Iolene Summers: Chapter Thirty-One

Dearest Nerry 7,003 Augute 15th

I have finally reached the famous City of Loan! It is an amazingly beautiful city! So many gardens and temples. Clean roads and wonderful people and dragons. Today I finally met the Golden royal family! Their royal throne room is incredible! Their whole palace is like a museum!

Emperor Odysseus seems to be as nice as everyone says he is. Same with Empress Mariana! Grand Prince David… Oh my goodness he is so handsome and tall! Make any woman and girl swoon. Brown hair, golden eyes, soft face, kind voice, and his confidence is inspiring. I was so shy compared to him, but he made me feel so much better.

The family is wonderful except for one… One was rather snobbish. Prince Aelius… He seemed to be more interested in watching the soldiers training outside. He said hello but then went on his merry way. He is cute but so rude! He does have larger muscles than his brother though! Not that I am looking...

But I feel upset Nerry. Mother and Father told me tonight to seduce Prince David. I came here on my own accord. I want to be a senator a real politician to be someone in my own right. Not trailing after a handsome prince… But they insisted… I don't know what to do. They made a meeting for Prince David and me for next week. I have no idea what he is going to think. I thought we were better than this?

What should I do Nerry? Please reply back soon.

Love Laelia

Dearest Nerry 7,015 Marchen

I hope you are doing well in these troubled times. I know it has been at least a year since we have written to each other… It is hard to write letters out in the wilderness, with very little money. I am glad Uncle has begun organizing the troops for another war. We have gained word that the Dragon Separatist leaders Tiberius, Lazarus and Anatolio have fallen. Vipstranius One of the dragon children of the Shadow Emperor has betrayed them. The Dragon Separatist regime is now officially over. But the Black Draconium Empire has seized many of their wild numbers.

Aelius, Stein, and I are keeping a low profile. We have visited Macdan and like you, they have declared to help us. But both of you is not enough… We need more help. Which is why I ask of you not to fully declare war yet. We need more supporters. We have visited Empress Vatra to plea but the Dragon Separatists hit her country hard. She is not ready to join another war so soon. We have gained communication with the King Valentin of Mille-Voix he declined. Empress Zhen was going to help us, but something happened that made her shut her doors on us. I hope in our next destination that we could have some success. But I doubt it…

Truth be told Nerry I am afraid… We have lost everything. Aelius is trying so hard to be strong. But it is clear that we will probably never regain what we had. King Valentin wrote to him and called him a begging Emperor. But throughout all this, he does have something to look forward to. He has had some happiness. But because of it, he has been begging me to return home… But I can't bear to leave him. I am, all he has left in this world and I know many of the nobles from the empires who can help… If I leave it's just him and Stein. I know that the Shadow Emperor has labeled him a death warrant. And I have no idea what they will do to me. But they must not find me! If your Black Empire Ambassadors and their servants find him war will happen once again. You will not be able to win…

I wish I could easily give you an address to send letters to. But at this time it is too difficult with us continuously moving to live far from civilization.

Take care Nerry, Love Laelia.

I stroked the letter with my index finger. This is the last letter that my mother sent… She was afraid… I don't blame her… After all this, they failed. But they tried their best. As I looked at the letter I notice the date. My mother would have been pregnant with me at the time of this letter. Father had some happiness she wrote. Even that little sentence made me tear up in happiness. Clarification that he was excited for my mother and me. Even though it is the most turbulent time in his life. I grab the letter and hold it to my chest and breathed in as I rested.

"I see those letters have been keeping you busy. At least those dreams of yours have ceased a little. You said they were becoming more prominent. You barely had any since you left. Only recounting that meteor dream twice."

Murray shuts his journal and looks at me and I open my eyes to look back at him. It is true. My dreams have ceased for a while. It is refreshing it is nice to actually have a good sleep. Maybe it's because leaving the country is doing me favours.

I gently folded the letter and place it back into the wooden container. There are so many letters in there to read. It's almost like reading a novel. We still have a few days to read them all. We are now in the Brown Draconium Empire and the large chain of mountains is astonishing to look at. But like my trip to Watersgate the only time I can leave the carriage is to relieve myself. Eleya is located in the carriage with our guide.

We only had a short visit to the Turquoise Empire before we got here. I asked if we can travel to Mille Voix but Murray instantly denied it. We cannot get distracted he said. Only after seeing Queen Hara, we can then find out what to do next.

I look out the window and it's amazing not to see any tropical plants. Most of the land is hills and meadow. It is so beautiful! Reminds me of the time when Aaron managed to guide me out of Watersgate and lead into the meadow of wildflowers. Running away from my priest guard… They were good times.

"What are you smiling about?" Murray leans close to me. "You have that cheeky smile. Who are you thinking about?"

I look sideways down at the carriage seat blushing. Murray does know about Aaron, but he didn't approve of him. As my family seems to love their citizens the noble structure stands. He did not approve of me meeting up with Aaron.

"I'm thinking of no one." As I gently push Murray away onto his seat.

"Fine keep your secrets. But you know I will always find out" He says while tapping his nose with his index finger.

As we were going to start another conversation the carriage stopped.

"Stay here Iolene." As Murray is about the walk outside. A guard opens the door and shouts at him. "BANDITS! Run for it! We are outnumbered!" And the guard immediately gets shot in the neck with an arrow. I cusp my mouth and shriek in shock! I have seen injuries like this in the hospital. But to someone immediately die like this does not compare!

In a quick reflex, I unsheathe the dagger that Princess Marina gave me. I hope by the Magna Draconis that I don't hurt someone. Murray seems to be relatively calm and he closes the door.

"This isn't the first time we have been attacked by bandits. We usually come out unscathed." Murray trying to sooth the situation.

I can hear the fighting outside. It sounded dire… I opened my window to have a sneak peek. There is a whole group of them! Murray looked at them as he leaned over. He then took out his sword.

"They're from the Green Draconium Empire! That's not possible!"

"What? Are they fleeing from the war?" I shouted.

"I guess so! Prepare yourself Iolene! It's going to get rough!"

Murray opens the door and he waves to me to leave with him I had no choice. I have no idea what to do! I have never been in this situation before. I trust Murray as it seems like he is used to this. I followed close behind him, I tried not to step onto the poor man's corpse as we left. Trying to be aware of my surroundings. As I looked around I immediately thought of Eleya. Everything is happening. Screaming, roaring, I hear weapons clashing. Smoke is building as I can not breathe and my eyes began to sting and become watery.

I see a massive Bull Class dragon ram and crush one of the carriage dragons. I have never seen those bull dragons before. They're much larger in person.

"ELEYA!" I shouted.

"Iolene don't scream!" Murray demanded.

"But we need to find her! She will be defenseless!"

"And you're defenseless! Screaming only gets their attention!" He shouted. We snuck around the carriage trying to avoid the attention of the bandits who are fighting the guards.

And like that Murray grabs my hand and we run for it! I see the smaller carriage where Eleya was traveling in. It was rammed over, with broken glass everywhere.

"Eleya!" I shouted to the inside. I see her look up at me. She is injured. Blood all over her face. She needs stitches and to remove the small shards. I reach out my hand as she grabs my hand I try my hardest to pull her up. Murray is watching my back. She used all of her strength to climb out. I quickly give her a hug.

"Now is not the time my lady!" She screams out in tears. "We must run!"

"I wholeheartedly agree!" Murray says as he leads us out.

As we ran I notice Murray's dragon running towards us. Nawfar! She is injured as we see her limp while running. It was obvious that she was looking for us. With her magging abilities, she placed three of us on her back.

As I looked many of the soldiers have been killed. The bandit numbers are too much. We can only hope they haven't noticed us. Good for the mountains we can hide in a cave or in the forest.

Nawfar ran fast as she could away from the scene. Like a light blue dragon, she is very light on her feet. Her webbed feet I notice make it easier for her to move around. But looking like a dolphin she stands out from the trees. I held onto Murray for dear life. I have never been in a situation like this and I am terrified! How are we going to Macdan now? What are we going to do for food?

"My lady sheath dagger! You're going to stab me!"

"Sorry, Eleya!" As I sheathed my dagger. But it wasn't long I see some of the bandits chasing after us. Their huge dragons are not as fast as us. But with Nawfar's injury, she can only take us so far.

"Come on Nawfar! You can do it, girl!" Murray yelled at her for encouragement. I gently stroked her belly. She is trying her hardest. I can hear her heavy breathing and she is using all the energy she had. The rough terrain must not be helping her either. It is a good thing we are not on the edge of a dangerous cliff in the mountains.

As Nawfar ran a sudden piercing sound is heard. I looked and I saw a massive spear poking out of her. She shrieked in agony and fell over onto her side throwing us off!

"NAWFAR!" Murray screamed as he ran to his badly injured dragon in tears.

The large dragons and their riders surrounded us we are trapped. I unsheathed my dagger. Completely uncertain what was going to happen next, but I thought of the worst.

"Look what we have here boys! This must be our prizes!" As a man jumped off his large dragon. A large man who likes as he can easily snap me in two. He is double the size of Murray. His body is completely covered in tattoos with a maroon coloured Mohawk. What got my attention though is the large scar on his left eye. It looked so deep that it must not have been stitched up properly. He is cannot see through it as the iris is white. It must have been painful.

I kept my dagger out just in case. Stick the pointy end into your enemy Princess Marina said. Murray lifted both of his hands in surrender. Nawfar, however, is still wriggling in massive pain. She is in much distress the poor girl. I just wanted to get down and start treating her. She is losing too much blood.

"Who cares White-Eye? Let's kill them!" One of the men then lunged at me! He had a large hammer that is as tall as I am! I held the dagger in front of me and waved it in front of him. He laughed in hysterics. I activated my shield bracelet and it placed a light blue magic shield around me. The men and dragons look at me in awe. I breathed a sigh of relief. Quickly forgetting that it is only a temporary shield. Then with a quick motion as barrier faded he then pushes me onto the floor.

"KILL THEM!" White-Eye shouts and all the men and dragons prepare to fight. There must be at least thirty of them.

Murray then holds his sword in front of him. He has never been a fighter. He loves war with words, not violence. But he will fight to the very end. But our adventure cannot end here! I need to see Queen Hara! But I, of course, cannot tell them who we actually are. Maybe I can convince them just to hold us hostage or work for them. Until we can make a safe getaway. I have to try something!

I get up as another man comes at me I try my hardest to avoid him. The other man then lunges at me again. I had my dagger and waved it at them again. In a quick motion one of the men backhands me across the face with brute force. I fall down to the ground in pain. My hand covered my cheek as it began to swell. I can feel it bruising. I see Eleya running towards me when she gets kneed in the stomach and falls down. Murray trying his all to defend us. But it is useless… Oh how I wished I knew how to defend myself.

"No please! Do not kill us!" I kneeled and clapped my hands together in prayer position. "Please!"

They all laugh and sneer at me. Isn't it normal for someone to beg for their life?

"Oh why is that girl?' The man with the white eye asks.

"I…I can help you, we can be useful! I-I am a healer. I can help stitch up your injured members! M-Murray can read and navigate w-while Eleya can cook! P-p-please let us live!"

They all laugh until white eye lifts his hand to silence them.

"You're a healer? You seem awfully young." He walks up to me and looks into my eyes. They have their contacts still in. So they are a beautiful light blue colour. I have never felt so afraid. I seem awfully young that I am a healer as he sounds surprised. It makes my blood boil that he doesn't care that even though I'm young he wants to end my life for no reason. I keep trying not to shake and burst into tears. I am surprised Murray hasn't said anything. I quickly glanced at him, behind me as he slightly nods in approval. This is so risky… Even if we promise services it could still end badly. We can still end up dead.

"I will give you a chance blondie! I have a sick friend. If you make him better you will live. If he does not progress you and your friends will die."

"Yes. I will try!" I nod as remained in the prayer position. Oh I desperately hope that it is an illness that can help him.

The large muscled scary man then demanded us to be roped and taken to the bandit camp. Poor Nawfar had to be dragged by a dragon. I am so worried that the deep wound of hers is going to get infected. I hope the bandits have herbs that can help with it. Murray will be devastated if she dies. He is holding back tears as he sees her like this. It's such a cruel way to transport her.

We three were roped onto a bull dragon and our journey to the bandit camp. I am sitting on top of the dragon's head with Murray and Eleya sitting behind me. I rub my cheek gently as it has swelled and is not bright red. It is so sore… He hit me so hard… Such a ruffian.

"Well… We live a little longer… I hope the friend can be healed. Or we are all fucked." Murray whispered behind me. I really hope that is the case… Or I will be the cause of all of our deaths.

We journeyed through the mountain for half a day when we finally reach a stone fortress. It has been recently built. The fires have been stoked and many of the bandit members are closing in for the night.

"What do we have e're boss!?" A stocky short older man appears as he stares at us. His large dark green beard is a dangerous hazard. I can imagine it getting caught in some gear or snagged on an ancient door…

"A couple of prizes. I believe they are nobles of Aquarius City. Many of their soldiers did pick up a good fight though before many of them died. Didn't fully prepare themselves for how rough the world really is outside of their country." And he laughs at this fact. It made me think of how a possible war can really happen. If we can't even get to our destination safely.

"Can I keep de' blondie?" The older man jested. His loud laugh can shake the floor. "Keep er' as a personal slave? I could have use for er'."

I wanted to vomit. This is the last thing I wanted. I had it enough with Akvor, now to hear that… I shuddered. All it did is make me feel more afraid.

"No, you cannot have blondie. She says she is a healer. I'm seeing if she can heal Rougher. If she cannot make him better. She dies along with her lackies!"

"Her Lackies?" Murray immediately questions and looks down at me.

White-Eye then walks over to the dragon we are riding and pats her on the head. The dragon smiles as he unwraps my ropes that are connected to Eleya and Murray. He then picks me up damsel style as the ropes are still tied to my feet. I wave Murray and Eleya goodbye. I hope they remain safe. He then takes me up the many steps of the fortress and opens one of the doors in the hallway.

It is small and dreary wooden chested drawers and a bed are inside it. And on the bed I see a man resting there. His skin has darkened and his eyes are glowing green. His face looked like he was at least eighty years old. He moves his head to the side and looks at us. White-eye then undoes all of my ropes.

"Help him." And like that he slams the door behind me.

I take a breather to try and control myself. I really didn't want this to happen. What am I going to do? Eleya's and Murray's lives are counting on it.

"W-w-w-who are…. You girl?" As the man, the bed tries to speak. His voice is so raspy it was so hard to understand. I hesitantly walk to the side of his bed as he looks up at me. I sit on the side of his bed. I close my eyes and take another breath. In the hospital, we treat everyone from the innocent to the criminals. When I started volunteering I made a vow of no judgment. We save those who we can! Saving Akvor is easily one of the hardest decisions I've made. But I don't know this man… I must remember that vow.

From this day forward we are healers, nurses, and doctors. We must have no judgment of our charges. We must do our best to save those who are innocent and those who have done wrong. We hope for a peaceful world where we have no boundaries of helping. Humans or Dragons alike. I take this vow and uphold by the ancient law of Draconis. I shall help all those who are in need.

"Hello, sir. I am Iolene Summers. I am a healer. I'm here to help you. May I ask a few questions?" I try to keep the light façade. Hiding my emotions has always been the hardest for me. I am very emotional. But volunteering at the hospital with the priesthood elder's permission. It is easily one of the best things I did. I have learnt a great deal from there. The priesthood only taught me the basics of reading, writing, speaking and how to be a lady. Well only me anyway… All the other girls who are trained there are trained like everyone else. They learn to fight, ride dragons, survive, and learn about history. How to be great advisors to nobles. They wanted me to be raised as a royal, not as a priest. Only Marianas tried to enhance my learning but the elders went against it. Saying I don't need such training. I hope she is doing alright back at the temple.

"Y-y-y-you may a-ask girl."

"What is your name?" I asked politely.

"R-Rougher…"

"Not the nickname. Your real name." As I stroked his long Fluro green hair parting away from his tainted eyes.

"I don't remember it…"

"Okay…" I found that fact incredibly sad… He doesn't remember his real name… He must have a past. But then I realise many of the bandits here have nicknames.

"How long have you been sick for?" I look around and quickly realise that all of my items must be still in the carriage or stolen by these men. MY MOTHERS LETTERS! My journal, books and my quill! It hit me like a bolt of lightning. Lightning of sadness and despair hit me. Holding all of my emotions in with my might, I smiled softly at the man.

"I-I-I have been sick for two days… It's o-o-o-only getting worse. I-I-I can barely move anymore…" I do notice the powerful stench of urine and feces. He must not have been going where he needed to relieve himself. And I cannot imagine a group of rough bandits helping him do it. I sighed.

"What did you eat and drink before your illness?"

"Apples... Stew…. Mead… That's all I r-r-r-remember."

"Have you been vomiting? Did you vomit all that you ate? When did you start feeling the effects of this?"

"No vo-omit… Just b-b-burning inside of my…. Body… Like lava… Th-th-through the night. Th-then I felt w-weak… Since yesterday… I… I… Not move my body… The men have…. Have… Already planned for my end…"

I nodded as I take in the information. I have to think hard. Even though all my other thoughts are trying so hard to invade. I need to keep it on this task. I need to heal this man. It's definitely not an allergy or he would be dead by now. "May I?" I asked gently I need to see his body. Good thing I am wearing gloves. He nods in approval. I lift his sheet up and that's when I smelt it. Blood, urine, and feces… The full brunt of it. His so-called friends could at least make this situation more comfortable for him. Almost vomiting my breakfast. I pretend to cough to try and hide my discomfort. Wiping my nose with my arm.

I looked at him. His skin is so dark and pale that it's changing colour. It looks like he is turning literally dark green… What is this?

"Do you have anyone who could have a possible grudge against you? Please be truthful. Remember I am here to help. If you have any secrets, I will keep them."

"N-no… We are a loyal group. We will never betray each other."

You're bandits… Well in the stories I have read they have always betrayed each other if it meant they could have more gold. Wealth speaks in a special language for bandits. I mean they took me, Murray and Eleya hostage. For the time being anyway… People think I am naïve and it is true… I rarely have any experiences in the outside world. Only from the stories I read.

I hear a knock on the door and I see White Eye barge in. "Well!" He shouts at me.

"I am asking him questions." I say feebly as he scoffs.

"I knew it! You know nothing!"

A whole level of frustration has begun to peak. Please don't think of violent thoughts… Don't think of violent thoughts… It's un-lady like. "Look! I'm just asking what he ate before he became ill. When the symptoms happened. I need to know before I start looking for a cure."

"Hmph fine! I will give you a week to cure him! If he is dead or not cured by the week is out! You're all dead!" I nod in agreement as he ropes my arms and legs to carry me off once more. He carries me in a damsel position where he leads me into the lower dungeon. The dungeon is nothing but iron gates and mud. He drops me onto the wet ground.

"How is Nawfar? Where is Eleya?" I asked urgently.

"Nawfar is alive but injured of course… They took her to the dragon stables. It will take her a very long time to heal… My poor girl… She doesn't deserve this… But quick-thinking though it, could have been much worse... You said Eleya can cook. They chucked her into the kitchen once White-Eye took you away."

I look up and see Murray in rags with his hair out. Leaning on the back wall. I couldn't but feel shocked. His light blue hair and soft pale skin are covered in mud and filth. I guess that robes and jewelry have been taken. I hop over to the back wall as he is roped to a metal peg on the wall. I lean on his shoulder and look up at him. I see the guard drunk sleeping on his small table at the dungeon entrance.

"I'm surprised you didn't tell them that you are royal. Hopefully hold you for ransom."

"That is plan B. If your plan fails. They said most of our escort is dead. But they did say most not all… I hope some managed to getaway. Macdan is not far from here… Queen Hara will immediately come to our aid.

"I hope so… I saw the man White Eye wants me to heal."

"And?"

"It's not an allergic reaction. It can't be food poisoning. Not an infection. Even though one can certainly build with that bed he is on… I need longer time to spend with him. I need to know all of the details… He must have taken something or someone gave him it."

"Great… That certainly cheers me up. I hope my plan B works." He chuckles and I chuckle with him. Oh we are in for a rough time here. I gently rub my bruised cheek which is still hurting from being backhanded.

"But I am confused." Murray blurts out changing the subject.

"Confused why? What's so confusing about bandits living in the wilderness robbing and killing people?" I mean I thought that's what they did.

"They are clearly from the Green Draconium Empire. Their accents to their gears and weapons. Green dragons. They should not be here… You would think they would stay at home in their Empire reaping the benefits of their failing country."

"Maybe they are trying to flee from the war like many others?" I mean it does make sense, refugees are always a factor in war.

"Yes but as they were guiding me to the dungeon. Their gear and armour are astounding. Like someone of high wealth has purchased them. Bandits usually wear what they can find. They were wearing matching outfits like they are part of an army. I didn't even notice that until now…" He looks in shock as he thinks deeply about this. "What is this White Eye planning? What does he have to gain here?"

"I don't know…"

After a long silence, I see food being brought to us. It's porridge but we are starving. So no complaints.

I lie on the floor and like that, I fall asleep after a long and horrible day.

My mind's eye awoke once more as I woke up in a different room. I looked to my side and it a large elaborate room full of gold and white. I walked over the mirror and see a beautiful brunette woman looking back at me. WHO IS SHE? I felt like I was moving my body but what actions I wanted to make weren't happening. I felt like I wanted to jump back in shock instead I start brushing my hair. This is the first time I have seen a reflection of the person's face I have seen through. Since I am in a point of view through the eyes it's usually just the hands and feet I see.

"Are you awake your Highness?" As I turn around and look at the door. "You may come in!" Her voice is so mature and elegant. And like many visions, I am not controlling what is happening. Her voice is so beautiful though. Very melodic. It was a servant who hands me the most beautiful gown! Light gold with silver trim and diamonds.

"It's beautiful! Such a bittersweet day…" She says with sincerity as we begin to cry. "But as mother and father say. Be strong for the citizens!"

"The late Emperor and Empress would have been very proud of you, your highness! Now time to make your mark in the world!" We bath then putting on the dress and a beautiful gold pointed Kokoschnik. She is beautiful and elegant! I hope to one day wear outfits like this. We twirl the dress with the long arm sleeves. I have never felt so beautiful and happy for someone I don't even know…

The servant then hands us a glass of wine.

"To our new Empress Catalina! May your rule be long and prosperous!" CATALINA! A NAME! The first time I have ever heard an actual name of the person I am seeing. But Empress Catalina? Didn't she rule four hundred years ago? I don't understand… I don't understand anything. Why do I have these visions? Catalina if you can hear me. Even though I doubt it, please tell me why? Why does this happen to me? Everyone I know doesn't understand. I'm lost! Please hear me! Please tell me!

As I begged for her attention it fell on deaf ears. I knew I shouldn't have got my hopes up.

"Thank you, Sophie! Today is a big day! I hope to serve the citizens well!" And their glasses clink together.

"WAKE UP!"

And my eyes burst open in fright. I leaned forward hitting my head straight into White-Eye.

"Oh… Sorry!" I said urgently.

"Let's go!" And like yesterday he drags me to the sick man. I had to shake my head to try and forget the vision I had just moments ago. He is still lying in the same mess. I look back to White-Eye. "Please change his sheets. If you want him to get better! It'll be easier to treat him with a clean bed!" I tried to ask the nicest way possible but I cannot work with this. He looks at me with complete annoyance.

"We will move him into another room!"

"And please bring a large chamber pot! And I mean big." I asked on top. He was about to yell at me but sees his friend groan in pain.

"Ugh fine!"

An hour later the sick man is now in a larger room with a cleaner bed and sheets. Had to give him a quick cold bath with a fellow bandit named Squish. He is much smaller than the others. And you can tell he is just the one who picks up after them and shines their weapons. He accidentally vomited when first saw his mess. Which I had to clean up…

But he is slowly getting used to it. White Eye made him my supervisor. To watch my every move. But he seems nice he hasn't threatened me or anything. He even walks off to leave me and the patient alone.

I notice he smiles at me by the afternoon. Even though he struggles to move he can still move his mouth and eye muscles. He is all nice clean and refreshed now. I have checked all around his body. There no puncture marks or anything…

"Now Squish will always be nearby so if you need to… Relieve yourself he can help you. I can only help you as long as White-Eye lets me."

"Y-y-You are being very kind… E-e-e-even in the s-situation… That y-y-your in… I-I-I know th-that White wou-would have kidnapped you. To help."

And threatened to kill me Murray and Eleya… But it is not wise to upset the patient. Hopefully, if he gets better he can help us.

"Please tell me then… If you cooperate it will help me. Do you know why you're sick? This is no ordinary illness. It's not an infection. Not food poisoning. Not the flu or pneumonia. Not an allergic reaction. Your body is processing something… I saw your feces-"

"Facies? I-I-I don't know what that is…"

"Your poo."

"Oh…"

"Please… I know your hiding something. I will keep it secret. It'll make things easier."

With what little movement he had he tried to stretch his right hand out to me. I grabbed it and started stroking it. Like how a tender mother would. I learnt this at the hospital… Treat the patient as if they are your child. Most of the time the patients behave like children. You treat them with softness and kindness when needed. While also being strict and tell them harsh truths and tell them off when misbehaving.

"I-I am n-not w-what they think I am." In his raspy voice. He struggles to breathe and coughs.

"Who are you?"

"I-I-I am still Rougher… B-b-but as y-y-you can tell. T-t-they are f-f-from the Green Empire. Green meaning… G-green draconium. I-I-I was not b-b-born there… C-come closer…"

I lean forward near his face to hear what he has to say. Whatever it was going to be. It's not good.

"I-I-I was born in-in-in Vulk-Vulkania."

Pulled my head back in complete shock. Vulkania… The city of volcanoes… The home of the Red Draconium Empire. The Green Empires mortal enemy and are at war with right at this very moment. I can see why he wanted to say this to no one… Good thing Squish is outside. If anyone heard this. He will be killed… And will probably kill us along with it.

"But… Why? It's so dangerous to be with the people." Whispering to him in response. Keeping my cool.

"I w-was sent to s-s-spy… But I be-friended Wh-White Eye. We a-are like b-brothers."

Like brothers but yet… You cannot tell the truth to him without fearing death… I kept his cold hands warm and he smiles at me. He seems to feel the relief of telling someone the truth.

"I-I-I have been dr-drinking r-raw green draconium… To hide the Red dra-draconium in my blood. I-I-I-I m-must have drunken too m-much… Th-then th-this hap-happened."

"Raw draconium?"

I have read in books about such practices. Drinking raw magic metal… In small doses it is harmless and can affect you over time. Drink too much too quickly and this is the result. In the priesthood, I hear did such things. I even heard that Akvor drinks a flagon once a day. For those who use draconium magic it adds to the power. Inclementia it is rumoured that it's part of their diets. Dragons regularly do it as well. It is theorized it is why they can control draconium energy the way they do.

I looked at him and let go of his hand. I looked at my hands. I can try to use my energy… I'm not very good at it. Even worse that I could expose myself. But he shared his secret… I have to save him. This draconium is slowly festering through his body which is why he hasn't died yet. He could be like this for years. And I have less than a week now.

I leaned forward to him. "Since you have told me your secret I will tell you mine. But you must not tell a soul. Please… I am doing this to try and help save your life. I hope this can help what ails you."

I looked at my hands which is being covered with dirty gloves. I hope this is worth it… I remove the gloves and look at my hands. Its good thing they look clean. Rougher is looking at me with curiosity. I am sure he is wondering what I am talking about. But he will see…

I pulled back the sheets and his shirt to reveal his chest. I place my hand on top of his heart. Please… I hope I can do this… I am so nervous. Shaking as I am not sure to do this. I have only done this a few times and when I performed it the priesthood forbid me from doing it again… But I need to use it… I don't know how to use it well… I have power, I know it's there. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I can feel it… The warm sensation flowing through my body. I open my eyes and I can see gold draconium flowing in my veins. The energy pulsed like a heartbeat through my hand and into his chest. I couldn't hold it for long as it felt like my energy is draining every moment. I lifted my hand and the energy flow stopped.

I collapsed onto the floor breathing heavily. I felt heavy and exhausted… Rougher looked less pale and the green in his eyes dimmed. He moved his head more freely. But his body felt stiff still and couldn't move much.

"What you did there miss… Was incredible. I have never seen such a thing before. A healer you are… Gold draconium… The most powerful of all draconium energies… More powerful than green. A secret for a secret. If you don't tell, I won't tell."

I nod in agreement as I felt like I ran a mile.

The next day I made up a fake list of ingredients to use as a potion. I officially labeled it as food poisoning. But in secret, I am really using my power. It's weak but it's helping. We still have five days to go before the deadline. I still haven't seen Eleya… But Murray is still moping in the dungeon. Even though they did use him to read a bedtime story.

Day after day. Rougher started getting better. He despised drinking the potion but it was my cover so he obliged. White Eye has started giving me respect. He is happy seeing his friend sitting up and talking. I get to walk around the fortress courtyard freely without being tied.

The contacts in my eyes have started to cause irritation. I have been wearing them for too long…

I finally managed to convince White Eye to let Murray walk freely with me. Which he is very grateful for. He is almost unrecognizable. His blue hair is so tainted with filth it's no longer blue. I couldn't say better myself my blonde hair is so filthy it's pretty much brownish grey.

It is the day of the deadline and many exhausting days of using my power. Rougher is up and walking. According to White Eye it's like he has never been sick. He looks like his old self. Rougher in his namesake roughly hugs me as he runs around the courtyard. I felt so happy for him. He was in stasis for so long, him running around made me happy. I did well! I am actually proud of myself. I clapped my hands in excitement. Murray is also excited.

"You did great Iolene!" He whispered to me. This means we are free!

"EVERYONE!" Everyone in the courtyard turns around. Seeing a man in soldier armour walk out of the fortress from a room to the left. Murray looks at me in surprise. The theory he must have been thinking about seems to be true. He is the only man in soldier armour.

"We need to head back home! IMMEDIATELY! AND THAT'S AN ORDER!" He shouted.

White Eye walks over to the man. "WHY SOLDIER MAN?! WE MANAGED TO GET ALL THE WAY HERE! WE HAVE BEEN PLANNING FOR WEEKS! TO SUDDENLY DROP OUR SHIT AND LEAVE?!" He shouts in full fury.

"Yes, we must drop our things and leave! Something terrible has happened. We must go back…" The soldier tries his best to hold his tears.

"We better still get paid soldier! And why are you mopey!? Man up!" White-Eye screamed at him.

"The war… It's officially over… We're done." The soldier says in defeat. "That is all I know…"

Everyone in the courtyard is dead silent. I couldn't even say anything. The war has been going on for five years… And now it's all over? Just like that? But the soldier didn't say who the victor is. Did Arman Kaiser manage to create a plan to rid of the fire royal family? White Eye and the soldier disappeared into the fortress. Rougher stands next to me and Murray. I can see Murray is trying to figure things out. He loves knowing other people's business it is his job. We all remain in the courtyard until the soldier and White Eye return.

"Come on everyone… Let's go home… We did all we can. We will go back and demand the money that we are promised! BACK TO THE NORTH!" And White Eye screams in enthusiasm as everyone else then screams with excitement. And, like that everyone is rushing to get their items to leave. I see Nawfar walking again. She is however still injured with a massive scar on her leg from where the spear was lodged. Lucky when they pulled it out she didn't bleed to death. Once we are free from this group I will treat her. Give her wound a good clean with proper stitches…

I hug Eleya as she is now finally to leave the kitchens. I am so glad she is safe. She gently pokes my bruised cheek. It will take a while to heal. But I am happy she is not injured. White-Eye then walks to our small group.

"I have fulfilled my end of the bargain!" I say enthusiastically now I can resume my journey.

"You have indeed miss… Your friends are free to go!"

"My friends? What about me?" I look at Murray, Eleya and Nawfar. This is just going to get worse, isn't it?

"You are a terrific healer miss. It would be terrible if we just let you go!"

"Hey!" I shouted and Murray furiously walks up to him. "You said if she healed Rougher!-

"We will not kill you all!" He interrupted. "We have no use for you and your friends but we have use for the girl! It would be stupid to let her go!" And in a rough fashion White-Eye picks me up.

I see Rougher talk to Murray and Eleya before he runs away from them. But other bandits quickly knock all of them out and they fall to the ground.

"STOP! PLEASE LET ME DOWN!" I screamed and screamed. "PUT ME DOWN!"

By the time they will wake up we will all be gone… And they will only know to go north.