Talen didn t say anything for a minute, too stunned at what she heard. Kaylor had been on the streets since she was five years old because she didn t have power? How could any parents do that to their child, she d never do something like to Baron, power or no power? I m so sorry. Talen finally got out through her tightened throat. Don t be. I know you re not from this world my lady but things are not as nice here as other planets. This is a harsh plant and we have to be harsh to survive. My parents didn t want to have to take care of me for the rest of my life, so they did what they thought was the fair thing to do. They threw me out and if I lived, I lived; if I died, I died. Nothing more, nothing less. There are thousands of children on the streets in the outer regions. It s just too hard to take care of them when they have no magic to help themselves. Talen didn t answer, too overcome by anger to respond. All those helpless children living on the streets, dying on the streets in the outer regions. The two walked on in silence.

She s the seer. BUSKA said, what was left of his army at his side. Is she the key? One voice asked. No, the child is the key, only he can give me my full strength and power back. She has no magic. She can put a crimp in our plans however, if she sees what we are going to do before we do it. Reinforce the spells and try to keep her away from the child. BUSKA said.

With a sigh Taker said, According to the tradition, the ruler has to take his slave in front of the underlords of Seramids. Once that is done, he can do whatever he wants with her. Before he could take another breath, Kane had his hand around his throat and had him up against the wall. I ll say this only one more time. Kane said softly, rage filling his eyes and his voice. IF you TOUCH her, I ll kill you. He moved his hand and Taker landed on the floor. And I ll only tell you this one more time; I DON T WANT HER! Taker shouted in Kane s face. We just need to come up with a way to get rid of this tradition. Think long and hard brother, she won t leave my sight. Kane said turning and walking a few steps down the hall before turning and walking back toward Taker. Taker rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall, his mind working at solving the problem.

They re all occupied, grab the child. BUSKA said, an evil smile forming his thin lips when his servants faded from sight.

Baron was playing in his room, unaware of the tension that was building in the castle. His nanny was sitting in a corner. Are you hungry Baron? She asked with a smile. Want cakes. Baron said, making his toy dragon hop on top of his toy castle. You had pancakes for breakfast, how about some chicken for lunch? She asked. Want CAKES. Baron said, not looking up. With a sigh she said I ll speak with your mother and if she says you can have them, then I ll have cook make them ok? She asked. Unk Kane make. Baron said, throwing his dragon up in the air and frowning when it came right back down. We ll see. Don t move I ll be right back. She said and disappeared from the room. She found Talen and Kaylor and asked if it was ok for Baron to have more pancakes. Talen shook her head no and said Chicken. The nanny smiled and disappeared.

Baron threw the dragon up in the air again and bit his lip. When his uncle threw it in the air, it stayed. He got up and walked over to it, picking it up he looked at it hard and said Stay air. Then he threw it up again. He clapped his hands when it hovered for a moment and then fell back. Good dragie. He said picking it up and patting it on the head. Baron, your mother said.... The nanny trailed off, appearing in the room and falling into a deep sleep. Baron turned around and before he could scream, he was gone.

Talen and Kaylor were just coming around the castle, having walked most of the way in silence when Kaylor stopped and looked to her left. Baron... She whispered and disappeared.

WANT KANE S! WANT KANE S! WANT KANE S! Baron screamed over and over. Why aren t the silence spells working on him? One of his guards demanded his hands over his ears. I don t know. The other yelled, trying to be heard over the noise Baron was making. Before anyone could say anything else BUSKA appeared before them. Keep him quiet. He hissed, his pointy tongue shooting out of his mouth. The silence spells aren t working. One of the guards said. FOOLS! He is Sercon. Give him what he wants and he ll be fine. BUSKA yelled. He wants the seer. The guard said. Get her, she has no magic and what better way to keep her from messing up our plans than having her here? BUSKA said and the guards nodded.

Kaylor was walking with Talen when she stopped; she spotted Baron in some kind of cave, screaming. She said his name and suddenly she was in the cave with him. Kane s. Baron said, running over to her. Baron, are you ok? Kaylor asked, shivering with cold. Cold. Baron said, reaching for her. Kaylor pulled the hat and scarf off and put them on Baron. Spotting a wall, she picked Baron up and put him inside her coat, buttoning it around them both and then she slid down the wall. She pulled her arms through the sleeves of the coat and then pulled the sleeves inside the coat as well, making it look like a poncho. She put the sleeves behind her back and leaned against them, cutting off the flow of air through the armholes. She pulled off the gloves and said Give me your feet Baron. Baron turned around and she put the gloves over his feet while he giggled. Tickles. He said giving her a big grin. I bet where are your shoes? She asked. Home. Baron said, laying his head on her shoulder. Kane s warm? He asked, yawning big. Yes, I m warm are you? She asked, tightening her arms around him. Baron nodded and closed his eyes.

Baron s gone. Taker said softly, knowing how Talen would react. I know. So is Kaylor. Talen said, turning fear filled eyes up to him. I feel evil in this room mate. She said. BUSKA. Was Taker s answer.

WHERE IS SHE? Kane yelled, pacing back and forth in the hall. I don t know. BUSKA has her and Baron. Taker answered, trying to keep him calm. Kane stopped and looked Lockie s missing? He asked. Taker nodded and Kane sat heavily down in the chair at his back. We ve got to find them...where would BUSKA be? Kane asked, his mind coming up blank. He could be anywhere, hell...Ells, Issa...take your pick. Taker said, trying to lock onto Baron the way he did Talen.

Kaylor looked down at the top of the head sticking out of her coat, Baron was breathing easily and he felt warm, she hoped it wasn t a fever. Rubbing her check against the top of his head, she looked for a way out. Give it up my dear, there is no way out of here. BUSKA said, his pointy tongue coming out of his mouth. Where there s a will... Kaylor said, trailing off. Not in hell. BUSKA hissed. Kaylor laughed humorlessly and said And I always thought it was hot in hell. BUSKA grinned to himself...he felt her fear, but she still stood up to him. I can make it whatever I want it to be. He said, walking into the cave.

Hungry. Baron said, looking up sleepily at Kaylor. I know honey, we ll eat as soon as we get home. Kaylor said, rubbing his arm. Would you like me to give you something to eat Baron? BUSKA asked softly. NO! YOU MEAN! Baron hissed, his little head popping up from the opening in Kaylor s coat. Very mean, would you like to be mean like me? BUSKA asked, reaching his pointy fingers out to touch his head. Kaylor jumped up and clutched Baron to her, Don t touch him. She said, pushing his head back into her jacket. NOT BE MEAN LIKE YOU! Baron s scream was muffled but both heard it nonetheless. You will be my boy, or you ll die and so will all of Sercon. BUSKA said with a laugh. NOT! Baron said, again his head popping up from Kaylor s jacket. Why would you pick on a small child? What can he do? He s only three years old, a baby. He has no real power. Kaylor said, her arms tightening around Baron when he tried to get down. He is the new beginning of Sercon. I will have his power or he ll be destroyed. Either one he chooses. BUSKA said. How much power can a three year old yield? Kaylor asked, her eyes searching for a way out. When he sets his mind to it, he can do anything...no matter how old he is. BUSKA said. Really? Then why are we still here, don t you think he really wants to go home to his mom and dad? Kaylor asked, her back hitting the end of the wall. She had no where else to go. FOOL! He doesn t want it bad enough. His parents haven t taught him to use his power, they re letting him come into it on his own or some such nonsense. He should have been taught from day one about his power, how to use it, how to wield it...but now...it s there, just for me. BUSKA said, again reaching for Baron. Kaylor flipped around and pressed Baron against the wall, keeping her body between his and BUSKA. She felt his fingers through her coat and sucked in a breath at the burning sensation that ran through her. Closing her eyes she forced herself to stay up, determined that he wouldn t touch Baron...she d die first.

Kane jerked in his chair and stood, feeling a burning pain in his shoulder, trailing down his back. He closed his eyes, knowing that something was happening to Kaylor...but could he find her? He d not taken her and he d not tasted her essence...all he d done was kiss her...would it be enough? Taking a deep breath, he disappeared his soul searching for it s missing half.

Talen was in the moon room, sitting cross legged in the floor, her mind open searching for a spell to find her son and Kane s mate. She d tried two already and nothing had worked...she felt her energy start to drain away but she still kept trying, she just needed the right spell.

Taker was pacing in the hall when he saw Kane jump up then he disappeared, he was trying to get a lock on him when his soul pulled him toward Talen. Feeling how weak she was, he appeared at her side, sitting behind her and wrapping his arms around her. She leaned back her eyes closed and let him support her body. A few minutes later she turned, flinging herself into his arms crying. I can t find the spell I need. I can t find them. She said, her tears wetting his robe. Calm down honey...just relax and don t try so hard and the spell will come to you. Taker said, rocking her back and forth in his arms. I want my baby. She wailed, her body shaking uncontrollably. We ll find him, don t worry. Taker said softly.

NOT HURT KANE S! NOT HURT KANE S! Baron screamed, his little voice muffled by Kaylor s body and the coat. He wiggled until he got his head out of the opening and narrowed his eyes at BUSKA, YOU MEAN HATE YOU! Baron screamed. Come to me Baron and I ll stop hurting your friend. BUSKA said, running his finger up Kaylor s spine. YOU GO WAY! Baron screamed and purple flames shot out of his eyes hitting BUSKA in the chest and knocking him against the opposite wall. With a howl BUSKA disappeared. Kaylor opened her eyes and slowly sat down, her back on fire. Thank you Lockie. She whispered, her eyes cloudy with pain. Kane s hurt? Baron asked, looking up at Kaylor. I ll be fine. She whispered, laying down on her side, she pulled him close to her, determined to keep him safe until she figured out a way to get them out of here. Want Kane. Baron said, looking at the ceiling. Me too. Was Kaylor s soft reply.

Kane s soul was searching for a link to Kaylor s when he felt a jump. He focused on it and appeared on the isle of Elis. He looked around making sure no one was near him, and that no one could see him. He hated Elis, It was frozen, barren, cold all the time, the sun hardly reached it but the main reason he hated it was because it was the gate way to hell. Cloaking his presence, he floated toward two creatures, obvious guards of BUSKA and smiled. He d found them.

Can you believe that the seer resisted BUSKA? I can t believe she took that pain and didn t scream for mercy or hand over the Sercon. One creature said. Did you hear BUSKA scream? He is very angry. I heard one of the other guards talking, he said the Sercon knocked BUSKA into the wall with purple fire. The first said. Purple fire? He is that powerful? How did BUSKA fight him off? The second asked, picking up a baby dragon and holding it by it s wings. Wish he would let us start a fire, these things are much better cooked. Hey where did you get that? The first creature asked, plucking the whining dragon from the paw of the second. Found it, the mothers dead on the other side of that ice hill. It s tender, its eyes aren t even open yet. The second said. Are there more? The first asked, bringing it closer to his face, taking a deep sniff. No, I think she only had the one. The second said, reaching for his meal. Before he could take it away both dropped to the ground. Kane picked up the baby dragon and felt how cold it was, blowing warm air on its face, he smiled and sent it to his room. Looking toward the entrance to the cave, he floated in.

He found Kaylor almost instantly. His soul pulling him right to her. He controlled his anger by sheer will and leaned over, seeing Baron looking up at the ceiling. With a smile, his head appeared and he heard Baron say Want Kane. His heart jumped at the response of his mate... Me too. Landing beside them, he picked them up and said Hello Lockie. Miss you Unk Kane. Baron said, wrapping his arms around Kane s neck. Kane s hurt. He said, turning worry filled eyes toward Kaylor s face. Don t worry, I ll take care of her. Kane said, closing his eyes and disappearing out of the cave. As soon as he left, he let his anger out and the cave fell in on itself, trapping all inside.

Kane reappeared in his room and with a quick kiss on Baron s head, sent him to Taker and Talen. He smiled when he heard Talen s scream. He laid Kaylor down on his bed and removed her clothes, rolling her onto her stomach, he saw the burn marks that were beginning to crust over with blood. Holding his hands over her back, he started a healing chant, stopping the pain and trying to remove all the scars.

Talen had just calmed down when Baron appeared behind her back. MOMMY! He yelled, running toward her. BARON! Talen s scream bounced off the walls of the moon room. She grabbed him in a tight hug kissing his face. YUCK! Baron said, trying to move his head away from her. Taker grabbed him from her arms and looked him over. Daddy, no kisses. Baron said, holding his hands up in front of his face. Taker smiled and hugged him. He s fine. Taker mouthed to Talen. She walked over and wrapped her arms around the two most important men in her life. Kane s hurt. Baron said, looking at Taker. Where is he? Taker asked softly. Room. Baron said. Taker handed him to Talen and disappeared. Mommy want cakes. Baron said, his stomach growling. Ok baby. Mommy will make you some. Talen said, hugging him one last time and then setting him down. Hold hand. Baron said, reaching up for hers, she smiled and took his hand in hers and they walked out of the moon room.

Taker appeared in Kane s room and saw the shape of Kaylor s back. He stepped beside Kane and started his own healing chant, knowing that it would take more than one warlock to stop the poison in her system. Kane knew Taker was there although he didn t acknowledge his presence. He was concentrating on saving his mate.

Kaylor felt warmth on her back and stiffened involuntarily, remembering the burning pain she d felt, only to relax when she realized it wasn t hurting her. In her mind she heard Kane s voice and smiled, knowing he d saved Baron. I think she s going to be all right brother, but most of those scars are permanent. Taker said, sitting in a chair. I know. We ll deal with them. Kane said, looking over his shoulder at Kaylor. So where did you find the dragon? Taker asked, seeing Kane petting it. The Isle of Elis. Kane said, telling Taker about finding them and about the story he overheard from the guards, about Baron shooting purple fire. He couldn t, he s only three years old. Taker said with a laugh. I just learned to shoot purple fire with my fingers, I ve not managed it with my eyes yet. That s what they said. Maybe you should ask Baron about it. Kane said, rubbing the top of the dragon s head between its small horns. I think I will. Taker asked. What are you going to name it and where are you going to keep it? Taker asked, reaching over to pet the dragon only to jerk his hand back when it snapped at him. Kane laughed and said I thought I d give it to Kaylor as a pet. Kane said with a soft smile. Taker just chuckled, ignoring Kane s frown.

DRAGIE! Baron screamed, seeing the dragon in Kane s hands and running over. Before he could touch it, Taker picked him up and sat him in his lap. I need to talk to you son. Taker said, catching Baron s eyes. What do wrong? Baron asked. Nothing, I want to know what happened to you. Taker said, brushing some hair off Baron s forehead.

Dis peared from room and Kane s come and then Meanie come and hurt Kane s and then I make meanie leave Kane s lone. Baron said, looking up at his father. How did you make the meanie leave Kaylor alone? Taker asked, hiding his smile at the way Baron gave him the short, short version. Screamed and made meanie hit wall. Baron said, smacking his hands together hard. How did he hit the wall? Taker asked. Make him. Baron said, reaching for the dragon. Taker gently grabbed his hand and said How? With a sigh that would do Talen proud Baron said Make purple spark hit meanie. With what? Taker asked. EYES! DONE! Baron said, sliding off his lap and walking over to Kane. Like dragie, make fly. He said, holding out his hand and letting the dragon sniff it. He ll fly when he s feeling better, he s just a baby right now. Kane said, letting Baron pet it. Name? Baron asked. I don t know, Kaylor is going to give him a name. Kane said with a smile. Make dragie fly watch. Baron said, pulling his little toy dragon from his pocket. He stared at it and whispered Stay air. Then he threw it up and clapped when it hovered for a few seconds and then fell. He ran to pick it up, not noticing the open mouth shock from his mother, father and uncle.

I guess he s learning how to use his power. Taker said, his voice full of pride. He s too young. Talen answered, her fingers twisting together. I ll start his training tomorrow. Taker said, giving her a smile. She thought he was too young to eat by himself. You will not. Talen said, walking over to Baron she picked him up and said Bedtime little man. Not sleepy. Baron said, wanting to play some more. Kaylor needs her rest and so do you. Talen said, kissing his cheek. Ok. Stay Kane s? Baron asked, looking toward Kane s bed. Not tonight. Maybe later. Talen said, looking at Taker over her shoulder. I ll be there in a minute. He said to her silent question. Goodnight Lockie. Kane said. Night Unk Kane. Baron said, waving at him over his mom s shoulder.

When she was gone Taker looked at the bed and said If you need me, just call. Kane nodded and then said She s not wanting to let him grow up. I know. Was Taker s reply as he walked out of the room. Kane sat a few more minutes and then put the sleeping dragon down on the rug in front of the fire. Stretching, he walked over to his bed and climbed in, his clothes fading off him as his eyes shut.

Kaylor heard a whining noise and turned her head, not feeling Baron she whimpered in her sleep and reached out, trying to get to him. Baron. She muttered before the noise stopped and she felt a warm body next to hers. I ll keep you safe. She said, her hand sliding out to touch the arm that was laying beside her.

Kane heard the dragon whining and got up to check on him. Hungry little guy? He asked, picking it up and sitting in a chair. He rubbed his thumb on the dragon s head, between his small horns and held up a small bottle, a little nipple on the end. Here, it s not dragon milk, but it ll do. He whispered, feeding the little dragon. He heard Kaylor call for Baron and he stood, walking over to the bed, he sat, the dragon on his lap and stroked her hair. He saw her reaching for him and brought his arm down, letting her touch it and smiled when she muttered something about him being safe. Gently he slid his way down into the bed and closed his eyes; the dragon sleeping on his stomach and his mate by his side.

Kaylor woke up the next morning to light shining in her eyes. With a groan she turned her head but the light didn t go away. She heard a giggle and popped one eye open, looking for Baron. She saw him standing by the bed and smiled. Make light. He said, holding his cupped palms out to her. She glanced at his hands and chuckled, the little warlock was holding a ball of energy in his hands, shining the light around the room. DRAGIE! Baron yelled, seeing the little dragon moving around on Kane s stomach. Kaylor turned her head to the side and gasped when she saw a baby dragon, his little eyes halfway open and looking at her.

Kane s eyes popped open when he heard Baron and he looked to his left, seeing his little nephew holding a ball of energy. Before he could say anything the dragon started moving and Baron noticed it. He dropped the ball and ran toward Kane s side of the bed, wanting to get his little hands on the dragon. Without thinking, Kane locked onto the ball and pulled it to his side all the while keeping Baron from jumping on the bed with his free hand. Want dragie. Baron said, trying to get around Kane s big hand and grab the dragon. No. Baron, the dragon is sick and his mommy is gone. He s not old enough to play with yet and you might hurt him. Kane said gently, scooping the dragon up in one hand and pulling Baron onto the bed with the other. You may pet the dragon, but DO NOT try to pick it up. Ok. Baron nodded and held out his hand, laughing when the dragon licked it. Dragie likes cakes. Baron said, his hands sticky from his breakfast. You need to eat something other than pancakes all the time. Kane said, hugging Baron to him. Like cakes. Baron said, gently rubbing the dragon s head. He looked over at Kaylor and said Name?

Kaylor smiled and said My name is Kaylor. Baron narrowed his eyes at her and said Not Kane s name, dragie name. I don t know the dragon s name. Kaylor said, trying to raise up to see the dragon better. Give name. Baron said. It s not mine to name. Kaylor answered, sucking in a breath when she felt a pain shoot through her back. IS! Baron said, turning around on his knees and seeing Kaylor s back. Meanie hurt Kane s. He said, his small hand reaching out to trace the scar that ran up her spine. He d barely touched it before Kane grabbed his hand and gently pulled it away. Don t touch. It will hurt Kaylor. Kane said. Me not hurt Kane s. Baron said, tears filling his eyes. No, you didn t do that to Kaylor, but if you touch it before it heals, it will hurt her. Kane explained. Make go way. Baron said, looking at Kaylor s back. I can t. Kane whispered softly. Baron just looked at him and then Kaylor.

May I have some water? Kaylor asked softly, not wanting to interrupt. You may have anything your heart wishes. Kane said, a glass of water appearing in his hand. Kaylor took it, her eyes never leaving him and said Thank you. She took a drink and then set the glass on the table by the bed. Kane took a deep breath and said Kaylor, I got you a gift. Kaylor lifted her head to look at him and he held out the baby dragon. He s yours. Kane said, placing the dragon in her hands. Kaylor looked down at the dragon in shock. No one had ever given her a present before. What do I do with it? She asked, having never had a pet. Love it and name it before Baron goes nuts. Kane said. How about we call him Dragie? Baron seems to like that. Baron clapped his hands and Kane said If that s what you want to name him, that s fine. I thought I d take you away for a little while. Where would you like to go? Kane asked, wanting to be alone with her, mate her and make everything ok. You can t take me anywhere. I don t belong to you, I belong to the ruler. Kaylor said softly, knowing it was going to upset him. Before Kane could open his mouth he heard.

You don t belong to me, Kane is your mate. Taker said, he was getting mighty pissed with all this slave nonsense. But I was brought here for your pleasure, not his. Kaylor said. Don t take this the wrong way matiqa, but I don t want anything from you, I have enough to deal with in MY mate. Taker said. Kane hid his smile at the sound of frustration from his brother. Bad night? Kane asked. Shut up. Taker growled. How is your back this morning? Taker asked, reaching for Kaylor without thinking. Before he could touch her, Kane was in front of him, his hands around his throat. DON T TOUCH HER. Kane hissed. Taker just rolled his eyes. I m not going to hurt her Kane, and I m not going to try to steal her from you, I just want to check her back. You are awfully jealous with her. Taker said, hiding his smile, it was his turn to torment Kane. I can t help it. Kane hissed, angry at himself for not being able to control his emotions when it came to Kaylor. I know. Taker said, a big shit eating grin on his face. I hate you. Kane said softly. Taker just laughed.

Part 4

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