Changed my writing to suit how the book is written in (e.g. Dragonlord instead of DragonLord, Lionsguard instead of LionsGuard, etc).
Lo and behold – next chapter! Short chapter, not as long as my other chapters though.
The end is nigh! XD
UPDATE 14/9/12: added the information for 'Song 3' at the Author's Note in the end. Go check it out and feel Dragon music along with Drew~
Situated at the North-Western corner of the map, between Vermire and the Sturmland was Ziroga, a small town built on the knowledge of the fabled Dragonlords – powerful Werelords capable of wielding great magicks, acting as magisters and mentors to those who seek their wisdom. But most important of all, they were Keepers, recording all happenings within the Seven Realms – be they great or small – while taking a neutral stance.
In the battle 50 years ago, the Dragons were wiped out by the Catlords – and following that, King Wergar was thrown out from his throne, succeeded by King Leopold the Werelion. The Cats have thought the Grey Wolves to be extinct, only to find a son of Wergar alive – Drew Ferran, rightful king of the realm.
And now, in accordance to the prophecy, the last of the Dragonlord has revealed himself, and has chosen his side to play in this war. Evaxus and Drew, along with their comrades, have landed in the Drakewoods. The campfire made has provided them much-desired warmth in the cold night. The battle previously with Vankaskan and with Ireok has drained much of the young Dragon's energy, forcing him to revert to human form. The caravan sat at the side of the campsite while the group gathered around the flames, munching on rabbits, planning their next move.
"The Wererat you called Vankaskan, magister to the Werelion Lucas, is on his way back." Evaxus said simply. The crew knew nothing about his loss of healing powers, and the wounds made by the risen dead along with the Rat still throbbed underneath the bandages. But with the skillfulness of Rei and the properties of healing herbs, he could feel the inflammation receding. "So, you are saying that Leopold has been killed by his son, and Highcliff is their headquarters now?"
"Yes, and on top of that, armies of Catlords and warriors have come over from Bast. They have situated themselves in the city – each passing second here means our allies continue to fight a bitter battle with them." Drew said as he thought of the comrades he has left behind in Highcliff when they ran from Lucas. His mother was somewhere back there, along with Captain Harker and Duke Manfred and many he knew. They wouldn't be able to keep up for long. And what about Mack Ferran, his human father, who have sacrificed himself on the execution platform for him? Drew closed his eyes. We must return quickly.
As if reading his thoughts, Whitley voiced out. "We need to get back to the Westland as soon as possible. You're in this with us, are you not?" Evaxus nodded, acknowledging the question.
"If my memories didn't fail me, we have to pass by Vermire should be move out from the Drakewoods to Highcliff. It is full of our enemies, so we should avoid that place." Evaxus shrugged, glancing at the caravan with a bitter smirk. "However, with the state of our vessel, I couldn't fly all of us pass the Rat King's city. We will have to walk."
As they moved out of Ziroga, Ireok has managed to stabilize himself as he ordered his archers to attack the flying Dragonlord, to no avail. Taking the form of a flying lizard the Volan has chased them for a small distance, but not far – with only the abilities to glide, the speed and agility was far lesser than a true Dragon. However, before getting plummeted by ice bricks the Dracolord has managed to hurl his battleaxe at the caravan, damaging a corner. Now, tiles and planks have fallen out, and if they engaged in such flying again the caravan will surely disintegrate.
"That means we will have to climb some ranges of the Whitepeaks, through the Badlands, and follow the Great West Road to Highcliff." Bergan said.
"Great West Road, huh? Isn't it near Redmire, home to Baron Huth?" Evaxus' eyes gleamed.
"Earl Huth. You know my father?" Hector asked, and looked up to the white-haired youth. Under the fire's lights, his face was illuminated with a pale colour, making him all the more ghost-like.
"Indeed." Evaxus said, eyeing the clump of darkness element surrounding the boy. He couldn't see the vile, he as a Dragon with strong affinity to magicks, he could sense it. "Earl Huth was apprentice-magister to King Wergar, wasn't he? My father and the Boarlord were close friends…acquaintances. Earl Huth learnt much from Father too, as my Father learnt from him." Dragonlords have no friends, merely acquaintances. That is the price of being a Keeper, of being unbiased in everything. Evaxus grimaced as he glanced through the faces. Am I doing the right thing?
"The Earl was magister to Wergar, but after the Grey Wolf has fallen, he has resided in his mansion in Redmire." Bergan grunted, glancing towards Drew and Hector. Drew bit his lips, thinking back to the Lionguards that have stormed the house of the Boarlord…
"My father was killed." Hector said simply. Yes, brother – acknowledge your failure! It was because of your incompetence that Father died, piggy. The Vincent-vile hissed at him, and Hector snarled. "The Lion's men have attacked us while we were there, and my father was lost in the fight."
"So it is." Evaxus muttered. And I thought I could see someone I know. Seems like all those I once knew are gone by now, huh? "In that case, we will have to pass by some mountains of the Whitepeaks – I can bring you through the easiest and shortest route – and from there, we cross the Badlands and reach the Great West Road. We will storm into Highcliff and bring the Cats down – is this the plan?" The crew looked at each other, apprehensive about the harsh cold of the Whitepeaks as well as the bandits of Badlands. Still, that was the only way. Evaxus looked at them and continued. "Unless we could find a vessel once again, we will walk."
"Speaking of the Boarlord, I do wonder what it is meant by the scroll he had left behind." Drew said. "I understand the parts about 'battles', 'allegiance'." I have seen too much of such conflicts already. "The 'Wolf', 'Lion' and 'Dragon' were easy to understand. But 'Skull'? Do you know anything about it?"
Evaxus shook his head. "I am really not sure. Perhaps it would be the risen dead called forth by the Wererat?" The explanations seemed logical, and they left it as that.
"How long do you think it will take us to reach Highcliff?" Vega asked. He missed his ship, the Maelstorm, and his crew – he missed the White Sea and its waves. Given a choice, he would hurl himself into the water and swim to the Westland as the Wereshark. Heck, he could even get hold of a ship and ferry everyone there – if not only for his enemies out there, he'd have done it long ago. The Catlords have eyes in the water, and given this group's capability, they would fare much better on land than in water, to Vega's dismay.
"A week or two, I reckon, on the bright side." Bergan replied. The mountains were merciless, and the Badlands were vast. One week would be overly-optimistic. "We will travel in the day, and rest in the night, with each of us taking shifts." Their belongings were minimal, so to say, in their rush to the Dragon's aid and their escape from the Dracolord – their weapons and armours were their only possessions, on top of some dried meat and medicinal herbs in Rei's pouch. They would have to make-do with what they had. Hector was lamenting silently of all the scrolls and books he had left behind.
"Rei, what is that tied to the pouch?" Gretchen asked curiously. Impressed by Rei's skills as a healer and her bravery in the face of the Lionguards, the three ladies quickly became close. Rei put down the spear on the ground and reached her hand to her back, wondering what it could be. She pulled it out, revealing a delicately-carved flute made from the femur of a stag. The smooth white instrument reflected the lights of the fire, as if it was glowing.
"Ah, I didn't know I have this." Rei grinned in surprise, playing with the flute in her hands. "It's a flute I've made for Evaxus – the tunes of the Dragons are quite exotic to listen to."
"Evaxus can play it?" Whitley chortled, and she turned to the young Dragonlord. "Why don't you play us a piece of your music? It will be nice to hear from a Dragon himself."
The group laughed and looked at Evaxus as he nervously took the flute, grinning awkwardly. "My kins play music to entertain ourselves, and each piece tells a story in the history of the Werelords and the Seven Realms." He explained as he took hold of the bone flute.
"Evaxus also said that the Dragon music has different properties – some can accelerate healing of mortal wounds, while some can lift soul from depression." Rei enthusiastically said. "Only those who carry Dragon blood can do so, though. But it is nice of him to have taught me some – though I think I will not be able to express their magicks." She grinned like a child, and the two Wereladies laughed along.
"Go on, Evaxus." Drew urged him on, smirking as well. "Play us a few songs."
The white-haired boy nodded and lifted the flute to his lips as he closed his eyes.
"Tsugai Kogarashi, Pair of Wintry Winds." He said, and began playing. A tune that reminded the Werelords of the autumn leaves, of soothing winds, played. The exotic and oriental notes hung in the air, calming them as the song progressed. It reminded them of 'home', of 'freedom', of 'bonds'. Drew seemed to see his home back in the Cold Coast, with Ma and Pa and his human brother, Trent, waving at him, calling for him. It was a song that gave them feeling of hope.
"Bureki Largnos, Bleeding Wolves." He said, slightly glancing over to Drew. A melancholic tune rang through the forest, a lonesome melody that gave the impression of a lone wolf running across a frozen wasteland, bloody and fresh from a recent battle. The wolf was a majestic, strong creature – yet, it was alone, its allies elsewhere. As Drew and the rest listened, they could imagine this song dedicated to King Wergar, who has left his throne to wage war in the East, and returned battered, only to find his enemies waiting. Unlike the previous song, this tune gave them a feeling of emptiness, sadness encroaching their tired hearts.
As the melody ended, Evaxus paused. Slowly he spoke. "Last song for the night." He took a deep breath, and played the instrument. This melody started off calm – Gretchen felt as if it was a gentle breeze caressing her hair – and reminded the group of nature itself. Rolling waves, infinite sky, vast grasslands, scorching volcanoes, freezing mountains – they were the essence of nature, what the Dragonlords themselves represent, hailing with magicks. Aye, nature herself is pure magick – the changing of seasons, the growth of plants in between rocks, the animals that have survived in extreme environments…
But nothing is as powerful as necromancy, isn't it, brother? The vile snickered, jesting at his twin's condition. Hector's blackened palm seemed to sting under the glove, and he dismissed it.
Gradually, the pace quickened, the staccato quickly interchanged with slurs, mimicking the clash of a great battle. They found their heartbeats synchronizing with the music, pulse quickening, adrenaline rushing – could simple music really have a hold on us? Drew thought. The finale of the song was grand, notes converging into each other. And at the climax, the music ended abruptly.
Evaxus was taking in deep breaths as he put down the flute. The group woke from their trance and looked around, feeling much different from before – the first song made them reminisce about their respective homes and loved ones that they have left behind, yet there is hope waiting for them. The second song showed them the emptiness in a world full of enemies, where trust was hard to earn and even harder to keep. The third song pumped them up, as if the very force of nature and the Dragonlords were with them – they felt if they could win any battle they would encounter.
"Go sleep now – we have a long day tomorrow." Evaxus smirked, stretching.
"What was the last song called?" Drew asked.
"Te Teruk ka Tsuno." He paused, and answered. "Song of the Wings and Claws."
Even though Evaxus has mentioned that this was the easiest route through the White Peaks from the Drakewoods to the Badlands, every step they took was full of difficulty. They walked through a chasm, a gorge in between two mountains, shielding them from the savage snowstorm above. However, the dreadful cold continued to seep through, winds slapping against them as they moved.
"If any enemies attack, we are doomed." Vega's teeth were chattering as he kept his arms closed to himself. The rest were in similar predicament, wrapping themselves tightly in their clothing and walking gingerly forward. The icy rocks along with the road were pure white, a winter labyrinth.
Next to him, Whitley sneezed – growing up in the woodlands of Brackenholme did not prepare her for such cold. When they had traveled to Ziroga they had borrowed the assistance of boatmen hired by the Volans, bypassing the White Peaks entirely. Now that the Wereflying-lizards were alerted, the piers were guarded by the Dracoguards and members of the Volan family themselves. Traveling by water is out of question.
"H-how can you s-still behave normally w-when you have only a s-s-sleeveless leather armour-r on?" Gretchen said through the gaps of her clenched teeth, eyes fixed at the young Dragonlord in front. Rei was walking next to Duke Bergan and Drew, wrapped in layers of robe. Hector remained silent throughout the journey underneath his black cowl, while Evaxus led the party.
He let out a dry laugh. "My Lady, I am a Dragon with an affinity for Ice. My childhood was lost in a blizzard that took many of my peers – this is nothing."
Hah, brother, hear him speak! He's like a Tuskun right now, is he not? Vincent jeered, completely oblivious to the extremities as a vile. "Shut. Up." Hector muttered, his voice lost in the howling winds.
Drew stopped and looked back – though his comrades' faces were determined, wariness can be seen. "Shall we take a break?" Evaxus nodded as he formed an igloo with a raise of his hand without any efforts. This was his element after all; he was in his best state here. The crew hurried in. Soon, their body temperatures heated up and became retained in the small enclosure, providing them warmth – barely. They couldn't make any fires here, meaning that they could survive only by chewing raw meat from the snow hares that Evaxus has hunted from the mountains. Each of them took a piece of flesh and nibbled on it, grimacing.
"How long more till we get out of this place?" Gretchen asked.
"At our speed, around 2 more days." Evaxus replied nonchalantly. The Werefox twitched and sighed. Two more days of raw flesh isn't a matter – but two more days in this frozen wasteland with the possibility of dangers? This is horrible.
Occasionally they have faced strayed Tuskun warriors who have wandered off their usual territories – exiled murderers or lunatics chased out by Lady Slotha, it doesn't matter when these fierce men attacked them. It was a bad choice for them, facing a party of Werelords – but equally it drained much of the crew's strength to engage combat in such an undesirable condition. Except for the ice Dragon, that is.
"We'll just have to grin and bear it then." Duke Bergan laughed bitterly. Rei chuckled as she caught the pun. Many a times Drew and Bergan would bring out a bit of their beasts, giving them the tough hide to protect them from the elements. But for the rest, they wouldn't be able to do such things.
Evaxus unsheathed Rimetalon and covered it with snow before taking a whetstone and grinded the edge. He seemed deep in thought as the group chattered to themselves.
"Maybe you could play us a song of fire to warm us up." Vega chortled.
Suddenly Evaxus stood up, placing the sword back to its sheath, his face in dead seriousness.
"Hey, I was just joking eh, don't take it to heart." The Wereshark grinned awkwardly and said. But Evaxus didn't seem to have heard it. He turned to face the crowd, who sat in a circle.
"You know, I could have done this days ago." He said, rubbing his chin in embarrassment. The group looked at him, puzzled. Even Rei couldn't grasp his thoughts.
"I hope you guys enjoy riding." He moved out of the igloo while the rest sat inside. Before anyone could move out, they felt the ground rising as an ice platform appeared and joined the roof. They felt if they were sitting in a hemisphere.
Suddenly, ice appeared at where the opening was and sealed them inside. The light glanced through the crystal-like igloo wall, shining a brilliant blue. The wolf and his friends began to panic when small openings formed on the sides, much akin to windows from a carriage.
"There is so much ice element here; I can do what I want!" Rei could hear Evaxus' laughters from outside. She peeked through one of the holes, and saw the Dragon appearing through her brother. He flexed his giant, leathery wings as he bellowed. "Sit tight, friends." The entire igloo shook and elevated off the ground as Evaxus picked it up and soared. She could hear him mumbling "have you guys gained weight?" as they flew forward, accelerating through the chasm.
The rest of the Werelords were rolling around in the hut before they found firm grips and stabilized themselves.
"This is actually quite fun!" Whitley laughed as she glanced through the window, watching the whiteness sped by.
"You really could have done this earlier." Gretchen said jokingly.
Evaxus snorted as a smirk formed across his face.
If anyone had seen this scene, it would be most magical that they wouldn't believe their eyes. The fabled Dragon would have zoomed through the gorge, in between the mountains, carrying an object made of ice as he howled alongside the winds. A blue and white beauty that would disappear so fast from their visions before that could realize that they had saw a true, living Dragonlord.
But no one did.
"Prince Lucas, Vankaskan is back!" A Lionguard entered the court in Highcliff, lined by Bastian warriors. Next to the throne were the Beasts of Bast, Werepanthers Onyx and Opal. Lucas sat in the middle, face pale and eyes sunken into their sockets, much unlike the obnoxious youth when he first encountered Drew.
"Send him in." He waved his hand casually and leaned back on the uncomfortable chair. Finally, the Dragon in my grasp. He smirked, baring sharpened canines.
He was expecting his Lord-Magister to return with the Lionguards he has sent – losing one or two of these humans won't matter – along with the legendary Dragonlord, alive or dead. He had commanded for the Weredragon to join his side – or face death. Lucas had confident in the Rat's capabilities to do either. But the result was far from his expectations.
"Prince Lucas-" Vankaskan entered the court hastily and spoke, but Lucas cut in.
"Vankaskan, where is the Dragon that I have asked for?" Rage has built up in his voice as he snarled. The Wererat immediately knelt down.
"Your Majesty." He spattered. "Believe me – I have tried. I have lost the four Lionguards, and even used them after their deaths. The Dragon is powerful, and I believed that he has joined up with the Wolf." A loud roar rang from the throne as Lucas barged from his seat, sword drawn. It was because of the intervention from Opal who has pulled him back with her arms that the Wererat could live.
"Let him finish, young lion." Her voice was rich and smooth as she licked her teeth. Lucas calmed down and waved for Vankaskan to continue. Trust you to screw up your mission! Now that mutt has become more powerful due to your incompetence!
"Please do not worry, Prince Lucas. Highcliff is impregnable, the walls of our fort impenetrable. With the measly army the Wolf has outside our walls, even with the Dragon, we are invincible. I have fought with the Dragon, your Majesty, and I am confident that we will still emerge as the victor." Vankaskan said. "It is only a matter of time before the Seven Realms is yours to take."
"Then what do you supposed we do now – wait for them to attack?" Lucas was animated, his fear of the unknown powers the Dragonlord held was showing. "What of their plans? How long will they reach Highcliff? No one knows!"
"Calm down, young cub." Opal's soothing voice sounded next to him as she clasped his shoulders. She then turned to Vankaskan. "Say, magister – what is your plan in this? I will assure you that my brother and I have other businesses to attend to."
The Wererat stood up warily. "There is absolutely no cause of alarm. It doesn't matter, Prince Lucas – as long as we have them, we don't need to be afraid."
"What do you mean, 'them'?" The young Lion snarled.
"The undeads, Prince Lucas." Vankaskan smiled, baring crooked teeth. "Or more specifically…someone I can fetch from the Dragonlords' tomb in the royal cemetery."
That certainly raised Lucas' interest as he signaled for the Rat to continue. He revealed a small vial of crimson liquid.
"This is a small amount of blood from the head of the Dragons – Lakirain himself, when the Catlords destroyed Ziroga, they have recovered many of the Dragons' bodies and put them into the cemetery. One magister had preserved his blood for magick studies to no avail – but I have found a far greater use for it in this war, Prince Lucas. Trust me in this – let me welcome our reptilian friend again." He raised his voice, full of confidence. "They will need to cut through the Badlands to reach here – as long as I intercept them there, all will be in our favour."
Opal looked at Lucas, and the young Lion nodded.
"Don't disappoint me again, Rat. This time, I will follow you in this. The Beasts of Bast will take care of Highcliff in my place. Let us end this, once and for all." His eyes gleamed with menace as he gritted his teeth.
Vankaskan grinned, revealing fangs as he snickered. "It will be done."
"You want to know more about…?" Evaxus asked. Drew had asked to accompany him in hunting while the rest prepared fire. They have reached the outskirts of the Badlands, the juncture between the Sturmland and the bandit-ridden country. Once they stepped into the Badlands, they would have to watch out for the notorious Skirmishers as well as highwaymen and robbers. They have decided against flying through the plains, reckoning that the Skirmishers would be able to shoot them down and they would be defenseless. Besides, a flying Dragon would garner too much unwanted attention.
The two of them had managed to get hold of a few rabbits here and there, barely enough for the entire crew – but that's all they could do. Drew paused for a while in silence, and asked.
"What was my father…Wergar like? I have heard many things about him – bad and good things, and many have said that I was both similar and unlike him. Which is the truth, and which are lies?" The young Wolflord asked. Having thrown into such politics and conflicts, many things have happened. However, meeting another young Werelord with similar past as him has opened him up somewhat.
Evaxus chuckled. "Wergar, that old man, huh." He looked up to the sky, gazing at the gibbous moon and the glittering stars. "The Grey Wolf was a mighty warrior as I know. He was righteous in his own ways, a world only of black and white, of enemies or friends. My father and him were good…acquaintances, being an acting-magister to Wergar. I would say that you and he were very much alike in terms of your bravery, your loyalties, and your ability to instill courage and hope in other people. That." The Dragonlord smirked, words coming from his heart. Drew could only keep silent awkwardly and nodded. "You have things he doesn't have too, I will say – even though I do not know you for long." Evaxus rubbed his chin. "I'm sure you will find out in time to come."
He reached down to the ground and started picking out some herbs and some spices. Drew remained standing.
"How about you? Your parents?"
Evaxus grinned bitterly.
"My father, Lakirain, was quite similar to your father, actually. Much more fiery in attitude, and explosive in battles. He fit his image of a Fire Dragon alright." He laughed. "He was the greatest warrior chief, giving him the title Firehorn. My mother was quite the opposite, preferring to dabble in magicks rather than combat. She was close with the Daughters of Icegarden, and her Wyrmstaff was formidable as well." The Dragonlord said simply, skimming only the surface. I will carry on their will. "Let's go back – the fire should be ready." Drew clenched his jaws, wanting to ask more questions, but he merely nodded and followed the white-haired boy back to the campsite. As Rei spotted her brother, she pounced onto him like a joyful doe and began preparing their dinner. Evaxus grinned back at her, a genuine smile. And I will protect my only kin.
The caravan was much bigger than the previous expedition, yet the soldiers were not in a big army so as to facilitate mobility. Time was an essence, and Lucas wanted to end this as soon as possible, before the Dragonlord's party could reach the Great West Road.
He sat in the golden carriage powered by horses. To his left was a smaller carriage which housed the Wererat and his wide array of dark magistry. To his right was another carriage covered by black cloth. He knew all too well that there was a preserved, mummified body inside. He grunted and looked forward as his procession left the gates of Highcliff. The Beasts of Bast looked out from the balcony of the palace.
"Just you wait, dog, and you insolent reptile. This world is the Cats to claim – and nothing will stop me." He grasped his Lionshead Blade tightly, knuckles turning white. Beads of sweat appeared from his forehead, representing his fear. He knew he might be marching against certain death, but what could he do? He must prove himself to the Catlords that have came from Bast, prove to them that he can be a far better king than his old man Leopold.
The caravans marched into the night, a procession guided by Death itself.
For those who are wondering how this will connect with the main storyline of the books…you will know soon. Don't worry – I will weave it seamlessly into the main plot, I hope. 8D'''
I think I have revealed a bit too much in this chapter, hahaha. Not too hard to guess how it will end, I guess?
Let me know if you have any questions~ PM/leave a review if you have any comments or opinions about things ^^' I look forward to reading them!
For those who were wondering about the Dragons' songs, I took inspirations while listening to these music! So you can feel free to hear them to have a feel of how Evaxus' flute-tunes would sound like (: Youtube them~
Song 1: Tsugai Kogarashi watch?v=YVzfP5-stL8&list=FLIFzv5s7iS3vtyR1QuALwMw&index=9&feature=plpp_video
Song 2: Bleeding Wolves watch?v=nij714v486M
Song 3: Nope…you can imagine it yourself. Perhaps if you found a similar tune you can PM me – I'd love to hear what you think :D
EDIT 14/9/12: I guess Song 3 might sound like this: watch?v=TfjO5ftdjT4&feature=autoplay&list=FLIFzv5s7iS3vtyR1QuALwMw&playnext=1 ^^ Monster Hunter ftw!
Now…TEASERS TIME, ohoho.
"Feel it, Dragon, feel the despair that has besieged your kinds 50 years ago!"
"Drew – let us end this once and for all! I shall bring your head back to the Highcliff, and hang it on the wall where everyone will see!"
"Let this…begin."