Empire of Blood, page 5
part #2 of Armageddon Series
“Dragons are definitely strange and yet, fascinating creatures. Depending on the breed, it can take months, or even years before they hatch. We aren’t sure why.” Vidar looked over to Silver, who was still fidgeting in his spot. “And speaking of which, Captain Altessa, there is still a more private matter that you and I need to discuss about Thor. We will turn a blind eye to your illegal arts as well, but you will hand over all of your research and secrets to the Council about what happened that evening.”
“I would, sir, but unfortunately the Lich took and destroyed everything that I had on the night he and his minions kidnapped Selena and stolen Thor’s egg. I’ll still be more than happy to allow you to search through anything that I may have left in my quarters.”
“Good,” Vidar continued, “nonetheless, this is not the first time that we have heard of dragons remaining in their eggs for many years before hatching. We have kept the eggs safe here in Alfheim in isolation from everyone until such a time came to try to find a rider for the dragons. We believe that since the Lich was bold enough to attack Alfheim, we need to be prepared to fight back. The eggs have been purchased by Snowhaven and we need all four delivered to the Water Kingdom’s capital. We have chosen both you and Thor to carry out this task. Consider it as your way of paying back the Council for overlooking the charges and maintaining your status as a soldier.”
“Sir, yes sir.” Selena gave a salute.
“We have already sent word to the kings of Rhumbek, Nuvak, and Snowhaven to be aware of your arrival. You will be expected to report in when you reach the capitals. You can find a courier at the city inns to send word. When you meet the kings, please mind your manners. They can be… challenging and difficult to deal with.”
“I see. Thank you for the warning.” Selena bowed.
“The dwarf king from Rhumbek, Dionysus, is very set in his ways and can be stubborn. However, as you’ll more than likely see, he tends to hold festivals that typically include drinking, so be on your guard. King Camulus of Nuvak is a bit aloof and narcissistic, but I think you’ll be fine. He may or may not be easier to work with than King Dionysus. King Boreas of Snowhaven may seem a bit cold-hearted at first, but he cares for his subjects. I expect him willing to welcome you to his city with open arms.
“Time is of the essence. As I understand it, the Day of Eternal Darkness is only but a few months away. We need to act fast if we are to bring back the Mythic Flight. With any luck at all, these four dragons will serve as our ultimate weapon against the Lich in the upcoming war. We hope and pray to build a new dragon army in the Water Kingdom.”
Vidar openly admitted to using the dragons as weapons. They were only tools to the Council; nothing more.
“Sir, if I may, even if Thor and I did manage to deliver the eggs in time, how do we know that they’ll hatch and grow before that day comes? I’ll admit that when Thor and I became partners, he grew relatively fast, but would this still give the new hatchlings enough time?”
Vidar leaned in close. A sneer played upon his lips. “Remember that we have the Oracles and their help. We don’t make any decisions unless we’ve consulted with them first.”
“And they said this would be wise and that all will go according to plan?”
“Yes. Everything will go along quite smoothly.” His tone unnerved her. “And as an extra precaution, Azrael and Doragon will accompany you, since they need to keep a close watch on you at all times.” Selena knew that she did not have a choice in the matter. Instead, she nodded and agreed. “You have one week to prepare! We will provide you the provisions you need for your trip! The night before, we will host a ball and a celebratory banquet to see you off! When you and Azrael return from your mission, your training in magic will resume with Captain Altessa. As I understand, you can only use fire magic. You will need to learn about the other three, like your fellow soldiers. We can’t ignore that any longer than we have to. Use this mission as an opportunity to learn what you can about the other cities and the elements they represent. It will help you for when you return.” Vidar banged his gavel. “Case dismissed.”
As they took their leave, what Vidar said next still rang through her ears like the Pyre’s chimes: “It would be wise if you didn’t wander. We will be keeping a close watch on your journey.”
After everyone was excused from the courtroom, Selena and her group were greeted by Thor once more when they made it outside.
I was ready to face my fate, but then the guards were ordered to release me. You need to tell me what happened. What did you do to make Vidar agree to keep us in?
We owe Azrael our gratitude. She explained what happened and their new orders from Vidar himself.
I’ll be more than happy to deliver a thousand dragon eggs and to travel to the ends of the earth for the Council for letting us stay. Thor declared happily after Selena finished. I daresay, we do owe Azrael much for what he did, although I don’t like seeing you hurt.
Silver, after making sure they were all out of sight from the Council, immediately ran over to embrace Selena and helped heal her wounds. He turned around and scowled at Azrael.
“That was very risky with what you did. I will never forgive you if you hurt her again.” Silver went back to tending to her care. “Does this hurt?”
“I’m fine, it’s just a little swollen. I’ve been hurt worse.” Selena reassured. Thor kept his head draped over her shoulder as they enjoyed each others company.
Azrael casually leaned back, but his face turned grave. “I hope that you don’t resent me for what I did,” he said. “I did what I had to do.”
Selena shook her head. “No, not for that. If anything, Thor and I wanted to thank you.”
Silver, however, glared back at him. “I didn’t think that was necessary!” he shouted.
“The Council needed to see it for themselves. If you haven’t noticed, fancy words don’t seem to get through their damn, thick skulls.”
Silver grumbled. “Don’t do it again.” As he kept making a fuss over her injuries, Selena finally pushed him away.
“I’ll be fine, but I’m getting a strange feeling. I’ll admit, Captain, it seems off to me that the Council gave us a mission immediately following the trial. He first wanted us executed, and now they’re giving us an assignment.” Selena looked up and made eye contact with Thor. “Maybe I’m over thinking the situation.”
Silver stood back and began pacing. “Yes, I agree. Vidar wasn’t acting right when he assigned you and Thor. I’m going to have to keep a close eye on him.”
*****
Chapter 5
The Pyre struck two in the morning.
Loki ran through Alfheim’s lifeless streets as if he were in pursuit, but quickly cowered down when a large, majestic white wolf appeared right behind him.
Its brilliant white coat glistened in the moonlight, soft as silk. It was large and lean, standing boldly before the frightened fox. It glared down at him with its bright blue eyes and moved its mouth, attempting to speak.
“I have given you orders to follow me.” Its voice was recognized to be the Empress’.
Loki trembled and bowed quickly. “My apologies, my Lady. I sometimes forget that you can change your form too.”
Aryl growled. “I can’t waste any more time. I need to see Neith.”
She turned around and took off in the other direction. Loki sighed and took off after the Empress down the road. He tried to keep up as her ladyship walked slowly and gradually, one of her steps equaling to about three of his.
“May I ask why you need to see her? Did something happen?”
The Empress explained what happened during the trial. “Something seemed a bit off when Vidar announced Selena’s mission,” she continued, “I have a feeling that something terrible is going to happen.”
“I see. I delivered your message to D just as you asked, but he did not respond after reading it. He just left without saying a word.”
Aryl felt her stomach tighten into a knot. “I had a feeling that would be the case. I believe he needs to think about what happened. He’ll send a courier falcon when he’s ready.”
She immediately stopped and heaved over.
“My Lady!” Loki doubled back but froze in his spot when he saw that the Empress was throwing up blood. “Do you wish for me to seek out medical treatment?”
When she finished, she shook her head. “No,” Aryl gasped, “I will be fine.”
It had only been a handful of times Loki had seen the Empress grow this ill. Parts of her fur were dyed crimson. “I think we should try to consult with either Silver, or perhaps D to find a cure.”
“There is no cure. Please don’t fret over me. I will be fine.”
The two traveled through the Garden District of Alfheim. Near the end of the cul-de-sac, she walked up to a small cottage and knocked. There were a few moments before the door opened and both her and Loki were greeted by Neith. She quickly bowed. “M… my Lady.”
“Pardon my intrusion, but this is an important matter.”
Neith moved out of the way and invited both the Empress and Loki inside. Aryl changed back to her normal form after walking inside. The Oracles sat in the middle of the main room with a large cauldron placed over the flames of the fireplace.
The Oracles stopped whatever it was that they were doing and smiled directly at her.
“We knew you were coming.” The triplets spoke in unison. The Empress nodded again with a small smile.
“Would you like anything?” Neith began walking towards the kitchen when she held up her hand and shook her head. “May I ask what’s going on?”
“It’s about Liongod and Thor. We will refrain from using Andric’s real name from now on. I’m worried about the mission that the Council has planned for them. Do they have some kind of hidden motive? It doesn’t make sense that they want them to go on their behalf to deliver the eggs, especially since they were planning on killing them.” Aryl made eye contact with the Oracles. They immediately shifted their gaze and attempted to leave the room together, but were stopped by Loki.
He growled and snarled at them. “Her ladyship explained that you three told the Council that this plan was going to work.”
“How dare you!” Nona, the first, exclaimed.
“We never spoke with Vidar or the Council about the eggs!” Cassandra, the second, continued.
“Are you accusing us of wrongfully providing information that could endanger the Empress’ daughter?” Morta, the third, asked.
“Shh! That is enough!” Neith intervened.
“So Vidar lied.” The Empress banged her fists against the table. “Liongod called him out on it after the trial, and Vidar straight up lied to her. Why would he do that?”
“We don’t know, your majesty,” the Oracles said together, “but we can assure you, we had nothing to do with it.”
“What is the Council planning?” Aryl demanded.
The triplets exchanged glances.
“We will need to get back to you on what we can find out. All we see is darkness surrounding the Council.” Nona began.
“Right now, it feels as though there is something hindering our visions.” Cassandra continued.
“It’s going to take a lot of our magic and strength. Give us some time, your ladyship.” Morta finished.
The Empress wanted to plead with them, but knew it to be folly. “Very well. I understand. Do what you three need to do.” As the Oracles took their leave, Aryl lost her composure and started to cry. “It’s driving me insane! What is the Council planning? I tried getting in touch with my husband but I haven’t heard anything back. I knew he was back in the city, that he and…” she stopped and breathed in deep to collect herself once more.
“So Liongod knows the truth?” Neith quietly asked.
“Yes. I haven’t really talked to her since she and her father spoke, because I couldn’t afford the Council getting suspicious. I had to keep my distance. Even Phantom Dust made a huge risk in coming back.”
“What happened to Captain Bel then? I haven’t seen him in almost two weeks.”
“He left after the battle and turning in the evidence to the Council. I fear that there is something evil at work here. I don’t want to put her through this. She’s already been through too much, but I’m not sure of what else to do. I don’t want to just send her away. The Lich will still go after her no matter where she goes. From what I’ve learned from Silver, we won’t have too long anyway, not with the Day of Eternal Darkness drawing near this upcoming winter.”
“We will figure out a plan, I promise you that. If anything, what happened today can at least give us a little bit more time to figure out what to do. One of our biggest fears is out of the way. Now, we can focus on other matters.”
Her majesty knew that Neith was trying to stay positive and to help her feel better, but it wasn’t working. “What kind of mother am I? Would a mother ignore her child? To not stand up for her when she needs me the most? I couldn’t… I swore that I would not let anything harm her. I tried to hide her. I even gave her a different surname than mine to not draw attention before the Council found out about her. I can’t keep doing this. Not again...”
She remembered that dreadful day when she first held her daughter, how Selena’s skin was gray and cold, her eyes lifeless.
“You’re doing what you can but only the Divines can pass judgment. Your daughter will be fine. She has the Divinity Dragon by her side. We will find a way, and you will have your family back.”
“Does she hate me?”
“Liongod is much more understanding than you give her credit for.”
“Thank you, my friend. I will do well to remember that. I pray that you’re right.”
*****
Doragon flew above the Hinterlands as his partner, Azrael, leaned up against the seat of his saddle with his arms crossed over his chest. His dragon was relatively large compared to the others in the Imperial Air Force. His scales were a golden color while the horns and wing membranes glistened silver.
Azrael’s black hair was messy, parts covering his crescent shaped scar over his right eye. They just finished a bit of training after receiving orders from Captain Altessa for the first time in a fortnight. Selena’s trial took a heavy toll on Silver, more than Azrael thought it would.
The trial bothered him, too. Azrael was terrified when holding that pistol to her head, but he did it to prove a point. If she truly did not have any control over her powers, then she would have immediately turned into a dragon and struck him down. It seemed as though Vidar was waiting for someone to prove that point to the rest of the Council.
Why do you keep thinking about her? Doragon scowled at him. Azrael ignored his comment. You know that Selena hates you, even after your little act. Hey! Did you hear me?
Azrael shook his head as he came back to reality.
Will you drop it? Azrael snapped. I don’t care for her! I probably shouldn’t have helped her. If I had my choice, Selena wouldn’t even be here! She wasn’t supposed to be here anyway!
If she wasn’t meant to be here, then why did you help Silver with the Well of Souls? I wasn’t the only one who saw that it wasn’t her time yet.
I could have just let it go.
You knew that wouldn’t be right if you did. Same for the trial. You knew she wasn’t going to be condemned.
There have been many others who have died before their time because of the Lich throwing things out of balance. But I can’t do anything to stop it!
Maybe you should listen to Phantom Dust more often. He has a plan to help you, to help us.
Azrael gritted his teeth.
I hate him, I hate Kain, and most of all, I hate Silver! He was interrupted when Azrael silenced him and looked down below. He saw a figure scurry across the ground followed by another. Doragon eased up the flapping of his wings and hovered over the trees. What was that?
Doragon sniffed the air.
I can smell it… the same smell that always lingers whenever I hunt… fresh blood. It’s in there… inside the Hinterlands.
He insisted on following the scent, but Azrael pulled hard on the reins to keep him from continuing any further.
We’re not supposed to go in there!
However, Doragon ignored his command and continued to follow the scent as he dove in the opening within the emerald sea.
It’s growing stronger! Doragon tucked in his wings. He shot through the Hinterlands and dodged all the trees with incredible speed. He landed on the ground when he drew close and sniffed the air again. The scent… it’s coming from over there.
Doragon nodded in the direction to which he was referring to and began to walk.
Azrael shivered. It was as if he were walking along in a dark void and into the unknown. It was the same feeling that he had whenever he was near anyone who recently suffered a horrific death.
Doragon stomped through a thicket of bushes. His massive ivory talons parted the shrubbery and limb. The scene before them made Azrael sick to his stomach.
In front of them were two mutilated corpses. Their limbs laid scattered about with pools of blood and entrails. Paw-prints were scattered around, along with drag marks.
What happened here? Azrael asked as he jumped off Doragon’s saddle. Who is responsible for this?
I don’t know.
Doragon nudged one of the carcasses with his nose. Off in the distance, there was high-pitched laughter.
Wait… I know. It’s the Aynu pack. They are ruthless, but they are getting more daring. I’ve been noticing there have been more senseless and gruesome deaths in the Hinterlands. We need to get out of here, now. I think we scared them off, but they’ll be back for their kill.
Azrael quickly jumped back on his dragon’s saddle and grabbed hold of the reins.
Doragon took to the skies once more and the flight to Alfheim remained in silence. The air grew colder. The trees whispered to each other in the wind. Shadows crept along the ground, devouring the land.
