“What will happen to us?”

The Scalemen were uneasy. News of the battle reached their ears, and it did not sound favorable to them. Upon waiting for the results, the Cheiftains were able to negotiate a temporarily truce, waiting for Crimson, the Elder Dragon, ruler of the fire below mountains, to announce the fate of the Scalemen.

The felling of Kaz’Bruk, right arm of Alc’bruk, the Crimson’s Wrath, but it did not bring them joy. There were too many casualties in this battle. The news of Draigh, Carmyn, Hilaqi’s passing, and especially the Oracle’s life threatening wounds was demoralized what hope the Scalemen held.

Standing in front of three tombstones was Ainig. He held a small banquet of flowers he plucked along the way home and set them before Draigh, Hilaqi and Carmyn’s grave.

“I’m sorry.”

He was replied with silence.

“I’m really sorry.”

No matter how much he apologized, none of them would return.

“I-I wasn’t strong enough to protect any of you… I couldn’t become the shield I thought I can be.”

A voice projected from behind. “You were plenty strong.”

Ainig would not lift his eyes from the bodies but knew it wasn’t Krullu approaching him. The Tortoise Folk saw a hand put a jar next to Carmyn’s covered body.

“Why don’t you sit down?”

Ainig tossed a quick glance to verify who joined him. It was Salith as she filled a cup from the jar and took a swig.

“Ummm…”

“Want some? It’s water.”

“N-no thanks…”

“I see.”

Salith set a bag down, rummaging through it. She carefully laid out light ballistics, a purse, clothes, rations and tree bark scribbled with words.

“A-are those the other Giant’s things?”

“Carmyn told me to go through her things if anything happened to her.” Salith answered. “She was supposed to bring me back, but it looks like I’m the only one walking away from this mess.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It isn’t your fault.”

“But, if only-.”

“Let it go. Apologizing isn’t going to change the outcome.” She then whispered. “If it did, Alam, Carmyn, and my grandfather wouldn’t have gone ahead. Let’s talk about something else.”

“O-oh… umm… How’s the Oracle…?”

“After the other Enui donated the rest of his blood, Kihet’s going to live through.”

“But he lost an eye and a leg.” Ainig lifted his head, putting Draigh’s tombstone in his view. “And a friend. I can’t imagine the trauma he’s going have to live with from now on.”

The Scalemen could only erect a tombstone to serve as remembrance to the brave warriors and their sacrifices. The three were given different burials with Hilaqi’s body resting under Stusis’ soil. Carmyn’s body was turned into ashes for Salith to be delivered to Rozzosea’s Queen.

Unfortunately, no one could give Draigh a proper burial. After Draigh had transfused what remaining drop of blood from his body into Kihet, the Envoy of Light’s Crest activated. Like Lemi, the seal returned the body of the Enui to the secluded village.

“All we can do is hope Kihet will make it through. The Vivirian and the Devil Folk are closely keeping an eye on his recovery.”

Suddenly, the two heard murmurs. They stood up, on guard, spotting a Crimson Dragonborn marching through the crowd and towards them. He was weaponless. Countless of Scalemen shot glares at him, but Alc’Bruk shrugged off their hostility and approached the grave site.

As he reached into his pouch, Ainig and Salith jumped onto their feet with their equipment drawn. However, when they saw a large ruby and sapphire gemstone, they relaxed a little.

“Herald, I am here to give my offerings. Sapphire, for the Naga who bested my blood brother, Ruby for you, extinguishing my raging flames of Crimson.”

“I… I won’t accept it! You’re a Tyrant! If it wasn’t for you… none of this…! Holy Draigh and Hilaqi wouldn’t have died!”

“If you stand in my position, you would understand. It was the Scalemen who neglected us Dragonkins first. We wanted revenge for being left and ravaged by the Tower Spawns.”

Alc’Bruk took one step forward, Ainig responded by taking one back and dropped into a defensive posture.

“Herald, I do not dare to disturb the dead. I am simply an extinguished flame here to offer a prayer to once respected kin. I shall quickly speak my mind and be off.”

“Are you going to?” Salith questioned.

“You do well not interrupt our banter, Rozzalian.” Alc’Bruk growled. “I have kept the other group away from this area. I am the sole reason they have not come here and use the slave crest engraved on you.”

Salith exchanged looks with Ainig. They quietly agreed to let Alc’Bruk pass as the Dragonborn gently set one gemstone down, handing the other to Ainig.

After a moment of silence, the Dragonborn turned to face Ainig.

“Is my Scale safe?” Alc’Bruk asked.

“We’re not telling you.” Salith shot back.

“That is fine. I ask it is kept with the Oracle. It has properties to provide warmth and heat resistance to its holder. It may relieve the cold haunting the Oracle of Holy Draigh’s death.”

“Why the sudden change of heart?”

“I am returning favors I could not with Holy Draigh. Soon, I will be casted aside by my kins. As Crimson and I are no longer bounded to one another, I will use the remainder of my time as Crimson’s Wrath to negotiate with the council. I have proposed the idea all Scalemen are to be exiled from Stusis.”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Exiled…?!” Ainig gasped.

“Convince your chieftains, Herald. I know they will not accept it. Unless the entirety of Scalemen are willing to face Crimson’s judgment, this is the best course of action if the Scalemen wish to survive. The victor was determined to not be your Oracle and if you do accept the conditions, Crimson’s flames shall descend upon the Scalemen.”

“Why are you asking me to?”

“Because you are the only Scalemen who has earned my full respect and trust. You unlike me, are not vengeful, greedy, a fanatical zealot. Among the Champions who have existed within our time, you are chosen by the Pale Dragon. Crimson, Azure and Ash all degrade their champion’s mind in exchange for their blessings.”

“Hang on!” Salith interrupted. “That means your Dragon forced you start a war?!”

“My kins and my hatred to our abandonment was simply amplified. We weren’t manipulated. I will say no more than this, Rozzalian. Herald, you must heed my words.”

“B-but I can’t decide for everyone. I mean, it would be nice if no one else dies, but I’m…”

“Frightened? Cowardly? You are the Herald, Champion of the Pale Dragon. You hold the highest authority, more so than the chieftains. Those who are blessed by the Elder Dragons are given the freedom to use unparalleled power as they see fit. All actions you take, all words you speak cannot be waved off as mere mumblings.”

Alc’Bruk began walking away from the grave site.

“Let this be the mercy and hope I grant onto you Scalemen, a chance for survival. These mountains will be inhabitable in near future. I sense Crimson will soon enact its schemes. Flee from Stusis Herald, while you have the opportunity to do so.”

The Dragonborn flapped his wings, taking to the sky.

Salith turned her face back to the grave, but Ainig continued to observe the crowd of Scalemen huddled around victims of casualties they were able to retrieve.

The terrible battle passed, and its aftermath concluded.

“What are you going to do?” Salith asked.

“I… I will talk to the Chieftains. Before Crimson kills everyone, I need to convince the Chieftains to move all Scalemen out of Stusis.”

“I’ll tag along. I can act as witness to what Alc’Bruk said.”

“Thank you.”

----------------------------------------

“Yo, Kihet! Why the long face?”

“I couldn’t keep my promise.”

Kihet casted his eye down at the mirror lake reflecting the dull grey skies. He looked at his weary expression, wearing the same lonely face as he had a decade ago.

“Stop sulking. You’re making us feel really bad.”

“I failed the three of you.”

Looking up, three figures stood across from where Kihet sat.

Draigh let out a sigh and crossed his arms. Carmyn made an awkward expression while scratching her chin. Hilaqi looked emotionless, but it was difficult to read Scalemen expressions to begin with.

“Oracle, I am not one to ssspeak, but what passssed has passed.”

“Hilaqi’s right. This wasn’t your fault anyways.” Carmyn nodded. “You did everything you could for us. It was a hard battle.”

“We did defeat the Acolyte of Fury. You said it was the strongest of the bunch? Isn’t that amazing?”

“But…”

Draigh crouched in front of Kihet. “Look here. I think I can believe the insane story you told me a while back. Since we’re talking here, it means the fight’s also happening on the other side, right?”

“I don’t know what to tell Megith now.”

“You really need to learn to stop moping like a grumbling bug. You got bigger things to worry about, you know? We, on this side, will still be fighting.”

Draigh grabbed Kihet by his shoulders and lifted him up.

“So, stand up. More people are counting on you. We won’t be fighting the same battles, but we’re fighting in the same war. You do your best and we’ll do ours to support you from over here.”

“I know.”

“Good! Now then, you can’t stay here forever. You have to wake up. I bet Tomoe and the others are worried sick. This is one thing you got to change, Kihet. You’re always making people worry.”

“It’s not my fault I was spoiled by my friends growing up.”

“You don’t have to glare at me like that. Everyone is just as guilty. What was it Megith said? You always looked like a stray puppy back then. Vol was always jealous you got the girl’s attention.”

“Well, being bothered by Sorah and Megith wasn’t always a nice thing.”

“What do you mean? Didn’t you feel a lot of jealousy from the boys whenever you visited the village?”

“I thought they hated my guts from that incident.”

“Maybe it was both?”

“Both? I never got the impression, but it would’ve made my days happier knowing I got under their skin if that was true.”

The first to crack a smile was Kihet. A few chuckles slipped from his smile and gradually became laughter. He laughed with Draigh for a while.

“Wow, never thought I’d see Kihet take off his iron mask like that.” Carmyn commented. “Still, it’s nice.”

“Yesss. This isss the firsst time I’ve witnesssed the Oracle feeling joy.” Hilaqi added. “Quite the rare sssignt.”

“Do I really have an iron mask?” Kihet asked.

“Half the time I don’t know if you were moody or just look like that.” Carmyn answered.

“Am I that unapproachable?”

“With no disssrespect, I would ssay so.”

Kihet looked down at his reflection, squeezing and groping his face. He made various faces and found himself practicing how to smile.

“Are you all saying I don’t smile enough?”

“It’d be great if you do, but don’t force yourself. You’d only make yourself suspicious. Let it happen naturally.” Draigh answered. “Anyways, you better get going now. If there’s one more thing you want to say, now’s the time.”

“I’ll do my best out there.”

“I mean, you better. Otherwise the three of us will follow you back and haunt you.”

“I’m not the one who’s scared of ghosts.”

“I know. I’ll just reveal all your embarrassing moments to everyone if I find you breaking your promises.”

“Yikes! Never mind! What have I put myself into?”

Then it was silent.

The three blinked for a second and could no longer see Kihet. The Oracle has woken up, his consciousness returned to the material plane.

“Holy Draigh.” Hilaqi beckoned. “It annoysss me to ask, but what shall we do with that one?”

The question was directed to a fourth figure, a dragonkin.

“So, what do you intend to do?” Draigh asked.

Kaz’Bruk sat there unmoving. His expression deprived of his pride once exhibited on the battlefield. The Dragonkin simply lifted his snout towards the white sky.

“I do not know. Since the rage within me has quelled, there is no longer a path to follow.”

“Then follow us. Over here, everyone will be allies. Got it?”

----------------------------------------

He let out a groan and opened his right eye.

His body ached all over. He touched one side of his face, realizing his vision on his left side was gone. He could only feel one of his legs move as he struggled to lift his upper half from the bed.

“Kihet!”

The first one to scream his name was Lily. She jumped next to the bed, lending a helping hand to sit him up. Aten also jumped out of his stool, posting himself on the other end in case his assistance was needed.

“How long was I out?”

“You slept through a week.”

“What about the war?”

Lily remained silent and slightly turned her face side to side. Though Kihet wasn’t able to see well, he could tell by her silence Irvan was the one who killed the Acolyte. In turn, they weren’t the victors.

The Acolyte was defeated. What of the Tower? What of the Sanctum, a fragment of the Creator’s memories?

He hanged his leg off the ledge of the bed. Looking down, his right leg was amputated and replaced with a wooden peg Aten carved as a replacement. Before he pushed himself off, a sign flashed in front of him.

[Stop. You rest.]

“I have something I need to know. Do you remember when the Acolyte from Vivrus paid us a visit? I need to know if the Acolyte here dropped one.”

“A Sanctum? What does it look like?”

“A mirror polished rock. You would know when you see it because it gives off a strange air.”

“I don’t remember seeing it. Do you?” Lily turned to Aten, but the insectoid shook his head.

“What about the city and the Tower?”

[Gone. Nothing.]

“After the Acolyte was defeated, we were all teleported out of the city. The Azure Tower vanished. You can’t see it at all.”

Aten lifted the curtain of the tent, showing Kihet the mountain range where the Azure Tower should be.

“Okay, you seen everything. Lay back down. Your wounds could open again if you move too much. Yizdra will bring back news of the meeting.”

“Who’s speaking with the Dragonkins?”

[Tortoise.]

“Ainig is? What about Krullu? Where is he?”

“We don’t know. He was with us after the battle ended but he disappeared shortly after.”

“What is going on? Ouch…!”

“See? You’re not okay to move. At least you’re not bleeding.”

“What about the others?”

“Aten, can you pass over a cup and that jug of water.”

Lily and Aten refused to answer Kihet. He already knew what happened, but he hoped by chance, all of it was a bad dream.

Aten skillfully peeled some fruits and plated them. Lily gently wiped Kihet’s arms. There was an awkward silence between them until Yizdra lifted the curtains.

“Oracle, it is a relief to know you are conscious.”

“They filled me in most of the details. What happened at the meeting?”

“I do not know what to make of it. They seek to exile all Scalemen from Stusis. If we do not comply, Crimson will descend upon us with his flames. However, the chieftains have unanimously agreed to a decision.”