Iolene Summers: Chapter Thirty-Seven
"PLEASE LET ME GO!" I screamed. "I did what you asked!" I stood in front of White-eye. Scared... And now alone... With scary bandits. I hope Murray and Eleya are alright! The bandits punched them, and they collapsed. I never saw them again after that...
White-Eye then laughs as we continue ahead. Be useful to us and you will have no problem.
It has been a whole day of travelling and I have been trying my best to keep quiet. As I tried to remain quiet, I try to listen around. About gossip or anything really. It quite amazing how much bandits talk. I overheard as to why they are going back... The Green Empire has been invaded by the... Shadow Folk? Folk I guess meaning people. The Black Empire. This not good in the slightest. My uncle is right... A larger war is coming. And I am a key to that. Whether if I actually want a war though... Is another matter entirely.
Rougher has been trying to protect me in a weird distorted way. Ever since I have been with these... Men... I have had no privacy. I feel like I'm in the temple but now I have the open sky. With eyes and ears following me everywhere. From refreshing myself to changing my clothes... Rougher has to fight tooth and nail to make them stop. But as he says boorishly it's a man thing. If I could I will punch every single one of them down! I don't care if they're men! I'm a human girl! I am scared at every single moment I am here.
In a way I wish was back in the temple... It's the only place I could really call home. No freedom, but it's better than this... At least these men are not testing to see if I bleed. Ugh Akvor get out of my mind... He is very far away now... But he still haunts me...
"Shh men! I hear dragons and people!" White-Eye yells.
I look up as Rougher pulls me close to him. Like a father would hold his daughter. The men start looking cheery and excited. What is going on?
"A merchant travel party!" One of them coming out of the bushes. He usually rides around to check the surroundings. I can never remember his nickname.
"LET'S HAVE FUN GENTLEMEN!" White-Eye shouts and all the men lift up their swords.
With a sudden rush they all charge forward. I look up at Rougher as he had a huge smile in his face. The more he smiled the more I felt dread...
Caught by surprise the innocent victims tried to run. Their carriage dragons killed by the bandit dragons as they tried to fight back. Their carriages destroyed and ransacked. I was horrified.
All the bandits were enjoying themselves. Rougher wanted to join in on the fun but he had to keep an eye on me. As he knows I will have an unsurprising urge to run away...
Some hostages were then taken in and judged. A small group of men. No women... I'm glad for that. But looking at White-Eye and the other bandits they all smiled. These innocent men are going to die. With a strong pull I manage to get out of Roughers grasp.
"Please White-Eye don't kill them!" I shout out and stood in-between him and the hostages. "Please! Take the items you want. But please spare their lives!"
White-Eye laughs. "You really do test your luck girl! You're alive because you have healing knowledge and saved my best friend's life! These men have nothing to offer!"
"They could have friends and families! That is not nothing! Please!" As I screamed, I felt one of the hostages' hands holding mine. The men then began to beg for their lives. Without even knowing it tears are flowing out of my eyes.
White-Eye pushes me to the ground as the men had their way with them... I hear screams of pain and agony. Rougher quickly helps me up. But with urgency covers my head with his jacket. I couldn't see anything.
Before I knew it, we were on our way again. Bandaging up the men who hurt themselves during the attack. It made me feel sick. But if I want to remain alive. I must do it. I look at the disgust of how the bandits smiling and cheering. Like they had some big victory. How can people enjoy a life like this? Even Rougher... He loves this life. Yet... He is doing his best to protect me. There is good in him.
"Are you alright Iolene?"
"I have been kidnapped by your group of bandits. Your group is destroying lives! How am I supposed to be okay?" I say in a scared tone. "Why did you cover my head?" I asked.
"I couldn't let you see it... I will not say why." And Rougher leaves it at that. "You will be alright Iolene. Just keep your wits and just do as your told. Maybe when we reach a village, I can help you escape. But don't keep your hopes up. We are avoiding villages due to the Brown and reds army being around."
"Alright" As I sigh. I have been riding with Rougher and his dragon friend Telakka. For the past few days. He ropes me up to Telakka so I cannot run away. Even though... If I did run away. How will I survive? I don't know how to hunt... I have easily learned I can barely defend myself. I feel so hopeless... Yet thinking of this made me angry. The priesthood had always insisted on me never learning anything of life. They controlled every aspect of my life. Marianas couldn't even control my life... My family thought it was best... Now, look at me... Stuck with bandits on the way to enemy territory... Even if I made my decision to start the war. What kind of empress would I be? I really am hopeless...
After a long ride, we rest. Being the only female here. They must feel that I must serve them... Serving them food. Cutting their bread. Folding and washing their clothes. To their shock horror, I'm not good at those things. I never did that kind of work. I lived in a priesthood where they designate special servants for that. I did cook at the hospital but mainly making health potions and learning how to make medicines.
White-Eye was annoyed. But he knew he took me to be a healer. And I had to make sure he knew that clear.
I asked White-Eye for parchment and ink to a write list of herbs. To my shock... Only three people knew how to read. The Green general turned bandit, White-Eye, and Rougher. So I had to explain in detail and demonstrate. So, the men can track the ingredients. Most of the items they brought back were twigs and grass...
My real skills are using herbs to create ointments for cuts and wounds. I do have gold draconium healing magic. But I don't know how to use it well... The Light-Blue priesthood never told me because they didn't know how to teach me to use it. I was lucky it worked on rougher and after using it multiple times I felt so exhausted. And I cannot just go using it everywhere and put myself in jeopardy.
As the group Walked through the brown mountains for herbs I see. Narbe Leht a basic green leaf that I notice grows in abundance here. Named after Priest Narbe who worked as a healer. It can easily be mistaken as a weed. But it's highly useful. I showed the bandits to make sure for next time they can pick it up. Along with a little brown and yellow flower called feliz halara. Makes the healing poultice more effective.
I look into my mind's eye to try and remember from working in the hospital and looking at the illustrated books. Usually, you mix it with clear alcohol. And of course, these bandits only have rum and ale. Knowing they will not give that up unless they're dead. So, water had to do... Even though it's not as strong.
"What is that?" Squish asks me.
"They are healing poultices. You paste it onto a cloth, and you smear it over a cut. It eases swelling and helps close the wound." As I grab a spoon and mash the ingredients together.
"It looks disgusting!" Squish looking repulsed.
"It's not the most appetizing looking thing but it helps you heal." I try to smile. He has been more of the kinder people here... Even though he does have very creepy tendencies. I know he tries to spy on me when he can.
"I have made many of these poultices. This should last a while." I smile as I feel proud of myself. I rarely get to feel proud. Squish looks and tries to touch them. And I slap his hand away.
As he looked at me in annoyance. Squish and I hear roaring and screaming. We walk around to see what is happening.
"A ZIMADU!" A man screams out. A few dragons get whacked to the side with the beasts large two heads.
I look at this creature in astonishment. I have never seen such a thing! It has TWO HEADS! I have heard of a Zimadu. But I don't know much about them. I've seen no illustrations or anything. They're only native in the mountain chains of Green and Brown Empires.
I step back away from the creature as the bandits battle the creature out.
Rougher gives me a sword to defend myself. I look like such an idiot! It was heavy! I look around trying to be aware of my surroundings. I cannot find White-Eye anywhere!
"Just swing it around when the danger gets close! It's a start!" Rougher shouted.
One of the human bandits then gets eaten and swallowed whole. I scream in terror. The roars of anger from the bandits got louder. The large bull dragons rammed into the Zimadu. But its two heads made it difficult to get too close for long.
Spears and swords being pierced into its back by quick bandits. It must be its weak spot.
The dragons try to mag push the creature. But it is too heavy and large for it to have a full effect.
White-Eye having enough of the fight. Sets off explosives causing mass damaging everywhere. One of them almost killing me. The force pushed me back and I slam into a tree! I cough in pain as I felt pain all over.
My back... Oh my goodness... It hurts! My eyesight went blurry for a second as I notice the Zimadu is gone.
Rougher comes to me in a rush.
"Are you alright Iolene?" He asked.
"I'm okay... I think! Ow! What happened?" I use my hand to rub my head. It copped a huge blow. I need to be careful...
"The Zimadu escaped. The explosion scared it off. But hopefully, we will not see it again!"
I place my hand on the back of my head where I was hit. It hurts so much... My contacts had to come off my eyes. They have been irritating so much over the past week. But with the blurriness, it was so hard to keep them in.
"Wow, Iolene. Your golden eyes... Beautiful. But you must be careful... Otherwise, if people find out. There will be no way to save you." Rougher then grabs my arm to pull me up. Everything is now beginning to spin around me, and I vomit.
White-Eye then walks over to Rougher and me. I'm struggling to keep it together. White-Eye laughs at me.
"Oh boy... Does she get taken out easy! Little healer gets knocked in the head once and she's out." White-Eye then tries to look closely at me. To look straight into my eyes but saved by my hurting brain. Everything goes black.
"Hey! Iolene! I want to show you something!"
Aaron? Wha? What?
I open my eyes and I see I'm at the drag hound kennels at Watersgate. And there he was... Aaron or when he called himself Sabrael... He looked so happy. And I was happy! Prince Murray and the King snuck me out to Watersgate for the royal visit. I remember so much of it... I asked to meet him after he helped me with the party. I was so naughty and snuck out of my room... Then I realised I couldn't easily get back. He helped me... He didn't have to help me or stay with me, but he did.
I met him many times secretly after that... Discovering from his half-brothers his real name. I remember all too well confronting him about it. I was angry that he lied to me. He was so ashamed of his own existence... But we managed to stay friends. He had no friends and I had no friends... Murray found out about him and us. He was not impressed that I was playing with a kennel hand. But after me begging to play with him. Murray and the king allowed. It was soon after that Aaron disappeared...
I see Aaron running towards me in the kennel. What did he have planned for me?
"Hello! Aaron! What is it?" It was such a beautiful day. The sky is clear with no clouds in sight.
He then gestures me to follow him. Where is he taking me!? I felt shocked as we are leaving the Watersgate palace courtyard. He sneaks me through a hole in the wall. I am really breaking the rules today! We manage to lose my priest guard as we weaved through the market roads. I felt so angry and happy! Angry that I am breaking the rules once more... Happy I felt freedom! To do what I like whenever I like!
We were at the entrance of the city when I stopped.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked in earnest.
"It's a surprise! I know you will love it!" He tells me excitedly. I will never forget his smile. "Come on!" And runs forward out of the gate.
I decided to follow him.
Chasing him through the grassy meadows and up to the forest. I knew it was dangerous... But I realised I no longer cared, I felt free. After running through the forest. Aaron stops me. And tells me to close my eyes. And with a gentle pull, he tells me to open my eyes.
A large meadow of wildflowers! It's the most beautiful place I have ever seen! Aaron and I for that afternoon stared at the clouds.
"Iolene?"
I hear a voice...
I open my eyes as everything is blurry and bright. My head pulsed in pain as I groaned to massage it.
My eyesight eventually cleared, and I see Squish and Rougher standing right above me. My eyes open wide as I feel my personal boundaries are being invaded once again.
"The lady is awake! You look so pretty when you're asleep!" Squish says in excitement.
I look at him as I feel creeped out by what he just said. Please don't tell me he's been staring at me as I am unconscious.
"I was knocked unconscious... I wasn't asleep!" I try to sit up, but my head pulsed in pain again and I slump back down. "How long was I out for?"
Rougher then puts a wet rag on my forehead. "For a week. I was getting worried that you weren't going to wake up. White-Eye was thinking of abandoning you. Since you were dead weight. Questioning if you were worth it in the end. I managed to convince him that you will wake. And the poultices you made worked on many of the men's injuries. Most healed in a few days. So many of the men and dragons have voted to keep you around."
I look at Rougher in complete surprise. WHITE-EYE WAS GOING TO ABANDON ME?! I would be left unconscious in a forest somewhere?! It was horrifying to think about. Rougher then tells me in situations. Sometimes it's just not worth taking the severely injured. Most of the time they are more trouble than it's worth. And many die anyway... He was lucky because he is close friends with White-Eye. If he wasn't, he would be left for dead long ago...
To change the subject even though my head is hurting. I had so many questions to ask. I look around as I notice we are still camping. I'm in a tent and it's dark outside.
"You know... Rougher. I'm curious about something." I ask as nicely as possible.
"Yes? What is it?" He says in a serious tone.
"How did you all manage to go so far south during the war? You were all so close to Macdan. We did not expect anything like you on my journey." I take a sip of water from a pigskin Squish gives me.
Rougher chuckles. "Emperor Arman Kaiser was desperate. So much so they asked for any bandits and mercenaries they can find. They were losing the war. They gave us weapons, armour and money. Promising us much more money if we win the war."
"And many of you people accepted it? Could it have been a lie?" Sipping water again.
"Elrick, one of the Emperor's sons is a famous bandit himself. He was the one who ordered the deal with us. He is a powerful man in his own right. But became the black sheep of the royal family due to the life he chose. He was arrested by his older brother Grand Prince Arman funnily enough. They together wanted to save their country from the Red Empire... So, under Erick's orders, we were sent down to Macdan and attack their food merchants and farms. We did very well at that."
Against your Empire, I thought. Rougher is from the Red Empire himself. He got so sick because he drank too much raw green draconium metal. To disguise his red aura. If Squish wasn't sitting here, I would ask Rougher more questions about himself. And I am sure he wants to ask me questions too...
"Hey Squish. I have a favour to ask."
He shuffles closer to me. "Yes?"
"Can you please go outside and... And wash my clothes." I smile as sweetly as I could. And he smiles right back and nods. I then try my best to get out of bed. Taking off my dress and corset. Rougher just sits there looking away and Squish is once again acting creepy as he watches me undress. Has he ever seen a woman before me? I have no idea...
I leave my last layer the white tunic on as Squish thinks I was going to take it off. I give him a nasty look as he meekly walks off.
Rougher chuckles. "He certainly has a way with girls... But forgive him. If you think he hasn't around women much it's true."
I scoff. "He is still creeping me out... But I asked him away for a reason. Your bandit group is heading back to Demir. Now that the war is over. Don't you want to go home? To Vulkania? The war is over now."
He looks at me in sadness and looks down.
"Yes, I do... I am torn between worlds. I miss my home city... But I am best friends with White-Eye. As I said before I love him like a brother. We have known each other for years now."
"But he doesn't know the truth about you... What happens when he finds out? There are ways of finding out. You will not be able to hide it forever. Even more so if you're in their country. You are in just much danger as I am... As much as you think you are brothers with White-Eye. He will feel betrayed that you have been lying to him."
He looks at me with both annoyance and sadness. He knows I'm right... Not only do I have to get out of here. He needs to as well.
He looks at me... "You're right... But I cannot leave White-Eye easily. We have been through hell together. As I keep telling you we are like brothers... Leaving without a word. I cannot do it, not to mention Telakka he doesn't know... No one here knows.
"May I ask how you two met?"
"I was sent under cover to spy on what the Green Empire. I alone went deep into enemy territory. I was attacked and almost killed by a hydrag. White-Eye and his group came in and saved my life. Been with them ever since... It has been thrilling living this life."
I nod in disagreement and looked down.
"Now Iolene I want to ask you questions. I have been honest with you... Now be honest with me. What were doing going to Macdan?" As Rougher leans in closer to me.
I lean back and look down. "I was going to see Queen Hara..."
"Th- The Queen Bull? Well, considering your eyes." He smiles at me. But the next part info I am going to tell him. That smile is going to disappear.
"I was traveling with my cousin Prince Murray of Aquarius City. Son of King Marlowe and Queen Darya. Your lot locked him up as a prisoner in the fort cells. And then one of them punched him in the head and left him for dead..."
Roughers smile disappears slowly as I tell him this info. Even a bit of fear...
"Oh... Shit... A... A prince? Your cousin is a prince? That would mean... They are going to come after you! And they're going to try and find you!"
I look at him and roll my eyes. "No... really? I thought they will just let me go! And never want to hear from me again!"
I really hope they're at least putting up a search party. The further up north we go. The harder it will be to find me. Please be quick! I want to be somewhere safe.
My head still pulsing with the pain I had to lie down once more. He tries to smile at me and walks out of my tent. I hear him dismissing Squish outside.
As I laid there in silence. I shed tears. I want to go home...
By morning Squish returns my clothes all washed and dried. I thank him gracefully. It felt so good to wear washed clothes.
My head is still hurting but I can walk around. Everyone is now prepared to move. As look around my surroundings, I notice the trees are all dead. Where are we?
I see Rougher laughing and talking to his fellow bandits. Even during my time here I struggled to get along with anyone. In a way, I don't want to since I am here against my own will. But I do try to make things easier for myself. I make all the healing poultices but not even an ounce of a thank you. Only commanded to make more... Even I wonder what would have happened if Rougher was someone different. We both have secrets... And now I owe him another debt for saving my life.
I sit next to Rougher as the men eat their fill. And listen to their conversations. I can see why Rougher would not want to leave them. They love him. They hang onto his every word...
After breakfast, I have to be tied back onto Telakka's saddle and back on the road again. White-Eye hasn't even said a word to me. I am glad for that because I cannot stand being around him. He will easily make the head injury worse.
A few more days of traumatic traveling. We came across fields of battle. Rotting corpses everywhere. "We are at the Brown Empires Edge". Rougher said. Destroyed villages and destroyed paths. All the buildings being burnt down. The smell of smoke and burnt flesh. I had to use my torn dress sleeve to try to filter the smoke and smell. It didn't help. But it's worth a shot.
The smoke stung my eyes as they become watery. The stench of death is indescribable.
White-Eye makes the command for his bandits to try and steal what's left. I could only look on at what kind of horror happened with everything like this there is nothing to steal.
After a few more weeks we finally arrive at a small city! An actual city! I smile and laugh in happiness and joy! Seeing other people who are not stinking foul-mouthed bandits. Large temples, walls and buildings. Built on the side of a mountain. It's like a giant fortress. Two Giant human statues with a large wall guarding the city.
Rougher pulls me close as we ride Telakka. "We are officially in the Green Empire. This is the city of Chuma."
I will be lying to myself if wasn't at awe by it. It's nothing like home... But everything seems so drab and dreary. Dead trees surround this place. The only beauty is seeing the buildings and not nature. The bandit group move forward towards the large human statue gates. Standing tall as they look down upon us. As we look forward the bandits felt nervous... I overheard that they need to restock for supplies.
As I looked forward, I notice many soldiers standing outside the gate. However, they were wearing black and purple armour.
I felt so scared I started to breathe heavy. If they see me... I am dead. I looked up and see Rougher also nervous. Why is he nervous?
"Why are you nervous?" I whispered in his ear.
"Some soldiers like theirs are trained in special ways... Some can tell by your draconium which Empire you're from. They even have gear for such a task."
"Is that possible?" As I try my hardest not to panic.
"I've seen it... They don't like spies, even though many can be spies themselves. Why do you think the Mordecai has never been able to get their daggers into any of Inclementia's leaders?"
"Mordecai? Assassins?" I've heard stories in history. Royalty, Assassins, nobles... They usually go hand in hand together. One of the many reasons why my family wanted me in the priesthood. Away from the prying eyes of everyone who cannot be trusted...
The whole bandit group wanted to walk away. But White-Eye reminds them. That they need to replenish their stocks. Food, metal, fabrics, things they usually steal from innocent people... He forces us to move closer. However, we were noticed by the soldiers. There are many Inclementia soldiers surrounding us... Many of them just relaxing and having fun with their groups. The dragons are even mucking around. However, they are all carrying their weapons.
"What do we have here?!" An Inclementia soldier speaks out. She rides over on a magnificent dragon. Four-legged, with dark purple and black markings. Long claws and spikes. But what was unique is his long head and chin. As he walked closer, I notice scarring... His back is covered in injuries and his feet have burst blisters. I have never seen a dragon like him... Trying to look closer at the woman in her detailed armour. Slim and entirely covered in large and small spikes. I can just imagine stroking her armour and it causes cuts all over your hand. She scares me...
"Tell us who you all are!" The armoured woman demanded.
"I ain't telling you shadow folk shit!" White-Eye shouts back.
I looked around as their soldiers are all staring at us. I keep my head low to avoid eye contact.
The woman chuckles. "You are confident one! I suggest that you shouldn't be. I presume you know what happened?"
"I may have heard a few things!" White-Eye in a sarcastic fashion.
"Ha! Your Emperor Arman Kaiser has been killed. His body now hangs at Demir's entrance gates for the world to see. Your country is ours now... If you do not tell us who you all are. You will all be executed." As she pulls out her greatsword.
Their soldiers surrounding us also unsheathe their swords. The bandits also reply in kind. I look up at Rougher. "We must get out of here!" I whispered in fear. He nods in agreement. As he looks at White-Eye while he argues with the general.
"Tell us who you are! I WILL NOT ASK AGAIN!" She shouts. White-Eye laughed his last laugh as without a moment. The soldier beheads him with one stroke.
I scream in horror! A scene I will never forget. Rougher places his hand over my mouth. And with Telakka we try to sneak behind the group of bandits who rush forward to fight the soldiers.
A massive fight brewed. Many of the bandits and dragons being killed. Some try to escape. But I could not see what is happening... I have never seen Telakka run so fast in his life. We run through the forest of dead trees. But no matter how fast Telakka is. The generals' dragon jumps over us and faces us. We stop almost hitting him, he caught up so quickly! The dragon didn't even flinch as the general laughs.
"Where do you think you are going? You can join the rest of your dead comrades." She mockingly swings her sword. I look at Rougher as he had tears in his eyes. He is mourning for White-Eye. I cannot say I felt the same as he did kidnap me from my royal cousin. But I hate it when people and dragons die... So needless...
She jumps off her dragon and kicks Rougher off. Telakka turns around and roars to get the woman off. I fell off almost breaking my arms as I was roped onto Roughers saddle. I am hanging off Telakka's side like a waving branch.
"Are you a hostage by these men girl?" She asks.
I remain silent. Not knowing what to do... She then grabs my face. With me looking into her armoured yellow eyes.
If I was looking into her eyes. She was looking into mine. It's impossible to tell what her expression is because her face is covered.
Impossible she whispers to me. And with her moment of distraction. Rougher kicks her away from me. Her dragon weirdly laughs at her.
She shouts out "MAG ME YOU PETULANT DRAGON! TO THE GIRL I MUST HAVE THAT GIRL!". The general's dragon magged her forward as she lifts her sword to fight. Rougher takes out his spear and Telakka mags him forward. They collide upwards. I look up in complete surprise. I have never seen fighting like this. It's like Rougher is flying.
Telakka roars at the dragon. But he remains silent. I look up as Rougher fights her. It was hard to see since they were so high. Telakka then with anger charged at the dragon. The dragon in turn charged. I managed to climb back onto Roughers saddle. As the dragons collided I tried my best to keep myself balanced on Telakka as I am still roped to Roughers saddle. I try to loosen my rope binds but with them fighting it made it difficult. Telakka pushing the opposing dragon with all his might. He is managing to do it! The dragon loses his grip While whelping! Not surprising as his feet are blistered. He must be in so much pain.
As Telakka pushed and pushed. I notice we are scarily close to a cliff.
"Telakka be careful! Cliff!"
I don't know if he heard me. But he was still pushing. I tap his head to try and make him notice.
"TELAKKA! CLIFF!" I shrieked.
But it was too late. We all fall down the steep cliff into the abyss below.