"I guess this is the end of the line." Arianna stared into the distance as if she were in a trance.
"Let's scout it out," Caleb placed a hand on her shoulder, snapping her out of it.
"Carefully," Skyler reminded as they progressed.
They crept through dilapidated villages and sparse, dead fields - all that remained of the kingdom.
        When they reached the edge of the trees, they stopped and stared at a huge wall. It was made of thick vines covered in thorns the size of a sword blade. They twisted around and through each other. It was congested with imps stationed high and low on the barrier. Shadewing circled the fortified building above.   
        Suddenly, the Helix, which Skyler had named Lilac, flipped her fur over to tar black scales, hopped off Skyler's shoulder, and sprouted two leathery wings that matched its scales. She took flight and soared into the horde of Shadewing.
"What is she doing?" Arianna whispered.
"She's trying to get a look inside the wall." Skyler explained.
         At that moment, a Shadewing dove and smacked Lilac out of the sky.
"They must have noticed her size," Caleb resolved as Skyler crept as close as she dared to the wall.
         Suddenly, Arianna dashed out, caught Lilac, and shouted. "RUN!"
Racing through the woods, they didn't stop until they were almost all the way back where they had started.
         Lilac hung limply in Arianna's arms. The group sand into thicker brush as an army of imps crested the hill. Scanning the area, the imps searched the hill meticulously, finally giving up when they couldn't find the intruders.
        Lilac awoke.
        They quietly snuck back through the trees and out of the foothills.
"That wall must have been made by Nymphs," Arianna said, breaking the silence.
"But Nymphs are creatures of light," Skyler objected.
"Well, what else could have grown that?" Arianna asked.
"Whatever the explanation," Caleb interrupted. "We'll need help to take that fortress."
They had Skyler find out what Lilac had seen. "There are all types of fallen creatures, almost every kind of dark creature, and," Skyler sucked in a breath, "creatures of light that appear to have been turned dark."
"Yep." Arianna agreed, after getting over the shock of the statement. "Definitely going to need a LOT of help."
"Well, how do we find help when we don't know where anyone is?" Caleb wondered.
"You just ask," replied a voice from the trees, making them all jump.
"Who are you?" Arianna's eyes darted from tree to tree.
          A branch moved as a leopard jumped to the ground.
"You're trying to take down Ronan, correct?" it purred.
"Yes." Arianna hesitated.
"Than I'm a friend," it responded.
"Why should we trust you," Skyler accused.
          "A fair questions." The leopard admitted, "I could be a spy, but would a spy show you where to find an army to combat him?"
"Probably not." Skyler confessed.
"Then, do you trust me?" it asked.
"Not fully." Arianna replied.
"Wise choice." The leopard said. "You shouldn't trust anyone fully."
"What's your name?" Caleb inquired.
"Ren." it responded. "Now, we should leave before our enemy finds us. Will you follow me?"
"Alright," Arianna agreed, after a brief discussion with the others.
        "This way then," Ren disappeared into the trees.
————
They followed Ren for many miles before the leopard stopped. They were in a clearing with tall grass brushing against their hips.
"Here we are," Ren announced a little louder than necessary.
"There's no one here." Skyler scanned the area.
"Well of course not." Ren chuckled as if it were obvious. "You have to prove that you are friends."
"Okay." Arianna stepped forward. "Whoever is listening, please, we need your help. We are trying to siege Ronan's strong hold, but we need your help to do it." There was no answer. "Please!" She cried in desperation. "He killed my father and kidnapped their mothers. We don't want to hurt you, we just need creatures who are willing to fight." The silence that followed was unbearable.
"Please, we have reason to believe that creatures of light are being turned dark." Skyler pleaded, "This isn't just about us anymore, we need help."
"Do you think we are oblivious to the pain that Ronan has caused?" A strong male voice resounded through the trees. A wolf emerged from the shadows. It had a large scar slanting across its left eye. "Our tribe has lost almost all our citizens to Ronan and his dark magic. So many animals turned to darkness right in front of me, including my son."
         "I'm sorry." Caleb consoled.
"We grieve your loss as well." Arianna approached the wolf.
"Your apology and your condolences are accepted." The wolf allowed Arianna to place a comforting hand on his back. "I cannot keep expecting the past to provide answers for our present problem."
"If you aid us, we will do all we can to help your son," Arianna offered.
"You see these four as friends." He turned to address Ren.
"Yes sir." Ren replied. "One even risked its life to see inside the wall."
"Well, if Ren considers you friends, so shall I." He pulled away from Arianna's hand. "I am Teran - chief of the tribe of talking animals, or what's left of it. Now, which one of you saw the inside?"
        Lilac jumped off of Skyler's shoulder and scurried up to Teran.
         "Ah, what did you find out little one?" A long silence followed with only a few curt nods from Teran. "Thank you."
"Did you just..." Skyler was cut off by Lilac's quick nod.
Caleb giggled. "I guess you're not the only one she trusts anymore."
"I was never the ONLY one she trusted. Just the only one in our group." Skyler gave Caleb a warning look.
"Riiiiiiight." Caleb stretched the word out unnecessarily. That earned him a punch in the shoulder from Skyler.
"Would you two cut it out," Arianna's tone was stern, leaving no room for argument. She had always held an air of authority. The two grew silent. "Can you lend us any aid?"
"Yes, but not enough," Teran growled in anger. "I will not allow the women and children to fight. If the men fall, they must rebuild the village."
"Any number of soldiers you can give will be appreciated."
"Then follow me. It's time to meet your army." Teran started for the trees with the three children and the Helix in close pursuit.
————
Eventually, they reached a clearing sizable enough to hold a large company. The field was crowded with all types of animals.
"I bring visitors that wish to overthrow Ronan." This drew the creatures into attention. "Those willing to fight against him, please step forward."
          Squirrels, wolves, eagles, warthogs, porcupines, wild cats, and many other animals stepped forward to be acknowledged. Arianna noticed the fairly large group of animals that stayed back, slightly hidden in the trees.
           Teran turned back to the group. "Here are your soldiers they will join you in the battle along with myself."
"But..." Skyler protested.
"No, I will not stand for objection. I will join you."
Skyler gave up the argument. "Thank you for your cooperation and your help."
        Arianna spoke up, "I hope no sacrifices are made in vain."
"Now, where can we find some more help?" Caleb cut in.