The night was dark. The stars were hidden by the exceptionally thick canopy of leaves. Shadows slinked along the ground, creeping onto the paws of two creatures. Aliz pushed through the thick brush that covered the forest floor. She could feel her heart racing inside of her chest. Her legs ached from a day of running, but she didn't stop. She knew that if she did, she and her brother would be dead.



She cringed as she pushed back the thought of the monsters that were chasing them. They were barbaric beings called humans. Pale and bony they were, with thick brows and deadly weapons that could be removed from their bodies. These weapons shone silver and white, even in the darkest night.

Aliz, head towards the river." A voice came behind her, gentle and strong. She had almost forgotten that her brother had been running behind her. Aliz obeyed. Her brother was one of the best hunters around, and in being so he knew how to make his scent disappear. Aliz turned towards a patch of smaller trees- only saplings. They seemed to whisper as the two dragons passed.

Watch out! Look behind you. They're coming!" They seemed to whisper in their ancient tongue.

Aliz stumbled at the bank, falling into the high water. She looked down at the rushing waves with dread. The river wasn't supposed to be up this high. It usually rose later in the year. Her brother stopped next to her and let out a long sigh. But the voices following them soon brought them back to reality. If they didn't move now they would be killed.

What now, Kation?" She asked, fear cracking her voice. Kration looked around and then tilted his head to the east. "The river should be lower downstream. We'll try to cross there." Aliz took off in the direction her brother had said. Sure enough, the water was calmer here. Aliz jumped from one bank to the other. Her brother followed.

But a flash of bright red light and a loud crack stopped Aliz in her tracks. She looked back, heart pumping, terrified at what she was going to find. Kration lay in the river, the wound in his left leg turning the water red. "Kration!' Aliz let out a shrill scream and rushed over to her brother. She lifted his head with her paw and tried to get him on his feet. "Come on, Kray! You have to get up!" She could hear the human voices growing louder, commanding their hounds to lead them to their prize.

Kray, get up!" Aliz screamed at him. She pushed his side up with hers and forced him to take a step forward.

Go on without me, Aliz. The wound is too deep." He moaned and then crashed back into the river.

Aliz scowled down at him. "I'm not leaving you. You're stronger than this. Get up!" She yelled again, trying to push him up. But he wouldn't budge.

Aliz, I can't get up." He looked back at his mangled leg. "I've lost too much blood and it has weakened me. Run, please go. I don't want them to kill you." Tears streamed down Aliz's face. A bitter wind swept across the river, sending a chill down her spine. "Go." He said, pushing her away.

Aliz pushed her nose against her brother's cheek. She couldn't force the word 'goodbye' out. But he knew what she was saying with the simple gesture. She held him tightly one last time and then jumped back onto the bank. "Go." He whispered again.



Aliz turned and disappeared into the thick blackberry bushes. She watched as the humans came upon her dying brother. One of the men dismounted his horse and slowly walked over to the once great dragon. "The last star weaver." He shouted to the rest of his hunting party. "Your skin will look nice on my wall."

Aliz wished she could understand the human's language. She crinkled her nose in disgust at them, knowing that their words were not kind. Kration reared his head up, threatening to bite the man. But everyone there seemed to know it was just a sad attempt. The creature that lay wet in the river didn't even have strength enough to stand. The man standing next to Kration only laughed.

Goodbye, dear weaver. You put up a good chase." He raised his large sword and thrust it into Kration's chest. Aliz took in a sharp breath as she watched the murder of her brother. She looked into his fading eyes one last time, just long enough to see him mouth the word 'run' and then fade away.

She wanted to scream and attack. Drive that wretched blade into each one of their chests and gut them just as they had done to all of her kind. But she knew she was no match for them. She wouldn't even be able to take one of them down before she was dead. She was only a star weaver dragon. Her kind was the eldest race of dragon, but by far not the mightiest.

Perhaps if she were an elemental dragon, for they breathed fire and water and could kill armies with one breath. Or if she were a battle dragon with their strong armor hides and deadly fangs. But she wasn't. She was only a star weaver.

She turned to leave, as her brother had said, glancing back one last time to watch the human's leader take a large chunk of her brother's mane. She would find someway to kill him. One day, he would beg to her for his life. But that day was not today. Today Aliz needed to find somewhere safe. Though it pained her to do so, she slipped off quietly into the night, leaving what was left of her brother to the humans.

Once she knew she was out of earshot of the humans she began to run. She ran for many hours until her legs couldn't take it any longer. She collapsed next to a large tree. She looked around, eyes wide. No place seemed safe anymore. The forests that she had once called home had all been destroyed by the humans. Their civilization stretched its thin fingers to all corners of the globe.

Aliz laid her head down to rest for a few seconds, trying to think. The only places man had not conquered yet were the sky and the sea. She shuddered at the thought of so much water. She didn't know how to swim- few of her kin did. She would drown if she tried to live there. She looked up at the sky witch was now visible through the leaves. She didn't have a problem with hiding among the clouds. She would even enjoy it as she would be closer to the stars. But the only clouds out this night were small wisps of vapor that wouldn't even hold up a fox. They certainly wouldn't be able to hide her large body.

She lifted her head, brow knotting. "I'm not going to be safe here." She finally decided. She opened her wings and let the wind lift her into the air. She would fly until she found someplace safe to hide for the night. The forest was no longer able to hide her.

She flew without thinking of where she was going. Her thoughts only focused on that last dying look her brother had given her. She tried to push it to the back of her mind, but it kept coming to the center of her attention, as if it were happening at that very moment. Aliz tried to drown it out by using her other senses. But her nose only smelled death and her ears only heard the shout of humans and the baying of their hounds. It was going to be a restless night.

Aliz hadn't realized just how long she had been flying. She was already near the mountains of the Terror Range. Its tallest peak jutted up from the land, its snow covered peak shining like a white beacon. Even in the night, the snow reflected the lights of the mountain base villages, giving off a blinding light.



Aliz stumbled through the air as her wings grew tired. She wouldn't be able to fly much longer. The snow and wind was forming ice on her feathers, making her wings feel heavier than usual. But no shelter could be seen from here. The blizzards of Terror Mountain were blinding and cold.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, Aliz spotted a small hole in the side of the mountain. It looked just big enough to shelter her from the snow. It would be snug, but at least it was shelter. With a summersault and a crash, Aliz landed in the cave. She rubbed her head where it had collided with the cavern wall. She would have a bump between her ears in the morning. The cave was warmer than Aliz had thought it would be. She was grateful for that.

She curled up against the wall, folding her tail over her nose. Maybe once she warmed up a bit, she would be able to find sleep. She just hoped that the nightmares wouldn't keep her awake.

They didn't bother her too much that night. It was the cold that kept her awake. She was not an arctic dragon. Her skin was made for the wet lands of the forests, not the bitter storms of the north. She curled up even tighter, covering her face with her wings. It brought some warmth to her ears and nose, which seemed to make the rest of her body more comfortable.

After lying awake for many hours, she finally found sleep, and she relished every moment of it. But it was not to last long. Morning came with silent haste, and with it came new dangers.

Aliz slowly opened her eyes. The sun had not fully shown its face, and Aliz could still make out the dimming light of the northern star. It was the last thing she had to hold on to in this life- her most beloved star. Aliz smiled up at it and shook the snow from her wings. Last night's blizzard had slowed to nothing more than a gentle flurry, letting the blue sky show itself for the first time since Aliz had arrived.

But the weaver's smile soon faded. Two legged creatures stood outside the cavern entrance, whispering in the human's tongue. Aliz jumped to her feet, ready for anything. She bared her teeth, showing her small white fangs. They wouldn't do much harm to a human, but maybe she could scare them off. She raised her shoulders, appearing even more intimidating.

The beings showed themselves for the first time, stepping into the mouth of the cave. They were certainly human, but not like the ones who hunted her kind. They had dark skin and thick hair. Their dark eyes were kind and wise. Even the youngest of them seemed to possess certain knowledge. But Aliz was not about to be killed. Even if they looked harmless, she knew they could be just as dangerous as the pale skinned humans who had attacked her kin.

She pressed her back against the wall of the cave. Her wings beat furiously and she snarled. She only stood three feet above the tallest man and she knew was no match for their spears and swords. She whipped around the edge of the cave, lashing her long tail towards them. They simply blocked her attacks. It didn't take long for her to run out of energy. She slinked back to the rocks, panting and sweating. It hadn't worked. They still stood there, watching as she flailed about. Surely this was the end. Aliz closed her eyes and prepared herself to be stabbed in the heart by the human's blade.

Chapter 2

Aliz hadn't realized how long she had been holding her breath until her lungs felt as if they would burst. She slowly opened her eyes. The youngest stood only a foot in front of her, looking up at her with a curious smile. Aliz cautiously lowered herself from the wall.



Aliz sniffed at him, wondering why the older two had sent a child to kill her. But then she realized he didn't have a sword or a spark bullet. He only held a small knife that might be able to kill a raccoon. It proved no threat to her. She eyed the young human up and down, wondering why he just stared at her with his large brown eyes.

Weaver, my father has asked that you share our meal." He said, speaking in his human tongue. He turned to point to the fire that the two men had started earlier that morning. Aliz hadn't seen it until now. Warm flames lapped at the frigid air and made the shadows dance across the cavern walls.

Meat sizzled over the fire, giving off a mouthwatering aroma. Aliz sniffed the air, not able to take in enough of the wonderful smell. Fish-that was what she smelled. She followed the little boy out of the cave and to the fire. He sat down and picked up the large stick that he was eating from. He looked up at her again and patted the ground next to him. "Take a seat."

To'keh." The oldest barked, picking tiny fish bones from his teeth. The boy quickly looked over to the man. His eyes were filled with apology and curiosity. Aliz could tell he respected the old man very much.She does not understand our words. Speak in the weaver tongue.

Aliz was amazed that the old man could form the ancient language with his clumsy human tongue. He turned to her and smiled gently.Please, dragon. Won't you share our meal? She hadn't realized just how hungry she was until her offered her the food. It was hard for a weaver to get any food since the humans had started hunting them. It was dangerous to go out beyond the river, where the good prey was. Aliz remembered many nights without food. Her brother would provide what he could for her, but it often wasn't enough to satisfy them.

She slowly walked over to them and settled next to a large boulder that sat near the boy.I'm sorry, star weaver. I was foolish to speak in my words. He looked down at the fire and swallowed a bite of fish. Aliz hesitated at first. She still wasn't sure if this was some kind of human trap. They had a way of trickery about them. They were as crafty as a fox and as dangerous as the devil. But after a moment, Aliz saw that the boy really meant what he was saying.

She craned her long neck to nuzzle his cheek.Do not be sorry, young one. She said softly, pressing her nose against his face. It felt soft and pure- the skin of a child.You did nothing wrong. The other man- who sat between the elder and the child- had not spoken until now.

Weaver, why have you come to these lands? You are dragons of the forest and sky, not of the winter. Suddenly the pain and heartache all came flooding back. She had come here for a reason. Man had killed her brothers- she was the last of her kind.

My family was slain by pale demons. She spat out the words with anger.I am the last of my kind. All three of the humans looked down at their food in mourning. The last of the star weavers? It was going to cause nothing but heartache for mankind for the rest of time. The boy shook his head as if shaking the terrible thoughts out.Are you hungry star weaver? He asked, pulling a large fish from the spit.



Aliz nodded her head in reply. She had once again forgotten about her hunger. It seemed to be the least of her problems now.Thank you young human. May the stars bless you. The older man seemed proud that she had given the boy such a blessing.

Aliz only smiled and took the fish. Its crunchy skin was hot and tasted like berries. The humans must have soaked it in berry juice and basil leaves before they cooked it. But the meat of the fish was most delectable. Aliz savored the salty chunks of muscle and chewed slowly so she wouldn't miss a flavor.

The man sitting in the middle spoke once more.My name is Ket'ahre. And this is my mentor, Dara gon and my son To'keh. He pointed to each of his comrades as he said their names.What may we call you, great star weaver? Aliz swallowed another large bite of fish and gazed up at the man.

I doubt you could pronounce it in your tongue, Ket'ahre. Although you know my language, I was named in the lost ancient tongue. Even few weavers could speak it. She thought for a moment, taking another bite.You may call me Da'li.

Ket'ahre stood and stretched out his back. Dara gon took it as a sign that he should start packing up the leftover fish. He pulled two large leaves from his pack and started rolling the fish in them to preserve the flavor.

Ket'ahre looked up at the sky. Millions of stars twinkled down at them from the clear dark sky.Your work is truly beautiful. He said, not taking his eyes from the constellations. Aliz walked over to him and sat down. She looked up at her beloved stars.

Some day you will have to teach To'keh all of their names. He smiled and looked over to his son who was poking at the fire's ashes with a stick.

Where is his mother? Does she not teach him? Ket'ahre's features suddenly fell with grief.

His mother was killed. Came his dark reply.

Aliz dipped her head in respect.I'm sorry. She whispered; her tail flicked with guilt.

Don't be. You did not do it. Ket'ahre let out a long yawn, as if he were trying to find an excuse to change the subject.It's been a long day. He said, removing his quiver strap from his shoulders. He looked back at the cave.May we stay here tonight? I'm afraid that our destination is still many days walk.

A small smile creased Aliz's mouth.Of course, dear friend. She looked up at the stars again, wondering what they must be thinking at the moment. A cold breeze brushed across Aliz's cheeks. The winter didn't seem nearly as deadly as it did the other night. Aliz didn't think she could stand another night in darkness. Aliz sat her haunches down and lowered herself to the ground. She would sleep outside tonight.



Dara gon had already rolled out the sleeping skins. He sat at the mouth of the cave, playing a flute that he had been carving for many months. The tune was almost perfect. He whittled another hole into the pipe and blew again.

Weaver, are you going to join us in the cave? He asked, eyeing the hole he had just carved. Aliz turned her head to him and smiled.

I think I'll sleep outside tonight. It's not too cold and I'd like to see the stars. The old man only chuckled in understanding and blew through the flute again. A perfect note flowed from it and drifted through the air. Aliz listened as the song lingered in the cool wind. Dara gon played for an hour, lulling the weaver to sleep. Aliz had nothing but sweet dreams that night. And soon another morning was peeking over the tips of the mountains.

Aliz yawned and stretched out her front legs like a cat. Dara gon and Ket'ahre had already left early that morning to hunt. To'keh slept soundly in the cave, snoring loudly. Aliz smiled at his dark form. If it weren't for the gentle rise and fall of his chest she would have thought he was a rock. The two men soon returned from their hunt, bringing back two quails and a small rabbit. It would be enough to hold them over for two days.

Dara gon swung a small pack over his shoulder and grabbed his large walking stick. He stepped towards Aliz and patted her soft nose.Thank you for sharing the cave with us. Goodbye dear weaver. Aliz purred at the man's gentle touch and nuzzled his cheek.

This is not goodbye. I'm coming with you. He took a step backwards, his wrinkled features turning.

It's dangerous where we are going. We have a great mission on our hand and I would not be able to bare it if we got you killed. Aliz forced out a chuckle.

I'll be safer with you than on my own. Also, I'd miss you terribly if you just left. She purred again, begging if she could tag along. Dara gon thought for a long moment. It would be dangerous, but she was right. He knew she was still young and could barely provide for herself.

It would be an honor if you accompanied us.

To'keh leapt to his feet and wrapped his arms around Aliz's neck.Thank you Dara gon. He said, squeezing Aliz tightly.

Ket'ahre came out of the cave, a large pack hanging from each shoulder.If we're going to be get there before the next blizzard I suggest we move. He sounded somewhat irritated that they had not gone on their way yet.

Aliz let To'keh ride on her back and she followed the two older men down the mountain. She could feel that whatever lie ahead was going to be an adventure.

Chapter three

They traveled for days, sleeping wherever it was safe. Sometimes they didn't sleep at all but continued walking through the night. They hunted often, only catching enough food to last a day. Most of the time they had fish, but sometimes Dara gon would catch a rabbit and make stew with leftover vegetables and herbs that he carried in a pouch on his waist.

Pa, where are we going? To'keh asked, as they neared the outer edges of the winter land.

We're going to the great deserts, To'keh. His father replied, sounding irritated that his son had asked that for the tenth time in two days.

Aliz couldn't believe it when they walked past the tree line of the woods and into a barren wasteland. A dry wind swept across the sands, forcing the dunes to change shape and burry what was left of the dead. The sun beat down on anyone who entered the desert, threatening to kill them with its heat.Come on. Ket'ahre took a step forward, pulling his bag higher onto his shoulder.



The three followed him out into the vast unknown, not knowing if they would make it through the sea of sand alive.

~*~

The sand blasted over the dunes as hot winds gusted about the desert, creating sandstorms and dust tornados. Ket'ahre marched on, covering his nose with a thick cloth. Dara Gon followed him, eye squinted. To'keh sat atop Aliz's back, his face buried in her thick plumage.

The storms too strong! Ket'ahre yelled over the sound of the wind. But his comrades still couldn't hear him. Aliz ducked her head lower, trying to keep the sand from getting in her eyes. If they didn't find shelter soon they would all die.

Aliz's eyes shot open as a low hiss made its way across the desert. She stopped and shook her mane, forcing To'keh to sit up. The boy sat up and rubbed his eyes.Aliz, what's-

Shush, To'keh. She cut him off, perking her ears to listen to the low rumble. She tried to catch up with Ket'ahre and Dara gon, but it was too late, they were already at the top of the dune, staring in awe at the creature that stood in the valley below them.

The great sand cat stood at least two stories high, glaring up at them with bright red eyes. A large mask sat on its head with wicked horns jutting from the sides of its forehead. A tall row of spikes sat atop its spine like a small but deadly mountain range. Its heavy tail swung back and forth, as if it were deicing to strike or not.

Ket'ahre took a step backward, hoping that the creature wouldn't notice him. If they could back away unnoticed than they could go around the great creatures.

But they would have no such luck. As soon as Ket'ahre moved, the sand demon took interest. He lunged up at them, standing on his hind legs and swung at them with his mighty paw. The Ket'ahre held tight to To'keh and somersaulted out of the way. Dara gon miraculously dodged the demon's large claws.

But Aliz was too worried about the others to act for herself. The cat's paw hit her hard, scraping fur from her skin and knocking her to the ground. The demon pressed its paw against her chest, pinning her to the ground. He tasted her cheek with his black tongue and purred. He seemed to enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

Aliz closed her eyes, not wanting to watch the demon swallow her hole. Suddenly the cat's paw was lifted from her chest. She gasped in air and turned to see what had happened. All that her eyed could make out was a blur of red and a flash of the demon's tail.

A hiss and a mighty roar pierced the air. She saw the sand demon fall, bloodied and broken. And then her world went dark.



Chapter four

Aliz awoke to the feel of cold metal against her back. She rubbed her head with her paw and looked around. Whatever she was on had bumpy and uneven stride. It took her a moment to realize that she had been sleeping in a large cage.

Surprised she grabbed the bars of the metal cage and looked around. The sand went on for miles, rolling across the desert. She rode on top of a large elephante. She couldn't see its head but recognized the leather smell of its skin. Looking down, she could see that the poor creature had been severely whipped over the years. He was probably a prisoner just like she was.

She curled back up in her cage, wondering if she would soon follow the same fate as the giant creature that now carried her across the sand.

Aliz watched the sands roll by. It wasn't long before a large dragon was walking next to her. She jumped back, hitting her back against the bars of the cage. It was an elemental dragon- a large red one, meaning it could probably control fire. She was afraid at first, and then she noticed the sad look on his face and the slump in his walk. He was not going to hurt her.

A large man sat in a leather saddle atop the dragon's head. He steered the beast with thick leather reigns which tied to a ring in the dragon's nose.

The man looked cruel with a wicked grin pasted onto his face and tiny eyes that seemed to dart around. "You've finally woken up." He said, trying to pat her head. She only hissed at him and backed away- not that she had anywhere else to go.

Aww, come on precious, don't be like that." She didn't understand what he was saying. Their stupid, clumsy, human tongue always confused her. "Don't worry." He continued, not caring to speak so she could understand. "You'll be able to get out of that cage soon enough." He reached in further and patted her head. She couldn't do anything to resist him. Her back was pressing against the bars so hard she could feel them pressing into her skin.

She jet scrunched her nose in disgust as he tapped his large hand between her ears twice. She watched him take to the skies on his great red dragon. Did man treat any creature with kindness? Then she remembered the few humans who had been kind to her.

She looked around frantically for them, craning her neck outside of the bars to look behind the giant elephante. She saw To'keh tied to a rope behind the elephante with several other dark skinned boys. He kept his eyes down.

Her heart cried when she saw him. His lips were chapped from lack of water and he had grown thin even though they had only been traveling for a couple of days. His clothes were torn with whip marks, revealing broken skin underneath. Aliz turned, unable to look at his wounds any longer.

She figured Ket'ahre and Dara gon were in the same condition if not worse. But despite her search for them, she could not locate them among the strings of prisoners.

She slunk back to the floor of her cage, hoping that her comrades had not suffered wounds like her. Tenderly, she licked herself, making sure the slashes in her skin did not taste of infection. Only hints of blood and forest plants touched her tongue. Someone had done a good job at protecting the wound with a potion made from wild herbs.

It seemed to take forever for night to come. In the desert the sun never seemed to fully set. The stars were barely visible, but Aliz talked with them. I'm scared. She knew she didn't need to tell them. They had already seen all that had happened. They knew what she felt and just how frightened she was right now.

They seemed to whisper back some how. Don't fear young weaver. All will turn out right. That was all they said and then silence. Aliz laid her head on her paws and closed her eyes. The desert nights were cool. It was a nice change from the blistering sun beating down all day. But the dragon knew sleep wouldn't come tonight. It was being driven far away by fears and worries. She would just have to wait until this trip was over to get a good night's sleep.

She thought that when she escaped the forest all of her worries would melt away and stay with her old home. But it was becoming clearer to her that the cruelness of man stretched as far as their kingdoms.

Aliz blinked at the sights that surrounded her. The walls of the city stretched high above the tallest elemental dragon's head and seemed to stretch forever to the west and the east. There was one door that led to the city within. Ten guards stood at their posts- high on platforms near the tops of the wall.



Aliz figured they could see for miles from the large stations. Three or four looked down at the train of travelers that Aliz was with. "Halt, strangers. What business do you have at Alghalib?" Aliz looked up at the guard who had asked the question. He seemed slightly larger than the other soldiers with a dark beard and pointed features.

The man who was sitting atop the red elemental parked his steed at the front of the train of traveling tents and elephants. "We've come bearing gifts for the great sultan Savas." The man motioned to Aliz's cage and to the rows of prisoners. The large guard looked over the potential slaves, picking out with his eyes witch ones might be of some use.

Once he had chosen ten, he whispered something to another guard. The man turned and cranked the giant gear that opened the large doors.

The man on the red dragon nodded his thanks and led his caravan into the city. He whistled and one of his own guards came running up. "Take my elemental and bring me the weaver." Aliz raised a lip at his suggestion. The man bowed at the waist and took the reigns of his dragon. The man slowly climbed down from his saddle and walked over to the Elephante that Aliz's cage was sitting on.

One of the men sitting on top of the elephante reached through Aliz's cage and tied a thick rope onto her back legs. He tossed the other end down to a man below and then opened the cage.

Aliz breathed in as she could taste freedom. She unfolded her wings and took to the sky. She was going to escape this terrible place and the people who ruled it. She was going to find somewhere safe and spend the rest of her days there.

Thoughts rushed through her head of freedom and the life she had had before the humans started their hunts. But then the ropes around her ankles tightened. The force and surprise made her plummet to the ground, crashing into sand. She moaned softly and opened her eyes, not quite sure what happened.

Before she knew it, a swarm of human hands started grabbing at her. They held her down and tightened ropes around her wings. She tried to beat them off, but they were too strong. They tied a rope around her muzzle and tightened it with a bit in her mouth.

Once they were done, they all backed away, making room for the man who had requested her. He took hold of the rope and yanked on it hard, forcing the bit to drive into her gums. She yelped at the pain.You're not going to cause me trouble, are you? He asked, talking in her language. He tugged again, forcing her to look into his cruel green eyes.

She wanted to scream and rebel against his forceful hand. She didn't care if it killed her to fight him. She'd rather be dead now than be at the hands of some pale demon. But a small boy caught her gaze from the corner of her eye.

To'keh stood there, at the front of a row of boys. Tears swelled in his eyes, almost running down his cheeks. But he kept them to himself, knowing he'd be whipped if he was caught crying. He bit his lip so hard that it bled. Aliz turned her gaze back to the man who was still waiting for an answer.

She huffed her response and nodded. The man smiled and gave the rope some slack. He then sauntered into the city, chest pushed out with proud. He knew he would be the only man in the marketplace leading a star weaver through the crowds. To him it was something to be proud about.

Sights and sounds exploded around Aliz as she stepped through the doorway. Venders yelled over each other, trying to sell their goods for the highest prices. The smell of fish and warm bread filled the air, drawing everyone closer to the bakery that sat between vendors.

The sound of whips cracked on occasion, sending a chill down Aliz's spine. But when she and her captor walked down the small roads, everyone seemed to stop what they were doing and stare at them.

Aliz didn't like the feel of hundreds of human eyes on her. Her instincts told her she should hide, but everything in the world seemed to be keeping her from doing so. She just ducked her head and followed the man through the marketplace.

Aliz looked behind her, making sure To'keh was still alright. A couple of times when she looked back he waved to her. She wanted to smile, but every time he was caught he received two blows of the whip. Aliz stopped looking back at him, just hoping he didn't trip and fall.

They walked for a long time, finally arriving at another large wall. This one wasn't nearly as tall as the one that surrounded the city, but it was still large enough to hide the peaks of the palace domes.

Another guard stopped the man at the gate. "Sir, you mayn't enter here." He said, shoving his hand in the man's way. Aliz watched as he only laughed and pushed the guard's hand down.

I've brought gifts for the king." He said, still smiling that cruel smile. "Slaves," he moved his hand over the crowd of boys and men, showing the guard just what a great gift he had brought. "And a weaver." He tugged on Aliz's rope again, not enough to hurt, just enough to draw the guard's attention to her.

The guard looked at Aliz and then at the man. He rubbed the stubble on his chin and then drew his spear close to his side. "You may pass." He opened the gate to reveal two large men. They had dark skin like Ket'ahre but were much more solid with large arms and thick necks. Their heads had been shaved and dark marks had been painted under their eyes.

They searched Aliz's leader for weapons and then let him pass. He smirked at them, as if he were challenging them to trying searching him again. They just ignored him with their hands crossed, waiting for the rest of the caravan to pass through.

The palace was beautiful, Aliz had to admit. Its white walls glimmered in the sunlight and large golden domes sat atop great pillars. Elephante tusks formed arches over the golden walkway that led to the large white and gold doors.

Two small boys, no older than To'keh heaved open the doors to reveal the beautiful interior of the palace. White marble floor stretched out in front of them. Five matching white pillars stood in rows at either side. Gold and emerald designs decorated the ceiling. A long green and red carpet led the way to the throne, which was made of gold and carved into the shape two giant tigers leaping out from the head of a dragon.

A rather large man sat in the dragon's mouth surrounded by cushions and food. He picked plum skin from his teeth and then turned to his visitors.



Aliz's captor bowed on his knees, and the guards ordered all of the prisoners to do so as well. The sultan flicked his wrist at them and they all rose back to their feet. "My King…" The man holding Aliz sounded a little too excited. He calmed himself and led Aliz forward. "I've brought you gifts from the lands of Gabahar and the Terror Region."

He yanked on Aliz's rope, forcing her to come forward. "And, I've brought you a weaver."

The Sultan seemed to take an interest in Aliz. Slaves were not an uncommon present. He received at least a hundred slaves in a week from different regions trying to gain his alliance. But a weaver was a rare gift, one he had never received before. He handed one of the servant boys his bowl of plums and lifted himself from his chair. With a thud, he landed on the marble floors and sauntered over to Aliz. The man bowed and handed the king the rope which hung from Aliz's bridle.

Aliz didn't like staring into the man's dark eyes. His breath smelled of sweet honey and rotten teeth. With a great yank, he sent Aliz flying forward, their noses almost touching now. She clamped her teeth down to keep the bit from cutting into her gums again. It hurt, but she didn't let her face give away her pain. She wasn't about to let this man think she was week in any way.

The sultan laughed, spitting bits of plum from his mouth. Somehow, he seemed to be able to see right past Aliz's forced face and look straight at the pain and fear that she was trying to hide. "I am pleased!" He said, and sauntered back to his throne and his food. The man took back the rope and smiled.

Thank you, Sire. I'm glad my king's gifts please you." He bowed once again.

The sultan snapped his fingers and another boy brought over a bowl of chopping melons. The king fingered them all, picking out a few of the juiciest pieces. "Tell your king that he has my blessing and my army if need be."

The man nodded and bowed. He snapped his fingers at his men. Immediately, they started to unchain the slaves. The sultan's guards started throwing demands to the slaves, telling them where to go and what to do. Aliz could hardly watch their cruelness as they whipped the weak and disobedient. Fathers and their sons tried to be reunited with each other, but the small boys were dragged off by their hair.

Aliz watched To'keh carefully. He was going to go and join his father like the other boys had tried, but Ket'ahre gave him a warning look, telling him not to. The boy stopped and turned to a guard who was giving out orders. He was shooed away and led down a hallway by a large man.

Aliz turned back to the slaves, trying to locate Dara gon. She hadn't seen him since they had been captured in the desert. Her heart skipped a beat when she finally saw him. He was lying on the floor, blood staining his deerskin clothes. Tears formed in his eyes as the whip slashed at his back once again. "Get up, lazy dog!" The man ordered, flipping the whip again.

Dara gon looked up at Aliz, fear and pain filling his wrinkles. Aliz tried to yank away from her holder. She wanted to run to the old man's rescue and take him from this place. Could they not see that he was old and needed time to get to his feet? Could they not understand that the pain of the whip made him stay down? Aliz could only imagine that these terrible men were blind.

Tears streamed down the weaver's eyes as she watched Dara gon draw his final breath. He forced a smile at her- a small thanks for her friendship, and then he lay his head down and let death take him.

The man with the whip continued to beat Dara gon's dead body. Another guard finally stepped in, grabbing the whipper's wrist. "He's dead." He snarled and tightened a chain around Dara gon's ankles. Two mules hauled the dead man out of the throne room.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment. Aliz couldn't believe the human's cruelness. Dara gon had been nothing but good to Aliz and his comrades. How could they just kill him like that? She shook the tears from her eyes and swallowed a large lump of longing. Why did she want to live? There was no where for her to go, nothing for her to do. Her life was empty now. Everyone she had ever loved was either dead or enslaved. She didn't care what happened next.

A smaller man with ugly scars on his face came over to Aliz and took the rope. He yanked on it, testing the bit in her mouth. It hurt, but she didn't seem to care anymore. He turned and bowed at the waist to the king in the throne. "My lord, what shall I do with the weaver?"

The sultan stroked his white beard for a moment and then smiled. "Dress her and bring her to me on a golden chain. I want to show her off for a bit." The man bowed and disappeared down another hall with Aliz in hand.

Aliz watched the hectic orders and frightened slaves vanished as they rounded a corner. Everything was gone. She might as well let the humans have their fun and then die.

Chapter Five

It felt like a dream as the man led Aliz down the hallway and into another white and gold room. The city seemed to be made of white marble and gold. Aliz stared at the dark green cracks that ran through the marble floor as the man dressed her in gold strings with emeralds hanging from them. He put golden cuffs around her ankles and a thick necklace around her neck.

He replaced her harsh bit with a softer one with a thin gold and white bridle. He covered her scars with makeup and dotted her eyes with black marks like the guards at the gate had on their eyes. When he was done, he stepped back and looked at his work. With a smile and a nod, he untied Aliz from the post which kept her in place and led her back down the halls.



When they returned to the throne room, the slaves and guards were gone. Aliz's captor had left long ago as well. The blood stains and dirt tracks had all been cleaned up, leaving nothing but shining marble.

Girls dressed in gold and silk danced across the room, throwing their sheer scarves into the air and catching them again. The sultan seemed pleased with their performances. The animal dresser led Aliz to the throne, cleared his throat, and then bowed. "The weaver is ready."

The sultan only waved a hand at him. He led Aliz to a pile of cushions that had been prepared for her. "Sit here." He said, though she couldn't understand him. She figured what he had requested by his hand motions and took a seat amongst the velvety pillows.

All through the day she watched dancers and swordsmen perform in the courtyard. She ate berries and warm pomegranates and drank sweet camel milk. But everything she ate seemed to turn bitter in her mouth. She wondered if anything would taste right again.

And when the day was done, the sultan patted her nose and kissed her and then she was turned in for the night. But the place that she would stay was not as glamorous as the throne room; it was more like a dungeon. The jewelry and ornaments were removed and she was thrust into the stone room.

She shook her head and looked around. A small bowl of foul smelling water sat in the corner along with a large pile of stale bread. Only the rats could stand to eat it.

Aliz turned when something in the corner shifted. She had thought it was just a large rock, but it seemed to be alive. It moaned and lifted its long neck and heavy head. Aliz watched as it stretched out its legs like a cat and turned to her.

It was a blue elemental dragon. He had been there the entire time. He yellow eyes stared at her, somewhat intrigued by her tiny form. Then he chuckled loud and low.What a tiny thing like you doing in the dragon dungeon? He sniffed at her, trying to figure out what she was.

I…I'm not sure. She stuttered, walking into the corner. The dragon smiled and breathed a wet breath.

Don't be afraid. No one here will harm you. Aliz looked around. Other large dragons had joined them. They sat against the walls and on top of ledges near the ceiling. Aliz hadn't realized just how large this cavern dungeon was. Most of the other dragons were elementals but sea and cave dragons sat among them.

We are no better than the slaves. One yellow dragon said.We may be treated well above ground, but when night falls we get sent here to spend our days rotting. She sounded irritated. "That pig of a sultan. He only rules with violence and gluttony. He doesn't care about anyone but himself."

All of the other dragons seemed to agree.Silence. An icy voice came from the darkness. All of the dragon turned. A young woman appeared. Her skin was white as snow and her hair was bright blue and seemed to float about the cave as if it were underwater. She wore a dark blue dress which was tattered and torn but still looked beautiful on her.

It's true that the king is cruel and selfish. But that doesn't give us the right to say unkind things or harsh words. One's faults do not give another the right to sin. She smiled at the dragons and then turned to Aliz.

Hello Dear weaver. I've been expecting you. All of the dragons turned back to Aliz in confusion.

She is the one we've been waiting for? He asked, almost yelling at the young girl.

Yes, Calypt. Quiet please. She looked at Aliz, eyes smiling and hand held out.My name is Rin. I was cast down here long ago when the king kidnapped me from my home in the Terror Range. I've been waiting for you for a long time.

Aliz shook her head and looked around. They had been expecting her? How did this human know that she was coming? What great thing were they expecting her to do?

You're going to set us free. Rin said, as if reading the weaver's thoughts.You have a great power that you don't even know exists. Aliz chuckled nervously. She knew they had the wrong dragon. She glanced around, looking pitifully at the other dragons.They have all been ripped from their homes, hunted, cursed. Everyone here has had their powers torn from them…everyone except for you.

Aliz wanted to cry and scream and laugh all at the same time. She wasn't sure how to react to this. She was completely confused and scared.How? Man has long since destroyed all of the itharious crystals. Without them, I can not weave a star.

Rin held out her hands and hummed a low note. A tiny dot appeared in her hand and grew bigger. Soon it was a light blue orb and a small pile of silver string.We've been saving these for the past hundred years. I hope they can help you. Aliz took the crystal in her hand and gently rubbed her fingers over its light blue surface. It seemed to hum at her touch.

She looked up at the dragons that sat on the perches near the ceiling and then looked to the ones who surrounded her in the room. They had been waiting for over a hundred years for her to come. She had to at least try.

She turned to a corner and started working. She twisted the silver string into intricate designs around the blue orb. With a small whisper she cut into the crystal. It took her a day to complete, but she had finally created a beautiful star home.How will we get a star to fill it? One of the dragons asked.

Rin smiled and took the crystal from Aliz. She held it like a precious treasure, making it didn't slip from her fingers. She kissed it gently and started chanting something in the ancient language. Aliz took a breath in. It was the language of the stars. She couldn't speak it, but she would recognize it anywhere.

Rin finished her song and the crystal started to glow. Aliz could now see through the girl as she infused her being with the crystal. It was a beautiful sight, one Aliz had almost forgotten. Then a bright flash filled the cave and the star raced out through an opening in the roof.

The dragons watched as the last glimpse of light disappeared through the small hole. There was a long silence in the cave. Even the rats seemed quiet for that moment. Many sighed and complained that Rin had left them for dead.

She was a star. Aliz muttered to herself, still watching the hole. Then a loud rumble came up from the earth. Aliz tried to balance herself but the entire cave shook violently. Rocks fell from the ceiling and the hole grew larger. The dragons escaped. First they went one at a time and then in packs of five or six. Aliz joined them. She smiled at freedom and the stars that now shone down on her. She watched as Rin joined them in the sky.

She shone brighter than the northern star, laughing and smiling.Go, Aliz, you are free now. Go. The draik nodded and swept down low to the ground. She had one more thing to do before she left this terrible city.

She glided silently though the night, watching guards sleep at their posts and large men pace back and fourth in front of the huts. She figured that was where To'keh and Ket'ahre were sleeping. With silence, she swept down to the ground and crouched next to the large hut, out of site. She waited until the guard was distracted before making her way into the hut.

Boys slept in rows along the floor, barely leaving room between each other to walk. Aliz tiptoed between them, looking at each of their faces. Even in sleep they looked exhausted. Their faces were dirty and bloodstained. She wished she could save them all, but it was an impossible feat.

She found Ket'ahre sleeping in the corner, To'keh tightly wrapping in his arms. Aliz nudged him with her paw until he awoke. He turned eyes wide with fright. His beard had been trimmed and black marks had been painted next to his eyes.Aliz?... He whispered, looking around. He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

What are you doing here? You could get us all killed. Aliz cast her eyes to the floor.

I know. But I couldn't leave without you. She looked down at To'keh who was still asleep. He muttered something under his breath and turned.We need to leave now.

Ket'ahre nodded and silently awoke To'keh. The boy tried to scream, thinking someone had come to take him, but his father quickly quieted him.To'keh, put on your boots. The boy obeyed.

Soon Ket'ahre and To'keh had gathered what was left of their things. Aliz led the way out of the huts. The guard at the door had fallen asleep, giving them an easy escape.Get on my back. Aliz turned to let them climb on. She knew it would be a hard flight with both To'keh and Ket'ahre on her, but she also knew that flying was their only chance of getting past the wall. Aliz flapped her wings vigorously. It was a bumpy take off, but she managed to get into the air.

She could see the wall from here. It seemed to near with alarming haste. Once they got there they had one chance to escape or else they would all be killed.

Aliz flapped her wings again. They already started to ache from the weight. Two more flaps and she would be over the wall, one more…

A loud crack sent a sharp pain down Aliz's side. She strained to get over the wall and then looked down. One of the wall guards stood only a few feet below them, a long whip in his hand. He flipped it up at her again, striking her back legs.

Aliz cringed as she kept flying.Go Aliz, go. To'keh urged. But he knew she was growing tired. Ket'ahre remained quiet, knowing that this was probably the end.

Aliz forced herself to flap again. She was drifting dangerously close to the ground. She couldn't hold them up any longer. She crashed into the sand, sending her two passengers flying through the air.

She could hear the shouts of angry guards drawing closer. Ket'ahre crawled over to the weaver and placed a hand on her cheek.Oh, Aliz. He gently touched his large hand to her wounds. She shivered at his touch. Everything was going cold. She could see the guards nearing.

She looked over to To'keh. He was scared and crying, the tears cleaning the dirt from his face. With a grunt, Aliz sat up. She had to get them to safety. Even if she died trying, she couldn't watch them get killed. She stood and looked to her back.Get on. She demanded.

Ket'ahre shook his head.You can't take us all. He looked at the nearing army and then at his son.I'll buy you some time. Aliz tried to argue, but Ket'ahre stopped her.It's my honor to save your life.

He walked over to To'keh and hugged him hard. "Be good. Do as I taught you and remember wars and kingdoms do not make a man, but what's in here." He pointed to To'keh chest and then hugged his son again.

Go," He said, drawing a large sword from his pack. "Go now." To'keh bit his lip to keep from crying and climbed onto Aliz's back.

I love you, Pa!" He said as Aliz climbed into the sky again. Ket'ahre smiled up at them through his tears.

I love you, To'keh." He turned to face the army that was now upon him. He knew what his mission was, and he was not going down until he had completed it.

Aliz beat her wings in rhythm with the desert winds. She would be able to fly longer now, despite her wounds. To'keh buried his head in her neck and sobbed for hours.

It wasn't until morning that he looked up again. The sun reached its shining fingers over the hills. Birds sang their morning songs, as if they had no idea of the blood that had been shed the previous night.Aliz, where are we going? To'keh rubbed the dried tears from his eyes.

I'm not sure. She answered. She really didn't know. She knew she would never be able to find safety from the humans.Where would you like to go?

To'keh thought for a long moment.I just want to go home. He said, pointing to the dry land that sat next to the Terror Range.Tyrannia. That's where I want to go.

Aliz looked down at the land. She had heard of it before but had never actually gone there. Aliz smiled and swooped lower to the ground.You can come live with me. To'keh yawned and laid his head back on her neck.We'd take care of you. I wouldn't let anyone hurt you. And our mage is nice, she could heal your wound in a few weeks.

Aliz chuckled as she flew over the forests that sat at the outer edges of Tyrannia.That sounds nice. She said, looking back at the boy.Thank you, To'keh. She looked up at the sky once more, watching the bright star that she had made only hours ago. It seemed to grow brighter with each passing minute.

Somehow, Aliz knew everything would be ok. Gliding over the trees once again, she could feel that everything was right. One last time, she looked up at the fading sky. The northern star shone brightly, but it was not alone anymore. Rin shone next to it, even brighter. Dali smiled and sighed. Yes, everything was right.