Braum had just stepped on the the porch of Kryton's porch when he looked across the compound and seen gaurd, followed shortly by the old crone Serena step into the barn. He watched as Serena walked back out shortly followed by Miranda. Braum stepped quickly off the porch and walked swiftly across the compound, just as Serena stepped through the gates. "Shut and bar the gates! ...... Sound the alarm ...... Archers to the walls!!!!" he shouted. Stepping in front of Miranda he placed his hands on her shoulders gazing into your blank emotionless eyes. Braum then spoke softly as he held the palm of one hand before Miranda "Si mi vi darastrix urthalre di juanth mrith wer dastudr di wer darastrix si rechan oratha wer tija di Serena vur goawy kyovaeri zahae miranda di wer varden." As he spoke a soft white sphere glowed on Miranda's forehead and all memory of Serena's presence and conversation vanished from Miranda's memory. In fact the last thing she remembered she was standing and gromming a horse.

Braum then grabbed the gaurd and said "Do not leave Mirand's side and escort her to Commander Kryton's ofice immediately." he then went to the gate and said to the Captain of the gaurd. "Stay vigilant there is grave danger just beyond these gates. THe woman Serena that you just let pass is not to be allowed within these walls. Tell your spell casters to be on their gaurd." Braum then turned and walked towards Kryton's office.

Serena was furious, her rage knew no bounds as she stormed through the forest back to where she had left the red Lizonians. Damn that foolish rider!! Somehow, he'd seen through her facade. She had to get to Miranda and soon, before she delivered her message.

Than, her eyes lit up. Ahhh, yes, there is another way. If Miranda got her message delivered before she could stop then there was always after. Afterall, any good Varden would never tell of the secret passageway to the Varden's hideout, so she just get rid of her niece before she can escort them to the Varden.

As for the rider, well, she would have to come up with something else. A weak minded guard perhaps. Taking her position on top of the hill once again, the red Lizonian looked to the witch, his eyes showing his impatience to taste human blood. Serena watched and waited, opening her senses to pinpoint that which she would need. Of course, now she had to be extra dilligent as she was sure the rider had alerted the compound's spell casters. This would take much of her energy, but if she played it right then she wouldn't even have to come into contact with the guard or her niece.

"Stay alert, Gnash. Gods of Darkness willing, I will deliver you blood to you anon."

Serena stared out into the horizon, chanting a spell to bespell the guard she'd felt in the tower as well as chanting a spell to cover both spells. This would have to be done quickly if it was going to work. And, if it didn't, then she would wait, but she would have to make sure that someone became food for Gnash and his fellow Lizonians to keep them placated.

Serena was becoming furious. She couldn't get the guard to do what she wanted, couldn't get through to him. She'd have to get closer and that may be too risky. She would have to think of something else or she would be the one becoming food for the red Lizonians.

She'd heard Miranda speaking to the horse she'd been grooming about losing her own horse not long ago. A beautiful mare called Satin. Tapping one long fingernail to her bottom lip, a plan began to form. Just maybe, maybe it would work.

It would take time and energy, and she had things and ingredients to gather.

"Come Gnash, we will go to the neighboring farmstead and you shall have your feast, but keep it quiet. And, don't touch the horses. I have need of one."

Erik wasn’t completely dry when he hurried to put his clothes on. Furrowing his brows, he strode to the area Shiloh told him and when he saw the severed head laying there with flies already buzzing around it, he grit his teeth. There was only one person he knew would do something like this. Braum had no couth what so ever. And it clearly showed right now.

Stepping off the porch to go to the stables to retrieve an empty feed bag, he saw the commotion near the gates. And Braum. Turning to head in that direction, he met Braum half way to Kryton’s office with Miranda in tow. Needless to say his brows creased even more.

“Braum. We need to talk.”

”Not right now, boy. I’ve got to get her to Kryton’s office.”

Erik clenched his jaw even more and grabbed Braum by the shoulder to spin him around.

”I’m not a boy, Braum, and you’d best stop calling me that or…”

”Or what? You’ll have at me right here right now? Please…I’ve had worse threats. If you need to talk to me right now then you will accompany me to Kryton’s office and we can discuss it there. Otherwise, be on your way.”

Erik was angrier than he had been in a long time. Clenching his hands into tight fists, he held himself back from delivering the jaw crushing punch he so wanted to give the grouchy old man. Instead, he let Braum take up walking once more and followed them into Kryton’s office.

Kryton was standing up with a concerned look on his face as the three walked in. His dark eyes drifted from Braum to Miranda then to Erik.

”Seems I can’t trust anyone coming into my compound any more. I’ve ordered the gates locked until further notice. I understand you needed to talk top me right away Braum. What are these two doing with you?”

Shiloh finished her bath, dressed and went out to find Erik. As she stepped out onto the porch of the dorm, the head was still there and she sidestepped it, looking at it as if it were going to jump at her. She was a good fighter, but there were just some things that she couldn't handle and a bodiless head was one of them.

She saw Erik heading to Kryton's office with Miranda and Braum and wondered what was going on. Shrugging her shoulders, she figured that Erik would tell her when he was ready. Instead, she headed for the stables to groom RainStorm before she began her training.

Once inside, she noticed that the horses were nervous about something, pawing the floors of their stables and tossing their heads, their eyes somewhat wild. Patting each and every one until she made it to RainStorm, she spoke softly to him when she heard flies buzzing around in the last stable at the far end of the barn. Walking carefully over, she withdrew her dagger, keeping her steps light and quiet.

Reaching the stable, she peered in and saw the young guard with his throat slit, his eyes wide with fear. Around the neck wound was the tell tale sign of Lizonian venom.

Running out of the stables, she hollered for the guards, telling them what and who was in the stables then she ran to Kryton's office, knocking forcefully on the door.

"ENTER!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS, WHAT NOW?!!"

When Kryton saw Shiloh, his gaze softened and he toned down a bit, asking her what the problem was.

"Last stable, in the barn, one of the young guards is dead. His throat was slit and there are signs of Lizonian poison at the wound."

Miranda looked dazed and confused, hearing Shiloh say something about a dead guard in the stables. She was remembering something, but it was just out of reach and how in the name of the Gods did she get to Kryton's office. She was just grooming one of the horses. She looked over at the guard holding onto her arm and yanked free of him. Something was definately not right here and it involved her which she didn't like in the least. Seeing Braum watching her carefully, she knew instantly who had the answers and by the Gods, she would have those answers or Braum wouldn't know a moment's peace while she was around.

She saw Erik and the look on his face. He was angry about something, that much was clear and if she guessed right, he was angry at Braum. What had the man done now?

Miranda rubbed her temples, trying to get rid of the throbbing that was starting in her head. Her head felt fuzzy and she was dizzy as if she'd been bespelled. That was when her head jerked up and she glared at Braum, her green eyes spitting fire at him. Now she was furious. Biding her time, she waited. Braum apparantly wanted to run the show so she would let him, for now.

As Serena, Gnash and the other Lizonians walked quietly through the forest towards the farmstead, she collected what herbs she would need to do the job she had planned. It wouldn't be wise to cast it before nightfall so she had time.

They came across two hunters and Gnash and his followers made short work of them, gorging themselves. At least they were placated for now. They wouldn't reach the farmstead until afternoon and then it would be nightfall by the time they returned to the compound. That was when she would act.

Braum clmly said "Miranda this is Commander Kryton and I believe you have a message of some importance for him. As to why Erik is here, well it seems he is upset that I delivered the head of the Lizonian that led the attack on his girl friends village and killed her ....... friends. The witch and spellcaster Serena was in the compound and tried to prevent Miranda from delivering her message. Probably trying to win favor with Elighinn." He then looked at Miranda and said "Well Miranda of the Varden are you going to stand there like an adled school girl brought before the headmaster or are you going to complete your mission?" Braum then looked at Erik who stood with his mouth open. "And you boy shut your mouth before a Dragon flies in it. You wanted answers, listen and learn."

Miranda glared at Braum, wanting nothing more than to slap him silly, but that could wait til later. Right now, she had to deliver her message. When he mentioned Serena, she gave him a confused look, a memory tickling her brain, as if it were trying to come forth. All it did was cause her head to ache. Turning her attention to Commander Kryton, she began.

"I am Miranda Kelley of the Varden and I was sent here to observe your compound and riders and get a feel for all of you." When she saw Kryton aknowledge the Varden but then protest at being scoped out, she raised her hand, stopping him.

"Hear me out, Commander. Others like me have been sent all over the land, doing exactly what I am doing now. The time to strike at Elighinn is coming soon, but we Varden are few, not strong enough in numbers to really do any damage to him. But, if we combine our forces, work together, then we have a better chance at defeating him. My leader, Lord Jardon, is wise enough to see this. Your compound is well run, the riders well trained as well as their aides. They are becoming brave, attacking close to the compounds, and wiping out whole villages. We need to join our forces in order to defeat him. Will you join us? Will you fight alongside of us and we alongside of you to defeat Elighinn? Together we can defeat him, his minions, and his creation, the red Lizonians. Even Morbidtora will fall if we combine our forces and work together. What do you say, Commander? What message do I return to Lord Jardon?"

Miranda watched as Kryton pondered her words. He knew of the Varden and their valiant efforts to protect those who fell under attack from Elighinn, but their numbers were few even though their bravery knew no bounds.

"I will have to consult with my head riders on this. I will get back to you before the day is gone tomorrow. You are dismissed, all of you."

As Miranda walked out of the office, she waited until she was a few yards away from the office before turning on Braum.

"I want answers, Braum, and I want them now!!! Who in the hell is Serena? How do you know about me and the Varden? How did I end up in Kryton's office when the last thing I remember was grooming a horse? What did you do to me?"

Erik was furious at Braum for treating him like a child once more. He wanted to punch the old mans mouth until he spit his teeth out on the ground and was left with nothing but gums to try and eat with. Of course he’d never get his way. It wouldn’t be looked on very well if he attacked the elderly Rider.

As Miranda spoke of the Varden, Erik’s eye blinked. He’d heard of them but didn’t think they were still around. He could have sworn they had all been destroyed in the last big war when Elghinn killed his father. But…Miranda was one of them. So that HAD to mean they were still out there, some where.

As they were dismissed from Kryton’s office, Erik took Shiloh’s hand in his and followed along behind Braum and Miranda. When Miranda accosted the old man outside Kryton’s office, Erik let a small smile of victory ease over his lips. As he and Shiloh passed by Braum and Miranda, Erik leaned in closer and spoke in a low voice for Braum’s ears alone.

”We’ll settle up when you’re done with the she-cat. If there’s anything left to settle up with, that is.”

Leading Shiloh away from the two, he headed for the stable. Seeing others cleaning up the mess left behind of the dead guards body, he found an empty feed sack and headed for the dorms.

”There’s no doubt the old man has value, Shi, but damn if he doesn’t know how to pluck my last nerve. I want nothing more than to punch him in the mouth and shut his insolence up for good. I don’t dare, though, He’s an elder and we are to show him respect. I guess they didn’t teach these old crones they should show respect to get it.”

Erik shook his head and furrowed his brow as he moved to the dorms to collect the severed, fly attracting head of the Red Lizonian Braum despoited on the door step. He’d make sure it got incinerated so they wouldn’t have to worry about the smell or the vermin it will attract.

Shiloh couldn't believe what she'd just heard. Miranda, a member of the Varden.

Once dismissed, she headed out with the rest of them, sticking close to Erik, but not too close. She didn't want to crowd him, especially when he was angry, like he was right now with Braum. She stayed quiet when Miranda lit into him, watching Braum's face stay it's typical arrogant self. She couldn't help but smile thinking about how the fiesty redhead just may prove a match for the arrogant rider.

This Serena person had her concerned, though. She knew little of magicks, but she knew that dark magick was not something to mess around with and apparantly that's what Serena does. Dark magick. The thought made her shiver.

But, time was wasting away and they needed to train, especially if Kryton decided to take the Varden up on their offer and combine their forces.

Shiloh couldn't surpress the chuckle at Erik's words as her heart soared when he took her hand and led her back to the dorm. After grabbing a grain sack, she wrinkled her nose as he deposited the head into it, then followed him to where it would be burned.

Once that was done, she whistled for Sampson, who was busy getting spoiled by the head mistress at the aides' dorm. Patting his head, she gave him the command to follow and they both followed Erik to the training area.

Shiloh headed over to the training area while Erik disposed of the Lizonian head. She told Sampson to stay on the outside of the arena while she went in and stretched, getting ready for whatever Erik had in store for her today. She was still grieving over her father, but with Erik's help, she was dealing with it and adjusting.

She turned watching Miranda still lighting into Braum and couldn't surpress a chuckle. Miranda's red hair was showing her temper and if she didn't know better, she could swear that she could see her green eyes sparkling as she spoke to Baum.

She watched as Erik came walking towards the arena, admiring the view he presented. She smiled at him, letting him know that she was ready for her training to resume. She knew he wouldn't take it easy on her just because of how they felt for each other. If anything, she expected him to be worse with her because of how he felt about her. So, she thougt she was ready for whatever he decided to throw at her.

It was coming into the afternoon when Serena, Gnash and his soldiers returned to the tree covered hill overlooking the compound. She led a beautiful roan colored mare behind her, glaring at the Lizonians if they got too close to the horse, causing her to spook. She didn't like having to soothe the miserable creature, but she needed her.

Tieing her tether to a tree branch, Serena then focused on the girl, Miranda. She had already given orders to Gnash to guard her and guard her well for what she was about to do would deplete her energy.

Pulling the various roots and herbs from her pouch, she then proceeded to mash them up in her small pestle and mortar, mixing them with water and using her magick, created a small flame to heat the mixture up before straining it.

She then set it to the side to cool and wait.

Braum unemotionally looked at Miranda as she ranted, then calmly asked "Do you feel better now? I know I do."
Temeraire touched Braums mind and said "It is time we answered some of her questions, Braum."
Braum mentally said to Tenereaire "Yes it is." Temeraire then streched he long neck, yawned, and curled herself into a large ball and closed the inner lid of her eye, appearing to go to sleep. In actuality she was only resting and watching closely to what occurred around her.

Braum then called to Erick and said to both Miranda and Erik "Follow me and keep yourselves calm and quiet." Braum then led them to the stables and after he instructed all the grooms and guards to leave, he muttered softly in the ancient language, placing wards around the stable. The wards would prevent anyone from eavesdropping and also prevent an attack. Walking over to a stack of hay bales, pointed to the bales and told them to sit. Standing in front of them he said . "I helped form the Vardin with your father, Miranda, long before you were born, after Ellighn betrayed the Riders and assumed his rule over the lands. ........ It was I who stood at your fathers side when he wed your mother. Your mother's love and your birth, Miranda was a thing your father cherised and celebrated to his dieing day. ..... It was on the Plains of Sangspur that Ellighn and his Shade, Morbidtora, slew your father, causing the death of his Dragon Vardona and my Dragon." Looking at both of them he continued "Understand, that a Rider will live after his Dragon dies, but a Dragon will die when his Rider is killed. The bond between Dragon and Rider is so entertwined that not only do they think as one but a Dragon's heart is connected to that of his Rider. When a Rider's Dragon is killed it leaves a void in a Rider's heart. Many a Rider has gone mad with grief, which is what has happened to Ellighn. I am not making excuses for Ellighn's actions. What he has done is beyond the madness of grief. ......... It was after that battle that I left the Varden, for reasons of my own, that niether of you need concern yourselves with at this time. I returned only once to thier stronghold, and that was only to insure that you, Miranda, arrived there safely.

Enough of the past as to what happened to you today .... the witch Serena had placed a spell on you and you were following her out of the compound, I banished the spell, placed wards aroundf yo to protect you from any attack from her. Though these wards are strong they are not invincable, they can be weakened. I then took you to Kyrons office so you could deliver your message from Jordan."

Braum then turned to Erick ..... "You Erik although a good Rider, probably the best here, lack the training and discipline to be a TRUE RIDER. But that will change, for both you and your Dragon. Temeraire will begin training your Dragon, you will begin training your aide and I will begin training you. Then we shall escort Miranda back to the Varden safely to ensure the message she carries from Kryton is delievered. Then a force strong enough to defeat the armies of Ellighn will be raised. Now both of you harness your anger and focus your efforts. There is much work to do before the cycle of the next moon. ...... There are things you must learn as well Miranda, but first your parents enstrusted some things to me with, that the wished you to have."
Braum then walked over to a hay bale, reached beneath it and withdrew a small velvet pouch and a long package wrapped in leather. He placed the package on a bale of hay and handed the small velvet pouch, to Erick ( Inside he would find a crystal angel with spead wings and a heart of saphire on a silver chain ) "This was your mother's crafted and given to her by the Elven Queen Elesidara. Your mother entrusted it to me when she died." Braum then walked over and picked up the other package and handed to Mirandar the leather wrapped package. (With in the leather she will fine an Elven crafted long sword.) "This was your father's, he wished for you ta have it when the time came that you were worthy to wield it. I think that time has come. Train with it dillegently, learn to use it well. It belonged to an honorable, noble and just man that fought and died so that others may one day be free to live inpeace and persue their dreams. It belonged to my friend and now belongs to his only heir." Braum then turned and left the stable quietly. ........ "Don't you both have work to do?" Braum said coldly.

Miranda was throroughly confused as she stared at the sword in her hand. He'd said that her father was a dragon rider and his friend. How could that be? He was a farmer. Her father was a farmer, not an ex-dragon rider of old.

When Braum began to leave the stables, his voice cold when he asked them both if they had work to do, she ran to him, grabbing his arm, her eyes still full of questions for he had erased her memory from what Serena had told her.

"What do you mean, my father was a dragon rider?! He was a farmer, Braum, not a dragon rider and he never mentioned you at any time, nor did my mother. You have done nothing, Braum, except create even more confusion within me."

She was clearly becoming angry again, only this time was different. This time her anger was coming from deep within her.

"How dare you!! You come in here, tell me things about my father that I never knew and that apparantly you've been watching me for what I'm guessing is years and you expect me to just accept thist and continue on with whatever it is you think I should be doing?! You act as if you are the one who is now taking charge of my life!!!"

Raising back her hand, she proceeded to slap him only to have him catch her hand in mid-air, his eyes hard.

"You and my FATHER?!! The TWO of you started the Varden?!"

She was now visibly shaking so great was her anger and confusion. She looked over at Erik who was looking down at his boots and looking as if he didn't really want to be there right at that moment. Looking back at Braum, who had released her arm by now, she glared at him before turning away from him and heading back into the stable, choosing a horse.

"You have the manners of a goat, Braum to just lay this on me and go about your business as if you haven't just dropped a nest of hornets on top of my head. Not only do you have the manners of a goat but a goat at least would have more compassion than you. And I cannot believe that my father would have been a friend of yours."

Saddling the mare she'd been grooming earlier, she walked her out of the stables. When Braum asked her just where she thought she was going, she refused to answer him. She walked over to Kryton's office, requested that the gates be open for her to collect herbs, promising to stay within sight of the tower guards. Kryton have his permission and Miranda climbed into the saddle and headed for the gates.