Hiatus! Sorry about the long wait
Long Chapter ahead. Some battle scenes with blood, reader discretion advised XD (Just joking.)
A reader has written in and asked me for artworks! So yep, I'll be uploading my concept arts and characterization for Evaxus and Lakirain soon. ^^ Look out for it! Link to my dA is in my profile page.
If I continue writing Evaxus would freeze me to death XD Rei is under danger~ of course I must let the story commence, cough cough.
Well then, hope you'll enjoy this chapter as I've enjoyed writing it! Leave comments if you can, thanks XD
The first LionGuard charged head on with a broad sword over his head, aiming to slice the girl into halves with a brutal swing. Rei, though trained by Evaxus in basic self-defence and martial arts, was wary of this combat she was forced to engage in. After all, her only practice partner was the DragonLord so far.
She was told by Evaxus that she was a fast learner, and her agility along with her accuracy would be her advantages in battles. Steadying herself, she focused on the first LionGuard, and thrust the blunt end of her spear into his forehead. There was a muffled 'crack' sound as the man cried out and fell back, the rest of the assaulting crew parted way and he landed on the floor.
"What-" Vankaskan stared at the defeated Guard who was sent sprawling on the ground, unable to even hold his weapon.
Rei was not surprised at the state of the LionGuard, but more of the accuracy of her strike – so my advantage truly lies in my precision. Evaxus has taught her the different pressure points on a human body that can be tackled without the need of brute force that can bring the most amount of pain to the target. Since the LionGuards were clad in protective armours, the only place she could hit effectively would be the face – other than that, she could assail the gaps between the metal plates, but that would be much more difficult.
The Rat yelled at the remaining 3 men to attack. They were hesitant, but knowing the consequences they might face if they did not do so, they unsheathed their weapons. Unlike the hot-headed LionGuard however, they formed a semi-circle around Rei and gradually approached her with weapons pointed straight at her. Rei was confident when she has beaten the first LionGuard, but with three militants surrounding her the chances of her winning quickly diminished. Nevertheless, I'd still fend them off.
She gritted her teeth and swung the spear horizontally to the right, swiping across the Guards and made them stopped in their tracks. Taking advantages of the moment when they halted in their steps, Rei swerved the length of the spear towards the neck of the Guard on her left. However, this time the enemy was prepared as he took a quick step back, the tip of the spear barely scratching his flesh. The force of the swung was too great that she couldn't return her javelin to her defensive stance prior to her attack, as she silently cursed when the two other LionGuards rushed at her, the glimmer of their blades like the scythes of a Death God. At the last second she knelt to pick up the bone spear with both hands and raised it above her head, deflecting the fatal blows that were to come. Made of white oak, the handle of the spear was flexible and made to cope with clashing trauma, such as in training. Yet, with the brawn of two broadswords wielded by two heavily-built men plunging down, notches were cut into the spear as the wood shattered, sending splinters into the air. Rei looked at her weapon in horror, knowing that another blow would surely break the spear.
The three Guards, now regained their footings, grinned in malicious glee. Vankaskan snickered behind the melee.
"Now, now, DragonLord, just give up. The Wolf you are waiting for isn't going to come and save your sorry soul. Do everyone a favour and die here." The Rat laughed evilly, his voice like sandpaper grating against sandpaper.
As the Were-Rat spoke, a LionGuard unleashed an uppercut, completely severing the bone spear into two pieces. I'm not going down without a fight. You won't take Evaxus away, because he's my precious brother. Rei scowled and hurled the blunt end of the spear handle at the magister, hitting him in the chest and stopping his words. The Rat growled, flesh shifting underneath his robe. The LionGuards has seen too much to be oblivious about a change of a therian, and knew that in a bad temper the RatLord would take them along with the girl in his rage. After all, he has no qualms with calling the LionGuards' bodies from the dead and manipulating them to do his bidding, whether it be fighting his enemies or driving the caravan.
The standing LionGuards looked at each other fearfully as they heard a dull thud behind him along with the vicious hisses of a transformed Rat. Rei let out a gasp as she witnessed the horrific metamorphosis, the mauled face of Vankaskan elongated into a slobbering snout as he gnashed his sharpened incisors. His clawed feet ruthlessly stepped on the face of the fallen LionGuard in a fit of wrath, crashing his skull, killing him immediately. The stench of blood instantly filled the small room as the Were-Rat lifted his bloodied claws off the face of the misshapen features. Rei could feel her breakfast gushing up her oesophagus, but she struggled to keep it down, and focused on her enemies instead. Her hand that was closed around the bone blade was shaking as the realization that her death by the Lions' men was very real, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She exchanged several blows with the LionGuards by parrying with the remains of her spear, but eventually she was overpowered and was sent sprawling to the ground. At least I'll take out one of you!
She leaped up from the floor and maneuvered in between the Guards as she attempted to stab the RatLord with the bone blade. However, she was too slow as two of the Guards grabbed her by the shoulders, pulling her to a stop. The Rat laughed. "Just give up, Liege. I'd enjoy tormenting you greatly, Dragon. Your kind has brought many troubles upon the CatLords, but today I shall end it." He gripped her jaws with a calloused paw, and let his sharp nails slide across her neck, leaving trails of blood in its place.
He raised his hand and slapped her, a loud smack that can be heard throughout the room. The LionGuards looked on, emotionless, at the battered girl who now has bruises and wounds over her. Her blood stained her white shirt a crimson red.
"Beg for your life, Dragon – and perhaps I might keep you alive longer." Vankaskan sneered with venom as he lifted Rei's head up by grabbing her golden hair. Looking past the horrific face and bad breath, she glared at the Rat defiantly, no intention of giving in.
The Were-Rat licked his paw of the blood. "Very well. In the name of Prince Lucas-" He picked up the sword from the dead LionGuard's body. "I, Vankaskan, the Rat King hereby claim the life of the last DragonLord." He was frothing with excitement as he swung the blade, aiming for Rei's head. In moments her head will be rolling on the ground, and the Were-Lion's men would have completed their mission. Afterwards, they would be on their way back to Highcliff as slayers of the last DragonLord.
Rei closed her eyes, bracing for the impending pain. So this is the end, huh. Sorry that I wasn't able to do more, Evaxus.
Clang!
….Clang…?
Rei opened her eyes, but she couldn't see anything except for a wall of ice. The sword was stopped in its track, stuck within the frozen water. She could hear gasps and nervous whispers from the LionGuards around her as their grip loosened. Vankaskan was still in front of her, albeit madder than just now. He tried to pry the ice open to release the sword with a confused voice, cursing.
"Dragon magicks, huh? It doesn't matter – I'll still kill you in the end!" The Rat yelled in anger, raising his claws in the air. A WereLord is immune to mortal wounds, but any attacks made by silver weapons or by a fellow WereLord could still do the trick. Decapitation would be another way – no WereLord could re-grow a severed head, could he?
Rei looked on in awe as Vankaskan's actions frozed – quite literally – as a cuff made of ice extended through the air from the direction of the door.
"What do you think you are doing to my sister?" A cold voice came from a white-haired boy who stood next to a basket full of herbs and flowers. His left hand was extended, connecting the ice chain to the air in front of him. His expression was distant, yet the aura emitted from his frame was heated with pure anger. "Followers and servants of the CatLords are not welcomed in here." The boy pulled down his left hand with a sharp movement, and the ice cuff immediately dragged Vankaskan to the floor. The LionGuards were stunned, so was the Rat King. It took him a moment to realize as he sputtered.
"Dra…DragonLord?"
"Evaxus!"
Evaxus looked at his sister, her body covered with injuries and her hair all over her face. The LionGuards holding on to her drew their weapons, but their faces were of uncertainty as they took quick glances to their master, who was struggling with the ice cuffs which has now chained both of his hands onto the floor. Fighting a girl was one thing – engaging in combat with a Dragon whom they have no experience fighting with was an unknown ground.
"Get your filthy hands off her – I don't want to kill anyone, be they the Lion's men or not. That is, unless you have provoked me enough to do so." Evaxus walked steadily towards them, but the LionGuards continued to hold onto Rei, albeit shaking. Their swords were held in front of them, blocking the Dragon in his path.
Evaxus let off an almost inaudible che as he clenched his fists. Like a formless shadow he maneuvered himself underneath and between the three swords, stabbing the hands at the flesh in between the armours with ice daggers. The men cried out and dropped their swords. This has created enough opening for Evaxus to take out the three men – a side-kick aimed at the first Guard's face crushed his nose and sent him flying to the back of the canary; a follow-up slamming kick at the second Guard brought him to the floor, immobilized from pain; a grab by the collar swung the third Guard to where Vankaskan lay, eyes widened in shock. It happened in a matter of seconds, and the three LionGuards were powerless to defend themselves, let alone attack. Only Vankaskan remained conscious.
"Sorry I was too late, Rei." Evaxus hugged her for a quick moment, making sure that she was okay, before turning towards Vankaskan. By now he has managed to break through the cuffs and he stood up, panting. He grimaced, snarling while revealing rows of fangs.
"So, you are the DragonLord, and she was only your decoy." The RatLord glanced at his fallen men, and finally on the dead soldier, before focusing his glare on the duo. He smirked.
"She is my sister." Evaxus said flatly. "I suppose you are the CatLords' men as well, and you must be here to kill me, to finish off what you have started 50 years ago."
Vankaskan laughed, his yellow eyes fixing on the white-haired boy. "So, you do know of the prophecy. Of course you do – and we know as well. If this war will be ended, the victor would be Prince Lucas who will take over the Seven Realms as king – I will not let the Wolf reach you, and I will never let you join forces with that dog. What has failed to happen in the past will continue to be failed now." He swung his arms around wildly, as he whispered some incantations in a hush.
He's not a simple enemy – I cannot underestimate him. Evaxus scowled, at the same time pondering what the Were-Rat's actions might be.
His thoughts were quickly answered as the dead LionGuard rose from the floor and faced them, his face a horrid mass of gore. Vankaskan laughed. "Kill them!"
Necromancy! A magister of dark magicks, huh.
Evaxus looked around. I cannot battle him and the dead man here – Rei will get caught in it. I need more space.
The dead moaned, but what came out were gurgled groans as blood oozed out in between the white skull and the smashed brain. It staggered towards the duo, but was pushed back when a column of ice shot out from the air in front of Evaxus' open palms. Crashing through the door, it landed on the mud in front of the house with a wet thud. Feeling no pain, it crawled up once again; its master's command the only driving force in its lifeless body.
"Rei, keep yourself safe." Evaxus glanced back at the girl and said in a hushed tone. Before she could say anything, the young DragonLord has already engaged in a tussle with the RatLord who has leaped onto him. It was a flurry of furs and claws as the Rat tried to bite Evaxus' throat. Evaxus kicked out, sending the Rat a few metres forward. Shouting a war-cry, he charged forward and grabbed Vankaskan, hurling him out of the house as well.
As he stepped out of the house however, he was greeted by the open maw of the dead man; stench of blood and flesh pouring from the orifice. Evaxus punched its head, but it was unmoved, arms clasped onto Evaxus' shoulders.
Damn it! Past the assailant he could see the Were-Rat rose to his feet, hissing as he ran towards the combatants. The LionGuard bit down onto his left shoulders, and he stifled a scream of pain. He pried open the jaws, but his hands retracted as the claws of the Were-Rat raked across his back. Evaxus growled, cold air surrounding him, as he tapped into his Dragon. But the hold from the dead man was steadfast, blood poured out of the wound like a fountain. Damn it!
A shimmer of light flashed through his vision with a sickening 'squish' sound. The dead stopped moaning as the head slid off the semi-broken neck and landed on the mud. Past the body that he pushed away, Evaxus could see Rei holding onto a Lionsword, blood stained across its length. He shot her a glance of sincere gratitude as he turned towards the Rat and snarled, draconic features sprouting across his body as he circled the Rat. The wound wasn't very deep, fortunately for him, but it wasn't closing up.
Although they have lived together for years, Rei has never seen him transformed before. This scene was both thrilling and frightening at the same time, seeing someone she knew and loved taking a different form before her very eyes.
"Sorry to have made you see this, Rei."
She could almost hear him saying this, but it could just be her imagination.
His ears have elongated, with small spikes at their tips. A bulge from his temples shot out shiny horns, twisting and twirling into the sky. Scales pushed out from beneath his skin, turning the surface of his body into a luminescence of blues and whites – it was beautiful to look at, like auroras in the sky. Some of the scales combined to form spiked protective plates which looked deadly as well on his shoulders, his back, his arms and his thighs. Tearing open his robes were clawed hands as a tail swung out from underneath the cloth. Muscles rippled across his arms, chest and legs. A growl came out from the reptilian snout, revealing rows of fangs as frosty breaths emerged. White fur has also sprouted along his back and the base of his tail. Between his shoulder blades a pair of great leathery wings emerged – the size was so great that when extended, their cottage were shrouded in its shadows.
"You shouldn't have came." Evaxus snarled at the Were-Rat as they circled each other. Vankaskan snarled back.
"You shouldn't have lived." Vankaskan exclaimed in spite as he pounced. Evaxus met him head-on, fists clenched.
"Such a weird weather." Gretchen mumbled to herself as she looked out of the window. The group of them has visited all places in the town in the morning with no new findings. They have therefore returned to the gentlemen's bedroom and mapped out regions around Ziroga, speculating that the DragonLord might be hiding somewhere out of Ziroga, somewhere nearby. Drew looked out into the distance, and squinted. The air near the forests seemed to be…frozen. And was that hail he noticed, appearing from thin air, crashing down towards the ground?
"Something is wrong." Drew muttered at the strange phenomenon. Their room was on the highest level, amongst the tallest floors in Ziroga, and they could look out into the distance clearly while the others do not. The commuters and DracoGuards seemed to not notice anything amidst the bustling market. "It seemed to be where the forests ended, where we met the boy who gave us the directions-"
Drew took in a sharp breath. Immediately, he ran for the door.
"Drew!? What happened?" Whitley shouted out at the young man and he turned to face his friends, cold sweat appearing on his forehead.
"It is him."
There were bloodlust in his eyes, quite unlike the Evaxus Rei has known. Blood continued to flow through the wound on his shoulder, weakening him – shouldn't it be healed by now? In the beginning of the fight between the two transformed WereLords, Evaxus attained much advantages, utilizing the terrain in his favour – by forcing the WereRat to the foot of the small hill, the Dragon was able to rain catastrophe on him. Torrents of ice barraged through the air onto the ground, giving Vankaskan no time to strike back. However, as time passes, Evaxus has more things to occupy his attention. The remaining three LionGuards has regained consciousness and battle-ready, assaulting Evaxus from different directions – much like a tactic used by a lion's pride. And then there was his blood loss, the stinging wounds made by the decayed fangs oozed out pus and blood, becoming a target for the swords of the enemies – his tough scales and thick plates were unable to protect an open wound. More over, as the fight dragged on, the Rat's speed has overtaken his advantages. Evaxus' energy was drained, and so was his command of ice element.
Yet, the DragonLord was determined to stay and fight. He could easily spread his majestic wings that can be comparable to the great sky warriors, the HawkLords – or perhaps, more than that – but that would be pointless, wouldn't it? Rei watched on as the skirmish progressed. With a mighty swing of his tail, a LionGuard was sent flying through the air, a noticeable 'crack' implied broken ribs. He winced on the ground, and breathed his last breath. The lungs that were impaled by the broken bones could no longer support life. The two LionGuards disregarded their comrade's demise as they continued to hack at Evaxus. The young Dragon parried the blows with an ice sword he made while enduring the strikes that he failed to evade, crevices on his scaled body that flowed rivers of red. He shouted a deafening roar as he raked his claws across one man's body, tearing through even the steel armour. The LionGuard's face was frozen in shock till he died as rows of fangs sank themselves into his neck and yanked back. The torn windpipe hung limply in the cold air. The pale-blue eyes of Evaxus glinted with a bestial, primordial instinct as he howled, a sound unlike a wolf's or a lion's. It sounded like rumbling thunder in the Tor Raptor ravaged by snowstorm – ancient, desolated, powerful.
The last LionGuard reeled back in shock as he fell to the ground and dropped his sword, teeth chattering and legs shaking. How am I to fight this beast? Fear has consumed his logical chain of thoughts, gnawing at him like maggots. His lips were quivering as he suddenly stood up and bolted. As long as I can get away from it-
He has completely forgotten about the fact that he was running into his master Vankaskan, the Lion's magister. And the vile Were-Rat tolerates no betrayal or cowardice as he grabbed the man by the neck with his gnarled claws, hissing at him. "Where do you think you are going?"
He was still sobbing when the Rat snapped his neck into halves. Snorting, the rodent threw the body violently onto the ground, staring at the panting, worn-out DragonLord.
"So, Dragon, it seems like you're pretty tired – while for me, the fun has just begun." Vankaskan licked his teeth with a slobbering tongue as he chanted, unpleasant whispers like murmurs of apparitions. Soon enough, the three dead Guards rose to their feet – broken bones protruding from the chest, ribbons of flesh hanging from the neck, dead eyes staring blankly from a head lolled to the side. Evaxus however, made no movements – he was exhausted, and as he panted his eyes lost focus.
I feel sleepy…
The exertion on his body was taking a toll on him as the world spun around him.
"Brother!" He jolted and senses snapped back to him. What…? "Wake to your senses, Evaxus!" He saw Rei charging into the fray and swiped at the three woken deads that were closing in, in her hands was the broken spear head hastily tied to a broomstick with a leather string. The awakened LionGuards flinched, but they were not deterred as they continued to advance.
"Ugh..." He shook his head as his mind became clearer. He looked around, noting the horrid forms of the Lion's men and the snarling Rat. Damn it. The bloodlust has taken over me so easily…it seems I am still too green to dracanthropy. He reached out and pulled Rei towards him, holding her in his arms. "Sorry. I wasn't…myself back then." Rei looked up, and saw the gentle blue eyes of Evaxus gazing at her from a reptilian face.
"You're back." She smiled. He nodded.
But this was no time to relax as the nearest LionGuard groaned and made a grab for the duo. Side-stepping it, Evaxus punched the chest, denting the armour. The LionGuard took a few steps back, but continued moving forward soon after – the crashing force would have squeezed the heart of a living man, but that was nothing to a risen dead.
I can't let it drag on – I will have to destroy these three in one shot. As for the Rat…
Evaxus growled, a rumbling from deep inside his chest as he channeled his draconic magicks while glancing subtly at the river behind him.
"Stay back, Rei." He gently pushed her back, and immediately threw out his arms. A large amount of water was drawn from the river. Evaxus' muscles were tensed, his eyes determined. He was shaking from the large exertion, but as he breathed out, flying blades made from the frozen water was thrown into the foes, severing each of the LionGuards' heads. They fell to the ground, motionless and lay in their long sleeps. The Rat was further away, and as he perceived the attacks he swiftly dodged the blades. Only a few hit its target, and they weren't fatal – cuts found themselves on the abdomen and arms of Vankaskan and blood spilled out. One moment he found himself surprised at the injuries while kneeling on the ground. The next moment he was in the air, the young DragonLord grabbing him by the arm. Their visions met – both were filled with scorn for each other, and for the war from long ago.
"Rodent." Evaxus spat. "You have lost this battle – and I assure you, your side will lose this war. I will spare your life today, just for the purpose of crawling back to your Prince Lucas and herald your failure. Let the prophecy come true – that I, Evaxus Blizzardfang of the Dragonkinds, will destroy his plans, and bring the CatLords down." He let go, the Were-Rat fell onto the grasses with a thud. Vankaskan, in the state of turning back to human form, scowled at him. But with his men lost and him injured, he couldn't win this. He has truly lost.
"You will regret letting me live, reptile." The magister sneered as he threw over his hood and bolted for his caravan, whipping at the awfully frightened stallion, tied to a great oak tree, to move. The horse was more than happy to gallop away, now free of the caravan and the binding tree. "I will be there to witness your death, Dragon!"
Evaxus stood there, watching the Rat go, as Rei came up to him. His draconic features retracted back into his flesh as human features emerged. Underneath the plate-like armours were countless injuries, inflicted by the LionGuards and the Were-Rat himself. Rei looked at his pale face. "Evaxus…?" With a loud gasp of the girl, he collapsed, wheezing, as he looked weakly upwards. He wore a bitter grin.
"Hahaha, to think that I'd actually won…" The wounded boy laughed. "We're still alive right? All is well, then. Rei, help me up…" He struggled to get up, muscles taut from the combat.
"Evaxus! Why aren't you healing yet?" Rei limped alongside him, one of his arms around her shoulders. The bodies of the LionGuards were horrifying, and the entire scene a hideous mess – pools of water and blood were everywhere, with the bright mid-day sun hastening the decay of the flesh. Evaxus grinned sheepishly at her when he stopped suddenly, glancing past the dead men, his face dead serious. There were six figures running on the road, coming from the direction of Ziroga – towards them.
Rei has noticed them, too, as she gripped the bone spear tightly.
More enemies? Envoys from the Lion, or from the Volans? Evaxus spitted a 'che'.
"I probably can't fight them all." He muttered. Maybe I can fly away, carrying Rei. He focused the remains of his energy, ready to call on his wings. His muscles were screaming for rest, but he ignored it painfully.
The figures came into view – it was the party of six, led by the brown-haired boy.
Drew was huffing, the footsteps of his friends close behind him. He could smell it before it came into view – the tang of blood was unmistakable. The phenomenon, no matter what caused it, has taken place in a battle.
The air is quite literally dancing in magicks, brother! The spirit of Vincent, manifested in a form of a vile, chuckled gleefully. I wonder who held such powerful abilities – ability much more formidable than yours! Hector ignored his dead brother, but he knew it was right. As a magister, he has been quite sensitive to magicks and the likes – and as they get closer to that place, the atmosphere became alive with electrifying beats of charming magicks. They were no dark magistry that he has came to master, but they were powerful nonetheless. And Hector was more than captivated to reach it.
They reached a clearing, the nice little house where they had stopped by two days earlier before entering Ziroga. Except that the picturesque cottage was no more – replacing it was an aftermath of bloody fight, grasses and mud wet with blood and water. Three men that had died in a horrendous fashion were laid across the battlefield. The smell of blood and decaying flesh lingered in the air. One glance from the crew knew that they were the followers of the foes they so very abhorred – Guards from the Lion's platoon.
In front of the cottage stood a pair of youth, one they have seen before. The white-haired boy was drenched in blood, cuts and gashes strewn over his body. Ribbons of cloth hung limply around his waist. A striking blue tattoo of ancient runic motifs was found on his right shoulder. He was badly injured, yet his glare was full of menace and vigilance. The girl next to him held a makeshift spear, on guard as well.
It didn't take long for Drew to grasp the entire picture.
"It seemed that the Lion has found its claws here, as well?" Drew asked casually while his comrades threw him a puzzled glance. Evaxus and Rei continued to stand on guard, motionless as they eyed the team. "So it is you – you are the DragonLord, aren't you? That's why these LionGuards showed up."
"Who are you." Evaxus said, his tone flat.
"I am Drew, rightful King of Westland, son of Wergar. These are my companions – Duke Bergan of Bracklenholme, his daughter Lady Gretchen, Lady Whitley of the Foxes, Baron Hector of Redmire, and Count Vega of the White Seas. We are on the same side as you are, the Cats are our enemies." Drew replied, finding it slightly weird to address his friends by these titles – but it seemed essential in this situation to announce their lordships. "We are not your enemies – and we hope that you can join us to fight this war."
Evaxus raised his eyebrows. The Wolf? Son of Wergar? It was as if the war fifty years back was repeating itself. You have came in your father's place, and so I have waited here as well.
"Any proves?" His voice was husky, but he managed to cough out the words.
Silently Hector revealed a piece of parchment, worn by age. The Dragon language was unmistakable. Following which, Drew stepped forward – as he walked, he called on the Wolf. Grey furs sprouted as the Were-Wolf emerged, golden eyes meeting cyan eyes.
So it is true.
"Rei, the prophecy…the very reason that I am here, is right in front of me. I will fulfill my destiny by serving the Wolf, much akin to what Father has done many years ago." Evaxus let go of Rei's hand as he struggled to kneel down. "WolfLord, I, Evaxus of the Dragons, swear my allegiance to you, whom the Dragonkinds accept as the only King of the Seven Realms." Rei slowly knelt down as well, following suit.
Drew changed back to his human form again as he hastily called out. "Please, stand up – do not go on ceremony with me."
The duo went back on their feet. Evaxus stared at the party, and his glance fell onto the brown-haired boy who called himself Drew. "You have finally came…half a century later, the Wolf still kept his promise." He winced as a tiny grin escaped his face.
Rei looked around at the two parties, the air stale. "Let us not stand out here and talk. Please come on in." She waved at the cottage, the door swinging along its hinges. It was wrecked, alright. Then she whispered into Evaxus' ears. "I need to get you patched up, idiot brother." The young Dragon smirked back sheepishly and nodded, as they led the crew into the house.
"So this is the parchment that my kins have left behind." Evaxus muttered while holding onto the broken piece of scroll he had obtained from Hector. The brush of his hand against the black leather glove gave him the chills, while he don't know why – this boy, this young magister, has strong dark elements surrounding him. Constantly there was a human-shaped shadow hovering around the boy, but he couldn't quite make out what it is. "This can only mean that the Cats have in their hands the other half."
The realization was real as each of them knew that the Lion would be after the Dragon as well.
"Evaxus." Drew said. "Now that the Lion's men have raided this place, it is no longer safe here. We sincerely ask you to join us, to fight back – our battle at Highcliff is far from over, with the arrival of the Beast of Bast Lucas' fort was impregnable. However, our people await – and with your help we can chase them away, and reclaim the seat." And the war will be over. Leopold is dead now, but the Lyssians are still under the siege of the Cats.
"I understand." Evaxus smirked. Suddenly he grimaced as Rei tightened the bandages around his shoulder. He muttered a 'thanks', and turned to face Drew again. "That fight just now…I've caused too much of an uproar. The townspeople – especially the Volans – would have noticed the commotion now. We have to go, yes – but give me some time." He glanced at Rei, lips tight. I must fulfill the prophecy – it is what I am here for. But Rei? I cannot bring her into this war.
As if reading his mind, Rei put a hand on his other good shoulder. "Don't worry about me, brother." Drew's alliance has already known of their relationship, that they were only siblings by name. "I should have guessed…that night, the burning flames and the red-hot metal – you can't hide it from me forever. You have brought me back, with what methods and with what cost I do not know. But my life is yours, Evaxus." Her eyes shone with determination – beautiful orbs shimmering like stars. Evaxus swallowed, and nodded slightly.
I don't know what is expected of me, but I will do this – to avenge my kins, my family.
"I will follow you on one condition." Evaxus said simply. "My life is yours to use, but keep Rei safe. Grant her your full protection, and let no harm come to her." He leaned back on a pile of hay and crossed his arms. His face was of dark seriousness, cyan eyes gazing back at the brown eyes.
"I will." Drew nodded, and Evaxus smirked.
I wonder if they will still accept me if they know of my mortal healing. But if the Wolf has sworn, I can be assured that Rei will be kept safe.
"Alright then." Evaxus stood up, his muscles still aching from the recent battle, but his movements were steady. "I need to go and fetch my gear." Hopefully they are still there. He smirked as he walked out of the door. Curious and puzzled, the rest followed him to the river.
"The river?" Whitley asked.
Evaxus nodded as he raised him arm. Here it is, brother! Dragon magicks! The Vincent-vile sang in his mind. Hector scowled and silently watched on.
A small stretch of the river water froze right in front of their eyes, the crew watched, mesmerized. So this is the power of a DragonLord? Evaxus walked to a rock, and nodded to himself. He then stepped onto the frozen water and counted silently in his heart. 1, 2, 3… He looked down, the ice-covered water stagnant beneath his feet. With a loud grunt, he punched into the ice, smashing it into several bits. He shook his arm in pain, a dull expression on his face. Maybe I shouldn't have buried it so deeply, haha. Evaxus then reached his hands into the river bed, and dug until streams of water flowed to the surface. He touched the water and, closing his eyes, he let himself feel for the ice element buried deep within the river by following the route formed by the water. He smirked as he commanded the piece of ice to surface.
A huge crystal of ice, like a frozen coffin, barged through the mud and the water, which by now has regained its fluid motion. Hector stared in amazement. I see – so only he who can control ice will be able to retrieve the gears he had hidden away. Well-played, Dragon.
Evaxus held the ice and skimmed his finger along the surface. It broke into halves, revealing a nicely-wrapped package under a cloth drape, bound together with a leather strap. Untying the rope, the treasures emerged – a leather armour with a Dragon-head protection on the left shoulder, and a sword made of polished steel. In Evaxus' hands, blade was eternally cold to the touch, giving the metal a coat of white frost.
"Rimetalon." Evaxus said proudly. "Crafted by my father using ores found in the White Peaks." He put on his garb and let the sword slide into the sheath on his belt. "I'm ready."
Drew wanted to answer him, to thank him, when they heard a commotion on the road. The group raced to the front porch, and the sight that have greeted them were the DracoGuards led by Ireok. The smug look of the DracoLord was gone from his face as he stared at the travelers, and the gaze landed on Evaxus, now clad in a warrior's outfit. He looked around at the aftermath of the battle, ground slick with blood. He frowned.
"Insolent brat! Has the punishment the other time not enough for you? Look what you've done! The Lions are our benefactors, the Cats our champions – for Brenn's sake, this is unforgivable." He pointed his finger at Evaxus. "And you travelers – I knew you look familiar. Why, aren't you the fugitives the Cats are looking for?" He gritted his teeth, anger causing him to froth. He held his battleaxe in his arms now, ready to strike. His DracoGuards charged forward, fearlessly but foolishly. Just as they thought they could land a brutal strike on Gretchen, who stood at the forefront, a wall of ice erupted from the ground and blocked their attacks.
"Drew, unfortunately I've used up most of my strength. It's either now, or never." Evaxus held the young WolfLord by the shoulder and asked sternly. "If you're serious about what you've said, and all that you've promised me – then just give me the command."
"What else would the answer be?" Drew grinned. Evaxus smirked back as scales sprouted over his skin.
One shot.
The transformation was quick but painful, the wounds opening up once again. His body was resisting, fatigue and exhaustion calling for him to rest. But he let the Dragon through.
"Get on the caravan, Wolf! And hold on tight!" Evaxus roared. The crew was stunned, having witnessing a DragonLord's true form for the first time. But this was no time for astonishment as they bolted towards the caravan left behind by Vankaskan, the Lion's crest dirty from mud and gore.
The wall of ice exploded and a full-fledged Dragon burst through. A mighty swash of his wings summoned great freezing gale that threw the DracoGuards back. Ireok stared, stunned, battleaxe slipping from his hands. Evaxus snarled as their eyes met. I would kill you for what you've done to Rei, lizard. Here, on the spot, I can easily take your life – if I am not exhausted. Count yourself lucky, Ireok. The DragonLord howled as stalagmites of ice erupted from the ground, trapped the Volan and his men in a labyrinth of rime. Ireok's eyes were quivering, and Evaxus smirked.
As he turned to where the caravan was, he heard a DracoGuard crying. "It's…it's the DragonLord! The Dragon still lives!"
Ignoring the cries and fearful murmurs from behind him, he asked Drew. "Everyone is here. Are the doors locked?"
Drew checked the handle, and nodded, contemplating what the Dragon was planning. Evaxus said nothing and smirked. "Be prepared for a ride. I'll see how far I can go in this pathetic and hateful state of mine before I must perch."
Each of them held tightly onto anything they can find in the small, confined space – wooden bars and the likes. Without another word, Evaxus grabbed the caravan and soared. Screams could be heard within the wooden convoy. The caravan and he flew above the dense forest of Drakewood, treetops below his clawed feet. Holding down his breakfast, Drew looked out from the caravan shakily. They have left the beautiful town of Ziroga behind them, and at the entrance to Drakewood the party of DracoGuards gawked in amazement while a horrified Volan was on the ground, unmoving.
He looked back to his comrades and the two new-found friends, and smiled. A glimmer of hope is in his heart, even though many of his alliance have been slayed or captured or still in the midst of battle. However, the weight of reality downed on him. He knew that a great battle will approach soon, now that Vankaskan is returning to Highcliff.
"Lucas would have known about this." He muttered.
The storm of a battle is brewing.
._. Another long chapter….
Anyway, I'm so glad that I've finished this XD This saga will be ending soon…I think. In another 2 or 3 chapters, perhaps? Depending on the length and how much I want to expand.
Thank you guys so much for reading this! Really, each 'follow' or 'fav' or comment I see does make my heart soar, knowing that somewhere out there are people willing to use their time to go through my writings. Thank you guys (:
Please do tell me if there's any comments, such as your opinions, any improvements, confusions etc. Keep them coming in~
Now, without further ado, TEASERS TIME! ^^ Unlike all my other stories, only one line though. But it is a one-liner that is hinting something related to the end. Ohoho~
"It doesn't matter, Prince Lucas – as long as we have them, we don't need to be afraid."