[Second day in the caves]

Neres walked down the naturally made corridor flank by two sturdy men. 
They made their way to a small side chamber.

An old man and two young boy aged about 14 who were leaning against the 
wall. The old man must have been about 70 and looked old and weak.

"Ah Haslan, it is about time you reported back, I was expecting a report 
two weeks ago." said Neres repremanding the old man.
"I have had trouble. The dukes men located two of my cells."
"What's the situation?"
"No-one was seen or caught. I have moved them out of the  area and shut 
down our operations in the city. It is only a temporary arangement."
"Damn, and hte goods?"
"Two storage areas were discovered and the merchandise confiscated."
"*He* will not be pleased, you've lost us a small fortune, we'll have to 
work hard to make it back."
"I know, I think we have an informer in our ranks."
"Find them and neutralise them. I do not want this happening again."

The old man nodded in agreement. A sound from outside the chamber 
disturbed the conversation. The two boys whipped out a small wooden 
cudgel each and stood protectively in fornt of the old man.

Neres's men each drew a short sword. A man entered. Neres and her men 
relaxed.
"What is it?" she snapped.
"I have bad news I'm afraid Neres."
"More bad news? How much am I expected to deal with today?"
"Two men have been found dead."
"Details man details!"
"They were on patrol, quite a way away from our living area. They were 
brutally murdered, and mutilated afterwards."

Neres glanced at the old man. He looked puzzled and worried to.

"It's probably some of those deserters from the duke men who attacked 
the warren. A few might have escaped the warrens forces when they were 
caught yesterday. I want the patrol forces doubled, and I want a group 
of six men ready within the hour. Their job will be to track down the 
killers and bring them to me. I don't care what condition they are in as 
long as they are alive and can speak."

Neres turned to Haslan. 
"I need you to go back and try to salvage what you can of your 
situation. You will need to step up the activities in your other areas, 
at least that might appease *him* some what. 

Find me the going rate for pleasure slaves, women, boys and girls. We 
might make some money back that way."

"You know I find that distasteful Neres." growled the old man.
"Your failure leaves no room for debate. I do not like it either Haslan, 
but it'll be our necks on the line I we do not cover the loss, do you 
understand? If you can come up with the mone some other way then do it, 
I am not some scum slave driver Haslam. Smuggler, fencer and black 
marketeer thats me. No you better hurry I have things to do.

[Back at Marrid]
Shella paced her chamber, feeling agitated and powerless to help Tina. 
Shella was also feeling not quite right. She was changing. She didn't 
know why or how but she was. She could feel the other dragons presence 
much more keenly - especially the male dragon. Shella let out a huge 
roar to relieve her frustration. She was immediately bombarded by the 
thoughts of the warren dragons.
<Get out of my head!> roared Shella.
<What is it Shella? askde Tina.
<Nothing for you to worry about my love.>

Shella stretched her wings and flew out of her chamber. Roaring a 
challenge to the males of the warren, trying to initiate a mating 
flight. Something wasn't quite right and there was only a passing 
interest from the males.

<Ribbon, who's initaiting a mating flight?> asked Koda.
<It's Shella, but none of the males are interested. Wait a minute. You 
better come and look, bring Waylene with you. Unless there is something 
wrong with my eyes there is definately a metalic sheen to Shella!>

[Back again in the caves. Hmmm yoyo time here!]

"Alill, somethings wrong with Shella. She feels different, I think shes 
initaiting a mating flight, but it's more than that."

Alill looked up at Tina. 
"Whats wrong?"
"I don't know but, some thing is not right. None of the males are 
reacting to her."
"Try speaking to her Tina." urged Sam.
"I'm trying but she's blocking me." Tina replied. She looked nervous and 
uncomfortable and was begining to get a wild look in her eyes and begin 
to sweat, but it passed away quickly.

Just then the door to their cell oopened and Neres walked in.
"What do you know of a killer who mutilates bodies?" demanded Neres, 
guessing that that was the reason the warren folk were down in the 
tunnels.

NRPG Well guys sorry I haven't written in ages but I got round to it in 
the end. Tags are to Waylene, Koda, Sam, and Ailill.

James
xxx


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