Re uploaded because I realized I messed up the timeline of the story
Queen Glacier had a thing for speeches. I knew personally, having attended four hundred thirty-eight one them; this one was no different. Many of my comrades would say they were inspiring or rousing, but truth is, most of us would rather be doing something else.
Take me for example. I love electronic music. My idea of inspiring is listening to Tristam – Surrender. The lyrics and melody convey more than all seven hundred ninety-one speeches I've heard my entire life, and it's not even released yet. Most of my colleagues think I'm weird. After all, I don't go shopping very often, and when I do, it's for tech equipment. Ender doesn't get why I don't get talon-icures every other day, Freeze doesn't understand why I don't find his ice statues hilariously entertaining (amend to that, I do think it's quite funny when somebody accidently knocks the heads off), and I'm not entirely sure if the queen approves of my six headphones and home studio.
I'm too high ranked for anything to happen to me though.
When I was young, never knew a single thing about rankings, until I was forced to join the army, but instead I chose to go to the air force. Being raised outside of the palace, I had experience of flying every day with my ordinary wings, and the F-18s weren't all that different. Sure, they flew three times faster than the conventional dragon, but the in the Ice Kingdom, we really didn't have the need or the capacity to maintain a large air fleet. Our only air fields were at the edge of the kingdom, where the ice was manageable enough for the runways. The pilots got around on transport helicopters, or some like me just flew to the airfield.
My squadron was being assigned to do some exercises with the Skywing bomber airborne fleet, even though they obviously had the better equipped aircraft, and would benefit from having an alliance with the Sandwings, with their state of the art tanks and artillery.
However, Queen Glacier was a careful ally, and didn't want to give away air superiority. This was more a plead from the Icewings than a need from the Skywings. Nonetheless an assignment was an assignment, and I wasn't one for disobeying.
After a short speech, something about bravery and the whatever, I was heading back to my little corner of the palace, when I heard a cough behind me. A fourth circle messenger stood there, holding out an ice tablet in his talons. "The Queen requests your presence. Immediately."
What could the Queen want with me?
Glacier's throne room was rather bare, only holding necessities and few decorations. None of the other tribes ever visited (or could visit for that matter), and Glacier was a practical Queen, preferring to spend more of her budget on the navy, especially the fleet of ice breakers, which were essential due to how our harbor was iced in more than half of the year.
The Queen herself sat on a slightly raised chair, adorned with the most valuable treasure, a scepter enchanted three thousand years ago, allowing instant communication, although it was made obsolete by cell phones.
Glacier beckoned me to stand in front of her, and I prepared myself for another boring speech, but instead she asked a question.
"You are seventeen and unmarried correct?"
"Yes, your majesty." The question surprised me, as nobody has ever ventured into my personal life. I was quite old to not be married, and I wasn't betrothed to anyone. I had liked someone five years ago, but they moved on and were married to another high ranking Icewing.
The Queen continued talking. "I would have Tundra do this, however, as she is married to my brother, I will not mess with her personal life. I trust that you've heard the stories about animus magic?"
Of course, I had, all Icewing dragonets were told from a young age that Prince Arctic was the last animus dragon in the tribe, and that Foeslayer, a Nightwing had stolen him and any future gifts that might had become reality had he not been so selfish to his own desires. The pairing hadn't brought anything good upon either tribes either. Supposedly Arctic's own son, Darkstalker was evil and killed his father, and the whereabouts of Foeslayer was unknown.
That was how the story was told at least. I always felt sympathetic for Arctic. If the princess he'd been betrothed to was like the current princess, then no wonder he had issues. However, it's just fleeting thoughts. Animus magic was stolen, and hasn't turned up in centuries.
The mention of Queen Glacier's brother made me cringe a little on the inside, but Narwhal and I rarely came face to face these days, even as high-ranking dragons.
"As you know," Glacier continued speaking, "animus power is passed down genetically, and using this knowledge, I have plan to restore this powerful magic to its rightful place, upon the ranks of the Icewings. There are rumors circulating of a Skywing whose offspring are guaranteed to be animus. During the six months you are assigned there, you will see if the rumors are true, and if they are, mate with him and bring back a clutch of eggs."
The order sounded pretty reasonable, except for one part. "I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but, why are you so … desperate… to get animus blood back into the tribe?"
"I thought you might ask," the Queen nodded, "The alliances are not going to be stable for much longer. The sea ice around our kingdom is melting, which means soon, the SeaWing marine fleet will have access. We cannot let their submarines in, and the best way to ensure that is to have it physically impossible to surface without the help of our ice breakers. I cannot trust Auburn to keep them at bay. If we have animus dragons on our side, then we'll be unstoppable. The dragonets you'll bring back will then be married into royalty, and over time, the Skywing blood in them will be filtered out, but the animus power will remain."
"Indeed."
"That is all I have to say, if there's anything I need you to know, then I'll contact you by email. Now go and do your duty."
I saluted and exited the throne room, with a mission to complete.
The F-18s were a relic of the past, but since they hadn't broken yet, Glacier didn't bother acquiring the new F-22s. Instead, we were equipped with three bushmasters, as our purpose was more for defense. In this mission, we would fly the airplanes ourselves, as we had no aircraft carrier like the SeaWings. The Skywing base we were flying to was the closest to the kingdom. Auburn insisted upon receiving us there, for reasons unknown.
I climbed into the cockpit and turned the avionics on before starting both engines. As the familiar noise of the jets filled my ears, I slipped on my headphones, announcing my callsign (Blizzard 29) then taxiing out onto the runway.
Thirty-five fighters sorted into seven sorties took off from the air base and headed east into the sunrise. A strong tailwind lowered the travel time from three hours to two, and soon we were soaring over the SkyWing palace, circling three times before landing, taxiing over to the furthest hangar, where we would reside for the next six months. Two small barracks had been hastily built next to the hangar, one for the female pilots such as me, and the other for the males.
The hangar was quite large, having enough space to store all of the aircraft comfortably. The barracks were cramped, and the bunks were placed in every available space. However, few of us would actually be sleeping here. Many of the other female pilots were rather flirty and would definitely attempt to land a date with some of our fellow SkyWing allies. I would have to do a bit of that myself trying to find the SkyWing Glacier specified. I didn't really look forward to it, as communicating wasn't really my thing. Being an ace at piloting and listening to the best music in Pyrrhia weren't helpful skills when it came to talking, but I'd treat this as good practice. Never hurts to learn a new skill.
As I unpacked my duffel bag, sure enough a few of the younger pilots snuck out the door, presumably giggling to themselves and daydreaming about who they would sleep with tonight.
Professional idiots.
Blasting a Tristam song in my headphones, I sat down on the bunk nearest to the door, opening up my laptop. I'd bought it three months ago, just for traveling. The computers in the Icewing kingdom didn't have fans, as the cool temperature did the job. However, in the SkyWing kingdom, there wasn't the luxury.
Opening my email, I found a surprise from Queen Glacier:
United Icewing Funds
Upon request of her Majesty, Queen Glacier, the worth of 15,000 pieces have been transferred to Aurora Australis, effective immediately; Below is the personal message:
More rumors have surfaced, you may have to bribe him as you are not the only one. Here is a small amount, much more can be transferred if need be.
I nearly fell off my bunk when I read "small amount." 15,000 pieces was three times more than what I've spent my entire life, and according to the Queen, there was plenty more. Whoever this "mystery animus dragon" was, they were in high demand. I'd have to start looking sooner than I wished, probably tonight before the exercises started tomorrow.
The map of the Skywing kingdom showed several villages to the South of the palace. While the dragon in question could be living in the palace, I doubted it. With rumors going around of such a power, surely Queen Auburn would know if he was in the palace. Therefore, he was probably hiding somewhere else, hiding from prying eyes, waiting for the highest bidder possibly.
That thought didn't surprise me, as that would be what I'd do too. Logically, it made sense.
I decided to start with the southern parts, near the MudWing delta, as one of the huts there was labeled "animus." Probably a coincidence, but it was the only lead there was. I shut down my laptop and put my things under the bunk. My headphones I left hanging around my neck, where they were 90% of the time if not on my ears.
Stepping outside, I realized how hot it was in the SkyWing kingdom, although coming from an icy environment, any other place felt hot. A strong gust of wind blew dust into my eyes, reminding me of how windy the kingdom was, flying into the training camp had been particularly difficult, requiring quite a bit of concentration in the crosswinds.
Nevertheless, I strolled along the smooth cobblestone, a very different feeling from the powder snow and smooth ice. Surprisingly, it felt harsh.
Only a few vendors were out as it was still early in the morning. It was mostly quiet apart from the wind, a serene elegance? The avenues near the palace were wide and grand, lined with trees. Queen Auburn must be rich, to the point that gold leafing was used for the road names on the traffic lights.
Speaking of which, the streets were rather deserted. Why build such great roads when there's no traffic? Even in the Ice Kingdom, where there were fewer vehicles, there always at least one or two trucks going this way or the other.
The answer rolled by in a minute. Five huge trucks with rumbling diesel engines crawled their way across the road. I looked closer, hoping to see what their cargo was, but then I heard it. Loud boisterous voices sounded from the open backs, and I saw legions of Skywing soldiers, lounging about, obviously drunk. I took a closer look at the drivers, large MudWings with expressionless faces. They looked . . . depressed. Shuddering, I walked faster down the avenue.
One of the trucks passed me by and the boisterous voices stopped. I glanced up and all the Skywing soldiers were looking at me. Well, all of them except a lone Skywing with large wings sitting at the back. He seemed more interested in something in his talons.
Hurrying on, I looked down at my phone, pretending to be texting someone. One of the Skywings whistled loudly and threw a soggy sandwich at me, with a phone number scrawled on a paper tacked on. Sneaking a glance sideways, I saw one of the red dragons motioning wildly.
Hiding my disgust, I turned at the next intersection, leaving the perverted Skywings to their own training and whatever.
Soon I reached the end of the paved road, where a cluster of huts were constructed around a fountain. The rustic neighborhood was rather charming and simple compared to the building around the palace.
I thought about the map that I examined this morning. According to it, the hut with the animus was the one on the left. But there was no hut there. Only a pile of rubble lay and a caution tape prevented me from even exploring it.
Wow, that . . . ruins my plans.
I walked up to the caution tape and looked about cautiously. No sign of activity anywhere. I slipped underneath the barrier, and approached the rubble pile. Glancing back, still no sign of activity. I lifted up a large wooden beam, which was charred at the end.
Fire?
The front door was still intact, and there were many talons prints on it, like it was run over by many dragons. Holding back a gasp of revelation, I quickly ran out of the rubble and back into the street. Looking at the sky, there was no one. For a tribe named after a sky, one would think that more of them would fly, but apparently not.
To be honest, it was all a little too strange. The only traffic on the wide avenue were a few trucks full of soldiers? The palace seemed busy enough looking down upon our arrival.
No matter.
I leaped into the sky, feeling my wings snap open. For a moment, I glided forward, getting a feel for the thinner air here in the mountains. Then a gust of wind blew my sideways and plastered me against a building. "Furni's Donuts." Absolutely great.
I picked myself up and decided not to attempt flying again. I dropped to all fours and dashed my way to the barracks. Obviously, I wasn't the only one aware of the rumors. The competition was ahead of me, by quite a lot.
When I finally got back to my bunk, it was already 10AM, and a small note was taped to the sheets. A request by Queen Auburn to meet in the dining hall. It was probably a royal thing or whatever, and it would definitely take up valuable time I could be using to search. I really didn't want to go. It'd be rude to refuse though.
The Skywing dining hall was about the size of the main hall in Queen Glacier's palace. Immense, and very tall, the ceiling open to the sky for reasons unknown. (Does it rain in the Sky Kingdom?)
Queen Auburn had quiet classical music playing from hidden speakers. The breakfast was already on the table, classic scrambled eggs, ham and hash browns. Nothing too fancy, but delicious nonetheless. I didn't even know my stomach was grumbling until I saw the food. Thinking about it, I didn't know cooked food tasted so wonderful.
Auburn was quite a talker, elaborating on details that nobody cared to listen to but everyone pretended to pay attention anyways. She wasn't a big dragon, certainly not larger than me. Even so, all the Skywings obeyed her instantly and without question. She must hold a lot of power in her tribe.
It was well past noon before she stopped talking and dismissed us. I headed out of the hall, finding my way to the barracks. Clearly the animus dragon wasn't in the southern parts anymore, and about twenty dragons were on the lookout.
If I were the animus dragon, where would I hide? In the palace? Probably not, I need to be surrounded, and nobody can know my true identity, but where would I blend in? I'd still need a way to access other dragons, but I can't be too conspicuous. Best if I can also go around the kingdom seeing rich dragons like… oh.
A slim chance perhaps, but I tried to remember the number on that soggy sandwich. The Skywing who threw it was probably just an idiot, but the only lead I had counted on two pieces of bread and turkey slices. I took out my phone and called.
"Hmmm yes… who's getting lucky today huh?"
Ugh, disgusting. "Hello?"
"Yes, I assure I'm here for real. What's your sign hm?"
Got one try. "Uh, are you … that Skywing soldier who threw a soggy sandwich at me?"
"Ha! I thought it was perfectly edible! So, you must be that pretty Icewing this morning? I must say, you're much more beautiful than all these other dragons trying to ask me out."
Bingo, maybe.
"Are you available?"
"Woah, that fast? Of course, I will wait for you on a café, it's near your barracks. I doubt we'll stay there for long though."
I buried my phone under the sheets and went over to the wall, slamming my head into it. Why did Glacier get me to do this?
The café turned out to be a very nice and quiet corner shop. I sat there waiting for this mystery dragon. The barista assumed that and left me alone. That or the fact that all my spikes were sticking out straight, due to my frustration. It would make it really insufferable if that dragon kept up that attitude. I'd be tempted to stuff a soggy sandwich in his ears.
The barista, who'd kept quiet until now, ambled over to my table. I glared at him, daring him to say something. The Skywing took off his apron and hat. "Recognize me?"
It was the Skywing who'd thrown the soggy sandwich at me. "Now I assume you're here to … ask about my services?"
"What services?"
"Don't play dumb, I've been chased all over the city and finally found protection in Queen Auburn's army, although looking at you right now, it'd seem it's not enough." He lifted an eyebrow.
"Fine, I'm here for your "services."" No use trying to hide.
"Indeed," he plopped his body down on the seat across from me, "what is your bid?"
"Bid?"
"Of course, I've got offers of several thousand pieces from high ranking officials, it seems many dragons want to have animus children. I assume this is for yourself? Perhaps a power grab in the Ice kingdom?"
"NO!" I stood up and yelled at him. "I'm not some greedy politician looking for ways to cheat the system and put myself at the top! I'm not a dirty scoundrel!"
The Skywing looked genuinely afraid. "All right, calm down."
I sat down, but kept my glare.
"Then who are you doing this for, if not yourself?"
"Classified Icewing Official business."
"For sure! Now… your offer?"
"15,000 credits."
The Skywing whistled. "It's a done deal, when do you want to do it?"
"Wait, I need to clarify a few things. One, will you stay around to raise your children with me? Also, how are you sure that if you have eggs with me, they'll be animus?"
"Well, ma'am, I'm not really interested in having a family; other words, I'm afraid you'll have to raise the children yourself, which you'll probably do anyways since it's "Official Icewing business." As for the second question, I assure you they will be animus, however, I cannot disclose the secret. Let's just say I have a … limited animus power myself. Any other questions?"
The truth slapped me in the snout like a fish. This dragon was only in it for the money. I shouldn't be so surprised, after all, 15,000 pieces is a lot of money, but it can't buy a proper parent like love can. It just hurts that dragons can be so … selfish.
"Uh, do I have to decide now?"
"Of course not, you are my current highest bidder. Call me whenever you're ready. I don't want to rush you into this. Parenting can be stressful you know?" The Skywing went back to the counter and into the kitchen area, leaving me sitting alone once again.
Gosh darn it that Skywing is so retarded. I'm not going to mate with him no matter… but I have to, don't I? Queen Glacier asked me to, and I don't disobey her, do I? I wonder who she'll find as a mate for me? There's nobody suitable, only a few really young and a few really old ones. Damn, this world isn't kind to me.
Back at the barracks, I sat on my bunk, listening to glitch hop, trying to drown my worries in the wubs.
Nobody around my age is unmarried or betrothed, leaving me as the odd one out. Fire in the hole.
I wish somebody could help me. Hero.
Too many expectations, the Icewing kingdom was a really demanding place to live. Everyone wanting so much of me. Surrender.
Everything had to be exact and precise. All of Glacier's orders were followed down to the last period, comma and exclamation mark. Razor Sharp.
I feel so out of touch with everyone and everything. I've been living disconnected for too long.
As my phone ran out of battery, and sadly, my music stopped playing, I plugged in my phone, and decided to bunk it for the night. As I looked around the room, not a single duffel bag except mine remained, and not another soul was in sight.
Even the other younger Icewing soldiers found dates and are probably off somewhere, in some Skywing or Icewing soldier's bed, sleeping tight for the night. Ugh, oh well, at least there's no snoring.
The lack of sounds unnerved me during the night. It didn't feel right to not be sleeping next to my fellow soldiers, and even weirder to know that they were happy and I was sad. I felt left out, something I rarely experienced, being a top ranking Icewing. Normally it was other dragons who were left out as I filled their place in some assignments. I'd never felt remorseful for taking other dragon's place; it was business after all, one did not argue with Queen Glacier's wishes before flattening Jade Mountain. But I'd never felt lonely like this until now. All I really wanted was somebody to love me, but who am I kidding? I'm just some old and mature soldier who didn't have feelings, and wasn't flirty or romantic or whatever. I could be, but nobody ever taught me that. "Training" and "bettering" or oneself didn't include those sappy aspects.
I steeled myself against the solitude, trying to convince myself to embrace it as a sign of strength and discipline.
Whether or not it was because I didn't have the harsh cold ice surrounding me or the approving nod of Narwhal examining the ranks of soldiers, I couldn't bring myself to freeze my emotions like I should have. Instead I just sighed and turned on my laptop, plugging my headphones in there instead. I found my favorite Monstercat album and just listened the rest of the night away with heavy bass, referencing the heavy emotions in my mind.
The morning felt just as bad as the evening. The music had done little to help me satisfy my wants, which was strange. Music, especially drum and bass always lifted my spirits. Maybe the music wasn't heavy enough, perhaps I needed to try something else. None of the other Icewings were back yet, (and probably wouldn't want to be) so I unplugged my headphones and let the music play out into the barracks. Maybe that would help.
/*If anyone knows which producer I referenced for le first chapter, that is absolutely incredible. Also first story, please review thanks.*/
