Chapter 14- Back to Dras-Leona

The next day, Chise buried her friend in a respectful grave. She sat down by the marker, looking at the eerie clouded sky. Tenbun watched his rider carefully; his eyes shifty. On standby, Chise waited for the return of the Ra'zac. Anger boiled up insider her. Clenching her fist, she punched the ground several times. Stopping only when her knuckles turned a bright red.

Villagers circled around Carvahall preparing for battle; yet again. Now that her secret was revealed, some villagers avoided Chise. Many were afraid of her, and her power. Yet, they saw Tenbun and realized that she could help them. Others were struck by grief from losing a loved one. Standing up, she started walking back into the town. The people avoided close distance with her. Albriech approached her, he noticed she felt uneasy.

Tenbun, I do not think I should stay here…. Chise began, We need to reach the Varden, they'll need all the help they can get.

I do agree, but how do we get there? Flying is an option, but you are way faster than I am. Tenbun thought carefully, swishing his tail along the dirt. The dragon looked at the young man looking at him.

Yes, that is true, yet I have an idea that might work. Chise replied as she stated, "How are we doing?" She watched Albriech's facial expression. He seemed to be honest, yet consered. Albriech glanced at the small metal wings-like blades-on her back.

"I'm not so sure," He replied still looking at the wings. Chise caught on, tilting her head to the side. "Um, doesn't that hurt?" Albriech asked, as she shook her head no. She went past him, going towards Horst's place. Tenbun was right by her side.

Chise was wearing her uniform already, they repaired it as quick as possible. At her side was the sword that was from the empire. She really didn't seem to care that much anymore. Her mind was blinded by anger and hate for the empire. Going inside, Chise came across Roran and Horst himself. The young man had the hammer with him. Some of the men called him stronghammer. She thought it fit.

The older man sat down when she did, he looked at her with determination. Horst put a hand on his knee, leaning forward. He sighed, "What do you plan to do Chise, Angel of Death?" His intense eyes locked on her.

Baffled, Chise replied, "Not sure, I may not stay here." She heard him sigh in regret, "But when and if I leave, and I come across any soliders. . . . I'll kill them without a second thought." Horst looked at her, wide eyed. Chise looked down in doubt, "I must go to the Varden. So I can show them I am no longer with the empire."

He nodded, standing up, "When do you plan to leave?" Chise got up, looking at Horst in a confused way. He just smiled, "I think you made a wise decision. We'll get out of this mess, on way or another." She nodded, giving a slight bow. Turning out to leave, Horst followed her out.

Chise looked down to the ground the entire way. She felt guilty, for leaving these people in a desparate time. What do I do? Reaching the Varden is important, but what will they do? She felt Tenbun brush against her mind. I wouldn't worry too much. You should believe in them and their cause. Chise almost smiled at those words. The sky wasn't as dark, but it still looked like rain. The dragon was waiting for her in the center of the town.

He had a a bag one side and a saddle. Chise looked at him, "So I get to ride you now?" She asked with a smile. Tenbun hummed deep in his throat, looking at her lips curled up-as if smiling. Going over to him, the dragon helped her up. Chise looked down at Horst, "I'm actually excited about this." Smiling, she shut her eyes. The emerald dragon turned its long neck back to her, his eyes looked at her. The emerald eyes looked pleased, as Chise nodded.

Horst laughed a bit, pointing at the bag. "We packed you a few things you may need, just incase. There's sime food, a waterskin, and an extra set of clothes-since you tear your's up a lot." Chise nodded to his satement, watching the other villagers.

Saying their goodbyes, Chise patted Tenbun's side. With two long flaps with his wings, the dragon jumped up from the ground. A few more flaps he went up to the sky. Chise was watching how high they were going. She saw how small the trees and village got. Tenbun flew way different than she did. His body moved and curved, rising and falling with the wind. Twisting and moving side to side, Chise had to hold on at times.

Straighting out, Tenbun flew at a fast pace-but steady. Chise looked over at him. This is way different than I fly!! It's much more funner as well! The dragon laughed softly at her statement. After a few moments, Tenbun stroked his wings to keep up the same speed. Relaxing, Chise slowly eased up her grip on the saddle. The landscape was amazing to her, and a lot more peaceful than battle fields. We should be going south from Carvahall. Tenbun changed his direction a little more to the west. I don't know what has happened in the world, do you think we should check it out Tenbun?

Thinking on that idea, Chise remembered something, Hey do you think we can stop at Dras-Leona? I want to take someone with us. Tenbun shifted his gaze back at her, as he changed direction again. He seemed a little confused.

What do you mean Chise? Who is this person?

Well you see, when I went on that mission. I came across a small, young orphan boy. Honestly, Tenbun I don't want anything toEhlen. He's a good kid. Chise explained her situation. The dragon grunted but agreed to go and get the child.

Chise, why don't you on ahead? You'll get there some time late today. Get the boy out if the city, and I'll meet you somewhere safe. But if something shall go wrong tell me. The dragon stated. Agreeing, Chise jumped from his back. Her wings quietly and quickly came out of her back. She took off in the same direction, but way faster than him. Tenbun went up higher to avoid any soldiers.

Later in the evening, Chise was just at the gates of Dras-Leona. She watched the guards walk back and forth from post. Thinking of many ways to get in, Chise came out of hiding and ran right towards the gate. The soldiers saw her coming, getting ready to attack. Drawing her sword, she cut on guard down as she continued into the city. Using her memory, she ran down the roads-avoiding the towns folk.

Up ahead of her were a few soldiers. She was ready for them, contining to go on. Holding her sword infront of her, Chise clashed against another. Holding ground she slid her blade against his. The swords went in a circle as she knocked it from his hands. Swing the blade, Chise cut across his upper torso. Another weapon came from her left side. She used her arm to block the attack. Looking up at the soldier, she managed to push away. Sheathing her sword, Chise transformed. Drawing her weapon, she fired through the guards-killing or injuring them. Changing back, she jumped over the bodies and went deeper into town.

Damn! Tenbun's still to far to hear me! Why are there so many guards out?! Did something happen?! Chise thought, passing some frightened people. Cursing under her breath, she turned down an alley when more guards were coming down the road. Carefully watching, Chise waited for them to pass on by. When they did, she went back onto the street. Stopping, she went down another road to find the alley where the place Ehlen stayed was. Her arm was stinging when the wind hit against the fresh wound. More guards were on their way, they spotted her from a distance and began to pursue her. Ignoring them, Chise drew her sword again as she tried to find another way out, I'm coming Ehlen!

Chapter 14 up! I'm tryin to space out the chapters, so the next one maybe the same length. Anyway, Chise wants to get Ehlen out of the empire. Can't really blame her in a way…

Little Bitty