Chapter 8- Dras-Leona
The next morning Chise was preparing for the journey to this city. People around the palace have discussed the place, and the people's religion. Commenting that it is a very disgusting ritual they follow. She heard things that she has never even heard of back at home, at least not in her time. Her outfit had been repaired, to as best the weavers can do. Chise touched the badges, feeling the cold metal. Even the wound on her stomach was bothering her.
The small dragon followed her to the stables, growling a bit in anger. She watched Tenbun as he walked beside her. He looked up at her, appearing to look as if he shook his head. Chise smiled at him, "A concerned little creature."
When they got to the stable, she noticed that a soldier was waiting for her with a brown horse, with a black tail and mane. It was already saddled up, with some supplies hanging off each side of it. The guard himself was carrying something in his hand. The item was quite long with a cover over it. He walked over to her placing the object in her hands. She stood idly looking at him. Removing the cloth the object was really a sword, made of fine quality.
The grip of the sword was covered by black leather, as the guard curved upward towards the blade. The guard was a golden color. Even the pommel was gold, with a red jewel placed in the middle. The blade blazed shining silver. The blade's fuller was gray with inscriptions on it from the ancient language. Chise lifted the sword straight up, looking at the lettering, "What does it say?"
"I'm not sure Miss, the person who forged it didn't say." He replied.
"So, I'm to ride a horse to this place?"
"Yes, just look like a person who sends news from the capital. That the king is on his way."
She lowered down sighing, feeling something rubbing against her foot. Tenbun kept nudging her. Chise bent down on her knees patting his head gently, "Don't worry I'll be back." He exhaled heavily, "In the mean time, stay with Kreis. Okay?"
Standing back up she looked towards the guard who was opening the stable's huge doors. Chise got up on the horse, taking the reins into her hands. Swallowing hard, this was the first time riding this creature. Looking at the man, she stated, "So I head west from here?" He nodded in reply. Chise bumped the horses sides making it go forward. With another nudge, the horse took off running out of the stable.
The noble creature galloped through the town, as some of the people tried to get out of the way. Going past the gate, Chise looked back towards the capital. Trotting the grassland, she realized its going to take much longer to get there than flying. A few days too few weeks were her basic idea of how long it would take.
"Now I regret riding a horse . . . "She narrowed her eyes. The horse stopped about two miles away from the city. "I know that there's a river up ahead. I got to go around it, but that takes longer. . ."
She got off the horse when the gallops of a few horses caught her attention. Chise jumped back on the animal, riding towards the Calvary of horses. Not too far away she saw a good number of soldiers heading her way. The men stopped just a few feet in front of her.
"Out on a mission?" One asked.
Chise nodded, "Yeah, but can you take this horse back to the stable? I can fly faster than this creature can run." She hopped of, petting its neck. A soldier got off his horse, taking the reins of hers. He tied to the back of his; in exchange, he gave her a small pouch.
"Take this gold, you might need it."
She nodded, as he mounted his horse. Watching the battalion of soldiers head back to the capital, turning back against them, Chise headed to the river. Walking slowly she stared into the sky. With a heavy sigh, Chise's wings burst from her back, taking to the skies she past the river. The plains were vast going on for miles.
Alagaësia was a beautiful place to explore. This world had no huge cities, skyscrapers, and dangerous weapons. Everybody made an honest living, working really hard to get by. The only thing death was everywhere, to illness to injury. Doctors weren't as advanced here. There were herbiest around the land, but some weren't very skilled.
Soaring high in the skies, Chise was speeding. When she came across Leona Lake realizing that she had passed the town. Turning around, it only took her about a half-an hour to get to the location. Chise didn't see inside the town, landing at the main gates she progressed into the city. Guards were placed around the outskirts, watching the citizens.
The town was unlike anything Chise has ever seen. There were people in rags begging for money. Some strange looking, as if being deformed. Instead of playing, children were fighting over food. They were running around in the streets, people showed no interest in her. The men and women glanced at her, then resumed their scavenging for food. Even the homes were not built very well, made of solid black wood. Looking the same in size and shape.
Chise frowned in disbelief of the shape the town was in. She noticed a few ill looking priests gazing at her. At times, she noticed that they murmured that a god has come to see the mountain. That didn't bother Chise, she was more concerned about the people. They all looked as if they hadn't eaten in days. "I do not want to come back here." She muttered under her breath, "It's terrible." Glancing up she noticed the mountain. It was dark hanging above the city, peaks soaring to different elevations. Also, what appeared to be a temple deeper into the town.
"Not a nice place is it?" A person spoke behind her. She turned around to see a middle-aged man. He had gray hair and beard, dressed in wayfarers' clothes. He carried a two-handed sword on his back.
She nodded at his statement, "What's with the priests? They seem really sick."
"That and in the head. This place has a cruel religion; many of the monks lack body parts. Believing that they will not be as close to the human world if they don't have much bone. Offering sacrifices and drinking human blood. Further, into the town it gets better. The people aren't in this shape, and the buildings are built . . . more descent." He looked at her.
Chise swallowed hard, "That's sick; it's like worshiping the devil himself. How can people sit by, watching these others suffer? Even what they believe is wrong!"
"Don't let them hear you say that, you might be killed." He stated, with sarcastic like a laugh.
"They'll die before they touch me."
"I can see that, but I those monks think that you're here for something." The man pointed at a few of them grouped up, "You do seem a bit out of the ordinary. Like those wings you have, they are metal. Nobody has seen a person like you."
"I'm not for this, these people are suffering. What do they worship?"
"The mountain Helgrind itself."
He pointed to the mountain that was looming over the city. Chise sneered in pure anger glaring at the monks. "Miss if you need anything come find me. I'll be further in town at the Golden Globe. I wouldn't ask anyone here for something, but that's my idea. Oh and my name's Adonis."
She nodded as his statement walking the other way. Heading into the city, Chise stopped to see kids run past her. They were chasing the one ahead of them, who was smaller. The child turned around heading back from the way he came. He bumped into Chise falling back on his behind. The other kids stopped only a few feet away. The small boy placed a hand on his head, shaking it. When he opened his eyes, he noticed the shadow underneath him. Placing his hand's firm on the ground, he tried to back up to get away.
Crouching down, Chise smiled warmly trying to show the child she meant no harm. The people just watched not daring to move. They themselves were afraid. Gently she put her hands under his arms lifting him to his feet. He tried to avoid her eyes, but miserably failed. Chise backed a few feet away waiting to see what he was going to do.
He stared blankly, with a confused look. After a while Chise finally spoke up, "Don't worry I'm not going to hurt you." The boy slowly approached her, eyes swiftly moving.
"Really? Or are you lying?"
"No, I won't." She assured him, as the other people went back to what they were doing. Even the other children ran off, waiting for a moment she added, "Why were they after you? Do those other kids bully smaller kids than they are?"
He nodded, "Yeah, t-they always pick on me, and take everything I get." When Chise got a good look at him, the boy had sandy blonde hair with green eyes. His clothes were excessively big for him as well, and he carried something in a bag on his back. She felt pity for him; the kid looked like he had not eaten a thing. Standing in thought Chise looked at the bag of coins she had strapped to the belt. It gave her an idea.
"What's your name? And where's your family?" She was standing only a few inches from him, lowering down to his eye level. Chise could tell that his eyes still held fear. She tried to seem as harmless as possible, so she would not scare the boy.
"My parents were sacrificed to the mountain a year or so ago. I was left to fend for myself as an orphan on the streets here. They named me Ehlen. I stay at the makeshift orphanage down an alley." He looked to the ground, "but I'm still picked on."
"Sacrificed? Against their will, for what?" She thought, "This boy only looks about seven, and is in poor shape."
"What 'bout you? Are you a monster of something?" Ehlen looked at her wings, noticing the blood on the back of her jacket.
"Not really, actually I'm sort of a god." Chise stood straight, "But that can wait. Come on lets go get you something to eat." Ehlen looked at her with a small smile. He held her hand as those other boys past them. "Next time anyone picks on you while I'm around they got to go through me." He nodded, watching them.
Chise found a street stable buying the kid some bread with a wedge of cheese. They sat on the corner where two streets met. She watched Ehlen nibble on the food, instead of swallowing it down. He ate it carefully. Glancing upward, Chise noticed the temple. It looked much darker than before. People walked in and out as the monks stood in various places. As far way Chise was, she saw a dark figure standing nearing the temple. Turning her head Chise had to look again, but the figure was not there.
When Ehlen finished, he smiled brightly, catching her attention, "thanks, um I don't know your name."
"It's Chise, Ehlen."
He kept smiling, "Thank you, Chise." The boy took the bag from his back, taking out an old book. Its cover was brown, the title was a little worn but she could read it. It read, The Time of Halvalla Anguard. It was not very thick yet its name caught Chise's attention. He put it on her lap, "My family has had this book for a long time. I decided to keep it, but I can't read. So I'm going to give it to you."
"Oh, I can't take this from you. It's an heirloom, so it's important." Chise laid it down beside him, she smiled. "But I can read it to you if that's okay." Ehlen shook his head eagerly. She opened the dusty book to the first page, studying the content as words appeared to be written in another language. Peering up, Chise added, "Where can we read this where there isn't anybody?"
Ehlen looked in thought when he replied, "The allies, no one usually is there. They are to busy on the streets." He stood up when she did, leading her down the road. The boy stopped at a clear alley. It was poorly lit, but able enough to where you can see. Carefully, Ehlen walked down the deserted walkway. He stood still about halfway down the alley looking back. The town's people couldn't see them very easily. "It's kind of wet and there's no where to really sit."
She gave him the book, and started to unbutton her jacket. Taking it off, her white shirt slid over showing the bandage that was wrapped around her right shoulder and waist. Ehlen stared with a blank expression. Chise took the badges off putting them in her pocket, laying the jacket straight on the ground. Sitting down she motioned for him to sit beside her. When he did, Ehlen put the book back in her hands.
Opening the book, Chise began to read. "Orphaned by his parents as a baby, Aaron was raised by these old people who had found him. He called them his grandparents, now at age twelve the boy wanted to know what happened to his real family. Yet in the town he lives in, Anard, people didn't treat him very well. None of the other kids would play with him. Aaron would usually stay home and play with his dog, Zodien, in the forest behind the house."
"Living in the country of gëlaiasa, in the less populated area of Anard due to farming. Normally Aaron was shy around others keeping very quiet when he went into the village. Zodien was always by his side, barking at the others kids who meant to do him harm." Chise felt Ehlen lean against her, trying to look at the pages. She read the book intently, seeing how Aaron was quite shy and noble. To her, the book was different from others she has read.
"One day changed his life forever. While chasing Zodien deep into the forest, Aaron came across an old stone. It stood taller than him, with ancient writing carved into it. Finding it the stone began to glow as two words appeared on the ground quoting, 'Halvalla Anguard.' Suddenly light illuminated everything around him. When he opened his eyes, Aaron saw a small figured girl lying in front of him. She was several years older than him, with angel like wings of metal. The girl said her name was Reheia." Stopping Chise paused in thought. "That's weird." She continued reading, "Aaron joined Reheia to stop the mad king of his country. They made friends with many others, some who mastered riding dragons. Yet, some betrayed them." This story did have a meaning to it, in many ways.
The story was starting to end, "In the midst of the final battle, Reheia had thrown herself in front of Aaron taking the deadly magic spell. Casting one back, a mass explosion sent dirt and dust into the air. When the cloud cleared, the king was on the ground, motionless. The man bore many injuries. Aaron ignored the king looking around the area. Landing before him, Reheia's wings were busted as a part of one fell of stabbing the ground. Blood covered her clothes. Light purple sparkles fluttered around her as her body began to fade."
"Reheia's final words were, 'Other World Angel, Halvalla Anguard.' After a few moments she disappeared without a trace. Aaron was the young boy who saved the world. After all his friends went in different directions, as he decided to go home to tell his family of his journey and loses. He was now a powerful warrior in magic and sword fighting, but did not want to take the role as king. In the three months that passed, Aaron finally returned home, Zodien was there on the porch waiting on him. Yet, to him something was missing. His friend who was like a sister to him. During his absents his grandparents changed only a little. Aaron's grandfather greeted him outside saying that someone is here and they are looking for you."
Chise paused looking at Ehlen who was wide-awake still listening intently. "When he went inside a cloaked figure was sitting back against him, looking towards the fireplace. A sword was at their side. Standing up, the person grabbed the hood of their cloak pulling down, and turned towards him. The person was no other than Reheia herself." She smiled a bit before saying, "The End."
Ehlen stretched standing up, with a small yawn. "That was a good story, Aaron went through a lot didn't he?" He looked down at Chise, "Reheia reminds me of you. You have similar wings too." She smiled, with a nod. Chise stood up looking at the sky. It was still a little early. "Hey, I have a question."
"What is it?"
"Are you injured?" Ehlen asked, curiously. " I noticed the cloth that's used for wounds wrapped around your shoulder."
"Yeah," She answered simply. "I sustained an injury about two days ago. By these terrible creatures, but the next time I see one, I won't let it get away." She growled. Ehlen nudged her out of her thoughts. He looked at her with a confused look.
"Hey Ehlen, I have to go to the castle. Do you think you will be safe at the place you're staying?" She asked, "I have to tell the king something. . . . Important." The boy tilted his head to the side; he shook his head yes assuring her he will be fine. "Okay, then I'll come back to see you. Since I'll be staying here for a while."
They both walked out of the alley going different ways. It took her a while to find out where she was going. Chise headed deeper into the place walking past the temple. Near the middle of town, the streets start to go up hill to a huge castle made of granite. It was taller than any other building rather than the temple. Two big guards stood in front of the door.
Chise walked up to the door, looking at the guards with steely eyes. She motioned them to let her in. "I'm here to bring a message from King Galbatorix." Her voice was cold. The men stepped to the side as the door opened. Walking inside, the palace of this city was a little different than Galbatorix's. The walls were polished and smooth, which was well lighted. Guards were everywhere as servants scurried around. This place was much darker than the other palace.
When she made it to the throne room, the throne itself was high up on the back wall. A person had to climb a few stairs to face the ruler. Chise approached cautiously, bowing down when she was in front of the king. Standing straight up she looked at the man before her "King Galbatorix will be here in the matter of a few days."
"Why who's this new servant of his majesty?" He smiled, smugly. "You seem a little young to be a soldier, not to mention you're a woman."
"I have no ties to the king. We reached an agreement, and I'm not human." Chise growled, "So I wouldn't try anything too stupid."
"Am I to be punished?"
"King Marcus, I wouldn't blame your king. You have been over using your power, so you need to be put back in line." She turned to leave, but a soldier stopped her. "Wrong choice."
Chise unsheathed her sword, striking the guard down. "That's a warning." Looking back, the king's face was in total shock.
"She's n-not human, but what's with the personality changes?" He thought to himself watching Chise leave. He lowered his hand signaling, not to let the guards go after her.
Slowly, Chise exited the castle, walking down the hill. It was now sunset, she could see the sun low in the horizon. Finally, she came to her senses holding a hand against her head. Her head stomach hurt a little, and she felt slightly dizzy. Chise cursed under her breath, "I hate this." Passing the temple again, she heard a woman mention they took five more offerings to the mountains. Two of them where orphaned children young at age.
She looked toward the outer parts of town, running as best as she could. Passing the alley where she was earlier at a sort distance from there Chise found a satchel with The Time of Halvalla Anguard in it. Instantly, she knew that Ehlen was a sacrifice. She put the bag on her back. At that moment, she felt that she had to protect this boy, no matter what the cost. Heading back to the temple Chise stopped one of the women walking by. "Where do they take the sacrifices?" She demanded
'T-to the base of the Helgrind." The woman stammered.
Chise wasted no time, metal burst from the scar on her chest. It slowly went up to her shoulder, then down her arm consuming her hand. Which was now a powerful weapon, unknown weapon to them. Fresh blood dripped to the ground, the metal wings grew longer and larger. People looked in pure shock and amazement. Flying straight up, Chise sharply turned blasting off towards the mountain creating a sonic boom.
At Helgrind, the high priest was performing the ceremony. The other monks drank blood as the new recruits were drinking the high priest's blood. The offerings were lined up from oldest too youngest. Ehlen was staring at the mountain, with a sigh he looked down. His eyes were watery, knowing that he was going to die very soon. The older people looked very proud that they were chosen to be a sacrifice. The other boy looked at Ehlen, "I guess my mommy doesn't know." He sighed. Since they were kids, they were too young to understand.
When a priest stood in front of them, Ehlen shut his eyes looking down. He heard a cry of horror. The high priest was facing the other way, looking up. "The gods frown upon us!" Ehlen looked up to see Chise hovering above them.