Chapter 29
The trial of Dragoon
Skyler and I walked up to Simone, he leaned down so we could climb up on his back. After getting a good grip on him he began to fly.
His powerful wings began to flap and we steadily began to gain altitude I looked down as Libby, Siena and the head monk, their figures began to get smaller and smaller. Simon now began to fly very fast towards the east. I had to hold on tightly to avoid getting blown off.
The mountains were surely epic, I remember seeing them when I was in Toulia for the first time and I always wanted to see them up close. Simone continued flying for another few minutes at unthinkable speeds the distance that we traveled in that short amount of time was astounding. On the horizon I could make out a white shining city built on a lake. In the air around us were dragons of all colors and sizes. Some were armored others were not. The building's themselves were built like towers on this majestic lake. This city was incredible, breathtaking even. It wasn't near as big as Zyrus or Toulia but was none the less equal to them in intrigue. The name of place is Aussir Taoul I remember reading about this place in a book, and at the time I wasn't sure if this place actually existed. At the heart of the city was what looked to be a palace like structure there was a large landing area to side of it this is where Simone went to land.
After setting us down Simone began to change form, he shrunk down to his human form. In his human form he was quite tall and lean. His hair retained his the silver color of his dragon form and his hair was long extending down his back. His face was smooth and unemotional half covered by his bangs that slanted down to the right on his face. He carried with him a blue spear that I could see frost emanate off of. He looked like he belonged in a rpg, I suppose you could even classify him as an ikeman. Two guards approached us.
“Sir Simone what brings you to the palace today?” They saluted him before asking him his business.
“Fools don't you recognize members of the royal family.” He then pointed to Skyler who was slightly blushing. The two guards bowed deeply.
“Princess please forgive our mistake you are free to pass and welcome back we were all concerned about you.” They opened the gate into the palace.
“Skyler why do dragons stay in human form? Wouldn't they prefer to stay in dragon form?” I whispered to her.
“Well I actually know this one! It is because dragon-form uses a lot of mana so lower level dragons stay in this form more often. Also being a large dragon wouldn't allow you to enter building's like this. To be honest most of our time is in human form for the convenience.”
“I see” I guess it makes sense if you can change form quickly what is the point of staying in dragon form and wasting resources. I always thought that dragons lived in caves but it seems that is not true. Their society was so secret that I had found little information about them in the libraries. Pretty much they stay isolated unless a grave threat that needed everyone to combat arises.
We walked with Simone through the dragon palace. It seemed like the throne room was here on the first floor. I suppose the many floors above it are for personal quarters and various other rooms. After talking to some guards in front of the throne room we entered. A gorgeous women with jet black hair pale white skin and green emerald eyes looked at us. In an instant and I mean literally instantaneously she ran up and hugged Skyler.
“Skyler I am so glad! When that traitor kidnapped you we had some of our agents look for you with no success. When I finally capture him I will make him beg for death!” This woman is very scary she is a level 130 gold/black elder dragon. I cant imagine how strong she is in dragon form I finally have encountered a stronger person then Mistress Jennifer.
“Simone why have you brought this human girl too. You of all people know the rules of this place.” The Queen looked at Simone who looked scared shitless before he could answer Skyler interjected.
“She is my dragoon, I was in a situation where my kidnappers were draining my blood and mana. When she arrived they were almost complete with their ritual. After killing the priests performing the ritual, she came to me to heal me. Using high quality potions she sealed my wound and restored some of my health however the ritual had drained my mana pool through capacity and I was losing health every second because of it. Since a new potion in such a short time from the last one would have had no effect she came up with a way to save me. A blood pact.” Skyler then showed her the pact sigil on her hand.
“So in order to save her you pacted with her? That is insane performing a blood pact with a dragon is no easy feat you would need to be quite knowledgeable of the pact circle. Also not any one is able to pact with a dragon you would have to be a worthy person, one with proper ancestry. This is truly a unique situation what is your name young girl.” The queen now fixed her gaze on me I could feel analyze hit me with no success.
“Queen Alyssa it is a honor to meet you. I am Kara Rosewood third princess of Termain. What Skyler said is true. If only I had the ingredient's to make mana potions I would not have had to pact with her to save her. Unfortunately this was the only way at the time.” I said to her.
“A princess!? This complicates things even further! Anyways I am familiar with the condition you described. I am grateful you were able to save her however this creates some issues. First a pact with a dragoon is pretty much the equivalent to marriage in our society Skyler and you are now linked until one of you dies. It doesn't matter that you are both girls or both princesses. Don't worry you two can still take on concubines to serve you, in fact if you want you could even build you own harem. The important thing is that you two are always there for one another.” The queen continued.
“That issue is very easy to deal with. The bigger issue is Kara will have to pass the Trial of Dragoon to fully become a dragoon. The trial is extremely difficult and failure means death and Kara is a princess so that creates issues. Kara I cant read your status but you cant be much older then 12, a young human of your age would stand no chance of passing it. I am not in charge of the dragoons they are ran by the current head dragoon the Red Knight Alma. Fortunately she is around with your brother Drexel. Once we explain the situation perhaps we can figure out where we go from here.”
“Ugh I hate them both.” Skyler moaned at the mention of Alma and Drexel. Under Alyssa a magic circle formed expanding under us as well. The feel of space-time magic could be felt and suddenly we were pulled into a large training area. There was a large building behind it and at the front was a huge statue of Vivaca.
In the middle of the training area there was a woman with red armor fighting a white dragon. She was using a large spear that appeared to be enchanted with fire. The fight was quite epic the dragon attacked relentlessly with claws and whipping its tail but the girl was able to match him with her spear. She backed up said “Blood of the dragons” and her aura became even stronger almost oppressive.. On her back two wings sprouted out they were pure red and aflame. She then began to fly up into the air the white dragon followed. The fight now airborne sped up substantially. From the ground it looked like one large white streak fighting a smaller red streak each time the two collide sparks would collide sparks would fall from the sky like a firework. Finally the two streaks collided and started to descend to the ground.
Boom! As the two collided to the ground the red armored girl had her spear pointed at the dragon's chest.
“Another victory for me Drexel.” She said as the dragon changed form into a man with long black hair like Alyssa but with Blue eyes. He had on white armor with dragon symbol on it.
“Well with that loss we are tied again 272-272 and 12 draws. Oh mother is here Alma.” Drexel said looking over to us. Alma and him walked over and bowed to Alyssa.
“Greetings Mother, I see we have successfully rescued my slacker of a sister and who is this girl next to her?” Drexel turned his look to me.
“This girl is pacted with your sister, she saved her life her name is Kara.” Queen Alyssa stated.
“Why would you pact with her? You clearly are too young to be a dragoon and beyond that Skyler is the weakest even among her age group. She has a lot of natural talents but she is lazy and spoiled. ” Alma piped in.
“I pacted with her to save her life ok? Anyways is there no decorum for royalty? I don't appreciate you making fun of my friend. ” I look at Alma dead in the eyes.
“Decorum? I am pacted with Drexel here therefore even as a dragoon I am still equivalent to her older sister. Other then that what I speak is true maybe she will heed my words and try harder .” Alma was still focusing on me. I could fill Skyler's killing intent start to flair up next to me.
“Calm down you two. Like I said earlier how do want to handle this? You are in charge of the Dragoons Alma. This girl is pacted but yet to pass the trial of dragoon. The circumstances of her pact are unconventional also this girl is a princess if she were to die in the trial of Dragoon it create a potential political issue.” Alyssa asked Alma her opinion.
“Well typically when one pacts to become a dragoon they have to train for several years to get strong enough and knowledgeable for the trial. However since this girl is so young maybe it will take a decade for her to get that level. I doubt the other dragoons would have issue considering the circumstances of her pact. As for being royalty, that is of no concern to us she can write to her family to let them know she is alright. However in the likely event she dies in training or the trial if her country retaliates we will have no choice but to destroy any army that comes our way. Any assault on these mountains is suicide anyways so I doubt they would be stupid enough to try that” Alma stated plainly.
“What do I have to do be able to do the Trial? I don't have a decade to do some training. I am much more capable then you give me credit for” I have a little over a month before the new year starts at Mahouren and I will need most of that time for travel.
“The amount of training is arbitrary. You are ready when I deem it.” Alma replied.
“So if I were to beat you in a duel then would I garner your blessing? I can fight Drexel too if you prefer. You both are slightly stronger then me but I think I can pull it off.” Alma was level 75 and Drexel level 66 but both were equivalent to someone around level 85 based on there stats.
“HAHAHAHA! Kid how old are you?” Alma asked me seriously.
“I turn 9 before this next moon. In fact I am only a little bit older then Skyler.” I say to Alma's amusement.
“That is less then I thought you were, maybe one day you will be able to hang with me but there is no way you would last 10 seconds against me. You have guts though and I like that. But it would be stupid and potential fatal to duel me” I am being coddled again this is very upsetting. Time let her know that I am serious.
“Kara please don't do this if you get yourself killed or hurt bad I don't know what I will do! Alma has killed people in duels before not intentionally but because of her immense strength.” Skyler actually was tearing up. She doesn't get me yet but eventually she will.
I usually conceal my mana leaking for two reasons. First it gives away my position and strength. Second around me becomes so intense that lower level people can pass out from its potency. I let the flood gates open and I also add to it extreme killing intent letting Alma know how serious I really am.
“I think you gravely underestimate me. Think you can beat me in 10 seconds then prove it, or are you all talk and no action.” Skyler had to back away from me it was too much for her to stand at her level.
“Whoa how surprising! What monstrous mana and killing intent how were you concealing it so perfectly earlier? You must have trained really hard to be so effective at mana-conceilment. Also those deep blue eyes of yours are not those of a innocent 9 year old those are the eyes of one who has seen many battles and ended many lives. Where do you draw all this power from.... What an interesting little girl you are. Alright I will duel you to show you how wide the gap is between us but know if I kill you I take no responsibility I could care less if you carry any noble or royal title.” If I didn't have Alma's full attention before I did now.
“So its settled then perhaps we should take this duel out of the city. I would hate to have you hold back in order to avoid destruction to the city.” To this she smirked.
“But I enjoy destruction I am the red knight after all however there is some wisdom of your words. As you wish Queen Alyssa can you take us to your personal training grounds.” Alma asked.
“If that is what you wish. Are you sure about this Kara? Alma is strong, I must admit that I am curious about you. That killing intent you were able to produce just then from someone as young as you is inconceivable.” She wanted to double check.
“An opponent being strong is even more incentive for me to fight them. Please Queen Alyssa teleport us” Fighting someone skilled enough to present a challenge to me is the best. Better then any drug, better then any thrill ride, better then even sex. Alma will hopefully give that to me. After being satisfied with my answer she transferred us to a large open plains-like area. Alma was about 20 meters away from me. Skyler, Drexel and her mother were in a booth like structure looking down on us.
“Last chance to withdraw I don't wasn't to hurt a child, but you have to understand that you are not prepared for the trials. Going too early will lead to your death. You only get one chance at the trials so please understand this for your own good.” Alma once again was trying to coddle me.
“You don't want to hurt me? That should be the least of your worries. I am confident in the queen's healing skills and anyways if you don't take me serious right away you will lose. Start when ever.”
“Very well Kara Yiaahhhh!” Alma charged forward at me at lightning like speed.
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Queen Alyssa PoV
I can't believe this is happening a young girl only 9 years just challenged the current Leader of the dragoons the Red Knight Alma. Realistically when Alma said she would win in 10 seconds that was too generous. However I was totally unable to read Kara's status with a level 9 spell so I have no idea what her abilities actually are, I wonder what enchant or gift she is using. Also she was able to rescue my daughter from kidnappers who I am sure were no slouches.
“Please stop them! If Kara dies I don't know what I will do. Alma wont hold back even if its against a child. Mother please!” Skyler pleaded to me.
“Yea this whole duel is stupid I don't understand what that little girl is thinking. ” Drexel let us know that he thought this was a waste of time.
“It is not my place to step in on the matters of the dragoons. Dragoon's hold an important place in our society and they are exceedingly rare. Anyways this Kara you are pacted with is very mysterious perhaps we can discover some things about her if the duel lasts long enough.”
“From what our friend Siena said Kara loves fighting above all. The stronger the opponent the better, I have only seen her fight a few times and she is scary but Alma is scary too” Skyler added.
“As long as she doesn't die instantly I can heal any injury. As for stopping this duel it is impossible now just sit back and enjoy the fight.”
Both fighters were talking to each other Alma was once again trying to talk Kara out of this meaningless duel. Kara had challenged her honor as a dragoon, she had no choice but to entertain this bout. Refusing to budge. The duel finally started.
“Very well Kara Yiaahhhh!” Alma accelerated at full speed and in under one second and impaled Kara through the middle of the chest. Was that even a second?
“Too easy.......wait what?” Alma noticed that the Kara she had just impaled was just a simple illusion. Incredible such a simple illusion even had me fooled. How did she have time to set that up? The real Kara didn't miss this opportunity and slashed at Alma's midsection. Alma was able to rotate her body to minimize damage but there was damage even through her dragon-scale armor as I could see blood gush out on the ground. That sword Kara wields looks familiar to what a former Hero I met centuries ago I believe he called it a katana. Before Alma could recover from being staggered from the vicious strike Kara slashed again however Alma was not caught off guard and swung back. CLING the sound rung out loud through the whole area. Both fighter were pushed backward around the same distance back from each other.
“What a cheap trick! ” Drexel apparently disliked the tactic that Kara just used.
“Ten seconds are up, are you still going to not take me seriously? Here maybe I can cut some sense into you.” Kara taunted Alma again and before she could respond Kara teleported right up to Alma swung her blade to which Alma parried however the swing was only using one hand and her other hand had a dagger in it which she sunk deep into Alma's shoulder. It appears that Alma at the last moved herself, for if not the dagger would have sank into a vital spot inside the collar bone . Alma countered the attack with her spear which Kara in turn blocked with her sword. Was that space-time magic she used earlier?
“A shadowstep? How does such a young girl like yourself have mastery of a move only a few people in the assassin's guild know?” Alma asked as checked her wounds she definitely didn't expect to receive. Alma is right what I am watching right now makes no sense in my mind her performing a shadowstep was unconcievable.
“Well isn't obvious I am an assassin. Killing people is what I do best. Your reaction time is impressive, if it wasn't this duel would already be over. To be honest I am actually disappointed easily fooled by such a simple illusion and afterward leaving your right side unguarded after a parry forgetting about my offhand.” Kara said arrogantly.
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“Don't be so cocky. I cant lose to someone like you. Adrenaline rush!” Alma's used one of her abilities as a lancer that increases her speed and power.
“Finally you are taking me seriously. Shadow Dance!” Kara used a enhancement to match Alma's.
The flurry of spear clashing sword was on a much higher level then the display that Alma and Drexel put on earlier. Incredible this little girl is keeping up with Alma but for how long? Both fighters pause for a second catching their breath from the rapid exchanges.
“You scored two blows on me. Right shoulder and right forearm. You think that disabling my dominate arm would end this fight? Unfortunately I am perfectly ambidextrous I also happen to be a decent alchemist.” Kara pours a potion into her wounds which almost immediately seals them up.
“You made that potion? A high potion so potent it can mend flesh wounds by touch? Also you landed 8 blows on me in fact I am under one third of my health The last one to my right kidney was especially nasty. I cant believe I have to use this to beat a simply child ugh!. Blood of the Dragon!” Like before when she was fighting Drexel two scorching wings sprouted out of her back. Also the wounds on her disapearred.
Like a lightning bolt she slammed into Kara sending her tumbling back rolling like a rag doll. Looking at back at Kara she simply smiled and performed a shadowstep mid tumble and set it up so she slammed into Alma's back using her momentum as a weapon. How unconventional but effective. Alma took the blow and then turned towards Kara raising her spear upwards.
Alma slammed down at Kara who dodged the blow. It that was so powerful it sent a shockwave through the ground raising it into the air 10 feet like she was using powerful earth magic.
“Yes Yes! This is what I expected of the Red Knight finally you are taking me seriously! Lets go all out.” Kara had the biggest smile and so did Alma.
“We have to stop them Mother please!” Skyler said tears running down her cheek.
“Why would she do that? This is dragoon business, and more so why would you stop them they look like they are having so much fun. I must admit I was skeptical about Kara when I saw how young she was. But I must admit she is a pure prodigy. I know she is hiding some things about herself but what I am witnessing is incredible. A nine year old fighting the head dragoon and winning? You don't deserve a dragoon as strong as her, you will only get in her way and cause her problems. And anyways I am pretty sure mom still has a single resurrection scroll on her if the unfortunate happens” Drexel was still watching with incredible interest.
“I must admit what your brother says is true. The current divide among your powers are like heaven and earth. If you don't get stronger yourself she will leave you in the dust. On the battlefield are you going to cry that she is hurt or be the person to defend her from injury? Now hush up I feel the end to this fight drawing near.” I continued to observe the duel.
With Alma now using her wings to assault Kara the momentum switched to her favor. Kara was strong but the incredible power of a dragoon using there draconic power was perhaps too much. Kara's had received many wounds and even the blow's she blocked were so strong they still took a toll. When Alma closed in on her to finish she shadowstepped to the long shadow that this booth casted far from where the two were just fighting. I saw a flash of silver shoot up high in the the sky. I almost missed it but her crossbow shot a bolt almost straight vertically in the air before Alma turned around.
Kara sheathed her sword and pulled out a Staff. She casted a level 4 spell Lightning Storm but the result was way stronger then any level 4 spell should be. The entire sky and I mean for as far as the eye can see was covered with clouds that began to drop rain and huge lightning bolts. Alma began to fly towards Kara.
Boom! A lightning bolt much stronger then the other ones struck right where Alma was going to be but she dodged it using her legendary reflexes. It is a good thing too because the bolt was so powerful the ground was damaged from it. Alma continued to accelerate forward dodging lightning bolt after lightning bolt that started coming down quicker and quicker as she got closer to Kara. Finally on last lightning bolt to dodge Alma's face grew white and she was unable to dodge the spell. Stuck by the spell she began to freefall to the ground getting struck by several more lightning bolts on her way down. Kara simply had the biggest smile of gratification on her face what exactly did she do?
Alma smashed into the ground completely incapacitated. I teleported next to her and looked over her injuries she was still alive but was heavily damaged and paralyzed but what had paralyzed her? I looked further and saw something incredible the crossbow bolt that was fired after Kara's shadowstep was lodged into Alma's wing which was now in the process of receding into her back. I pulled out the bolt and begin to heal Alma's injuries.
The bolt was poisoned with a paralysis effect. Kara had lined up such a trap using her lightning bolts to guide Alma's movement being able to gauge her speed and the distance between them perfectly as well as the angle of the shot and the time it would take for the bolt to fall down. Who is this girl?
---------------------------------Kara PoV--------------------------
What a great fight! I am happy that Alma is not dead for I wish to fight her again someday. My wounds are pretty severe so I go ahead and drink a potion as Alma is in far greater need of the queen's healing at the moment. Drexel came over to check on Alma after seeing that she would be alright he came over to me and shook my hand.
“Kara I am sorry I treated you with such disrespect earlier you are indeed strong its just it was impossible to believe it before you seeing you in action.” Drexel then turned his attention to Alma who was now getting up instantly she turned her attention to me.
“That shot I did not even see you fire it. I must admit your are strong even if you are just a contract killer.” Alma bowed to me.
“So you will let me take the trial? That was the deal right?” I ask.
“Hmmm I did promise that huh. Well I guess it cant be helped however being physically strong is only one part of you that needs to be strong. The trial also tests you mentally and spiritually be weak in any of these aspects and you will fail. You have my blessing to take the trial but know that I don't feel you are ready for it and advise against it for now.” Alma warned me.
“Mentally and spiritually strong? Can you explain I am not familiar with the Trial in fact when Simon mentioned it was the first time I had heard of it.” I ask her trying to get what information I can out of her.
“The trial of dragoons is broken into three parts. The first is the Trial of Valor, the second is the Trial of Wisdom, and the final trial is the trial of Faith. For you I feel the first two trials will be easy however the most difficult trial the trial of Faith will be a problem. It is obvious that the gods smile upon you only a person with a gift could be as strong as you at this age. Yet you someone who kills for gold be a princess or not what gratitude have you showed to them? You use there gifts for such a purpose, when is the last time you actual prayed to the god who have blessed you?” Alma looked at my seriously. Its funny for someone who has meet two greater gods and contracted with a demi-god I guess I really don't think about it that much.
“I suppose I don't really see the point in being pious to any particular god. Yes I am grateful to the gods who have blessed me or have watched over me but repeatedly thanking them for it is both monotonous and a waste of time. If someone is to thank me for something a one time sincere thank you is enough. I don't want them to spend there whole life prostrating themselves in front of me repeatedly thanking me.” I reply back to Alma.
“Without the Gods you wouldn't be here. You think a mere thank you suffices for the amount of gratitude you should show? I should of figured someone like you would be like this.” Alma seemed upset now. Its true if it wasn't for the gods I wouldn't be here I would still be alive in Tokyo I am here because of there mess up, but I digress.
“I am going to start the Trial tomorrow. Your concern for me is admirable but not needed. Queen Alyssa do you guys by chance have place for a young girl to take a bath and a place for her to rest her head?” The queen simply nodded and teleported us all back to the dragon city.
The rest of the evening went quick. The queen showed me my room and then I took a quick bath in which Skyler insisted to wash my back. Afterwards we all ate at a large table with numerous other people mostly high ranking dragons and very few dragoon's. It seemed all the attention was on me and people were whispering to themselves about me. After dinner I headed to the library Alyssa told me that nothing was off limits. I grabbed a couple books on dragon theology. Apparently there were countless draconic gods but very few that governed over the dragoon's in particular.
There was five dragons in total that were linked to the dragoon's and all of them had a unique color and virtue. It was possible after passing the trial of dragoon to become a draconic god's knight. It usually occurred after years of being a dragoon but sometime it happened at the end of a Trial. It didn't entail any extra duties but a knight had more powers then a normal dragoon. In fact Alma was the only knight at dinner among the dragoons I saw. Her color red governed destruction and renewal and her god was named Garyx. The other colors were green, gold, black, and white. I studied them for several hours before my eyes became heavy and I headed to the room I was shown earlier by Alyssa. Morning came early and so did Skyler.
“Please Kara I am begging you don't do this. I have seen so many people die doing these trials and they had trained for years for it. You did not pact with me with the intention of becoming a dragoon but did so to save my life surely we can talk it out.” Skyler eyes were full of tears.
“We already tried that and to leave this place I need to pass this trial. Have faith in me, I don't have time to waste here. If I fail let Siena, Libby, and my family know I am sorry.” With this I continued to walk leaving the palace.
“Kara-chan you are the worst!” Skyler said as I left through the gate. She was clearly in tears, I glad that she is concerned for me but at this point she becoming a bit annoying. I would have figured after almost dying that she would have realized this world is not for the faint of heart. She is no longer Shoko she needs to get stronger.
I was able to talk to Simone last night and he agreed to fly to where the trial takes place. He couldn't believe I had defeated Alma in a duel and wished me luck.
The trial takes place in a sacred draconic holy place which name in common means Heaven's Fall. It is a plateau very close to the this city. Simone turned into dragon form and I climbed on his back and we flew to our destination.
I didn't take but a minute to get there indeed it was just over a few mountains. Heaven's fall basically looked like someone had taken a huge chunk of earth from a meadow and slapped it down. There was a large Shrine with what looked like a village nearby but our destination was on the edge of this place. Carved out of one the mountains on the outside of this place was a temple. This was my destination.
Surrounding the temple's entrance was a swarm of people both dragons and dragoons. They were all talking to each other and when we arrived they completely went silent and every single person looked at me. Then people started laughing and talking amongst themselves.
“This girl can't possibly be the person whom defeated Alma in single combat.”
“She cant be but a dozen cycles old, this makes no sense perhaps she is half breed with another race.”
“She is protecting herself from information magic I cant read her!”
“She is way to adorable to be in this type of place!”
One dragoon came up to me and blocked my way.
“Little girl only dragoons taking the trial can enter this place. I am going to have to ask you to turn back.”
“Well I have the blessing of the red knight, so I suggest you move or I will move you myself.” I threaten the young man.
“Alma is it so is this really her?” He looks at Alma who was in attendance.
“Aye let her pass. Let her take the trial and die.” Alma said in reply. The man got out of my way. I continued to the entrance right before passing through Alma spoke out.
“Last chance to back out.” I paid no heed to her walked on through. The stone gate came down behind me I could hear Alma's voice utter out the word 'fool'. This place had a strong all element magic barrier around it.
The room was a large carved right out of a mountain dimly lit by torches, the ground had a small amount of water reflecting the image above it. On the far side of the room was a large door cautiously I traveled forward. When arriving at the door I read what was inscribed on it. 'The greatest enemy is ourselves to defeat ourselves also means to lose to ourself. Only facing danger head on will prove your worth. This is what valor is' After reading this I could hear a what sounded like a little girl laughing very close by me.
I quickly jumped backward out of reflex. How had I let something get so close to me with me not knowing! I turned my head around quickly trying to find the source of the cryptic laughter. Again the same laugh went out right next to me. Then I looked down and was shocked what I saw. My reflection in the water had changed it was now solid silver. I slashed down at the water and the silver reflection moved out of the way then quickly manifested itself above the water still chuckling to itself. I quickly lunged at it with my blade it countered with the same attack perfectly mirrored. I attacked it again and the reflection once again countered with the same motion. I pulled out Tanken and the reflection did the same. My attacks again were countered in the same motions perfectly.
This went on for several minutes no matter what I did the reflection did the same thing. I threw throwing daggers at it and it did the same intercepting them perfectly. I shot at it with my crossbow and the silver reflection shot out a bolt on a perfectly inverse trajectory. 'face it head on'...... that line is a hint. I sheath my swords and pull out my daggers. I lunge forward at the my reflection my daggers clash with hers. Without considering my defense I slash savagely horizontally We both slash across each others chests, the reflections dagger felt cold as it slashed through my torso leaving behind pain in its wake. When we both met the middle our elbows hit each other stopping our swings midway. The reflection laughs at me one final time before it dissolves back into the water. I hear a rumbling noise and across the room I can see the door begin to lift up. I keep one potion on my belt which I quickly open up and drink sealing up the gash across my chest. I walked up to the open doorway. The magic barrier is not effecting this room.
The next room was completely different from the previous room. This room was much smaller and full of light from the many torches around the room. There was furniture and scrolls everywhere. In the middle of the room was a robed man sitting down on a chair with another chair in front of him. On the far side of the wall there was a gate. Written on the gate was 'The gate shall open to those whom gain wisdom and present it here.' I look at the robed man again. Gamon the wise an elder dragon level 115...... no chance in beating him in a fight. I take notice of him and sit down across from him.
“Young one I welcome to your second trial. I am Gamon, I am somewhat like what a court mage is. I advise the Queen on all matters arcane and I have a second duty. That is to facilitate the trial of wisdom. I was surprised when Alma told me an unheard of dragoon was taking the trial, I was even more surprised how young she was. My role here is simple I am your aid in passing this trial.” Gamon smiled at me.
“So you kill the people who fail your trial?” I ask curious if that was the case.
“Of course not, I promise I wont hurt you unless you attack me. In fact I am here to help guide you. The trial of wisdom can take some time.” Gamon answered me.
“I see well I don't have that sort of time. If you want to help me hand me that scepter you are carrying
and I can be on my way.” I stare at him right in the eye knowing I have already figured out that his scepter is named wisdom.
“Fufufufu young one you surprise again. Was it that easily seen through? What tipped you off so quickly” Gamon changed his expression from a serious one to a more playful one.
“Not really I just happen to have a gift that lets see such things. When I looked at your scepter it was quite obvious what I needed to pass on the next trial.” I reply.
“Well if you want to use my scepter first you will have to amuse me first. . Are you a fan of riddles? Answer one of my riddles and stump me on one of yours then the scepter is yours to open the gate with.”
“Very well I will ask you my riddle first. I am more powerful then any sword. I can change history with a few motions. I can speak in other language and yet I have no language of my own.” I ask Gamon.
“Hmm this is a good one. I give up what is it?” Gamon says after a few minutes of thinking about it.
Spoiler :
“Its the pen sir. A pen can write down words to rally hundreds of swords. A pen can create history by writing a peace treaty. A pen can write other languages but has no language itself.” I explain to him the answer.
“I never thought about it that way but yes that works. I guess I will have to ask a difficult one for such a sharp mind like yours. I kill indiscriminately sapping the life from things. I am unseen and unheard but my effects are profound. I like to attack those close to my victims next.” Gamon asked. It took me a few minutes to work it out but I final came to an answer.
Spoiler :
“Aye this is a good one indeed but I think I got it. Disease. A disease attacks young old, poor wealthy, male or female. You cant see or hear it but when see afflicted people it can be disheartening. Disease often spreads from contact so unfortunately its next victims are those whom are close to its previous victims.” I explain my answer.
“Incredible! You got it on first try, most kids your age would barely know of such things yet you seem to have a lot of knowledge about it. I would love it if I could see your status what ever enchant you are using it is effective against my magic. In all my centuries I have never met such an interesting human” Gamon was very intrigued but what secrets I had.
“That was not apart of our agreement, you promised use of the scepter for the exchange of riddles. If you want my status you will have to give me more.” I bargain with the Gamon.
“Hmmm I don't know what I could give you in exchange.” Gamon's curiosity was getting the best of him.
“I would ask two things first that not tell anyone about me. Secondly I seek advise to the next trial.” I look back at him and he nods in agreement. I reach out and grab his hand sending out my status minus a few things like being a psionic, being Grena's champion, and my identity as the Angel of Death.
“I don't know what to say. A person of your talents only comes once in thousands of years. You kept some things from me that was not a full status.” Gamon could tell that I withheld information from him.
“I shared enough for someone who is a new acquaintance of mine. I have showed you enough for you to realize that I am the real deal. Now you part of the bargain?” I shot him a glance.
“Well it is not exactly what I bargained and also I have no idea what the trial of faith may entale. I can tell you this though dragons respect power above all and our deities are no different. Show them respect but also show them why you should be respected also.” With this he handed me the scepter I needed. I walk up to the gate set the scepter before the gate. As was with the previous gate I could hear the rumbling of stone shifting as the gate opening up.
The next room I entered was large like the one the trial of valor was in but unlike that one this one was filled with five enormous statues of the different dragon deities whom governed over the dragoons. At the center of the room was an obelisk Scattered across the rooms were other statues albeit much smaller and fountains. Around the perimeter of the room was a sort of irrigation system and there were plants growing in small patches where there was dirt instead of stone. The lighting was unique there were no torches in the entire room it, it was lit by a hole in the ceiling that opened up to the top of mountain I was in. Being around midday the light filled this room centered on the obelisk
After taking a second to appreciate this beautiful room I turned my attention back to the obelisk Written on the obelisk in Draconic was ' Bahumut, Garyx, Chronepsis, Tamara, and Tiamat. You must summon each of these gods to seek their council. Afterwards if you gain there blessing your task will become clear. If not your life shall be forfeit.' After investigating the obelisk a little more I noticed I could turn it.
After turning it a bit I felt it snap onto some type of mechanism and slowly it started to descend into the ground. I noticed at top of the now short obelisk was a prism like container. As soon as it reached its resting place the light that hit the prism was redirected at the White Dragon god Chronepsis's statue. Some type of illusion must be taking place because it appears as if the statue had came alive, and now was focused on me.
“Young child I am Chronepsis. I am the white dragon who governs neutrality and balance. Why should I grant you my blessing? You are a princess to a foreign county who would tie the dragons to a human county. Would you have the dragon's help you in your war efforts?” Chronepsis asked me.
“Depends on who we are at war with. I would not seek your help in a war amongst humans. However a demon invasion that effects all of us I would wish to coordinate with the dragons. But that is not our biggest threat we face the alignment is coming and with it the doom of this world.” I answer his question.
“So you would have us side with wrath?” The white dragon asked me. Obviously familiar with my ties to Grena.
“I wouldn't have you side with anyone. I would expect though you wouldn't let one aspect gain too much power even if it happens to be wrath.” I answered his question.
“Very well I give you my I give you my blessing. To summon the other deities you must fill the prism with color.” With that the statue regained its previous form.
Fill the prism with it's color I notice the top of the prism is open. Well lets summon red next I guess, I cut my palm and let blood drip into the prism. As soon as I did the prism changed to red and the light shot to Garyx statue. The red dragon took form.
“I am Garyx the red dragon. I govern destruction and rebirth. Why should I give you my blessing? You would attempt to thwart the culling that the alignment will bring. The earth has a chance to reborn like a phoenix. Why should I not just let it end here?” Garyx looked
“Well if you don't give me your blessing your knight Alma will never have a chance to get get payback on me for beating her in single combat.” I say to the red dragon.
“Hahahaha..... your good. I like you, if I didn't have a knight already I would perhaps take you as my knight. Alright I give you my blessing, with you around things will only get more interesting.” With this Garyx disapearred. The red I put into the prism disappeared, for green I walked up to where the plants were in the room grabbed one of the leaves that had fallen off. I returned to the prism device and dropped in the leaf. As was with red the prism shot out a green light towards its respective statue. The statue shifted form taking the shape of a dragon.
“Greetings Kara it is a pleasure to finally speak with you. I am Tamara the green dragon I govern nature and harmony. I have no questions for you. You have my blessing Kara, I can see your love for nature. I wish you well on your journeys.” I didn't even get a chance to speak to her.
For the next color gold I figured I could just put some gold coins in but before I did my golden blonde locks slipped over my face and I was reminded of my hair color. After cutting a few hairs with my dagger I dropped the hair into the prism. After a few seconds the golden dragon Bahumut took form in the same manner as before.
“Kara I am Bahumut. I govern justice and order. You who carry the noble blood of your distant ancestor Vivaca it is destiny that you come before me.” Bahumut told me.
“Vivaca is my ancestor?” I asked bahumut now curious.
“Aye everyone who has the ability to pact with a dragon has some sort of blood from the original dragoons. There was a time when mankind tried to eliminate every dragon. Our kind was brought to the brink of extinction and the first dragoons stepped up as our eternal allies. The Rosewood family has Vivaca the most famous of dragoons from that time as a distant ancestor.” Bahumut said.
“I see then I am honored Bahumut. What do I have to do to garner your blessing?” I ask.
“You have my blessing. I also want to make you my knight. Would you do me the honor of being my knight? If so close your eyes and take a knee.” I comply with his demand and close my eye and take a knee. There was a long pause for some reason. I patiently waited for him to continue after what seemed like a few minutes I heard him speak.
“Do you Kara Rosewood accept to become my honorable knight to represent me in the mortal world?” Something was slightly different about Bahumut's speech pattern but I didn't think it was a big deal at the time.
“I do” I reply.
“Then I Tiamat the black dragon goddess name you Kara Rosewood my Black knight.” After I heard this I knew something was wrong. I opened my eyes and the room was completely dark except for 2 red eyes. I felt coldness wrap around me as the the ceremony had taken effect. I felt the burning sensation of a brand forming over my back.
When I looked up to the roof I could see that the sun had been totally blocked out by an eclipse. Tiamat must have set me up! As the eclipse ended light streamed back in the cave and the golden light returned to Bahumut's statue.
“TIAMAT!! You will pay for this injustice! You have stolen my knight from me using trickery. I am so sorry Kara I didn't foresee.....” Bahumut was cut off by a blackness that overtook the prism cutting of the golden dragon.
“Oh shut up brother jeez. I was just claiming what belongs to me The aspect of Wrath deserves to be draped in black not gold. Anyways Kara I know you will make me proud.” Tiamat's voice had changed she mimicked Bahumuts voice earlier but now she had soft feminine voice.
“Well I am honored that you would name me your knight. Perhaps another would have been more suited I am certainly not evil. If anything my alignment is neutral leaning towards good. Naming me your knight to get over on Bahumut maybe short sighted.” I replied to black dragon.
“OH honey I didn't name you my knight to get over on Bahumut. I did it because you are special. In fact you are only the second Black Knight I have ever named in over ten thousand years. You say you are neutral and that you like to do good things. This maybe true but you are as far from a good person as you are from being a bad person. I know your little secret...... I see the sheer glee in your face when you take a life. I see the strength you gain when someone hurts someone close to you and your ruthlessness against them seeking revenge. Your ambition to gain power is unrivaled. Look how strong you are right now, it is a testament to your iron will. Now I must go as my knight I will occasionally speak to you. Most of the time though I just like to watch. Being a dragon knight is an honorary position and you have no duties or responsibilities to me. Think of me as your sponsor, I simply want to see you succeed. However most likely when you return to the white city the people will keep there distance from you. To complete your trial you must climb out of this room through the hole in the ceiling, or if you are smart you will use your new power to fly out.” Tiamat said and disappeared. I certainly didn't think I would become the black knight but I guess it is done. Now lets figure out this flying thing.
---------------------------------------------------
Skyler PoV
“What's taking so long?!” This trial is taking so long I cant help but sit here and worry over Kara-chan.
“Some trials take weeks to complete. For now no news is good news.” Queen Alyssa explained.
“I wonder if she will get a knight position from one of the gods. The last golden knight died not too long ago.” Drexel was said to Alma.
“I doubt it. The gods rarely name a knight at a Trial ceremony. Usually the honor comes after they have become dragoon's for some time. I believe the only color's that are available are gold and black.” Alma replied.
“What is that in the air?!” Drexel said pointing at something flying in the air with jet black wings.
“Impossible black wings that have shadow emanating from them? Tiamat has named a Knight and at a Trial ceremony no less? A black knight is an ill omen indeed. What exactly are you Kara and why has she taken in interest in you? This is troublesome very troublesome.” Queen Alyssa said out loud to herself.