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Mianth had taken the short break to see Roslyn before a joint naval training exercise involving the Velopians and Amazons got under way. Mainly to test a couple of new ships and communication equipment between both forces. It was held in an uninhabited system half way between the two force's home worlds. The training would be roughly two weeks long. Everything had been going very well for the training and drill. All units and ships involved performed better than expected. The Amazons were impressed by the team work the Velopians showed in combat.

Actually they were making preparations to head for home when a dozen ships dropped out of subspace and opened fire. A dozen well armed pirate ships of gray or Yovar design. Crewed by an odd mix of the two races and three dozen other species. While the Velopians and Amazons had front line warships, only the battleship Mianth and Admiral Eryk were on, had the firepower to deal with them. As the frigates and other battleship had jumped back to the amazon station.

The opening volley damaged four ships and crippled one. The crippled ship was dead in the void, a few of its weapons still attempting to defend itself. Their actual drive system was offline. Due to an energy feedback surge, the dragon navigator was too injured to jump the ship to safety.

Mianth watched in horror as the small Amazon cutter was hammered by the pirates. The other ships were getting ready to jump out of system and she heard an order she could not believe. They were going to abandon the disabled ship and its crew.

The Velopian crew navigating as well as Inilth, Perenth, Eryk and the entire ship really, stood stunned as Mianth yelled "Belay those orders. Continue covering fire and get us closer to the Amazon cutter!"

Eryk called up the com to the navigation station. "Mianth, take your position and make ready to jump."

Staring back at the Admiral and the other dragons, Mianth's eyes glowed brightly as she was clearly furious. Something no one had ever seen before, and slightly troubling was the amount of excess magic power leaking off of her. "No... By Section Nine, article fourteen of the Dragon Navigator's treatise, I am taking emergency command of this ship."

The crew that heard her, murmured in the background. Inilth and Perenth were both concerned with the sudden change in Mianth, as she was usually quick to follow orders.

"Mianth, I know you want to help them, but this ship is not capable of towing another ship any distance in sub light." Eryk said.

"I know that, we don't have time to argue, court martial me when we return home! Move us closer to the Amazon cutter and ready the tow lines. Continue to provide covering fire!" Mianth yelled with authority, the earlier tremor in her voice gone.

"Mianth, you can't teleport that much mass!" Perenth pleaded as the ship followed the little dragon's orders. Mianth was right, and well within the law... even if it was suicidal. Unfortunately, this was exactly the course of action Dallarth or Nodrog would take.

"They are still fighting, and Fawnrog is still alive! I will not leave them behind!" Mianth shouted, pointing at the screen showing the drifting ship firing weapons and losing atmosphere. She could not leave Tunrog's sister behind, and she could not leave the Amazons behind either. The battleship shuddered as it came under heavier fire.

"Tow lines are ready, but you cannot be thinking of jumping both ships." One of the crew said as he turned to look at her.

"That is exactly what I am going to do. Send out a message to the Amazon ship, and let them know to prepare to jump." Mianth said and turned to make her way to the crystal tank.

Under the barrage of fire the Velopian battleship sat broad side to the enemy. Partly to bring its siege guns into play and to partly shield the Cutter it was trying to rescue. It was beginning to take damage as the shields strained to hold. The water in the crystal tank bubbled slightly from the heat emanating from Mianth as she focused every ounce of her power into grabbing both ships.

"All tow lines secured!" One of the crew yelled as alarms blared in the background.

Everything went black. When everything came back into light, the crystal tank had shattered and Mianth lay on the deck her breath weak and shallow. Thankfully the navigation systems, were protected against flooding, should the tank fail. The com stations came to life as the Amazon space station frantically tried to raise anyone on the Velopian and Amazon ship.

Medical units from the station and other ships quickly swarmed both ships as the jump had damaged the battleship. Both were towed to the station and docked for repair and survivor extraction. Out of the two hundred sixty crew members and staff onboard the Amazon cutter, forty three died. Twenty had been injured and four, were missing entirely. Most likely lost to the cold void when the hull was breached.

Only Mianth had serious injuries on the Velopian battleship, a handful others sustained minor injury. The battleship had sustained significant damage, but all of its crew survived. Mianth's injuries came from the shards of the crystal tank when it shattered. Also of note, the water dragon's true form had grown larger. Not exponentially so, but enough to be noticed by those around her.

Pure magic exhaustion put Mianth in an infirmary bed for a week. As she lay in a deep sleep, there was quiet conversations and speculation. Because at this point only one dragon could teleport that much mass without help. Speculation of Mianth becoming a typhoon was in people's minds, but no one would ever voice such an idea. Or being corrupted by Dallarth or Nodrog's presence, was an even less voiced fear.

While her actions were reckless, and illogical by any standard; both the Velopians and Amazons were grateful that she did it. The ship would have been taken and the crew either killed or sold into slavery. Of which Amazons fetch a very high price when a few get caught and kept alive long enough to be sold.

A council was called together since this was an unprecedented event. No dragon had ever invoked that right before. On top of that, no dragon had ever disobeyed a Fleet Admiral... They have disobeyed lower ranking officers, and orders for self, crew and ship preservation, but not to risk life and limb to rescue another vessel.

So Mianth found herself in a position she had never been in before or was even prepared to be in. The little water elemental was standing alone in front of a council of Elder Dragons, high ranking Velopian, Amazon and Minotaur leaders. Along with a few high ranking Elf lords and military leaders. Admiral Eryk was not on the council, since he was the one who Mianth took ship command from. Truth be told, Eryk held no ill feelings towards her, she did what she thought was right.

The only thing calming her nerves was the fact Dallarth and Nodrog both took her side and were sitting behind her. In fact Mianth found herself receiving the support of four typhoons. As the Amazon and Minotaur also took her side, the four typhoons openly praising her bravery and quick thinking.

Mianth was not exactly on trial, but she was not free either. Her actions did save a ship and most of its crew, but at the greater risk of the larger ship and its larger crew. While Nodrog and Dallarth's support showed what she knew was right in her heart, that she had acted correctly. This much attention was more than Mianth ever wanted.

Fawnrog and her Amazon ship mates were naturally incredibly grateful that Mianth managed to do, the impossible. No one had ever teleported two ships by themselves at one time. There were ships so vast, it took two dragon navigators to teleport them.

Understandably that was were some of the concern lay, Mianth had more power than anyone had planned on a dragon navigator possessing. Especially for a dragon so young to have so much. There were of course two who knew what it meant, and they kept that secret to themselves.

Roslyn mainly forgot about meeting the other two Valkyrie. The weeks just sort of continued on into the full swing of summer operations and heat. Alice continued to dominate on the track, pulling a large point lead over Carly and Wes. Who were within two points of each other and kept changing places as the season continued on.

Even at this point there were still people who thought Alice would not continue on at the pace she was currently at. The little mouse really didn't listen to those people, only those that supported her efforts. Her consistent winning along with previous victories had started snowballing her fame to greater heights. Jenny, Harley and Nodrog kept Alice firmly grounded, although Alice was pretty grounded herself.

Actually all of the people Alice knew, shrugged off her fame and continued to treat her as they always had. Because Alice continued to be her likable self. Although Alice was a little bummed about missing out on field work. Stacy had sent her a picture from the savanna of her and Jim out near some elephants.

For everyone things had settled back into, well almost back into pre Nodrog routine. There were of course hundreds of off world visitors, business men and women, government officials. Even Roslyn had a fairly set schedule for the first time in a long time.

It was late July when Mianth came calling again. She had a ship with her on this trip since it was also a scheduled staff change. The Velopians still had trouble being away from home for lengthy stretches. The cute little water dragon was in uniform as she stood in Marko's office. Though the only stand out thing about her uniform was the three titanium bars signifying that she had been promoted in rank; and an odd eight pointed star. It looked like two intertwined squares, one square pewter and the other titanium.

"You called for me?" Roslyn asked as she simply walked in without knocking.

Marko chuckled, while Tabbatha, Kitty and Catlin slightly scowled at her lack of formality. "I did. Star Commander Mianth has asked me to grant you a leave of absence for a few days."

Roslyn smiled. "I would appreciate a little more notice Star Commander... am I imagining things, or is there something different about you?"

Mianth giggled. "You would have to blame that miscommunication on your dragon. I told Nodrog to pass the message onto you three weeks ago. As for the other, I really can't say."

"Oh, I will be sure and take it up with that metal ass... Anyways I suppose this is about the meeting." Roslyn said.

"Indeed it is. We take off mid morning tomorrow." Mianth said.

Roslyn looked at Marko. "Can I assume you already granted my leave?"

"Of course, one does not turn down the request of a Queen." Marko said and handed Roslyn a slip of thick paper. "Your personal invitation."

It was one of the very rare moments, the other women got to see Roslyn blush slightly as she read the letter. It was in stunning penmanship written by Queen Freya herself and addressed specifically to Roslyn. In the brief, but friendly note, it explained the details of the meeting, and that the other two had been on the Amazon world already. Mainly so they would be able to learn a little more about themselves.

"If I am not needed further, I should go pack." Roslyn said and did not actually wait for an answer. She did not what them to see she was actually nervous about the whole thing. Plus she knew there was something different about Mianth, the little dragon looked the same, but seemed to have a much more noticeable presence.

"How can you let her get away with such insubordination?" Tabbatha asked.

Mianth still smiled. "That is just her nature. Some people simply do not accept that those in higher positions are better or superior to them."

"Indeed. She has been that way for as long as I have known her. Besides, she is one of the best pilots we have, I will excuse her... less than feminine charms." Marko chuckled.

"There are always people who do not bend to the will of others, the truth is the world and universe needs people like her. Blindly following someone like sheep does not a strong culture make. People like Roslyn can thrive in situations that others would simply give up in." Mianth said.

"That sounds a little like the voice of experience." Marko said as they headed down to meet with some of the new Velopian staff.

"It is. Going against what everyone thought was the best course of action is how I got my promotion and medal." Mianth said.

"I would be interested in hearing about that." Sherman said as he joined them. He smiled as she blushed and also noticed her much stronger presence. Sherman had a little more practice sensing magic, so he knew she was simply more powerful than before.

Sherman had asked mainly to be polite, since Nodrog had told him why he needed to be off world for a day or two. Yes she was considerably more powerful than before, but she was still the same in all other regards. Mianth was like Alice, Jenny and Stacy, simply too cute and likable to find any fault with them.

He was also impressed by her quick and decisive action, as Mianth told them a short version of the story. The new staff introductions went quickly, as a few were returning for a second tour. Thankfully the Velopians were getting used to the human anthro and hybrid humans enough that they were no longer afraid of Sherman or Marko. Mianth's presence was as always soothing to those around her, even if she herself was more noticeable. A point many were relieved to find out had not changed.

Roslyn was up early, as always was the case. She went for her morning run and ate breakfast at home. Which Nodrog had cooked for her while she was taking a shower.

"Part of me wants you there, but part of me is glad you cannot come." Roslyn said.

"It is something you need to do without me. They most likely remember me differently than they remember you. I was feared by most, you, they all loved." Nodrog said as he cleaned up the dishes. Since he would also be leaving shortly to help Alice with her continuing domination.

Roslyn thought it over. "I suppose you are right... Still mad at you for not telling me about the meeting."

"Sorry about that, too much on my mind." Nodrog said as Roslyn moved to the living room to put on her shoes.

"uh hu, like a few too many young ladies?" Roslyn teased.

Nodrog looked at her with a smirk. "You cannot fool me, I have seen were your eyes fall on Alice and Jenny especially."

"Especially Jenny, I swear that girl knows just what to do to get what she wants. At least when it comes to a little romp under the sheets." Roslyn said as she stood up.

"If I was you, I wouldn't worry about it." Nodrog said and grabbed both of their bags while Roslyn locked the door.

"Oh? And why is that?" Roslyn asked.

"You are the only one I have cooked for." Nodrog said with a grin.

"Mianth seems a little different, care to fill me in?" Roslyn asked as they walked.

Nodrog rubbed his chin as he thought. "Think of it in human terms as a growth spurt. However it has to do with her magical growth as opposed to physical growth."

"I follow that analogy." Roslyn said.

"Generally dragons and monsters gain magic slowly over decades and hundreds of years. Once an a while, one may get a sudden boon in power." Nodrog said. They were heading to the starship first. Then he would join the others to head out.

"I wonder if she would be willing to talk about it?" Roslyn said.

"If you asked her, I am sure she would. After all, she looks up to you." Nodrog said and chuckled at Roslyn's surprise.

"I don't think I am that admirable... I am not even a dragon." Roslyn said.

"True, but there are certain personality traits you have that she wishes she had. Like your steadfast belief in yourself and not accepting people in higher rank as being better than you. Along with all the things that made me want to save you, she wishes to emulate in part." Nodrog said.

"Flattery will only get you so far." Roslyn smirked.

"I know." Nodrog said and gave her a kiss. "Everything will be fine. Just relax and enjoy the trip."

"Wish Alice luck for me, though I know she doesn't need it." Roslyn took her bag from him to board the starship. It was not the battleship Mianth usually navigated, instead it was the biggest cargo ship the Velopians had. The usual navigator needed to take care of some personal issues, Mianth volunteered while the battleship underwent a refit and upgrade.

While the ship was different, the crew was just as well trained, courteous and friendly as any crew Roslyn had met. The cargo ship had more passenger quarters, making it more comfortable to take trips on. At this point the Velopians and humans had trade agreements in place, so cargo ships were making regular trips to and from earth.

Little technology traded hands but; spices, alcohol, tea, harvested barley and hops, and ingots of metal were all exchanged. After putting her bag in her quarters, Roslyn met with some of the other passengers on the observation deck. The cargo having already been unloaded or loaded yesterday.

With the necklace translator Roslyn had no problem talking to any of the other passengers or crew onboard. It would be the standard two day trip, since all ships still had to check in with the space station in the Amazon system first. The observation deck was directly above the ships' bridge with a nearly unobstructed view in any direction. By no means a luxury ship, it was noticeably more posh than the battleship or cutter Roslyn had traveled on before.

It also serviced as a sort of lounge or play area for off duty crew. There was a table game similar to pool, and a few tables for playing cards or other games. Actually Roslyn found the electronic jukebox interesting. It was rather fair sized and held a vast collection of music on it. Reading the band names and titles was difficult, but Roslyn found one of the other passengers liked the same kind of music. So in that regard the trip would be enjoyable and she would have someone to talk to during it.

Chapter.

The jump from earth to the station was of course flawless and effortless for Mianth. Who, did not even need to be in her true form to do it now. Which was the main reason for her volunteering to navigate the ship, she did not need special requirements to teleport the ships any more. There was a fair amount of cargo on the ship, along with passengers. Some of the cargo and passengers destination was the Amazon home world, from both Earth and the Velopian world. However even fully laden the cargo ship did not even need a navigator near as powerful of Mianth.

There were hundreds of ships, but they still needed very precise schedules and destinations. So careful planning went into ship routing, to keep them from backtracking or asking the dragons to expend too much energy. Which was why Roslyn and a few of the other passengers where onboard. The ship was going to the worlds they needed passage to, and it did not burden the shadows for the travel needs of so many mortals.

Roslyn was no longer mortal, but using the ships was encouraged to help others be at ease using them. Like the dozen humans also on the ship for the journey to either the Amazon world, or Velopian world. Plus Roslyn enjoyed taking the starships, since it allowed her to meet that many more people. Or in this case spend time talking with Mianth about a number of things. Including what happened to her and the changes Roslyn and others could sense but maybe not put into words.

"I am still getting used to it. I cannot just stand in the background at things and hide like I used to." Mianth said as they sat in the mess hall for dinner.

"Trust me I know how that feels." Roslyn said. Mianth had suggested a fish burger, it was a fish found on the Amazon world, and grew to several hundred pounds. The burger had an Amazon sweet hot sauce on it and was cooked to a perfect medium rare.

Mianth smiled as Roslyn dug into the fish burger. "I thought you would like it."

"This is fantastic. Do the Velopians eat like this all the time?" Roslyn asked.

"They do love their food and spirits. Navel food tends to be on the higher end since they do have trouble being so far from home." Mianth said.

"I think that is true of most races. Even we keep excellent chefs onboard our ships." An Amazon said who was sitting next to them.

"It makes sense. Nothing says home like a good meal." Roslyn chuckled.

The two days past by rather quickly, with the ship landing in the space port a little after noon local time. Someone was waiting for Roslyn to take her to the room she would be staying in during the couple days on the Amazon world. With her things situated in the room, Roslyn followed the young lady out to the garden. Where the Queen and Princess were waiting along with the two other Valkyrie.

One of the guards announced Roslyn and the young lady's arrival. The four stopped what they were doing and turned to look down the hallway. As Roslyn stepped into the light, the other two took a step back. Though she was not fully human and her hair the wrong color. Roslyn's other features were identical to her old self. The way she walked, her lovely yet piercing gaze, and of course the raven black wings said without a doubt, she was Rose the Iron Raven.

Just her presence alone said a considerable amount about her. The other Valkyrie remembered her and their previous lives so long ago. Standing in front of Roslyn was a beautiful young Amazon woman with white wings and curly light brown hair; and a very young Velopian deer with white wings and very pale blond hair. Both of whom started to kneel.

"No, you don't have to do that..." Roslyn blushed slightly as she took one of their hands to pull them up. "I am Rose, but that was a long time ago."

They both hesitated, but stood back up once again. "The name I go by now is Roslyn White."

Dagger placed a hand on Roslyn's shoulder. "Allow me to introduce you to, Sarnia Taulk." At this the young Amazon bowed slightly. "And Tera Lightsong." The young Velopian bowed clearly a bit more awestruck and nervous than the Amazon.

Roslyn smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"Yes, and it is so good to know I am not alone." Tera said softly. Roslyn did not think the girl was even of age yet. Since she was slender for even a Velopian. So getting a drink with them would likely be out of the question. Still a part of her felt better meeting the two of them.

"I admit, I thought you would have been a little taller after hearing some stories." Sarnia said and smiled as Roslyn laughed.

"Truth be told I did have some rather powerful backup when I awoke." Roslyn said.

"The Iron Dragon... I am surprised he is not with you." Tera said in her soft spoken manor.

"I am a little as well." Freya added as a few male servants brought out tea and some cake and cookies.

Roslyn looked away. "He thought it best if I came alone... Since he believes his presence would have potentially brought back more troubling memories."

Freya and Dagger steered the subject away from the dragon as they sat on a large blanket in the garden to talk and enjoy a light snack. Roslyn told the two young ladies about herself as she is now, and asked that they tell her about who they are, not who they used to be.

Sarnia was actually working as a first mate on one of her families' fishing boats. Tera was a musician and while of the age of consent, she was still too young to drink alcohol on most worlds. The cake and cookies were delightful, though they only made Roslyn hungrier. The tea was sweat but not overtly so, rather refreshing on the warm summer day.

Freya did have to take off early to take care of other things, plus her sister paid more attention in history class than she did. So Dagger spent the rest of the day with the three Valkyrie. They ate dinner with the royal family and a few other prominent Amazons, some Roslyn had met before when she was given the sword.

After dinner they found themselves in a room for less serious affairs joined by a handful of other Amazons and Mianth. It had the same feel as the hall they had the ceremony in when Roslyn, Mianth and Jenny were all given their awards. Though this setting was a bit more informal and involved more clothing.

After a little persuading they got the rather shy Velopian to play the harp that was setting in the room. The young woman was astonishingly talented and the room fell silent as Tera played the harp while she and Mianth sang a song together. It was a beautiful harmony as the two had very similar voices. Tera was an exceptional harpist, turns out she was rather famous on a few worlds. Mianth must also have been nervous as the pleasant aroma of mian lilies drifted around the room.

A few of the gathered women had at least heard of Tera Lightsong, which was why they had wanted to hear her play. The twenty year old Velopian was musically gifted and had a soft, yet beautiful voice. Roslyn was held captive by her and Mianth's song, it gently pulled you in and held you. It certainly soothed one's soul, putting those listening at ease.

When it was time to retire for the evening, most found they wanted to hear more. Roslyn lay down and quickly drifted off to sleep quickly. The two young ladies' voices lulling her to a very restful sleep.

Morning came and Roslyn stretched feeling better than she had in a while. She did not know what was planned for today or even the next couple days. So she brought her gym clothes with her and put them on to at least get a run in before breakfast. One of the very tall guards was out at the end of the hall and was more than happy to show Roslyn where she could work out.

Unlike Jenny, Roslyn could keep her eyes and mind off of the bronze skinned goddess walking next to her. They talked about a few things along the way to the palace gym. Where Roslyn found out she would be sharing the facility with Beatrice early this morning.

"Good morning. I trust your room was acceptable." Beatrice said as she sat down after doing her third set of pull ups.

"Good morning. My room is very nice, I feel a bit spoiled." Roslyn set her water bottle down to figure out what should be a treadmill.

"Any lesser would just not due for our honored guests." Beatrice said and walked over to Roslyn. "The green and red is power; the yellow, speed and the blue, incline."

Roslyn chuckled. "Thank you. I usually run outside, so I am not familiar with these on my own world."

"Unfortunately, we had to do away with some of the outdoor facilities for security and expansion reasons. So what do you think of them?" Beatrice asked.

"I wasn't sure what to expect... Sarnia seems like she is a fine young woman with a solid career ahead of her. Tera, well she is a lot younger than I was thinking. She is also an unlikely person to be a Valkyrie." Roslyn said.

Beatrice laughed, clearly confusing Roslyn. "That is not what I meant. I am not their mother, or teacher. I want to know what this part of you thinks of them." Beatrice said and pointed to Roslyn's heart.

"I feel a strong bond to them, like I have known them their entire lives." Roslyn said as she jogged along at a brisk pace.

"I see. From our vague archives, Rose was a stickler for command." Beatrice said.

"I was... no she was. I am Rose, but I am still Roslyn. I don't want what Rose wanted." Roslyn said firmly.

"I still need to finish up, half an hour enough time for you to run? That will give us time to clean up before breakfast." Beatrice said.

"Plenty of time, thank you." Roslyn said.

Roslyn got in a solid run before heading back to her room for a shower and to get dressed. It was a little odd walking beside the former Queen of an entire race, who was acting as a tour guide. Still the palace was gigantic, nearing the size of Marko's headquarters. Granted the palace had considerable more fire power and a very active space port.

Actually the most unsettling was having people bow to her and not just because the queen was next to her. Roslyn had left the Queen's Blade in her apartment on display, while it might be light years away, people still knew she had it. Despite the height difference, Roslyn was not a small women even next to the typhoon. Her own presence was hard to ignore, even next to the typhoon.

Roslyn noticed the Velopian cargo vessel rising on the far end of the port. Mianth would be taking the ship to the Minotaur world for a short stop before heading for home. While she could keep her mind off the Amazons, the cute little dragon did stray into it from time to time. Something else Roslyn blamed on Jenny, since the cat girl and little dragon had similar figures.

Breakfast was a rather large meal, with plenty of things Roslyn wanted to try. Part way through it Tera accidentally split some cherry like tart filling on her shirt. "Its only tart filling something wrong?"

Roslyn had gone rather pale. "Oh god... not now. I don't want to remember that." She pushed back from the table and made it four steps before collapsing to her hands and knees in a cold sweat. "I don't want to remember that!"

Eons ago. The fall of the Valkyrie and death of the Iron Dragon.

Rose held the wounded girl in her arms, her shirt stained with blood. The pale blond haired woman had come to deliver a message, except she ended up being the message. They had been fighting countless skirmishes for months now with an unknown enemy. The wounded young woman had found out who was behind it.

"Glados, she did not turn her back on us... She turned against us." The young woman said softly as the crimson stain slowly grew larger.

"Rest now, I will get you to a healer." Rose said and easily carried the slender Valkyrie. She shouted orders to get people moving, they needed a plan, and a solid back up plan. There was only one person she could ask for help from, but he was Glados' iron right hand.

"Ma'am, reports are coming in from our western flank, they cannot hold out much longer without aid." Katrina said as she caught up to Rose.

"Damn it all, tell them to fall back, and sabotage everything." Rose said. She handed the young woman to the first healer she saw. "Take care of her, quickly now. She knows who our enemies are."

"Yes ma'am." The healer said and quickly hurried off.

Rose met with her most trusted officers in the war room. It was deep in the heart of the castle. They did not take the news well, however they all agreed there was only one person they could call on for help.

As if summoned by their thought alone, the Iron Dragon appeared in the war room. Standing seven foot tall in his false form, Nodrog was an imposing figure. It was impossible to hide his wings, tail or horns. He was wearing dark iron plate and chain armor. While he had a slight tan, the only real color about him no matter his form was his cobalt blue eyes. Many Valkyrie found him handsome and were a little jealous that Rose had won his metal heart.

They told him everything they knew, and what the young Valkyrie had discovered. The powerful warriors were baffled as to what they had done to have Glados turn on them. As far as anyone knew they were doing everything she had asked of them.

"You do not believe me do you?" Rose asked and crossed her arms.

"I know Glados has her oddities, but you are her most treasured creations. It does not make sense." Nodrog said.

"Take him to see her. He will know if what she said is true." One of the Valkyrie offered.

Nodrog would not get the chance too, for when they turned down the hall to the infirmary, it was gone. A perfect sphere had simply vanished, taking everyone and thing with it. Stunned onlookers could be seen gathered by the edge.

While the Valkyrie speculated, Nodrog clenched his hands into fists. Very few knew that kind of magic, and he had certainly not attacked them. He turned to look at the women before him. "Rose, order an evacuation. Have all of the Valkyrie you can reach evacuate to the Iron Maw."

"Glados really has forsaken us, hasn't she?" Rose asked.

"Yes, and I am going to find out why." Nodrog growled. He pulled out a flask, opened it and turned it over. Out of the flask flowed quick silver, he placed a palm on the floating liquid and it turned into a solid mirror.

"Wolf and Panther General, put the Maw on high alert. The Valkyrie are on their way in mass evacuation." Nodrog said to the male werewolf and female werepanther looking at him through the mirror.

"What is going on?" The werepanther asked.

"Glados is behind the attacks on the Valkyrie." Nodrog said.

"We will make sure that the Valkyrie get here safely. Anything else?" The werewolf asked.

"Yes keep a sharp eye out for void bringer magic." Nodrog growled and with a wave returned the quick silver to the flask.

Rose and Serenity accompanied Nodrog to the council chambers that had been established for the fledgling monster council. The Valkyrie did not know what to think, the members were either frightened of them, or only afraid because of him.

"I see my most faithful servant has brought in two of the traitors." Glados mused from her position safely behind the council.

"Traitors? You have attacked them without provocation." Nodrog growled.

"Read them the charges." Glados said.

Rose and Serenity could not believe the garbage they were hearing. The Valkyrie had never done any of those things. Nodrog cut off the elf who was reading and silenced Rose and Serenity before they could speak.

"Why were these claims not brought to my attention? Unless they are completely false." Nodrog said.

"That is none of your concern, now hand them over." Glados said.

"I will do no such thing. While you created them, they are military in order and culture, therefore, they fall under my jurisdiction. I will be more than happy to investigate each claim." Nodrog said and smiled when Glados momentarily lost her temper.

The crowd, council and Valkyrie flinched as Glados hurled a golden spear at Nodrog. It never touched him of course, it stopped in mid air just a foot away from him. "I do not believe that was necessary, or did you forget all earth and shadow bow to me?" Nodrog chuckled and the golden lance turned to harmless golden leafs that gently floated to the ground.

"You dare defy me?" Glados said, a slight tremble in her voice.

"Apparently so, let it be known the Valkyrie came to me for council, and were denied rights this council is supposed to provide." Nodrog said firmly.

"You will hand them over or I will take them." Glados said, moving out into the open clearly to threaten them.

Nodrog chuckled and smiled. "Well, you can try." With that he turned and walked out with Rose and Serenity close behind. The iron dragon made sure as many Valkyrie could make the journey to his keep.

The Iron Maw was a city fortress that took up nearly the entire side of a volcano. It was home to several million, all of whom were trained in all manner of war. It had every available technology and magic at its disposal. It could hold off invaders for years if need be.

Rose knew the real power in the Maw was the eight generals under Nodrog's command. No two were alike, save in their varying humanoid appearance. A couple were elementals and a few were simply very powerful creatures. They answered only to Nodrog, and despite their tremendous ability and strength, none was equal to the Iron Dragon.

She was the maiden of battle, he was the dragon god of war. While Rose may lack some of the magic of the generals, she was one of, if not the most skilled warrior living. There was no weapon that she could not wield, no artillery she could not fire. So to many it was fitting that the Iron Raven be the bride of the Iron Dragon.

The enemy came, as they all knew it would. The very large Pure Dragon leading them. So the colossal Iron Dragon went out alone to meet them.

"I will give you one more chance." Glados bellowed.

"And I will ask you to reconsider. The Valkyrie have never and would never do as you have claimed." Nodrog snarled back at her.

Rose and Serenity stood next to the generals as they watched from inside the heavily fortified fortress. They were unafraid even if the Pure Dragon was leading their enemy. However there was pause mainly in shock as a sinister black light formed in Nodrog's throat.

With little warning the Iron Dragon simply scorched an eighth of Glados' forces from existence. The Pure Dragon retaliated and so did both sides of the conflict. Glados had came for a short conflict and brought every siege weapon not inside the Iron Maw.

The iron colossus smashed the weapons as quickly as he could and still keep Glados from using her magic. It would only take one fair sized breach in the walls to start tipping the battle into the invaders favor. Both sides knew that, and did everything to break the walls or shore them up.

While those lesser beings had to eventually rest, for even a short while. The two dragons continued their vicious fight for hours and then days. It was on the sixth day when the tide of the war started to tip. Nodrog had spent a great deal of magic energy to hold off the legions and try to subdue Glados.

Along several sections where his metal scale plates met, in the twilight hour everyone could see a red glow. The heat from his body was nearly as oppressive as the lava flowing under the city. Glados herself was having to keep her distance, she was not any sort of elemental and that made fighting him all the harder.

Glados was prepared for black light, and concentrated on focusing all of her might into spell reflection. Not to protect herself or her army, but to keep it from even leaving his mouth. Though she did take a step back as even knowing what she was doing, he continued to charge it.

It was a test of will, could she maintain the spell longer than his body could contain it. One of them was going to die, there was no other outcome now. As the sun started setting the glowing cracks in Nodrog's scales split a little wider as black light became over charged and unstable. Bands of the powerful magic shot out from the cracks tearing Nodrog apart from the inside.

Everyone turned away as the dark magic exploded killing Nodrog, thousands and thousands of Glados' troops... and breached the city's walls. Instead of the invaders rushing the city, those in the city poured out like a flood slaughtering anything in their path. Rose and the generals charged at Glados only to have several dragontaur rush to her defense. There would likely never be a single conflect that would rival this one in the loss of life and blood spilled.

Rose held onto her broken and bleeding left arm, the only Valkyrie still alive, and the only one now standing against Glados. The generals, the legions of the Maw, all of her Valkyrie companions lay dead on the blood drenched field. Six long days of bloodshed, and only she remained.

"Any last words, worm?" Glados sneered as those on her side surrounded the lone Valkyrie.

Rose glared up at her creator. "Some day, I will kill you."