Braving the blizzard that battered his golden fur, Rakurai slowly continued his ascent of Mount Tsereve, pushing his broad claws into the thick covering of snow.
"Grrr ... We should soon be there, but by Kirin, what a storm! Akalash really has a knack for electing residence in the most incongruous place... The highest mount of all Solhatar, no less ! "the emperor cursed as he stopped, looking down below at his sons, who were following him with more difficulty.
- Are you making it, back there?" he cried out to be heard through the roar of the wind.
It was Oxiderr, the eldest of the siblings, who answered:
- Let's say that we've had a quieter ride! the moon-colored Zinogre replied angrily.
Despite the roar of the icy gusts, the Thubderlord heard the other two behind moaning in approval.
- Cheer up, all of you! The summit is not far away! he roared.
Raising his amber irises, the emperor admired for a moment the landscape that stretched to the horizon, before resuming his laborious march. From here, Voltarr could be guessed from the imposing emerald towers of his palace and the Thunder Claw that flowed into the taiga. If it were not for the ghastly wind, one could certainly discern the Rathlands Plains in the distance.
"I should have known that Akalash would send my messengers back without even granting them an audience... But even so, it is arrogant to ask for my own travel! What's wrong with him ? Why won't he accept to listen to my intermediaries? It would have saved me that damned climbing ... Grrr ... " Rakurai thought, irritated, his jaw tightened, the gusts of wind slapping his snout.
He had never really seen Akalash. His father, when he was still alive, had frequently spoken to him about the Hero, about this incredible warrior with unbelievable power, who was even believed to be able to manipulate the winds, according to certain legends. He had told him a thousand times how his metal scales deflected blows, sliced through bodies, and absorbed lightning, flames, ice, water, or even draconic energy. He seemed invincible and almighty. Rakurai, as a young cub, always listened carefully to these stories, no matter how many times his father told them. Like every citizen of the empire, he had grown up with the great respect for the name of Akalash. But there, he had to admit that this exemplary Hero had to be particularly haughty to request a face-to-face interview with the new emperor of the Rakurai Empire ...
Suddenly, after a long hour, he saw a dark spot in the middle of the white whirlpool that was drowning his sight. Squinting his eyes, he managed to see through it a large cavity of rock.
"The cave! It was about time ! »
- Here we are!" the Thunderlord announced as he turned around, his echo resonating in the polar air several times like a powerful bark.
- By Kirin's Horn ! I thought we'd never make it! moaned Acheron, the Stygian Zinogre with black shell and silvery fur.
- Stop whining, Acheron, or I'll gut you! You've done nothing but whine all the way up!" Oxiderr grunted.
- It's true ! He didn't stop complaining about the fact he was cold, that his feet hurt, that he ...
Irodim, the snow-white Zinogre with emerald green horns, didn't have time to finish his sentence, Acheron having jumped on him to bite him.
- Let go of me, you Zamite! he spat at the youngest, pushing him away with his broad blue legs, uncovering his fangs.
The patriarch contemplated the scene with some dismay.
- Acheron, release your brother, Irodim, stop bothering him, and you Oxiderr, will you please stop this hyena's laughter, by all the Gods?!
The three cubs apologized, and then, to their great regret, stopped this fight, under the sermonizing gaze of their imposing father.
- Well, well, well. Now follow me, and try to be as discreet as possible," Rakurai mumbled, pointing to the entrance of the rocky conduit. Akalash is known to be a light sleeper, and waking him up would surely put him in a bad mood, which is something I don't need, given my request ...
Irodim looked intrigued.
- Say daddy, why do we respect so much Akalash?" asked the youngest of the three sons, leaning his head to the side.
The emperor opened his mouth to answer, but Acheron hastened to seize the opportunity to shut up his brother with a display of knowledge.
- Akalash granted his power to our grandfather, Rakurai I, forty years ago, to help him overthrow Agnov, king of Agnovia, the ancient name of Rakuria. Legend has it that Rakurai I prayed to Kirin to help him accomplish his revolution for a whole week, day and night, at the closest to the Gods, at the top of Mount Tsereve, so that his prayer would be heard. At the end of the seventh day, Akalash appeared before him, and the blizzard that was blowing constantly on the peak suddenly stopped, as if he himself had driven it away. Now, in the Great Codex, it is said that "he who clears storms is sent by Kirin". Rakurai I knew then that Kirin had heard him, and that he had sent Akalash to support him in his quest for a perfect and just empire. Thanks to his divine power, they reduced Agnov and his army to dust," the Stygian Zinogre told with the shining eyes of this epic tale. Then, after our grandfather took power and created an empire in his name, Akalash, feeling his duty done, and not wishing to receive the glory of his achievement, decided to retreat to a place where no one would seek to seize his powers, to the top of Mount Tsereve, the highest and most hostile of all Solhatar, as a tribute to the place where he had first appeared. Some say that the wind is blowing here all the time to discourage evil spirits from disturbing him in his sleep..." Acheron finished, anchoring his gaze on the cave that supported the peak of Tsereve, his heart filled with excitement, ignoring his two brothers who both stared at him in exasperation.
Rakurai smiled slightly. Although he reproached Acheron for often allowing himself to be dominated by Oxiderr and his little brother, he admired in the Stygian Zinogre this deep attachment to history and heritage, which the other two did not possess. He preferred to lock himself up for days to read ancient manuscripts dealing with the history of all states out of thirst for knowledge, while Irodim and Oxiderr spent most of their time bickering or training for combat, or both. His calm and patience were proof that all the virtues of their deceased mother had not been lost.
Filled with a certain paternal pride, he affectionately ruffled the head of the second oldest, who let out a small yelp of indignation.
- I am glad that at least one of you is paying attention to what I'm saying ... Thank you, Acheron," he said.
- That doesn't explain to me why he's respected so much ... He's not a god, as far as I know, though! the immortal Zinogre retorted back, unconvinced, and furiously jealous of Acheron's special treatment.
The jet black Zinogre took offence at such words.
- How can you say that, you fool! He is a hero! He was sent by Kirin himself to save our people who were suffering from Agnov's domination! Thanks to him, the revolutionaries overthrew him in three days! If he heard you, he could take revenge for such an outrage by killing you right on the spot! he cried out with sudden virulence.
The Thunderlord decided to intervene once again.
- Oh dear!" he scolded, separating the two younger ones who were going to start fighting again. Fortunately, I ask you to be silent!
He sighed, exhaling a little mist. Perhaps he should not have taken them with him after all ... Even if he had thought it better to offer them to accompany him, so that they would not cause chaos in his palace, but in a place where he could keep an eye on them, he was beginning to regret his decision ... The emperor had also thought that a little exercise would do them good and would relieve them, but in addition to being more difficult than expected, this climb had turned into the perfect opportunity for his three sons to quarrel.
They then made their way toward the entrance of the cave, and Rakurai asked his three cubs to be quiet one last time before entering the cave. The rock tunnel was wide, dark, and silent. The rough walls were gleaming with a metallic sheen, betraying the presence of many rare minerals that had certainly been dormant here for millennia. The Thunderlord Zinogre marveled at the nobility and beauty of the place that was home to the greatest warrior that Rakuria has ever known. There was a legendary scent in the damp, icy air that made the emperor himself shudder.
"Amazing. Everything seems to be ordering us to respect this place, and not to desecrate it in any way ..." he said, lightly brushing a carbalite ore from his claw with greedy thoughts.
"As I regret not being able to seize all these resources ..." he thought as he imagined many uses for all these precious veins.
After a few meters, the father and his sons saw a gleam of light emanating from the bottom of the cave. A strange noise, slow, regular and screeching resounded down to them.
- What is it?" Irodim whispered.
- I think it's his breathing," Acheron breathed.
Curious, they went deeper and deeper into the cave, following the ray of light. The conduit then led to a vast circular room, which let a trickle of light pass through its center, where the hero lay, his chest rising at regular intervals, deeply asleep on the rock, in the middle of what bathed him like a halo.
The emperor stood still. Akalash must have been about twice his size, yet already imposing.
"By Kirin, it is a giant! "exclaimed the Thunderlord mentally.
Looking behind him, he noticed that the three Zinogres were just as giddy.
Approaching the enormous sleeping mass, he noticed that his father's stories were true. Akalash was a titanic dragon with steel scales, not one of which showed any trace of a wound, despite the many fights fought. Rakurai thought with delight of the consequences of the engagement of such a warrior in the assault of Ignis, caressing with his eyes the curve of the dragon's claws.
"He would make short work of the Rathiens. Perhaps he would even eradicate them all, just by himself. No casualties. Only profit, for me ... And the Rakurians, of course. It would be fabulous ... "
However, after looking over it many times, the emperor noticed that the hero's natural metal armor seemed much duller than in the stories. Often, the peculiar brilliance of its anthracite scales was evoked, blinding his enemies as it bathed in sunlight. Here, however, they were abnormally worn and dull, as rusty, and Rakurai thought as he got closer that the humidity in the cave might be the cause of this oxidation.
Seeing that the dragon was deeply asleep, and that nothing seemed to encourage his spontaneous awakening, Rakurai began to clear his throat, and then spoke loudly:
- Great Akalash? I hope not to disturb your rest, but … the emperor began, a little disconcerted by the fact that his interlocutor did not react, I would like to share with you a noble request, if you agree.
There was a silence during which he feared that Akalash would not deign to answer him.
It was almost unbearable for the Zinogre of emerald shell to bend to the will of the dragon like this, but he clearly had no other option. His power had to be respected. If he wasn't sleeping peacefully on the top of this mountain, all would fear his fury, as it was reputed to be as fierce as that of a god. He therefore had a great interest in rubbing him the right way, in order to hope to obtain his agreement.
All of a sudden, a brief, light crackling sound is heard. The massive and rusty body moved, rising slowly and softly, as if pulled by a string. Then a second sound was heard, and a long, clear crack appeared along the dragon's spine. From the spine, a thin, white, ice-eyed head sprang up and scanned the four Zinogres watching the scene in amazement. With another squeak, broad, white wings spread out on either side of a majestic head. Finally, an entire body was born from the rusted carcass, and gracefully emerged from it. Already, under the effect of the air, the white scales gradually turned silvery, until they were the usual color of steel.
Akalash had just moulted.
The dragon with the shiny new metal scales swept his piercing gaze over the spectators and then stopped it on Rakurai. His throat, which seemed as erratic as his old body was rusty, made a strange creaking sound before releasing intelligible words.
- Who ... Are you?" he said in a deep voice.
Rakurai took several seconds to realize that the hero had just spoken, stunned by his simple presence.
- I am Rakurai II, emperor of Rakuria," he replied calmly.
Akalash's azure gaze became more intense.
- That's what I thought ... Rakurai's son, the first of his name ... Should I deduce that he has left this world?
The emperor nodded.
- Yes. Twenty-three years ago.
The sadness could suddenly be read inside the eyes of the steel dragon. The rest of his body betrayed no feelings.
- That is regrettable ... he said so low that it seemed like a whisper, Tell me, Emperor, how many years have passed since the Agnovian rebellion?
Despite his use of the term "emperor", Rakurai felt the hero's total disinterest in titles of nobility.
- 45 years old, Great Akalash.
The hero meditated.
- I see. Are these your heirs, Rakurai, the second of the name? he inquired, noticing Acheron and Irodim hiding behind their elder, who was not intimidated for two pennies.
Rakurai looked at his sons with measured pride, then nodded his head.
- Yes, Oxiderr, Acheron, and Irodim, he presented them with a claw.
Akalash stared at each of them for a few seconds, as if he was reading their thoughts like an open book. Bringing his gaze back to their father, he nodded without a word.
- What is your request, Emperor?
Raising his eyes towards his interlocutor to anchor them in his own, the Thunderlord finally exposed his intentions.
- I wish you back among us, in the army, Great Akalash. You see, a war broke out ten years ago between Rakuria and the kingdom of the Rathlands. It was particularly exhausting for the two countries, and neither wanted to give up their land to the other. A week ago, Khryselios and I signed an armistice in exchange for the spoils of war of my choice," Rakurai explained. I chose as such his eldest daughter, as well as part of the dowry of the other two, in order to have a means of pressure on Khryselios. However, this princess was murdered on the very day she was due to arrive in Voltarr. I began to search for the culprit, but it proved to be in vain. By default, I speculated that the Rathiens might have been responsible. Two days later, I learned from one of my messengers that the Rathlands were once again declaring war on me, accusing me of having slit the Princess's throat myself in order to humiliate them. I therefore concluded, for my part, that my intuition was true, and that all this was just a masquerade intended to humiliate me, letting the Rathiens taking advantage of a time-out, certainly used to rearm themselves. I then decided to launch an assault on Ignis a week later, and sent messengers to tell you of my wish to receive you into our army. Seeing your refusal to listen to intermediaries, I went there in person," he concluded.
The dragon listened attentively, but his expression was somewhat scowling.
- Would you need my help, Emperor? When you have already won the war? If I believe what you're telling me, your army is already more than capable of crushing your enemies ... Why do you need me in this war? Akalash asked him, emitting a metallic squeak of annoyance but also of incomprehension, stretching out his broad wings.
The emperor had difficulty containing his desire to pounce at his throat, because of his disrespectful tone, especially used in front of his sons. But never mind, his urgency for the moment was to retaliate with convincing arguments.
- To spare the lives of my brave men, Great Akalash," he argued forcefully. Moreover, it is my honor, as well as that of the entire Rakuria, that is affected by this accusation of the Rathlands. I think you are well aware of our attachment to the values of blood and honor. You are attached to the Rakuria by your act towards my father 40 years ago, by promoting the success of his rebellion. And now you have before you his son, who wishes to bring peace as soon as possible to this empire you have built, together.
The steel-scaled dragon shook his head.
- In the name of honor, you say? No. It would not be fair for me to get involved in this conflict. The balance would no longer be right if I came and crushed your opponents. Your intentions seem praiseworthy to me, but I refuse.
Rakurai was bubbling with rage.
"How dare he deny his fatherland and the duty to help any man to avenge his honor! "he became mentally indignant.
- So I climbed Mount Tsereve myself in vain? So that you could tell an honest and humble man "no", without any remorse? Rakurai scolded.
- If I ignored your messengers, it is because I do not think it is quite polite to send intermediaries to propose a request of this importance," the Hero replied. As for this one, I repeat, I decline it. You don't need me to win. Use your own means.
but the Zinogre wasn't yet done with him.
- For your name, Akalash. Fight for your name and the respect that we vowed to it for 40 years, he articulated, reveling in the spark that was born in the icy irises of the metallic dragon, which was about to turn its back on him.
He held his gaze long and fiercely, then Akalash broke contact.
- If your people really are in trouble, then I will intervene. May Kirin bless your return, Emperor," he finally let go as he flew away, disappearing through the opening that let the light from outside through.
Rakurai let out an angry grunt once the dragon was gone.
- How insolent ... he mumbled. Come on, let's go back to the palace," he then told his cubs, taking the path to the exit with the three Zinogres on his heels.
- Do you really think he's going to come as a reinforcement? asked Irodim, worried.
The father sighed. He had no idea.
- All I know is that Akalash has a word. And I think I've awakened his fighting soul. My father once told me that he finds it difficult to contain his thirst for personal satisfaction ... Fighting for the survival of his name is something he's really keen on, he says.
- Otherwise, you can do this all on your own, as he said himself," Oxiderr said.
- I imagine that this should be taken as an encouragement, suggested Acheron.
The emperor did not answer, absorbed in his thoughts. Yes, indeed, he could crush the Rathiens without his help, but his reappearance would have allowed him so many things ... To restore faith to his people, to become a hero for having saved lives from the butchery of war, by the presence of one man! Akalash would have been the gateway to other projects even more ambitious than the annexation of the Rathlands under his tutelage, and Rakurai was brooding at the idea that these dreams would remain dreams for the time being, hindering his burning desire for conquest. He seemed to be able to dream for a long time to come of his perfect empire, immense and peaceful, ruled by his noble person.
He emerged from his utopian visions when he realized that they were outside again, because of the strong luminosity that greeted them, and attacked their eyes accustomed to darkness.
Outside, the blizzard had suddenly stopped, giving way to a cold blue sky in which the sun was shining at its zenith. In the distance, the black silhouette of Akalash could still be seen flying south.