Mandla led Nillyna through the scenic landscape that was the Savannah, the Lepidopteran taking in as much detail of the extravagant view as much as she could. The rolling plains of grass, dotted with the occasional grouping of Acacia trees, and the silhouette's of great mountains made for a sight that was incomparable, even to someone that lived on an island in the sky, like Nillyna. They even passed by an actual herd of wild zebras, the quadrupedal equines grazing in a field a stark contrast to the bipedal figure leading Nillyna to her destination.
 
 
And said destination was also where another variety of zebra could be found, actually.
 
 
True to his word, Mandla led Nillyna to his village, which, thankfully, wasn't far from where she had teleported to rendezvous with him, the zebra settlement having been set up in the middle of a sunny valley. The village consisted of about a couple dozen yurt's, the simple hut's positioned in a circular pattern around a singular yurt that was easily twice as big as the others. This particular felt tent appeared to be their primary destination, for Mandla made for it as soon as they entered the village, Nillyna close behind. Nillyna took in these sights as well, admiring the simplistic lifestyles these anthro zebra's enjoy. There was no hustle and bustle, like Nillyna was accustomed to when thinking of day to day life of her own world, just the necessities.
 
 
There were zebras at cooking fire's, either stirring a boiling pot with some unknown contents, or tending to some other kind of food suspended over the flames on a spit. Some of the things suspended over the fires were quite gruesome. Zebra could also be seen sewing garments, as well as others watching over small groups of what could only be described as children, the little foals rambunctiously frolicking through the village, either chasing each other, or playing with balls that appeared to be woven from wicker. But these parties consisted of mostly mare's though, as they were just as bare chested as Mandla, meaning, everywhere Nillyna turned, she got a full frontal view of a couple of sets of striped, womanly orbs, all adorning the chest of an elegant zebra mare.
 
 
Nillyna had to stifle a worried swallow at the sight, for, even if she would always prefer Lily over anyone else, seeing so many exposed breasts would deter anyone with pension for boob's, like her.
 
 
But, regardless of how all this affected Nillyna, at least regarding her sexuality, she still noticed that the mare's weren't the only ones with responsibilities. The stallions were hard at work too, Nillyna noticing some of them grinding rocks together to make spearheads, arrowheads, and other such tool's, the finished ones being distributed to other stallions, who then headed out into the wilderness surrounding the village. And for every party that departed another returned, ladened with the carcass of some wild games, obviously more food for the spits so as to provide food for the bellies of the citizens of this village. The used spears were deposited at the weapon tenders, apparently having gone blunt after a day of use.
 
 
Everyone apparently had their own roles to fulfill, and from the looks of it, all for the good of the tribe.
 
 
But, despite the different duties each individual was apparently in charge of, there was one similarity they all shared that Nillyna noticed that stood out to her. Every single zebra was adorned with similar golden jewelry as Mandla, despite age or gender. Nillyna found it all unusual, having originally thought Mandla was so decorated because of some position he held within the tribe, since he was sent to rendezvous with her after all, but that apparently wasn't the case. There had to be a small fortune's worth of gold alone, worn by every member of this tribe of Anthropomorphic zebras.
 
 
Though not much is known about the natives of the Savannah, at least in great detail, to see so much gold in the possession of just a single tribe of so few was…unusual.
 
 
But Nillyna only had about two minutes to observe all this before her and Mandla arrived at the center most yurt and he announced into the interior after drawing back the entrance flap, "My esteemed chieftain and chieftess, the sorceress Nillyna has arrived, per your request."
 
 
"Excellent," said a thickly accented, feminine voice, "Please usher her inside, Mandla. Time is of the essence, and we have much to discuss."
 
 
Mandla complied to his superiors with a small nod of acknowledgement, turning to Nillyna and gesturing politely for her to enter. Nillyna was still a little apprehensive about this whole thing, but felt it rude to leave her potential clients waiting. With a nod of acknowledgement of her own as her thanks for being her escort, Nillyna left Mandla's side and entered the yurt, shadows draping over her as Mandla closed the flap behind her.
 
 
Though the dark only lasted for a second.
 
 
The very peak of the ceiling opened up to the outside through a round hole at the top, a pillar of Aquasa's blue sunlight shining down into the interior of the sizable tent. There wasn't much here to speak of though.The majority of the items in the room consisted mostly of tall, clay urns, Nillyna counting at least twenty in total. The dirt floor was covered by felt rugs, and there were some hide blankets and pillows set up in one area near the rounding wall, no doubt the sleeping area for those who dwell here. In the center was a small cauldron, suspended over a fire pit, though it was unlit at the moment, which was surrounded by several sitting pad's, made of felt, of course.
 
 
Two zebras sat cross legged from the other side of the fire pit, a mare and a stallion, adorned with at least three times as much gold as the other zebras outside. Their faces were marked with lavish paint, forming intergit tribal patterns across their features, which had a fair amount of wrinkles. Not to the point of being agened, but showed that both had amassed quite the amount of wisdom and experience in their time.
 
 
"Ah, the famous Nillyna has at last arrived," said the mare as Nillyna stood before them at the unused fire pit. "It is an honor for me and my husband to welcome you to our village.
 
 
'Husband?' Nillyna thought to herself. She assumed that the zebra's society would function with a herding mentality, like the wild zebra of the Savannah, so was surprised at the mention of this marital term. But she kept the thought to herself, not wanting to sound presumptuous.
 
 
"The pleasure is mine," she replied, bowing her head respectfully, still slightly amused that her reputation was known even here.
 
 
"Please, have a seat," said the stallion politely, extending a black hand out to one of the pad's that rested on the opposite side of the fire pit to him and his wife.
 
 
Nillyna complied, gracefully taking a seat on the simple, but surprisingly comfortable, pad, crossing her legs and laying her cane across her lap.
 
 
"I take it that it was you two who sent for me?" She asked, deciding to forgo further pleasantries and get right to business.
 
 
"Indeed we are. I am Annika, chieftess of this tribe," replied the mare with a nod, then pointed to the stallion next to her. "And this is my husband, Friedrich."
 
 
Nillyna thought even their names had a regal air about them. No wonder they were chief's of this tribe.
 
 
"And you, my dear, need no introduction," said the introduced Friedrich.
 
 
"Yes, the famous Nillyna," said Annika after her husband. "Best known for her unbridled magical talents. But also known far and wide for taking part in the advancement of several arcane branches and enhancing them exponentially."
 
 
"As well as being notorious for having a perfect success rate whenever her talents are commissioned by an outside party, making her highly sought after whenever the services of a successful sorcerer is required," commented Friedrich, before his gaze lingered on Nillyna's cane. "And even more notorious for being the only sorceress capable of wielding a talisman that doesn't take the traditional form, such as a small ornament or trinket."
 
 
Nillyna was beginning to blush from all the praise. While normally she would be drinking up such comments, this was a new client with a completely new type of job then she usually did. All the aforementioned talents of hers were most likely going to do her little good here.
 
 
"And yet, as of late, you have been inactive for some time, nary taking any form of job, regardless of who should request," said Annika. "And it wasn't until recently that it became known that you were accepting commissions again."
 
 
"And not only that, you are now offering a new type of service," said Friedrich, "The services of a sellsword."
 
 
Nillyna didn't like their tone.
 
 
They, indeed, sounded doubtful.
 
 
"So, is it true?" Asked Annika, tilting her head, sounding as if she did indeed had doubts. "Has the great Nillyna, who, while known for being intellectual and highly gifted in the arcane arts, isn't known to have combat experience, truly offers to throw herself into situations that could indeed result in a confrontation that could even have deadly outcomes?"
 
 
Nillyna was beginning to see the doubt in their words now. She was slightly irritated, but, at the same time, could not blame them. It was true, what they were saying.
 
 
"I don't deny what you say," she began, filtering the irritation out of her voice for professionalism instead. "Despite my prestigious reputation, I'm not known for any combat prowess. But it's true, I am now offering my services as a mercenary.
 
 
"I am well aware that it's unusual for someone of my profession to take up such work, but I am. And I am fully aware that such an occupation can be dangerous, I never, for a second didn't think otherwise."
 
 
Annika and Friedrich exchanged neutral glances for a second…then their expressions changed completely. Great smiles split across their faces as they placed their foreheads against each other's. Nillyna was then surprised to see tears in their eyes.
 
 
"Are…you two okay?" She asked, concerned.
 
 
Friedrich and Annika separated from each other and returned their gazes to Nillyna.
 
 
"Forgive us our unorthodox behavior," said Friedrich, sniffling.
 
 
"It's just…" stammered Annika, "Your presence here… your new service… my dear Amahle...it can only be a sign from the essence itself."
 
 
Nillyna was very confused at this point. Sign from the essence, her presence here? Didn't they request her services themselves?
 
 
And who's this Amahle?
 
 
"How about we finally get to the reason you have requested me in the first place?" Nillyna inquired, figuring that the best way to get the answers to her building questions would be to finally get the details to this secretive job she had been commissioned for.
 
 
"Yes…yes, of course," said Annika, the zebra chieftess drying her eyes on her arm.
 
 
"No doubt the brevity of the job description has been a source of great irritation to you, great sorceress," said Friedrich, obviously trying to come up with a respectful title for Nillyna.
 
 
"Please," she said, slightly embarrassed. "Tone down the formalities. I am supposed to be working for you two, after all."
 
 
"As graceful as your reputation suggests, I see," said Annika, finally gaining composure. "But, as my husband said, forgive the secrecy. We had no choice."
 
 
"We're extremely grateful you came to hear us out even," admitted Friedrich.
 
 
"It's no trouble," said Nillyna with a soft smile. "But, to the reason why I am here, what do you require of me? All I've got to go on so far is that an innocent life is at stake, for the most part. Mandla confirmed this as well."
 
 
Annika and Friedrich exchanged sad glances before facing Nillyna again.
 
 
"Indeed, an innocent life is at stake," said Friedrich, his tone edged with longing and worry. "Just as Mandla said."
 
 
"Our daughter, Amahle," Annika finally admitted, choking in despair. "It's her life that's in danger, and we need your help to save her."
 
 
Their daughter?
 
 
Finally, Nillyna had been given a glimpse as to why she had been sent for. And it left her slightly surprised. She had been expecting a lot of things, given the knowledge she had to go on. Tracking a kidnapper, hunting down a murder, or fending off raiders, given a few theories, but she hadn't expected her first mercanary job would be connected to the well being of the daughter of the very chiefs of one of the Anthromorphic tribes of the Savannah.
 
 
It was…kinda big.
 
 
Still, she had accepted the contract, and whatever may come, she would do her best to accomplish what her clients desired of her.
 
 
"So, your daughter's life is in danger?" She inquired, seeking a final confirmation, which she got when both Annika and Friedrich nodded. "May I ask what kind of danger she's in?"
 
 
The couple exchanged glances again before Annika pulled out a rolled up parchment from her loincloth and held it before her towards Nillyna. Nillyna seemed to understand and, with a flick of her wrist, the paper flew from Annika's hands and into the Lepidopteran's two upper hands. She unfurled it to reveal that it was a letter, which read as following:
 
 
'We have your dear daughter.
 
 
If you wish to see her alive again, pay us ten thousand gold nuggets.
 
 
If you don't comply or try anything she dies.
 
 
You have a week to decide how much your daughter means to you.'
 
 
Now, all the pieces were in place.
 
 
So it was, indeed, a hostage situation, like one of Nillyna's theories predicted. Only it was the very daughter of the chiefs of this friendly tribe of zebras that was being held for ransom, not just some random citizen. It was…almost too much to bear for Nillyna, not only because of who it was that was in danger, but now she was grasping how scared these two must be for their child's well-being.
 
 
And now it was her responsibility that the worst didn't come to pass, for, surely, the mission was rescuing Amahle unharmed.
 
 
"We received that message over four days ago," explained Annika, trembling. "And, surely, by now, you have deduced the reason why we have summoned you."
 
 
"Our daughter," said Friedrich desperately," We beg of you, please save her."
 
 
Nillyna was confused along with being slightly overwhelmed by the gravity of this situation, one thing didn't add up, and she needed to know what, if she was to fully understand the situation. "Why would they ask such a ransom from you? Sure, I see you guys have some extravagant jewelry, but not on par with these abductors' demands."
 
 
Annika and Friedrich looked worried, but then grew stern gazes.
 
 
"We figured you would notice that little detail, great sorceress," said Annika with a tone just as stern as her expression.
 
 
"There is indeed a reason why these foul people, whoever they are, demand such from us," said Friedrich, just as stern as his wife. "And it's also the reason why we were so secretive with the description of the job you signed up for."
 
 
Nillyna was slightly nervous. It sounded like these zebras were harboring a secret.
 
 
"What we are about to tell you, Lady Nillyna, you must never tell another soul," said Annika, her voice a mix of demand and slight desperation. "We don't divulge this secret lightly."
 
 
"But you must be made aware," said Friedrich, "Both so you can fully understand why this is happening to us, and so you know that we can indeed compensate you for your services upon the successful return of our daughter."
 
 
Nillyna thought protesting that they could just keep this secret from her if they desired, but thought against it. She was curious and a little nervous about what she was mixed up in now.
 
 
"If you would be so kind as to examine the comments of one of the urn's, Miss Nillyna," said Friedrich, gesturing to the many clay vessels surrounding them.
 
 
Nillyna did as requested, levitating one of the urn's closest to her and lifting the lid. She almost dropped the urn. When she entered the yurt and noticed the urn's she was expecting them to contain produce, or something. She didn't expect the glistening contents she now bore witness to.
 
 
"As you can see, there is more to the Savannah than meets the eye," said Friedrich as Nillyna continued to stare into the urn.
 
 
"This land is actually rich in something you people of the civilized world greatly covet," said Annika, waving her hand around at the other urn's, no doubt filled with the exact same contents as the one Nillyna was examining.
 
 
"And, as we've said before, we would appreciate it if you would also keep this a secret as well, great Nillyna," said Annika as Nillyna finally pulled away from the golden contents of the urn. "We took a great risk just contacting you, please do us the service of keeping this secret for us."
 
 
"Is this why the description of the job was so vague?" Nillyna finally asked, peering into the urn again, her eyes glistening as the contents within shimmered in the dim light. "You were afraid what might happen if you explained too much in the letter you sent me?"
 
 
"Indeed," said Annika. "We would rather not risk the outside world learning of what can be found here in our homeland."
 
 
 "We've worked very hard to maintain this secret, Nillyna," explained Friedrich. "We are aware of the value gold has to people outside our lands. To us, it's simply beautiful, that is the main reason we sought it ourselves. But, to others…"
 
 
So that was it, Nillyna understood the entire situation now.
 
 
These zedra had access to an insane amount of gold, and, from Friedrich's brief description, it was only kept around simply something of its beauty. However, it would seem someone had discovered their little secret, despite their efforts to keep it so. And that was the reason the daughter of these two had been abducted.
 
 
"Yes, our daughter has apparently been abducted for the abundance of gold that can be found in our homeland," said Friedrich, apparently reading the comprehension on Nillyna's face, "How whoever is responsible for Amahle's abduction found out we don't know, but, in the beginning, we weren't overly concerned with the how, still aren't, for that matter. All we care about is getting our daughter back, and we were willing to meet these foul villains' demands to get Amahle back…"
 
 
Nillyna was briefly confused when she heard the last part of Friedrich's explanation. If they were willing to meet the demand of the kidnappers, why was she even here?
 
 
"But then…" Friedrich continued, his expression foreboding, yet desperate, "Then the Savannah forewarned us against such an act."
 
 
Nillyna was snapped to full attention at that, still reeling from what she had learned so far, but now had focus for what Friedrich had just said. "The Savannah...forewarned you?"
 
 
Annika nodded at Nillyna's inquiry to her husband's statement, extending her left hand to the fire pit and, to Nillyna's surprise, the dry wood erupted into flickering green flames.
 
 
"We Anthropomorphic tribes of the Savannah possess a unique, inherent magic of our own, Nillyna," she explained as the colorful fire cast dancing emerald light over the interior of the room, Nillyna almost mesmerized at the sight. "We may not be capable of the extraordinary things spellcasters like you can achieve, but our type of magic gives a few unique gift."
 
 
"Like the ability to communicate with our homeland," explained Friedrich, "To literally speak to the essence of the Savannah itself, seeking its advice whenever necessary."
 
 
Now Nillyna was intrigued, this was a type of magic she had never heard of. But, against her budding intrigue, she didn't inquire and just listened further. She wasn't here for a magic lesson.
 
 
"First, we utilized this ability to see if our daughter, for she had to still be close by and within the influence of the Savannah, was still among the living before we set out, for we did not trust her abductors," said Annika, waving her hand at the cauldron suspended over the newly created fire.
 
 
A liquid within the cauldrons basin was bubbling as the flames heated it, resulting in a thick pillar of green steam climbing through the open top of the yurt. At Annika's gesture an image appeared within the green mist. It showed a zebra mare, adorned with gold, same as Annika and Friedrich, but was obviously a great deal younger. From the size of her breasts she could only have just barely reached adolescence.
 
 
 "To our great relief, the Savannah informed us that she indeed still lives," said Annika, with great joy on her face upon seeing the magical depiction of what was no doubt her daughter in the rising steam, only to be replaced by great unease a moment later. "But, that wasn't the only message that the Savannah shared with us."
 
 
"Yes, it also gave us a warning" said Friedrich, and at his words the steam's image shifted.
 
 
Instead of a zebra, there was now the image of an anthro gazelle. She was lean, and, given the size of her horns and bare cleavage, was no older than Amahle. She wore a necklace of square, golden beads.
 
 
"This is Imani," explained Annika, "She's the daughter of the gazelle chiefs, same as Amahle is our daughter."
 
 
"And an image of her appeared to us when we consulted the land on the well-being of our child," said Friedrich, his face growing melancholic. "But, where as our daughter is alive…she isn't."
 
 
Nillyna covered her mouth in horror, looking at the image of the gazelle depicted in the wafting steam.
 
 
"It's tragic, I know," said Annika, also looking at the image, her expression one of deep pity. "But, even so, when me and Friedrich received the vision of Imani, along with the requested image about our daughter, we were confused."
 
 
"You see, it's unheard of for such visions from the essence of the Savannah to provide irrelevance," said Friedrich, "She had to be connected to Amahle somehow, so we investigated."
 
 
"And…" Annika choked back tears. "It turns out the gazelle had a similar circumstance. Imani had been abducted not too long ago.
 
 
"The kidnappers made the same demands of the gazelle as they have of us, and the chiefs compiled. But…they never saw their daughter, she wasn't released to them when they paid the ransom. And, with what the Savannah has shown us, they will never see her again."
 
 
Now, Nillyna could finally understand what everything pertaining to this job she had signed up for was about.
 
 
All the important details had been laid out.
 
 
The reason Nillyna wasn't informed about all this in the beginning was because the Savannah was secretly rich in gold, so her clients were reluctant to give any information in case the gold became public knowledge. And this situation was actually proof of how hazardous that could be for the people of the Savannah. Somehow, someone had found out about the gold and had come here to con it from the natives. To the Anthropomorphic tribes of the Savannah gold is just something that is really pretty, but, to those whom it has monetary value, it draws them in like flies to honey.
 
 
They had struck the gazelle first, abducting the child of the chiefs and demanding a hefty ransom. But they apparently had no intention of relinquishing their hostage, for, according to arcane sources, this poor captive gazelle was never returned to her family, instead she was killed. And now these nefarious people were doing the same to the zebra tribe.
 
 
To Nillyna it sounded kinda stupid. Did these people think they could get away with the same stunt twice? Well, not if she could help it.
 
 
"Now I understand," Nillyna confirmed. "You don't believe these kidnappers have any intention of returning your daughter to you, so you want me to rescue her."
 
 
Annika and Friedrich nodded with tears in their eyes.
 
 
"Yes, we beg of you," said Friedrich desperately.
 
 
"Not only is she our precious daughter, she is the future of our tribe, she is our heir," explained Annika, equally desperate. "Imani was to be the next chief of the gazelle tribe. Without her they have descended into chaos."
 
 
Nillyna could understand that.
 
 
This wasn't just any zebra, Amahle was their future ruler. If she is lost then the zebra might suffer for generations to come. She had to be rescued, at any cost. Still, despite her desire to get involved now, for personal reasons and for a genuine desire to help, she had a few questions that needed to be cleared up first.
 
 
"I must know some things before I fully agree to help," she said.
 
 
Annika and Friedrich again exchanged nervous glances before looking at Nillyna expectantly.
 
 
"You said you can communicate with the essence of the Savannah?" She asked, receiving nods of confirmation. "Didn't you try using this ability to try and locate your daughter?"
 
 
"Yes, we tried," said Annika, her voice frustrated, but it wasn't directed at Nillyna. "We couldn't find her, we could only confirm she is alive."
 
 
"The enemy must be concealing her, and themselves, somehow," explained Friedrich. "We tried discerning their location too, but came up with nothing. Our best guess is that they must have a magic user with them that is masking their presence with an enchantment."
 
 
Okay, new variables.
 
 
So the party involved with the kidnappings is unknown and most likely has at least one spellcaster in their numbers. Not entirely hopeless, Nillyna was fluent in magic like no other. But one thing was left to be addressed.
 
 
"Are you two sure about this?" Nillyna asked worriedly. "I don't have much combat experience. Wouldn't you rather higher a mercenary with a better reputation than me?"
 
 
Annika and Friedrich exchanged glances again before smiling at Nillyna.
 
 
"There are a few reasons why we chose you, Sorceress Nillyna," began Friedrich, "First, we are reluctant to go to someone with a reputation in such matters. These people somehow discovered the most well guarded secret of the Savannah, despite our attempts. If they learn we've contacted a professional mercenary who knows what they might do to Amahle? The fact that you are not known for mercenary work is to our advantage in this matter actually."
 
 
"Secondly, and more importantly," began Annika, smiling at Nillyna fondly. "You and our daughter share a certain connection."
 
 
Nillyna was taken aback at this, "Me and your daughter? How?"
 
 
"Amahle has idolized you ever since she was little, Nillyna," explained Annika, Nillyna's mouth dropping open in shock. "Ever since she was a child she's looked up to you and your work."
 
 
"Her dream is even to become a sorceress, like you, someday," commented Friedrich sadly. "And in fact, after she disappeared, and nothing we tried could help us get her back, me and my wife suddenly remembered how she always often says that you were so talented at everything, so we investigated you in further detail, hoping we could acquire your aid."
 
 
"We knew it was a long shot, Amahle told us once you hadn't been active in a while, but, to our delight, we discovered that you had just recently become active again, so we jumped at the first opportunity we had to commission your services," explained Annika, obviously trying to explain to Nillyna the full reason why they chose her to come, "At first we only wanted you to use your extraordinary talents to just find her, but when we learned you were also accepting mercenary work…"
 
 
"It was like a sign," continued Friedrich when his wife became too overwhelmed to continue. "Amahle idolizes you for your magical prowess and I trust my daughter's judgment, you can find her with your extraordinary magical prowess."
 
 
"And when you do, you can rescue her by defeating those who abducted her," said Annika. "You've advertised you are willing to do battle; I have no doubt such will be needed in liberating Amahle from her abductors."
 
 
Nillyna hadn't exaggerated when she listed her fighting prowess in her resume. She could indeed hold her own, but this was so far from what she had expected of her first combative assignment. So much was at stake. A life, a way of life, it was all so much for Nillyna to take in.
 
 
But, this was what she signed up for, with the desire to get stronger, so as to protect what she cares about most. And that is what Annika and Friedrich were also doing as well, protecting what they care about most in the world. And, as it so happens, their daughter was apparently a huge fan of hers. How could she not want to come to the aid of someone who looked up to her, now that she was in such peril? Besides, if anything would count as getting experience in battle, what this job would surely entail surely does count.
 
 
It would seem Nillyna had more than enough reason to take the job.
 
 
"Very well," she said with acceptance. "Annika, Friedrich, I accept the job. You have my word that I will do everything in my power to ensure that your daughter is returned to you, safe and sound."
 
 
Annika and Friedrich shed joyous tears at her words and bent at the waist in a bow.
 
 
"We thank you for your services, Lady Nillyna," said Friedrich humbly.
 
 
Annika looked up with a slightly eager expression. "I…don't suppose you know of any way our Amahle can be located? We haven't much time before the deadline the kidnappers set, and, for all we know, they could kill her at any time. There's no way to tell how long they kept Imani alive after the ransom was paid."
 
 
Nillyna could not help but pity the poor gazelle, but there was nothing that could be done for her now. As cruel as it was, Amahle was the priority at the moment. The only hope for Imani now was that she hadn't suffered.
 
 
But the subject of the victims had given Nillyna something to think about. She looked up at the pillar of mist extruding from the still bubbling cauldron, the images having vanished some time ago, no doubt because Annika and Friedrich had shifted their focus. But Nillyna had her mind on what was connected to the images that had been displayed.
 
 
The Anthro people of the Savannah have a magical ability to commune with this land, and it was this fact that Nillyna was contemplating.
 
 
They had tried to use it to try and locate their missing child before, but could only discern that Amahle was alive; information like who her abductors were and where they were keeping her being shielded from them, most likely because the kidnappers had a magic user working with them. But Nillyna was contemplating a different idea. If they couldn't use this ability to find out where Amahle was, maybeit could assist in other ways. By what was described by Annika and Friedrich, the kidnappers were remaining undetected by a tremendously powerful method of concealment, and if communing with the very essence of the Savannah itself could not bypass it it had to so strong that it blotted out the presence of everything around it, not just the kidnappers and their hostage.
 
 
 If that was the case then Nillyna might have just the right idea on how to find them, but she needed to know something first.
 
"I actually have an idea that just might work," said Nillyna in answer to Annika's previous question, the Anthro zebra parents brightening up at her words. Nillyna's expression turned serious. "But first, I need you to explain to me the fundamentals of this ability to speak with the essence of the Savannah."
 
 
Friedrich and Annika were, surprisingly, not as reluctant to engage in this explanation as much as they were in regards to the gold that can be found in the Savannah. It actually seemed basic enough. Fueled by the pale blue light of the sun, same as any other form of magic, but rather than cast a specific spell, the magic was used to basically open a sort of path into one's mind that another could enter and communicate through, the one in question being the essence of the Savannah. Nillyna was no stranger with such things, having studied in the arts of telepathy and such, but the path this magic formed was on a scale that it could only be meant for something as large as a country to be allowed through.
 
 
If the Savannah itself was indeed communicating with Friedrich and Annika, this was the only way it could be accomplished. Though, it was rather strange to contemplate, how an area can be alive, or, at least, communicate. But, on the topic at hand, all Nillyna was learning was only affirming that her theorized method would work.
 
 
"Okay," said Nillyna once Friedrich and Annika's explanation had concluded, "I believe I know how we can locate your daughter, but I am going to need the assistance of you both."
 
 
"Any resources at our disposal is yours to utilize," said Friedrich without hesitation.
 
 
"Just please, find our daughter," begged Annika.
 
 
"Very well, here's what we're going to do," said Nillyna, bringing the method she had been forming to the forefront of her mind. "First, I need you both to commute with the essence of the Savannah again."
 
 
Friedrich and Annika were obviously less than pleased with the beginning with Nillyna's proposal and opened their mouths to no doubt protest. Nillyna silenced them with a wave of her hand.
 
 
"We are not going to try and determine Amahle's exact location, like you have done," she explained, "We're going to try something different."
 
 
"Please, explain," insisted Annika almost desperately. "If this sacred method of communicating with the Savannah can reveal the location of our child through a way you have discovered, but we have not, please enlighten us."
 
 
Nillyna smiled and presented her plan. "We are going to ask the Savannah to reveal its entirety to us."
 
 
Annika and Friedrich once again exchanged glances. They knew from the start that working with Nillyna to save their daughter would most likely result in some fantastical things, but they never expected this.
 
 
"Lady Nillyna, surely you can't be serious," said Friedrich, worry in his voice.
 
 
Yes, I agree with my husband," said Annika, "Our magical talents do indeed grant us the ability to communicate with the Savannah, but to use it on such a scale as you propose has never been done. It's too risky."
 
 
"Yes, to view upon the entirety of the whole of the Savannah at once would be too much to take," said Friedrich. "No mortal mind could stand such strain."
 
 
Nillyna had been expecting rebuttals, indeed, the very one's Friedrich and Annika were proposing actually. It took no stretch of the imagination to deduce that looking upon the entirety of a whole section of land the size of the Savannah would be too much of a strain on the mind to take. But Nillyna had a plan to counter that as well.
 
 
"I understand your hesitance," she said to her clients. "But, given the circumstances, I believe this is the best solution to finding your daughter post haste."
 
 
Friedrich and Annika looked puzzled.
 
 
"How?" Asked Annika. "How would doing so reveal our daughter's whereabouts?"
 
 
"It's simple, really," Nillyna started with a supportive smile. "You tried locating Amahle with this technique before and got no results, other than that she's alive, right?"
 
 
Annika and Friedrich nodded in confirmation.
 
 
"From what you have explained to me about this ability, it's a very potent force of magic, so only the most powerful of concealment enchantments could hide something from it," explained Nillyna, trying her best not to get too intellectual with her audience, lest she confuse them. "My plan is, if we can communicate with the Savannah and have it reveal its entirety to us some part of it will still remain hidden from our sight, and that area is most likely be…"
 
 
"Where our dear Amahle is being held!" Annika suddenly blurted out excitedly, turning to her husband. "Why didn't we think of this before! It's perfect! All we need to do is…!"
 
 
"Annika, my dear, calm down," said Friedrich, gripping his wife's shoulders and gently shaking her, her enthusiasm dying down. "Remember, for this to work we need to view the Savannah as a whole. I don't think I need to tell how strenuous such a task will be."
 
 
The rest of Annika's excitement died like the last embers of a smoldering fire, both turning back to Nillyna, expectant of a solution to the obstacle that was between them and what was most likely their last hope of finding their daughter.
 
 
"Your worries are warranted," she said with a nod of understanding. "I am fully aware that viewing the entire Savannah would be more than most people could take, possibly even kill them." Before worry could creep onto her clients faces Nillyna grew a hopeful smile. "But, I believe I have a solution to this dilemma as well."
 
 
Annika and Friedrich looked on expectantly, but with not a small bit of doubt.
 
 
"But I must ask one final thing before we begin," said Nillyna, a bit of seriousness in her voice. "Is it possible for you to communicate with the essence of the Savannah then transfer the link over to me?"
 
 
Annika and Friedrich looked at each other with another concerned expression before Friedrich responded, "Such is simple enough, the Savannah isn't particularly choosy about who communes with it."
 
 
"But what you are proposing can't be accomplished, even by you," Annika suddenly spoke up. "I mean no disrespect, Sorceress Nillyna, but even your extravagant mind would buckle under the strain of the entirety of our homeland."
 
 
"I know a spell that, when used, can increase the mind's tolerance," Nillyna suddenly explained, with a hint of smugness and pride.
 
 
The zebra pair blinked in puzzlement and confusion.
 
 
"Such a spell exists?" Annika asked, abandoning her earlier skepticism.
 
 
Nillyna nodded in confirmation. "It's a really useful tool when studying advanced magic. Arcane students often use it in particularly difficult subjects to lessen the strain on the mind."
 
 
Friedrich looked convinced that this might be the best course of action to take, but Annika had a few more misgivings.
 
 
"Are there any…drawbacks?" She asked, Friedrich looking as if just now realizing he hadn't thought of that beside her.
 
 
Nillyna shook her head," I have used on myself several times before in the past, there shouldn't be any risk to my wellbeing."
 
 
"Have you…ever used it for something this large, though?" Annika also asked, Friedrich once again internally scalding himself for missing the obvious, grateful he had such a wonderful mare by his side that could cover his shortcomings.
 
 
"Technically, no," admitted Nillyna, but resumed before her clients could voice objections,"But that's the beauty of this spell. It's designed to allow the mind to take up strenuous tasks, yes, but it also does other things. When under the effects of this spell, one can choose what information they want to retain after it ends.
 
 
"So, if all goes according to plan, when I use the spell, and you two link me to the essence of the Savannah and ask it to show me everything, I will pinpoint which area I cannot see in full detail, which will most likely be the whereabouts of your daughter's kidnappers, hone in on it, and end the spell. Once I do, everything else, but that location, will fade from my mind, leaving me intact and fully capable of rescuing your daughter."
 
 
Friedrich and Annika had no further objections at this point. Their daughter was running out of time and they weren't going to get her back by dawdling like this. Rather than point out how everything could go wrong, they needed to get this operation underway and hope for the best.
 
 
Nillyna watched from the curved corner of the yurt, watching as Annika and Friedrich danced ritualistically around their fire pit, the green flames swerving hypnotically, as if dancing along. The liquid within the heated cauldron bubbled and swerved, glistening with multicolored light, all of this happening within the pillar of light beaming down from the open ceiling, the mystical energy of the sun fueling the proceedings. Annika and Friedrich had informed Nillyna that this was what was required to draw the Savannah's attention, and to be ready when the call was answered.
 
 
Nillyna was indeed ready, magical energy drawing up from her talisman cane and into her brain, the aforementioned mind enhancement spell steadily taking shape.
 
 
Suddenly, great tendrils of luminous mist jutted up from the cauldron, weaving and curving through the air before extending out to the two zedra. Annika and Friedrich ceased their dance as the tendrils washed over them. They stood stock still on either side of the cauldron, their arms extended forward, the tendrils weaving between them.
 
 
"Get ready, Sorceress Nillyna," they said in unison.
 
 
Nillyna didn't respond, nor did she need to. She was as prepared as she ever was going to be.
 
 
Suddenly, Annika and Friedrich extended their arms towards her, the wisps tendrils flying out and heading in her direction. Nillyna braced herself and cast her spell. Instantly, her mind expanded beyond comprehension. What knowledge she possessed, while often feeling vast in her own mind usually, now felt like a mere bucket's worth of water in a dry ocean bed.
 
But that was in preparation for the coming deluge.
 
 
As the tendrils made contact with Nillyna her mind became overwhelmed with information. Everything the Savannah was she was now prevy to; the land, mountains, animals, even the weather above, she could see it all. It was like…looking into the face of naked reality, that would be the best way to describe it.
 
 
But, Nillyna focused on the task at hand.
 
 
As wondrous as seeing the entirety of this whole country was, she had a job to do. She let the masses of trees, plains of luxurious grass, and great lakes and rivers pass her by, on the lookout for anything ominous. And it actually didn't take long.
 
 
Seemingly out of nowhere, Nillyna noticed an empty space in the Savannah. It was like a section of the land was just gone, nothing underneath, not even towards the center of Aquasa itself. To describe it better, it was like a hole was in the very world, not just in the Savannah.
 
 
Realizing this had to be what she was looking for, Nillyna focused on that spot and, unsure of how to make her desires known, tried to project to the Savannah with her conscience what she wished done.
 
 
Annika and Friedrich looked on as the mystical energy of their homeland danced around Nillyna for but a moment before flying back into the cauldron. Nillyna herself seemed to snap out of a daze, he spell fading, along with any access knowledge that had nothing to do with what she was focusing on at the time. She looked up to the cauldron to see the section of land she had seen with the blotted out portion coming into focus within the steam produced by the smoldering hot liquid.
 
 
She smiled, it would seem her plan had worked.
 
 
"We know that gully," said Annika suddenly as she looked at the projected image with the blank spot in it, which only ranged about sixty feet, her voice full of confusion.
 
 
"Indeed, that's the hyena tribe's territory," said Friedrich, just as confused as Annika.
 
 
"Hyenas?" Inquired Nillyna, looking at the image closely. "Then, they must be responsible…"
 
 
"Impossible, it can't be them," said Annika.
 
 
"How can you be sure?" Nillyna asked.
 
 
"They know nothing about our gold," explained Annika, "And even if they did, they would not care."
 
 
"The Anthropomorphic hyena tribe's care only about one thing," Friedrich explained after his wife. "Hunting. Nothing else matters to them, least of all things of monetary value."
 
 
"And they wouldn't kidnap Amahle just to ransom her, they'd eat her," said Friedrich, "To buy food instead of hunting would be considered a great insult to them."
 
 
But Nillyna had stopped listening to their rebuttals against the guilt of the hyena tribe and was lifting her talisman.
 
 
"I don't think it matters who is behind the abduction at this point, what matters is we found where they're at," she said with conviction and anticipation in her voice. "I'm heading out there. You both hired me to save your daughter, and that's what I intend to do."
 
 
Annika and Friedrich exchanged looks of excitement, worry, and eagerness, then looked back at Nillyna.
 
 
"Then best of luck to you, Sorceress Nillyna," said Friedrich.
 
 
"Please, bring her back safe," pleaded Annika, folding her hands before her desperately.
 
 
"I promise," Nillyna replied, hoping with all her being she can keep that promise.
 
 
Then, she vanished in a flash of light.
 
 
—
 
 
Nillyna reappeared in a gully, just as Annika said, the deep indentation in the ground overgrown with grass, trees and other such plants. The area Nillyna found herself in was pretty open though, only a few clusters of trees here and there. Though none of this mattered to Nillyna at the moment.
 
 
No, right now she had a mind for the task at hand. A young zebra's life was at stake and she was the only one who could help. And, if she had calculated right, those responsible were close at hand.
 
 
Hefting her talisman, Nillyna extended a hand out before her. As she expected, her hand met with resistance just inches before her. The air shimmered and rippled, the telltale signs of some kind of concealment barrier.
 
 
"Alright," said Nillyna with determination, lifting her talisman cane and extending it out to the barrier. "Let's see what you have to hide."
 
 
She had full confidence that she could smash this barrier down no problem, but she still had no idea who or what she was up against. It would be highly foolish to just barge in blindly without at least analyzing her opponents and coming up with a plan. She may be doing this for combat experience, but that was no excuse not to do this carefully.
 
 
And plus, she needed to assess what Amahle's condition was.
 
 
To start with, Nillyna analyzed the properties of the barrier before her. As she deduced before, it was indeed powerful, powerful enough to blot out this small section of the world. But that wasn't the only effect this spell was giving out.
 
 
As expected, it was generating a force that was not letting Nillyna advance any farther, meaning it also acted as a protective forcefield around whatever base of operations these kidnappers had set up. It was also infused with a highly powerful camouflage spell, meaning that the area before Nillyna was indecipherable from the rest of the surrounding landscape, in fact, if Nillyna hadn't known it was there beforehand she would never have noticed it. It was a clever tactic, after all, a blank space of nothingness would be just as suspicious as a criminal hideout would be, if someone stumbled upon it by accident.
 
 
But Nillyna had found them out, whoever they were, and fully intended to put a stop to their wicked scheme.
 
 
Channeling a spell meant to analyze, Nillyna spread her influence into the barrier, intending to use whatever information she can gleam from it to her advantage. It was quite the ingenious accomplishment actually. Whoever had conjured this spell had a genuine concept of magic and had poured a fair amount of diligence into their work. An average spellcasters would find it quite the daunting task to break through it.
 
 
But, that being said, Nillyna wasn't an average spellcaster.
 
 
While it was still true that breaching this barrier was still going to be a small challenge, the rest wasn't just easy to bypass, Nillyna found she could easily usurp control of certain aspects of the spell and bend them to her command. It was perfect, for, while Nillyna worked on a method to break the barrier down completely she would use it to gain intel on her quarry. As said before, she wasn't going to just charge in without knowing who her enemies are.
 
 
Pulling on the spells string's with mental commands, Nillyna altered the camouflage of the spell to work in reverse. Now she could see in, will the residents wouldn't see her outside. Slowly, beyond the rippling air, shapes began to take place, and, for the first time, Nillyna got a good look at who was behind Annika and Friedrich's plight.
 
 
"Lamia's?" Nillyna's eyes widened in shock.
 
 
Indeed, about a half a dozen of the half snake half human woman creatures were mellowing about in front a rather large tent. Now Nillyna was extra suspicious. While they did have a reputation for being one of the more…treacherous of Aquasa's species, they weren't anywhere close to being indigenous to the Savannah, in fact, their homeland was practically on the opposite side of Pangaea.
 
 
For them to be here and in such numbers can only mean they came here deliberately, and Nillyna didn't need her well educated mind to tell her the reason.
 
 
So, somehow these lamia bandits learned about how rich in gold the Savannah is and we're kidnapping the children of influential people to get it. But now Nillyna knew they never had any intention of releasing anyone that they might take hostage. Lamia's we're notorious for being ravenous, eating anything, or anyone.
 
 
No way they would let an easy meal get away.
 
 
But, as Nillyna observed the snake woman, she got her first clue as to whom she was dealing with. Around the neck of a petit, raven haired lamia with a long green tail speckled with black diamond patterns was an amulet that gave off the telltale glow of a talisman, proving that Annika and Friedrich's hunch about there being a magic user involved was true, even if there were any doubt past the proof the forcefield Nillyna was juggling with at the moment provided, but that wasn't all. Nillyna knew that talisman, at least through description and reputation.
 
 
It was shaped like a silver vultures skull, the eye sockets inhabited by glistening ruby's.
 
 
Only one Lamia magic user had such a talisman. What her real name nobody knows, but she went by the self imposed title of Mistress Scales. She was reputable for being even more ravenous than Lamia we're originally known for, in fact, the only basic fact about her past that was widely known was that she was ostracized from lamia community for multiple crimes, including cannibalism, which, ironically, was frowned upon in their society. Her fellow Lamia company better hope their faith in her is warranted.
 
 
 And now, Mistress Scales was apparently conducting these dark schemes to get by now.
 
 
She must have used magic to stumble upon the Savannah's secret.
 
 
Following along with her plan, Nillyna observed them as she continued to work on the barrier, her earlier caution amplified. She knew Mistress Scales' reputation, and while she wasn't known for any extraordinary talents in magic, she was known to be ruthless, cunning, and merciless. She was fairly sure the snake girl couldn't match her magical prowess, but she wasn't taking any chances. Plus, she was kinda outnumbered.
 
 
And so, for the moment, Nillyna watched.
 
 
The lamia's, seven in total, hunched around a tree stump, and, surprisingly enough, were playing a game of cards. Nillyna observed as they laid their hands down on the rough surface of the stump, then a blonde lamia raised her hands and cheered in triumph. Nillyna couldn't hear what was being said, the forcefield obstructing all sounds, but from what she could see apparently the blonde lamia had won a great prize.
 
 
The others didn't share her enthusiasm, obviously, for they each reacted with varying degrees of chagrin, but none more so than a red haired lamia that swept all the cards off the stump and began making threatening gestures at the lamia who had the winning hand. Then, she reared back and spat a torrent of bright green liquid at the blonde lamia.
 
 
She covered her blonde head with her hands and cringed, but before the liquid made contact it was halted in the air, suspended in a shroud of red luminescence. Mistress Scales wriggled a finger at the spitting lamia disapprovingly, her other hand glowing in the same color as the telekinesis that held the stream of venom at bay. With a gesture of her hand the suspended liquid flew away from the group of lamia, landing on a decent sized rock that, coincidentally, lay before Nillyna as she stood unseen on the outside of the barrier.
 
 
She watched, slightly dumbstruck, as the doused section of the rock sizzled and slightly melted.
 
 
Nillyna focused on the red headed lamia. She had heard that these serpent's were separated into castes, now apparently that one was of the type that could spit its venom out as a ranged attack. She made a mental note to be wary of that one.
 
 
One the bright side, she appeared to be the only one of the type, none of the others had the same color of tail.
 
 
And that spitting lamia apparently was the more hot tempered of the ground, for she was continuing to make threatening gestures. Mistress Scales just continued to wriggle her finger, her mouth moving at a steady place, unlike whom she was speaking to, who was ranting so much spittle flew from her mouth. If Nillyna could read lips she could guess that Mistress Scales was telling her not to be a sore loser.
 
 
The spitting lamia put her arms to her hips in aggravation, then Nillyna watched as she slithered over to the blond lamia, ruffaged through her hair, and pulled out a concealed playing card. All the other lamia's looked extremely pissed at this revelation of cheating…except for Mistress Scales, who doubled over laughing and gave the blonde lamia a look of approval, apparently pleased with her cohorts sly antics. The red haired lamia just threw the exposed card down and crossed her arms, but was apparently through arguing.
 
 
Mistress Scales, on the other hand, was patting the shoulder of the blonde lamia and nodding, the blonde lamia looking pleased and, much to Nillyna's anticipation, licked her lips with a barbed tongue hungerly. What had she won? Nillyna watched as Mistress Scales extended a hand towards the sizable tent, her palm glowing with a telekinesis spell again. The entrance flap slid apart, a squirming figure levitating out into the open, Nillyna blinking in shock.
 
 
A young zebra mare floated out into the midday sun, levitated in a crimson field of light.
 
 
Nillyna recognized her, she had seen her image back in Annika and Friedrich's yurt. Amahle flailed and kicked in the air, but her feeble thrashing did nothing against the magic that held her. She was completely naked, her black and white striped flesh exposed for all to see, from her half grown, but still perky breasts, to her toned navel, undulating as she took in great gasps of air as she struggled.
 
 
Quickly, and nonchalantly, she was deposited before the blonde lamia, who rubbed her hands together in anticipation. Nillyna realized two things at that moment. One, they were obviously playing cards for who had the right to consume their captive, two, the time for deduction was over. Amahle was moments away from being eaten alive, if Nillyna didn't act now she was doomed.
 
 
And, apparently, time wasn't on her side even less than she thought.
 
 
Amahle barely had enough time to rise to her knees before the blonde lamia lunged forward, and, her mouth opening impossibly wide for a jaw that resembled that of a humans, engulfed her entire head and neck. Nillyna watched in horror as Amahle flailed her arms frantically for a second before pressing them to the lower jaw of the mouth that held her in its grip, no doubt to try and push herself back out, but to no avail. Nillyna, realizing that she only had a short time to intervene, shook off her horror and began channeling a spell she hoped would penetrate the barrier that separated her and the person she was hired to rescue.
 
 
Three of her hands lit up with crackling blue energy, which she then slammed into the barrier as hard as she could. This spell was a vibration hex that, after Nillyna's careful examination of the barrier, resonated in the opposite frequency of the magic it was pressed against. Already Nillyna could feel a slight buckling in the density of the barrier, the field before her rippling even more with the strain.
 
 
But the shield still held, Nillyna unable to inflict more damage than she already was.
 
 
She could tell that her magic wasn't penetrating all the way, and if the barrier was to come down, such would have to change. And Nillyna better make it through the barrier quickly. The blonde lamia had slid her jaw's further over Amahle's body, engulfing her arms, and chest. Nillyna gritted her teeth in frustration, dropping her talisman cane, which landed in a shrub at her left, and channeled the same vibration spell into her fourth hand, slamming it into the barrier with her other hands, still fueled by the light of the sun above.
 
 
Apparently, the extra exertion was enough to finally make noticeable progress.
 
 
A small crack formed in the barrier from the point of contact of Nillyna's hands, steadily increasing in size. But it still wasn't happening fast enough for Nillyna's liking, for, as she struggled to pierce the barrier, the blonde lamia hoisted Amahle off the ground, straightening herself up to a standing position, her prey firmly grasped between her jaws. Nillyna's expression shifted from aggravated to worried, her face falling as she observed the happenings on the other side of the barrier.
 
 
Amahle's entire upper body had been consumed by the lamia, her legs and hindquarters protruding from the serpent girl's stretched lip's. She flailed and kicked her legs desperately, the movement causing her striped glutes to ripple, the lean muscles twitching under her skin. Each kick regrettably exposed the adolescent zebra mare's shame now and then, but that was to be expected, what with not even having a loincloth to cover her lower portions with.
 
 
Throughout all this, though, Nillyna never let up her efforts to get past the obscuring forcefield. It wasn't over yet. And apparently Nillyna had more time than she initially believed, for the lamia seemed to want to play with her food.
 
 
Two womanly arms reached up and grabbed Amahle on either side of her hindquarters, squeezing and ebbing the soft flesh. Amahle was obviously less than receptive of the stimulation, for as soon as the finger's made contact with her rear her legs scissored apart in opposite directions, before her kicks redoubled. But the lamia devouring her didn't appear to be too affected by the increase in her prey's struggling, just continuing to massage and squeeze the round bottom protruding from her mouth.
 
 
Nillyna herself felt deep disgust well up inside her at the lamia's actions. It was bad enough she was eating the poor zebra alive, did she have to violate her too? But at least as long as Amahle's rump kept the lamia's interest she would have more time to break through the barrier before she finished eating her.
 
 
'CHINK'
 
 
Nillyna briefly stopped focusing on the gruesome scene before her and brought her attention fully to the barrier. She had managed to break through, if only slightly. Her right upper hand had broken through the transparent obstacle, her fingers now free to move on the opposite side. It wasn't much, but it was progress.
 
 
But, apparently, not progressing fast enough.
 
 
Nillyna's sense of accomplishment dissipated when she looked up and noticed, to her horror, that the lamia had apparently grown bored with groping Amahle's rump and had decided to accelerate the process of feeding her into her body. Nillyna could only watch, horrified as, while the lamia rested her arms back to her sides, her barbed tongue emerged from underneath Amahle and slithered up over her exposed groin and up into the cleft of her rear.
 
 
The poor zebra mare jutted her legs out stiffly, no doubt because the invading muscle had passed over such sensitive regions of her body. But more violation was apparently only half of the lamia's intention, for, once the tongue was firmly secure in her crack, Amahle's rump was steadily shoveled halfway into the lips, her kicking and squirming resuming as half her hindquarters was engulfed, her tufted tail, which had been flicking just as wildly as her legs this whole time, becoming pinned against her rear. Amahle didn't have the range to kick as they had before now, her thigh's now colliding with firm lower jaws with each movement.
 
 
Nillyna realized Amahle would be long consumed before she ever finished breaking through this accursed barrier, if the poor young zebra was to have any chance Nillyna would somehow have to give her more time. She looked from the protruding, half engulfed backside to the one hand she had managed to force through, a plan forming in her mind. Through that hand she could cast a spell at Amahle and accomplish at least something, and hopefully she would be unnoticed by the lamia's.
 
 
Then again, she was assaulting the barrier with everything she had and none seemed to notice. Even if the others didn't, Mistress Scales should be aware someone was attempting to breach her barrier. She must not have had the foresight to include a damage alert when she put it up.
 
 
A bit sloppy, it wasn't a huge effort to have a spell alert its caster when it was being tampered with.
 
 
Nillyna began channeling her planned multiple spells into her fingers that were on the other side of the barrier. She hadn't the time to teleport Amahle from the maw she was currently trapped in, nor was it the best idea, for, due to the barrier, Nillyna couldn't make reappear too far. The lamia's would be on her again in a second once they realized she wasn't in that mouth anymore, so she had to come up with something else. Taking aim and silently apologizing to Amahle for what she was about to do (and where she was aiming her spell) shot a wave of translucent magic which impacted with the trapped zebra's hindquarters.
 
 
Amahle obviously felt something, for she jerked when Nillyna's magical impacted her rump, but if the lamia's noticed they didn't distinguish it from the rest of her thrashing. Plus, they all seemed to be too engrossed in the morbid display, all seemingly enjoying Amahle's futile struggling, even the sore loser red headed lamia seemed to be enjoying the show. Nillyna breathed a sigh of relief as the mental feedback from her spell informed her that everything had worked perfectly.
 
 
She wished she could have included telepathy with the spell, to at least inform Amahle that she was here and going to get her out as soon as possible, but, as incompetent as Mistress Scales had been so far, at least regarding safeguard her barrier, a link of telepathy was too noticeable to all magic users, even the inept.
 
 
The spell Nillyna cast made sure to keep Amahle from suffocating, another effect was a strong protection, so the acid in the lamia's stomach would not harm her. But all this meant was that Amahle was going to be eaten eventually. The thought was disgusting to Nillyna, and she was going to make sure to redeem herself for this shortcoming by liberating Amahle from the stomach of that vile snake bitch posthaste.
 
 
Even if she had to decapitate that monster and cut her out.
 
 
With nothing else to hold her back, Nillyna redoubled her efforts to reach Amahle, her hands crackling with even more power. She had dropped her talisman to free up her final hand so her magic wasn't increasing in potency like it would if she was still in contact with it, but it was still daylight out, the mystical sunlight readily available for Nillyna's command. She just needed more of it. Looking up, Nillyna drew her gaze to the sapphire orb in the sky, the brightness obscuring her vision painfully.
 
 
It was not a good thing to look directly into the sun on any world, and on Aquasa it was doubly so. Not only could the bright light damage eyesight, but the influx of energy looking directly into the heart of the source of all magic could be hazardous to one's health. Not only could it be fatal, the results could be…quite explosive.
 
 
But Nillyna only dared to look for a few seconds before turning away, her body flowing with an abundance of magic she had absorbed through her eyes. Now she felt like there was nothing she couldn't accomplish, at least until the amassed power dissipated. And Nillyna better test that theory fast, for, as she turned back, she saw the rest of Amahle's pert bottom vanished behind the lamia's lips, leaving only her flailing legs visible.
 
 
And that would also seem to be when the lamia grew bored with playing with her food. Nillyna watched as she tilted her head backwards, angling Amahle's kicking legs skyward. Her mouth opened wide, Nillyna surmising that both gravity and powerful throat muscles being the reason why the rest of Amahle vanished so quickly, her hooves banging against jaw's as she slipped all the way into the insides of the blonde lamia, who closed her mouth over them and swallowed.
 
 
That was it, Amahle was consumed.
 
 
But she wasn't in mortal danger yet. Nillyna's spell would keep her protected from anything within the lamia that could harm her. All Nillyna had to do now was be cautious when she confronted her.
 
 
And oh was she itching to lay into these cruel serpent's now.
 
 
Her cohorts were actually applauding her as the bulge that was Amahle descended into her coils, apparently pleased with the show. Aggravation and anger broiling, Nillyna channeled all her pent up magic into her palms, her three other hands also breaking through to the other side, same as the first one. But still, the damage didn't progress past that.
 
 
Throwing caution to the wind, Nillyna channeled every last iota of power at her disposal, the resonance spells amplifying to the point to where they glowed with great intensity, her clothes vanishing as the transmutation spell lost its source of sustainability, leaving Nillyna's naked and with a full set of wings.
 
 
This finally garnered the attention of the seven lamia's at last, all of them drawn to the intense glow. They could only watch, dumbstruck as four hands crackling with energy protruded from the barrier that shielded their hideout. But, before any retaliation could be performed, there was the sound of breaking glass and the barrier began to dissolve into multiple glistening shard's.
 
 
They could only watch as their protection dissipated like dust in the wind.
 
 
From the point where the barrier had been dispelled Nillyna stood, naked, panting from extrusion, but with murder in her eyes.
 
 
"A Lepidopteran?" Screamed a green tailed lamia from the back of the group.
 
 
"What the hell is she doing here?" Screamed another.
 
 
"Mistress," the red headed lamia said to Mistress Scales. "You said it was impossible for anyone to breach your barrier. How…?"
 
 
"Shut the hell up, Spitter!" Sneered Mistress Scales, her attention solely focused on Nillyna."
 
 
The forenamed Spitter did as commanded, despite her defiance earlier, going silent as Mistress Scales slithered forward to face the one who had intruded into their midst.
 
 
"Who are you?" She asked aggressively. "Why do you destroy my barrier?"
 
 
Nillyna, on the other hand, apparently had no desire for small talk, only looking up at Mistress Scales with hatred and anger.
 
 
"Are you deaf?" Mistress Scales snapped. "I asked you what you are doing here?"
 
 
Nillyna's only response was to smirk slightly, taking a battle stance and conjuring a lightning ball in one of her hands. She had come here for hand to hand combat experience, but to do so against someone like Mistress Scales would be foolhardy. She was a renowned magic user, and you could only combat magic with magic.
 
 
And besides, Mistress Scales didn't have a Viper Sword, so she wasn't disadvantaged, like with Linda.
 
 
Mistress Scales apparently didn't take too kindly to Nillyna's sudden posture, growing a look of anger and annoyance. "You must be joking."
 
 
"How dare you!" Screamed the blonde lamia with the squirming bulge in her belly. "How dare you threaten our beloved leader!" She began to slither forward. "Why, the audacity…"
 
 
"Be still, Blondie," Mistress Scales said nonchalantly. "Rest, you just fed."
 
 
Blondie appeared like she wasn't going to comply at first, but looked at the sizable swell in her stomach and went still.
 
 
"Besides," Mistress Scales took up a battle stance of her own, clutching her talisman in one hand. "If this trespasser wishes to confront me, I am more than happy to oblige."
 
 
Nillyna could have made a move during this exchange, but didn't. It would be problematic if the blonde lamia came to her mistress's defense if she caught her off guard, what with what she had in her stomach.
 
 
"And I know something she doesn't." Mistress Scales suddenly threw her free hand into the air, and, from her palm, extruded an inky black substance that flew into the air and draped over the area around Nillyna and Mistress Scales like a bubble of shadows.
 
 
Nillyna looked around at the blackness, her offensive spell sputtering out as it was cut off from the sun's rays that fuel it.
 
 
"How foolish," said Mistress Scales voice, the sound of her scales scraping over the dirt reverberating within the darkness. "Coming to face me without a talisman. You Lepidopteran's might be highly gifted in magic, but you are just as susceptible to the shadows as the rest of us."
 
 
The sound of scraping echoed from Nillyna's left. "What hope do you have against me, little moth? I have my talisman, you have nothing. In fact, I don't believe I even need magic now.
 
 
"I could consume you, here and now, and there's not a damn thing you can do about it."
 
 
But Nillyna wasn't nervous or scared by her opponent's jides. Mistress Scales only assumed she didn't have a talisman. She was so mistaken.
 
 
She was powerless in the shadows, that much was certain, but, after her first encounter with Lily, Nillyna had taken precautions for if she was ever separated from her cane again. She snapped her fingers, activating a very special spell she had cast over her cane not too long ago.
 
 
"HISSSS!"
 
 
Nillyna's talisman cane flew into the bubble of shadows and into her outstretched hands, the massive reservoir of energy stored within channeling into her body. She held it before her and cast a spell. Mistress Scales was caught in a telekinetic field mid lunge, the bright blue light illuminating the encompassing shadows.
 
 
"What?" She cried in incomprehension, before Nillyna gestured downward with her cane, sending the snake girl into the dirt.
 
 
Deciding she had a moment while her opponent picked herself up, Nillyna utilized a small portion of the stores in her cane to give herself some small advantages. First, she transmuted her wings into something more fitting of the situation, being a skintight jumpsuit to allow for greater mobility. Next she conjured a few glowing spheres of light, bathing the darkness Mistress Scales had conjured in a pail light.
 
 
Said serpent was picking herself up out of the dirt, shaking off her disorientation before gazing at Nillyna in bewilderment.
 
 
"A talisman in the form of an elegant walking cane," she commented as she gazed at Nillyna's cane, wide eyed. "You…you're the famous, all powerful Lepidopteran sorceress Nillyna!"
 
 
Deciding that this recognition at least deserved a reply, Nillyna nodded. "That's right."
 
 
"What…how…?" Mistress Scales muttered, her eyes wild with fear now, her earlier bravado a distant memory. "Why are you here? You never leave your lofty hovering estate."
 
 
"Times change," was all Nillyna commented before lunging forward, her talisman cane aglow with an impact enhancement spell.
 
 
Mistress Scales let out a yelp of fear, diving to the side as Nillyna's cane impacted the ground where she stood, the resulting shockwave sending her flying.
 
 
Mistress Scales landed on her back with a painful thump, but didn't have much time before she saw Nillyna descending towards her from above, having used a momentum enhancement spell to increase the strength of her jump, fire swirling in three of her hands. The dark haired lamia was left with just enough time to roll out of the way, Nillyna's spell's glassifying the ground as they struck.
 
 
Mistress Scales righted herself as Nillyna stood up upon the smooth ground she now stood upon. Arrogant her reputation may claim but she was no fool. Mistress Scales knew better than to challenge any Lepidopteran without tactical advantage, like she had with the shadows when she believed Nillyna lacked a talisman, but now that she knew she was facing off against Nillyna herself Mistress Scales knew she was outmatched.
 
 
For she knew that the Lepidopteran's reputation was anything but exaggerated.
 
 
And stranger still, she was here, actually coming at her with lethal intentions. The Nillyna Mistress Scales had heard so much about wasn't known to be combative, so why was she doing this? But she never got the chance to voice her questions, for Nillyna came charging inagain, a ball of mystical ice held in her hands.
 
 
Mistress Scales knew she had no chance to evade this time, so did the only thing she could do and went on the defensive. She conjured fireball's into her hands and brought them to bare just as Nillyna arrived before her, fire and ice colliding in a mystical standoff. Finally, in this moment, Mistress Scales was able to stop focusing on who her opponent was and concentrate on the fight, her face morphing into a challenging scowl as both hers and Nillyna hands collided, the opposing elements colliding with a force that could rival nature.
 
 
Fire melted ice…
 
 
Ice cooled fire…
 
 
The result was an obscuring steam that blinded both combatants.
 
 
But Nillyna was the first to capitalize on the situation. With both unable to see what the other was doing, leaving both to hesitate on what spell to use next, Nillyna decided to deploy her first combative strategy for this dilemma. She brought forth her lower arms, her upper arms still interlocked with Mistress Scales' only two arms, reaching up, grabbed her adversary by the face, and drove their heads together in a headbutt.
 
 
Mistress Scales, caught off guard by the physical retaliation, was stunned to the point that her spell faltered, Nillyna's ice overwhelming her fire and sending her flying backwards.
 
 
Mistress Scales landed on her back again, but this time with a painful stiffness in her tail. Looking down, she was mortified to see her entire serpent body encased in ice, glistening in the orbs of light Nillyna had conjured. This wasn't good, now she was helpless.
 
 
And Nillyna obviously intended to take advantage of the situation, for she was now baring down on her, her cane at the ready.
 
 
Without thinking, Mistress Scales sent out a pulse of unrefined magic, lacking substance, just pure energy. Nillyna was knocked back, and Mistress Scales, seeing an advantageous situation herself, frantically began to thaw her tail with magic flame.
 
 
 Nillyna landed on her back with a grunt of pain this time, she had been pushed to the very edge of the bubble of shadows Mistress Scales had produced, her head now lay on the outside.
 
 
As her vision cleared she noticed that, from her vantage point, she could see Mistress Scales' fellow lamia. Her focus landed on Blondie, and the squirming bulge in her stomach, and something became apparent. If she dragged this out too long with the scaly magician bitch she ran the risk of depleting her magical reserves under the shadows.
 
 
If that happens Amahle would lose the only thing protecting her from the lethal innards of a lamia.
 
 
Her eyes then landed on Spitter, who stood nearby, apparently the other lamia weren't going to interfere, believing their leader was sure to win. Did they not hear how on the ropes Nillyna had her? Did the shadows conceal sound too?
 
 
But back to Spitter.
 
 
Nillyna had an idea, and if it works, she kills two birds with one stone. Channeling the magic, Nillyna cast a spell none could see.
 
 
Mistress Scales finished thawing the ice off her tail just as Nillyna approached again, taking a stance to resume the fight. But Nillyna didn't mirror the action, like she expected. She just stood there, giving her a look of deep disgust.
 
 
Mistress Scales didn't like it.
 
 
And she had good reason.
 
 
Before she could try to deduce what Nillyna might have up her sleeve, her vision was shrouded by confining, damp darkness. She struggled to get whatever it was off, then there was the unmistakable sensation of another lamia's tail coiling around her midsection. She was being attacked by one of her cohorts, but she didn't know who or why.
 
 
Nillyna watched as Spitter coiled around Mistress Scales and swallowed her head, her eyes glowing blue as Nillyna's mind control spell drove her every action in accordance to Nillyna's will.
 
 
'Spit!' Nillyna commanded mentally.
 
 
There was a sound of gushing liquid…
 
 
Mistress Scales muffled scream…
 
 
Then the bubble of darkness dissipated like a drop of water in the sun. The reason became all too apparent when what lay before Nillyna was finally revealed in the bright light of the day. She cringed and leaned back, the sight before her revolting.
 
 
Mistress Scales and Spitter lay in huddled heaps before her, twitching and shuddering, but otherwise motionless. The reason for this was because both now had smoldering stumps where there used to be a head, the remains of the actual craniums reduced to putrid puddles that gave off great wisps of pungent vapor. It was quite the horrible way to die, and Nillyna almost retched at the thought, sight, and smell.
 
 
But, after all, Mistress Scales had been the instigator of all this.
 
 
What kind of twisted being would do something as horrible as ransom someone's child, just to consume their children afterwards?
 
 
"MISTRESS SCALES, NO!"
 
 
The perilous shout brought Nillyna's attention to the other lamia's, who were taking in the sight of her standing over the mutilated corpses of their leader and comrade.
 
 
"YOU!" Screamed Blondie frantically, having been the one who had spoken up once the sight before them all had been revealed. "YOU BITCH! YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS! DO YOU HEAR ME! YOUR GONNA PAY?"
 
 
Nillyna only grew an anticipating smile.
 
 
She had taken the magic user of the group out, and the one capable of spitting corrosive venom was also dead. She had more than enough magic reserved to sustain the spell protecting Amahle indefinitely, she was in no danger, in fact, where she was now was probably the best place for her. The remaining lamia were positioning themselves for a fight.
 
 
Nillyna lifted her talisman cane and placed two fingers on the orb. She drew them out, a gelatinous strand of the orb following. Soon, her talisman had a long, curved, sickle jutting out from the orb.
 
 
Now, it was time to do what she really came here for.
 
 
—
 
 
Blondie could only watch as, one by one, her cohorts were cut down before her.
 
 
She hadn't participated thus far due to the large meal in her stomach, but, at this rate, she would have no choice but to join the fray. But, as said before, with such a large meal in her stomach, she would be hard pressed to accomplish anything. Especially after she just saw this insane Lepidopteran behead another of her companions, leaving, counting her, only three of them were left.
 
 
"Blondie," mumbled her surviving ally that wasn't currently engaged in combating this homicidal moth woman. "Hurry, regurgitate the zebra."
 
 
"It won't make any difference, Slither," she said fearfully, watching as the Lepidopteran wounded her current opponent in the shoulder. "We can't stop her, even if I weren't laden down. She's too strong."
 
 
"That's not what I meant!" Said Slither frantically, her brown hair frazzled, like the rest of her. "This psycho didn't show up until we took the zebra foal. I bet my tail she's been sent here to rescue her!"
 
 
Blondie caught on quickly.
 
 
If this Lepidopteran was indeed here to claim the zebra they may yet have a part to play. And, luckily enough, the little thing was still squirming inside her. It was odd that she was still alive, she should have suffocated by now at least.
 
 
Flexing her esophagus, Blondie began to force the bulge in her belly back up.
 
 
Nillyna forced the lamia she was battling to the ground, collapsing to all six over her and plunging her blade into her lower jaw and up into her head. Up till now, she hadn't known how she would take to taking a life, and to her slight puzzlement, she found it rather easy. Of course, this wasn't the first time, Shadow had died by her hands after all.
 
 
Still, Nillyna had been plagued by uncertainty until now. But, if there had ever been any doubt during the fight, all Nillyna had to do to steal her resolve was to picture Annika and Friedrich, and then picture Lily. Those two love Amahle just as much as she does Lily. If Lily was in the same danger as Amahle was now she would not hesitate to do everything in her power to save her.
 
 
Speaking of the young zebra…
 
 
"Alright, bitch, that's enough!"
 
 
Nillyna scowled in annoyance. There were still a few to deal with it would seem. Very well, she would dispatch the final one then make Blondie release Amahle from her stomach.
 
 
How she does so would depend on how intact the lamia wished to still be.
 
 
But, apparently, her remaining adversaries were one step ahead of her, for, while she was still striding over the motionless body of the lamia she had recently slain, she turned to the remaining two to find an unexpected sight. Blondie was ridged in place, Amahle's head an shoulder's jutting up from her upturned mouth. She was limp, her eyes closed, but breathing.
 
 
Most likely the terror of being eaten alive was too much for her to handle and she simply passed out, Nillyna's protection spell was still going strong, after all.
 
 
"Make one more move, and the kid loses everything from the neck up," said the other lamia with brown hair, gripping the unconscious Amahle by her striped mane, Blondie's jaws flexing a little, obviously hinting at what the threat meant.
 
 
Nillyna scowled, so they're resorting to threatening the hostage, huh?
 
 
"Now, we are just going to slither on out of here, okay?" Said the brown headed lamia assertively. "Once you are good and out of our sight we might release the brat."
 
 
Nillyna's scowled deepened.
 
 
If they thought she trusted them for one second they were denser than the rocks surrounding them. Besides, they didn't have the advantage they thought they had. Any other person might be hesitant to make a move against such a threat.
 
 
But Nillyna wasn't any normal person.
 
 
Her eyes fixated on Amahle as she jutted from Blondie's jaws, now free of the stomach and up past the esophagus. Then she looked at the bare chest of the woman snake. Contemplating, she focused on the lungs beneath those large breasts, gripping a handful of dirt beneath her.
 
 
Slither smirked as the Lepidopteran remained motionless above the body of their comrade, beginning to back away, "Come on, Blondie, let's get the hell out…"
 
 
With a flash, the handful of dirt vanished from Nillyna's hand.
 
 
Suddenly, Blondie jerked away from Slither, falling to the ground on her stomach and convulsing, gripping her chest.
 
 
"What?! Blondie what's…?" Slither didn't have time to finish her inquiry, for Nillyna teleported before her and gripped her by the neck.
 
 
She squirmed and flailed to get free, but Nillyna's grip was unbreakable. She tried to bring her tail to her aid, but Nillyna pointed her talisman cane towards it and it suddenly became too heavy to lift. Desperate, Slither turned to look at Blondie, hoping she was in any position to aid her.
 
 
The blonde lamia was still convulsing on the ground, tears of pain flowing from her eyes. With a desperate heave, she completely expelled Amahle from her mouth, the adolescent zebra coming up and landing limp on the grass, unmoving, but completely whole. Nillyna's protection had apparently done its work.
 
 
Blondie was still convulsing, till, with another heave, she expelled a fair amount of mucus and what appeared to be dirt, teleported into her lungs by Nillyna.
 
 
And whatever aid Slither might expect now proved to be nothing but a pipe dream, for Blondie wasted no time in slithering away the first chance she got. Now, alone with a moth-girl with a vice grip on her throat, Slither could only thrash helplessly.
 
 
Nillyna wasn't fazed by the struggling, she had enhanced her strength immensely with her magic. Now, all she needed to do was squeeze, and…
 
 
'Tinkle'
 
 
Nillyna heard a faint noise through the thrashing, and, looking closer, saw, under the lamia's hair, was a gold necklace. Nillyna's eyes widened, she recognized that necklace. Imani was wearing it when she was shown in that projection.
 
 
Nillyna scowled in hatred, her blood boiling.
 
 
So, it was this lamia who had eaten Imani, no doubt winning the right through a card game, same as Blondie had with Amahle. It was so cruel. The gazelle chiefs will never see their daughter again, thanks to this band of lamia bandits, especially the one before her.
 
 
Suffocation was too good for this bitch.
 
 
What she deserves is irony.
 
 
And Nillyna knew just who could help with that.
 
 
Nillyna reached out with her other hand and ripped the necklace off and put it in her pocket, this bitch was undeserving of it. Then, channeling a teleportation spell, the lamia she was gripping morphed into a sphere of light, speeding off into the distance towards a destination Nillyna had selected. The awaiting party surely wouldn't mind it.
 
 
Nillyna looked in the direction Blondie had retreated to, contemplating if she should go after her. Without Mistress Scales it was unlikely she could continue with these shenanigans, but criminals weren't known for making smart decisions. And if she were to somehow threaten more children…
 
 
"Well boys, lookie what we got here!" Nillyna heard a male voice call from out in the distance.
 
 
There was the hissing of a snake, then great yipps that almost sounded like laughing. Nillyna suddenly remembered that the Anthropomorphic hyena tribe inhabited this region. Blondie must have had the misfortune of running into them during her retreat.
 
 
Finding that a fitting end to the last of these villains, Nillyna turned from the direction, now filled with the sound's of a woman's screams, the snarls of wild beasts, and tearing flesh. She approached the still form of Amahle, still lying motionless on the ground. She was a bit concerned for the young foal's wellbeing, but her breathing didn't appear irregular, nor were there any signs of wounds.
 
 
Still, she should make haste, for once the hyena's were done with Blondie they would surely be attracted here, drawn by the scent of blood.
 
 
Kneeling over the limp form, Nillyna placed her head over Amahle's forehead gently, channeling soothing magic into her being, attempting to ease her trauma. Her efforts paid off, for Amahle suddenly snapped awake and sat up, looking around with frantic green eyes.
 
 
"Easy little one," said Nillyna smoothly, placing her hands on Amahle's shoulders, relieved that the foal was whole, alive, and seemingly unharmed. "You're safe now."
 
 
Amahle apparently didn't share the same thoughts though, for she took one look up at Nillyna, let out a neigh of fear and backed away, crawling backwards on her hands and hooves.
 
 
"Hey hey, easy little one," said Nillyna, tightening her grip on the adolescent zebra's shoulders. "It's okay, I'm not going to harm you."
 
 
Amahle seemed to finally register what Nillyna was saying, looking up at her and genuinely seeing her, most likely noticing she wasn't a lamia. Slowly, her posture relaxed and her breathing slowed. But all that was short lived when Amahle's eyes suddenly widened again, only this time with shock and… recognition.
 
 
"You…your…you're…" she stammered out in a soft, feminine voice.
 
 
"What is it, little one?" Asked Nillyna worriedly.
 
 
"YOU'RE NILLYNA!" Amahle suddenly blurted out, Nillyna reeling back and cringing at the loud outburst.
 
 
"My gosh, you're Nillyna! You're actually here, in front of me! I just…I never thought I would get to meet you. It's such an honor! I'm Amahle, and I've studied your work for, like, ever! You're like, the best sorceress to ever live! Nobody has ever come close to what you have with magic! Did I mention how much of an honor it is to meet you, like, in the flesh…?!"
 
 
Nillyna couldn't help but chuckle as Amahle continued to rant and rave. Her parents had informed her she was a huge fan of hers, but never in her wildest dreams would she ever imagine she would meet someone who held such enthusiasm for her. For Nillyna, it was actually just as much of an honor to meet Amahle.
 
 
Who would have thought she would have such a supportive fan that contains such enthusiasm.
 
 
Especially after what she had gone through.
 
 
She was eaten alive, for heaven's sake.
 
 
"Hey, easy little one," said Nillyna, attempting to calm Amahle down.
 
 
"Oh, sorry," said Amahle sheepishly, Nillyna finding her embarrassment cute. "It's just, I've read all your work, I've looked up to you for so long. And now you're here, right in front of me."
 
 
Amahle's expression fell somewhat. "Why are you here, anyway?"
 
 
She suddenly gasped and began looking around frantically. "Oh no, you can't stay here! Those evil snake women will eat you! They were going to eat Me! Wait, one did eat me! How is that possible?! I…"
 
 
Nillyna realized too late what Amahle might see while frantically looking around everywhere, so couldn't stop her from seeing what lay not too far away. Nillyna also followed her gaze, again witnessing the carnage she had wrought upon the lamia, putting a hand to her mouth and turning back to Amahle worriedly. She should have teleported her back to her parents as soon as she roused her.
 
 
Amahle stood up, a horrified expression on her face, Nillyna not doing anything to stop her, merely standing up with her. She was a good few feet taller than the zebra, considering she was only an adolescent still. Silently, they walked over to the bloody battlefield, Nillyna still not interfering. Amahle had already seen it, she couldn't unsee it.
 
 
Unless Nillyna erased her memory, but something told her that wasn't the best idea now
 
 
"What…what happened to them?" Amahle asked as she stood before the lamia's corpses.
 
 
Nillyna merely sighed and admitted, "It was me…I did this."
 
 
Amahle looked up with a confused expression. "You?"
 
 
Nillyna nodded sadly.
 
 
"But why?" Amahle asked sadly. "You are the great sorceress Nillyna. You're intelectual and very good at magic…why would you…" she looked back out at the bodies…"Why would you do this?"
 
 
"Listen to me, Amahle," began Nillyna, figuring that she was better off explaining a life lesson to Amahle now, for it was a good opportunity to help her grow if she was to one day become chief. And she had unwittingly exposed her to this, after all. "I learned an important lesson not too long ago."
 
 
 Amahle looked back up, some of her earlier admiration returning.
 
 
"Intelect can't solve all of your problems," Nillyna explained, kneeling down and grabbing onto Amahle's shoulders again. "Sometimes in life you have to fight, especially when you are protecting something you cherish."
 
 
"You…lost something you cherish?" Amahle asked in wonderment.
 
 
"Almost, and to someone who was just like them," replied Nillyna, looking at the deceased lamia with disgust. "It was only luck that I didn't lose what I cherish most, and that is when I vowed to get stronger." She turned back to Amahle with a gentle smile. "And that's actually how I wound up here. In my endeavor to get stronger your parents hired me to find you."
 
 
"What, mom and dad hired you?" Amahle asked in astonishment, Nillyna nodded in reply. "But you haven't taken a commission in years."
 
 
"I've re-entered the circuit recently," explained Nillyna. "Right around the time you were kidnapped, actually."
 
 
"But this…" Amahle inquired, looking at the bodies again.
 
 
"I know, and I'm sorry you had to see this," said Nillyna, tilting Amahle's head towards her again. "But, remember, they were going to eat you. Going to take from your mom and dad forever."
 
 
"Yes, and one did eat me, actually, " said Amahle, looking down at herself curiously. "How am I still alive?"
 
 
"That would be my doing, little one," explained Nillyna proudly, Amahle looking at her in shock again. "I cast a spell on you before you fully slid down that horrible creature's throat, so you wouldn't suffocate, or be digested until I could rescue you."
 
 
"You did that for me?" Asked Amahle in surprise.
 
 
Nillyna nodded. "Your parents want me to bring you home safely by any means necessary," she explained, figuring she would get to the core of the subject. "These people, they weren't going to let live. I had no choice. Do you understand?"
 
 
Amahle looked out at the dead again. "I think dad once told me that, to be a good chief, I will need to make hard decisions someday. I…think I understand what he meant now."
 
 
"Good," said Nillyna, relieved.
 
 
"And I still respect you, Nillyna, "said Amahle suddenly with her earlier enthusiasm. "I just…wasn't expecting you to be good at something like this too."
 
 
Nillyna was even more relieved, she was afraid she had lost the administration of one of her admirers after showing her this.
 
 
"Well, we've lingered long enough," said Nillyna, scowling at their surroundings. "What do you say I take you back to your parents?"
 
 
Amahle's eyes brightened even more.
 
 
"Yes, I would like that," she replied, "Can I please see mom and dad again?"
 
 
Nillyna replied by hoisting the little zebra into her arms.
 
 
"What are you doing?" Amahle asked in surprise, wrapping her arms around Nillyna's neck.
 
 
"What?" Nillyna inquired, lifting her talisman cane up for emphasis. "Did you think we were walking back."
 
 
Amahle's eyes widened again, "Your going to teleport us?"
 
 
"That was my intention," Nillyna replied playfully. "Would you like that?"
 
 
Amahle nodded vigorously.
 
 
Nillyna smiled and was about to cast the spell, but her eyes fell upon the carnage once again and a thought occurred to her.
 
 
"Aren't we going to go see mom and dad, Miss Nillyna?" Asked Amahle impatiently.
 
 
"Just a sec," she replied, pointing her cane out at the headless body of Mistress Scales.
 
 
A glop of the sludge that was once her head floated up over to them, Amahle's muzzle wrinkling in disgust as it stopped before them. "Eww, what are you doing with that?"
 
 
In response, Nillyna cast another spell, the gelatinous substance falling away and revealing something underneath. Mistress Scales' talisman hung suspended in the air before them, the silver vulture skull gleaming in the sunlight. Nillyna reached out her hand, the necklace lowering into her palm.
 
 
"I recognize that," said Amahle, leaning in closer for a better look. "That's that leader snake woman's necklace."
 
 
"It's more than that, Amahle," said Nillyna, lifting the necklace closer to the young foal. "This is a talisman."
 
 
"Wow, really?" She inquired, leaning in for a better look. "What are you going to do with it?"
 
 
"Well, do you still want to be a sorceress?" Nillyna asked.
 
 
"Yes, more than anything," replied Amahle enthusiastically.
 
 
"Then," Nillyna dangled the necklace by its chain before Amahle. "I believe you will put this to better use than its previous owner."
 
 
Amahle looked dumbstruck as she observed the offered necklace. "You're just giving this to me? Really?"
 
 
Nillyna nodded. "Having a talisman will definitely help you harness magic eventually."
 
 
"How?" Amahle asked.
 
 
Nillyna wasn't sure how to respond to that actually. At least for one so young. Becoming a sorceress was a long, tiring process, but, if Amahle had the drive, she could accomplish it, and, therefore, anything.
 
 
"My advice, for the first step, Amahle," began Nillyna, the little zebra paying rapt attention to her idol. "Study this talisman. Bond with it, becoming intimately familiar with it. If you can accomplish that, you will be one step closer to unlocking your own magical prowess."
 
 
Amahle nodded in awe and understanding, taking the offered talisman and looking at it with just as much awe. She was actually holding a magical talisman of her very own. She almost seemed to lose herself in the ruby gaze of the gems that make up the vulture skull's eyes.
 
 
Eventually, Nillyna teleported them away, Amahle feeling a rush of exhilaration as she experienced her first ever teleport, leaving the remains of Mistress Scales and her party of heartless lamia's to be scavenged by the hyenas…maybe even vulture's.
 
 
Now that would be ironic.