| I sat on Taka's back, pulling the cloak around me to block out the wind. "Grandfather, are you sure that we'll get help from these guys?" I asked as I watched the black forest pass underneath me. "Yes, Pup," he said softly, just loud enough to be heard. "They have never backed out of a pledge before." Will shook his head, long hair flying out behind him. "Now I see why this is the Dark Land. Man, you can't see anything down there," he replied, looking down. "The forest doesn't allow in sunlight, only moonlight," Der explained, swinging his massive head back and forward, looking. "It's home to the more...unsavory characters of Nivta." Taka blinked slightly and slowed down. "Maybe, Der, but you never know, they just might turn the tide against Sayt. Sleeping Panther, there is a clearing up ahead, is that the place that we're looking for?" "Yes, very well done ShaTaka," Grandfather said, smiling. "Just set us down in the middle of it, we will be fine." In a few minutes, we were on the ground, something akin to black sand or dirt underneath a carpet of black leaves. 'Wow, this place is sooo homely,' I thought sarcastically before pulling off my cloak and setting it in front of Taka. "Are you going to be all right?" the black dragon asked me quietly. "I know that Sleeping Panther trusts these people but mystery and legend surround them." Smiling, I patted the dragon on the head. "So are you and I trust you. I'll be fine, don't worry." Will glanced around at the tall trees and his eyes locked on the largest one at the edge of the clearing. "Where are these guys at?" he muttered. "I hope they aren't going to come out the ground or something." My grandfather laughed. "No, Will. They will send a messenger who should be here in a few minutes." �You will not have to wait that long, my lordship�s guests,� a deep feminine voice said and I looked towards the giant tree. A woman, tall, lean, and the color of honey had stepped out of the side of the massive tree. She was clothed in gold wrist, ankle, and waist bells and not too much else, save the touch of make up she wore on her dark amber eyes, giving them an other worldly look. "Francis sends his best, as usual," Grandfather says, bowing and kissing her hand. I rolled my eyes and silently sighed. 'This is a game of diplomacy, one best left to the diplomats, not a hot head like me,' I thought and cast a glance at Will who was still staring in amazement. "Will, take your eyes off the naked woman and think for a minute," I whispered and he blushed, it traveling down his back and chest. "Sorry, mind slipped, I'm here now," he whispered back, embarrassed. "Right..." The belled woman bowed and smiled. "You flatter me. I am Zanq. I will be your escort to the Imiam's chambers. Follow me," she said and disappeared underground. Sleeping Panther looked back at the dragons. "Wait here, my friends. Will, Tasha, let's go." Sighing, I followed him with Will at my side. "Why do I not want to go down there?" I muttered. "Because you're sane. I'm with you on that one too," he said as the ground closed in over our heads |