The inn buzzed with the faint hum of morning activity, though the weight of our upcoming journey seemed to smother the usual warmth in the air. We met the others at a corner table, their expressions reflecting the same mix of anticipation and unease I felt.
Max leaned back in his chair, casually rolling a grenade between his fingers, the motion deceptively relaxed. Despite the show of ease, his sharp eyes flicked toward the door every few seconds, as if expecting trouble. Trish sat nearby, arms crossed and a foot tapping a rapid, uneven rhythm against the floor, her usual calm visibly fraying at the edges. Across from her, Mel cradled a mug of tea in both hands, staring into it as though it held the answer to an unspoken question. Leo, meanwhile, was hunched over a small leather-bound book, his face shadowed with a quiet intensity as he scribbled notes with deliberate precision.
I slid into the seat next to Trish, my gear clinking softly, a reminder of the weight we all carried now. “Everyone ready?” I asked, breaking the silence.
They nodded in response.
“Theron is meeting us at the gate. Let’s get moving, then,” I said, standing up.
After a short walk, we reached the gate with about ten minutes to spare. Theron was nowhere in sight yet, but Kaelvorn and Sergeant Tittles were there waiting.
“’Bout bloody time I see you all again after…” Tittles’ voice trailed off as his eyes widened in shock. “What in the blazes?! Wyguall said your levels had gone up, but he didn’t say it was this much!” His pug-like face practically screamed disbelief, his expression frozen in a mix of awe and surprise.
“Maybe he wanted us to see that reaction on your face,” Max said with a grin, laughing as he watched Kaelvorn’s stunned expression.
To be fair, it was absolutely hilarious to see. You know how some pugs back home look when you offer them a treat and then hide it? Yeah, it was pretty close to that.
Tittles’ face immediately snapped back to his usual serious demeanor. “Just for that comment,” he said, his tone laced with mock severity, “I should have these Lepidomare taken back to where they came from.”
“Ah, except for the fact that you are always a man of your word, and you promised them mounts if they delivered every grain and returned the cart and everyone back with it,” Kaelvorn said, grinning. His tone was light, but his eyes sparkled with mischief. “Besides, you did have a rather hilarious expression on your face…” He trailed off, trying—and failing—to stifle his laughter as Tittles abruptly turned his head toward him with a sharp, warning look.
“Hooligans, the lot of you!” Tittles declared, waving his hands with exaggerated irritation. A smile crept onto his face, betraying the humor he was trying to hide. “We’ll see how hilarious my face is when you’re cleaning the stalls tonight.”
Kaelvorn immediately snapped his maw shut, standing at attention with exaggerated seriousness. Though he managed to stifle his laughter, the glint of amusement in his eyes betrayed him.
“Now,” Tittles said, turning his attention back to us, his expression carefully composed to mask his earlier grin. “I gave you my word, and you’ve upheld your end of the bargain. As promised, I have some of the strongest breeds of Lepidomare here for you to choose from.” He motioned for us to follow, his tone shifting to a more professional cadence.
As we followed Tittles outside the gate, we turned left toward a gathering of men who looked like they had traveled a considerable distance. Among them, Theron was engaged in conversation with one of the travelers, his usual stern demeanor softened slightly, though his stance was still commanding. Behind them, a herd of Lepidomare caught my attention.
There were eight to ten creatures in total, their variations striking. Some were much larger and more muscular, exuding raw power, while others had sleek, aerodynamic builds that promised speed and agility. A few resembled the sturdy, dependable mounts we’d encountered before, their forms more familiar but no less impressive.
As we approached, Tittles glanced back at us. “One thing to keep in mind when choosing your mount,” he said, his voice firm but with an undertone of excitement, “is that they must choose you as well.” His words hung in the air, adding a layer of anticipation to the moment.
“Respect them, and these beasts will respect you in return. Getting one to respect you enough to let you mount them, though, that is the challenge. There’s a reason most Lepidomare are only seen pulling carts,” one of the men said, his voice steady and sure, clearly experienced in dealing with the creatures.
He approached us with a warm, open demeanor, extending his hand to each of us in turn. “My name is Alex,” he said with a firm handshake. “These are my traveling companions, John and Greg.” He gestured to two men standing nearby, both offering polite nods of acknowledgment. “And our guards,” he continued, motioning to a group of armed individuals standing watch over the herd. “Shun, Luze, Pike, and Will.”
Each guard gave a slight nod or wave, their postures relaxed but alert. It was clear they were no strangers to danger and had likely seen their fair share of trouble on the road.
“Pleasure to meet you all,” I said, returning the handshake and introducing myself and the others. It felt like the start of a delicate dance; the connection between us and the Lepidomare would be as much about earning trust as it was about strength.
“Pleasure is all ours,” Alex responded with a grin, then motioned for us to follow. “Let me introduce you to the creatures here. None of them have names yet. We believe a Lepidomare should only be named after they’ve bonded with a family.” His tone carried a sense of reverence, as though this was more than just tradition; it was a philosophy.
“They’re magnificent,” Trish said softly, her eyes scanning the group.
Alex nodded, his grin widening. “Magnificent and intelligent. Each has a unique personality. But remember, just as you’ll be judging them, they’ll be judging you.” His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Let’s see who earns whose trust today.”
I nodded for Trish to approach first, sensing her deep admiration for the creatures' beauty and grace. She moved forward slowly, her steps deliberate and careful.
Alex spoke gently, his tone both instructive and laced with humor. “Stand still and let them come to you. They’ll choose if they want to approach. If you waltz right up to one uninvited, they’ll likely whip their tail at you, and… well, let’s just say it’s not a pleasant experience.” He placed a hand on his chest, his expression hinting at a memory he’d rather forget.
Trish gave the slightest nod, her focus unwavering as she came to a stop a few paces from the group. Though I couldn’t see her expression fully, I noticed the soft curve of her cheeks, the faint smile that hinted at her excitement. The Lepidomare shifted subtly, their ears twitching as they assessed her.
One of the larger Lepidomare drifted forward first, its long, flowing tail undulating gracefully beneath it, creating a mesmerizing rhythm as it hovered closer. Its dark, shimmering scales caught the light with a radiant glow, giving it an almost ethereal presence. Its piercing eyes locked onto Trish, as though assessing her very essence. The moment felt sacred, as if the creature were acknowledging something profound within her, something the rest of us couldn’t see.
The massive Lepidomare floated back slightly, as though considering Trish from another angle. Suddenly, one of the smaller, more agile ones darted forward, its sleek form weaving through the group toward her. But before it could get close, the largest Lepidomare seemed to materialize in front of Trish with an almost startling speed, positioning itself protectively.
Its intense gaze locked onto the smaller creature, its presence commanding and unyielding. The smaller Lepidomare hesitated, rearing back slightly in surprise before it simply turned and drifted away, retreating without protest. The massive creature then turned back to Trish, its demeanor softening as it brushed its snout gently against her chest.
Trish hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached up, her hand trembling slightly, to stroke the Lepidomare’s long, elegant neck. The creature let out a low, resonant hum, the sound vibrating gently through the air, a clear sign of acceptance.
“Well, that was… unexpected,” Alex said, his voice filled with genuine bewilderment, his face twisted in confusion.
“In all my years handling these creatures, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that happen before,” Greg added, his expression mirroring Alex’s. “At least not during a first meeting.”
John, standing quietly beside them, nodded, though his surprise was no less evident.
Trish turned back toward us, the massive Lepidomare following her with a quiet, regal grace. Her face was lit with pure, unrestrained joy, her giddy excitement shining through every step as she rejoined the group. The bond between her and the creature was already clear, a connection forged in that brief, extraordinary moment.
The rest of the interactions played out much differently than Trish's extraordinary moment. One by one, the Lepidomare floated over to each of us, their movements graceful and deliberate. Each creature would hover close, their elegant forms circling, sniffing the air around us before either drifting away or staying to signify their choice.
The smallest, sleekest one with a shimmering silver coat approached Max. It lingered, its agile form weaving closer before it gently nudged him with its snout, sealing the connection. Max grinned, clearly pleased, and gave the creature a playful pat on its neck as it let out a high-pitched hum.
Next, one of the larger, more robust Lepidomare floated over to Mel. Its deep charcoal-colored body shimmered with faint, glowing patterns as it studied her. After a few moments, it moved in close and lowered its head as if to bow, its acceptance evident. Mel smiled softly, giving the creature an approving nod as she gently stroked its neck.
One of the more ordinary Lepidomare, though still massive by comparison, hovered toward Leo. Its smooth, sandy-colored body radiated calm, steady energy. It inspected Leo carefully before settling at his side, nudging him gently with a low hum. Leo chuckled under his breath and gave it a light pat, his quiet acknowledgment matching the creature’s steady presence.
Finally, it was my turn. I stepped forward, and all the remaining Lepidomare floated over to check me out. One by one, they circled me, sniffing and considering before ultimately drifting away. I stood there for what felt like ages, but none of them stayed.
I let out a resigned sigh, shrugging as I turned back to the group. “Guess I’ll just be walking while everyone else gets a cool mount,” I said with a small, forced chuckle. I was definitely bummed, but I didn’t want to let it show too much. It was just how it went sometimes.
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“This happens more often than not; I’m honestly more surprised that all but one of you actually bonded,” Alex said, his tone a mix of reassurance and surprise.
“Yes,” John added, nodding in agreement. “In a group this size, it’s more common for only one or two to walk away with a bonded mount. However, we do have some generic cart beasts we could provide. That way, you’d at least be able to travel alongside your companions.”
I shook my head, offering a polite smile. “I appreciate the offer, truly, but I fear towing a cart would only slow us down. What you’ve already given us is more than enough.” I bowed my head slightly in respect. “Thank you for everything.”
Tittles stepped forward, his expression unusually soft. “I’ll handle the finances for this trade, as discussed.” His gaze turned to me, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes. “James, I’m sorry this didn’t play out in your favor.”
I shrugged it off, trying to keep my disappointment from showing. “It’s alright. I’ll manage just fine on my own two feet.”
Tittles bowed slightly to me, then turned his attention to bargaining with the group of men, their animated discussion fading into the background as I walked toward the others. They were still admiring their newly bonded mounts, excitement evident on their faces.
Theron approached with a Lepidomare of his own, its sleek, dark form hovering beside him with a quiet grace. If I’m being honest, the sight only deepened my disappointment.
He clapped me on the shoulder, his grip firm but not unsympathetic. “Well, you can’t win everything,” he said, his gaze flicking to Star. A small smile tugged at his lips.
He wasn’t wrong. Star was an incredible asset, a bond unlike any other. But knowing that didn’t make being the only one without a mount sting any less. I pushed the thoughts aside, determined not to let them weigh me down. Dwelling on it wouldn’t change anything.
Perking up, I said with a grin, “Guess I’ll just be working on my stats more as we head to the Depths.”
Theron laughed, a low, hearty sound. “There’s the spirit.”
After a few minutes of bargaining, Tittles and the group of men settled on a final price. The men then led us to their cart, where they handed out the gear the others would need to begin riding their Lepidomare. They also took the time to provide a crash course on how to properly ride and bond with the mounts.
From what I gathered during the explanation, riding a Lepidomare was somewhat like riding a horse… minus the galloping. Instead of using a bit and reins for precise control, the bond you formed with the creature allowed your basic thoughts of direction to guide it. However, the Lepidomare retained a certain independence, and they wouldn’t always follow your lead if they sensed a better, safer, or faster route. It was less about direct control and more about general guidance while trusting the mount’s instincts.
“Now that this is all taken care of,” Theron said, his tone sharp and commanding, “we need to get moving. We’re leaving later than I wanted to.”
His expression turned serious, and the atmosphere shifted as everyone quickly prepared for departure.
We gave brief farewells to Kaelvorn and Tittles, the weight of the moment settling in as we turned away from the castle. For a brief moment, I wondered if I’d ever see them again, their familiar faces now part of a chapter we were leaving behind.
Theron took the lead, his gaze fixed ahead as we ventured down the road. I fell into position at the back, my role as the secondary tank and, of course, the one without a mount, making it the most practical place for me. Trish had offered to walk alongside me out of sympathy, but I waved her off with a reassuring smile. “You should enjoy this,” I’d told her. “It’s not every day you get a chance to ride something this extraordinary.”
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched the others darting to and fro along the road. Their laughter echoed in the open air as they raced their mounts, their excitement contagious. Max, unsurprisingly, won every race, his Lepidomare’s agile frame and sharp turns outpacing the others with ease. Mel and Leo tried to keep up, but their mounts lacked Max’s sleekness. Still, they laughed with pure joy at the attempts.
Trish, however, refrained from joining the races. Instead, she watched from a distance, her laughter soft but genuine as she observed the chaos. Her Lepidomare carrying her with an air of regal poise, its movements deliberate and commanding. The others seemed to instinctively give her mount a respectful distance, as though its presence demanded a quiet reverence.
The sheer size of Trish’s mount compared to the others was staggering. Even Mel’s Lepidomare, which was imposing enough to make her towering frame look like a regular person riding a horse… well, a seahorse, I guess… either way it made Mel’s massive form look normal was no small feat. Honestly, it almost felt absurd, like some kind of cosmic joke. But you get the point… Trish’s mount was enormous, graceful, and downright intimidating. Anyway, I’m rambling, let’s move on.
As the three moons hung high in the sky, casting their pale light over the camp, we settled in for the night. The prairie around us came alive with the hum of insects, their songs weaving through the crisp air. Small critters darted in and out of the brush, either foraging for food or evading something higher on the food chain. The campfire crackled softly, its warm glow creating a circle of light that kept the wilderness at bay, at least for now.
The Lepidomare floated gracefully through the trees nearby, their movements eerily silent except for the occasional rustle of leaves as they snagged bugs from the air or plucked them off surfaces with their long, snake-like tongues. Watching them eat was… odd. They were still herbivores, much like horses back home, but unlike horses that graze on grass, these creatures preferred the leaves of trees. The bug-snatching habit, however, was unexpected; almost unsettling if I thought about it too long.
I couldn’t help but wonder if they grazed on grass too, but the mental image of them bending down mid-hover to do so seemed almost comedic. Then a more curious thought hit me: How did they sleep? Come to think of it, I’d never seen the Lepidomare that pulled the cart rest, or if I had, I didn’t recognize it for what it was.
“Theron, do they sleep?” I asked, nodding toward the Lepidomare drifting lazily around the camp.
He stared into the fire for a moment before answering, his tone laced with mild sarcasm. “Of course, they sleep. Did you not pay attention to the ones pulling the cart to and from the village?”
I frowned, thinking back. “I never really looked that closely at them, but I don’t remember ever seeing them lay down or close their eyes for more than a few seconds.”
“They don’t sleep like we do,” he explained, glancing at the hovering creatures. “They rest with all their senses still active. When they sleep, they hover in place, eyes open, barely swaying. If you watch closely, it’s like a tree’s leaves moving in the faintest breeze. It’s more of a meditative state than true sleep.”
“That’s… interesting,” I replied, my gaze fixed on the Lepidomare as they floated silently through the camp, their movements almost too graceful to belong to anything real.
After a brief pause, I asked, “Any names for them yet?”
They nodded excitedly, explaining that the names seemed to come through the bond itself, almost as if the Lepidomare were revealing their true names rather than being given one.
Max’s was named Drifter, a fitting name for the sleek and agile creature that moved with an almost spectral grace, like a whisper through the wind. Leo’s, with its sandy-colored scales that shimmered faintly in the firelight, revealed its name to be Sunveil, a title that mirrored its warm, grounded presence yet hinted at the hidden strength beneath its calm exterior.
Mel’s mount was named Thundermaw, its charcoal-like scales shimmering with faint, glowing patterns that pulsed softly, like embers hidden within a dying fire. The patterns seemed to shift and ripple as it moved, adding an almost ethereal quality to its already commanding presence.
I turned my gaze to Trish’s mount, realizing I hadn’t truly appreciated its magnificence until now. Its scales shimmered with an electric interplay of lightning-blue and deep purple, the colors merging and fracturing like a storm-tossed sea under moonlight. The patterns along its body pulsed faintly, as if carrying the rhythm of a heartbeat, radiating both power and authority. Its presence was undeniable; even the other Lepidomare, including Theron’s mount, subtly deferred to it, gliding in its wake with an unspoken reverence.
Its curled tail, streaked with glowing veins of silver, coiled like a spring of energy, poised yet controlled. The structure was reminiscent of a seahorse, but its movements carried a deliberate grace that spoke of its commanding nature. When its sharp, intelligent eyes turned toward the campfire, it felt as though it was appraising not just its surroundings but each of us within it, weighing and measuring.
Trish reached up, her hand brushing along its snout with a tender familiarity. The creature let out a soft, resonant hum that echoed gently through the night, a sound both soothing and regal. “Her name is Nyxala,” Trish said, her voice quiet but brimming with awe. The name felt perfect, encapsulating its stormy elegance and the undeniable aura of leadership that set it apart. Even Theron’s mount, remarkable in its own right, seemed to yield to Nyxala’s silent command, as though acknowledging the higher authority in their midst.
Nyxala drifted back to the trees, resuming her feast on the crawling and flying insects.
We sat in silence for a few moments before Theron stood. "You all get some rest. I’ll take watch tonight," he said, striding away.
"You don’t want any of us to take a shift?" I asked, my confusion evident.
"You’d be surprised at how little sleep you need as you rank up. I've heard that those beyond my rank sleep once a month, if that," he explained.
That piqued my interest, and I turned fully towards him. "And you?" I asked.
"Maybe once every three days, sometimes four," he said, his voice fading as he disappeared into the trees.
We woke the following morning to the muted glow of dawn, the embers of our campfire smoldering faintly. After a quick breakfast, we packed up our camp. The others mounted their Lepidomare, their silhouettes stark against the rising sun. I fell into formation at the flank, Star hanging at my side.
The days blurred together as we pushed deeper into untamed terrain. Theron led us off the well-trodden path, guiding us through wild, jagged landscapes. When we finally reached a towering cliffside, I stopped dead in my tracks, staring in awe. Below us yawned a canyon so vast and intricate that the Grand Canyon seemed like a pale imitation in comparison. Sheer rock walls plummeted into shadowed depths, and jagged ridges sliced the horizon like serrated knives.
Theron turned to speak, his voice steady. “This is where…”
Before he could finish, shadows surged from the crevices, writhing like living smoke. His words died on his lips as his eyes darkened, his posture snapping to defensive readiness.
Auras of various hues flared around us as the others dismounted, their weapons flashing into their hands with practiced speed. My heart pounded as I pulled Star from my hip, its familiar weight shifting and coalescing into its flail form. The cold metal of my shield was a steadying presence in my other hand.
“What’s happening?” My voice wavered, a mix of worry and alertness as my gaze darted through the encroaching shadows.
A laughter, cold and dripping with malice, reverberated around us. “Well, well, who would have thought you’d make this so much easier for me?”
That voice. My blood ran cold. I knew that voice.
Theron gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on his hammer as his aura flared brighter. “Tieryn,” he snarled, his voice a low growl. “Show your face, you coward.”
A mocking chuckle echoed in response. “Oh, come now, Theron. Is that any way to greet an old lover?” Her words oozed with sarcasm, sharp enough to cut.
I risked a glance at Theron. His expression confirmed what I had suspected the first time he mentioned her. Pain lingered behind the fury in his eyes, a shadow of something far more personal.
Theron hesitated, his hammer trembling in his grip. "Tieryn..." The name was almost a whisper, a fleeting crack in his steely demeanor. But then his jaw clenched, and his aura flared brighter. "No. I won't fall for your lies again. Whatever we were, it died the day you chose power over everything else."
“Power?” Tieryn’s voice cracked through the air like a whip, raw with anger. The shadows around us surged, swirling in jagged, chaotic currents that mirrored her fury. “You still believe I chose this path for power?!”
Her laugh was sharp and bitter, cutting through the tension like shattered glass. “You’re still the same damned fool, Theron. Blinded by your own arrogance.” She stepped from the darkness, the shadows twisting around her like living armor. Her voice dropped to a venomous hiss. “It’s lucky I’m not here for you today, or I’d make you choke on those words you spat at me that day.”
Tieryn’s gaze locked onto me, her eyes blazing with fury. Shadows coiled around her like a serpent ready to strike. “That ring should be mine,” she hissed, each word dripping with venom. Her lips curled into a predatory grin. “But don’t worry. I’ll fix that.”
Before I could react, she launched forward, shadows streaking with her like a spear of darkness. Star thrummed in my hand, and I braced myself, knowing I wasn’t fast enough to stop her.
But then, the air grew heavy, electric. A voice: deep, resonant, and commanding, boomed through the canyon, freezing everything in place.
“Enough.”
Tieryn’s leap faltered mid-air, her momentum arrested as if an invisible hand had seized her. The shadows writhed around her in panicked disarray.
“You are not in your domain, Tieryn,” the voice intoned, each word echoing with power. “Leave now or face the consequences of your arrogance.”
Tieryn snarled, her gaze snapping wildly, searching for the source. “You dare interfere? Do you even know who I am?”
The voice remained calm but unyielding. “I do. And you know who I am, which is why you will leave.”
The oppressive silence that followed was suffocating. Tieryn hesitated, her fury radiating off her in waves. For a moment, I thought she might attack again.
Then, with a snarl of frustration, she retreated, shadows pulling her back like a tide. “This isn’t over,” she spat, her eyes locking on me before she disappeared into the void.
I exhaled sharply, my knees threatening to buckle as the tension snapped like a drawn bowstring. The voice lingered, low and ominous. “I do not know what ring she speaks of, nor is it my concern. But I suggest you either dispose of it... or find a way to make her forget you ever existed.”