Rage

But that wasn't the only problem, the sound of hoof beats signalled the arrival of the Knurligs.

They surrounded him on all sides, there was nine of them. All with spears, as they closed in, Ashlard pulled Runë against him, picking her up in one arm, he held her tightly against his chest and wrapped his bad wing around her. He hoped Blain had a plan, as Ashlard extended his scales. His face twisting into the feral form of a dragon, his tail making a soft thump, falling to the ground behind him... They will not hurt Runë.

Snarling like a dog, one of the Knurligs thrust a spear at him. Ashlard twisted out of the way easily, only for a second Knurlig to use the opening to swipe Ashlard across the ankle. His scales preventing the tip from cutting him, but it did cause him to stumble. A third Knurlig took the opportunity to attempt to spear him through the chest. This time Ashlard saw it coming, grabbing the spear, he pulled it free from the Knurligs grasp, sending the man tumbling to Ashlard's feet. Kicking him hard, hearing a sharp crack, the man flew back several meters. Landing in an awkward position, his eyes wide and unblinking. A second Knurlig charged him, Ashlard spun around the spear, swiping his own across the man's throat. Ashlard threw the spear, impaling another through the chest. The others were more wary, making feint attacks towards him, keeping him moving, and on guard.

Clap... Clap... Clap...

The Knurligs began to chuckle before opening up a gap, Ashlard watched as the Armoured Knurlig strode into the circle. Almost the same height as Ashlard, the armour was made from various sized bones. The helmet from the skull of a horned ox, reinforced with metal tips. Blackened to the waist from the flames. Under the armour, Ashlard was unable to spot any defining features, whomever it was, wore dark robes, gloves and a face mask. It was impossible to spot any distinguishing features, but Ashlard thought they were rather slim in comparison to his bulk.

The armoured Knurlig made no sound, simply staring at Ashlard, tilting their head from side to side before slowly walking around them. Ashlard gently squeezed Runë, pulling his wing tighter around her, he didn't know what would happen if they took her from him, but he would die before they would have the opportunity.

Settling in front of Ashlard again, the Knurlig made a gesture towards Runë, with a "come hither" motion. Ashlard's response was to hiss, he couldn't speak in this state of being. The Knurlig wasn't impressed, tapping it's foot, before pointing off to the side. The other Knurligs made some room for emphasis, Ashlard tensed his throat, spraying liquid flames into the face of the armoured Knurlig, whatever it was coated with, they did not burn, not even smoke. As the flames stopped, the armoured Knurlig shrugged, drawing it's sword. A simple blade, dented, yet finely oiled, Ashlard stared at the blade, a sense of dread settling over him. He couldn't pinpoint it, but that sword looked very familiar.

FLASH

A beautiful woman, pulling a long wooden box from under his bed, a man taking the sword, and walking out into the darkness.

FLASH

She was screaming, blood pouring from her eyes, he was dragging a young woman away, she carried an infant.

FLASH

Ashlard was on his knees, he had dropped Runë at his feet, she was holding his face, gently shaking him, looking up, the armoured Knurlig was admiring the blade. His head hurt, there were tears in his eyes, why were there tears? He didn't recognise these people, where they his family? Could this Knurlig be responsible, how else would they have that sword?

Wrapping his arm around Runë, Ashlard stood back up, wrapping a protective wing over Runë again. The Armoured Knurlig, hands by their sides, just staring at him. He couldn't see the eyes, but he could tell. Taking a deep breath, Ashlard decided he would take the sword, taking a step towards the Knurlig, it raised a hand as if to stop him, surging with energy, Ashlard felt the world crawl to a stop, reaching back with his free arm, he intended to cleave the Knurligs helmet in half with a swipe of his claws. It was surprise then, as the Knurlig ducked at the last second. His claws barely scraping one of the horns. He was even more surprised to feel the heavy uppercut in response, driving right into his stomach.

Stumbling backwards, Ashlard coughed up a mouthful of blood, Runë saw it, and suddenly started trying to push off him, knowing he needed both his hands in order to fight this threat. Ashlard was torn, if he placed her on the ground, she would be at the mercy of the other Knurligs, while he had to deal with their leader, but he needed everything he had to fight, and couldn't protect her in his current state.

Bowing his head against Runë's, she kissed him gently. Ashlard opened his wing, gently placed her on the ground and after casting a weary eye on the other Knurligs. He stepped in front of the armoured Knurlig, who in turn, snapped their fingers. A slight pause, and the Knurligs, opened up, making much more room, Ashlard wasn't sure if that were to ease his mind about Runë, or if it were for something more... Unexpected.

Ashlard surging his energy again, lunged straight at the Armoured Knurlig. Sidestepping at the last moment, spinning and driving his elbow into the horned helmet, only to have the Knurlig duck a second time. Not wanting to lose his momentum, Ashlard continued spinning, thrusting his claws down towards the Knurlig. Ashlard watched as it bent over backwards, only to catch his claws in both hands. Rolling to one side, allowing his claws to pass harmlessly into the ground... Now he was mad. Screeching he let loose with wild slashes of his claws, from every direction. The armoured Knurlig simply stepped and dodged. Occasionally parrying a swipe with the hilt of it's sword. Ashlard was furious, what was this creature?

Suddenly the Knurlig stepped forward, blocking a wild swing from the right, and headbutted Ashlard hard enough to make him stagger. Turning slightly, he could make out Runë, tears in her eyes, with her hands covering her mouth.

She... Must... Be... Protected.

Ashlard's eyes flared brightly, the Knurlig took a step back... Surprise? Ashlard didn't care, the very fabric of the air tore as Ashlard rushed the Knurlig. With an almighty boom, he was upon the horned warrior, grabbing the helmet. He intended to rip it clean off, instead, he found it firmly attached. No matter... Heaving with all his might, he picked up the Knurlig, throwing them over his shoulder. Slamming them flat on their back in a cloud of dust. Ashlard raised his fists into the air, bringing them down on the breastplate of the Knurlig with so much force, the air rippled from the impact. Reaching back, he drove his fist into the Knurligs head, once, twice, on the third he spotted a crack form in the helmet. But on the forth, the Knurlig caught his hand.

Flicking it's legs up around his neck, he was being held in an arm bar. With no other option, Ashlard picked up the Knurlig, still holding on. Spinning, he drove them head first into the ground behind him. Picking the Knurlig up a second time, he felt a sharp twist and pain shot up his arm, as his elbow now bent at an odd angle. Reaching with his good arm, Ashlard took hold of the Knurligs bone covered boot. Pulling them free and with a mighty swing, slammed them into the ground with such force, he lost grip and the Knurlig rolled away into the dust.

Roaring in pain, Ashlard quickly examined his arm, he could feel the torn muscles and ligaments, he could also feel his fingers, but he couldn't move them. Looking around, he suddenly realised he couldn't see Runë, it was too dusty. A soft clatter to his left caught his attention. There's the Armoured Knurlig, the right horn had fallen free from it's helmet, exposing a glowing purple eye... A Demi-Human. Ashlard took a step forward before the Knurlig shook it's head, the dust cleared slightly and Ashlard realised it was holding Runë. A clawed hand holding her chin, while holding her, pressed up against her back on the Armoured Knurlig. Ashlard stared into that purple eye...

PROTECT... HER...

Ashlard raised his head, and screamed into the sky, a scream like no other. One of pain, one of loss, one of rage, and when he settled his eyes on the Knurlig. There was no light emanating from them, there was no longer Ashlard standing before them, merely the beast... And it was hungry.

Blain looked up from the ground, hearing that terrible scream, he could see the enemy, they were holding Runë. He didn't know what would happen, but Ashlard needed to be stopped, before he did something he would regret. In a blur of movement Ashlard simply disappeared, a fraction of a second later, one of the Knurligs did too, the sound that followed was that of a lightning strike, the crack of air splitting itself. Blain was in awe as much as he was terrified, how much power does this boy posses?

A headless torso flew overhead as a second mighty crack and another Knurlig disappeared. Their leader was now dragging Runë backwards away from the scene, as huge clouds of dust stirred up into a huge vortex. Blain couldn't see right through to the other side, but another crack and a Blain saw a flash, for a split second, he saw Ashlard's shadow. No longer on two legs, Ashlard always looked part human, even when in form, but this creature just looked like a dragon. Standing on all fours, it's neck elongated and tail horned.

Kill, destroy, burn, how he hated these pathetic creatures. He tore around in circles so quickly a vortex of dust and debris formed. Cleaving one in two, he simply bit the head off a second, shaking the corpse like a rag doll, throwing it into the distance. Spraying his venom into the vortex, it ignited into a giant fire tornado, with the sound of an avalanche. The remaining Knurligs were sucked into the flames, incinerated before they could scream. With a flair of his wings, the vortex immediately broke up, leaving a large black circle of earth at his feet.

With several thuds, the charred corpses of dead Knurligs rained down around him in pieces. His eyes settled on a being before him, staring at him with a glowing purple eye. They were holding someone... Someone... Why did he care. They would all burn, walking towards the pair, the one with the purple eye, suddenly shoved the smaller one towards him. He watched as they turned, and sprinted into the dense forest. So be it... He would love a little sport, but first, his eyes settling onto the strangely silent one before him.

She was terrified... As she should be... It wouldn't help her though, he could hear blood pumping just beneath that delicate skin. The sound was so clear, so uniform... She smelled so good... Admiring how smooth she was, it occurred to him how her hair framed her face perfectly. Just the right colour... THROB... He shook his head... What did he care how she looked, those beautiful blue eyes, weren't going to stop him enjoying his meal. It was almost a shame she wouldn't run, that was half the fu-THROB... Runë... No... Placing his clawed paw against her chest, he pushed her flat on her back. Pinning her onto the ground, he could see the tears rolling from her eyes. When she did something unexpected, smiling, she rolled her head to one side. Pulling her hair away, revealing two small scars. She reached up, grabbing him gently by the head, pulling him down as if she wanted him to feed.

Opening his mouth, he savoured her scent, licking the skin of her neck... THROB... No... THROB... NO!... Pulling away sharply, shaking his head... Pacing around in circles a few moments. The woman got to her feet, now he noticed the two horses skid to a stop behind her, in a flash, he was standing between her and the horsemen. One of them called out, "Ashlard..." Why did that name sound so familiar? Feeling soft hands grab his head, he found himself face to face with the woman, she reached up, stabbing the tip of her finger into his sharpened teeth, he lapped at her finger without thinking.

FLASH

Humming, beautiful humming, just like... Runë

FLASH

Ashlard threw himself backwards, slamming into the ground with a hard thud. Twisting in agony, snarling as his body shifted in form. Screaming as his arm returned to the correct dimensions in two stages, the first, above the elbow, the second below, which was again, broken. Soft hands suddenly grabbed his shoulder, lifting and pushing. Ashlard found himself face to face with Runë, red eyed and puffy. Her tears falling on his face. Reaching up, he touched her face, she smiled, then bent and kissed him, holding him for dear life. Two shadows appeared over him, looking up, he could see Blain and Raph, finding his voice.

"I'm sorry," Ashlard said, his voice, soft and scratchy.

"That was a fool thing you tried boy," said Blain, "You could have gotten yourself, or worse, Runë, killed."

Ashlard didn't know what to say.

"YOU ALMOST KILLED HER YOURSELF!" Blain yelled, "I know you can't fully control yourself yet, but I suggest you and I do some training before you go pulling stunts like that again."

Grabbing Ashlard roughly by the arm, Runë slid off him, and Blain hoisted him to his feet, his arm swinging awkwardly.

"Dammit boy..." Blain said when he spotted it, "Hold him Runë."

Ashlard braced as Runë put her arms around him, holding him for dear life, while Blain grabbed his arm, squeezing it and pressing it. Ashlard cried into Runë's hair, screaming as he felt a sudden pop, he'd have collapsed if not for Runë holding him steady.

"I'm sorry," Ashlard whispered to her, "I'm so sorry."

"Runë," said Blain, "The bone wasn't broken, but he needs his arm in case the Knurligs come back."

Nodding to herself, she pulled her hair aside, exposing her neck, but Ashlard resisted, he couldn't hurt her now, not after wanting to kill her. Trying to push her away with his good arm, she loosened her grip. With a huff, she threw her weight against him, Ashlard found himself pinned. With his legs beneath him, his damaged arm, not responding to him trying to push up. His good arm pinned under Runë's knee, he didn't have the strength to move her.

"No," Ashlard sobbed, "I can't keep hurting you."

"Ashlard," said Raph, "She let's you feed because she needs you to protect her."

"I can protect her without hurting her," Ashlard said quietly, feeling Runë squeeze him tighter.

"Ashlard..." said Raph, "She feeds you because she loves you..."

Runë lifted her head, gazing into his eyes, a tear dropped onto his face as she started nodding. Placing her forehead on his, she bent slightly, kissing Ashlard, slipping hers tongue into his mouth, she bit hard, causing it to bleed.

FLASH

Humming, soft, beautiful humming. A broken image, Runë... standing alone, in a world made of glass, everything shattered, now bathed in warm light. Now she was standing with someone, someone with wings. Everything shattered, everything's bright now, Ashlard, piercing into the brightness, saw Runë, bathed in white, a small bundle in her arms, a tiny hand...

FLASH

Opening his eyes, Runë slowly pulled away from him, she smiled, and a single tear rolled down her cheek. Now he knew for sure...

"I love you too," he said.

Runë smiled, leaning over him again, Ashlard realised she wasn't just doing this for his sake, and gently sank his teeth into her neck, falling deeply into the song she sang him, losing himself as he slowly drank from her, relishing every moment her skin met his lips, before diving into her mind, and listening to the song of her mind.

.....................................................

Arctur stood well beyond human eyesight, watching the group. How had Ashlard had turned so quickly, he was extremely powerful, if only he could control himself. But that may have been because of the girl, he wasn't just attracted to her, he had bonded... He hadn't realised it yet, but she fed off his energy as much as he fed off hers, the more he fed, the quicker she healed and as long as he lived, she would too... They were inseparable now... Targeting the girl would only doom them, Ashlard would burn the world in rage, at her loss... How then to draw him out?

.....................................................

Ashlard sat jolting on the back of Raph's horse, his arm hurt, but he could move it again. Looking across, he could clearly see Runë watching him from Blains saddle, her eyes never left him. He thought about earlier, he could remember losing control this time. The memories fresh and raw. He didn't know what to make of it... He was going to kill her... But as he got closer, even his curse realised who she was. Even in his most terrible form, he realised he wanted to protect her... Knowing she was precious, like they were bonded at the soul. Even each others darkness loved one another. It was comforting to know she would always be protected, at any cost.

Soon Ashlard could see a huge dust cloud ahead, sitting upright, he growled, deep in his chest, like boulders rolling down a stone staircase.

"Easy lad, they're ours," said Blain, casting him a worried look.

Ashlard met his gaze, nodding. Runë was asleep, laying across the neck of the horse. it wasn't long until they met up with the group. Approximately one hundred men, armoured from head to toe surrounded them. Turning and escorting the group back to Tel Atun in an honour guard. Ashlard noticed Con was back. Looking at Ashlard with a worried expression, riding up between them. Con reached over, holding out a pair of apples, Ashlard took them gladly, Con nodded, handing a couple more to Blain, who quickly dropped them in Runë's bag.

The sun had already set by the time the force entered Tel Atun, the large gates shut behind them with a boom. Only now did the soldiers begin to disperse, moving to their respective positions around the city. Only now did Ashlard spot the crowd of people that were lining the roads. Thousands of people, in every direction, all muttering the same thing, "The Angel of Tel Atun." Realising they were expecting a huge being with black wings, he looked like a weary boy wearing a cloak. Nobody recognised him, except one. Spotting a middle aged woman standing a few rows back from the front, she smiled, and said nothing as the horses made their way into the castle.

Dismounting was difficult, Ashlard had to slide off the back of the horse, without hurting his arm. He managed it, but almost fell flat on his face, quickly he balanced. Flinching as his arm complained, he looked up to help Runë off her horse to see her confidently swing a leg over, facing him with silent giggles. His ears burned, but he offered his hand and she immediately took it.

Blain led them through a set of giant doors, into a large auditorium. Ashlard remembered this room, Ahead was the king, the Queen, a young man, with scars across his face, and a young woman with red flaming hair. The walls completely surrounded with guards in full suits of armour. Approaching the throne, Blain, Raph and Con immediately dropped to their knees. Runë was a fraction slower, and Ashlard taken by surprise, stood like a statue for a moment, before awkwardly trying to drop to one knee. The King quickly held up a hand.

"You're injured, please do not strain yourself," said the King.

"Thank you... Your majesty," said Ashlard, remembering his manners.

"Rise everyone, we greet you as friends, not as underlings on this day," commanded the king, "Step forward, Ashlard, Angel of Tel Atun."

Ashlard gulped, stepping up to the throne.

"I know much of your kind," said the king, "but your woman here may be worn down from feeding you, so I give you this," gesturing to the young woman with flaming red hair.