aYou canat do that!a Odif barked at Frieda as she glared at her.

Mother Frieda had waited until morning, when Odif had had time to recover and heal, before she informed her of their decision. The whole group now circled around had agreed, even Sam.

aYou got lucky once,a she scolded. aI know our enemy better than you do. I did not come to this decision myself, we all agreed on it.a Sam looked up at Odif sadly. aShe thought I was alone and was not prepared to deal with all of us. She will not make the same mistake twice.a aI canat believe this!a Odif said, throwing her arms up. aThis is my mission. You just came along. How in the abyss can you take over as team leader?a aWe are still a team,a Scorpio insisted.

Odif gawked at him. aWhat team? There is something I have to do--me! None of you had to come!a Jo-Jo crowded in a bit closer. aWhen you told us where you were going, donat you think we understood? Whether you like it or not, we are a team. No one is going to let you stand against that demon alone.a aNo shit,a Shilo snorted. aYou are one big pain in the ass, but we all love you.a aYeah, even if you are nuts!a Theo piped up.

aDonat think we canat knock you senseless and leave you here,a Gloredaniel told her.

Betrayal was the only thing she felt as she looked at the faces of her friends. Odif hadnat wanted them to suffer her fate, but they had insisted on coming. Now, she had to put a stop to it. She gave a heavy sigh. aAll right, you win.a Samas brow furrowed. aNo! You are not going to slip away and go by yourself. You have taught me well--I can sense you no matter where you are. We will all stand a better chance if we donat have to chase after you.a Odif had forgotten the half-demon could read minds. aI saved your ass, do you forget that?a Samas face became softer. aYou did save me. You gave me something I thought I would never have--friendship. For the first time in my life, I belong.a She laid her hands on Odifas shoulders. aAs your friend, I will not let you go without me.a aEven if it kills you?a aWe both know that is certain.a aYou are taking this fight too personally,a Jo-Jo told her. aMother Frieda has a cooler head, and that is what we need.a Scorpio moved closer to Sam so he could look Odif in the eye. aWe are in the fight of our lives,a he stressed. aWe need to stick together.a aWe can banish this thing to the abyss, as long as we work as one,a Frieda added.

Odif felt tears form in her eyes. The outpouring of love and support, not just from Sam but from everyone else in the circle, overwhelmed her. If it had been a different time and place she would have shown her own love in a more physical way. This time, she didnat lie when she said, aAll right, Mother Frieda is team leader.a Scorpio nudged Sam with an elbow. aWell?a aSheas telling the truth.a Frieda gave a satisfied huff. aNow thatas settled, letas finish what we started.a They went on their way. The only thing changed was that now when Odif decided the general direction, Mother Frieda chose the course. Unlike Odif, she led the group around heavier thickets and swamps, much to everyoneas relief.

As they traveled, the ground became smoother. The vegetation shortened, and more fields of tall grass dominated the landscape. Another day, and the terrain became a sea of grass, the small rises flowing into the distance like waves on a living ocean.

Every night now, Sam would awake to find Odif gone. Some nights, Scorpio would also be missing; other nights she noted that it was another man. Early one morning, she found both Theo and Hutch had disappeared. Subtle changes in the men got her attention. Entaurus seemed to be a bit friendlier to Odif, and the comments aimed at her from Theo and Hutch were the same but were now spoken with a hint of affection.

During a mid-day break, Frieda announced they were going to rest until night while Gloredaniel sought out news of happenings elsewhere. People going off to check the area was common. Sam thought nothing of it when Jo-Jo walked off with Odif. What got her attention was Scorpioas mood. He was clearly very upset Odif was leaving with the wizard. The only outward sign was his scowling glance at them as they left. She felt his anger smolder until he excused himself and walked off the way them had gone.

Knowing his thoughts were full of violence, Sam followed him. She was careful to stay quiet and cloud her presence, not that he was paying attention to anything but seeking out Odif. Shortly after he passed down into a shallow valley, he tipped his head, listening.

Sam heard it, too--off to her left, a male and a female voice chorused moaning cries. When Scorpio drew his sword and raced that way, Sam stayed behind him. The shift in his mood was hard to follow--he was very upset, traces of fear laced his anger. She wanted to stop him and ask what was wrong, but intuition told her not to.

They came around a curve and found Odif sitting over Jo-Jo. Their clothes were in a pile next to them. Neither saw Scorpio; they were engrossed in each other. Sweat poured from their faces as they coupled.

Samas jaw dropped. She knew people did this but had never seen it. Motion from Scorpio got her attention: he walked towards them and drew back his sword. Hatred and betrayal radiated from him as he took aim at Odifas neck.

aNooo!a Sam screeched as she dove for him. Her yell startled everyone. Odif turned her head to see Scorpio, and Scorpio paused for an instant. In that instant, Sam grabbed his wrist with both of hers to keep him from swinging.

She was thrown around like a rag doll as he yanked and pulled, attempting to break her grip. She clung tenaciously as he tried to shake her loose. In one long swing, he brought her off the ground, feet flying behind her. The move took him off-balance as well, and they crashed to the ground.

Green power flowed, the grass wrapped around them, pinning them to the ground. Sam tried to move away from the blade that was touching the side of her head; she was only concerned with survival at this point. Scorpio was crying and screaming.

aHow could you do this to me!a he wailed. aI loved you! Let me up! Let me up, you whore!a His yells broke down into miserable sobs.

He didnat notice as Sam was freed and helped to her feet. Jo-Jo used magic to lift the sword from his now-limp hands. Even after Odif released the grass around him, he just lay there and cried.

Odif stared down at him, shocked and furious. aWhat in the abyss were you doing? You were going to kill me, werenat you!a Jo-Jo grabbed her shoulder and pulled her away, getting between them. Looking down at Scorpio, he gave a sigh. aIam sorry, I really am,a He thought about saying more then decided against it. Holding Scorpioas sword, he gathered his clothes and started back towards the camp.

With Jo-Jo gone, Sam edged between, hoping with all her heart that one wasnat going to attack the other. She partly understood. Scorpio considered Odif his mate, but Odif wasnat as attached to him as he was to her.

aAre you proud of yourself?a Odif snapped as she grabbed her clothes.

Quieting, Scorpio sat upright as if it was all he could do to move. He glared at her, red-faced. aI thought we loved each other. You were supposed to be mine.a aI donat belong to anyone,a Odif told him sternly. aAs for you and me, you never asked for any kind of commitment!a She stepped closer, flinging her arm around as she scolded him. aYou thought it was so great that I didnat want a wedding ring just to have sex--do you forget that? I gave you what you wanted, whenever you wanted it. How dare you interrupt me when Iam with someone else!a Scorpio shot to his feet. aYou shouldnat be with someone else!a aI do as I damn well please!a Odif retorted.

aGreat! You no longer do it with me!a aFine!a aYeah, fine!a Sam looked back and forth, wondering which one would leap first. She had been taught how to handle a foe, but what was she going to do if her two friends started fighting? She was scared and confused. It seemed everyone was wrong, but then again no one was. Scorpio had one line of thought, and Odif another. Both believed they were right. How did things like this get started? Holding her arms out as if to keep them separate, she cried out, aPlease, stop it!a Odif stomped into her shorts then waved her shirt at Scorpio. aSee he gets back to camp!a She yanked her shorts in place then ran after Jo-Jo.

aI want nothing more to do with you!a he screamed after her. Fists balled at his sides, face red with heartbreak, he strode off in the other direction.

Sam was greatly relieved no one got hurt. She did note he was headed the wrong way. Hurrying up beside him, she pointed out the right direction. aOur camp is that way.a aIam going back,a he grated between his tears.

She didnat have to read his mind to get the events he was reliving--he was broadcasting them. Very clearly, he remembered every time Odif mated with him, every time he fought with her, every detail down to how sweetly she smiled at him. Once he ran out of memories, he played them over again.

aIam sorry you hurt. Itas not safe to go anywhere by yourself,a she protested.

aMaybe Iall meet a vlak.a aYou donat even have a sword,a she reminded him.

aSo what!a aWhat will killing yourself solve?a she cried. aI can feel how bad it hurts, but--a He stopped and whirled on her. aHow can you possibly know how I feel?a As she looked into his eyes, she knew. The only reason he had come was to be with Odif. All the fighting and putting up with his brother was to be beside the woman he loved. He wasnat here for his beliefs, but for Odif; she had become everything he lived for. Tears formed in her own eyes.

aI am so sorry,a She tried to hug him and he slapped her arms away.

aJust leave me alone!a He turned away and stomped off.

Since she had met her new friends, Sam had stayed calm and tried as hard as she could, even though her anger threatened to erupt from time to time. She thought the evil had no part in her new life, so each time she felt the bad start to rise she shoved it back down. It was rising with a vengeance now, and she let it boil over.

Fixing her mind on him, she reached out with it and stopped him in his tracks. It was her will that twisted him about to face her. She walked towards him, sneering and showing her fangs. Her voice was rough and deep, each word she forced into his mind.

aYes, now you know pain! After a normal life, you finally get a little taste of the unpleasant. I have lived with agony every single day of my life!a She walked right up to him so their eyes filled each otheras sight. aWhat we are doing is much more vital than your injured pride! You will go back to camp, and you will help those you call friends defeat the demon, or die trying!a She stepped back enough to let him go, ready to shove him along if he didnat move on his own. He did move, shaking slightly as he walked. Marching beside him, she was ready to steer him back on course if he decided to wander off. Slowly, her anger drained away; and after she had put it back into the dark corners of her mind, she felt terrible about frightening him so.

The camp was in sight by the time she got the nerve to apologize. aI did not mean to frighten you. I only wanted to bring you back.a His chuckle surprised her. He clasped her hand, squeezing it gently. aYou did open my eyes, thank you.a aWe can still be friends?a Even as she asked it, she knew the answer.

aOnly a friend would do what you did,a he told her. Looking ahead, he sighed. aI should have known what she was like. It still hurts, but I think I can live with it.a They got back to camp to find a strange sight. Shilo, who never said anything but snappy comments in the worst of situations, was yelling at Odif. He stood over her like an avenging angel as she sat cross-legged with her head down.

aYou screwed up bad, thatas what Iam saying! This is just like when you drove Tayan away, and he was the best thing that ever happened to you!a Odifas voice was subdued. aTayan is my brother; that was for the best.a Shiloas wings fluttered, fanning the campfire. aWho gives a shit? You will never find anyone who thought more of you than he did. You will never be that happy again in your life! The only good part of your splitting up was the rest of us were able to sleep all night. Are you too thick-headed to realize it tore his guts out to leave you? You just might come to find out that one day no one will want anything to do with you!a Odif tipped her head slightly. aSoon it will no longer matter.a Shiloas face turned red. aIt will always matter!a Odif gripped her head. aI just wanted to say goodbye to everyone before it was too late! I didnat mean to hurt him.a aWell, you did! Maybe some day youall figure out that most people have feelings!a Jo-Jo walked over to Scorpio and Sam as they came into camp. aI should have known better,a he said to Scorpio with a half-shrug.

Squatting by the fire, Theo and Hutch looked up at him.

aThat goes for us, too,a Hutch offered.

aUs?a Scorpio asked.

The two men looked at each other.

aWe do everything together,a Theo grinned.

Scorpio shot a mean look at Odif then plopped down by the fire. Entaurus was next to offer his apologies. Right after he did, Scorpio threw his hands up. aEnough! Iam the one who should have known better. Can we drop it?a Odif cast a worn gaze at him. aI just want you to know...a aDrop it!a he snapped.

aFine!a she huffed.

Mother Frieda decided it was time to change the subject. aSam, the place you escaped from, where is it?a Fairly sure no one was going to get hurt, Sam settled down beside her. aWhen I came out, all I saw was grass, just like whatas around us now. I went towards the sun--it was morning. I found a lake and stayed there for the night. The next day, hoarcs were nearby on the far bank, so I went back the way I had come then started zigzagging my path in case they were after me,a She shook her head with a sigh. aI moved around so much at first, I donat think I can take you straight to it.a aHow long did you travel towards the lake?a aMost of the day. I was running, and trying to stay on the lower ground.a aHow big is this hole you came out?a Shilo asked.

aItas a cave entrance. Iad say...about twice the size of this camp. It opens into a shallow valley, the top overhangs a bit.a Shilo pointed at the sky. aIf I take you up, do you think you can see it from the air?a Sam gulped. aThe air?a She had never thought about flying before, her short wings could barely make a breeze when she tried to flap them. How was she to fly?

aIall carry you. We could be on these plains for years before we find it on foot,a he explained.

aTake her up tomorrow,a Mother Frieda told him.

Seeing her apprehension, Shilo slapped her leg playfully.

aRelax, Iam not going to let anything happen to you. Us winged things got to stick together,a he said with a wink.

Dinner was started, and the conversation turned to how the wizards could get them all to the cave quickly once Shilo and Sam found it. Jo-Jo had a spell to levitate, Shilo would tow him to the entrance then he would open a portal at one end, and Gloredaniel would open one on this end. The only problem was that she could not go through and hold it open. Someone would have to take her. Odif offered to change into a horse and carry her there.

aWhat if she doesnat want to ride Odif?a Porthalen asked.

aWhy not? Everyone else has,a Shilo beamed.

Laughter rose. Scorpio tried to pretend he didnat hear it. Odif shot to her feet and stomped off.

Shilo looked around at the others. aAm I lying?a aLetas stick to the problem,a Frieda said evenly. aWe have to know how far away it is before we commit on how to bring Glordaniel to the rest of us.a aWhat about guards?a Scorpio asked. aSurely the entrance is watched.a Hutch spoke up. aGood point. It also may be blocked. If she got out then others would, too, unless there is now something there to stop them.a Sam shook her head. aUnrest is quickly taken care of. No one dares defy her.a aYou did,a he noted.

aI used an illusion to get out of the caverns. I made myself look like her. I donat know of anyone else who can do that.a aSo, you didnat see anything near the cave opening?a Hutch prodded.

aNo. The last...Iad say mile or so was completely clear.a One of the elves waved his bread at her. aTell us about these caverns, what kinds of things can we expect to find down there?a aMore importantly, where can we find the demon?a Frieda asked.

Sam explained the route as well as she could. aIf we donat get caught in the tunnels then weall come upon a cavern used to hold those being tortured. As long as we stay quiet and we're not spotted, we will get through to the hoarc chambers. Itas a large, open area where hoarcs are made and trained for combat. Weall go by wizardas labs then the underground lake. On the other side of the lake cavern, weall come to the underground city. There's a wide passage to the right, my motheras temple is at the end. Her own dwelling is a short distance from the temple, and she is usually in one place or the other. If she thinks sheas in danger, she will be in the temple.a aOf course,a Frieda breathed. aThe temple is her connection to Lucifer. We destroy the temple, and we destroy her power.a aThere are always two vlaks outside the temple doors, we canat just walk in,a Sam told her.

aThis is insane!a Porthalen spat. aHow can we fight our way through a city of...who knows what kind of evil, and then attack an underground temple guarded by vlaks!a Shilo looked at the elf and chuckled. aWhat did you think we were going to do? Go in and ask for a nice game of horseshoes?a aYeah, elfman, did you think it would be easy?a Theo asked.

Porthalen looked at them with pleading in his eyes. aYou understand what a vlak is, right? Have you ever seen what they can do? I was with King Alderlanas caravan, we got attacked by vlaks, we got mauled! Those things are unstoppable.a aI see you lived through it,a Entaurus noted.

Porthalen snorted. aBy incredible luck! If it wasnat for this big red-haired human, nobody would have made it.a His voice got louder as he went on. aHe charged into things that made everyone else run in terror. Twice he got caught in explosions, and it only made him madder. I never saw anyone charge a vlak by himself, let alone win. Unless he shows up, me, my men and Gloredaniel are not going anywhere near that place!a aYou were there?a Jo-Jo asked.

Porthalen nodded. aYeah, I was there, and Iam telling you with vlaks in the way we donat stand a chance.a aWe will deal with the vlaks,a Entaurus said evenly.

aWho was this red-haired human?a Sam asked, trying to envision anyone killing a vlak.

Porthalen shrugged. aI donat remember his name, all I know is that he was the toughest bastard I have ever seen.a Frieda rolled her eyes with a groan. aDear Leighna, I just figured it out,a Seeing the questioning looks, she explained. aThe one Porthalen just described is the Red Man. From what I know, Odif and Tayan are his children. Jo-Jo, in your vision, you said you saw three hammers.a Jo-Joas eyes widened. aYes! One brown and green, one red and one many colors.a Getting it straight in his mind, he slowly said, aRed hammer, Red Man. Where we fail, he will succeed.a aOdif has told us all along she will be killed,a Scorpio added. aShe really knew it!a aItas going to kill Odif and Tayan,a Jo-Jo concluded. aOnce it does...a aHe will come back,a Frieda finished. aThe Red Man will destroy the demon.a aWe canat be here,a Porthalen muttered with a shake of his head.

Shilo folded his arms across his chest in thought. aMaybe Iall just watch from the air. I have to see that fight!a Sam took in their thoughts. She got mental pictures of giant hammers and the general feeling from all of them that death was only a few days away and waiting down a dark hole.

aWe have no hope of surviving?a she whispered.

aDonat look like it,a Hutch said sadly. aMaybe Odif was trying to do us a favor,a Jerking a thumb at Theo, he said, aWe never had a woman before.a aNeither did I, before.a Entaurus stopped, glancing at Scorpio.

Scorpio looked at Jo-Jo, who said, aItas been a real long time for me, too.a No matter how much he didnat like the idea, Scorpio knew that Odif believed in balance in all things. If she knew they were all to suffer and die then of course she would do her best to give them as much pleasure as possible. She was, indeed, saying goodbye to her friends. He dropped his head in his hands, dry-washing his face.

aDear Odin!a he groaned. He tipped his head off to where Odif had left. aJo-Jo, you...better go finish what you started with her.a aI donat want any more trouble,a Jo-Jo protested.

aItas all right,a Scorpio assured him. aI donat like it, but now I understand.a aYou sure?a Jo-Jo asked as he started to get up.

aYes, go on.a Jo-Jo was up and off quickly. Scorpio tried hard not to think about what they were going to do. He decided it was his turn to clean up the plates. To his partial relief, Sam decided she would help.

The camp was settled in for the night when Odif returned. Scorpio had volunteered for the first watch. He tried not to see as Jo-Jo hugged Odif then lay down in his blankets. Instead of lying down, Odif came over and sat beside him.

aI am sorry if what I'm doing hurts you,a she said quietly. aItas just something I feel needs to be done.a He looked at her; she was slouched over as she watched him. Despite the fact she was having every man in their group he couldnat help how he felt about her. aYeah, I know. If weare going to suffer then we have to have pleasure first.a aYou do understand.a He shifted closer and put an arm around her. aI hate it, but I know why youare doing it.a She pressed against him, wrapping one arm around his middle. aDonat ever think that I donat love you.a Being alone with her in the dark, he had no doubts about it at all. aShilo was right about one thing,a he sighed.

aWhatas that?a aYou are one big pain in the ass.a ***

In the morning Shilo took off with Sam on his back. She clung to him tightly, eyes wide as he flew. The rest were packed up and ready to go, waiting for Gloredaniel to return. Mid-morning, the elven wizard materialized on the same spot she had vanished from, looking a bit ragged.

Theo spotted her first. aWhatas the news, elf lady?a he asked cheerily.

Hutch nodded. aYeah, good news first!a She looked at him vacantly, her voice flat. aGood news. There is some good news. Zodiac and Stazor are moving as planned. Elves in Tolina have massed an army and are headed for Elrad.a Porthalen and his elves looked relieved. aThat is good news. How large is this army?a Gloredaniel twitched her shoulder. aNot large enough, I think. I just came from Elrad City. Itas burning, dragons are dropping spears all over. The kingas palace is in ruins. I tried to help get people to safety, but thereas just so many!a Hand over her mouth, she choked back a sob.

Porthalenas face paled. aDear Odin, it canat be!a Gloredaniel went on, fighting her tears. aThe ones who can fight are preparing for invasion. Pilgyns have been seen just north of the city, and there has already been fighting in the northern district. No one knows how many got past our army, or even if our army still exists. Our priests told me that evil is driving this force. We have to stop it before there is no Elrad left.a aElrad City is over halfway down the kingdom. The elves lose this battle, and itas over for them,a Jo-Jo stated.

aLongforest will be next,a Odif said. aGloredaniel, did you tell Tayan what the situation is?a The stricken look on her face became worse. aTayan is dead.a Odif looked at her blankly. She shook her head and started towards her. aNo, Tayan is not dead. He has probably left to get help from King Gunthar.a aHe was killed in the western part of Tolina...a Odif grabbed her by the front of her cloak, balling her hands into fists. Her eyes glassed over with disbelief.

aTayan is not dead!a she insisted. aSomeone lied to you.a aItas true,a Gloredaniel cried. aHe was shot in the back by a guardsman...a aHe is not dead!a Odif shouted and started shaking her.

The rest grabbed the druidas arms, trying to pry her off. They tore Gloredanielas cloak wrestling her away. She kept repeating that Tayan wasnat dead as they made her sit down.

Scorpio sat by Odif as Frieda talked to Porthalen and Gloredaniel. He tried to hold her hand, and she shrugged him off.

aI'm fine,a she stated, combing her hair back with quaking fingers. aGloredaniel made a mistake, thatas all. Tayan isnat dead. He canat be.a Beckoning with her arms to gather everyone in close, Frieda announced. aLet us say a prayer for our fallen comrade.a Odif got up. Scorpio grabbed her, and she gave him a hard shove in the chest, knocking him back down. Standing poised to fight, she snapped, aHe is not dead!a Entaurus moved in front of her. aDonat do this to yourself.a aIam not doing anything to myself. Tayan is not dead!a she shrieked. Even as she did, her lips quivered. Somewhere in her mind she was beginning to accept it was true.

This time when Scorpio grabbed her, he put his arms around her. He was glad to be wearing his armor, for she began to pound his back as she screamed, aNo! No! Nooo!a She sagged, and he sagged with her. Her screams broke into wracking wails. Odif cried for a very long time.

Sam clung to Shilo as they flew so close to the ground she swore he had to be getting smacked by the blades of grass as they raced by.

aDo we have to go so low?a she called over the wind.

aHoarcs over there,a he called back, tipping his head slightly to the left. aItas best if weare not seen.a A knoll was racing at them. He banked in a turn to go around it then threw himself the other way to miss the next one. Samas stomach was in her throat. It wasnat the feeling of flying that made her sick, just his sudden movements. She had tried using her own stubby wings to help as he dove, which had proved disastrous. Instead of helping him bank, she had sent them into a spin that he barely managed to recover from in time to keep from ramming into the ground. She now kept them pressed tight to her body. The idea of hitting the ground at such speed was not comforting.

After another few minutes of ground hugging, he shot up a hundred feet. Sam had a good view now; but as in the earlier part of the day, all she saw was grass.

aWhere are we?a she asked.

aYou donat know?a aNo, it all looks the same.a aHow about if I go higher for a better look.a aPlease.a She let out an involuntary squeak as he threw himself vertical and shot skyward. The muscles in her arms were burning from holding on; she could feel herself slipping. A quick glance showed the ground a long way down and getting farther.

aDonat drop me!a Suddenly, she was thrown forward as he leveled off. Weightless for an instant, she screamed, sure she was going to fall. She started to then found he was under her again. Her heart was pounding as she clung tightly to him.

aHey, is that the lake?a he asked, pointing off to the right.

On the horizon, she made out a darker green area. Bits of silver reflected the sun. She took a few breaths to collect herself. aCould be.a Shilo turned into a gentle bank. aAll right! Now, if you ran for a day then you probably started right around...there,a he said, pointing almost straight down.

From this high, all she could make out was yellow. As she studied the ground, she saw an S-shaped scar. Climbing up higher on his back, she pointed over his shoulder.

aSee that? Take me down there.a He dove, and soon the thin scar in the surface proved to be a valley. They descended far enough that she could make out the yellow was, indeed, grass.

She noticed movement. aSomeoneas down there.a aYup, letas go see who.a Shilo slowed and began a corkscrew turn that widened out until he was making large circles. The creatures below were now visible. A dozen hoarcs were in the valley, another few appeared from one wall. The cave showed only as a dark slice, indicating an overhang hid it from the air.

aThat must be it,a she said.

aWe better make sure. Get a good look when we go down.a aGo down?a she asked. Shilo answered by dropping head first into a dive.