Yesterdays heroes part two

by Kahreen

******

Sometime during the night the wind had picked up and what had once been a calm sea had now been whipped up into a a white tipped frenzy. Where the wind had come from was unknown but now it  jostled the boats that were moored in Atlantis' inner harbor. Beyond Atlantis other boats had cast their anchors into the water in the hope that the wind would not blow them to the far ends of the world. However on the other side of Atlantis, in the approach to a smaller, much more rocky bay a small boat was not having the trouble that it's brothers and sisters were enduring. In a spearhead that began just ahead of the boat the waters were calm, neither rocking the small craft nor unsettling it's two passengers one of which was undoubtedly the  source of the calming aura that surrounded the boat. The tall woman stood at the prow and held aloft a small white stone while she chanted some incantation beneath her breath. Her companion was a elderly man dressed in black, his wizened body almost bent double under the weight of the heavy cloaks that were draped across his shoulders. Neither moved or spoke to each other as powered by neither sail nor oar the boat crossed the bay and fetched up against a ledge carved into the dark rocks of the cove.

As strange as this sight was it was not unexpected. Upon the ledge two men waited, one dressed in white robes the other in red. Both had pulled up the hoods of their garments so that their features were obscured. Not that they need fear discovery. This cove was known to only a select few and even amongst that number only they knew of the path that led from the center of the island to this place. Red robes stepped forward and taking the rope that was thrown to him by the woman he secured the boat to the ledge. It would not be going anywhere this night.

In the meantime white robes walked to the boat and assisted the old man onto the ledge. Only when the old man had both feet planted firmly on Atlantis did anyone speak. Getting down on one knee white robes knelt before the black robed visitor and bowed. "Welcome Möbius," he said "to Atlantis. I trust that your journey was bereft of interruptions?"

Möbius gave a small laugh, a dry sound that brought forth images of fallen leaves and cold winds. "As smooth as that wine you Atlanteans are so proud of my friend," he said "Inanis here is an excellent guide, one of the best." he continued, indicating the tall woman who now stood at  his side. Inanis gave a small bow of her head.

"My purpose is to see to your well being master Möbius," she said as she passed the small white stone to the old man. Möbius took it and secreted it away in some recess of his robes. In return he passed to her a small black marble box.

The exchange did not go unnoticed by red robes. "Is that?"

"My eye?"  Möbius nodded, his eyes shining. "Well one of them anyway." he gave a small nod to Inanis. "Show them my dear."

Inanis bowed in obedience and turning towards red and white removed the lid of the box. Inside, nestled in a bed of white cloth was a small black jewel.

Seconds passed as the two men stared at the jewel. White looked up. "Only one? Where is the other?"

"Somewhere safe." Möbius said holding up a bony finger as Red robes made to speak. "And as for why there are two remember this; with such a venture as we are undertaking it is best not lay all our resources in the one place. You should know well by now that I plan for all eventualities, positive or otherwise."

Red robes' gaze followed the lid of the box as it closed over the jewel. "There is no need for such things," he said, scorn evident in his voice. " We will not fail." He looked out towards the horizon, already the eastern sky had begun to lighten. "Now come, he said indicating the path before them. "There is much to do before the sun completes yet another arc."

******

On the balcony of the gargoyles cliffside settlement another set of eyes watched the lightening sky. However the thoughts that were behind these windows to the soul were not on black jewels or plans made in the dead of night.

Sabrina sighed and turned her back on the approaching dawn. "It's not fair is it?" she said "I know that time is immutable and that Atlantis will be destroyed or vanish no matter what we say or do but;" she growled in frustration "But even after all this time I still wish there was a way to help some people avoid their fate."

"I know," Madbrooklyn said "It's never going to get any easier but we both know the rules. Besides," he added "who is to say that whatever will befall the island will happen now? We have no idea of the time or how this island became an enigma."

"Do you really believe that Embee?" she said " Why else would we turn up in this time except to witness the destruction of Atlantis?"  She looked back over her shoulder at the the sleeping island below. "Can you think of any other reason?"

Madbrook frowned. He had heard the hope that edged her voice but in all honesty he could not summon any thoughts that would give strength to that hope. "No." he admitted, hating those words for the look of disappointment that he saw in his mate's eyes. "But what else can we do but roll with the punches and do what we can when the time comes?"

"Nothing but that I suppose," Sabrina said as she walked towards him and then buried herself in his embrace. "But still I can't help but wish it were otherwise."

"Now why the glum faces?" Caluns  voice interrupted the moment. The two timedancers broke apart, momentarily startled by the unseen and unheard interruption of Ceridwens second. "Aren't you enjoying yourselves?"

"Oh we are." Sabrina said, giving him what she hoped was an assuring smile. "We were just remembering.."

"The past?"

"No." Sabrina shook her head. "Just time in general."

"Ah." Calun said, giving Sabrina and Madbrook a look that made the pair wonder if he had heard any of their conversation. "Anyway," he continued. "I came to show you to the roosting spots. Dawn isn't far away."

"Thank you Calun, but if it's all the same to you I think I'd like to spend the day with my egg," she said as she turned to Madbrooklyn. "If that is ok with you?"

"Funny, I was thinking the same thing," the orange gargoyle said. "Old habits die hard I suppose," he added addressing Calun.

The blue horned gargoyle nodded. "It's perfectly understandable. You won't be the only ones down there. In fact Ceridwen herself will be spending the day down in the rookery."

"Ceridwen? Does she have an egg in the rookery?"

"Yes. And a few of the eggs will be hatching soon so a few of the parents don't stay away from their little ones for too long. Come on," Calun said gesturing towards the Rookery. "We'll go see them now. I'm sure you'd want to get caught up in hatchling talk before sunrise."

"And you don't want to get caught up in your own?" Sabrina said, smiling at the image of  the blue gargoyle discussing babies.

Calun cocked an eyeridge in surprise. "Even if I did find a mate of my own I don't think I'd spend too much time in the rookery talking.," he shrugged "The eggs would do just fine without me talking over them."

"You don't have a mate?" Sabrina sounded surprised. "But I thought you and Ceridwen..."

"Were mates?" Calun laughed and shook his head. "If Ceridwen is mated to anything these nights it's the clan. She did have a mate once but he died shortly after the breeders moon."

He paused at the entrance to the Rookery and nodded to Argus before continuing. "Some humans were trying to get to the island in the middle of a storm. Shale saw them and went to help before anyone else could do anything to stop him. He was still on the boat when a giant wave picked it up and smashed it against the cliffs." He sighed "We searched for many nights but there was no sign. In the end we had to accept the sea had taken him."

Sabrina's hand crept into Madbrooks. "I'm sorry," she said. "We didn't know."

"It's alright," said  Calun as he nodded to Argus and the large gargoyle swung open the heavy doors for the trio. "She came to terms with it a long time ago and besides," he said, throwing a smile over his shoulder. "Part of Shale lives on in the egg so we haven't lost him completely." He turned at started to make the descent down to the rookery chamber. "Although it doesn't seem fair that what happened to Nightshade should happen to her daughter too." he added in a lower voice.

"Ceridwen's father died while her mother was with egg?" Madbrook asked.

"Not exactly," said Calun. "As far as I know he thought Nightshade was dead so he buried her and moved on with his clan. I think she caught up with them later but her mate was gone, sucked into some sort of magical portal. Nobody knew where he had gone or if he was still alive elsewhere. So, in time Nightshade moved on and finally came to Atlantis."

"Oh." Sabrina frowned a little. As Calun had spun his tale a small nagging feeling had begun to grow in her mind. Nightshade's name, her tale. It sounded so familiar. There was something...another piece of information that would either confirm or dismiss this revelation that was falling into place. "Tell me," she said "Do you know what the name of Nightshades mate was?"

Now it was Caluns turn to frown. "Why would you want to know that?" He glanced at Madbrook who was giving Sabrina his own curious look."

"Yes, why would you want to know that?"

"It's important." Sabrina said, stepping forward. "Please?"

"Ok, It just seems a little strange that's all." Calun's frown deepened as he searched through his memory for the name. "It was something rock like...like Shale..." he paused for a moment as seemed lost untill suddenly he smiled and looked up. "Ah! That's it. Flynt! His name was Flynt."

******

"My father is alive?"  The atmosphere in the rookery was one of silent disbelief as Ceridwen took in the news she had just given. With a worried expression she turned and glanced at her mother. Nightshade was standing a short distance away, caught   wide eyed in shock.

"Yes!" Sabrina nodded, "Well, the last time I saw him he was alive and well. We've lost contact with him for a few years now."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive! Our Flynt had a mate called Nightshade but she was bitten by something called a shadowbeast. He and his clan thought she was dead so the buried her. They have to be the same person," She turned to Nightshade and said more softly. "Your clan was fighting against a warlord named Raoh weren't they? That's who Flynt was fighting when he disappeared?"

Nightshade nodded slowly. "Yes," she said in a small voice and stumbled slightly. Instantly two gargesses were at her side and helped her to a seat at the edge of the nest. "My Flynt? Alive?"

"Where is he now?"

"I don't know where he is now Ceridwen, I'm sorry," Sabrina said, regret lacing her voice. "He and another member of my clan vanished while retrieving something for our leader. We never heard from them again." 

For a few moments there was silence in the rookery as the news sunk in. Ceridwen went to her mother and knelt before her. Seconds passed as they looked into each others eyes, both weighing up the implications of this news. Finally Ceridwen stood and looked back towards Sabrina and Madbrook. "Thank you for telling us this. There were many questions my mother had, that I had that needed to be answered. You have brought those answers even though they raise many more."

"I'm sorry we couldn't give you more." Sabrina said.

"You gave us more than we could have ever expected." for the first time since the news had been broken she smiled. "And as for my other questions maybe there will come a night when I can ask my father himself. Till then I am content with what I have."

Sabrina smiled but on the inside she felt bad. How could she tell Ceridwen that unless she too traveled through time she would never have the chance of meeting Flynt. She glanced at  Nightshade. The older gargess was still sitting in shock and for the first time Sabrina doubted whether or not she should have passed on the news about Flynt. But it had seemed to be such good news, something that would have been welcomed. Despite Ceridwen's words the look on Nightshade's face made her doubt herself. What if she had torn open wounds which had long since healed? What if...?

A pair of strong hands on her shoulders pulled her from that train of thought. "Whatever you're thinking stop it," Madbrook said turning her around. "You did what you felt was right."

"Was it?"

His answer was firm. "Yes. They needed to know what had happened and you told them."

"I suppose." she sighed, feeling a heaviness begin to grown in her limbs. Dawn was upon them. She watched as Ceridwen left her mother to stand  at the foot of the stairwell, her wings extended her talons and teeth bared. With her last conscious thought Sabrina realized what she was doing. By taking up the entire entrance to the rookery Ceridwen had ensured that if anyone came down here with ill intent then they would have to go through her first.

Outside the sun rose above the horizon and all thoughts, good or bad were banished for the day.

******

Dawn blossomed over the island as the day dwellers began to stir. This day however there were some who were out earlier than most. At the edge of the small underground lake that served as the islands water supply someone was busy working at one of the pipes that   channeled rainwater and fresh water that ran  from the cliffs of the outer ring into this large storage area. Carved out of solid rock by the hard work of humans, gargoyles and Olympians this simple cavern served as one of Atlantis' most important resources. As such it needed to be maintained on a regular basis; the pipes cleaned and the quality of the water tested. This was why the two guards who kept watch over the lake thought nothing of the presence of this solitary worker, nor did they express more than a bemused laugh when the the worker accidentally knocked over his  bucket of waste water into the lake. Such small incursions really didn't matter, the charcoal filters in the wells would take care of that.

When the worker came to them and offered his apology they waved it aside saying that it was nothing.

No great disaster at all.

******

"Anemos?"

The question brought the Olympian out of her sleep with a start. She looked up to see Argo standing before her with a light globe in his hand. She looked down at the disarray her table was in and felt color rise to her cheeks. She had fallen asleep in the middle of her search for the scrolls! "I'm sorry," she said standing and trying her best to look presentable before the human leader "I..."

"Fell asleep. I see," he said glancing down at the scroll she currently had spread out on the table.

"Are there more refugees coming?" Anemos asked, already searching for a blank scroll and ink.

"What? Oh no, no more refugees," Argo said shaking his head. "Actually I was wondering if you had seen Gromer this morning?"

Now it was Anemos' turn to shake her head. "Not since he left for the gargoyles dwellings last night. As far as I know he's still there." she frowned "Has he done something wrong?"

Argo gave her a reassuring smile." No, not this time," he gave a small laugh. "I actually need his assistance in a small project of mine."

"Oh." Anemos blinked, this was unusual. Most times Argo or one of the other humans came looking for him when the shapeshifter had got into mischief. Still whatever it was she was sure that Gromer would come and tell her all about it later. "If I see him I'll let him know Argo."

The human nodded "My thanks." and without another word he turned and left the Olympian to her thoughts.

Anemos looked down at the scroll and reconsidered. There was much she needed to do that day, some of which actually took her to the upper levels and the library proper. Perhaps she could take a few minutes to find her friend and forewarn him. There were a few places that he went to to sleep off a nights revelry. One of them, the gargoyles dwelling would be pretty much out of bounds for her; too far to travel even if she did call on her abilities to assist her. No she'd keep an eye open for him and if she saw him she'd let him know. It was all she could do.

Once decided she began to clear away the scrolls and inks on her table. A quick meal and then she would be on her way.

*******

The morning passed and shortly before noon a tired and hungover Olympian made his way along the woodland path that would bring him to the bridge that connected the outer ring to the inner island. Gromer blinked and shaded his eyes as the woodland began to thin out. Fae blood or no the part of him that his kind had inherited from the humans was making him pay for the previous nights excesses. Time to return to the home he shared with his parents, time to sleep away some of the headache. Later, he told himself, he'd find Anemos and apologize for not visiting her when he promised. As he reached the edge of the bridge he paused. It would be so much easier to simple shape shift into a much faster form. However the change into his generic form shortly before dawn had been more than enough shifting for the time being. As it was he had only enough energy to make the trip back home. He winced as  the sharp and insistent beat inside his head continued to play. Even thinking was too much at the moment. Sighing he mounted the bridge steps and began to make his way home.

"Ah! There you are!"

Gromer grimaced as he turned towards the sound of the voice. True the words were too loud for his delicate head at the moment but there was another reason for that reaction.

"Good morning Argo," he said, giving the human a weak smile. As Argo closed the distance between them he began to rack his brain for any clue to what kind of trouble he was in now. It wasn't anything to do with last night; that he was sure of. So what could it be? He studied the humans face, no frown, no unamused expression in his eyes. Ok, this was a new one. Perhaps he should just get straight to the point. The sooner the scholding was done the sooner he could crawl under the cool -and more importantly quiet- covers of his bed.

"What did I do wrong?" he said, immediately regretting those words as a look of confusion crossed Argo's face.

"Wrong?" he shook his head and smiled. "I know that we've only talked under transgressional circumstances before but that isn't the case now. No you haven't done anything wrong," a shadow briefly crossed his face "rather I was wondering if you would be able to assist me with something."

"Assist?" Gromer blinked in surprise. This was definitely something new.

"Yes. I need help in moving some of the larger objects in the tower. I thought that with your shapeshifting power?"

The question went unfinished as Gromer began to shake his head. "I'm sorry Argo but I'd be no use to you at the moment." he looked up and added  "But I could get one of my brothers or sisters to help."

A look of disappointment - an expression Gromer was much more used to seeing Argo wear briefly flashed across the humans face before it was quickly replaced by a smile.

"I was rather hoping you could do it as a good gesture. To show that you can be helpful."

"You mean to change their opinion of me."

"In a way yes. Public relations is my role on this island, smoothing out any bumps between the humans and..."

"...Everyone else," Gromer finished and sighed. That vision of restful sleep was slowly drifting far out of his reach. "OK then, I'll help although I don't know how much use I'd be to you."

Argo smiled, obviously relieved that he had agreed. "Oh don't worry. I have something that will take care of that headache of yours. And in the bargain I can pass on to you a cask of wine that I'm sure the gargoyles would appreciate."

The mention of more wine sent Gromers stomach into backflips. There was no chance that he would touch anything alcoholic for a while yet. Still it's wasn't such a bad deal and Argo did have a point. A cask of wine would certainly work in his favor the next time he paid Calun and the other gargoyles a visit.

"So," he said "when do we start?"

*******

From the upper windows of the tower the sun briefly glinted off an eyeglass as it was lowered and then secreted away in a pouch. It's owner meanwhile was still watching the two distant figures as his two companions moved forward.

"Is that the one?" Red robes asked.

The owner of the eyeglass nodded. "My shadowbeasts do not lie when it comes to their prey."

"So then we kill him."

"No."

Red robes turned, angered at the unexpected opposition to his own bloodlust. "What do you mean no? If we don't dispose of that mistake then word will get out of what is truly up here."

"He will not tell, he's just as ignorant as the rest of the sheep on this island." Möbius said, a tone of self assurance in his voice. "But I agree that we shouldn't leave anything to chance," he mused, tapping his fingers on the windowsill.  "We'll need something with which to tempt our future allies into the void." he finished,  noting the sadistic grin that now spread beneath red robes hood.

"What about the other one?" red robes said, indicating Argo with a nod of his head.

"He will serve in his own way." said White robes, stepping into the room and joining the trio. "Of that we can be assured."

*******

The sun had now reached it's zenith and many Atlanteans were now on their way to seek a cool spot away from the heat of the early afternoon. It was only early spring, the equinox not that far away but the spring of that year had been unseasonably warm. Perhaps a little too warm if the heat haze that now hovered above Anemos' hair was anything to go by. The Olympian had left the vaults mid morning and was now on her way to the main library that was located in the central tower. She could have just as easily got there via one of the underground tunnels that linked the vaults to the tower. However Argo's visit earlier that morning had given her a reason for coming up top. Scanning the faces of the Olympians and humans who walked the streets Anemos frowned at the distinct absence of a familiar bald head. She didn't really know why she was doing this. Gromer had probably already found somewhere quiet to sleep off his hangover. Either that or Argo had already found him.

A flash of silver caught her attention. Well, she thought, there is one way to find that out.

"Argente!" she called, waving to the tall female Olympian, moving towards her when an arm was raised and that same flash of silver as before - caused by the large number of silver bracelets that Argente wore - blinked in the midday sun.

"Well if it isn't our little scroll keeper," Argente said, smiling down at Anemos. Tall was not a word that suited her. The dark skinned Olympian towered over just about everyone in the street. "We don't see you above ground much these days dear. You really shouldn't let those humans work you so hard."

"I don't mind, besides it's important work." she said, quickly changing the subject. She had heard the change in tone when Argente had mentioned 'humans'. It wasn't hard to imagine where Gromer had heard tales of an island where there were no humans from. "Actually, I was looking for your son."

Argente chuckled. "My dear I'm usually the last person to see my son. May I suggest you check the gargoyles dwelling or the apothecary. He does like to enjoy his life a little too much at times."

"So he hasn't come home yet?"

"Not to my knowledge." Argente shook her head "Why do you ask.?"

"Well Argo is looking for him and..."

"Ah! You need say no more," she said holding up a finger and cutting Anemos off mid sentence. "He and the humans have probably not been seeing eye to eye again."

"I'm not really sure on that," Anemos said, shaking her own head so that a fine spray drifted into the  midday air before evaporating. "But if you do see him could you pass on the message?"

"That the human is looking for him?" she smiled and her obsidian eyes shone. "I'm sure the human has already found him by now. But if I do see him I will pass the message on." she paused, cocked her head to one side and gave Anemos a long look. "My dear, whenever was the last time you had something to eat or drink?  You look positively transparent."

"I'm fine Argente." she replied, backing away and smiling. "Thank you for agreeing to pass on the message. I hope you have a peaceful day." With that she bowed slightly and then hurried away towards the main tower.

Argente watched her retreating form with an amused smile. "What a strange girl." she muttered before continuing on her way.

Only when she reached the steps to the main tower did Anemos stop. Ah, but she hated those personal questions. She knew that Argente only asked those kinds of questions out of concern. The tall Olympian had seemed to have appointed herself general mother to all the younger Olympians on the island and with over two hundred inhabitants on Atlantis fitting that description that was a very big brood indeed. Still, some of that brood, Anemos included didn't really feel that comfortable with her mothering . To be honest it was sometimes uncomfortable. Anemos knew her scrolls, her labyrinth and Gromer. Anything beyond that small sphere unnerved her. Including the main tower.

Seen from a distance it was indeed an imposing sight. By far the tallest building on Atlantis it's height was further enhanced by the fact that it stood atop the summit of the hill that made up Atlantis' inner island. Like many of the islands older structures it symbolized what the three races that inhabited the island could do when they worked together. These days it was inhabited by the islands leaders, the scholars and those who served them. The circular rooms were filled with tables, of people standing in small groups, of others who stood and demonstrated some invention to others and of course, a library that rivaled Anemos' labyrinth in  size and sheer number of volumes.

It was to the library that Anemos was headed. In particular to one small, secret room that the Olympians had created when the tower had first been built. To this day the humans had still not discovered it's location although the head librarian - an Olympian himself - had joked that you could place the door to the room in plain sight and a human would still not see it.

That small, crescent shaped room was the home to scrolls that contained the known history of the Olympians - penned by Anemos' predecessor - and more importantly the few scant spells and incantations that the firstcommers to this island knew. It was one of these spells that Anemos was looking for, a simple incantation that would show her the location of her missing scroll. 'Magic is not a thing to be used lightly' her predecessor had told her 'But simple spells such as this will come in useful when you need them.' Before now she had never needed to resort to this but enough was enough. A scroll may be mislaid for only a few hours but two days? Anemos prided herself on knowing where each and every one of her scrolls was. She was not about to let her pride take a further bruising.

She entered the library on one of the upper floors and walked, head bowed to a quiet and private corner of the room. Looking around her to make sure that no-one was around she laid her hand on the spine of a dusty green volume and gave it a slight push. Then, without hesitation she walked forward and passed through the bookcase and wall behind it.

A few minutes later an elderly human hobbled towards that same bookcase and looked long and hard at the volumes before him. Each one was covered in a thick layer of dust. Dust that hadn't been disturbed for years. Deciding that none of the volumes were of any interest to him the human hobbled away again, completely unaware of what lay beyond those dusty papers.

*******

"So who is it?" Gromer said, giving the marble stature before him an experimental prod. This lump of rock weighed more than a stone gargoyle! It was going to take something much larger than his current form to have any hope of moving it.

"A human scholar," said Argo, coming to stand beside him. "Anemos will be able to tell you his history when you find her again."

"Hmph," Gromer gave it a critical look. "And where exactly is it going?"

"The council chamber."

"That's a floor below us."

"Yes."

"Ok." Gromer scratched his head, a question was forming, one that would probably get him into trouble but... "This is going to sound like a stupid question Argo, but if this fellow here was supposed to be in the council chamber then why was it left on the floor above it? Isn't that just asking for more work than you need?"

Beside him Argo gave a weak smile. "This figure was brought up well before my time. They probably intended for it to stay here till the tower crumbled." he sighted. "But time passes, ideals change..."

"And the gullible Olympian has to move that change of ideas down a floor." Gromer finished as he shrugged. "But lets not forget that nothing is going anywhere unless we get rid of the drums in my head."

"Ah yes." Argo turned and walking over to a table set at the far end of the room opened a cupboard door set above it. From this Argo too a richly decorated bottle and a goblet . Setting the goblet on the table he poured some of the liquid from the bottle into it and then held it out to Gromer.

The Olympian took it and sniffed at the orange liquid. "What is it?"

Argo froze in the action of putting the bottle back into the cupboard. Gromer could have sworn that he had jumped. But then why would he do that? There was nothing to jump at here.

"A simple concoction made from sugar, fruit and a type of seaweed," he said, slowly closing the cupboard door and turning back to Gromer. "We usually drink it after a council meeting to stave any untoward effects of the wine we usually consume in that time. Now please," he said sounding somewhat impatient. "Time is pressing on and we have work to do."

Gromer eyed the liquid once again. He'd never heard of this particular hangover cure before and he thought he had tried every type there was. Still, there was no need to pass by a gift like this. And if it actually did work like Argo said it did? Well, perhaps he could  get Argo to part with the recipe. That was if he didn't mess this up. With that thought in mind he lifted the goblet to his lips and drank. To his surprise unlike many of the other hangover cures he had taken before this one actually had a rather pleasant taste to it. Quickly he finished it, not noticing the worried expression on Argo's face. By the time he had finished and handed the goblet back to him the human was once again wearing his usual neutral smile.

"You know I think that's the first time I've tasted a cure that's almost as good as the wine itself," Gromer said, wiping his lips with the back of his hand.

"Yes it is quite...potent." Argo frowned. "How do you feel?"

"A little strange but that's ok." his smile brightened as the drummer in his head faded away to nothing. "Hey this stuff is good!"

"Indeed it is," came a voice from the open doorway. "And it works on levels your small mind can never grasp!"

Gromer spun around in the direction of the voice. Pouring through the doorway were a number of robed men. They moved quickly, almost gliding across the floor to cut off any possible escape route.

"What's going on here?" Gromer looked about him wildly. "Argo?" he whispered looking for Argo's blue robes in this new sea of gray and black. Suddenly he spotted him, backed into a corner of the room with one of the robed men advancing on him   dagger drawn. "Argo!" he shouted running forward. He didn't know why he was doing this, didn't really understand. Argo wasn't his friend, wasn't someone he really cared about. But this? this was wrong. Who would attack them like this? Why? Whatever the question they needed to get away and they needed to do it now. What fools were these to attack a shapeshifting Olympian anyway? Maybe they could overpower him by simple sheer numbers but he could buy enough time to grab Argo, get to the window and...

...something was very wrong.

Gromer had barely time to duck as the blunt end of a staff came hurtling towards his face. Panic began to creep in, making his stomach lurch and his blood pound. He couldn't change! He couldn't feel that comforting, almost liquid feeling in his limbs that came with shifting. He was only a few feet away from Argo and freedom but he couldn't change By the four winds he couldn't change. Why can't I change? The thoughts tumbled over one another as he dodged blow after blow. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Argo move forward, shouting something before a figure in white moved into his line of vision and Argo drew back. And now the blows began to strike home. From the side, from behind. Enough to cause pain but not to cripple. Still this was more than Gromer could take. He wasn't a warrior. It came almost as a relief as hands grabbed him and fastened shackles to his hands and feet. It had to end now. Whatever had been happening please let that be it.

But he was wrong. There was more to come. Something much worse.

Movement at the door made the robed figures step back as something entered the room. Gromer looked up through a blackened and swollen eye. At first he thought that the blows he had received had loosened something in his head. What was a gargoyle doing up in broad daylight? But as his vision cleared he realized the dreadful truth. This was no gargoyle. It had wings, had the height and stature of a gargoyle but it's body flickered in and out of the daylight like a shadow. Becoming more solid in the darkness, wraith-like in the light. "What?" he managed to whisper in fascinated horror. "What is.." he recoiled when the creature began to lurch toward him. Word failed,  as the creature bent over him until it's face was mere centimeters from his own. It sniffed him, drinking in the Olympians scent before it retreated.

"Is it the same one who was lurking on the roof last night?"

The question asked by the man who now walked into the room was answered by a long drawn-out hiss.

"Yeeesssssssssssssssss."

"Good." The man nodded. "Now return to the others. You will have your chance to hunt tonight."

With that the creature left the room. The void it left behind welcomed a new player to the room. Red robes halted before Gromer and lifted a finger. The shackles that bound the Olympian began to glow and moving by magic hauled him to his feet. In that moment Gromer caught a glimpse of the eyes that smoldered beneath the hood. Hungry, needy gleeful and most of all insane.

"You have a habit of being in places where you're not wanted don't you creature?" he said, taking Gromers chin in one gloved hand and lifting it so that they were eye to eye. When Gromer didn't answer he smiled and the shackles glowed brightly, sending a jolt of pain throughout his body. He beating that he had received at the hands of the other robed men was nothing like this. This was like his veins were on fire, as if something was tearing him to shreds from the inside out.

When Gromer had finished screaming red robes began again. "Oh we know where you were last night. But I wonder...what did you see? Who did you tell?"

"Tell?" Gromer managed to gasp. "Told who? What about?" Another smile and another jolt of pain filled his senses. "I don't understand!" he cried "Why are you doing this?!"

Seconds passed and still red robes maintained the torture. However almost reluctantly he lowered his hand, the light from the shackled was extinguished and Gromer collapsed into a heap on the floor. "Well you were right Möbius," he said. This creature does know nothing. Our plans are still safe."

"I am more concerned to know where he will know anything at all after that little show of strength on your behalf." the older man said, walking over to Gromers still form and checking his pulse. "He is no used to me ruined."

"Ruined or whole, it doesn't make much difference when it comes to things like that. Still we will let him recover his wits and senses." He motioned to two of Gromers attackers. "Take him to the top floor and keep watch."

Bowing low in obedience two men, one in gray the other in black then picked up Gromers unconscious body and left the room. One by one the others followed until there were only two people left in the room.

During this time Argo had been torn between his need to help the Olympian and the knowledge that in doing so there were other lives that would be endangered as a consequence. However those conflicting emotions were being quickly swallowed by another one. Outrage. He turned on the white robed figure who had intervened when he had gone to   help Gromer. The same figure who had visited his home two days ago, the same figure who now stood before him. "What was the meaning of this?" he shouted. "You assured me that you would only ask him a few questions and then release him. You said nothing about torture!."

The figure pulled back his hood and Argo found himself staring into a face very much like his own. "I do not believe, old friend," he said "that you would be so naive as to think violence was not intended. Why do you think we instructed you to give that potion to the creature? Do you think he would have given up any information willingly?" he the white robed figure smiled. "Or would you prefer that I let my associate continue such practices on your little one?

Argo paled. "You...wouldn't..."

"No I would not." White robes said. "But I cannot say the same for my colleague. Believe me Argo. Your daughter is in no safer position than she is now."

"Arius..."

"Don't ask any more of me at this time my friend. I cannot do more than I already am. But remember, when this is over you and she will be reunited. " He bowed and pulled up his hood. "I must go. Be at peace, this will over soon."

With that the white robed man known as Arius left the room and left Argo seething in his own personal storm of anger and apprehension.

******

Argo comes to a decision..if can't do something then prehaps there is someone who can. The first person he runs into is Anemos..not the person he was looking for but a brainwave hits him. She has just left the secret collection without success..there is nothing in there that can help her find the scroll. Now it is late in the afternoon and in a couple of hours the sun will be setting. Argo approaches her and tells her that he's spotted some scrolls on a bensh in a certain room. He suggests to Anemos that one of them might be the scroll she's been looking for. He tells her that if she goes up there she must be quite and not be seen as some of the council are having an 'important meeting'. And they are not to be disturbed. With that he hurries off into the library. He's looking for something, anything that can help him get his daughter back. He knows that it may come to be that he will have to go against their threats. And if Anemos raises the alarm they may harm his daughter anyway.

*******

Anemos floats to the  upper levels but halts before peering into the room...at the far end of the room is a staircase leading up to the top floor..in the center is a support pillar. At the base of the stairs stand two robes figures. Anemos doesn't know if they're normally there. She's never been to this part of the tower before. However she remembers what Argo said and does not disturb them. Prehaps she can go and collect the scrolls   later. She turns to leave. Suddenly the air grows dark and heavy and Anemos hears a cry she recognises..it's Gromer. Anemos gasps and the robes look in her direction..she's been discovered. When they draw swords and advance on her she knows that something is amiss!

She turns to run...someone must know about this..using her powers as a wepon for the first time in her life. She makes it as far as the library where she runs into Argo..when she asks for help  his only response is to thrust some scrolls into her arms. He says he's sorry he can't help Gromer...he can't stop whats happening.

Outside people see the dark clouds roll in over the island and feel uneasy..still some of them tell themselves it is a late summer storm. It will pass. many of the humans go into their homes but many of the olympians stay on the streets... they can feel that something magical is happening.

Anemos then goes to he rown people for help...when they see her peruers they agree   but they find that when they try to use their powers they cannot! The same thing that was put into Gromers drink has been added to the islands drinking water. They cannot stop Anemos' persuers but they do buy her enough time to run to the gargoyles home she uses her own powers to speed her flight to the only people she thinks can help her now...the gargoyle..her only problem now is that the circle of six have sent a pack of shadowbeasts on her trail.

******

As the sun sets the circle of six use Gromers powers and an added energy source to open a rift from the demons dimension to the between. When it is done the olympian collapses to the floor...exhausted and drained but still alive.

Red robes orders that the olympian be dragged away from this sacred place and disposed of...but no blood can be spilled here till it is time. their consorts then decide that the next best thing they can do is throw Gromer out of the tower and let him meet his death on the streets below.

******

The gargoyles awaken and make their way up  from the rookery there they meet a distraught Anemos she manages to tell them that Gromer is in danger in the main tower she also mentions that the other olympians have lost their powers..they cannot help Calun and two other gargs fly off towards the tower...there they see a form being tossed out of the upper window. It is Gromer. Calun dives and saves him. As they make their way back to the dwelling they are attacked by a shadowbeast. One of the other gargs is slain  and the beast goes to attack the others as it does however twin bolts of green and white strikes the beast, destroying it. Calun and the other garg look up to see Sabrina and Madbrook gliding towards them, sabrina has her hands outstreatched and MB is holding some sort of weapon . They turn and make it back to the dwelling.

When they get back the see the entire clan out on the balcony and around the doors to the rookery. Anemos had opened up the scrolls that Argo gave her. They are details of what zt have planned..as far and Argo knew.. these are his diaries. From this they learn that ZT has kidnapped his daughter and holds her as insurance of his compliance.

read as an excerpt from the diary.

******

******

a battle with a shadow beast...Anemos has said that they need it if they are to stop what the humans are doing. The whole clan has it surrounded and the beast, trapped goes after one of the hatchlings. Nightshade interveens and garpples with the beast, recieveing several cuts and bites in the process. Before she loses conciousness she calls to Anemos to trap it in a cage of wind. Anemos does this and Ceridwen is able to drag her mother away. Mother and daughter exchange a few words before Nightshade dies.

Ceridwen then orders the entire clan to evacuate the island. it isn't a safe place for them anymore. She instructs four of her warriors to go down to the docks and to take the biggest ship they can find and to bring it around to the cliffs. The rest of the clan she instructs to get the eggs and to take only what they can carry.

She catches Argus and tells him that until she and Calun return he is in charge. she tells him. "Whatever you do ensure the safety of our people.

She calls Calun, Gromer Sabrina, Madbrook to her..she also calls on two vounteers. two young warriors respond. They must close the hole from inside this between . They will use the shadow beast to close it.

One of the younger gargs asks how they will get there. Anemos then joins the group. She knows a way.

cut to the group in a boat. Sabrina has brought her egg with her..she doesn't want to leave it behind.

Anemos gets up and begins the chant.

******

"Vocate venti fortunate ex rege Mabis et hic navis flugem regate ad orae trans avalonis"

Sabrina looked up in suprise "Trans? Beyond? What is there beyond Avalon?"

"I don't know the details." Gromer said as he examined the blade of the sword Ceridwen had given him. "But I think it's a whole load of nothing."

"Then why-?" Madbrook said, leaning forward and causing the boat to rock slightly on the still waters.

"A whole load of nothing that they're filling with something evil from the sounds of things." said Calun, glancing up at Anemos. The Olympian was still chanting the spell, her eyes closed and her brow furrowed in concentration. "So we have to deal with that as well as trying to plug up the hole the humans are attempting to make." he frowned "Wonderful." Turning slightly  he looked for Ceridwen. The leader of the Atlantean clan was sitting at the far end of the boat, her gaze locked on the wind-bound form of the shadow beast. If they did not have the need for the beast to close the hole then if he knew Ceridwen - and he did - then the beast would have perished the moment it had taken the life of her mother. When this was all over someone would have to pay - Calun closed his eyes and made a silent vow - when they stopped this, when they returned home the humans responsible would pay. A question, unwanted but unstoppable attatched itself to the end of his thoughts. 'If we get back.'

He looked back at his companions as the mists decended upon them and mentally scolded himself. If? What kind of question was that? They would succeed. They would return. There just wasn't any other alternative.

*******

******

"And that as they say is the end of the story." Madbrook said as he poked at the last dying embers of the fire. "When the flames of the pheonix cleared we were on the grounds of the mansion in this time." he frowned "Shaiya?" The silver-haired female was deep in thought, her gaze seeming to alight neither here nor there.

"Shaiya?"

She looked up. "How sad." she said "How sad that the ones who caused such suffering and destruction should get away with mere death when those who stopped them were forever trapped in that place."

"Yeah." Madbrook nodded. "It sucks. But I think it's one of those unwritten laws of the universe, y'know. The ones that keep everything balanced out."

"Yes," Sabrina said "If Ceridwen and Calun had not chosen to remain behind to keep the demons at bay then no-one would have returned from the Between." she sighed "Sometimes I wish we could tell them 'thank you.'"

Madbrook smiled and gave her a hug." Maybe one day we'll find the magic or technology to do just that, but I think they knew, they know." The beaked gargoyle then rubbed his hands together. "Now, since we've been talking about the past so much we seem to have forgotten something."

"Forgotten?" Shaiya frowned. "What could we have forgotten?"

"The future." Madbrook said, a grin crossing his face. "More specifically what do we have to eat? It's been a while since I had my last meal and storytelling works up one hell of an appetite."

The End