Greetings, dear readers! I am terribly sorry for making you wait for so long!

At long last, I am able to update another chapter. I had an awful lot of stress ever since this year started, for I joined our airforce, but the most important reason for this terrible delay was communication. For whatever reason, LordVoldios hasn't contacted me in ages, let alone worked with me, aside from a tiny bit several months ago. I tried to get through to him, but to no avail.

Now I decided to update without him. The plans for this chapter and those to come are set, so I can do it without him, but I still don't know what to do with him. It might turn out that I will take over the last parts of "By Our Blades", in case Voldios doesn't want to continue, but I will most likely know before uploading the next chapter.

Anyway, this has gone on long enough. Again, I apologize for waiting so long. Here goes the next chap!

Chapter ten: Alliances

After the conference had ended, everyone left the hall. Ezakiel looked into the faces of the Royals, seeing grim determination in each of them. Reena almost glowed with pride as she looked at her father.

"He was quite impressive", he said.

Reena's grin widened. "Yeah, at last, he's back to his former self."

"Was that your doing?" Zeshen asked.

She nodded. "We got into an argument and I told him what I thought about him. That must have made him wonder. Next thing I knew, he was out in the courtyard in full armour, working out."

"So that's how you did it", a voice said to the side. They turned around and saw Seid, who looked a lot fresher than he did before. He still seemed weary, but at the same time very energetic. "Man, was I surprised. That's the first time I see him like this."

"Hey, Seid", Ezakiel greeted. The two of them grabbed each other by their wrists for a second. "The world's small, huh?"

"Sure is. Anyway, I just wanted to invite you to eat, over at the Dragon Fang's headquarters. How about it? I could introduce you to my folks, and you got a nice meal for diner."

Ezakiel turned around to his comrades. "What do you think?"

Reena smiled and approved, but Zeshen seemed in thought. "Will Dante be there as well?"

Seid nodded, his smile waning a little. "Yeah, he's my second, so he'll be there. You already know each other, right?"

"Zeshen and I, that's right", Ezakiel answered. "We were neighbours of sorts. He was a little older than us, already hunting with his father. The whole village was proud of him. They said he had even more potential than my father had when he had started to hunt. But after Akantor had killed his father and he left the village, we never saw him again, until we met you in Eden."

"Well, the world really is small, then." Seid mused about that for a second, then cast the thought aside. "Are you still coming, or is there a problem?"

"It's all right", Zeshen said. "He just brings back memories."

Ezakiel noticed Seid's questioning expression. "After he left, my father and his friends chased after Akantor. They were the best hunters in the village, but they failed and were wiped out."

"So he reminds you of all that. Must be tough", Seid said.

"Yeah, but it's no problem. The past is the past", Ezakiel answered. "We got a future ahead, and it's not waiting for us."

"That's right", an all too familiar voice said behind Seid. "Remember the dead, but fight for the living." One part of Ezakiel inwardly sighed, while the other paid interested attention as his mother joined them.

Seid's grin returned to his face. "Hello, Administrator Erris! Did I hear right during the conference? You're Ezakiels mother?"

"Yes, I am, and proud of it." They shook hands. "I could hug him all day, but he gets so tense if I do."

"Hey!" Ezakiel protested. The heat rushing to his face didn't make it any better, nor did his friends giggling behind him.

Seid gave him a gleeful smile. "Maybe he's just shy." He then looked at her right arm. "Say, where did you get this scar? I've never seen it before. It looks quite interesting."

"Oh, I just slit a Tigrex's throat from within with my carving knife", she answered with an innocent smile, as if that was the most common thing in the world.

Seid seemed at a loss for words for a moment. "Well, I'll be", he finally said. "Wait, I got an idea. Why don't you join us, too? There's enough room for everyone, and the more we are, the merrier it gets."

Erris looked disappointed. "I'd really love to, but I have to leave right away. Pokke needs me as soon as possible, and I don't want to make Ashvelt Iilo wait."

"Ah, don't worry about him. He's like a spoiled child, so he'd find something to grumble about even if you arrive before him."

"That may be so, but still, I'm worried about my village, so I have to pass on your offer." She smiled with a hint of seduction. "Maybe some other time." With that said she went past them towards the exit. Just before she reached it, she turned around again with a troubled look on her face. "Please, come back safely." Then she left.

"Well, that was interesting", Seid mused after a few seconds of silence.

Reena grinned. "So, what do you think of her? I mean, as a woman." She couldn't keep from shooting Ezakiel a gleeful glance. He mentally growled. Why does she have to dig into this?

Seid put a hand to his chin. "Well, beauty aside, she's strong, fiery, loyal, and dedicated..." he tapped his fist into his palm "She's an ideal woman for any man!"

"This really doesn't matter right now", Ezakiel intervened before thing could get out of hand. "Hadn't we best be off? I'm sure it's quite a walk to your place anyway."

Seid chuckled. "She really was right about you." He ignored Ezakiels angry glare. "Okay, then let's go. I'm really hungry myself,so let's hurry."

xxxxxxxxxx

Temura bowed at the waist as two figures approached him. One of them was a beautiful woman in her mid-fourties wearing a noble, closed-up dress in green and black. The other one was a man in the same age, wearing an open, red frock-coat with black lining. Both of them wore their long, blond hair in a ponytail, adding to their already striking likeness. Of course, this similarity was only natural, since they were twins: Princess Etrea and Prince Volpes, the ones closest in line of succession. There were rumours about them not being on good terms with each other, for it was not yet decided who of them would take after their father.

"I greet you, Mylady Etrea, Mylord Volpes", Temura said respectfully.

"And we welcome you, Head Administrator Temura", Volpes replied. "I must admit, I was rather surprised when you asked for an audience with the king on such short notice."

"I am terribly sorry about that, but the matter in which regard I have to speak to the king is very urgent."

"Please, it is no problem at all. Our father agreed to see you as soon word from you reached him. He eagerly awaits you, so, if you would." He made an inviting gesture towards the door to the corridor that led to the throne-room.

Temura was about to step forward when Etrea raised a hand. "I must ask you to discard any weapons you carry, lest our escort will get the wrong impression."

He was confused for a second. He hadn't equipped any weapons for this occasion. Then he remembered that there was the long dagger he used as a carving knife strapped to his left upper thigh. He hadn't worn his armour in fifteen years, so he had completely forgotten that the weapon was still attached to it.

"Please pardon me", he said quickly, took off the sheath and handed it to her. She gave it to a guard beside the door, then opened it and led them into the corridor. Her brother fell in step beside her, while four heavily armed soldiers of the royal guard formed an escort around them. It was custom to have a member of the royal family welcome important visitors such as himself.

Princess Etrea gave him a serious look. "The king has not been well lately. His illness takes its toll on him, so please refrain from bringing it up."

Then they entered the throne-room. Ornate carpets and battle-worn weapons decorated the artfully tiled walls. A red carpet was placed from the door to the golden throne that stood on a small pedestal in front of a wide window from which one could overlook a large portion of the town, including the main gate.

Sitting on this Throne was King Ghadan Kerrh Minegarde IV, ruler of Minegarde. He was tall man in his eighties, wearing impressive robes in red and gold. His face was deeply wrinkled, his skin pale and his eyes weary. He looked even worse than Temura had thought, but when his gaze fell on the Head Administrator, he smiled and rose to greet him.

Temura went down on one knee, bowing his head. "Greetings, Your Majesty. I am deeply honoured to be in your presence."

"And I in yours", the ruler replied honestly. His voice was raspy, but firm, expressing genuine delight. He nodded to his children, who then left the room, and approached Temura as he was standing straight again. "I see you finally found back to your former self. After your father died, I was afraid you might have lost your will to live. It's good to see I was wrong." He gave him an approving look. "You look good, Temura."

Temura smiled. "I wish I could return the compliment, but to be honest, you look terrible."

The king burst into loud laughter. "How I've been missing honest words. Everyone knows I'm ill, yet they hide what they think and try to humour me with empty phrases. I'm fully aware of how I look."

Temura joined the laughter, but still was concerned about him. Ghadan had been a hunter back when he still was a prince, one of the closer friends of Mordecai. He had tutored and soon befriended the far younger Temura and every now and then they had hunted together. At first Temura hadn't known that Ghadan was a prince, so he was pretty surprised when he found out. When the former king passed away, he inherited the throne and abandoned the hunting, but the two of them had stayed friends over the years.

"Is it really this bad?" he asked worriedly.

"It's life. People age, fall ill and die. Kings are no exception. I don't know whether this illness will claim me, but when the time comes, it comes. I try my best to stay as healthy as I still can, of course." He sat back on his throne. "But enough of this. You didn't come here to hear me ramble, so let's get down to business. What can I do for you?"

Temuras face became grim. "I came to ask you for your support."

A worried expression appeared on the king's face. "What kind of support are you talking about?"

"Military support", he answered.

Ghadans eyebrows rose. "This kingdom is not at war with anyone, and if I recall correctly, neither is the Guild. What's wrong?"

"Only yesterday did I learn that Minegarde is on the verge of a great crisis. The population of the monsters has been increasing dramatically as of late, and just when I thought it couldn't get worse, my daughter and her comrades appeared out of thin air right in the middle of the annual conference of the Royals and reported that the monsters are being controlled by a man who plans to rid this world of us."

Ghadan looked clearly sceptic. "You must admit that this tale sounds quite fantastic."

This time it was Temuras turn to laugh. "I said the same thing when I first heard it, but I can assure you that it's true."

The king was thinking for a while. "You're not one to make up wild stories and tell them your king, and the fact that you're obviously planning to go into battle speaks for itself. Very well, I've decided to believe you. Who is this man controlling the monsters? A vengeful descendant of Empress Hime who tries to achieve what she failed to?"

Temura remembered what he had heard of her. More than a hundred years ago Minegarde was still an empire, ruled by the tyrannical Empress Hime. She was a wicked woman with ambitions of world domination. She even managed to capture and tame monsters to use them in battle. The kingdoms of Gessarn and Shathor were hard-pressed to keep her from breaching their borders.

It was at that time that a man named Kerrh appeared out of nowhere and joined the Minegardian resistance force. He quickly profiled himself with sabotage and espionage and soon became one of the leaders, until he eventually commanded the entire force. In the end, he managed to infiltrate this very castle, confronted Hime in this very room, and killed her with his own hands. The liberated people of Minegarde looked up to him, and thus made him king, so that he could end the war only Hime had truly wanted. His family had held the Minegardian throne ever since, with his great grandson as current ruler.

"No, it's not. In fact, this part of the story was the one hardest to believe for me", Temura said. "For it's none other than my father."

"What?" Ghadan asked in shock, followed by some coughing. "Surely you must be joking! Your father died fifteen years ago!"

Temura shook his head. "He disappeared. No one found his corpse. The same goes for the remains of Akantor, for that matter."

"You mean it also still exists?" Temura nodded. Ghadan leaned back in his throne, clearly exasperated. "How? How in the world could something like that happen? How could he survive and hide for fifteen years?"

Temura sighed. "Apparently, it's the doing of a ghost. The ghost of a king, ruler of an ancient kingdom named Nofresc, which existed at the same time Shrade did. In fact, the two realms were at war, with Nofresc slowly, but surely being overrun. When all seemed lost for it, a being of unknown nature calling itself "The Ancestor" appeared before Nofresc's king, Astot, and granted him the power to not only fight with superhuman strength, speed and ability, but also to create soldiers no human could hope to face: Monsters."

Ghadan looked severely worried now. "Are you serious? This king is the creator of the monsters? But even if you're right, what does Mordecai have to do with this?"

"I'll come to that in a minute. You see, with the monsters on his side, Astot was able to strike Schrade back and eventually even invade it. Akantor was created to guard the capitol, while Fatalis was meant to deal the finishing blow. As we all know, it succeeded. However, during the carnage it went berserk and destroyed everything in its sight. When Shrade was wiped out, it attacked Nofresc, simply because it wanted to. Astot was unable to control its rage and was killed. His spirit, however, somehow managed to stay in this world, waiting to possess another body as a vessel."

Ghadan nodded in understanding. "So he found Mordecai?"

"In fact, he found his pregnant mother. He tried to possess her, but ended up in Mordecai, who grew up to become an exceptional hunter, because he learned to control the power Astot accidentally gave him. Sixteen years ago, Akantor was unleashed, and when Mordecai went to face it a year later, Astot supressed his powers, leaving my father with no hope of defeating it. Astot then influenced his mind and made him flee to the ruins of Nofresc, where he took over his body for good and brainwashed him. Now, Mordecai is just as insane, claiming to be the king of Nofresc and trying to carry out his vengeance by wiping out the descendants of Shrade, whom he holds responsible for Nofresc's destruction."

"I see", Ghadan said, lost in thought. "I always knew that there was something special about your father, something that made him stronger than anyone else. Did you know that he used to fight bare-handed? His sword was only meant for exceptionally tough monsters, such as Gravios."

Temura was quite surprised. "Really? I had no idea."

"I accompanied him on many a hunt, but honestly, my presence made little difference. His strength and speed surpassed everything humanly possible, degrading me to a visitor most of the time. He slew fierce monsters with playful ease, sometimes with a single blow. When I asked him how he did that, he had to admit that he had no idea himself. Now I finally understand the reason."

"Now he has gained an even greater power, the power to command monsters. He's currently building an army within the volcanic belt, and we have reasons to assume that other areas, such as the larger villages or Fort Eden are also in danger, while we confirmed that two Lao Shan Lungs are headed towards Fort Lao Shan. The Guild is already gathering as many hunters as possible, but we need more troops. That is why I ask of your support. The fate of mankind is at risk."

The king sat up more erect. "Then you shall have it. I will dispatch five hundred knights of my personal guard to assist your assault."

Temura bowed respectfully. "Thank you, your Majesty."

Ghadan made a dismissive gesture. "Please, quit the formalities, Temura. I'm not only helping you as a ruler, but also as a friend. I would accompany you myself, but these old bones would be of no help to you." He stood up and walked over to Temura. The two veterans grabbed each others wrists. "I have faith in you, my friend."

"Then I shall prove myself worthy of it", he answered with determination.

xxxxxxxxxx

Ezakiel assessed the building in front of him and raised his eyebrows. It was a rather large manor in the noble district of Dondruma, but obviously it had seen better times... long ago. The front lawn was overgrown with weeds, the grass almost as high as it gets in the wilderness. The building itself looked withered, showing that no one had maintained it for many years. A large dragon-skull-symbol was branded into the door, clearly marking who lived here.

"This is it", Seid said jovially. "The Dragon-Fang's headquarters." He made a wide, presenting gesture with both arms. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Well..." Ezakiel said, stretching the word to buy some time, thinking about a diplomatic thing to say. "It's really unique, I give you that."

"What do your neighbours say about it?" Reena asked.

"Nothing we listen to", the Royal replied with a laugh. He then waved them over as he led the way to the building. "I'll introduce you to the group, at least to those present right now. The rest should come a bit later." He stopped at the door, as if something just came to his mind, and turned around. "Oh, and don't mind it if it's a little untidy."

"That won't be a problem", Ezakiel said generously. Since he has always been the one responsible of waking Dalmin at the morning, he knew his fair share of homely chaos. Seid opened the door and let them in.

Ezakiel made a few steps into the lobby, looked around and raised his eyebrows. A lot of books, laundry and various other items were lying on the ground and the furniture was scattered without any apparent order. On the far end of the lobby was a large gong, but its purpose eluded him. While it didn't look too terrible, someone really should clean up in a while.

"This place is a mess" Ezakiel said.

"When have you last cleaned up?" Reena asked.

Seid laughed again. "A few days ago. But this is where we live. It looks like this most of the time." Ezakiel couldn't quite believe what he heard. He knew that Seid wasn't the most orderly of men, but that the Dragon Fang seemed to share this trait was new to him. He started to wonder how they were like.

Seid turned towards a staircase. "Everyone, I'm home!" he yelled.

Dante descended into the room, clad in a simple outfit of cotton and leather. He nodded at them as he stepped in front of Seid. Ezakiel could almost feel the air between them thickening. "Well?"

The Royal flashed a wide grin. "The Guild's officially at war with Nofresc now. The assault force will have as many hunters as we can get, and maybe even a load of royal soldiers. Temura's gonna ask the king for them. Preparations will take a few days, but then we'll march. The Head Administrator himself will lead the attack."

Dante didn't reply anything, but then tension between him and Seid was clearly loosing up. The Royal and his second seemed to come to some kind of mutual agreement. Eventually, Dante nodded. He then looked towards the three guests and lifted a hand for a second, which seemed to be his idea of a greeting. Seid started to look around, unpleased. "By the way, where's that buncha layabouts?"

"They're here, of course", Dante answered monotone. He took a step back and kicked the gong, startling the guests.

Steps could be heard from the upper level, and a young, skinny man descended, looking tired. "Damn, not again."

Then a door to the side was forcefully swung open by possibly the largest woman Ezakiel had ever seen. She was a good head taller than Ezakiel and musclebound. If Dalmin had been a female, he wondered, he would have looked somewhat like this. "The hell, Guys! Why do you keep doing that!"

After that, another door swung open, revealing an elderly man wearing an apron that was stained with fat, sauce, juices and the occasional blotch of blood, which clearly identified him as a cook. "Stop this ruckus, you delinquent! I'm busy here!"

Ezakiel could only stare. This was the legendary Dragon Fang!

Seid stemmed his arm on his hip, shook his head and sighed. "Everyone, shut up and behave. First off: We have guests, so show some manner."

All eyes fell on the newcomers. Ezakiel felt somewhat uncomfortable, but he did notice that they indeed pulled themselves together. Maybe there's more to them than meets the eye after all.

"And second, take a look around. What happened here?" Seid asked angrily.

The skinny man looked clueless. "I dunno what you mean. Nothing happened."

The Royal crossed his arms. "Right, and that's the problem. Didn't I tell you to clean this place up a few days ago? Well?" The Dragon Fangs shifted uncomfortably, murmuring, but not speaking out loud. Seid sighed again. "Ah well, it can't be helped." He turned to his guests while pointing at the skinny man. "Okay, that guy's Teto. He's good with music and distracts our prey."

Teto shrugged. "Yeah, I'm the bait."

"Moving on." Seid continued. "This is Namel. He's our chef, so be nice to him or he'll poison your food." He gestured at the elderly man, who stepped forward and firmly shook Ezakiels hand.

"Don't listen to this low-brow. Please, excuse my earlier outburst, I should have watched my manners." He spoke in a delicate, well-bred manner that belied his appearance.

"It's not a problem", Ezakiel assured.

Then large arms came into view, closed around him and pulled him into a crushing bear-hug that actually lifted him off the ground. "And I'm Kanta", the hulking woman droned into his ear, making him flinch, while tightening her grip. "Nice to meet ya!" She released him again, much to his relief.

He caught his breath again and managed a weak, pain-twisted smile. "My pleasure."

Seid laughed. "She's our blacksmith. Don't mind the pain, that's how she greets everyone." Then he stepped up again. "Okay, everyone: These are Ezakiel and Zeshen from Pokke, and I guess you know Head Administrator Temura's daughter Reena. They're the ones I told you about, and they'll also accompany us to Nofresc, so get to know each other, you'll be fighting side by side soon enough." Ezakiel inclined his head in greeting, Zeshen nodded and Reena waved. "I invited them for diner, so let's set up the table." He looked around helplessly for a second. "Um, where is the table?"

"I needed it in the forge. I'll get it", Kanta said and disappeared to where she came from. Meanwhile, Dante and Teto arranged the couches and gathered chairs from all over the place. Then a large, massive wooden table came out of the open door, carried by the giantess. She effortlessly placed it between the furniture, bringing some distinct order into this mess. Namel had somehow vanished, most likely into the kitchen, to prepare the meal.

"Come on, get seated", Seid invited. Ezakiel, Zeshen and Reena sat down on one of the couches, while the Dragon Fangs sat across from them. There was still plenty of free space at the table.

The next half hour was spent talking. Ezakiel and his comrades told the other hunters their story, then they were chatting about the hunts they've had. Some of the tales the Dragon Fangs shared sounded really wild, but he could tell that they indeed were professionals. Dante and Seid hardly ever spoke, but while it seemed to come naturally to Dante, Seid looked seriously uneasy. He kept glancing at the entrance, as if he was awaiting someone.

"So, what way will we go to reach this Nofresc?" Teto asked.

"I think we'll go through Fort Lao Shan", Ezakiel answered. "It's the best route to reach the volcanic belt with a large group. Besides, that way we can assist the Fort against the Lao Shan Lungs."

"Exactly", Reena agreed. "From there it'll be a straight shot through the Dragon lands, right, Seid?" She looked at the Royal, but he didn't seem to have heard her. She waved her hand in front of his face. "Hello, Seid, are you with us?"

He started. "Huh? What was that?"

Reena palmed her face while Zeshen sighed. Ezakiel eyed the Royal worriedly. Something really wasn't right with him. "I was saying that once we get to Fort Lao Shan it'll be a straight shot through the Dragon Lands to Nofresc. With all the people volunteering to fight Mordecai we should have no problem getting through all the monsters to reach his castle."

"Also, if the various reports on the monsters movement are correct, we should experience little to no attacks on the way there", stated Zeshen.

"That means, we should reach the fort in about a day, then take another one to the Volcanic belt. We'll rest at its border, so that we're at full strength. Nofresc is only a few hours away from there", Reena continued.

Seid nodded absentmindedly and glanced back to the door again. "Hey, Seid", Ezakiel said, getting the Royals attention. "I'm grateful that you invited us for dinner, but ever since we sat down, you've been daydreaming. You said that the others are coming soon, so why are you so worried? Is something wrong?"

"…I'm just…waiting for a friend to come home", he answered with a sigh.

"What does that…" Reena was suddenly interrupted as the door Seid had stared at opened. A tall, dark skinned man and a woman with long, blond hair stepped into the room. Seid bolted out of his seat and rushed to them. Ezakiel was alarmed by the situation. He could tell something was afoot.

"Is Sigurd okay?" Seid demanded urgently. "What happened!"

The woman bit her lip and looked aside while the man lowered his head. Seid looked crestfallen for a second, then closed his eyes, his face expressing disappointment and sadness. After a minute he had gathered himself and sighed. "Report, then."

"We heard roars and shouts from the other end of the island, but by the time we arrived it was all over." The woman couldn't look into his eyes while she spoke. "Apparently he cornered the Garuga in it's lair and managed to kill it, but somewhere in the fight he was poisoned. He died shortly after."

Ezakiel felt his jaw tensing. Another hunter had died, another close friend to someone, just like Dalmin was to them. Apparently, this Sigurd's death wasn't any better than his. Yian Garuga are the fiercest of bird wyverns, feared for their speed, strength and slyness, but mainly for their poison. If the antidote wasn't applied in a few minutes, there was hardly any chance to survive.

"Damn it kid…" Seid murmured, more to himself than to anyone present. "I really thought you had what it took…"

The dark-skinned man put a hand on his shoulder. "We buried Sigurd on the island, but we do have the Garuga's corpse if you want to see it. He did a good number on the thing before it died."

The other Dragon Fangs stood up, so Ezakiel and his friends chose to join them as they approached the door, not stepping outside to give their leader some space. He could see Seid looking at the severely mutilated carcass of the purple monster. The Silver King sighed and turned to step back inside, but then he noticed something beside the door, out of their vision, and froze, staring in utter disbelief.

When they started to approach the door, he could hear an unfamiliar voice. "Hey Seid. Miss me?"

Seid shook off his numbness and smiled brightly, obviously relieved. "Sigur-" They had just reached the door when the Royal was silenced by a fist crashing into his face with horrible force. He was send flying over the low steps and landed onto the stone path.

Ezakiel gasped in shock and rushed outside, to see a man about his age recovering from the punch. He was battered and dirty, as if he had been out in the wild for weeks on end. He had a nasty, not completely healed wound on his right arm and a feral glint in his eyes. "What the…" Ezakiel stuttered, bewildered by the situation. "You hit him! Why did you do that!" Reena came to a stop beside him. She looked at Seid, then at Sigurd. Just as she was about to say something, however, they heard a chuckle.

Everyone turned to see Seid slowly getting up, giggling all the while. Ezakiel could only look in confusion as the Royal staggered back to his feet, laughing even louder with every passing moment. When he finally stood straight, he was shaking with laughter. Everyone present – even Sigurd – matched Ezakiels expression by the time Seid had calmed down.

"I guess I deserved that one." He chuckled again. "And the act earlier? Totally had me going there." He stepped up to Sigurd and, to the newcomer's surprise, threw an arm around his shoulder. "Reena, Ezakiel, Zeshen. Meet the newest member of the Dragon Fang, Sigurd."

The ragged hunter stretched out his uninjured hand, and Ezakiel shook it, recovering from the confusion. Seid rubbed the spot where Sigurd's fist had connected. "I say we go in. It's a much better place to talk."

Everyone got seated at the table again. "Now, let's finish the introductions", Seid said. "This is Kazu, our tracker. He makes sure that we find the monsters before they find us." The dark skinned man nodded in greeting. "And that's Myra, our medic. I guess Sigurd owes it to her that he was able to punch me just now." The blond woman smiled warmly at them. "These three are Ezakiel, Zeshen and Reena. They're going to accompany us to the volcanic belt."

„Volcanic belt?" Myra asked. „Are we missing out on something?"

"Good question", Sigurd added. "What's going on in the city? When we came here, there were hunters and knights everywhere. It looked like…"

"…like they're preparing for war", Seid finished seriously. "Of course, because that's what they're doing."

Sigurd looked at him in wonder. "What the hell happened? Who're we at war with?"

"Our guests can explain that a lot better than I can", Seid said.

Once more they explained what had happened. As they expected, the newcomers seemed sceptical at first, but the more they heard, the more they seemed to realize that the story made a terrible sense. In the end, Sigurd scratched his chin. "Your tale sounds completely wild, but if you managed to convince the Head Administrator, the King, and the entire Guild that it's true than it must have some merit. Oh, and you have my my sincere condolences regarding your friend."

"Thank you", Ezakiel said. It hurt terribly to think about Dalmin, but he forced down his sorrow. The time to mourn him had not yet come. He decided to change the subject. "By the way, what's your story, Sigurd? I'd like to know what Seid did to deserve such a blow."

Sigurd laughed. "About a week ago, he said that I had the potential to join the Dragon Fang. What he didn't tell me was that there was a test before I could join. That moron tranquilized me and shipped me off to an abandoned island, without armour or supplies, except a sword and a shield, even though I'm a gunner. My only company was a Yian Garuga. I tried to get off the island, but it kept haunting me, so I decided to kill it before I could try to take my leave. The fight didn't go well though. If it hadn't been for Myra and Kazu, who secretly observed me without my knowing, I wouldn't have made it."

"I'm surprised that you actually killed it with just a sword and shield", Reena said.

Sigurd showed off his right arm. "Not without some cost, I assure you."

"I mean, it's an awesome achievement for a gunner."

He made a dismissive gesture. "Well, I made a contract as a Guild-Trainer as soon as I was let out of the Academy. One of my four years was spent training with all forms of weaponry."

Ezakiel nodded. The Hunting Academy of Dondruma was famous for the education it granted. It was founded to train aspiring hunters who didn't have anyone else to do that, unlike in the villages where it was common for hunters to train their children. The instructors the academy brought forth went through a broad variety of training disciplines and were granted a rank in the Guild after they had graduated another hunter. It was a slower, but safer way to join the Guild, since they were taught a solid base to start with.

(Again, this part gives me some trouble. In your edit you sorta explained what the allowance is about, but Kanta still didn't attend the meal. I really think she should, since she'd be left out otherwise. That's why I'll make it so she does. There's always time to work on this allowance, so I don't think she should miss the meal just for that.)

"So, is the Garuga going to be transported to the Refinery?" Zeshen asked.

"Nah", Kanta said, waving dismissively. "We got something special in mind for that."

"Special?" Sigurd eyed Seid suspiciously.

"Think of it as a reward, from the Dragon Fang to you, for performing such an impressive feat. After all, even dragons are nothing without their tough skin."

That still doesn't tell me…"

It was then that Namel entered the room, carrying two large trays overloaded with food. There was a large amount of meat, fish, and fruits. The meal looked delicious. Ezakiel could hear his stomach rumbling and tried to ignore Zeshen's teasing glare as she heard it.

The chef glared threateningly at the Dragon Fangs, much to his wonder. "Remember: Behave", he hissed dangerously before returning to the kitchen.

Ezakiel looked around the table and noticed the hungry gazes of their hosts. He could perfectly understand them, seeing how delicious the food in front of them smelled. The chef kept arranging food until about half the table was full. Then he set out the platters and silverware.

The expression in the Dragon Fangs eyes became one of longing as they grabbed their utensils. The way they did seemed odd, however, for they grabbed the forks and knives with their whole fist, as if they weren't used to it. From what he had learned about them so far, it was rather likely to him to actually believe it.

At last, Namel put down the last platter and sat down beside him. "That is all. Enjoy your meal!"

Immediately they filled their platters with hardly contained greed. The chef watched them sharply while they did. Ezakiel and his friends helped themselves as well, all the while keeping an eye on their hosts. By the time they had gathered their meal, the Dragon Fang was already eating, and rather viciously, too. Though they were using silverware, this use consisted mostly of pinning the food down with the knife and tearing it apart with the fork. Seid hardly used his utensils at all; he simply stabbed his fork into a slab of meat and held it in front of his face, not bothering with the knife. Namel, on the other hand, had excellent table manners. Only now did they notice that he had changed into a spotless apron.

Ezakiel had never held etiquette in too high an esteem, but even he had to smile inwardly as he watched their hosts, listening to the occasional smacking and slurping. Judging by the way Namel had acted earlier, he assumed that the chef had tried to teach them some manners. The success of this was questionable, but the chef seemed rather pleased. Ezakiel really didn't want to know how the meals here looked when they didn't have guests.

The meal lasted for half an hour. Ezakiel and his friends were full after about half the time, Namel ate for another five minutes, but the rest of the time they watched the Dragon Fang stuff themselves as if they weren't expecting food for days to come.

"How come they can eat so much?" Reena asked quietly

"It's been worse", Namel said, surprising them. "One time they did this for much longer. None of them could walk the next day." He chuckled. "They really do behave themselves, too. I'm surprised they're using silverware."

Ezakiel blinked as he found his suspicions to be confirmed. Zeshen smiled. "Is it hard to cook for them?"

"Actually, no. Sure, it involves quite some work to prepare the meal, but aside from that, it's nothing. And the Felynes help me out, too, so it doesn't bother me at all."

"You have Felynes helping you in kitchen, too?" Reena asked excitedly. "There are some in the headquarters, but unfortunately, we don't have any at home."

"Why not? I figured you would, seeing as you are nobility", Namel inquired.

"Well, my mom loves to cook herself, so she doesn't want any help. I really like her food, but I'd love to have a few Felynes. They're so cute!"

She was swooning with glistening eyes, and Ezakiel had to smile at her delight. Felynes were an interesting race, looking a lot like cats. They were about half as tall as he was and came in a lot of colours. They had been integrated into human society by the guild decades ago. The Felynes were often working on farms and, as in this case, kitchens due to their frugality and dexterity. That was far from slavery, though, for the Felynes were quite eager to work for humans, since mutual cooperation was a large part of their culture. He even had heard that there were hunters who trained them to aid them in battle, but never actually saw this.

There was another tribe similar to the Felynes, named the Melynx. They were outcasts and criminals which stole what they needed for a living. That was part of the reason why putting up guards while resting outside was so important. Many hunters who didn't woke up and found themselves liberated from their possessions.

Namel laughed. "Maybe I can introduce you to them some other time. I sure couldn't do it without them."

Meanwhile, the Dragon Fang had stopped eating as well. Only Seid was refusing to leave anything of his chicken-drumstick, but when he had finished it, he leaned back and petted his belly. "Ah, this was good. Can't wait till tomorrow for more." Namel just shook his head.

Ezakiel nodded at the chef. "I agree. The food was delicious." His friends expressed their appreciation as well, much to Namels joy.

Seid looked out of the window and they followed his gaze. Only now did they notice that night had fallen. "Oh, didn't know it's that late already", the Royal said, looking back to his guests. "I take it you're gonna call it a day, too. I'd accompany you to the door, but I don't feel like standing up right now."

Namel rose. "I'll do that."

Ezakiel offered the Royal his hand. "Thanks for your hospitality, Seid. We really enjoyed it." Zeshen and Reena agreed.

"The pleasure was all mine", he replied and firmly shook the hunter's hand. "Until next time, my friend."

Namel led them to the door. Before they stepped outside, Ezakiel turned around again and nodded at Dante, who returned the guesture.

"They sure are a strange bunch."

"But they're among the best", the chef said. "They don't have the best reputation for nothing. Sure, you have to get used to them, but I couldn't think of a better group to work for." He escorted them to the door.

"Thanks again for the meal", Ezakiel said.

"It was a pleasure having guests; I enjoyed it as much as you did. Now, if you would excuse me, I still have work to do. I hope we get to meet again soon." With that said, Namel bowed respectfully, then went back into the building.

"So, what to do now?" Ezakiel asked.

Reena scratched the back of her head. "Um, I'm going home. I haven't seen my mother since I left the city."

"Of course", Zeshen said. "Well, we should get back to our quarters then. Let's meet again in front of the headquarters tomorrow.

xxxxxxxxxx

Reena stood in front of the delicate door that led to her family's manor. Thoughts rushed through her head and emotions through her stomach as she raised her hand to open it. On the one hand, she had missed her parents and the security of her home, but on the other hand this place also symbolized the years of worry, of constriction and the many confrontations with her father.

Torn between longing and fear, she stood there, as if rooted in place. Her short life outside of this door ran past her mind's eye. The good things, like her friends, the fascinating places she had visited… But also the bad things, like the constant danger of the hunt, her doubts of being able to handle such a life and especially Dalmin's death at the hands of Mordecai.

The inner turmoil threatened to overwhelm her. She hadn't known that she was so unstable. It was as if she had cast aside these terrible things, trying to suppress them, only for them to catch up and take their toll in this very instant. Her vision began to blur slightly when she came to the final conclusion. Isn't everything my fault? I was the one who made them go to the volcanic belt. I led them to Mordecai, opened the doors to Dalmin's end. Had it not been for me, he would still be alive.

Everything in her past seemed to have been a mistake. Thinking only of the times of dread, of uncertainty, she started to believe that she had never done a single thing right after she had left home, that her father had been right all along.

Then it hit her. No. He had cowered in fear all along. I'm not going to do the same! Ezakiels words from that morning came to her mind. The past is the past. We got a future ahead of us, and it's not waiting. From one instant to the next, her mind became clear again. Then I also shan't wait for it. She wouldn't block out the phantoms of the past, far from that, but she also wouldn't let them hold her back. On the contrary, she would embrace the world with all its wonders and horrors, for it is both that made one who they are.

Eventually, she had regained her determination, and looked at the door in front of her again. She came to realize her strange situation. Here she was, standing in front of the door to her home with a hand raised to open it, thinking about such matters. The elation of having escaped from the maelstrom of fear, sorrow and doubt, combined with the stupidity of this made her smile, then giggle. Whatever was I thinking? It's just a door. It couldn't possibly hold me in place.

Her fingers firmly tightened around the doorknob, turning it. The expansive interior of her home came into view, with beautiful paintings of faraway lands, expensive carpets and furniture. As she closed the door, she heard steps from the direction of the living room.

Her mother, Isabel, came through the door, a middle aged woman with blond, but already greying hair and warm, brown eyes. She wore a simple, black dress, her favourite type of clothing. When she looked at her daughter, surprise, then joy crossed her face. "Reena? Oh, Reena, you're back!" She came over to her and slung her arms around her child in a loving embrace, which Reena immediately returned. She could feel tears of happiness welling up in her eyes. Just what's going on with me today?

When they eventually separated, Isabel held her at arms length, aimless anger showing in her teary eyes. "I've been worried sick about you, you know that!" she said breathlessly. "When your father told me what had happened, It thought I was about to die!" Before Reena could say something to her defence, she was being hugged again, much tighter now. "Promise me you'll never make me worry like that again."

Reena was taken aback by that for a moment, then patted her mother's back. "It's all right now, mom. I'm back, and in good health. You don't have to worry about me anymore."

Behind her, Temura appeared, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder. "Now, now. Please calm down, Isabel."

She whirled around, glaring at him. "Temura, our daughter has been gone for months!"

He apologetically lifted his hands. "I know, but now she's back." He gestured to the living room. "Come, let's get seated. We have a lot to talk about." He led them to a set of couches arranged around a low table. Reena and her mother sat down on one of those, Temura on another. Her father looked at them seriously, but she could tell that he was somewhat at ease. From their dinner with the Dragon Fang, she already knew that royal knights were assembling, so he had been successful.

"I've spoken to the king", he began. "He'll dispatch five hundred knights of his personal guard to aid us in battle."

"That's good", Reena said. "They're gonna be a great help to us in our assault."

Her mother sighed beside her. "Do you really have to go, Reena? You just returned."

With a pang of sadness, Reena turned to her. She could imagine how her mother felt. Even though, her father had been the one pressuring her most before she went to Kokoto, her mother hadn't been to keen about the idea, either. "I know, mom, but I have to. I lost a friend to Mordecai. I don't want him to have died in vain. That's why I have to honour him by helping to accomplish what he couldn't." Sorrow gripped her heart, but she fought it down. Dalmin wouldn't have wanted her to be like this. "Besides, if Mordecai succeeds, we're all gonna die, whether we fought him or not, so I'd rather help defeating him. That way, I'm at least of some use."

Her mother was speechless for a while, looking at her with surprise, then she smiled. "You've grown up since you left. I'm so proud of you." She reached over and hugged her daughter again. "I guess it really was a good idea to let you go after all."

Reena could hardly believe what she heard. She could feel tears forming in the corners of her eyes again. Finally, after all the arguments, the hardships, her mother approved of her decision to become a hunter.

She looked at her father, who sat there with folded hands, looking somewhat uncomfortable. He obviously still wasn't sure of that. She would have to show him that she could do it, but now she was certain that she could.

Her mother let go of her, eyes filled with worry. "Just, whatever you do, be safe. I couldn't bear to lose you."

Reena smiled assuringly. "Don't worry, I will. Dad's with me, too, so I'll be fine."

She sighed in defeat. "I guess you will. I just can't help but worry."

Temura cleared his throat. "I promise, I'll watch out for her. Anyway, here's the plan." He waited until they adjusted to the change of topic. "We'll march to Fort Lao Shan and help defending it. After that we'll cross the Dragon Lands from there."

Reena nodded. "I thought as much. We should be at the volcanic belt in about a day. I suggest we rest there. Once we reach the central cavern, Ezakiel, Zeshen and I can lead the way to Nofresc. It took us about half an hour to reach it, but we were running most of the time, so I guess it's about an hour from there."

Isabel looked from one face to the other. "You two seem to be quite lost in it, so I'll go and get something to eat." With that she stood up and went to the kitchen. Reena wasn't really hungry after the delicious meal she had enjoyed earlier, but she longed for something her mother had made.

"Say, dad", Reena began. "The first monster we'll have to face will be a Lao Shan Lung, right? I was just wondering, how do you fight something like that?"

Temura scratched his beard. "Lao Shan Lungs are unlike any other monster. They are gigantic, in the truest sense of the word. More than two hundred feet long, weighing several hundred tons. They're slow, but at the same time almost invulnerable. That's why the Guild built the fortress in the first place."

"I thought it was to keep them away from the mainland."

"Sure, but unlike other monsters, they could simply march through every resistance we throw at them. The fort's purpose is to buy us enough time to actually kill it. We have siege weapons installed there so we can injure them."

"You mean, normal weapons are useless?" she asked worriedly. The thought of standing around helplessly didn't sit well with her.

"Almost useless, but yes. The main offensive will come from the fort's weapons. It has eight ballistae and two cannons in total, plus the Dragonator."

Reena raised her eyebrows. "Dragonator?" She had never heard this term before.

Temura smiled grimly. "It's a technology we found inside the ruins of Castle Schrade. The Dragonator is basically a giant machine that can only be mounted on very sturdy buildings such as a fortress. It consists of a giant, pointed pole and a contraption to thrust it outward. The force behind it is incredible, even dangerous to a Lao Shan Lung, but it can only be used once before it has to be maintained, since certain parts break once it's used, so they have to be replaced every time."

"Wait, don't we have something like this on the main gate?" Reena asked, remembering that there were some pointy poles sticking out of the wall above the gate. "That's a Dragonator?"

"Well observed, Reena. That was the first one we built ourselves. The Dragonator we found in Shrade was a massive, hooked thorn that spun when used. At the time we installed the first Dragonator there, the engineers didn't quite understand the spinning mechanism yet, so they just made it thrust poles, which held enough force already. Then, when they were finally able to recreate it, we provided Fort Lao Shan with an improved version."

"Improved?"

"Indeed. We built not one, but four Dragonators close together and combined them so we can use them all at once. That could kill even a Lao Shan Lung. The only problem is that you can't even aim with that thing, let alone position it. The only way to hit something with it is to make the monster come in range."

"Sounds tough", Reena said. "I never heard of that."

Temura chuckled. "That's because you still needed diapers when I discovered it."

"Wait. You discovered it?" she asked, surprised.

"Yes. I practically stumbled over it when I fought Fatalis in the ruins of the castle. There was this huge, deadly looking contraption and a handle and Fatalis hanging in the air right in front of it, so I thought 'what the heck' and pulled the handle. The next thing I knew was this giant thing shooting out and ruining the left side of its face."

"So that's how you repelled it", Reena mused.

"Well, it was the last step. I fought it before, even injured it, but it got me in a tight spot, so I retreated into the castle to plan my next move. That's when I found the Dragonator."

Isabel entered the living room, laughing. "You really are something, darling. The first thing you do after finding your will to hunt again is to gloat." She placed a small platter with various pastries on the table. "Hunters have to eat decently, so enjoy the meal! And while you're at it, Reena, you could tell us some of your stories for a change."

Reena grinned happily, but then frowned in thought. She didn't know where to start.

xxxxxxxxxx

Ezakiel and Zeshen stood at the balcony of their suite, overlooking the sleeping Dondruma. Towering, dark clouds covered the sky, promising long and heavy rainfalls, maybe even a thunderstorm.

Seeing the land cower beneath the heaven, submitting to a force it couldn't fight, reminded him of how in vain his resistance had been against Mordecai, just like most things reminded him of this lately. Visiting the Dragon Fang had been a welcome distraction, but the pain, the sorrow, just seemed to have returned twofold, as if it had lurked in the shadow of his joy to lunge at his back.

They hadn't spoken more than a few words ever since Reena had left. Dalmin's death weighed heavily on him, seeming to drown the day in sadness. He wanted to remember the good times with his friend, the hunts they had together, the victories and the bragging, even the giant's excessive drinking orgies after a particularly splendid job and his terrible hangover the morning after. But every time he tried, he just realized what he had lost.

Looking at Zeshen, he knew that he had it easy in comparison. Just the other day had he learned that she had been in love with Dalmin, and maybe he had similar feelings for her. Ezakiel considered offering her his shoulder if she needed it, but didn't. His mother was right, the pain wouldn't disappear. The only way to endure it was to get to know it, embrace it, so that it couldn't hurt anymore than it did, and then learn to live with it.

He thought about his mother, who was hurrying back to their home that very instant, giving it her all to defend it. She had learned to endure the agony of loss and moved on, keeping her gaze ahead instead of back. Ezakiel was determined to pattern himself on her, but he wasn't certain whether he could. Only time would show.

xxxxxxxxxx

Three days later, Reena stood in front of Dondruma's main gate, at her friends' side, looking around. She could see many familiar faces, among them Seid and his Dragon Fang as well Ashvelt Garland and the Guild Guards, an elite troupe of the Guild that protected the capitol.

Beside him stood Ashvelt Merquel, clad in impressive armour made of Monoblos leather. Horns were sticking out of the shoulder pads, and the helmet was adorned with another one, which probably explained his title "Bloodhorn". He carried a large, devastating-looking scythe on his back. His grim, continuously grumpy face was no different from when she had last seen it in Fort Eden, but she thought she could see a slight hint of nervousness in the Royals' features.

She examined her equipment for what must have been the hundredth time. Two quivers of arrows were strapped to her back, so that she wouldn't run out of ammo as easily. In addition to the flash- and sonic-arrows were the respective bombs, which she wore in two pouches on her belt. Her bow had been maintained in the headquarters' crafting shop to have it in top condition. She had also bought a new sabre, since her old one was still lying around in Mordecai's throne room.

They stood just behind her father, in the first line of the assault force, waiting for the order to move out. Behind them, hundreds of hunters had gathered, along with five hundred knights. All in all, they were nine hundred and fourteen fighters. Reena was wondering whether that would suffice. After all, not even Schrade could persevere against the hordes of Nofresc.

"At attention!" the leader of the knights yelled. "Hail His Majesty!" She and each of her soldiers stood erect and slammed their right hands on their breastplates, over their hearts. The hunters followed suit.

King Ghadan Kerrh Minegarde IV walked through the gate, returned their salute and let his gaze wander over their ranks. "I greet you, noble warriors who have gathered from all over Minegarde to take up arms against a threat that denies our right to be. A threat that raises a claim on our world, the world of our ancestors, the world of our children! We cannot allow this, and we won't. You will march to the enemy's gates to declare…" He raised his voice in grim resolve. "…that we shall not fall! We shall stand strong and claim our future! Embark, brave warriors, knights and hunters alike! Go forth and defend this future! Our hearts, our faith and our prayers are with you."

Nine hundred and fourteen humans stood together, heeding these words. Nine hundred and fourteen beating hearts. Reena felt that she was part of something magnificent. This feeling of unity, of mutual, heartfelt determination was greater than anything she had ever experienced.

Temura turned towards the hunters. "All right, we march! To victory!" he yelled. They cheered, raising fists and weapons into the air. Reena joined in, grinning widely. She enjoyed seeing her father like this, fierce and brave, as if the past fifteen years had never existed.

Then they set out towards Fort Lao Shan, determined to give everything they got. Reena's elation was dimmed as she looked around. Many of these people, if not all, were going to die before long. Mordecai's thirst for blood was endless, and the battle that was to come would be of much satisfaction.

"Hey, Reena", Ezakiel said, snapping her out of her thoughts. "I can tell that you're worried, but don't be. Everyone here has come by their own, free will. They accept the possibility of death."

"How did you know what I was thinking?" she asked, surprised.

Zeshen chuckled. "You're easy to read. Anyway, Ezakiel's right, you're worrying too much. When you have doubts in battle, you lose. It's okay to be concerned, but never forget: We must persevere, no matter the odds, no matter the sacrifices we have to make, lest those we left behind are fey. Once the battle starts, we can't afford to worry about anyone. I won't deny that many of us will meet their end soon, maybe even the three of us. But I don't care about that right now. Remember the dead, but not until they really are dead."

Reena sighed. "I guess you have to think like this when you live with danger all the time."

Ezakiel nodded. "That's right, you have to stay sane. Our head's the only advantage we have."

"And if you loose your head…" Zeshen said. "…you loose it again, literally."

xxxxxxxxxx

The day went by uneventfully. When the sun was about to set, they could finally see their destination.

Reena forgot to blink as she saw it. Fort Lao Shan was massive, truly titanic. It was built inside a wide canyon, the only route a Lao Shan Lung could take to reach the mainland, and also the only way to reach the volcanic belt by foot. The structure effectively blocked it, reaching more than a hundred feet into the air. There was a huge gate leading through it to quickly allow large groups of people to pass.

This gate opened as Temura took a short horn from his belt and blew it. Behind it they could see, strangely enough, a solid wall. Just when Reena was about to wonder why they were marching into a dead end, she noticed the wide staircases to the left and right sides of the short corridor. Then she realized that this actually made sense. If they hadn't built it, a Lao Shan Lung could easily walk through the fortress once it had breached the gate, but with this, it would be stopped even further, maybe even get stuck, so the defenders could easily finish it off.

They ascended the stairs, which took a sharp turn after a short distance, leading together near the top of the building. The whole level was open, and for the first time, she could just how thick the walls were. The other end of the room was about eighty feet away from them, with staircases similar to the ones they just used, which were probably leading down to the battlefield. Hunters were running about everywhere, carrying supplies and ammunition. The whole place had a tense air to it, like a premonition, a shadow of the impending assault.

A stout man approached them as they had assembled, wearing armour like she had never seen it before, made of large, bluish scales and plates that were artfully crafted together. He had a long, red and black sword on his back, a great sword which seemed to be covered in scales. What caught their eye, however, was his face. It was broad, with small, almost black eyes, which was the only feature they could really determine, since his entire visage was covered in scars. Strangely enough, these scars seemed to have been inflicted by blades, not by monsters, making her wonder what happened to him.

The man knelt down and saluted to Temura. "Greetings, Head Administrator Temura. It's been too long since we last met", he said with a deep, hoarse voice.

Temura nodded. "I feel the same, commander Mefist. It's good to be here again."

The commander stood up again and looked at the troops before him. "I see that the envoys haven't exaggerated. Excellent! So many more blades to shed their blood. All right, everyone. To the right and left of this wall are the troop-quarters. We could pack up to three times your number, so don't worry about space. The first Lao should be here in about two hours, so you can prepare yourselves thoroughly."

Temura watched the others fill into the caves that had been dug into the mountain to provide more space. "How fares the fort's defense?"

Mefists lips curled into what he might have called a grin, but indeed it looked as if he bore his teeth. "Two hundred and seventy hunters are already there, with your aid it comes to almost twelve hundred. Good enough to tear these bastards asunder."

"I sure hope so. You must know, we may not be able to help you with the second Lao. As you're informed, we have to march towards Nofresc."

"Don't sweat it, I'll handle the second. I'd never have imagined that some guy was behind all this. Makes me wonder whom to hate more. Do me a favour and gut that swine for me!" He stepped back. "Gotta round up the officers. They'll save the Dragonator for the second Lao. We'll catch up later." With that he turned away, yelling orders.

Reena and her friends stepped closer to Temura, who had a worried expression on his face. She looked at the commander's retreating back. "Who was that?" she asked.

He pursed his lips before answering. "Mefist, commander of the fort. He's one of the experienced hunters the guild had ever seen. He earned his right to become a Royal long ago."

"He's a Royal?" Ezakiel asked.

"No. He was offered to become one, but declined."

Everyone was surprised at that. "Why wouldn't he want to become a Royal?" Zeshen asked.

Temura sighed. "To quote him: "Becoming a Royal would be a step towards the future, and I don't have one." That was years ago, and he still hasn't changed his attitude."

"I just don't get it", Reena said. "What's wrong with this guy? There are hunters who would've given their left hand to get what he declines."

Now Temura turned around, a troubled expression on his face. "Twenty two years ago, when he had just become commander, he invited his daughters, really green rookies, to help defend the fort. He thought that it was no problem, after all, he had fought many of these monsters and commanded a small army of hunters, but things went terribly wrong. His daughters had no idea how to fight a monster, let alone a Lao Shan Lung. They came too close and were eaten. Mefist had to watch it all."

Reena's eyes widened, while Ezakiel and Zeshen sympathetically sighed. She couldn't possibly imagine the pain he had to endure. Temura nodded, as if approving of their understanding, and continued. "That experience changed him completely, and I'm afraid he lost his mind. Not once in all the years that had passed since that day did he leave this place, developing a hatred that remained matchless ever since. I dare say that not even Ashvelt Vindel is that bloodthirsty. You saw his scars, didn't you?"

Ezakiel nodded. "They seemed to have been inflicted by a blade rather than a monster."

"It indeed was a sword, his own, to be accurate. Every time a Lao Shan Lung attacks the fort, he cuts his face to fuel his anger, and it works. Few things are more unsettling than his battle cry." He sighed. "Killing these monsters, avenging his daughters time and time again… That's all he has left, at least he thinks so. That's the reason why he claims to have no future. In his mind, he died along with them. It appears that he has become even worse, despite having slaughtered more than eighty of them by now. I believe that he's now helplessly insane."

Reena lowered her gaze. "Such a poor man."

Her father made a dismissive gesture. "It can't be helped. We shouldn't waste our time talking about things of the past. Come, I'll show you around." He gestured them to follow and moved towards the stairs leading up.

Reena couldn't stop thinking about Mefist. He had to endure so much pain, every single day of his life, until he lost sight of his very future. She couldn't help but wonder whether her father would become the same if something happened to her.

However, she was snapped out of her unpleasant pondering when she heard something she had never expected in a place like this: Music. When they had ascended the stairs, they could see an orchestra, obviously rehearsing. She knew that her expression must have been one of utter confusion, but couldn't help it.

Temura laughed. "You wouldn't have expected this, right?"

Ezakiel raised his eyebrows. "What in the world is an orchestra doing in a fortress?"

"That's simple", the Head Administrator said, grinning. "They're here for the motivation. Fighting a Lao Shan Lung is a terrifying task. To help the hunters cope with this, these people will play during the fight, giving them courage. I don't know who came up with this, but it sure was a good idea."

Right now, they were playing a rather quiet, serene symphony. The music reminded her of the fresh, pleasant wind of discovery, of her jaunty days with her instructor Kemani. When they were finished, the four hunters applauded, making the orchestra both happy and a little nervous when they noticed that they had the Head Administrator as an audience.

When they left the musicians, Temura led them up another set of stairs, which led to the fortress' rooftop. From this altitude, they could oversee a vast landscape, even the far away Dondruma. Reena marvelled at the sight of her home from this far. Then she went to the other side of the structure, where the weapons were positioned. There indeed were eight ballistae and two cannons, half of those on each side of a large, strange-looking contraption with what looked like a small, red platform.

Her father noticed her gaze. "This is the Dragonator. When you hit the switch, it activates. In order to keep it from being used accidentally, for example when someone sits down on the switch, it was build in a way that needs to be exposed to quite a lot of force. We use a strong man with a large hammer to operate it."

Ezakiel stepped closer to the parapet, looking at the landscape. Ahead lay a small valley, which led to two canyons, shrouded in mist. "So this will be our battlefield", he mused. "I just wonder, how are we going to enter the Dragon Lands if the path is blocked by a Lao Shan Lung?"

"These two canyons both lead there, but the right one worms its way through the mountains, which is quite a detour. The elder dragon will approach from the other one. They always do that. That means the right one is clear", Temura explained.

"But we can't afford such a detour", Zeshen interjected. "By the time we reach Nofresc, it might already be too late."

Temura grinned. "It's a detour for a Lao Shan Lung, but a splendid shortcut for us. You see, there are plenty of passages and caves there. A Lao could hardly stick its head inside, but we can pass without problems. In fact, one of these passes will lead us straight through the mountain towards the volcanic belt. We'd save about half a day worth of time if we use it."

"That's great!" Reena exclaimed. "That means we won't have to spent the night and lose even more time."

"Yes, but that also means that you won't have much of a respite until this is over. I say we should rest now. It's still some time until the Lao Shan Lung is here, so be well prepared. I'll lead you to the quarters. Follow me."

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Two hours later, everyone was assembling in front of the fort. They were checking their equipment or chatting to ease their unrest. Reena looked at their allies. They were talking, obviously going over their tactic one last time. Dante, however, was standing apart from them, staring at the chasm through which the dragon would come. He was bound to be on edge, seeing as his revenge was only mere hours away.

Then they heard the stomping. Reena felt her heart sink when she realized that these were the dragon's footsteps. After a few more minutes of tense silence had passed, they could see a shadow closing in through the mist. It didn't seem as large as she had thought, but then she noticed that it was only its head.

It was massive! The horn on its snout alone was about as long as she was tall. The dragon growled as it slowly crept forward. When its huge, ashen-coloured body came into view, she could tell that her father hadn't exaggerated. Now she finally understood why the Guild had built such a fortress to stop these monsters.

She flinched when she heard another growl, which strangely enough came from behind her. Turning around, she saw Mefist, approaching with drawn blade. His eyes were wide open, filled with pure hatred, his teeth born, as he walked forward with quick, aggressive steps, snarling like a rabid animal. He stopped in front of the army, literally trembling with rage by now.

Reena gasped when he indeed raised his sword, cutting into his cheek. His growling turned insane, then he spread his feet and arms, threw his head back and let out a howl that made her blood freeze solid. Not even the Khezu had sounded so horrifying. Mefists rage seemed to escalate as he howled again, even louder and fiercer, while the blood was running over his face. Even the Lao Shan Lung had slowed down, gazing at the man in front of it. It was obvious that he had lost it.

Then the commander raised his sword and pointed it at the dragon, yelling at the top of his lungs. "There is no future! For any of us!"

That's it for now. I hope I could make up for the long delay even a little. Unfortunately, I still don't know when I will be able to upload the next chap, BUT: The rest of the story is just about finished, so, along with the next update, I will bring you the end of my story. Yes, next are four chapters plus an epilogue! I promise that things will get quite epic from now on, with almost constant action and maybe one or two surprises...

Unlike my last promise, this one I'll definitely keep! I don't know how long it will take, but stay tuned. Until then!