Chapter 21

When Cain and Caleb arrived and settled down, Cain confessed what his true intentions were.

Thank you son, every time I ride with you it is truly an exhilarating experience.  You have grown into a remarkable man and I want you to know that I am very proud of you. Cain said as he hugged his son.

Father, what is going on? Caleb asked sensing something was not right with his father.

I can't go back with you son, I have to return to the Dark Moon pack before my Alpha finds out that I am missing! Cain confessed.

Why father? You do know that mother would be devastated upon learning that you went back. Caleb said sadly.

Your mother thinks she could win a battle against Abraham but she doesn't realize how extensively large the pack have grown since she was there so many years ago.  I was there Caleb, when Abraham attacked her kingdom the second time and slaughtered everyone even the children and if it wasn't for you being born the next day, I believe that she might have gotten crazy! Cain said sadly remembering that day vividly.

I am not going to chance jeopardizing my beautiful family. We will see each other again I assure you but for now you have to return to your mother and take care of her and your family. Promise me you will Caleb? Cain said as he looked sorrowfully into his son's eyes.

Father you don't have to go please. Just remain with us and if Abraham and his pack comes to us then we will fight because we know we did not provoke him in any way! Caleb pleaded.

Abraham will not give up Caleb. I know my father and he hates Lera. I am not going to allow her to do something where she may be killed. Tell me you understand. This is not goodbye, this is I'll see you all later! Cain said with tears filling his eyes as he turned around and began to walk away.

Father wait! Caleb shouted but was too late as the snare snapped and fastened around his foot and sent Cain up into a tree and left him hanging.

Caleb get out of here now! This is the Dark Moon trapping method, fly! Cain shouted as he struggled from above to release his foot from the snare.

No wait, I'll help you down! Don't struggle as it will just make it tighter father. Caleb said as he walked towards the tree to loose the line.

As soon as he arrived at the tree, another snare came up yanking Caleb straight up in the air and had him swinging opposite to Cain.

What kind of metal is this? I can't seem to get lose! Caleb called out to his father

I'm not so worried about the metal Caleb but I'm worried about where the rest of the pack are! You seeing anyone or getting any scents? Cain shouted to Caleb.

No father, nothing! Caleb replied.

Can you transform into a dragon Caleb? I believe it's the only way you will be able to free us both! Cain said loudly

What sorcery is this father? I'm trying to transform but I can't! Caleb said and that was when Cain began to panic and get very afraid as his attempts to get out of the snare seemed futile.

Then they heard Dora's loud screech and looked at each other.

Do you think she could hear us if we both screamed out? Cain asked

Your mother and my mindlink was severed so many years ago, that I don't think we'll be able to communicate. Cain continued.

No it is impossible for Dora to hear us but knowing how Dora thinks, she'll know something is wrong when see don't see or hear from me.

After not hearing or seeing Caleb, Dora became quite worried as Caleb was taught from a young age to answer her when she called out to him. She began to descend lower, scanning the area to see if she saw any of them as she soared just over the trees.

Lera flew alongside her and looked at her face,

Dora what is wrong? Where are they? Lera asked concerned.

Lera, something is not right here! Caleb have never not answered nor not come to meet me when I call out to him! Dora said in terror as she desperately began to search for the beast she considered her own.

Lera heart sank and she also began looking frantically for them when suddenly she heard a loud crashing sound and looked to Dora and saw that  a green dragon as huge as Dora herself, was grabbed on to her as they fought in mid air.

Lera saw when Dora broke apart and fiercely kicked him away as she began expelling long lines of fire. The green dragon flew up and swerved the flames but then he began to send out long lines of flames towards Dora.

Without hesitating, Lera cast a spell that shield Dora from the oncoming flames and Dora turned around and nodded her head with a thank you gesture and began her attack on the dragon.

Lera knew that she could do nothing more to help her when the dragons began to battle and roll in mid-air, without harming Dora. So she turned around and continued her search relying on the stories that Isabel told her about Dora in action in their past battles, that she could take care of herself.

Lera them began to fly even lower scanning the area for any sign of Cain or Caleb. Just the thought of losing them sent shivers down her spine and caused her heart to ache. She became distracted in thoughts, where Cain and Caleb could have been injured or killed, and became careless and so she did not see when a large flaming ball came directly in her path and hit her, sending her flying of the broom and tumbling down through the trees, breaking small branches as she fell to the ground.

She stood motionless, from the terribly hard fall, for several minutes before she was able to gather her composure and regain her strength and lift herself of the ground. Immediately as she stood up, she felt powerful black magic surrounding her. She looked up for Dora and saw that she was still fighting with the green dragon and she slowly began to walk. Just then, she froze when she saw a warlock come out from behind some trees.

The warlock was tall and of medium built. He had on a long blue flowing robe with a hood over his head. He had a grey stubble with hazel eyes and strands of his long grey hair peaked out from under his hood. As Lera looked at him he silently mumbled something causing her feet and hands to magically be bound with metal cords and her lips became shut.

Just then, Lera saw Dora and the dragon fall from the sky but still wrapped around each other battling as they cleared several trees and came to a stop when they both hit the huge rock directly in front of her and the warlock.

There was a massive explosion of rocks, debris and dust that caused her to lose sight of Dora and the dragon but when the dust settled Lera just stood looking on as Dora raised her head and looked at her and then it crashed to the ground.

Quickly, Lera said a spell that freed her lips and she began screaming out Dora's name. Lera then saw the green dragon struggle to get up and when it did get up, it stumbled several steps and it fell to the ground.

Doraaaaa! Lera screamed again but this time the Warlock turned around and raised his finger and zapped on a metal latch and lock on Lera's mouth causing her to stop screaming.

Falkor! The warlock called out and turned around to look at the dragon.

Falkor get up! He said again.

While he was distracted with the dragon as he called out to it, Lera began silently chanting a spell which had sent a distress call to Isabel.

Lera then looked around to see if she saw Cain and Caleb but she did not see any of them. She decided not to further aggravate the Warlock with her magic until she knew where Cain and Caleb was and so she silently rehearse a spell that opened the lock and latched and removed it from over her mouth. She then turned to the Warlock and began to speak to him.

Who are you and what do you want with me? Lera asked slowly.

The warlock turned around and looked at Lera coldly for several minutes before he returned his gaze to his dragon.

Falkor, get up my friend! The Warlock continued saying.

While his attention was on his dragon Lera then said an incantation and the tree directly to the side on her came alive and attempted to attack the warlock.  But when the tree with its outstretched limbs was just inches away from the Warlock he turned around and used his fingers to zap it and it immediately froze and began to wither until it was dead.

Abraham told me about you being a witch with powers but that was child's play. I assume I overestimated your powers Witch.  You are nothing but an amateur! The Warlock remarked and Lera just smiled.

Who are you and what do you want! Lera asked again.

My gosh, it seems you're the annoying witch type hmm! My name is Alazar and I was paid by Abraham to bring you and your son to him. Now that I have an added bonus which is Cain, your lover and the father of your son, I honestly believe that Abraham would b even happier! The Warlock answered and smiled wickedly back at Lera.

When Lera heard he had both Cain and Caleb it confirmed her thoughts and she became quite worried about where he had them.

Caleb, Cain can you hear me? Lera began to scream out loudly.

Caleb, Cain! she screamed again and suddenly her lips magically began to sew shut with a needle and gold threading!

You Witch, are seriously getting on my nerves! Could you stop? Can't you see that I'm worried about my dragon? The inconsideration! The Warlock said and returned his gaze to the dragons. But as soon as he did, Lera heard their voices.

Mother, Lera! She heard them call out to her several times.  Unfortunately though she could not answer them not because she could not lose her lips but because she was waiting on Isabel so she was grateful that she still had the upper hand because she knew they were nearby.

Falkor! The warlock said and the green dragon began to slightly move.

Yes, get up my friend! I need you beside me! Alazar continued.

But as soon as he said those words, Lera saw a huge line of fire come down from the sky and strike the area Alazar stood at. And if it wasn't for his quick reflexes he would have been roasted from the flames.

Lera then heard the loud screech of Fiona and saw another line of fire hit the spot he rolled to once again causing him to long jump over Dora and his dragon and seek cover.

Lera smiled and watched as Fiona swooped down in front of her and Isabel jumped off from her back and rolled towards her. Isabel quickly got up and came to her side as Fiona continued to glide past them. She even saw when Fiona's eyes turned almost golden when she saw her mother lying motionless on the ground next to the green dragon.

Fiona doubled backed and gave a loud gut wrenching screech with a long and large line of fire sending it directly to the green dragon and the Warlock.

But the warlock quickly said a spell and covered them with a shield.  And as soon as the shield went down Isabel said a spell that sent a coursing long, yellow- blue volt directly towards the Warlock hitting him and his dragon.

Suddenly, Lera saw them slowly start to freeze and Isabel never stopped until they were both frozen into solid ice.

Fiona landed down roughly and ran to her mother's side with fright causing the ground to tremble.

Mama wake up! Mama please wake up! Fiona said as she nudged Dora face with hers but got no response from her mother.