Arkain bows respectfully to Axel. "Crystal's body guard. It is a honor to meet you Axel." Arkain smiles. "Axel, you have not failed in your duties. You stepped up when Crystal needed help. You escaped and got past the succubus and her guards and found us. That was no easy task. He nods and puts his hand on his shoulder. " I understand. I have a plan to help Crystal and your help will be the key for this to work Alex. He glares at the rat. "Hummmm, He can't huh? So he's still under the succubus' control which means she may be able hear our  plans through the him. Can't have that. Tail!" His tail swings  around and opens wide. It quickly clomps over the rats entire body and closes around him. His tail lifts the rat up and it swallows using gravity in its favor it completely swallows down the rat into its tail sack in one gulp. "OK. Its safe to talk now."<br/><br/>He looks down at Gold and sees he is still recovering.. He lays his tail on him so he can make a connection with him so he will also hear his plan. "Time is not on our side. I can feel the energy build from the alignment of the planets. We have to move fast. A frontal assault will take too much time to succeed but it will create an excellent diversion. This is what I am thinking. Gold and Wendy, you two are the strongest. I need you to launch an attack on the castle walls. Make it convincing. We need them to put all their focus on protecting the castle walls. Axel, you know the lay out of the castle, right? There has to be a secret entrance to the castle, There almost always is. With the succubus busy with protecting the front. You and I will sneak in and free the others guards then we can find Crystal and free her hopefully before Lord Xeron gains full power. I am certain Crystal is the key to defeating Lord Xeron but I have the strangest feeling there is another key element that is needed for Crystal to find her power." He scratches his chin then looks at the others. "What do you all think? "<br/><br/>When you come into the great hall the light is dominated by the light from his crystal on his staff. The light  appears colder and more ominous. The power emanating from it is becoming so strong it can be felt as you get closer to Lord Xeron.  When Lord Xeron sees Crystal  an evil grin forms on Lord Xeron's face.  He can see by the blank look on her face the succubus has to use a mind wipe to be able to control Crystal's mind. He does a psychic check to make sure. "Hummm. I see."  He gestures for her to approach him. He puts his large paw under her chin. "Too bad it had to be this way. I would have enjoyed breaking you but we want your people to know you are happy and safe. It will make controlling their minds much easier. Perhaps say, later, in front of your parents. Yes, I like that idea. Now, sit at my side my soon to be wife." He guides her over to the queens chair and has her sit in it.<br/><br/>Lord Xeron glares at the succubus. "Save your apologies succubus. I have already fixed your mess and I made him Captain of the Guards. If you weren't so focused toying with Crystal you would have know that. You aren't loosing your edge are you Succubus?" He glares gets more intense like his going to punish you but he doesn't. " I have sensed that dragon you tried to use against them has fully been recovered then I lost contact. They found your spy. No matter.  I had our new Captain summon all guards and citizens to protect the castle walls. They think their precious Crystal is in danger from them. They will do anything to protect her including die for her. You ARE going to make sure they do not fail me, right Succubus?" He sits back gripping his staff. The crystal glows brighter. The blue skies start to take on a look cold and gray look. " My new powers are almost at their peak. We must complete the ceremony. Call the minister now and get some of her worthless subjects to be witnesses. Everything must ready. We are so close."