EDIT 6/8/2012: I've finished this Chapter!
Sorry for the delay guys D: I have been extremely busy with my research work on top of everything else. So~ yeah. *gives cookie* don't be mad XD
Long chapter ahead~
This is still the "Past" arc….it should end soon, and continue from where I left off with Drew and Vankaskan closing in.
I still haven't read 'Shadow of the Hawk' and 'Nest of Serpents' OTL I'm so slow…
I've replied everyone, have I? ^^ Thanks for the comments! I'd love to hear from you again, so flood my Reviews Box and Inbox, yay~
I've also been reading Light Novels ("ライトノベル")…I think my writing style might be influenced by it halfway through this Chapter ._.
Anyway, hope you guys will continue to support my works! I will do my best.
The old man knows something.
I need to get to him, I need to know the outcome of the battle, I need to know my destiny.
He can help me – yes, he can.
Father, Mother…I want to go back.
The lonely figure hurried on along the dusty road, his cloak and boots grubby with mud. The sun was rising across the horizons, breaking up the dawn with its golden arrows. Evaxus' eyes glimmered with a cyan blue under the orange light. He gritted his teeth as he wiped a drop of tear down his cheek.
Father, Mother…I am still too weak.
Rei's cottage was situated at the edge of the forest, right next to the river that flowed down to Ziroga. Ziroga itself was a self-sustaining society, a town within castle walls flanked by mountains and forests on one side, and the seas on the other. It was a serene, warm town with a close-knitted community. The Dragonlords were amongst the first who stepped onto this part of Lyssia, along with the forefathers of the human population. They've transformed this barren land into a living town, and occasionally scholars and magisters would visit this settlement for the knowledge of Lyssia's history. The villagers were always welcoming, and so very often the travelers would settle down and became part of the community, too.
But in the years that have gone by, Ziroga has changed.
The castle walls were in ruins where the catapults struck when the Catlords siege the town – it gave off a melancholic beauty, somehow -, and there were guards standing by at the village entrance. Is there such a need?
"Halt there, boy. What business do you have here?" The DracoGuard on the left, a burly man who reek of alcohol, stopped Evaxus in his path. Evaxus looked up from his hood and assessed the man. Height, around 190cm. Weapon, a battleaxe in sight. An insignia of the Volans, a lizard with wings, was worn on his armour. Defeating him is no problem.
But only a fool would do that.
"Sir, I would like to ask for passage into the village. I am but a humble scholar here to absorb the knowledge that Ziroga has to offer."
"Ah…another one of those knowledge-seekers I see. Well, boy, you're welcomed in our village – only if you pay us some, you know, 'knowledge fare'." The man grinned, revealing rows of blackened teeth.
"Fare…?"
"Don't act ignorant, boy. Everyone knows that this village is a town is a hotspot for those seeking education. Of course you'll have to pay, just see it as some sort of tax." The other DracoGuard, a thin man with a gigantic piercing on his ear, laughed.
"I don't have any money with me right now." Evaxus muttered, a tinge of spite in his voice.
"No money huh? Then scram!" The semi-drunk Guard barked and pushed Evaxus back. Evaxus glared at them, but said nothing. This was enough to send a shiver down the men's spines.
"Come back when you have something for us, boy!" The Guard with the pierced ear grumbled, eyeing the young man as he moved out of their visions.
I'll have something for you two – my fists. Evaxus trotted to a forested area on the outskirts of the town, away from the greedy DracoGuards. I need to find a way in.
He treaded stealthily through the leaves, scouting along the castle wall's perimeter until he found a corner with the lowest height. Here it goes.
Tapping onto his Dragon side, he froze the grasses below the wall and raised the ice blocks, forming makeshift steps that he could climb. I'm quite the opposite of Father, he mused. With great agility he threw himself off the castle wall and into a small alley between two houses. Now, find the shed at the end of the village.
He gingerly walked out of the shade, and let out an uncontrolled sigh as he took in the sights of the village. His memories of Ziroga from the day before were a big difference from the vista now. The humble shops and houses used to be painted with all sorts of colours – red, yellow, orange and others – has now become a dull lackluster gray. There was no one else in sight at this early hour except for a number of beggars sitting and lying down languidly on the streets. In the middle of the village square where a fountain used to be was replaced with a wooden stand and a stake. A blood-stained rope wound loosely around the pole.
Evaxus knew instantly that this was a torture platform, a podium to persecute criminals and innocent civilians alike.
Frowning, he looked to the other side of the village where the DracoLords reside. A mansion painted in gold and laced with exquisite sculptures stood firmly away from the gloomy town centre. A few DracoGuards on duty yawned and chattered amongst themselves. What diverse segregation. He clenched his fists, but resisted the urge to drag the Volans out of their comfortable fortress and beat them up on behalf of the suffering villagers.
He pulled his cloak closer to his body as he maneuvered around blind corners between the houses and walls, passing through the hauntingly silent streets like a shadow. With those bright blue eyes of his, he took down every detail of the alleys and tried to correlate with those in his memories. Eventually, he reached a run-down shed in the darkest, further corner away from the market and village square.
Cautiously he closed in, knocking on the flimsy door. A guttural voice replied with within.
"If you're debt collector from the butcher, general store, tavern or the DracoLords, then I have nothing to give you. Don't waste your time."
"Mister, I'm not here for such business. I am here to seek your wisdom."
"Hahaha, wisdom? This old man got nuthin', but if there's a soul who can make a conversation with me without eyeing my coins, then come on in." He heard slow, heavy footsteps, sliding of a wooden lath, and the door opened with a creak.
Nodding thanks, Evaxus stepped into the dimly-lit house. Situated at the corner of Ziroga, the house was flanked by two castle walls and dwarfed by the overshadowing concrete, making sunlight penetration almost impossible. The furniture were simple for a solitary man - a wooden chair and table next to the small window, a shelf filled with tattered scrolls and books, a dirty sink, and a floor strewn with crumpled papers.
"Don't mind the tardiness," The old man laughed. "Now, what can I do for ya?" He sat down comfortably on his chair, and Evaxus grabbed a stool and took a seat.
"Sorry for the intrusion, but I'll be frank. Rei told me about you – your knowledge of the DragonLords. I would like hear from you."
"Ahh, yet another young student disregarding his own safety. You aren't from around here, aye? Don't you know it is punishable by Volan laws to gain knowledge about the Dragons particularly?" The old man chortled.
"Then how about you? These papers on the floor, these writings – they are of the language of the Dragons. Aren't you being a hypocrite?" Evaxus, who have continued to keep his hood up and covered his face, said.
The old man eyed the parchments, and laughed once more. "You really are a stranger to this place. I'm the only man in this town who is able to read some of the Dragons' tome, so I make a living as a translator even though the progress is slow." He poured himself a cup of whisky and started drinking. "The Dragons…they are such mighty creatures. It's a pity they are gone now – I used to be part of the Dragon War, but alas, those were the long-gone days." He sipped more of his alcohol. "But I tell ya, boy – these DracoLords are no true rulers of this land. I work for them only for my meager salary."
"Speaking of the Volans like that, you're not afraid of punishment?"
The old man laughed once again, his face slightly red. "They wouldn't do nuthin' harmful to these old bones. They need me to translate the wisdom the Dragons left behind – so they can continue to milk money out of cash cows like you."
I have found the right person. He should be able to help me.
He pulled down his hood and unwrap his bandana, revealing his snow-like hair. He looked sternly at the old man with his iridescent eyes. The old man twitched his face in surprise, his mouth opened into an 'O'. But immediately afterwards, he calmed down and continued to drink his liquor.
"I need your help, mister. Like I said before, I need your wisdom. You came from the time when the Tyr Terak happened – you know the DragonLords were wiped out from these lands by the Cats." Evaxus said. "You have studied our tome, you know of our history. I need to know…how to get back in time." He thought of his parents and his fellow kinsmen dying in the battle, he thought of the crimson sky and the bloodied river, and the shrill laughter of the Catlords that rang throughout the battlefield. He gritted his teeth and controlled his emotions.
The old man observed him for a few more seconds, and finally said, "If you are a true DragonLord, show me one more proof."
Evaxus paused, and proceeded to pull down the cloth covering his right shoulder, revealing a blue tattoo. "The mark of a Dragon." The old man muttered in excitement, and eyed him again. "I know you, boy. I remember you now." He relaxed his tensed muscles and took a gulp from his bottle. "I will help you. I know who you are, boy – you are the child of Fire and Air. You are thrown through the fabrics of time and cast into the future. You seek ways to go back, aye?
Evaxus covered up his arm and nodded, finding it hard to conceal his own excitement. "50 years ago, at the time of Tyr Terak, Mother used her magic and teleported me to this era. Old man, I need to find a way back. I need to go back in time and help my parents – they wouldn't be killed if-"
"I don't know how, Evaxus." The old man sighed. "I am just a mortal who collects the relics left behind by the Dragons, nothing more. I am neither magister nor magick-user. But there is one thing I might be able to help you." He stood up with an effort, and shuffled to the book shelf. Sieving through his collection, he pulled out a withered paper.
"I can't read all of the words – the only ones I managed to decipher were 'To My Son' and the name of the author, 'Lakirain'." He passed the parchment to Evaxus, who gingerly took it. "It's a letter for you, from your father."
His heart pounded faster as he hastily yet carefully unrolls the fragile paper, revealing lines of faded ink.
"To My Son,
I know this is sudden, but we had no choice.
We knew long ago that this war will come, and our kinds will perish. It has been prophesized by our forefathers.
But there is another prophecy years later following a massive change of monarchy in the entire Realm – a prophecy that two factions will clash once again and raise evil forces. Only a DragonLord can stop and end it once and for all. I don't know what it is, or when it will happen – but you are the chosen one to execute it.
We will put our faith in you, son. Even though we may be gone – don't think about coming back to us now, it will never happen - we'll always support you spiritually. The DragonLords will always be with you - in the winds that flow alongside you, in the forests that you run in, in the waves that ebb, in the flames that light up the nights.
The time will come, and those in the prophecy will come to you – but for now, wait patiently, my child.
Your mother and I will always love you no matter what. Be strong.
Signed,
Your Father, Lakirain"
Emotions surged on within him as his visions became more watery. He quickly and silently rubbed the tears away, pretending that he was wiping away his sweat.
I can't go back now.
I…I don't know what to do.
Keep it frosty, young man, keep it frosty.
The old man looked on as Evaxus held the paper stiffly with two fingers, gritting his teeth as small drops of tears betrayed his façade. He sighed.
"I have something that I have to be honest with you, boy, but before you get angry and freeze me here I want to ask you a question." The old man drank the last gulp of his whisky, trying to distract the white-haired boy. "I've been thinking about it for quite a while. You don't have to face me while answering, but do you know why did each DragonLord rule over one element, and how is it decided?"
"…A few factors will decide the elemental attribute of a Were-Dragon." Evaxus kept his head turned away from the elder, and spoke in a husky voice. "One, personality – even though it plays a smaller part in this. Dragons of a certain element will be deemed to have certain traits, for example, an Earth DragonLord will stand his ground no matter what – but again, these are only traits believed by others, it is just an exterior husk. I knew of an Earthen kinsman who just goes with the flow." He smirked forlornly, reminiscing the past. "Second – which is the most important part – would be the environment.
"Typically each fledgling – newborn – are able to summon several elements till adolescence. The element in which they are exposed to will decide what single element they will master. My mother was a free-spirited woman who grew up in the highest mountain where the tip touches the sky, and my father was the fiercest warrior our clan ever had who was once an apprentice of a blacksmith." By the time he finished, he had already folded up the letter preciously and kept it within his cloak. "And I was gifted with Ice due to the ferocious blizzard that hits Ziroga when I was young. It brought many of the younglings with it – that's why Ice Dragons are not very common."
Nodding with understanding, the old man continued, "Since you told me so much, I will return you with some information about Tyr Terak. Have you wondered why did the DragonLords fell even though they were so powerful, commanding the forces of nature itself to do their bidding?"
Turning to face him – his face now clear of redness or tear marks – the young Dragon shook his head slightly.
"For one, the Catlords wielded silver – one simple slash can take any WereLord's life, and that's how they maintain their tyranny over Lyssia now."
…The Catlords have taken over the throne?
"Secondly, the Dragons are powerful but few. Ziroga may be their natal territory, but most of the populations were humans – DragonLords do not add up to high numbers. You know why? That's 'cause your kind – no offence meant – have special 'rules' to follow. Dragons have a much longer lifespan than a typical WereLord, and with such great powers and long lifetime the DragonLords can easily take the entire Realm as their own. But they do not – because their numbers are so little."
I know that – we Dragons mate for life, and even so finding a 'soul mate' is difficult. Rearing a child takes a long time too, that's why. They don't mate often. Or something like that…along that line…or something.
The old man was smirking when Evaxus sank into a deep thought, his face an utter seriousness but seemed to be in confusion.
"Young man, perhaps one day you will understand. Hahaha!" The old man laughed, but turned to face the boy with a sorrowful look.
"Now, I have a confession I have to make to you. It is fully understandable that you will be angry, and you might kill me on the spot. I accept that – truth is, the reason why I settle down here in this forsaken place was that, I'm waiting for you to appear."
Evaxus scowled. What is he trying to pull?
"After the Tyr Terak, as Lakirain and his fellow Were-Dragons have been annihilated and Wergar returned to his country, I realized my foolishness in participating in the war. I shouldn't have followed my younger brother to join the army for the war, 50 years ago. I was a student – or slave, if you call it – of one of the Cats' magister, and I learned my language skills from there. After the war, I stayed back in Ziroga and helped to build it back. I witnessed the rise of the Volans that proclaimed themselves DracoLords, I salvaged all DragonLord artifacts I can find, I learnt the language slowly – all these to make up for the crime that I've regretted, even now."
"Old man…what do you mean." His face darkened with seriousness.
The old man sighed.
"I was amongst those who were after you and your mother. I was one of those who forced both of you into that tight situation. I was with the Were-Lynx that took her life." The elderly man shook his head solemnly. "I'm sorry."
That explains it.
No wonder you researched so much about us, knew so much about us.
No wonder you were 'waiting' for me – you knew that one day I will come.
You…
"Murderer!" Subconsciously a voice within him told him to keep calm – to not let emotions overrule his actions, telling him that taking the life of this defenseless old man would not change anything. In fact, it will only alert the Volans, and bring only troubles.
But the thought of his dying mother, the tears on her face as she painstaking protected her son, overrode his normally sensible self. In the split seconds he leaped towards the old man, an ice dagger formed the moisture in the air was held in his clenched fist and poised over the neck of the sullen elder. The old man could feel the temperature of the house dropping as icy breath formed from the air he exhaled. In front of him, Evaxus' pupils became the slits of a reptilian as his skin hardened into spiky plates. Teeth sharpened into fangs before him as the boy let out a low growl.
"I'm not afraid of death, Evaxus." The old man gave a sigh as he stared into the half-transformed DragonLord's eyes. "Heck, one of my legs is in my grave right now. I know you are angry – I accept to die by your hands. Yet, you must never forget why you are here. Remember, young Dragon – remember those lines of a prophecy you must fulfill."
"…" The air and the weapon hovered above his neck were cold, but the fixed glare from the two blue orbs was colder. For a while, the atmosphere was heavy with silence. But then, Evaxus relaxed his grip and stood back, giving the old man space to steady himself.
He closed his eyes and let the ice dagger dissolve away into mist. The temperature of the room regained equilibrium as the draconic traits retracted. His features softened when he opened his eyes again, with half of it covered by his eyelids. There were loneliness and exasperation in his gaze.
"I won't kill you – unlike you, feeble humans, my kin abhorred conflicts. You've paid for your sins with a life of guilt, and sank yourself into such lowly conditions." Evaxus scowled. "But I will express my gratitude to you for providing me with such invaluable information. You and I, we are both stuck in the whirlpool of time and fate. I will wait in Ziroga –"
An impatient knocking on the front door as a grumpy voice shouted, "Spyron, you dying bastard, open up before I kick your house now!" There was some clanking of metals, followed by rugged laughter.
In swift motions Evaxus threw his hood over his head and grabbed the bandages he used to tie his hair. He then bounded for the open window at the back of the house. The person continued to knock.
He looked back at the old man Spyron, who by now was staring at him with mixed emotions. "Old man, you are not my enemy. We will definitely meet again, and I assure you – I will finish what my Father and Mother had wanted me to fulfill." With that, he leaped out into the small patch of grasses and jumped over the castle wall, out of the territories of the DracoLords.
Spyron looked away from the windows, and within a few seconds his face was back to all jovial smiles. He opened the door.
"What brings you here to my desolated house today, O Great DracoLord."
"Stop with your nonsense, old man." The leading man pushed past Spyron and two of his DracoGuards stepped into the house. He then sniffed the air and grimaced. "Your house stinks of mould and dust, Spyron." The two DracoGuards behind him stood silently, watching the two.
"Of course it does, Ireok." The old man scoffed. "Unless you are blind, you would be able to see the sheer amount of artifacts the DragonLords left behind. And they are rather ancient-"
"Don't talk back to me in that tone, old librarian." The Were-Flying Lizard snarled and the two soldiers unsheathed their signature weapon – the battleaxe – in response. "Now, don't let us waste any more time. Spyron, you've been delaying in your taxes for quite a while now, when do you intend to pay up?"
"I don't have money, Lord." The old man said simply. "With the scanty pay I have, I only get by with measly meals."
Ireok snarled even more as he signaled for one of the DracoGuards. Without saying anything, the older Guard swung the blunt end of the battleaxe into Spyron's abdomen. The old man staggered back and fell to the floor, coughing.
"I give you a bit more time – but meanwhile, we'll have to cut your pay." The DracoLord grunted. "Let's go."
The two Guards followed suit and trailed behind their leader. But before exiting, the assailant turned towards the old man on the floor and muttered, "You've brought this upon yourself, brother."
The door closed, leaving the injured old man alone in the dark house.
It was already afternoon when Evaxus left Ziroga. The sun was high in the blue sky – it was a good weather after the heavy storm. The young Dragon hurried on, moving through the trees and bushes, avoiding the main road in fear of bumping into any persons.
He reached the little cottage that Rei lived, and opened the supposedly-locked door with ease – just a little force has broke the plank holding the door down. Upon entering, he found the house empty.
"Rei?" Alarmed, he searched the granary and found his equipments lying everywhere. Sensing something was amiss, he ran upstairs through the frail, rickety stairs to the tiny bedroom. On seeing Rei in her bed, he breathed out in relief. She had a fever – her temperature was much higher than normal – as she twisted and turned in her sleep. Grinning bitterly, Evaxus reached out his hand and brushed away her golden fringe from her face.
"You vigilant kid." He muttered sarcastically. He thought for a while about something, and went downstairs again.
Rei woke up groggily and looked out of the window. The setting sun has painted the land a brilliant red.
Wait. The setting sun?
Just how long have I slept?
She stared into space as she recalled the day's events. She didn't catch any good sleep the night before as she busied herself with the mysterious boy who revealed himself to be a DragonLord, once thought to be extinct. He left for Ziroga in search for information in the early morning, and she stayed back to tidy up her stuffs. She tried fixing the door that was damaged during the storm, cleaning up the blood stains on the floor, harvesting the remains of her plants, and felt fatigue overcoming her. She then went upstairs and wanted to take a short nap…
Evaxus should have gathered the information he had wanted. Rei thought as she stood up from her bed and walked downstairs. If that is so, maybe he's back to where he wanted to go. That must be why it is so quiet now, without that grumpy voice in the house.
"Need some water." She mumbled to herself as she walked past the clean and tidy granary, with the leather armour and sword now gone. Rei nodded silently to herself in satisfaction at the neatness of the place. She reached for her cup and poured herself some water.
"Much better now, eh?" A brusque articulated behind her from the storage room. Without thinking and based on reflex, she answered back.
"Of course – this place is much neater… Huhh?" She wheeled back in surprise and spitted out a mouthful of water, rather unladylike. Lying atop of one pile of haystack in the corner was the white-haired boy around her age, smirking at her with hands behind his head. Rei wiped the spilled water off her face and ran up to the boy, shouting at him.
"What do you think you are doing?"
The boy Evaxus frowned, eyeing her from his position. "Well, as you can clearly see, I'm lying on top of this stack of hay talking to you-"
"No! I mean, why are you still here? Haven't you met with the old man? Aren't you going to-"
"Yes I have met with him." Evaxus cut in. "And no, there is no way I can go back. I'm destined to be stuck in this time, now." He slowly moved down from his pile of hay and stood up. "I will have to stay in the lands of Ziroga until the prophecy calls for me. And I, Evaxus, son of Lakirain and Rezca, humbly ask for lodging at your shed." He bowed at the girl in front of him – he chose his words carefully, as if he has been practicing this speech for quite a while, yet the sentence came out gauche and awkward.
Rei tried to hide her giggles. It was funny enough to see a rakish young boy using such formal terms, more so when it was coming from this supposedly cold and indifferent lad. Thus, she has decided to mock him for a while.
"I see~ But what if I tell you that I don't plan on having visitors staying here? It's hard enough to earn a living for myself." Rei smirked.
Evaxus looked up, his head tilted slightly in confusion. "Well, in that case, of course I will earn my keep by doing my share of the work. I offer you my skills and strength – I will hunt for preys, cultivate the crops, and maintain the upkeep of this house. Sounds good?"
Rei burst out laughing, in which Evaxus frowned and replied with a puzzled "What?"
"You're too serious, Evaxus." She continued to laugh. "Of course you can stay here; I'm glad that I can be of help. But anyway, what would you do if I really refuse all your offers? Will you storm the Volans' quarters and reclaim your seat?"
On hearing these, Evaxus relaxed. "No matter how unpleasant the DracoLords may be, I am in no place to interfere. The DragonLords' chapter has ended, and what can I do even if I take over? I'm just a young, ignorant fool. And about not able to stay here…" His mocking grin returned to his face. "With my due ability, I could easily build another house….or easily take over yours." He paused, savouring the frozen look on Rei's face. "But of course, I wouldn't dare to do that." He laughed softly.
"…You're a horrible brother to have." Rei stuck her tongue out at him and kicked him lightly, which he just smirked and shrugged it off. "Anyway, where are your belongings? Your weapon?"
"I've hid them in the river since I have no need for them now – they will be kept safely to avoid suspicion, and I will only take them out when the time calls for it."
Rei peered at him with skepticism. How can anyone hide things in that gushing river? But she swallowed her question. After all, just how many strange things have happened, and how many strange things he has done, since this mysterious boy arrived?
"You seemed to be doubting me, what a horrible sister to have." The white-haired boy said nonchalantly, mimicking her sentence. "So, sister-I-never-had-till-this-day, I will be your brother and I promise you, I will protect you from all harms." He bumped his fist on his left chest and exclaimed sternly. "And on a side note – I've fixed your mangled door."
Rei raised her eyebrows and looked into the direction where the door was. The broken plank that she once used as a door was gone, replaced by a woods and branches of different sorts tied together with leather strap that was Evaxus' belt. It looked functional, it looked sturdy….but it certainly wasn't appealing at any level.
"Evaxus, I must tell you one thing – your sense of beauty is negligible."
Evaxus, expecting her to be complimenting his handicraft, was hit instead by her blunt expression of words.
"Shu-ut, shut up! Of course not. Look at your new door – it is much nicer than your old plank strewn with flowers, both withered and withering."
"Flowers are much better-looking than…that!" Rei retorted, defending her views.
And these two squabbled for quite some time in the granary before Evaxus (grudgingly) went to catch some fishes for their dinner.
But it is so much better now, having someone to talk to and do chores with.
To have a family, once again.
And from this day onwards, Rei could fall asleep with a smile on her face.
Months later…
Days went by peacefully as the duo go about in their daily routine – Rei has perfected the skills of fishing as she haul back marine delicacies, while Evaxus would go out into the forests and hunt for preys, usually rabbits, wild fowls and occasionally deers. Sometimes they would run into the Drakewoods together to enjoy nature, across the rolling hills and the soothing winds. The small patch of land next to the cottage has been successfully cultivated by their hard work, and their efforts reaped crops like potatoes and maize.
Maybe it was because of the refurbished cottage where the old broken wooden boards were replaced with fresh planks and moulds scrubbed away from the stacked stones that formed the house's walls (and much to Evaxus' disagreement, the house is now decorated with morning glory and other colourful flowers), or perhaps it was the new energy injected into this place – but there has been less people avoiding their cottage. Most notably, travelers and wandering merchants would drop by once in a while for directions, shelter, food, water and business, and Rei would happily let them in. And from these people, they would trade cured meats and fish cakes for coins, commodities and rare items from other parts of Lyssia.
Indeed, life was peaceful and substantial. Evaxus wished that such blissful days would continue indefinitely, and the weight of facing his destiny and harsh reality would not find them. But alas, it was ordained that such a day will come. Albeit their kindnesses to wary travelers were from good intentions, but when news of their acts reached the ears of the DracoLords, they were anything but pleased.
In the main hall of the Volan quarters, nine DracoLords sat down on the long table for their dinner.
"That girl we have exiled…I can't believe she is still alive after all these years!" A Volan that has lost one eye barked, banging his fist on the dinner table.
"That is not the main point, Ardoth." Ireok grumbled. "And don't shake the table – we are all eating here." He took a bite from a chicken thigh and waited for the one-eyed Were-Flying Lizard to calm down. "What is important is that, because of what she has done – and whatever evil tongue she has said to the visiting scholars – our source of income is decreasing. These scholars are congregating and refused to pay the daily knowledge tax imposed on them – and what's more, we can't do anything to these 'educated' scums by Ziroga laws."
"'One shalt not inflict bodily harm unto those that carry knowledge in their strides', or something along this bull-dung. Why must we still follow this law set down by the DragonLords anyway?" Another of the Volan family, a female with short-cropped hair, snarled as she wolfed down her food.
"Because that is the law that made these scholars feels safe enough to come to Ziroga to seek knowledge, and that is where we get our taxes from." Ireok, obviously irritated, snarled back. The female pouted at him and kept silent.
"Doesn't that bring us back to the beginning – where we can't do anything about this matter?" Ardoth whined. If you can imagine a grown, burly, muscular man whining, that is.
"It is the girl, my fellow DracoLords. That girl by the name of…Ran? Rei? Yes, Rei." Ireok grinned with evil intent. "The laws never say anything about 'inflicting bodily harms unto citizens of Ziroga', eh? We need to get the girl on public persecution, and show everybody in this town what would going against the mighty Volans bring." He turned to his right and faced the one man who sat at the end of the table. "Am I right, father?"
"Just don't kill her – we are not a savage bunch of people." A man in his 50s with a Mohawk cut replied with a gruff voice. Ireok smirked at the acknowledgement.
"Guards!" Without turning his head, he shouted for his loyal DracoGuards. A few fully-armed soldiers barged into the hall and stood ready at his commands. "Bring the girl that lived out of Ziroga to the village square. She is a dangerous criminal and we need to show her the righteous way and bring her back from her path of wickedness."
"Yes sir!" The squad replied in unison and moved out of the hall. Ireok followed suit, grinning all the way.
"This will be most interesting." He laughed viciously. "Finally…something to ease my boredom."
It was a warm summer night, with the crescent moon hung highly in the starless sky. From the height of the treetop, one could oversee the beauty at the frontier of Lyssia. The seamless connection between the rivers, the grass prairie, and the forests, to the town within castle walls, the mountains, and finally the oceans was like a brilliant architecture between man and nature. The dark blue draped over the lands like a shroud – from his angle, the whole scene was like a work of art, a painting on canvas.
This was one of the nights when he would go out to run, cross the rivers, jump from trees to trees, and meditate basking in the moonlight, alone. In a way, Evaxus used this method to calm himself and rethink all the teachings his parents and ancestors have passed down to him – from the unique language of the DragonLords to the histories of Lyssia to all the prophecies he was made to read and memorize. But more so, he would sink himself into the serene silence of the environment and listen for the voices of nature, from the gushing of water to the whistle of wing to and rustling of leaves. It made him feel as if he was amongst his people, once again.
And often, he would carefully examine his face via his reflection in the river to make sure that he doesn't return to Rei with tear-marks or watery eyes or anything that betrayed this side of him.
But tonight was not one night he could quietly soak himself in his meditative trance, for unlike the other nights, there were lots of noises. The town was also teeming with activities, the torches and braziers bright in the contrasting darkness.
Evaxus looked on, interested, speculating what could be the event that has garnered the townspeople's attention. He looked on nonchalantly and indifferently, until he saw the torch-bearing crowd has slowly gathered around a certain house at the edge of the forest.
Rei's house.
Alert, he squinted his eyes to make out the details, his body lean forward from the tree branch. No doubt about it – the girl who was brought out and being escorted to the village by DracoGuards was the golden-haired youth whom he lived with. Shadowed by tall, menacing armed men with burning torches, Rei looked much paler and frail than usual. They moved onto the main road, and towards the town where the villagers gathered.
What do they think they are doing?!
Evaxus let out a 'che' and jumped off the tree, and then he sprinted through the undergrowth headed for the ghastly silent procession. He hurried on, but the labyrinth of roots and shrubs slowed him down. His breathes hastened and cold sweat appeared on his forehead as he realized that by the time he reached Rei, the public prosecution would have already begun.
"People of Ziroga! Tonight you have gathered here to witness the public trial of criminal Rei, who is guilty for tainting the minds of scholars with unlawful behaviour-" Ireok eyed the crowd and announced, smirking as he came across faces of those arrogant scholars with looks of pure fear and uncertainty. "-and disregards for the laws set down by our ancestors. And for the crimes she has committed, she will be punished!" As he spoke, he walked one round on the platform in the middle of the village square, eyeing each of the townspeople. Eventually, he stopped and stood over the aforementioned girl, who by now has her two arms chained on two opposing poles and was forced to kneel down. A DracoGuard holding a whip stood ready behind her. Murmurs from the crowd resonated around the podium – most were skeptical and anxious hushes, some were whispers about the unjust treatment of the poor girl, but none would step up to interfere.
Ireok looked on, and nodded to himself in satisfaction. Occasional bloodshed will make people obey without questions. "Silence! Laws are laws, she will be reprimanded – but we, the Volan Family, as your benevolent peer of the realm will not impose death. She will only be taught a painful lesson – and with that, I only wish that none of us here tonight will stand on this platform in the future." Ireok hollered. The crowd maintained silence. Amongst them, an old man – Spyron – stood back and shook his head, knowing nothing that he could do will help, as he watched on helplessly.
Ireok turned and looked at Rei. As if gauging how many whips her body could take, he frowned and talked to the DracoGuard who would be the executioner. The man paused, and nodded – he then put back the thick barbed whip onto his belt, and replaced his instrument of torture with a red-hot iron bar from the burning brazier. Ireok grinned, revealing rows of sharpened teeth.
"Begin!" He commanded, voice booming like thunder.
Hearing the order from his lord, the DracoGuard lifted the heated rod and let it burn onto the girl's back without batting an eyelid. The metal burned into her flesh as her tissues sizzled with a sickening smell. The pain was unbearable as Rei screamed into the night, tears welling up in her eyes. The villagers looked on, unmoved and apathetic. Some couldn't stand it and cringed, but with the armed DracoGuards surrounding the square they were forced to stay and watch. The executioner raised the metal bar with bits of flesh stuck onto it, and lowered it on another part of the unharmed back. Another excruciating pain shot through her body and she cried once again. The burnt tissues were dead and smoke was rising through. Blood were dripping down her back, painting her top a deep crimson, and formed a pool of red around her.
The DracoGuard paused, and looked at Ireok again. Ireok nodded, signaling him to continue. This brat has brought us enough troubles. The sentence will continue until she is near dead, but still barely alive – to the stage where she will learn not to bother with the Volans' matters ever again.
The iron bar was heated once again to red hot and raised above Rei's bloody frame. She was panting and twitching in pain, and pulled her arms, desperately, trying to escape – but to no avail.
"Please….stop…" She mumbled weakly. "I have done…nothing wrong…"
She felt hear radiating from above her, and she knew she couldn't hold on long.
Sorry, Evaxus…but it seems like my body has reached its limit.
She closed her eyes and waited for the agonizing blow.
But it never came.
Instead of the burning hit, what reached her was the cool feel of cold metal.
Eva..xus?
The DracoGuard brought the iron bar to his eye level, looking at the rod, puzzled. It was cold to the touch – did the iron rod's temperature dropped suddenly just before it reached her back?
…
"Let the girl off!"
The crowed turned towards the origin of the voice, and saw a panting boy with white hair standing in the distance. He walked steadily towards the execution platform with such confident strides and with an air of power that made the crowd part ways for him to walk through.
Ireok stared down at the young man without being shaken.
"And who might you be, talking to me in such barbaric fashion?"
"I am Evaxus, and I lived together with my sister, Rei." Evaxus stared back at the DracoLord while silently cursing both himself and the Volan. You bloody bastard! And you Evaxus, you are an idiot for using Dragon magic in front of everyone. Be extra cautious, now.
"Ah, so you are her brother, I see. If so, you should know that she is a criminal – for instilling unlawful behaviours towards our precious scholars." Ireok stated, secretly amused at the sheer amount of entertainment tonight. "And so, she will be punished, and you will stay and watch. Though I am surprised that one of her brothers is like her – tainted and fouled. No wonder your family has moved out of this town without both of you." He laughed, mocking at the two youths.
Damned bastard! Evaxus clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. His inner Dragon was clawing to be unleashed, and he could feel scales forming underneath his robe. Keep it frosty, young man.
The DracoLord, on seeing the anger fuming out of Evaxus, continued to jostle, "And don't think of raising your dirty fist on me – do you think that you alone can defeat all of the DracoGuards here, and most importantly – defeat me?"
"Shut your trap." Evaxus growled and walked onto the podium. "My sister has nothing to do with this. I admit to the crime – it is I who has instigated the scholars to go against the laws of Ziroga. I accept the punishment, here and now. Leave that girl alone. It is me whom you want – take me instead!"
Ireok peered at him, and to the girl who by now is semi-unconscious, and grinned.
"Very well – you will replace her on the post-" The DracoGuard untied the chains on Rei's arms and put them on Evaxus' instead. "-and this is what we are aiming for, my fellow denizens. Honesty, and able to admit your mistakes. This will make Ziroga a better place for all of us." Evaxus glared at him while looking at the DracoGuard with his peripheral vision. Rei was not moving, but she was still alive, as she was being hurled onto a cart of hay. Her breathing was weak, and she couldn't even move as she slowly and painfully turned her head to face Evaxus. Their eyes met.
You shouldn't have done this. Evaxus read this from her mouth. He shook his head tenderly. No...I'm sorry I'm too late.
"Hey, you! Now that I am here, at least tend to her wounds!" The DragonLord barged towards Ireok, but was chained down.
"Well…I don't recall mentioning that I will do that, did I?" Ireok jested.
...BASTARD!
"If she continues like this, she will die of blood loss! She is in great pain now!"
"And…it is none. Of. My. Concern." Ireok went up close to Evaxus' face, and grinned as he spoke. He stood up again and waved at his executioner.
"Whip." The DracoGuard nodded and pulled out the leather whip. What was daunting about the weapon was neither the size nor the amount of dried blood on it – it was the barbed surface that aimed to inflict the most amount of pain. The whip itself was embedded with countless metal spikes on top of broken pieces of glass that would dislodge when grating against the skin, and dig into the flesh.
It was a heavy silence except for the sputtering of the fires and the heavy breathing of the alleged criminal as the crowd held their breath. Evaxus wasn't afraid of the impending pain – rather, all of his attention was focused on the broken frame of the girl whom he has sworn to protect, now lying in a heap of red-stained hay like a discarded doll. Her burnt flesh was still steaming, the red blotches a sharp contrast to her pale, glass-like skin. Every look at her made his heart writhe in pain.
Rei, please don't die.
I am such a useless brother.
And the first lash came down.
Again, I know I have taken quite a long time to write this : pardon me.
Long chapter, eh? XD I have the story in my mind, but I just couldn't find the words to pen them down in short span of moments.
Nothing else to say...but I still hope you will enjoy reading my WereWorld fanfic :3
Meanwhile, TEASER TIME~!
"Rei...? Rei! Answer me, please! Wake up!"
"I swear...I will never break any of my promises again."
"Join us, Dragonlord - and help us win this war!"