Arriving to the Draydalis clan's city, Cinneadh, in the middle of the night our horses tired and worn out. Valandria led us through the barrier where we were met by two great stone walls that stretched around the entire city, the Main gate made of white steel joining them together. The walls reached back and looked as if they were apart of the small mountain behind it. The mountain its self was apart of the city. There were many ports visible on the side of the mountain with platforms jotting out from them, decorated with burning fires in the night.
The city's buildings were well, grown? The dryads really did use their relationship with Terra and Juniper to live a life they could enjoy. The buildings and the houses looked as if they were actually growing from the earth like trees. There were a few buildings that were smoother wood then the others, and others that were formed in hills. The farther into the city we traveled the building styles changed, making it obvious which were older then the others. Some a lot taller then other, multiple layered homes and shops, which impressed me. Normal trees filling space throughout the city everywhere, connected at times by bridges grown between them. We passed a training course, or twelve on our way through the city to what Valandria called, Ceanncheathrú. Roughly translated to headquarters is what she explained after.
The dryad families and other civilians had obviously received news to leave, many of them loading horses and wagons as we passed them. Still taking the time to honor Valandria, a well respected Ranger in their ranks, and community. I was sad that this place was in such panic, when I was only in conversation with Valandria days ago about how much I would like to visit her home. Now on the threat of being burned to nothing by the fire worms, and I understood their worries now that I trotted down the roads of this great, wooden, earthly city.
The roads between the neighborhoods and shopping areas were mostly earth, until we got to what I assumed was their Castle, the mountain. The roads turned to stoned pathways, and then like the mountain itself had melted into a path, welcoming you to the entrance. The entry gate made of silver steel matching the city entrance gates, was surrounded by guards and what I would call high ranking dryadalis dressed in grander outfits then others, some even wearing head gear decorated with what awakened would consider rare and powerful gems, were standing close together wandering between groups speaking in rushed tones.
This city was ancient. The history of it spoke as you traveled through it, but this mountain gave off a feeling of great history and power.
We dismounted out horses, which I was thankful for, and walked straight passed the guards into the mouth of the mountain. Inside was entirely new city. More homes and shops, except of stone and granite. In the middle, down a long double sided stairway there was a grand hall of stone, and that is where we were headed to. Valandria half running down the stairs in a rush to get to the council. Mirna and her troops coming out of the door as we approached.
"Well met, Mirna." Valandria greeted her as met each other. "Are they waiting for us?" She asked her.
"Hafa and dozen of other rangers from outside troops with the same concerns." She told Valandria.
Nodding she walked passed her into the building. Marching down the hall and into a great room that stood more then a dozen dryads dressed in Ranger gear.
"Hafa! Má tá brannormer dúisithe anseo, ansin beidh níos mó. Conas atáimid chun stop a chur leo? Ní stopfaidh abhainn na haille iad i bhfad." One of their men folk spoke from the group.
A female dryadalis was sitting in the middle of a grand table that faced the concerned group, there were three more high council members on either side of her. She was tall and wearing dark red armor with black metal armor across her chest, shoulders and bracers that matched. She was wearing a crown that looked like a golden branch that wrapped around her head, her long black hair flowing free underneath it. Not at all what I was expecting. The six other members dressed in the same style of gear but black leather matching their the metal armor.
The woman in red was Hafa. The leader of thedryadalis. She stood up and raised her arms in the air for silence.
"Tabharfaimid an chathair lasmuigh, isteach. Coinneoidh an sliabh na daoine slán. Cá bhfuil na casters is láidre againn?" She said to the group. Bellator and I listened without knowledge of what they were saying. Mirna and Valandria were intently listening to their leader, a younger male ranger leaned between Bellator and I and explained.
"They are saying they will bring the outer city inside, the mountain will not burn." He smiled and reached for Bellators wrist after we both turned to see him. "I am Fredrick." He introduced himself shaking Bell's arm. "I am a scholar. My true ability resides in history and knowledge." He further told us.
Valandria cleared her throat looking at Fredrick, he immediately straightened up and paid attention to Hafa once again.
Hafa was addressing the group, and then Valandria replied to her, the only part I understood was my name.
"Is é seo an t-iompróir Dia, Kaida." She said.
Hafa looking between Bellator and myself, I stepped forward and bowed my head out of respect. "I am here to help, Hafa. I will use my gifts however I can to save your beautiful cities."
I said to her. He facial expressions making no notice if she even wanted my help.
"Your kind have awakened the fire worms. They have once again cracked the realms bringing unbalance to our world, effecting us all. A matter we hoped to avoid." She said to me. "And now the Dryadalis clan is once again at risk from a threat my people ended centuries ago when the first gods arrived." She said.
"I am sorry. I thought I could stop our Magus from doing so." I kneeled showing my apology. "We have lost many, our Magus turned on his own." .
"And now, all the dryad here will follow their fate, if we are unable to stop the brannormer." she said.
"No, we can try to do as they did before!" Fredrick interrupted stepping forward. "We can ask Terra to open earth and swallow them once more." He raised a book above his head, hoping Hafa would allow him to give it to her.
She nodded once sharply towards him, and he pushed through the crowd towards her placing the book in her hand. They were buried before with the help of Terra and Juniper through draíocht, the world opened and they were swallowed, to sleep forever in fires of our world and were never again supposed to be able to rise. That nest was opened again by another God, how else would it be possible?" He told her and the council as they studied the book together.
"Amaia" I said out loud. Her name causing silence in the room, Hafa looking at me waiting for more information.
"The Magus, Kai. He has brought the God Amaia here to rule. She is... a traitor to her own kind, banished from Nef by King Ota." I said to her. " Kai killed my father, and many more of my people for his own gain. I will help you destroy the brannormer, and then I will kill Kai, and Amaia." I knew what I needed to do. I would give Aadi what he wanted, I would help him be reborn. The power of Eldrekki, Chua, and Aadi are sure to be enough to save this world. It wasn't about just the awakened any longer, Or the dryadalis for that matter. One nest of brannormer was enough to destroy this entire area that much was obvious. Only the gods knew how many more threats were going to awaken now that Amaia walked our lands.
I held my hand out to Hafa, I wanted to show her what power I possessed without announcing it to the entire dryad council, hoping this was going to work. I am sure they were aware of Aadi already from Valandria's first report, but I was unsure if they knew that he was apart of me.
"Let me know show you something." I said to her. Not hesitating she took my hand, her grip was firm.
I let go, letting my memories flowing into her. Every single one from the moment Bellator found me in the woods on a mission to find my fate. All the feelings and doubt that I had in myself up until now. I then shared my plans. How I was going to defeat the brannormer, and how I was going to defeat Amaia. I showed her everything that was in fate for me.
Hafa pulled her hand from me and stared hard into my eyes. "Kaida... You are more then just a woman, and you are not just awakened, you are demi god." She said to me shocked.
I nodded, "Call it what you will, I am not worthy enough to be called a god of any means. I am however a warrior before anything else, not only will I protect my people, I will protect yours as well. I will bring down the god Amaia." I bowed my head slightly, "I have one request. My mother, and sister. Will you send a group to guard them? I am worried for them." I asked.
Hafa's eyebrows creased in surprised confusion. "Granted." She said.
"The last time the brannormer were defeated it took an entire city of dryadalis. You are going to need help." She added.
"Tell your people to gather at the main gate. We will ride out together and meet them before they get far enough inland from the cliffs." I told her.
I turned and walked from the room, Bellator behind me in full support of whatever I was about to do. As he caught up to my side he whispered, "Where are we going?"
"I am going to open the earth and send those beasts back to where they belong. That dryad, Fredrick said they were sent to the middle of the earth once before, I will do the same. But this time they will not return."
Bellator and I started for the main gate, leaving Valandria with her people, to finish their planning. We were riding quickly but not rushing, something inside me was different. Kai murdering my father, and betraying all awakened who came to defend their Magus. It was enough to change me, to change how I viewed myself and what I was capable of doing. I was going to use Aadi's and Eldrekki's powers to my fullest ability.
I slowed my horse to a stop, the area of the city we had come to almost vacant of dryads except the slower groups. I jumped down my horse and walked over to a fountain that was flowing fresh water, scooped up a handful of water and drank it, then splashed my face. Bellator approached me from behind, and sat on the edge of the fountain.
"Are you ready to do this? I will mimic your spells and do what I can. Opening a hole in the earth like that may come with a price, Kaida. That's how all magics work, you know that." He said to me.
"I know, I have already paid a large price. My entire life has been given to this cause the moment I met Vala. Long before that really." I said. I knew that magics came with a price and was prepared to pay whatever it was, but something told me that the magics I used from Aadi were not something I had to pay for.
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A younger dryad came up to us on a horse and bowed, "Hafa says be ready to move by the morning. We need to time to guarantee the safety of our people first."
He didn't wait for an answer, he turned his horse and strode back towards the mountain city.
Taking a deep breath in, I thought to myself that I would rest then while they did what they had to. I needed a moment for myself. I sat on the ground and leaned against the fountain.
"Should we help ourselves to a evacuated house for the night?" Bellator asked me waving his arm towards the many empty tree homes around us.
I Shrugged, "All I want for us is some privacy for a time." I admitted.
Bellator held his hand out and helped me to my feet. We chose a home that looked well cleaned out and no notice the people were going to leave the safety of the mountain city and come home.
There were two rooms both meant for sleeping and dressing, and then a main room equipped with everything you would need to make yourself at home.
Sitting on a chair that rocked back and fourth I was finally able to hide away from the many faces with expectations and just be myself.
I didn't cry for my father, I will save that for when I am home with my Mother and sister. I could only pray to Ota that the guild members get there without trouble, and in haste.
Bellator and I ended up finding a bed large enough to sleep two and fell asleep, waiting for the morning to come.
We met up with the guild at the front gate before the sun rose, Valandria and Hafa were escorting a group of Dryads dressed in a light brown leather armor, each equipped with their very own brownie on their shoulder. Something I don't think I will never not find humorous. I could only assume that these were their casters, what the brownies were there for though was beyond me.
The air was starting to taste of smoke already as we readied ourselves to leave Cinneadh. Hafa blew on her horn signaling the men and woman of the guild to move forward. Each troop moved, again as if they were one in their incredibly trained manor and we rode back towards the Valley of Gweiadur.
We rode for the entire day and part of the night, many of us in need of a rest, a few of the casters complained of the stated on the air as we traveled. We had barley made it back to the dryad encampment unable to go any further due to the smoke, causing some of the guild members to be sick.
"Hafa, our troops are falling from lack of fresher air, we must stop here and gather." Mirna had reported to Hafa.
"Understood, we will do what we can." Hafa agreed with her, then had Mirna leave to repeat her orders to the guild.
We were going to have to travel the rest on foot, the horses were going to be no use to us dead.
Working to get a foothold set down, resting while could, the sun started to peer over the east horizon the sky orange with smoke, the casters had casted a fast wind that was rushing all around the foothold like a tornado, the only difference was it was only blowing the smoke away not the entire camp or forest. As the air was as clear as we could manage, the guild was starting to perk up slightly.
Hafa had Valandria blow her horn, to gather the people close.
Bellator and I joining Hafa, and Valandria.
"We can't go any father, we can't keep the air clean around us and keep moving, only the camp is protected from the smoke." Hafa said.
"Leave anyone who is unneeded here, Just us four and these high casters of yours can go to the cliffs, if anything at least to see what we up against over there." I said to Hafa.
She nodded hesitantly, "Agreed." She said to me then turned to Valandria. "Fanfaidh beirt casters, fógartha don guild scout a sheoladh ann," Hafa pointed the an area where the sky wasn't so orange. "Abair leis an gcuid eile fanacht anseo agus fanacht."
Valandria bowed her head slightly, turned her horse and trotted over to a group of rangers gathered near us.
I waited, as the dryads finished sending out orders, and when Valandria got back to Hafa's side, we left towards the cliffs. My face covered by my collars extra fabric once again, I could feel the heat as we traveled forwards, my entire body was sweating. I was relieved to see I was not alone. Hafa halted us shaking her head.
"The heat is to much, we can't go any further, the brannormer must be near to crossing the cliff." As she said this a fiery glow peered through the woods in front of us.
"There, they have crossed, we must move away from them." Bellator yelled to Hafa pointing towards, flames starting to crawl up the trees.
"No, this is as good a spot as any." I said.
"I'm going to try and open the land. The cliffs are already splitting the land, we are going to stretch it open and the ground will swallow them." I ordered.
Taking a deep breath, knowing I was about to attempt to use more magic than I ever have before. I took a second to send a silent prayer to Aadi, for his help and guidance to control the land around us.
Bellator, Valandria and Hafa took their place by my side, the handful of casters behind us. "Try to pull the land apart from the base of the river, here directly in front of us only. We don't want to the entire forest gone..." I only hoped this was going to work. There were so many lives at stake, this is our only chance.
I place my hand on the hilt of the my blood blade, felt the familiar rush of Aadi's powers. The feeling lifted my heart just a little more knowing he was on board with our plan.
I felt the ground beneath my feet start to rumble as dryad and awakened magic worked together to create the gap we needed. The earth cracked and moaned as it was being stretched.
I reached both my hands out, feeling the earth between my fingers. Moving my hands away from each other, there was a release of burning rock that burst into the sky. Two of the dryadalis casters started to pull the ground over top of us, like the inside of a hollowed out hill, protecting our bodies from the burning debris falling from the sky. Two of the dryad casters trying to send water and ice to surround the falling burning rocks, saving as much of the forest as they could.
The fires from the falling rocks were doused fast by supporting dryads that were showing up through the forest, allowing us to move forwards to the cliffs. Reaching the cliff edge and we could see the brannormer sinking into themselves, wriggling around quickly. As these beast were falling through the hole we creating, I started to bring earth down from the opposite side of the cliff, when a sharp scream filled my ears. A black mist started to rise from the cliff side followed by a disgusting, reeking monster. Its body covered in black matted fur, its eyes were green and lidless with the face that resemble the skull of a hound. Its fangs were large and dripping. I stepped back shocked and unsure what to do.
From my right side a blast of fire and ice came flying into the beast. Valandria and a dryad caster were tossing spells at it to gain its attention.
"Dragur!" Valandaria yelled.
Draugr? The dark god like creature? Turning my attention to the draugr who was now moving towards Valandria and her companion, its black mist crawling across the ground towards them. It grabbed the man beside Valandria by the leg, its mist surrounding the man in seconds, Valandria swung her sword through the mist to no avail, it did nothing as the mans screams filled the air, the sounds of his flesh being torn. I pulled my blood sword from my side and ran to the beast. It looked at me and growled as it ran towards me, ignoring Valandria and her companion. Closing the distance between us, I sliced the beasts chest with my blade only to cut air, It knocked me back with its long arm, sending my to the ground. The air rushing from my lungs as I landed on my back. I tried to catch my breath while I kept an eye on the draugr moving towards me quickly. I was confused, how could my blade have gone into nothing?
Trying again, I stumbled to my feet and swung again at the draugr as it gained on me. Again I sliced into nothing, and again I was knocked to the ground this time the beast slicing my arm with its claws. It's swirling black smoke starting to surround me, I crawled backwards avoiding the mist the draugr hulking towards me.
Bellator ran towards its back and tried to swing his own weapons into the beast, then stepping back he sent a large fire ball into it's back. The beast screamed in pain from the fire.
"Magic only!" Bellator yelled, as he shot it again with another flame, the fire bursting over the draugr's back causing it to turn for Bellator.
Bellator backing up, keeping enough distance between him and the beast as he and Valandria shot the beast with the elements, Valandria trying to engulf the beast in tangles of roots, the beast simply pulling them out with each step. Bellator lit his axe up with fire, and started to chop at the beast as it closed the distance between them. The fire acting like the axe, cutting into the beast.
Getting to my feet, I held my hand out in front of me and felt for the draugr's energy, gripping the air as though it was the draugr its self, it froze in place. I could hear Aadi's voice in my head reminding me of his words before.
'Only a god can kill another god.' Again the warm rush of Aadi's magic made its way through my body, lifting the beast into the air I threw my other hand forward, tossing the beast over the edge, into the brannormer sink hole. The beast let out a deafening scream as it began to get sucked in to the falling hole of fire. Then I reached out for the earth, the other side of the cliffs and pulled them down. The rest of the people around me doing the same, burying the draugr into the earth along with the brannormer. Together we brought the cliff down into a landslide. The draugr was clawing at the fire worms trying to climb its way out unable to gain it's grip as it was burned by the unworldly brannormer. The earth tumble on top of the brannormer and the draugr pushing them all deeper into the earth, towards Terra. I figured if we needed a god to kill that draugr, what better then the god of land and water herself.
Unable to see the glow of any brannormer any longer, the dryads, Bellator and I stopped the falling earth, steadying the shaking of the rocks and dirt. I concentrated like I did before when we opened the earth to the deepest level, the gap we had created and pushed it together once again with the help of the people around me. Then carefully walking to the cliffs edge, the gorge was no long as deep as it once was, the river was halted on either end, for a small moment I had worried about the effect that would cause to the earth here, but weighing that price against ridding the draugr and brannormer, then I think its a price we can pay. My arms, my muscles felt like there were rocks hanging from them. I stumbled a bit, all of us exhausted from the amount of magic we have just poured out. It was Valandria who gave a victorious hoot.
"Bua!" She said jumping once, thrusting her fist in the air. "Moladh Terra! Tá an domhan shlogtar an Beast!"
"Scared the living hell out of me when it crawled over that edge, I don't think I'll close my eyes without seeing that thing staring at me for a while." Admitted Bellator.
"For me as well," I laughed.
We were all full of adrenaline, and maybe forgot our surroundings for a small moment.
The dryad guild was moving towards us through the trees, using their own skills to finish off the fires burning in the forest around us, and stretching out to freeze the forest to stop the spread of danger leaving only Hafa here with Bellator and I, Valandria offering her services to the fire brigade.
The opposite side of the gorge was gone, nothing left but hot coals and ash. The smoke was still thick, but the dryads spells were moving it around well enough. I took a second to take it all in.
"That was incredibly impressive for an awakened, Kaida." Hafa said standing by my side, looking at the damage done with me.
"That was Aadi power, he is apart of me, but my powers are not comparable. Believe it or not, I could barley cast a flame large enough to start a fire only a year ago." I breathed out heavy as I talked, patting my blade I said, "This helps me channel him, thanks to a dear friend."
"Yes, the Labethian, I know." Hafa held her hand out for my own, I took her wrist respectfully. "I believe it is your power that allows you to channel the gods, you are strong not only in body, but in mind. Magic is more then spell chucking, " She winked at me, "Well done, and thank you from all of my people for what you have done with us today. We will fix this river, there are many lives that will be effected by its loss, we have our ways however." She turned and left for her guild.