Igac's strike seemed to stun the skybound monolith for a moment. Then the next he found himself caught in its slimy embrace, followed by the crew of 3121. They kicked and squirmed, shouting threats and cursed as it tore their weapons away, sprouting more eyes to look them over.

While it's grip was firm, they felt no pain, and were grateful for the lack of sudden digestion. It held them close to its countless pupils, some no larger than pinpoints.

They heard a crunching and tearing of metal as it peeled their lighter-than-air fighter apart, curiously examining every bolt and wire.

"Well?" Igac snorted as he stared defiantly back into the great eye. "What's your opinion on it now, Bakshep?"

"It hasn't harmed us yet," the scientist's voice barely above a whisper. "It seems more curious than anything else... for now."

"Everyone talks about how rational and intelligent scientists are," the mage growled scornfully. "Obviously they've never met a scientist in their life. You're just morons of a different breed. Everyone learns from your mistakes."

Bakshep's ears dropped a bit. That stung. It was true as well. What was going to happen once it was finished examining them and their equipment?

"Now," Igac continued. "My gleam had an effect on it. Which means it can be harmed by our battleships if need be. I might be able to free us by slicing these tentacle apart. Then we can... ah."

The grip tightened around him and he found himself pulled closer to the great eye that peered unblinking into his soul.

"I see," the mage grinned, baring his sharp saberteeth. "You can understand us now. Well, hear this then. You had better put my soldiers and my friends back safely upon the ground. The Medley will not be happy if you harm a single hair upon our heads."

It didn't appear to have a way to respond, but he felt the grip loosen.

"And if we're mad, then I know someone who is even madder at you," he went on, his voice rising with each word. "Someone who held the moon at bay. Who dug the Well of the Magi, who constructed mountains as barriers against raging storms. Who has lead us and taught us for centuries. Entire army's have surrendered at the sight of him, kings have fallen dead from terror."

Suddenly, the air became very still, and the clouds seemed to vanish over the horizon in an instant. The multitude of eyes turned away and seemed to peer at a single point far away.

"And he's coming for his own," Igac grinned as he felt a distinct tremor in the thing's grip as the pressure surrounding them increased with an awesome power.

---

Got something big planned :)

Enjoy!