drake
Sarri held us with her powers, unable to move all we could do was watch as she approached the creature. I struggled with all my might but I could not win against her enormous strength. However despite our worst fears the creature did not hurt her. Nudging her hand I could hear a soft purr emanating from it. Instantly Sarri embraced it as if it was a tame house cat, I watched in shock as Sarri rose to face us.
With an idle flick of her wrist we were released from the bind that held us, so deep was our shock that we merely stood and stared as the creature continued to purr, it rubbed up against her side. Lucas was the first to talk
"it's a sithadon."
My disbelief was instant I spun to face him
"come on Lucas no one has seen a Sithadon in centuries, even those that did can not be sure what they saw."
Lucas scowled
"yes Drake I have read the stories even so I am certain that it is one of the legendary Sithadons. Just look at it and you will see it for yourself."
As I turned back to Sarri she did not seem to hear, her eyes had become glassy. I sensed that she was not in this world any more, suddenly she began to fall. Every one of us instantly ran to her, reaching her first the creature forgotten as I caught Sarri before she hit the ground.
The others tried to get closer but the creature growled and refused their presence near Sarri. Ignoring it all I checked Sarri for any reasons for her to have collapsed, but there was none it was as if she slept soundly.
"Drake is she alright?"
I turned to Coran
"she's fine, she seems to only be sleeping."
I did not leave her side nor did I let her go from my grasp fearing that she would not wake up like before. to my relief and everyone else's it was only a few minutes later that she opened her eyes again.
As she sat up I quickly put some distance between us not wanting her to see me holding her. Sarri looked around at me and the others who stood away from us warily eyeing the creature, smiling she turned to the large feline
"Karsha, were you playing games with them? You know they would not hurt me."
Something like a smile crossed the feline's mouth
"I couldn't resist."
I stepped back in shock as the words came from the creature's feline mouth. A beautiful sounding laugh emanated from it as it turned to face all of us "I am Karsha a Sithadon elder and loyal friend to Sarri princess of Dralic and heir to the throne." Stepping forward I introduced myself as did the others.
"I would like to express my gratitude to you for protecting Sarri, all of you have done so well in these dark times I'm impressed, So much so that I would like to join you in your travels."
Shocked at how fast everything was happening I answered
"I would be a fool to say no, with everything that is happening in the world we could use your skills. It is no secret the strength you and your kind possess any help you give would be greatly appreciated."
"Very good, we need not delay any longer then." Turning as stunned as the others we remounted our horses and were once again on our way. It was strange to be in the company of a Sithadon. Their vast knowledge of all things and all races was part of the reason most seek them out. The others were fascinated by her very presence, all I could do was wait for them to get bored as they turned all their attention to Karsha asking her numerous questions to which she would answer with little words.
Karsha's sudden appearance distracted them from what had only just happened and the reason for witch we were traveling at such a fast pace. I however did not, but I did not want to spoil the others excitement by saying anything therefore I alone kept close attention to our surroundings sensing for any enemies that might try to catch us unawares.
So deep was my concentration on our surroundings that I did not notice one of the horses within our group speed up to a fast paced walk beside me.
"Thank you for not spoiling their excitement Drake. Don't worry they will soon get sick of Karsha's avoidance of their questions. Sithadons don't easily give away their secrets. They will return to taking orders soon enough."
I smiled
"I do not mind they deserve this chance it's not every day a Sithadon appears."
She laughed
"well I guess I keep forgetting that, for I have known her too long sometimes I forget that she is a sithadon."
"How did you find her?"
She smiled
"she found me and I am forever grateful."
I glanced back at the others they were still devoting all their attention on Karsha paying no attention to Sarri and myself or of what we were talking about.
"Can I ask you something?"
Turning back to Sarri I nodded
"Of course,"
she paused seeming to find the right words
"I just wondered why we are not just going around Archgrote of all the people in Dralic those in Archgrote would be the most likely to support Alicia's cause. Would it not be risky to go since we are far out numbered?"
I sighed I knew exactly what she meant I had even thought it myself.
"You are right your highness, while the people of Archgrote have not entirely shown where their allegiance lies they could very well have set a trap for us. However there are some of my warriors in the town that I myself had stationed there. If Archgrote do support Alicia then we must know now so if the time comes to fight we will know that we can not count on them to lend their warriors." She looked to the road before us
"but if we do ride into a trap we will not be able to escape."
"That is why I plan to go into the city by myself, I alone know where my warriors are. The people of Archgrote know me they would never cross paths with me."
Her eyes snapped back to meet mine
"but you can not know that for sure, if they do support Alicia they will do everything they can to get in her favor. You will not be able to escape by your self."
I laughed
"I never realized how poorly you thought of my skills. If they do try to trap me I will know that my warriors are dead and their will be no need for me to stay. It is far easier for one to escape any trap then six. Besides escaping tricky situations is my specialty."
Her eyes became smaller as she stared
"I don't like it, if you are wrong and they kill you.." "Why do you think so poorly of me?"
Frustration made her scowl
"Even the best warrior can be killed just as easily as any other what I say I say not to diminish your skills I say them because we need to be realistic. You can not enter an entire town of potential enemies by yourself. Therefore I am coming with you."
It was my turn to scowl
"Now it is you who must be realistic do you think I will let you risk yourself to come with me into Archgrote. No, I am charged to protect you at all costs and if that means forbidding you not to enter Archgrote then so be it. I will chain you to a tree if I have to as long as it means that you do not endanger yourself."
"You wouldn't dare."
Her eyes were like daggers but they meant nothing to me
"try me."
Angered beyond measure she spoke through gritted teeth
"I'm beginning to realize how strong you desire your own death"
swiftly she turned her horse and returned to ride with the others. Coran noticing what she had done glanced at me, turning away from him I continued towards Archgrote. As I predicted Coran was at my side within seconds.
"What has put her in such a mood?"
Not looking at him I answered
"we do not see eye to eye."
"What does that mean?"
Facing him I stared into the unfaltering concern for his sister. Sighing I told him what had transpired between us that had angered her. Once finished he glanced at Sarri who stared in our direction with furious eyes.
"You did the right thing in forbidding her to go however you could have handled it better."
"I said the only thing that would work with her stubbornness."
Coran laughed
"yes I suppose you did, but she was right about one thing. You should not go alone."
This time it was my turn to laugh
"are you going to try dissuade me now?"
Coran smiled in return
"I would not be that foolish I know that once you have it in your mind to do something there's no stopping you. In that sense you are no different then royalty, you hold just as much stubbornness. I was merely voicing my opinion."
When the sun rested just over the horizon the town of Archgrote came into view. It's roofs peeking through the trees as we were no longer on the road for fear of too much traffic. I did not want anyone to know that I was traveling with others especially the princess. I made the others stop so as not to get too close. I would have to go on from here alone. Dismounting I turned to face the others "Make camp here but do not make a fire, I want no one to find out you are here otherwise I will be found out. Lucas your in charge while I'm gone, keep a constant watch never let your guard down." Turning to Karsha I paused
"I know I do not have the ordering of you but-"
She cut me off
"If anyone approaches I will know it, if they be our enemy I will fight."
I smiled at her willingness to join us so completely "I thank you."
I watched as they began to make camp, motioning Lucas forward I whispered so that the others could not hear
"If I am not back by morning get the princess and the others to the sanctuary."
Lucas looked at me with worry in his eyes
"forever risking yourself you would think you had a death wish."
I did not answer hearing the echo of Sarri's words "I will do as you ask, be careful my old friend." Clasping hands I patted him on the back
"I always am."
As I mounted my horse I heard him say
"I'll believe that when I see it."
Not answering I headed back to the road.
Archgrote was a beautiful town once but through the years it began to disintegrate. The corruption in the people seemed to spread into the very structure of the buildings. It made the town seem forever shrouded in darkness. Most people only came to Archgrote when they had no family and nothing to live for. It was for this reason the queen did not trust them, however even knowing this I had to find out for certain whether they were loyal to Alicia or to Queen Elaine. As I approached the gates of Archgrote I never let my guard down. No one guarded the gates for they were sneaky, they did not need protecting. If you were not careful they would catch you in a trap before you could even blink.
I wanted to be in and out as fast as I could before anyone knew I was even here. As I pasted rotting houses and half collapsed buildings I headed for the eastern part of town. It was already dark as the only sound that could be heard was my horse's hooves. Not one being was in the streets for they knew not to be out at night. I pushed my horse to a fast paced walk. Finally I stopped at an old stone building it was in better condition then those around it. In a way it stood out in this dead town, but there was no time to dwell.
Dismounting I held my horse by it's reins as I approached the door. Knocking twice I waited, minutes later it was swung open. Standing before me was a woman of about thirty, she had bags under her eyes telling me that she hadn't sleep in days. Around her neck was a brown dragon necklace. Since the last time I had seen her she had grown new lines around her green eyes and forehead. Grays also had begun to overtake her once brown hair.
"You shouldn't have come,"
she whispered harshly. Ignoring her I entered the house as she closed the door behind me.
"I had no choice Hailli, circumstances forced me to."
I pulled her away from the door so that no one listening could hear if they held their ear to the door.
"Listen I need to know if we can count on Archgrote to fight with us against Alicia."
"shhh they will hear you, you should have trusted your instincts, these people can never be trusted you should have known that."
Suddenly worry entered her eyes
"you did not bring the princess here did you?"
"Of course not do you think I would be foolish enough to let her come into Archgrote."
"Then where is she?"
"My most trusted guards have her five leagues due south from here."
Her eyes bulged
"You fool she should be no where near here, they already know you are in Archgrote if they find out that the princess is just outside these walls there will be no hope of helping her. How could you, you know how important she is."
"I had no choice I had to get you out of here. It was me who gave you no choice but to come here so it had to be me to get you out."
"I had to agree and I would not have if I knew you would risk everything. I wouldn't be surprised if they already have her. You have to go now, leave me here go protect her before it's too late."
She began to push me towards the door, but I held my ground
"I'm not leaving without you, they will kill you if you stay here any longer."
"Right you are Drake."
Drawing my swords I turned to face Nate as he stood in the hall before the front door of the house. Hailli stood next to me bowing her head as Nate stared at her
"you weren't trying to let him escape were you?"
I spun on her she did not look at me
"I'm sorry Drake they forced me to do it, I had no choice I tried."
I put a hand on her shoulder
"be at peace Hailli you did your best, do not blame your self."
Nate laughed
"always so noble."
He stepped closer his voice calm
"Drop your sword."
Quick as lighting he drew his sword to rest at Hailli's throat
"drop your swords or she dies."
"Don't do it Drake, you must help the princess she is more impor-"
Nate cut her off by hitting her across the check with the hilt of his sword. I moved to stop him but he returned the blade to her throat. I looked to Hailli as blood dripped from a split lip, I had no choice Hailli was here because of me. I should have chosen someone younger there must have been someone who could withstand the corruption. Sighing in defeat I let my sword drop to the ground with a loud thud. Nate kicked it away then laughed as he raised his blade and sliced Hailli throat "Noo!"
I moved to stop him but he spun and knocked me to the ground. Caught off guard I lay there stunned I could not move as warm blood trickled down the side of my head, all I could do was watch as he raised his sword and hit me again. Instantly everything went black.
I awoke with pain in my head, opening my eyes I found myself in a room with no windows. Remembering what happened I try to move my hands but they are tied behind my back just as my feet are tied to the chair I'm sitting on. The room smells like death. Blood stains coat the walls and floor. Hearing footsteps I turn to the only entry or exit to the room. Keys clang together as the door is unlocked and Nate steps in. Setting eyes on me he smiles
"your awake I see, good I would not want you to miss anything. I hope you like your accommodation? You see I am well aware of your gift to escape. You will find it hard to leave this place. But don't worry you will soon have your friends to keep you company, it shouldn't take long."
I only stared not wanting to give him the satisfaction of letting him see any emotion that I might have.
"Not in the mood for talking? Well that will change in time."
"You will gain nothing from me."
I spat in his face, pulling out a piece of fabric he wiped it away. Putting the fabric away with one hand he brought his other up to connect with my jaw. Instant pain crossed my jaw as blood spilled from a split lip. I laughed, Nate smiled
"funny is it? Are you a masochist then?"
I grinned
"how pathetic you are to think you will gain any information from me in this manner."
Nate moved closer so he was mere inches away. "You will tell me what I want to know, if you tell me now I will spare your life."
I shook my head
"do you think I would fall for that? As soon as I tell you, you will kill me and we both know it."
"Do we? All I know is that my warriors are out there right now grabbing the princess, you however will answer my questions. How did you escape when your village burned?."
I stared at him in shock what a strange question. Why was he asking me? Why wasn't he asking where Sarri was? Wait he already knows where she is so what does the worst day of my life have to do with any of this?
"Well??"
I remained silent, I had no idea why he was asking but I would not tell him anything no matter how unimportant it seems.
"very well then looks like it's going to be a long night, well for you that is."
He continued to punch, cut and burn me well through the night but still I would not tell him. Finally extinguishing the fire in his hands, there was a knock on the door he grinned.
"Well it seems you are too late to save yourself, when I return with your princess she will be forced to watch you die since you refuse to talk."
I pretended to try struggling with my restraints
"if you lay a hand on her you will die by my hands." Nate laughed
"you will try."
He left the room locking the door again as I could hear his footsteps fade away. If I was to make my escape it had to be now while he was occupied else where. The others would have to fend for themselves for now. Working fast I removed a small blade from the lining of my sleeve. Within seconds I had cut through the rope. My hands free I untied my legs, I already felt the wounds I had sustained begin to heal. Next in my plan was much trickier using magic I had to unlock the door that was the easy part. However I did not know how many were posted to guard the door and in my weaken state it would be hard to bring them down, so I had to unlock the door with no sound to warn them. Then I would have to dispose of the guards without any noise.
Taking a deep breath in one movement I unlocked the door swung it open and took down the two guards. Taking their swords I wondered at how easy this was. It made me think that they did not think I would escape after being brutally tortured, but they knew my reputation so this could not be the case, I was not fooled nothing was this easy.
Cautiously I hurried down the hall. I did not know where I was so stopping I tried connecting with my power it was not easy as my strength was drained from the amount of healing I needed. finally it answered, raising my hands I created a small glowing firefly. I impressed on it the need to find an exit. Springing to life it flowed before me then flew towards a way out. Following it I listened for any signs of Guards, twice I had to hide in an adjacent room and wait for them to pass. I had to be quick it would not be long before they discovered that I was gone. Rounding the corner I watched as the firefly I had created passed through a door.
The windows indicated that I had finally reached the exit. I knew it was one of the side doors for that's how I made the firefly. Passing through it I found myself in the center of town as my feet hit the cobbled street.
The firefly had disappeared, silently I made my way through the streets only using alleyways. It confused me that I had not run into any trouble, I thought for sure that Nate would not make it easy. I had not made it out of the city yet and until I had I could still be in for a fight. The only people that I saw in between the building as I passed trough the allies were those who were homeless or were hoping upon an unsuspecting stranger to pry on.
I knew I had to avoid the main gates so I was forced to look for a way to climb over the massive walls that surrounded the city. Thankfully I knew of the perfect place, I had been here many times before and knew of every way to escape the town unseen for transforming would never allow me to escape undetected I would be overwhelmed within seconds.
Navigating my way through the allies I found myself at the wall of the town. It was here that a lone tree grew through the cobbles in the street. It held no leaves but somehow it was still full of life, being the only tree in Archgrote the tree was something of a wonder.
Climbing as quickly as my body would allow I vaulted over the wall landing on my knees on the other side. Another reason why I chose this exit was because it left me exactly where I needed to be to run in a straight line to the others. I had to get there first, I could not let Nate get Sarri. Moving as fast as I could, my legs threatened to crumble beneath me, the burns on my skin felt as if they still burned and the cuts bleed slowly but never ending even despite the healing my body was undertaking.
Ignoring all of it, I knew the others were in danger I could feel it. My heart pounded to the sound of my feet, my mind empty of everything except reaching the others before it was too late.
The campsite was quiet too quiet, from my place in the bushes I could not see if they were merely sleeping or if they were just not there. Ever so slowly I edged forward my stolen sword drawn.
Standing with effort in the middle of the clearing I spun in a circle. All their blankets were still on the ground ready to be slept on and the horses were at the edge sleeping. It was as if they had just disappeared. Hearing foot steps I gripped my sword tighter as I readied myself to fight. I watched as Nardia, Nate and over a dozen warriors entered the clearing. Held before the warriors were Jace, Taleane, Lucas and Coran all with daggers at their throats.
"You've reached us in record timing, why you must have run the whole way. Quite a feat for one who surely has a concussion from that wound you've acquired not to mention all the others that surely must hurt."
I scowled at him not letting on that they were already closed to healed
"why did you lead me here?"
I looked in the eyes of those who were held with daggers at their throats. Nardia stepped forward "isn't it obvious, tell us where the princess is or your warriors will die."
To show that they were serious all daggers drew blood so that it made it's way down their throats. "Drake wasn't even with us so how would he even know?"
Yelled Lucas, Nardia ignored him as she stepped even closer.
"I know of your power Drake now tell me where she is."
The others stared in confusion to her words. I however know exactly what she referred to, even now I felt Sarri not far from here hiding, watching. I could pinpoint her exact location, but I could not tell Nardia.
"I don't know what your talking about, I left hours ago she could be leagues away by now."
Nardia laughed
"come now Drake I was not born yesterday, there's no point in denying it. You know exactly where she is you can feel her. You forget that I know you, I know you more then you know yourself. Now tell me where she is or your new prodigy dies,"
The warrior holding Jace pulled his head back by his hair and tightened his grip on his dagger.
"Don't tell them, I would rather die then let them win."
Jace said through clenched teeth, I did not know what to do. All of us pledged our lives to the service but I did not want to see someone so young and with so much potential die before his time.
However I could not give them Sarri. Frozen I stared into his eyes not knowing what to do, he smiled then without warning he forced his throat towards the dagger and sliced his own throat. "Nooo!"
I made to move forward but Nardia raised her sword to my own throat. The warrior holding Jace let his limp body fall to the ground.
"Such a waste, will all of you suffer the same fate?" Questioned Nate, all of us stood shocked not able to move or talk. Suddenly I sensed Sarri approaching quickly I used my power, stilling Sarri so that she could not move. Nardia must have sensed my power for she stared more intently at me turning to Nate she said
"she is still here."
Sarri began to fight my power as I suddenly felt her presence in my mind
"Drake you must let me go."
Talking through my mind I answered
"no your highness, do you want Jace's sacrifice to mean nothing?"
Sadness entered her voice
"I will not let any more of you die for me."
She fought with all her power to free herself
"I can not let you do it."
She sighed
"I'm sorry Drake but I will not be responsible for your deaths, I have already caused one and can not live through another."
Shattering my hold she continued towards us as she entered the clearing.
"I am here I will come with you willingly if you let the others go free."
"Sarri no!"
She faced Coran
"it's alright I will not let any more of you die."
Both Nardia and Nate laughed
"so predictable, it seems we did not need you after all Drake."
Leaving my side Nardia approached Sarri facing the others I smiled then gave a slight nod. In Nardia's rush to capture Sarri she did not notice that I still held my sword. I signaled the others and as one they slipped out from the arms of the warriors that held them and knocked them to the ground stealing their swords before they even touched the ground.
Raising my sword I swung it towards Nardia. she was too fast as she spun and blocked my attack. Suddenly surprising us all numerous roars sounded as a dozen Sithadons entered the clearing to join the fight. The battle had begun as I exchanged blows with Nardia, Sarri fought Nate and the others together with the Sithadons fought the rest.
Even though we had the element of surprise it was still a tough fight. However it wasn't long before Nardia and Nate's warriors were dead and they stood in the middle outnumbered.
"Drop your swords and surrender,"
I raised my sword towards them as the Sithadon's growled. Nardia smiled as she looked upon them "you think this fight is over? Think again."
"Drake!"
Spinning around I stared in shock as Taleane held her sword at Coran's throat.
"Taleane! What are you doing?"
She laughed
"I would have thought it obvious."
I looked to Sarri and Lucas
"you've been one of my best warriors for years how could you betray your people like this?"
"It was easy, with Alicia I have more power then I even dreamed of. Not even you, the mighty Drake could best me now."
Nardia and Nate stepped around to Taleane's side. "Well it's been fun but I'm afraid it's time for us to go."
Nardia created a portal as Nate stepped through. Taleane moved to step through with Coran still at the end of her blade. Sarri moved to stop her
"I would think wisely before you do that, you don't want Coran to have the same fate as Jace now do you?"
Grabbing her hand I pulled her back
"let them go your highness, you can do nothing now."
Sarri looked to Karsha
"he is right you have only to remember Jace and you will see it too."
Nardia smiled
"very wise."
With that they were gone and the portal closed. Sarri fell to the ground in tears kneeling beside her I wrapped my arms around her
"I'm sorry your highness, I assure you I will get Coran back."
She did not answer merely crying into my chest. I faced Lucas, he was kneeling at Jace's body. Reaching out he closed his eyes that were open in death he still held a smiled on his lips. Karsha leaned against Sarri's side releasing her I stood
"we need to get to the sanctuary."
Instantly Sarri stood as well
"no! We need to save Coran."
I shock my head
"we can not enter Gradkail in hopes of winning Coran free of Alicia. We are only three, we would be killed and you captured along side your brother. Don't you see it is what she wants, for you to come to her. We need to get to the sanctuary so that we can gather my warriors. we can not hope to do it quick enough on horseback."
She stared at me in shock
"was it not you who said we should not use our powers? It was you who said they will sense our power and always know where we are."
Frustrated I yelled
"I know what I said, I also know that traveling horseback never did any good. Ever since we left Killarai they have known our every move-"
Sarri interrupted saying
"that's only because of Taleane , she joined Alicia she was telling them our every move."
Angrier I yelled
"don't you think I know that? Don't you think I know I'm responsible for everything that's happened? I should have noticed that Taleane had turned, I should never have brought Jace on this mission, I should have never ordered Hailli to go to Archgrote and I should have never left you to go into Archgrote. If I had just avoided this cursed place Jace would still be alive and Coran would not be captured. I know his death and Coran's capture is my fault. I also know that we can reach the sanctuary without horses and they will not care. Why do you think they took Coran in the first place? They want us to come to them. This is why we must get to the sanctuary as quick as possible I need the help of my warriors so that I can rectify at least one thing that I've done."
Silenced by my words she remained still, turning from her I looked to Lucas.
"I will carry Jace's body he is deserving of a burial with honor."
Lucas shook his head
"you are hurt you could not possibly carry Jace as well. Can you even transform in your state?"
I pulled him away from the others so as not to be over heard
"Of course, would I suggest it if I couldn't? My wounds are healing. Now let us go we have no time to waste,"
Returning to Sarri again I asked in a stern voice
"Do you come?"
She sighed then turned to Karsha and the other Sithadons, in my anger I had forgotten they were still here.
"I thank you for your help."
One of the other Sithadon's stepped forward
"it was an honor, we relished the chance to join the fight against the evil of Alicia. However as everything it always comes at a price, you have our condolences for your fallen comrade."
"I thank you."
Without another word they bounded into the night. Padding forward Karsha stared at each of us
"if we go then let us leave this cursed place." Nodding Sarri turned to me
"I will do it, however once we have Coran back I would voice my opinion on your words earlier and about this power Nardia spoke of."
Stepping back I felt her tap into the power inside her, however even as she began to transform a portal opened inside the clearing. Already too far into her transformation she could not react to the dagger that exited the portal straight towards her.
Fast as lighting I jumped in the way of the dagger, pain cursed through my body as the blade sliced into my chest. Looking down I saw the hilt protrude from my skin. Falling to my knees I could feel both Lucas' and Sarri's human hands on me. Struggling to breathe Sarri gently pulled me to rest across her chest.
"Drake!"
I looked to Lucas
"protect her with your life."
He shook his head
"Don't talk like that, your going to be fine. You've suffered worst then this-"
I shook my head as I gasped for air
"I was already weakened from healing the other wounds it is too much you must promise me."
"No Drake he will not promise, you are going to be fine, and you just have to hold on."
Turning to her I stared into her purple eyes,
"I'm sorry your high-"
Pain racked my body
"I should have… protected you better."
Her tears wet my face
"Drake no please."
"Sarri I-"
Her face disappeared as darkness swallowed me.