Chapter 26
The funerals were slow and sad. The day that they were held was scorching hot, not a cloud was visible in the sky. Kindra spoke for each person that had died. She wore a heavy, black mourning gown and a black veil with red roses delicately woven through it. Her dark hair was plaited beautifully, though it did nothing to guard her against the heat. She was tired and occasional waves of dizziness swept through her, but she refused to allow herself to rest before the funerals were through.
There were separate graves for the dead soldiers, and a mass grave for the unknown individuals that had died in the fire, none would be given a preferential funeral, but none would be ignored. Kindra had a long speech prepared for those poor souls, which fluttered dully in a hot breeze that rolled through. She swayed on the raised platform as she spoke and the dead were lowered into their various graves.
Finally, it was time for the funeral services to end, and she, followed in order by Park, Calder, William, Max, lesser nobles, and finally the peasants took a scoop of the soil sitting on the lip of the graves and sprinkled it on the wrapped bodies. Slowly the graves were filled, and finally it was time to go home. “So, what are your plans now?” She asked, turning towards them, though her eyes touched to William she was addressing them all.
“Well, I’ve still got to get my men home and hold their funerals.” Calder said sadly, “My people are waiting to hear news of the battle, alas I’ve held off on going so that I could attend the funerals of these that died before I attended the funerals of my own men.”
“We will come with you for the funerals.” Park said, “It is only right to honor the dead that served us so loyally.”
“Afterwards we’ve got a search to begin.” William said, glancing over at Park, “For the Princess of Meritates, Raven.”
“I thought that the princess died in the fires?” Kindra asked.
“It’s been suggested that she was kidnapped.” Park said, “We’ll be searching thoroughly for her.”
“I wish you luck in your search.” Kindra said, pausing dramatically, “In fact, I’ll accompany you.” She finished in a commanding tone that didn’t offer room for argument, though Park tried anyway.
“But you’ve got a country to rule!” He exclaimed, “We can’t just ask you to give up your time to help us in what might be a foolhardy journey.”
“Ha- You won’t get rid of me that easily!” Kindra said firmly, sticking out her jaw in stubbornness, “You won’t be able to slip away without me, either because I’m going to the funerals in Sias with you.”
“But-” Max started.
“But nothing.” Kindra stated firmly, “We leave within the hour.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The men said bowing their heads in defeat.
Chapter 27
True to her word, Kindra was fully ready in less than an hour and even had the carriage prepared to take them to Sias. It took a single exchanged look between Park and Max to notice that there was a certain flare between Kindra and William. “I claim the dragon!” Max voiced loudly, “Guess that leaves William to ride with her majesty, Kindra.” He gave a lopsided grin.
“Wha- but…” William spluttered, blushing lightly.
“Sorry, William.” Park gave a disappointed sigh, “But mine doesn’t seem to like either you or Max very well at the moment.”
“Oh come on, don’t be such a pansy.” Kindra muttered, grabbing his hand and forcing him into the carriage before her.
Park and Max shared a chuckle before climbing onto their dragons, and the party started out, Calder’s army trailing behind them, and Kindra’s royal guard circling the carriage protectively. “Well, things appear to be moving smoothly.” Calder grinned boyishly, “I’d say it’s a safe bet that we can have a little… fun.”
“What kind of fun?” Park asked, quirking an eyebrow.
“I think it’s high time you two learned to understand your dragons.” He said, running his fingers through his hair, “Meaning you will need to communicate better with them.”
“And how do you suggest we do that?” Max asked curiously.
“There should be a fold below their left ears.” Calder said, “Lift the flesh and touch the tips of your fingers to them and close your eyes. You will feel the bond forming.”
Both brothers did as they were told, releasing surprised gasps as they felt the dragons’ minds reaching out to their own. My name is Mauve. Park’s dragon whispered in a soft, feminine voice, I am glad that we can finally speak.
My name is Park…He replied back in a rather uncertain tone.
Do not be afraid, this bond was meant to be created, otherwise it would never have been. Her laughter came as several soft barks, you are my bonded, Park.
Oh? He said, understanding dawning on him.
My name is Emerald, young master. Max’s dragon spoke gently into his mind in a slightly masculine voice. You and I were meant to be bonded, do not fear the connection. Strengthen it, become one with me and we shall be invincible.
I like the sound of that. Max muttered with a grin, my name’s Max, glad to meet you Emerald.
Emerald grinned toothily and thrust his wings out, hovering higher than both Park and Calder were before swooping down at a fast rate in a nearly vertical manner. It tilted skyward just before hitting the ground and released a roar of joy, which caused Mauve to circle him, nuzzling him gently in adoration. “Hey, Max, do you think-” Park started.
“Yes.” Max said simply, already knowing what Park was going to ask, “They do indeed seem to be in love...”
Chapter 28
The trees grew closer together after she exited the marsh and the insects weren't nearly as bothersome, but the throaty voices of scavengers was rough upon her ears. Occasionally one of them would swoop down and nip at her face, in which she promptly lashed out and hit them roughly with her uninjured fist, "Stupid things..." She muttered in frustration,
"I'm not dead you know."
The birds merely released angered screeches and flitted into the trees above her head, following her every movement with hungry black eyes. Raven shuddered at the thought of her corpse being picked at by scavenger birds like that and redoubled her speed, not wanting to be there a moment longer. She sidestepped trees with mild ease, occasionally looking over her shoulder for the hungry birds.
When Raven's foot met with nothing but air, she looked down and saw some distance below her, thickly dispersed trees with a small stream running through them. She gasped and made to step backwards, but the ground beneath her firmly placed foot shuddered and broke, sending her plummeting over the edge of the cliff. Her voice stuck in her throat, clutching in terror at her heart, which beat faster and faster the further she fell, the closer she got to the ground below.
Her body hit the nearly vertical surface of the cliff wall, sending a shower of rock fragments and hardened dirt ahead of her and revealing the thin tendrils of tree roots, which she grasped at to try and slow and stop her fall. They broke beneath her fingers, and the rate at which she moved scraped the flesh off of her fingers as she scrabbled for some sort of hold.
At one point she grabbed hold of a large, protruding rock, and for a moment her fall was stopped, before there was a creaking and cracks appeared around the rock, before it slipped out, hitting her leg painfully before speeding past her and down into the awaiting trees. The force of the rock spun her around, and again she hit the rough surface of the cliff. Finally, in a near daze, she descended through the trees.
Branches snapped and showered around her, breaking her fall somewhat. She released a soft moan as she rolled off of a particularly thick branch, her hands not even able to move to grab at it. Raven slipped into a thick darkness as she hit the ground, the branches showering around her.
Chapter 29
Park stood near his dragon, saddling it as he prepared to head out for the search at last. His heart clenched at the thought of Raven still being alive, he wanted so badly to see her. The people of Sias had been so kind to give him a new saddle for Mauve, her old one was worn and crudely made, and she complained that it rubbed her scales the wrong way. So now she wore a soft, leather saddle that had pouches for rations and weapons, which meant that he didn't have to carry extra bags on his shoulders, and there was more room to maneuver in her saddle, not to mention that when she decided to do aero tactics, she wouldn't lose anything.
Thank you, Park. Mauve said gently, this saddle feels as though it is one with my scales, it is soft and doesn't irritate my scales or belly.
I'm glad. Park said as he climbed easily into the saddle. Max was already leaning against Emerald expectantly, and William and Kindra had been provided with dragons of their own, and had even been able to form bonds with them. Jasmyne, a young and energetic dragon the color of the sea had bonded with Kindra, and Chaos, a charismatic splash of colors, was bonded with William. Calder was also preparing his dragon, despite everything that Park and his brothers said to get him to stay behind, much like Kindra, he was too stubborn to just stay behind.
"Are we all ready then?" Park asked, turning to each of them in turn and receiving curt nods, "Alright then, let’s go!"
Mauve crouched down low and thrust herself high into the air above the other three dragons. She roared her excitement and climbed higher and higher into the air before closing her wings and spiraling back towards the ground, clipping Emerald playfully with her wing. He in turn chased after her, and the other two sped off ahead.
All four dragons playfully nipped at each other for hours, getting rid of their excess energy before calming down into their serious moods as the group started their skyward search.
From what Satul had said, they knew that she was in some sort of hut in a large, dark forest. Which meant they needed to do some careful searching.
"Do you think," Max started, getting the attention of the others, "That it would be wiser to split up to cover more ground?"
"That would be a good idea… except-" William started.
"How would we communicate with each other to say who covered what?" Park finished flatly.
"Communication
…" Max slapped his forehead, "I didn’t even think about that…"
That’s an easy one. Emerald muttered, Mauve, Jasmyne, Chaos and I share a psychic bond, as all dragons do. We can communicate with each other no matter how far away we are from one another.
Well, that information would have been useful earlier… Max replied.
We haven’t known each other for very long. Emerald said haughtily, you can’t expect us to reveal everything to you so soon. Some things you need to learn.
Chapter 30
After Max relayed Emerald’s message to the group, they agreed to split up into three groups. Despite the fact that they would be able to communicate with each other individually, Park wasn’t going to let any of the others go by themselves, despite the fact that he planned to search alone. Max and Calder were together, and William and Kindra. The three groups set off in their own directions to search for the missing princess.
“So… uh- why’d we have no say in how the groups were put together?” William muttered to Kindra after several long hours of awkward silence.
“Apparently your brothers are trying to get us together.” Kindra stated simply, blushing slightly, “But that’s okay, I don’t mind. I like you, William.”
“Really?” William’s eyes lit up, “Well, I like you too…”
“I’m glad.” Kindra smiled over at him, “I’m glad that I’ll have time to get to know you on this mission.”
William grinned happily, and Chaos chuckled into his head. Trying to mate with this woman? Chaos asked, you shouldn’t be so awkward. We dragons take the situation head on and duel over our women.
Humans and dragons don’t have the same laws. William muttered, blushing a deep red, I’m not trying to mate with her, either. I mean sure, I find her very attractive, kind, and smart, but I doubt that she really likes me that way…
You are young and do not understand very well the ways of this world. Chaos replied with a laugh, you will learn soon enough.
Hey now- William growled.
“William, look!” Kindra pointed to a tuft of smoke on the horizon, below them the forest stretched on, its trees growing more twisted the closer to the center that they got.
Ahead of them birds circled the air near a cliff, screaming bitterly and nipping at each other as they fought over who would get whatever had died. William shuddered, but ignored the birds, “Do you think that we’ve found it?” He asked.
“Only one way to find out.” Kindra replied, urging Jasmyne to move faster, and without hesitation she complied.
William nodded slowly, “We need to be careful.” He said as he urged Chaos to match her speed.
“I know that.” Kindra scoffed, “I’m not stupid. We can’t fly too close to the building though, we need to land a little distance away and sneak up to it so that we can look around.”
“That’s a good idea.” William said simply, “Where are we going to set down?”
“That spot looks good enough.” Kindra pointed to a relatively small clearing that looked like it would be just big enough for Chaos and Jasmyne to fit comfortably.
“Okay.” William said, drawing in a sharp breath as they descended rapidly.
Chaos landed with relative ease, and Jasmyne landed beside him and Kindra and William slipped to the forest floor. William settled himself to following Kindra into the trees, admiring her beauty from behind. “Stop!” Kindra hissed suddenly, leaping back towards him and tackling him to the ground.
“What was that for?” William blushed as he realized that he was beneath her.
“Vazem is going to be pissed…” A voice hissed, “That the girl escaped and tricked us with an illusion.”
“That’s why we’ve got to find her before he gets here. How far could she have possibly gotten?” Another voice scoffed.
“Are they talking about Raven?” William whispered, and Kindra immediately placed her hands over his mouth, though she nodded in uncertainty.
Soon the mysterious duo passed them by and William and Kindra were able to get up. “I think they were.” Kindra said, “We won’t be sure until we find her though. And if she’s escaped- that means that she could be anywhere in these woods.”
“They were coming from the direction of the building.” William said thoughtfully, “Which means that that was most likely the direction that Raven would have taken to escape. Meaning also that wherever she was being held captive was either facing this direction, or the door she escaped through was facing this direction.”
“Good deductions.” Kindra said, pointing to a faint set of tracks in the brush, “Those look like footprints, and they’re relatively small and leave a light imprint.”
“Are you a hunter?” William asked curiously.
“I usually like to go for big game, but I like to test my skills by following the trails of smaller animals as well.” Kindra replied simply.
“I used to hunt- before the siege and before we were forced to traverse the Hellbone and flee to Meritates.” William muttered, “I missed the trail, but now that I see it I think we can follow it with ease.”
“Yes, I believe we can…” Kindra said, “So you really went through the Hellbone?”
“Yes, now we’ve got to head out. If they find Raven before we do we may have a fight on our hands.” William said, starting off.
“If we find her before they do we may still have a fight on our hands.” Kindra replied.
“Good point.” William muttered as she followed him, and the duo began to follow the trail.
Chapter 31
The trail all but vanished once they entered a marsh, its mucky bottom sucking at their feet and threatening to suck them under. “Where to now?” William muttered, searching for any signs that perhaps Raven had traveled through the marsh.
“Well, we’re about halfway through right now.” Kindra stated,
“We can either turn around and see if perhaps we made a mistake as to where the trail led, or we can keep going and attempt to pick up the trail on the other side.”
“Do you really think that she went straight?” William asked uncertainly, “What if she turned in another direction?”
“Oh come on William- would anybody want to walk in this disgusting marsh longer than was absolutely necessary?” Kindra asked.
“No… I guess not.” William muttered, as their feet began to rise closer to the marsh’s surface, they were nearing the other side at last.
“You go that way and I’ll go this way.” Kindra said, “So that we can cover more ground and waste less time searching for her trail.”
“Okay.” William replied, running off in the opposite direction while keeping his eyes trained on the ground, “Over here!” He said a few minutes later when he caught sight of the light footprints once more.
Kindra raced over immediately and they continued on, the trees getting thicker and especially brave birds swooping down to peck at and examine them. William forced them all away when he picked up a large stick and hit a few. “You okay?” He asked Kindra, who had a few minor cuts.
“I’m fine.” She replied, waving him off as he attempted to wipe at the small stream of blood on her cheek, “Let’s just keep going, this is exceedingly creepy.”
William agreed and they kept moving, hardly paying attention to their feet. His heart dropped when one foot met nothing but air and he leapt backwards, aided by Kindra who had immediately tugged on his arm when he’d stepped out of the safety of the wood and into the dangerous possibility of a deadly drop. They fell backwards, knocking the air out of themselves and for a few seconds they were left panting in each other’s arms, “Do you think she’s… down there?” William asked slowly when he’d regained his composure and managed to look down at the trees below.
“Only one way to find out,” Kindra stated. Jasmyne, William and I need you and Chaos; we’re near that cliff we passed before…
It took a moment, but finally Jasmyne’s faint, sleepy reply came, we’re on our way. She said softly, and then grew silent again.
Both Kindra and William looked up as the dull thud of wings pervaded their senses, and they saw the two dragons floating down to them from above the clouds. Immediately they climbed onto the backs of their dragons and pointed downward. We need to go down into the trees. William said.
We won’t be able to land there. Chaos said, we need a large clearing so we won’t tear our wings and can get up into the air again.
Okay, William replied, “Kindra, look for a big clearing.”
She simply pointed to the nearby river; its banks were rocky, but otherwise more than large enough to land the two dragons. The two descended, and William and Kindra set off at last, back towards the cliff that had nearly claimed them.
Chapter 32
"How far is the cliff from here?" William asked.
"Oh I'd say a good few minutes, especially traversing in unfamiliar territory." Kindra replied, "Just keep your eyes on the cliff- if it starts looking like we’re moving away from it say something, okay?”
“Got it.” William nodded, continuing to walk
They moved in silence for several long minutes, William contemplating something to say to Kindra, and she doing the same. “There!” Kindra pointed a few minutes later.
“Looks like only a boulder fell here…” William said, his tone mildly disappointed when he caught sight of the large boulder that had crashed through the trees and was surrounded by broken branches and smaller rocks.
“No,” Kindra said, “Look behind it!”
William looked at her with his eyebrow raised, but finally moved up beside her to see what she saw. Near the boulder rested the unconscious form of a woman that he immediately recognized to be Raven, though her dark hair covered her face.
“Is she still alive?” He asked cautiously as they approached her.
Kindra turned her over, and Raven’s eyebrows immediately knitted together in pain. “Yeah, she’s not in very good condition though.” Kindra said, her tone worried, tell the dragons to call the others to us.”
“Alright.” William said quickly. Chaos…
What is it? His dragon muttered back.
Call for the others we’ve found her. William said breathlessly.
Where are you? Chaos questioned.
Near the cliff wall. Make sure that they know where they’ve got to land. William said.
Okay then… they’ll be fully aware of our coordinates within a few minutes. Chaos replied smoothly.
Thanks. William said in relief, turning back to Kindra. “What can I do?”
“For one we need water, and a fire to boil it in.” Kindra replied, checking Raven over for broken bones, William nodded and headed out immediately to get what she needed.
Chapter 33
Park. Mauve’s voice cut into his brooding thoughts as he scanned the miles and miles of forested land below him.
What is it? Park asked, shaking his head to clear it of thought.
Chaos has made contact with me. Mauve said slowly.
What’s the news? Park asked, his heart palpitating in his chest.
He says that they’ve found Raven near the base of a cliff. Chaos gave me their coordinates, now if you hold on tightly I’ll get us turned around and make our way towards them Mauve said softly.
They found her? How is she, is she okay? Park demanded.
William merely told Chaos to call us to them. He doesn’t know anything more than we do at this point. Mauve said, plummeting towards the ground as she closed her wings and turned her body about. She unfurled her wings when they were near the ground and took off back in the direction that they had come.
Hurry, Mauve. Park said, she heard the urgency in his tone and thrust her wings harder, covering as much ground as she possibly could.
It came as a surprise when arrows suddenly rained down upon them, and when Park looked around frantically for their attackers he saw a group of demons riding the backs of large, fierce dragons. They were even fiercer looking than the dragons that had attacked Meritates. He quickly drew his sword and braced himself for the next rain of arrows, which Mauve moved quickly to evade, I think we’re in trouble…He muttered to Mauve.
Don’t worry, I’ve called for Emerald and Azure, they’re closer than Chaos and Jasmyne, but it will still take them a few minutes to get here.
I see- so in other words we’ve got to stall and let them chase us until help arrives? Park said dryly.
Pretty much. Mauve said apologetically.
Alright, let’s get moving. Park sighed, leaning closer to Mauve’s back to better brace himself against the wind resistance.
He swung his sword violently at the dragon that approached him before the others, taking a fair sized chunk out of its muzzle, though it didn’t do much good. The dragon roared and its rider loosed an arrow point blank at Park. The arrow tore through the front of his uniform and buried itself into his shoulder. Though it stung, he ignored it and continued to attack the dragon in attempts to push it away from him. He was afraid that perhaps he would be taken down before help arrived, but those thoughts he pushed back, swallowing his fear.
Chapter 34
So where exactly is my brother? Max looked down at Emerald expectantly as they moved quickly through the sky, Calder and Azure several feet behind them.
He is near. Emerald assured him, just keep moving straight and soon you’ll find him. But be careful. He is outnumbered in battle.
Max simply nodded and drew his sword, preparing for battle, “Look!” Calder exclaimed, pointing towards the horizon where they could just barely see several figures darting through the sky and hear the clash of steel, “That’s got to be them!”
Max narrowed his eyes as his brother came into view, the shaft of an arrow protruding from his shoulder and exhaustion shining on his face as he fought off his attackers. “Come on!” Max shouted, urging Emerald forward faster.
Emerald saw one of the dragons bite at Mauve’s unprotected throat and roared mightily as he leapt forward and butted the offending dragon away. He bit deep into the creatures back and refused to release it as it thrashed back and forth. Fire shown in his eyes as he finally jerked his head sideways, the bones in the neck of the other dragon groaned against the strain, and there was an audible snap before he released it and watched as it fell to the ground below, carrying its rider to death with it.
Calder was currently locked in battle with another of the dragons, Azure snapped at it, occasionally spitting water into the face of the other dragon and attempting to freeze it, though the creature simply blew water right back at her, causing her to jump backwards to avoid its flames before leaping back into action.
When she got close enough, Calder began to attack the rider with a long-handled spear trying to dismount him as Azure clawed at the dragon furiously. Calder received a deep gash in his cheek from the rider’s sword, though in the end his spear buried itself into the demon’s throat. The creature gurgled for a moment before slumping in the saddle, and finally Azure’s claws raked over the dragon’s eyes. The beast roared in pain and plummeted towards the ground.
Both turned to Park, watching as he strained to hold his sword defensively against the sword of the other rider. They ascended into the sky, their dragons locked in a duel of their own though it didn’t seem to faze Park or the rider in the least. The rider bore a wide grin upon his thin lips, confident that he would win.
Park grimaced as he drew his sword back and swung it mightily, catching the rider’s blade and pushing past it with effort. His sword passed almost easily through the rider’s chest, forcing the rider from the saddle. The dragon caught hold of Mauve’s throat, and Mauve struggled against its grip, the dragon began to twist her head.
Emerald released a furious roar and leapt forward before Max was ready, he nearly fell from the saddle as Emerald swooped down, digging his claws into the dragon’s back. The dragon released Mauve with a pained scream, and Mauve immediately clawed his throat, both watched as the dragon fell lifelessly to the ground.
Chapter 35
“You guys have no idea how glad I am to see you.” Park stated as he pulled the arrow from his shoulder with a mild wince.
“I’m only glad that we got here before they overran you.” Max said, wiping a sheen of sweat from his forehead and patting Emerald’s head affectionately, “And I’m sure that Emerald’s glad he got here before those nasty dragons tore poor Mauve to pieces…”
Calder laughed, though he became serious after a moment, “When dragons mate- they mate for life. They protect their mates no matter what- there is no pain greater than the hollowness within created by the loss of love.”
Emerald gently licked the wounds that lined Mauve’s neck, she whined softly, but didn’t jerk away. Park glanced over at the two other men when Emerald had finished tending to Mauve,
“We should go now. William and Kindra have apparently found Raven.”
“Yeah, we got the message.” Calder nodded, “We were on our way to them when we got your distress message.”
You ready to go? Park asked Mauve softly.
Of course. She replied, tossing her head haughtily, I’m not some dainty human. I can take a few bites to the throat before I’m taken out.
Park laughed softly, I’m glad that you’re okay.
Well, I’m glad that Emerald got here on time, though I was worried for him…
That’s only natural. Park replied.
The way you worry for Raven? Mauve interjected slyly.
Yes. Wait- I mean no! Park said, flustered, I’m just worried for her health- it’s nothing like you and Emerald!
I’m sure. I was only playing with you, Park. Mauve laughed, don’t take it too personally.
Park shrugged, and turned to the other two, “Are we ready?” Calder asked.
“Of course.” Park nodded, and all three of them took off in the direction that the dragons sensed Chaos and Jasmyne.
Chapter 36
William and Kindra were sitting near a small fire near sunset, trying to warm their numbing hands as the evening chill settled in. "When do you think the others will get here?" Kindra asked curiously, glancing over at William.
"Considering that they went off in opposite directions- dawn at the earliest." William stated, his gaze slipping up to the darkening sky, “We’ll have to stay here for the night and take different watches so that we don’t fall prey to a surprise attack...”
"That’s the thing-” Kindra started, “I don't understand why we're just sitting here and waiting for them rather than going out to meet them directly..." She finished slowly.
"I don't think that Raven can really handle traveling right now." William said, "She's hurt pretty badly."
"That's true..." Kindra sighed, standing up, "I'm going to find something to eat... I’m starving…"
"There should be something in Chaos' bags." William said, standing up as well and stretching before heading over to Chaos' saddle.
He brought out some meat, cheese, and a loaf of bread, “Here, I’ll make us some sandwiches.” He said, smiling.
Kindra nodded, “Alright, I’ll go get some water so we can make some tea.” She said, grabbing a pot from her own bags and heading towards the river that they’d initially gotten Chaos and Jasmyne to land near.
The two dragons glanced up at her lazily and Chaos yawned. We’re going to hunt now, William. Chaos whispered into his mind.
Alright, William nodded, good luck.
We won’t be far, if there’s trouble just call. Chaos nodded to Jasmyne and they stood, stretching their wings in relief as they took to the skies, circling above the camp for several seconds before heading off further into the woods.
William then busied himself with cutting slabs of bread and piling the meat and cheese on top of it. He whistled softly to himself as he slipped a chunk of cheese into his mouth at regular intervals. Occasionally he glanced up in search of Kindra, who seemed to have disappeared, she hadn’t come back in the time that it had taken him to use up the entire loaf of bread and he was really starting to get worried.
Finally he stood up, and it was at about that time that a loud snapping noise sounded to his right. Immediately he turned towards it, his senses on guard. The dark of night, though, shielded whatever had made the noise.
There was a rustling in the brush near him, and when he turned towards it a small rabbit slipped from the brush. It’s nose twitched, and when it caught sight of him- the poor thing took off in the opposite direction as fast as its legs could move.
William gave a small sigh of relief, chuckling softly as he turned back towards the fire, where immediately he was met with an immense pain that filtered into a relieving darkness as his body slumped to the ground soundlessly.
Chapter 37
Kindra hummed softly to herself as she drifted through the trees back towards camp. It had only taken her a few minutes to gather the water and even to catch a quick drink herself. The water had been refreshing, and she’d been tempted to bathe, but she knew that William was waiting for her, and that it was dangerous to be away from camp any longer than necessary.
But then, her eye was caught by something gleaming in the first rays of the moonlight. She stopped, the water in the pot sloshing over her hands at the sudden motion as she gazed up into the branches of an old oak. She gently eased the pot to the ground near its roots and climbed the tree, her eye remaining glued on the shining object.
Finally she was on the branch below it, and reached up. Her fingers closed about a silver pendant with swirls of blood red through it. Kindra picked it up, inspecting it and watching as it twirled, gleaming in the moonlight. She stood still for a long time, eventually sitting and then laying down on the large branch. Soon, her fingers still clasped about the pendant, she drifted into a dreamless sleep.
She awoke sometime later, slightly disoriented but feeling well rested. The moon had risen higher into the sky, and Kindra cursed to herself as she realized that William was most likely worried since she hadn’t come back from gathering the water.
Still silently cursing herself, Kindra leapt from the tree and grabbed the pot of water, running back towards camp and not caring that the water had spilled all down her front and that the pot was very nearly empty by then.
She stopped near the clearing to catch her breath. Kindra sensed that something was amiss- no sound came from the camp it was completely silent. What’s going on? She thought to herself, gnawing her lip in worry.
Chapter 38: Revelations
Kindra finally got up the courage to burst into the camp. The fire had been doused some time ago, though it still sizzled and sent up a small trickle of smoke into the evening sky. She looked around cautiously; there was no sign of William, or the dragons. Her heart beat at a frightening rate in her ears. Where were they? Why was the camp empty, why was she alone?
Several twigs cracked in the trees and she whirled around, seeing nothing. Kindra didn’t let her guard down though- something was wrong, she just didn’t know what. She jumped as several shadows flowed past the moon, sending her briefly into darkness before blinding her with the pale light of the moon. Jasmyne? She called meekly.
There was an inward sigh of relief, Kindra… what’s going on?
Jasmyne questioned, where is William, and why is there no fire?
I-I don’t know. Kindra said honestly, I’ve only just made it back to camp; I’m as surprised as you are. I’m rather worried about William- do you think that something bad happened to him?
It’s a possibility- Chaos has been unable to contact him. And for a while I have been unable to contact you…
I was sleeping a while ago- I didn’t mean to fall asleep, but it happened. Kindra said, Where are you anyway?
I’m above you- near the moon. Jasmyne said, Chaos is searching the woods for any sign of William.
What about Raven? Kindra asked in worry.
We left her with William. Jasmyne replied, Chaos and I needed to hunt, your meager rations would never be able to satisfy our great hunger.
We need to find them. Kindra said firmly.
Give me a moment to descend and you can search the skies with me. Jasmyne said.
She circled the small clearing several times before she managed to land lightly, lowering her head gracefully so that Kindra could easily access her back. Kindra was only halfway onto Jasmyne’s back when the dragon’s head snapped up, nearly toppling Kindra from her back. Kindra clung for dear life, not yet secure, as Jasmyne began to lift herself into the air, What’s going on? She asked, her heart leaping into her throat.
Hold on tight, Jasmyne said firmly, looking back at her, Chaos has found William.
That’s wonderful! Kindra sighed with relief.
No, it’s not. Jasmyne said.
Why not? Kindra demanded.
Because he’s about to die. Jasmyne said as calmly as possible, flying as fast as her wings could carry her.
Chapter 39
William awoke with his mind in confusion, a massive headache lanced out from the side of his head where he had been hit, and he could feel blood oozing down the side of his face, “What’s going on?” He muttered, trying to focus on anything around him.
His arms were tied firmly behind his back, and his legs wouldn’t agree with his brain and stand him up. There was no fire nearby, no shuffling of feet. Yet he could feel that someone was there, watching him in silence, waiting for some sort of opportunity to attack him.
William heard a light moan from right next to him; he jumped slightly and snapped his gaze to the motionless form beside him, “Raven?” He muttered, receiving no answer. Silently he cursed- she was injured and needed serious medical attention! Why were they trussed like pigs and left to their own devices in the middle of the forest?
“Who are you?” A feminine voice demanded from nearby, “Why are you in these woods?”
“I was looking for a friend.” William growled, “My name is William, and yours?”
“My name isn’t relevant to one who will die soon.” Was the simple reply, “How many were with you, and are there others coming?”
“Like hell I’d tell you!” William shouted, receiving a sharp kick to his left side, he sucked in a sharp breath and waited for the pain to abate.
“Answer the question or face the consequences.”
“I’ll take my chance with the consequences.” William gritted his teeth as he was kicked hard again, he felt as though his ribs had been broken, and that perhaps there had been some serious internal damage done, but he refused to betray his friends.
“You are a fool.” Was the response sent his way, and he felt a blade pierce his leg deeply.
William bit back a cry of pain. He remained silent, unwilling to give the stranger the satisfaction of revealing the pain that he was in. “I may be a fool to you, but I still say the same thing- I will take my chances with the consequences rather than give you any information.”
“Suit yourself.” The figure sighed, “I grow tired of these games. If you refuse to give me any information then you are of no use to me.” He saw the glint of a blade in the moonlight and his insides froze at the prospect of death.
He saw his own blood shining on the tip of the blade and knew that that was the weapon that had stabbed into his leg. William felt a strange numbness spreading up from his legs, What’s going on? He thought inwardly.
William, is that you? The relieving voice of Chaos echoed into his mind.
Oh Chaos, you have no idea how glad I am to hear your voice… William said in relief, Where is Kindra? He asked, worried for her still as he remembered that she had been missing and he unable to figure out where she had gone before he’d been knocked unconscious.
Jasmyne has found her; they are back at the camp. Where are you? I can’t quite pinpoint your location…Chaos said in mild confusion.
I’m not sure, I was tied up… I can’t move… William said honestly, his gaze kept steady on the blade that was raised above the figure’s head. Perhaps if you look for something that has a gleam… like a knife.
A knife? Chaos questioned, confusion lacing his words.
There isn’t time to explain… William muttered, rolling sideways as the knife buried itself in the ground where his head had been just seconds before.
William, what’s going on? Chaos demanded, probing his mind for an answer. Wait… I see something…
As Chaos spoke, William saw a shadow pass over the area, the figure looked up and William knocked her over by rolling into her legs. The knife fell a few feet away and the figure skittered towards it almost as soon as she hit the ground.
William, who is that? Chaos questioned cautiously, Why are they trying to kill you?
I don’t know… William replied, struggling to sit up, though he failed, he blinked as his vision began to darken, Chaos I- he couldn’t get another coherent thought through.
William? Chaos called frantically, William?! He received no reply, which made him all the more frantic, he immediately called for Jasmyne.
Chapter 40
Chaos? Jasmyne’s soothing voice found its way into his head.
Over here! Chaos called, Hurry!
“William…” Kindra muttered, looking down at the ground beneath her in frantic search of William.
When she saw the looming figure raising a blade she leapt thoughtlessly from Jasmyne’s back, crashing through the trees and startling the figure as she landed on its shoulders. She battled for the knife, watching as it skittered across the leaf strewn ground uselessly.
Nearby lay William- he wasn’t moving and looked especially pale beneath the moonlight. “William!” She exclaimed as the figure unexpectedly threw her backwards, she narrowly avoided crashing into the tree and twisted her body so that she was able to stand up almost as soon as she stopped moving.
Kindra caught sight of the knife at the same time that the figure did, and they leapt towards the blade simultaneously. Somehow Kindra managed to slide beneath the figure’s reach, taking the blade into her hands. Almost immediately she could smell the poison that lined its blade, “What did you do to him!?” She exclaimed angrily, driving the blade into the figure’s shoulder in fury.
The figure gasped more in shock than from pain. Kindra stepped back, the figure’s blood soaking her fingers and running sickeningly down her arm. She shuddered and dropped the knife as though it had just burned her.
The figure stumbled backwards, and after a few minutes began making strange gurgling sounds. In the direct moonlight,
Kindra could see blood flowing in small rivulets down the figure’s chin.
She noted then that what stood before her was a woman with strange demonic features, her hands clutched at her chest as though holding off some great pressure. Kindra heard a strange popping sound, which made her jump, and the woman’s body fell to the ground, still leaking blood. Kindra brought a hand to her lips, feeling as though she would be ill.
Quickly she shook off the feeling and knelt beside William in great worry.
“William?” She murmured softly, touching a hand to his face cautiously.
He groaned, and she withdrew her hand in surprise. His face was burning hot and beaded with sweat. William was pale and unmoving, his chest hardly rising and falling.
“Please…” She pleaded as she knelt over him helplessly, “You can’t die- not like that woman who stabbed you…”
Kindra? Jasmyne’s uncertain voice filtered into her mind.
William’s been poisoned! Kindra burst out.
Chapter 41
The sun rose slowly and stained the sky red in forewarning as Park, Max, and Calder made their way towards their friends.
There’s trouble. Mauve spoke softly to Park.
What kind of trouble? Park asked in worry, his heart clenching painfully in his chest.
There was a battle- I smell tainted blood. Mauve replied simply, The scent of blood is in the same direction in which Chaos and Jasmyne are.
How far? Park asked, swallowing hard.
Only a minute. Mauve said slowly, We should be able to see them soon enough- keep your eyes open.
Of course. Park replied, beginning to look around.
On the horizon he could just barely make out several shapes hovering above the trees, “Over there!” He said a little louder than he meant to.
Max and Calder, whom had been dozing in their saddles, snapped awake, momentarily disoriented, “What’s going on?” Calder asked, calming his rapid heartbeat.
“Sorry…” Park said sheepishly, “I didn’t mean to shout. I can see Chaos and Jasmyne now- they’re circling the trees just ahead.”
“Why are they circling instead of resting?” Max asked.
“Mauve said that there was trouble…” Park replied, “Let’s just find out what’s going on.”
They finally caught up with the other two dragons and Park searched the ground beneath him. Kindra was kneeling with
William draped over her lap, his eyes closed and his face pale. Looking at him, Park got a bad feeling and began to worry for his brother. Near them lay also Raven in relatively bad shape. Like William, she too, was unconscious.
He quickly landed Mauve, and before she’d even stopped he had leapt from her back, “Kindra, what happened?” He asked quickly.
“That woman over there-” Kindra pointed shakily to a body nearby that Park had overlooked, “she poisoned him… I don’t even know what it is… I- I stabbed her with her own knife and she was dead within a minute, blood poured from her mouth… and there was a strange popping sound that came from her before she died…” Tears rose to Kindra’s eyes, “What if the same thing happens to William?”
“It won’t.” Calder stated, “I have a vast knowledge of different poisons, let me inspect him to see what it was…”
Kindra nodded slowly and watched as Calder felt William’s forehead to get his temperature. He then checked William’s pulse, before finally searching for the wound that William had received. Calder found the wound on William’s leg, it looked as though it had gone clean through the muscle. It looked like his skin was deteriorating around the wound, it was turning colors and a black line indicating an infected artery wended its way over his leg, it stopped halfway up his torso. “There’s not much time.” Calder said grimly, “I need to gather some herbs. Park- I need you to find a young rabbit- don’t kill it just yet though.”
“What about me?” Kindra asked hopefully, wanting to help in any way she could.
“We need a pot of boiling water, and you need to keep an eye on him just in case the situation worsens.” Calder stated, “Quickly!”
Chapter 42
Kindra had the water boiling by the time Park returned with a struggling rabbit held firmly in his hands, “Has Calder returned yet?” He asked.
“No.” She said, shaking her head.
Max came over with a cool cloth and placed it on William’s forehead, “What are we going to do if he dies?” He muttered solemnly.
“He won’t die.” Park said firmly.
“There is a possibility-”
Kindra stood up soundlessly and slapped Max across the face. The slap resounded around them, and Max stared at her in shock. “Don’t you say that!” She said angrily, “William is your brother; I don’t ever want to hear those words come from your mouth again!”
Park stared at her in surprise, though he said nothing as Max touched a hand to his tender and reddened cheek. He was silent, even when Calder returned. Calder looked between the tense group for only a moment before he began crushing and cutting the herbs that he had found, he drew forth a large bowl and poured some of the boiling water carefully into the bowl before adding his herbs.
Calder stirred them for several minutes before he turned to Park, “The rabbit.” He said, holding out his hand. Mutely, Park handed him the squirming rabbit.
Calder quickly slit the rabbit’s throat and let its blood flow into the bowl, after it stopped its bleeding he set it gently down before continuing to stir the now red concoction, “You’re not going to make him drink that, are you?” William asked in mild disgust.
“What else would I do with it?” Calder muttered, “It’s his only hope right now…”
“I know, but-” Park put a hand on Max’s shoulder, grimly silencing him as Calder took the bowl over to William’s side.
He eased William’s head up and opened his mouth, slipping the concoction in a spoonful at a time until only the dredged roots and blood remained. He then lifted the fabric on William’s leg and smeared it over the wound. “Now we wait.”
Chapter 43
William’s fever broke near dawn the next morning. He had woken up a few times during the night in a delirium always unaware of where he was and what was going on. Park opted to keep an eye on him so that William didn’t wander off in his state.
He found his gaze often wandering over to Raven who remained unmoving. Her breaths hardly expanded her chest, and her face was deathly pale. He constantly worried that perhaps she was dying and that thought frightened him greatly. Ever since he’d met her there had been a strange connection between them, and he didn’t want to lose that connection.
“Park, if you don’t get some sleep you’re going to pass out.” Max warned, “You haven’t gotten a decent night’s sleep in a while.”
“I can’t sleep.” Park said simply, looking up at his younger brother honestly, “I’ve tried several times already and it has only eluded me further.”
“Park? Max?” William’s soft voice caused them both to jump in surprise; it was the first time that William had recognized them both all night.
“William!” Max knelt beside his brother, “How are you feeling?”
“Tired… hungry… and rather sore.” William answered honestly, “What’s going on?”
“You were poisoned.” Park said gravely, “And very nearly died I might add.”
“I did?” William blinked, “Last thing I remember was waiting for Kindra to get back to camp after she went off to get water…”
“You were attacked and kidnapped.” Kindra stated, coming up behind the brothers, “When I found you that woman had already poisoned you. I… I killed her.”
“How did you know that it was poison?” William asked, “Or even what kind it was?”
“The way the woman died,” Kindra shuddered, “I only stabbed her in the shoulder, but suddenly blood was pouring out of her mouth… and I think… I think her heart exploded in her chest. Calder figured out the type.”
William’s inquiring gaze fell on Calder who cleared his throat, “The most telltale symptom was the line of black that reached for your heart that originated in your leg wound.” He replied simply, “You still need to rest though. We’ve no reason to believe that the poison is gone yet, and if you become too active too soon it could act up again and the cure would no longer work.”
William nodded, “How’s Raven?” He asked.
“Honestly- she’s not as bad as she looks.” Calder replied, “She didn’t break any bones thankfully, but she’s got some dangerous lacerations that need real medical care and not the temporary stuff that we can give her.”
Chapter 44
“How’s lunch coming along?” Kindra hovered over Park as he prepared a delectably scented stew.
“It’s going along pretty well despite the situation and lack of proper supplies.” Park replied, “It’s also the last of what we brought with us. So if we plan on staying any longer we’re going to have to rely on nature to provide what we need.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here.” Kindra stated, “The ones that kidnapped Raven are nearby, probably searching for her now. We’re in danger every second we spend within the cover of these trees.”
Raven groaned softly and blinked her eyes open. She took in the scene around her slowly, her lips pressed tightly together as pain radiated throughout her body. She slowly sat up as the others conversed amongst themselves and pressed a hand to her head.
For a moment she couldn’t understand what she was doing out in the woods. And then the memory slammed back into her head painfully. She’d been kidnapped, and had escaped. She’d fallen off a cliff. That in itself seemed amazing- how could anybody tumble down a cliff and survive? How was it that she could even move? “Raven?” Park’s voice was both uncertain and relieved.
She blinked and looked over at him, “What are you guys doing here?” She asked in a rather hoarse voice.
“We came to look for you.” Kindra said, wandering over, “How are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better…” Raven said, “But it’s nothing I can’t handle… What about you though, Park?”
“M-me?” Park blinked in surprise, “What about me?”
“You’re bleeding heavily from your shoulder, what happened?” Raven replied.
“Wha- oh…” Park said touching the sticky fabric of his cloak and drawing his fingers away, they were covered in blood.
“Park!” Kindra gasped, “Why didn’t you say something about your injury?”
“I… um, well… I guess with all the excitement I forgot about it…” Park said sheepishly.
“You forgot?” Max quibbled, “Jeez Park, come on, take off your shirt so we can take care of it.”
“What smells like its burning?” Raven questioned, sniffing the air delicately.
“The stew!” Park exclaimed.
“I’ll take care of it.” Calder said simply, starting to stir it in hopes of salvaging its contents.
Park sighed and finally loosed the strings of his cloak, allowing it to flutter to the ground before beginning to unbutton his overcoat. Finally he pulled off his undershirt, exposing the hole in his shoulder, and the swollen flesh around it. “Oh, this doesn’t look good…” Kindra sucked in a breath, “I think your wound was poisoned…” She said after a moment, jumping back, startled as Park’s form toppled soundlessly to the ground.
Chapter 45
“Shoot…” Kindra muttered, turning him over, “Calder-”
“Already on it.” Calder said, moving the stew away from the fire and making his way over to Park.
He inspected the wound carefully, “Ah, this is easily remedied.” He stated, standing, “It’s a simple herb, though it’s not all that common in most areas… I’m glad that I’ve got some in my bags, already dried and ready to boil...”
“That’s good.” Raven sighed from where she sat.
“Yeah, we’d have been in trouble, since this area really doesn’t allow for it to cultivate…” Calder said, rummaging through his bags until he pulled up a pouch, “Here we go…” He said, pulling out also, a small stone pot, which he immediately filled with water from his waterskin.
He then moved over to the fire and set the stone pot in its hot coals, slowly stirring in the roots. Soon it began to boil and thicken until he had a salve that would be rubbed over and in the wound, “Here we go… It just needs to cool.” Calder said at last, “We need to clean the wound and prepare it for stitching and dressing, which will need to be done immediately after the salve is put in.”
“Right.” Kindra said, nodding as she got the necessary tools together and began to gently scrub the dried blood away from Park’s wound.
Finally, Calder began to apply the cooled salve, pushing it into the wound as gently as he could before massaging it into the swollen flesh of Park’s shoulder. He stood back then, and allowed Kindra to stitch the wound up, and then he applied the salve to the underside of the bandaging to be used. Kindra wrapped Park’s shoulder, and finally they were able to relax. “Is he okay now?” Raven asked quietly, fists clenched in her lap.
“Yes,” Kindra said, “Now the rest is up to him. We’ll have to wait for him to wake up…”
“Now that one emergency has been solved- what say we settle down and eat some of this stew?” Max asked, “I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m getting rather dizzy from hunger.”
“I agree we’ll save some for Park to have later.” William said.
“I’m actually… not that hungry.” Raven sighed.
“You should eat-” Kindra started.
“Maybe later.” Raven gave a wavering smile, “I’ve only just woken up…”
“Okay…” Kindra said finally, “We’ll save some for you…”
“That’s fine…” Raven said, lying back down slowly with an unnoticed wince.
William, Max, and Calder exchanged silent glances before digging into their portions of the stew hungrily, “I suppose that we’ll be staying another night.” Calder got out between bites, “So since we’re in such a dangerous area we’ll have to set up shifts for watch. I’ll take the first two hours tonight and wake up Max after the first hour so that if I start getting drowsy there’ll still be another awake. Max, I expect that you’ll wake up William after an hour. And then William, you can wake Kindra up. Kindra, you should then wake me back up and we’ll repeat the order.”
“Right.” The other three nodded in agreement.
“I’ll take a watch.” Raven said from her position on the ground, glancing over at them.
“But you’re injured…” Max pointed out.
“I’m fine. A few bumps and bruises won’t affect my judgment.” Raven snapped, sitting up again.
“I don’t call taking a nosedive from a cliff fine.” William said slowly, “You’ve got some nasty injuries…”
“I said I was fine, didn’t I? I’ll take a shift, it won’t hurt anything, there’ll be someone up with me after all.” Raven said, narrowing her eyes, “Don’t treat me like some fragile girl; I’m more than capable of defending myself.”
“It can’t hurt anything…” Kindra interjected before anybody else could say anything, “If she can survive a fall from a cliff and still wake up, talk, and move about, I think that she’ll be able to take a watch.”
“But-” Max started.
“Alright, that’s fine.” Calder nodded, cutting Max off.
Max sighed, “Alright then, let’s set up camp. We’ll need to get a few traps set up as well- just in case.”
“Yeah,” William nodded, “We’ll also need to get some fresh water over here, and maybe do a little hunting so that we’ll have supper tonight. We also need some firewood for a small cooking fire that will be put out before dark.”
“I’ll get the water.” Kindra said.
“I’ll go with you.” William said quickly, “Last time you went for water you never came back…”
“No, it’s fine!” Kindra said, “Last time I got distracted by this.” She held up a silver pendant.
William examined it with his eyes, which slowly widened as he recognized it as an artifact of Khaba, how had Kindra come across it in such a place? He shook his head quickly, “Fine, I’ll hunt for tonight’s supper.” He said.
“I’ll go for some firewood.” Max said simply.
“And I’ll stay here to watch over these two…” Calder said, jerking his head at the unconscious Park and the dozing Raven who was still sitting.
“Alright, good luck everyone, and try not to run into trouble.” William said as he disappeared into the brush with a bow and a quiver of arrows.
Kindra went off with several waterskins and a bucket for water, and Max headed off in the opposite direction with a sling in which to carry firewood. Calder leapt into the lower branches of a tree and made himself comfortable. He held with him a bow, which he clutched tightly in hand as he waited both for the others to get back, and for the possibility of a surprise attack. He settled himself in for a long wait.
Chapter 46
The meat from William’s catch sizzled over the small fire, releasing a tantalizing scent that had them all drooling despite having just eaten so recently. Both William and Max drowsed as they waited for Kindra to return from gathering the water. Calder’s eyes flickered tiredly, though he refused to allow himself the chance to rest.
“Back!” Kindra called cheerfully, strolling into camp, “Took a while to find the stream and then find my way back. I even stumbled upon a berry bush, look!” She showed them the bucket filled with ripened berries, “They’re tasty too, you know.”
“Kindra!” William jumped, his tiredness lost at the arrival of the beautiful queen, “I was getting worried because you weren’t back yet…” He hugged her happily before blushing and stepping backwards.
A light blush tainted Kindra’s cheeks, but she quickly shook it off, “I didn’t mean to make you worry… I just thought that maybe everyone would like a dessert tonight.”
“Oh would we…” Max mumbled, standing and rubbing the sleep from his eyes, “I haven’t had dessert in quite some time.”
“Like you need it.” William teased.
“Everyone needs dessert sometimes!” Max declared, “It doesn’t hurt anything.”
“Except your waistband…” William laughed.
“Hey now!” Max punched William’s arm, “That’s not nice…”
“Calm down you two…” Raven muttered, “No need for an all out war.” She cut in just in time to keep William from hitting Max back, “We’re trying to hide our presence, not announce it to the world…”
“Right…” The brothers said quickly, helping Kindra to lower her load of heavy waterskins and berries.
“Ah… that feels so much better.” Kindra sighed, massaging her aching shoulders, “It’s a lot heavier than one would think…”
“Ahhh!” The scream of a woman was oddly close, and they could suddenly hear multiple feet crunching quickly over the underbrush nearby.
“What in the world…” Max pondered standing, and making his way cautiously towards the sound.
Just as he was prying the thick brush apart, the figure of a disheveled young woman slammed into him, throwing them both to the ground in a rather awkward position. “Max, are you alright!” William rushed over to the tangled duo, unable to hold back a slight chuckle.
“I-I’m fine.” Max said, blushing fiercely as he looked up into a pair of jade green eyes set on a seductively beautiful face.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” The woman said, leaping to her feet, her auburn red hair brushing against Max’s face teasingly as she moved.
Max pulled himself to his feet slowly, willing his blush away. “Are you okay?” He asked, brushing himself off distractedly.
“Perfectly fine.” She said softly, looking over her shoulder distractedly, “But can this conversation wait? I think that it’d be best to run right now…”
“Run from what?” Kindra asked.
“Oh I don’t know… Would an army of demons persuade you to your feet?” She said sarcastically.
“That’d do it.” Max said agreeably.
“I’ll get everything packed.” Calder said quickly, “Kindra, you get the dragons ready to go.”
“Dragons?” The woman asked, astounded, “You’ve got dragons? I thought that the demons controlled them all…”
“No, not really.” Kindra replied simply, “Some human villages raise them you know.”
“I thought that that was simply a myth since I’ve never come across any polite dragons…” The woman spat back, her gaze challenging.
“Well, you will soon enough.” Kindra said with a sigh, “The demons are becoming more dangerous and are attacking us now. My guess is that they’re searching for a weapon- or something similar… Looking for a way to overthrow us and become the masters of humans, or even make us extinct.”
“I know that! I even know what they’re looking for- I was sent to spy.” The woman said with a confident smirk.
“A spy?” Calder blinked, “You?”
“I’m a ninja!” She proudly declared, thrusting her thumb at her chest.
“A ninja, eh?” Kindra chuckled, “Sounds fun.”
“Yeah, it really is-” The woman shook her head, trying to get back on the situation at hand, “later!” She hissed, “They’re near!”
“Oh! Right!” They all scrambled to pack up camp, putting out the fire and scattering the wood so that it wouldn’t look like there had been anybody there recently.
They loaded Raven and Park with Calder and William respectively, and Max, Kindra, and the newcomer were each riding solo. Finally, one by one, the dragons lifted from the ground and soared high into the skies. “So, who exactly are you?” Max called to the stranger once they’d risen a safe distance above the trees and begun to move towards civilization again.
“Oh, my name’s Midori.” She replied, looking about in awe, “You know, it’s really a different view from up here… It’s absolutely beautiful.”
“It is.” Kindra agreed, “I’m Kindra by the way. The other woman is Raven; the unconscious man is Park, that’s Calder, Max, and William.” She pointed to them all as she introduced them.
“Nice to meet you all.” Midori said, leaning over the side of the dragon to get a better look at the ground, “Uh-oh, don’t look now, but they’re sending dragons up.” She said, her tone worried.
“Their dragons are not loyal to their riders.” William said, “All that we would have to do is knock the riders from their saddles and the dragons will leave.”
“That sounds easy enough.” Midori said, reaching into a pouch and drawing out several kunai, otherwise known as throwing knives.
Several dragons drew close and she threw the knives, burying them expertly into the heads of two demon riders, who fell silently from their saddles and vanished into the line of trees below. The dragons themselves roared mightily and turned on Kindra and Max, who struggled to fight back. They may not be loyal to their riders, but some of them have such a fierce bloodlust that they’ll continue to attack. Jasmyne said to Kindra, who struck her attacking dragon in the nose.
Chapter 47
“That information would have done us better earlier!” Kindra burst out as Jasmyne swooped below the dragon that had very nearly taken Kindra’s upper torso off.
“What information?” William asked as Chaos swooped down to gain the attacking dragon’s attention away from Kindra and Jasmyne.
“That some of these dragons don’t just go away after they leave.” Kindra huffed.
Honestly, one would think that you’ve never ridden or fought a dragon before. Jasmyne replied coldly.
Arrows rained down upon the group and they were forced to scatter to make themselves smaller targets. It was at about this time that lightning forked across the darkening sky, followed by a violent peal of thunder. A few minutes later there was another streak of lightning, and this time following the thunder, were heavy sheets of rain that practically blinded the wary group. The strength and suddenness of the storm could only mean that the demons had a mage among them.
The only source of light they had now was the occasional burst of lightning, and with one such explosion of light, Max let out an exclamation of surprise and pain, mirrored by Emerald as both plummeted towards the ground. Mauve screamed her rage and dove towards the falling duo, poor Midori was forced to hold on for dear life lest she be blown directly into the stormy sky.
Emerald! Mauve called to the other dragon, who did not reply, Emerald, wake up! Her voice was frantic as the ground came into view, less than a hundred feet below them. She forced herself up underneath Emerald’s bulk and struggled to keep him afloat. The saddle, and Midori, were practically crushed beneath his massive weight, Emerald!! Mauve hit the ground hard, Emerald rolling away from her.
Dirt and rocks dug into her hide, and her body ached and eventually numbed with the impact. A cloud of dust flew up around her, and she knew no more. Midori, meanwhile, coughed violently and struggled futilely to loose herself from the saddle, which had somehow twisted around her body in the fall.
Calder, Kindra, and William continued their battle in the sky, though there seemed to be no end to their struggle, the more demons they killed, the more they seemed to fill the skies on the backs of their devilish steeds.
Azure opened her maw wide; dislocating the jaw purposefully she released a silent scream that sent powerful sound waves at the enemy dragons all that were hit were instantly frozen. Calder patted her neck reassuringly as several dragons fell, ignorant to the beatings that their hides took as the demons struggled to stay afloat.
Kindra struck down enemy rider after enemy rider with her bow, taking all the time that she could to carefully aim and calculate her hits. She was an expert marksman in perfect conditions, but this was just insane! It was nearly impossible to assure herself that she had truly taken out an enemy unless she got close to the dragon to see, and that in itself was dangerous since these dragons were all bloodthirsty and would sooner snap Jasmyne’s neck in half than let her inspect the contents of their saddles.
Raven was slowly coming to her senses again in the rain, pressed firmly against Calder’s body as he held her in place to keep from losing her to the storm or one of Azure’s swift aerial maneuvers. She felt confusion fog her mind as she wondered how she’d even gotten there in the first place. The demons were beginning to realize who Calder held- the very girl that they’d been sent out to find- and slowly all began to focus on attacking Calder and Azure.
William and Kindra both saw this and quickly moved in to help the exhausted duo, Azure screamed in pain as several arrows buried themselves in her exposed belly before diving at the demon that had dared fire upon her. She swung her claws down quickly, cleaving him into three different pieces before biting hard and deep into the neck of the dragon that the demon rode, tearing out its throat after a few seconds and watching in satisfaction as they fell.
She was panting heavily by then, and every beat of her wings seemed to drain her further of what energy remained in her body. Calder put his hand gently on her neck, “Set down, girl.” He murmured, knowing that she heard him, “You need to rest.”
I can still fight! Azure howled, though she began to lower her body nonetheless.
“I’m exhausted too.” Calder replied softly, patting her, “I’ll get those arrows out once we settle down.”
Kindra and William were in the skies still, battering their enemy and being battered themselves. Finally the storm slowed and stopped, revealing the red-stained sky of late afternoon. They settled themselves to the ground in exhaustion, Jasmyne and Chaos not complaining as they landed and collapsed.
Chapter 48
When the rain had died out Calder settled to the task of making a salve for Azure’s wounds. Calder… Azure murmured in his mind, the battle is ended, should we not seek out our companions?
Yes. Calder replied, but first allow me to finish tending your wounds… Some of these are pretty nasty and I have no plans of losing you anytime soon.
They are merely scratches. Azure replied, And I think you’ve covered them well enough. Save the salve for those that truly need it…
You’re right… Calder sighed and wiped his fingers on his soaked pant legs, Which way do you think that we should go?
Azure was silent for several long minutes, Mauve and Emerald are settled to the east, Chaos and Jasmyne are just north of us- they are closest and actually responding to me. Perhaps we should go to them first and then seek out Mauve and Emerald…How is Raven doing now?
She is doing as well as can be expected- waking up every now and then, but otherwise blessedly unconscious. Calder responded, looking to the girl that he had stretched out beside Azure’s saddle.
She requires the aid of her people. Azure commented, We shouldn’t tarry too much longer out here where the enemy will surely try and attack us once more.
I agree. Calder replied, hoisting Azure’s saddle into his arms and buckling it around her waist, mindful of the injuries that resided there.
He then lifted Raven up into the saddle and patted Azure’s side, I will walk. No need for you to carry an extra burden, I am sure that you are still tired.
I am… Azure released a heavy sigh, a small tuft of smoke wafting through her nostrils, she moved slowly beside Calder, keeping a wary eye out for enemy dragons.
“Kindra, William!” Calder called out gladly when he saw the duo treating their dragons.
The two looked up quickly when they heard him and relieved grins tugged at the corners of their lips, “Calder, you’re alright!” Kindra called happily, pulling him into a tight hug, “With that storm I wasn’t sure what happened to everyone else…”
“Yes, Azure said that Mauve and Emerald weren’t responding to her, so we can only assume that perhaps they were wounded in the battle…” Calder responded, “They are just southeast of where we are now…”
“Yes…” William frowned, “Chaos and Jasmyne have already informed us in this matter…”
“How is Park?” Calder asked when he noticed the other man lying lost in slumber upon one of William’s packs.
“He is fine now… I think really what affected him most was a lack of sleep.” William responded, “He’s been too stressed lately to rest properly, you know?”
Calder nodded, “It’s understandable…” He replied, “How about you two, are you hurt?”
“No.” Kindra shook her head, “Just winded really… Might even have gotten a cold fighting in the rain like that…”
William chuckled softly, “But we can’t afford to stop and light a fire right now, we need to find the others and get on our way before the enemy can attack us again.”
“Indeed.” Calder replied, “Whenever you two are ready we should get going. No doubt the others need our help.”
“Mind helping me get Park up into the saddle then?” William questioned, “He’s pretty heavy…”
“Of course.” Calder made his way over to the brothers, and the two quickly hefted Park up into Chaos’ saddle.
Their progress was slow due to the exhaustion of the dragons, but after about an hour they came across their companions. “It’s about time!” Midori called upon spotting them, “I’ve been stuck in this saddle for so long I thought I’d be stuck here forever!”
“It’s twisted pretty badly…” Kindra commented as she examined it, “How’d you manage that?”
“Wasn’t my fault, stupid dragon dove after the other one and we all ended up crashing…” Midori frowned in worry despite her words, “Can you get me untangled?”
“Yeah, I think we can manage that.” William replied, tugging the straps free of Mauve’s torso.
Midori and the saddle landed in a heap on the ground as William and Kindra worked it free from her legs. Finally she slid free and stood, brushing herself off and checking for any types of injuries, “I think that somehow I got out of that without any problems.” She breathed a sigh of relief.
“Max…” Calder approached Emerald slowly, “Max, are you alright?”
There came a groan from the brush nearby and Calder stiffened, “What happened?” Max’s muffled voice allowed Calder to relax somewhat.
“Why don’t you tell me?” Calder pulled several branches aside to reveal Max sprawled upon the ground, blinking up at the cloudy sky dazedly.
Max was silent for a moment, “The battle-” He started.
“It’s been finished, don’t worry, we drove them back.” Calder reassured him.
“Emerald?!” Max struggled to his feet and raced to the side of his fallen dragon.
I’m fine Max… Emerald’s tone was dazed, My pride’s just a little hurt is all…I wasn’t expecting that lightning to hit us, I’m sorry…
It’s fine… Max assured Emerald, patting the dragon’s hide affectionately, I wasn’t expecting it either. You’re certain that you are okay?
I’m fine. Emerald said firmly, pulling himself slowly to his feet, Stop worrying so much…
Yes well… Mauve is still unconscious. Max said slowly, knowing that if he kept the news from Emerald he would be angry.
She tried to keep us from falling to our deaths… Emerald said sadly, moving over to the limp body of his mate.
Mauve’s eyes flickered open slowly and she looked about in confusion. Emerald nuzzled her gently, Did we win? Mauve questioned.
We did. Emerald said with a small nod, How are you feeling?
Terrible… Mauve replied, dragging herself to her feet, but I will survive these wounds.
Good. Emerald purred gladly.
Chapter 49
They were back in the palace at Meritates- Raven and Park was in the medical wing and the others had been given their own rooms for their stay. The dragons had been taken with Calder- whose village was well equipped for the treatment of such creatures. It was nearing midnight, and everyone was sleeping quite restfully.
Everyone that is except for Raven- who had finally awoken and was able to stay conscious for more than a few minutes at a time. She sat at the small window of the infirmary, staring out at the moonless sky. The stars were especially bright, and she quickly lost herself in them, thinking about what all had occurred in the last few weeks.
She had been betrayed and kidnapped, and then, of all things, rescued by a man that she had only just met, who was now laying in the bed beside her lost to a coma due to his being poisoned. A small blush stained her cheeks as she looked back at him, “I can’t help but adore him though…” She murmured to herself, “He is handsome… he is kind, and he is knowledgeable… My brother’s absolute opposite. No doubt he is a kind king who thinks more for his own people than himself…”
As she mused to herself she did not noticed as Park’s eyes slid slowly open and he looked around for the voice that had woken him. He caught sight of her looking at him, musing about how he ruled his people, and couldn’t stop a small smirk from quirking his lips. Park gave a small cough and sat up, Raven’s blush became noticeably darker and she turned quickly towards the window again in embarrassment. “H-h-how long have you been awake?” She stuttered.
“Long enough to get the gist of your appraisal of me.” Park chuckled softly, amused at her embarrassment.
Raven ducked her head, gulping, “R-really?”
“Yeah.” She jumped slightly as his voice sounded from right by her ear, and he reached an arm out to steady her, “But I think the same of you… You would make a better ruler than Satul… And I find that I am quite enamored by you.”
You… what?” Raven turned to look at him, astonishment in her gaze.
“I l-” Park was cut off as the door slipped open and his brothers along with Kindra spilled onto the floor at their feet, “What are you doing?” He glared down at them.
“Ah- well… we heard voices…” Max started, wracking his brain for an excuse.
“You had both been sleeping for so long that we didn’t think it could have been you!” William put in quickly.
“We were worried that perhaps somebody had come to kidnap Lady Raven!” Kindra finished, “So, we came to see what was going on…”
“I see, well, as you can see, we’re quite alright and are not in the process of being kidnapped.” Park replied, a frown touching to his lips.
“Yes, it is quite obvious, but we are quite glad to have you both back with us!” Kindra exclaimed, tugging them both into a tight hug, “So, when are we going to go get the dragons?”
“What do you mean?” Park questioned, “Where are they?”
“They are in Sias- Mauve and Emerald were injured in our last battle pretty badly, and Chaos and Jasmyne were taken to be sure that their wounds aren’t worse than what was on the surface…” Max replied calmly.
“What… what battle?” Park demanded to know, “And who is this other woman?” Midori was standing in the doorway, keeping to the shadows.
“I’m Midori!” She stated boldly, stepping forward.
“Well, before we could get away from those woods we were all attacked while we were flying.” William started, “It was a wicked battle, and quite exhausting, though in the end we did manage to gain a victory, and we were able to escape with minimal injuries…”
Park frowned, and it was Raven who broke the standing silence several minutes later, “We’ll leave tomorrow- how long will the ride be?” She questioned.
“A fortnight on horseback.” Kindra replied evenly, “Though it only takes a day to get to Esmora, it is then thirteen days to get across the hills and grasslands that stand between Esmora and Sias.” She frowned, “I may have to stay in Esmora for a few days though, get things straightened out for an extended absence…”
“Wait, if it will take a fortnight to get to Sias, how come Calder was able to come so quickly with aid during the battle here in Meritates?” William asked, “And it took less than a day to reach the village?”
“There are many outposts that rest closely to Esmora.” Kindra responded, “He didn’t have to go far for aid, nor for the funerals.”
“After we get the dragons… I will head back to Khaba.” Park said firmly, “Our lands must be taken back… and our homes rebuilt.”
“I hope that you do not plan to go alone.” Max said, crossing his arms, “Because I’m coming too.”
“We all are.” The others agreed.
“It’s going to take more than just us though… We’ll need an army.” Kindra said slowly.
A sad look crossed Park’s face before he shook his head, “I don’t have an army anymore.”
“But we do.” Kindra said, looking to Raven who nodded her agreement, “I’m sure Satul will want to pay his debt off to you as soon as possible for saving him so many times… And for rescuing his twin sister. Not to mention, my own militia will be willing to aid you.”
“I cannot ask that from Meritates and Esmora.” Park shook his head swiftly, “Not after all that has happened.”
“You aren’t asking for anything.” Raven replied, “We’re helping you whether you like it or not.”
“It will be another long and perilous journey.” William commented, “Which will require us to stock on not only food- but money, and items for trade in the markets that rest between us.”
“Tomorrow we will begin our journey to Sias then.” Raven said, “And in the meantime, have Satul put together a few squadrants for us.”
“Once we get to Esmora, I will have my own men begin preparations.” Kindra replied.
“It’s all set then!” Midori said in a chipper tone, “Now let’s get some sleep, we’ve got a lot of traveling ahead of us.” The others agreed easily and headed off to their own beds for the night.
Chapter 50
Early the next morning their group was standing in the courtyard, shivering in the predawn chill. Servants quickly saddled their horses and tied rucksacks to the saddles. The bags held food enough for two or three days in case of any delays, as well as clothes and blankets for the party. Park tied an extra bundle to his own saddle- the bag that he had brought all the way from Khaba.
Midori gave the bag a curious look and a strange gleam went unnoticed through her gaze. She felt her body practically buzzing with curiosity and wanted nothing more than to dig through that bag and seek out its contents. She knew that her plotting was wrong, but the bag itself seemed unusually precious to Park, and the fact that none of the others seemed to notice, or at least tried not to notice, made her all the more curious.
“Are we ready?” Park tightened his bags to assure that none would fall off and turned to the rest of the group.
Raven nodded, “I’m ready.” She said eagerly, doing her best to ignore the argument that she’d had with her brother nearly an hour before.
The others nodded their agreement and they started out at a brisk, comfortable pace. It was nothing like their previous ventures to and from Meritates, there was no emergency, only the placate need to get to their dragons in the distant kingdom of Sias. As early morning grew into midafternoon the air grew pleasantly warm and the group stopped to eat near a small creek.
They tethered the horses near the water and a lush patch of grass where they, too, could eat. “The weather is lovely today.” Kindra cheered as Max started a small cooking fire.
She danced around the group happily, her hair swaying as lithely as her body in the breeze. Soon Midori and Raven joined her, enjoying the freedom of their motion. The men watched lazily from the ground as a delectable stew simmered over the fire. “I’d sure enjoy a good swim.” William commented, looking at the creek in longing, “It’s been too long since any of us has had any decent fun…”
“I wouldn’t swim here though,” Raven settled down by the fire and looked between the three men seriously.
“Why not?” Max asked curiously.
“Well, let’s just say it’s not safe to enter that water.” Raven’s gaze grew distant as she looked out upon the gentle current of the creek, “It’ll never be safe…”
“That’s for the best I suppose,” Park said, standing, “We need to continue on our way as it is. Esmora isn’t going to come to us after all.”
Midori gave Raven a sideways look as she released a sigh of relief. She shrugged it off after a moment and quickly began to help clear the mess from their picnic. After nearly twenty minutes the group set off once more, their pace quickening as thick clouds appeared on the horizon, “Looks like it’s going to storm.” Max commented.
“We definitely need to find shelter before it hits.” Kindra said, “Those thunderheads are huge, and if that storm hits us… we’ll be in for hell.”
“You think we’ll be able to make it to Esmora?” Midori asked nervously.
“Not likely.” Kindra shook her head, “There’s still a long way to Esmora, and the way that wind’s blowing… The storm will be upon us within the hour.”
“Ooh, shoot… I knew coming with you guys was a bad idea…” Midori muttered to herself, shivering as a soft rumble of thunder was heard in the distance.
“Something wrong, Midori?” Kindra asked, cantering her horse beside her.
“I… I really hate storms is all.” Midori said softly so that none of the others could hear her.
“Why? Storms are full of energy!” Kindra replied in a tone just as soft, “They’re rejuvenating.”
“They’re scary.” Midori said firmly, “I don’t think that I’ll ever see them any other way.”
“That’s too bad.” Raven came up on her other side, “The chaos of a storm always makes me wish I could just sprout wings and dance with the lightning in the sky.”
“That’s scary.” Midori gasped, “And dangerous!”
“You know… with the aid of a dragon, you probably could be up in the sky.” Kindra stated, “In fact, you were in the sky during a horrendous storm a few days ago.”
Raven blinked, “Really? I don’t recall that…”
“Well… we were talking about it last night, remember? You and Park were out cold.” Midori replied, stiffening every few minutes with rumbles of thunder. “Now then… How about that shelter?” She tried to keep the nervousness out of her voice, though failed miserably.
“Hmm… There should be a militia fort somewhere ahead.” Raven said, stroking her chin thoughtfully, “I can’t really remember where it is, or how far it is… but it’s definitely closer than Esmora.”
“If the storm hits before then, we’ll just have to take shelter under the trees.” Park called back to them, “We won’t have much choice.”
“Then let’s get moving, shall we, slow pokes?” William called from up ahead, he and Max were nearing a bend in the road and disappeared from the group’s sight.
“I agree with them!” Midori tightened her grip on the reins and moved her horse into a full gallop after the two men.
“I have a bad feeling…” Max said quietly to William a few minutes later.
The two of them still shared a substantial lead, and they’d managed to pull Midori out of her full gallop. “About what?” William asked, he and Park had learned to trust Max’s feelings when they were still kids.
“About this journey.” Max waved his arms around, “I don’t think it’s going to end right…”
“Not getting anything more substantial than the general feeling?” William questioned.
“No, but I’m certain that the feeling will grow as we go along until… Well, until something terrible and tragic happens.” Max shook his head thoughtfully.
“For now… We should keep it between the two of us.” William said, “There’s no need worrying the others until we know for certain what’s going to happen.”
Max nodded, “Should we tell Park at least?”
“He’s got enough on his plate.” William stated, “Let’s just make this journey as pleasant as possible while we can.”
“Agreed.” Max replied firmly.
The Shard's Child 3
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