[https://i.imgur.com/sfHqwWT.jpg]
Drac watched Elkan saunter to the basement stairs with a skip to his steps. Were the secrets that much of a load?
Control.
Drac looked at his hands and down at his attire. With closed eyes, he concentrated. His worn farmer clothes transform into luxurious black. His jacket grew close to the floor. Black gloves fit around his callused hands. Drac checks his newly formed boots. A dark hood formed around his short afro.
Drac blinked as he travelled in an instant to his section of the mind space. A tree stood in front, its leaves flowing in the wind.
“This is it. I feel it here.”
Drac held a gloved hand in front and placed his hand on the dark bark of the tree trunk. It hummed like a barn cat's purr. With thoughts of Elkan and Axton A connection snapped into place, and two tethers of aura linked to his arm. Drac saw Elkan goad a trapped assassin. Axton practiced his form surrounded by rocks. His connection seemed different; it vibrated louder than his counterpart.
“Because he is controlling the body? Interesting…” Axton looked around.
“Is that you, Drac?
Drac took his hand off the tree and the connection was severed.
Control.
Drac held his hand. Bark chips off, slowly forming into a book. The book glided down onto his palm. On the cover, a man with Drac’s face worked on an axe. Runes float around him.
“Let's see your story, Elkan.”
Four disappearing into pages flashed in his mind. Drac dropped the book. Hesitating to pick it up. Thoughts of Axton turning into books haunt his mind. In his mind's eye, Elkan smiled as he vanished In a cloud of books.
Drac picked up the book and with a thought, the book transformed back into bark.
“Not yet,” Drac said with a trembling, faint voice. “I need them.”
Someone tapped Drac on the back. With aura-enhanced speed, he materialised Heilong and slashed behind.
A wooden sword pulsed the blade away with ease.
“Axton! Why'd you scare me like that?!”
“Tag in.”
“Huh…?”
“She's talking about boring shit.”
As if pulled by a vacuum, Drac blinked back into reality.
“-and Dew and Heartbrook rely on each other for trade.”
Marina sat between his legs on a saddle. Blond hair bounced as Marina and Drac shared a ride on Mist.
“So the temporary blockade really puts stress on the transport of Great Fruits--Oh, Drac!”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Drac wrapped his arms around Marina, taking Mist’s reigns from her. Birds chirp above. Bees buzz on flowers below. Lavender emanated from gleaming hair that shimmered in the sunlight like gold.
“Drac.”
“Mm?”
“What do you never ask?”
“Umm… I like the mystery.”
Marina flicked the boy on his right knee.
“Ok, ok! I thought it wouldn't change a thing about how I feel about you. I have my secrets. I understand. But I also understand that you will trust me one day and reveal all. There is no need to hurry.”
Marina and Drac trot along, letting the moment settle.
“Thank you. I will tell you all when I am ready. And sorry about the gun to your head.”
“It’s ok. It wasn't loaded anyway.”
“Hey Drac!” shouted Fergus as he pulled beside Mist in a carriage with his party. He leaned out of the slid-down window.
Who brings a carriage for training?
Rich people.
“Fergs, any problems?”
“It’s about Surge. It is fantastic! But I have never heard of such a technique before. Where and when did it originate? Who was the creator.” Fergus’s eyes were full of excitement as he waited for an answer.
“I made it up a few days ago.”
Fergus’s eyebrows squeeze upward. “HUH?”
I told you he would be a good test subject. Dumb and tough.
Someone heavy and tall crashed in front, scaring the horses into a frenzy.
Can't these idiots land quieter?
A large weapon blew the dust away with a swing. “There you are, you bastard.”
“Kankraa, how are-”
“Why are you taking so long!?” Drac noticed a gash on Kankraa's forehead as it mended with a makeshift healing paste.
“Oh, this? Certain members of my clan disagreed with my plan.”
“Your plan?”
“So to convince them, I had to get a little rough with 'em.”
Carriage doors closed as Fergus and his party ran to stand guard in front of Mist.
“Why are you here, Green Beast!?”
“Woah, Calm down, human. Your temper is as fiery as your head.”
Drac stepped down from his steed. Fergus’s party watched Drac pass them, walking close to the green giant.
“He is with me.”
“Orc tamer…” Lisa whispered.
The OrcLord's son levelled his pole axe at Drac.
It is still as beautiful as the day I created it.
"What is the meaning of this?”
“I am risking my life and my sanity to follow you, tiny humans. I need to make sure you are strong enough for the forest.”
Drac grins.
“Oh! I like you, Drac!” Kankraa spread his feet wide. With a swat position, he held his pole axe above with two hands.
Drac turned back. “It's best you move away. I mean far away.”
Fergus and his teammates nodded and headed back to their carriage. Marina, on horseback, glared back at Drac. He felt more fear from the stare of a short lady than from the enormous orc ready to crush him.
"Sorry, I forgot,” said Drac.
Marina rides away and follows Fergus’s carriage. “Explain later. And don’t die.”
Drac walked closer, slowly unsheathing Heilong. He steadied his breath, calming his mind. His opponent exploded with aura. Ablaze with white energy, the Orc smiles.
“I am sad I couldn't convince you fully.” Drac flared his aura. “I will try again. I will make sure you understand.”
Axton.
Yes, brother?
Please help me.
Haha! Finally!
Drac closed his eyes and a tree stood tall in front of him.
“Hoo- Elkan.”
The runemaster stood to his left.
“Ready?” Elkan asked
Drac nodded.
Elkan smiles but his eyes hint at sadness.
Axton appeared on Drac's right. “Oh shit! Are we merging at last!”
“No.” Drac placed his hand on the tree trunk.
“We fight him together.”
Drac tuned.