped Darksky’s hand. “Thank you, Dark, you cleared things up for me.” “So it’s settled. Flame and I are going to go look at the place and get an idea of what we’ll be facing. Then we’re going to come back here and formulate a plan,” Storm said. “That seems like an excellent idea, my Chief,” Sword agreed. “And while you’re doing that, I’ll help Darksky sketch out a map of as much of the interior as he is familiar with.” Page 122

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Darksky nodded. “That’s a good idea, Sword. I’d be pleased to help in any way I can.” “If there is any way I or my bondmates can help you, you need only ask,” Windspinner stated. “We’re part of this clan and we’ll do anything needed in order to assist our Chiefs.” Storm nodded. “I thank all of you.” He considered what would need to be done before they grabbed Oasis and made their run for it. “We’ll need the rest of the goods we’ve written down for the Clan so we make it through Storm Season without any problems. It will need to be purchased and packed and everything the clan owns will need to be outside the gates of the City before we grab Oasis. Otherwise we might not be able to make it out of the gate.” “He’s right of course,” Darksky stated. “Yes, he is,” Sword agreed. “I’m sure Trueflight and our swordbrothers can handle getting the rest of the things the clan will need.” “I and my swordbrother are willing to help out too,” Heartfire remarked. “And I,” Lakesinger added, “will help in whatever way I can.” Page 123

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Flame smiled at them all, stood up and headed towards the bedroom. He returned a few moments later with three very large and full to bursting pouches. “These should be enough to purchase anything else we might need.” He dropped two of the pouches on the table. “I’ll take this one with me to pay for the goods we’ve already ordered, including the wagon we’ll need to transport it all.” Storm got to his feet. “There is a cylinder of sunstones in our room on the top of the dresser. Get them if the firestones aren’t sufficient to pay for the things we’ve ordered. I know there are enough sunstones to pay for three times the amount of goods we placed on order.” “Let’s hope we don’t need them,” Heartfire said. “I can’t touch the things and I’m not sure anyone but you can, my Chief.” “Get some smaller cylinders while you’re at the Market then. Make sure they’re small enough to be used for individual stones that way you don’t have to handle them,” Storm instructed Heartfire. He put an arm around Flame. “We need to get going if we’re going to get everything we need to do finished today. The sooner we’re Page 124

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out of the City and on our way to Darksky’s caves the better. I really do think we’re in for a far too early Storm Season.” “So do I,” Sword commented. “All the signs are there, including the fact the trees in the gardens are changing color already.” Windspinner added, “Lots of people think so.” “Including Lake and me,” Darksky admitted. Flame leaned against Storm and smiled around at their Clan. “Thank you all,” he said quietly. “I have great faith in the future of this Clan when it is made up of such exceptional and good people.” “Good people? Well most of us I guess. There is this one brat I’m not so sure about,” Darksky teased, putting his arms around his swordbrother. Lakesinger huffed and puffed a bit but leaned into Darksky’s embrace. “Bully!” he muttered without any real heat. Sword scratched his chin. “I think you and I have some serious work to do, Darksky. But first Page 125

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we need a sheet of parchment and something to draw with.” “I know exactly where to get both things,” Heartfire said. “I’ll be right back.” “We’re going to go by that Lord’s house then to the Market. We’ll be back in a couple of hours,” Storm said as he led Flame toward the door. Flame followed him out of the house, the pouch of firestones slung over one shoulder. The other hand was holding onto Storm as if he would never let go. “Can we really do this?” he asked as soon as they were out of the house and no longer within earshot of the others. Storm stopped on the sidewalk between a pair of blossom laden rose bushes. He turned and gripped Flame by his shoulders. “Flame, stop to think for a moment. The question you should be asking is how soon do we want to rescue Oasis, not whether we can.” He let Flame go, caressed his lover’s soft cheek. “I don’t think you realize it, but there is nothing in this City that can stop us. You’re a Fenyx, I’m a Dragon, Lakesinger is a Water Serpent, and Darksky is an Ursa. Add to that the powers of Windspinner and his bondmates and the Four Winds and I doubt Page 126

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there is a force on the entire planet able to stop us from doing exactly what we want.” He gave Flame a grim smile. “I don’t think even Dragonwind will be able to stand against us once the time comes to take him down.” Flame started to chuckle and he reached out to touch a hand to Storm’s cheek. “Of course,” he said. “I’ve been too clouded by my emotions to think rationally. With Darksky’s ground plan and our powers we should have no problems at all.” “Exactly,” Storm stated and gave Flame a quick kiss. “Now let’s go look at this place and get our purchases made. When we’re done we can come back here and formulate a solid plan to rescue Oasis.” Storm led Flame down the street toward the lake. Three blocks from their house he turned left and continued for seven blocks before leading Flame down yet another street. The houses along this road were bigger, and there were actual walls around them that were two to three times the height of the fences around the houses in the area where they were staying. There were huge plants growing in the yards. Page 127

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Storm pointed. “That,” he said, “is a tree like they had on our home world.” Flame stared at the tall tree, his wide eyes showing his amazement. The tree was huge, with bright golden orange leaves, the colors of a beautiful sunset. Flame would have seen smaller trees in some of the more sheltered canyons, Storm knew, but nothing this big or beautiful in its autumnal glory. “However does it survive the storms?” “The City has some kind of magic that protects it during the Storm Season. It’s something like the power of a windmage.” Storm shook his head. “Hell, it may be a group of windmages for all I know. Anyway this thing, whatever it is, protects the City from the winds and sand. I’ve never heard what it is explained really, but Jonah told my father about it one night. He said without it the City would probably be destroyed by the winds. It’s a pretty certain guess the trees wouldn’t survive.” He led Flame down the street, the two of them admiring the myriad kinds of trees, most of them showing a scattering of bright colored foliage. Page 128

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They rounded a corner and Storm stopped. That’s it,” he said. Storm studied the imposing house where Oasis was being held as Lord Elijah’s concubine. A stone wall topped with intricate vines of ironwork surrounded the building. Close inspection showed the ‘vines’ were liberally sprinkled with sharp spikes that would pierce skin like small knives. Beyond the wall was an extensive garden if the assortment of tall trees was any indication of what might fill the rest of the area. What they could see of the house didn’t bode well for any attempt to break in and get Oasis out. “This is going to take some careful planning,” Storm stated. “I hope to hell Darksky knows the layout well enough to help us find her or we might be in for some fighting.” * Flame nodded his agreement. The place looked to be almost impregnable from what he saw. “Is there an opening in this wall somewhere? I mean Page 129

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there has to be a way for them to get in and out but I’m guessing it will be heavily guarded.” He took another look at the wall. It didn’t look as if it would be an easy climb especially with the metal on the top. But then again, neither he nor Storm was an ordinary man. “I’m sure the wall will pose no real obstacle. Not for us anyway,” Storm commented. He grinned at Flame, glanced around and spread his arms. A tightly contained whirlwind lifted him upward a few feet, then lowered him. When his feet touched the ground Storm winked at him. “Dragons can fly. So can Fenyx for that matter, though exactly how you’d go about doing it I’m unsure. Maybe you can tap my wind power and use it.” Flame smirked back at him before becoming thoughtful. “It’s as good a test as any to see exactly what we can accomplish with our beasts. Once we know the layout of the interior we can plan although one problem does spring to mind. If Oasis shares his bed it makes things a bit tricky.” And he hated that thought enough to want Page 130

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to burst into the place right now and rescue his twin. Storm turned a grim expression on Flame. His gold-rimmed aqua eyes flashed with an inner fire seldom visible except when strong emotion of some sort filled him. “It all depends on how much of a fight he puts up. But if he tries to hurt you, or her, I’ll kill him.” Flame shrugged, completely unbothered by the threat to the City Lord. “If he deals in slavery, he’s no great loss to the world,” was all he said on the subject. He took another look at the wall and nodded thoughtfully. “We can do this at any time,” he said. “The important thing is to get the Clan out of the City before we strike. Any thoughts on how we get my sister out of the City gate? That’s where I can see there being a problem.” “Get her on the back of your cycle and race out of here as fast as we can. The City people don’t use cycles, so we can get out of here faster than they can chase us,” Storm explained. Flame grinned. “Then let’s get our preparations and supplies finalized, get the Clan to a safe Page 131

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distance and get out of this damned City!” He couldn’t wait to leave the noisy, crowded place behind him. “Let’s get the things we bought yesterday paid for first. I’ll need to go by Jonas’ place and let him know we’re going to be leaving.” He glanced at the sky. “Let’s plan on early tomorrow morning. We need time to get everything bought, load the wagon and have everyone ready to leave as early in the morning as possible. “And that reminds me, we need to find out when the Gate is opened. I’d hate for us to get her back and discover we’re all stuck waiting at the Gate while the Lord’s people are searching for us.” Flame felt a frisson of excitement, tinged with fear, run down his spine. He hadn’t expected them to be leaving quite so soon or to be making the attempt to free Oasis in the coming morning. Then again, it makes sense with an early Storm Season coming. We need to be safely in Darksky’s caves before the first gales. “The promise of an early Storm Season gives us the perfect excuse to find out from the gate guards what time the gate opens,” he said. Page 132

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“I’m sure Darksky or Sword will know,” Storm remarked as they walked away from the house heading for the Market Square. “Between them I think those two men know just about everything worth knowing about the City.” The pair of them arrived at the wagon merchant not long after that to find Heartfire and Greycloud waiting for them. “Greetings my Chiefs,” both young warriors said as they joined the two men. “Greycloud will drive the wagon to the house,” Heartfire informed them. “And we took the liberty of placing a small initial payment on a set of cycles to pull it because Sword said none of the cycles we have will work, they won’t connect to a tandem control device.” Flame chuckled wryly. “So how many more firestones or sunstones are needed for that?” he asked. He felt that a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders now he knew that this time tomorrow they would be out of the City and his sister would be with him if all went well. “We got the best bargain we could,” Heartfire replied, “Five small sunstones for each cycle. And I bought those cylinders you wanted Chief Page 133

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Stormdragon. If you break up the sunstones you’ve already made I can take the payment to the cycle merchant and save you the trouble of doing it yourselves.” Storm nodded and clapped the young firemage on the shoulder to show his approval. “That’s a good bargain on the cycles, and thank you for getting the cylinders for the sunstones. I’ll divide them up for easier barter. And yes, you can go pay for them and get them to the house along with the wagon.” “I bought a tow sled for the wagon so there’s somewhere to put my cycle,” Greycloud said. “It came out of the trade goods I had. I hope my Chiefs don’t mind.” Flame shook his head and smiled. “Not at all, Greycloud, they’re your trade goods. I think we can produce plenty more between us during the Storm Season.” An elbow bumped into Flame’s ribs. “Actually we, as Chiefs of the Dragon and Fenyx clan, should pay for that sled,” Storm remarked. “You’re being made to drive the wagon, which is why you need the sled to carry your cycle,” Storm stated. Page 134

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Flame glared at his swordbrother for a second while he rubbed his abused ribs before grinning ruefully. “Storm is right. We’ll pay for the sled, Greycloud. What do you need for it?” “I gave them a small darbear pelt. I’d like to buy it back if possible. I use it for part of my bed so I don’t get so cold at night. Unlike you, my Chiefs,” Greycloud smiled, “I don’t have a swordbother to keep me warm at night.” Flame shook his head in amusement. “We’ll have to see what we can do about that one of these days, Greycloud.” “I can take care of the payment for you, my Chiefs,” Heartfire offered. “I’m sure I can get the darbear fur back, or buy Greycloud another as I have some firestones. Sword gave them to me. He told me he has too many small ones.” Heartfire grinned. “Sword wants to negotiate getting a few larger firestones from you in exchange, Chief Flamespirit.” Flame nodded his head, smiling slightly at Heartfire. “That shouldn’t be a problem. I imagine he needs plenty of heat for his forge.” He considered ways to make his firestones powerful enough to make that kind of heat and realized Page 135

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that the bigger he could make them the more heat they would put out. He could see plenty of uses for bigger, stronger firestones. He removed the large pouch from his shoulder and handed it to Heartfire. “Just in case you don’t have enough firestones from Sword.” “All right, Heartfire, you take care of the rest of the purchases on the list. Flame and I are going to return to the house to make our plans for tomorrow. I’ll also divide up the sunstones so if you need any of them you can come by and get them,” Storm said. The other firemage’s eyes widened in surprise. “We’re leaving tomorrow my Chief ?” “Yes, Heartfire, our plan is to leave tomorrow, unless something changes our plans,” Storm replied. “I don’t know about the rest of you,” Flame said, “but personally I can’t wait to get out of the City.” Heartfire and Greycloud nodded their agreement, with Greycloud adding, “It’s interesting to be here for a few days, but the noise Page 136

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wears on your nerves and the crowds,” he shook his head, “being jostled isn’t any fun.” “No it’s not,” Storm agreed. “Let’s get going, Flame, we’ve got a lot to do in a very short period of time.” Storm started down the street toward the house, Flame keeping pace with his swordbrother. “I’m beginning to see why you want to settle somewhere and trade with the Clans from there,” Flame said as they walked. “It makes perfect sense now I’ve seen the City. The people here only want to make a profit from the clans in any way they can.” “Yes, that’s part of my reasoning since those profits often include the buying and selling of clanspeople. If the Dragon and Fenyx Clan were in charge of trade in our own settlement we could entirely exclude slavery from the place.” Storm frowned. “And we can make sure the games of chance aren’t rigged.” Flame chuckled. “We could put Goldstone in charge of any games. That should make sure he doesn’t gamble all his possessions away when here!” Page 137

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He became serious again all at once. “I would have preferred to see the City take on our ways rather than vice versa. How much of this your brother is behind and how much is due to clanspeople having to come here to trade for certain goods is moot. All I know is this, I never want the clans to become like the people here. I want our women to have the same power as the men, to become warriors, or mages or anything else they set their minds to.” “That has been the way of our people since the time of the Legends. Was not the Great Dragon wed to Queen Nikki on the world of our origin? When we came here women were our equals, they led our people and were free to do as they chose,” Storm said. He led Flame away from the busy streets near the Market Square and Flame recognized a vine draped fence they’d passed several times. They were almost to their rented house. “I fully believe Dragonwind is changing things to suit his own evil purposes. But,” he turned a grim smile on Flame, “we’ve discussed this before.” “Yes we have,” Flame agreed, “so now we will lead by example. We have to stop being a clan Page 138

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of outcasts and become a force to be reckoned with. We train all our young people, male or female, and offer all the chance to earn their warrior stripes and mage tattoos. Somehow I think we will attract more people and they will be powerful people. Sadly the weak, such as my old clan, will go under until the time comes when we can deal with your brother.” Storm nodded. “Unfortunately I think you’re right. Only the strongest clans will survive his time of turmoil, thanks in large part to my brother.” Storm frowned. “I know a lot of his is his doing.” He paused at the street corner his face taking on a sad, all too serious expression. “He will form alliances or conquer clans to make himself stronger. We’ll form alliances with clans who do not agree with my brother or who don’t want to surrender to him, as we did with Chief Skybird of the She Bear Clan.” Storm resumed walking, turning the corner onto the street where their rented house stood. “It occurs to me we’re going to need a tattooist.” Flame smiled and grabbed one of Storm’s hands, squeezing it reassuringly. “I have every faith that one will turn up very soon,” he said. Page 139

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“What I would really like to do is find this Speaks to the World and consult with him. I just can’t help feeling that there is much more going on here than your brother, even bad as he is.” Storm opened the gate to the house. “I hate to admit it, but I think you’re right, Flame. I think this goes beyond Dragonwind and his insane ambitions.” He paused, his gaze on the wagon which belonged to Sword Dancer and his swordbrothers. “I want to find him too. If he really can see the future he would be useful to have in our clan.” Flame nodded his agreement. “A reputable visionary would certainly be an asset. We’d better see how far Sword and Dark have got on that plan of the interior and let the Clan know we’re leaving in the morning.” It was funny how he’d fallen back into calling his old friend Dark once more and yet it seemed perfectly natural to do so. Storm gave a nod, but from the expression on his face Flame wasn’t sure his lover had actually heard him. He was staring at the house, face turned pale, his eyes unfocused. Flame began to feel really worried. This was Page 140

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so unlike his swordbrother. “Storm? Are you all right?” he asked as he waved a hand in front of Storm’s face. Storm’s eyes went dark, going from their normal aqua to a strange steel-grey color. The normally gold rims turned black. He stared at Flame, his face devoid of recognition, as though Storm gazed upon something Flame couldn’t see. “It’s burning. The entire City is burning,” Storm whispered. “The sky is full of flame. Fire is falling on the City as it did in the days of the Cataclysm when our world almost died.” Flame stared at his swordbrother in shock. Much as the City dwellers annoyed him with their money grubbing and arrogance, he wouldn’t wish that sort of destruction on them. He reached out and touched Storm’s arm, hoping to snap him out of this strange vision. Storm blinked, and when his eyes opened they were perfectly normal as if the odd changes hadn’t happened. He frowned and rubbed his temples. “Great, just what I needed, a damn headache,” he growled, voice full of annoyance. Flame frowned, concerned that Storm didn’t seem to know what happened. “Your eyes went Page 141

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weird and you were talking about the City being in flames. All of the City with fire raining down from the sky.” Storm frowned. “I did?” He shook his head. “All I remember is opening the gate. We were talking about that map Darksky said he’d make with Sword and now you’re telling me I said something about fire dropping from the sky?” Storm rubbed his temples again. “And my head hurts. Flame nodded. “Then I said something about letting the Clan know we’d be leaving in the morning but I don’t think you even heard that. You just said the entire City was burning. I think you must have had a vision or something.” “I don’t know what I had, but right now I’ve got a horrible headache,” Storm replied, his fingers still rubbing his temples. “And,” he frowned, “I feel dizzy.” Flame took a step towards his swordbrother and placed an arm around his waist to support him. “Let’s hope you don’t have too many more of the damned things. Let’s get inside and I’ll ask someone to make you some tea.” Page 142

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Breeze, just inside the door, fixing a worn sled tether, frowned when he saw them. “You look pale, Chief Stormdragon. I’ll make you some tea.” “Thank you, Breeze,” Flame said with a smile and led Storm to the table where Sword and Dark were sitting. “Have you had any luck with the map?” Storm sank into a chair, his hand to his head. Sword nodded, his deep blue gaze going from Storm to Flame. His brow furrowed in evident worry. “Yes my Chief, we’ve made good progress, though we’re not quite done.” The smith turned the map around so Flame could see it. “Are you unwell, Chief Stormdragon?” Darksky asked. “A slight headache,” Storm answered as he reached to pull the map closer. Flame gave his swordbrother a look but said nothing about what had happened. The others didn’t need to know. “The main obstacle we can see is, of course, the wall around the place,” Darksky commented. Page 143

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“But it’s hardly an insurmountable difficulty. There’s a wrought iron crest that will give a good handhold and there are other ways of getting around it. Once we’re inside the garden entering the building won’t be difficult.” He pointed to the back of the house diagram where a door was indicated. “That’s the service entrance. They bring everything into the house through this door, food, wine, slaves. I doubt there are many guards at this entrance.” Flame held up a hand to silence Dark. “One moment please, Dark. Did you say ‘we’? As far as I’m aware only Storm and I will be entering the house.” He fell quiet as Breeze appeared with several cups on a tray. The blue-haired windmage placed the tray on the table and handed round the cups, giving Storm his first. Storm took the cup from Breeze, a wan smile curling his lips. “Thank you, Summerbreeze,” he said, then turned to Flame. “We don’t know the interior, Flame. What if she isn’t in his bed? By the time we find her everyone in the place might know we’re there to get her. That means Page 144

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fighting, and fighting means she could be hurt if she gets caught in the middle.” Storm gazed into his tea cup, then glanced up to look at the group of men assembled in the dining area, his eyes coming to rest on Flame last. “I think Darksky and Sword should come with us. She knows Darksky so he can come with me which will keep her from being afraid. You can go with Sword, that way we either find her in his bed, or we get her from the slave’s quarters and get the hell out of there before the alarm is raised. At least I think that’s the best plan.” Flame mulled Storm’s words over. He could see the wisdom in them but was loathe to involve both Dark and Sword in what were essentially his problems. “I... thank you,” he said finally. Sword grinned. “No thanks needed, my Chief. You’ve given myself and my swordbrothers welcome in your Clan, it is only fitting we help you in any way we can. That’s what a real clan does, they help one another. If they don’t the clan can’t survive.” Storm took a sip from his cup of tea to hide the faint smile, but Flame saw it and wondered what was on his swordbrother’s mind this time. Storm Page 145

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never seemed to stop contemplating things, though the things he thought about changed constantly. “We should have everything ready to go tonight, except for the last minute things we’ll need for the evening and morning. And that reminds me, do either of you know when the City Gates open?” “An hour after dawn,” Darksky replied. Sword nodded. “He’s right. That’s the earliest the City Guard will let anyone in or out.” Flame frowned at the timing. “Are the City people early risers on the whole? We don’t want them getting in the way.” “No, but clanspeople are. The Gates are opened as a concession to the clans because if we’re leaving the City we like to get an early start. Sensible clans are well away from the City before dark. There are just too many outlaws who lurk around the City looking for easy targets,” Sword explained, reiterating something that Storm had already told them regarding outlaws around the outskirts of the City. Flame relaxed somewhat. “Well any other clans aren’t likely to be a problem,” he said. Page 146

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“As for any outlaws, they’d get more than they bargained for. My biggest concern would be the people in that house waking up and trying to stop us. I’d prefer to do things as quietly as we can so the Clan can be well away from the City before it’s discovered that she’s gone.” “Which is why the rest of our Clan is going to be out of the Gates before we go near Lord Elijah’s house,” Storm stated. “I want our people ready to leave, waiting for the Gate to open. Once we’re sure they’re on their way into the Barrens we’ll make our move and break into the house to get Oasis.” Sword scratched his chin. “Sounds like a solid plan to me, but I’m not an expert in kidnappings.” He glanced at Darksky. “What do you think?” Darksky set his teacup down. “I think it will work, so long as we get the timing right. If we enter the house before the Gates open, we might not be able to get out fast enough.” He frowned. “Which brings me to another point. The City Guards stop everyone who is leaving the City just like they stop people coming in. What do you plan to do about that?” Page 147

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“We’re going to ride straight through and not stop,” Storm said. Flame arched a brow at that bit of news and waited to see what reaction the others would have. Then he thought of something else. “Won’t they expect a Chief to leave with his Clan?” “They don’t really pay that much attention,” Sword replied. “And Chiefs often remain behind for a day or two if they have unfinished business.” “Make no mistake, Lord Elijah will come after us,” Darksky informed them, his face set in stern, serious lines. “While Lord Elijah’s people don’t move fast because they don’t use cycles, that doesn’t mean they won’t come after us. Knowing him as I do, he’ll hire a slave-trading clan to try and reclaim her. If they do catch up to the clan, they won’t just be after Oasis, they’ll try to take as many of us as they can to sell.” Darksky paused obviously waiting for that information to sink in. Then he continued, “Under those circumstances my real worry is if the Clan’s close by with those slow moving wagons, the people he hires are going catch up and then we’ll have a fight on our hands. One Page 148

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involving the entire clan including the women and children.” Flame sighed. One problem solved but another in its place. “That’s not acceptable,” he said flatly. “Excuse my ignorance, but how big are these slave-trading clans? As far as I know I’ve never come across one.” Another thought came to mind and he smiled. “And I don’t think I’d really mind if there was one less of them in the world.” “Most of them are bigger than our Clan, Flame,” Storm replied. “And I’m not planning on killing people, slave traders or not. Those men probably have wives and children like every other clan. I don’t think we need to make any more orphans than necessary.” He sighed. “Besides, Darksky is right, we don’t want to put the women and children of our own clan into a situation like that. Yes, many of us are powerful, but we can’t be everywhere at once.” Darksky nodded. “I don’t ever like the idea of putting children into danger.” “Nor do I,” Sword agreed. “I suggest having the majority of the Clan Page 149

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depart today and get as far from the City as possible,” Darksky recommended. “That way they’re well out of harm’s way and we can focus on the rescue and escape.” Storm frowned. “I worry about how vulnerable they’ll be without us.” Flame lost the smile abruptly. He didn’t want to get any of their people killed. He thought about the Clan leaving that day and nodded his agreement. “I think they should leave today too,” he said. “I think with all the warriors and mages amongst them they should come to very little harm. It’s our actions that might put them in harm’s way.” “I think it’s the safest option,” Storm remarked. Dark nodded. “So do I.” “It’s settled then. The rest of the Clan needs to get out of the City today as fast as possible,” Storm said. “The four of us will stay behind and free Oasis as soon as we’re sure the Gates are open.” Storm finished his cup of tea and got to his Page 150

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feet. “My clanspeople, I believe we all have work to do.” Flame shot a quick glance at his swordbrother, wondering if he’d recovered from whatever it was that had happened to him earlier. He looked less pale, at least, and his balance seemed fine so Flame stopped worrying about it and rose to his feet. Storm was absolutely right, they had plenty of work to do.

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Chapter Six Rescue

The early morning sun warmed the sky to a washed out lavender. Myriad small birds sang in the trees or fluttered through the air doing whatever it was that birds did. The scent of late season flowers filled the chill morning air with a delicate sweetness as the four men mounted their warcycles. They were all dressed in the clothes common to warriors prepared to cross the Barrens. Leather pants, thick leather jackets and heavy boots to protect their bodies from grit and dust. Their warcycles’ weapon racks were loaded with the swords and spears used by clansmen in hunting and in battle. Storm’s hair was ornamented after the way of a Chief of the Dragon clans, with bright blue and gold beads and a few small brass bells which jingled softly as he moved. He turned to the other three his expression grim. His Co-Chief Flamespirit, and the combat mages, Darksky and Sword regarded him with equally stern Page 152

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expressions. “We need to do this as fast as we can. Get in, grab Oasis, get out and flee the City. To make it work we’ve got to avoid protracted fighting which means using our magic and eliminating opposition, preferably without killing anyone. “Do any of you have questions?” “No,” Darksky replied. Sword shook his head. “No questions here,” Flame said. “Let’s do it.” Storm led away from the rental house, taking them down the street. They kept their cycles to a slow crawl that made little sound, Storm not wanting to awaken any of Lord Elijah’s neighbors or the people in his home. As Storm rode toward the City Lord’s house his mind twisted and rolled, filled with a flood of emotional turmoil. His first concern had been the Clan. But the Clan was safely away from the City. They had rolled out of the Gates in the early afternoon yesterday so the women and children were well out of reach of any immediate repercussions from the rescue of Oasis. He wasn’t worried about them being captured while they fled the City Page 153

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anymore, but he was concerned they might run into outlaws or slavers who might attack them. Despite the power of the bondmates and three of the four winds, he worried someone might get hurt in an altercation between their Clan and anyone foolish enough to attack them. He didn’t worry about them getting lost in the house either. After their Clan left, the four of them had gone over the map of Lord Elijah’s house until they all knew the layout from memory, then they’d gotten some rest. Or tried too. Storm didn’t think Flame had slept all night. For that matter, he hadn’t gotten much sleep either. Storm had never done anything like this in his entire life, and while there was a certain sense of excitement, it was accompanied by a huge batch of worry. Worry that they’d fail in their attempt to free Oasis. Worry that they’d be caught, though exactly how anyone could contain a Dragon, a Fenyx and an Ursa, he had no idea. Even his own brother, a Black Fenyx hadn’t been able to keep them captive so what hope did a bunch of City Page 154

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dwellers who lacked their own magical abilities have? But that didn’t make his stomach any less queasy at the prospect of breaking into the Lord’s house. Neither he or Flame could be killed, but he wasn’t so sure about Darksky, and as far as he could tell, Sword was a normal man, not an Immortal. What if he gets hurt? What if he’s killed? Shit, we should not have agreed to bring him. But it was too late to send Sword away. The smith was partnered with Flame and there was no way to change that now. Storm stopped his cycle at the back wall of Lord Elijah’s house and turned the engine off, the other three following his lead. “Let’s do this,” Storm said as he dismounted and headed for the wall. Storm hadn’t taken more than a step before he was grabbed from behind and turned around. Flame took hold of both Storm’s arms and kissed him passionately before breaking away to say, “Be careful.” Page 155

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“You too,” he said, gazing into his lover’s beautiful eyes. He gave Flame a gentle kiss. “Time to go, my love,” he murmured. He gently caressed Flame’s soft cheek and gazed into the rich brown eyes. “Don’t let anything happen to Sword.” Flame stepped away from him and very soon he and Sword had disappeared over the wall. Dark waved at Storm and walked through the wall, the stone parting for him with the fluidity of water. The stone rippled and reformed as if it had never been disturbed by the man’s magic. Storm couldn’t help himself, he grinned. What our Clan lacks in numbers we make up for in power several times over. He spread his arms to the sides and focused on the Dragon. Gauzy wings took form from his shoulders and the faint breeze became a powerful wind which picked him up and lifted him over the wall to set him down gently on the other side. The wings vanished as he joined the other three men amid the tall bushes near the wall. Together the four of them made their way through the lush garden to the rear entrance. Page 156

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As Darksky had predicted there were no guards present. Sword slipped a thin blade into the lock of the door. Pale blue threads of magic spun off his hand, flowed along the blade into the lock. There was a soft pop and the smith grinned. He turned the handle and shoved it open, making a gesture to the other three that silently proclaimed: aren’t you glad you brought me? Flame grinned in response and slipped inside where he came to an abrupt halt. The hallway they were in was lavishly decorated with so many bright colors it almost made their eyes bleed. “Ugh,” Flame muttered. “I’ll be so very glad to get back to a tent or cave.” “It is a little garish,” Dark whispered his agreement. “Garish?” Sword whispered. “Nightmarish is closer to the truth.” Storm led the way down the hall, dim threads of magical energy danced along the tattoos on his forearms. The house was quiet, the only sound they could hear was the tinkle of water which was Page 157

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probably coming from the fountain in the main room. They passed the doorway of a lavishly appointed kitchen where two female slaves were bent over their work preparing something for the morning meal. Neither of the women saw them go past. Storm stopped at the end of the hallway where it led into the main room. The main room was as overly decorated as the hall with thick carpets in bright red and gold on the floor, elaborate hangings on the walls and red furniture with accents of actual gold. To the right lay the slaves’ quarters, to the left was where the Lord Elijah had his rooms. Storm took Flame’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “Be careful,” he murmured, a tense smile giving away his nervousness though his actions didn’t. Flame returned both the pressure and the smile and whispered, “That goes double for you and Dark.” Storm headed to the left as they’d agreed, he and Dark taking the Lord’s rooms which were Page 158

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more dangerous because of a greater possibility they’d encounter guards. Slaves weren’t armed, and so posed less risk which was why he’d insisted Flame take that part of the house. He was protecting his lover from the greater danger. He just hoped Flame didn’t figure that out or he’d be in a lot of trouble later. Dark took the lead, directing them toward the Lord’s rooms with speedy efficiency. They went through the main room, down a second hallway their steps silenced by thick carpeting woven in red and gold. They came to a three way intersection and Dark took the new passageway. It too had sound deadening carpeting on the floor. At the end of the corridor they found a pair of guards in gleaming gold-worked armor. The pair of them, on seeing Darksky, reacted with smiles instead of hostility. The larger of the two stepped forward saying, “Greetings Master Darksky. I’m afraid Lord Elijah hasn’t awakened yet. I’m sure....” That was as far as he got before Darksky felled him with a hard fist to the jaw. By the time the second man realized what was happening he too was on the ground sleeping the Page 159

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dreamless sleep of the unconscious while Storm shook his hand and winced at the pain from accidentally catching a knuckle on the edge of the man’s helmet. Darksky motioned to Storm, indicating that the gold and gemstone worked door they stood in front of was the one they’d been seeking. Storm had understood that from the comment the guard had made, but he nodded in reply to Dark’s gesture. He leaned close and listened carefully for any sound which would indicate someone awake and moving about inside the room, but he heard nothing. Darksky raised an eyebrow in enquiry and Storm shook his head. Dark reached for the door handle, turned it gently, but it failed to move. Storm frowned. Too bad Sword isn’t here to use that unlocking trick of his. Darksky tapped his forearm, grinned and stepped through the wall beside the door. Storm shook his head, unable to keep from smiling despite his anxiety over what they were doing. Or more importantly, what was happening where Flame had gone. Page 160

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A heartbeat later he heard a faint click and the door swung open. Storm stepped inside. Like the rest of the house the room was decorated garishly, but the colors here were muted because the windows were covered with heavy curtains. Being unable to clearly see the furnishings was a small relief. City people seemed to totally lack a sense of what was aesthetically pleasing. Either that or they were all colorblind. A glance at the bed showed people asleep in it. Two in fact. Let it be Oasis in that bed with him. And if she’s not here I hope to the gods she’s in the slaves’ quarters so we don’t have to go on a room by room search for her. Storm crept forward with Darksky beside him. He motioned for Dark to wake the woman while he dealt with the Lord. Dark’s black eyebrow rose and the man silently mouthed, “Are you sure?” Storm nodded and Dark moved to the side of the bed where the smaller form lay under the covers. Storm circled around the bed calling up the Page 161

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magic of his Dragon. Pallid mist spilled from him as he drew a dagger from his belt and leaned over the bed, poised to strike. The man in the bed was reasonably good looking, though he was thin and pale compared to a clansman. His hair was dark brown, and cut so short Storm could see the skin beneath the short stubble. Storm clamped his hand down over the man’s mouth, the point of the dagger pressed to the underside of the Lord’s chin. Brown eyes flew open. They were filled with stark terror as they gazed up at him. From the other side of the bed came a woman’s startled squeak, followed by a shocked gasp. “Who are you?” the female asked. “Friends of your brother’s,” Storm replied without looking at her. He didn’t dare take his eyes off of the man. The Lord struggled but Storm dug the tip of the dagger into his skin. A bead of blood welled up under the point. “I don’t want to kill you, I really don’t. But if you try attack me or call for help you won’t leave me any options.” Page 162

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“Oasis,” he heard Darksky whisper, “you need to come with us.” The woman blinked. It was hard to tell her coloring in the darkened room but her voice sounded like a feminine version of Flame’s when she asked, “Darksky, is that you?” “Yes, now hurry, we don’t have a lot of time,” Darksky replied. Storm saw motion, the flash of pale limbs and the fall of long hair from the corner of his eye as the woman got out of bed. The Lord squirmed under Storm’s hand, the terror in his eyes replaced by rage. Lord Elijah tried to yell, but the sound was muffled by Storm’s hand over his mouth. The sound of clothing being hurriedly pulled on let Storm know Oasis was dressing. A moment later she whispered, “I’m ready.” She turned to take a look at her ‘master.’ “If I ever see you again I will kill you,” she promised. Storm didn’t think she was joking. “And if she doesn’t, I’m sure her brother and I will,” Storm added. “Get out of here, both of you. I’ll be right behind you.” Page 163

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The girl’s eyes widened at mention of her brother but she lost no time in following Darksky through the door. Storm waited until Darksky and Oasis were well gone. “Do not bother to try and stop us. You can’t.” Storm released the man. Lord Elijah and the bedding lifted on a powerful wind. The bedclothes wrapped around Lord Elijah, preventing him from making any attempt to grab Storm. The binding wouldn’t hold, and Storm knew it. He ran out the door hurrying along the corridors the way they’d come. He quickly caught up with Darksky and Oasis as they ran down the hallway toward the main room. “Guards! Guards! Intruders! Help!” Lord Elijah screamed. Flame and Sword erupted out of the slave quarters followed by three young slaves, two men and a woman. “Let’s get out of here,” Flame called. He smiled when he saw his sister but didn’t stop. “Run, head for the cycles,” Storm ordered as he turned to create a distraction. Page 164

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A hand closed on his arm and propelled him forcefully in the wake of the others. “You go, I’ll handle this,” Darksky ordered. Storm opened his mouth to argue, but shut it when the walls, floor and ceiling of the corridor they were in flowed like water to form a wall behind them. “That will slow them down considerably,” Darksky commented. Storm grinned. “Very good,” he said, “But they could just go out the front door instead.” Dark laughed. “Yes but then they have to run around the entire house, and it’s huge,” he pointed out as they ran after the others. Storm, with Dark right on his heels, reached the garden, Darksky spun on his toes and sealed the doorway behind them. He joined them at the wall and made a hole in the stonework that they all scrambled through. The hole flowed closed behind them as the group of them mounted the cycles, the escaped slaves riding pillion behind Sword, Dark and Storm while Oasis hopped on Flame’s cycle. Page 165

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Storm didn’t waste any time giving orders. They all knew what they were doing and where they were going. The four of them yanked on helmets and dustmasks, started up their cycles and roared down the quiet street toward the City Gates. They’d brought a helmet and mask for Oasis, but they hadn’t brought any extras because the other three escapees hadn’t been part of their plan. The group of them started their cycles and headed down the street, the big machines accelerating to the best speeds possible without risk of colliding with anyone or anything as they sped from street to street. They avoided the area near the Market Square and were soon in sight of the Gates, which were already open. The guards were standing around, relaxed and waiting for the first clans of the day to depart. They roared through the Gates without stopping, heading for the Barrens beyond. “Halt!” one of the guards shouted. “You aren’t allowed to leave!” another said. “Hey, come back here!” the fanciest dressed one yelled. Page 166

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Storm turned the throttle on his cycle, increasing the speed, and raced to the front of the group, leading them away from the City. The wind of his magic sang around him, ready should any of the outlaws lurking near the place decide the small group of them made an easy target. Darksky dropped to the rear as they’d planned. If anyone gave chase he’d make them wish they hadn’t by turning the ground around them into a wild and dangerous sea of shifting sand and dangerous gravel. Storm sensed it when Flame called upon his power then a new power joined the mix, that of a watermage. Oasis is ready to fight also. That’s good. The cycles roared across the Barrens, heading at top speed for the agreed upon meeting place where they would rendezvous with the rest of their Clan. Storm looked over his shoulder. So far there was no sign of anyone following them, but it would take time for Lord Elijah to find someone to chase them.

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Maybe we’ll get lucky and be long gone before anyone comes after us. A plume of dust rose into the air from his left. Storm frowned. That’s got to be slavers or other outlaws. The dust plume drew closer, the slavers trying to get ahead of them. The size of the dust plume swirling into the sky told Storm there were about a dozen riders. He’d guessed right, because a dozen men came around an outcropping of rock their cycles moving fast, making a direct line for Storm, Flame and their two clansmen. They think because we’re mounted double that’s going to make an easy target. Beneath his dustmask Storm’s lips twitched into a humorless smile as he sent a tight whirlwind toward them. Around him ribbons and bands of bright blue and gold shimmered and the hazy outline of the Dragon began to take form. The distant riders scattered as they attempted to avoid Storm’s whirlwind only to come up against a wall of Flame’s fire and a towering wave of sand, gravel and small boulders which Page 168

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hemmed them in on the other side. The land under their feet became marshy as Oasis called up the ground water. The whirlwind reversed direction under Storm’s control, the spinning air picking up sand, dust, stones, cycles and men with equal ease. The fire mixed with the wave of sand and gravel and fused it into a solid wall, hemming the outlaws in and leaving them to the mercy of Storm’s whirlwind which threw them around like a temperamental child threw toys. Storm let the wind die as he and the rest of the Dragon and Fenyx clanspeople sped up the rise toward the true Barrens the clansmen called home. They continued on, riding as fast as the heavily burdened cycles could go leaving the City far behind them. * The Clan was camped in a narrow, well hidden canyon waiting for them. The only reason they found it at all was because Heartfire was on the look out for them. The wagons were still packed Page 169

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making it very obvious that it was a temporary stop for them. Lakesinger raced across to hug Darksky and a second or two later Sword’s swordbrothers were gathered around him, obviously admiring the girl on the back of his warcycle. Flame grinned at the sight and climbed off his warcycle before turning to aid Oasis. His grin faded at the sight of her abraded skin. She was wearing the thin silks of the City and they certainly weren’t enough to keep the sand from lashing her as they rode. Luckily he had protected her from the worst of it but her arms and legs were covered in sand rash. “Are you all right?” he asked, suddenly uncertain of what to say to her after all the years they had been apart. She nodded before frowning at him and throwing her arms round his neck. “Oh, Flame, I missed you so much.” He held her close for a long moment, relishing the feel of her and the smell of her hair before pulling away. “Let’s get these grazes healed and see if one of the women has some more Page 170

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sensible clothing for you.” He smiled as Storm approached them. “But first of all I’d like you to meet my swordbrother, Stormdragon.” Storm’s mouth curled in a ready smile, his goldrimmed aqua eyes sparkled with happiness. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Oasis,” his swordbrother said as he held his hand out to her in greeting. “Welcome to the Dragon and Fenyx Clan. That is, welcome if you’ll agree to be part of it.” Oasis nodded her agreement after smiling at Storm. “If Flame, Darksky and you are part of this Clan then I’d very much like to make it my home. Thank you for rescuing me.” From nearby Flame could hear Zephyr speaking in hushed tones about how the Clan had easily driven off a group of marauders on their way to the canyon the prior evening. Flame frowned at the news. “I think the sooner I get you and the others healed and properly dressed the better. We need to get much further away from the city than this.” “I agree, the farther we get from the City the better. Elijah is likely to send clansmen after us,” Storm stated. Page 171

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The other three people they’d rescued approached. There were two men, a slender blond and a dark-haired man, and a woman with hair so pale a shade of blonde it was nearly white. “Thank you for rescuing us too,” one of the men said. “My name is Sunspark Stonefire and these are my friends,” he gestured to the female, “Waterlily Canyonlake and,” pointing to the other man, “Redstone Bowlmaker. We thank you for releasing us from captivity in Lord Elijah’s residence, or prison, depending on who you are.” Flame shook his head, embarrassed by their thanks. “There’s no need to thank me,” he said. “I just wish we could have brought more of you away with us. Come with me and I’ll heal your cuts and bruises.” “Most of the others wouldn’t have come anyway,” Sunspark stated. “They have a better life with Lord Elijah than they had with their former clans.” “He’s right,” Redstone agreed. “Their former clans sold them to Lord Elijah. Even if they’d escaped they had nowhere to go. The rest of us were kidnapped from our people.” Page 172

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Flame sighed at hearing that and turned to Storm. “They’ll need thicker clothing for traveling. Could you ask some of the women while I heal them?” “Of course, Flame. I’ll go ask around our Clan and see what I can find to fit them,” Storm replied and strode off. Sword joined Flame, Oasis and the new people. “I’ve talked to some of the clan about transporting our new arrivals. “Goldstone and Breeze are willing to let people ride with them and Greycloud has offered to let whoever feels they can ride his cycle borrow it for the trip to the caves. He’s got the wagon to drive so he doesn’t mind.” “What sort of cycle?” Sunspark asked. “It’s not that long since I drove one.” “It’s a scoutcycle,” Sword replied. “I’ll take care of the new arrivals for you, my Chief. You go ahead and take care of your sister.” Flame nodded in thanks to Sword and left the new people with him. He led Oasis to one of the tents where he drew his soul ball from its pouch at his waist. Page 173

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Oasis smiled. “I always knew you’d turn out to be a healer,” she said. Flame chuckled. “Healer, firemage, co-chief, you name it and I seem to be it.” He ran the ball over her body happy to see her skin heal but concerned about what he found in the area of her head. “It doesn’t matter, Oasis. He’ll never touch you again.” She sighed. “I know but I still feel dirty, soiled.” “Once we get far enough away from the City we’ll sit and talk,” Flame said. “I can’t understand how they could hold a watermage as strong as you are.” Oasis sighed again. “It’s because of what I was told when I was sold,” she said. “That bastard, Stonefist, told me if I ever escaped he would kill you. I knew well enough the contempt he held us both in so I had no reason not to believe he would keep his word.” “He told me you needed to be by their huge lake, that you craved the water. It hurt.” He gave her a wry grin. “It was even more painful when I Page 174

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met Storm and he made me see what must have happened. I felt like such a fool.” A cleared throat reminded him he had more people to heal. “We’ll talk later. The Clan should have found you some better clothing by now.” “They have,” Sword said from the other side of the tent’s door flap. “I’ve got a couple of shirts and skirts for your sister to try on, and a pair of women’s trousers that may fit if she’d rather wear those instead. We should have thought about getting clothes for her while we were in the City.” Flame smiled. “Come on in Sword.” He grinned at the smith when he opened the door flap and strolled in with an armful of clothing. “Did you manage to find something for the others to wear?” “Flight’s taking care of finding clothing for the men.” He grinned, his deep blue eyes sparkling with amusement. “I was given the task of finding clothing for the two beautiful women we rescued. But I admit that Zephyr was a lot of help picking out things that should fit them.” Oasis blushed at mention of Zephyr’s name Page 175

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but made no comment to Sword’s words, while Flame chuckled at Sword using the name Flight rather than True. He was convinced the smith only used True to annoy his swordbrother. “Thank you,” he said. “Silk is not great for travelling in the barrens. Where are the others? I think they probably all need a bit of healing.” “Putting some real clothes on I’d imagine,” Sword replied. “The men didn’t suffer as much as you two women did, they weren’t in flimsy silk.” Flame smiled at Oasis as she sorted through the pile of clothing. “Ah, but linen’s not that much thicker than silk. I’d better go and heal them before we break camp.” He rose to his feet, leaving his sister to change her clothes in peace, and stepped outside. The Clan were busily breaking camp, ready to get as far from the City as they could before nightfall. Flame wondered how long it would take to reach Darksky’s caves. The chill in the air was promising blackstorms but as yet the wind was calm. Too calm, he realized with a shiver down his spine. Such still air before the Storm Season usually meant a bad one. Page 176

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Windspinner approached him, the man’s face twisted with worry. “Excuse me, my Chief, but do you have a moment to speak with me?” Flame frowned at the concern coming off the windmage in potent waves. “Of course I do, Windspinner, what’s the problem?” “My Chief, I know this is going to sound...” the man sighed, “crazy but I think there’s a blackstorm brewing out there in the Barrens. If I’m not losing my mind, I’d day we’ve got three or four days to get to the caves where we’re going and take shelter.” He glanced at the sky. “But you don’t need to pay any attention to me since I might be imagining things. I’ve never been able to sense the storms before.” Flame shook his head. “No, I don’t think you’re either crazy or imagining things. I want to get there as soon as possible too. I just feel it’s way too calm at the moment.” He glanced around at the busy Clan and spotted Lakesinger. He caught the watermage’s attention and beckoned him over. Lakesinger appeared to hesitate for a second before striding purposefully towards them. “My Chief ?” he asked. Page 177

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Flame noticed the underlying tension between the two men and hoped it wore off quickly. If it didn’t they were going to have a very long and annoying Storm Season. “How many days before we reach your caves?” he asked. “With the wagons, two to three days as long as we make quick camps like this one,” Lakesinger told him. Windspinner’s gaze remained on Flame as he said, “It might take us three, that wagon of Sword’s is carrying a very heavy load, it won’t get anywhere close to a wagon’s normal top speed.” He looked down. “I did have an idea though, my Chief.” “I’m prepared to listen to anything that will get the Clan to safety in time,” Flame told him. “Since one of the new arrivals will be riding Greycloud’s cycle, couldn’t that pull the tow sled attached to your wagon? We could offload some of the weight from Storm’s wagon onto it which would mean faster travel.” Flame grinned at the windmage. “That’s not a bad idea, Windspinner, as long as whoever is Page 178

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driving Greycloud’s cycle is used to pulling a sled, of course.” Lakesinger cleared his throat. “Apparently Sunspark was only captured and sold a moonrise ago. It seems he had a scoutcycle and sled stolen by the outlaws that took him.” Flame stared at the watermage in astonishment. “What on earth was he doing pulling a sled when alone?” Lakesinger shrugged but the look on his face was bleak. “He was asked by his former chief to take some hides into the City to sell.” Flame made a small sound of disgust. “There are far too many greedy chiefs in this world. At least it makes Windspinner’s idea workable.” “Sadly, my Chief, your words are all too true.” Windspinner gave Flame a slight smile, but his overall expression was rather grim. “Thank you, my Chief, now if you’ll excuse me I’ve got to go help Spring and Star pack our things.” He hurried away without acknowledging Lakesinger’s presence. Storm came round one of the tents at a brisk walk. “Flame, have you had a chance to heal the Page 179

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new people? We really need to get under way as fast as we can in case Lord Elijah does send someone after us.” Flame smiled at his swordbrother as Lakesinger wandered away. “Only my sister so far, I’m sorry to say. Windspinner thinks there’s a storm brewing and suggested that Sunspark pull the new sled to speed things up.” “I was just talking to Breeze and he told me that that their wagon can’t get to top speed because Sword’s forge is so damn heavy.” He put an arm around Flame and gave him a quick kiss before saying, “It’s nice to see a problem resolved without the two of us becoming involved in the process.” Storm let him go and glanced at the sky. “Is it my imagination or is the air much too still?” Flame nodded his agreement. “Windspinner sensed a storm brewing out in the Barrens. You make sure they’re all packing while I do this healing. I’ll join you as soon as I’m done. I don’t think we should be traveling at night, do you?” Storm frowned. “Not if we don’t need to, but—” his gaze went to the sky again, “I don’t Page 180

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like the stillness. There’s not a trace of wind, and that’s usually an indicator of blackstorm forming somewhere.” Soft lips brushed Flame’s in a quick kiss. “Heal the other three and let’s get this clan of ours moving. Daylight doesn’t last forever and I really don’t want to do a lot of night time travel. Headlights or not, it’s too dangerous especially with women, children and wagons.” Flame ran a hand down Storm’s cheek and smiled at him. “I shouldn’t be very long,” he said before heading off to find the three new clanspeople. He found them with Greycloud, admiring his cycle. “Greycloud, unhitch the new sled from the wagon and load it with some of the stuff from the wagons, please.” Greycloud ran off to do as he was asked and Flame turned to the others. “Which one of you is Sunspark?” The blond man held up a hand. “That’s me, My Chief.” Flame smiled at the man. “Are you able to pull a heavily laden sled?” Sunspark nodded and smiled. “Yes, My Chief, Page 181

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very easily with this cycle. It’s very powerful. Greycloud lent me his goggles and a dustmask so I’m good to go.” Flame drew his soul ball out of its pouch. “Very well, let me deal with the sand blasting you got on the way here then, if you could help pack the sled, it would be helpful.” “I will do anything I can to help you, Chief Flamespirit. And I thank you, for rescuing me, and for healing me,” Sunspark replied. “Most clan chiefs these days wouldn’t bother to help a stranger, much less rescue them from being enslaved.” Flame frowned as he ran the soul ball over the cuts and abrasions on Sunspark’s arms and legs. “I know and that’s what we’re trying to change. A clan should be a Chief ’s family, not commodities he can use for his own glory.” “It was when our parents were young,” Sunspark remarked, “but things have changed, unfortunate as that is, it’s all too true.” “Chiefs don’t care about their people anymore,” Waterlily said, her expression one of sorrow. “My own father sold me to a man who Page 182

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claimed to want me for his wife. Two days later he sold me to a slaver. Then I was taken to the City and sold to Lord Elijah where I was made to work like a dog for a skimpy meal or two a day and let whatever man wanted me take me.” She shuddered at the memory, her face pale, eyes haunted. Flame ran the soul ball round her head, hoping that whatever healing he could provide would help to ease her mental anguish and make the bad memories fade quickly. He had just finished with her abraded arms when Zephyr arrived. “Chief Flamespirit,” the small blond said, “Chief Stormdragon would like to speak to you as soon you’re done healing the escapees.” He turned an appraising look on the woman and smiled at her, but he didn’t say anything. Waterlily gave him a nervous, rather selfconscious smile in return. Flame straightened up and smiled at Zephyr. “I’m just about done here. Where will I find Chief Stormdragon?” “He’s in the camp of Heartfire and Watersong,” Page 183

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Zephyr told him. “None of them looked happy either.” Flame frowned at that news as Goldstone, with Greycloud on his heels, arrived before Flame could take two steps away from the former slaves. “My Chief, we’ve gotten some things out of your wagon that can be loaded onto the sled. When we’ve finished loading it we’re going to add the things Breeze has offloaded from their wagon. Once we’re done will be ready to leave as soon as the rest of the Clan is ready to go.” Flame nodded to them both. “Thank you. Hitch it to Greycloud’s cycle when it’s loaded.” Then he was striding towards Heartfire and Watersong’s camp. “Hello the camp,” he said when he reached it. Even if he was their chief he wouldn’t enter their camp uninvited. One of the children ran out of their tent and said, “Hello my Chief, please enter our camp and be welcome.” She giggled and ran inside the tent, almost colliding with Watersong as he came out with a large basket crammed with their possessions. “Greetings my Chief,” he said, his tone friendly. “Chief Stormdragon and Heartfire are Page 184

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over behind that outcropping of rocks,” he said, gesturing toward a nearby cluster of boulders with a tilt of his head. Flame nodded and smiled. “Thank you, Watersong.” He headed for the outcrop of rocks as he wondered what was wrong. Storm and Heartfire were behind them deep in conversation. “Zephyr said you wanted me,” he called as he approached. The instant Flame spoke Storm turned a grim look his way. “Heartfire went to the top of the canyon wall to check for any signs we’re being followed. From there he could see a plume of dust coming our way. They’re not far from the City yet, but it looks like the warriors of an entire clan. Or it might be every slaver that Lord Elijah could hire since we left. Either way we’ve got to get this Clan of ours moving. Regardless of when we leave here, we’ll probably need to create a delaying action so the women, children and wagons are well away from any conflict.” Flame sighed in exasperation but he knew they could raise enough power to hold off any followers. Somehow though, he knew that wasn’t what Storm wanted to hear from him. “The sled Page 185

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has been packed and the tents are coming down as we speak. We should be moving within the hour at most.” “I’ll go back to camp and see in what way I can be of assistance to the others,” Heartfire said and hurried away leaving Flame alone with his swordbrother. Storm wrapped his arms around Flame, set a passionate kiss to his mouth that he didn’t break until Flame was breathless. Storm stepped away, but his hands remained on Flame’s shoulders. His gaze locked with his. “I don’t want you to argue about this. I want you to lead our people out of here. Lakesinger will point you in the direction we need to take to reach those caves of theirs. Windspinner, Darksky, Sword, Flight and I are going to be the rear guard.” Flame stared into his lover’s beautiful eyes and finally he nodded. Storm’s reasoning made sense to him even if he didn’t like the idea of leaving him to do the fighting. “If any one of you catches up with us needing a healer I am not going to be pleased,” was all he said on the subject. Storm gave him a long lingering kiss. “We’ll be careful, my love. I promise.” He smiled, still Page 186

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gazing into Flame’s eyes, he slid his hand down Flame’s arm to clasp his hand. Storm gave it a gentle squeeze. “I love you, but don’t you think we should try and help our clan get ready to flee?” Flame chuckled and slid an arm round his swordbrother’s waist. “I think it would probably make a good impression, yes.” The two young chiefs returned to the busy camp of their Clan, aiding whoever needed it most. It looked messy and disorganized but the tents of their clanspeople came down even faster than they would have in a full blackstorm. Sleds and workbikes were quickly packed, children accounted for and placed in sidecars and the clan was ready to leave in less than a half hour. Storm gave Flame a final hug and kiss. “I want you to be extra careful, and get our people hell away from here as fast as you can,” he urged. “Ride as late as you dare before you stop to make camp. We shouldn’t be more than three or four hours behind you, at most.” Flame returned the embrace and the kiss before Page 187

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saying, “You should be careful too. Remember what I said about healing.” Then he pulled away to mount his warcycle and head to the front of the Clan. “Okay, people, let’s move.” End of Part 4

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About the Authors

Auburnimp The pen name of Tracy Boyall. She is the author of two successful series Fallen Angels and Sweepers and the co-author of the Dragonhope books. She has been writing since she was fifteen but it is only in recent years that she decided to see what publishers thought of her work. Her characters are always strong, feisty and often impetuous enough to get into dangerous situations rather like their creator. She has recently become a partner in a e-publishing house, Shadowfire Press, where she is responsible for finances and customer service. She has been a knife-thrower’s target, an exotic dancer, a drummer, a homeless wanderer and many other things due to a desire to go wherever life takes her. She now lives in a small house in a large English city with four resident cats and one frequent visitor. She is female and has blue eyes; anything else is often subject to change without notice.

About the Authors

Links author site www.auburnimp.net myspace site www.myspace.com/auburnimp fanfiction site www.geocities.com/maddelena2000 livejournal/blog www.livejournal.com/auburnimp newsletter/chat group www.groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnimp

About the Authors

Michael Barnette Michael Barnette grew up in the wilds of Miami, Florida where he enjoyed the nightlife and wide variety of cultures, but not the late night driveby shootings. Deciding on a change of pace, Michael moved to Athens, Georgia where he lived for several years before migrating west. He misses the ethnic food in Miami, he doesn’t miss the driveby shootings. The last two years he was in Miami, Michael went from being a poet to writing short stories. One of the short stories he wrote, Zoner, was also the first gay erotica he’d ever written. Set in his cyberpunk world setting--which takes place in a future variant of Miami--and using characters established from an unfinished novel he was working on, he submitted the story to Circlet Press. The story was published and has been well received in the gay community, garnering a Gaylactic Spectrum Award nomination in 2003, while the anthology, Wired Hard #3, was a finalist for the Lamda Literary award that same year. He has since been nominated for the Gaylactic Spectrum Award five more times, both for novels and short stories.

About the Authors

Seeing the popularity of erotica-- and finding it much easier to sell than poetry-- Michael changed his writing focus in 2003 and started researching the types of erotica popular with readers. The rest, as they say, is history. You can visit Michael and find out about his worlds at the following places on the net. Website: http://www.michaelbarnette.com Immortal Heroes: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immortal_ heroes Kink Promo: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kinkpromo/ LiveJournal: http://m-barnette.livejournal.com/

About the Authors

Shadowfire Press: http://www.shadowfirepress.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/michaelbarnette Insane Journal: http://m-barnette.insanejournal.com/ Blog: http://mbarnettemuse.blogspot.com/

Book Excerpts

Following are some excerpts of other hot m/m erotic romance titles from Shadowfire Press. If you enjoyed Dragon & Fenyx 4: Solutions by Auburnimp and Michael Barnettte you might also like Swordbrothers 1: Outlaw and the Brat by Auburnimp and Michael Barnette. Sometimes kidnappings don’t turn out the way the kidnapper expects. Darksky Stonetamerson is an outlaw who makes his living kidnapping watermages and selling them to the people of the City to make his living. Lakesinger Rockmanson is a very talented watermage and the biggest brat of his clan. When Lakesinger falls prey to the notorious outlaw, Darksky, the older man’s intention is to sell the spoiled young warrior to the City dwellers. But an out of season storm keeps the pair stuck in Darksky’s cave with unexpected results.

Book Excerpts

Here is a short excerpt from Swordbrothers 1: Outlaw and the Brat by Auburnimp and Michael Barnette He blinked as he recalled the firm flesh of Lakesinger’s butt. A fine, very fuckable butt. One he had no intention of keeping, despite the lure of the man’s youthful beauty. A very find ass indeed. He’ll bring a good price on the open market in the City. A better price than I’d get from any clan. Grinning, he headed for the pool. If he was going to sell him, he should get a good look at what was under those leathers and furs besides a perfect butt. You’ll be able to drive a harder bargain that way, he told himself. Clan or City, beauty is worth more than an ugly darbear of a man like me. When he reached the cave he found Lakesinger sitting in the bathing pool which was giving off steam. The boy blushed when he saw him and ducked his head.

Book Excerpts

“I hope you don’t mind me heating the water, but I really hate cold baths. They never get you really clean the way hot water does.” He stared at the slender body, the lean lines of the young mage from the sweep of his shoulders to the expanse of his nicely defined chest down to the rippling abs. His eyes swept along the sleek thighs, but soon lifted, coming to rest on the smooth shape of the cock nestled in the spun sunlight of his pubic hair. He swallowed, forced himself to stop staring, to focus on the bright blush coloring Lakesinger’s cheeks. But it was no good. His blood hammered in his veins, pulsed in the hardening flesh between his thighs. Thought deserted him and he crossed the room, mind focused on one thing and one thing only: the beauty of that sleek body. Dark virtually pounced on Lakesinger as he dropped to his knees by the pool and captured the perfect slim body in his arms. Dark set his mouth to the younger mage’s in a demanding kiss. The boy went completely still beneath him for a moment or two then, to his surprise, wet arms snaked round his neck and the kiss was returned

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with an equal amount of demand and even more passion. Part of him commanded that he stop, but the louder part wanted to pick the young mage up, carry him to bed and show him why being a swordbrother was a desirable state of being. Instead he shoved the watermage into the bath he’d made for himself and stood there gazing at him, taking in the young masculine body and the upthrust cock that proved what he’d done hadn’t gone unnoticed by Lakesinger. He wanted, needed. Instead of taking Dark turned away. “That’s something else for you to think on, boy,” he growled and stalked for the exit. There was a soft groan behind him and a murmured, “Oh gods.” Darksky smirked, but the satisfied expression quickly faded. He’d kissed the brat. What had he been thinking? He had no intention of keeping the boy, none. And yet... the feel of the watermage’s lips on his lingered, as did the throbbing ache of his arousal.

Book Excerpts

Apparently they both had a few things to think about. Or you might like Plague Dance by Michael Barnette. A plague ravaged the world. Cory and Deshawn survived. But can they survive Roderik, the man who would be King? After a mutated strain of Ebola ended the world as we know it, Staff Sergeant Deshawn Roberts finds himself alone and longing for companionship. Cory Wilson, one time office worker, finds himself a captive of Roderick, King of the Lone Star Empire. It’s a life of slavery worse than death, and Cory escapes to find himself on the run. Brought together by chance, can these two men survive in the harsh reality of post Collapse America, and will they find the love they both crave?

Book Excerpts

Here is a short excerpt from Plague Dance by Michael Barnette A torrent poured forth from the darkened sky, the pounding drops intermingled with the chattering sounds of hail against the windows. Bursts of lightning shattered the night, bright as explosions in an embattled city. Deshawn Roberts stared out at the fury of nature, wondering who else might be out there witnessing the storm. Wondering if he might be the only one left after the outbreak of Ebola tore through the country leaving millions dead. Millions that included almost everyone else on the base where he’d been stationed. Other than himself he didn’t know who else might have survived the pandemic that had swept the US— the entire world— and left more people dead than living. The barracks where he’d lived with the rest of his platoon was empty, the rest of the men he’d liked, and those he’d tolerated were dead. Their mortal remains lay in the mass grave he’d managed

Book Excerpts

to dig with a backhoe from a construction site, a subdivision that would never be finished. There was no one left to do the work, and no one alive to buy the half finished houses anyway. Of the hundreds of people who’d lived at the base, he was the only one left. Him alone with the echoing silence. He’d never understood that term, ‘echoing silence’ until he experienced the utter quiet of a place so devoid of life that seeing a bird made his heart fill with joy. He braced his forearms against the window sill, stared out at the raging storm. Lonely. He craved the sound of a human voice. The camaraderie of other soldiers, of men he knew, missed, wished he could talk to one last time. Share a beer and off color jokes, stare at the TV and hear laughter and angry words exchanged. To hear any voice break the plague of silence that ate at him day after day the way the plague of the body had eaten away at the people he knew until all that remained was the dust of the grave.

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Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. The words mocked him. Taunted him with the promise of a release from loneliness he was unable to take. A few others had survived, a couple men from a different platoon, one of the officers from his own command group. But they’d gone to find their families and no one had tried to prevent it. Not after captain Ferrel had killed himself in the bedroom of his home, surrounded by his Ebola murdered family. There wasn’t much point in saying anything to them about duty or remaining to guard the base. Not after the government collapsed. That’s what the media had begun to call it in the last few struggling days of the United States. The Collapse. The end of civilization as everyone knew it. Even then the reports of warlords rising to power were coming in. Men— women too— carving out a niche in the plague shattered land. He wondered if any of the men he’d known reached their homes. Wondered if they’d found anyone alive if they had. Deshawn sighed, gaze riveted on the wild night, the storm torn riot beyond the glass and came to a decision.

Book Excerpts

At first light he would load up a Humvee with supplies and head out. There wasn’t any reason to remain at the base, no one left to care what he did or whether he remained loyal to his oath as a soldier. With no government he had no one left to be loyal to, so his oath meant less than the rain hammering the base. Sooner or later other survivors would show up. Survivors he might not want to meet. People like the warlord types the last few newscasts he’d seen reported about. He’d heard a few radio broadcasts after that, the station running on a generator for a few days. The last discjockey left for hundreds of miles talking himself hoarse, passing on any information he received, broadcasting rumors about the self-proclaimed King of the Lone Star Empire. A king who the rumors said was some former military guy named Roderik who’d raised an army and sent them rampaging around the countryside capturing the few people alive. People he forced to work for him, women he turned into servants fit only to cook and clean, the prettiest ones forced into lives of slave prostitution.

Book Excerpts

Then the station went silent. Either out of fuel for the generator or silenced by one of the warlords. Deshawn didn’t know and he’d probably never find out. In the long run it hardly mattered. The world had gone from a thriving global economy, from civilized high-tech and instant communication across the globe to a barbaric age of savagery in the span of less than a month. There were some really bad customers out there, prowling the post-Collapse landscape. People he had no desire to meet. Nor any desire to join in their egomaniacal quest for power. “Rain, rain go away,” he murmured to himself before turning from the hammering of hail and rain to try and get some sleep. Deshawn climbed out of his bunk the next morning, loaded up the Humvee and rolled out into the new world created by the Hand of Fate at a wink from Old Man Death.

Or might like Unspoken by Katica Locke

Book Excerpts

An impulsive werecat sparks a twisted game of cat and mouse he may not survive. Huntsmen kill Werefolk--it’s what they’re trained to do. Kae, a young and impetuous werecat, knows this, but it doesn’t stop him from following one surly Huntsman into the bathroom of a nightclub. One spontaneous, not completely unwanted sexual encounter later, he’s running for his life, pursued by a Huntsman bent on murder...or is it simply revenge? Or is it something else entirely? Here is a short excerpt from Unspoken by Katica Locke Hands clenched into fists, he starts to rise, but I grab him by the back of the shirt and shove him off balance, his pants tangled around his ankles. He falls against the stall wall and I twist one arm up behind his back, pinning him there. For

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a moment, the only sounds are the throbbing music and our ragged breathing. “Well?” he says finally. “Go on then, kill me. Won’t your furry friends be impressed—the big bad wolf caught a retired Huntsman in the toilet with his pants down.” “Shut up,” I say, shoving him harder against the poorly painted wood. “I didn’t think Huntsmen retired,” I add, leaning against him as I dig into my pocket. “Shows what you know,” he says through his teeth. “Now what the fuck are you doing?” I smirk to myself as I open the little tube of lubricant, warmed by my body heat and slick on my fingers. “You,” I say, reaching down and pushing a single slippery finger into his ass. He jumps like he’s been shot, a surprised cry escaping between his clenched teeth, and tries to pull away from me. “Just relax, old man,” I say, adding a second finger.. “I don’t get off on hurting people.” “You fuck—I’m gonna—son-of-a-bitch, stop it—I’m gonna kill you,” he hisses, rattling the

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entire set of stalls as he twists and bucks, trying to throw me off. “Don’t try to tell me you don’t want it,” I say, taking my fingers out of him and reaching around to grasp his still hard cock. He gasps, his whole body going rigid, as I let my hand slide along his shaft. “If you weren’t such a bigot, this would be deep in my ass right now.” His cock twitches in my hand and I let go of it, freeing my own growing erection instead. I slick the remaining lube across the head and then position myself at his entrance. He makes a strangled sound as I slide inside, several short thrusts burying my cock up to the hilt.

Or you might like Supernatural Alliance 2: Trapped in Beauty by Michael Barnette. A tygon Protector. A vampire Prince of the Blood. Undeniable passion draws them together. Duty keeps them apart.

Book Excerpts

Protector Trevor Graham, a tygon shifter, is member of an elite military division whose job is keeping the nobles of the Supernatural Alliance safe from danger. Trevor loves his job. That is until he’s assigned to be the Protector of Alfonse Maxmillian, Prince of the Blood of Nevanar. Protecting a young and impulsive vampire Prince isn’t a duty Trevor wants, but duty takes precedence over personal desires. Alfonse Maxmillian, Prince of the Blood and newest member of the Supernatural Alliance’s ruling council doesn’t want a bodyguard. As a Prince of the Blood he feels he can protect himself without the help of any stuffed uniform. But when the Protector assigned to him turns out to be a virile tygon shifter things take a turn neither of them expect. Here is a short excerpt of Supernatural Alliance 2: Trapped in Beauty. “The train will take us to our destination.” The sound of the vampire’s voice wrapped around his mind the way a catchy tune might invade his

Book Excerpts

thoughts. Vampiric power. As a tygon warrior he was immune to such mental games. Frowning, Trevor followed him into the car, setting his duffel on a nearby seat and taking the one beside his guide. The fragrance of the vampire reached him, close proximity making it more evident. Spice. Sweet and enticing, the scent a powerful attractant that had lured Humans to their doom for thousands of years. long ages ago before any of the living vampire Families came into existence. Sitting near the vampire he discovered that even a tygon trained to war wasn’t immune to the power of the scent. Desire washed through him, and he shuddered, shocked that he could be affected by the scent of a vampire despite his training. This shouldn’t be happening to me. I’ve been trained to resist even the most insidious mental tampering of the oldest vampires, yet the mere scent of this young captain is arousing me in ways I’ve never experienced. I’ll have to let the trainers at HQ know that there are some Families our training doesn’t seem to properly protect us from.

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Uneasy about the failing of the training he’d received, Trevor got up and changed seats, moving to a place across the car from the vampire captain. A tiny smirk curled the vampire’s lips, the expression quickly gone, though, from the look of the hardened flesh he couldn’t help noticing, the vampire seemed to find his own presence as enticing. He coughed, glanced around the deserted car. “How much longer until we depart?” The vampire shrugged, his too keen gaze sweeping along his body, a tiny smile playing at the corners of his sensual lips. “Any time now I’d think.” What is wrong with me? I’m here on an assignment to take care of a vampire Prince, not to get friendly with his staff. But the attraction, strange as it might be, couldn’t be denied. He wanted nothing more than to grab the vampire who sat there smirking his superiority and kiss him into submission. Oddly, he was sure that would be the end result of any sexual encounter between them.

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The vampire could lure him in with his scent and the almost teasing smiles, but in the end he’d take the vampire and show him why tygons weren’t creatures to be idly toyed with. The thought sent a thrum of lust through him and he felt the ripple of a desire born shift trying to erupt, his skin tingled. A shiver rippled along his spine as fur tried to grow down his back and across both shoulders. It’s definitely time to think about something else. Anything else. You can buy Swordbrothers 1: Outlaw & The Brat by Auburnimp and Michael Barnette, Plague Dance or Trapped in Beauty by Michael Barnette or Unspoken by Katica Locke along with other fine m/m erotic romance and yaoi titles from: Shadowfire Press Enter the Shadows... Set your imagination on Fire http://www.shadowfirepress.com