“Tel’iah!” a woman screamed and the little girl hunched her shoulders. “O.” she muttered and Sergeant BladeClaw let out a single chuckle. “It appears a mother’s rage transcends language barriers.” He thought and Tel’iah turned to him. She placed the back of her hand to her forehead and collapsed in his direction.
“Pachi’La.” The little girl whispered. “Hoi.” Kenpachi replied and she giggled. The angry woman marched towards them and her scowl turned into a frown the closer she got. Tel’iah’s mother stopped. She squinted, raised two fingers, closed one eye. Tel;iah’s mother measured her child, before she measured the crimson skinned man. The pale blue glow bounced off his bone plated armour and she gawked at its iridescent sheen.
“T-Tel’iah.” The nervous woman called out quietly. Sergeant BladeClaw knelt and placed the girl on her feet. He gave her a little push and she looked up at the crimson skinned man. “Ma’a! Tel’iah sok hip ai, Tel’iah ve’k Dr;K. Pachi’La.” The little girl said proudly and she approached her mother steadily.
“Dr’K?” Tel’iah’s mother asked, bewildered. “Ma’a! Pachi’La.” The little girl corrected and the embarrassed woman bowed humbly. “Fo’rah ai Do’rah, Pachi’La.” “Forgive and thanks, Lord Pachi.” The translation programmed repeated. “Hmm. We have been travelling for a week and we have still not reached her village. How far did this child travel and for what purpose?” Kenpachi wondered as he stood slowly. A group of pale blue skinned men and women, in furs, approached slowly.
“A search party? I am glad they care for one another.” Sergeant BladeClaw thought. “Ah! Lord Pachi! It! It!” Tel’iah shouted excitedly and she gestured to her mouth. “Tel’iah!-Forgiveness, Lord Pachi.” Her mother said quickly and the crimson skinned man understood what she meant. He held his hand out, with his palm facing the floor, and it glowed. Bento boxes fell from the bright light and formed a neat pile. The search party’s jaws dropped and they exchanged bewildered looks.
*
The satisfied search party rubbed their full bellies. Their smiles faded away slowly, when the cost of such a bounty entered their minds. They turned to Tel’iah’s mother. She gave it some thought, smiled and shook her head. Tel’iah’s mother spoke quietly and everyone hung their heads.
“It appears they are arguing about something. Tel’iah does not seem bothered by it for some reason. I suppose in another week we will be able to communicate. The question is what will I do until then?” Kenpachi wondered. He scanned the tunnel and looked back at the darkness behind them. The torches in the distance were barely visible. The Salamander Dragon wandered the city until he found a route to the palace. He walked down a spiral staircase and approached the two-kilometre-tall stone double doors.
Kenpachi stood up and approached the search party. They looked up quickly and turned to Tel’iah’s mother. She shrugged and the crimson skinned man shone a hologram of a blizzard and a blue mountain range in the distance. They all stared at the memory with awe struck eyes.
“Hmm? Hiper’boros?” Tel’iah asked curiously and a few members of the search party gasped. The rest hung their heads. A man shook his head and packed up his things. The others stared at him, before they exchanged looks and packed up as well. Tel’iah’s mother glanced at her daughter and nodded. The little girl approached Sergeant BladeClaw and pointed at the mountain. She then pointed at herself, the tribe and the path away from the underground city.
*
“Major, have you discovered anything?” General Illumoon asked and the Sloth Dragon waved his hand. “Cecil Ncobo of Redfalls. 65, Level 78, male, Arcane Warrior, killed in action eighty-two years ago.” He replied and she raised an eyebrow.
“He died during the rebellion. Then how did he end up on a planet that did not exist at the time?” Khanyi asked and Major Jabba’s eyes shone as he gave it some thought. “I have no idea.” The Sloth Dragon replied honestly.
“Really, Major? I am willing to wager there is a Dragon on this planet that knows-”“-let it be, General. We were blessed with good fortune. Build the pyramid and secure another accolade. Anything and everything that concerns the civil war is a well-guarded secret.” Major Jabba rumbled frightfully and the image of the Sloth Dragon flashed before her. He wept, cradled his son’s corpse and roared at the sky.
“This is absurd. They cannot possibly have seen this far ahead. Our families have been intertwined since The Council’s formation. Since when did we have to bend the knee to their influence? Since when were we supposed to fear the Moonglow Dragons.” General Illumoon rumbled and Major Jabba snarled at her rage.
“Since your families allowed them to do as they pleased. Clans Drah’Goo, Illumoon, IronHide and Gardenia sat idly by and counted their accomplishments, while the rest of society grew under their shadows. You of all people should be more than aware how dangerous political struggles are and why most of the conscripts come from the remaining clans.” The Sloth Dragon rumbled with disdain.
“I know…which is why I wanted to meet with The Prince. I want to know what He is fighting for. What we should fight for? Turn your fear, rage and hatred to excitement and hope. The world is changing, and we must change with it.” Khanyi rumbled optimistically.
“An admirable fellow. However, I fear he is nothing more than a sacrificial pawn. Tragic in fact. To think he would struggle so valiantly for those who would turn on him, if they knew what was to gain.” Major Jabba rumbled ominously. “What do you know?” General Illumoon asked quickly.
“How would you like to die, General?” the Sloth Dragon asked and he stared at the cloudy sky. Khanyi stared at the old Dragon before she answered. “I don’t.” General Illumoon replied. “And why should you? I always imagined I would die after too much time had passed. I am surrounded by my loved ones, my hearth fizzles away and I wander the ash dunes until the end of all things.” Major Jabba rumbled peacefully.
“What are you talking about? You are immortal, Major.” Khanyi replied and the Sloth Dragon laughed. “Are we? I am certain my son thought he was immortal as well, perhaps these so-called gods do too.” He rumbled coyly. “What are you saying?” Khanyi whispered.
“How many ways can one die?” Major Jabba asked and General Illumoon sucked her teeth. “My grandfather liked riddles as well. There is more than one form of death. Are you saying there is more than one form of immortality. An endless existence. The Council?” she asked and the old Dragon nodded silently.
“There is a reason why the Dragon Guard are so powerful and dangerous. They do not just protect The Council; they conceal their very existence.” The Sloth Dragon rumbled frightfully. He smiled at the night sky and the full moon. “You have all summer to ponder. And remember…weary is the head that wears the crown.” Major Jabba rumbled and he stared at General Illumoon. The Sloth Dragon turned away with a curious smile. He stared at the night sky and hummed.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
*
“If what Major Jabba said is true then our fate balances on a blade’s edge. All Dragons could fade away from the annals of history. Gone from the passages of time. Another form of immortality…eternity? Mortal to immortal, immortal to eternal. Is that the natural progression of life? To one day never end. What would become of The Universe then?” Khanyi wondered and she paced back and forth.
“Ma’am.” Domanique greeted with a nod. “Progress report.” General Illumoon ordered. “The foundation is complete and the wards have been set. All that’s left is to build the damn thing. Once the idiots I am working with learn how to read blueprints properly.” The Minotaur Dragon rumbled and Khanyi giggled at her frustration. “A marvelous invention, isn’t it?” she asked, with a smile.
“Aye, they remind me of the fortresses back home. However, the enchanting requirements and the sheer amount of Mana needed are absurd.” Domanique replied and Khanyi raised an eyebrow. “Hmm. You understand the blueprints and their significance, while others do not. May I ask if you have already integrated what you have learned?” she asked curiously.
“I have, why? Was I wrong to do so?” The Minotaur Dragon asked nervously. “Of course not. I was simply curious. Some things can only be learned in service to our people. A reward for your time and work. I learned that lesson when I discovered Keystones. One of the secrets harboured by the Moonglow Dragons.” General Illumoon rumbled and her frustration seeped through.
“I am growing tired of their secrets.” Domanique muttered. “Apologies. I should not have said that.” She rumbled regretfully and Duke flashed before Khanyi’s eyes. The eight hundred and ninety-nine Dragons under General Illumoon’s command exchanged awkward glances.
“You have nothing to apologise for. You are not the only one who shares that sentiment. Worlds inside worlds. Secrets upon secrets. How many of you think it is strange that our protectors are also our jailors?” Khanyi rumbled as she looked out at the snow dunes. “I do not believe they have ever given it much thought, General.” Major Jabba replied with a chuckle.
“Aye. We are too many, to be this ignorant of our own ways. Too old, and too young. I wish to host a Union.” General Illumoon rumbled and she turned to the Sloth Dragon. “I will make the preparations.” He replied happily. The Dragons exchanged looks once more, before they glanced at the Minotaur Dragon. She rolled her eyes and cleared her throat.
“Ma’am-”“-a banquet followed by a small gathering, sergeant. One our people used to hold before…well, anything. A courtesy. A show of respect, an old tradition that has been forgotten.” Khanyi replied excitedly.
*
“Jar’red!” a Hyperborean man called out. The towering figure stopped chiseling and turned around. He saw Tel’iah and smiled from ear to ear. Jar’red dropped his tools and sighed. He walked over to the group, with an enraged scowl.
“You scared the life out of us all! Do you know that?” the Hyperborean Chief scolded. “Forgive me, Chief. But I went to go find help…and I found Him.” Tel’iah replied meekly. “Help? We do not need help. We’ll be fine-” Jar’red paused when he blinked and saw a blindingly bright light in the darkness. He looked up, closed his eyes and stared at the blazing hot inferno shaped like a man.
Kenpachi scanned the ice brick buildings, the smooth icy streets and the clear blue sky above their heads. The Hyperborean city glistened and sparkled in the light. The people all left their homes and their places of work. They flocked to the streets and stared at the crimson skinned man.
“They can all detect energy signatures? Who are these people? Some of their structures are infused with Mana. A hardy folk…but how did they come by their ways? Who taught them what they know?” Sergeant BladeClaw wondered as he scanned his surroundings. Kenpachi strolled down the streets and the Hyperboreans bowed humbly.
“Lord Pachi! Oh, I mean…Lord Pachi.” The little girl said politely. She bowed and tugged her at the Chief’s pants leg. Jar’red was startled by this. He looked down noticed Tel’iah and looked up again. The Hyperborean Chief realized that his people had lowered their heads and he did the same. Jar’red looked up once more and his eyes met the DragonHeart’s.
“My presence has already upset the balance. I must tread carefully going forward. I still need to discover what happened to the Cosmic Tree. I do not wish to alarm them by ripping the knowledge from their minds. It will take time to do so gently.” Sergeant BladeClaw thought, while his Astral bodies mapped the area. They circled the icy mountain range and the snowy forests and meadows at its feet. One stood on the tallest peak and looked up. The psychic apparition spotted a sparkle in the distance and another soared through the air. The Astral body looked down, while another continued.
“Ahh. I see. I suppose it is time I made my report.” Kenpachi thought as he poured over the maps and memories. The Salamander Dragon crossed his legs and closed his eyes. He hovered fifty metres above the northern bridge, with his back to the underground city. The surprised DragonHeart was surrounded by the Hyperboreans. They raised Tel’iah high and cheered. “Tel’iah!” “You did it!” “Brave little girl!” “Tel’iah has brought a Dragon to save us!” they shouted happily.
*
“Hyperborean? Do they know what happened to the Cosmic Tree?” Major Jabba asked. “It seems some have an idea. It will take a few days to confirm it. Unfortunately, most seem to be unaware of anything beyond the borders of their city. The barrier barred them from leaving…until Tel’iah found a secret path to the underground city and the strange throne room. Though I do not know how much they are hiding.” The Salamander Dragon reported.
“Ah! I found a tome that details a room very similar to what you found. I believe it is called the Hall of Monarchs. However, the tome described thirteen seats of power. What a wonderous place, the Library of Truth. One could wander through the halls for a millennium and never see everything it holds.” The Sloth Dragon rumbled giddily and Kenpachi chuckled.
“Oh? A rare laugh. Have you considered my advice? It seems time with these people has served you well.” Major Jabba noted and the Salamander Dragon noticed the men and women in the background. They appeared, leapt and vanished shorty afterwards along the ramparts on the walls.
“Has something happened?” Kenpachi asked and he glanced behind the Sloth Dragon. “Aye. The General is hosting a Union. Make you are here for it. Oh, and bring a diplomatic party of Hyperboreans. For diplomatic reasons…that is an order, sergeant.” He replied sternly and the Salamander Dragon grumbled. “Yes…sir.” He replied and Major Jabba ended the call with a grin.
Kenpachi opened his eye and a notification popped up in front of him. It was a formal invitation to a banquet. He accepted it, sighed and stood up. The Salamander Dragon’s boots touched the stone path and he turned towards the city.
“The Hall of Monarchs. Who do they rule? Are they The Council’s seats? Ours?” Kenpachi gave it some thought, before he sent an Astral body to the well-lit chamber. The psychic apparition studied the stone chair and the Salamander Dragon scoffed in disbelief. “Why did I not notice it before?” he whispered. His Astral body turned slowly in place. It stared at the much smaller seats arranged in a circle along the walls.
“Seven…not thirteen. What is the meaning of this? And why are you here?” Sergeant BladeClaw wondered out loud. “And here I was hopping to keep my distance.” He added, when Tel’iah rushed to his side and the Hyperboreans followed meekly. They gathered before the crimson skinned man and he noticed how thin they all were. The hundreds of Astral bodies scanned the forests and only a dozen energy signatures popped up on the monitors.
“Food is scarce and the conditions must make it difficult to grow anything. These people were abandoned. Was the Dragon in the hall the guardian of these lands? Like my people were the guardians of ours. A Dragon without a people and a people without a Dragon. Coincidence?” Kenpachi thought. He looked up and noticed how far away Jar’red was standing.
“If I am to meddle, then I need to win him over. If I cannot, then I need to steal the people’s hearts. What a horrible soul. Haunted by those he has murdered. This Jar’red will sow seeds of doubt and undermine my every word, if I leave him alone. If this is fate…can I truly place my hopes on a child? I suppose this is what my father thought that day. I will not make the same mistake. The girl will earn her strength, it will not be granted to her. She, who braved the unknown, will not know doubt. She will become a brilliant flame that burns through the night.” Sergeant BladeClaw decided and he knelt before Tel’iah.
“Come with me and become my apprentice. Learn and grow.” Kenpachi rumbled and the little girl was frightened by the loud noise. She hesitated for a moment, and the psychic language echoed in her ears. Tel’iah saw glimpses of sunny meadows and lush jungles. She saw a beach, grey skies, a colossal tower and a city at it’s base. The world rushed past her and the Mother Ship came into full view.
The little girl stepped forward and knelt. Sergeant BladeClaw’s left gauntlet dematerialised and revealed a veiny mitt of a hand. He pressed his fingertip against Tel’iah’s forehead carefully and the light bounced off his iridescent fingernail. Kenpachi established a connection to her nano-machines and the little girl’s profile appeared on the top left corner of his field of view. Holographic monitors popped up in front of Tel’iah and she was granted access to a small library’s worth of learning materials.
Jar’red scowled. Tel’iah’s mother smiled. She closed her eyes and her daughter’s soul shone a little brighter. The crimson skinned man turned to the search party.
“Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Kenpachi, of the Land of Emerald Isles…and the head of the BladeClaw Clan. Tel’iah has just become my apprentice, a very distinguished position. However, she is still a child and cannot travel alone. Will you accompany her on this journey?” Sergeant BladeClaw asked formally.
“I will.” Tel’iah’s mother replied and the search party nodded excitedly. “If you will have us.” The old Hyperborean replied. “A political figure will be needed as well. A leader who speaks on behalf of your people.” Kenpachi added and everyone turned to Jar’red. “Summer is the only time we can hunt what little we will store for winter. My people will die if I leave. I am sorry, but I must decline your request.” The Hyperborean Chief replied carefully.