Chapter Twelve: The Expected

It was another week later until they reached Salm. The closest city to the front lines of the civil war. Half of the city has been destroyed by the southern offensive forces but was pushed back. The once beautiful city is now a war station with trenches and makeshift massive walls. No one can recognise that it was once a crowning jewel of gardens. Built upon thousands of years of caretaking, now all gone...

The incense of flowers is now the horrible stench of death. Blue skies are still grey after the summer storm that caused much devastation to the region. The heat ever remains the same.

Lei felt nervous as there were no civilians only soldiers, it was now it started to feel real. This is no game, everyone knew this. Especially Okimi, once they leave this city it will be up to her to guide them. After all, she is a native of Unmei.

Lei leads the group to a massive tent. Many soldiers leave as a meeting has just ended.

A decorated general walks out and bows to Lei. His armour is decorated with real blue draconium that glowed and gave him power. He is as close to a priest as you can get. Even knowing how to use draconium magic.

"Your highness, welcome..." The general gestures for everyone including the dragons to meet inside. The general has been personally serving the royal family for years. Once a loyal guard for his father. His name is General An Asim. The general felt better serving with his men on the front lines. As far as Lei knew he is being successful and has won many battles so far.

Lei discusses that he and his small entourage will leave in the morning across the front lines. The general did not agree with this. But the Empress has given Lei permission to do this.

"Foolish" The general said. His glower can make anyone change their mind. However not Lei's, remaining adamant as ever. Everyone else remained quiet as Lei and the general spoke to each other. They have no authority here.

The general sighs thinking that this will be a suicide mission. Lei said otherwise, he has faith in his team. But Lei still had the lingering problem of not having a healer. Iolene was meant to have that position, but she is to precious to be led on such a journey. Sadly the general replies that healers are scarce and many have passed the front lines. Those who are here are to help the injured and process the dead.

Lei felt a bit of lingering dread. If one of them gets injured there is so much they can do. Iolene prepped salves and herbal remedies before they left. It won't be enough... Oh everyone wished she was here. Even her natural gift of healing would make the world easier... But she isn't here, it is what is. Lei will have to see this through...

The general takes out a map, soon realising he will not be able to convince Lei. After all, he is a prince and has no authority over him. He points to a small trail on the map. The storm has diverted the South army to open areas. Same with the norths. It's nicknamed the trail of loneliness named after the dragon who walked the trail after being exiled by his herd. He was never named... But became such a legend in dragon tales. Many of his footprints have been fossilized in the mud. Many of the dragons upkeep the trail and is known to be sacred ground to them. But since the civil war has started, Shun Shun have given the Empress permission to use the trail.

"Also we were wondering about a mysterious creature that attacked us on our travels." Lexi asks as the general and Lei finish their conversation. Giving the details of the dragon, that was massive with oozing with black draconium.

The general looks down at his war table. Lei notices an all familiar sigil. The black Empire figurine... Small spiked pyramid with an eye on top.

"No..." That is all Lei could whisper. "Did they join the war?!"

"Not exactly... They made no official declaration. But they have chosen their side. They have given weapons and their official support. Many soldiers have recollected seeing strange creatures of your description." The general remains stoic remaining calm. "So prepare to see more of their involvement. It is only going to get worse."

The general passes the detailed map to Lei for he has many to spare. Lei thanks the general as An bows and they all leave the tent.

The next morning came... It is time... Everyone stares at the trail. The path is littered with broken branches, leaves and fallen trees.

"No turning back now. Let us go!" And with a wave of Lei's hand. Everyone marches forward. Lei has never felt so close, imagining him stabbing Jona with his spear. He smiled much to his own surprise. He has never enjoyed such a thought before. As dark as it is...

Aaron looks around the forest he looks down and sees the fossilized claw prints. He does his best not to walk on them.

Beau is fascinated by them... Dragon tales as the general said. Beau only thinks of the separatist regime and living in the wilds. There aren't much of tales. He places his foot next to a print. They look almost similar. He will ask the dragons of Lan-Se when he returns. Why was the dragon exiled?

A few days later they are in complete wilderness. They came across a few scouts but they were easily dealt with. Lexi gave the finishing blow to both of them. She can kill... Even Fred showed a glimpse that he is impressed, much to his annoyance.

Lei looked on as she killed them... He has never felt so cold, yet the weather was warm. Once Jona is dead he hopes that all of this will be over.

Aaron remained quiet... He has seen enough death. He tries his best not to kill, breaking one of the scouts' arms. But in his heart, he knew it was necessary as if they were found out. They will immediately be outnumbered and killed. Aaron thinks as, if Iolene was here he will do anything to protect her... Such conflict remained in his mind. At least he isn't under someone's orders anymore. He must do what is necessary for him and his friends to survive this mission.

Aaron remains awake to keep guard at night. Beau stays awake for some of those nights, keeping each other company. Beau wonders how he can even do it. Aaron feels weary by morning, but he manages to function with little sleep.

Okimi has been guiding the group around possible military activities. By the next day, their luck had ended as they were ambushed. Thanks to Ponderrahs hearing all he had to do was squeak and the group is notified.

It is a large group of soldiers. There were at least ten humans and twelve dragons. Their armour is blue yet their armour designs are distinctively different. Their masks are scary as they looked like demons. Okimi explained they are used to ward off evil spirits.

The dragons didn't have any armour. Only the dragon generals will have such protection. Not to mention expensive to make. They figured dragons are powerful on their own without armour. Beau knew this... For his father believed clothing of any kind is connected to humans. A sign of weakness... Like many things, Beau was taught.

But it was going to be a tough fight. These are trained soldiers. However, the group was tougher. Fred and Duryss were commanded by Lei to help protect Ponderrah. Much to Fred's exasperation.

Lexi and Iymp use their mag attacks and easily manage to push the enemies away.

Iymp with his mag stream lifts Lexi high up in the air as the enemies did.

Aaron climbs onto the tree branches to gain a high advantage as Lexi has done. Only without a dragon assistant. Beau smiled. What can that human not do? He asked himself as he defends himself against the soldiers.

Okimi reveals her katana as she slices a soldier in half. The other soldiers recognised her and screamed traitor. Aaron and Lei run to her defence. Aaron with sadness in his heart kills the dragon running at her. By slicing the neck... A dragons' weak spot. For if Okimi dies all is lost...

One of the dragons jumps up high and falls onto Lexi as she floats in the air. Her balance on Iymps magic stream breaks. She crashes down hard. Causing the ground to crack underneath their weight. Destroying some of the fossilised footprints. Relieved that she was wearing her priestess armour, otherwise, she would have been dead. However, she couldn't move and looked lifeless.

Iymp jumps with fury, his eyes glowing red. Biting onto the dragons' neck, savagely killing him. This surprised everyone around him. They have never seen him like this. He pushes the dragons' corpse off her, making sure she is still alive. Lexi takes a deep breath as Okimi rushes to her aid. Aaron and Lei defend them as Lexi pulls herself together.

They are still outnumbered... At that moment an arrow was shot and missed an enemy soldier, hitting a tree near Aaron. What?! Aaron thinks surprised.

Lei looks behind and sees northern soldiers running to their aid. The southerners had no chance, now being the ones outnumbered. However, one of the Lan-Se soldiers gets sliced on the arm by an enemy's sword. He screams in pain. A cloaked person jumps off a dragon and rushes to his aid, healing him.

Aaron flips over to kick a dragon away as the healer worked her magic. The cloak hood falls onto her back revealing her gold hair and face. Aaron without fully realising yells at Iolene to work faster.

It was at that moment the world stopped. He looked down and sees Iolene wrapping the man's arm in a bandage. She glances up and says hello shyly. Aaron had no idea what to think... How? What? Is all that repeated in his head. She is behind enemy lines, the most dangerous place she could be. He was angry, happy and impressed. She really does know how to run away... He knew that Stein would have never agreed to this.

The fight is quickly over. The soldiers did not surrender... They fought to the very end, for their Emperor they said... And one prisoner they hoped to spare committed seppuku in a split second. Using a hidden dagger he stabbed himself in the stomach. The honourable way to die in Unmei... Okimi frowns as she reminded everyone of this. Seppuku is the act of killing oneself to restore honour and reputation. Being a prisoner is shameful to her people...

The main group look over at the other soldiers. They gather together to make sure the area is secure. No more enemies, for the moment. They moved the bodies to a hidden area behind the bushes. They will not be buried as they will rot in shame. Iolene did not agree to this... They were only serving their lord, only doing as they were told. As many soldiers here are doing now. Lexi and Aaron had to make it clear to her... War is messy and unforgiving... She will have to get used to this if she comes along. Aaron tells her he didn't like it either... But it is the way of the world and if she plans on getting Loan back, she will be seeing plenty of bloodshed. Iolene nods in defeat as they ditched the bodies away from the path.

Iolene walks up to Lei with that sweet smile of hers. Fake as it is after seeing how the bodies are treated... He gives her a quick hug whispering to her, about how much trouble she will be in. She chuckles full well knowing that fact. Did I do the right thing?

Aaron crosses his arms. Still confused about how he felt. It has been a few weeks since he has last seen her. Her smile made it easier... He is very happy to see her.

Beau and the dragons happily meet her. "Well, miss Summers... You certainly do have a knack for running away!" Iymp says happily nudging her. Forgetting that he is covered in blood. Iolene gently pushes him away and softly tells him he needs a wash.

Beau's large grin couldn't be matched. He never thought he would be so happy to see a human. Iolene scratches his nuzzle and strokes his cheek. But the best part is when Iolene scratches underneath Beau's chin. Now that was heaven for him...

Fred shouts out. "BLONDIE!" Causing her to feel uncomfortable. Trying to hug her she walks backwards avoiding his hug. She forgot he was with them. She sighs and looks at Aaron, walking up to him and giving him an embracing hug.

The group is together again and now they have their healer. Lei looks down at the deceased soldiers. Their armour is going to be useful... Lei looks up at Aaron. The dessert soldier realises his idea. Just like Schnaarat...