The Matriarch traveled with Eileen, Attia, and Bellica in a carriage that took them into the forest within the Lion’s clan. Guarding them, were several lionesses under training. They moved through an unmarked path in the forest towards the place Diata called The Cage.

Deep in the forest, the carriage stopped near the entrance of a deep gorge, the matriarch led the way through it until a cave was found.

A large wooden door with a square hole on its top allowed her to look inside.

“Open the door, I came to visit the prisoner” said the Matriarch towards the door’s hole.

CLANG the sound of metal moving was heard a few moments after she spoke.

The heavy, mossy door opened slowly.

Inside the cavern, torches and holes allowed light inside. The Guard was an old male, a Lion with a white beard and hair.

“Welcome Matriarch” he said as they entered.

“You look well Jorys”

The old man smiled “You too Diata, I wasn’t expecting another visit this soon”

“Did she speak?”

“Nothing, not a word”

“I brought someone that might get some answers from our captive”

The male looked at the three and nodded “Come, let me show you the way”

The insides of the cave were very well carved, the walls were smooth and leveled as the ground. There were no signs of humidity or natural openings, everything seemed to have been planned to perfection and sculpted on the sheer rock.

Corridors that went on into darkness could be seen here and there, a maze without end. At some openings, several iron cages built directly into the rock… all empty aside for a few skeletons.

The Lion finally stopped and showed them a small corridor with a bit of daylight that shone through the ceiling.

Diata asked the wooden door to be opened, she asked to go first. The others would wait in the nearby corridor.

Therese was sat down, leaned against the stone wall wearing prisoner's clothes. It was clear she hadn’t been in the sun or left that place in a very long time.

“Therese,” said Diata.

The great lioness didn’t even move, she didn’t address the matriarch’s that entered her cage.

“Won’t you talk to me? Therese… please. This has gone far enough it’s time to explain yourself”

Silence.

Diata sighed and stepped into the corridor once again, waving for Eileen to come in “If not me… then maybe you will talk to someone else. I brought you a visit”

Eileen approached and entered the cage. The situation of her teacher brought up a sense of anger towards the Lions and a deep concern regarding Therese’s health, the cage was small, the bed was carved in rock and she had nothing to keep the cold away but the rags on her body. She was weak after being there for almost a year.

“Master…” said Eileen with concern for seeing her in such a state.

Therese’s eyes immediately widened and turned to look, her surprise lasted for an instant and she became serious again “You shouldn’t have come here, Eileen” she finally spoke. Diata took a deep breath in relief.

Eileen shook her head “What happened to you? Where is Leona?”

“I appreciate your wish to help, but you have other things to concern yourself with. Return to your homeland.”

Eileen tried to contain a smile “I got some help, you are my only concern right now”

Therese turned to her once again with attention, noticing the princess’ smile and her gleaming eyes, the lionesses sighed and let a faint smile appear on her face “I see, he finally returned...”

Diata’s ears stood up as she heard that.

Eileen nodded many times “He is probably waiting in the city right now, he also wanted to help you”. Therese took a deep breath and looked at the resolve in the princess’ eyes. For the first time in a long time, a jolt of hope suddenly took over the rebellious lioness and Diata noticed when it happened.

She couldn't believe the change in Therese, her eyes sparkled with the news of this male arriving. This half-blood must really be something else for even Therese to have changed this much by just mentioning him.

Therese stood up and pondered for a moment glancing at Eileen and then to Diata.

The matriarch smiled “Well, I see you recovered your mood to speak… I will give you two some privacy” she moved towards the corridor where Attia and Bellica.

“This male must be really powerful to have such an effect even on Therese, to think that just mentioning him would have such an effect, especially in someone as stubborn as her. She must know this master of yours very well” said the matriarch as if talking to herself.

Attia nodded “I heard they traveled together for a time”

The matriarch just smiled at them. “I imagine, I was just surprised at Therese’s reaction. That’s all.”

Eileen was now alone with Therese, they could finally talk privately.

“What happened Therese?”

The Lioness took a deep breath “I was too naive… I thought Zegrath had some dignity and honor left… but I was wrong. Somehow he knew I was coming and was prepared. I requested an audience with the king to formally challenge Zegrath. I got invited to the castle but the king wasn’t even there. I was careless and overconfident. I should have known an Exiled like me wouldn’t be granted an audience so easily” She paused and looked at Eileen “As we were separated, they got Leona and used an Argonian collar on her to try to control me”

“Collar?”

“The collar is an Argonian slave crest. It cleanses one’s mind and removes all will from it. The person becomes an empty puppet that obeys all commands without hesitation. The worst part is that it cannot be removed without killing the host.”

The princess became very concerned “They used her to blackmail you? What they wanted?”

“They tried… Zegrath showed up instead of the king, demanding that I lowered my head to him. He promised to remove my exile sentence and put me into his Lionesses ranks, if I vowed upon the duty to serve him for the rest of my life.”

“You refused”

“I did the only thing I could, I pointed my sword at him, the one the boy created. We exchanged a few blows… the sword was magnificent. Much more powerful than I could ever hope for. Even the Jaw of Havoc wasn’t a match against it. Zegrath realized that and stopped to fight, showing me Leona in that collar. Her eyes were absent of any light, her will was gone.”

“There must be many people under Zegraths influence”

Therese nodded “I didn’t have any choice, I tried to negotiate Leona’s life for the sword... I dropped it and took Leona with me. But as he realized he couldn’t wield the sword, he quickly ordered Leona back… and she can’t resist his commands”

Eileen nodded “Knowing he would use her against you, you came here, pretended to attack the Matriarch knowing you would be put in this prison… that way he could not use you directly, gaining Leona some time.”

Therese nodded.

“But what if they executed you right there?”

“I know Diata from the time I was with the Lionesses… she’s the wiser of us all. I knew she would understand that I didn’t mean any harm to her. Also, Zegrath wants me alive. He needs me to unlock the secrets of the sword.”

Eileen agreed “And what happened to the sword and Leona afterward?”

Therese took a deep breath “I don’t know… I’ve spent all this time trying to find a way to free her. But that thing, Argos has been using it on the beastmen for centuries, turning brother against brother. My best bet would be the Great Magus help. But there is still the problem of how to get Leona out of here without Zegrath noticing. I’m in a stalemate Eileen. I don’t know how to win this fight”

“I’m sure we can find a way to save Leona, but first, we need to find her. You know we won’t let this Zegrath get away with it, right? We will save her and then you can get your revenge.”

Therese smiled faintly and nodded “Matriarch Diata! We need to talk” shouted Therese to the Matriarch outside. The Elder smiled, already expecting those words from Therese after seeing her change a moment ago.

“We received news from the guards.”

Zegrath turned from his chair to face him “Come in Grimas, what did they report?”

“The matriarch took the human girl and the other two to visit the cage this morning”

Zegrath squinted his eyes “They were quicker than I expected, but that’s good, it was about time for Therese to make another move... this is the moment I was waiting for. Is the collar and the room ready?”

“Yes. “

“I think a healthy dispute between disciples may help Therese to see reason. She will be more than willing to share the secrets to that weapon once she sees those two at each other’s throats. The matriarch won't be able to protect her anymore, not now that she is out”

“There is another report my lord, Varos requested a meeting with the trader that those half-bloods were protecting. It seems he is an arms dealer”

“Someone is actually crafting that equipment? I thought they were relics! Damn Varos, I can’t take my eyes off him for an instant. My baby brother must be wanting to return to the front with this move. If he manages to gear up his men with that kind of weapons there is no way the king won’t call him back… and that can’t happen. It took me way too long to get him out of there.”

He pondered for a moment “Do we know where this trader is keeping his wares?”

“No my lord, he didn’t enter the city with any of it”

“Then go after the guide and buy him out, he will show us where they hid it”

“The guide was Barnar my lord…”

“The pig? Not him again.”

“Yes, do you want me to go after him?”

“No… we pushed too far last time, another incident, and the king might hear about it.” Zegrath shook his head “Just kill the trader… Varos won’t be able to make any deals with the dead. After all, he is without protection with the half blood’s death..”

“About that my lord… seems like the dogs didn’t complete the mission yet”

Zegrath sighed “Useless as always… fine, I will deal with the half-lion myself, just make sure the dogs get rid of the trader, they should be capable of dealing with a single human”

“Are you sure they will let us in?” Asked Arthas standing near Galan, both were staring at the gates of the Lion’s Villa.

“Don’t worry, I know a guy from the inside… he will get us in”

The two guards in front were well-armed and stood before Galan “I came to talk to Kasif, can you call him?”

One of the guards frowned but went to the door and opened a small window to talk to the guard inside.

Arthas looked at Galan, the hunter smiled and nodded full of confidence.

A good amount of time passed, Arthas was more than doubtful about Galan's ability to get them inside and was ready to sneak in.

“He is coming, hang in there… he must have stopped to take a piss or something”

Arthas sighed but the door finally opened and a young lion male appeared. “Galan? What do you want now?”

“Is this a way to talk to your best friend?” said Galan with a smile approaching him.

“We are not friends”

“Don’t say that, it hurt my feelings”

“What do you want?”

Galan put his arm around the young lion “We need to get inside”

Kasif shook his head “Oh no, you will go after the lionesses in here? Are you crazy? They will kill me if they find out!”

Galan glanced at Arthas and smiled turning back to Kasif “Kasif, brother, I was young and naive back then… but I assure you, I have grown since we last saw each other. I am past those worldly desires. You have my word, we didn’t come here with that in mind, in fact, this is a life and death situation”

“Galan, It was barely two weeks ago that you convinced me to introduce you to those lionesses in the city.”

“Details, small detail my good friend, but what is life without a bit of danger? And if I recall correctly, you were smiling afterward… you got to enjoy yourself, didn’t you? You rascal! She ended up liking you in the end”

He smiled awkwardly “Well, it was fun… but way too dangerous, if their teacher caught me I would be dead!”

“But that didn’t happen! Come one, you need to get us in, that guy’s friends might be in trouble and I promised to help him”

Kasif glanced at Arthas for the first time and recognized the lion traits on him with extreme surprise “He is the one traveling with the half lionesses and the human girl?”

Galan nodded with a smile “So you know them?”

Kasif nodded vigorously and immediately turned to the guards “Please let them in! He is the half-blood the matriarch was looking for!”

Galan smiled and turned to Arthas with a smug face. Arthas shook his head, but in the end, Galan did get them inside.

As they stepped inside the walls, Galan looped Arthas in the conversation.

“The girls are here, Kasif has heard something about them”

Kasif nodded “Yes, Zegrath the Clan leader wanted the half lionesses for his... personal service. They refused… I heard they almost fought in the middle of the training area.”

Arthas became concerned “What happened then? Are they fine”

Kasif looked at him with the utmost respect “The matriarch noticed they were pledged, so Zegrath stepped back. They are fine”

Galan was confused “Pledged in the sense of… what?”

“It’s an old ritual. Pledged in body, mind, and soul to someone. The matriarch saw the markings on their back and confirmed it”

With widened eyes Galan asked the two very concerned “Does that mean that they are like married women?”

“Not necessarily but… “ he then looked at Arthas and stopped.

“Dammit! That’s why they didn’t fall for my charm… I mean… really? They are so young… why would they do that?”

Kasif ignored Galan and continued “Master Arthas, you must be one outstanding warrior!”

The half-lion just forced a smile and nodded, he was clearly more interested in finding the girls.

Galan was still very upset with the discovery. “Oh man, at least tell me the human girl is free or you will break my heart” said Galan with a sad tone.

Arthas squinted his eyes in disapproval “She is not… so shut it, Galan. Let the boy speak, where are they now?”

Kasif shrugged “I don’t know, last time I heard about them was yesterday, I don’t know where they are now… probably in the female wing? Maybe you should see the matriarch for that, she will know for sure.”

Therese was back wearing her old armor, it was properly stored by the caretaker. The group was now going back to the villa with a plan in mind.

Since they couldn’t leave the villa or the guards loyal to Zegrath would alert him. Fearing Therese’s freedom he could send Leona away with the sword, drastically reducing their chances of Victory.

The plan was to search for Leona and the sword before finally facing Zegrath.

For that, they would rely on Attia and Bellica skill, both assured they would be able to sneak by the Lion’s wing with ease, and find both Leona and the sword.

Therese would then make way to acquire it so she would be able to fight Zegrath on equal terms, without worrying about Leona that would be out of his reach by that time.

As they arrived at the Villa, They quickly moved through the lioness wing, avoiding all male guards, preparing to make their move on the other wing of the villa.

“I can see that you’ve grown much stronger, Eileen” said Therese.

Eileen smiled and whispered to Therese “I kept training after you left… and I had a few more lessons after meeting Riou gain.”

Therese was impressed and glanced once again at the half-lionesses with her.

“And them? They seemed strong enough, but can we really trust them this much?” Therese squinted her eyes, her instincts were strong regarding those two, she could tell they were extremely dangerous despite her senses telling their presence were not threatening

Eileen nodded “Yes, they are my friends and they are very strong…” she hesitated a bit, “Also, there shouldn’t be any concern about their loyalty... they are pledged to Riou after all”

Therese was surprised but quickly relaxed after hearing those words “I see… I can understand how that happened. If I was younger when I first met him, I might have done the same”

Eileen suddenly became preoccupied. Therese smirked at her “You don’t need to worry about it, he is far too young for me anyway” Eileen forced a smile, those words didn’t ease the princess mind at all.

She then looked around her, seeing all the other young lionesses there; she suddenly feared what could happen if something happened to Riou’s spell and he was discovered by all of them.

“But where are they from? I never heard of the existence of half-bloods from our clan. How did they meet?”

“There is a lot to explain, it will take some time.”

“Then once this is over, we will sit down and talk like we used to” said Therese with a smile on her face.

But a commotion suddenly caught their attention as they entered the inner halls. “This is an affront, what are you doing in this wing?” said the matriarch to the guards.

“The clan leader requested to see the exiled and the human girl”

“What? How did he… they are my guests and I don’t allow this!” said Diata, clearly angered.

Eileen and Therese approached the matriarch.

“I’m sorry matriarch, but the clan leader wishes to speak with the human and the exiled, we have to bring them” said the guard.

“I won’t allow it! I will take this matter to the king himself. The clan leader has no right to take my guests. Not only that, but I also have serious accusations against him, the king will take his position away when he hears it! Rest assured of it”

“I’m sorry matriarch, but we have our orders… to bring them by force if necessary” The guard looked to the others that moved towards Eileen and Therese to secure them.

Attia and Bellica stepped in and stood in front of Eileen, they looked fiercely to the guards with their hands on their swords, the guards flinched and stopped their approach.

Suddenly from behind the guards, another male voice “I suggest you accept the invitation, the clan master just wishes to talk. He asked me to convey this message to you in case you refused. He said that he also has invited someone else, someone you know dearly. He wishes to reunite you three” said a voice from behind the guards.

“Grimas?” said Diata looking at the lion while he walked towards them.

Eileen could see Therese’s anger reflected in her eyes. “The clan leader moved faster than we anticipated, he gives no time for its prey” she whispered to Eileen. “We are caught in his trap again. He knows you were also my disciple now, if we don’t go he might kill Leona this time”

The princess pondered for a moment and nodded “Very well” said Eileen touching Attia and Bellica’s shoulder. “We will talk to the clan leader,” she said glancing at Attia and Bellica giving them a nod and whispering “They have Leona, he might kill her if we refuse. Don’t cause a ruckus, but stay close in case we need you.”

Both were surprised by her words and stepped aside, trusting Eileen’s judgment.

“I’d strongly suggest you reconsider Eileen, you shouldn’t trust Zegrath… let me resolve this matter, if I send a message now, the king should know about this in a day or two” said Diata concerned.

Eileen shook her head “Zegrath is with a friend of mine and I want to see her, you know we can’t risk waiting”

Diata understood what she meant and nodded.

The princess and Therese followed the guards leaving the matriarch and the two half lionesses behind.

“We need to find Arthas and our master, this is getting out of hand” said Bellica to Attia, very concerned.

Attia nodded “Then I will go back for them in the city, you stay with the queen, we can’t let anything happen to her. I will be right back.”

Therese and Eileen were escorted through the halls into the east wing where the lion leader waited. Bellica followed them, watching over the princess, behind was coming Diata and the Lionesses in training.

On the lion’s wing, the guards stopped by a staircase that went down. The princess smiled and nodded at Bellica “Give me some time first, I will call for you when needed”

The lionesses that were under the clan leader, were guarding the place, ready for battle.

Each one of them stood in one of the large stairsteps, watching Therese and Eileen walking down towards the door at the end of it.

At the end of the stairs, there was a large door made of heavy stones, they had two lions at the door frame on each side, they stood on two legs, holding the door in place.

The Lionesses opened the door for them and promptly closed it after they entered.

Inside, Zegrath was with his back turned to the entrance. In front of him was a stone altar with the mighty sword on it.

The room was square not too big, but it was all made of polished rocks and stones, pillars with beasts and nature depictions carved to the very details held the ceiling.

Zegrath grabbed the sword on the pedestal and tried to pull it off it. But the sword wouldn’t move from it.

He laughed “This damn sword” He then turned to the two that had entered.

“Good that you decided to join us. Maybe you’d like to say hello to an old friend?” Said Zegrath, pointing at Leona at the corner, she was standing there with a vague look and no expression on her face.

“Leona!” shouted Eileen, but the wolf showed no reaction.

“Now that the reunion has occurred, I believe we have much to discuss” said Zegrath walking towards them showing a similar collar to the one Leona was wearing.

Therese smiled faintly “You will never wield that weapon, no matter what you do. It was not made for the likes of you” she observed his actions with attention.

Zegrath laughed “Oh but I will and you will be the one to show me how”

Therese waited for him to move away from the altar and towards them, when he reached the middle of the room she decided to act. With an explosive muscular power, she used all her ability and speed and went for the altar.

“Predictable,” said Zegrath without concern. As she was about to reach the sword, the floor lightened up.

ZAP a lightning struck Therese and Leona, pulling them down and wrapping around their bodies, paralyzing them on the ground.

“Do you think I would allow you to be that close to the sword without some assurance? Do you take me for a fool?” said Zegrath caressing a glowing yellow stone on his armor. He prepared the collar and turned to the human, but to his surprise, Eileen was standing, unaffected by the trap.

“What kind of sorcery is this?” asked Zegrath, looking at her, confused as to why his trap had no effect.

Eileen then remembered what kind of armor she was wearing and smiled.

“I’m afraid your dirty tricks won’t work on me” she unsheathed her new sword. The enchantments glowed bright in a deep blue color. Instantly she could feel the power within it.

Zegrath growled when he saw those enchantments “Another magical sword? Ain’t this my lucky day? Very well… let’s see what your sword can do” He unsheathed the Jaw of Havoc from its bone sheath, the jagged teeth of his sword were pointed at Eileen “Come, attack me if you dare” taunted the lion.

Eileen reinforced her body as she was taught to the best of her ability before making a move after him. When she was ready, she attacked with she got.

Zegrath was not expecting such speed and power from a human, and was caught off guard. Her attack was almost instantaneous, but he instinctively pulled the jaw of havoc to defend himself.

The princess attacked, hit his sword close to his chest, and managed to cut through his armor, a large wound gushed blood from his chest. It was not a deadly attack because the jaw of havoc prevented her sword to go deeper than that.

“Gah!” Shouted the lion after being struck, he stepped back looking at Eileen with anger. He put his left hand on his wound and gripped his sword tightly. The red smoke poured out of the sword and into the wound, closing it in instants, his eyes flashed in red once it finished.

“No wonder you are the female leader! You are the first to wound me in a very long time. But I was careless and underestimated your ability, that won’t happen again” he looked at the collar at his hand, “I wanted to use this collar while you were down, affected by the lightning. But guess this will have to wait now…” he threw it to the corner of the room and readied himself. He was getting serious now.

Eileen positioned, but this time, Zegrath was the one to attack. With a swift movement he swung his weapon against Eileen with great power, the princess deflected the attack and redirected its power to the side, compensating against the lion's overwhelming strength and surviving unscathed against his swing.

But something was wrong with her sword afterward. She looked at her blade, and to her surprise there was a deep dent carved within her steel sword. Not only that, the main concern was that enchantments were now flickering, threatening to cease its effects.

“Very Impressive!” smiled Zegrath “None had withstood a full swing from my sword before, you have an outstanding weapon as well, a shame it seems it will not be much of it remaining after this battle”

Zegrath stood still with a smile on his face, looking down on Eileen.

But she wouldn’t back down. The clan leader smiled at her “Outstanding… a courage worthy of a lioness. You will continue to fight even knowing you have no chance of winning! I can’t wait to make you into one of my pets. You might be even better than that dog over there.”

Therese shouted in anger but she was unable to move, all she could was to watch silently, tied to the ground by the spell.

The princess squinted her eyes and focused her mana to the best of her ability once again. Zegrath could feel the pressure coming from the human and was impressed by her skill so far.

Eileen rushed forward with tremendous speed once again, going straight at him with a direct attack. Zegrath smiled and prepared to receive it.

As her sword was coming and he readied himself to block it, Eileen suddenly vanished completely from his sight.

Surprised, but not fooled, he quickly acted. Zegrath had the experience of countless battles. She might have been able to trick his eyes but she was not able to trick his instincts. Zegrath quickly turned while attacking backward with his sword, certain of her location.

The Jaw of Havoc hit her with full force on her back.

With the impact of the sword, Eileen lost balance and ended up hitting the wall at the far back of the room. The slash severed the scales of the black wyrm armor she was wearing, wounding her deeply into her back.

Zegrath looked at his sword, the blood on the teeth was being absorbed by the bone teeth.

Eileen began to stand once again, but as the pain on her back was very strong. She suddenly felt a heating sensation coming from her necklace and the pain turned into just a discomfort and then disappeared.

But once again, with a single hit of the sword, The princess noticed that her armor enchantments were all flickering, as if they would falter at any moment. Just as it had happened to the sword. She could feel the spell of the room creeping, ready to jump on her from the ground. She knew her time was running out.

She looked at Zegrath, and then to the door on the other side “Bellica!” she shouted.

“Thinking of calling for help? They won’t hear you from here… this door is just too thick and your two friends might be strong, but even then they can’t go through 20 of my personal guards at once… besides” he looked at Leona on the ground. “I wonder what would happen to her if you screamed too loudly.”

Eileen began to feel the pressure, too much was at stake and it all depended on her. Suddenly, l the necklace began heating up once again, pulsing on her chest like a beating heart. She could feel it reacting to the fight and seemed to be ready to do something on its own. She put her hand on top of it and took a deep breath calming herself, at the same moment, the necklace stopped pulsing.

Eileen couldn’t help but smile. She then shook her head and sighed, she didn’t want to rely on it just yet. After all, she could still fight on her own and her plan had succeeded. Her intention was never to hit Zegrath... She looked at the sword altar, right beside her.

Zegrath squinted his eyes at the human, despite her dire situation, she dared to smile at him. She suddenly stretched her arm to the side and grabbed the sword.

The clan leader widened his eyes in surprise, even the human could wield that mighty weapon with ease. He was certain now that there was a secret to it.

Eileen quickly pointed it up. And with all her power, she brought it down at the ground, swinging at it!

She shattered the stones on the floor in a large radius around her, breaking the trap and stopping the lightning spell completely.

BOOM echoed all around, the walls and ceiling trembled and the whole building felt such impact.

With the trap spell gone, Therese began to stand up once again, recovering from the effects of the shock spell.

But another loud sound filled the room just a moment after CRACK, startling even Zegrath that looked behind him.

The iron door was blasted open with extreme force. Bellica was standing there, very concerned and looking for Eileen inside.

Around the half-blood, was Zegrath’s bodyguards laying down to the ground, all unconscious. Diata and several of the Lionesses students began to appear on the staircase and approach from behind Bellica, looking around at the guards down, in complete awe.

Zegrath twitched his eye seeing his whole Lioness guards down “Useless… all of them”

Bellica quickly moved towards Eileen ignoring everything else. She saw the blood on the floor and became very concerned, desperately searching for a wound on the princess body. She noticed the rip on her armor at the back, but luckily, there was no wound to be seen.

Still, Bellica wouldn’t rest, she put her hand on Eileen’s back and began to search for injuries with her mana, internal or not.

Seeing her concerned expression, Eileen smiled “I’m fine,” Bellica sighed a bit more relieved, but continued inspecting her nonetheless.

Diata was more than angered after seeing what was happening inside, she could see the runes on the walls and floor now, a cheap lightning trap used to capture large beasts. But when she recognized the wolf on the corner wearing the Argonian collar she closed her eyes in disappointment, she didn’t want to believe it, but there was no denying it now.

The Matriarch shook her head “So it is true, I didn’t want to believe it when I heard about the collar. Not only that… you even elaborated this honorless dispute? Away from the eyes of everyone and using such despicable methods, paralyzing traps on the walls and floor? You dare call yourself a Lion, Zegrath?” said Diata in anger looking at the state of Leona, bound by an utterly coward’s spell. “I’m ashamed to share the same blood as you, Oyran will hear about these transgressions, you are done as clan leader.”

Diata glanced at the others in the room and quickly understood what happened so far. She noticed that Eileen was the fighting Zegrath while Therese was clearly just recovering from the paralyzing effect of the trap.

The human girl must have disabled the trap with a powerful attack, which also alerted Bellica making her move inside after disabling all lionesses protecting the door. Most impressively, Diata realized the damage on Zegraths armor, Eileen had been able to pass through Zegrath’s defenses somehow.

Despite being a human, she was able to trade blows with Zegrath for such a long time and even have slashed his armor. A feat very few lions could claim. And yet, she was still standing and ready to continue the fight. The Matriarch was greatly impressed by her. Never in her wildest dreams she thought a human could be so formidable.

Zegrath smiled “You don’t know what is at stake here, grandma… so stand aside and take your females with you. I’m far from done”

“You know I can’t let this continue! You will be taken to the cage until the king arrives!”

Zegrath tapped his leg with his sword, very annoyed “Then I welcome you to step inside and help them try, grandmother… not only you, all those that are unsatisfied with my rule, please step forward and I will deal with all of you at once.”

Diata squinted her eyes at his threats.

But Therese quickly stepped forward, she was clearly weakened, the time she spent in prison did her no good and that spell had not yet completely left her body. Still, she wanted to fight him “I am Zegrath, you are not worthy to be the leader of this clan”

“She speaks… that's great, but now I wonder, who would tell me that sword secrets first. This time I won’t make the same mistake, not now that I know that both your disciples can use the sword.

Arthas and Galan were moving inside guided by Kasif when they saw Attia that was rushing to the exit.

“Attia!” shouted Arthas getting her attention, surprised, she quickly turned around and went for Arthas.

“Where are you going?”

“Queen is in trouble! I was going to get you and...” she paused noticing Kasif and Galan with him.

“What happened?” asked Arthas.

“No time to explain, she went with the clan leader. We knew it was a trap but I think she couldn’t refuse”

“Where is she now?”

“To the east side, somewhere inside. Bellica is with her”

Arthas nodded and both began to run towards the place at full speed, instantly leaving Kasif and Galan behind.

BOOM A loud noise caught their attention and guided their way, they heard another loud noise moments after.

They saw a commotion of young Lionesses and quickly passed through them and down the staircase. Several veteran lionesses were laying down on the floor, all unconscious.

At the door Arthas sees an elder woman looking inside. He feels the heavy tension in the air and notices the floor broken inside.

Arthas concern grew at every step he made towards the door. If anything had happened to Eileen he’d never be able to face Riou again. A great concern grew within the half lion and anger took over his mind as he searched for Eileen.

As he moved by the elder woman and finally entered the room, Diata immediately gasped, her eyes turned golden by the mere sight of him.

Arthas stopped once he saw Bellica beside Eileen, the princess seemed fine, which eased his mind. But when he noticed the fresh blood on the ground near her and then on her armor as well his eyes widened.

His focus turned to Bellica, who seemed desperately looking into Eileen’s back. Eileen definitely had been injured and her blood could be seen on the floor and even the wall behind her.

The golden color flashed within his eyes, instantly, with the full characteristic vertical pupils of the Lion clan. His presence became dominant and covered the entire room, obfuscating Zegrath’s completely.

Therese reacted to the threat as well, she turned instantly as she felt his approach. She watched Artha’s every movement with her golden eyes, but as she noticed his intent directed to Zegrath, she understood whose side he was and relaxed a bit. His presence was huge, but still, it was nothing compared to a certain boy she once met.

Diata on the other hand, felt her legs trembling, her heart accelerating, she could barely stand nearby that lion. A shiver ran down the spine of all the lionesses that witnessed him becoming furious.

He had a dangerous and large presence like nothing any of the Lionesses had ever felt.

“So this is the master…” Diata whispered to herself in complete awe.

Arthas walked in large steps towards Zegrath without caution or fear, his eyes were locked on his prey and he could see nothing else than him now.

“So many interruptions,” said Zegrath facing the man coming at him. “I guess you are the famous lion that has two pledged lionesses” Zegrath could feel his huge presence pressuring him, still, he smiled and pointed the Jaw of Havoc at him “I should be thanking you for coming to my encounter, this will save me so much time”

Arthas unsheathed his sword without taking any defensive measures, he just held it by his side as he moved forwards with deadly intent.

Zegrath waited for him with a sinister smile, and the moment the half-lion entered his range, Zegrath quickly swung with all his power and speed against Arthas, wanting to end him in a single, indefensible hit.

Arthas instantly swung against Zegrath’s blade. The swords clashed, but Artha’s blade that had been heavily punished the night before, did not withstand the impact with the Jaw of Havoc and shattered instantly leaving him with nothing but a broken piece of a blade.

The shockwave from the broken enchantments was huge and pushed both of their arms back. But Artha’s recovery was instantaneous, he quickly and skillfully inverted the grip of what remained of his broken sword and with all his strength he attacked in a downward motion.

Before Zegrath could do anything to prevent it, Arthas pierced the clan leader’s heart with the broken blade, with such power that hammered the clan leader down to the ground, breaking the floor, even more, sinking Zegrath’s chest down after breaking all his bones and nailing his body to the ground.

The clan leader was killed in an instant, that was not even a fight, it was an execution.

The whole clan watching from the door couldn’t believe what had just happened. The half-blood was on a completely different level than Zegrath that had ruled as the strongest Lion after the king, for decades.

Arthas quickly stood up and went to see Eileen, filled with concern, as he passed by Therese, he glanced at her, the lioness stared at him with serious eyes.

Diata's was perplexed by what she just witnessed. The speed and power of the half-lion was just unreal, he was way too powerful to be true. Even more than the king himself in the matter of offensive capabilities, she immediately thought of him as the perfect clan leader. He alone could change the war effort if so he chose.

The laughter and mocking of the two lionesses came to the Matriarch’s mind once again, Eileen’s words about him as well. In the end, Diata found herself being the fool for underestimating them as inexperienced and young.

Their master ended to be everything that they said he was.

It made sense now… for someone so powerful, his party couldn’t fall too much behind. All of them were beasts on their own.

Bellica took out 20 full-fledged Lionesses in a few moments without killing any of them. Attia most certainly wouldn’t fall behind. And then there was Eileen, a young human that is already a great leader. She had proven to be even stronger than both of them by fighting Zegrath on equal grounds while affected by traps and having her sister as a hostage.

Diata looked at Attia and Bellica once again and then to the Half lion. She now understood why they pledged themselves to such a person, he was the embodiment of the power that all Lions seek.

She and all the other Lionesses that watched the fight were all compelled to kneel at him. One by one they did it, Diata as well.

But Arthas just sighed at the sight, he finally calmed down after Bellica confirmed there was nothing wrong with Eileen.

Therese was the only lioness standing up, she watched Arthas with great interest during all that display. The image of a young human boy came to her mind “So this is the result of his training methods…I should have inquired him further about his ways when I had the chance” she said to herself.

Arthas and Bellica’s attention was still at Eileen he whispered to her “You were careless queen, Master will kill me when he learns what happened to you. We failed his orders to protect you.”

Eileen smiled “I’m fine, it looks worse than it really was. The armor protected me just fine. Besides, I had everything under control.”

Arthas sighed, he was clearly bothered by what had happened.

Therese then calmly walked to Eileen, “You did well as always, and have my gratitude, Eileen. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be in my prison” The princess smiled and nodded. “I’m just happy that I could help” She then handed the sword to Therese.

The Great Lioness picked it up and smiled at her. Therese then faced Arthas and looked assertively at him for a moment. “You have a menacing presence…”

But something caught her attention, Therese quickly turned and glanced at the fallen Zegrath. There was something wrong within him, something other than himself. Arthas noticed it too.

Therese slowly walked towards Zegrath’s body.

The Jaw of Havoc was oozing a red liquid now, in great quantities that was being absorbed by Zegrath’s body. His eyes shone in a dark red briefly and his injuries began to close. The broken blade that pierced in his chest was expelled by his chest.

He gasped for air, as he put his hands at the ground. He was once again getting up.

Suddenly Therese’s voice warned everyone “Watch it, it’s not over yet” everyone’s attention went back at Zegrath.

His wounds began to absorb the red liquid more and more. His chest was normal again and the bones seemed to be fixing themselves. Diata watched with unbelieving eyes. She could sense the Argonian foul magic coming from the sword and infiltrating his body.

Zegrath eyes were bloodshot “Fools, you can’t kill me! I’m invincible while I hold this sword!” shouted the lion to every one to hear.

He looked at Therese standing in front of him “You’ll serve me! All of you will!” his eyes were bleeding, his golden eyes now show a reddish tone.

Therese poised, menacingly looking at Zegrath. Her eyes were full of resolve and she stood still, elegantly waiting for him to attack.

He stared at the sword in her hand and growled, his eyes quickly searched the room and stayed at Leona.

“Don’t even dare,” threatened Therese.

He grabbed clenched his hand around his sword and screaming with all his lungs. All the composure of the lions were gone. He seemed a completely different being now.

Zegrath lunged at Therese with the Jaw of Havoc, ready to strike her down like a beast instead of a swordsman.

The lioness blocked the attack, but it was so powerful that even managed to push her back a little. Zegrath continued on his assault.

Both swords clashed with a resounding metallic noise that sent shockwaves throughout the room. After a few, Zegrath wobbled and stepped back for a moment, he looked at his blade with confusion. Several of the teeth seemed cracked and one of them has been broken, the blade was bleeding from its cracks and missing tooth continuously now.

He could feel the power of the sword oozing away with the blood. He shouted “I’m invincible!” and desperately launched himself into a frenzy of attacks against Therese.

But that enraged Zegrath was not a match for the Great Lioness. She could see through all his attacks, she deflected his swings and forced his blade on a different path. Using pure skill and technique to overcome his superior strength.

At each strike, another piece of the Jaw of Havoc flew away. Slowly but surely, his sword was being destroyed against the flawless defense of Therese.

He that relied on his sword to win his fights, could not win against a superior fighter with the proper equipment.

As he finally stopped, exhausted. He looked at what was left of the blade on his hand. A fragmented core, drenched in the red blood that was slowly stopping to flow.

The last drop finally fell down and the magic of the sword was gone. The bones crumbled completely to the ground.

He observed it in pieces with an apathetic expression. Therese then pressed the tip of her sword against his chest “Release Leona” commanded her, bringing him back to the moment.

Zegrath looked up and growled at her “She is my dog!” he quickly added, “If they kill me, kill yourself, dog!” Therese hit him with the upper side of her hand.

“Your days are counted” she threatened him.

Zegrath spat blood on the ground after the hit, his regeneration was gone. And Therese could tell that something had changed within him, the reddish color on his eyes seemed stronger now as well. “There is nothing that can remove that collar from her neck and you know it. And she will die if you touch me again!”

Therese squinted her eyes then turned to Diata “Arrest Zegrath, put him on the cages until we can deal with him”

Diata nodded while Therese walked back towards Arthas and Eileen.

“So he wasn’t done yet…” said Eileen.

Therese nodded “It seems his weapon held more secrets than we anticipated.” She then looked at her the sword at her hand and then moved in front of Arthas, looking deep into his eyes.

“What’s your name?” she asked him.

“Arthas”

“I can tell you trained with the boy for a long time… Some of your movements resembled his way of fighting. I would like to fight you to test my skills sometime soon. Would you agree to it?”

“I suppose I could”

Therese smiled faintly at the half-lion “I will hold you to it then” she then turned to Eileen and smiled, thanking her again for all the help. She then walked towards Leona, despite having won against Zegrath, she couldn’t feel any happiness until she could take that collar off her.

Both her and Leona clearly needed to rest after all that happened.

Arthas glanced at the princess “Who was that?”

“That’s Therese, the one we came to save”

Arthas nodded “Oh, good, that means you accomplished the mission. Should we stay here and wait for the master?”

Eileen smirked towards him “I think that’s a good idea, at least here is better than the inn”

“Yes… I’d say it is” he glanced at Therese that was helping Leona move.

Eileen smiled “You better watch out, Therese is very skilled… in many ways”

“I’ve noticed, she fights fiercely, a true Lioness” he continued watching her go.

Eileen smirked, noticing his great interest in Therese, his eyes followed the great lioness all the way to the door.

The other lionesses took Zegrath into custody, “Take all his subordinates as well! Especially Grimas! Don’t let that one escape!” Diata then approached Arthas with her head lowered.

He realized he had shown far too much to them. Riou would certainly have a lot to say to him when he discovered what had happened.

Eileen addressed Diata “With Zegrath’s gone, what’s gonna happen now?”

“The lion’s house will have a new leader…” she looked at him “So you are Master Arthas, I’ve heard a lot about you... now I understand why those two have pledged. I will probably have to talk to the girls to prevent them from doing the same”

“You flatter me, but luckily, it was the lioness Therese that was able to win against the clan leader in the end” he quickly added, trying to change the elder’s mind.

“I know… but don’t be modest, you are on a different level than we all are”

Arthas forced a smile and leaned towards her and whispered “I understand where you are going with this, but I have other duties”

Diata smiled brightly and was very satisfied. “You’d be rich, command an army of the best fighters of these plains… you’d be instantly considered for the line on the throne. And yet, you decline such honor without hesitation. You are indeed everything they said you were. But I’m afraid I cannot accept your answer right now, we will have to talk about it later, with the proper audience, the king.”

Arthas sighed as Diata moved to Eileen and whispered in her ear “I understand now why Therese was so relieved after seeing you. In all my years, I have never expected to see anyone like Arthas, his presence alone was… breathtaking.”

Eileen just smiled at her.

The Matriarch nodded at Eileen “I’d like to thank you all, Eileen, Attia, and Bellica please, stand by me... let me do this properly. Of course, Mister Arthas as well”

She raised her voice so everyone there could hear her “Listen! This human came to aid her master, a lioness exiled and imprisoned. Nonetheless, she honored the deep bond they share. From the moment I set my eyes on this human, I could see the royalty of the lions within her every move. She has proven her honor, courage, and loyalty! And by defying Zegrath, she stood tall against his injustice and tyranny for all of us. A human three half-bloods have taught this old lioness a lesson that I will never forget. Never again we will bow our heads to those who are not worthy of our strength!” Diata glanced at Therese and smiled.

“You trained her well, you can be very proud”

Therese lowered her head and put her fist to her chest.

“They are not from our blood and yet they share with us something deeper, something that cannot be taught” continued Diata turning to the others around her.

The whole group of Lionesses that were present there raised their heads high with their fist to their chest. Even Therese smiled and did the same.

Diata continued “Eileen, Attia and Bellica, we may not have the same blood, but we’d be proud to call you our sisters. Master Arthas, we bow to your power. To you all, we make a vow today. To protect and to help you whenever you need us in the same way you did for us today. For this is our promise to you” Diata lowered her head in reverence, followed by all others Lionesses there.

Eileen glanced at Therese that smiled and nodded satisfied, lowering her head as well. The princess was surprised and there were no words to express her feelings at that moment.

Attia and Bellica smiled at each other with happiness.

Diata looked at Eileen’s eyes and moved towards her, the old matriarch hugged her tightly “Today we feast with our new sisters! Prepare everything! We have much to celebrate!” shouted Diata as everyone cheered welcoming them. “Our clan just gained four new members!”

Galan and Kasif watched from the stairs with surprise, Kasif couldn’t believe what had happened and looked at Galan as if asking for reassurance “Zegrath lost so easily… I thought he was supposed to be invincible”

Galan nodded “Damn, that half Lion really is something else.”

“I never thought a human could be recognized as a Lioness either” said Kasif.

Galan smiled “Well, at least tonight there is a party, look how many drunk females there will be for us! Come on, let’s get out of here before they kick us out”

Kasif shook his head “That’s so like you, all you think about is booze, food, and women, but males won’t be allowed in this feast, do you know that, right? It’s a lioness only event” as both of them left the staircase Galan seemed troubled “Yeah, I know, but we helped, so we should be there. Nobody will complain since we helped as well.”

“I don’t know…”

“Come on, trust me on this one…” As they were moving, Galan began to show some discomfort.

“Kasif, is there a place that I can… you know, take a leak? Been holding it for far too long now. Really need to go.”

“What? I can’t let you do it in here, the bathrooms are on the other side of the wing.”

“No can do… I need somewhere close by, the open gardens maybe?”

“No, no! They will get mad if the gardens smell like human piss... can’t you hold until we are back to the common area?”

“No way… I’m about to burst… Come on man, anywhere is fine, can’t we go outside of this complex? The wall is close by, no one goes there….I can really use it right now. It will be quick, nobody will notice”

“Fine… I will show you the way… but be quick!”