69 Fog

Treasca was surrounded by fog the path she walked twisted this way and that its cobble stones uneven threatening to send her sprawling into the unknown. She could hear whispering around her as if something watched her. It was vaguely sinister and sent shivers down her spine. She wasn't sure how long she had struggled forward compelled in nearly a desperate way to reach the end. Finally a large oak tree several times larger than any she had ever seen in her life loomed before her. It branches where bare and sounded like bones clattering together in the wind. She reached a hand out to touch it, but someone grabbed her wrist making her cry out in suprise.

"There you are! I have been looking for you every where in this hell hole. That stupid dragon really thought simply putting you under a sleeping spell would keep me away." The Shade looked furious. Treasca knew she should be afraid, but she just couldn't seem to muster the energy. He traced small circles on her hand as he thought. "There is nothing else that can be done. I fear the only option left is for me to play my hand, and see how the cards land. You I am going to save for myself of course. I had intended to absorb you like I had the others. You would have just been one of my many forms. It would have tormented that lizard to no end. I now see however an even greater way to torment the bastard. I will use you as the weapon you are, and the one he loves most in this world will be the one to end the mighty dragon king."

Dane stood in front of the whole of Treasca's clan in shame. He had to humiliate himself by groveling for Yolan's forgiveness. Tears streaked down Treasca's fathers face and fury burned in the older man's eyes. Yolan reached down and yanked Dane to his feet.

"Do not lower yourself to me, you will help us to get her back. I can see the fire burning in your eyes. When you do I will give her my blessing to marry you before the Alls Meet, this I swear before your clan and mine." Yolan stepped back to his wife who sobbed into her son's shoulder. Dane lead them to a place of honor near his own tent where they could erect their own. Yolan's people mingled with his own whispering in hushed tones. Even the children and animals seemed very somber. A pair of young boys approached Dane both staring up at the big man. Dane recognized some features from their father and concluded they must be his youngest sons.

"We know where our sister is." One whispered eyes never leaving his.

"Where?" Dane whispered back chills creeping down his spine.

"If we tell you will you really be able to get her back?" The other asked his eyes flicked to his twin as if wanting permission.

"I was able to save her from a Shade. I am confident I could get her from the Dragon." Dane said harsher than he had intended. The two boys nodded then told him of a castle that towered of the city of Alonian.