Culmination

by Selena IR Drake

  “It seems Humes are in abundance of questions as of late.” Zalx replied, eyeing Kkorian over the lip of his goblet. The pirate smirked wolfishly and raised his glass to Zalx. They both waved for me to take the seat between as they killed their drinks and poured each other another.

  “And what is your question, Xyleena-sortim?” Asked Vitaani.

  I slowly sank into the chair between Kkorian and Zalx as I thought of how to word everything without sounding like a nut. Finally I said, “How well do Dákun Daju and Wakari get along these days?”

  V’Nyath’s face flushed as he fought the urge to either laugh or holler. Zalx loosed a loud guffaw. Zhealocera cracked a wry smile. Only Vitaani and Shazza retained their stoic masks.

  “The old war has been forgotten by most Dákun Daju.” Admitted Vitaani. “The Wakari have cowered underground for so long it is no longer our desire to destroy them for past wrongs. However, there are some among us who still vow to claim their blood.”

  I nodded in understanding.

  “Why do you want to know this?” Asked Shazza.

  “Well,” I leaned forward slightly and rested my elbows on the table. “The Wakari have a price for coming to the surface to help us in the battle ahead.”

  “No surprise there.” Muttered V’Nyath.

  “What is the demand that they are making?”

  “They want to build a new city in the mountains. Exactly where, I can’t say for sure, but they do want it above ground.”

  Vitaani quirked an eyebrow. “Is there a particular reason this should concern us?”

  “I was just worried that the Dákun Daju would,” I paused to consider my words carefully, “continue the war.”

  Zalx snorted. “Those greasy little rats are no longer worth our time or blood.”

  V’Nyath, Vitaani, and Zhealocera agreed with him.

  We spent a few more minutes talking about the issue. Then Amorez called for the generals to reconvene in the pavilion. I heard a few muttered oaths, but they all got up and left their tables. They marched in rows towards the tent. I lingered behind, watching.

  Breccia had apparently named two Wakari to be generals along with her. One was Pyrex, and the other was a male I had never seen before. All three of them were at the front of the line, speaking excitedly with Amorez.

  The Demons walked past me then, blocking my line of sight to the Wakari. Kitfox stayed at my side while Freya, Blood Fang, Aralyn, and Cloud Strider moved on. I smiled up at Kitfox as he snaked an arm around my waist.

  “Come on,” he said and kissed my forehead, “let’s see if those guys can finally agree on something.”

  Several more hours were spent holed up in the pavilion. With the Wakari now a huge part of our army, the plan to retake Bakari-Tokai was forged anew. I found myself amazed at how quickly ideas and suggestions were accepted. We were like a family coming together to decide on what to eat for dinner.

  At long last, the plan was complete and agreed upon. We broke our meeting with orders from Amorez to tell the individual battalions of their tasks. With that done, we could retire for the rest of the night and prepare to break camp early in the morn.

  The march on Bakari-Tokai was about to begin.

  Angel Breath. That is what Symbilla had called her ability. It granted life to whoever received it. Immortal life. But there was a catch; That person would live so long as the dragon lived and would hurt when the dragon hurt. Still… the child, an innocent caught in the crossfire of Agasei’s fury, deserved to live. Was it worth it?

  – FROM “THE DIARY OF AMOREZ” BY AMOREZ RENOAN

  I woke to the ghost of a kiss upon my brow. I could not even remember ever falling asleep the night before. Yet there I was, laid out atop a pile of sleeping furs within the confines of a small tent. Kitfox was beside me, holding me to his bare chest in a sweet embrace. His amber eyes still looked drowsy, as if he had just woken up as well.

  “The call to wake up went out a minute ago.” He mumbled.

  I stifled a yawn and said, “Are the suns even up yet?”

  Kitfox shrugged. “Too dark around here to really tell.” His ear twitched, catching a sound. He frowned and his body turned tense. “We are about to be disturbed.”

  I quickly tried to recall where I had set my war fans. Slipping a hand beneath my pillow, I found one and held it firmly. A moment later, I heard faint footsteps stop just beside the flaps that formed the tent’s door. Whoever it was hesitated then. My grip on the fan tightened. Something was uttered in a whispered tone and the footsteps quickly retreated. Still Kitfox remained tense and uneasy.

  Then a familiar voice spoke. “Xyleena, are you going to sleep all day? We need to get moving, you lazy girl.”

  I sighed in relief. It was just Amorez. “Yeah, we’re coming. Just trying to wake up a little before the mad rush.”

  “‘We?’” I detected a hint of disapproval in her voice. “Is that Fox Demon… uh…? Kitfox? Is Kitfox with you?”

  “Yes.” He growled.

  “Freya was wondering where you went. Please find her before we set out today to let her know you’re okay.”

  Kitfox quirked an eyebrow, like he did not believe what he had heard. “Alright.”

  Amorez thanked him and finally walked away.

  “I get the distinct feeling she does not like the fact that I am courting you.” Kitfox muttered after the old Keeper had left ear shot.

  “I got that impression, too, Love.” I kissed him on the lips. “But I am not about to let her opinions of us ruin our relationship.”

  He kissed me back. “Me neither.”

  After a long minute of lingering in each other’s embrace, we forced ourselves out of our bed of furs. While he pulled on his tunic, I started packing up our belongings. With that done, we stepped outside to take down the tent. Countless others were already up and in various stages of preparing to head out. Those who had already completed their tasks were helping others. Even the Wakari were darting around the camp grounds, assisting with whatever they could. I was totally amazed at the change in the people of Ithnez. The old issue or racism had at last been buried.

  I smiled.

  ◆◆◆

  By midday, the Army of Light had managed to traverse almost a quarter of a league through the thick forest. We ate a light lunch while we walked. And we never stopped in one place for very long. Along the way, we enjoyed the merry songs of Feykin and Hume alike. The Dákun Daju surprised us all with a fast paced melody of their own.

  And thus, the first day passed without incident. That was, until nightfall came. As we settled into camping space at dusk, a chorus of war cries exploded from the direction of the chuck wagons. Several warriors, myself and Amorez included, rushed to see what was going on. When we arrived on the scene, we saw Breccia – atop a small mountain of crates – and Vitaani standing face to face. Their arms were tied together with a long, white cloth and a string of jewels.

  Amorez was the first to ask what had happened.

  “The old war is settled at last.” Replied Vitaani. The gathered Dákun Daju released another chorus of war cries. Even the Wakari cheered, though not as loudly as their new, official allies.

  The second day passed in a very similar pattern as the first; with songs and merry making. It wasn’t until late afternoon that we encountered our first problem.

  It started as a curious thumping in the distance. Amorez and I had the Feykin spread out through the marching battalions as a precaution. But the sound never grew louder. Then the trees thinned just enough to see the sky overhead. And that was when a huge shadow flew past. A warning cry went out and the Feykin immediately cast their spell.

  We had been spotted by a Shadow Dragon.

  Abaddon, who was that dragon? I replayed the image of the huge shadow in my mind for him to see.

  He was quiet for a moment as he concentrated on the image. Given the small size of this dragon, and the visible fluctuations of air under the wings, I would have to say it must be Ethe
r the Wind.

  Is Ether a threat?

  She is more than likely spying on us and relaying the info to her Keeper.

  Wonderful. Muttered Kitfox. Now that bastard can prepare for us even more.

  I doubt she had a good look at the exact size of our forces. Replied Kúskú. The forest you are in is very hard to see through from above.

  If being spotted by that little dragon bothers you so, how about having the spell casters cloak as many warriors as they can?

  It is a good idea, Taypax, but I wouldn’t want them to waste all of their energy before the battle, which is when we will need them the most.

  So we continued on, ever more wary of the skies overhead. That night, we left nearly triple the number of guards on duty as before. We were too close to Bakari-Tokai now to take any chances, especially with the Shadow Dragons looming overhead.

  The third day saw fit to rain on us. At first, several warriors believed it was the work of the Shadow Dragons. They had been adamant about mounting an attack against them. But their paranoia was proven false when we left the relative safety of the forest behind. Not a dragon was in sight; only open fields of tall grass and a menacing sky overhead. That revelation had calmed them slightly.

  However, more worries grew apparent. Out in the open as we were now, we had no shelter should Dimitri actually send forth his dragons. Before widespread fear swept the hearts of the Army of Light, I released all twelve of my dragons from the amulet. Sparkling lights and elements bedazzled the sky in a marvelous display and all twelve coalesced midair with just meters between them. As one, they roared; a great, deafening chorus that shook even the heavens and drowned out the storm growing overhead.

  The army cheered and the dragons floated to the ground like feathers. The moment they landed, they were swarmed by soldiers, each wanting to get a closer look at the legendary creatures. The dragons, of course, did their best to accommodate everyone’s curiosity and eagerness. The twelve of them spread out to different sections of the army so that they could walk beside the warriors.

  Feeling much safer under the protection of the twelve dragons, the army eagerly pushed onwards. We trudged through miles of overgrown grasslands and sloppy mud. We were quickly growing too weary for travel, yet we forced ourselves onwards.

  When the last of our horses died, we resorted to one of the local reptiles to use as replacements. We called them wyverns after an old, Earthic myth because they looked like dragons. They were about the same size as horses and stood on two legs. They also had wings which could be clipped to make them land bound, but a few preferred to keep the wings and breed them for racing. The wyverns migrated in large wings all over the planet, so finding a selection fit for training was easy. Training them, however, that was the hard part. These reptiles were carnivorous and they had no problem taking a bite out of anyone who approached them.

  – FROM “THE CHRONICLES OF ITHNEZ, VOL. III” BY ORN TERSON, COURT HISTORIAN

  Dimitri scowled. He had had his dragons scouting the area around Bakari-Tokai for days; searching for the small group Hyperion had spotted during his patrols nearly two weeks ago. The dragons had reported nothing. That was until a few hours ago, when Ether reported movement in the forest almost due north of the city. Dimitri had immediately ordered her to observe and report back to him everything, but do not engage in a battle.

  So the smallest Shadow Dragon had done just that. Only moments ago, she had contacted him again. This time, she spoke of several hundred two-leggers marching through the trees. Just how many there were, she couldn’t be sure; the trees kept them hidden well. Dimitri promptly ordered all of his dragons to return to the city. Then he called a meeting with the commanders of his army.

  Dimitri sat in the court yard, nestled safely on a padded throne between Hyperion’s massive forepaws. The enormous dragon, as always, watched over the goings on of the Humes and his Keeper. Especially when it came to the fat, useless one, Vincent. For some reason Dimitri had yet to discover, the dragon did not trust Vincent at all.

  Since they had a few minutes before the commanders arrived for the meeting, Dimitri decided to ask. “Tell me, Hyperion, what bugs you about Vincent? Is it his near-uselessness or something else?”

  The enormous dragon snorted. “The fat Hume and his continuing failures are merely irritating. Nothing more.”

  “Yet I sense something about him troubles you; particularly when he is around me. What is it?” Dimitri dared to press the subject.

  Hyperion growled, but did not speak.

  “Do you think he will try to kill me?”

  “As if the rotund fool could actually pull off that feat.” Hyperion made a sound like a laugh. “No, Keeper, he cannot kill you.”

  Dimitri thought on it some more. A shadow of a doubt revealed itself in the back of his mind. He had been ignoring it for some time, but he was aware of the very real possibility. Finally, he voiced his concerns to the dragon. “He will betray me, won’t he?”

  “There is a very good chance of it.” Replied the dragon. “That can be changed, however, if you desire it.”

  Dimitri smirked. “Yes, please do turn the fat bastard into one of the mindless drones who loyally serve me.”

  The first of the commanders had finally arrived. The two of them greeted their king with salutes before standing at attention. Moments later, a third soldier did the same. Then a fourth and fifth. A sixth, then a seventh arrived minutes later. They all greeted Dimitri with salutes before standing at attention. At long last Vincent appeared, wheezing and sweaty as usual.

  “It shall be done.” Hyperion muttered, watching as the fat Judge scuttled into his place between the soldiers.

  Dimitri waited a few moments for Vincent’s labored breathing to quiet down. Then he spoke, “I have received word that our enemies are closing in upon us from the northern woods. The exact size of their army is currently unknown. What we do know is that they number in the hundreds and consist of Hume, Feykin, Dákun Daju, and Demon warriors. And let’s not forget that the other Dragon Keeper and her dragons are with them. So I ask you, gentlemen,” he sneered at the word, “what do you suggest we do about this?”

  “Sir!” The soldier at the far left called out.

  Dimitri granted permission for him to speak.

  “Sir, I suggest we recall the forces we left in Aadrian and the surrounding cities. With those extra eighteen hundred or so, we should be able to successfully deter the Dragon Keeper’s attack.”

  “You forgot about the wretch’s dragons, fool!” Vincent huffed. “What do you propose we do about them?”

  Hyperion snorted. “You puny two-leggers need not worry yourselves over them. We of the dark will take on our counterparts.”

  “Since you suggested the idea of pulling the forces from Aadrian,” Dimitri pointed to the soldier as he spoke, “I will leave you in charge of seeing the task is complete. I want them here in a day. No excuses.”

  “Sir! Yes, Sir!”

  Dimitri rolled his eyes in annoyance and waved for the soldier to leave. The soldier bowed stiffly and sprinted away. “Any other ideas from you lot?”

  “Sir!” Cried the soldier next to Vincent.

  “Speak.”

  “I suggest we move the main bulk of our defenses to the fore of the city. Since we know they will be attacking by land and by dragon, we can afford to sacrifice some of the guards and equipment on the eastern water front.”

  Dimitri said he would think about that one. Then he asked for more ideas. One by one, the soldiers gathered before him spoke their suggestions. Dimitri suddenly wished Godilai was here. Her input on the strategies provided would have been quite beneficial to the defense of the city. It would have also been beneficial to his campaign if he had a small battalion of Feykin under his command. Their magical abilities would guarantee his victory for certain. As it was, he could only listen to the suggestions and hope to come up with a winning plan.

  After several hours of listening to the soldiers and
discussing the odd thing or two with Hyperion, Dimitri had his strategy formulated. He felt it was absolutely perfect and was certain that the little wretch would not be able to overthrow the defenses. He explained the plan to his soldiers at great length. At long last, he sent them out to see to their tasks’ completion.

  The soldiers scurried away. By request of his king, only Vincent remained. He stared at Dimitri. Dimitri stared right back. Finally, the old Judge spoke.

  “What did you want to see me for, Majesty?”

  Dimitri flashed a crooked smile, and pointed upwards with a single index finger. Naturally, Vincent followed the invisible line drawn by the finger. His gaze lingered on Hyperion’s wedge-shaped head, and then moved higher.

  “What am I looking for, exactly?”

  Dimitri sighed in frustration. “That was just to prove how useless you are to me.”

  Vincent growled in absolute fury and returned his gaze to his king. But Dimitri had vanished through the open door of the palace. So he was alone with the enormous dragon, who was staring down at him with hunger in his blood red eyes.

  “You are lucky to get to live.” Hyperion growled. His eyes flashed red for a split second. Vincent’s mind fell away, swallowed by the blackness of the dragon’s mind controlling power. “Now, go and make yourself useful to your king.”

  Without a word, Vincent obediently turned and scuttled out of the court yard.

  When I asked Kadj-Aramil why he did not make an Elixir for himself, he flashed a crooked grin. “Why would I want to live forever?” he said. “I like the world just as it is now. My friends are in it. I do not want to reflect on them in a millennia and see them as nothing more than a foggy memory.”

  – FROM “THE UNSUNG” BY J’VAC TAIG (TRANSLATED BY B’REG KUNGA)

  Dark clouds grew ever thicker. A dark night had settled in. I stood at the apex of a hill. Zenith sat silently at my side. Together we watched the building storm. Blue lightning flashed. Thunder ripped the atmosphere. I could see the towering spires of Bakari-Tokai piercing the sky like daggers. They were illuminated for a blink by the arcing electricity before vanishing into the darkness like ghosts.