The giant serpent flies through the sky, taking Fafnir in the process. We fall to the ground after it disappears. It takes a while before I recover from the fall.

"We must hurry to fafnir's rescue at once." I simply nod to Gathars suggestion, and he calls some of his tribesmen to follow.

It is morning, but the light of the sun is obscured by the large leaves creating a shade inside the lush green forest of wonders that we run thought in search for fafnir's location. 

Kaali tribesmen begin to climb the towering trees effortlessly and within seconds they ascend the tree branches, having a better view of the surroundings. 

"Those are my best trackers, they pride themselves on tracking almost everything effectively on any given situation." Gathar boasts the ability of his men while we make our way through the woods. Surpassingly the grass is well trimmed and the forest is not just a mess of overgrowth green leaves and blades of grass.

As we run through the forest, the Kaali escorts us by jumping from branch to branch without a single misstep. 

Suddenly we feel a tremor run by us, making us halt our search for Fafnir. Gathar speaks of it. "I am well familiar with these tremors. Ladon must be in battle with Fafnir."

We pick up the pace...

A strange light pulsates from our direction. We close in on it only to be greeted by a gruesome sight. Blue and pure white flames engulfing its victim, and the one committing the act is Fafnir, in the same state as I saw him on that fateful day in Atlas-Azure the capital city.

Although not tall enough, he holds his victim by the neck forcing the pitiful man to kneel while he burns. This is not the same Fafnir anymore. Ruthless and silent. 

He would usually hesitate or say something to boost his confidence, but no this one's different. 

Gathar, the Kaali and I stand by the trees, watching the battle unfold in front of us. It doesn't feel like a battle though. More like a one sided confrontation.

And at that moment, the victim disappears, blown away by the wind as he turns into ash. Fafnir falls to the ground and I rush over to help him.

Gathar and the others, however examine the husk of the massive serpent Ladon. Little do they know that the serpent is merely a guise of what Ladon truly is. Samael thinks to himself for a while about the event that has transpired.

He's awakened once again, but this time instead of going on a rampage he looked rather calm. Will this affect my plans greatly? I try to shake him in hope of waking him up, but my efforts were in vain. I chose to carry him back to the Kaali village.

Gathar examines the serpent lying on the ground. "Truly God-like, he defeated the one enemy that threatened our very existence alone. What kind of power does that child possess? And those blue flames?"

"Let us go back Gathar. The deed is done and now you will need to repair your village. Your eradication has been avoided." I urge Gathar to avoid asking any further as any leaks to my plans with deter what I have in store for this child's future.

I walk back carrying Fafnir on my back, Gathar and a few of the tribesmen follow, some are left behind with Ladon. "Why are your people staying there?" I ask Gathar, curious.

"We shall take what we can, skin the monster and offer the remains as a sacrifice to the gods."

I stay silent knowing what their objective is. But I could have gotten to Fafnir sooner, I just can't risk using too much of my former power as it would alert someone very unpleasant.

The sun begins to set. Beams of orange light pierce the leaves of the trees, the forest the same color as autumn. We return to the village, slightly destroyed but, still standing. The boundaries of the village lay in ruins and some of the Kaali stand guard outside the village and some are repairing the broken structures.

They welcome their leaders return. They looked happy for a while, but you can still see a hint of sadness in their eyes as they lost many of their fellow Kaali. 

Gathar hails to one of the guards to relay his instructions. "Gather everyone, all must hear what I have to say." 

In an instant, the plaza of the village located in the middle of the village is cramped by Kaali tribesmen, all curious to hear about what Gathar has to say. 

Fafnir and I are located inside a house hanging from a tree branch. Suspended by a strong vine. Fafnir rests on the bed still unconscious, but still breathing. Scars here and there, but of no real threat to his life. All he needs is to have those injuries treated.

I overhear the address the Gathar gives from above. "Everyone, calm yourselves. We are safe, we have been given redemption and another chance to live our lives without being pursued by the gods. Ladon has passed and we will celebrate his defeat and mourn the death of our fallen brethren."

"They who fell against Ladons might will be hailed as heroes for they protected everyone here. We shall not forget them, for even I have lost some who I have grown very close with. We will move forward once again, keeping all the memories of our comrades in mind, making a brighter future for the Kaali."

I can see from above what the reactions of the tribes people were. Some seeped in happiness, some celebrated at that very moment. There were a lot of mixed emotions, but you could see the relief on their faces as a great burden has been lifted from their shoulders 

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

It's truly amazing how much potential this young child has. No wonder Marchosias made me take care of him. I wonder how this one's future will turn out.

The festivities begin at once as the Kaali arrange for many different decorations around the village, making everything more colorful. 

His eyes twitch and he clenches his hands, slowly opening his eyes, he sees Samael peering out through an open window. He gets up slightly, realizing that he was brought back by Samael as usual. 

"Samael. What happened to the battle? Did I... Lose?"

"Well it all went well all things considered, But enough of that, look at what's happening outside." I'll try to distract him from it as much as possible. 

I get up, curious as to what Samael is talking about. I look out the window to see Kaali villagers scurrying about here and there, setting up decorations of some soft. I ask Samael as to what all this is about.

"It's a celebration for their savior. You defeated Ladon after all."

"Hey Samael. I know I'm thinking too far ahead but, what's next after this? Where are we going?"

"Eager for adventure are we? Remember that request I said about a rumored mythical lion terrorizing the villages of Vasantria? We're taking care of that first. I wonder how much the reward is. I can't wait."

"Still regretting on not getting the reward from Ardrasthrurs?"

"You bet. Sometimes I just wish that we could go back."

"Why? Did something happen?"

"Nothing really, don't pay it any mind haha."

Samael laughs it off. Might just be my imagination but I want pry anymore, I trust him. I get back on the bed, resting my scars off, and in that moment Gathar comes inside escorted by 2 of his people.

"Ah our savior is awake! I have brought Kaali who specialize in medicine. They will recover you in no time, just so you can enjoy the festival in your honor."

"Thank you Gathar. I'll take a rest then."

The night passes and it is filled with festivities and alluring music from odd looking instruments. Food and celebrations everywhere. The Kaali surrounded me at one point only to kneel in front of me, of course I made them stand, no need for that. But moving comes in a hurry, ending the fun from last night. 

Once again I pack up our belongings, putting them on Sleipnirs saddle. "How have you been Sleipnir? Sorry we've been leaving you behind more often. I won't like it if I lose you after all."

Sleipnir breathes through his nose, blowing wind into my face. I chuckle at his friendly gesture, patting him on the head.

"Are you ready to be on our way once again Fafnir? It'll be a long journey from here on."

"I'm not that strong yet. I'll keep training to become stronger, and soon... I'll make it there. I wonder just what awaits me there."

Gathar sees us on our departure. "I'll have guards escort you through the fastest way out of the forest. Fafnir, know that we are forever grateful for what you have done for the Kaali. In return, if you ever request our assistance, I will be there personally to see your request through."

We depart, I wave back to Gathar who is surrounded by Kaali also seeing us off. The escorts quickly ascend the trees guiding us. Samael takes Sleipnirs reins and I merely latch on his back, we gallop towards the exit for a few hours until we reach the very borders where trees miniscule compared to the trees in the forest of wonders grow. 

I wave our final goodbyes to the escorts, and they quickly return. 

Green fields and the refreshing blast of wind thought the horizon. The sky shines clearly, the sun covered by clouds making the scenery much more visible. Nothing but nature as far as the eye can see. 

Samael takes out a map of Vasantria and explains to me where the village of distress is located.

Half a days travel with Sleipnir, but it'd take us a day and a half by foot. Samael readies everything. "Well, we can't have the villagers die before I get my reward."

"Uhh it seems like your fighting for the wrong reasons." I laugh a bit at Samaels remark.

"Nonsense, but enough of that. Let us go to our next place of adventure."

Sleipnir gallops across the vast fields of green, the wind feels warm and cool at the same time. 

We arrive faster than we anticipated to the village where people outside are surrounding someone, cheering and applauding. 

"What is all the commotion about? Take the reins Fafnir, I'll go look just in case."

I stay by the village entrance while Samael scouts ahead to ask about the gathering. 

"Excuse me sir, what might be all the commotion about?"

I ask a old man, squinting at me. He answers slowly, taking his sweet time. "Uhh, who're you? Oh what's that? You wanna ask about the pretty lady who took down the giant lion?"

"... What?"

From a distance, I see Samael stop all movement, petrified, but what about?