Breaking Limits
Grateful for his high constitution, Kaen ignored the bruises and red marks all over his body and continued to focus on the sound he heard coming toward him.
His sword barely blocked Phillip's attack, and a slight sound told him to take a step back.
The kick missed as it came low at his legs, a foot grinding into the dirt slightly, and Kaen lifted his shield, preparing for what he could hear coming at his head.
The attack changed as the sound vanished, and Kaen’s mind recalled what he had learned from the other attacks he had endured.
Trusting his instincts, Kaen spun to the left and whirled around, his sword coming, and he heard the movement of Phillip’s feet against the ground, trying to maneuver out of the attack Kaen was launching.
Hearing that sound, Kaen began to swing his sword in a pattern, listening for the slightest noise as Phillip backed up or shifted on his feet. He could feel it, sense it, and know just how far the boy was from him.
With his position firmly in his mind, Kaen’s sword danced to a pattern of swings and thrusts. Each one came fast, slightly faster than Phillip, but the loss of vision made Kaen feel the speed difference was ok.
The boy’s shield blocked attack after attack, letting Kaen know precisely where his opponent was.
Seizing an opening he felt was there based on how the shield deflected his sword, Kaen dashed forward, his blade coming in for a thrust.
He could hear Phillip ahead and trusted the image in his mind. His sword came straight at the boy, striking like a viper.
No sound came from hitting Phillip's shield or a blow against the boy.
Suddenly, Kaen’s sword was stuck, and he felt a blow to the top of his head.
“Dead!” Bren shouted.
Kaen sighed, and his sword came free.
He activated his lifestone and immediately saw through Pammon’s eyes what had happened.
That boy is better than you ever were at that age, teased Pammon as he began to thrum. He baited that so well. Even if that sword you both had was real, he would have lived while you died.
Kaen groaned softly as he gave a slight bow to Phillip, who was smiling as he wiped some sweat from his eyes.
“Trapping my sword with your arm and side was a brilliant move. I’d like to say I never saw it coming, but…” Kaen trailed off, both of them laughing at his awful attempt at a joke.
“I still can’t believe how well you fight even if you can’t see,” Phillip replied, watching Bren walk over toward them. “I was trying to be quiet, but you never lost my position.”
Nodding, Kaen turned to see Bren coming at the two of them. He had aged a lot in the last few years. Bren had fought on the wall some, remembering why he had given up a life of adventuring and instead wanted to train people. The older man had opened up about the nightmares he had again, seeing people die on the walls. A light had dimmed in his eyes, but the man seemed different today. Bren sounded different than he had in years.
“Phillip’s right,” Bren declared as he got closer. “Your footwork has improved, and I can see how you tracked him better. Against most people, I doubt they would have held you off as long or thought of trading the loss of an arm and their side to kill you.”
Phillip nudged Kaen a little and chuckled. “I’d gladly give up an arm if it meant defeating you. I won’t brag, but I managed to get a point in shield and swords from that.”
Kaen snorted and grinned, knowing the young man was vastly outpacing him in different ways. His lifestone wasn’t special, just a standard one, yet the boy's commitment to the cause seemed to somehow push his ability to the limits. Even Hess had repeatedly commented that it was weird how fast Frederick and Phillip progressed.
“Tell me, Kaen, what did you do wrong?”
Kaen tried to consider what Bren was asking, knowing that the simple answer of being unable to see wouldn’t be enough. He replayed what he had done in his mind, and after about twenty seconds into the fight, he groaned.
“I only ever attacked with my sword…”
“Exactly. Even though you have a shield and legs, you never used them for anything but defense. Phillip used all three, and you should have picked that up at some point and done the same.” Bren stopped his commentary for a moment and moved to stand right in front of Kaen. “Stop using Pammon and get into the ready position.”
Kaen turned his lifestone off and felt the darkness overtake him. Spreading his feet out, bending his knees slightly, and adjusting his hip, he felt comfortable even without being able to see.
“Raise your sword and shield.”
He brought both up, held near each other. Turning his head just slightly, he inclined an ear toward where Bren was.
“I’m going to attack. I’m just going to use my hand. When I do, don’t break it, but stop me. Are you ready?”
Kaen nodded, focusing every ounce of attention through his ears.
Thwack!
Pammon thrummed, and Kaen reacted, yanking his head back as a hand slapped his cheek.
“Try again.”
Getting into position again, Kaen got ready, and a few seconds later, he felt the impact against his leg from Bren’s foot.
“Again.”
Groaning, Kaen felt overwhelmed. Over fifty times, he had been hit, and not once had he heard or sensed Bren’s attack coming. It made no sound. There was no clue about where it would impact.
“Tell me what you are doing wrong.”
“I have no idea,” Kaen replied, not trying to hide his frustration in his tone. “I can’t hear you or sense you at all. Every time, I just get hit.”
“What are you trying to do? Just hear me?”
“Well, yeah, what else should I be trying to do?”
Bren started to chuckle, and Kaen felt his temper decrease slightly as Bren laughed for a moment. It had been so long since the man had laughed. Even though he was upset at his failures, Kaen needed to hear this man return to who he had been.
“How long have we trained together?” Bren asked, his hand suddenly on Kaen’s shoulder.
“It’s been over five years.”
“In all the times we have trained, when have you not been trying to use your lifestone to cheat and get ahead? I can tell that even now, you aren’t. Why are you limiting yourself?”
Kaen lowered his shield and sword, feeling like he was being chastised for not doing what he had gotten into trouble for always doing. “Wait, you want me to cheat like that?”
Bren started to laugh and then began to cough because he laughed so hard. “Kaen… you’re blind. By the spirits, son, use your damn lifestone!”
He is right.
Did you think the same thing?
I could lie and say yes, but I actually did not. You wanted to do this your way. Bren is right… using your lifestone has always been your way.
Kaen took a deep breath and focused. He felt his lifestone burn with power and then took one more breath, making it burn even hotter.
Every one of his senses became sharper, and as Kaen settled back into position, he could feel the presence of Phillip and Bren around him. Their scents, breathing, and the slightest shifting of their body as they stood still. Kaen was almost certain he could hear their heart beating inside their chests.
Slowly, a world around him began to appear. The ground beneath his feet was somehow there in a weird way. It stretched for about fifteen feet around him before fading into darkness. He could make out a slight shape of the other two, their bodies almost like tiny green lights forming a person. He couldn’t see Phillip’s weapon or shield, but he could see how he held his hands and arms.
Then he saw it. Bren’s hand shot forward toward his left side, and Kaen raised his shield, blocking it with barely any strength.
For the slightest moment, Kaen thought he saw a smile appear on the outline of Bren’s body.
Then a flurry of attacks came.
Bren moved with a speed that defied his age, a speed well beyond what Phillip was capable of and a skill honed over a lifetime of combat and training.
His hands and feet darted out in a variety of attacks, including leg sweeps, double arm punches, a flying kick, and more. Each time, Kaen easily blocked and moved slightly, avoiding the strikes and attacks.
Bren moved near Phillip, and he could see the young man’s arms move. The young man tossed his weapon and shield to Bren, and in a moment, Kaen knew what was coming.
The sound of wood on wood echoed across the courtyard as both men didn’t hold back, Kaen no longer just defending himself but also attacking.
Kaen sent a leg sweep that Bren easily dodged. Bren then swung his sword at Kaen’s outstretched leg, requiring him to yank it back quickly or allow it to be hit. Their shields collided as they both used them for leverage and position.
Unsure of how much time had passed, Kaen saw Bren's green outline change for the briefest moment. A bright light welled inside his chest and raced toward the arm holding the sword.
Kaen knew what had happened.
That bastard used a skill.
The sword became a streak of light at him, but Kaen did not react to the wooden weapon. Instead, he danced with the body and knew how that arm worked. He could see each thrust and swipe aimed at him. His shield sounded like raindrops as the sword struck it over and over.
Another light blossomed inside Bren’s shape and raced toward his legs and shield arm.
Kaen braced, knowing what was coming.
Bren slammed into him, and the shields bashed together. The cracking of wood filled his ears, and Kaen felt his shield falling apart.
Heavy breaths came from Bren, and Kaen could see his friend and teacher going for a combo he hadn’t seen in years. It had surprised him and cost him a duel, but now Kaen recognized how the man shifted and prepared, seeing the power of Bren’s lifestone sending out waves of light to each of his limbs.
The flurry that came felt slow this time. Even though Bren was attacking with a speed most would never hope to defeat, Kaen knew he would survive this onslaught. As the seconds ticked by and a string of kicks, punches, and sword thrusts came, Kaen dodged or parried each of them.
A final surge of light came and ended, and the moment it did, Kaen smiled.
He went on the offensive, his sword, broken shield, and legs coming at Bren just as fast as the trainer had attacked him.
Ten seconds later, he stood over his trainer, breathing hard as he held the sword to the man’s chest as he lay there on the dirt ground.
“Dead!” Phillip called out.
[ Magical Energy Detection Learned ]
[ Magical Energy Detection x20 ]
[ Sphere of Detection Gained ]
[ World Sight Gained ]
Kaen moved back, breathing rapidly as the area that he had been able to detect grew by another ten feet.
There, on the edge of it, he saw Pammon’s head. A dazzling display of magical energy and power that was almost overwhelming flooded his vision as he saw his dragon in a whole new way.
By the spirits, you are… powerful…
What did you just gain?! I could sense something surge inside you!
It’s like I can see a limited range around me. I can sense life and energy. It’s–
“Kaen, what in the spirits happened?”
Bren’s question cut him off, and Kaen looked down at the man he still had pinned to the ground. Tossing the sword away, Kaen extended his hand and helped Bren up.
“I did what you said. I cheated, and now…” Kaen paused, turning his head slightly each way. “Now I can see you two even without Pammon.”
“Holy dwarf balls,” Bren muttered, chuckling as he dusted himself. “Have I ever told you how much I hate how you do that?”
Kaen laughed and heard Phillip laughing as well.
“Yes… yes, you have.”
Fatherly Advice
“I won’t ask because I’m not sure I can understand what you just said,” Bren said as he tried to understand what had just happened. “I expected you to do what you always do, but not like that… not like…”
“Able to see your abilities and block them?” Kaen answered. “That last ability you used… it’s a level forty skill, right?”
Bren chuckled and nodded. “Blade Dance. Most won’t ever get that option, but somehow I did. The fact you blocked it and, not only that, anticipated every strike was what I couldn’t believe. If you had your vision, I figured you could probably stop me now, but… knowing you were blind and doing it.”
“That’s the same one I took at level forty,” Kaen replied, grinning from ear to ear.
A groan came from Bren, knowing that not only had Kaen found a new way to see but also had acquired a skill in half the time it had taken him.
Phillip came over, and Kaen realized he couldn’t see expressions. He allowed his lifestone to reduce itself to a slight smolder and switched to Pammon’s eyes.
There on his young trainee was a smile that reminded Kaen of the day he offered each of them a lifestone.
“What?” Kaen asked as he faced Phillip.
“Nothing,” the boy replied. “I just can’t figure out how you do what you do. Ever since that first day we met, the way you smelled, learning it was because you trained so hard. Frederick and I both believed we could be like you if we trained hard enough. No matter what…”
Phillip sighed and then chuckled as he looked at Pammon. “We both knew there was going to be a limit because you had a dragon, yet we never let that stop us. Even on the days everything hurt, we pushed each other… Had it not been the both of us, I’m certain we wouldn’t have made it this far. Then, when you made that offer to both of us to give us a chance to bond with a dragon egg… it…”
Phillip began to sniff, and tears started to drop to the ground. He lifted his head, ignoring the streaks they caused on his dusty cheeks. “It told us we had finally accomplished what we had promised you. We had worked hard enough to prove how committed we were to this kingdom and everyone here. It’s why we never doubted we would make it through that cave. Even when things were bleak and our dwarven friend shared his doubt, we both knew you would push through. Knew you would get us home.”
Wiping one cheek, Phillip smiled. “Now here I stand, having dealt with the fear and frustration of knowing you are injured and yet seeing you push yourself to get better, allowing no excuse to hold you back. I’ll admit I wasn’t sure I could offer much, but knowing that you trusted me with this secret of your injury and felt I could… it means more than words can express.”
Phillip chuckled a few times as he smirked, giving that boyish grin from so many years ago. “Now you prove why we know someday this land will be free. I just watched you do the impossible. I’m not sure how, but it gives me hope that my dragon and I will be able to push through those moments when all hope seems gone and come through on the other side, stronger because I have watched you do it.”
Kaen stood there silent, not sure if Phillip was finally done talking. When Kaen realized Phillip was, he smiled and reached out, grabbing the young man and giving him a hug. He felt Phillip sniff a few times as he hugged him back, more tears clearly visible from Pammon’s exceptional eyesight on the young man’s cheeks.
“I cannot be more proud of you and Frederick, and to hear you say those words… knowing how broke I was for a while. Thank you. I will continue to try to be worthy of emulating.”
Kaen saw Bren moving toward them both, and the older man slapped each of them on the arm before grabbing it and squeezed.
“All this talk is going to make me cry, and I don’t need to do that. Just know I’m proud of both of you. This kingdom would be long gone if it wasn’t for men like you all.”
Kaen sat on Pammon’s back, feeling the wind against his face, not caring that his jaw was sore from smiling so much.
I have not felt that level of joy from you in a long time. Perhaps getting blinded was the greatest thing that could happen to you.
Kaen chuckled and gently rubbed his friend's neck.
It took me being blind to finally see how blessed I am.
Where to now?
Back home. I need to get a few more things to bring back to the cave. Ava seems content staying in there, and I have some items being brought by. We also need to have a chat with Hess later today. Can you retrieve him?
I guess I could torture myself with a visit. Would you like me to bring the other two?
Kaen couldn’t help but smile at that thought. He knew how much Callie loved being around all three dragons. She had seen the eggs once and almost had to be dragged away.
That sounds like a plan. Tell Hess to bring some food and we will eat here. Maybe even a bedroll if they would like to spend the night.
A rumble came from Pammon, and Kaen started to laugh as he felt his dragon’s feelings through their bond.
That is if you don’t mind doing all that. I know you are not a pack mule.
I was about to say some unkind words, but since you asked nicely, I will refrain. There is no point in ruining the moment.
Kaen nodded. For the first moment in a long time, he felt like he was breaking free from the prison he had locked himself away in.
“Kaen!”
Grinning, Kaen stood off to the side where he had finished setting up a small privacy screen for the bed he had brought over on Pammon.
He had listened to Pammon regale to him how Callie was talking and how excited she was at getting to see all three dragons and both eggs.
His little sister raced toward him, seemingly not concerned that his eyes were covered with a cloth, and jumped up, fully expecting him to catch her as always.
Scooping her up in mid-air, he laughed and hugged her before tickling her neck.
“What’s wrong with your face?” she asked, her hand reaching out to touch his eye covering after she stopped giggling.
“Oh, I hurt my eyes, but I’ll be fine in a week. This is just to help them heal.”
He could see her looking at him and moving her head slowly from side to side as Pammon kept his eyes on the little girl he loved more than that dragon admitted.
“Hmm, it makes you look less ugly,” she said, eliciting a round of laughter from all the dragons and adults present.
“I can’t help it if our parents are ugly… at least you don’t look ugly like they do,” Kaen replied as he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then set her down on the ground.
He saw her biting her lips as she stared at the dragons and the two eggs.
“You want to go and see the eggs as well as Glynnis and Amaranth?”
She nodded, her head moving so fast a woodpecker would struggle to keep up.
“Go ahead, they said it is ok.”
Squealing with glee, Callie took off running toward the egg Glynnis was curled around.
“You sure they don’t mind?” Hess asked as he came forward and gave Kaen a hug.
“Pammon told them it would be okay, and so they don’t mind. They understand you are family, and as such, neither mind. Besides, that egg is harder than one might imagine. I don’t see her doing anything to it.”
Sulenda groaned as she moved over and hugged Kaen after having embraced Ava. “You say that, but we will have to listen to her jabber about those eggs and her desire for one. ‘Surely brother Kaen will let me have a dragon…’ or something like that is said by her more than twice a day.”
Kaen shrugged and chuckled. Letting Sulenda go from the massive squeeze she gave him. Unable to see her face, Kaen could tell she was probably not excited about how he looked.
“If I said I’m starving and we should eat first, would you three mind?”
“I’d rather eat it now while it’s warm. I won’t tell you how excited Sulenda was to finally use the meat she had been saving.”
Kaen smiled and nodded, moving toward the table and sat in his chair.
“Well then, if you don’t mind, I need some advice, Dad.”
Hess looked at Ava, who rolled her eyes but nodded while helping Sulenda with the pack she had. “You two boys have fun. We’ll get dinner finished up.”
The four of them sat in their chairs, watching Callie continue to race around the room, climbing over Pammon and laughing when he scooped her up in his claws and set her down somewhere else.
“Hard to imagine this would be a sight that wouldn’t surprise me,” Hess said, picking at his teeth with a bone. “Who knew three dragons would be a common thing in Ebonmount?”
“I, for one, am glad she is here,” Ava chimed in. “I have missed getting to see all of you, and hearing her laugh does me a lot of good.”
“Did you two ever figure out what skill to pick?” Sulenda asked.
Hess glanced at Sulenda and shook his head. “It’s not easy. Both have advantages, and each has a weakness. Kaen knows what he wants to pick, but he can't commit to it.”
Sulenda and Ava looked at Kaen, who no longer used Pammon for vision but instead let his lifestone help him see the energy within their bodies.
“It’s true. It took me all these years to finally hit level forty. Fifty could be decades away. The right setup with Fan attack would allow me to send out so many arrows, each of which I think I could imbue with energy. If that happened, the potential for fighting is hard to compare. It works from all angles and has good uses when on Pammon. That said, one of the problems is how it would actually work on Pammon and could only be used while facing behind him or in a diving attack. Otherwise, his head or wings would get in the way.”
Sulenda snorted. “You have gotten a lot smarter since you barged into my office all those years ago.”
Kaen chuckled and squeezed Ava’s hand gently as they rested them on the table together.
“I try… but still, Homing Shot could be a game change against Stioks or any other dragon in the right environment. Hess says it travels as fast as an arrow the entire time, and it would keep chasing that bastard until it hits something. Combined with the penetration rune on my bow and the ability to charge an arrow… I may only need one shot.”
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
“Do you believe it would be that easy?” Sulenda asked, leaning against the table.
Shaking his head, Kaen sighed. “Nothing is ever easy, but what matters now is I have heard from Hess and his thoughts. I’ll make my decision soon enough. I want to practice with whatever I choose sooner than later. Let’s not worry about that problem and enjoy our time together. Ava had me pick up some tiles if you are interested in a game.”
Hess chuckled and nodded, and Sulenda groaned. “As long as the two of you aren’t on the same team, yes! Both of you cheat when you play!”
“I would never do that,” protested Hess as he winked at her.
As Hess and Sulenda playfully squabbled, Kaen leaned over and kissed Ava on her cheek. “I love you and want you to know that.”
She smiled and kissed him back, this time on his lips. “I love you too. Now, don’t cheat unless it's with me,” she whispered.
Special Connections
The night with Callie, Hess and Sulenda had been a salve that both Kaen and Ava needed more than they realized. Seeing that little girl curled up between three dragons, a hand resting on one of the eggs as she slept, reminded them both how precious life was.
“Can I come again soon?” Callie asked as Hess clipped her in between Sulenda and him on Pammon.
“Anytime I am free, and if Mom and Dad say it’s ok,” Kaen replied. “Just make sure that you are doing your work and helping out around the inn. If those chores aren’t done, you won’t be able to come.”
Kaen saw the grin on Callie’s face and heard her already start to bug Hess about when she might come spend the night again.
Grateful that Pammon was watching the three, Kaen saw Hess roll his eyes as he chuckled.
“Love you son! You two take care and don’t be afraid to stop in when you are able to make public appearances.”
Max waved at them as Callie squealed with glee when Pammon walked toward the opening of the cave. Her screams of delight echoed after Pammon had leaped off into the air from the edge.
“She is a handful,” Ava muttered, squeezing Kaen as she snuggled closer to him. “Is that why Hess looks so old now?”
Giving her a kiss on the forehead, he chuckled and sighed, feeling the world go dark as Pammon’s eyesight no longer helped him where he was.
Kaen focused, finding the right amount that his lifestone needed to be filled with power and saw the world of energy flowing around him.
The stone floor was there, barely visible with a single line that somehow marked the part he stood on. It didn’t matter if it was dirt, stone, or carved bricks. Each time, the landscape showed up with a view that had been impossible to describe to Ava.
Next to him, squeezing tightly, he saw his wife, a body filled with more green lights than Phillip or Bren had. It left him with a few questions about what exactly he was seeing, but until he could surround himself with more people, the answer wouldn’t come anytime soon.
“Now that they are gone we could head back to bed for a few…”
Kaen glanced down at Ava and even though he couldn’t see her face, he saw the energy inside her moving slightly faster than before.
“I would enjoy that,” he replied, lifting her chin and kissing her on the lips.
A thrum behind the two of them was soon joined by another and Kaen heard the sound of claws on stone.
We shall go and find ourselves some food.
Amaranth’s tone made him laugh and he used his hip to gently bump Ava.
“Did you ask her to leave?”
Ava snorted and began pulling him back to where they had set up their bed.
“Sometimes a woman has to take charge.”
Kaen gently stroked Ava’s hair as she lay on his chest.
Her lips kissed his skin and Kaen groaned slightly, always ecstatic anytime she touched him. He had never known how amazing it could be when someone you loved reached out on their own accord and put their body against you.
Kaen’s chest rose a few times as he held back a laugh.
“What?” Ava asked, running her fingernails up and down his stomach.
“I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you and what I a fool I was before you.”
She laughed, poking him gently in the side before returning to gently run her fingers over the contours of his exposed abs. “You are wise to realize how lucky you are… now what exactly was it that made you a fool?”
“You sure you want to know?”
“I’ll trust your judgement to not say something you shouldn’t,” she replied, kissing him again on his chest.
Taking a deep breath, Kaen shifted a little on the bed and drew her closer. “Growing up with Hess I never really got to experience a physical connection with anyone. I fooled around with a few girls in the village, sneaking a few kisses but no one every really connected with me. Also, Hess was not a great example at the time with how to relate to women.
“Looking back now I can see how he missed Sulenda and was struggling raising me. That led to him showing me the wrong way to flirt with women. So when we moved to Ebonmount, I tried to emulate him. I had seen his bravado and how lack of fear with them. I saw how they responded to his larger-than-life actions.”
Kaen groaned slightly and then sighed. “So I tried to flirt with every woman I could. Compared to Minoosh this place was filled with women who seemed interested in me… even if it was for the wrong reasons. I even flirted with a woman old enough to be my mother and I’m grateful she never allowed it to go anywhere.”
He squeezed Ava and then leaned over so he could kiss her head. “All that changed when I met you. None of the other girls mattered. I only wanted to be with you. It drove me crazy not knowing who you were and when I finally knew I was certain you would see me for the bumbling backwoods boy that I was.
“Yet here I am, with you and realizing how blessed I am. The only person I desire to touch me like you do is you. Just having you here in my arms, our skin touching each other fills me with a happiness that is hard to describe.”
Ava started to laugh. “Oh, I’m pretty sure your happiness was evident from that earlier.”
Kaen snorted and pulled her up toward him, kissing her on the lips again. “Perhaps I can show you that once more.”
Lifting her eyebrows, Ava smirked and nodded. “Perhaps you can.”
Perhaps next time you could give me a warning when you are going to be doing that.
The tone in Pammon’s voice and the angst he felt through their bond caused Kaen to start laughing harder than he had expected.
I had not planned it. It was Ava’s idea. She even got Amaranth and Glynnis to leave.
I am well aware of that… they both tracked me down, knowing what would be taking place between you two.
I didn’t sense any major problems on your end from that.
That is because I was nice and blocked what we did from you and Ava… unlike some who forgot what we agreed upon…
Kaen groaned, still snorting at the fact he had forgotten to do that.
Sorry… it had been a while and I–
I understand. Just remember, when you fail to do that, I do not want to be responsible for scaring the populace like that again.
His mouth fell open and Kaen began to imagine where Pammon must have displayed their mating flights.
Do I want to know?
Oh I am sure that you will hear about it eventually. I was caught off guard and the east side of the city got a view I doubt any of them expected to see.
I’m sure bards will sing of your exploits in taverns all across the city now.
Kaen was laughing and he could tell that Pammon did not find his joke nearly as funny as he did.
Are you doing better now? Amaranth has told me it was safe to return.
Sitting there at the table in the cave, Kaen tried to decide how to answer that question. Ava was across the room, washing a few things and had told him to stay put since he would not be much help without his vision.
I am ready for what must come soon. The time is limited, and we both know that eventually I must act. I owe Amaranth something. I’m not sure what but the bond she formed with Ava has changed her. Since then, I have felt a strength in Ava that was different than before.
Pammon was flying east of him and Kaen could feel something coming through his bond. A concern he hadn’t felt before.
Do we want to have this discussion while I am not near you?
Kaen tried to imagine what Pammon was talking about but nothing came to mind that he felt needed to be discussed.
I’m lost. What is it we need to discuss?
A moment passed and Pammon said nothing.
Let me finish what I and the other two are doing and then we will return and talk then.
What are you doing right now? Eating?
A sense of humor flittered across their bond.
I will do that later. Right now I am providing the farmers with my magical crap.
Kaen started laughing, his voice carrying over the empty cavern.
Shite! I feel bad for those men and women… the smell…
Yet every time I come they bow and smile with looks that are worthy of my crap. We both know it is the only reason why food supplies have kept up for so long.
Kaen scratched his newly grown beard. Pammon was right. The amount of crap those three dragons produced had been a godsend. The farmers had taken it, excited to handle such a disgusting task, having been told how well it worked.
Those first few fields they used it on out produced every other field and had allowed for two crops instead of the usual one.
Every orchard and fruit tree in the kingdom received a steady supply.
Tell me they aren’t still mixing it with water…
They are. That smells worse than I want to admit. The number of barrels they fill with that concoction would fill your house from floor to ceilings a few times over.
Groaning, Kaen recalled the one time he had been present when they demonstrated what the heads of the agricultural group had achieved. The stench had brought back nightmares of the one time Pammon had sharted inside his room in Roccnari. It had taken weeks for the smell to go away and those poor elves had turned green. The only good side from that is it had kept Huethea from invading his personal space for a few weeks.
Kaen winced at the thought of that kingdom now. The destruction he had seen and the knowledge that any elf who had lived was hiding in the forests around their old homes or on the road toward Ebonmount left a bad taste in his mouth.
What are you thinking about?
I’m thinking that I need to heal quickly. Every day I can’t see and am unable to do what I must is another day some innocent will be injured.
Kaen tapped his fingers on the table, knowing that he needed to get better.
The sound of Ava’s steps echoed slightly as she came toward him and he activated his lifestone, seeing her enter the range of his new way of seeing the world after a few seconds.
He smiled and considered how amazing she looked comprised of green magical lights that outlined all the curves of her body.
“Why are you smiling?”
Kaen chuckled and grinned even more. “I’m just thinking you look exceptionally amazing.”
He heard her snort and moved his chair out slightly, tapping his leg for her to sit down.
After she plopped down on his legs and put her arms around him, Ava leaned forward and put her lips near his ear.
“I just thought of something while I was over there and… it seems foolish but it may actually be something only you can do.”
Pulling her close, Kaen laughed. “Do I need to tell Pammon to stay out longer?”
She pushed against him, her head shaking. “No… but we will need him to take us somewhere.”
Intrigued, Kaen could feel Ava shifting slightly on him, excited about something.
Enduring Pain
“That seems like a foolish idea, but like you said, it might actually work.”
“I know!” Ava exclaimed after Kaen heard her idea. “I mean, think about it. You have a poison-resist skill and a disease-resist skill now. Almost no one ever gets those because no one can endure those things and survive.”
Kaen scratched the side of his cheek a few times, feeling his nails dig deeper than usual and trying to remember the last time he had trimmed them.
“So you want Pammon and Amaranth to take us to the adventurers guild and let people use magic on me… all with the hope that I can gain a resist skill to those types… if I didn’t know better, someone might think you were trying to finally kill me.”
Ava pinched his side, ignoring that Kaen barely reacted more than a slight shift at her touch.
“But it makes sense if you really think about it.”
Kaen nodded, still not exactly sure how much he wanted to stand there while people used offensive spells on him. Ava’s point that he might never know when a fire or lightning resist ability might be useful. Especially if fighting dragons.
“I guess we will have to talk to Pammon and them in a moment. They are almost here.”
“I know,” Ava declared. “You seem to forget that I can feel her when she is close enough.”
Kaen nodded. It would take him some time to get used to that.
Have you done something to upset your mate? It seems like this idea should warn you to sleep with one eye open.
Pammon thrummed, not caring that Kaen wasn’t laughing at his joke.
Seriously though, it makes sense and you know it. Are you willing to take me there?
We have nothing else to do at the moment. Amaranth has told me she is already on board with this idea even if I was not. So whenever you are ready we can go.
“Looks like we are ready here,” Kaen stated, shifting the backpack he already had on, knowing Pammon would fly him regardless of the way he felt.
“I’m already ready!” Ava shouted and Karen swapped his vision to Pammon’s eyes, seeing Ava was already latched in on Amaranth.
Those two… what is it you wanted to talk to me about? Does it have to do with the two of them?
Slightly but no. Climb on and we will talk on the way.
At some point you need to let Ava be bound to a dragon. If we survive this and when more eggs come, you need to allow her to become a dragon rider.
I thought we had decided it wouldn’t be good for her to have either of these two. Why now?
Because the longer you wait the more she will start to question why you have not let it happen. Years will pass and she will age and since we do not know how many more eggs will be born here, you cannot risk not giving her the first chance at the next one. I can only imagine how you will feel as you watch her grow old… the pain you will experience when you have to bury her and have another century or more to live.
Tharnok shared with me how much it hurt Elies when a woman he had grown fond of died. After that he swore off those kinds of relationships.
The guild was quickly approaching and Kaen knew he only had about another minute before they landed.
I do not have a problem with this. So what do I need to do?
Tell her. Let her know that when the next eggs come, the first shall be hers. Tell her why you want her to have it.
Did Amaranth tell you to say this?
Pammon snorted, his head shaking at Kaen’s question.
She mentioned to me the need for you and Ava to be joined like this. She knew I would tell you what I have because Amaranth knows how much I care for both of you.
Sighing, Kaen tapped the scale on Pammon’s neck as they prepared to land.
I know. Thank you for telling me this.
Pammon thrummed slightly as the ground raced toward them.
Just know, I am looking forward to seeing Ava’s idea in action.
Kaen began to regret agreeing to the plan Ava had come up with.
His body was sore and the smell of burning flesh was worse as his nose was now more acute when it came to scents.
Still he was amazed at how right his wife had been.
Two healers were standing by and Amaranth was just a few yards away, occasionally healing him when he needed it.
Ava had not been excited that Herb required her to be the one to test this out. Her fire magic control was good and so she had sent small attacks with barely any power at him for a few.
Eventually Kaen had told her to try harder and the first fireball she sent left Kaen without any chest hair.
He saw the next fire spell enter his view of magic and wanted to dodge it, knowing that he could but instead stood there, taking another hit to his midsection.
[ Fire Resistance +1 ]
“Eleven,” Kaen stated, not allowing himself to groan or his voice to crack.
“It’s coming faster!” Ava shouted in reply. “The stronger the attack the faster your skill gains have been!”
You should see the look of excitement on her face. It is almost as if she is enjoying taking turns with the other two mages to burn you.
Which is why I’m not using your eyes to see that… I can’t say this feels great but the truth is most of these spells do less than a sixth or so of my life per attack. The others barely did anything.
Do not worry. Once you hit twenty, I will get involved.
Kaen groaned, nodding to Ava even though he couldn’t see her and saw as the next spell came, striking his stomach.
You do look quite amazing in those shorts Herb found for you. I understand why you didn’t want to wear your dragon armor.
Kaen grunted. Motioning with his hand for another spell.
It’s because… pain came through the bond as a fireball from Ava struck him in the stomach again, sending flames over his body.
[ Fire Resistance +1 ]
Sighing, Kaen held up his hand for them to stop and turned to Amaranth. “Can I get a heal please.”
The green dragon moved forward with her snout, it began to fill with power and Kaen stood there in awe every time he saw it. The magic flowed from inside the dragon's chest, up her neck and to the tip of her snout.
He saw it flow from her and into him the moment she put it against his chest, breathing better as the burns and sores disappeared.
Your natural healing is amazing to watch when combined with my spell. I do not remember any dragons recovering so naturally as you do. Ava was wise to pick a mate with a high constitution like yourself.
Kaen began to cough and Pammon started to thrum.
“Thank you,” he finally got out after catching his breath.
Your wife has ruined that poor dragon. The things she tells me now… I’m not certain which is worse, her or Glynnis.
Kaen motioned for another spell, tightening his core and waiting for it to come.
As I was saying, the fire resistance the greaves and chest piece give would most likely hinder the potential gains I have had so far.
Well you do look foolish standing in those leather shorts and that bag over your head.
Kaen grumbled. He had only looked once at the spectacle that he was. Herb had found a pair of fireproof shorts, used by some crafter that could withstand most fire spells. It fit him well. The bag over his head came from the same blacksmith, again resistant to fire. It smelled like coal and burnt metal and now the scent of burnt flesh.
The things we do to get stronger… Elies would be proud.
Kaen felt a sense of pride come through their bond.
You honor him even now by your willingness to endure anything.
Kaen let Ava lead him to their bed and when he felt it bump against his legs, plopped down on it.
Amaranth was almost asleep as well and Kaen had seen just how tired Ava and the green dragon both were.
The light that shimmered inside them and was trapped by their skin was almost gone. Each had used everything they had to help him in this endeavor.
Once he had hit level twenty and no more gains came, Pammon had taken over.
The pain still lingered in his mind as Amaranth healed while he put his hand into the small fire his friend had created on the ground.
His flesh had started to melt away, his muscles feeling like they wanted to vanish only for the healing that Amaranth had poured into him to regrow it as it vanished.
No pain in his life had compared to what he had felt in that moment.
Every ounce of willpower kept him from pulling his hand out.
Pammon had poured his own lifeforce into Kaen, giving strength in that moment.
Kaen winced as he felt the pillow against his face, remembering what he heard Ava say once they were done.
“I’ve never heard a man scream as loud or as long as you did.”
He couldn’t recall screaming. His lifestone was burning with every ounce of power that he could hold onto through the pain that wanted him to black out.
The skill gains had flown by so fast at first.
Time had lost all meaning but he saw when it said his Fire Resistance had evolved at thirty. It felt like it had happened quickly but the world felt different in that moment.
The pain diminished slightly, his flesh not dissolving like a piece of paper thrown into a fire. It took longer for his skin to vanish and instead bubbled and warped in weird ways before being reshaped to how it was supposed to be around his arm and hand.
Everything had been a race against time. How much he could endure, how long that Amaranth could heal him, the amount of life force Pammon could share.
Slowly the burning lessened and as he hit thirty-nine it began to almost feel cool against his skin. The fire burned but not like a flame.
It was more like a cold burning sensation. Metal so cold it would burn.
He asked Pammon to do it once more. Make fire that was slightly hotter.
Without protesting his dragon had done it. A stream of what Kaen could only imagine lava felt like emerged, drenching his arm from the elbow down.
He had shuddered, screaming once more but then it came.
[ Fire Resistance has evolved to Dragon Breath Immunity - Fire ]
The pain stopped.
The burning stopped.
No longer did his flesh melt away.
No longer did Amaranth have to heal.
The flames did not bother him at all.
Pammon had been in shock just as much as he was. Neither was sure it was even possible.
Herb had called him insane. The truth was Kaen knew he was.
Yet there were no other options.
This fight would require everything and Kaen couldn’t risk being weak.
Carefully he had wiped the dragon fire off his arm.
He could finally use Pammon’s eyes again to make sure that no flames were left on him.
Once it was all gone his lifestone gave out.
Pammon had cut the strength he had shared.
It took Ava and Herb and some help from Amaranth to get him onto Pammon.
The flight over here felt like a dream.
Lying on the bed felt better than anything he could remember in so long.
Then sleep came.
And he relived the pain of the past moments.
Uncovering Things
The day after, they all did nothing. Still recovering from the previous day's events, Ava had multiple times ensured that Kaen had no lasting problems with his left arm, which he had put inside Pammon’s fire.
Amaranth and Glynnis spoke in a different tone when Kaen talked with them. When he asked how long they thought the eggs might take to hatch, they confirmed it would be a few weeks.
Soon, Phillip and Frederick would need to stay inside the cave and wait for the moment when the eggs hatched.
There would be no time to get them if things moved quickly.
Kaen remembered how quickly Pammon had hatched. One moment, he heard his friend's voice in his head. The next moment, the egg cracked, and a tiny copper dragon was before him.
“My parents are expecting us. If we don’t go, we know how they will act the next time we see them.”
Kaen groaned, stretching in bed as he lay beside Ava, enjoying her scent. He had never realized until the last few days just how she smelled. There had always been a scent, but now he could easily recognize it even when other scents were around.
“I know… do we have to get there early, or can we just show up right before dinner?”
Ava elbowed Kaen, earning a grunt from him. “I would like to spend a little time talking with my mother before we just sit down and eat. Some mothers and daughters are like that.”
“Fine. I guess you should ask Amaranth if we can have her take us. Pammon has been struggling to avoid destroying every inch of your parents' courtyard when he takes us.”
A moment passed, and Kaen knew what was happening.
“She said she would be happy to. Now sit up and let me help you get dressed. I need to make sure you are wearing something presentable.”
Kaen tapped his eye covering. “Isn’t this good enough?”
Groaning, Ava pounced on top of him. “No… you need more than just that. I don’t want to share more of your body than I must.”
Kaen laughed, pulling her down and kissing her.
It took a while before they were ready to get dressed and go.
Lord Hurem had been anxiously awaiting Kaen’s arrival, evident from his sitting in the courtyard, reading a book, and facing the direction they always came from.
“It was nice of you to come a little early!” he exclaimed. “Your mother is waiting inside for you to help her with something, my precious daughter!”
Ava smiled and kissed her dad on the cheek before waving at Kaen and heading toward the door, which would take her inside.
“Let me assist you. We are just going over to the table.”
“I can see a little. Just lead the way, and I will follow.”
Lord Hurem cleared his throat as he stared at Kaen. His eyes narrowed as he took in his son-in-law, with bandages still over his eyes. “How can you see? Have you disobeyed my instructions, taken the bandages off, and tried looking?”
“It’s a long story, but no… just something I’ve picked up in the last few days. I’ll tell you more after we sit.”
Kaen watched Lord Hurem scratch his chin for a moment before turning sideways and slowly approaching the table.
Unable to help it, Kaen laughed and moved quickly, reaching out, putting his hand on his father-in-law's shoulder, and pushing him. “Don’t worry about me, and stop walking like that.”
“Remarkable!” the man gasped.
Kaen didn’t need eyes to see, knowing the man had a smile on his lips.
“Now, I don’t believe you would lie to me, but you haven’t tried opening your eyes yet, have you?”
Kaen shook his head slightly as he watched the green outline of Lord Hurem’s fingers remove the pads that were over his eyes.
“I have not. Ava has changed the bandages and pads a few times, but only to put on more salve and clean bandages.”
“And you can still tell me how many fingers–”
“Four.”
Lord Hurem snorted, still checking every few minutes that Kaen could see. “What you are describing is impressive. I believe there must be books talking about it somewhere, lost for a thousand years or more. Though I guess, knowing who you are and what you always seem to achieve, this might be something new entirely.”
The warm washcloth felt exceptionally wonderful as the man washed salve from his eyes. It was always pleasant when Ava had done this. The area around his eyes had become sensitive to touch after being protected by the pads and wrap.
“Now listen. Cover your eyes with both hands and slowly open your eyes. If it hurts or becomes too much, close your eyes and we will cover them for a few more days. Better to be safe than sorry.”
Kaen nodded. His heart was pounding as he desperately wanted, no, needed to be able to see normally.
Slowly, he put his hands over his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Calming himself, he opened his eyes slightly. It felt like he was pulling his eyelids apart. They were somewhat stuck together from the salve, and time shut even after a good washing.
“Can I borrow that rag again?” Kaen asked, forcing himself to relax and close his eyes again.
After a few more wipes with the cloth and letting it sit for a minute, Kaen felt ready to try again. Once more, Kaen held his hands over his eyes and was able to pull apart his eyelids. The brightness of what he saw through the tiny cracks between where his hands were almost overwhelming.
“Relax… breathe,” Lord Hurem said. I can tell by how your face is scrunched up that it is a lot. Keep the amount of light to a minimum. I probably should have taken you somewhere darker. Would you like to move?”
Kaen shook his head slightly and continued to breathe. Closing his eyes for a moment, he cracked them again. The light felt so bright that it was almost as if he had a light stone next to his eyes.
Something draped over his head, and the light immediately almost disappeared.
“I put my shirt over you. That should help some. Look down and try now.”
Kaen opened his eyes more, needing a few seconds to open them completely. He had to blink multiple times as tears came out, lubricating everything.
He made a tiny crack between both hands; this time, the light he saw was less overwhelming. He exhaled the breath he had been holding and continued to open his fingers slowly.
It took minutes to adjust after each of the slightest increases in space.
Unsure how long it had been, Kaen finally slid both hands from over his eyes. Occasionally, he had to squint, but he could see his legs as he stared at them. The brown leather pants his wife had put him in had a few drops from the fallen tears.
He had never imagined how excited he might be to see a pair of pants, but it felt exhilarating. The fringe of the shirt was a dazzling bright light, a reminder that it was different under this shirt than when he took it off.
“Hold up and wait,” Lord Hurem ordered. “Don’t just rip that off. Tell me what you see. Is it clear or blurry? Do you see multiple images of everything?”
“I see two legs in a pair of brown leather pants.”
A chuckle came, and Kaen saw a hand appear beneath the shirt. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
“Two.”
“Just two, or do you see an afterimage, like another copy elsewhere?”
Kaen shook his head. “I only see the two you have held up. Both look clear, and I can tell you just got your nails trimmed.”
Kaen heard his father-in-law sigh. “Alright. Close your eyes, lift your head, and when you’re ready, let me know. I’ll take off my shirt, and we will try this again.”
After finally opening his eyes, it was hard to close them, but Kaen forced them shut. Sitting straight, he held up a thumb and felt the shirt come off his head.
“Now, slowly open your eyes… slowly!”
Kaen shut them quickly as the light had hit him worse than Pammon's headbutting. He knew that he had messed up, trying to open them completely.
“Sorry.”
“Not as sorry as you will be if you get a massive headache. Trust me, son, I don’t want you to suffer any longer than you must, but this isn’t a race. Small steps.”
Nodding, Kaen slowly cracked them open, repeating the process, and after what felt like forever, he could see his father-in-law and Ava standing before him.
“Well?”
“You look amazing,” Kaen replied. “Better than I had remembered.”
Ava and her father both snorted and shook their heads.
“Kaen, I’m glad you think I look amazing, but is everything still clear?”
Coughing, Kaen nodded. “Yes, sir. Thank you. It is still a bit bright, but I can see fine.”
Lord Hurem nodded and stood up, collecting all the materials from the table he had used for Kaen’s eyes.
“Good. I’ll be back. You two can sit here and enjoy the garden while I retrieve my wife.”
Kaen turned, more excited than he realized to be able to see his father-in-law depart.
A hand brushed his, and Kaen turned to see his wife smiling at him.
“You should see yourself,” she said with a smile.
“Forgot how good I look?”
Ava snickered, making a face as she smirked. “It’s… you know I love you, right?”
“Why do I feel there is a but to this?”
She nodded, her smirk transforming into a full-blown smile. “Let’s just say we need to get you a mirror… there is a two-inch strip of white that wraps around your face and–”
“Holy dwarf balls,” Kaen cursed. Glancing around the courtyard, he found a silver tray on a small table with some glasses on it. Moving quickly, he took the glasses off the tray and held it up, looking at its polished surface.
Looking back at him was a man with a tan, weathered face, except for a solid two-inch white section.
He slowly put the tray down and looked at Ava, who was biting her lip. Her eyebrows were all the way to the top of her head. Kaen could tell it took every ounce of her self-control to not laugh.
“Will you still love me if I’m ugly or look like a raccoon?”
Unable to resist, Ava burst out in laughter, wiping a few tears as she nodded.
“Gods, yes… that is exactly what you reminded me of… a cute little raccoon.”
“Have you ever actually dealt with a raccoon before?” Kaen asked. “Because let me tell you, those things are not cute. They are mean, vicious, and will fight you.”
Ava continued to laugh, and then Kaen saw her glance around him.
He turned to see Lord and Lady Hurem walking toward them after entering the courtyard through the main house door.
His mother-in-law missed a step when she saw Kaen grabbing her husband's hand while she regained her balance. A well-hidden smile flashed briefly before being pushed down into her normal elegant look.
“Kaen, I am excited to hear that you are well!” she called out as they approached him. “Even if it looks like you are in need of a little sun.”
Kaen shook his head, unable to resist smiling when he saw his mother-in-law grinning. He would gladly endure the looks and jokes because he knew it was now time to settle a few things.