Chapter Nine

I stood beside Azriel as we watched the Kreshna, now a short distance away. I hesitantly glanced at him, his figure tall, making me feel smaller than I was.

"I think it is best you wait here, your grace," I spoke uneasily.

Was he going to let me approach them on my own?

Azriel momentarily paused before finally replying, "Very well."

The disapproval in his voice made me waver.

"I am unfamiliar with these Kreshna, so I don't want to spook them." I quickly spoke, hoping to clarify my intention.

Honestly, just his presence nearby spooked me, let alone the Kreshna.

"You weren't familiar with that wild Kreshna herd, either," Azriel stated.

"Ah-yes" I looked away from him. I guess that was a reasonable response.

"They were unsettled by Lady Rian during that time. I don't know how these Kreshna will react."

Azriel's gaze hardened briefly. "You may go. Rest assured, I will remain here."

"T-thank you, your grace," I said with a small bow as he nodded for me to leave.

I didn't wait around.

Wading through the grass alone, relieved to leave Azriel's side, I cautiously walked towards the herd of Kreshna ahead. The massive creatures loomed before me, their thick hides glistening in the sunlight as they grazed lazily. Despite their imposing size, I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over me in their presence. I smiled when I saw one flop its ears to bat away a fly.

I looked at Azriel hesitantly and saw he hadn't moved as promised. The box above his head was still blurry, and the number was not settling. His eyes glinted in a way that told me he was growing impatient. I gulped and turned back to face the Kreshna.

I don't think I could remain calm enough to do this if Azriel was any closer. He made me feel so nervous. I paused my step and took a deep breath to settle my pounding heart and return to the calm I felt around the Kreshna.

It was now or never.

As I drew nearer, one of the Kreshna lifted its head, its large eyes fixing me with curiosity. I held my breath, hoping not to startle them. Slowly, I extended my hand, offering it in a gesture of peace.

These Kreshna were not wild.

I did not see in these Kreshna the apprehension and threatening posture that Kuru had first shown in the prairie expanse. As wild Kreshna, Kuru and his herd were unfamiliar with people. They would not be accustomed to being handled like domesticated ones likely were.

Instead, these Kreshna's muscles were relaxed, and the others paid little attention to me. This would have been much easier if there had only been one of them, though. At most, I had only ever been around two in Talbour. They belonged to Roger Heversham, and I had no fear around them. However, with this many, even if unintentional, if I spooked them, they could trample me.

To my relief, the Kreshna seemed to sense my intentions and remained calm, allowing me to approach. With each step, I could feel the tension in my muscles ease slightly.

The Kreshna I had chosen stepped forward to meet me and bumped his nose into my palm. Relief washed over me as I grinned at the contact, his breath hot against my skin as I patted him.

I did not have to bow to them as I had with Kuru. These Kreshna were peaceful enough that they seemed to accept me. A slight buzzing in my skin confirmed my thoughts, and I knew my beast-taming skill had probably risen again.

Did it rise every time I tamed a new Kreshna?

I reached out, running my hand along the rough texture of his hide. It was warm beneath my touch, and I couldn't help but marvel at his muscles' sheer power and grace. The slight discolourations on his skin indicated that this Kreshna was often used to pull carriages and carts. I could see the signs of the carriage straps' rough wear. But it didn't bother them. It was merely a tan on their hides.

For a brief moment, I forgot about Lord Azriel's looming presence. Only the sound of a deep cough reminded me of what I was supposed to be doing.

"Okay, boy," I said soothingly, grasping the raised horn at the back of his neck. "Is it alright If I jump on for a short while?"

The Kreshna huffed and swished his nail as he uneasily exchanged his weight between his front cloven feet. His body language told me he was unsure.

"I won't hurt you, I promise. I just want you to take me around your home." I patted his side and rubbed small circles on his back to calm him.

The Kreshna regarded me with intelligent eyes as if weighing my words. After a moment, he seemed to relax slightly, the tension in his massive frame easing. With a low rumble, he nodded in acquiescence, seemingly granting me permission as he lowered onto his knees.

"Thanks, Liag," I smiled, satisfied with my name for him.

Carefully, I positioned myself beside Liag, breathing deeply to steady myself. With practised ease, I swung myself onto his broad back, feeling the warmth of his hide beneath me.

The Kreshna shifted slightly beneath my weight, adjusting to accommodate me as I moved to a comfortable position. I could feel the power thrumming beneath his skin as my legs dangled around his torso.

As I settled, I gently urged Liag forward, guiding him with a light touch behind his ear. Liag responded obediently, his movements smooth and fluid as he began to walk.

Atop his back, the slight chill in the wind was colder against my skin, but the moment I turned to Azriel, I felt an ever worse sensation. Azriel's eyes bore into me wide, his hand stiffly holding the hilt of his sword as he froze in place, watching me ride Liag.

Vishka's Guidance System

Azriel Kamil Elkhart

Likeability: –13% (+5%)

The atmosphere around Azriel made me hesitantly smile in response as Liag began to take me around the enclosure, showing me his home.

Azriel's numbers had improved. That had to be a positive, at least, even if he was staring daggers at me right now.

"Is it obeying you?" Azriel asked, his hand tightening on his hilt.

"Yes, your grace," I answered, rubbing Liag's back. "I shall circle with him."

Azriel loosened his grip, but his body remained stiff as he nodded in acknowledgement.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Liag took me around the outskirts of Azriel, who followed us keenly with his gaze. I noticed the rest of the herd had chosen to follow us a short distance behind. Stopping to graze on occasion before continuing forward.

Ahead, back at the barn, I could see Nate waving to me with a bright smile as he watched us. I waved back. His enthusiasm was hard not to respond to. Caspian was beside Nate, staring at me with incredulity.

"What the hell?" he signed to me as Liag took me closer to them.

"Yeah…" I began to sign, a little embarrassed by the attention. "I can ride Kreshna."

"Ride Kreshna? How can you say that like it's normal?" Caspian's shock was portrayed in his hand movements as he stepped back when Liag moved closer.

"Lynette! That is awesome!" Nate joyfully grinned. I caught him glancing at Azriel with a knowing smirk before gripping the back of Caspian's cloak and pulling him back. "Lord Caspian, what you see is the ability that brought Lady Lynette and Lady Rian back from the prairie expanse alive," Nate said rather proudly. Isn't it incredible?"

Caspian hesitantly looked at Nate, silently stopping his attempt to flee before his facial features creased into a frown.

I could feel the heat in my cheeks rise at Nate's compliment.

"Lady Lynette," Azriel's voice cut off my response to Nate. "Bring the Kreshna to the back of the field."

"Yes, your grace," I gently pressed behind Liag's ear, urging him to continue his lap around the enclosure. Caspian's shoulder visibly relaxed as I began to move away, the herd following close.

Should I dismount now? Or should I continue riding?

I had proved my words truthful. That should be enough, right?

A loud gasp drew my attention to the fencing.

"Oh my gosh, are my eyes bleeding, or are you riding a Kreshna!" The volume of Sergeant Reefborn's voice hollered as he slammed his hands against the metal fence separating us. The echo from the force of his hands was tremendous. His strength must have been incredible, as I swore I saw the metal shake.

Then Liag stiffened.

I froze in my place.

Liag's eyes darted back and forth, and he leaned back. I gripped his back horn as he lifted onto his back two legs.

My legs began to slip, but I clutched as hard as I could.

Then Liag charged.

Straight towards Nate and Caspian.

It was happening so quickly. The herd began to stampede behind Liag, driven by his reaction. The skin on my hands began to burn as I clung tighter when he began to buck.

I heard commands being hollered but could barely register them as the wind screeched through my ears at Liag's speed. He was so much faster than Kuru had been.

I tried to pull myself up just in time to see Nate grab Caspian and drag him back inside the barn.

My hands finally slipped.

I fell to the ground with a thud, pain shooting up my left thigh and striking down my back.

Liag charged straight into the barn, its wood creaking, but a red shimmer glossed over it, protecting it from any harm.

I pushed myself up, my hands clutching at the trampled grass as a pounding shook the ground.

Oh gods.

I shook as I turned to see the herd running right toward me.

I was going to be trampled to death.

Panic, sheer panic, consumed me as my body moved on its own. I tried to stand, but the pain in my leg screamed, so I desperately tried to crawl out of the way.

I wasn't going to make it.

For the love of Vishka.

A body slammed into me.

We rolled. The hard ground dug into me with every turn and clashing of metal against my skin. My hair tangled and pulled, caught on something. I gripped onto the body with all my might as the herd came upon us.

A cloven foot slammed into the back of the body covering me. A guttural groan followed before another foot weighted down upon us, and I felt my body crushed into the ground. It happened again and again, and my cheeks felt wet as fear ruptured that it would never end.

The thundering hooves of the stampeding Kreshna were deafening, like a terrifying drumbeat. I clung to the person who had shielded me, feeling their form trembling beneath me as we were buffeted by the force of the charging herd.

Through the haze of panic and pain, I couldn't discern much, only the overwhelming fear that gripped me tightly. A flash ignited, and I forced my eyes closed as purple ignited beside me, followed by a screeching noise so intense it pierced the stampede sound.

I lay, my body shaking as the pounding of hooves began to recede and the pressure on my body lessened.

"Are you hurt?" A voice mumbled low as the sounds of the herd became faint.

I stiffened for a whole new purpose.

It was Azriel.

My eyes sprang open, and I held in a gasp as I met his purple eyes inches away from my own.

He was on top of me, his body serving as a shield against the stampeding Kreshna. His cloak, now ruined, was spread out over us like a protective canopy, and his arms were wrapped tightly around me, shielding me from the brunt of the impact.

My heart began to race as my brain caught up with my situation.

Azriel had risked his life to save me, to shield me from the deadly charge of the herd. The realisation washed over me like a wave, filling me with a mix of gratitude, shock, and disbelief.

For a moment, we lay there, entangled amidst the chaos, breathing heavily as the adrenaline coursed through our veins.

"I-I will be okay," I replied, still in shock.

"Good," he said, slowly lifting himself off me. His expression was unreadable as he surveyed the aftermath of the stampede.

I struggled to push myself up, my body aching and bruised from the ordeal. But Azriel's hand reached out, steadying me as I rose to my feet, reluctantly leaning heavily against him for support.

"Are you hurt your grace?" I asked tentatively as the rush of adrenaline slowly subsided.

"I am fine." He said nonchalantly, making me frown.

"Why did you do that?" I asked, my thoughts spiralling as the barn door was slammed open, and a horror-stricken Nate came rushing out quickly, followed by Caspian, Sir Vaughn and Sergeant Reefborn.

"If I hadn't, you would have died," Azriel said plainly as if it were obvious.

"But you could have died!" I exclaimed in disbelief. "How are you even standing right now? Did you know you would be okay?" I asked, inspecting his straightened form as I pressed against him, the cold of his metal soothing against my aching body. He bared no physical sign of injury, apart from the sight of blood trailing down his neck from beneath his mask.

Despite his outward appearance, he could not be fine after that. He had taken the brunt of the stampede at my expense.

Why did he put himself in harm's way to save a woman he barely knows?

"I didn't. I haven't exactly been trampled before." He looked down at me with those eyes that only made my thoughts tumble further.

"But-"I reached out instinctively, my fingers trembling as I brushed against the crimson streak, but Azriel intercepted my movement, his grip firm yet gentle as he lowered my hand.

"I knew you wouldn't survive, Lady Lynette. Are you forgetting? I am far more robust than a trainee." he said with a slight tone, but I caught a hitch in his voice as he shifted his footing.

He was hurt.

I knew it.

"You are hurt," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath as I met his gaze, searching for any sign of acknowledgement.

"Enough, Lady Lynette." He said with a low tone, but his eyes softened ever so slightly from the cold demure I had grown accustomed to.

I pinched my fingers. "Thank you, your grace, for saving me."

Vishka's Guidance System

Azriel Kamil Elkhart

Likeability: –11% (+2%)

"Your Grace! Lady Lynette, oh, I am so relieved to see you are both alright. Punish this flapping mouth of mine at once, your grace. I am humbly of the greatest apologies." A sniffling, Sergeant Reefborn rushed to us and quickly bowed lowly to Azriel.

"Lynette! Are you alright?" Nate followed, making his way straight to me. He immediately lightly took me from Azriel's support and into his own. The cooling sensation of Azriel's armour left my embrace, and I was met with Nate's warmth as he patted my arms and began to check me over thoroughly.

"I will be okay, Nate," I said, a little strained as my back began to throb. "Nothing that can't be fixed" I had faith in a healer. They had, after all, resown my torn shoulder after the Agiluf. Some bruising would be easy to solve with some comfrey anyway.

It was Azriel I was worried about.

"I knew going near those Kreshna was stupid," Caspian signed as he walked up to us steadily. He briefly glared at Nate and Azriel before returning to me. "I am glad you are okay, Lady Lynette."

"Thanks, Caspian," I said, leaning into Nate some more as the pain in my leg and back began to ache. I glanced back towards Azriel, who stood over Sergeant Reefborn with a menacing aura.

"Sergeant, you are banned from the beast pens for two weeks," Azriel said calmly. However, from the face the Sergeant made, it was as though he had been given a death sentence.

"Your grace, I-I-" The Sergeant stammered as he paled before dropping his head, his bright blue hair falling over his shoulders. Yes, your grace, this is an acceptable punishment. It was my behest that this happened. I will suffer as you have determined fair." He sighed as though the will to live had left him.

I guess that punishment really was appropriate for the Sergeant.

However, the Sergeant quickly turned his attention to me with such intensity that I jolted a little. "You!" He pointed and immediately stood with glee. "Lady Lynette, was it? Ohhhh, I want you. You shall be my protege! Riding Kreshna! How thrilling! Who knew? Oh, I have so many ideas!"

"Sergeant," Azriel slammed his hand onto his shoulder and squeezed, making Sergeant Reefborn freeze mid-finger point. You will refrain from harassing Lady Lynette. She is a trainee and has not yet chosen a profession."

"Ah, yes, of course, your grace." The Sergeant relaxed under Azriel's grip but side-eyed me with a glint of excitement. "I will await Lady Lynette to complete her combat assessment. I am sure she will choose an appropriate profession." He spoke like he had already decided my fate.

"Sergeant," Azriel said again, a little more forcefully, causing the man to twitch his lip.

"You can release ya summon now' your grace," the croaky voice of Sir Vaughn interrupted as he hobbled past us. "Kreshna av' calmed down."

Summon?

I turned towards the Kreshna that had been carolled to the far back of the field, as far away from us as possible. My eyes widened as I saw a gigantic avian creature. Bolts of lightning danced along its purple feathers stretched wide. The air around it crackled as the summoned spirit screeched into the sky. The Kreshna huddled behind its guarding presence.