Apologies for the delay but here's chapter 10. I got caught up reading one of my other stories (then its sequel).
ThatAnon: I hope you get better soon. Sadly there will be no showing of Kai for a little while yet. I can confirm however that story is finally reaching its first ending. Yep there are two. I have no particular plans for a sequel at current.
Chapter Ten
To Judy's annoyance Kimimaru walked with her and Max some more. The boy thought that surely a man dressed so fine was looking for a girl in the rich quarter, taking him there without question. Near Freyan and Yonah's house, Judy stopped moving and refused to budge an inch. Feathered ears darted up, standing at attention. "What's the matter girl? You find a mouse?" "Oh please. I'm not that hungry. What is the name of this girl you seek?" "It's…Yonah. Why have you found her?" "Dismiss the leech. We're close." Max's heart began to race, turning in his saddle to face Kimimaru. "Well kid, we part ways here. Judy says we're close now." "Okay. Will you be staying for a while?" Judy knew what Kimimaru was going to say, hissing dangerously at him. "Easy there Judy. He's not that annoying. I plan to stay but I can't say how long for." It pleased Max to see Kimimaru running away happy. Judy snorted and followed her pointed ears. Having been riding Judy for hours, Max was a bit sore in a delicate place. Once the pain subsided, Max hid the flowers behind his back and knocked on the door. As expected it was Freyan who answered. "Who are you and what do you want?" In response Max removed his helmet. Freyan's eyes were on fire, his fist connecting with Max's scratched cheek. "You dare to show your face here after what you put Yonah through?! Get out of my sight!" "Freyan? What's going on?" "Go back to your room, Yonah." Max figured Freyan was still annoyed about how he left, facing the angry Firosian without fear. "Look, I'm sorry that I left without warning but I wasn't given a choice, Freyan." "Don't play dumb with me! You attacked Yonah when she chased after you!"
Max tilted his head in clear confusion. He'd never do anything to physically harm Yonah. Freyan wasn't going to be swayed that easy, standing directly in the doorway so Max couldn't get in. "No. I would never do something like that. Why would I attack the only girl I love?" "Maybe you didn't want Yonah clinging to you anymore. Just a bit of skirt, that's all she was to you!" "Enough!" Freyan rocketed through the air when Max's last shred of patience snapped, his demon form coming out to play. It had been the swinging of Max's horned head that launched Freyan into the house. Wanting to know what all the fuss was about, Yonah left her room. At the front door she spied a familiar blue dragon huffing for air to calm down. "Max? It can't be. Is it really you?" To confirm Yonah's suspicion, Max shed his scales. Yonah wanted to believe she wasn't dreaming, reaching out to touch Max's face slowly, afraid he'd disappear if she moved too fast. "It's all right." He whispered softly, pulling the flowers from behind his back. "You're not dreaming, Yonah. I'm here and I'm not an illusion." Max was in Yonah's arms faster than he could blink, tears streaking down her paled cheeks. "You came back!" "Of course I did. Though I'll admit my return was a little forced." Yonah pulled back, now noticing something was different about her lover. Agony was still rife in his eyes.
Max was also not letting his left arm hang too much. He looked at Yonah from head toe having forgotten how beautiful she was. But his eyes discovered Yonah's once slim waist was now thick with child. Thinking she'd found somebody else, Max was heartbroken. "I guess…you couldn't wait." "Max?" Questioned blonde turned away but he had no chance to leave the house. Freyan had gotten up after being antler tossed across the room, pinning Max back first to a wall. "Where the hell do you think you're going?!" "Back of Freyan. It's apparent my hopes to return to a faithful woman's arms were just a fantasy. I'm not wanted so just let me go." "The heck are you on about?! Yonah has been waiting for YOU to come back to her! I've had to keep the marchioness's son away from Yonah! Are you telling me you're just going to walk away?! To leave Yonah to suffer raising YOUR bastard alone?!" Max's eyes were wide with shock. Why had Yonah not told him she was pregnant? Who else knew about the baby? Then everything fell into place perfectly. Freyan stepped back when Max fell to his knees. "So that's why he turned on me." "Max?" "How long have you known, Yonah? When did you learn you were with child?" Yonah didn't like how Max grabbed her arms, his eyes pleading and desperate. Touching Yonah's once broken arm caused him pain, sending Max back to the floor clutching his left bicep. "That bastard. How could he?" "Max what are you talking about?" Yonah knelt in front of Max, cupping his face in her hands. "I wasn't the one who attacked you, Yonah. It was Draciel. Yes I heard you calling for me but I could not turn back, lest Draciel follow his threat to kill you. Three weeks ago he turned on me, branded me a traitor."
Truth echoed with every word and Freyan realised how much of a fool he'd been to think Max would do anything to hurt Yonah. With help from Yonah, Max removed his chest armour and gauntlets. The crisp white bandage stuck out amongst the grey walls and floor. Judy watched from the door as her master unwound the fabric protecting his arm. Max choked back a cry of pain as Yonah brushed the side of his arm where he was not scarred. "Draciel…did this to you?" "Because he believed I was trying to usurp that stupid throne. Lord Snowber kept in touch with me by letter every week but he'd write them in lemon juice to hide its contents. Draciel must've shot down the Gremgon carrying Snowber's next letter. I reckon they're not the only ones who know about this child. No doubt Snowber would've gone to Dranzer immediately upon learning of the baby." Yonah thought back to when she'd been confined to her bed, that Snowber had been with her. "I…recall he was left to watch me one day as I was too weak to leave my bed. I felt his hand on my stomach. Then when Elowen came in he hurried out of our chambers. You think Snowber was trying to tell you?" Max responded by nodding, his posture now weary. "Tis thanks to Trigle and Trigator I'm still alive. Had I stayed in Hydrozea, Draciel would've executed me for what he called betrayal. I'm so sorry Yonah. I should've known better. It's my fault you're in this mess." "Hush love. I'm as much to blame. I did not push you away, remember."
With the murky water cleared, Max made plans to marry Yonah as soon as humanely possible. Freyan didn't like the idea much but if his sister gave birth to child while not being married, she'd be labelled a whore and sent to a workhouse. Max was protecting Yonah by taking her as his wife. Having eased Freyan's rage, Max explained that his journey to Fiorre ended in the tragic loss of his Lizardon. Yonah had met Sumia once and fell in love with her right away. Svarog hadn't taken too kindly to Max's return and Ruhne was very hostile at first. Yonah's puppy greeted Max with a thorough face licking. To Freyan's annoyance Phoebus stopped by but as soon as the horny baron saw Yonah all cosied up with Max, he left in quite a hurry. Hopefully now Griffolian's son would move on to chase somebody else. Sadly Freyan had to go out hunting under Griffolian's orders. Max stayed behind, wanting to be with Yonah at all times. Once Freyan was outside the city, Max took Yonah to meet Judy. The proud Griffon was seemingly asleep but Max knew her tricks by now. "Come on Judy, I know you're not sleeping." "Says the man I spent five days carrying." "Hey I walked on my own two feet at times to let you rest. Besides, I brought Yonah to meet you." The grumble and displeased snort coming from Judy made Yonah nervous about approaching her. Judy's blue eyes were trained on the frail girl, immediately noticing the bulk of her stomach. Seeing it seemed to soften the Griffon's heart as she lifted her head from the floor. Max helped Yonah to sit beside Judy, being careful of the twitching tail. "Judy, this is Yonah. Mind your beak around her stomach, okay?" "There is life within her womb…" "She's pregnant Judy. With my child."
Days turned gradually into a month. The situation in Firos had gotten better with Kyoya and his companions in town. Winter was in full swing now but it rarely snowed in the fire country. Much like Yonah had done, Dranzer began to show. Watching his wife grow large with child angered Valken further. He knew the baby was not his. Dranzer refused him his marriage rights whenever they were in bed. Kyoya was having far from comfortable nights, his dreams haunted by a gold dragon similar to Seiryuu. The beast spoke in a regal tone, telling him that the forgotten ones would soon return. It wasn't hard to tell Kyoya lacked sleep, his eyes dull and heavy.
While Kane, Goki and Jim cleaned up the city, Kyoya stuck his nose in any book he could find relating to old wars, namingly the largest that took place over a century ago. He scoured over maps that had survived the aging process but most were ruined beyond use. Kyoya considered asking Dranzer to consult the two sane kings about the matter but he felt insecure telling her about his dreams. Of course he'd have to eventually. Dranzer grew increasingly worried with each passing day. For now, Kyoya planned on keeping these troubles as his own, watching from a distance as Elric bonded with Dranzer, calling her mother in his sweet little voice. Elric even had nicknames for the people he knew. Kyoya was Yoya, much to Kane's displeasure he received the title Spike. Elric happily called Jim Whizzy, Goki Bear and Salima Ali. Valken also had a name from Elric. Scrooge.
A month before the New Year, the night skies over Callenfang in Xian were clear and starry. Driger slept soundly in his bed beside his recently married wife. Driger's sensitive ears picked up on the sound of someone walking towards his bedroom. The door opened with a quiet creak, light pouring in. "Driger?" 'Rei?' Looking over his bare shoulder, Driger saw Rei standing weakly at the door, running to catch him as he fell. "Rei! Rei what's wrong?!" Driger kept his voice down so not to disturb the beauty sleeping in the bed, cradling Rei worriedly. "Rei tell me what's wrong. Are you sick? Gods you're burning up!" "I…I had a dream, Driger." "Rei I don't have time for your wayward fantasies." "But it wasn't like that at all Driger. Honestly it didn't feel like a dream." Driger helped Rei to sit on the edge of the bed, an arm around his shoulders. "What do you mean?" "There was this…gold/cream dragon. Female. For a while I couldn't make out anything she was saying, hearing nothing but quiet whispers." "A gold/cream dragon?" Rei nodded his weary head before resting it on Driger's shoulder. "She looked kinda like Seiryuu in the face. That was the only part of her I saw. Suddenly her voice became loud enough that I could hear what she wanted to tell me." "What did this dragon say?" Driger was taking this "dream" with a pinch of salt. There were no gold/cream dragons in the history books. "She said…the forgotten ones will soon return. What does this mean, Driger? Is the war closer than we think? I know there's going to be one so don't deny it." Driger sighed, pushing Rei back to the door. "Just go back to sleep little brother." 'Forgotten ones. There are no forgotten ones in this world. Only the defeated and the victorious.'
Dragoon was kept awake for reasons unclear. The city of Aerion was peaceful and no trouble had been caused. Hearing some noise, Dragoon stepped lightly down the castle halls and to the room of his eldest nephew, Hitoshi. A mop of light blue hair thrashed on the pillows. Dragoon knew that waking Hitoshi was a death sentence in itself, finding a blunt pole to prod the prince with. After a few jabs, Hitoshi bolted out of his slumber, knife poised to strike as mahogany eyes darted around in a panic. "Hitoshi? Are you all right?" "Uncle? What?" "I heard some commotion and it led me here. You were tossing rather violently. Come on, talk to me." Hitoshi took several deep breaths to calm himself as Dragoon sat on the bed. "I'd like to say I had a troubling dream but it didn't feel like one. There was a dragon similar to Seiryuu, her body gold/cream." "A dragon similar to Seiryuu? There are none in the books of our country. Not with that colouration. Did this dragon say anything to you?" "She wasn't making much sense at first, uncle. But then all of a sudden I heard her say that the forgotten ones will soon return." Dragoon ran the words through his head but currently, no solution came to mind. "I don't know what to say, Hitoshi. I believe you, by all means. But our records do not tell of these "forgotten ones" the dragon mentioned. Did she give a name?" "I tried asking her but she would not respond. The war is close, I can feel it." "Try to get some sleep old chap. I'll have Apollon look into it when the sun rises."
Word reached Dranzer's ears about the princes having an identical dream. Not too long after leaving Firos, Snowber uncovered peculiar orbs that allowed the royalty to communicate over long distance without the need of messenger birds. They were all nervous of these spheres at first but now it felt more natural. Dranzer remembered discussing with Dragoon about Hitoshi when he'd visited, sensing something off about the Wyvern rider. The dragon was very specific about who she contacted. Rei and Hitoshi were both princes, but they had one other thing in common. Had the same vision been haunting Max? Dranzer had a feeling Kyoya was having it too, pinning him in his bedroom early in the morning. "My lady you should be resting!" "Not now Kyoya. Sit down." Said Mage was none too fond of Dranzer's current mood, planting himself in the nearest chair. It wasn't like the Queen to angry with him. "It's come to my attention you've not been sleeping properly." "Your radiance, I assure you I'm just kept awake by nightmares. It's not uncommon for me." "I will not fall for your lies, Kyoya. You've been poking around in history books. These past few days, Rei and Hitoshi have been having dreams that feel more like a mental connection with a gold/cream dragon. I'm not sure if Wyborg updated you on the royalty but Rei and Hitoshi are princes. I don't doubt that Max could be having these visions too. He's a prince as well, after all." Kyoya could see where Dranzer was taking things, heaving the heaviest sigh she'd ever heard. "Then I can hide it no longer. I simply didn't want to trouble you with my problems. But why would this beast contact me? I'm no prince." "Firos doesn't have a prince or princess. Only a Queen."
While it was true that Kyoya had no clear memory of where he'd been born, he felt strong ties to the Fiorre continent. It was a large mass of land with villages dotted all over it, some you wouldn't even find on any map. Could his village have been one of those little blots of land? Or was it on one of the surrounding islands under Fiorre occupation? "My lady, if I may be so bold, I'd like to ask for your assistance." "What with?" "This dragon has contacted a prince of the other three continents. What are the possibilities of there being remains of a former royal family in Fiorre?" "Very slim. My father became King quite young. At the time Fiorre was under a vile King who almost waged war on Xian. The King had no children that he knew of, or siblings. My father told me once that my mother had been kept as nothing but a pet, chained inside a cage as a Phoenikrai. But the former King did abuse and rape her. If my mother did have a child by that man my father would've killed it." "King Drenzer sounds like a tyrant himself. I ask because there must be a reason the creature contacted me. If I'm not from fallen royalty, then why me? I've never been bothered about my forgotten past before but that dragon has grabbed my undivided attention." "Very well. I'll assign Wyborg to aid you." "There is also, one other thing my lady. I cannot find an answer to this riddle; "From where life comes, death surely follows. No end comes, time never flows. Seek thy solace where wide rivers close." "How odd a riddle. You should ask our falcon commander. He might be able to help you."
Another few days passed and no word had come from Max. But Dranzer was right. He'd been troubled with visions of a gold dragon, whispering to him the same words the others heard, the forgotten ones will soon return. After a detailed talk with Griffolian, it was discovered she had a teleport rune just outside her house. She'd always had the crystal ball that the rulers discovered recently but never had a cause to use it until now. Wyborg was sure Freyan and Yonah were enjoying their life in Galvena, but Firos needed them home. She planned to send Kane and Kyoya to fetch them. Dranzer was uncertain that bringing the siblings back now would be a good idea. For one thing, Valken would be furious and he'd no doubt make attempts at Freyan and Yonah's lives. Wyborg reasoned that with Freyan home he could take command of the knights from Tala who seemed to ignore any problems the townsfolk went to him with. Jim had witnessed the wolf rider telling one gentleman that the town's problems were no concern of the knights. Kyoya's efforts were being undone no sooner than they'd began. The town NEEDED Freyan back. Eventually Dranzer had no choice but to yield. Wyborg was right all along. Freyan would not return willingly after what happened but Kyoya would just have to sway him somehow. It was a clear day out so Wyborg had Kane and Kyoya prepare to leave for Galvena. Some of the castle staff was unhappy having a Pegasus and a Vulnyon in the main building but begrudgingly got on with their duties. Departure was delayed when Elric refused to release Kyoya's cape. Regardless of her bulk, Dranzer sat Elric on her lap and held him there until Kyoya and Kane were gone.
Robert met the duo when they arrived and led them down the streets in the direction of Freyan and Yonah's house. Thankfully it looked like everyone was home. Robert went in first. "Freyan, there is somebody here to see you." "Morning Robert. Much as I'm in mo mood for visitors, send them in." Robert gave a brief bow and opened the door for Kyoya to enter. Kane kept guard outside, not that he needed to. With a gentle click the door was closed. "Who the hell are you?" "My name is Kyoya. I'm here on behalf of lady Wyborg." "Great what does that damned snake want now?" "Wyborg wants you home. Yonah too." "What?! Is she mad?! That swine Valken would have our heads on pikes before we reached the city gates! Out of the question!" "We're not giving you a choice, Freyan. The city needs you. The knight order is being destroyed." "You're going to have to try harder than that to get me out of Galvena. We're not going back." "I really don't want to have to hurt you, Freyan. After all, I too want you home." Freyan backed away, unsure of what trick Kyoya was playing. Why would this person want him back in Galvena? Max came out of Yonah's room, surprised to see Kyoya. "Never thought I'd see you here." "Max, get the wagon ready. Freyan and Yonah are leaving for Firos as soon as possible. As for you, I'd prefer a more quiet word." Freyan protested as Kyoya shoved him into the underground pantry. "The hell are you playing at?" In response, Kyoya waved his staff, a mist surrounding him. When it faded, Freyan almost fainted. 'It…it can't be.'
With Freyan's stubborn mind swayed, Kyoya and Kane helped to load the wagon while Yonah sat on a stool nearby. Kimimaru came running, his face washed with shock. "What's going on? You're not leaving are you?" "Kimi? It wasn't exactly planned but we've been summoned back to the capital." Kimimaru turned to Freyan more wounded than angry. "But Sarah…I know you've been seeing her secretly, Freyan. You can't leave…" "I'm sorry, Kimi. Truth be told I hadn't planned on making ties here. But then I met your sister. Things changed after that." Unfortunately Sarah paid a visit, immediately spotting the wagon being loaded with stuff from the house. The look on Freyan's face said everything. He was leaving and Sarah couldn't go with him. Kyoya momentarily stopped what he was doing to watch Freyan cupping Sarah's face. "Why are you leaving?" "I'm sorry Sarah. We've been called back to the castle and I can't say if we'll ever come back." "Can't you tell them no?" "I'm afraid not. We're not being given a choice, Sarah. I want to stay, I really do. But this is an order I cannot ignore." "Take me with you." "I can't. You have your family here and Bart can't run the shop alone with your mom being ill. Your place is here, Sarah. The city is dangerous and I can't, won't risk you getting hurt going there." Whatever hope Sarah had of spending the rest of her life with Freyan died when he turned his back on her, unaware that he was just as upset. Twice now his attempts at settling down had been ruined. Kimi came back with two horses, one saddled. Yonah knew the boy was going with them no matter what anybody said. The saddlebags of the saddled horse were full with supplies.
Freyan returned to find Sarah gone and Kimi standing by the wagon. "Where do you think you're going young man?" "With you." "Out of the question!" "You can't stop me! I've already told pa and he's beyond furious. If you wish to get out of here alive, you'll need an extra horse to pull that wagon." Freyan eyed the second, saddle-less horse curiously. It was young and strong with a lilac body, white stocking legs, a Blaze marking face, fuzzy silver mane, tail and forelock and pony ears. The eyes of the beast were peach in colour. Looking between the legs of the horse, Freyan discovered it to be male. "This is Ponpon. He's not very old but he'll work hard. I'm going with you, Freyan. I want to learn more about the creatures knights ride and I can't do that here." Freyan couldn't argue now, roping Ponpon to the wagon beside his horse. With the wagon loaded, Yonah was helped into the back, Ruhne, Svarog and the puppy with her. Just as the wagon jolted forward, Phoebus came running. Griffolian left it until the very last minute to tell her son Yonah was leaving. Beside him was a rather unusual beast. It was a cross between a Griffon and a horse, its long cat-like tail feathered. Its primary body colour was red, underbelly orange and beak sun yellow. The wings were cream feathers with burgundy and minty green details. Currently the beast was in some battle armour coloured purple. Phoebus was almost willing to give up had he not seen danger up ahead and the wagon was heading right for it.
Freyan was filled with worry once they left Galvena. How would he and Yonah be received by the people of Firos? A shrill cry wrenched him from his thoughts, looking heavenward. 'Can't Phoebus take a hint? Huh? What's that noise?' Freyan focused on the sounds around him, singling out what sounded like marching. The crest of a nearby hill was soon coated in goblins. Kyoya saw the threat seconds after Phoebus sent his mount to intercept it. "Kane, deal with those goblins. I'll stay by the wagon with Max." "Yessir." This threat would not be easily purged as more goblins scattered before the travellers. Yonah became worried when she felt the wagon moving faster. "Freyan?! What's happening?!" "Hold onto something Yonah! Ruhne, we need you out here!" Called Luporun wasted no time, bounding out of the wagon, his fangs prepared for battle. Phoebus appeared overhead once the first batch of goblins fell. Kane's Vulnyon was beside the wagon again in no time, his beautiful fur already coated with blood. A wave of searing fire scorched the blockade ahead, leaving nothing but ashes behind. At this rate they weren't getting to Firos any time soon. After the initial assault, the road was clear for two days. Freyan had pushed the horses hard, hoping to shorten the journey but now they were shattered. Ponpon threw all he had into the collar and pulled determinedly. Kimi often scouted ahead now they'd left Phoebus behind. Ruhne went with him. Kyoya's hope for a peaceful journey was dashed when a huge flock of harpies came screeching toward the group. With a flick of his staff the harpies were electrified out of the sky and existence. They took very few breaks for food and water, not wanting to risk being ambushed.
Three days of hard travelling later, Firos came into view. Kyoya swore somebody was trying to stop them reaching the city. It was uncommon for one wagon to be attacked so frequently on the road and no bandits were among the onslaughts. First they needed to get through the woods. For now the going was easy, no sign of danger. The exit loomed near and without anybody noticing, Kyoya fell to the back of the group, feeling something watching them. "I know you're there. Show yourself, whoever you are." The others stopped in their tracks, wondering what Kyoya was doing. It all became clear when a young lady Naga came slithering out of the shadows. She had the body of a boa constrictor and once stationary, stood as tall as Yonah. The rest of her trailed a few feet from the torso. Kyoya couldn't deny that she was a beautiful creature with hair of sandy brown and eyes of hazelnut. She didn't appear harmful, more curious if anything. "Please stop following us. Danger haunts our every step and you'll only get hurt if you stay close." Kyoya returned to the wagon, resuming the forsaken journey but the Naga wasn't giving up. She kept perfect pace with the group. Kyoya would've lost his patience with the creature had he not looked to the sky. Loud screeching came from the woods they'd just left behind. "Freyan we've got trouble. Lots of trouble." From behind an army of orcs and goblins emerged, the sky filling with more harpies than Kyoya could count. Nobody moved until an arrow sailed towards Yonah. Thankfully Kyoya singed it. "RUN!"
Freyan didn't need telling twice, urging the horses forwards. The goblins and orcs lunged toward the fleeing troupe. Up in the throne room, Dranzer was just stepping out onto the balcony for some fresh air. Never did she expect to see the two knights she'd sent out being chased mercilessly. "Falborg! Get your men out there now!" Falborg sprinted over the balcony, spreading his silver wings and lifted into hasty flight, calling for his soldiers to take to the sky. Bryan was the first to hear the call, his eagle eyes catching sight of Falborg heading into battle. 'Brother!' "Come on Aerith!" With no more than two mighty flaps, Bryan's giant grey falcon was airborne, the other falconriders not far behind them. Down on the ground, Kyoya saw reinforcements on the way. He was currently at the back of the wagon making sure Yonah didn't get hurt. The city gates opened, allowing Goki passage astride his Borkko as Jim and his Lunoth drifted overhead. Any goblins that got close to the wagon were slammed by Max's mace as he swung it with ferocious power. The Naga lashed out with her tail but her blows were hardly fatal and those she struck soon stood up again. The falconriders did what they could to quell the harpy numbers but the fiends kept on coming. Kyoya's eyes went from blue to red and Kane panicked. His Gold Mage comrade was very angry. "Get out of the sky! Everything in the air needs to land now!" The clouds turned dark and stormy as Kyoya's Pegasus stopped running, allowing him to dismount, staff sparking. All aerial fighters took Kane's warning seriously, landing within the castle walls as fast as they could. With all enemy attention on the fuming mage, the city gates were opened.
Freyan understood the horses were tired and needed to rest but he urged them on, steering the wagon expertly through the gates as thunder began to rumble overhead. Rain started to lash down in the blink of an eye, the clouds above lighting up with blue lightning. With one last swing of his staff, Kyoya caused the biggest storm anybody had ever seen. Lightning stabbed the ground and speared all enemies within the storm's radius. Kane hung back by the gates, the dried blood washing from his Vulnyon's fur. When the last goblin fell the sky fell silent. Kyoya wavered where he stood, energy drained. With a kick to its haunches, the might feline darted forwards, allowing Kane to catch Kyoya as he fell, eyes staying open with much reluctance. Kane kept a secure arm around Kyoya as his steed sprinted up the path towards the castle. Everyone else had already arrived in the stables and was trying to catch their breath. Seaborg revealed himself, glad to see Freyan home. Goki helped him take the siblings' luggage from the back, Kane approaching them with a very exhausted Kyoya. "Seaborg…" "You should rest, Kyoya. That was quite a storm you pulled in." Kyoya pulled a set of keys from his robe, giving them to the master of the sailors. "Take them home, Seaborg." "As you wish, master Kyoya." Ignoring the protests of the castle staff, Kane ordered his Vulnyon to March up the sweeping spiralling staircases. With their luggage being seen to, Freyan, Yonah and Max chased after Kane, Kimimaru and the Naga not far behind though she struggled with the uneven ground.
Dranzer was off her throne the second Kane came storming into the throne room, Kyoya in his arms. Wyborg helped to set the mage down in his chair next to Dranzer's throne, dabbing at his forehead with a dry cloth. "Kane what happened?" "Well m'lady the sudden attack must've really gotten under Kyoya's skin. Our journey here has been far from pleasant. We've been attacked pretty much constantly. This one was the final strike." "What of that storm? It came on so suddenly." "That's what happens when Kyoya gets real mad. But as you can see calling that storm forth leaves Kyoya very drained of his energy. I've seen it before. On our way here for the first time. We were heavily outnumbered by orcs and Kyoya immediately summoned a fierce storm without hesitation." Just as Kane finished explaining, the others arrived. Freyan looked none too pleased at being in the throne room, let alone near Dranzer. It annoyed Freyan further when Max bent knee to the pregnant Queen. "You're all unharmed I trust?" "What do you want with us?" "I'm sure Kyoya has already explained why you've been called back, Freyan. The city needs you." "Yes well thanks. We were quite happy in Galvena." Dranzer figured Freyan had tried once again to settle down with a nice girl only to have his attempt destroyed. His face said it all. Wyborg had quiet words with a servant and not ten minutes later Ian arrived with a smoking pipe filled with what looked like herbs. With some coaxing Kyoya woke up enough to take the pipe. "The hell is this?" "Herbs. Specially selected ones to help you get your energy back. And it might ease the headache I'm sure you've got." Ian wasn't sure how, but he'd convinced Kyoya to accept the medicine.
With the inhaling end tucked securely between Kyoya's lips, Ian tried to find a match, failing horribly. Rolling his eyes, Kyoya produced a small flame on his finger tip and lit the herbs himself, shaking his hand to put the ember out. Nobody noticed Elric crawling onto Kyoya's lap and behind his massive sleeve to hide from the strangers. Kyoya already looked much more relaxed after just a few puffs of the herbs, leaning back in his chair. Freyan could feel Yonah's weight increasing, sitting her down at the table. Looking around, Freyan couldn't see Valken. "So where's this husband of yours?" "That monster is not my husband. Valken is out somewhere. He's partially what we need help with. I suspect he was behind the mass slaughter of innocent girls some months ago. Wyborg will explain it better once you've settled. You're our last hope, Freyan?" "And father?" Dranzer could only shrug. She hadn't seen anything of ser Auron for a long time. "I do not know Freyan. I haven't seen him since the day you left Firos. But I did hear screaming one cold day. Valken must've done something to him and your mother." "So what's my role?" Wyborg stepped forward now, her eyes like knives. "You'll be taking Kai's place as commander of the knights. The position currently belongs to Tala but he's abusing it to be lazy. Worse still Wolborg is tied to Valken's coattails. This hasn't sat well with me since I gave the order for your brother to be banished. I'm sure you're all exhausted so you're free to go and rest. Elowen will be thrilled to see you both home."
Freyan would've hauled Yonah away from the table had Dranzer not seen the Naga that accompanied them beside Kimimaru. The serpentine maiden was quite nervous as Dranzer approached her. "Freyan, is this Naga with you?" "Hm? Not really. She just started following us when we went through the woods. Kyoya tried to dissuade her politely but she kept following." "And the boy?" "That's Kimimaru. He wants to learn more about the beasts we knights ride into battle but couldn't do it in Galvena. They only ride Griffons there." "Very well." Dranzer turned to the pair who stood awkwardly. "You're both free to stay as long as you like. Falborg!" Called advisor landed on the balcony rail, shedding most of his feathers, wings remaining. "You summoned me, lady Dranzer?" "Yes. Please take Kimimaru and this young lady to a suite. For safety I think its best the Naga stayed with him." "Understood. This way please." Freyan wasn't blind to Kimi holding the Naga's hand, figuring that's why Dranzer told Falborg not to part the pair. Rolling his tense shoulders, Freyan hefted Yonah from where she sat with help from Max. The knighted blonde made a mental note to speak with Dranzer about arranging his and Yonah's wedding. There was no telling when the baby would be born. Kyoya tagged along under Dranzer's orders, stepping groggily down the halls. The shattered Mage had words with Seaborg outside his chambers, retrieving the keys from him. "I'm sure you'll have no trouble settling back in to your rooms." "The hell are you doing here?" "Lady Dranzer bequeathed these chambers to me but I have no use for the remaining three rooms." Kyoya met Freyan's eyes, warning him to be careful what he said around Yonah.
Freyan was still bothered by what he'd seen in Galvena, wondering if it had all been an illusion. That night, Max and Kyoya both suffered the same vision, finding each other in the sitting room. "Oh…hey Kyoya. Trouble sleeping?" "Why else would I be out of bed? You've been having a vision, haven't you? Of a gold/cream dragon saying the forgotten ones will soon return?" Max's tired face paled, telling Kyoya he was right. "Dranzer thought you might. The beast is picky about who she contacts. We've learned that Rei and Hitoshi are also having this vision." "Wait…does that mean she's contacting you too?" "Yes. For a while I managed to hide it from the Queen but when she heard about the princes being kept awake by this "dream" she cornered me about my erratic sleeping pattern and my thirst for knowledge about old wars. I'm no prince so we're all wondering why this dragon is invading my mental space." "You're a strong individual, Kyoya. Maybe the dragon feels you can be trusted. The war is getting close, Kyoya. We'll need every able bodied man and woman to stand against the threat that's gonna face us." "So when do you plan to marry Yonah?" Max seemed thoughtful, his arms folded. "Soon. Shortly after the New Year I hope. Don't worry, you're invited." "Just try not to die. Well we'd best try to get some sleep. I'm still worn out after that storm calling." With a nod Max returned to the room he shared with Yonah, Kyoya returning to Elric. Just how long would it be until war struck? Would Freyan figure out that Dranzer carried Kai's child?
What did Freyan see? What of this messenger and why contact somebody not of royal blood? Find out soon