~Day 184~

I wanted to get a few things done before we landed. Obviously, first of all, I needed to do a little more of the saddle, then after that carry on with my Earth Magic experiments. Or just experiment at the moment. I’ll probably try a few more things if this fails… Which may very well happen.

I got to work on the saddle, along with Kasa who insisted on watching me today and Kuuli who said she would help me with some of the detailing. We spent quite a few hours on it, but it was mainly spent with Kuuli teaching me how to work leather properly. I mean, I was taught the basics, but I suppose no one ever properly taught me the intricacies.

With just a little bit of time left until we would land I decided to spend it pouring mana into the rock I started work on yesterday. Since there wasn’t much to do whilst I was doing this, I sat next to the railing of the ship and watched the scenery fly by. It had been a while since I just sat here and watched the world, but it’s always a nice relaxing time.

I think we’re beginning to leave the lifeless barren areas of the continent, I can already see canyons filled with life and small spouts of desert fauna all over the place. The past few weeks have kind of been dull for the most part. Seeing an endless sea of sand with a few choice bones and animals scattered around is interesting and kind of pretty for the first few days, but it doesn’t change much. Now I can even see a few mountains and yet another Sky Dungeon. At least I think it’s one, it’s obscured by one of those said mountains.

It would be nice to go through another dungeon, they really help release stress, although I get the unfortunate feeling that Cadiz wouldn’t deviate from our path for one. So it would have to be in our flight path and it would also have to be close enough to somewhere we stop.

Considering I can see pretty far into the distance from where we are and there aren’t any dungeons remotely close, that isn’t going to happen this time. Although getting back into populated land does mean I can go out leveling for the afternoon. Of course after helping unload the supplies first.

After today’s part of the experiment was done, I kind of wanted to test the rock out, but I’m worried that it’s still not strong enough and would break on impact. It certainly feels tough, but it’s still too early to tell. Then again, if I spend like a week on this and it still breaks on impact that kind of feels like a wasted week… Somehow I’m starting to feel a little sorry for scientists and researchers back on Ein.

It wasn’t too long after I was done that we began to descend. Gama had spotted a nice area to camp on, a flat surface on the top of a small canyon mountain. There was a gentle enough incline down one side that it was possible to walk down, but it was quite an easily defendable place. It turns out that we’re passing through what might possibly be hostile territory once again.

It’s the land of a Duke called Gaezer, he’s apparently quite a bit old school and often doesn’t agree with the Queen. He is also one of the more hostile nobles towards outsiders. So even if he isn’t part of the rebellion, he’s probably not going to like us much.

Thanks to that, annoyingly, I’ve been told to be very careful if I leave the camp. I’ve also been told I can’t bring Alvir or Vinn with me. Apparently, a seven-foot Dryad with a Wolf and giant Mushman in tow might be a tad suspicious. Although looking at the spot we were descending down to, I’m just wondering if we could be any less suspicious. I suppose somewhere we can defend easier is important though.

As we landed I was one of the first to jump off, with supplies in my hand. It was already afternoon and the sooner we were done unpacking the camp the sooner I could get a few hours leveling in. If that little time was even enough to gain any levels at all.

Before I could take off into the wild myself, Alvir and Venya had a head start. Whilst Cadiz said it would be a bad idea to go together, it would be alright if we were all separate. Especially since those two are stupidly quick.

It took me a little time to find any monsters since they were still a little scarce around here, but I did eventually come across a small cave system. It wasn’t quite a dungeon, but these sorts of caves usually attract some level of monsters, especially when there’s so little shelter around.

As usual, I kept to my rule of only attacking when attacked, which didn’t seem to be a problem as the cave was full of monsters that wanted to attack me. I seemed to have stumbled upon a family of giant desert cats. I can’t say I knew the breed, but they had thin grey fur and black striped patterns running along their backs. They also had strong tufts of fur that looked like an old man's eyebrows above their eyes. It made them look really quite angry.

Which, judging by how readily they attacked me, they probably were. Thanks to being attacked by a whole group of them though, I actually gained a level despite how little time I had. It had already taken me over an hour to find the cave, so I didn’t have the time to look for anything else. I do have to say though, they weren’t the easiest enemies I’ve fought since I came here, they actually managed to get a few hits in and my coats a bit damaged. Not that I can’t fix that.

Anyway, arriving back at camp I found out that Venya had even worse luck than me, just finding a singular quite aggressive Alpaca which seemed to be living solitarily in a small oasis nearby. Alvir seemed to have had no luck at all since he got distracted and ended up chasing a vulture around for longer than you would have thought could amuse anyone. He seemed happy with it though, so I’m happy for him.

The rest of the day went off without any problems. I think we’re far enough out in the wilderness that no night patrols will see us from the road, but we’re keeping guards just in case. It would be my turn at guarding before dawn, so I decided to get a bit of an early night. It seems as though Wrok will be my partner at that time, so I’m not expecting much in the way of conversation.

~Day 185~

It was before dawn when I was suddenly jolted awake. Bear sat over me shaking my arm, it was hard to tell what his expression was since he always wore a helmet, but his body language was panicked.

I rubbed my eyes. “What is it?” I asked him still a little groggy. Bear turned around and pointed out from the camp. I sat up slowly rubbing my head. Beyond where I was lying several members of our camp were panicking, it looked as if they were setting up some sort of defensive line. Beyond them, it was just possible to make out a small, dark shape in the distance. I narrowed my eyes trying to make out what it could possibly be. “What is that?” I murmured.

“That’s Faema and most likely on her back is Duke Gaezer.” The rumbling of the ground around me told me that it was Gama talking behind me right now.

I turned around to see her staring with a complicated expression. “How can you tell?” I asked. If I’m not mistaken, we are in a pretty bad situation right now.

“Magnabirds are naturally quite territorial, because of that we let off Pheromones to let each other know we’re nearby, so I can tell it’s her. She must have noticed I was in her territory. What’s more, she’s loyal to Gaezer so obviously she would tell him ‘The Queen's Magnabird is nearby.’” Gama paused sighing. “This isn’t good.” She whispered.

I turned back and looked at the bird flying towards us. It was clear she wasn’t as big as Gama, so it’s likely she’s a lower evolution. So what exactly is the problem? Is it Gaezer? Is he strong? “Should we be worried then?” I asked Gama, hoping for some answers in my barely awake state.

Gama nodded her large head. “He’s not going to be happy that foreigners are on his land, so even if he’s not with the New Monarch rebels, this isn’t going to go well.” She answered.

With a small intake of air, I nodded my head and stood to my feet, quickly scrounging to find my armour and Skullcrusher. The bird Faema was quickly approaching, but not everyone was up yet. A few of the Elves were running around trying to wake the others, but they would not make in time. Especially with Venya who is far from a morning person.

Before I had even put my coat on, Faema arrived. On her back sat the demon that must be Gaezer. He looked tall, but it was hard to tell since he was sitting down. He had rough grey hair, with a streak of black branching out from his hair parting. He didn’t seem to have much scarring on his head, but there were quite a few deep looking scars jutting up his neck from his armour.

Ahead of me, Gial walked forward in front of the Orcs, Elves, and Demons and took his hat off bowing respectfully. “I take it y’all are Lord Gaezer that I’ve been hearing ‘bout. It’s a pleasure to me-” Before Gial could finish his sentence it was cut short by a long thick icicle piercing his chest. Gial fell backward, a breath of pain escaping his lips as blood flew from them.

I gripped Skullcrusher and my hands balled up into fists. “GIAL!” I yelled leaping forward.

It was a good thing I did. As soon as the icicle had hit, Gaezer leaped from the bird and brandished a long rapier aiming straight for Gial. Before it could reach, however, he was blocked by my Mushroom shield.

The Demons eyes widened for a small moment before he leaped back. I pulled my shield back towards my side, glancing quickly at it. It had a small crack in it, but the damage was not major. That means I can win this, especially with all the backup I have.

I stared at the Duke in front of me daring him to make the first move. He seemed almost unfazed by me, standing in a calm natural pose with his blade hanging loosely at his side. For a few moments, we just stared at each other, neither of us moving.

Then without warning, Gaezer spat on the ground and rushed towards me. Steeling myself, I did the same.

“STOP IT BOTH OF YOU!” I heard a loud yell as suddenly in between us a large body seemed to appear out of nowhere causing us both to stop abruptly. Cadiz turned to me with her hand up, ushering me to stop. Her eyes were arched in an expression of anger, one that I had never seen on her before. “I understand you are angry Ellena, but you can not just attack a noble out of nowhere.” She chastised me.

“Out of nowhere?” I complained about my anger rising. “Do you see what he did to Gi-”

“THERE IS MORE AT STAKE THAN ONE LITTLE INJURY” She yelled interrupting me. I blinked, taken aback, one little injury? Cadiz took a deep breath. “Think about it logically Ellena. Do you really think one icicle would be enough to kill Gial?” She asked.

I felt my heart rate slow down as I turned to Gial. He was being held up by a few Dark Elves and Odwiff. “I- I’m alright missy.” He told me grinning as blood dribbled from his mouth.

My breathing slowed as I began to calm myself. After a few breaths, I looked back at Cadiz. “I- I’m sorry, Cadiz.” I replied.

Cadiz smiled nodding her head. “Thank you for being so understanding darling.” She replied. Before her expression turned back to anger as she turned to face Gaezer who now stood with his long rapier resting on his large shoulder plate. As quick as lightning Cadiz slapped the man with such force that the air shook around them. His expression did not even flinch from the strike, but his cheek was practically glowing red. “And what in the name of all the Gods do you think you’re doing Gaezer?” She growled at him her arms now on her hips.

Gaezer looked away and clicked his tongue. “This is my land Cadiz, you had no right to interfere.” He grumbled as he sheathed his long blade.

Cadiz gestured widely with her arms. “These people are with me, I brought them here. I had every right to interfere with your stupidity.” She shot back at him.

The Duke's eyes twitched. “Stupidity?” He asked baring his teeth.

“Well, what else would you call a blind hatred for foreigners?” She asked.

Gaezer looked past Cadiz at us, scanning through the faces that stared back at him. “‘Blind hatred’ is it?” He mumbled. “As far as I remember, the Dark Elves were raiding us.” He narrowed his eyes at Gial who was now sitting against a nearby rock splattered in his own blood.

“They have come to our land to apologize for that. Same with the Orcs who were involved in that whole mess. The perpetrator for it all is now dead so they’ve stopped.” Cadiz explained to the Duke.

In response, Gaezer turned his attention to the rest of us. “The Dwarf? Those two highly evolved Monsters over there? The Humans?” He pointed us all out.

Two monsters? I don’t think he was talking about Alvir or Vinn, from the outside they don’t seem to be that highly evolved other than having big bodies. Thinking that, I turned around to find Venya slumped over, eyes twitching closed, but standing behind me. “You really aren’t a morning person.” I whispered to the dead-eyed sister of mine.

Cadiz looked us all over, possibly trying to think of an explanation. “The Humans are soldiers of Lord Avalas, the human noble currently staying at the palace. As for the Monsters and the Dwarf… They…” The large demon paused, obviously not sure if it was a good idea to tell the entire truth to this man.

“We’re going to the castle to see our brother.” I answered for her grabbing Venya. “The Dwarf is an old friend of mine.” I finished.

Gaezer growled. “I don’t remember asking you.” He gritted his teeth, before letting out a breath of frustration. “You two are siblings? You’re completely different species.” He commented in a doubtful voice.

“Even so I assure you they are siblings. Sisters to Vincent. I’m sure you’ve heard of him.” Cadiz interjected.

The Duke's eyes widened before narrowing again as he stared at us. “Pillars…” He growled.

I was a little taken aback, it looked like Cadiz was too. “You-You’ve heard of the pillars?” Cadiz asked Gaezer.

Gaezer shrugged one shoulder sheepishly. “A little. The old man would talk about the legend when we used to go drinking together.” He replied.

Cadiz eyes widened. “The last Demon King knew of the Pillars?” She then chuckled. “Of course he did, that old bast*rd knew everything. Still. That should be all you need, right Gaezer? Leave and let us go in peace.” She walked up to her fellow noble, almost towering over the man.

He seemed to think for a moment before shaking his head lightly. “I came here because Faema said Gama was in her territory. The very fact that Gama herself is transporting these ‘Pillars’ tells me that you intend to use them to help with our country's problems.” He turned his attention fully to Cadiz looking her squarely in the eye. “Even if they are the ‘legendary Pillars’ we do not need outsiders help. This our problem and we will solve it ourselves.” He spoke defiantly.

I clenched my fist before taking a deep breath. If these two keep this line of dialogue going, the Light Elves who are most definitely still listening will most certainly take it the wrong way. “We don’t know for sure if we are going to help.” I spurted out walking towards the arguing pair. “We’re going to the demon capital for a different purpose.” I told him swapping glances with Cadiz.

Gaezer raised one eyebrow. “And what purpose would that be?” He asked calmly.

“To ask the Queen's assistance with putting King Levias to rest.” Cadiz answered for me, a scowl on her face.

Is she mad about what I said? It’s technically true, but even so, it does sound like I don’t care. I’m sure Cadiz understands that’s not the case though. This would all be a lot easier if I could actually tell them all about the Light Elves though.

For a moment. Gaezer stood still, his gaze placed solely at Cadiz. Then he turned his eyes to me. “I had heard that he was to reawaken. Truly that brats power would be useful.” He answered matter of factly. “Even so, brat or not, the Queen is still our Queen. She can not turn her attention away from the tumour festering in our own country.” he finished turning back to Cadiz.

Cadiz grunted in a begrudging agreement. “Whilst I don’t condone your tone, I happen to agree with you. As much as it pains me to say it, Levias is a secondary importance to the New Monarch Rebels for us.” She sighed. “What surprises me though, is that you agree.” She shot a curious glance towards the Duke.

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Gaezer crossed his arms. “I may not be loyal to the Queen, but I am loyal to the country. There may be a better ruler for this country out there, but whoever's behind this rebellion is not it.” He grumbled, stating his opinion clearly.

So that means, at the very least, he’s not our enemy, right? Although he did attack Gial out of nowhere so I can’t quite say I like him. “If you’re not our enemy, then why did you come all the way out here Gaezer? What scheme are you planning?” Cadiz seemed to be even more worried now. Is it really so bad that he isn’t our enemy?

A small smirk worked its way onto Gaezer's lip. “I can assure you the reason I came here has already been made apparent.” He answered before gripping the handle of his holstered sword. “However, I won't deny there was another reason. Killing two birds with one stone if you want to use a human term.” He told us before turning around, his smile vanishing. “Here they come.” I heard him grumble.

We all looked up to match his gaze. The sun was just beginning to rise from the horizon, however, I had barely noticed that until now, as the sky was still quite dark. It wasn’t the night that made it dark though, it was the hundreds of giant birds flying in our direction.

“What the sh*t is going on.” I heard Venya yell as she finally began to wake up.

Cadiz stomped towards Gaezer gripping his shoulder and swinging him around. “Explain yourself Gaezer!” She ordered.

Gaezer looked back at the army flying towards us. “I’d long suspected I had a traitor in my court, a spy for the New Monarch. So, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. I made sure to let my court know exactly where I was going. I knew the royal's pet Magnabird being away from the capital would have been too tempting for them to pass up.” He stated proudly.

Cadiz gritted her teeth before turning back to us throwing her hand out. “There’s no chance for us to retreat here, so we stand and fight! Prepare yourselves!” She ordered us. Venya immediately ran off to find the two short swords she bought a while back, soon after the rest of the group followed suit. Gial was already on his feet, it seemed he was ready to fight even with his injury.

I walked to the two demon's side facing outwards against the forces coming our way. I felt worried. There was excitement there too, as usual, but also worry. I wasn’t worried about losing this fight, the rebels we would be fighting was a hastily put together force so I doubt it’ll be too strong. No, what I’m worried about is those that can’t fight. “We have a heavily wounded soldier with us and a pregnant Oasis wolf.” I mumbled indirectly directing my worry at Gaezer. “Just thought you should know that should anything happen to them."

The xenophobic Duke turned his head to me before gritting his teeth. “The day I care what an outsider has to say is the day this kingdom falls.” He responded.

Cadiz shook her head. “The Oasis Wolves are important to our people Gaezer.” She warned him.

“Then it’s fine, just as long as the Wolves survive.” He responded in an almost indifferent manner before pulling his blade out of its hilt. “Try to keep a few alive. I want to interrogate them later.” He told us.

The rebels were close enough now to make out individuals. Each wearing blue and black leather armour with a variety of sizes and shapes. The air next to me began to crackle as my hairs stood on end. Lightning seemed to be running up and down Cadiz's arms. By her side, Gaezer's blade had turned to ice. Frost was spreading from his feet.

It seems both the Demons were mages, this would be the first time I would be seeing Cadiz fight. So in a way that had me excited. Around me, I heard the tense breathing that came before a battle. I turned around to see Alvir and a few demons with the other Wolves protecting Sari, they had also sat Lason with Kuuli and Bear inside the protection corner.

Basically, as long as they’re protected and we keep a few alive, we can run wild. I haven’t been able to have a good fight for what feels like forever now. Not that it’s something that I should be seeking out.

I swang Skullcrusher around into a fighting position and planted my feet firmly on the ground. Just as I was about to leap into the oncoming crown Cadiz held out her arm. “Wait.” She commanded. I grumbled, a bit annoyed, but did as they said.

“Wait for it.” She repeated as the army grew closer. They were almost right on us now. “Just a little more.” She carried on as the rest of us steeled ourselves. As the enemy grew even closer, we could clearly see them begin to prepare magic, before any could be thrown at us though, Cadiz threw her arm down. “AEDI NOW!” She yelled.

Just then a huge pillar of flame burst from behind us piercing directly through the center of the rebels. The rest of them scattered off to the sides to avoid it. I turned around to see Aedi standing atop Gama's head pointing her staff at our enemies.

Ah. Yeah. I’d forgotten about Aedi. Without changing expression I turned back to see what had happened. Unsurprisingly a not insignificant portion of the rebels forces had begun to plummet from the sky. The majority still flew though and Aedi took a while to charge her magic.

“To think Lady Aedette was here too. How irritating.” Gaezer grumbled. “I’m not waiting any longer.” He told us before thrusting his rapier towards a group of rebels.

Icicles as long as the blade flew out from it at a speed undodgeable. One struck straight through the head of one of the giant birds. Not wanting the Duke to have all the fun, I also began my attack and judging by the battle cries behind me, the others seemed to, too.

I deftly landed on the head of the closest bird before swinging Skullcrusher into the rebel not giving him enough time to react. His body was swung off the bird as blood flew from his skull. To my side, I saw a blur of movement as a line of rebels lost their heads. At the end of the line stood Venya, her two blades drenched in blood. She gave me a broad smile before dashing between a few more birds heads.

As a response to our sudden attacks over half of the remaining rebel lept from their birds landing on top of the mountain we were camping on. The remaining ones, that appeared to be their mages and archers, took off in all directions.

One of the archers aimed an arrow at me, so I raised up my Mushroom Shield ready to block it. Before it could even reach me through a lightning bolt intercepted it causing it to explode into splinters. I turned to see Cadiz standing on Gama's back with lightning coursing between her hands. She smiled sadistically. “Leave these lot to us, darling, you go ahead and help with the main force.” She told me pointing down.

I looked at the ground to see our two forces clashing. The rebels were actually doing a little better than I thought. Although in one corner their bodies seemed to be flying every which way. Considering I can’t see the one doing it, I can only assume it’s Odwiff.

I turned back to Cadiz and nodded my head. As I did she grinned and practically vanished from sight. The next second she was shooting lightning at a fire mage whilst jumping from bird to bird. To see a lady of her size move like that. It was an unusual sight for certain.

Still, I should go ahead and help as I said I would. I carefully aimed near the back of the rebels, away from any of my allies and jumped down from the bird headfirst with Skullcrusher held at my side. It had been a while since I used my Mushroom Helmet to its full effectiveness.

With a grin on my face I made contact with the rebels. A huge cloud of dust and bodies exploded around me. I could hear the screams and gasps of the nearby rebels, then a loud series of thumps as their bodies hit the ground. With a crack of my neck, I got to my feet and had a look around.

It seems as though I’m now in a bit of a crater, it also seems like I was joined by quite a few rather surprised looking rebels. The rebels in question quickly recovered and ran at me ready to kill. I swiftly dodged the first few attacks and deflected another with my Mushroom Shield before kicking one of the rebel away. As he flew back I swung Skullcrusher into the other three that were currently on me crushing the closest one's bones and knocking the other two away.

Before the one I had kicked had the chance to react I ran up to him and locked my fist with his skull, knocking him out. As much as I didn’t want to help Gaezer, him getting information out of a few rebels could only really help us. If he even bothers to tell the queen that is.

As I was thinking such thoughts a rather scorched body fell from the sky landing a few feet away from me. I looked up to see Venya still working her way through the rebels still in the sky. There was also the blur that was Cadiz and the occasional flash of lightning. If they weren’t struggling enough with just those two, Gama and Faema were circling them stopping any from getting too far away.

“Got ya!” A voice yelled as a blade struck against my Mushroom Shield shattering at its touch.

I turned my head to see the stunned demon looking at his broken blade before scattering back behind his fellow warriors. He probably thought he was sneaking up on me, but did he really think I would completely lose focus on those that I’m fighting? For all I know some of these rebels might put up an actual fight I can’t let my guard down.

The demons seemed a bit hesitant to attack me, they still had the numbers. “So you’re strong?” A voice from the crowd said. A large demon began to walk towards me, pushing through the rest of his people. He had a solemn glare planted on his face. “Let's put it to the test.” He growled revealing two large hammers.

That seemed like a bit of a cumbersome weapon. How exactly do you fight with two two-handed weapons? Is he just wielding them to show off how strong they are? I scratched the back of my head before turning to face the muscular warrior.

He nodded his head lightly before rushing at me, the hammers at his side. With a surprisingly agile motion, he hopped into the air and began to spin around holding his weapons outstretched.

I’m not sure how strong he is, but I felt as though that might cause some damage. Jumping back, I let him smash into the ground causing another cloud of sand. Before I could spot him, the man rushed out of the sand swinging both of his hammers down from above, I raised up Skullcrusher and met their descent.

Whilst I managed to hold back his attack, I felt my feet digging into the ground behind me. Despite his ludicrous weapons, his power was not to be laughed at. With a grunt I pushed the warrior off me, he stumbled back a few steps before coming to a stop.

A smile washed across my face. Even if it doesn’t last too long this should be fun. With a grin, I rushed forward.

“LOOK OUT BELOW!” A voice yelled from above. Before either of us could react, the rebels body was cut straight down the middle. He looked up at me shock splattered on his face before he slothed off into two sides.

Behind him, Venya got to her feet rubbing her head. “Ow ow ow.” She muttered before turning to her side and looking down at the mess she’d made. “That’s disgusting.” She reacted in a monotone voice.

“You’re the one that did it!” I pointed out.

She looked up at me. “Well it’s not my fault, one of those stupid f*cking birds shook me off it’s back.” She complained.

I scrunched up my brow. “So you thought you might as well cut a man in half on your way down?!” I asked angrily.

Venya shrugged her shoulders nodding. “I mean. Yeah.” She answered honestly. “What are you so mad about anyway, he’s our enemy right?”

“Well… I mean. I was having fun fighting him, is all.” I mumbled averting my gaze.

My sisters' arms dropped to her side with a dumbfounded expression on her face. She then brought her hand up to her head. “Why is my sister such a battle junkie.” She mumbled.

I felt a little awkward and shifted my feet. “Can… Can we just finish this.” I asked her motioning to the army around us.

She nodded her head, before turning to the crowd that hadn’t dared move since she got here. They were being a bit cowardly all in all. “If you aren’t going to come for us. Then we’ll just have to come for you.” She threatened them before disappearing into their numbers. I followed suit swing Skullcrusher into their front row knocking dozens over with one swing.

It wasn’t long before we began to hear the yells of retreat, with Odwiff, Gial Alka and the other coming from one direction and us two from the other, their forces were being whittled down quick.

As they began to disperse I could also make out Gaezer fighting, he looked composed and calm, yet his arm and his blade were moving at insane speeds. Every time he thrust his rapier into one enemy ice would burst forth from it and hit another two. The way he used his magic along with his weapon was flawless.

By this time though, the enemy forces were on a full-on retreat, some of them tried to flee back to their birds, but there was no escaping that way, so the rest just ran. Their numbers were less than ours now. I turned to Gaezer who was nonchalantly taking out the retreating rebels. “Do you need us to go after them?” I asked him nodding my head towards the main group.

He looked up at me and grimaced slightly. “I don’t care what you do, I have what I need.” He told me bluntly.

“Such a rude b*sterd.” Venya grumbled next to me.

I sighed and looked up to see if I could spot Cadiz. “Cadiz! Should we go after them?” I asked her.

“I think that would be best.” A voice right behind me said making me nearly jump out my armour.

“F*CK ME!” Venya yelped.

At some point, Cadiz had gotten behind us. She placed her hand on our shoulders. “It would probably be best to get them before they can get a report out to their superiors. We don’t need them knowing you’re here, at least not yet.” She told us.

That makes sense. If we do end up helping fight the rebels, it would be best to do so without them prepared to fight us. They can’t be prepared if they don’t know we exist. I nodded my head to Venya as we sprinted forward. If I’m honest, it doesn’t sit right with me, attacking a retreating force, but in this instance, we don’t have much of a choice.

The proceeding battle would have been better described as a slaughter. We ripped through their numbers like paper, a few tried to fight back, but their energy just wasn’t in it. It didn’t take long for the last of them to fall.

“Do we just leave the bodies out here?” Venya asked me.

I shrugged my shoulders. “I guess. This is the middle of nowhere, the middle of the desert. The sand will swallow them up eventually right?” I asked.

Venya scratched her head. “I think that’s how it works. If not, that Gaezer guy probably won't want an army of corpses on his land so he’ll probably clean it up.” She replied.

I nodded my head in agreement. He seemed like a very territorial man, so I’m sure he protects and looks after it well, at least I’d hope so. Whether he looks after his citizens… Hard to tell, he hates us, but that doesn’t at all mean he hates his people.

When we arrived back they had already begun to clean up. Gaezer had put five bodies on the back of Faema, they must be the five that had managed to survive the battle. Off in a corner he and Cadiz were talking.

I jogged up to them. “Ah. Ellena. Did you manage to get them all?” Cadiz asked me.

“Yeah. They barely even fought back… I felt kind of bad really.” I told her scratching my chin.

Gaezer turned his head to me before turning back. “Guilt is a weakness when it comes to war.” He scoffed.

My eyebrows twitched and I felt a sudden urge to thump him round the back of his head. I saw Cadiz behind him shaking her head, so I held myself back.

Gaezer turned back to his fellow demon. “Well then Cadiz. I will be off for now, leave my territory by the end of the day or I’ll return.” He warned us as he hopped on to the currently grounded Faema.

Cadiz stared at the Duke. “So tell me, darling. Are you our ally?” She asked him simply.

The Duke thought for a moment before shaking his head. “I’m not your enemy. Take that as you will.” He grimaced before flying off.

Venya and I turned back to Cadiz. “So how are we taking that?” Venya asked Cadiz.

She watched Gaezer fly further away then looked at our own people who had already begun to load our gear back on to the ship. “At the very least, I don’t think we have to worry about him fighting against us.” She sighed.

She began to walk back up the hill as we followed close behind. “Did we have any casualties?” I inquired.

Cadiz nodded her head. “Other than Gial being heavily injured there are a few others that got hurt too. Also… two deaths, one of my guards and an Orc.” She told us with a sigh.

I felt relieved. Maybe it’s a bad thing to feel relief that no one you’re close to died. I’m not happy about the deaths, far from it, but I’m glad Gial didn’t die. “So what now?” I asked.

“Gaezer said he’ll send some of his men to clear up the bodies.” Cadiz told us. I exchanged a glance with Venya who seemed proud of herself. “But I want to give my man a proper burial, I’m sure Alka does for hers too.” She continued. “After that, we’ll leave and fast. No need to fight Gaezer as hateful as he can be.” She finished.

Both Venya and I agreed with that plan. There was one thing I wanted to say though. “Can you tell us about the rest of the journey? If that’s possible I mean.” I asked, trying to stay polite.

Cadiz raised an eyebrow whilst looking back at me. “The rest of the journey?” She questioned.

I nodded. “Yeah. Whose territory we’ve yet to go through, what the lords in charge are like what sort of opposition we might expect. I feel as though we’ve been ill-prepared for this journey so far and I’d like to prevent that.” I explained to her.

The Duchess smiled her usual smile. “But of course darling. I would have told you from the start if you only asked.” She answered.

So whilst we packed up our camp just after dawn Cadiz proceeded to tell us exactly what I asked. I realise of course, this is something I should have asked a while ago, maybe it was a bit immature of me to just want to sit back and leave the planning to someone else, but I feel as though I have enough stress to deal with already. Still, it’s not like everyone else on this ship doesn’t have their own problems to deal with, it’s about time I started acting a bit like this ‘legendary pillar’ that I’m supposed to be.

Anyway, according to Cadiz we had four more territories in our path before the Queen's rather large personal territory. Not the largest of the lords, but possibly the most luxurious. It seems as though none of the lords in charge of said territories should give us as much trouble as Gaezer, but we should watch out for one of them. Countess Drika, she’s a bit difficult to read and Cadiz believes she’s playing both sides. So it’s hard to tell which she favours more. Either way it would be best to avoid contact with her as much as possible.

Out of the other three one is in open support of the Queen, one is remaining neutral and doesn’t want to drag his people into it and the last is Aedi’s uncle on her mother's side. Apparently, he dotes on her quite a bit, so I don’t think he’ll be our enemy.

We gave the dead a quick, but respectful burial before moving on. This journey wasn’t meant to be a dangerous one, but we brought these numbers for a reason I suppose. We ended up taking off before midday and found ourselves in quite a bit of a hurry to leave the area. Gama was flying at a greater speed than usual, so we probably wouldn’t be staying in the air too long this time.

Before anything else I checked up on Gial. He was recovering, but the attack had definitely done some damage. He didn’t have any extreme healing skills, but he did have a big enough health pool to survive that hit and then some. I don’t know whether Gaezer intended to kill Gial with that hit, but I’m going to have a few choice words for him next time we meet regardless.

After I checked up on Gial I carried on with Kasa’s saddle. Without much time to work on it though, I didn’t get much done. Over dinner, there wasn’t too much talking or celebration. Quite a few people lost their friends today, just because I didn’t know the two that died doesn’t mean others didn’t. It was a bit too awkward for the rest of us to speak much.

As night rolled around, the Wolves actually came inside to sleep for once. Not due to a personal preference, but due to the wind above deck. The barrier at the front of the ship can only protect from so much and at the speed we were going it would both be noisy and pretty cold.

With that, a sudden and eventful day came to a close. Hopefully, this Gaezer will end up being an ally to the Queen. Even if he does get information out of those rebels, he can’t exactly think he’ll be able to take on the entire rebellion by himself, so he’s got to come to the Queen for help. Unless he’s really that stubborn… Well, I guess only time will tell.

[Name: Ellena Orcsbane]

[Age: 184 Days]

[Species: Arbor Ferrous, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-6"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title/s: Kin of Ellephwen, Wolfmother, Slayer.]

{Level: 71] +6

[Health: 57990/58315] +2711

[Mana: 8920/9514] + 409

[Stamina: 42780/43089] +1701

[Hunger: 43001/43089] +1701

[Attack: 38787] +1659

[Defence: 69316 + 22000] +3092

[Magic Attack: 10184] +360

[Magic Defence: 19506] +635

[Skills:

[Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)] [Poison Resistance lvl 8] [Mind Resistance lvl 2]

[Venom Resistance lvl 8] [Lightning Resistance lvl 5] [Paralysis Resistance lvl 4]

[Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 9] [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 74}] Up!

[tough stomach lvl 8] [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 9] [Polearm Expert lvl 6]

[Demifoot lvl 10] [Warriors Heart lvl 52] [Warriors Will lvl 36]

[Warriors Strength lvl 45] Up! [Greater Regeneration lvl 8] [Guardian lvl 10 (Max)]

[Dryads Charm lvl 18] [Skinning lvl 5] [Tanning lvl 5]

[Leatherworking lvl 9] [Carving lvl 3] [Earth Magic lvl 9]

[{Wolfmother lvl 18}] [{Pillars Aura lvl 15}]