Drave paced around the dark room as he waited to hear the report. His spy has been gone
longer than expected and was becoming anxious. He stopped and gave a deep breath, calming
himself. It wasn't possible to stumble here by accident. There were only two ways in and out of
the caverns. Only the smallest of discrepancies hid them. He thought back on his past, and what
had brought him to this moment. The biggest was his father, Volspec.
***
Volspec was an influential leader in the race. Many stories centered on him. His battles, and his unforgiving nature, to the dragon race. He carried an identical scar on each arm, wrist to shoulder. He would only say one word when asked about them. Dragons.
Volspec waited till the time was right to fulfill his long-made promise. It was time for things to change. It was time to break the trust. Today, they destroy the dragons once and for all.
Despite his best planning, he knew he couldn't do it alone. He needed his race to help him with the deed. A rally needed to be started, and once it was, the others would follow.
He started walking to the square. He glanced at a pair of boys playing Rongith on a small block. A simple game. The goal was to make the others fall or surrender first. They permitted everything. The military used this game as their most vital tool. He chuckled at them when one fell, determining the winner.
Once Volspec reached the square, he stood on the block and spoke. "The dragons have stolen our food. They have hunted in our lands, leaving us with nothing."
Before he could continue, he heard people in the crowd saying things against him.
"We are not starving."
"There is plenty of game."
Volspec asks the crowd if he could continue on. "How much longer until our hunting grounds become devoid of game? They have been taking it from us. I have seen it with my own eyes. This isn't about revenge. I may despise one dragon, not the entire race."
Volspec was telling them lies, but as long as they stood behind him, he didn't care. Some men in the crowd that he had paid to help persuade the race started talking.
"It's true. I have seen this act as well. Volspec is telling the truth."
"This act shouldn't go unpunished.
Volspec could feel the anger of others stirring up. He felt the hatred that filled their hearts and souls.
***
A knock at the door disrupted Drave's train of thought. "Come in." He waited until he heard the footsteps stop. "Did you find out all that I needed?" Drave asks. He was facing away from the other. He clasped his hands behind his back as he waited.
"All that, and more. They are wandering in the darkest and dangerous forest known."
Elerate replies, while coming through the door.
"Eldar?" Drave cocked an eyebrow as he turned around. He saw Elerate nod, and Drave smiled. "Did she ever mention where she was going?" Drave asks, raising an eyebrow as he turned around.
"She never specifically said. From what I've gathered, they are heading towards Zabicoric. They will pass through there to get provisions. I don't think they are stupid enough to wander into Morvaie territory."
"She's rash, but not a complete idiot." Drave chuckles. "Zabicoric is only ten leagues away from here. How far into the forest were they?"
"I'd say they are a few weeks away from the city if they keep their pace. I don't know how long they were planning on staying, however."
"That doesn't give us much time to prepare, does it?" Drave grinned at the news.
"If I may, what are you planning on using them for?" Elerate asks hesitantly. Drave always intimidated him.
Drave didn't answer right away. He wanted nothing from them. He was simply a tool to do what he was told. Looking at Elerate, he swore under his breath. He could still be useful.
Thinking of a reasonable answer, Drave motioned him forward.
"As you know, I have been in Keldo's and Celia's service. After all these years, they refuse to give me what's mine." Drave began.
Elerate nodded, knowing this was true. Clearing his throat, he asked. "What would that be?" What was the end goal? He shifted uncomfortably as he heard the footsteps walking around outside the room. He was far from happy to be reunited with the one who ruined his life. Once this was over, he could live in peace and away from all of them.
"The kingdom. There are only two ways for that to happen. Both require the Princess."
Drave stopped to think about what he wanted to tell Elerate next.
"My Lord?" Elerate asks hesitantly.
Drave continued on. "I plan on holding the Princess for ransom. Keldo will want to have his precious daughter back, and he will do anything for it."
"You plan to kill her? Isn't that extreme?" Elerate asks, surprised.
"Elerate," Drave says sternly. "Remember, I took you in when you were an outcast? I gave you plenty of chances to back out. You knew it would come down to this. It's too late to turn back now." Drave started out of the room. Before leaving, he turned and faced him. Drave had a look of seriousness in his eyes. "I'm giving you a fresh charge, a new task that is equally
important. Since she is heading to Zabicoric, she won't be hard to capture."
Elerate bowed his head in shame as Drave left the room.
***
Two weeks passed as they continued traveling through the forest. They kept near the river that ran through the woods until it turned away from their travel. After several miles, Kestra stopped suddenly. Something was unsettling in the air that caused her skin to crawl. Looking around carefully, she saw nothing.
"What is it?" inquired Sylvaria. She kept an eye open, sensing the change.
"I feel like we are being followed, or at least watched." Kestra replies in a hushed voice.
Standing in silence, they both looked around and listened to the sounds. There was not a disturbance in the river, nor in the trees.
"I think you may be a little paranoid, Kestra." Sylvaria spoke, discovering nothing but a few mice as they scavenged for food. Kestra came up to where Sylvaria was shaking her head all the while. "Do you need to rest?"
"No, I'm fine." Kestra replies, her head cleared. "Like you said, I'm just paranoid." She looked up quickly when she heard birds seizing flight, terror in their cries. Something was definitely here.
'Singina, you must prepare yourself.' A gentle voice spoke. Whipping around, Kestra swiftly put her hand on her sword.
"Aeona is speaking to you." Sylvaria whispers humbly.
Kestra was speechless, her eyes locked onto what was in front of her. A figure stood in the shadows, so she couldn't make out who it was. A dark aura seemed to seep from him as she tried to make out details. She noticed he was drawing a bow and arrow, aiming it slightly above her. As the figure fired the arrow, Kestra rolled to her left. She narrowly escaped the branch. The individual didn't have the intention of killing her. Looking back, the figure had disappeared. She heard a sigh of relief as she looked towards Sylvaria.
"Kestra, are you all right?" Sylvaria asks, worried.
"Didn't you see it? There was someone there." Kestra replies as she stood, looking back to where the figure was only a moment ago.
"I saw nothing except for a branch that almost hit you." Sylvaria gently placed her nuzzle against Kestra's back. "Kestra, I have to insist you rest. Your desire to stop this threat is getting to you."
"I'm telling you, there was someone there. Not only could I feel a presence, but I saw it." Kestra retorts. Before she could say more, a twig snapped to her left. "Great. Now what?" She mutters, frustrated. Seeing nothing, she shook her head, trying to clear it.
" I heard it as well. Let's keep our guard up". Sylvaria answered as she saw the same figure
dart between the trees. "I'm sensing a dark aura here."
Quietly drawing her sword, Kestra felt calmer. Scanning the area, she felt her senses heighten. She sensed the adrenalin rushing through her veins. She stayed that way for a few minutes, waiting. "We should keep moving." She whispers, keeping her sword out. Drawing a deep breath, she stepped forward.
Going only two steps, she stopped again. Something was indeed wrong. It was deadly quiet, like the forest itself was afraid to breathe. Hearing movement above, she looked up into the trees. At first, she saw nothing, until a slight movement caught her eye. Once her eyes focused on the figure, she shrieked.
Above her was the same figure that shot the arrow. It was a Morvaie, but something was different. He was covered in shadows, with an aura that was pure evil. He looked down at Kestra and drew a dagger out of his belt.
"Your mine, Liberator." He growls, eyes burning with fire as he spoke. "There is no escape this time." He smiles at the same time his hand released the dagger. His grin twisted into a growl as she ducked. He saw a flicker of light as it hit something. "Aeona." He whispers. "Your treachery never ends."
The dagger buried itself deep within the tree behind Kestra. He watched as her eye found his once again. "I would take you myself, but you seem to still have the barrier Lum placed on you." He looked away from her and into the forest. "Bring me the Kainer." He says as shadows swallowed him.
Kestra broke into a cold sweat. They weren't trying to kill her; they were trying to incapacitate her. He kept calling her the Liberator. Who was he? Who was she?
"Kestra," Sylvaria whispers worriedly. She knew exactly who Kestra saw, but thought it best not to say. "Don't push yourself. We will leave when you are ready."
'Singina. Let your sword guide. Your skills are about to be tested.' Aeona's voice whispers to her.
Kestra felt the sword warm her spirit and clear her mind. She decided she would figure everything else out later. If her skills were about to be tested, she needed a clear head.
"I'm okay." Kestra breathes, turning towards Sylvaria. "I think I will feel better once we get farther from here."
"Alright. You know you can always let me know if you need to rest." Sylvaria replies.
They started out again, this time listening for any changes. Kestra kept her sword out, not wanting any more surprises if she could help it. A shiver ran through both of them as a cry rang through the forest.
"That's not good." says Kestra. Panic clear in her voice. Kestra looked up as she heard the rustling of leaves. Noticing Morvaies above her, she backed up into Sylvaria. As she did so, the Morvaies jumping down from the trees. One jumped behind Sylvaria, and another leaped in front of Kestra. She couldn't help but feel fear when she saw the creatures.
Neither held a shield, their symbol instead on their chain-mail; two serrated, doubleedged swords crossed against each other. Kestra glanced quickly at the swords. The one in front of her was long, with tiny serrated edges near the tip. She knew from texts that the point could rip and tear whatever it caught. Looking at the other's sword, it was a regular double-edged blade. Kestra also noticed the daggers that the Morvaies wore at their sides, and both were wearing clawed gloves. She counted at least another ten slowly encircled them, making sure that there would be no chance of escape.
"I presume you are Princess Kestra." The Morvaie in front of her spoke. His voice was low and sly. His dark skin was almost as dark as night, and his dark maroon eyes made even the stars shudder in fear. Kestra noted he wore a glove with three claws, the sign of a high-ranked Morvaie. Captain, if she remembered right. The other, a lieutenant, looked like he was ready to pounce on anything that moved. The Lieutenant turned to the other Morvaies that were with them and growled, "Fraka Oka."
"You are mistaken. We are nothing but travelers." Sylvaria growled. She thought that the sight of a dragon might make them tremble before her dream.
' These have to the Morvaies that killed my family, my race, and my kin'. Sylvaria thought,
carefully eyeing each one that she could see with her deep, golden eyes.
"Do you think that the Dark One would send a fool to do his work?" The Captain pointed out the obvious. "Did you not notice? We have surrounded you. Fly away, dragon, if you know how to. But would you leave your little friend?" Laughter distributed across the army. Sylvaria gave out a low snarl through her teeth.
"I know what you are thinking, dragon. I wouldn't attempt it." The captain continued, ignoring the snarl. He took a step towards Kestra.
"Let us go, and we will let you live." Kestra spoke with as much confidence as she had. She didn't expect it to do much. She was afraid, and he knew it.
"Bold words, for such an empty threat. Let me introduce myself. I'm Strailoch, Captain of this fine group." He did a mock bow as the army laughs again. Straightening himself up, he turned serious. "If you come with us quietly, we will not harm you. If you don't, we won't show any compassion for you or the dragon."
"Did you say the Dark One sent you?" Kestra asks. She might not know who the Dark One is, but she was hoping Strailoch would tell her. Scanning the area, she hoped for an escape route. The dense trees were too thick to see far into, not to mention the soldiers on every side.
There was no escape. Kestra prepared herself for battle, gripping her sword tighter.
"Yes. Does that change your opinion, or are you still travelers?" Strailoch asks in mockery. He focused on Kestra, suppressing the desire to subdue her now. He had heard that her abilities have grown and was eager to see them for himself.
Kestra looked around once again. She knew they outnumbered her. Looking at the green forest floor, her fear grew. She shifted her sword to her right hand and gripped the handle. She had always told herself that she would rather die defending herself and others. Looking back up at Strailoch, she saw the excitement in his eyes. She steeled herself, coming to her decision. She would become nobody's ransom.
"You will need to kill us first." Kestra yells as she charged at Strailoch. She watched him evaded her attack with ease and chuckle.
"I admire your courage, young princess. But courage doesn't win a battle. It was sheer luck that saved you last time." Strailoch replies. He took a step towards Kestra, letting the sun reflect off his sword.
Kestra knew she couldn't let her guard down, even for a second. She had a few scuffles now and then. This was different. This would be her first actual battle. She needed to use everything that she has learned.
"What do you mean 'last time'?" Kestra asks. Where had she met him
"You mean to say that you don't remember me? What a shame." Strailoch says sadly. Without hesitation, he stood in the same spot. He knew her recklessness would be enough. He saw her step forward and immediately prepared to strike.
"If you don't start making sense soon, then I will have to make you." Kestra whispered. She successfully blocked a blow to her left shoulder by raising her sword at the perfect moment. The force took her completely by surprise. The sensation of vibration traveled down her arm. She had only heard of Morvaies strength, as they spent their whole lives building it. If she didn't clear her mind and stay focused, she would never win.
"Let's see," Strailoch taunted, circling Kestra. "What can I say that will help jog your memory?"
Kestra took a step to the left. She hoped to find a weak area, somewhere that Strailoch wasn't wearing armor. She jumped back as he brought his sword down. If she hadn't, they would have knocked out her. Despite her efforts, she couldn't identify a vulnerable area. She swiftly grasped that her only chance of winning the fight was by wearing him down. She aimed a blow at his chest.
Strailoch brought up his sword as Kestra's was about to land. He was playing with her, and the look in her eyes said that she knew it. He tossed his sword in his other hand. With a halfsmile, he saw her take a step back. He raised a hand and beckoned her to try once again.
Kestra took that moment of distraction and tried another blow to the chest. She took a step forward and lunged. As his fingers effortlessly grabbed her wrist, she let out a frustrated shout. In an attempt to escape, she tried to switch her sword to her left hand. Once again, she let out a cry as the pressure on her wrist slowly mounted. Unable to keep her grip, her sword dropped to the ground. She looked up and saw his smile as he released his own sword. Without warning, his free hand quickly drew a dagger from his belt.
"Perhaps this might do the trick." Strailoch whispers in her ear.
Kestra forced her knee into his chest hard, making him drop his dagger and release his grip on her wrist. She retrieved her sword and hurriedly sought cover behind the closest tree. She could hear Strailoch gathering his own weapons. With him slowly approaching, she kept her ears open. Once he entered her sight, she struck his side. Horror quickly replaced her smug look as she saw she only left a minor cut.
"You can't win, Princess." Strailoch growls as he pounced. He nicked Kestra's leg with his dagger as she ran past him.
Fatigue hit her as she continued to attack. Sweat formed on her forehead and hands, making her sword hard to hold.
"Feeling tired already?" Strailoch asks, seeing the fatigue in her face. "I should have brought my sword that night.
***
Sylvaria took that moment of distraction that Kestra provided and lunged for the Morvaies that were in front. She could see that many wanted to run as she approached, but stood their ground.
One tried to cut Sylvaria's nose, but Sylvaria grabbed his arm in her teeth. The Morvaie screamed in pain as she broke his bones, and threw him against a tree, breaking his neck.
Other members of the army took this opportunity to attack. He cut the unprotected underside of her tail before she swung her tail around and threw it against his chest, crushing his ribs.
Sylvaria sidestepped to avoid a Morvaie that jumped from a tree, positioning his sword to cut her wing, crushing four others. Turning to the one that jumped, Sylvaria swung her tail around, cracking two skulls of Morvaies that tried to attack her from behind, before lunging. The Lieutenant slashed Sylvaria's underarm as she lunged for him, stunning her.
"Do you give up, Dragon?" He asks.
"I will never surrender to a Morvaie." Sylvaria snarls.
The Morvaie rolled as Sylvaria lunged for him again. He raised his sword, but to little effect. Sylvaria flung her head forward and grabbed him with her teeth, killing him instantly.
Sylvaria felt a chain being placed over her right rear leg. With the lieutenant still in her mouth, she turned to check how many remained. She counted and found that ten people were working to restrain her. She threw the lieutenant at them, hoping the dead body would hinder their advance.
Her tail became a weapon as she tried to kill the Morvaies by crushing their skulls or stunning them to escape the chain. Letting out a roar, Sylvaria struggled. She knew that if she
backed up, the chain would loosen enough for her to escape since they didn't finish securing it.
The Morvaies tried to dodge as Sylvaria swung her tail violently. A few Morvaies ended up having their faces shattered as they attempted to restrain the deadly appendage. Others ducked as her tail swung over them, crushing their skulls on the return.
Only after she knew the Morvaies were dead did Sylvaria back up, losing the chain.
'Thank the stars that they didn't lock it'. Sylvaria thought, moving to help Kestra.
***
"You will not win, Strailoch." Kestra replies. She was tired, but she tried not to show it
"Do you really believe that? You are so weak, and your training is useless here."
Strailoch says as he watched her. "I must confess, Princess; I've heard so much about this
potential you hold." Strailoch continues to taunt her as he dodged her blows effortlessly.
"The Dark One wouldn't be pleased if you took away his bargaining chip." Kestra rebutted as she went for Strailoch's arm. She didn't know what was going on, but played along.
"Who said that I was going to kill you? I thought I would wear you out and then knock you unconscious." He blocked the blow that was going to his ribs.
"Why are you wasting your breath informing me of this?" Kestra replies without hesitating. She blocked another blow to her legs.
"Because you probably won't remember any of this when you come around. Besides, the Dark One wouldn't like it if I killed you. He needs you too much." Strailoch grinned.
"Are you ever going to stop rambling?" Kestra asks as she went for Strailoch's chest with her blade, but before she could strike, she heard Sylvaria's roar. She watched as Strailoch's eyes darted around to see where the noise was coming from. Kestra used that moment of distraction to attack.
Before he realized what was going on, Strailoch felt a shallow gash upon his arm. Before he could pull back to attack, he felt the hilt of Kestra's sword come upon his wrist. With a small hiss, he dropped his sword. He quickly glanced at where the blow landed. He felt it burning. What did she do to him? He took a careful step back as he watched her put her sword up to his
throat. 'So, the Kanier wants answers, does she? This will be interesting.' He thought to himself as he felt his back hit the tree.
"What does the Dark One want me for?" Kestra questions, kicking the sword away from his reach.
"What makes you think I know? He didn't tell me. My orders were to capture you." He says calmly. He was slowly reaching behind his back.
"I don't believe you." Kestra retorts.
"Believe me or not. It doesn't change the truth." He remarked as he was dragging out a small vial full of pure black liquid.
"Do you know what this is, Princess?" He asks, showing Kestra the small vial with his clawed hand. He slowly opened it with two fingers as he waited for her reply.
"I wouldn't do anything if I were you." Kestra pressed her sword harder under his chin, causing a drop of blood to appear. She heard Strailoch take a sharp intake of breath but didn't think about it as she reached for the vial with her free hand.
"What are you going to do, kill me? Stop me? How do you plan to do that?" Strailoch chuckles. His grin made her stop in her tracks. "Oh, I see. You were planning on knocking this out of my hand and kick it away from us." Strailoch calmly smiles. "I don't think so."
Before Kestra comprehended what he said, he forced her sword away with his free hand and threw the liquid in the air right in front of her. A drop splashed onto her arm, throbbing where it landed. The offensive stench overpowered her, making Kestra feel weak.
Strailoch wasted no time. He jumped forward, snatching her right arm. He turned her around, forcing her face-first into the tree. Seeing she still held her sword, he grabbed it with his free hand. He grimaced as he felt it burn, quickly tossing it away. As he brought his hand back, he grabbed another dagger from his belt. Placing the tip to the center of her back, he gave a low growl of pleasure. He enjoyed how helpless she was. Clearing his mind of thoughts, he held her hand with his arm. Seizing her free arm, he yanked it behind her. The gasp of pain did not escape his attention. Holding both wrists with one hand, he lazily drew lines with the dagger. He deliberately kept the pressure light in order to
avoid causing serious harm. While she weakly tried to escape, he let out a quiet chuckle. He watched as she slumped her shoulders. She realized she had been beaten.
Sylvaria killed off the Morvaies and moved towards Kestra, but she was scarcely too late. As soon as she got to Kestra, Strailoch turned her around, his dagger prodding Kestra's back. He held her wrists with his hand, keeping her arms behind her back.
"Not another step, dragon, or else she will die." He growls, pushing the point of the dagger harder into Kestra's back.
Sylvaria heard Kestra gasp from the pain. There was an intensity in his voice that both recognized. She knew Kestra was in grave danger. She had to let Strailoch say what he wanted.
"I wouldn't say anything if I were you, Princess. Pity that you still don't remember."
Strailoch whispers to Kestra as he moved to tie her hands together. He pushed her behind the tree, allowing the last of his men to gag her. He couldn't risk her making any noise while they were on the move.
The Morvaie gave a half-smile as he pulled the cloth over her mouth. He could hear the curses she was trying to say as she tried to fight him. The first symptoms of the potion appeared. Once he securely gagged her, he circled through the bushes. Spotting the dropped muzzle, he carefully approached the dragon. As he stepped closer, he remained unaware of her shift in attention. Taking another step, he was met with a swinging golden talon. Before he could utter a sound, his ribs were crushed and his lungs punctured.
Sylvaria tossed the lifeless body aside, momentarily forgetting about the one before her.Her attention quickly turned back as she watched her friend fight against the one who pulled her from behind the tree. She saw the dagger he still held in his hand, resting it gently against Kestra's back. She watched in horror as he took his free hand and run it across Kestra's neck.
' No.' She thought, the fear stilling her. 'Now he knows who she really is.'
Strailoch felt a slight scar running down her neck. His eyes shone bright, but a slight fear appeared. 'Liberator' . He thought with a hidden smile. 'I no longer have to send men to find out who you are. But how much do you actually know?' He moved his hand as he felt Kestra shaking it off of her.
"I think that our sleeping potion is taking effect." Strailoch whispers as he chuckles. Kestra felt weaker, now she understood what was in that vial. That dark liquid. It was a potion which only an expert could create. What set it apart was the impact in the fumes rather than the liquid. For thousands of years, this ancient mixture has been lost to most of the land. The recipe's whereabouts were lost along with the human race. Where could he have found it?
'Strailoch.' A voice hissed. 'Once the potion is in effect, bring her to me.'
"With pleasure." Strailoch growled.
"Let her go!" shouted Sylvaria, unaware of what was happening.
"No. I hate to see my master upset. He was quite angry the last time she escaped."
Strailoch responded seriously. He pushed the dagger into Kestra's back for emphasis. He grinned as he heard the muffled gasp of pain. Oh, how he was enjoying this. Leaning towards her ear, he continued in a quiet whisper. "Only a few moments left, I reckon."
Kestra felt the adrenaline rush through her, coming to an understanding. She had to act fast. She felt him relax his grip a tiny amount. That was all she needed.
Strailoch slowly continued talking to them, unaware of his actions. "You see, my master has big plans. Although many shun his ideas, I am happy to help. You see, I don't much care for your family, Princess. Do you realize what we had to go through after we fought your race? How long we have suffered?"
Kestra knew that this was her one chance, and she took it. She mouthed the words of the one spell that she could think of. 'Solvam.' She felt the ropes loosen from her wrists. Without alerting Strailoch, she slowly slipped out of his grasp and yanked off her gag.
"How did you get out?!" Strailoch shouts, looking both shocked and confused.
"Maybe you should concentrate more on your captive and less on your bragging." Kestra replies smugly. "I will ask you one more time, who is the Dark One, and what does he want with me?"
"You will regret this greatly, Princess." Strailoch growled. He inched towards his sword. He knew the cost of failure and was in no rush to experience it.
Kestra now realized what he was talking about. 'That night. The night I ran off the first time I tried to stop the Dark One. Strailoch was the one that attacked me.'
"So, you finally remember. I doubted that you ever would. Heed these words carefully; you will regret this fight, and the last one, greatly." Strailoch declares.
"I doubt that, Captain." Kestra remarked.
"He will get you both soon, just wait." Strailoch replies, without hesitation.
Kestra knew she had to kill him. She needed to use the death spell she had learned, but had always refused to use it. All life was precious to her family. However, she couldn't reject the fact her father taught her the spell for a reason. Sometime it may be necessary to destroy life so new life can grow. Those words echoed through her mind as she raised her right hand. She could tell she was shaking as she held her palm out towards Strailoch.
'You may try to destroy my servant, but he cannot die from your petty magic.' A dark voice hissed.
Kestra hesitated when hearing the voice, but quickly recovered. "Jentod." She shouts.
A flash of dark blue and white fire emerged from her palm, catching his attention. Knowing there was more to be done for his master, he burst into laughter. As the fire surrounded him, he collapsed to the ground.
' Maybe my parents didn't want me to tell me about Drave because he is the Dark One.' Kestra thought, as she found her sword and sheathed it. She looked over at the body of Strailoch lying motionless on the ground. She noticed a mark, like hers, except his ran from the nape of the neck to the right shoulder.
"Kestra, are you alright?" Sylvaria asks. She saw the motionless Strailoch. She growled low when she saw the scar. 'You will fail. She will beat you and Timore' .
"I-I will be. I'm just a little tired, that's all." Kestra mutters, struggling to stay standing.
"We will travel a little farther tonight, then rest." Sylvaria gently pulled Kestra to her back and traveled only a mile more. Only after making sure the coast was clear, did she allow Kestra to slide off. Sylvaria nestled next to the sleeping form, protecting her from whatever she could throughout the night