Unlike Dragonkins, a Dragonborn had closer connection with their Draconic ancestors. Instead of scales, they had overlapping plates with glowing veins matching their ancestors. The color of its plate was more vibrant, and a white mane grown at the back of their necks.
The first thing they noticed was its crimson body under its lustrous onyx black chest piece. The overlapping plates on its broad shoulders grind against each other, producing embers. After its wings spread opened, embers scattered and warmed the air. Its barbed tail loosely swayed behind to ward off anyone daring to interfere with its prey.
“Pitiful creature. You fled the last time we battled. I shall humiliate you like before.” It bellowed.
The Crimson Dragonborn took a deep breath and held two knuckle type weapons up to its chest. The orangey yellow tinted blades had cruel fin like protrusions and emitted a magical glow. Embers spat out of its mouth and exhaled scorching hot flames at both chakrams it was holding. After the blades glowed brilliant orange, the fiery blast angled downwards to incinerate the creature beneath its foot.
It then raised its half chakrams and struck it in a barbaric manner against the beast’s hardened scales, sparking. One strike after another, through intense brute force, the Dragonborn’s heated strikes cracked the monster’s hardy scales and butchered it until innards of its opponent was slathered all over the stone floor.
Although it didn’t have the Oracle’s flames assisting it, the Dragonborn overwhelmed the Tower Monster with its own strength. The display of such power challenged Kihet’s resolve to find and possibly help his friend in the resistance. For now, it was wise to follow Douglas’ advice and didn’t mark himself as its enemy immediately. He watched as the Dragonborn turned its ire towards the leader of the caravan.
“Kaz’Bruk, brother! Explain yourself! You were instructed to stay within camp!” It growled. “You were needed by the war council. Why have I found you combating against an Immortal?”
“Forgive me, Eldest Brother. I had thought our numbers were still few. My incompetence has caused you nothing but trouble.”
“No matter. It is fortunate I’ve caught you while you are still alive. Now, this is a curious weapon for it survived my breath.” The Dragonborn picked up Kihet’s weapon lodged in the beast’s neck and took a whiff. “Is it a spear or a sword? I believe it belongs to you, Devil Folk.”
Kihet silently reached for his weapon when the instant the Crimson’s Wrath took his foot off the Immortal’s main body, the creature slipped free. It regenerated jet-black scales over its entire body then lunged forward with its talons.
Kihet quickly snatched his Nagamaki out of the Dragonborn’s hand using [Crescent Moon Dance], following it up with [Blooming Petals] to parry the attack. Four slashes carved into multiple parts of the beast as he weaved past it. Following his lead, Aten flanked the Immortal, piercing its hind legs as Lily provided ranged support to blind it once its eyes reformed.
The support was there but without the Oracle’s flame, the creature regenerated faster than they could damage it. Kihet raised his shield to defend against the tail fast approaching his side. Just as he was about to deflect it, a hand protected him from the blow as a thump resounded in the air with the Dragonborn catching the creature’s tail whip. He dragged the Immortal by its tail into the air and slammed it on the floor.
“Well, brother. You’ve certainly discovered gems hidden among these rocks. I welcome these mercenaries to fight the Heretics alongside me!” The Dragonborn grinned. “I am Alc’Bruk! The champion of the Crimson and its wrath, the Crimson’s Wrath! You, Devil Folks and Insectoid. I wish to inquire your names!”
“Are you sure you want to ask that since it’s running?” Kihet asked.
Holding the creature’s tail, the Dragonborn turned around and found the abomination galloping away. It spread its jet-black wings and flew off knowing it couldn’t win.
“It cast its tail like a spineless lizard. I have lost the interest to pursuit such a cowardly monster.”
“Eldest Brother. Now that dread has past, will you see us to safety?”
“That is why I am here. Get moving already. Back at camp, we hunted Droics in preparation for a feast before our conquest is completed. I was worried my younger brother would miss it.”
“What about those that were petrified?”
“Their dead and the corpses will only hinder the rest of the journey to the base.” Alc’Bruk growled and sat at the edge on the back of Kaz’Bruk’s cart. “Devil Folk, move your carriage to the front. Your party has piqued my interest unlike the other lots.”
“Aten, you drive and get us moving close to the red Dragonborn.”
“We’re moving beside them?” Lily asked. “Did we do something that got their attention?”
“That was on me. I was tested.” Kihet answered.
It wasn’t a request Kihet could outright refuse after witnessing that overwhelming beat down. However, gaining attention of the one in charge does have its perks as he could get information from the highest rank among the Dragonkins.
“For having to aid my younger brother, you have my permission to ask two questions that troubles you. I shall tell no lie. However, you must answer one of mine and do the same.”
For all the rumors Kihet heard about the Crimson’s Wrath, he was surprised to find the Dragonborn showing his gratitude. Without batting an eye, he quickly asked the first question that came to his mind.
“Deal. Why are the Dragonkins exterminating other Scalemen?”
“Exterminating, makes us sound… barbaric. We gave them chances to leave Stusis and they simply refused. They chose annihilation.”
“That’s doesn’t justify why you’re at war against them.”
“Allow me to reiterate. It is the will of Crimson, a mission of conquest bestowed onto its believer to reclaim our pride of being its chosen kin. The great Crimson has designated me as its champion to turn its command to reality.”
“In short, you’re a puppet of your deity.”
His bold comment was meant as an insult and to exploit the Dragonborn’s emotional outburst. Rather than receiving an immediate backlash, a pair of slitted eyes narrowed slightly at him then a grin formed.
“So, you say. We Dragonkins may worship and be used by the Dragon God. It just so happens our goals, our revenge, align with our deity. Tell, Devil Folk. Have you experienced being abandoned, outcasted by your country?”
Exchanging jabs, Kihet felt an imaginary sting at his heart. As the Dragonborn waited for his response, it observed how the question also affected Kihet negatively. The slight uncomfortable look and the silence were satisfactory answers.
“My kind harbor intense hate for the rest of Scalemen. We shielded them and took upon it as our duty to protect all of Stusis against waves of Tower monstrosities, only to be casted aside. There is no greater betrayal than leaving my kind to die as if we were treated merely as expendable livestock. Perhaps you know this pain.”
“I know pain, but not your kind.”
“If it isn’t betrayal, then I wonder what kind of suffering you experienced to earn that burning hatred lingering in your eyes?”
“I wonder too.”
It could be easily answered he held massive grudges against Eizan for what happened to his friends, but was it just an excuse? To him, who was aware of Eizan’s plot in the shadows, did he take necessary precautions to stop it? Why did he wait until Rozzosea’s Queen took initiative and asked for his help? Why didn’t he press Shiba to launch an investigation before it was too late?
When Alc’Bruk saw Kihet’s soulless grey, almond sized pupils casted towards him, a chill ran down the Dragonnborn’s spiked back from staring back at those dangerous eyes. Up until now, there were none who held as much anger as him. Alc’Bruk finally caught a glimpse to experience the same feeling as those who feared him, and his smile stretched farther back.
Lily and Aten watching the conversation were puzzled at the exchanged. Tama, the only one among them to understand Scylanis kept quiet and looked to the back.
“You would do well to survive the harshness of Stusis. You have one more.”
Leaving the darkened conversation behind, Kihet pointed to a fragment of tower hanging in the sky. “What’s happening to it and when did it start?”
“Even I am unsure of the Tower’s situation, however it began to split and crumble around two months ago.” Alc’Bruk answered. “My turn. What led your group into Stusis?”
“We’re searching for something.”
“You meant, someone. Correct?”
Thinking the Dragonborn could detect the truth in his words, Kihet carefully gave his answer a thought to avoid suspicion of his main objective.
“Yeah… A Rozzalian and maybe a Lycantrhope.”
“Hm. I might be of help if you describe their appearance.”
“I don’t know. Armored. I think.”
“You are not lying. However, you do not know yet you’re searching? What a quirky fellow!” The Dragonborn’s laughter stirred the air as everyone within a three meter radius could feel their bones vibrate.
“Oi! You’re going to attract more monsters!”
“Then so be it! I dare them to challenge the Crimson’s Wrath. I have no equal in the grand mountains of Stusis.” He pridefully proclaimed. “To answer your question, there are two Rozzalians which were recruited to my cause. As for the Lycanthrope, there are too many I’m afraid I am unable to assist you.”
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“Are the Rozzalians together?”
“One is with the Oracle. That one will not return anytime soon. The other is currently serving as a mercenary, alone at that. I suppose whichever you reach first, then you shall know if that is the one you seek.”
“Sure.”
“Hm. Kaz’Bruk, continue straight.”
“But Eldest Brother. There lies a den of drakes.”
“And they shall be a fine addition to the feast if those drakes dare stand in my way.” Alc’Bruk yawned. “Hurry along. We mustn’t be absent when it begins.”
“Apparently there will be a feast, Lily.” Kihet whispered to the back.
“Are we invited?”
“Guessing how buddy buddy he is towards you guys, Nyie think so.” Tama chimed in.
“Werecat, do not be mistaken.” Alc’Bruk hissed. “I am merely bored and speaking with you to past the time. The others following behind are merely too gloomy or lacked any spine to speak so confidently to me.”
“Whoa, Nyie wasn’t expecting you to speak Vivirian.”
“Hmph. Understanding the seven languages was a task Crimson had given me. It is essential that a conqueror must be capable of that much. Added that, have we met before?”
Before Alc’Bruk took a closer look at Tama, Lily swooped in with a question.
“If we spoke in Zuxin? Would you speak it too?”
“I’d understand your words, little one. However, speaking of it… is another challenge. It just so happens Vivirian was the easiest to learn and I have not had the time to learn more.” Alc’Bruk scratched his chin. “And what about you, Insectoid? So far I have not heard you speak a word.”
[Cannot Speak. Mute.]
“Writing? How troublesome. Here I thought it would be interesting to hear what sort of sound you would make with your strange appearance. Anyhow, you must’ve taken a long long journey coming from Vivrus.”
At the corner of his eyes, Kihet noticed silhouettes prowling at the edge of rocky slopes watching them. Realizing they were Drakes, he drew his weapon. Once one hissed, more of them crawled out of various burrows to observe for any weak links among the caravan. In the end, a grand gesture from Alc’bruk spreading his wings imbued with embers stopped any attempts of a second battle from occurring.
“Strange.” Kaz’Bruk muttered. “Other than that large beast spawned by the tower, there’s not a sight of other Tower Creatures.”
“It’s obviously my divine presence that scared them off. Just like that cowardly Immortal.” Alc’Bruk casually replied.
“The abominations do not know fear. Though, it may be luck or perhaps the Oracle is close by. I am not one to pass up on this opportunity for safe passage.”
“Luck. If it were that simple.”
Kihet kept silent, but his ears were listening to everything the brothers were saying.
It was a while until the caravan reached a one way path. A fortress, curtain wall with many embrasures stood in their way, connecting the space between two mountains. The bricks it was built were built from volcanic stones cemented while the only path through was a large gate. The portcullis consisted of a grate latticed together by charred wood that was reinforced with steel. Poking out from the edge of the top, Lily and her keen eyes noticed large ballistic tips pointing down at any unauthorized strays.
An order spread throughout the stronghold and the gates slowly rise.
On the other side, enslaved Scalemen prisoners worked to chisel down volcanic stones into bricks and stacked them on pallets. All of them were overworked as those who were in their cages were unmoving in what tattered clothing was given to them. They were skinny, malnourished and had scars all over their tough bodies.
Beyond the pitiful site, there was a community of tents housing the soon to be attacking army of Dragonkins and Pamalyra mercenaries. Numerous campfires burned throughout the encampment, but a large bonfire burning in the center was being used as a cooking place where many carcasses of prey were roasted over the flames. The already celebratory atmosphere hit a new level when Alc’Bruk emerged.
“We have returned! Give my brother and I the largest pieces!”
“That’s not fair.” Lily enviously stared at the food that was being passed around for the Dragonkins only. “I thought it was for us too.”
“That at least keeps the Dragonborn’s attention off us. We can set camp over there.”
Since they were no longer watched, there was a chance someone could still notice their strange behavior. To avoid that, Kihet’s group set their camp at a spot closest to the wall in order to monitor patrol schedules, the progress of construction and searched for structural weaknesses.
“Lily, stay here with the others and take notes of everything you see and hear. I’ll be back.”
[Where going?] Aten asked.
“I’ll scout out the place. Tama, what will you be doing?”
“What Nyie do best. Making money and getting information.” The Werecat rummaged through her knapsack for wares and put them over a mat. “We will hold the fort.”
“Don’t get into any trouble, okay?” Lily poked at him.
“I won’t do anything stupid before I get what I want.” Kihet put on his hood and stepped into the crowd. He walked a loop around the mercenary camp in search for the person Douglas mentioned to be pursuing the other Oracle. There hasn’t been any sighting of a tall figure among the mercenaries until murmurs redirected his attention to the end of the mercenary’s side.
A lone Giant stomped through the encampment carrying a giant lizard over her shoulders. She was fully armored with steel plates protecting the vitals and patches of leather layers over the rest of the body for mobility. A large war bow was slung over her shoulders that used projectiles as long as pikes. On her waist were two axes. One had a hook for its tip and the other appeared to be a tomahawk.
She stopped in front of a ransacked tent and scanned the area for any belongings other mercenaries stole upon her absent. She dug up a rusty dagger that was buried underneath stripped blankets. It was too large for any Beastmen to use, and she carved into the lizard with it.
“I’ve got questions for you.” Kihet asked in Rozzalian towards the Giant.
The Giant’s hands stopped moving as soon as she put Kihet into her view. “Yes?”
“I’m looking for the people you’re also after. Do you happen to know where the Oracle and his group are?”
“North. But its heavily infested with Tower Monsters. I can only wait until they get back.”
She put the dagger down and swapped to her tomahawk. Although it wasn’t the best choice of equipment to use to break bones, a Giant’s strength allowed her to cleave apart its tough limbs.
“You’re going to destroy your equipment. If you take a stone piece and wedge it between the joints, you can pop it off when you hammer it.”
The Rozzalian paused for a moment before reaching for a sizeable stone and tested his method. Realizing it worked, she continued to strip the meat off the skeleton and dumped it in a cracked bucket.
“Thanks.”
“Are you alone?”
“I make do with everything I have.”
“Which is barely anything.” Kihet tossed a glance to the group of Beastmen counting their recently acquired silver coins behind him. “If you won’t act, that’ll make you an easy target.”
“And if I do, who’s going to take my side? I’m the only Giant here and the Dragonkins won’t care if I die.”
“Then it’s the same for me. My group has a Werecat, but also an Insectoid and a Devil Folk. We’re also looking for the Oracle.”
“Why are you after them?”
“I’ve been tasked to bring someone from that group back home by his parent. You were looking for the Giant that’s traveling with the Oracle, right?”
“Yeah…” The helmet slightly nodded. “How did you know?”
“You didn’t cover your tracks. Neither did the Oracle. It didn’t much effort to find out.”
“Oh. I will keep that in mind from now on.”
“So, are you going to bring your friend back to Rozzosea-?”
The second his question got through, the Giant tensed up and tomahawk slipped out of her grip. Kihet remained unfazed as she suddenly lunged towards him and slammed her fist on the ground. He could feel her shortened breath coming out of the slits between her battered helmet.
“I will not go back to that place. After everything that corrupted king has done against my home country, there is no way I will ever go back!” The anger was not expected. Realizing her behavior, the Rozzalian awkwardly shifted back and plucked the axe off the floor. “Sorry. You were only asking. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”
Kihet was honestly surprised by the unexpected hatred she had of her country. “I’ll let you calm down.”
“Just, one question. No, a request.” She stopped him as he began marching away. “It’s been while since I had someone to talk to. I know this might be an inconvenience, but do you think I can join your party? Our interests align.”
“You don’t think I’ll backstab you?”
“That depends if you think what my worth is when the time comes. If anyone here is going to betray me, I’d rather its you since you took some of your time to talk to me.”
“How well do you know these lands?”
“I’ve recently started to get familiar with this area and have a hunting spot I go to get these critters.” She lifted the half-butchered lizard and dropped it back on the ground.
Ignoring her catch, “And your specialty?”
“I prefer archery, but I can be fighter. I can also be a defender as soon as I have materials to make a new shield.”
Kihet gave a serious thought as he examined her armor, discovering an insignia of Rozzosea’s crest but it was heavily crossed out to the point there were holes. The addition of a Giant’s strength was always welcomed, especially one that had no allegiance to Rozzosea.
“I already have an archer on my team.” Kihet said as he looked at the war bow beside the Giant. “And we don’t plan to stay with the Dragonkins for long. Depending on their next move, I might even turn on them or run away.”
“I don’t plan to fight for them forever. If we could find my cousin faster, then I’ll follow you even if I end up having more enemies. That’s all it matters to me.”
“I see. Gather your things and head to the tent closest to the wall. That’s where my party settled around.”
“T-thank you! Do they understand Rozzalian?”
“Talk to the Werecat who opened a stall there. Tell her the ‘grumpy one’ sent you and she’ll translate your words to the other two.”
“I’ll go greet them immediately. Where will you be going?”
“My party just got here. I want to look around and get acclimated to the area.”
After the Giant rolled up her belongings and moved through the camp, Kihet marched along the border of the Dragonkin’s side. Eventually, he spotted a space in between tents to which he snuck through the feast.
The numbers of the Dragonkin army weren’t as threatening as the enemy from the battle of Ilum mines. To be honest, the scale of this war couldn’t be compared to it as the Dragonkin’s army had less than a few thousand soldiers and it was including mercenaries. However, as he strolled around the feast while dodging eyes, Kihet came across a large, bricked structure that was heavily guarded.
There was a faint scent of rotten eggs flowing out of the building. It was a smell he remembered when Tama first sold him a small container of sulfur back in Vivrus.
“Mercenary, how did you get here?!” A guard bellowed. “Return to your sector at once! This area is off limits for you sellswords!”
“What’s in there?”
“Something that you do not need to know. You two, escort him out of the place.”
Two heavily armored Dragonkin shepherded him away from the building. As he was being escorted, there was a brief second where the door opened. Kihet caught a glance of wooden crates and barrels with handprints of yellow powder over them. He also recalled Stusis to be one of the exporters of sulfur, a main ingredient used to produce their specialty hellfire bombs and fire medicine. Fortunately, there weren’t any cannons or fire lances anywhere to be seen which suggest they were used as bombardment ammunitions.
“What seems to be the problem?”
Holding one of largest drum of a creature Kihet ever saw, Alc’Bruk stomped his way before Kihet and took a large bite that was a third of the meat.
“Well, if it isn’t the Devil Folk. What brings you over to this side?”
“Crimson one, we found him snooping about.”
“I wasn’t asking you.” Alc’Bruk snapped his jaws at the guard. “He was merely curious of our facility. Isn’t that correct?”
“Eldest Brother, I think it is unwise to share information with mercenaries. They only act under our banner as long as we pay their due.” Kaz’Bruk in the background chimed in.
“If the resistance thinks a handle of defected mercenaries joining them could turn the tide, then it’d be a most exciting battle. I already stand at the peak of Stusis. Whoever dares challenges me, be it foreigners, I only hope I relive the thrill of a struggle.”
“What about the goliath on the resistance’s side?” Kihet asked.
“Him? I suppose he would prove a challenge. His strength would rival mine, but he is a simple minded fool to waste his time protecting others, thus hindering his full potential and making it unenjoyable.”
“If he were fight unrestricted, I suppose it would change our approach, Eldest Brother.”
“That is what I hope after we cleanse the heretics off Stusis.” Alc’Bruk’s glare rolled back on Kihet. “Now then. Since you’ve boldly stepped past the line, I presume you wish to join the feast.”
“No, I-.”
“Head cook, bring this fella a good piece! Yes, give him the wing and make sure it’s well seasoned! Haha! Don’t hold back, Devil Folk! There’s plenty going around! Eat and get strong for tomorrow we march!”
Alc’Bruk gave him a hard smack on the back and pushed Kihet towards the middle of the army. Kihet couldn’t help but wondered how he got from being suspicious to being invited to the feast.
“Mercenary, this is nothing more than a respective gesture from Eldest Brother.” Kaz’Bruk warned. “You might’ve shown your worth by giving an offering and assisting us against the Tower Creature. In the end, you are only hired arms to us.”
“You don’t need to rant on how you don’t trust me. I get it.”
Kaz’Bruk growled and stomped away, muttering to his soldiers. “Keep an eye on his group. Especially that Devil Folk.”