Empire of Blood, page 28
part #2 of Armageddon Series
Without delay, both Thor and Doragon spread their wings and beat them as fast as they could. Selena, Rahim, and Kiba grabbed edge of the saddle to keep themselves from being thrown off. Azrael looked down at the icy waters to see a titanic black mass underneath the ocean’s depths.
“Don’t look down!” he shouted once more.
Selena was very tempted, but instead, focused on the back of Thor’s neck.
No matter what happens, keep flying!
A large jet of water erupted from the deep that reached for the two dragons. From the corner of her eye, Selena saw a tentacle the size of a giant tree trunk lunging towards Thor’s underbelly. Sharp and jagged spikes were on its suction cups.
Thor flapped furiously and quickly dodged it. The black, slimy tip barely touched his tail, but Thor escaped unscathed.
“What is that thing?” Selena shouted.
“I don’t give a damn but I don’t feel like being monster food today!” Rahim cried.
“Not to sound rude or anything, but can your dragon go any higher? Look!” Kiba pointed ahead. A few more tendrils plunged through the surface and wildly thrashed about.
Selena grabbed Thor’s reins in an attempt to guide him. Both dragons moved sharply from one side to the next to dodge the monster’s attacks. Thor’s passengers screamed as he swerved sharply once more.
“I’m slipping!” Kiba shouted. Before Selena could help her, Thor bucked and Kiba was thrown from the saddle. Rahim screamed and reached out for her, but Kiba disappeared into the clouds below.
“Kiba!” Selena screamed and pulled hard on Thor’s reins. Thor cupped in his wings and dove down after Kiba.
He made his way to get beneath her. As she continued to fall, Doragon and Azrael zoomed past Thor and flew underneath Kiba. Azrael reached out, caught her, and pulled her on Doragon’s saddle.
Thor ended up smacking the water and, using his legs to push up from the ocean’s surface. He began his ascent once more. The mass of tentacles let loose another barrage of attacks. Thor swerved back and forth as more shot from the watery abyss. Selena, however, remained fully concentrated on avoiding the onslaught.
You can do this. You got this, Thor!
A single tentacle went straight for Thor. He tried to dodge it, but Selena knew he wasn’t going to get out of the way in time. With a determined look on her face, she stood up and assumed the position to use fire magic. They were headed for a collision course.
Instead of casting magic, Selena widened her stance and took a deep breath. Without even thinking of what she was doing, she breathed out a large fire blast that obliterated the tendril. Pieces of flesh scattered around them. The other tentacles slammed against the ocean’s surface before slipping back into the depths.
Before Selena lost her footing, Rahim reached up and pulled her back down as Thor flew away as fast as he could with Doragon following behind.
Kiba gasped and said, “Thanks for saving me.”
“Don’t mention it.” Azrael then fell over as he tried to catch his breath, but he kept coughing instead.
Selena leaned up against the saddle and looked up. The rain turned into a light drizzle.
“What was that thing?” she asked Azrael.
“I’ve only heard stories, but I think that was the kraken. I didn’t think that thing existed!”
“Maybe Selena was right and that we should have kept flying,” Kiba said.
Instead of arguing with her, Azrael held his head in shame. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Never mind that, though. You breathed fire like a dragon!” Rahim exclaimed as he stood up.
That moment felt like a blur. She didn’t even think about doing it; it just came to her.
You’re becoming more and more like a dragon each day. Maybe you’ll be able to fly the skies with me as one.
Silver said he could help me and maybe I can learn how to control when I can be human or dragon, like how Kiba can with being a wolf. I do admit, it sounds amazing to be able to join you in the skies as a true dragon.
I could only imagine your envy.
Ignoring their encounter with the kraken, their flight was peaceful and serene. A golden light cracked through the sky and lit up against the monochromatic background.
Selena grabbed Thor's horns and leaned out a little bit to try to spot the islands before they got there. To her dismay, she only saw fog dancing across the lake's surface in the far distance.
Do you see anything?
Hmm, Thor began, I see beautiful waterfalls and marble towers shooting skyward with gold patterns across their gateways. He chuckled.
You're not funny. Selena grunted, crossing her arms over her chest.
If you knew I wouldn't be able to see through, then why did you ask?
You're supposed to have much better eyesight than me. I'm very disappointed in you.
Thor huffed; Selena knew she hurt his pride a little bit.
Be that as it may, he began, I cannot see anything as of yet. We will bask in the glory soon.
I know, I'm just a little impatient. Selena looked over at the dragon egg case. I wonder who will be chosen as handlers.
Let the king figure that out. I'm certain that he will host ceremonies for those he thinks would be worthy.
Selena nodded and laid back against the saddle. Afternoon passed and evening settled in. She started counting the stars that appeared. In that moment, she felt a sense of peace. All was still and well.
Let's stay close, the fog is getting much thicker.
Will do. Thor replied. He kept glancing over to make sure he could still see Doragon next to him. I wanted to ask. Do you think that your father is right and that Snowhaven is fine? I’m getting a strange feeling for some reason.
A stone dropped in her stomach.
I don’t know. If they are in the Water Kingdom, then we have to get to Snowhaven ourselves to make sure that everyone is still all right. If need be, we can always go back to Nuvak and wait for the reinforcements that General Araneus promised.
It quickly became much colder. Selena went over to one of her packs to get a blanket and a thick woven shirt to wear over her normal clothes. Rahim, however, was sound asleep and snored a little loudly.
Selena sighed and tried to find another for him but she only had one. Instead of taking it for herself, she draped the blanket over Rahim and sat next to where he lay.
Thor called for her to look in front of them. Selena scurried upright and saw a beautiful sight greeting them.
Small little lights could be seen through the fog, as it began to clear away. Snowhaven was surrounded by glacial walls. A giant castle in a shape of a crown made of ice and stone sat on the largest island covered in snow. Four towers reached far towards the heavens. There was a giant archway in the front with two smaller ones on both sides. Twin towers that resemble the foundation of the castle jutted out from the depths of the ocean. Two other ice islands were connected to the main by a thick ice bridge. Many stone buildings were strung across with little lights shining from the windows.
“Rahim, wake up!” Selena ran over and shook him.
“What?” he grumbled.
“We’re here! Snowhaven!”
Rahim’s eyes immediately widened as he bolted from his spot and leaned over the saddle.
It's more beautiful than I imagined it to be, but I'm getting a really bad feeling about being here. It's very unsettling.
I can feel it too.
No matter what happens, we need to stay together. Look! There’s a crowd waiting for us!
“We’re coming for you, Niamh.” Rahim stood up and pulled out his eyeglass once more to get a closer look at the city.
Thor and Doragon landed on the ice island softly and carefully. They did so with much caution needed by their unwanted new company. Both men and women alike waved them down to draw attention.
Thor observed their behaviors with great interest, twitching his tail as he walked by. Selena, however, was confused and overwhelmed; she was never given this much attention, even back home at Alfheim. She looked over at Azrael and saw that he wasn’t taking the welcome well. He kept his hands over his revolver resting in the belt fastened holster – the one issued to him from the Force. Doragon shared his contempt for the crowd. He tried avoiding them like the plague and followed Thor closely. Rahim, on the other hand, started waving to them. He was enjoying being the center of attention.
Kiba jerked awake when Doragon landed and hissed when she saw the horde. She curled herself into a tight ball with the blanket. “No! Why are there so many of your kind? Please tell me when it’s over.”
A robed official made his way through the crowd, shouting for everyone to move out of the way.
“Pardon me! Royal official coming through! Ah! You must be the riders from the Force! Welcome to Snowhaven!” He was a stout man dressed in black and gold silk robes. He was older, whose face was beat red and beaded with sweat. A pair of spectacles was perched on the ridge of his nose.
Selena jumped off the saddle and made a polite gesture with a bow of her head in greeting. “A pleasure to meet you. We are here with the dragon eggs for his majesty.”
“Yes, quite. Please follow me. I will first show you where your dragons can stay for the time being. Afterwards, we can finally discuss business.”
Holland waited impatiently as Selena and Rahim worked together to hoist the egg crate down. Together, they got on either side and grabbed the handles. Although it was fairly light, the box was too big to carry alone. Azrael and Kiba stayed on Doragon’s back to keep away from the crowd.
As they finally escaped their new fans and got closer to the ice citadel, Selena asked: “I’m sorry but I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced.”
“Oh yes, of course! How silly of me! My name is Holland,” the royal official said. “I serve in his majesty’s court at his right hand. Over here, please!”
I’m confused. Those dragon creatures… they’re nowhere to be seen but everything seems fine. Snowhaven looks enact and safe.
Ask Holland. He might know if anything is wrong.
“Excuse me,” Selena began, “have you seen any strange creatures around here?”
He abruptly stopped in his tracks. “Strange creatures? Like what?”
“Err…” Selena wasn’t sure where to begin.
Rahim cleared his throat and spoke up for her. “They looked like deformed dragons. We saw them flying towards here after they attacked Alfheim. We’ve been trying to track them down because they took one of our friends and we thought Snowhaven was in danger.”
“Danger? Ha! Snowhaven is a fortress! We could never be in danger! Please follow me!” Holland sped ahead.
“He’s avoiding our question,” Azrael noted. “I don’t like this, Selena.”
“Neither do I. We need to stay close.”
Holland pointed to one of the towers on the left island and said: “Your dragons can stay there!”
Thor lowered his head and snorted. What about food? I’m hungry and I think Doragon is too.
Selena restated his concerns and Holland laughed.
“Of course! We can’t expect you to stay here on empty stomachs! Meals will be prepared for your dragons shortly.”
Azrael, a little reluctant at first, jumped off Doragon’s back and patted his neck. Rahim and Kiba followed suit. Selena looked at Kiba with concern.
“Doesn’t the cold bother you?”
“No. I’m used to it.” Kiba scoffed. However, she tightened her grip on the blanket and held it close.
Selena bid Thor farewell and they parted; she and her group followed Holland back to the citadel and walked through the front doors.
The floors were made of polished marble. The inside was carved perfectly from black stone and ice that curved into a blade upwards that formed the dome ceiling overhead. They were immediately led into the main section of the castle, a circular prison with beautiful stained glass windows lining the walls. Resting above were slabs of stone that went around the circumference of the base with intricate carvings and designs. There were four different paths to take from the main room.
Holland mentioned for them to follow him through the path on the far right. They passed by a guarded staircase that lead to the second floor and found a row of different rooms. Holland opened the first door and pointed to both Selena and Kiba.
“You two may share this while the gentlemen can have the room next to yours. For now, please make yourself comfortable. And if I may, I’ll just take that from you.” Holland pointed to the egg crate that Selena and Rahim carried. They took a step back.
“This is for the king,” Selena said.
Holland looked offended by her comment. “I am the king’s right hand. I will make sure those eggs get delivered to him immediately. Otherwise, King Boreas will grant an audience with you four later. I will be back to let you know when.” Holland ordered the nearby guards to take the chest from them. They quickly snatched it away from Selena and Rahim before any other objections could be made. Holland and his guards quickly disappeared down the corridor.
Azrael grunted. “This doesn’t feel right. Everybody is acting fake.”
Selena attempted to think of other matters to calm down from Holland’s rude behavior. Before, they always made an attempt to speak with the king before all else.
She said: “Do you think Holland may not want us to speak with his majesty? He was in a great hurry to take the eggs from us before we had much of a chance to explain anything.”
“I don’t know, but I am a little hungry.” Rahim made his way passed them to walk back to the great hall, but was immediately forced back. “What is this?”
“What? No!” Azrael and Selena both yelled and ran to where Rahim was pointing. They found that they could not go any further. There was an invisible wall of energy that blocked their path.
“That damn rat! He’s keeping us prisoner in here!” Azrael shouted.
Selena looked around to see if anyone was nearby and saw two guards coming by to take their post at the end of the corridor. She shouted and waved her hands in hopes that she would catch their attention, but her efforts were futile.
“I don’t think they can hear us,” Rahim said. He looked down in discouragement.
“What about Thor and Doragon? Maybe they can help us,” Selena said in a hopeful tone.
“What are they going to do?” Kiba asked.
“I don’t know. They’re both fifteen ton dragons. I’m sure they could do something.”
“I bet if we’re kept prisoner here, chances are they are too,” Azrael stated. “They might be wearing that special amulet that blocks communication. I can only assume this because I can’t reach Doragon.” Selena tried to talk to Thor, but did not feel his consciousness.
“Then what are we going to do? Kiba, could you try to get through the wall?” Selena asked.
“I thought you’d never ask!” Kiba gave them a toothy grin. She bent over and touched the floor, but shrieked in pain as soon as she tried performing magic.
“What happened? Are you okay?”
“It burned me! What kind of stone is this?”
Selena’s eyes widened and she gritted her teeth. “They anticipated our moves. What do we do now?” she asked Azrael.
“The only thing we can do. Wait.”
Minutes turned to hours. Kiba was on her back with her head hanging over the edge of the bed. Selena and Rahim were playing cards near the window while Azrael sat in the corner.
“Wait, you beat me again?” Rahim complained. He threw his cards down and grumbled as Selena gathered them together and started shuffling them once more.
Selena looked up at said, “Azrael, come over and play a game.”
“I don’t want to play. I want to talk to the king. Then I want to go home.”
Rahim shook his head. “Not until I find out what happened to Niamh. We still have no idea where those creatures went to. They all flocked over here but we haven’t seen them.”
“I know. It’s weird. She’s still alive and I feel that she’s here. Same goes for those creatures. I’m wondering if they’re hiding somewhere.”
“But where could they be hiding?” Selena asked. “They’re huge and there’s many of them.”
“Maybe they’re kept underground? Or maybe underwater?” Kiba asked. She stretched out her arms.
Their conversation was interrupted by echoing footsteps. Holland finally returned, this time with a parcel in hand.
“I have great news!” he shouted. “Your request to meet with the king is pending for approval! It should be finished in eight weeks!”
“Eight weeks! But we don’t have that long!” Selena exclaimed.
“That’s quick! Normally it’s about four months but you’re in luck! In the meantime, feel free to enjoy your time here in the city.” Holland smiled.
“You’re mad! This whole city is mad! What is going on here?” Rahim asked.
“The less you know, the better.” Holland eerily stated before taking his leave. Selena gritted her teeth and reluctantly stepped forward. To her relief, the force field was gone and they were free to leave their rooms.
Her heart racing with excitement, she attempted to reach Thor. She was comforted in being able to hear his voice again.
Finally! I wasn’t able to hear you since we separated!
Wait, were you and Doragon wearing those enchanted necklaces?
No? We just finished eating and we’ve been trying to relax. We haven’t been able to talk to you or Azrael in the last few hours. Holland kept assuring us that you were fine and that you were going through security valence. He warned us that we would be isolated for a while.
That conniving bastard! He took the eggs from us and trapped us in our rooms! We can’t see the king!
Then we should leave. I don’t like it here any more than you do.
Leave? We can’t go without Niamh! And the king… does he know what’s happening to his city?
Maybe. Maybe not. However, we already fulfilled our obligations to the Council. I want to find Niamh too but you are my priority. If it becomes unsafe, then I will take you away and that will be the end of it. I don’t care what happens. I will not let you fall to harm.
