Chapter 1: Esta "Esta Rekel! Don't tell me your still in bed!" I groaned.

Leave it to my mom to wake me up in the most unpleasant way. "I'm awake!" I shouted, listening to my voice echo down the stairs. "Well hurry up! I'm gonna have a hell of a time if you miss the buss on your first day back!" I groaned even louder to that remark. I'd momentarily forgotten that today was my first day of tenth grade. Wanting more than anything to put my pillow over my face and fall back into a deep slumber, I got out of bed and placed my feet on the cold wood floor. The bus was waiting for me outside and my feet carved up the pavement. My backpack light and comfortable for the first and last time of the school year. I stumbled through the doors of the bus so fast in fact, that I lost my balance and slid in, rather than walked. A few people muttered about what a dork I was and I blushed. Then the lady driving the bus reached down a held out a hand, I took it gratefully. "You alright there Miss Rekel?" she asked, her long blonde hair flowing weightlessly to her back. For some reason she looked suspicious of me, maybe even a little frightened. I was going to ask her what was up, if she just had a bad morning or what, but instead I nodded, raising a eyebrow at her odd behavior. "Uh...yeah..." I stammered, wondering how in the world she new my last name. I picked up what was left of my pride and sat towards the back of the bus, trying to ignore the snickers I was getting. What a lousy way to make an entrance. The engines of the bus roared to life and we started to school. The chatter of student's got so loud I couldn't even hear myself thinking. Instead, I took accustomed to looking out the the small window next to my seat. It was a pretty clear couldless day, we were driving past a meadow full of trees that casted long shadows across the newly opened flowers, none of the animals seemed to be awake yet (lucky them). Out of the corner of my eye I saw a dark shadow. Automatically glancing upward, I saw the tail of some...bird...vanishing through the mountains. Since when did birds

have scaly tails with spikes on them? Just great, not even at school yet and I was already hallucinating. I leaned back in my seat, unconsciously playing with my long dark brown hair, trying to convince myself I hadn't seen anything at all. I had no idea what was really going on. I got to school a little early that day. It wasn't very crowded just yet, a few kids were hanging around at the lockers, a few were headed to class early. I sighed and walked over to my locker, fumbled with the lock for a second, and shoved my stuff in. Across the hall was two other tenth graders from last year, looking around madly. A little two year old dancing between their feet, poking their backs with sharp nails. Why the heck was a two year old here? "Brian quit it!" shouted one of them. "Me quit it? Why the hell are you jabbing me?" "I am not!" The little two year old shrieked with laughter, but the boys didn't seem to hear. I rushed up to them, planning to take the kid to the main office and hopefully they would handle things from there. "Come on you," I muttered, reaching down to pick up the kid. He snarled and barred his teeth, making be yelp and jump back in surprise. It wasn't a two year old like I had expected, it was a little...well elf. There wasn't any other word for it. He had little pointed ears, and wrinkly skin that made me want to gag. "Little girl can see me?" he looked up in wonder. Little girl? I wondered, my temper acting up oddly as it had been for a few days. I calmed myself and looked down at him once again. "Yes I can see you, and if you don't scram, I'm going to get a teacher." This made the little elf start laughing with delight. "Teachers?" he said, gasping for air, "They can't see me silly girl!" he doubled over again. I figured the guy was just fooling around with me. It was obviously a little person dressed up as an elf. The more I thought about it, the more sense it made, that was, until the guy named Brian gave me a look of confusion. "Who are you talking too?" he wondered, beady brown eyes filled with confusion. "The midget!" I said, frowning and pointing to the little man bawling with laughter on the floor. "There isn't anyone there. Are you okay?" a little trace of concern

showing on his face. "Yes, I'm okay!" I replied angerly, "can't you see him?" "I think you should go see the nurse," he stated flatly. I bristled and walked off, hearing Brian's companion mutter "Freak..." School had been dull as always, listening to teachers drone on about endless problems. I let out a particularly loud sigh when the bell rang, informing us that it was time to go. I'd been trying to forget about the odd elf-like person all day. Glancing around nervously until my best friend Ellery, (call her Ellie or your going to regret it), gave me a rather hard whack on the shoulder and hissed "Stop that will you? People are starting to stare." "Sorry," I said, meaning it. We walked up to the bus together, I had almost convinced myself that I hadn't seen any little man this morning, that was, until I got on board. The bus was as gross and loud as ever, but I could have sworn I saw a little pair of green eyes staring at me from the shadows. I shivered and looked away. "Hey," Ellie's voice was softer now, "You okay? You lookI dunno, pale." "Uh, yeah," I replied, putting on a brave smile. "Just thinking." "You and your thinking," Ellie said, grinning. "You'd think you were some sort of scholar." "Yeah well it's better than walking dogs," I countered, smirking at her halftime job. She gave me a rueful look and glanced out the window, her long black hair sleek and straight at always. Way better than my choppy long brown hair. "What the..." Ellie muttered, eyes widening. "Esta do you see that, or am I loosing it?" I frowned a leaned over her, glancing out the window. My jaw dropped as I stared at a seriously large dragon curled around a tree, starting right at....us. Now when you go thinking "dragon" you think about a huge scaly monster with wings and a smoking snout. You'd be pretty much on track with that, except that all of the scales seemed to be sizzling, and it was pretty much bigger than the tree it was curled around. I bit down a startled shriek. "Ellie, what the heck is going on?" "I have absolutely no idea. Maybe were dreaming?" she suggested.

"Two of them!" shrieked a familiar voice behind us, making me jump. I came face-to-face with a little man with pointed ears. He now had a dubious, surprised look on. "Two girlie's? You both can see?" "You little weirdo! You're back?" I said, frowning. Ellie gave me a surprised look that I knew the little man with pointed ears. He couldn't have been taller than my shins. "Two, two, two, can see!" he chanted. "Oh no, no, no! Dragon is out there! Yes he is! You must run little girlie's! Run, run, run!" I tried my hardest not to laugh at how he talked, his high chirp-like voice made him seem like a excited puppy, rather than a mythical (not to mention imaginary) creature trying to save us from another imaginary creature. Okay, not the best idea, but it was the one I was going with at the moment. "Are you an...elf?" Ellie frowned. "Yes I am," the whatsit replied in a huff, "and you must run or become barbecue. You're choice, both will be interesting to watch." "Run where?" I pointed out. "We're on a moving bus, in case you didn't notice." "Oh" started the elf, but the bus gave a jerk, making a few people scream, me maybe being one of them. I heard a seriously loud noise that made me want to crawl in a ditch and die. It was like a thousand fingernails scratching on a chalkboard. "RUN!" yelled the little elf over the noise and the screams. Ellie and I heeded his message this time. Let me get one think straight. Running off of a moving vehicle while avoiding dragon claws is no easy task. I almost died three times at least. I was trying to keep it's attention, hopefully giving Ellie time to get away, but of course that wasn't going to work. Ellie was one to stand up to challenges, whether they be punching a bully in the face, or in this case, climbing into a dragons neck and riding it bareback. Did I mention she's a little crazy? "HEY DRAGON!" I shouted, ignoring the fact I was probably going to die from this. I had to distract it while Ellie did whatever she was hoping to accomplish. "MEAT-HEAD! OVER HERE STUPID!" The dragon stopped trying to buck off Ellie and snapped his attention to me, electric green eyes making me wanting to freeze on spot. Ellie's shriek snapped me out of it. Lightning quick a long spiked tail that I'd seen earlier slammed into my chest before I even had time to react. Luckily none of the spikes nagged me, but the force of the hit knocked the breath out of me, making me kneel. "Girly! Stand up you idiot!" the elf pulled me to my

feet and stared running, little hand with a grip of steel on my wrist. "Wait!" I protested, finding my voice again. "What about Ellie?" "Other girly? She is ahead! Run silly girl!" We ran. We ran so much in fact, that by the time we got to the edge of the forest, my feet pulsed and ached, nearly making me fall from exhaustion. Apparently Ellie was thinking around the same lines that I was and blurted out, "Elf! We have to stop, now! We've been running for miles!" "Yes, fine." the elf wrinkled his nose. "I smell no more dragon, rest if you will." I sat down right on the spot. Too tired to do much else than blink. How in the world was it possible that we actually just ran away from a mythical dragon, with the help of a elf. Yeah, I was loosing it alright. "What the heck is going on?" I whispered to myself, head throbbing. My chest still ached where I had been hit. The elf suddenly tensed, and a moment later I understood why. A beserk walked out of the forest. A guy my age dressed in black leather, a crude, almost viscous smile on his sharp completion. His short choppy black hair was spiked up, looking sharp enough to cut someone. Wait a second... a beserk? How had I known what he was? I had never even heard the name before, let alone known to be completely terrified of the warrior standing in the shadows, his blue-black eyes reflecting the moon. "Aharon, what in the world took you so long?" the beserk asked, his eyes narrowed on the elf. Thankfully they didn't seem to notice Ellie and I. I stood there, my eyes widened in shock. Ellie frowned, and mouthed Who is he? I shook my head, not really knowing how to reply to that. "Hello Eshel," the elf greeted warily. "I thought you said you would be back by sunset yesterday. Did you pick another fight with harpy again?" The elf, Aharon, grinned madly at this statement. "No sir, I found two who can see. Two!" Now Eshel glanced at us, eyes widening in shock before narrowing back into an almost predatory gaze. "You can see me?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper, but Ellie and I heard perfectly. "Yes of course we can see you, Ellie blurted out, the winds seemed to pick up nervously around us. Who the heck couldn't see

some biker dude hanging out in the forest?" The beserk settled his gaze upon the elf once more. "Take them back to camp. I will most certainly not be the one to explain this. I have some hunting to do." Aharon the elf gulped and ushered us forward. I sighed and got to my feet, which throbbed in protest. "Where are we going?" Ellie asked, her gaze never leaving Eshel. "Camp," the elf answered for him. I seriously wanted to protest that I wasn't about to go anywhere, that I was going home. But the gaze that the beserk had on me made me want to run for miles. I didn't protest. The camp was huge. It had at least a hundred cabins. Some of them hissed and smoked, others were smeared with a suspicious red substance that I didn't want to know the details about. Not only that, but there was so many, many creatures there. Different kinds from all sorts of old myths and legends. And the weirdest part of all? I knew the names of every single one of them. Even one's I had never known about before. I saw a kappa (turtle-monkey sort of things, don't ask) residing in the river, waiting expectantly for a little brownie to hop in and become its dinner. I shivered. There was a few other beserkers, a few dryads, and a nixie or two. Oh yeah, I was going to need a mental hospital, I was seeing mythological creatures. Ellie looked scared beyond belief, and I didn't blame her. Suddenly she stopped and pointed. "And what the heck is that?" "That would be a wyvern," I replied automatically, thinking about the dragon. Wyverns were much bigger. Now the elf took his turn to stop and stare at me. "How do you know that girly? You know about us creatures?" "No," I replied, crossing my arms. "I just....know the names of them, I finished, that statement sounded lame, even to my own ears. "Well that's new," the elf said, frowning. "How can this possibly all be real?" I asked, my head starting to throb again. "It's not," Ellie decided. "This is all some wild dream." Aharon snorted, "Well you you're truly going to go with that, then go ahead up to pet the wyvern." "Ellie...I think this is real..."

She frowned at me and stomped her foot. "Don't tell me your going crazy too." "Well after we just got attacked by a dragon, met a beserk, and are now in a wild camp full of creatures I've never known about and suddenly know the names too, I think I passed crazy a long time ago." "A beserk?" Ellie asked, clearly confused. "Yeah that guy, Eshel. He was a beserk right?" I asked Aharon. The little elf nodded. "How do you know that girly?" "Like I said, I don't know." "Not very helpful." "Can we move? The scolopendra is looking at me funny," I inquired. "Just don't go into the water and you'll be fine," Aharon replied, also gazing at the multi-armed water warrior. I shivered again, longing for my nice soft bed. "I'll show you to your bunks, please try not to get eaten on the way there." Ellie gulped and started forward, I followed them cautiously, still marveling at the weird creatures. That's when I walked headfirst into Eshel. Chapter 2: Ellery Ellery here, I'm going to take up this part of the story because I doubt Esta is going to tell it right. Okay so right, she ran right into Eshel. Did I mention she's a daydreamer sometimes? Well let me tell you, Eshel is scary. He's like a super both biker-warrior. And I only say warrior because he carries this huge spear around, and I have a feeling it didn't used to be red. What did Esta call him? Oh yeah, a beserk. So then, running straight into a seriously wild warrior is completely defeating the point of trying to survive. "Watch where your going!" Eshel growled, glaring right into Esta's eyes. Even from a distance I gulped. Did the dude have to have a deep thundering voice as well? "Oh...uh...sorry..." muttered Esta, somehow managed to keep his gaze. "You're one of them right?" he asked, which pretty much threw me

off track. "Um? One of who?" Esta replied, also looking caught off guard. "The humans that can see us." "What do you mean by us?" "Oh, I think you know." If you mean all the magical creatures, then yeah, I'm going crazy." Now the beserker cracked a smile, and turned to me. "You can see as well?" "Yes I can see, or else I'd be blind right?" What in the world was I joking around for? Eshel snorted. "You'd be surprised how many mortals are so very blind." I took a step back from him now. I was dreaming, that's it. This was all some dream I was going to wake up from. "What are you afraid of?" Eshel asked, voice lowering. Did he seriously have to ask that? I took another step back, and there was no where else to stand. Just a cliff ledge. I screamed as I lost my balance and fell backward. I closed my eyes, hoping it would be fast. But I wasn't falling. "Ellie!" shrieked Esta. "How are you doing that?" Doing what? That's when I was stupid and opened my eyes. I was flying. Yup, I was dreaming alright. The elf, the beserk, and my best friend stared at me, too stunned to really speak. In truth? I was too. Now when you think of a person "flying" you probably think of super hero's, and crazy radio active kids that go around to save and or destroy the world. Now when you back off a cliff, and you just stand in the air like a cartoon before it falls, you pretty much go into shock. And after you get over the whole 'I'm not actually going to die" thing, you kind of just stand there like an idiot. I gulped, taking a step forward and hoping that the invisible thing holding me up wouldnt just crumple. It didn't. I took one more huge step and I was back on solid land, my heart thudding madly. "Is there like some kind of roof there?" I asked, finally breaking the silence. "No..." Eshel looked puzzled. Just "no". Couldn't he just answer in a full sentence instead of making me wait like that? Instead of finishing, he turned to Esta.

"Can you do that too?" "No, I can't." "Are you sure?" "Of course I'm sure!" "We could throw you off the cliff to make sure..." Okay, enough was enough. I stepped in between them. "You're not going to throw anyone off any cliff buster, I thought you had some hunting to do," I stated flatly. Instead of bristling, or getting angry like I wanted him to, he just smiled a humorless smile. "This is getting too interesting to leave." Now Aharon walked up to Eshel and whispered something in his ear. Eshel went a little pale and turned to Esta. "You know what we are?" "What do you mean exactly?" she asked, her voice level and calm. "I mean, I have no idea about any of this." He frowned and pointed to a weird little freak bird with glowing feathers and asked, "What is that?" "An ercinee," Esta replied automatically, then she frowned. "WaitI didn't even know I knew that." Eshel smiled and turned to the elf, "You sure know how to pick the weird one's huh?" Aharon grinned madly, "I'll let you take it from here!" he said and ran off before any of us could protest. Just great, now I was going to have to get a tour from a wild beserk. Oh man I wasn't going to live to see my bunk. "Well..." Eshel said, turning on us with dangerous blue-black eyes. "Let's go then." Okay, so the tour wasn't that bad. Eshel showed us around, and asked about us. Like where we went to school, and if I had ever flown before, excetera. Also since Eshel was our tour guide, none of the other flesh eating monsters dared come up for a snack. I wasn't to sure about how later was going to go, though. Oh yeah, Esta was being all annoying and pointing out different creatures that she so suddenly knew the names to. Teachers pet. We stopped yet again. "Ooh, look!" Esta pointed. "Esta, we all know that you can name everything here, so would you just stop"

"That's not what I was going to say!" Esta blushed. "I mean look, there's Farlon!" I frowned. Farlon? The wimpy kid who had been in our class for about three years. What the heck would he be doing here? I tilted my head and spotted him. Same as always, red-brown hair and green eyes, wearing tattered jeans and a plain t-shirt. But now, he also had little pointed ears and was about three feet shorter. "Ellie? Esta?" he asked eyes wide, finally spotting us. "Farlon? What the heck!" I said, stomping up towards him. "You're....here?" he asked. I rolled my eyes. "Thank you Caption Obvious. You better have a pretty darn good explanation for all of this." He grinned, "Well I had no idea I would ever see you guys here. Why don't you go home? This is just an abandoned camp," he said, looking around as if he honestly couldn't see any of the creatures. Eshel stepped out from behind us and Farlon gulped. "You can quit the act elf, they can see." Farlon when white with shock, his jaw dropped. "Seriously? Both of you guys?" I nodded cautiously, my eyes kept falling to his pointed ears. How had I not known he was an elf before? Esta stepped forward. "You're...an elf," she managed. "Why yes I am." He cursed. "And here I spent three years at the school with stilts and a human disguise, thinking nobody could see. I still don't see how it's possible that you two can see," he said, raising an eyebrow. "It's nearly impossible for humans to have that ability, epically nowadays. But to have two at the same spot...." he frowned. "At least you guys are here. Wait a second...why are you here exactly?" "Uh, we sort of had a reptile problem and Esta's little friend brought us here," I answered, reminding myself to kill Aharon next time I saw him. "Reptile problem...You don't mean-" "Yes of course I mean that. Now can we go?" "I'm with Ellie, it's way past midnight, it's time to sleep." "Well if your little beserk friend doesn't mind, I can show you to some free bunks." Eshel stepped forward, eyes narrowed dangerously. "Actually I do mind in fact, come on girls." "Aw, it's fine. You go do whatever, I wanna catch up with Farlon," I

complained. Eshel gave me a worried glance, and stepped back. "Just be careful," he whispered so low I don't even think Esta heard it. Oh yeah, now I was nervous again. But one glance at Farlon and it went away, it was nice to know actually somebody here. Esta was suddenly very pale and looked over towards Eshel. "Actually, it would just be easier for Eshel to show us, come on Ellie." I raised my eyebrows. Since when did Esta want to travel with a beserker before a friend she'd known for years? "Aw, come on, Esta. I wanna show you around, I mean it's not everyday I find out two kids from my school can actually see me." "No. I meanjust come on Ellie," Esta said, her face still pale. She reached out for my hand, but I pulled back. Why was she being so rude to Farlon? "Well I'm going with him, come or stay. Your choice." Esta looked at Eshel pleadingly, but he just shook his head, apparently unable to think of any more excuses. Instead he ushered her over and handed her something that I couldn't see. Her jaw dropped and she looked up, raising one of her slim brown eyebrows at him. Eshel just nodded. "Well I'm not going to let you go alone, lead the way, Farlon," she said, almost with amusement. I sighed with relief and walked forward. Farlon was a completely different person than I remembered. Not that I really knew him or anything, but he was a lot more talkative now. Not the shy guy in the corner. Esta didn't seem to be able to calm down, always glancing around nervously. I wanted to smack her again, but I just didn't have the energy. "Well here we are, cabin 23. Enjoy." Farlon turned towards us, an almost evil grin on his face. I didn't really care about that though. My whole body was screaming at me to sleep. I felt like I was about to fall over on the spot from exhaustion. Even Esta seemed a little more calm as she started up the steps. I was about to follow her, but a small screech of metal stopped me in my tracks. I turned my head to see Farlon swinging a sword, aimed right at Esta. I screamed at her and she spun around lighting fast and parried the bow with a...dagger? Since when did she have a dagger?

Chapter 3: Esta So talk about all the crazy things Ive done, lets add fighting a experienced swordsman to the list. It wasnt like I didnt see it coming or anything, even Eshel knew something was up. But I mean seriously, what had I ever done to Farlon? He swung like a wild monkey, almost killing me more times than I could count. I ducked and sidestepped, trying desperately to find an opening. Whats wrong Esta? Farlon sneered in-between breaths. Dont go telling me youve never fought before, he tsked. They never learn do they? I was to busy trying not to die to reply to that. He swung high at my head, I ducked and jabbed at his back, he didnt parry this time. My shoulder jolted as the dagger went through his skin. He went white with shock, and fell. I was too drained to move. I felt sick. A hand like steel gripped my shoulder and I instinctually spun around and saw Eshel standing there, looking at Farlon gasping on the ground. Ellie was standing behind him, looking like she had run a marathon. Come on then. Thats certainly enough excitement for one day. Eshel tightened his grip on my shoulder and steered me into the cabin so that I couldn't look at the elf Ellie close behind, I sat down on my bed, the shock of what Id done finally settling on my shoulders. Get some rest, both of you. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, Eshel said, turning out of the cabin without a second glance. Like I would be about to sleep after what had just happened. And what the heck did he mean "tomorrow is going to be a long day"? There was no was I was going to stay there all day again tomorrow, I was going to to home. Well thats what I thought. Then. When I woke it was early morning, the sun just settling on the mountaintops. My body was aching for me to go back to sleep, but I was wide awake. I mean, its not like you could not be wide awake when you think about the fact that your in a camp full of mythical, bloodthirsty creatures. Ellie was still asleep, the blanket over her moving up and down ever so slightly. I sighed and placed my feet down on the prickly wood floor, ignoring the sick feeling that was spreading in my stomach. I got changed into my gym clothes that I had packed in my backpack, feeling awesome in clean clothes. Even if they were shorts

and a tank top on a chilly morning. It was way better that dragon drool and bloodstains. I sighed and stood up again, walking quietly so as not to wake up a sleeping Ellie. I twisted the handle and pushed open the doorto come face to face with a surprised looking beserk. Morning, Eshel, I greeted warily, wanting to start on my walk home. Good morning. I didnt expect you to be awake yet. I was coming to get you guys. I frowned, For what? Training of course. I mean its not like you can see us and not expect some to take that lightly. I believe a good example might be Farlon. Listen, I said looking straight into his blue-black eyes. This is still something I kinda have to get used to, and my parents are probably having a fit right now. Ill come back and train some other time, maybe. Eshel narrowed his eyes dangerously. After the dragon, I wasnt to scared. Okay, I mean a little bit, but seriously, I dare you to try and look a leather clad warrior in the eye and not be a little scared. Youll die, he stated flatly. Theres a reason there arent very many left who can see us. Mainly its the fact that long ago the people who could see tried to tell the people who couldnt about us. They laughed and turned us into fictional creatures that danced about the pages of books. The other reason is that most of the people who can, or could see, refused training. And lets just say they did not have a happy ending. Damn. I was trapped. If I refused training then I would most likely die, and if I accepted then everybody would think I was dead. I rolled my eyes, Fine Ill stay. But seriously, you have to tell me whats up with the fact that Im now an expert on every mythical creature there ever lived, and why the heck Ellie can fly. I... his voice trailed off. Im not sure. This has never happened before. I mean you two are clearly mortal, but this is very weird...even for us. Oh yeah, now I was some freak show prancing around a crazy camp. Could my life get any more pathetic? I pushed away my negative thoughts. Where to now? He grinned that grin that made me feel a little uneasy. Follow

me. What about Ellie? I wondered. Shell be fine. Another trainer will pick her up when shes awake. Lead the way, I said, ushering him forward. We walked up this really long hill, and back down it, and we finally came to the training grounds. It was mostly a huge green meadow with a weapons shelter. Thankfully nobody else was out yet, or they just didn't want to train with a beserker, in any case, at least nobody would be able to see me make a fool out of myself. Eshel handed me a sword, it looked like any other ordinary steel blade. Very sharp and heavy. "Now come over here," Eshel instructed, brandishing his own sword. I gulped. He showed me how to stand and dodge without getting hit. He showed me the correct ways to swing my sword, and how to look for openings in your opponents stance. "Now," he said. "We fight." Oh man was I scared. Fighting a professional warrior was not my idea of fun. He swung his sword and I dodged like he had shown me. Eshel grinned and pushed a little harder. I parried his blows, trying hard to concentrate. Which believe me, isn't such an easy task. He swung high at my head and I ducked down, spun, pressed by blade to the hilt of his sword, and watched in shock as it twisted out of his hand and clattered to the ground. He looked stunned, eyes a little wider. "I-I'm sorry," I stammered lamely. "Sorry?" he asked, making me gulp again. "That was amazing. I didn't even teach you how to do that yet!" I know I should have been pleased with the complement, but I was just worried. How was it that I just fought two professional warriors and beat them both? I mean I had never even held a stupid sword in my life, and the blade still felt clumsy in my hands. "Let's try that again," Eshel ordered lightly. But I saw his eyes narrow back into that predatory gaze, a silent warning that he wasn't going to hold back this time. I swung and slashed and ducked so many times I didn't even know how I was doing it. The sword was starting to feel uncomfortably heavy in my hands. I parried another blow, reached

out to his sword hand while he ducked, twisted it, and in a matter of seconds he had two blades at his throat. Oh yeah, something was up alright. I lowered the blades and handed Eshel back his. We were both momentarily stunned by the fact that I just defeated a trained warrior without any personal experience myself. Both of us started walking back up the hill in silence. I mean it wasnt like there was lot to talk about or anything, and I didnt think bragging that he got beat by a girl with no training was such a good idea with the bow his had swung across this back. Halfway there we met Ellie coming from another training ground. Hey, she greeted warily, covered in sweat. Hi, I replied. She looked back and fourth between us. Okay whats up you two? You both look like your cat died or whatever. Its nothing, I replied hastily, not wanting talk about it. She shrugged, thankfully not pressing the issue. So, I said, suddenly curious. Howd your training go? I got beat up a bunch, ran a lot, and came to you. Howd yours go? Uh... I stammered lamely, unable to answer that question, for I, personally, had no idea what had happened. What I want to know, Eshel said, saving me a response. Is who you two are. Are you half nixie or dryad? Something? I frowned deeply. No. I was all human. I had a human mother, and a human father who was away on business trips most of the time. Id learned to live with that. No, and quite frankly, I have no idea whats going on, Ellie said. I mean, Ive never seen any of this before, and then suddenly I see a elf on my buss ride home. I nodded at her, Same thing here. Is that normal? I asked, my gaze lingering on Eshel. He was lost in thought for a moment. Well... he began, blueblack eyes curiously bright. Most people have to reach a certain age to be able to see us. Fourteen, fifteen, or twelve are the most common ones. Have either of you had a birthday lately? Id just turned fifteen not even a week ago. I had a small party, nothing special. Then I thought for a moment. Was there really a sea monster gazing at me on the car ride home from bowling as we passed the lake? Id convinced myself I was dreaming, I

mean...seriously? A sea monster? Wait a second... now that I thought about it, we went bowling the day after my birthday, a lame attempt from my parents to make up for my suckish party. I frowned deeply at Eshel who was standing as still as a rock, waiting for one of us to reply. When we did speak, we spoke at the same time. I turned fifteen five days ago, we both echoed in creepy unison. My jaw dropped so low I thought it might fall off. Ellie looked at me with a truly confused expression. How had know Ellie for over eight years, and never known her birthday? I never asked, my brian silently telling me to stray away from the subject on the whole. Now that I thought about it, shed never asked about my birthday either, wed never invited each other to our parities, or spoke of the matter at all. How creepy and weird is that? Eshel stared at us with a amused expression. I felt like hitting him, which would probably lead us to getting eaten by a drakon, or something worse. I kept my fist clamped tight at my side. Like I said, he continued, annoyingly nonchalant. The rising of a certain birthday can trigger your brain to let you see us. I glared at him some more, wondering why on earth I felt so angry. I just did. Lame excuse, I know. Well if nobody is going to protest, Im going back to the cabin, Ellie said, looking way calmer than I felt. Eshel looked at her and smirked, Well I have to see how good you are tomorrow at the least, he winked at me. Maybe youll surprise me. Ellie raised an eyebrow at this random statement and started on her way towards Cabin 23. I on the other hand, wasnt tired at all, and wanted to see more of the camp. Suddenly Eshel looked dangerous again. He threw me a sheathed sword and I barely caught it. I frowned at him, wondering why on earth he wanted me to have a sword. Youre going to need it, he said as if he were reading my thoughts. This is a very dangerous camp. Youll face worse enemies than me, Im afraid. I cautiously unsheathed the sword. It wasnt the one I had been practicing with earlier, this one seemed sharper, and was tinted green. It was also a little shorter and a heck of a lot lighter. Uh, thanks, I muttered, my gaze caught between the sword and the beserk in front of me. He gave me a small little smile. Dont go thanking me just yet. And with that he turned and vanished into the

evening fog, leaving goose-bumps on my arms. The day didnt get much better. I gave myself a tour around camp, wary of the monsters everywhere. My brain practically exploded at the fact that I could name every single one there. When I finally did go back to the cabin, Ellie was already in a deep sleep. I thought about tomorrow, and what on earth I was going to do if I had a different teacher, and I went all crazy-sword on him. Would they like kick me out of camp or something? I decided to push those thoughts away. I could try and sleep at least without having nightmares. Id see what would happen tomorrow in the morning.

Chapter 4: Ellery I was being shook awake by some random person I felt like hitting. My brain trying desperately to go back to sleep. I squinted my eyes open, the morning light blinding me slightly. I was pretty much ready to yell at somebody. Good, youre awake, said a deep voice from above me. I wasnt so sure about that. Eshel what the hell, its like six in the morning, I said, my voice coming out hoarse and groggy. The perfect time to train. Now get changed and meet me outside. Before I could protest, which I was so going to do, he vanished out the door. I groaned crumpled out of bed. Eshel was waiting for me outside. He was dressed in the usual. Black leather jacket and boots, a black shirt, and ripped up black jeans. Not scary or anything. Wheres Esta? I asked, gazing around the camp. Shes off with the advanced training group, dont worry. I raised my eyebrow at that. The advanced training group? Uh... he looked uncomfortable now. Just shut up and follow me, he finally managed to say. I sighed and gestured him forward. We walked for what seemed like forever. Finally we came to a empty training ground. Eshel tossed me a sword hilt-up. I caught it

automatically, preparing to get beat up again. I assume Aelfric taught you the basics yesterday. When I nodded, he continued. All I can say is that you use whatever you have at your disposal. What the heck did he mean by that? I had a sword. Oh yeah, I was going get beat up alright. We started fighting. He was seriously fast, I only had enough time to jump around and not get killed, let alone plant a strike on him myself. He swung low at my feet, and my brain acted by itself. I jumped, seriously high. And wait a second... I wasnt falling back down. Eshels eyes widened a little now, and I lowered myself. We fought some more. Now it was a little easier to dodge and stuff, I mean when youre flying youre a heck of a lot faster. I mean, it wasnt enough to beat him or anything, but at least I wasnt getting killed anymore. I think thats enough for today, Eshel finally said. I landed lightly, breathing hard. We started walking back to the cabin. Esta met us halfway again. I grinned at her, but she wasnt looking at me, she was glancing nervously over her shoulder. Eshel frowned. Whats going on? I pretty much pissed off about a dozen beserkers, and they pretty much want to kill me now. What did you do? I asked. Uh... Was that her catch phrase all of the sudden? Uh... You guys head back to your cabin, Ill talk to my brethren, Eshel said, not looking so happy about that. Esta nodded her thanks and grabbed my wrist, tugging me down to the cabin. We didnt stop running until we sat down on our beds. Esta was completely out of breath and kept glancing out the window as if she were expecting some wild beserkers to attack. Whats going on? I asked impatiently, feeling totally out of the loop. I mean youre obviously hiding something. Eshel knows about it too. Why wont you tell me? I mean Ive known you for over eight years, have some trust here. She sighed, for a second seeming much older, kind of scary. It made me wonder if I wanted to know.

She gathered her thoughts for a few minutes, and then finally spoke. Have you ever done something, you know youve never done before, and been able to do it right away? Like with no experience whatsoever? I thought about that. No. Most everything Id even been good at, I had learned to do, I mean minus eating, drinking, well you know, the basics. What do you mean? I asked, not really able to think of a different answer. She looked at me straight in the eye. It was a little unnerving. I mean, her blue eyes always seemed a little brighter than most, but now, I dont know. They looked... different. A little older, and brighter. I just couldnt explain it. I mean the like the fact that you can fly. Like the fact that I know the names of every single mythical creature there ever lived. Like how I can take down every opponent in a sword fight, she finished, biting her lip and waiting for my reply to that. You, what? I chocked out, thinking back to my sword fight with Eshel. It was impossible for me to strike a blow, I barely had time not to get killed. How in the world could somebody beat that? Yeah...look I know it sounds weird...lets just get some sleep, okay? I nodded and planted my face into my pillow. Wanting nothing more than to sink into a deep dreamless sleep. My eyes opened. I had no idea why I was awake. It was pitch black outside, clearly the middle of the night. Then I heard a loud banging on the door. Yeah? Just come in already! I called out, my thoughts still groggy with sleep. Not even taking into consideration that it would be some crazy monster. Then again, what kind of crazy bloodthirsty monster would knock before he ate you? Eshel walked into view. He had dark and ashen expression on. It made me nervous. Whats going on? Esta asked, her voice alert and awake without trying. The camp is being attacked. We need to get out of here. Now. I hesitated, I mean what in the world could make an entire camp if trained warriors run for the hills? Esta on the other hand, got up immediately out of bed, strapped her sword to her side, and walked swiftly to the door.

For a moment she looked...different. Almost like she lived here all her life. Ready for battle in a second, almost excited about it. Her long dark brown hair made her bright blue eyes stand out in the darkness, adding to the oddness of it all. Making her look even a little more compelling than Eshel. I blinked and she was her normal self again. Calm, patient, partly lost in thought. I glanced over to Eshel, who looked a little surprised. Okay, so I hadnt imagined that weird side of Esta at least. I looked around the room. I had no weapons, which made me a little anxious. I grabbed my backpack and stuffed it with a few blankets, a change of clothes, and some snacks I had stashed in my nightstand. I mean if we were going to some random city or forest with no cash, I didnt very well want to share a fire with a hobo. I ushered a waiting Esta and Eshel out the door. Eshel moved at a quick pace without stopping. Which was a good thing because I had to focus on keeping up with him, and not at the chaos that the camp had been turned into. Out of the corner of my eye I saw flashes of red and blue, angry roars, and so much yelling and swords clashing that I felt like my ears might just explode. Esta was pale with shock, apparently she knew what was attacking, and it was not good. Well obviously of course. We didnt really run into anything. Most monsters scattered at the sight of Eshel, one unlucky beserk caught sight of Esta and I and tried to attack. Eshel stuck a sword through his stomach, and I turned away before I could vomit. The forest was finally right in front of us. We walked straight in, following Eshel all the way. I stumbled a few times when he made sudden turns that led onto another endless hiking path. After about three miles we finally stopped, we were all gasping for air. I couldnt hear the battle anymore, but that didnt make me any less nervous. Get some rest, Eshel told us, gazing around the forest as if he were willing it to be silent by just glaring. It pretty much worked because the forest was dead quiet, making the unzipping of my backpack sound way louder than normal. I tossed Esta a sleeping bag, and grabbed one for myself. I left the last one on the ground for when Eshel was ready to use it.

I plopped down and fell asleep instantly, dreams invading my head. Hey Esta! I called out to my best friend as she raced up the street to the bus stop. Smirking at the fact that shed slept in, again. Oh shut up, she said, giving me a rueful glance. We waited for the bus in silence. I was dreading the long school day that was to come. The bus finally pulled up, gears racking around as it slid to a halt. The door popped open. I started up the steps, and saw the driver. It was a guy with a black leather jacket, short black hair, and blue-black eyes. Completely overdoing the whole "goth" thing, but in a weird way, it looked natural for him. I frowned at him, I mean I had never seen this bus driver before. I glanced over to Esta, wondering what she thought, but Esta wasnt there. I looked down and saw a little elf, doubling over with laughter, his mouth smeared with blood. I screamed, jumping back, calling out Estas name over and over again. She never answered. I woke up breathing hard, for a moment I didnt recognize my surroundings. Then I remembered. We were in a forest, the camp had been attacked, and I shivered in the cold morning air. Eshel was asleep over by a tree. Esta was standing over by a clearing drinking a bottle of water from who knows where. Morning, I said, my throat hoarse. Hey, she greeted, never taking her eyes off the forest. We stared at it for a while, basking in the silence. Esta tensed, her eyes narrowed so that they looked almost scary. Eshel stopped snoring, and bolted upright. Something is coming, Esta said, her voice dangerously low, before Eshel could say anything. I frowned. The forest looked the same as it did before. Nothing different. Then I heard it. The sound of large, raking claws tearing up the hillside. Chapter 5: Esta Right. So my day just isnt complete without having to fight a dragon. Ellie packed up camp so fast, we nearly couldnt see her. It was like the wind currents were helping her along.

The raking and scratching was beginning to be to much for my ears. The dragon was so close now I could even smell the thing. Kind of like an odd mixture of meatloaf and rotten apples. Then I saw it. This dragon was way bigger than the one on the bus. It was as big as a three story house, easy. Its body consisted of flaming red scales, each and every one of them hissing and smoking. Strangely, there was no heat radiating off of it, just an icy chill that sent shivers up my spine. There was absolutely no time to run. It eyed us all with a piercing yellow stare. As if determining which of us it was going to eat first. Apparently that would be Ellie. The dragon hissed smoke and flew towards her. Before Eshel and I could help, she also took to the air, making the wind currents around her swirl viscously. The dragon let out a startled yelp and flew back a few feet. Eshel was about to run him, when I said, Wait. All three of them gave me a confused look. I ignored Eshels silent warnings and walked straight up to the dragon. For the oddest of reasons I could tell where it was going to attack me, and I knew exactly how to topple it. But that wasnt the right choice. I brought out my sword, which made the dragon hiss out a fountain of steam. Before it could protest, I scrambled up its side and side on its neck. My weight not doing a thing to it. I smiled. Uh, Esta? Arent we you know, supposed to be fighting this thing? I looked at Ellie solemnly. No. Climb onto the Dragon-Express. Eshel looked vastly amused, but Ellie looked like she was going to wet herself. I felt a pang of guilt when I remembered she was afraid of heights. Right, so she can fly and shes afraid of heights, how ironic huh? When they both finally sat down and hooked their feet onto some scales, I looked the dragon in the eye, and he understood immediately. Fly. We flew for a few hours. I was very sore from sitting, but at least the dragon made the flight smooth for us. Over time Ellie began to marvel at the clouds, and about how high we were. At least she wasnt screaming. Whoa, guys? Is this normal? she asked. I craned my head back,

Ellie was sitting in the middle of us, me being in the front and Eshel in the back. I let out a little yelp. Ellie was...almost transparent. Then she was solid again, then transparent. Like some kind of ghost. Eshel frowned. Ellie, are you sure you know who your parents are? Yes, of course I do! she snapped. Who are they? he asked, I could almost see the gears turning in his head. Virginia and Alek Vosniard. And what are their jobs? he asked. My moms an astronomer, and my dads a business man. A business man huh? Eshel asked, sounding like he had just figured out a huge puzzle. And he travels a lot I presume? Ellie blinked. Yeah. Well that certainly explains things. It does? I asked, annoyed with his lack of information. Please tell. Isnt it obvious? he asked me, staring right into my eyes. Her father was an aura. A what? I laughed out loud, thinking about how people were always saying things like "wow you have such a bright pink aura" and stuff. When he glared at me I thought harder. Okay, so he was talking about a creature, an aura. I snapped my fingers, my brain finally putting it together. Arent auras like little wind spirits or something? I asked, trying to get my mythology right. In a sense, he replied. So wait... Ellie frowned. Are you telling me Im like half ghost spirt or whatever? No, replied Eshel simply. Auras are not exactly spirits more like the creatures who have total control of the winds. Early humans thought of them so because they could dissolve into the wind as well. Oh... Ellie said in a small voice. I couldnt exactly blame her, I mean, it must be hard to think of your dad as some total wind controller. Then I hardened my gaze. I cant explain exactly, but I could just tell some threat was coming. Very fast at that. Eshels eyes widened as well.

Oh man, like we need to be attacked again, I muttered, making Eshel jump. Ellie frowned at me, like she had no idea what was going on. You can feel it? he asked. Feel what? If you mean that I can feel a seriously large enemy coming up fast, then yeah. I just sat and felt, for a moment. Dont ask how, because I have no idea, but I could almost shape the creature in my mind. Suddenly I knew what it was. Its another dragon, Eshel and I said in near unison. Whoa there you guys. How the heck do you know that? Ellie asked. Eshel looked sincerely surprised at me. Then he grinned. We have to talk later Esta, but for now, do you think you could get your little buddy to speed up? Ill try. I looked down at the dragons eyes again, and thankfully he understood. We flew so fast my face felt like it was going to fall off. Then we went into a steep dive, one of us screamed, I wasnt sure who. The dragon landed in a cave, almost hidden underground. It was huge, large enough for all of us plus the lizard to fit with ease. And a good campsite for the night. Eshel grinned madly at me. I raised a eyebrow, wondering why on earth he was so excited. Ellie flickered again, making a strong wind flow throughout the cave. Everybody stared at her. Uh... she mumbled. Sorry, kind of got away from myself... I let out a little laugh and grabbed a blanket from her backpack. Hey Esta, before you sleep, can I talk to you for a second? I frowned at him. I was looking forward to my peaceful slumber. Oh well. I trudged away from my cosy sleeping bag and folded my arms. Ellie and the dragon looked away, but I could almost swear they were smiling at each other. Esta, youre part beserker. I my jaw dropped, and I clenched it back together. I am not, I protested. I mean, I would know if I was part wild warrior, right? Oh yeah? he asked, vastly amused. He took out his sword and swung at me. I gasped and instinctually backed away, drawing my own sword in a seconds time. He lashed and whipped at me so fast it was hard to think. I parried and ducked and spun so much it felt more like we were dancing than sword fighting. Then I realized sword fighting sort of was like a dance.

I was also aware of Ellie and the dragon watching us contently from the sidelines, I noticed a small opening in Eshels guard as well. He lunged for me, I sidestepped and brought my sword to his opposite side, he parried the blow just in time, but the force of it sent his sword sprawling out of his hand. He looked up at me with a grin. I cursed silently. This was so not fair. I was part wild warrior, while Ellie got to control winds? I mean come on. Well now that thats settled, I said, gritting my teeth. Im going to bed. Nobody objected, Ellie looked a little nervous. She glanced over at the dragon and they both shared a disappointed look, like they were hoping Eshel was going to say something else. Wait a minute...Why the heck was she sharing thoughts with a dragon? I pushed away all possible ideas and slept. I was being shooken awake. Wake up, Esta, said a deep thundering voice. Uh? I muttered intelligently, rubbing the sand out of my eyes. I blinked around the room. Amazingly Ellie was out of bed and petting the dragon. Eshel helped me up, and I tried to force my brain to wake up all the way. I can wake up fine in an emergency, sure. But when you have the choice to sleep, I'm going to sleep half the day. And Ellie is even worse than me, so I had no idea why she of all people would be awake. Morning, Esta, greeted Ellie cheerfully. Amias says he can take us pretty much anywhere. We were waiting on you to wake up so we could make a decision. Whos Amias? I asked, my throat slightly hoarse. She giggled, which was pretty weird because she never giggles. They dragon, duh! You named it Amias? I asked, wondering why she liked it so much. She grinned. No. He told me it. I raised up eyebrows in shock. You can talk to dragons? Yeah...I guess its part of that whole aura thing. She sounded seriously happy. Id never heard her sound like that before. It made me smile. Then I froze in shock, my brain buzzing a warning. How had it found us so fast?

We need to get moving, now! I half yelled, filling with dread. Eshel nodded, his face also pale, making his eyes seem brighter. You guys and that weird, I can sense attackers thing. Well fine, Ill tell Amias. She looked at the dragon, and said something with a ton of clicks and hisses with her tongue. The dragon replied in the same way, she nodded. Hes says thats fine. But we gotta hurry because theres a seriously pissed off dragon on our tail. Apparently he hates...uh, well never mind that. I frowned, What? Um, Amias said this one dragon hates beserkers. Cause I guess one of them tried to kill it once, and it kinda decided to hunt down the rest. I guess you guys kind of attracted a bunch of attention. I wondered what in the world she was talking about, I mean there was Eshel... then I remembered. I was half beserker. Just great. I glared at the dragon and climbed into its scaly back again. Ellie flew on, flickering slightly with the wind, she landed in the drivers spot, and I sat behind her. Eshel grinned and sat behind me. Ellie clicked and hissed some more and the dragon took off. The flight this time was vicious. Amias had to jerk and twist so many times I almost fell off. Though I could hear the flapping of strong persistent wings behind us, I didnt dare look back for fear I might loose it. Amias jerked into a vertical dive. I mightve screamed, but I couldnt hear over the wind howling in my ears. I dug my feet so far into the scaly sides that they hurt. The dragon behind us followed persistently, never giving up, waiting patiently for its prey to grow weak and tired. Then suddenly Amais flew off to the side, right in the middle of his dive. I thought it was another bone numbing maneuver, but a second later he fell out of the sky altogether. The blood rushed up to my head, and I screamed. My clothes whipped everywhere, the wind shrieking louder than I thought possible. We were toast. I could see the ground coming up fast, too fast. Our dragon spread his wings, slowing the fall. We crashed onto the ground with a huge THUNK, and I went flying off. Pain laced up my arm, making little black dots form before my eyes. Amias was still breathing, but he had passed out on the

spot. Eshel and Ellie were groaning and standing up with a fair amount of cursing on the other side of him. I was too dazed to move, I looked down towards my arm, and almost screamed again. I didnt think arms could be bent into that position. Then I heard a loud thump, thump, and a...troll, came into view. He wasnt as tall or bulky as I had imagined a troll would be, but he was easily taller than my moms minivan. And he was so ripped it was a miracle could even walk at all. He flashed a wide grin at Eshel and Ellie, making shivers go down my spine. Unlike what I had thought about trolls being dimwitted and dull, his eyes almost seemed to glowed with intelligence. The troll didnt seem to notice me, which was probably a good thing because I couldnt fight at the moment. I couldnt even move out of shock and pain. Eshel and Ellie however, were out of their daze and skirting around the trolls huge feet. Ellie shocked it by flying over its head, trying to get its attention while Eshel jabbed at his feet. Half aura... the troll mused. He took a step back, almost stomping Eshel into a pancake. Luckily he jumped out of the way just in time, his face seriously close to the trolls huge ugly green toes. Not very fun. A hand clamped over my mouth, muffling my yelp. I turned my head and saw a person, half man, half black stallion. A centaur. Come! he urged, lowering his legs so that I could climb on. Without thinking about how absolutely crazy it was, I scrambled onto his back and tried to fasten my legs so I wouldnt fall off. I had never been an "equestrian" person, so the whole "staying on" concept, was pretty hard. The centaur stomped his hooves impatiently while I tried to not to fall off. The troll was going nuts, stomping and spinning, but my friends were too fast for him. Ellie was laughing as she disappeared in the wind and reappeared behind the troll or on top of his head. Eshel was a whirling terror. The troll had a numerous amount of bleeding wounds, but it didnt no anything but make him angry. Youre not going to win little ones! the troll shouted with glee, trying to swipe at Ellie. Oh really? she laughed, starting to edge down to Eshel. Thankfully the troll didnt seem to notice the trick. Die! the troll shouted, swinging his huge fist again. No thanks! replied Ellie, her voice sounded strained now. She raised her hands

up like she was going to give the troll a hug. Then winds picked up around them. I could feel it even from a distance. They shot upward in a whirlwind, the troll screeched in outrage. They landed near me in the forest where the rest of the herd of centaurs waited. The warm wind set them down gently, and the troll seemed to get the message that he was beaten and trudged back into the forest, trees falling behind him. Ellie collapsed and a centaur scooped her up like she was a little kitten and set her on his back. A white palomino centaur bent down and Eshel mounted with ease. I shot him a rueful look and tried hard not to follow Ellies lead and pass out. Once we were all seated the centaurs trotted off farther into the forest. I has absolutely no idea where we were going, and truthfully, I didnt really care at the moment. My arm flared with pain, making me want to scream nonstop. We are here, the lead centaur announced. I looked up and tried to focus. We were in a little earthen village somewhere deep in the woods because the trees surrounding the place were so close together that it seemed pitch black. Thankfully the sun was shining overhead, so it was nice and bright in the little village. I slid off my centaurs back and sat. My breath coming out in sharp, uneven gasps. Ellie groaned and starting waking up. Eshel suddenly noticed that I was there as well and walked up. Whoa... he murmured, looking at my arm. Come on, we need to get you inside. I didnt want to stand up, but Eshel grabbed my other arm and we went inside a tent made of earth. The black stallion I had ridden on joined us as well. We need to set your arm, he said and I flinched. Hes right, Eshel sighed. Try and hold still, this is gonna hurt. To say that I screamed would be a major understatement. Once I calmed down somewhat, the centaur walked over to my arm and waved his hand over it, murmuring something. I sighed with relief, the pain had subsided and I could feel my bones starting to heal. Thanks, I breathed out. Dinner will be in an hour by the fire, the centaur announced and trotted out. Eshel grinned at me. Lets go check on our little halfaura, huh? Yeah... I said, hoping that whole wind thing hadnt taken any

long-time tolls on her. Eshel helped me up and we started to head towards her tent.

Chapter 6: Ellery I lifted myself off what seemed to be a mattress. My head throbbed wildly, and it took me a few minutes to remember why. I guess having super awesome wind powers comes with a limit after all. I heard footsteps approaching my...tent? No it wasnt a tent. More like a cave. A totally awesome stocked cave with a mini fridge and a bed, but I could see the stone walls. I doubt shes awake yet... I heard Esta say as the footsteps got closer. Then the cloth door got pushed aside and brilliant sunlight streamed in. Eshel looked as terrifying as always, and Esta seemed a little pale. I didnt remember seeing her at the fight with the troll... what had happened? Hi guys, I croaked, my voice somewhat groggy. Esta looked pointedly at Eshel, who shrugged. Er, that was some awesome wind power! Eshel told me. I grinned and stood up, watching the ground spin for a moment before it went normal again. You okay? asked Esta worriedly. Yeah... I murmured, rubbing my head. What happened to Amias? Esta rolled her eyes. Well the centaurs went out to him as well, but apparently he tried to eat them as soon as they got close. I believe they called it a close-scorched call. I laughed a little. Well I better go check on him. The troll is gone, right? Eshel nodded nervously. Yes. Though maybe not for long. Go check on your dragon, Esta too. Im going to go explore this camp a little... He pulled out his sword and put on a mischievous grin. I decided it might be better if we left soon. So where is this dragon of yours? asked Esta when we reached the middle of the forest. I wasnt too worried about getting lost. I mean, Im not much of a navigation-person myself, but Esta has

some kind of super memory on the places shes been. I suppose its part of that half wild warrior thing, you know, to memorize your surroundings or whatever. In any case, I wasnt too worried about finding that way back to camp. Amias! I called out in dragon. Dont ask me how I can speak dragon, because honestly I dont really notice a difference, but apparently I sound like some sort of lizard. Ill blame it on Dad for being aura, apparently that also includes understanding flying animals. For a little while there was no reply, then I heard some trees groaning and falling, and my bright red dragon came into view. His scales were smoking as usual, but his bright yellow eyes were raised in pleasure. Ellery. He nodded politely. Are you ok? I chased the troll, but hes gone. I nodded at him. Yeah Im fine. Would you mind giving us a lift back to I started, then Esta came out of her concentrated gaze on trying to translate what we were saying and jerked in alarm. Whoa! Get on the dragon! Now! she pretty much yelled at me. The dragon seemed to know why she was suddenly so afraid, which didnt really help me much. I scrambled up his slick side, not daring to use any wind power just yet. Amias didnt start to fly, instead he walked quietly forward. Eventually we came to a thicker part of the forest and he stopped altogether. Then I heard voices, but the shadows that were connected to them didnt match up. We shall crush them all out! Easy meat! shouted one. Hush you insolent oaf! The Leader says to keep it quiet! At least until the others have gathered. The wiping out of the other creatures isnt going to be that easy, even with the pact of some. The Leader has been working on this plan for months, Ill rip out your throat if it gets out because you cant clamp that jaw of yours, snarled the other voice, deep and dangerous. Fine. The Elder one got outsmarted by a troll today. Have you heard? Oh yes. Two beserkers and an aura. Not a threat at all. I suppose they dont call him the Elder for nothing. Hes getting old. We should leave. The Leader is having another meeting today, I dont intend on missing it again. Like that the shadows disappeared. My stomach was caught in my

throat. They were speaking english. English. Being half aura, I knew right away it was wrong. That was not supposed to happen. Never. The speakers we heard were dragons. Amias cursed in dragon. They dare? he boomed. It is against the ancient laws! Dragons never speak a tongue of man! Esta looked bewildered. What is he saying? I shook my head, a little stunned to see Amias so angry. The clans must be growing foul, daring such a deed. Humans have overpopulated. I never thought I would hear that. And the Leader? He has awakened. We must hurry you both back to camp, this will become dangerous. If his plan succeeds... Let us go, climb on, Amias told me. I blinked a few times, trying to process what he had just said. It all sounded totally weird. Clans? The Leader? It sounded like the dragons had formed like a city or something. But hearing them speak englishwell it was a little more than disturbing. I translated for a confused Esta, and we got on. When we got back to camp, Eshel ran up to us. A few centaurs seemed astonished that we were actually riding the dragon, but they didnt say anything. You found him! Good, now lets Esta shook her head and cut in. We have some news...maybe you can make better sense of it, because I sure as heck cant. She went over our whole trip, I piped in and told him what Amias had told me. Eshel grew very pale, his blue-black eyes seemed murderous. The dragons are gathering? he asked in astonishment. They're going to attack. Man, this is going to get ugly... he didnt sound enthusiastic about it or anything, but I could tell he was looking forward to a fight. He turned to me and I bit down my fear on how scary he actually could look. And you said they spoke english? I nodded. Yes. That... that wasnt right. That wasnt supposed to happen. Eshel shivered. Noit wasnt. Dragons speaking a human language? Whats been going on? Just then a young black centaur galloped over to us. Theres a elf in front of the camp, the centaur told us. He says hes looking for you guys.

Chapter 7: Esta I raised a eyebrow apprehensively at the young centaur. My first thought was Farlon, then I remembered stabbing him...A shiver went through my body. Lead the way! Ellie told the centaur. His swished his tail indignantly and trotted forward, ears tilted back so as to hear if we were coming. When we got there the elf was sitting contentedly on a large toadstool, and nobody seemed to notice him much. Ellie ran right up to him, her long black hair curling slightly, and her green eyes were ablaze. Youre that one elf that helped us! Uh... Aharon, I put in, remembering our first encounter. Yeah, Aharon. What are you doing here, anyway? The elf grunted, his sickly skin tinged green. Well looking for you two. After the attack at camp, I thought the worst. Seems you all made it out alright. Though I cant seem to find our little beserk friend, maybe a drakon got hold of him or... Aharon finished, lost in seemingly happy thought. Im right here elf, Eshel said, his voice loud. Aharon jumped about three feet off his toadstool in the air, and I think Ellie and I might have managed four. Wow! Eshel exclaimed, finally coming into view. Totally goth freak scary and friendly as always. You guys look like youve seen a wild cat or something, he teased. I narrowed my eyes and held my hand at my side so I wouldnt hit him. Miraculously he lowered his eyes and shut up. Ellie grinned nervously at me as if she were afraid I would hit her too. Man, they needed to calm down. And why are you here, Aharon? I asked the elf, my voice pleasantly very low. The elf flinched. Like I said, I was looking for you guys Yeah right! I snapped right in the middle of his sentence. I know elves, and they wouldnt just come for that. Spit out the real reason already instead of making us wait here all day! I mind buzzed. I was never rude like that. I also knew everything I said was correct, the same way I knew the names to the creatures.

Eshel looked slightly impressed, narrowing his eyes dangerously on the elf the same way I had done not a minute ago. Well... Okay, so I got kicked out of camp and all...and... You wanted protection right? Ellie asked, glancing at Eshel, but her gaze lingered more on me. What the heck? Aharon nodded uncomfortably. Also, I found it on my way here. And it came with a small price, sorry to disappoint you all. He waved his hand and whistled very sharp and loud. We were surrounded by armed trolls. Aharon! I raged, stomping over towards the elf. He got a little paler, but he grinned at me. Nothing personal, seriously. But I wouldnt try fighting. But I felt crazed with anger. Eshel looked the way I felt, his eyes seemed pure black. Ellie grinned in that aura grin that makes me feel nervous. I pulled out my sword with a screech and turned on the giants. They werent a bit nervous about us, their large tree branch weapons held high. I knew my sword wouldnt do much to their bulk, at best they would be wounded, but I was on a roll. Okay, so running straight into a battle with trolls is completely suicidal. Dont get any ideas about me having super awesome strength because Im part beserk or anything. I might be able to fight good with a sword, but I guess that part of me that is part beserk was going crazy with anger that was seriously hard to control. So yeah, I slashed my way through the ongoing troll guards. They swung at me, too, even now Im not really sure what happened when they did that. Whether I jumped over the branches or if I just got hit and ignored it, I have no idea. Eshel was doing his fair share of damage as well, slashing a dodging like a wild animal. I didnt see him very well seeing as I was wrapped up in my own battle, my sword swinging like a death machine. I could also fell winds blowing on my back like the force of a tornado. Ellie was doing a good job at keeping the trolls at bay while Eshel and I fought. I cursed as a branch narrowly missed my head. That only made me more mad, though. This mad was almost uncontrollable as I swung and dodged, brought trolls down every minute. Finally there was a big groaning pile of ugly trolls lying on the forest floor. Eshel glanced over to me, his eyes narrowed in a very frightening

way. Ellie walked out of the wind and hugged me. I felt my mad streak float away as fast as it had come. Aharon! shrieked Ellie, I had never heard her sound so angry before. I turned to where she spoke and saw Aharon the elf trying to tiptoe away. How dare you! she shouted fiercely, the winds cutting at all of our clothes. Youre going to pay! she snarled and gestured sharply with her hand, and suddenly Aharon disappeared in the wind. What did you to him? I asked. Hell make a very nice wind current in the South Pacific. I gaped at her, then put my sword away. Weve been looking everywhere for you guys, said a voice from behind me. I whirled around, snarling. I was so not in the mood for this. Whos there? I asked, talking to nothing. Suddenly the wind spun and five people were standing in front of us. There were two women and three men. They all wore travel clothes, and had expressions that reminded me of somebody. All three men had brown hair, but all different shades, so it looked kind of weird. The ladies on the other hand looked completely different. One of them had flowing blond hair and warm brown eyes, the other had messily kept short black hair and bright green eyes, sort of like Ellie. Except, Ive never really seen Ellie look like she had rats crawling in her hair. Oh wow, is that Flora? Ellie asked, looking truly surprised. The black haired woman snapped her eyes onto Ellie and gasped. Ellery? No way, Hakim, you didnt say she was here. The medium brown haired man named Hakim shook his head. I didnt know. What do you mean? I asked. You know each other? Flora raised her eyebrows at me. Youre her friend? Esta? I narrowed my eyes dangerously, and Flora took a small step back. You know me? Of course, she told me like I might be stupid. Then I remembered before she even finished her sentence, and I gaped in surprise. Im her sister. I had a very vague memory of Flora. I mean wed met when I was like five, so its not really that surprising that I didnt recognize her on site, right?

Oh... I muttered feeling utterly embarrassed. Well nice to meet you again. Wait a second...why are you here anyway? You said you were looking for us, right? She narrowed her eyes slightly. Actually, weve been looking for you and the beserkers over there, she said, nodding towards Eshel and Esta. I had no idea I was going to be seeing Ellie here. Ellie looked like she was going to explode. You went missing for years, Flora! Years! Oh, and then you go looking for my friend and not me? Do you even realize what you did to Mom and Dad? Do you? Flora didnt even have the curtasy to look hurt. Im only your sister on dads side of the family, anyway, she pointed out. Im full aura, unlike you. Ellie didnt even reply, the wind snapped harshly at everything. Ellie didnt even seem to notice what she was doing. Then the blond haired girl and the guy with very dark brown hair stared at her and the winds calmed down immediately, Ellie looked glued to floor. What are you doing? she shrieked. Stop it! Now I realized she was actually frozen there, which was very weird. I took out my sword and stepped towards the two auras controlling the wind. Let her go, I whispered in a thankfully dangerous tone. They seemed to heed the message and Ellie ran towards me, looking like she would like nothing more than to pummbel her fellow auras. Why were you looking for Esta and I? Eshel asked, walking towards us and glaring at all the auras in his most frightening way. The guy with the medium brown hair shrugged. We're gathering up all the magical creatures. What with the trolls atta he started, but Flora hit him pretty hard. I mean never mind, he corrected, rubbing his arm. But all of you should come with us. Ahem, no. I said, clearing my throat. Were going on our way, have fun rounding them up, though. Lets put this in a better way, the aura with the dark brown hair said. Youre coming with us. He snapped his fingers and a heavy wind started billowing on my back, making me step forward. Ellie glared and calmed down the wind currents. Seriously, were not going. Seriously, the blond hair girl mocked. You are. You have no idea whats going on.

Yes we do, I told her flatly. We know about the trolls planning on stomping out all the creatures. The dragons are teamed up with them right? Well thanks, but no thanks. Now all of the auras looked like they wanted to kill me. Ill admit it, that was a little scary. What? I asked. You shouldnt know about that! one of them yelled. Hakim, Ptah, Bercan, Alexia! Flora nodded to each aura in turn, You know what to do.

Chapter 8: Ellery So the whole You know what to do line really didnt settle well on me. Maybe it was just some aura power finally kicking in, but I had a feeling this wasnt going to go well. It certainly wouldnt go well if we followed them. I mean yeah, finding my sister was cool and all, but the thought of traveling with them didnt sound like such a great idea. The great Eshel himself looking very pale at the moment. He looked over to Esta, and I had no idea what they were thinking, but they seemed to be having a silent, fluent, conversation. Maybe it went something like this? Im trying to perceive this the best I can, so go easy on me. We have to get out of here now! Yes, but how are we going to do that? I dont know but this is going to get bad if we dont hurry! Well then move! Come on Ellie! I raised my eyebrow, wondering if I intercepted that correctly. Whether I had or not, we really did have to get going. I didnt trust my sister for a second, and I didnt really want to know what they were about to do. Then again, there was the actual process of getting out. I mean, they could do that weird thing with the wind...I shivered just thinking about it. However I had imagined auras to be like, it was defiantly not like this. I remembered reading about them in some mythology, I think were were some peaceful summer-spring wind spirits. Defiantly not evil. Now! shouted the medium brown haired guy named Hakim. I didnt even think about, the wind formed around me faster then it had ever done before. I shot skyward, and not a second to soon, right

below me a cloud of wind shaded white with some powder. I saw Eshel and Esta trying to run out from it, then they gasped and fell, not moving again. For a moment I thought...well, you know. Then I saw Esta turn over and relief flooded through me, they were just asleep. Then I called the auras something Id rather not repeat on here and landed. The dark haired guy, Ptah, glared at me with full hatred. I glared back, wanting nothing more than to kick him in his shins and throw him in a lake. What did you do? I shouted, feeling the winds snap around all of us, every aura there wanting to shape it at the same time. Relax sis, they're just asleep. I felt so angry at the moment I couldnt even think of an admirable comeback. Which if you knew me, is really weird. Instead, I ran up and swung my fist as hard as I could at my sister. The blond haired aura, Alexia, and Ptah grabbed my arms before I hit Flora, of course. Flora snickered, rolled her eyes, and gestured us forward. Ptah and Alexia tightened their grips on my arms and pushed me forward. Growling, I tried to step on their feet, but I just managed to almost trip a few times or step on my own toes. I struggled to free my arms while the light haired aura, Bercan, and Hakim picked up my friends and started walking as well. I silently wondered why the dust they used hadnt affected me, even though I pretty much landed in the midst of it in the rush to get to my them. Then they all stopped and traded glances at each other. I felt the wind pick up around me in that odd unnatural way, and I felt myself float into the wind currents. Dont get me wrong, Ive done the floating in air thing before, but with full fledged auras it felt a lot faster, and in my opinion, a lot less fun. I mean, they had to like the warm summer wind, too. Right? Just being half aura I can feel myself clinging to it. Maybe they just didnt care enough to pay attention to it? I didn't know. When the wind stopped I found myself in what seemed like another world. There were tons of magical creatures, like at the camp I went to before. But here, everything seemed far more organized, and every creature seemed up for a serious fightit made me a little nervous. Come on, Flora told me lightly. Something told me she felt a little

bad about being so harsh to her sister after all. Nothing I can really prove of course, but still. We walked a long way through beautifully designed tents and small buildings, a little fancy for monsters I thought, it was still nice in any case. We finally walked up to a smallerand lot less fancysteel structure cabin. Ptah and Alexia shoved me up the steps while I tried to go back down them. That one guy, Bercan, threw me a irritated look as I struggled with my captors. Finally they managed to shove me into the cabin and Bercan and Hakim set down my friends, making their way quickly out of the cabin before I could claw their eyes out. Have fun! mocked Flora as she closed the steel door with a click. Have fun? The only thing I could think about was how angry I was, and every time I did that, the wind currents picked up dangerously, and I felt myself get a little more drained. I had to stop thinking about it, or wed never get out. Ahhhuggg! groaned Esta as she tossed to one side and sat up slowly. I ran over to her and helped her up all the way. You okay? Wow, what a headache. I think Im good, though. I felt a little more relived, but not much. Why were we stuck in this cabin anyway? What was the big deal about knowing the trolls plans? Esta sat down on blue and black striped sofa and bit her lip, obviously trying not to be sick. I had a feeling she was felling worse than she was letting on. While Eshel struggled back to the living, I glanced around the cabin for the first time. There wasnt any windows, great. But the inside was decked out. There was a smaller kitchen with a fridge and a oven and stuff, a few rooms in the back, and a nicely designed living room with a dark wood coffee table, and a expensive looking flat screen hung on the wall. It was a little too fancy for my taste, honestly. Oh, man... Eshel murmured sheepishly. I hate that stuff...You guys okay? Were fine, Esta assured him. What was that they did anyway? Ellie, what happened to you? That would be some sleeping powder, obviously. Though if you ask me, it was pretty strong. Eshel frowned angrily.

It didnt affect me, I noted. So they had a little more trouble brining us here than planned. Here? Eshel asked, suddenly alarmed. Wheres here? He scanned the room, and rolled his eyes at the lack of windows. Wow! Esta exclaimed, her once dangerous eyes filled with a mischievous excitement. Mom decorates house like this all the time! Maybe she should take some notes here, everything looks wonderful! Oh yeah, her moms a interior designer, and her dad's a business man, like mine. I bet he was full beserker or something, I never saw him. Her mom defiantly wasnt, I recalled, thinking about her light brown curly hair, and warm green eyes. Except for the fact that were locked in, Eshel pointed out. Oh no were not. Esta grinned at me. Ive helped out mom long enough to know what goes on in the backgrounds of these kind of cabins. You see, since they dont really have a good way to get out in case of a fire or explosion, theres always a panel to flip and a emergency door will open. Maybe our aura friends dont know about it? she explained. As if on cue she walked up to the fireplace and said Aha! She pressed her fingers across a smooth tile that looked like all the other smooth tiles to me. Esta was righta door made from the side of the wall swung out in front of us.

Chapter 9: Esta

Thank goodness for moms who are in the interior designer business. Its come in handy a few times, like when... oh well Im not going to bore you with that. Back to the story! Esta youre a life saver! Ellie whispered dramatically as we ducked behind a large wagon. Getting out of the house was the easy part, the hard part is getting back into the forest again unseen. Suddenly I felt my curious ears tingle. Arent those the auras? I asked, my eyes falling onto a small group of people. Yeah! said Ellie excitedly. I see Flora! Keep it down, will you Ellie? Eshel mocked. Somebody might

hear you. Ellie aimed a playful whack at his shoulder but her hand passed right through it. I stifled a laugh and she blushed, her brow narrowed as her hand turned solid again. Let me guess, Ellie said, shaking her head knowingly at us. You guys want to get a closer look? I ginned and she sighed. Okay, well get it done with so we can start the wild running through the forest when they hear you. Eshel actually laughed, Why dont you go get a head start? Actually, it was a lot easier than we thought to seek up on them. Ellie had taken off into the forest in search of food, since we didnt stop to raid the kitchen back in the cabin. Also there was a lot of large hedges surrounding the nicely kept lawns in front of the cabins. I knew it was pretty strange for all the magical creatures to get along and tidy up like this. Though, it did help a lot, so Im not going to complain. I counted the heads of the auras. There were seven. Hmm, odd. Wasnt there only six auras before? I shook the thought away. Are you sure they got out? asked Alexia in hushed tones, her brown eyes a little worried. The girl isnt proof. Its a very easy feat to wind travel out of there. Hmm... pondered Ptah. It could be a trap? The other two could waiting to ambush us the second we go in. Probably, agreed Hakim. We can check a little later. What if they find out? asked Flora cynically. They had better not. We havent worked on this plan for it to be dumped. I looked over to Eshel with raised eye brows. What plan? I mouthed. He frowned dangerously and shrugged. Ughhh! came a third, much more familiar voice. The long black hair of Ellie could just be seen over the group of auras. No way, I whispered under my breath. They had gone way to far this time. Putting Eshel and I asleep while they wrestled Ellie was bad enough, but this brought up that madness I sometimes struggle to keep below my belt. I felt like hitting something, like dumping every single one of them into the lake and leaving them there to freeze. Im not a awful person though, and the thought that I could even think about doing that repulsed me.

Eshel we have to help her! I whispered frantically, tryingand failingto calm down my nerves. I know, he whispered back, deep in thought. I watched them from a distance, Ellie kicked at them and tried to summon her wind power, but she was so pale she looked like she was going to pass out. Her hands were firmly tied behind her back, and she was outnumbered six to one. Not that I was going to hesitate in going in to help her. Far from it. We could ambush them? I suggested. Eshel shook his head. No, that would be loud and the last thing we need is for them to call backup. We're going to have to time this just right, go get Ellie and get into the forest before they know whats going on. That idea sounded grand, if it werent for the fact that they looked about ready to leave. Thats when I sighed with relief as Ptah stood up. Im going to go check on the cabin before we leave, The Leader will want to see all three of them, I assume. The Leader? The dragon Leader? No way, this wasnt possible! I thought this camp was to protect the magical creatures. What if they were just setting it up for the dragons to have easy meat? I felt goosebumps rise to my skin at the very thought of how awful that could turn out. And what was up with dragons being after us? There must be thousands of other beserkers they could mess with, we certainly werent anything special. Okay, so being half-human might be special but then, why would they want Eshel too? Hes all beserker. As I tumbled various thoughts in my head, Eshel had somehow snook out of our little hiding spot and was creeping up to where Ellie had been pushed on the ground. She was looking so sickly pale that I felt my stomach lurch in fear. What if she wasnt okay? Ellie glanced up and saw Eshel coming, her high cheekbones restraining a grin. The aura guarding her was standing in front of her, and Eshel might just be able to pull off getting her out of there from behind. Flora and Alexia were in a deep conversation, and Hakim and Bercan seemed to be glancing around nervously in the wrong direction. I couldnt ask for more perfect timing. Eshel reached Ellie within seconds and looked at the bindings on her hands. I saw all the color drain away from his face, he sat there looking utterly shocked. Thankfully he shook it off and helped her stand up, and they both scrambled back to my hiding spot, the auras

hadnt seen a thing. Ellie sat down next to me, and her deep green eyes looked somewhat pained. Eshel looked like he actually felt bad for her, and I had no idea as to why. Whats going on? I whispered in a furtive tone. Those clamps, they suck out the power that keeps magical creatures going. As long as their wearing them of course. Its nearly impossible to get them off without the key! I frowned. "Screw the key," I hissed, not even feeling amaused by the unintended pun. I took out my sword and carefully picked the lock. Once they fell to the ground Ellie grunted, color already starting to come to get sheet-white face. "Thanks," she muttered, glaring at the clamps in disgust. "I'm going to kill Flora." It sounded like a promise. Eshel nodded at us and we all ran into the protection of the forest. Or so we thought. "Glad for you to join us," a voice hissed, deep and mechcolony.

Chapter 10: Ellery I cringed at that voice. The voice of a dragon. I thought of how very wrong it sounded, speaking a human tounge. Of the fact that this dragon was the one we had been avoiding. The Leader. "Traitor!" I hissed in lizard, refusing to go as low to speak to it in English. I got a funny look from Esta and Eshel, but at the moment I just didn't care. "Me the traitor?" it replied with amusment, coming out of the umbrage. "I'm not the one who seeks to kill my fellow kin." "That's different," I said, anger blossoming throught my chest. "Oh really? Come now Ellery, we haven't come to kill you. As you can see we've sent protection for your fellow aura's. There is no time for indecision." "And my friends? You wanted them here to kill them. Admit it." He seemed to laugh. "Bright one, aren't you? Tell you what, I'll even spare your friends if you simply stop resisting. All you have to do is join us." His voice was so very soothing

Esta stepped in before I could reply. "We're doing no such thing, dragon. Now scram or I'll stick my sword through your hide." While I might have seen part of his outline step out of the shadows, it was growing dark and I couldn't exactly tell how big or even what color it was. Esta and Eshel seemed to be able to see it though, even if I couldn't. And with them being all 'Oh I'm beserk, I can take on anything', I wasn't feeling all so positive about this battle. Before I could tell them that was a bad idea, the whooshing of wings picked up, and I saw Amais gliding down to us. Before I could react, I lifted us all up into the air, just in time to settle onto his bright red scaley back.The Leader hissed in outrage and started to come after us. And then I saw him. It was the most terrifiying dragon I had ever laid eyes on. His scales were pure black, his eyes such a bright red that Amais's scales seemed dull. He was huge, too. At least twice the length of my dragon. But he was also a lot older than I thought, and he wasn't quite as fast. "We need to warn the camp," I breathed out, watching the Leader land, his eyes blazing. By the time we landed, we were surrounded. None of the monsters got close enough to attack, but none of them looked all too happy either. "We bring a message," Eshel said, his deep voice thundering throughout the entire camp. Amias shifted, and I cursed as I struggled slightly to stay on. "Spit it out then!" one of the dryads said, her deep tan skin resembling the tree she was standing next to. "An attack is coming!" Esta told them, her voice seemed to have changed. Instead of it being somewhat high and nonchalant, it was now darker, more intoxicating. Everybody seemed to lean closer, monsters splattered with blood and all. "Dragons!" she shouted, and a few cringed. "Trolls! Aura's! They have betrayed you all. Stand with us and fight, or be destroyed!" She sounded like some kind of war leader, and even Eshel looked slightly impressed. It was like one of those movies where a bunch of monsters and creatures start cheering, hope picking up in the air. Except movies just play that music that lets you know they are going to win, they don't portray how it really is. How the creautures are seeking for blood, the eternal bitterness that is resting in the air. The

feeling that this battle might destroy them all. Everybody was already in their armor, the sound of wings and the stopping of massive feet could already be heard. Truthfully, I don't remember the battle well. I remember seeing hoards of creatures ganging up on one poor troll, of dragons eating other creatures whole. Of the smell of death that seemed to hang in the air, making them fight harder than ever before. I remember forcing the winds the aura's were sending at us back at them. I remember a dagger gliding past my ear, and Flora shouting with dismay as it missed. I also remember part of myself dying, watching all the chaos and death. I heard the sound of the remaining trolls retreating, of the knights and other deathly creatures cheering. They had won. That is, if you think of half their army dying as winning. Because I certainly didn't. Esta walked up to me, her face grim, her sword splattered with blood. "That was horrible." I nodded, as long as somebody thought of it as that. The brownies were already starting to clean up, half the dead creatures gone like they had never been. Flora and her friends were among them. I cried for my sister. And don't you dare think of me low enough to actually kill her. The thought passed to me from time to time, but when it came down to it, I would never intentionally kill another living thing. I knew Esta was different, and even that fact bothered me slightly. Before I could say anything, Eshel walked up to me, mysteriously clean, even for him. His face was grim. "The Elder and the Leader live," he told us to my dismay. Of all the creatures who had to die, why couldn't those two trade places with a few of them? "It may take a few years," Eshel said, his face determined. "But we have to find them. And kill them." In the morning the camp looked the same as ever. Okay, so maybe not totally the same. It was a lot cleaner than usual. Which reminded everybody that yesterday had actually happened. I couldn't bring myself to feel bad about it though. Not on such a beautiful day, the rays of sun peeking in between the clouds, lightning up the

training grounds and meadows like a painting. After we had training, like Eshel said, maybe in a few years, we were going to have to hunt the dragons down. We were going to have to embrace that half of us that wasn't human. The half that we had been resisiting for years. From now on, our lives were going to be different. Whether that be for better or worse, I didn't know. All I knew was that now, everything was going to change.