Dreiki leaned back to process what he had just heard. A soul mark could be created whether a dragon was alive or not? How did that work? How was it possible? Before he could ask, Savekio answered.
“The power of a soul mark is acquired by eating a dragon’s flesh. When the flesh is freely given, it is a contract between the dragon and the xiozians that reflect them. In this case, they are granted power until they begin their waning. After which, they are consumed by the dragon.”
“And what about clans like the Tibur and Xirxus?”
“Dragon flesh which is not freely given, is instead taken. They eat the hearts of the dragon to make their mark.” Lawtrick said with a tone completely removed from the one he had before, “They grow their mark’s power by either slaying dragons and stealing their Ux, or slaying xiozians who have been marked by dragons. Alveridan, Tibur, Xirxus, it doesn’t matter. They steal food, and they steal lives.”
Dreiki’s eyes hardened, was Lawtrick acting ignorant this whole time?
“That’s exactly why I’m gonna eat them if I ever see ‘em!” Lawtrick said, his airheaded tone returning.
If you are a wolf, act like a lamb.
Lawtrick was more than he appeared to be, but what was Dreiki meant to teach him if anything?
“And how would one grow their mark’s power under a dragon? If I recall, there are members of both the Tibur and the Xirxus who are marked by God Eater dragons,” Dreiki said.
“There is theoretically no limit to how many marks a xiozian can have, though it can be dangerous if one is unprepared. And more marks does not always mean more power. Just as more roads does not always mean more traffic. God Eater dragons will often only mark a single xiozian, though there are exceptions.”
“Is that why there are seven of them, usually? Because of the number of elements?” Dreiki asked.
“An astute observation, but not entirely correct. The number of Godslayers is not a reflection of those who are worthy of being a Godslayer. In fact, there are many who are more worthy at times.”
“Then what is it a reflection of? Why not have everyone who is worthy become a godslayer?”
“If everyone who was worthy became a Godslayer, it would be a declaration of war between dragons and divinity. The number of godslayers is a reflection of how many corrupt gods exist throughout the realms. There have been as few as three Godslayers, and as many as ten in days that only dragons can remember. There is an understanding among both parties that Godeaters and Godslayers are necessary for maintaining order in the realms. Gods are above neither corruption nor death. So when they forget that, we remind them.”
“Who keeps xiozians and dragons in check, then?” Luna asked.
“What a stupid question! Dragons can’t be corrupted.” Lawtrick said reaching for the pot lid.
“It’s a good question, and no, Dragons are not above corruption,” Savekio said, slapping Lawtrick’s hand away again, “Neither xiozians nor dragons ever command ultimate power over reality. The only power we command is the capacity to make the immortal mortal. We may be able to impose rules for a fair fight, but it’s not as if we are always the winner of that fight.”
“And what if a god is too strong for anyone to defeat?” Dreiki asked.
“There are no perfect warriors, even among the gods. There will always be a style of fighting, a moment in time, or situation that someone is vulnerable to. Ux reveals those vulnerabilities.”
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Lawtrick tried to levitate the lid off with his magic, but Savekio cracked the branch into his shin.
“Ow! Fuck! How are you doing that?!“
Dreiki raised an eyebrow, “Doing what?”
“I’ve seen Lawtrick take boulders to the face better than he’s taking a simple tree branch right now,” Oruk said, stifling a laugh, “That’s what he’s talking about, I think.”
“It’s not just that!” Lawtrick said, clutching his shin, “Normally I could react or something, but this old xio’s sneaky as shit. He’s not fast, but for some reason he can always hit me. Tell me your secrets, Uncle!”
“Food’s ready,” Savekio said, lifting the pot lid.
“Hey don’t ignore-” Lawtrick started before Savekio shoved a bowl into his hands.
“Eat.”
“Fine.”
Dreiki looked between the two of them, “It’s Ux, right? That’s why he can’t dodge, and you’re hurting him.”
“Correct,” Savekio said, pouring him a bowl.
Dreiki bowed his head and accepted the food nearly dropping it as Lawtrick let out an ear piercing roar. It had to have startled every bird within a kilometer of them.
“Why are you yelling?” Luna said, clutching her ears.
Lawtrick stopped, shoving a spoon into his mouth, “This is so good!”
“Enjoy it in silence, then.” Luna huffed.
“I mean, this is better than the farm food too. Uncle, where’d you learn to cook like this?”
“Dragons don’t always know the tastes of xiozians. This is a product of practice and experience.” Savekio said, giving portions to Luna and Ezo.
“Teach me!”
“Just eat.”
“Okay!”
Oruk chuckled, accepting his portion from Savekio, “I can’t remember the last time I had a properly cooked meal. I’ll have to learn as well since Lawtrick has trouble paying attention.”
“It’ll take us about a week to get to the top of the mountain, and we will be together for the foreseeable future. If you wish to learn, then watch carefully and ask questions. That’s all I ask.” Savekio said, taking the final portion of their meal.
Oruk spooned in some of the food, letting out a sound somewhere between a squeal and a laugh, “Shit, this reminds me of a song. Hang on.” He set the bowl down and picked up his lute, thumbing the strings, “How did it go?”
As he played the first four notes, Dreiki immediately perked up.
“Yeah, like that, and…” Oruk hummed, playing those notes again as he sang,
“Hear me, Hear me
Remember thy name
The child of man whom god couldn’t tame
We cried and fell
And sang our song
To stoke the coals of hell
Our history forever gone
And
My child, sweet child
Remember the pain
When trees were fire and souls profane
We fell and fell
And sang our song
To live in hell
All winter long
And
Through Autumn's gale
Does God hear us hum and swing our blade
Here we swing our blade
Pushed by fallen’s gale
Hear a warrior made
Our tale forgotten yet carried on
My hope my love , I don
My child, strong child
Go wild, go wild
Be free as our song
Remember the chains
When God ruled his malevolent reign
My child, kind child
Our song is for you
Inherit the rot and burn it away
Before it takes you too
Stoke your strength child
The Immortals we slay”