Empire of Blood, page 22
part #2 of Armageddon Series
Baskets filled to the brim with fresh fruits were carried from the vault and placed before the stone slab while the meat was roasted over the bonfire. The pack members howled and danced around the fire.
For most of the evening, they ate, laughed, and told stories. Selena twirled her totem in between her fingers and then put it away in her pocket before searching for Azrael.
He stood by Doragon and was stroking his neck when Selena approached him.
“Did you know that Artio was real?” she asked.
“Aye.”
“Aye?” Selena wasn’t expecting that. “I’m sorry if I don’t sound tolerant, but… how? Wait, that wouldn’t even be the right question…”
Azrael spun around and faced her. “It’s not my place to go around and telling people which gods are real or fake. That defies the purpose of believing in them, and what religion is all about. It sounds terrible when I put it that way, but it’s supposed to be blind faith. Artio is a lesser goddess compared to the Divines, but she’s still important. Did you speak with her?”
“Yes, when I set the egg in her shrine.”
“I see. If you must know, then I’ll let you in on a little secret. You can’t tell anyone, but she is my sister.”
“Sister?” Selena took a step back.
“Yes, but don’t tell anyone.”
“I didn’t know that you had any other family.”
“It’s just me and her. There is nobody else. Even those two who raised me and I called my aunt and uncle weren’t actually related to me. You can probably guess that they were just caretakers, and lousy ones at that.” Selena swallowed hard. She remembered Niamh talking about Azrael’s abusive upbringing. She regretted bringing up the subject, but it didn’t seem to bother Azrael any. Azrael sighed and patted Doragon’s neck again. “We should get ready to leave.”
As Selena made sure that she was ready to go, she saw Kiba and Maru talking beside the fire. They hugged and kissed before Kiba came over with a leather bag of her own.
“I’ve decided to come with you,” Kiba said.
“What about your pack?” Selena asked.
“They have Maru. I told him what I wanted to do and he eventually agreed. I plan to come back soon, but I want to help. You told me about the Lich and the Obsidian Order and how they destroyed your home and family. You helped me in so many ways. Now I want to help you.” Kiba smiled. “Besides, I think you need it anyway. After all, someone needs to keep you in line.”
“The more, the merrier!” Rahim cried out before grabbing some more food to take with him.
“Azrael, are you fine with that?” Selena asked him.
He looked up with his arms crossed and shrugged. “I guess.”
“All right, it’s decided. Welcome to the group,” Selena said with a smile. Kiba gave her a toothy grin. “Well then, we should be heading straight to Nuvak from here. We are about a couple of days late in our journey but we can make it.”
“I think we need to make sure that Thor and Doragon are well rested and fed. I want us to get to Summerfall without any more delays. That means I want us to fly for two days minimum non-stop, maybe a day and a half if the winds are in our favor. I know Doragon can do that. What about Thor?” Azrael asked.
Thor stood on his hind legs and stretched out his wings.
I can do it too.
Are you sure? We’re used to camping and resting every few hours or so. I know Azrael is always in a hurry, but if you don’t think-
I said that I can do it. I am ready whenever you are.
All right, I believe in you!
She reiterated Thor’s commitment out loud; Azrael and Doragon nodded.
Rahim said, “I've been around the area a few times. I know that there is an inn in Summerfall. It's a small little settlement that's still in the Earth Kingdom province.”
“Yup, I see it here.” Azrael pulled out their map. “It will be the perfect place to rest before reaching the Air Kingdom capital.”
Selena pat the side of Thor's neck.
I know I’ve said this before, but I want to see Matu before going to Snowhaven.
Of course. I would love to see her again too. I’m sure she’s both worried and proud.
Do you think she’ll be mad at me?
Why would she be? She only wanted what was best for you, for us. Even if she was mad, I’m sure she’ll forgive you.
Selena looked over at Kiba, who froze in her spot. Her lips curved back and she started snarling. The other pack members did the same.
Not knowing what was wrong, they quickly turned and looked up at the top of the trees to see what bothered the pack. There, hovering silently, was one of the dragons that attacked Alfheim.
No… it couldn’t be. Her hands trembled at her side, her breaths turned ragged and harsh. Seeing the dragon’s black silhouette taunted her.
Thor and Doragon rushed over to protect Selena, Azrael, and Rahim. They enveloped their wings around them like a shield while Kiba and her pack assembled together for battle.
The twisted dragon did not retaliate. Instead, it glided down gently and landed near the edge of the forest with its razor wings still spread out.
“Must I use this foul tongue of yours?” it hissed at them. It could talk! Its voice was slow and it sounded like a shriek. “We will be waiting for you in the Water Kingdom, but you better hurry. The one you call Niamh misses you.”
Before the pack could attack it, the dragon flew away and left as quickly as it came.
“Get back here and fight!” Rahim shouted. He pushed Thor’s wing aside and pulled out his gun to shoot it down, but Selena intervened and pushed it away.
“Rahim, now is not the time! He’s just taunting us!” she assured.
His eyes glistened from tears.
“But… Niamh.” Rahim’s voice sounded hoarse.
“We will get her back. I swear it.” Selena promised him.
“If you want to, then we need to leave now,” Azrael announced. “Snowhaven could be in danger! We have to get moving!” After making sure they were packed and ready to go, Thor and Doragon flew off with their passengers. The Aynu bid them farewell by howling in unison.
Chapter 21
Twilight faded into blackness freckled by specks of light, shinning like a million fireflies.
For the rest of the evening, Thor and Doragon were quick and silent. It started off as a race between them to see who could fly faster, but Selena and Azrael worked together to make them pace themselves. The tailwinds soon picked up, and the two dragons were able to relax while they coasted.
At the first hint of dawn, they flew over a giant statue of Ulrich that was at the bend of the Raging River.
“That’s Ulrich’s shrine,” Azrael pointed out, “usually his most devout followers are there with a priest, either preaching or performing rituals. Sometimes if you leave an offering, he might talk to you.”
“I’m assuming Xyaxon has one too, and you,” Selena said.
“Yes. Xyaxon’s shrine is near Alfheim. Mine… well, I don’t know if it’s still standing, but it was near Summerfall.”
“What kind of offering would I have to leave at the shrine if I wanted to commune with the Divines?”
“Usually gold, at least that’s what it was for mine. I couldn’t imagine it being different than for Ulrich’s or Xyaxon’s. I wouldn’t expect an answer, though. They may or may not choose to speak to you.”
Selena raised her brow. “Is there a reason why?”
Azrael shrugged. “It could be that they may not want to talk to anyone in particular, or maybe they’re waiting for someone specific. I don’t know. For me, I didn’t want to talk to anyone.”
Selena thought, He’s always so bitter.
The chill breeze made her spine crawl.
Selena looked over at Kiba, who was huddled in the corner. Realizing that she was still naked, Selena unpacked a blanket from her bag and offered it, but Kiba refused. “Here, why don’t you have this? You must be freezing.”
“I don’t need clothes.” Kiba spat in disgust just from saying the word.
“It’s a blanket. It’s not exactly clothing, but it will keep you warm.” Selena tried to offer the blanket once more. Kiba’s lips twitched before she snatched it and covered herself up. Although Kiba mumbled a little under breath, Selena knew that she was happy from the gesture.
She forced herself to stay awake and to enjoy the brisk wind blowing across her face. It was a beautiful day with the sun shinning bright through some drifting clouds. Her flight with Thor made her feel relaxed and content.
On a couple of occasions, Rahim swore he saw the dragon creatures flying ahead of them, though they were far away. Kiba joked that they could be birds instead, but Rahim was persistent. He watched them through his eyeglass over the next several hours. The only way that Selena was able to make him take a break was by bribing him with food. Even then, Rahim was still reluctant.
Selena said, “We’re not going to find Niamh any faster.”
Rahim ignored her and went back to his watch after a few mouthfuls of jerky.
The White Plains continued on forever like an ocean. Evening came like a thief, and Armageddon was once again covered in darkness. Rahim finally stopped looking when the light vanished and went over in the corner to rest. Kiba was already sleeping.
Selena could tell that Thor was pushing it. Before the battle of Alfheim, Thor did go through a few endurance training sessions with Silver, but they never got him to be able to stay in flight for days at a time.
How are you feeling?
Thor’s breaths were short, but he said: I’m doing well. Doragon has been showing me how to pace myself. See? Thor slowly flapped his large wings and he was steady once more. If I can keep doing that, then I should be fine until we can make it to Summerfall.
Selena smiled and pat his neck. I’m glad that you and Doragon are working together.
I’m glad that you and Azrael are too.
Azrael interrupted, “I'll stay awake and watch if you want to get a little bit of sleep. Rahim and Kiba are already resting. You should too. Summerfall is still about another day away from here, although it may be less than that if Thor and Doragon keep it up.”
Selena did not want to admit that he was right but she caught herself drifting off again.
“All right,” she said. She grabbed one of her packs and used it as a pillow before passing out.
When Selena awoke, she saw that it was already midday. She found that Azrael hadn’t moved from his spot; he was guiding both Doragon and Thor to where they needed to go. Off in the distance was a small inn that Rahim was referring to the other night. They made it to Summerfall.
“Here we are,” Azrael announced, “and I see that you're awake. Good morning, or afternoon.”
Selena yawned and stretched.
“Good afternoon,” she responded, “how long was I out for?”
“A good fifteen hours. You were really exhausted and I didn’t want to bother you until we got to the inn. Thor has been doing really good. Better than I expected. No other dragon has been able to keep up with Doragon.”
She smiled at the compliment. Thor gave a firm nod in response.
Rahim was not exaggerating when he called settlement small. There was an inn with a shop next it. On the other side of the rocky road was a tiny house surrounded by a big, wooden gate that fenced horses. The place looked deserted.
“We finally made it. Hopefully we can rest here for a while. Thor and Doragon deserve it.” Selena patted Thor’s neck.
And we're hungry.
Of course, you two were amazing!
Both him and Doragon dove down towards the small town and landed beside the inn. The horses panicked and galloped to their stalls.
Kiba was startled. She shivered and re-wrapped herself in Selena’s blanket. “What just happened? Since we’ve been flying, I've been feeling uneasy. I tried to sleep since we’ve left, but I couldn't. I just laid there all night, praying that I would pass out. I don't understand how you three can do it.”
“You get used to it,” Selena added as she climbed down to stretch her legs, “we just got here.”
“Brilliant,” Rahim responded as he yawned, “a nice cot please.”
Selena and Kiba glared at him.
“We are not your servants. You can walk just like the rest of us.” Selena shot at him.
“I was talking to myself. I wasn't asking for you to bring me inside.” Rahim followed Kiba and walked around a bit.
“I dunno, even I will admit that it sounded like you were expecting us to help you.” Azrael shrugged. “It doesn't matter to me.”
Selena reached into her pocket to pull out her coin purse. Thor walked over and nudged her shoulder.
May I please have a horse?
I'll see if I have enough. I’ll be back.
Selena and her group walked inside the tattered inn.
The place was barren and empty minus the innkeeper behind the counter and one local wearing a cloak sitting in the corner with a drink. Inside were a few tables with a lantern and chairs. Beside the barhop was a staircase that led to the rooms for rent.
“Selena, is this how all of Armageddon’s inns look?” Kiba asked.
“Not really. I think it's because this one is almost out in the middle of nowhere.”
“Welcome to Summerfall,” the keeper greeted, “we don't get very many visitors here except for merchants traveling between the cities. Are you travelers?”
“Yes,” Selena said, “how much do you charge for one of those horses?”
“It depends on which one you want. My best horse is going for one hundred fifty gold pieces.”
“It doesn't need to be your fastest. I just need one for my dragon.”
“And for mine as well, so make that two,” Azrael interrupted.
“Ah, dragon riders? I haven't seen any here in years. I have two that I can let go for thirty gold apiece. Either one of the white or brown ones.”
“Done,” Azrael walked up and placed a handful of gold coins on the counter. “How much for two rooms?”
“Five gold per room.”
“I'm going to step outside for a moment and tell Thor and Doragon to take their pick.” Selena handed Azrael her share of gold, and walked outside. The stranger shifted in their spot. Selena noticed and walked faster.
Can we take one yet? Thor pleaded.
Selena nodded.
Yes, take one of the white or brown ones for yourselves.
Thor's eyes changed color to red as he flew up ahead to target his catch, followed by Doragon.
When Selena walked back inside, she was greeted by both the stranger and Azrael.
“Follow me upstairs. All four of you.” Selena and Rahim looked at each other in confusion by the stranger’s request and did as he said.
“Is that how we greet people?” Kiba asked. “I may have lived in the woods for a while but this mysteriousness is ridiculous.”
“With how unsafe everything has been, meeting an ally has to be mysterious.” Rahim stretched out his arms and yawned.
The four of them followed the stranger upstairs into the first room on the right. He sat at a small table with a candle and a plate of fruit, bread, and cheese next to a wine bottle. A small bed sat in the lonely corner.
“Is that you, Phantom Dust?” Azrael asked, closing the door after everyone walked in.
Selena looked between him and the stranger as he lifted his hood to reveal his face. His mask that she recognized was hanging on the side over his cheek.
“Yes, but please just call me D.”
“Father! It’s great to see you again!” Selena exclaimed.
He smiled and mentioned for them to take a seat anywhere. “It’s great to see you again too. I've been expecting all of you. Please make sure that door is locked.”
Azrael jiggled the knob and said, “It is.”
“Wait, this man is your father?” Rahim asked. “Then… does that mean that he’s the emp…?”
Selena quickly elbowed him in the ribs to interrupt him and looked over to Kiba, who wasn’t paying attention to Rahim’s outburst. Rahim heaved over and held his sides.
“Don’t mind him,” Azrael said.
Selena leaned in and whispered to Rahim, “I’ll explain later.”
D waved his hand to dismiss what happened. “Honestly I was expecting you to be here a little sooner, but I prepared for the circumstances.”
“Circumstances?” Rahim asked.
“Ulrich and your new companion.” D nodded to Kiba.
“How do you know of Kiba?” Selena asked.
“I have eyes everywhere. I waited here to help you stock up on everything that you need and to provide safety while you rest. If you need directions for Nuvak and Snowhaven, I will be more than happy to accommodate you. Otherwise, I would recommend staying here for no more than twenty-four hours. That should be plenty of time.”
“Thank you. Where are Kain and Silver?” Selena asked.
“Gathering information for me for a matter that I need to attend to later.” Selena and D looked at each other. She saw through his eyes much pain and torment that she could only imagine that he endured. She hoped that he would say more, but to her dismay, he remained silent.
Selena said: “You seem to have everything planned and to know what's going to happen. Is there any other way that you can help us, or me? I’ve been doing my best to learn more magic on my travels, but I know it’s not enough. I feel like something bad is going to happen. I just don't know it yet.” She wondered if she had been too bold to ask.
It took him a few moments, but D finally said: “There's not much that I can do personally but to follow through with what I know. I know what you want to ask. You have the desire to always want to learn. It’s admirable.” He turned to Azrael and nodded. “But I'm sure that he can work with you better than I could. Otherwise, I'm just a chain master. Nothing more.”
“That still requires magic,” Selena stated, “I saw how useful it was before.”
“It's nothing that the Lich hasn't seen before if you think it can help. He created wards specifically to counter my attacks. Regardless, it takes years to even try to master this. I've had plenty of time.”
