Ju-Long Lei: Chapter Forty-Eight

"How was your sleep?" Kenneth asks. "Must be refreshing to sleep on a bed. I hope miss Lexiana was not too much trouble..." As Kenneth looks to Lexi. Giving her a particular serious look. And she just smirks at him.

Yes... She certainly is interesting. She got her claws into Aaron as soon as they were alone with no priest in sight. I could hear it all night... The moans and bed rocking. Azalea my bodyguard tried her hardest to remain serious. But she was laughing when she couldn't control it anymore. Granted the frustration is there. But I had a weird feeling she was... Enjoying it... Cause if she didn't, she would have had their genitals.

This kind of behaviour is scandalous. But then I cannot say much can I? I feel bad about how I reacted to them. I jumped onto them quickly... A bit of jealousy? Jealous of the fact I cannot love a woman like that? Or jealous for the fact Lexi did it with Aaron? I'm not sure. I'm way out of depth... I'm homesick and I'm tired.

I have been away from Zheroh for so long I miss the special comfort. I pet my replacement dragon. I miss Ponderrah... My poor dragon. He is still at Macdan. He is blind. He could not have joined us. But he must feel so lonely... If I knew if I were going to go on this journey, I never would have brought him with me. He would be in Lan-Se safe a d sound.

The dragons are now settled and are ready to travel.

"Alright!" Mali stands out of the group and looks at all of us. "As we stayed at the mansion with village headman Kalmin. One of the Inclementian lords has not returned in a few days... I know hasn't returned.

"Also, Lei... We need to talk. There is something you should know." As Mali gestures me to walk with him. Kenneth and Murray following close behind. We have grouped away from everyone else near the building.

"What is it?" I ask.

Murray begins talking. "They hosted the ending war council in Mille Voix. The Red, Brown and Black Empires are in a stalemate. They all want power in this country. But they don't want the war to continue or escalate."

"What does that mean?" I say. What does that mean to me? It's unfortunate the war could still go on. But this war has never been mine or my mother's business.

Murray continues. "Since the Empires are not agreeing with one another. They all agreed for a neutral country vote."

"Wait WHAT?!" I shout. Those are very rarely announced. My home is a neutral country. We rarely poke into anyone else's business. Which is probably why we have no official allies outside of our nation since the gold empire.

"Purple, White, Blue, Turquoise and Light Blue. Are to have their own meeting to discuss terms and agreements of the wars end." Murray says in frustration. I understand it's risky... That means my mother is in part of deciding another nations future. I look at Murray and he is in the same boat I am. His father rules Aquarius City. The King would have to send someone to Mille Voix as well.

I sigh in frustration. Our country can refuse the neutrality vote. But it is not looked highly upon the other countries. Mother says we need outside allies... We could have a civil war on our hands soon enough. She would have to play carefully... Because not only could my nation be dragged into a future conflict. My father will have to travel to Mille Voix... Mother trusts him the most to express her interests.

So much for me knowing family wedding dates. This suddenly gets thrusted upon them. I guess there won't be weddings anytime soon.

I look at Murray he is uncertain. He must be thinking the same way I am... I ask him. "What do you think your father will do?"

He sighs. "He will try to kick every single Inclementian out of the Green Empire all together. They backstabbed their own ally. They never declared war... They cheated, then they claimed victory. Sneaky bastards... They deserve fuck all! What do you think your mother will do Lei? None of us know how your country is. Always kept to yourselves."

"Well... I believe mother will vouch more for the Red Empire. Because surprisingly we are not friends with the Shadow people either..."

"Really?" Murray says in sarcastic shock. "I don't think anyone does... Emperor Arman Kaiser was the last man. I know who genuinely liked the Shadow Emperor. Now look at him... He got backstabbed."

"Lei you deserve to know what is happening... Since your Empire could be involved." Mali trying to comfort me in a way. He knows I haven't had contact in a long time. I thank Mali. As we return to the group. It's time to leave.

"Let's go!" Aaron says as he runs forward. The dragons now running at full speed. Now they have rested well. This should be easier for them. And the land is easier to navigate. This is flatter land compared to the mountains. Nonstop climbing and digging around the mountains. Making sure we don't fall to our deaths. We will have to eventually start climbing again as I see mountains everywhere in the distance.

Lexiana then rides ahead with Iymp. The dragon is curious about Aaron. Even after all this time. He still refuses to ride a dragon. And Aaron runs fast! Even more amazing is that he can keep up with dragons.

I watch in awe as Aaron and Iymp run against each other. Iymp is faster just a little as I can see half his body out beating Aaron. But for a human that is still very impressive!

"Go, Aaron! GO!" I hear Mali shouting from behind us.

After running for a while, I made us stop as my dragon is feeling exhausted from running. We needed a breather and to eat. I walk over and sit next to Lexi and Aaron.

"So, Lei how are you finding this adventure so far?" She asks. "It's okay, to be honest."

"I wish I home... I never wanted to be here. But I have a duty and I must see to it." I breathe in slowly. Homesickness is hitting me so hard... All my siblings will be getting married and I don't even know their wedding dates.

"Once we get this kidnapped/ runaway princess. We'll make sure you'll get home. You know I would like to see Lan-Se!" As Lexi comforts me.

"Your home sounds amazing Lei," Aaron adds to my homesickness. That doesn't help me at all... As I chuckle to myself. Can't blame him though. He probably doesn't understand what it's like to be homesick.

"I feel homesick as well..." As Lexi massages her feet. "I miss the heat and humidity. The food... The people. My family... I haven't seen it in a few years now..."

"I'm sorry Lexi. I never thought... Wait! Family? You're a priestess aren't you?" I asked. Priests are mainly orphans and are raised in monasteries. Although there can be exceptions. Those who are from royal families or noble blood can be raised by them. I was educated by the priests. They are the most educated people and dragons in the world. Every nation has a sect. Some more powerful than others.

"I do have a family. I signed to fight in the war... I was an outsider for the first few years. The Empire needed more priests and I was picked..." She smiles.

"That's different," I say.

After that small conversation is over we continue on our journey. We remain on the main merchant's path. We hope Iolene followed it. Even though it can be dangerous. She is being followed...

We came across another village. It's at the base of a mountain.

Like before we walk around asking the villagers and dragons to see if they have seen anything.

"A girl did pass us a few days ago. She looked spooked. Buying food and some supplies and then left."

We all sigh... "Of course... The Poor girl is still on the run." I whisper.

The dragon she was with matched the description of Beau. An Inclementian dragon with a distinctive chin, long spikes, claws and dark purple markings.

As we asked the villagers another person is mentioned. Lord Callidus Sly... This is bad! He is a hot pursuit after her.

We decided not to stay at the village to continue our journey.

I am so tired and exhausted. Even worse now that we are climbing mountains again. These mountains have many more scary creatures. Now that many soldiers are not around. It looks like they have come to play. Zimadu's, trolls and Tatzelwurm's... Small lizard creatures that have only two legs with the face of a short beaked bird. Rather scary to look at. Mainly harmless cause of their size. Only up to my knee... But cheeky... And greedy.

At night they come out to play again. They must be following us...

I use my basic martial arts skills to kick and punch them away. As they all tried to eat my bag. They group together to make scavenging easier. Especially now since many areas of the mountains have been destroyed from the mountains.

Mali asking Aaron to hit them away at every second. I feel for Mali he is short. They're half his size in comparison. He is trying hard not to use his powers. As his energy is gold draconium. It is too easily noticed. Only to use them when it is dire. Its why he hired mercenaries and now Aaron. We are on a popular road. If someone sees a gold light. We will be in jeopardy.

"These things are ridiculous!" Lexi shouts as she and Kenneth use their mag abilities to get them away.

The dragons are having fun. They're trying to squish them. According to Iymp this is a bull class dragon past time. How fun? Squishing small creatures with your feet... Fun for the whole family.

The dragon's roar and the little things don't flee.

"Run!" Murray shouts and we all flee with these little monsters chasing us.

After running in the dark for a long time. We finally make camp. Making sure they're not following us again.

"Ugh!" Murray shouts. "Finally! Those chirps are going to be in my nightmares! So many of them!"

"There must have been at least fifty of them..." As Mali takes out his sleeping bag. "Easy to deal with."

Aaron gives him sassy look as he rolls his eyes. "Hope Iolene doesn't come across those things. The wildlife is becoming more active again." He is getting more anxious

A few more days go by... Nothing... We looked at the map. A mountain outpost is nearby. Hopefully, she went there.

We all lookup. The outpost is higher up the mountain trail. As we got closer to it something feels wrong... We reach the outpost. A tower leans off the mountain cliff. With a few small huts located just across the road.

The tower looks fine structural wise. And the huts look fine. In fact, it looks like they have been recently repaired.

"Hello?" Murray shouts.

"Shhhh, Murray. Everyone be on your guard!" Mali whispers. I sense a powerful dark aura lurking.

Everyone unsheathes their weapons. We get off our dragons and look around.

I can feel what he means. It's so powerful I can sense it!

Azalea follows close behind me. As we walk over to one of the huts. She then gently pushes me away.

"You should stay outside your highness," Azalea reassures.

"No. Safer to be together," I replied back and she nods yes.

She then opens the door. It's so eerie and quiet. We walk through the rooms nothing. Until we reached the bedroom. We walked inside and people are sleeping. Or so I thought... I shake one of the men. No response. I lean over his mouth. No breathing... He is dead.

Azalea looks at the other person across the room. Dead as well... looking at all of the bodies. ALL DEAD!

Azalea and I did a close inspection of the bodies. Red Empire guards... All backstabbed in the middle of the spine. Clean kills... Very little blood. I will be lying if I wasn't impressed. Azalea and I checked all over. Nothing is disturbed. It's so strange... Not to mention freaky. This is some Mordecai accomplishment. But why would they attack a random outpost? None of this makes sense...

Azalea and I discuss to each other of what could have happened. We walk outside when we meet up with the others. Iymp hasn't returned yet.

I told them what we saw. Everyone else saw something similar.

"This is so strange..." Murray says.

"Not really..." Mali replies. "Aaron and I looked inside the tower. They had bodies there. I suspected Mordecai. But... It makes no sense for them to attack a random outpost. The only other explanation is the Inclementians got here first."

Murray looks confused. "Why would they put so much effort into making everything almost seem normal?"

Mali and Aaron look worried.

Mali then walks around us. Trying to keep his mind straight. "They made it look normal to disguise themselves? To wait for someone?"

"Oh no..." Lexi murmurs.

I do not like where this is going... Could have the Shadow Emperor kill these people then disguise themselves? Sneaky bastards.

Iymp then comes running to us.

"Come! With me Now!" Iymp then turns around and runs off. We all chase after him. The aura is getting stronger. What aura is this?! It's so dark... Cold and powerful.

We stop as we see a large crater. Bodies of a few dragons and humans melted and yet frozen with black draconium. As I looked further down I see black draconium dragon in the middle of it. Passed out...

We surround him. A dragon with a long face and large chin, Black and dark purple markings, No bonemark, spikes all over his body. Sharp extended claws. His teeth large a frightening.

We all look around. I believe we are all thinking the same thing.

Is this Beau?