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Southern Front. Part 3.

“There is no need to fret. I will leave enough food to last a dozen winters, and we will only be gone for three weeks. Your people will be safe and well fed in that time.” Sergeant BladeClaw replied and the Hyperboreans whispered and murmured. They turned to Jar’red and pleaded with their eyes.

“This Dragon is cunning. He has shattered their reliance and sowed the seeds of contempt and defiance. That is if I decline. If I accept…I travel with them. Yes, this is a splendid opportunity. I no longer need this tribe to survive. After everything I have done, I am going to be rewarded with knowledge and power. Thank you, mother. Thanks to you, Lady Fortune will always favour me.” The Hyperborean Chief thought and Kenpachi smiled. “Wait…how…can he hear my thoughts?” Jar’red wondered and the crimson skinned man maintained eye contact.

“Then I would be honoured to accompany you.” The Hyperborean Chief replied and the people cheered. “Good. Gather materials and build a cart. The road is long and it will make travel more convenient. But first, we feast.” Sergeant BladeClaw instructed, before he spread his arms.

The Salamander Dragon’s stomach grumbled and the grey brackets around his damage indicator flashed. The green silhouette of a Dragon turned yellow and the dark blue ring around it was depleted slowly.

“This place is warded. I should have been more careful. I must not let them know that my strength is being drained. Especially him. A day or two at the most, then we must depart.” Kenpachi deduced as crates, sacks and barrels appeared behind him with a bright flash.

*

“We are close.” The Salamander Dragon said and his voice pierced the gale force winds. He closed his wings and lowered his head. Kenpachi dove towards the snowy dunes and pulled up at the last minute. He opened his heavy armoured wings and maintained his altitude.

“Hold…almost…there.” The Salamander Dragon willed and the warp gate appeared over the horizon. He clenched his teeth, ignored his fatigue and flapped. Tel’iah leaned over the edge of the cart and her hood was blown off her head. “Tel’iah! Be careful!” her mother shouted over the noise.

“Let her be, Rev’loh. Your daughter is a Dragon’s Apprentice and for a good reason. Perhaps it is time we looked at the world through a child’s eyes once more. Look.” The old Hyperborean said and he gestured to the horizon. “Apprentice or not, I am her mother. I will always worry.” Rev’loh replied and she draped the hood over her daughter’s head.

Tel’iah’s mother stared at the strange podium in the distance. Two rings rose slowly and an orb of Mana swelled. Kenpachi slowed down and landed on his hind feet. His grip tightened accidentally, and the wooden cart creaked in his hands. The little girl leaned over the edge, when she noticed they were still in the air.

“Oooh!” Tel’iah shouted, when she spotted the glittery crystal platform beneath the red Dragons feet. “Teliah! Be careful!” Rev’loh scolded and she pulled her daughter back. “Hold your breath” the Salamander Dragon instructed.

The orb of inter-dimensional energy enveloped them, while the rings rotated and spun faster. The blizzard became a white swirl. A single splash of colour turned the disorienting maelstrom into a mosaic of green shapes. The whirlpool of interdimensional energies settled down. The distorted and wonky lines wobbled back into place and the cracks disappeared.

The Hyperboreans all leaned over the edge of the cart and the little girl laughed. They gawked, marvelled and smiled at the bright green fields all around them. The podium lowered the rings and Kenpachi flapped his wings. He flew towards a settlement prepared by his automatons and landed on the grass softly. The crimson skinned man lowered the cart slowly, while his vessel de-materialised.

“Much better. Hmm. I see they built the base of the pyramid. Then there truly aren’t any enemies in the south. Which means that bastard is not here as well. Why am I…relieved?” Sergeant BladeClaw wondered and his Astral body stood on the very edge of his observation tower. The psychic apparition peered down and stared at the settlement thousands of kilometres away from his city.

“I suppose I should make an appearance. It will be a while, before they can join the debriefings. Rah’myu would make an excellent chief. Mature, dignified and open minded. He may be too timid and passive to oppose Jar’red, but the old priest need only win over his people and they will oust the ambitious chief.” Kenpachi thought and his Astral body appeared on General Illumoon’s tower.

“Ah! Look who decided to grace us with his presence.” “Are his scales a shade darker?” “I hear lounging in the sun can do that to a Dragon.” The Dragons around Sergeant BladeClaw joked and he ignored them. “Do not take it poorly, Sergeant. They are simply teasing you.” A Meerkat Dragon said playfully.

“Speak for yourself. You weren’t overseeing grueling labour or pouring over nonsensical blueprints for days without rest. I would have loved a holiday.” A Sheep Dragon added and a few Dragons stifled a laugh. Domanique peaked at them and she noticed the gentle gaze behind Kenpachi’s mask.

“There is nothing wrong with peace. So long as you are ready for war.” The Minotaur Dragon rumbled stoically. “Hmm. Agreed.” Sergeant BladeClaw replied and the others were surprised he answered.

*

“You have assimilated the information well…but you have not learned anything.” Kenpachi scolded with a smile. “But Tel’iah got everything right.” The little Apprentice replied with a confused frown.

“Aye. However, you have merely copied what was written in your reading materials. You were supposed to study everything and understand it. If you had, you would have noticed that this was no ordinary parchment. The real test was hidden inside.” The crimson skinned man said, before he gave Tel’iah a zero on her test.

“We could create a trade route back to the city.” Rev’loh suggested. “We barely survived the migration, even if we were capable, none would be willing to travel that road again…for a good reason.” Rah’myu replied and the Hyperboreans hung their heads. They stared at the dark brown soil between their toes and terrible memories of trudging through the snow resurfaced.

The desolate Hyperboreans fell one by one and the blizzard buried their corpses. Tel’iah looked back at the smouldering ruins in the distance. A man called out to her and she turned around. The little girl saw the crimson skinned man standing there and she woke up suddenly.

Tel’iah stared at the polaroid of that day. She paged through the album and found one with a man she did not recognise. The little girl bawled uncontrollably and Kenpachi watched as a tear rolled down her cheek. She had been studying and meditating in the far away city for hours, while the Hyperboreans tended to the fields.

“Things would be a lot easier, if we still had transporter stones.” A Hyperborean said and the old priest sighed. “Aye, but Lord Boreas was the only one who knew how to make them.” He replied and Rev’loh rolled her eyes. “Well, he’s gone now. That’s what we get for putting our stock in a god.” She said bitterly.

“Rev! Lord, forgive her. We do not know why Lord Boreas disappeared.” Rah’myu scolded. “Speaking of which, where is Jar’red? Shouldn’t he be here for this?” another asked quickly. “Oh, he said that I needed to rest so he went to go see Tel’iah.” Rev’loh replied and Rah’myu glanced at her. “How kind of him. There is no point in trying to save a dying city. We must make a plea to Lord Kenpachi. We need to see if he is willing to take everyone in.” he suggested and the Hyperboreans stared at him.

“I will ask…even though this should be Jar’red’s responsibility.” The old priest pointed out sternly. “He’ll be back sooner than you know it and a day’s rest is all I need to recover my strength. I will be accompanying Tel’iah to the city tomorrow, which means you will have your precious chief.” Rev’loh said optimistically.

*

Jar’red forced his way through the foliage. His heart raced and a cold shiver ran down his spine. He spun around quickly and dodged the poisoned barb. The flowerhead closed and a ballooned, before it spewed another poison tipped wooden stake. The Hyperborean Chief dashed backwards. He darted through the bushes and missed his step.

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Jar’red rolled down the hill. He recovered quickly and slid the rest of the way. The Hyperborean Chief inspected his fur boots and cursed under his breath. He scanned the horizon and smiled at the oddly shaped buildings and hundreds of bone plated machines in the sky. An automaton landed a hundred metres in front of him and Jar’red smiled. He clenched his fists, raised his energy signature and locked onto his enemy.

“Very few have ever bested me in combat, machine.” The Hyperborean Chief boasted and the Draconic cyborg tilted its head to the side. “Don’t be so surprised. My mother was a witch. She wanted the best for her children and imbued our bodies with magic. I have the strength of five men. I heal faster than a mountain lion. I am cunning. I am agile. I am an ambitious man and you will help me reach new heights.” Jar’red declared, before he took a wild stance and charged.

Hours passed and an exhausted Hyperborean Chief emerged from the jungle. He stumbled and fell right into Rev’loh’s arms.

“Where have you been? The others were looking for you.” Tel’iah’s mother asked with concern. “Training. What do they want?” Jar’red asked before he passed out.

The Hyperborean Chief woke up in his cabin. His clothes had been removed and his wounds had been dressed.

“You didn’t have to do that. I would have recovered without your aid.” Jar’red said and he swung his legs out of bed. “I know, but I couldn’t just leave you there.” Rev’loh replied. “Tel’iah sent a messenger. She’s going to be staying a while longer. I was hoping to have supper with her, but I suppose that will have to wait until tomorrow.” She added softly.

The Hyperborean Chief stared deep into Rev’loh’s eyes and she sat on the edge of the dining room table. He stood up and the blanket slid off his naked body. Jar’red approached the tall Hyperborean woman slowly and she smiled from ear to ear.

Rah’myu shook his head. He closed his eyes, took one last look at the two energy signatures in the Chief’s cabin and slipped back into the shadows silently. The old Hyperborean priest wandered towards the angry eyes watching from the distance.

“You were right. I do not know what she is thinking.” Rah’myu said to the others. “This is not the first night they have shared together.” A Hyperborean man reported. “Do you think she knows?” a Hyperborean woman asked. “She must. Why else would she have lied for him?” a Hyperborean man replied.

“Love. Rev wasn’t lying when she said she wants what’s best for Tel’iah. The tragedy is she’s relying on her husband’s murderer to save her daughter’s future. I will speak to her in the morning, before Lord Kenpachi leaves for his meeting.” The old Hyperborean priest assured the others calmly.

“Good. This is greater than Rev and Jar’red. Tel’iah is a hero in the making. She will lead our people to a brighter tomorrow. We cannot let him near her. And if Rev is going to be a problem, then we need to protect the girl from her mother as well…before she jeopardises her daughter’s future and her role as an immortal’s apprentice.” Another Hyperborean said threateningly and the watchful eyes closed.

*

The Hyperboreans woke up early the next day. They completed their chores and watched carefully. Rev’loh emerged from her cabin. She was surprised to find that everyone was already busy. Tel’iah’s mother caught Rah’myu’s gaze. She looked away and felt the old priest’s presence behind her, like a searing inferno.

“Ah, good morning.” Rev’loh said quickly. “Morning. You are up late.” Rah’myu replied sternly. “Aye, and I would have woken up earlier…if I knew I was needed.” Rev’loh retorted. “You must know what he did. Your husband was too clever. Too strong to be felled by a bear. A bear nobody else could find.” The old Hyperborean said and Tel’iah’s mother turned around. Her eyes were narrow and empty.

“I know. And for years I had to watch as everyone averted their gaze and feigned ignorance. For years I raised Tel’iah by myself, while you all stood by and did nothing. You of all people have no right to question how I deal with Jar’red, priest. Where was your god when my husband was struck down? Where was he…no. Tel’iah will grow stronger, and she will do so knowing her father was avenged.” Rev’loh replied coldly.

The Hyperborean woman saw her reflection in Rah’myu’s terrified eyes. She closed hers and forced a smile onto her face. Rev’loh turned around.

“Wait. Lord Boreas did not abandon us. He saved us.” The old priest said quickly. “We have been standing and staring at each other for too long. Jar’red will leave his cabin and notice.” The vengeful Hyperborean said playfully.

“Please, listen. I was there. We were tasked with protecting the palace from the shadows, while a visitor spoke with Lord Boreas. A Dragon. Together, they uprooted the Divine Tree and moved it elsewhere. We have not been forsaken, Rev’loh. We are being tested. The Dragons have returned, as prophesied. And now a child of destiny has been chosen. It is not too late to change course. Cease this…leave us and stay with Tel’iah. I will deal with the others and Jar’red.” Rah’myu pleaded.

“The same way you have dealt with him this entire time? My husband guided us through the blizzard. He should have become Chief. Now you wish to make my child your puppet? No, priest. We do not need your kind of help.” The enraged Hyperborean woman replied and she left to complete her chores.

*

“I see. Do you know if the remains you found is the same Dragon?” General Illumoon asked. “No, I do not. The priest never saw the Dragon. In fact, they had never truly met the Demi-God they served.” Sergeant BladeClaw replied. “Hmm. Indeed, it sounds and seems like they knew what they were doing. To uproot the Cosmic Tree is no small deed.” Major Jabba rumbled calmly.

“How are you both so calm? A relic of our people was taken by…by someone. This cannot wait until the pyramid is finished. I must speak to The Prince, immediately.” Khanyi rumbled urgently. “Unfortunately, it will have to wait. The feast is ending. The Union will begin and it will require your undivided attention.” The Sloth Dragon advised.

The Dragons set their knives and forks down. They wiped their mouths and General Illumoon’s people appeared suddenly. They picked up the giant plates and vanished. The giants were arranged around the table in their respective ranks. Khanyi’s DragonHeart emerged from her vessel and strode across the table.

“We can cease with the formalities, now that are bellies have been lined. Bring out the alcohol.” General Illumoon rumbled and the Dragons laughed and cheered. Nine hundred DragonHearts emerged from their vessels. “Timo! Be a lad and play something for us. I haven’t heard music from the Land of the Mystical Woods in decades.” Major Jabba bellowed and he approached a barrel with a giddy chuckle.

The old crimson skinned man scooped up a ladle and poured some of the wine into his goblet. He raised the golden chalice to his lips and sipped it. Major Jabba nodded and passed the bejeweled cup. Each Dragon sipped once, before they passed it along. The cup returned to the old crimson skinned man and the attendants brought more barrels.

The DragonHearts gathered around the nearest barrel. Timo, a tall and slender crimson skinned man, strummed his guitar and a holographic orchestra appeared above him. The DragonHearts laughed and a few sang along to the music.

“Drink up, laddie.” The old crimson skinned man urged. “T-thank you, major.” The young DragonHeart replied and everyone laughed. “No need to be so formal, Gladius. A Union is a place free of rank and formality. It is a place where all Dragons are equal.” Khanyi explained and the young DragonHeart took a sip.

“Hey, hey!” the crimson skinned men and women cheered. “Some more equal than others.” A DragonHeart chimed in and everyone in his circle sighed. “Come on. Don’t sour the mood.” One of them said to him. “See? Can’t even mention it.” The DragonHeart pointed out. “No. I don’t. Enlighten us.” Khanyi replied and everyone fell silent. “Forget about it.” The DragonHeart muttered.

“Oh, grow a spine man and speak up.” The old crimson skinned man added with a nod of approval. “My grandfather fought in the rebellion. He may not have been a hero, but he wasn’t an enemy either. Then one day, a monster appears where there hadn’t been sightings of one ever before, and he falls in combat. The same Dragon that once fought against the rebels on equal footing, felled by a mere monster? How many of us have similar stories? How many more clans must die, before something is done?” the DragonHeart asked angrily and Kenpachi clenched his fist.

“What would you know of my clan’s fate?” the stoic DragonHeart asked. “That your clan was culled before you left for the island. Your b…the traitor was not responsible for their deaths.” The old crimson skinned man said frankly and everyone fell silent. Timo stopped playing and Kenpachi looked around. “Why? Who?” he asked softly and Domanique stepped forward. Khanyi shot her a look and shook her head.

“The same reason they took my boy from me. They knew something they weren’t supposed to.” The old crimson skinned man replied and Kenpachi stared at him. “Who?” he asked again. “Who else?” the old crimson skinned man replied. Kenpachi scoffed and shook his head.

“The Moonglow Dragons hold very little in high regard. The things they do, they call Treasures. Their eyes are amongst their most valuable Treasures. They are everything to them and now they have been blinded by them.” Khanyi said with disappointment. “And the other clans?” Kenpachi asked quickly.

“Are more interested in earning their favour, or in replacing them when the time is right. This war has been orchestrated by greater minds than ours. Well, most of it has. There is one amongst them that will not stand for it. There is one who closed his eyes for the longest part. One who learned to listen and in doing so his eyes have grown sharper than any before Him.” Khanyi said proudly and a few DragonHearts scoffed.

“Am I lying?” Khanyi asked Kenpachi and he grumbled. “No.” Kenpachi replied honestly. “You are going to spend the rest of your life searching for your family. Please, do not forget to see the family you meet on your journey.” Kagiso rumbled and Kenpachi frowned, when the words rung in his ears.

“He phrased it so strangely. ‘Please do not forget to see the family you meet on your journey.’ Before the island he seemed aloof, but I could see purpose and certainty in his actions. We ran into a group of pirates on the way, the same pirates that breached a Hub World’s defences. They were nothing more than a coalition of bandits, but he showed them how they could become more. He believed in them and they learned to believe in him.” Kenpachi spoke and the DragonHearts gathered around him slowly.

“We were supposed to die on that island. We were supposed be the spark that ignited this campaign. He saw another way. He convinced the others to abandon their ships, but not their crews. He had his pirates rescue the mortals and hide, while we drew the brunt of the enemy’s assault. While the others charged in recklessly. While they abandoned their people to their fates and accepted their own, He sought to change His. That reminds me of what he said.” Kenpachi said and everyone hung on his every word.

“Well? Spit it out. What did He say?” Khanyi asked eagerly. “We were discussing the fate of a friend. An amazing warrior and an even better Dragon. She dreamed of becoming a Dragon Queen and I daresay she was on the right path. He wondered if we should treat mortals as equals. Grant them the same freedoms and responsibilities we have. The right to discover whether they have the traits to rule. If He had his way, He would have hosted a Union between the Demi-Gods and in doing so established the foundation of an intergalactic empire. Kagiso Drakk’N believes that Dragons will be worshipped like Gods one day and that we have already been heading towards that future.” Kenpachi revealed. Khanyi laughed and the rest of the DragonHearts exchanged a plethora of looks

“I knew it!” Khanyi shouted happily. “I want to meet him even more.” She added with an excited giggle. “Yes, but our work is not done. I can oversee everything in your absence.” The old crimson skinned man suggested. “Thank you. Then it is decided. I will be sailing to The Prince in three days. In the meantime, everyone will spread out across the entire continent. When the pyramid is built, declare that the South has been won.” Khanyi instructed.

“Why?” Domanique asked curiously. “Culture. I want us to share our ways with everyone we meet. We are going to act under the premise that there is no war, only peace. The more mortal settlements we build the higher the chances that they will meet locals. We draw up peace treaties and trade agreements and live as if this new age is already upon us. We will make the unthinkable our reality.” Khanyi answered happily and the old crimson skinned man roared proudly. The DragonHearts joined in and Kenpachi smiled.

“Is this fine? Can I spend my days raising my Apprentice and her people? What a terrifying power. How can one make a plea on behalf of those they have not met? Tel’iah the Fire Princess…has a pleasant ring to it.” Kenpachi thought and his shoulders relaxed. “Well, this has been very sobering. Bring more alcohol! We can discuss matters of war in the morning. Timo! Now have I ever told you lot about the time we discovered a planet made up entirely of salt? Ha! The Universe is full of wonderous discoveries I tell you!” the old crimson skinned man shouted and the DragonHeart strummed his guitar. Laughter broke out and the chatter grew louder.