Iolene Summers: Chapter Fifty

"They are not listening to us, my Duke. The gold dragon families are beginning to revolt against each other. This is not good. The baby Empress is in danger." I hear a voice behind me as I hear someone running after me.

I stop and look around. Walls covered in large tapestries with immense details of gold dragons and humans in shining armour. But no amount of art and detail can stop the sinking feeling of dread that haunts me. I turn around and face the person after me. It is my advisor. To my surprise as a viewer is a priestess wearing a white and gold uniform.

I try to smile at her. "I understand my lady. I am well aware that my cousin is in danger. She is all alone... And now she is Empress at the age of two! She is too young to find her dragon partner. What can we possibly say to the dragon court to make this easier?"

The priestess looks down and embraces me. "Nothing much... The dragon court needs a king or queen. Since Alekos passed away leaving no fledgling heirs. Now the dragon families want the seat of power. All we can do is protect the Empress-" She was going to keep talking unless I interrupt.

"Shhh, my love. A dragon civil war is coming... All we can do is prepare." As I lean in and kiss the priestess on the lips.

I start to wriggle as I regain consciousness. I moan in pain... I place my hand on my head. A large headache clouding my mind. Where am I? As my blurry vision begins to sort itself out. I'm in a carriage. Dark purple cushions with the black curtains closed. It's a large carriage. As I look in front of me I see him... Callidus Sly. His creepy grin making me exceptionally nervous.

"Hello there. You gave me a good chase." In his monotone voice.

"Hello..." I answer back softly. "What do you want?"

I look around at a means of escape. There is only one door. I am relieved seeing that I have no chains attached to me.

"Isn't it obvious? Ancient, gold blood, royalty... As soon as I saw your golden eyes. I had no choice but to take you. I had to make sure and spied on you. My abilities had no effect on you." He sips from his wine glass.

Looking at his long creepy face. To his sharp shoulders pads and robes. I see my dagger on his hilt.

"Your abilities?" I ask.

"I can be very persuasive... I can ask and someone can automatically tell the truth. But you my dear... Had no effect. A family of merchants you said..."

"I did," I reply back. "I have no idea what you are talking about. You are randomly kidnapping an innocent person!"

I must be careful with what I say. Even though I failed... He saw through my lies. The least I can do is not mention my family. A war will start immediately...

"I scanned your blood while you were unconscious. You cannot play stupid. You are an ancient. The last one."

He leans forward and strokes my cheek. As his cold hand strokes my cheek I realised my dragon companion Beau is not here.

"Where is the dragon I was with?" I ask. I can barely remember what happened. It was all a blur... Beau and I managed to run.

"He exploded..." He says nonchalantly.

"WHAT!?" I am so horrified! I hope not! What a horrible way to die! I cover my mouth in shock.

"Do not worry like that... Please don't cry. I hate crying... And I hate yelling so be quiet." As he continues to drink his wine.

"What happened to him?" I ask.

"Well during the battle. Something happened... One of my soldiers hit you hard. You fell to the ground. My dragons were going to rip him apart. He stood above you... And like that a mag explosion. Draconium energy in bursts flew everywhere. Vaporizing the dragons and riders. While crystallising those at the outer rim of his power. Even I had to jump back to avoid it."

The way this man speaks is so emotionless it never ceases to amaze me. He almost got killed and he acts like it's nothing.

"I survived that?" I say in shock.

"Yes, you did. He performed one of the most powerful dragon abilities. Without the help of a human... Only too bad that it backfired and almost killed him in the process. As it happens when you release too much power at once."

How horrible I think to myself. I'm such a pain for everyone in my life. I'm such a burden... Now Beau my new dragon friend is dying somewhere or even dead.

I can barely protect myself. I feel so alone... My existence is getting people and dragons killed. I should have stayed at the temple... Rarely see the sun. Never go to the market at my own free will. But I am alive and out of everyone's way. I'M SO USELESS! I cup my face into my hands. All the negative thoughts overriding my brain. I want to go home...

After a long silence, Callidus wanted to make a small chat. Asking me questions about my life. I lied to every one of them. Hope he doesn't know the wiser. Even though lying hasn't gotten me far...

"What are you going to do with me?" Get that question out of the way.

"We are going to Demir then Inclementia my dear. I am taking you to see the emperor." He then proceeds to take out paper and quill. "It will be a long journey. So behave and you will not be harmed."

"I highly doubt that..." I whisper to myself. Not quite enough that Callidus heard it.

"Just do as you are told." His smile is so large it stretches ear to ear. It's almost frightening. Does he seriously think I'm going to trust him? My father's side of the family and my mother were murdered by these people. I cross my arms with anxiety. Trying not to look at the creep.

It felt like forever that I have been sitting here. The carriage is large. It has a bed, a small table, and a bookshelf. It's bigger than the ones at home! Even my great uncles, who is a king. I start walking back and forth. But Callidus doesn't like the pacing. So, I must sit back down.

The only entertaining thing in this place is books For Callidus eyes only. So what does he expect me to do?

The only time I am allowed out is to relieve myself. Unlike the bandits, Callidus gives me a female guard to watch over me as I go around my business. I look at my surroundings and it looks like we are on the mountain path. It's too dangerous to just run away... I have no idea what to do.

"Come on prisoner." As the guard grabs me by the arm. I wonder if she knows what I am.

She leads me back into the carriage as the windows are covered by the dark curtains. What can I do? If I try to run away I will get captured or get lost. Die to the natural elements or starve. If I lose Callidus's trust. I can easily lose my chance to escape forever. He will start to punish me by torturing me. I have no weapon, no nothing... But I cannot go to Inclementia. I sigh in resignation. If I have a proper chance to escape I will!

One night I decide to ask questions. After all, Callidus is my enemy... I should start learning about them. Get some information. We sat across each other at dinner. Surprisingly they are feeding me well. Boar stew with bread. A warm and filling meal, I couldn't help but smile.

"Ah... A smile from you. Nothing like mine though." As he continues to smile at me. Very creepy... But since the ice has been broken, I decided to take my chance.

"So, Lord Sly... What do you do?" I ask politely.

"I am a senator. I delegate in the grand court of senators directly under the Emperor. I am his eyes and ears at this part of the world."

"I hear the Emperor is an interesting man." As I fill myself a glass of wine.

Callidus does a small chuckle, almost showing an emotion. "Yes, deary. My Emperor is indeed an interesting man... He is more powerful than everyone in this world. He is my Emperor and everything. And when I take you to him... You will be his."

"What will he do to me?" The most nerve-racking question.

"I don't know... But you are going to help me get immunity in the senator's council."

"Immunity? What did you do?" As I soak the stew with my bread.

"That is none of your business dear. Just finish your meal and get to sleep." As he finished his meal. A guard who must also work a steward helps him clean up.

"What is Inclementia like?" I ask curiously.

"It is an amazing place. The stone gardens of Emberly park. I heard that it had plants once. But still beautiful none-the-less. We have unique fruits and vegetables. Many mansion towers of where the nobles live. Much of the slaves live in their own towers or underground. Where middle of the city is Seers tower, the home of the Emperor himself. Taller than the clouds a true architectural marvel. Not the brightest place in the world. We Inclementians never see the sun... But the amount of raw draconium power there. Is indescribable. You will see when we get there."

I hope to never get there as I smile to myself. I know I am a dead woman if set a single foot in that country! I am young and naïve, but I am no fool.

As days felt like weeks. It was to my surprise it was only days as we have reached the Chuma army camp. Right back to where I started... Near where the cliff where Sampson died. I need to throw his hair into the Vulkania volcanoes. I don't think I will be able to get there anytime soon.

"Stay inside... Do not leave, I will be back as I will be getting status reports and supplies." As he leaves the carriage. As a measure, I check the handle. It's locked. Damn it! I shout to myself. Of course, he is going to lock it! I sit back down in frustration. Folding my arms thinking of what to do next. I look around... It's dark and it smells of perfumes. I feel around the carriage earnestly.

Come on there must be something! I tell myself. There must be! I feel the floor where I feel a large bump. I pull on the fabric and notice that it's a metal latch! My heart skipping multiple beats. I pull the carpet back. IT'S AN EMERGENCY CARRIAGE EXIT! I have read in books that many carriages from nobles have these in case the noble needs to escape. In other words, my situation. He must never have used it, so he never thought about it.

Now that I have an escape door. I look through his drawers where I find a velvet dark purple coat. It's huge and long. It can easily cover me. I look down at my dirndl and how it will stand out. I seize a set of his robes and quickly put them on. It's a bit long in every aspect. But it's going have to do... Stealing a bag and putting my dirndl inside. While also taking fruits and vegetables from a bowl on his small table.

"Now or never!" I whisper to myself. It took everything of my will power to open the latch and open the floor door. It's small but I can easily fit into it. I slide under while using the bottom latch shutting the door above me.

Oh my goodness... I am so frightened I am trying not to pee in the robes. I am now lying underneath the carriage I see the guard's feet in front of the main door. I slide over to the other side. Trying to be as quiet as I can. I see feet shift over to the side I am trying to escape from. I immediately freeze. Covering my mouth to try and stop my heavy breathing. My heart still skipping beats. The carriage is surrounded! A tear rolls down my face. I can do this I whisper to myself repeatedly. I have survived bandits... I have survived the wilderness. I can do this! But then my negative thoughts come back at me again. I am useless... I am a burden... Please stop! I think to myself.

I shake my head to try and get back to my senses. I see the guard walk away, I slowly and every carefully edge my way out. The guards are on the other side at the main door. I crouch and sneak away! I manage to get into a crowd of soldiers who are busy talking about their day and how they're going to get into Chuma. They're distracted they didn't notice me. I'm now blended in a group of dark purple and black.

As I walked amongst the group, I see the slaves digging trenches... Those poor people and dragons. I see the collars and tattoos on them. Trademark of a slave. Even scarier seeing those who are under mind control. Their skin and clothes change into a dark purple hue with red eyes. They don't speak only grunting with a loud distortion... Nothing human nor dragon. Following their master's orders.

I am deep inside the camp. I need to be brave I can do this! As my heart kept skipping beats and my body is shaking.

The group eventually disperses as they go to their respective tents. I try my hardest to not standout. I try to take mental notes of how everyone is acting. Even trying to replicate their salute. While pretending that I know where I am going and what I am doing! I end up standing around where to go next. I decided to keep walking straight. If they say hello, say hello back.

It has been a while now! Still walking through the tent maze. It feels like it never ends! I need to find a supply carriage and leave! Callidus must be back at his carriage by now. I need to ask someone! I see nearby slaves washing and polishing armour. I walk over to them as if I'm confident. They look at me with curiosity.

"E-Excuse, me... Will you please point me in the direction of the supply carriages?" I sounded so nervous... I'm doing great at this... I really am... I smile at them to hopefully get an answer. They ignore me and continue with their work. That was rude! "Please!" I ask again. This time I accidentally sounded desperate.

An elderly woman slave looks up at me. "You are not our owner. We do not speak! Or we get punished." And she continues with her job. I nod in acceptance and leave. I cannot risk their lives... How sad. Cannot talk to someone else unless they get punished.

I must ask someone else! I walk amongst other slaves and they acted the same. I was getting nowhere! I have no choice but to try my luck! I walk around which felt like forever. That was when I heard shouting in the distance.

I walk around a group of soldiers who just came from that direction.

"Woah! Did you hear that!?" A soldier shouts.

"What?" A woman soldier asks in excitement. "Did they manage to break the Chuma walls?"

"No!" The soldier shouts mockingly. "You know the monotone senator we saw a while back. Who annoys Oleander no end? Well, he is back, and he went on a murderous rampage!" He shouts in excitedly.

My eyes went wide open. Oh, my goodness! He knows I'm gone! But with a short moment, I wanted to overhear the rest of what he was saying.

"What did he do?" As the woman soldier asked in disappointment. She was more excited for the news of Chuma.

The soldier gestures as he explained. "Well! Apparently, he went back to his carriage, opened the door, and with a smile he slits all his guards and carriage dragon's throats! Without a warning."

"What why?" She says aghast.

I close my eyes as I cried silent tears. Those guards were only doing their jobs... I didn't mean for them to die... How cruel... Maybe I shouldn't have left. If I didn't, they would be still alive. All of the guilt I have is building! I don't know much more I can take of this.

"Don't know! He didn't say. Oleander immediately dragged him into her tent. There is something fishy happening here! There is something else happening apart from Chuma. Like how Oleander sent many scouts to search the mountainside! Many have still not come back. We need the soldiers here!"

And like that, I walk away as they begin to talk about other matters. Trudging through the mud and dirt. Still lost and I needing to find my way out faster. I see the enslaved dragon camps. I see carriages of supplies. I sigh in relief. However, my relief is short-lived when I hear soldiers running around. Like they are searching for someone.

No... Whispering to myself. What am I going to do!?

Remain calm! Try and not stand out! I walk normally and sneak behind barrels of oil. I waited a while, the camp is getting reckless. I cannot wait here forever. I move away from the barrels and walk further down the camp.

Being cautious yet not alert! I'm so bad at this! After a long trek, I finally reach the supply carriages and carts. I sigh in relief. I hear many people talking... And to my surprise I see Red soldiers and dragons arriving. Are they working together? I see them arriving in quite large numbers.

As I keep hiding behind everything. I overhear an older man talking to another soldier. The older man doesn't look like he is from the army, or from Inclementia. Wearing simple clothes and he has a large green dragon pulling the large cart. The soldier has a special writing board and quill.

I overhear that the carriage is heading south to the village where I was. This is my only chance! I look at the empty crates which once was full of food. I open one of the crates and hid inside. I just hope my luck no one saw! I cover my mouth to stop my loud breathing and I close my eyes.

I felt the crate being moved. I open my eyes as I see a bright light from the holes. Dragons are magging the crate onto the cart.

"Alright! You're all good to go! Here is the money manifest for the food. Signed by General Oleander herself. If the reds have a problem with it take it up to the village headman. The reds don't own this country yet, so right now he has the most say. We need food and your village is the closest. And general Oleander will make sure that you will be paid handsomely." As I hear the soldier talking to the man.

"Yes sir! Just as agreed." As I hear the man steps onto his cart and drives away. With me once again seeing the large walls of Chuma get smaller in the distance. I sit in the crate as I hold my knees to my chin. It's uncomfortable but what else do I have?

Being completely alone... My thoughts haunt me again. This time I couldn't help the tears. I am so frightened... I have no idea what the future holds. I miss my family... I miss Eleya... I want to read and dream about the world from those pages. The world is nothing like how the books described it...

My uncle a king wants me to take back my home. Become a powerful Empress! I am none of those things... All I have done so far is run for my life. I am out of my depth... I can't imagine how my parents must have felt. They were in the run for years.

I just want to be an ordinary girl. Go outside freely without people caring about my eyes or heritage. Having friends and going out with them. I'm only fifteen... No one in my life prepared me for this... Not even my uncle.

Even if I went to Macdan and met with Queen Hara. What if she is disappointed? I wipe the tears from my eyes. Taking slow breaths trying to clear my mind.

I have been in the crate for a while now. I'm getting so hungry... Not to mention I need to relieve myself. I slowly lift the crate lid. We are still traveling. I look to my left and see a few small pots. I stretch my arm out and grab a pot. I can't believe I have to do this... But it's that or relieve myself and wallow in it. Disgusting...

Once I did my business I throw the contents out onto the road. Sorry... I think to myself. Hope no one steps on that. As my stomach grumbles. What am I going to do about food? I don't want to starve to death. It took a few days to get to the village.

I can hear the driver singing and his dragon roaring along. The cart shuffling side to side due to the rocky territory. Even worse on a basic cart.

A few days go by and my hunger and thirst is ridiculous. It's been the longest time since I've had food. And my body aches... My legs, my arms, my head. Constant pain. I am so tired... Feeling weak. A few visions appeared. But it's too exhausting to remember them. All I want is food.

To distract myself. I'm still over hearing the driver and his dragon. He loves his dragon. It's very sweet! I smile as he tells his dragon stories as he pulls the cart.

In a way I am tempted just to reveal myself. He sounds so friendly and gentle. A definition of a kind old man. But... Like with many others who knew about me or knew me. They wound up dead... Or he could take me back for the money. I cannot trust anyone. A rough lesson I am learning...

Another few days go by. I don't know how long I will last. The migraines. I feel so weak... I lift my arm and it feels heavy. This doesn't help with restricted movement.

When all if a sudden the dragon starts running! I slide inside the crate. I cover my mouth and but my tongue. We must be on the flat land between the mountains! We must be close to the village! I can make it! I look through the holes and I don't see cliff edges. I see the flat land pathway! I smile with excitement!

Another day goes by using all of my strength to stay alive. I feel the cart stop. As I hear the man talk to his dragon. They have arrived!

I lift the crate lid with all my strength. The coast is clear so I slide out. Standing up was so difficult. My legs kept shaking underneath me as I collapse. Come on body I can do this!

I manage to stand up and trying to walk into the village. The only person who can help me is Mr. Winters. I lean on everything that I could. My breathing is heavy as I am in so much pain. I use the last of my strength to Mr. Winter's doorstep of his shop and collapse inside.

"What is going! ON!" As he stumbles out of his patient room. "I HAVE THE SI-" He looks down as I still have Sly's robes on. He then moves my hood revealing my filthy blonde hair.

"Iolene? What have you been up to you silly girl!?" He then helps me over to a free bed in his patient room.

For a small moment, I feel safe. Until Mr. Winters looks at my eyes to inspect them. He stands back from the bed.

"Your eyes!" He shouts.

"Please... Don't..." I say weakly. I've heard enough of it. I can barely speak.

He then helps me wash and change back into a dirndl. A dress that women usually wear in this country. Much more comfortable than the slimming robes.

He then gives me a drink to sip and soft fruits. Slowly introducing to eating again. I do without question as I know, eating to much and drinking to much after so long can also make you sick.

Mr. Winters sighs in annoyance like he usually does. He then helps me walk and gives me tea for my headaches. It's going to take a few days to recover after not eating for so long.

I'm walking around the shop as I see him burn Sly's robes in the fire pit. He then gifts me a headscarf to help hide my golden hair.

"You are a problem. Who is after you? The whole country of Inclementia I take it?" He says sharply.

"Tell me something I don't know. And yes they are... They were taking me there after kidnapping me." As I look down at the cup of tea.

"Was it because of that dragon friend you helped look after?" In a strange way, he sounded worried for me.

"No... He died trying to protect me..." I feel so guilty for his death. A list that is starting to build. Now Mr. Winters is now a part of this.

"There were people looking for you." He says with as much comfort as he can give.

"What?" I say softly in shock. "For me?" THEY DID SEND A SEARCH PARTY! THANK THE MAGNA DRACONIS! I hope... That is. They could be scouts searching for me.

"Yes... I thought you left with the traveling caravans. You did say you weren't going to stay long. A tall young man, tanned skin black hair, interesting accent. A red priestess wearing traditional robes and a young man who seems to be from Lan-Se. His accent stands out. Reserved, warm skin colour, hair in a ponytail, bright blue eyes."

"I have no idea who they are," I tell him. "Did they say names?"

"No... They just asked me questions then left. I was tending to someone until they rudely interrupted me!" As he fidgets with his hands.

He is clearly still annoyed by that. But the people described it to me. I have no idea who they are. A red priestess? A random guy? And a man from Lan-Se? Really? My hope dwindles again.

"Now REST!" He shouts at me and then leaves the room. I cover myself with a blanket. I know they're hunting for me and they will not stop. I will have to leave here soon again. I close my eyes and fall into a restless sleep.

It was sunrise when Mr. Winters wakes me up.

"I have convinced the village headman for you to travel with a merchant caravan. It's located on the other side of the village." He then gives me a bag. A change of clothes, healing poultices, jars full of random ointments, papers, quill, ink pot, money, and dried food.

"Go..." He tells me sternly. I quickly get up. I'm not at full strength and I am very tired. But I have to get away from here. Maybe I can actually be successful this time! I get up and get prepared.

"Thank you, Mr. Winters." I kiss the old grouch on the cheek. He faces the opposite direction. I then run to the door.

"Iolene!" He shouts at me I turn around and see him at his counter. "Good luck." He tells me with actual enthusiasm.

I smile as I leave his shop. Some hope is there. I run over to the merchant's caravans. Okay, let's try this again!